Newsletter 18th Edition

Good morning! We know your time is limited which is why we created the most comprehensive EHS newsletter out there. All the news and info you need, in one newsletter, once a week. So, if you’re ready, let’s dive in to this weeks edition.

THIS WEEK’S TIPS

This week’s safety upgrades:

• Looking at Mental Health by the Numbers

• OSHA news

• Gender Based Violence Webinar

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

This Weeks Professional Development Tip

• The art of benevolent leadership: Embracing the principles of Bushido in the modern business world

SAFETY KNIGHTS COMMUNITY
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SPORTS
Construction and TOSHA teaming up with new Stadium build.

Last week we gave the NFL a hard time when it came to player safety and rightfully so. This week we are giving credit, where credit is due.

The construction of the new Nissan Stadium in Nashville is a massive undertaking, expected to employ 19,000 workers over three years. Recognizing the importance of workplace safety, the Tennessee Builders Alliance (TBA) has partnered with the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration (TOSHA) to prioritize the well-being of workers. This voluntary partnership includes consultative services from TOSHA to identify and mitigate workplace hazards without imposing fines on employers. Tyler White, the Environmental Safety and Health Director for TBA, emphasizes that safety is their top priority, and this collaboration aims to ensure a safe environment for everyone involved in the project. The new stadium, spanning nearly 1.85 million square feet with a translucent roof, will host Tennessee Titans games and other events, underscoring the need for robust safety measures. TOSHA Assistant Commissioner Wendy Fisher lauds the partnership as innovative and potentially life-saving, reflecting the commitment of both organizations to worker welfare.

Unfortunately, this is not something we have seen take place around the NFL when it comes to new stadium construction or improvements. Last November a carpenter died while working on Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

Personally, we would love to see this as a requirement for all stadium and construction improvements throughout all industries. If you’re going to build, why not build right?

NFL, Amazon team up for safety

The National Football League (NFL) has partnered with Amazon's AWS division to deploy artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning across all 32 NFL clubs, aiming to enhance player health and safety. This initiative, known as the "digital athlete," analyzes players' actions during training, practice, and games to offer personalized injury prevention insights and improve player safety. Similar efforts are underway in other professional sports leagues, such as the NBA and MLB, where AI is used to optimize athlete performance and prevent injuries. The Milwaukee Bucks, for example, leverage AI to enhance marketing and sales efforts, connecting more efficiently with fans and boosting revenue. In addition to business applications, AI aids in performance evaluation, injury prevention, and game analysis in sports like baseball and soccer. Through data analytics and predictive algorithms, AI provides valuable insights into player performance, informs training strategies, and helps mitigate injury risks. Moreover, AI-powered technologies like virtual reality and simulation enhance training and enable athletes to practice in realistic scenarios. Overall, AI is revolutionizing sports by offering innovative solutions to enhance player safety, improve performance, and elevate the fan experience.

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MENTAL HEALTH
The Mental Health Olympics (we wish).

The global workplace landscape is increasingly recognizing the impact of stressors on employee mental health, ranging from work-related pressures to broader societal issues. While there's a growing acceptance of discussing mental health at work, many employees still feel uncomfortable due to stigma and fear of judgment.

A recent poll by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) revealed significant stress sources, with "the state of the world" ranking high. Burnout rates are alarming, with over half of respondents reporting burnout due to job demands, highlighting the correlation between mental health discomfort and workplace stress.

Employers are taking note of these concerns, as evidenced by Mercer's health benefits survey, which identified depression, anxiety, and job-related stress as top concerns. Many employers are conducting anti-stigma campaigns and providing manager training to support employee mental health.

Despite these efforts, gaps remain in mental health support globally. Multinational employers, such as Scotiabank, strive to provide equitable mental health coverage while considering local cultural and legal nuances. However, differing approaches to diagnosis and treatment pose challenges.

Canada has made strides in mental health initiatives, including implementing the National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace. Yet, there's room for improvement, with a need for a sharper focus on psychological health and safety at the workplace level.

In Europe, employers emphasize ease of access to mental health support, leveraging digital channels and manager training. Similarly, Australian employers are shifting towards preventative and inclusive approaches, including mental-health first-aid training and financial coaching.

Addressing mental health comprehensively requires a global strategy that ensures a seamless experience for all employees while acknowledging local cultural and legal considerations. This includes providing access to resources, training, and support systems to create psychologically safe workplaces worldwide.

The Numbers

NAMI Poll (United States):

• 74% of employees believe it's appropriate to discuss mental health concerns at work.

• Only 58% of employees personally feel comfortable discussing mental health at work.

• 86% of employees believe direct managers are responsible for helping employees feel comfortable discussing mental health.

• 85% of employees believe human resources are responsible for helping employees feel comfortable discussing mental health.

• 78% of employees believe senior leaders are responsible for helping employees feel comfortable discussing mental health.

• 52% of respondents reported feeling burnt out at some point in the past year due to their jobs.

• 36% of respondents felt their mental health suffered due to work demands.

 Most common stressors identified by respondents

• "The state of the world": 68%

• "Your job": 48%

• "Your finances": 45%

• "Your personal life": 41%

• "Your physical health": 40%

• "Your mental health": 37%

Telus Health's Mental Health Indexes (2023):

• U.S. had the highest average mental-health score: 68.9 out of 100.

• Australia had an average score of 64.5.

• Canada had an average score of 64.3.

• Hong Kong had an average score of 59.9.

• Malaysia had an average score of 59.6.

• Japan had an average score of 58.1.

• Korea had an average score of 57.8.

• Canada reported a high mental-health risk population of 32% and a low-risk population of 25%.

• Poland had the largest high-risk population at 49% and the smallest low-risk population at 10%.

• The Netherlands had the smallest high-risk population at 19% and a low-risk population of 32%.

OHSA & STATE NEWS
Let’s take a walk.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is undergoing a final review of its rule regarding worker walkaround representation, which would allow workers to designate a third party, including labor union members, to represent them during OSHA inspections. The proposed rule received comments from both Republican and Democrat leaders, with opposing views on its necessity. While some argue that the rule will interfere with labor-management relations and harm employers, others advocate for workers' rights to representation and safety. A coalition of organizations supports the proposal, emphasizing the importance of workers' voices in ensuring workplace safety. If approved, the rule would empower workers to select a representative of their choice during safety inspections, potentially improving hazard identification and reducing the fear of retaliation. Leaders of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (National COSH) applaud the proposed regulation, highlighting its potential to enhance workplace safety and prevent occupational illnesses, injuries, and fatalities. The rule's approval is awaited following review by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs.

OSHA Report: Severe Injuries in Oil & Gas Industry

OSHA examined severe work-related injuries in the oil and gas extraction industry from January 2015 to July 2022. The report highlights a total of 2,101 severe injuries, with well service contract workers experiencing the highest number of amputations and hospitalizations. Upper extremity injuries accounted for 43% of all severe injuries, with contract workers in certain subindustries experiencing disproportionately more injuries. The report recommends preventive measures such as including contractors in safety plans, implementing effective safety management systems, and providing consistent safety training to enhance safety culture and reduce these preventable injuries.

Read the full report here.

Colorado Eyes Violence Prevention

A new bill in Colorado, the Violence Prevention in Health Care Settings Act (H.B. 24-1066), aims to address workplace violence in healthcare facilities. It mandates the establishment of violence prevention committees in hospitals, ERs, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings. These committees would document incidents, develop prevention plans, and provide training. The bill has been introduced by several legislators and referred to the House Health and Human Services Committee.

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NEWS
Your Virtual Water Cooler

• OSHA Will Advocate for Worker Safety at the 2024 Construction Ready Career Expo.

• The Decline of Workplace Safety and Well-being: The Impact of Toxic Organizational Culture and Leadership.

• Workplace Safety on the Airport Ramp: FAA or OSHA Jurisdiction?

• NFL, UNLV Medical Leaders Convene for Health and Safety Super Bowl Medical Summit.

• Lock in Safety, Protect workers from electrical hazards with lockout/tagout procedures.

• NIOSH Looks at Homecare Worker Injuries.

• Webinar: Gender-based violence: DOL to host webinar for service industry.

• Young Iowans work to improve farm safety.

• 4 Tips for Building a Culture of Health and Safety in the Workplace.

• PACIFIC NORTHWEST EXPANSION: Citadel EHS establishes a Seattle, WA office location offering industrial hygiene and safety consulting services.

• Research: The association between work interval regularity and sleep regularity: A two-week observational study in daytime employees.

• Training Session: CNMI DOL-OSHA to host free safety culture training sessions.

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