 On-line Fire Extinguisher Training
Would you like a neat, well-done on-line course on fire extinguishers? Now you can get one that covers the nature of fire, fire extinguisher types, use of extinguishers, rules for fighting fires and extinguisher inspection and maintenance. Depending on the pre-training knowledge of the trainee, taking the course will take anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes and ends with a quiz that will test understanding. Except for some hands-on with an actual fire extinguisher, this program could be all you need to qualify your employees on fire extinguishers. You can access the program by clicking here. |
Local ASSE to Discuss Hazardous Materials Management
The December meeting of the Genesee Valley Chapter of the American Society of Safety Engineers begins at 6:00 p.m. next Monday, Dec. 7, at the Green Lantern Inn in Fairport. James Gerek, Eastman Kodak (retired), will be discussing the Kodak Park demolition and revitalization program with a focus on managing safety and hazardous materials. This joint meeting with the Finger Lakes Hazardous Materials Managers is open to all interested parties. For reservations and details, call Jay Wells at 377-5116. |
 Hospital Hand Washing Deficient - Monitor Being Developed
According to the Ivanhoe News service, a medical reporting service, hand-washing is our greatest weapon in the fight against hospital-acquired infections, but a recent study found hospital workers wash their hands less than 50-percent of the time after direct contact with patients. To help remedy the problem, researchers are testing a technology inspired by alcohol detection tests that sniffs out good hand hygiene. After a nurse or doctor washes their hands, a sensor communicates with a special badge. When they get within five feet of a patient, a monitor near the bed reads the badge and flashes green. If they pass the 90-second window before seeing a patient, the badge vibrates. To read the full article, click here. |
 GAO Report Points to OSHA Recordkeeping Weaknesses
A new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report released in mid-November on injury and illness recordkeeping found evidence that OSHA's current audit process needs improvement and certain incentive and discipline programs can discourage workers from reporting injuries and illnesses. The report also notes widespread reports from occupational health practitioners who were pressured not to record an injury or illness. To see a report summary and links to the full report, click here. In response to studies of under-reporting and congressional interest, OSHA recently announced a major recordkeeping national emphasis program (NEP) to ensure that injuries and illnesses are accurately reported. To see the full NEP program directive, click here. |
 NIOSH Science Blog Addresses Hearing Loss
Occupational hearing loss is a big deal. It is estimated that more than 22 million workers are exposed to hazardous noise on the job and an additional nine million are at risk for hearing loss from other agents such as solvents and metals. The sad fact is that hearing loss from occupational exposure is 100 percent preventable, but a quarter of those exposed to loud noise at work also report the non-use of hearing protection. To learn more about workplace hearing loss, access the blog by clicking here. |
 DOE Safety Standards Available On-line
The U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) has an outstanding reputation for safety in the workplace and has developed an extensive library of resources for DOE employees, managers and contractors. While all the resources may not apply directly to your workplace, you're likely to find many that can be easily adapted. And, they are in the public realm (your tax dollars paid for them) so use is free. To access the library index, click here. | |
This health, safety and environment electronic update comes from Chip Dawson and the