Newsletter 14th Edition

Good morning! This week we take another look at a few topics we have covered in the past but, this time from a slightly different angle. Workplace falls, mental health and workplace violence don’t seem to be slowing down for many and we think it’s time to talk about all three of these again. So, if you’re ready, let’s dive in to this weeks edition!

THIS WEEK’S TIPS

Tips you’ll find in this weeks edition:

• Workplace Bullying

• Violence Prevention

• Solvent Recovery Safety

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

This Weeks Professional Development Tip

• Bridge the Gap: Communicating With a Multigenerational Workforce.

SAFETY KNIGHTS COMMUNITY
Join the Conversation.

MENTAL HEALTH
It’s just Banter.

We covered this a few months back in a previous newsletter, but it’s too important to not cover again.

The construction industry, known for its demanding nature, often overlooks the mental health of its workers, leading to issues like anxiety, depression, and burnout. The challenging work environment, long and irregular hours, and job insecurity contribute to a high-stress atmosphere. Yet, mental health concerns are often disregarded due to a culture that emphasizes toughness, creating a stigma around seeking help. However, neglecting mental health can result in severe consequences, impacting well-being, job performance, and even leading to substance abuse or suicide. Unfortunately, when it comes to mental health within the construction industry, there appears to be another contributing, complicating factor.

Over the past year, 21% of UK construction workers reported experiencing workplace bullying. With 30% saying the bullying was labelled as ‘banter’. Identifying this form of silent discrimination is a critical step in helping to reduce the the mental health crisis affecting the construction industry suicide rate more than 4 times the national average in the US and the UK reporting over 700 construction worker suicide deaths each year, equaling 2 deaths per working day. Fortunately, there are some things employers can do to help support workers.

• Training and educating employees, including managers, on mental health and how to support those struggling.

• Implement mental health procedures in the workplace such as employee wellness programs, mental health first aiders, and check-in sessions.

Resources

• Preventing Suicides in Construction (OSHA)

• What Employers Should Know About Suicide Prevention (DOL)

• Critical Steps Your Workplace Can Take Today to Prevent Suicide (CDC)

• Suicide Prevention & Response: New Tools Help Employers Take Action (American Psychiatric Association Foundation)

Recognizing signs, providing support, and fostering open conversations are crucial steps to address mental health challenges in the construction industry, ultimately contributing to a safer workplace.

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FALLS
Looks like another ‘Top Spot’ with OSHA.

For the past 13 years, OSHA's Fall Protection Standard has consistently been the most frequently cited workplace health and safety standard by employers in the United States and based on what we are seeing this week, we might as well count this year as number 14. Recent research highlights a concerning trend indicating an increase in same-level falls in workplaces, particularly among older female employees. While falls from height are more common in men, same-level falls pose a significant risk for older women. The study, based on hospital admission records in Victoria, Australia, underscores the association between workplace falls and the aging workforce. The findings emphasize the need for targeted prevention strategies, considering the demographic shift towards an older workforce. These measures may include regular risk assessments, safety training, housekeeping practices, and addressing psychological safety concerns. Employers must prioritize the safety of older workers through health screenings, tailored work practices, and suitable environmental modifications. Urgent attention and proactive steps are necessary to ensure workplace safety for all, irrespective of age or gender.

Construction Falls

An Illinois roofing contractor, Elmer Miller, operating as Miller Building Systems LLC, has been cited by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for exposing employees to falls during residential framing work in Savoy. Inspectors observed employees working without fall protection at heights exceeding 18 feet, and the company faced three willful and four serious violations. OSHA proposed $278,452 in penalties for both inspections. This marks over 20 citations for Miller in the past decade, with more than $900,000 in penalties. The violations mainly involve failure to protect workers from fall hazards while building roofs, highlighting the persistent risks in the construction industry. In 2022, falls accounted for a significant portion of construction worker fatalities, emphasizing the urgent need for improved safety measures.

Roofing Becoming Deadlier

The latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals a 7.8% increase in workplace fatalities among roofing contractors in 2022, making roofing one of the top three deadliest civilian occupations. Of the 124 fatalities, 80.6% were due to falls, trips, or slips, emphasizing the critical need for improved safety measures. Residential roofing contractors experienced a 6.5% increase in fatal injuries, while nonresidential roofing contractors saw a decrease from 28 to 19 fatal injuries. Despite a slight decrease in occupational deaths for roofers, the industry's fatal work injury rate remains high at 57.5 per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers. The data underscores the urgent need for targeted prevention strategies to protect workers in this high-risk sector.

WORKPLACE VIOLENCE
1 in 4 are WITNESSES.

Here’s another topic we’ve covered many times before and based on new data, it’s for good reason. The "Fear Factors" survey by Traliant reveals that one in four U.S. employees has witnessed workplace violence against a colleague in the past five years, and 12% have been the target of workplace violence themselves. The report, based on responses from 1,080 employees, highlights the need for employers to address safety and mental health concerns. Key findings include 90% of respondents supporting policies similar to California's new law on workplace violence prevention, 44% feeling their employers promote a speak-up culture, 86% agreeing that employers must do more for workers' mental health and 33% saying they would report workplace violence or harassment only if they could do so anonymously.

5 Steps Employers Can Take

1. Foster a speak up culture. Encourage employees to voice concerns and reassure them they will not face retaliation.

2. Establish a zero-tolerance policy towards workplace violence.

   The policy should cover all workers, patients, clients, visitors, contractors, and anyone else who may come in contact with company personnel.

3. Take a proactive and comprehensive approach to preventing and responding to workplace violence. Inspect the workplace to identify and evaluate workplace risks; Track complaints of violent or intimidating employee behavior; Create a workplace violence incident response team.

4. Conduct annual violence prevention training with all employees and managers. Include scenarios of real-life situations they may encounter, such as active shooter drills. Include how to recognize suspicious behavior, de-escalation skills and identifying escape routes.

5. Offer mental wellness benefits and resources. Good mental health improves employee engagement and productivity, while also reducing conflicts, accidents and lost workdays.

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NEWS
Your Virtual Water Cooler

• OSHA, National Demolition Association renew safety alliance.

• Large Companies Better at Managing MSD Risks.

• Ensuring Safety Compliance In Solvent Recovery Systems.

• Groups launch Safe STEM Workplaces to address sexual harassment.

• 'Emergency' or not, COVID still kills people: The new (employer) rules for staying safe.

• Edible Garden Receives OSHA Grant from the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

• DOL Introduces New Initiative Targeting Safety in Tree and Landscape Services.

• Occupational health and safety issues in human-robot collaboration: State of the art and open challenges.

• New standard for welding fume safety.

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