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Good morning! Safety is not just a priority, it's a value. When we protect our people, we protect our future.
THIS WEEK’S TIPS
This week’s safety upgrades:
New EPA Emergency Order
Reducing workplace cancers
Psychosocial hazards - What you need to know
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
This Weeks Professional Development Tip
WORKPLACE HEALTH
Uniting to End Workplace Cancer.
The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) has launched a groundbreaking research initiative aimed at reducing workplace-related cancers, a significant health issue affecting about 10,000 Canadian workers annually. This initiative, co-developed with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research-Institute of Cancer Research (CIHR-ICR) and various workers’ compensation boards and labor unions, represents a concerted effort to tackle occupational cancer risks head-on.
With a total investment of $1.38 million, the CCS is funding seven innovative research projects through the Workplace Cancer Research Grants: Preventing Occupational Cancers program. These projects will investigate a range of occupational cancer risks, including exposure to asbestos, solar UV radiation, diesel exhaust, crystalline silica, radon, and the effects of shift work on cancer development. Notably, one project focuses on reducing carcinogen exposure among dental workers, while another addresses the risks faced by nearly one million Canadian workers exposed to diesel engine exhaust. Another critical study will explore how changes in gut bacteria might contribute to cancer among the 1.8 million night-shift workers in Canada.
A unique aspect of this program is its collaborative nature. The involvement of 14 workers’ compensation boards and labor unions ensures that those directly affected by workplace cancers are actively participating in the research process. These organizations are not only funding the research but also working alongside researchers to address the identified risks and advocate for necessary changes in workplace safety policies.
Dr. Stuart Edmonds, CCS's executive vice president of mission, research, and advocacy, highlighted the rigorous selection process that led to the funding of these projects. A panel of Canadian and international experts reviewed proposals from across the research community, selecting the most feasible and impactful projects that have the potential to significantly improve our understanding of occupational cancer risks.
The initiative aims to create a community of researchers dedicated to occupational cancer prevention, fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and labor organizations. The ultimate goal is to develop and implement robust cancer prevention guidelines tailored to Canada's diverse workforce, ensuring that no worker has to face the devastating consequences of workplace-related cancer.
This research program is seen as a transformative step forward in occupational health in Canada. By identifying and mitigating the links between occupational risks and cancer, the CCS hopes to implement policies that reduce exposure, protect workers, and save lives, paving the way for a future where work is truly safe for all.
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Steps to Take:
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EPA NEWS
EPA’s Emergency Order.
The EPA has issued an emergency order to remove the pesticide DCPA (also known as dacthal) from the market due to its link to fetal damage, marking the agency's first such action in nearly 40 years. The pesticide, commonly used for weed control in crops like cabbage, onions, and broccoli, has been found to affect fetal thyroid hormone levels, potentially leading to lower birth weights and developmental impairments. The EPA's decision follows a risk assessment indicating that pregnant women exposed to DCPA could face chemical levels up to 20 times higher than what is considered safe. The order is part of DCPA's registration review under federal pesticide regulations. EPA officials emphasized the urgent need to protect people from exposure, particularly pregnant women and farmworkers, who are at high risk in treated environments. The action has been praised by Rep. Raúl Grijalva as a significant step toward safeguarding farmworker health and safety.
Additionally, the EPA is proposing to ban most commercial uses of the carcinogenic chemical 1-bromopropane (1-BP) and implement worker protections for the remaining uses. This chemical, commonly used as a solvent, poses significant health risks, including cancer, according to a December 2022 risk assessment.
The proposal would prohibit all commercial uses of 1-BP, except for insulation in building materials, which the EPA determined does not pose an unreasonable risk. For allowed uses, such as in vapor degreasing and electronics, the rule would require nonfederal employers to establish chemical protection programs and enforce exposure limits within a year. Additionally, workers in manufacturing and related industries would need to use chemical-resistant gloves within six months.
This action is part of the EPA's broader effort to regulate hazardous chemicals under the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act. The final rule was published on August 8, and public comments are being accepted until September 9.
MANUFACTURING SAFETY
Food Manufacturing Needs LESS Cowbell.
Noise-induced hearing loss is a prevalent hazard in the food manufacturing industry, where equipment like compressed air systems, power saws, and packaging machinery often operate at levels that exceed 85 dB—the threshold where hearing damage begins. For EHS professionals, mitigating this risk is essential not only for compliance with OSHA and other regulatory standards but also for the overall health and productivity of the workforce.
A well-designed hearing conservation program should be a cornerstone of any EHS strategy in food manufacturing. This involves regular noise monitoring to assess the exposure levels throughout the workday, ensuring that all equipment and environments are within safe limits. Providing employees with appropriate hearing protection—such as earplugs or earmuffs—can reduce noise exposure by 20-35 dB, significantly lowering the risk of hearing damage.
Moreover, implementing regular training sessions and awareness programs is crucial. EHS professionals can drive home the importance of hearing protection, encouraging a higher compliance rate among workers who might otherwise neglect these safeguards. Job rotation and quiet periods can further help in managing exposure, allowing employees to spend part of their shift in lower-noise environments.
The benefits of prioritizing hearing conservation are substantial. By preventing hearing loss, companies can improve employee morale and well-being, which translates to increased productivity and reduced absenteeism. Additionally, fewer workers requiring hearing-related medical treatment or disability support leads to significant cost savings over time.
For EHS professionals, championing hearing conservation goes beyond regulatory compliance—it's about leading the charge in creating a safer, healthier, and more sustainable workplace. This approach not only protects the workforce but also strengthens the overall safety culture within the industry.
MENTAL HEALTH
WTF are Psychosocial Hazards and Why You Need to Care.
Psychosocial hazards are workplace elements that negatively affect employees' mental health, potentially leading to serious psychological or physical harm. They can arise from factors such as high job demands, low control, poor support, unclear roles, inadequate change management, and workplace bullying.
Importance for Businesses
Creating a workplace that supports mental health is essential for compliance with safety regulations and can enhance a business’s bottom line. Recent amendments to the Work Health and Safety Act require all businesses to proactively prevent harm, with non-compliance resulting in investigations, fines, and legal action. A supportive work environment improves employee retention and appeals to a workforce that prioritizes mental health support.
Common Psychosocial Hazards Include:
1. Bullying and Harassment: Intimidation that affects morale.
2. High Job Demands with Low Control: Leading to burnout in fast-paced environments like startups.
3. Remote Work Challenges: Issues such as loneliness and blurred boundaries between work and personal life.
Steps for Improvement:
1. Consult employees about their concerns and suggestions.
2. Identify and assess psychosocial hazards.
3. Implement strategies to mitigate these risks.
4. Monitor and review the effectiveness of these actions.
Addressing psychosocial hazards is vital for promoting mental health, ensuring compliance, and enhancing productivity and employee retention. By prioritizing psychosocial health, businesses can foster a more supportive and productive work environment.
NEWS
Your Virtual Water Cooler
IOSH expert discusses effective approaches to influence management on safety
Heatstroke death of Baltimore worker during trash collection prompts calls for workplace safety
Bird flu exposure: CDC report details worker safety measures
NIOSH study identifies key risk factors for work-related low back pain
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