Newsletter 36th Edition

Dan Abbotoy
June 24, 2024

Good morning! We stumbled on this quote the other day and thought we would share it with you. Working safely may get old, but so do those who practice it. Now, on to this weeks edition.

THIS WEEK’S TIPS

This week’s safety upgrades:

Wildfires and your lungs
AI and Burnout
Working at Height Myths

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

This Weeks Professional Development Tip

4 Ways To Increase Productivity At Work

SAFETY KNIGHTS COMMUNITY
For Those About to Rock a New Gig.

BURNOUT
Make it STOP!

The mental health of Canadian workers is facing significant challenges, with younger employees particularly affected by burnout and stress. The TELUS Mental Health Index report identifies excessive workloads as a major contributing factor, raising concerns about employee well-being and productivity.

Key Findings:

Burnout Among Younger Workers: Younger employees, particularly those under 40, are experiencing burnout at significantly higher rates than their older counterparts. They are three times more likely to suffer from burnout.
Motivation and Productivity: Nearly one-third of workers report struggling with motivation. This is a critical issue as Canada addresses a nationwide productivity emergency declared by the Bank of Canada.
Heightened Anxiety and Stress: Younger workers face increased anxiety and stress, exacerbated by societal changes and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Understanding Burnout:

The TELUS survey, involving a representative sample of 3,000 Canadian workers, assesses mental health and well-being on a scale from zero to 100.
Burnout is not solely due to excessive workloads; it is also influenced by personal demands and the work environment. Younger workers, particularly those who began their careers during the pandemic, are more vulnerable due to higher sensitivity to stress and feelings of isolation.

Workload Challenges:

Nearly half of all workers feel overwhelmed by their workload, with younger employees disproportionately affected.
Establishing trust and social connections, essential buffers against stress, is particularly challenging for younger workers.

AI as a Potential Solution:

There is optimism about the role of AI in the workplace, with 33% of workers expecting a positive impact on their industry.
A significant number of employees, especially younger ones, are considering upgrading their AI-related skills. AI could streamline tasks and reduce the burden of repetitive work, potentially alleviating some burnout pressures.
However, the integration of AI must be managed carefully to avoid increasing workloads and accelerating the work pace.

Strategies for Employers:

To mitigate burnout and support employee well-being, the TELUS report suggests several strategies:

Workload Management: Prioritize tasks and give employees more control over their schedules.
Recognition and Support: Provide recognition and emphasize the value and purpose of employees' work.
Flexibility and Counseling: Offer flexible work arrangements and support services, such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), to help employees balance work and personal demands.

Conclusion:

Employers play a crucial role in addressing these challenges. By offering flexibility, recognizing employees' efforts, and providing robust support systems, they can help reduce burnout and improve overall mental health. Thoughtful integration of AI can also contribute to a healthier, more sustainable work environment.

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RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
Now onto the Wildfires.

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) is reminding employers about the resources available on its Wildfire Smoke webpage to help comply with the new wildfire smoke protection rules that took effect on January 15. These rules aim to protect workers from fine particles in wildfire smoke that can deeply affect the lungs.

Key Resources on the Wildfire Smoke Webpage:

1. Training Kit: Tools to educate employees on dealing with wildfire smoke.

2. Response Plan Template: A template for creating a workplace wildfire smoke response plan.

3. Air Quality Information: Updates and guidelines on current air quality levels.

Additional Information:

The webpage includes general wildfire smoke safety tips, workers' compensation details, and specific information for professions such as firefighters and agricultural workers.
Employers and workers are advised to watch Oregon OSHA’s instructional video on correctly using an N95 respirator.

Important Safety Tips:

Bandanas, scarves, facemasks, KN95s, or T-shirts over the nose and mouth do not provide adequate protection against wildfire smoke.
A NIOSH-approved N95 respirator is the minimum required protection.
Facial hair can prevent a proper seal for the respirator, so shaving is recommended to ensure better protection from smoke.

These resources and guidelines are designed to ensure worker safety during wildfire events, emphasizing the importance of proper protective equipment and preparedness.

HEIGHT SAFETY
Working at Height Myths Lead to Danger.

Working from height is a highly dangerous activity and the leading cause of workplace fatalities. Horizon Platforms aims to debunk common misconceptions about working safely at height:

1. Low Heights Are Safe: Workers often believe lower heights are less risky and neglect protective measures. However, falls from any height can cause serious injury.

2. No PPE for Quick Tasks: Regardless of task duration or height, personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial. A single slip can be fatal. PPE includes harnesses, guardrails, anchors, hooks, and sometimes machinery like powered access equipment.

3. Qualifications for Ladder Use: While formal qualifications aren't required, workers must be competent and knowledgeable to use ladders safely.

4. Infrequent Equipment Checks: Even if equipment has been checked before, it must be inspected before each use. Changes or damage over time can compromise safety.

5. Saving Money on PPE: Skimping on PPE can lead to higher costs from accidents, including legal action, fines, and compensation. Employers are liable for safety standards.

6. No Responsibility for Contractors: Employers are responsible for risk assessments and ensuring safe conditions for external contractors. Contractors must also follow safety protocols and ensure their own competence.

These points emphasize the importance of adhering to safety protocols and using proper protective equipment to prevent accidents and ensure worker safety at heights.

INDOOR HEAT PROTECTION
Cal/OSHA Indoor Heat Protection.

California's Occupational Health and Safety (Cal/OSHA) Standards Board has voted to implement rules to protect indoor workers from extreme heat. These rules will affect about 1.4 million indoor workers, including those in warehouses, restaurants, and refineries, ensuring their safety in dangerously hot conditions.

Previously, only Oregon and Minnesota had similar protections for indoor workers. Laura Stock, a former Cal/OSHA Standards Board member, emphasized the urgent need for these regulations, recognizing heat as a severe health hazard.

Under the new rules, when indoor temperatures reach 82°F, employers must provide cool places for employees to take breaks. When temperatures hit 87°F, employers must take additional steps, such as adjusting work schedules or using fans and air conditioning to cool workspaces. This rule is expected to be in effect by early August.

Tim Shadix, legal director of the Warehouse Worker Resource Center, highlighted the dire conditions workers face, describing some workplaces as "like a tin can baking in the sun." Early June saw record-breaking temperatures in California, with inland regions experiencing temperatures above 100°F, exacerbated by climate change.

The absence of national heat-specific protections under the federal Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) means individual states and cities have developed their own regulations. In California, the process of establishing these rules has been ongoing since 2016, with conflicts over the rule's scope delaying progress.

The finalized rule excludes the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), which has over 30 adult state-owned facilities. There are plans to develop separate regulations for these workers. Concerns were raised about the costs and feasibility of implementing these rules, particularly for small businesses and those renting their facilities.

Workers shared their experiences of extreme heat in workplaces, emphasizing the need for these protections. The urgency of implementing these rules is underscored by the increasing temperatures due to climate change, which pose a significant health risk to indoor workers.

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