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Managing Workplace Safety and Health

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Challenges
How can employers maintain a safe and healthy work environment?

What are basic provisions of workers compensation laws?

What is OSHA and what does it do?

What are some of the main health and safety issues in the workplace?
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Workplace Safety and the Law

Workers Compensation Benefits

Injuries or illnesses occurring on the job
Total disability benefits Impairment benefits Survivor benefits Medical expense benefits Rehabilitation benefits
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Workplace Safety and the Law Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)
Provide safe, healthy work environment Comply with occupational safety and health standards Keep records of occupational injuries and illnesses
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Workers Compensation
Total disability benefits Impairment benefits Survivor benefits Medical expense benefits Rehabilitation benefits

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OSHAs Bloodborne Pathogens Standards

Exposure Control Plan Outline the procedures identify workers at risk. Universal Precautions handle all blood and body fluid as though contaminated Cleaning Protocols identify decontamination methods and procedures for handling waste
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OSHAs Bloodborne Pathogens Standards

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) provide gloves, masks, goggles Hazard Communication warning labels/signs identify restricted areas Information and Training Record-keeping keep records of staff exposed to risk while employed plus 30 years
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Develop an AIDS Policy

Rights to be covered (confidentiality, workplace accommodation) Define benefits employees with AIDS receive

How communicate AIDS policy to employees

Identify training needs Deal with affected workers productivity issues Provide support / referral services?
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Violence in the Workplace

Harassment, threats, assaults, sabotage
Occupations with greatest risk of violence: Police officers / Security guards Taxi drivers Prison guards Bartenders Mental health professionals Gas station attendants
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Managing Sabotage
State that sabotage will not be tolerated Expense of damage is employees responsibility

Hire best people for the job and treat well

Training in conflict management Offer a 3rd-party hotline for employees to report incidents of workplace sabotage
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Profile of People Prone to Workplace Violence

White men, 30 - 40 years
Socially isolated - a loner Stress in personal life

Work is persons sole focus

Cannot deal with criticism, anger Low self-esteem

Cannot deal with authority

Fascinated with weapons
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Cumulative Trauma Disorders (repetitive stress injuries)

OSHA proposed ergonomic workplace standards to reduce CTDs
Socially responsible firms minimize risk of CTDs
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To Avoid CTDs
Stretch 2 - 3 times per hour Maintain good posture Sit erect. Feet flat on floor. Bend elbows at a comfortable angle. Sit about 18-28 inches from the screen.

Place documents at the same height and angle as monitor.

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OSHAs Voluntary Protection Program

for excellence in safety and health programs

STAR status -- work sites that provide outstanding safety and health protection to employees

MERIT status -- work sites committed to providing the best worker protection
DEMONSTRATION status -- work sites pilot-testing cutting-edge safety and health strategies that may eventually alter STAR program requirements
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Safety Programs
Safety committees of people from all departments Communicate safety using multimedia approach Use positive reinforcement / incentives to encourage safe behavior Communicate safety rules and enforce them Conduct regular inspections and accident research Make improvements to the workplace
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Managing Burnout

Characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, illness, reduced personal happiness and work accomplishments
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Wellness Programs
Identify potential health risks through screening and testing Educate employees about health risks (high blood pressure, smoking, poor diet, and stress) Encourage employees to change lifestyles through exercise, good nutrition and health monitoring
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 Case
Some employers have on-site occupational health centers (OHC), where workers injured on the job can be evaluated and treated at their place of business. The OHC is usually staffed by a nurse, occupational therapist and physical therapist.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of onsite OHCs?

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