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work safety

Achieving a safer work environment

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Celebrated each year in June, National Safety Month aims to help educate and influence behaviors that prevent injuries and deaths in the workplace. By utilizing proper risk assessment techniques and proper safety equipment for the task at hand, while also maintaining a drug- and alcohol-free work environment, most workplace injuries can be prevented. Below are a few tips to help employers ensure workers stay as safe as possible on the job.

  1. Prevent slips, trips and falls. In 2020, 805 workers across the U.S. died in falls, and more than 211,000 workers suffered slip-and-fall injuries severe enough to require time off from work. Most falls are 100% preventable, and companies can reduce the risk of slips and falls by assessing risks at jobsites and by using the proper equipment to complete workplace tasks. First, look for ways to accomplish required tasks on the ground, if possible. If working from height is required, ensure guardrails and toe-boards are properly installed and that workers are properly trained on the use of safety equipment.
  2. Reduce risk of musculoskeletal disorders. According to the National Safety Council, musculoskeletal injuries are the most common type of injury in the workplace. Tools designed to work with the body’s natural movements can minimize the risk for these disorders. Investing in ergonomic office furniture and other tools can help prevent these injuries in both field personnel and office workers. You may also want to consider looking into processes and work designs that help reduce worker fatigue, increase productivity, and avoid injuries and strains.
  3. Watch out for invisible confined space hazards. Atmospheric hazards might not be visible to the human eye, but they are all too common in environments where employees must work underground, in poorly ventilated places or in other confined spaces. Before heading into a manhole or other confined or closed workspace, practice OSHA’s “test, purge and ventilate” routine to ensure that the space is free of combustible gases and has ample oxygen.
  4. Step up your ladder safety. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, approximately 65,000 workers go to the hospital every year due to ladder-related accidents. Before using a ladder, inspect it for broken rungs, missing bolts and other broken parts and make sure it is placed on level ground. When climbing up and down, face the ladder while holding onto both sides. Use a ladder wedge to help keep the ladder steady.
  5. Cool down when temperatures rise. Working in the summer months puts employees at risk for heat-related illnesses, especially in the South. Repeated and prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to injuries, illnesses, and even death. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 144 environmental heat-related deaths occurred between 2011 and 2019. Ensuring employees stay hydrated, take regular breaks and wear lightweight clothing can help safeguard against heat-related illness in the workforce. Consider supplying workers with umbrellas or shade tents when working outdoors in the summer months, and encourage them to take frequent breaks.
  6. Consider random or periodic drug and alcohol screenings for employees. Many companies already have policies in place regarding drug or alcohol use for their employees. Having clear policies is a great start, but employers can also implement random or periodic testing practices to further ensure that employees are adhering to those policies — and, in turn, fostering a safer work environment. Mercy Occupational Medicine can help employers explore and set up screening programs, including a 24/7 service to ensure companies have the testing capabilities they need, even after normal business hours.

Mercy Occupational Medicine encourages employers to review company safety protocols during National Safety Month. Adopting safety protocols and encouraging employees to follow all safety guidelines is a great way to prevent injuries and lost productivity in the workplace.

Sources: National Safety Council, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

The 411 on Breakthrough COVID-19 Cases

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From the September Mercy Occupational Medicine eNewsletter

With the recent surge in COVID-19 cases — and specific concern over breakthrough cases involving fully vaccinated individuals, employers may have questions regarding what can be done to help keep their employees as safe as possible at work.

What exactly is a “breakthrough” COVID-19 infection?
When a fully vaccinated person tests positive for COVID-19, it is referred to as a “breakthrough infection.” To be considered a breakthrough case, the infection must occur more than 14 days after all recommended doses of a COVID-19 vaccine have been administered. While symptomatic infections are the primary concern, asymptomatic infections can occur as well.

Breakthrough cases are normal and expected
COVID-19 vaccines are very effective at preventing infection, serious illness, and death, and unvaccinated people account for the vast majority of current COVID-19 cases. However, since no vaccine is 100% effective at preventing infection, some fully vaccinated people will still get COVID-19. Some may even have severe reactions. That said, the vaccines significantly reduce the likelihood of hospitalization and death in the rare event a breakthrough case does occur. The best way to prevent infection and slow the spread of COVID-19 is to get vaccinated.

Delta and other variants
COVID-19’s delta variant is more contagious than previous mutations of the virus. However, studies indicate that the vaccines authorized in the U.S. work well against the delta variant, particularly in preventing severe disease and hospitalization. Of course, with more infections overall due to higher transmissibility, there will also be more breakthrough infections — but the risk of infection, hospitalization, and death are all much lower in vaccinated people compared to the unvaccinated.

What can employers do to prevent an outbreak of COVID-19 in their workforce?

  • Encourage employees to become vaccinated. Vaccines are safe, effective and work well at preventing severe disease.
  • Arrange work areas to allow for physical distancing, if possible.
  • If employees cannot physically distance or work in high-traffic areas, encourage the use of masks even for those who are fully vaccinated.
  • Employees who have been in contact with infected persons or who develop symptoms should be tested and limit their exposure to others.
  • Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces, regardless of vaccination status.
  • Regularly clean and disinfect commonly touched work surfaces.
  • Continue to encourage thorough and frequent hand-washing.
  • Remind employees to monitor their well-being daily and watch for changes in health, such as an unusual feeling of fatigue or shortness of breath, developing a fever or cough, and loss of taste or smell.

Employers are encouraged to be vigilant in their efforts to keep COVID-19 at bay. Mercy Urgent Care and Occupational Medicine can help support workplace efforts to reduce COVID-19 exposure with vaccination programs, testing, and workplace evaluations. Please contact Jeff Howell at jhowell@mercyurgentcare.org for a consultation or to set up workplace services.

Source: Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Safety for Remote Employees

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As many companies have seen over the past few years, working remotely has its benefits — but it can also come with drawbacks, including body aches, eye strain, mental fatigue, overloaded electrical outlets, cybersecurity threats and even emotional exhaustion. Below, we’ve outlined a few tips for managing these and other risks while working from home, so that you might enjoy a healthier, happier work week.

Set up an ergonomic workstation.

Whether you’re moving around your home office or working at a single station all day, it is imperative to minimize strain to prevent injuries. That’s where ergonomics can help. Ergonomics deals with body efficiency and physical comfort, and it is key to minimizing bodily strain at work. The five key principles of ergonomics are:

  1. Relaxed shoulders
  2. Supported lower back
  3. Level head
  4. Straight wrists
  5. Supported feet

While working from home, it is essential to keep these five items in mind. Try to maintain a neutral position, whether you’re sitting stationary or working on a hands-on project. Your body should be aligned in a natural, straight line as much as possible, avoiding long stints in twisted or hunched positions. When working at a desk or table, make sure your chair, table and desktop monitor are positioned in a way that does not cause you to strain your back, neck or eyes.

Protect your physical and mental well-being.

While an ergonomic workstation benefits physical health, it is only part of your overall well-being while on the job. Taking time to exercise and eat well, in addition to giving your eyes a break from screens, are essential in protecting your physical and mental health. Tips for prioritizing and maintaining personal health at work may look like:

Resting often and taking breaks. Rest is one of the most important aspects of a successful job. Without it, good ergonomic practices are not only less meaningful, but also less maintainable. Get proper rest in your off-time, and remember to take breaks throughout the workday. Varying tasks will also help you stay clear and focused, without feeling overworked.

Focusing on constructive activities and creating boundaries. It is important to maintain mental and emotional growth outside of work. Try focusing on constructive goals in your down-time, like physical fitness and social connections, to boost your emotional state and foster a sense of personal accomplishment outside of work. You may also try limiting screen time while not working, as it can help delineate boundaries for your personal and professional time.

Staying connected to colleagues. Checking in regularly with other employees, whether with a phone call or a quick direct message, can help ease the sense of isolation that sometimes accompanies remote work environments. Keeping in touch and sharing thoughts or ideas is a great way to ensure that you stay connected to coworkers on a personal level.

Prevent cybersecurity risks.

While technology makes telecommuting easier, it also increases opportunities for cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Remote work environments usually don’t have the same safeguards as in the office, so it’s important to practice good cybersecurity hygiene.

Keep your software protected and up to date. Update your software frequently, so that employees have the latest security measures installed in their remote machines. Using the latest anti-virus software and creating strong, varied passwords (with two-factor authentication, ideally) can help protect sensitive employer information.

Watch out for public threats. There are several ways a cyber threat can infiltrate your system, even with the precautions mentioned above. Be wary of potential phishing emails, and avoid using public WiFi—hackers can get into your system far more easily if you share the same network. Use a VPN or a personal hotspot instead.

Check your home office for safety hazards.

Your home often represents a place of comfort and security, which means that potential safety hazards can often be overlooked. With increased use of electrical equipment, such as laptops, tablets and phones, it’s even more important to identify potential risks and follow best practices to minimize safety hazards. To protect yourself against any such electrical danger, heed these recommendations from Electrical Safety Foundation International:

  • Don’t overload outlets.
  • Unplug any electronics or appliances that aren’t currently in use to save energy and mitigate the risk of fire.
  • Regularly inspect electrical and extension cords for damage. Replace cords that are damaged.
  • Never run cords under rugs, carpets, doors or windows. Make sure cords don’t become tripping hazards.
  • Keep papers and other possibly combustible items at least three feet away from space heaters and heat sources. Don’t plug space heaters into an extension cord.
  • Use proper wattage for lamps and lighting.
  • Test smoke alarms at least every three months, change batteries annually and replace units every 10 years.

Reducing the risk of physical hazards in your home office space will allow you to work more efficiently, without threat of injury. Additionally, keeping your space organized and uncluttered can make all the difference in ensuring your home office stays relaxing and pleasant while doing daily tasks.

For employers, protecting remote employees against potential physical and mental hazards help decrease their risk of burnout, feelings of isolation and physical injury. Checking in regularly with those employees can help them maintain a positive outlook, ensuring that your company’s most valuable assets are happy, healthy and working at their best.

Source: GTPE Communications
Photo courtesy of flickr/www.microbizmag.co.uk