OMAG in Action: Volume 2
OMAG in Action: Volume 1
7 Signs of Fatigue and How it Affects the Workplace
Fatigue doesn’t just cause workers to feel more tired, it also increases the risk of accidents and injuries, reduces productivity, and causes absenteeism. Research has shown that spending 17 hours awake is equivalent to having a blood alcohol level of 0.05, and 24 hours awake is equivalent to a blood alcohol level of 0.10. You’d never let an employee operate heavy machinery with that much alcohol in their system, yet fatigued workers routinely engage in difficult or hazard-heavy work.
In the context of safety and health, fatigue refers to mental or physical exhaustion that reduces a person’s capacity to perform work safely and effectively. The causes, however, aren’t always work related. Some of the most common reasons for fatigue include:
Prolonged or intense mental or physical activity
Sleep loss or disrupted sleep
Travel
Organizational change
Irregular work scheduling or excessively long shifts
Strenuous activity
Long commutes to and from work
Working in extremely hot or cold environments
How to tell if a worker is fatigued
Fatigued workers can put themselves and others at risk of injury. It is important for managers and supervisors to know the signs of fatigue and watch out for these symptoms in their employees.
Tired, Weariness, or Sleepiness – Drooping heads, incessant yawning, and eyelids that seem to be closing are the most obvious indicators that a worker is fatigued and needs time to recover before costly errors or accidents happen.
Irritability – Workers can be irritable for many reasons, including problems at home, financial stress, conflict with coworkers, etc. Another reason may be the lack of rest. It is a good idea to watch for patterns of irritability or a newly developed “bad attitude,” especially when combined with other signs on the list above.
Reduced Alertness, Concentration, or Memory – Watch for workers who appear to have trouble focusing or who can’t recall seemingly simple things, like what they just said or did. Having difficulty solving problems can also be an indicator of fatigue.
Lack of Motivation – Employees who appear to suddenly lack motivation to do their job, and do it well, may seem lazy but this is generally a sign of broader issues, including fatigue.
Increased Mistakes or Lapses in Judgment – If a worker who is otherwise proven to be competent and good at their job starts making frequent errors or poor choices, it might be a sign of sleep deprivation or fatigue.
Headaches – Headaches are a sign of fatigue, but they can also be a sign of dehydration. Before deciding it is fatigue, make sure all workers are adequately hydrated on the job, even when it is not hot outside.
Increased Susceptibility to Illness – Workers who are suddenly taking more time off due to illness may be experiencing fatigue. Insufficient sleep wears the body down and affects a person’s ability to fight colds, flu, and other illnesses. With an increase in fatigue, it’s not uncommon to see a rise in absenteeism.
Proactively Addressing Worker Fatigue
Employees certainly play a role in preventing fatigue and some of the causes go beyond the workplace, but there are a number of things employers can do to reduce fatigue at work. An effective approach to fatigue risk management should involve some or all of the following:
Shift scheduling: consistent schedules, frequent breaks, two consecutive days off each week, and no more than four night shifts in a row
Balancing workloads and staffing
Developing a reporting system for fatigue related incidents
Workplace design: cool atmosphere, low humidity, natural light, minimal noise/vibrations
Employee training on fatigue and managing sleep disorders
Supervisor and management training on monitoring and identifying fatigue in workers
Offering an insurance plan that covers sleep disorders or an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) so workers can get information and counselling to assist them in ways to recover from fatigue issues.
By identifying fatigue and taking a proactive approach to deal with it before it becomes an issue, you can ensure a safe, healthy, and productive work environment for your entire workforce.
Workplace Violence & Security: Are Your Employees Safe?
Is your office, shop, or plant prepared to deal with a workplace violence incident? Are your field workers? If you aren’t sure or think it is unlikely to occur, consider this: According to OSHA, some 2 million American workers are victims of workplace violence every year. Workplace violence can strike anywhere and anytime, and no one is immune.
Workplace violence can take place at or outside of work. It is defined as violence or the threat of violence against workers. Violence in the work environment can range from threats, verbal abuse, harassment, to physical assault and homicide.
Certain workers are at higher risk according to OSHA. These include, but are not limited to, workers who exchange money with the public, who work alone or in small groups, and who work early in the morning or late at night. Also, workers in certain industries (healthcare, social services, municipal utilities, law enforcement, retail, and in-home installations) are at increased risk.
It is important to acknowledge workplace violence as a real threat and take it seriously. The best protection employers can offer is to establish a zero-tolerance policy toward workplace violence against or by employees. OSHA advises employers to create a Workplace Violence Prevention Program (OSHA/PEOSH standards) and ensure all employees are trained on it and thoroughly understand policies and procedures concerning it.
Here are some other tips for keeping workers safe:
Provide safety education for employees so they know what behavior is and isn’t acceptable in the workplace environment.
Consider installing video surveillance, extra lighting, and alarm systems.
Minimize access by outsiders to your facilities by using ID badges, electronic keys, and if necessary, security guards.
Recommend field staff and employees working alone have cell phones and handheld alarms, requiring them to check in regularly.
Instruct workers to never enter a location that they feel may be unsafe.
Train employees on your workplace violence procedures annually and remind them frequently to keep their eyes and ears open and report anything that makes them feel awkward, uncomfortable, or unsafe. Even if they don’t experience it but saw or heard it they must report it!
Workers need to know employers have a system in place for their protection. It is critical to ensure all employees know the policy and understand that all claims of workplace violence will be investigated and dealt with promptly.
13 Warning Signs That May Lead to Workplace Violence
It is vital that administrators and supervisors have conversations with their employees about the potential for violence to occur in their workplace. We must train our employees to keep their eyes and ears open, watching for signs and behavior that can lead to a violent episode, and to report issues to supervisors, human resources, or law enforcement. What leads to workplace violence almost always starts small. It is possible for someone to be fine one day and come in the next with a firearm, but such incidents are extremely rare. Escalation to violence is typically a process. Usually there are warning signs (and often many of them) of a potential workplace violence incident about to occur. Here are thirteen suggested warning signs to keep in mind and watch out for while doing your day to day duties:
Threats – when a person makes direct, veiled, or conditional threats of harm.
Unreasonable – person constantly makes slighting references to others. They are never happy with what is going on. Consistently unreasonable and overreacts to feedback and criticism. They blow everything out of proportion. Individual tends to take comments personally and turn them into grudges.
Intimidation and control-oriented – individual feels a need to constantly force their opinion on others. Having a compulsive need to control situations. They use intimidation to get their way; can be physical or verbal. (Examples: fear tactics, verbal threats, harassment)
Paranoid – a person thinks other employees are out to get them. They think there is a conspiracy to all functions in society. They make comments of being persecuted or being a victim of injustice.
Angry, argumentative, and lacks impulse control – an individual has many hate and anger issues on and off the job with coworkers, friends, family, or the government. They are frequently involved in confrontations, are belligerent, and argue with others, including authority figures. This person demonstrates low impulse control (slamming or throwing things, cursing and threatening, physically animated with aggressive gestures.
Irresponsible – individual does not take responsibility for any of their behaviors, faults, or mistakes; it’s always someone or something else that is to blame. They make excuses and blame others, the organization, or the system for their actions.
Antisocial behaviors – this person has a fascination with violence and acceptance of violence as a way to handle situations; they applaud violent acts portrayed in the media such as racial incidents, domestic violence, active shooting sprees, or executions. They may have issues with law enforcement. May demonstrate an obsession with the killing power of weapons and their effect on people. They may demonstrate a pattern of behavior that shows a disregard for the rights of others.
Vindictive – makes statements like “he’ll get his”, “what goes around comes around” or “one of these days I’ll make them pay.” Verbalizes hope for something bad to happen to others, especially those they have a grudge against.
Bizarre and weird behavior – the person is quirky, strange, considered weird, and behaves in an unusual manner. Their presence makes others feel uneasy and uncomfortable. This behavior by itself doesn’t mean a person will become violent but coupled with other signs may be an indicator.
Desperation – a person is experiencing extreme desperation with family, finances, or personal problems; they are making comments of feeling “at the end of their rope” or “there’s no other way to deal with it.” They seem backed into a corner with no options.
Obsessive compulsive behaviors – the person has obsessive involvement with the job, they have no apparent outside interests; they eat, sleep, and live for the job. Or they have a romantic obsession with a coworker who has no interest in them. They may suffer from other forms of obsession; jealous interest in a specific topic, or perfectionist tendencies. Again, this behavior doesn’t mean they will necessarily become violent but look for a pattern of other signs coupled with obsessive compulsive behavior.
Substance abuse – persons demonstrating signs of alcohol and or drug abuse; frequent absences or tardiness, off-task and distracted on the job, disregard for safety policies and procedures; disoriented, jittery, slurred speech, frequently not where they are supposed to be or missing for stretches of time.
Chronic depression – a person displays signs of chronic depression, loss of interest and confidence in life or work, lethargic lacks energy, particularly when it is a significant change in behavior. The person was usually engaged, involved, and active but now they seem withdrawn and disengaged.
Just because a person appears to be demonstrating any of these signs doesn’t mean they are going to become violent at work, but it does mean supervisors, human resources, and administration should be aware of the signs and perhaps offer some assistance. Recommend getting some help using the Employee Assistance Program through New Directions. It is free to OMAG plan participants. Go to www.omag.org and search for “employee assistance program” for more information. We all have difficulty dealing with life at one point or another. Keep an eye out for the signs and offer help to your coworkers early in the process; doing so may save lives.
Basic Office Safety Tips
Slips and falls are the most frequent cause of injuries in the workplace, and people working in an office are twice as likely to be injured by falling than people who are working in other types of workplaces. Keeping alert and thinking ahead can help minimize the risk.
Protecting Your Body from Injuries -- Use basic common sense in your daily activities around the office. That means:
Sit upright in your chair, with your feet touching the floor when you're working at your desk. Before sitting down, look to make sure your chair is beneath you and hasn't rolled away.
Look where you're going whenever you're walking around the office.
Walk, don't run.
Go slowly if the floor is wet or otherwise slippery.
Don't read while walking.
Always hold the handrail when using stairs.
Immediately wipe up spilled beverages, water tracked in by wet shoes or drippings from umbrellas. Ask a custodian to do the cleaning if you don't have time to do it yourself.
Obey your building's (no) smoking rules, and don't throw matches, ashes, or cigarette butts into regular trash.
Get up and stretch or walk around. This can help prevent injuries while promoting circulation.
Equipment and Furniture-Related Safety -- Whether you are moving furniture, carrying items, or operating machinery, make sure you are aware of health-related hazards. If you need assistance with anything or are unsure of how to do something, it is always best to ask a supervisor. Keep in mind:
Don't touch electrical outlets, plugs, or switches with wet hands.
Keep the floors and aisles clear of electrical cords. Use surge protectors and cable ties to manage the wiring.
Refrain from eating or drinking at a computer station. Spills and crumbs could get into the keyboard and cause malfunctions.
If you must carry anything from one place to another, don't stack things up so high that you can't see directly in front of you.
When carrying boxes, use the elevator if available.
Only open one drawer in a filing cabinet at a time to keep it from tipping over.
Close desk or file cabinet drawers before walking away so others don't walk into them.
Store supplies inside of cabinets or bookcases, and place heavier items in the lower drawers or shelves.
Reporting Unsafe Structural Issues -- Anytime you see something unsafe, report it to your facilities management department or supervisor. Things you might want to point out include sightings of: torn carpet, loose tiles, wobbly steps or floorboards, burned-out lightbulbs, broken chairs or desks and other defective equipment, stray electrical cables or obstructions in walkways. Also report possible unauthorized visitors within your facility.
Technology and Internet Health and Safety -- With computers the norm in most offices, it's important to keep in mind health related issues that accompany heavy computer use, as well as how to prevent internet-related problems.
Never open emails sent by an unspecified sender or a sender you are unsure about. They may contain viruses that could infect your work computer.
Don't send money or personal information (such as address, credit card numbers and social security number) to anyone via email or in chat rooms.
Ensure your computer is virus protected and checked periodically by an IT Specialist.
Cyber bullying can occur in the workplace. If you experience this, document what was said and report it to your supervisor or HR department.
Staring at a computer for long periods can impact your eye health. Give yourself a break every so often to prevent your eyes from becoming too dry and avoiding strain. If your eyes do get dry, artificial tears can help alleviate discomfort.
The light from your computer can impact your circadian rhythm in a negative way causing sleep related issues. Try to dim your computer screen light as much as you can and be sure to get some fresh air and natural sunlight every day.
A safe work environment is essential for the wellbeing of employees. Being aware of hazards in the workplace and learning office safety tips goes a long way toward preventing accidents. Stay focused on safety all day every day.
General Safety Rules for Outdoor Handheld Power Tools
Whether you are using string trimmers, hedge trimmers, leaf blowers or any of the many other outdoor handheld power tools, there are general safety considerations that should be followed regardless of the tool. Here is a list of safety rules suggested:
Make sure there are no bystanders, children or pets within a 50-foot radius.
Wear eye and ear protection equipment when operating power tools.
Wear protective clothing. Long pants, closed-toe shoes and gloves are recommended. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry.
Inspect the area where the power tools are to be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire and other foreign objects that could interfere with the operation and cause personal injury.
Do not operate any power tool while under the influence of alcohol, medications or drugs or when ill or fatigued.
Never start a gasoline-powered tool inside an enclosed area. Breathing exhaust fumes can be fatal.
Follow fueling and premixing guidelines strictly. Wipe up any fuel spillage and replace the fuel cap immediately to minimize potential for fuel contamination and explosion.
Never leave power equipment unattended with the engine running.
Always keep your equipment clean and in proper working order. Clean, maintain and make repairs after you have finished using your equipment daily.
Remember that for all power equipment a “safety always” attitude is the best defense against accidents and injury.
Practicing these few guidelines will preserve your equipment and keep you and others safe from injury.
Mower Safety
If you haven’t already, let’s brush up on mowing safety procedures to increase your productivity and help keep employees free from injury. Although many users have years of mowing experience, sometimes safety precautions are overlooked. The results can be dangerous. Staying aware of conditions, knowing your machine and constantly being alert can help you avoid accidents and injury. Of course, every operator should always refer to the operator's manual for routine maintenance schedules and safety tips. Here are some general mower safety guidelines to help get you started.
Before mowing:
Dress for the job. Safety begins with the clothes you wear to work. Choose close-fitting clothes and long pants, hearing protection, eye protection, work boots with traction and heavy gloves (when handling blades). Do not wear loose-fitting clothes or jewelry, which can get caught or hung up on a machine and cause injury.
Know your machine. All mowers have some of the same basic equipment parts. For example, front-deck mowers all have features such as panel controls, seat controls, foot controls, fuel tank, fuel filter, engine oil fill and check, hydraulic oil fill and check, mower deck, grass deflector, height adjustments, radiator and air cleaner. However, every machine includes unique features, so read your operator's manual to familiarize yourself with your machine. As any minor and major machine problems arise, report them to your supervisor or mechanic. Reporting problems right away will help you avoid potential hazards.
Read warning labels and check safety features. There are dangers associated with operating any power equipment, so pay attention to all warning labels and safety features on your mower. Also, check the safety guards and devices to ensure that they are in proper working condition. Never operate your mower if your safety guards and devices are not in place.
Conduct daily inspections. Always conduct your daily mower inspections on a hard, flat surface away from the mowing area. Open the hood and check the mower's oil level. Check the hydraulic system for the appropriate level of fluid. Inspect the cooling system to make sure there is enough coolant in the radiator. Clean any debris off the screen and front of the radiator. Check the condition of your air-restriction indicator or the condition of your air cleaner and empty any debris found. Ensure that all parts, such as belts, pulleys, catchers and guards are in proper working order. Also, check the tire pressure. Always refer to your operator's manual for step-by-step start-up procedures and daily machine inspections.
Adjust the cutting height of your deck. If you are using multiple pieces of mowing equipment on the same landscape area, make sure that the height of your mower deck is consistent on all machines, so you'll have a uniform cut. Never adjust the mower height when the engine is running. All adjustments should be made while the engine is turned off.
Check your collection/discharge system. Most commercial mowers will have some combination of material collection system (MCS), side discharge or mulching system. Always check to make sure that your MCS, discharge chute and mulching attachments are properly secured and in good working order. Never start the mower if attachments are not securely fastened.
Check the fuel level. Check your mower's fuel level and fill if necessary, so that you start your day with a full tank of fuel. If you refuel during the day, move your mower to a flat, concrete surface, turn the engine off and allow the engine to cool. (Refilling after lunch or an afternoon break is convenient.) Carefully fill the fuel tank and avoid spilling. Spilled gasoline will evaporate, releasing hydrocarbon emissions into the atmosphere. Also, never smoke around gasoline.
Clear your work area. Before you begin your job, walk the mowing area and clear all hidden hazards, such as rocks, stumps and hidden debris like broken glass, bottles and miscellaneous materials. Injuries may occur from debris that is projected into the air by mower impact. Projected debris can cause injuries to operators, pedestrians and property.
Inspect your work area for nature's hazards. While inspecting your work area for debris, be on the lookout for bees, fire ants, poison ivy and poison oak. Taking note of potential area hazards will increase your productivity as well as your safety. Also, avoid improper working conditions such as overly saturated grounds, which can cause slippery conditions.
While mowing:
Make a perimeter pass. Always start your mower from the operator's seat — never while standing beside the mower. Once you are ready to mow, engage the PTO. When engaging the blades, do so at the lowest recommended engine setting rather than at full throttle. Release the brake and gradually depress the foot pedal to begin forward motion. Start by making a perimeter pass with the discharge chute or grass catcher to the inside — that is, away from the sidewalk, pavement, curb or whatever structure borders the turf. This will keep the mower from hitting curbs, trees, bushes and any other obstacles. The perimeter pass will allow you to make U-turns in the grass, thereby avoiding tire and grass stains on the concrete.
Start mowing. Always mow in straight lines, alternating directions and changing the pattern every week, if possible. For the best-quality cut, make sure your blades are sharp and mow with the engine running at maximum speed. If you are mowing long grass, use the highest cut setting for the first pass, and then make a second pass to cut the grass at a lower setting. Discharge clippings toward previously cut lawn areas. Never position the side-discharge chute toward people or property.
Know your surroundings. To avoid injury to yourself or others, pay attention to people around you. If a person or animal approaches you while working, stop your mower and turn off the engine. You may resume mowing once the work area is clear of all people and animals.
Avoid rubbing objects. When mowing, keep a safe distance from trees and other landscape features. Avoid hitting or rubbing the mower or its tires on any buildings, cars, signs, trees and other property features. Serious landscaping and property damage can occur, not to mention unnecessary wear to your equipment.
Pick up any missed debris. If you see any debris that you missed in your initial inspection, stop the machine, turn off the engine and pick up the debris. Do not attempt to clear debris while the machine's engine is still running.
Unclog the deflection chute. Sometimes while mowing the deflection chute can become clogged with grass clippings. To unclog it, turn off the engine and make sure the blades are stopped. To ensure safety, disconnect the spark plug wire and use a tool or stick to clear grass clippings. Never clear the deck or chute with your hands, and never place your hands or feet near the cutting blades.
Be extra careful on slopes. Always mow up and down slopes — never mow across slopes. Decrease your speed when mowing down slopes or around sharp corners to help prevent tipping. Maintain minimal ground speed and make wide, gradual turns; avoid sudden starts, stops and turns. Remember: If it looks dangerous, it almost certainly is dangerous, so use caution accordingly.
After mowing:
Shut down before performing maintenance. Refer to your operator's manual for proper shutdown procedures. Always shut down your machine from the operator's seat — never dismount from a running mower. Make sure that the mower is completely stopped and the engine is off before you begin your clean-up and maintenance procedures. Your operator's manual will detail specific daily clean-up and maintenance tasks.
Clean your mower. Your mower should be cleaned after each job by removing clippings and other landscaping debris from the mower, mower deck and deflection chute. Lingering debris can cause unwanted buildup and potential malfunctions or breakdowns of parts. Also, accumulation of grass, leaves or excessive grease can be a fire hazard.
Perform routine maintenance. Preventive maintenance is key to your machine's longevity. Although your operator's manual will provide specific routine maintenance procedures, certain common maintenance procedures apply to all commercial mowers. After each mowing job, you should check your mower's tire pressure and adjust if necessary. Check all fluid levels, belts, guards and blades. From your inspections, prepare a list of potential maintenance problems for your supervisor or mechanic.
Tend to repairs immediately. If your machine requires any repairs, tend to them immediately. Delaying machine and parts repairs will delay productivity. If repairs are overlooked and the mower is reused, damage to additional mower parts or operator injury may result.
Maintain a recommended maintenance schedule. Refer to your operator's manual for routine daily, monthly, quarterly and yearly maintenance procedures. Keeping your machine in top condition can help you increase your productivity and decrease any risk of injuries.
Be certain you've taken all the necessary precautions. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a safe mowing season, not only for yourself, but for those around you.
Reducing Health Risks to Workers Handling Human Waste or Sewage
Workers who handle human waste or sewage may be at increased risk of becoming ill from waterborne diseases. To reduce this risk and protect against illness, such as diarrhea, the following guidance should be followed by workers and employers.
Basic Hygiene Practices for Workers
Wash hands with soap and water immediately after handling human waste or sewage.
Avoid touching face, mouth, eyes, nose, or open sores and cuts while handling human waste or sewage.
After handling human waste or sewage, wash your hands with soap and water before eating or drinking.
After handling human waste or sewage, wash your hands with soap and water before and after using the toilet.
Before eating, removed soiled work clothes and eat in designated areas away from human waste and sewage-handling activities.
Do not smoke or chew tobacco or gum while handling human waste or sewage.
Keep open sores, cuts, and wounds covered with clean, dry bandages.
Gently flush eyes with safe water if human waste or sewage contacts eyes.
Use waterproof gloves to prevent contact with human waste or sewage.
Wear rubber boots at the work site and during transport of human waste or sewage.
Remove rubber boots and work clothes before leaving work site.
Clean contaminated work clothing daily with 0.05% chlorine solution (1 part household bleach to 100 parts water).
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Workers handling human waste or sewage should be provided proper PPE, training on how to use it, and hand washing facilities. Workers should wash hands with soap and water immediately after removing PPE. The following PPE is recommended for workers handling human waste or sewage:
Goggles: to protect eyes from splashes of human waste or sewage.
Protective face mask or splash-proof face shield: to protect nose and mouth from splashes of human waste or sewage.
Liquid-repellent coveralls: to keep human waste or sewage off clothing.
Waterproof gloves: to prevent exposure to human waste or sewage.
Rubber boots: to prevent exposure to human waste or sewage.
Training for Workers
All workers who handle human waste or sewage should receive training on disease prevention. The training should include information on basic hygiene practices; use and disposal of personal protective equipment, and proper handling of human waste or sewage. Workers must also be urged to promptly seek medical attention if displaying any signs or symptoms of diarrhea, such as vomiting, stomach cramps and watery diarrhea.
Vaccination Recommendations for Workers
Vaccination recommendations for workers exposed to sewage or human waste should be developed in consultation with local health authorities. Tetanus vaccinations should be up to date, with consideration also given to the need for polio, typhoid fever, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccinations.
The recommendations made in this document are based on best practices and procedures. Worker health and safety risks are likely to vary among specific locations and a trained health and safety professional should be consulted to create site-specific worker health and safety plans.
Promoting Respiratory Safety in the Workplace
To ensure your workplace exemplifies the highest standard of safety when it comes to respiratory protection, consider these tips in promoting respiratory safety in the workplace:
Have a written program in place (It’s the law)
In workplaces where respiratory protection is mandated, it is legally required for the municipality to have a written respiratory protection program in place. It must be one of the sections of your Safety and Health Policy and Procedure Manual required by OK Department of Labor’s PEOSH division as per NIOSH regulations (42CFR Part84) . Even if respiratory is simply recommended, writing out an official policy ensures workers have a resource to promote their safety and managers have a document to refer to for suggested protocols and procedures. Finding ways to create safer workplaces should be of utmost importance.
Choose the appropriate type of respirator(s)
OSHA/PEOSH mandates that a company/municipality must do an exposure assessment before choosing a particular type of respirator. This requires identifying what type of airborne contaminants pose a risk (particulate, biological, or chemical), as well as how much of these contaminants a worker can be exposed to. By quantifying these risk factors, employers can then choose the appropriate type of respirator for specific jobs and environments. Remember to take into account the comfort of your workers when wearing respirators for long periods of time. Be aware of medical conditions that may prevent an employee from wearing respiratory masks.
Make sure employees are using respirators properly
If you employees don’t wear respirators correctly or take them off in hazardous environments, then the devices do nothing to protect them. For example, a worker with a full beard or sideburns may not get a good seal. Or an employee that wears glasses may not be able to get a good seal because their respirator is not designed to be worn with glasses. Train employees on when to wear respirators, what kind of respirator is best for them, and make sure they know how to properly adjust the respirator to properly fit for effectiveness and comfort. Fit testing is required by OSHA/PEOSH when respirators are worn. Make sure employees read and understand instructions on new types of respirators to make sure they are wearing and using them properly. Make sure respirators aren’t inhibited by other safety gear like safety glasses and hearing protection.
Make sure maintenance is a priority
Disposable respirators should be discarded after one use and reusable ones require the filter be changed regularly. Employers are responsible for ensuring reusable respirators are properly cleaned, sanitized, stored, and repaired. Respirators should be stored in a clean area in which they will not be exposed to environmental damage. When replacing filters, make sure excess packaging is removed and that the filter is inserted properly.
Have ample replacement respirators and filters available
If your employees rely on reusable respirators, make a point of having plenty of replacement filters available. Besides having ample filters, cartridges, and replacement parts, take time to organize all your supplies so they can be accessed efficiently. Same goes for disposable masks respirators if that is your municipalities preferred method of protection. Keep your supply well stocked and make sure your workers are following your written procedures and using your respirator protection equipment. It will keep them and your organization safer.