Tag: #workerhealthandwellness

‘Mental Health at Work’: DOL launches PSA

Posted on by McCraren Compliance
Original article published by Safety+Health
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Photo: Department of Labor

Washington — In an effort to promote conversations – and combat stigma – around mental health at work, the Department of Labor has published a public service announcement.

The PSA – part of DOL’s Mental Health at Work initiative – features real-life stories from workers and employers, perspectives from mental health experts, and comments from acting Labor Secretary Julie Su. “We hope it can help start or deepen conversations in your own workplaces,” DOL says.

Workplace leaders “have the ability to make substantive changes,” Mike Weiner, director of EY assist for Ernst & Young’s employee assistance program, says in the PSA. That could involve simply promoting the mental health benefits available to workers.

“We knew that for over three decades that the usage of our proactive mental health benefit that offers our people no-cost counseling sessions … was very low,” Weiner says. “Low usage was actually … similar to other workplaces, and it had been like that for several decades. But since we started our campaign, the usage of our proactive mental health benefit has increased five times. It has sustained it and it began to increase for the first time in 30 years, the very same month that we began our initiative in 2016.”

McCraren Compliance offers many opportunities in safety training to help circumvent accidents. Please take a moment to visit our calendar of classes to see what we can do to help your safety measures from training to consulting.

Most exertion-related injuries and deaths attributable to heat: study

Posted on by McCraren Compliance
Original article published by Safety+Health
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Photo: Sunbelt Rentals/eLCOSH

Storrs, CT — Heat exposure and heat-related illness cause the vast majority of exertion-related injuries and deaths in the workplace, according to researchers from the University of Connecticut.

“Heat is a problem and it might not be one people automatically think of,” said Margaret Morrissey, president of occupational safety for UConn’s Korey Stringer Institute for heat safety and the study’s lead author.

The team examined data from OSHA on reports of severe injuries, categorizing nearly 59,000 reported injuries and fatalities as exertional or nonexertional. They found that heat-related cases comprised 91.9% of exertional injuries from 2015 to 2020, as well as 87.6% of exertion-related fatalities from 2017 to 2020.

Additionally, exertion-related injuries and fatalities most often were reported in the Southeast and in the construction and excavation industries, and typically involved nonunion workers.

“Not only are we seeing predominantly heat-related fatalities and injuries for exertion-related events, but we’re thinking this is underreported too,” Morrissey said in a press release. “The problem may be a lot bigger than we originally anticipated.”

Why? The researchers note that data employers report to OSHA is limited to events that occur on the jobsite, and therefore may exclude cases in which a worker suffers an injury or fatality related to workplace heat stress elsewhere. Further, the agency doesn’t include data from heat-related illness treated at the worksite through remedies such as hydration and body cooling.

“As heat stress continues to be recognized as an occupational health and safety hazard, this analysis further highlights the need for targeted interventions or further evaluation of the impact of heat stress” in worker populations, the study states.

The study was published online in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

McCraren Compliance offers many opportunities in safety training to help circumvent accidents. Please take a moment to visit our calendar of classes to see what we can do to help your safety measures from training to consulting.

Consider employees’ personalities when creating workspaces, researchers say

Posted on by McCraren Compliance

Original article published by Safety+Health

 Open bench seating                                                    Cubicle                                                                                 Private office                                                                                 

Tucson, AZ — Are you at your happiest and most productive in a private workstation? Or does sharing an open space with your colleagues sound better?

Researchers at the University of Arizona; California State University, East Bay; and the General Services Administration recommend employers take individual workers’ personalities into account as part of “an employee-centered approach” to workspace design.

The researchers examined data from GSA’s Wellbuilt for Wellbeing research project, studying more than 270 adult office workers in four federal buildings. The workers wore health-tracking sensors and answered questions sent to their smartphones that assessed their feelings at given moments.

Findings show that the workers who identified as more extroverted, or seeking social interaction, showed greater happiness and focus in offices with more open seating arrangements. Meanwhile, workers who were more introverted were more happy and focused in more private spaces.

“Our work illuminates the importance of considering both the individual’s personality and their environment in predicting important behavioral and mood outcomes, such as how happy a person is and how well a person is able to work,” Matthias Mehl, senior study author and professor in the UA Department of Psychology, said in a press release.

The researchers suggest that the approach may be sustainable as employees and job-seekers continue their call for workplaces with greater flexibility.

The study was published online in the Journal of Research and Personality.

McCraren Compliance offers many opportunities in safety training to help circumvent accidents. Please take a moment to visit our calendar of classes to see what we can do to help your safety measures from training to consulting.

In new video, workers with hearing loss promote protection

Posted on by McCraren Compliance
Original article published by Safety+Health
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Photo: National Hearing Conservation Association

Aurora, CO — A new video from the National Hearing Conservation Association aims to raise awareness of on-the-job hearing loss and tinnitus.

During the four-minute video, workers in various industries share testimonials, and NHCA reminds viewers that hearing loss is permanent. The video also encourages workers to:

  • Notice when it’s loud.
  • Move away from the noise.
  • Protect your hearing.

“Don’t take it for granted, because if you lose your hearing, you’re not going to be able to replace it,” Gary, a former tree trimmer, says in the video. “You can maybe help it, but you will never have good ears again.”

Adele, a one-time radio disc jockey who also worked security at music concerts, acknowledges that her hearing loss put her in “denial,” prompting her to turn up the volume on her car radio and TV and think little of it.

“We don’t think about our own health, but it is critical. It really is,” she says. “Look at your hearing protection as just as much a vital part of your PPE as a hard hat or your steel-toed boots. Because if you lose that sense, it is going to impact all areas of your life, from hearing announcements on a plane to hearing somebody whispering sweet nothings in your ear at night, you know. It really can have a profound impact.”

NIOSH notes that all industries carry the risk of hearing loss and estimates that 22 million U.S. workers face exposure to hazardous noise levels at work each year.

“Hearing is a critical, often undervalued part of quality of life,” NHCA says. “Once it is lost or degraded, communication and relationships can be impacted. There can also be a loss of enjoyment of simple activities such as listening to music, enjoying dinner with friends, watching movies and experiencing nature. A loss of hearing can also affect career progression and safety at home and on the job.”

McCraren Compliance offers many opportunities in safety training to help circumvent accidents. Please take a moment to visit our calendar of classes to see what we can do to help your safety measures from training to consulting.

March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month

Posted on by McCraren Compliance

Original article published by Safety+Health

Photo: Prevent Blindness

Chicago — No matter where work gets done, “protecting vision should always be a priority,” advocacy group Prevent Blindness is reminding employers.

Workplace Eye Wellness Month is observed every March. Citing data from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Prevent Blindness claims 90% of the thousands of work-related eye injuries sustained each year could be prevented if workers wore proper eye protection.

The group offers resources – including fact sheets, infographics and a PowerPoint presentation – for employers.

Common causes of eye injuries include flying objects (including bits of metal and glass), tools, particles and chemicals. Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment – Eye and Face Protection (1926.102) ranked ninth on OSHA’s list of the most frequently cited worker safety and health standards in fiscal year 2022. The top section cited within the standard, 1926.102(a)(1), states: “The employer shall ensure each affected employee uses appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards.”

Prevent Blindness America also cautions workers who routinely use computers, tablets and smartphones about the risks of eyestrain.

“Maintaining healthy vision is a critical part of maintaining overall good health for working adults,” Prevent Blindness President and CEO Jeff Todd said in a press release. “We strongly urge everyone to talk to their eye doctor about the best ways to keep eyes healthy at their jobs today and for years to come.”

McCraren Compliance offers many opportunities in safety training to help circumvent accidents. Please take a moment to visit our calendar of classes to see what we can do to help your safety measures from training to consulting.

OSHA and MSHA partner on poster and infographic on preventing heat illness

Posted on by McCraren Compliance
Original article published by Safety+Health
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Photo: OSHA

Washington — A new poster and infographic from OSHA and the Mine Safety and Health Administration offer best practices to help mine operators and workers prevent heat illness and heat-related hazards.

To start, the agencies recommend easing into work to build tolerance to heat. Almost 3 out of 4 fatalities related to heat illness occur during the first week of work, the poster states.

Other guidance:

  • Provide workers with heat stress training.
  • Implement mine planning, ventilation and air conditioning to reduce heat, when possible.
  • Promote reasonably short work periods and provide frequent rest breaks in cool areas.
  • Wear a hat and light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing, when possible.
  • Drink at least 1 cup of cool water every 20 minutes, even if you aren’t thirsty.

Signs of heat illness include headache, nausea, dizziness, heavy sweating and elevated body temperature. Workers experiencing these symptoms shouldn’t be left alone and should be provided with water in a cool rest area.

If a worker exhibits abnormal thinking or behavior, slurred speech, seizures, or loss of consciousness, call 911 right away and use water or ice to cool the worker immediately. Remain with the worker until help arrives.

The agencies encourage mine operators and workers to use and distribute the poster and infographic.

McCraren Compliance offers many opportunities in safety training to help circumvent accidents. Please take a moment to visit our calendar of classes to see what we can do to help your safety measures from training to consulting.

New from OSHA: Heat illness prevention newsletter

Posted on by McCraren Compliance
Original article published by Safety+Health
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Photo: OSHA

Washington — OSHA has published its first issue of Heat Source, the official newsletter of the agency’s Heat Illness Prevention campaign.

The publication features tips on determining hydration levels and a collaboration with the Mine Safety and Health Administration on preventing heat illness in surface and underground mines. It also includes an update from the National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health’s work group on heat injury and illness prevention, as well as the winners of the Let’s Talk About Heat Challenge.

McCraren Compliance offers many opportunities in safety training to help circumvent accidents. Please take a moment to visit our calendar of classes to see what we can do to help your safety measures from training to consulting.

Preventing suicide and overdose in the construction industry: Takeaways from CPWR workshop

Posted on by McCraren Compliance

Original article published by Safety+Health

Photo: CPWR

Washington — A new white paper from CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training details key takeaways from a two-day workshop on “Combating Suicide and Overdose Fatalities Among Construction Workers.”

The workshop took place Aug. 1-2 in the nation’s capital and was funded by NIOSH.

The white paper outlines training available to help workers, best practices for training effectiveness, and smartphone apps to use and hotlines to call when a worker is in need. The resource also looks at related challenges, such as stigma.

CPWR Executive Director Chris Trahan Cain highlights research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showing that both male and female workers in construction and extraction jobs “have a higher prevalence of dying by suicide than the average male or female worker.”

McCraren Compliance offers many opportunities in safety training to help circumvent accidents. Please take a moment to visit our calendar of classes to see what we can do to help your safety measures from training to consulting.

Not getting enough zzzs may up your risk of developing multiple chronic diseases

Posted on by McCraren Compliance

Original article published by Safety+Health

Is getting seven hours of sleep something you can only dream of? Results of a recent study suggest that falling two hours short of the recommended limit increases your risk of developing at least two chronic diseases.

Using data from nearly 8,000 British adults between 50 and 70 years old, researchers looked for links between sleep duration, mortality and whether participants had been diagnosed with chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer or diabetes over 25 years.

Compared with the participants who slept up to seven hours a night, those who slept five hours or less a night at age 50 were 40% more likely to be diagnosed with multiple chronic diseases. They also had a 25% increased risk of mortality over the 25-year follow-up period.

The National Sleep Foundation recommends working-age adults get seven to nine hours of sleep a night. Older adults should get seven to eight hours.

“To ensure a better night’s sleep, it is important to promote good sleep hygiene, such as making the bedroom quiet, dark and at a comfortable temperature, before sleeping,” said lead study author Severine Sabia, a researcher at the University College London. “It’s also advised to remove electronic devices and avoid large meals before bedtime. Physical activity and exposure to light during the day might also promote good sleep.”

The study was published online in the journal PLOS Medicine.

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Suicide Prevention Month: ‘Employers can play an important role’

Posted on by McCraren Compliance

First published by Safety+Health an NSC publication

Washington — September is Suicide Prevention Month, and OSHA is urging employers to actively promote available resources to all workers.

The month includes National Suicide Prevention Week (Sept. 4-10) and Construction Suicide Prevention Week (Sept. 5-9).

Suicide is a leading cause of death among working-age adults in the United States, OSHA says. Additionally, 2 out of 5 U.S. adults have a mental health issue or substance use disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Work-related stress can have an impact on mental health and, without proper support, could lead to substance abuse and even suicide,” OSHA says. “Workers in the construction industry are generally at a higher risk for suicide due to work-related stress factors including seasonal/temporary employment, demanding work schedules and serious injuries, which are sometimes treated with opioids. Not addressing the underlying stressors or injuries can exacerbate mental health symptoms and may increase the risk of substance abuse or even suicide.

“By demonstrating their commitment to a safe and healthy workplace, employers can play an important role in reducing stigma and promoting mental health. In return, they may experience benefits such as improved workplace safety, higher morale, increased productivity, reduced turnover and decreased operating costs.”

The agency’s Preventing Suicides webpage has resources on developing mental health and safety programs, so workers can get the help they need. Among the goals of these programs:

  • Strive to create a workplace environment that fosters open communication and a sense of belonging.
  • Implement a workplace safety and health program that proactively identifies and addresses hazards that could lead to injuries or illnesses.
  • Provide resources and programs that promote employee health and well-being, as well as support work-life balance.
  • Inform employees of resources and treatment services available for mental health and substance use disorders through employee assistance or health insurance programs, or in the community.
  • Provide accommodations and return-to-work assistance for employees seeking treatment or who are in recovery.

 

The webpage also has links to 60-second public service announcements in English and Spanish, posters, and links to additional resources.

“When you work closely with someone, you may sense when something is wrong,” OSHA says. “If you are concerned about a co-worker, talk with them privately and listen without judgment. Encourage them to get help. If someone is in crisis, stay with them and get help. If you believe a co-worker is at immediate risk of suicide, stay with them until you can get further help. Contact emergency services or call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.”

McCraren Compliance offers many opportunities in safety training to help circumvent accidents. Please take a moment to visit our calendar of classes to see what we can do to help your safety measures from training to consulting.