Study Links Heavy Lifting On The Job To Increased Risk Of Detached Retinas
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According to researchers from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, regularly lifting objects that weigh 30 pounds or more is one of the seven “Strong predictors” of, and most correlated to, work-related retinal detachments.
The Mayo Clinic defines a retinal detachment as an emergency situation in which a thin layer of tissue (the retina) at the back of the eye, pulls away from its normal position. Left untreated, this detachment can cause permanent vision loss in the affected eye.
To read details of the study, click here. “The biggest takeaway is safe practices, which will protect your back, can also protect your eyes!”
Check out this informational poster on the Lifting Do’s & Don’ts. Poster is available for purchase, here.
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(Source: Safety+Health magazine, Aug. 2020 & Bruce Algra Posters)
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OSHA Reminds Employers of Duty to Protect Employees from Heat Exposure
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The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reminds employers of their duty to protect employees from heat exposure and offers guidance on ways to recognize and mitigate the risks of heat exposure. OSHA's guidance extends to any work environment that presents occupational risk factors, including heavy physical activity, warm or hot environmental conditions, lack of acclimatization, and wearing clothing that holds in body heat. The agency recommends that employers utilize its assessment tools, which are based on levels of physical activity and wet bulb globe temperature readings, to evaluate the combination of body heat and environmental heat to identify what risks their workers face for heat stress. To prevent heat exposure, employers should offer water, rest, shade, and ventilation. They should encourage workers to drink water every 15 minutes and take frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned areas. OSHA has published a comprehensive list of best practices in considering what engineering controls, work practices, and personal protective equipment should be in place. In addition, OSHA recommends that employers create a heat illness prevention plan, provide training to workers on the hazards of heat exposure and how to prevent illness, and, if feasible, appoint at least one individual at a worksite to monitor conditions and implement the employer's heat plan throughout the workday.
(Source: NLBMDA Workplace Safety & Risk Management Update, July 2020)
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Lightning Safety When Working Outdoors
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Lightning is a dangerous natural force. Annually in the United States, cloud-to-ground lightning occurs 20 to 25 million times and over 300 people are struck by lightning. During the past 30 years, about 50 people, on average, have been killed by lightning strikes every year, and many more suffer permanent disabilities.
Precautions should be taken to prevent worker exposure to lightning. Employers should recognize lightning as an occupational hazard. Supervisors and workers at outdoor worksites should take lightning safety seriously.
Workers whose jobs involve working outdoors in open spaces, on or near tall objects, or near explosives or conductive materials (e.g., metal) have significant exposure to lightning risks. Worker activities at higher risk for lightning hazards include:
- Logging
- Explosives handling or storage
- Heavy equipment operation
- Roofing • Construction (e.g., scaffolding)
- Building maintenance
- Power utility field repair
- Steel erection/telecommunications
(Source: OSHA.gov, August 2020)
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"Toolbox Talks" for Monthly Safety
Do you try to have regular safety meetings but just never seem to find the time to research a topic and pull something together? BMSA is here to help you! Our Safety Specialist has created 12 months of safety topics that you can review with your employees during a safety meeting.
Here's what you'll receive:
- Toolbox talk handout for every month of the year
- Sign in sheet to document who attended or read the material at a later date.
- Additional topics for discussion.
- Instruction/resource sheets for the leader.
- 3-ring binder for long term storage/documentation.
Special 2020 Introductory Offer: $199
Annual renewals $225
(2021 pricing: $250/yr)
Contact Barb Strickland at barbs@mybmsa.org for more details
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