OSHA Cites Companies for Employee's Ergonomic Injuries

July 2015

Your Industrial Cleaning Solutions News Source

www.psi-industrialsolutions.com \ [email protected]

In this month's edition, we are going to focus on employees - a company's most valuable asset. It is imperative that we all continue to leverage the skills of our current employees, and identify leadership potential as they help to ensure consistency, quality and growth. The impending baby boomer exodus from the workplace places pressure on all employers to find employees with skills and knowledge.

OSHA Cites Companies for Employee's Ergonomic Injuries

Ergonomic injuries are appearing more often and OSHA is taking notice. But before issuing a citation alleging ergonomic hazards, OSHA will use the following criteria before deciding:

Does an ergonomic hazard exist
Whether the hazard is recognized
Whether the hazard is causing or likely to cause serious physical harm to employees,
and whether a feasible solution exists to reduce the hazard.

Ergonomic injuries can be prevented by implementing appropriate engineering and administrative controls. Workers can help to identify and provide important feedback about ergonomic hazards in their workplace. Employees should be included in all stages of planning an ergonomic process by voicing their concerns and suggestions. Include job rotation to make sure employees aren't subjected to repetitive tasks over a long period of time, and evaluate the changes implemented as a result of an ergonomic assessment.

Even in cases where OSHA does not cite an employer, if ergonomic hazards exist, it may issue Hazard Alert letters providing input to reduce the hazards and resources available to assist employers in the process.

Three Seconds Today to Invest in a Lifetime of Tomorrows

Now we're not talking about safe investments with high returns. And by safe, we mean very little risk of loss. Instead, consider investing three seconds today to avoid injury and pain tomorrow. Avert what might turn into a painful experience for you and your family.

Three seconds isn't much time. It's only about 0.008 percent of a 10-hour workday, and roughly equivalent to the time it takes to hug your kids, or say goodbye to a loved one. So why wouldn't you take the time? Use the three-second rule before starting any task, or restarting a task after a distraction or interruption.

Stop before beginning the next job task
Think for three seconds about the task you're getting ready to perform
Ensure that hazards associated with the task have been identified and mitigated.
Perform the task

(Three Second Rule t aken from an article in EHS Today Magazine.)

Keep Turnover Low and Your Return on Investment High

High employee turnover hurts a company's bottom line. Experts estimate it costs upwards of twice an employee's salary to find and train a replacement, and turnover can damage morale among remaining employees.

Here are some ways to lower turnover in your workplace:

-Hire the right people from the start. Make sure they have the right skills but also fit well with the company culture, managers, and co-workers.

-Review benefits and compensation packages at least annually.

-Bolster employees' engagement. They need a rewarding work environment, recognition from managers, and a challenging position with room to learn and grow.

It is imperative that we continue to leverage the skills of our current employees.
Allow for experienced employees nearing retirement or a new career path to extend their careers, all while mentoring or teaching less experienced colleagues.

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Alan Prouty - Business Development Manager

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Alan Prouty - Business Development Manager