Jul 1, 2022 | Insights
Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) can damage skin without detection meaning a sunburn starts far before your skin reddens or blisters. More than 100 million Americans will experience sunburn this year and thanks to a depleted ozone layer, exposure to UVR has increased, making sunburn and its symptoms, more intense.
How can employers help workers protect themselves from sunburn – and a heightened risk of skin cancer? Here are three tips for keeping your worksite sun-safe no matter the season.
- Share sun protection strategies.
Although sunburn prevention measures are no secret, they are not always practiced 100% of the time. It is encouraging that in 2010, 70% of adults reported that they usually or always practice at least one of the three sun-protective behaviors described below. However, given the extended hours that many workers can spend at an outdoor worksite, it is important to remind employees of these proven strategies to block out UV rays.
Dress the part. A quick test to tell if you’re wearing sun-protective garb: place your hand between a single layer of fabric and a light source. If you can see your hand, the clothing does not offer optimal protection. A wide-brim hat also helps protect the head, forehead, ears, eyes, nose and scalp, and UV-absorbent sunglasses can block 99-100% of UVA and UVB radiation.
Apply sunscreen. Sunscreen 15 SPF and above should block 93 percent of UV rays. Tell employees to follow product directions to ensure continuous protection.
Limit exposure and seek shade when appropriate. UV rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. An easy sun intensity test: if your shadow is shorter than you, the sun’s rays are at their strongest.
- Modify working conditions as needed.
In addition to encouraging good habits among your employees, there are many ways to modify your work conditions to protect your workforce from overexposure. UV rays are strongest during mid-day, near the equator, during summer months and at very high altitudes. Bearing this in mind, it’s sometimes useful to train workers to use the UV Index Scale, a rating system established by the World Health Organization. The Index incorporates effects of the position of the sun in the sky, forecast cloud cover and ozone amounts into its level-based scoring system, which is used to warn people of increased risk. At level 3 or higher, the amount of solar UV radiation is strong enough to damage skin. Therefore, many workplaces have their employees adjust their schedules when levels are “very high” or “extreme.” In addition, employers should schedule breaks for workers to seek out workplace-provided shade, such as tents, shelters and cooling stations, and to reapply sunscreen. Schedules that minimize outdoor tasks during mid-day and rotate workers to reduce UV exposure are also recommended.
- Incorporate sun safety into policies and training programs.
Making strides toward sun safety is much easier when it is integrated into your company culture and policy. Here are a few ways to get started.
Skin protection is an oft-overlooked aspect to overall wellness, so be sure to incorporate it into your workplace wellness program, perhaps in the same unit as avoiding heat illness.
Teach employees about the signs and symptoms of UV exposure, such as red, warm and tender skin, blistering, headache, nausea fatigue – but also warn them that symptoms may not start for about 4 hours after sun exposure.
Encourage outdoor workers to model sun-safe behaviors and to discuss the importance of sun protection with coworkers and customers alike.
The effects of sunburn may not be immediately apparent. Symptoms may be delayed and signs may not be readily visible. But don’t underestimate the impact it can have on employee health and workplace operations. By adapting your work policies to be more sun-conscious – and simultaneously encouraging workers to keep their skin health top of mind – the risks of UV exposure can be effectively mitigated.
Jan 6, 2021 | Insights
Slips and falls, as well as illnesses and injuries caused by cold stress, pose considerable risk to employee health. Here we share tips to help keep your operations running smoothly – and safely – all winter long.
Depending on your business location, winter can bring serious threats to the health and safety of your workforce. In the frosty Midwest, for instance, slips and falls represent one-third of all workers’ compensation claims during winter months. Not only this, but simply working outside during colder temperatures has been shown to increase the prevalence of low back and neck pain.
It is the responsibility of employers to provide a safe working environment for all employees, free of known hazards that are likely to cause serious physical harm. Here are some tips for carrying out this responsibility and supporting your employees’ well-being this winter.
Shield workers from the cold.
Many businesses have mission-critical tasks that require workers to be outside during the winter months; however, there are ways to help mitigate the effects of cold-weather conditions.
Thinking big picture, determine which routine outdoor tasks, like repair or maintenance jobs, can be handled in spring or summer. When drawing up daily schedules, try to limit the amount of time spent outdoors and plan work for the warmest part of the day. If outdoor work is unavoidable on an extremely cold day, think about whether shorter shifts can be accommodated by adding extra workers to the rotation. Give your workers some reprieve by offering sheltered areas to reduce wind chill and supply blast heaters where needed. Employees can also beat the chill by taking breaks indoors and consuming warm beverages throughout the day.
Have a snow maintenance plan.
If not tended to properly, ice and snow can increase the risk of slips and falls for outdoor workers. Before each winter, review and confirm your maintenance plan to apply ice melt or salt to your parking lots, walkways, loading/shipping docks and steps. Lay down mats near entrances to prevent tracked ice, snow and mud and slippery conditions, and if appropriate, consider adding a mudroom or entry room for workers to remove and store boots and outerwear.
Depending on your business’s buildings, rooftop snow removal may also be needed, as overloaded structures can lead to potential collapse. Bear in mind that rooftop snow removal can lead to serious injury in and of itself if not executed safely. Read OSHA’s Snow Removal: Know the Hazards pamphlet for more information.
Keep communications channels open.
Although it’s important to factor forecasts into your operations, there will always be occasions when winter conditions come on suddenly. In these instances, employee communications can be critical, even lifesaving. Have a system in place for monitoring weather conditions and remaining attuned to public announcements related to severe weather (e.g., sirens, radio and television). Likewise, give your employees a phone number to call should they notice sudden winter conditions, become stranded in a company vehicle, or see a hazard such as a downed tree or power line that must be mitigated. And if operations must be suspended or an area is to be evacuated, be sure your communication methods allow you to reach all workers, including those in remote areas.
Empower your employees.
Environmental cold can affect exposed workers and put them at risk of cold stress, which occurs when the body can no longer maintain a normal temperature. And cold stress can lead to cold-related illness or injury, permanent tissue damage, or death. As you train employees in ways to prevent these winter weather ailments, consider the following:
- Workers with hypertension, hypothyroidism, and diabetes are particularly vulnerable, and employees who have been away from work or are new to working in cold temperatures may require more frequent breaks and time to build up a tolerance to colder temperatures.
- While employees are wise to layer loose-fitting clothing during the winter months, wearing bulkier clothing may restrict their movement. Identify potential hazards so you can train your staff on appropriate safety measures. Have safeguards in place on machinery in cases of clothing catching on handles, switches or levers. Train your workers to recognize the signs of cold stress and how to help those who are affected.
- Remind workers of the importance of stretching and physical activity in cold temperatures, which can prevent muscle tension and mitigate the risk of musculoskeletal injury.
Whether your organization’s primary work environment is indoors or outdoors, winter requires planning and vigilance. By taking precautions to minimize illness and injury, you can safeguard the well-being of your workers and maximize operability this winter.
Jul 2, 2019 | Insights
Are your employees at risk of these common hot-weather hazards?
When it comes to summer occupational hazards, you might think your employees are not among those at risk. Heat stroke is something only farmers and construction crews need to worry about, right? But according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), your employees might not be as protected as you think.
Of the 2,490 cases of nonfatal heat-related injury or illness requiring time away from work in 2017, cases were roughly split among Goods-Producing Industries (1,270 cases) like agriculture, forestry, mining, construction and manufacturing and Service-Providing Industries (1,220 cases) such as trade, transportation, utilities and warehousing. The top 5 occupations affected also held some surprises: not only construction but extraction; transportation and material moving; service; production; and installation, maintenance and repair.
These data show that no business is immune to hot-weather hazards. What risks do summer conditions pose to your workforce, and how can you get ahead of them?
1. Heat-Related Illness
The risk for heat-related illness doesn’t always rise at the same pace as mercury in a thermometer. That’s why the Occupational Safety and Health Association uses heat index in defining its four levels of risk. Organizations looking to create a heat illness prevention plan can refer to OSHA.gov, where you’ll find recommendations for protective measures at each level. These range from providing water and sunscreen to workers on lower level days to ceasing nonessential tasks and monitoring physiological symptoms on days of extreme risk. Once formalized, managers should be trained to implement the plan but also to be watchful for employees who may benefit from added precaution, such as those who have returned to work recently or who may not have built up a tolerance to hot weather conditions.
2. Tickborne Disease
Insects, arachnids and mites caused 3,770 cases of nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses involving time away from work in 2017. According to the BLS, the service industries, including education and health services and trade, transportation and utilities among others, were particularly at risk (3,140 cases).
May, June and July are the most active months for ticks that transmit Lyme disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Ticks are drawn to landscapes with bushes, leaves and high grass, so when working outdoors, it is best for workers to avoid these areas whenever possible. If employees are working in an area where ticks could be present, the CDC advises that they cover as much skin as possible by wearing long pants and a long-sleeved shirt as well as tucking their socks into their boots. Some even tape their pants and socks together for an added barrier of protection.
Following their shift, workers are advised to inspect their entire bodies for overlooked ticks. Ticks can be removed with tweezers, and if caught within 24 hours, the risk of Lyme disease is relatively small. However, it is important to monitor for signs and symptoms of untreated Lyme disease, such as fever, rash, facial paralysis, and arthritis, and to seek medical attention as needed. Clothes should be washed in hot water and dried on high heat for an hour to kill any ticks that may have been missed. The CDC also suggests treating work clothes with Permethrin, a tick repellent (note: this should never be used on your skin directly).
3. Flooding
Flooding is most common in warmer months of the year, and since 2015, more than 100 people have died annually because of floods.
For anyone who works in an area prone to flooding, this makes it critical to identify a safe location to go should waters rise. Authorities also advise that workers be provided a radio to keep on hand at job sites so they can be alerted to evacuation orders should an emergency arise. In case of flood, workers should cease operation of any electrical equipment as it presents a risk of electrocution if it gets wet or is operated while standing in water. If a worker is trapped in a building as the water rises, they should be trained to go the highest level possible, using the roof only if necessary. If trapped in a vehicle in fast-moving water, it is advised that they stay inside the vehicle and relocate to the roof if waters rise in the vehicle.
Conclusion
As global temperatures rise, stronger storms become the new normal and tickborne disease rates increase, employers must become more proactive in guarding against illnesses and injuries that can occur in summer months. No matter your industry, take the time to review your plans and policies so your workers are equipped to remain safe and cool as summer heats up, and year-round.
Aug 24, 2017 | Insights
Rotator cuff and other shoulder injuries are among the most common occupational musculoskeletal problems. Why is this region so susceptible to injury, and what can employers do about it?
Low back pain may be the first injury that comes to mind when considering top work-related musculoskeletal ailments, but shoulder injuries are a close second — sometimes outpacing low back pain in some industries. Shoulder pain affects 18-26% of the general population and is one of the most common regional pain syndromes. It is also among the most common musculoskeletal problems in workers, making it difficult for patients to carry out daily tasks both at home and in the workplace. Financial burden is also a common side effect. Not only can healthcare fees be quite costly, but injury can result in time away from work, impaired work performance and even early retirement or disability.
Anatomy of a Shoulder Injury
Why is the shoulder particularly susceptible to injury? Often mistaken as a simple ball and socket joint, the shoulder is actually quite complex, has a wide range of motion and can handle impressive physical demands. However, because it consists of four articulations and a constellation of bones, muscles and ligaments in and around the joint capsule, it is vulnerable to a spectrum of articular and peri-articular pathologies. Pain can also be referred to the shoulder region while the true culprit lies elsewhere. The most common source of referred pain to the shoulder is the neck, but some viscera such as the heart, liver, or gall bladder can produce shoulder pain as well.
Risk Factors
For most shoulder pain, the true cause is unknown. There is no widely accepted classification system for reporting shoulder problems; however, recent studies have pinpointed some factors associated with shoulder pain. Perhaps the most widely studied of these is age. As we grow older, our tendons degenerate and osteoarthrosis of the joints can develop. A high body mass index has also been found to be a risk factor of incident shoulder pain.
In the workplace, physically strenuous work that loads the shoulder, include lifting, carrying, pulling or pushing, may cause pain. Working with hands above shoulder level is another strong predictor of incident shoulder pain. Some studies have also shown poor job control and work with high psychological demands to be related to shoulder pain. Mental stress is being investigated as a causal factor, but further research is needed.
Employer-Led Prevention
The good news is that, however common, shoulder injuries can be mitigated in the workplace. Employers should conduct regular worksite evaluations. When hazards are detected, they should be corrected through engineering controls such as workstation reconfiguration or tool redesign. Physical job demands should be matched to worker size and fitness level. Employee training programs should emphasize the importance of proper posture, lifting techniques, and overall fitness. Administrative controls such as adjusting procedures, rotating shifts or reconsidering break schedules may also be effective. Talk with your employees about concerns they may have, and work together to create a culture of injury awareness and prevention.
Linaker, C., & Walker-Bone, K. (2015). SHOULDER DISORDERS AND OCCUPATION. Best Practice & Research. Clinical Rheumatology, 29(3), 405–423. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.berh.2015.04.001
Shanahan, E. M., & Sladek, R. (2011). Shoulder pain at the workplace. Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology, 25(1), 59-68.
Teunis, T., Lubberts, B., Reilly, B. T., & Ring, D. (2014). A systematic review and pooled analysis of the prevalence of rotator cuff disease with increasing age. Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery, 23(12), 1913-1921.
The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (TDI, DWC). Shoulder Injury Prevention FactSheet. HS05-033C (9-07). http://www.tdi.texas.gov/pubs/videoresource/fspreventingsho.pdf
Van Eerd, D., Beaton, D., Cole, D., Lucas, J., Hogg-Johnson, S., & Bombardier, C. (2003 epidemiology, 56(10), 925-936.). Classification systems for upper-limb musculoskeletal disorders in workers:: A review of the literature. Journal of clinical epidemiology, 56(10), 925-936.
Aug 2, 2017 | Insights
Simple precautions employers can take to protect their workforce from harmful UV rays.
There is a common misconception that sunburn is something you can feel as it happens; however, solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) can damage skin without detection. More than 100 million Americans will experience sunburn this year, and thanks to a depleted ozone layer, exposure to UVR has increased, making sunburn, and its symptoms, more intense.
How can employers help workers protect themselves from sunburn – and a heightened risk of skin cancer? Here are three tips for keeping your worksite sun-safe no matter the season.
1. Share sun protection strategies.
Although sunburn prevention measures are no secret, they are not always practiced 100% of the time. It is encouraging that in 2010, 70% of adults reported that they usually or always practice at least one of the three sun-protective behaviors described below. However, given the extended hours that many workers can spend at an outdoor worksite, it is important to remind employees of these proven strategies to block out UV rays.
- Dress the part. A quick test to tell if you’re wearing sun-protective garb: place your hand between a single layer of fabric and a light source. If you can see your hand, the clothing does not offer optimal protection. A wide-brim hat also helps protect the head, forehead, ears, eyes, nose and scalp, and UV-absorbent sunglasses can block 99-100% of UVA and UVB radiation.
- Apply sunscreen. Sunscreen 15 SPF and above should block 93 percent of UV rays. Tell employees to follow product directions to ensure continuous protection.
- Limit exposure and seek shade when appropriate. UV rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. An easy sun intensity test: if your shadow is shorter than you, the sun’s rays are at their strongest.
2. Modify working conditions as needed.
In addition to encouraging good habits among your employees, there are many ways to modify your work conditions to protect your workforce from overexposure. UV rays are strongest during mid-day, near the equator, during summer months and at very high altitudes. Bearing this in mind, it’s sometimes useful to train workers to use the UV Index Scale, a rating system established by the World Health Organization. The Index incorporates effects of the position of the sun in the sky, forecast cloud cover and ozone amounts into its level-based scoring system, which is used to warn people of increased risk. At level 3 or higher, the amount of solar UV radiation is strong enough to damage skin. Therefore, many workplaces have their employees adjust their schedules when levels are “very high” or “extreme.” In addition, employers should schedule breaks for workers to seek out workplace-provided shade, such as tents, shelters and cooling stations, and to reapply sunscreen. Schedules that minimize outdoor tasks during mid-day and rotate workers to reduce UV exposure are also recommended.
3. Incorporate sun safety into policies and training programs.
Making strides toward sun safety is much easier when it is integrated into your company culture and policy. Here are a few ways to get started.
- Skin protection is an oft-overlooked aspect to overall wellness, so be sure to incorporate it into your workplace wellness program, perhaps in the same unit as avoiding heat illness.
- Teach employees about the signs and symptoms of UV exposure, such as red, warm and tender skin, blistering, headache, nausea fatigue – but also warn them that symptoms may not start for about 4 hours after sun exposure.
- Encourage outdoor workers to model sun-safe behaviors and to discuss the importance of sun protection with coworkers and customers alike.
The effects of sunburn may not be immediately apparent. Symptoms may be delayed and signs may not be readily visible. But don’t underestimate the impact it can have on employee health and workplace operations. By adapting your work policies to be more sun-conscious – and simultaneously encouraging workers to keep their skin health top of mind – the risks of UV exposure can be effectively mitigated.
