Hazard Communication is an employee’s right to understand the different hazards they face on a day to day basis during their job duties. A better informed employee will conduct their daily responsibilities in a safer way for all present at the facility. The employee will also be able to avoid situations that may cause a reaction with the hazard they are working with.
Hazard Communication is an employee’s right to understand the different hazards they face on a day to day basis during their job duties. A better informed employee will conduct their daily responsibilities in a safer way for all present at the facility. The employee will also be able to avoid situations that may cause a reaction with the hazard they are working with.
Some hazardous chemicals react in an explosive way when combined with another, seemingly harmless substance. For instance, aluminum phosphide can cause a very hazardous situation when combined with water. A highly toxic phosphine gas is released. Alternatively, this method can be harnessed in a way to kill pests and moles. A controlled situation is the difference between an expected reaction and an unexpected reaction that sends many to the Emergency Room.
The Chemical Manufacturer is required to provide the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each chemical produced to explain the potential dangers. Every employee should have access to the MSDS of each chemical they come into contact with to better understand how that hazard reacts in different environments. The MSDS has recently undergone formatting revisions to provide uniformity in the order that information is presented. This allows the employee to look in the same section for the needed information to speed up the process.
A Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) can help your company with the proper steps to take to ensure a safe working environment for all employees. The will need to tour the facility and witness each step of the operations conducted to fully assess the needs. The Certified Industrial Hygienist will ensure Hazard Communication is being properly executed for each employee.
Some circumstances require a continuing education about Hazard Communication be conducted to refresh each employees of the importance of maintaining a safe working environment. MSDS files should be updated on a regular basis to ensure the most relevant information available is being presented to the employees for their use.
The Certified Industrial Hygienist can also update your company on the new revisions to Hazard Communication to ensure your company’s compliance with the regulations. Any violation could lead to costly fines from OSHA and a heightened sense of scrutiny on your company once a violation is found. Click here to contact a Certified Industrial Hygienist to assist your company with the required Hazard Communication requirements. Each employee is worth protecting and Hazard Communication is the employee’s right to understand each danger they face at the workplace.
Occupational Health Overcomes Everyday Hazards
Many workers face different types of hazards on a daily basis. Each company has a responsibility to proactively protect their employees from hazards encountered in the workplace. Accidents or injuries can bring production to a halt, reduce the workforce while the employee is recovering and lead to costly worker compensation claims. A Certified Industrial Hygienist can help your company improve the Occupational Health present at your facility.
The Risk from Asbestos
Asbestos poses a major health risk in many office buildings and homes due to the wide adoption and usage of asbestos as an insulator in the construction process. Asbestos can be found in the glue beneath vinyl flooring or in material applied to concrete to regulate the temperature between floors in an office building. These buildings and homes are being remodeled and modernized as an update to the space, but the demolition process can be hazardous if asbestos is present. Test for asbestos prior to starting your next remodeling project to ensure workers are safe.
Communicating the Dangers with HazCom
Hazard Communication focuses on explaining the dangers present at the workplace. The employees have a right to understand the hazards present and how to remain safe on the jobsite. A Certified Industrial Hygienist can work with your company to fulfill the HazCom requirement set forth by OSHA.
