OSHA – Hearing Conservation Program – Audiometric Testing
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) hearing conservation program is designed to protect workers that are exposed to occupational noise from suffering material hearing impairment. OSHA requires that employers establish and maintain audiometric testing program, which includes baseline audiograms, annual audiograms, training, and follow-up procedures, for workers exposed...
Read MoreCarbon Monoxide Dangers and Prevention Issues
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause illness and death. CO is found in combustion fumes, such as those produced by cars and trucks, small gasoline engines, stoves, lanterns, burning charcoal and wood, and gas ranges and heating systems. CO from these sources can build up in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces. The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache,...
Read MoreHexavalent Chromium – General Information
This handout is part of a series intended to help small businesses comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) standard 29 CFR 1910.1026, Chromium (VI) that applies to occupational exposures to chromium (VI), known as Hexavalent Chromium. Workers exposed to chromium (VI) are at increased risk of developing serious adverse health effects, including lung cancer,...
Read MoreThe Young and Inexperienced Employee
During their frequent visits to insureds, seasoned insurance loss control consultants begin to identify trends or patterns in their clients’ safety management systems. Some are above standard – such as formal hiring practices or routine workplace inspections, while others may be substandard – such as inadequate supervision or inconsistent new hire training. Identifying these trends...
Read MorePreventing Needlestick Injuries
Needlesticks can expose workers to a number of bloodborne pathogens that can cause serious or fatal infections. The pathogens that pose the most serious health risks are Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS. HBV vaccination is recommended for all health care workers (unless they are immune because of previous...
Read MoreSmall Business Self-Evaluation Checklist: Hearing Protection
When noise control measures are infeasible, or until such time as they are installed, hearing protection devices are the only way to prevent high levels of noise from damaging the inner ear of workers. Making sure that these devices are worn effectively requires continuous attention on the part of supervisors and program implementers, as well as noise-exposed workers. This “Client...
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