Newsletter 23rd Edition

Good morning! This week we are rebranding and relaunching our Premium account to help you carry some of your professional workload. We are offering it free for 1 month to the first 10 people who message us here.

THIS WEEK’S TIPS

This week’s safety upgrades:

• The Impact Wellbeing™ Guide from the CDC & NIOSH

• Update on Banned Substances

• How Predictive Maintenance Enhances Workplace Safety

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

This Weeks Professional Development Tip

• Ensuring Workplace Safety Requires More Than Policies and Procedures

SAFETY KNIGHTS COMMUNITY
Looking to hire?

MENTAL HEALTH
If you’re happy and you know it…

For the last 6 years, Finland has taken home the title of the World’s Happiest Country. In a compelling exploration of workplace culture, we delve into Finland's unique societal ethos, uncovering a treasure trove of insights that can revolutionize workplace well-being strategies worldwide.

Cultural Philosophy Drives Workplace Happiness: Finland's adage, "kell' onni on, se onnen kätkeköön" (whoever has found happiness, that happiness she should hide), epitomizes the nation's understated approach to happiness. Despite its unassuming nature, this philosophy has propelled Finland to the pinnacle of global happiness rankings for six consecutive years.

Harnessing Happiness at Work: CEO Miika Mäkitalo of HappyOrNot, a Finnish company specializing in measuring workplace happiness, reflects on Finland's cultural underpinnings and their impact on workplace dynamics. With a culture that values trust, determination, and work-life balance, Finland offers a blueprint for fostering employee contentment and productivity.

Nature's Embrace: Finland's abundant natural landscapes serve as sanctuaries for its workforce, providing solace from the rigors of modern life. Encouraging outdoor activities and embracing nature-centric lifestyles mitigate occupational and societal stresses, nurturing employee well-being.

Embracing Sisu: The Finnish concept of "sisu" embodies resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. Finland's harsh winters test the resolve of its people, yet their tenacious spirit, coupled with a determination mindset, empowers individuals to overcome challenges and find fulfillment.

Cultivating Trust: Trust permeates Finnish workplaces, fostering an environment of autonomy and mutual respect. Leaders prioritize employee well-being, exemplifying a leadership style centered on service and support. This trust extends beyond the workplace, underpinning societal interactions and reinforcing a sense of security and contentment.

Family-Centric Values: Finland champions work-life balance, recognizing the symbiotic relationship between personal fulfillment and professional success. Generous vacation allowances and a culture of respecting personal time underscore Finland's commitment to family values, nurturing holistic well-being.

Humility and Collaboration: In Finland, success is measured not by material wealth or status, but by a collective pursuit of contentment. A culture of humility discourages ostentation, promoting collaboration and camaraderie in the workplace. Finnish companies, like Nokia and Supercell, epitomize this ethos, achieving global success while staying grounded in their cultural roots.

As we glean insights from Finland's workplace culture, it becomes evident that prioritizing employee well-being is not just a moral imperative but a strategic advantage. By embracing Finland's cultural principles of trust, resilience, and humility, organizations worldwide can cultivate happier, healthier, and more productive work environments.

Health Care Wellbeing

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have introduced the Impact Wellbeing™ Guide, aimed at addressing healthcare worker burnout. This guide, part of the Impact Wellbeing™ Campaign initiated in October 2023, offers practical steps for hospital leaders to enhance the mental health and wellbeing of their staff. By leveraging CDC/NIOSH's expertise and the insights from the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation, the guide outlines six actionable steps for hospital leaders to implement:

1. Conduct a review of your hospital’s operations to determine how they support professional wellbeing.

2. Build a dedicated team to support professional wellbeing at your hospital.

3. Remove barriers to seeking care, such as intrusive mental health questions on credentialing applications.

4. Develop a suite of communication tools that help you share updates with your workforce about your hospital’s journey to improve professional wellbeing.

5. Integrate professional wellbeing measures into an ongoing quality improvement project.

6. Create a 12-month plan to continue to move your hospital’s professional wellbeing work forward.

The guide, which was pilot-tested with support from CommonSpirit Health, seeks to support hospital leaders in prioritizing the wellbeing of their healthcare workforce, crucial for maintaining quality care and staff retention.

The Impact Wellbeing Guide and other resources can be found here.

Related: Psychological safety bill back before Rhode Island lawmakers

PRESENTED BY SAFETY SHIELD PRO
Let Us Help!

We know the feeling. You’re a Safety Professional overwhelmed by the constant flow of regulations and standards.

We understand that staying on top of every single regulation quickly becomes a daunting task. That’s why we’re here to help!
Introducing SAFETY SHIELD PRO – your dedicated email answering service designed to lighten your load. Our team of true subject matter experts is at your disposal, providing you with accurate, timely, and reliable answers to your most pressing safety questions.

But that’s not all!

With our service, you’ll also receive access to our innovative Newsletter Generator and Toolbox Talk Generator. These powerful tools will revolutionize the way you communicate and educate within your organization, saving you time and enhancing your safety programs.
Key Benefits:

• Expert Answers: Get quick and precise responses from seasoned safety professionals.

• Custom Newsletters: Generate engaging and informative safety newsletters with ease.

• Toolbox Talks Generator: Create compelling and relevant safety talks that resonate with your team.

Don’t let the burden of regulations slow you down. SAFETY SHIELD PRO is here to help and ensure your safety operations are as efficient and informed as they can be.

Be one of the first 10 people to contact us and get the first month FREE. today to learn more and take the first step towards a more manageable safety workflow!

WEBINARS
Harnessing AI for EHS!

Wondering how you can harness Artificial Intelligence (AI) to drive operational excellence? Don't miss the interactive discussion hosted by EcoOnline's Principal Product Director, Rob Leech, as he interviews experts in the world of AI solutions.

Why Attend:

• Stay ahead of the curve: In a rapidly evolving digital age, understanding AI's role in EHS is crucial for staying competitive and compliant

• Gain actionable insights: Learn practical strategies for harnessing AI to drive operational excellence and achieve safety and sustainability goals

• Connect with industry experts: Engage with leading minds in AI and EHS, and your industry peers for valuable networking opportunities and knowledge-sharing

Save your seat, here!

PPE
PPE Fire Sale

The City of Seattle finds itself with an excess of personal protective equipment (PPE) valued at over $1 million, purchased during the pandemic but now in surplus. While efforts are made to sell off the remaining stock, low demand results in PPE selling for a fraction of its original cost. Mike Ashbrook, from Seattle’s Department of Finance and Administrative Services, explains that the city prioritized purchasing PPE to ensure safety during the pandemic, leading to significant stockpiling. However, with the decline in demand, surplus PPE, including expired items, is being auctioned online, with some cities across the country facing similar challenges. Despite these difficulties, Seattle retains critical supplies like N95 masks in preparation for potential future emergencies, having already distributed millions of PPE items during the pandemic.

Related: States trashing troves of masks and pandemic gear as huge, costly stockpiles linger and expire.

EPA
You’re Banned!

The Environmental Protection Agency's recent ban on chrysotile asbestos marks a significant step towards protecting American families and workers from toxic chemicals. Asbestos exposure is linked to numerous illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma, resulting in over 40,000 deaths annually in the U.S. While many consumer products have phased out asbestos, certain industries still utilize it, prompting targeted regulations.

The ban particularly affects industries like aftermarket automotive products and the chlor-alkali sector, where asbestos is used in diaphragms for chemical production. This move aims to reduce future exposures and transition to safer alternatives. Despite progress, the ban is not comprehensive, leaving asbestos present in existing buildings and products.

The ban's implementation timeline grants producers five to twelve years for transitioning away from asbestos diaphragms, emphasizing a gradual phase-out approach. Additionally, specific products like oilfield brake blocks and vehicle friction products will be prohibited from containing asbestos, further safeguarding workers and consumers.

While this ban signifies progress in workplace safety, challenges remain in addressing existing asbestos-containing materials and ensuring effective enforcement across industries.

Related: New curbs on medical device sterilizer ease fears of shortages

Related: Tube workers exposed to fine dust take more absence – study

AGRICULTURE
The number we don’t know!

Agricultural occupations in the U.S. are fraught with hazards, with one of the highest rates of workplace injuries and fatalities. However, due to the absence of a centralized reporting system, obtaining a complete overview of agricultural injuries is challenging. Two recent papers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign address this issue by conducting systematic reviews of academic literature on agricultural injuries in the U.S. and globally. The first study analyzes 48 papers published in North America, identifying various surveillance methods and common injury sources. Vehicles, including tractors, emerged as the leading cause of injury and fatalities. Men were disproportionately affected, highlighting gender disparities. The second study expands the scope globally, focusing on machine-related injuries across 17 countries. Tractor overturns were a prominent cause of fatalities, particularly in North America. Differences in injury sources across continents underscore the need for region-specific interventions. The research underscores the importance of employing diverse surveillance methods to comprehensively understand agricultural injuries, informing the development of targeted educational programs and interventions.

Related: US DEPARTMENT OF LABOR JOINS INDUSTRY LEADERS, STAKEHOLDERS TO STRESS WORKPLACE SAFETY DURING 2024 STAND UP 4 GRAIN SAFETY WEEK, MARCH 25-29

DON’T FORGET YOU DISCOUNT
Don’t forget your discount SKsaves10

Compliance training online is the way to go because they've got the best content and customer service in the biz. With over 30K trusted clients, including government agencies and universities, their certificates are accepted on a federal level. Trust us, we've been in business since 2008.

NEWS
Your Virtual Water Cooler

• DOL Alleges Chemical Manufacturer Retaliated After Worker Raised Safety Concerns

• Landmark heat rules for California workers are opposed by state finance officials

• The U.S. climate is changing fast - how will this affect worker health and safety?

• The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Occupational Safety and Health Practices (OSH)

• California Workplace Violence Prevention Law: What Employers Should Know Before July 1, 2024

• Workforce health, safety and wellbeing should be at the heart of economic growth, says British Safety Council

• OSHA Investigation Uncovers Violations Following Confined Space Worker Fatality

• The Role of Predictive Maintenance in Enhancing Workplace Safety and Reducing Downtime

• How to build a successful fleet safety culture

SHARE THE NEWS

Enjoying the newsletter? Share it and earn some free Safety Knight swag. The more referrals you have the more you earn!

All you need is one to start earning.