Noise can be disruptive to our health and well being. In addition to impairing communication and causing stress, excessive noise can cause ear injuries and other health complications such as loss of balance.
Sustained exposure to high levels of noise or even a short burst of loud noise, for example an explosion, can lead to permanent hearing loss.
According to the Quick Statistics on Hearing Loss maintained by NIDCD (The National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication), 15% of American adults suffer from some degree of hearing loss. The page also reports that that there is a strong relation between age and hearing loss.
However, the recent article Can You Hear Me Now? The Impacts of Hearing Loss by Katherine Torres, cites a study that indicates that hearing loss is not necessarily a factor of age alone. The noisy industrialized world we live in is the likely cause of the majority of hearing loss in adults.
Richard Danielson, an associate professor at the Baylor College of Medicine and a consultant for NASA Johnson Space Center, says a study conducted in the 1960s on the Mabaan tribe in Sudan challenged that assumption. The study found that the primitive tribal elders, who had no access to any form of man-made technology that could produce noise to harm their hearing, had the same level of hearing as the teenagers of the same tribe.
The article also states that noise induced hearing loss is one of the most commonly overlooked work related injuries.
So what can we do protect our hearing? Here are some recommendations from OSHA:
If it is too loud to hear another voice from three feet away, do not work without hearing protection.
When choosing hearing protectors, such as earplugs or earmuffs, select one that fits comfortably.
Always turn off loud machinery before removing hearing protection.
Have an annual hearing test if you are regularly exposed to loud noise.
A comprehensive list of resources on “Noise and Hearing Conservation” may be found at OSU’s (Oklahoma State University) Online Safety Library Noise and Hearing Conservation
Although using a ladder might seem simple enough, it is a sad fact that falls from ladders are one of the leading causes of occupational injuries.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission ladder injuries account for more than 164,000 emergency room-treated injuries every year in the US. Furthermore, the CDC reports that
… the working men and women in America abuse and misuse ladders in the workplace as a rule rather than an exception.
Most ladder accidents, and the resulting pain and costs, are easily avoidable. Under the provisions of 29 CFR 1926, OSHA requires employers to provide a training program for employees who must use ladders on the job.
The training must enable each employee to recognize hazards related to ladders and must be conducted by a competent person as per 29 CFR 1926.
Here are some resources providing safety guidelines and tips for working safely with ladders.
On the job, you could be faced with injuries of every kind. Every accident must be dealt with in the right way and being prepared includes having adequate supplies in your first aid kit.
OSHA requires employers to provide a safe and healthy workplace for their employees.
Employers are required to provide medical and first aid personnel and supplies commensurate with the hazards of the workplace. CFR 1910.151(b) states
Adequate first aid supplies shall be readily available.
However, OSHA does not provide any specific requirements for the contents of a first aid kit. In an interpretation of the standard (1910.151 & 1910.151(b)), Richard E. Fairfax, Directorate of Enforcement Programs, OSHA, writes
Employers may elect not to provide first aid services if all such services will be provided by a hospital, infirmary, or clinic in near proximity to the workplace. If the employer has persons who are trained in first aid, then adequate first aid supplies must be readily available for use. Therefore, employers are required to provide first aid supplies that are most appropriate to respond to incidents at their workplaces. OSHA allows employers to provide first aid supplies specific to the needs of their workplace.
If you are wondering what your kit should contain, the article OSHA Compliance for First Aid in the Workplace, by Rod Brouhard, provides a helpful list of basic supplies for workplace first aid kits.
At least one absorbent compress, 32 sq. in. (81.3 sq. cm.) with no side smaller than 4 in. (10 cm)
At least 16 adhesive bandages, 1 in. x 3 in. (2.5 cm x 7.5 cm)
One roll of adhesive tape, 5 yd. (457.2 cm) total
At least ten packets of antiseptic, 0.5g (0.14 fl oz.) applications
At least six applications of burn treatments, 0.5 g (0.14 fl. oz)
Two or more pairs of medical exam gloves (latex or non-latex)
At least four sterile pads, 3 in. x 3 in. (7.5 x 7.5 cm)
One triangular bandage, 40 in. x 40 in. x 56 in. (101 cm x 101 cm x 142 cm)
The article cites the American National Standard - Minimum Requirements for Workplace First Aid Kits ANSI Z308.1-2003, and based on the standard, also provides an additional list of recommended, but optional, items.
HAZCOM (Hazard Communication) program is a written plan developed to protect you from the hazards posed by chemical materials used in the workplace.
The plan covers aspects of identifying, handling, using, storing and disposing of chemicals and other hazardous materials used in your job in a safe manner.
HAZCOM programs are mandated by the Federal Hazard Communication Standard, which is also known as the “Right-To-Know” law. Over and above the Federal standard, individual states may impose additional requirements. Currently, about 40 states have their own “Right-to-know” laws.
OSHA requires all workplaces where employees are exposed to hazardous chemicals to have a written plan on how the standard will be implemented in that facility.
Chemical manufacturers and importers are required to evaluate the hazards of the chemicals they produce or import.
Prepare labels and material safety data sheets (MSDSs) to convey the hazard information to their downstream customers.
All employers with hazardous chemicals in their workplaces must have labels and MSDSs for their exposed workers, and train them to handle the chemicals appropriately.
Given the individual state requirements, the complexities of modern industrial processes, and the wide variety of chemicals that are in use, the details of a HAZCOM program can vary greatly from facility to facility. However, in general a HAZCOM program will have the following basic sections:
Inventory and audit
Information about chemicals
Where they are stored
Amounts and how they are used
Identification (labels and labeling)
Chemicals, containers, and the areas the chemicals
are used in must be identified and clearly
labeled
Labels must include handling instructions including
personal protective equipment (PPE) needed to
handle the chemicals.
Labels must also indicate prominently health, fire and
other reactive hazards associated
with the chemicals.
Additionally, specific and detailed information
about each chemical must be available to employees
including Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)
provided by the manufacturers of the chemicals.
Employee training and education
The rights employees have under the “Right to
know” legislation.
Hazardous materials used in the facility,
especially, those the employee may come in contact
with.
Information sources about chemicals including
MSDSs.
The general uses and characteristics of the types
of chemicals used.
Safety precautions and personal protective clothing
(PPE) requirements.
Misuse of over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs.
Use of illegal drugs.
Inhaling noxious vapors, such as solvents, lighter fluid and glue.
Eating “magic mushrooms” or other hallucinogenic plants.
A person who has been using drugs or alcohol has a significantly increased risk of having an accident. Drugs such as alcohol, marijuana and other depressants are dangerous because their strong “sedating effect” can severely impair a person’s reaction time and make it difficult for them to think clearly. Drugs can also cause a person to act impulsively and take chances that he or she normally would not.
Alcohol and drug abuse by employees cause many expensive problems for business and industry ranging from lost productivity, injuries, and an increase the health insurance claims.
The loss to companies in the United States due to alcohol and drug-related abuse by employees totals $100 billion a year, according to the The National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information, while in Canada The Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission has estimated the annual cost of workers absent or tardy due to substance abuse to be approximately $400 million just in Alberta alone.
The recent story by Nick Miroff “A Dark Addiction” in the Washington Post is a chilling reminder of the dangers of misusing painkillers.
A record 248 people died of overdoses in Virginia’s western region in 2006, more than those who died from homicides, house fires and alcohol-related car accidents combined. That was an 18 percent increase from 2005 and a 270 percent increase from a decade ago, state medical examiner records show.
There are several free resources to help employers and employees deal with substance abuse in the workplace. OSHA works closely with the US Department of Labor’s Working Partners for an Alcohol and Drug-Free Workplace program to help employers develop a drug free work environment. Other resources you may find helpful:
We often take it for granted–walking from point ‘a’ to point ‘b’ while on the job. But, a routine situation can change quickly and dramatically because of slips, trips and falls-the culprit in the majority of workplace accidents.
Slips, trips, and falls represent a major cause of accidental death and injury, in both the home and work environment. About one-seventh of all accidental deaths are due to injuries sustained because of a fall. Approximately 12,000 lives are lost annually. Falls account for accidental deaths equally between the work and home environment.
OSHA has an assortment of information to help reduce the hazards that cause these accidents. The slips, trips, and falls advice (OSHA) below may seem obvious; but, they’re often overlooked or, worse, ignored.
Keep walkways and stairs clear of scrap and debris; coil extension cords, lines and hoses when not in use.
Wipe up spills immediately; wear appropriate waterproof, non-slip footwear.
Ensure all wet surfaces are covered with non-slip materials; cover floor openings.
When working in icy conditions, wear lug soles; clear parking lots, stairs and walkways, and use salt/sand as needed.
Slips, trips and falls whether on or off the job are expensive, disruptive, painful, and may be tragic. There are a number of things that we can reasonably do to reduce the chances of slips, trips and the losses associated with the resulting falls. Get informed and make a difference.
Every year OSHA requires employers covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (P.L. 91-596) to post a summary (OSHA Form 300A) of illnesses and job-related injuries that occurred the previous year.
This information must be posted for three months, from February 1 to April 30, and the illness and injury records, also known as OSHA 300 logs or simply OSHA logs, must be kept for five years following the calendar year covered by them.
OSHA considers record keeping, to be a critical part of an employer’s safety and health efforts for several reasons:
Keeping track of work-related injuries and illnesses can help you prevent them in the future.
Using injury and illness data helps identify problem areas.
The more you know, the better you can identify and correct hazardous workplace conditions.
You can better administer company safety and health programs with accurate records.
As employee awareness about injuries, illnesses, and hazards in the workplace improves, employees are more likely to follow safe work practices and report workplace hazards.
A Powerpoint presentation on how to maintain OSHA 300 log and summary may be found here (noaa.gov).
OSHA 300 logs can help you refine and improve your safety strategy and reduce injuries and other work related health hazards. Now is an excellent time to review your logs.
According to the the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), in 2006 there were 1.6 million fires resulting in property damages estimated at $11.3 billion.
Over the same period, fire was the cause of 16,400 injuries and 3,245 civilian deaths. Additionally, 106 firefighters lost their lives in the line of duty.
The USFA also reports that in 2006 more Americans died as a result of fire than from all other natural disasters combined (for the year).
Most fires and fire related injuries are attributed to a lack of fire safety knowledge, disregarding safety procedures, or simply using poor judgment during a fire emergency.
Raising fire safety awareness among workers and employees is, therefore, one of the most important steps you can take to prevent fire related accidents from occurring.
To promote year round fire safety awareness, the Office of The State Fire Marshall, Washington, suggests that each month of the year be dedicated to a particular aspect of fire safety. They also have a supporting Fire Safety Tips Calendar on their web site.
However, the calendar addresses fire safety for homes and is not entirely suitable for businesses. We have, therefore, prepared a calendar, see below, which is more suited to the workplace.
Put away holiday lights. Inspect cords, sockets and plugs. Discard, replace or repair worn or frayed parts. Unplug and stow away all extension cords and unused multi-plugs.
February
Office Appliances & Electrical Fixtures
Examine office appliances and electrical fixtures, such as coffee machines, reading lamps and chargers, for frayed cords and worn-out plugs. Check for too many cords in wall sockets or extensions.
March
Smoke Detectors and Fire Alarms
Replace batteries and test smoke detectors. Have fire alarms inspected and tested. Check for unobstructed access to fire hoses, reels, extinguishers, and fire alarm break glasses.
April
Emergency Information
Ensure emergency numbers and information about emergency procedures are posted in appropriate places, such as beside telephones and in lobbies, rest rooms, elevators, and other public areas. Check that building and room numbers are readable and clearly visible.
May
Garage & Indoor Parking Areas
Spring clean garages and indoor parking areas. Remove built up oil, grease and other combustibles. Ensure there is no build-up of waste or trash in hidden areas such as under stairwells.
June
Fire Exits & Emergency Lighting
Check exits are clear, visible, not blocked or locked and correctly marked. Check all emergency lighting is working.
July
Emergency & Evacuation Plans
Review emergency & evacuation plans with employees. Rehearse emergency drills if appropriate. Ensure employees are aware of the location of fire extinguishers, fire break glasses, and emergency exit doors.
August
Flammable Items
Check all flammable items, specially liquids, are stored in proper containers and that containers are undamaged and clearly labeled.
September
Heating Equipment
Have heating systems inspected before using them for the winter. If portable heaters are in use, ensure they are positioned safely (remove unauthorized portable heaters).
October
Housekeeping
Any boxes, equipment or furniture that has been placed in a hallway or stairwell should be removed. Be sure that all combustibles are at least 36 inches from any heat source.
November
Electrical Sockets
Audit the use of electrical sockets to prevent overload. Ensure holiday decorations do not cause fire hazards.
December
Fire Extinguishers
Check that all fire extinguishers are up to date and have been regularly serviced. Ensure estinguishers are mounted properly and free from obstructions.
Here are some links to of Fire Safety & Prevention training materials we offer:
The purpose of an Emergency Action Plan is to help you prepare for dealing with emergencies–to protect your employees from serious injury or loss of life and to minimize property loss or other potential damage to your business
Emergency action plans allow you plan ahead. It allows you to educate, train and prepare your employees to act effectively during an emergency. Emergency action plans not only help your organization prepare for catastrophic events they can also prevent smaller emergencies from turning into major ones.
It is difficult to think clearly and logically during a crisis and that is why it is so important to plan for emergencies before they happen. Planning ahead can make a difference.
OSHA recommends employers and employees to take necessary precautions to stay safe and develop an emergency action plan. At a minimum, an emergency action plan should include:
A preferred method for reporting fires and other emergencies.
An evacuation policy and procedure.
Emergency escape procedures and route assignments, such as floor plans, workplace maps, and safe or refuge areas.
Names and contact information for individuals both within and outside your company for additional information or explanation of responsibilities under the emergency plan.
Procedures for employees who perform or shut down critical plant operations or perform essential services that cannot be shut down before evacuating.
Rescue and medical duties for any employees designated to perform them.
Your employees and co-workers are your business’s most important and valuable asset. There are some procedures you can put in place before a disaster, but you should also learn about what you need to recover after a disaster.
Today, the vast majority of Americans regularly access computers. This includes the many millions who use computers daily at work. As we spend increasing amounts of time at our computer workstation, we need to be aware of how the design and arrangement of our equipment can impact our comfort, health, and productivity.
It is important to keep the head, neck, shoulders, back, arms, hands, legs and feet in ergonomically conscious positions when using a computer, as doing so can prevent long-term negative health effects such as strains, aches and pains in the muscles and joints.
OSHA offers computer users this advise:
Place the computer monitor so that the top line of the screen is at or below your eye level.
Alternate the hand with which you operate the pointer/mouse.
Use a wrist rest to maintain straight wrist postures and to minimize contact stress during typing and mousing tasks.
Assure that your chair’s backrest conforms to the natural curvature of your spine, and that it provides adequate lumbar support.
