#health and safety in the workplace

[scrubclean]

The Benefits of Eco-Friendly Commercial Cleaning Services for Melbourne Workplaces

1. Healthier Workplace Environment

Traditional cleaning products often contain harsh chemicals that can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, and other health problems. These chemicals can linger in the air, contributing to indoor air pollution and creating an unhealthy work environment. In contrast, eco-friendly cleaning products are made from natural ingredients that are non-toxic and biodegradable. By using these products, you can significantly reduce harmful chemicals in the workplace, leading to better indoor air quality and a healthier environment for your employees. Healthier employees are more productive, take fewer sick days, and contribute to a more positive work atmosphere.

2. Positive Environmental Impact

One of the most obvious benefits of eco-friendly commercial cleaning is the positive impact it has on the environment. Traditional cleaning products can contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), phosphates, and other chemicals that contribute to water and air pollution. When these substances are washed away, they can harm aquatic life and disrupt ecosystems. Eco-friendly cleaning products, on the other hand, are formulated to minimize environmental harm. They are often free from harmful chemicals, made from sustainable resources, and packaged in recyclable materials. By choosing eco-friendly cleaning services, your Melbourne workplace can play a part in reducing its carbon footprint and protecting the local environment.

3. Cost-Effective Cleaning Solutions

While some businesses may initially assume that eco-friendly cleaning services are more expensive, the opposite can often be true in the long run. Many eco-friendly products are highly concentrated, meaning that a smaller amount is needed to achieve the same level of cleanliness as traditional products. This efficiency can lead to cost savings over time. Moreover, eco-friendly cleaning practices often emphasize preventive measures that can extend the life of office equipment, furniture, and flooring. For example, regular maintenance using gentle, non-abrasive cleaners can prevent wear and tear, reducing the need for costly repairs or replacements. By investing in eco-friendly cleaning, your business can save money while also promoting sustainability.

4. Enhanced Company Reputation

In today’s market, consumers and clients are increasingly making purchasing decisions based on a company’s environmental practices. Businesses that prioritize sustainability are viewed more favorably and can attract environmentally conscious clients. In Melbourne, where eco-consciousness is on the rise, demonstrating a commitment to green practices can enhance your company’s reputation. Eco-friendly cleaning services are an excellent way to showcase your company’s dedication to sustainability. By promoting your use of eco-friendly cleaning products and practices, you can differentiate your business from competitors and appeal to a growing segment of environmentally aware consumers.

5. Compliance with Environmental Regulations

Melbourne, like many other cities, has stringent environmental regulations aimed at reducing pollution and promoting sustainability. Businesses are increasingly required to comply with these regulations to avoid fines and legal issues. By adopting eco-friendly commercial cleaning services, your business can ensure compliance with local environmental laws. Eco-friendly cleaning companies are often well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and can help your business stay ahead of any changes. This proactive approach not only helps you avoid potential legal issues but also positions your company as a leader in sustainable business practices.

6. Improved Employee Morale and Productivity

Employees take pride in working for a company that values their well-being and the environment. When a business demonstrates its commitment to sustainability through practices like eco-friendly cleaning, it can boost employee morale. Workers are more likely to feel valued and motivated when they see that their employer is taking steps to create a healthier workplace. Improved morale often translates to higher productivity levels. Employees who work in a clean, healthy environment are more focused, experience fewer distractions, and are more engaged in their tasks. In a city like Melbourne, where competition for top talent is fierce, offering an eco-friendly workplace can help attract and retain the best employees.

7. Long-Term Sustainability

Sustainability is not just a buzzword; it’s a critical aspect of long-term business success. Companies that invest in sustainable practices, including eco-friendly cleaning, are better positioned to thrive in the future. As environmental concerns continue to grow, businesses that fail to adopt green practices may find themselves at a disadvantage. By choosing eco-friendly commercial cleaning services, your Melbourne workplace is investing in long-term sustainability. This investment not only benefits the environment but also ensures that your business remains competitive and resilient in an increasingly eco-conscious market.

Conclusion

The benefits of eco-friendly commercial cleaning services extend far beyond just maintaining a clean workplace. From improving employee health and productivity to enhancing your company’s reputation and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, eco-friendly cleaning is a smart investment for any Melbourne business. As the demand for sustainable practices continues to rise, adopting eco-friendly cleaning services will not only help protect the environment but also position your business as a responsible and forward-thinking leader in your industry.

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[gongyussy]

the most rancid man alive

[wat3rm370n]

Unmasked and making everyone sick.

I’ve been hearing about people showing up to work sick, testing positive for covid, and not wearing a mask and working sick, despite the CDC’s recommendation that people “Stay home and away from others”, and even after feeling better they say to mask when resuming normal activities.

CDC - Respiratory Virus Guidance March 1, 2024 Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You're Sick When you go back to your normal activities, take added precaution over the next 5 days, such as taking additional steps for cleaner air, hygiene, masks, physical distancing, and/or testing when you will be around other people indoors. This is especially important to protect people with factors that increase their risk of severe illness from respiratory viruses. Keep in mind that you may still be able to spread the virus that made you sick, even if you are feeling better. You are likely to be less contagious at this time, depending on factors like how long you were sick or how sick you were.

All year long I keep hearing stories about people who are actively sick and coughing and refusing to mask in confined spaces like subway trains and crowded workplaces. And even people refusing to mask when asked to by trapped elderly people in airplanes and healthcare settings. This is a very dicey situation with the coming American public health dark age and the threat of bird flu and mask bans.

[preservationofnormalcy]

[Somewhere deep in the Bronx there’s a warehouse building with a big sign that reads “Carpet Heaven,” and I’m standing outside of it. When I blinked, it changed to “OPN Site 27.” It stayed like that after I looked at it again - a feature of the Office’s “memetic masking” that hides their locations from those not exposed to the supernatural. Or “Extranormal,” as is the Office’s preferred term. Site 27 is the official name for the location - though the staff that work there call it something else: the Station.

Graffiti dots the bricks of the building’s exterior, following me up the small stairs to the building’s entrance. There’s a nondescript door that buzzes as I approach, quietly unlatching. Past the doors, security towers loom in front of me. An electronic voice asks me to place my belongings in a tray and slide them into a conveyor. I do as I’m asked, but I’m somewhat confused - why does this place need so much security?]

A few moments later, I retrieve my things from the tray and keep moving. I’ve become used to the intentional plainness of Office locations. I’m always torn as to what it means. In a place like this, it’s obviously meant to put people off. This is Carpet Heaven, the most boring place in the world. Every panel, every wall, every chair seems to be chosen with the sole purpose of being as unremarkable as possible. But then, many interior locations within the Office are similarly designed. They’re not designed to fool anyone. Did the designers just get used to it?]

[My thoughts are interrupted as I walk into the tiny reception room, a desk with a few chairs and a single fake potted plant. A man stops his conversation with the receptionist, looking me up and down. He’s short and stocky, heavyset, a man clearly used to physical labor - and judging by the look on his face, not used to being inconvenienced at work. His hairy arms folded over a broad chest, his thick eyebrows scrunched into a wary suspicion. A thick mustache completes the look of a blue collar dad, close to retirement but not close enough.]

B] Hendricks. Ma’am.

M] Mr Koppel?

B] Call me Barry.

M] I hear you’re the person to talk to when it comes to occupational health and safety in the Office.

B] I got a reputation for it.

M] I saw the poster about, uh….unstable reality zones, and I wanted to ask you about it.

B] About the zones, or our response to ‘em.

M] Sort of…both if that’s okay. I figured a quick tour wouldn’t be out of the question.

[He nods, his arms not moving from their position across his chest. His voice had an air of curt evasiveness, clearly not enjoying my questions. Now, there’s a moment of awkward silence.]

M] You seem annoyed, Barry.

B] Yeah, well. Let’s just say I wasn’t real happy when I heard you were coming over. Especially today.

M] What’s today?

B] Work meeting later. Something I didn’t think I’d have to start late, and I hope I won’t have to.

M] I won’t take up too much of your time, I promise.

B] No. You won’t.

[It’s a veiled threat, but his tone doesn’t veil it very well. He gives the receptionist a look that she returns, and jerks his head slightly, leading me through the door deeper into the facility. Past the doors, it looks like something you’d expect from a government facility: bare concrete and pipes, emergency lights every several yards. It all looks very old. At this point, Barry seems to catch himself, his tone shifting to that of a practiced but bored tour guide as he leads me down the hallway.]

B] This is OPN Facility 27, known as the Northeastern Power Facility, or to the people that actually work here, the Station. The Station was discovered in 1932 during Operation Doorway, an attempt to investigate rumors of spatially-noncompliant buildings in the United States - that is, buildings bigger on the inside. After mapping and cataloging it, the Station had the distinction of being one of the few spatially noncompliant facilities grandfathered into current extranormal building code.

[Just down the hall is a locker room, which we move through. Barry points to a sign that reads “Hard Hat Area Past This Point” and hands me a hat taken off of a nearby peg.]

B] In other words, this facility is one of the only places in the US legally allowed to be bigger on the inside. The Office did this cause, for reasons that still ain’t totally clear, the Station anomalously produces enough electricity to power the entire eastern seaboard with no energy input. This building powers every Office facility this side of the Mississippi and north of the Mason-Dixon. New York, DC, Philly, Boston. Further than that, with hydrogen. 

[Opening the next set of doors, the facility opens up substantially, a wide open space that looks more like I’d think a warehouse would look. The ceiling several stories above, massive industrial shelves at the edges of the space, machines operating in distinct areas of the room. A forklift beeping away, carrying yellow drum barrels on a pallet. A few workers were here and there, some of them giving Barry a quizzical look that he didn’t return.]

B] It needs people like us to maintain the works during reality shifts, pump out the byproduct, keep everything in as much working order as we can.

[Another set of doors ahead - a massive sign above them reading “End of Geometrically Compliant Building Space.” The hazard symbol on the sign depicted a building within a larger building, the larger of the structures emblazoned with the eye symbol and a question mark. Another sign on the door read “Audio-Memetic Inoculation Equipment Required” with a depiction of a head wearing both a hard hat and large headphones. Barry stopped and jerked a thumb at the door. His voice was low and serious.]

B] Like any spatially-noncompliant structure, this place doesn’t make sense. This wall right here is the absolute limit of what the building’s size should allow, and as you can see, it keeps going.

[He paused, looking back the way we came for a moment.]

B] When the Office figured out they could use this place for free power, they rushed in. But the Station….it didn’t take kindly to that. It doesn’t like intruders. The higher-ups don’t like hearing it, but this place is….kinda alive. It grows, changes. We don’t know who built it, or even if anyone built it. Coulda just appeared one day. From the late 30’s to the early 40’s, it was…a lot of death, lotta guys going home without hands or legs or an eye. Machines not working right, hallways shifting around, pipe structures growing suddenly. There’s places, deep in the belly of this fucking machine, that I’ll never go…we’ve blocked off rooms where time runs in reverse, or that swap temperature extremes every forty-five seconds. Lotta guys like me laid down their lives figuring this place out, mapping it. That’s what the signs and posters are for. Every warning in this building is written in blood.

[He gestured to a worker at a nearby desk, who got up and reached for a tray.]

B] Just past these doors, there’s a hallway in complete silence. Not just a lack of sound, pure silence. If you listen to the lack of sound, you go insane. Understand?

M] I don’t understand why you can’t just…avoid it, or unravel it, or—

B] The Office ain’t gonna just put it’s head in the sand, ma’am. It can’t. And all respect to the wizards and shit upstairs, but sometimes you can’t just wave your hand and make it go away, either. The Station is important. Without us, the entire Office goes down. It’s the sacrifice we make. We gotta deal with the situation in front of us, and sometimes the situation’s got teeth. 

[The worker walked up, offering Barry two pairs of headphones and a clipboard. He took them, checked them over, and handed one to me.]

B] Here. Press the button on the right side, you’ll hear elevator music and nothing else. This’ll protect you from the silence. Then initial the sign out sheet.

[I did so, sliding the bulky device over my head and hearing generic Muzak once I hit the nub on the right. At this point, I didn’t question much of anything. They knew what they were doing. I took the clipboard from him - the sheet was keeping track of the headphones, calling them safety equipment. I wrote my initials on the sheet, noting I was a ‘visitor’, and as I did I noticed Barry and the other worker conversing in sign language.

I was slightly surprised at first. But it made sense - if you had to work a lot of the time in silence with these headphones on, it might be worth the time to teach everyone ASL. I tried not to betray any comprehension. They didn’t need to know I’d grown up with a deaf cousin, had a deaf roommate in college, that while I was rusty I could understand most of what they were saying. The two men gestured furtively, quickly, an ‘accent’ that tinged their words.]

<We have to postpone union meeting?> 

<No. Same time. Won’t take long. Lady is looking for scapegoat.>

<From Upstairs?>

<Unlikely. Ghost-talking I-R-E-N-E telling me she’s been asking around lots of departments.>

<Why?>

<Don’t know. Could be politics.>

<LA?>

[Barry looked over his shoulder, and I tried to look nonchalant, putting the clipboard on a hook by the door and giving him a smile and a thumbs up.]

<Maybe.>

[He nodded and opened the door. I felt a physical sensation as I passed the threshold, and it was silent. It was a silence so intense I could feel it on my skin. When my feet hit the floor I felt nothing, not even the vibration through my own body. It was oppressive, covering me in a heavy blanket. I heard the music in my ears but I was intensely aware that a bundle of plastic and electronics was all that stood between me and…that. I felt like an eternity. I tried to focus on the music as my vision swam, having to stop to breathe when we rounded a corner. When we finally passed through the hallway, taped marks on the floor told me where it was safe to take off my headphones. I was almost out of breath, a little disoriented.]

B] You get used to it.

M] Do you?

B] You gotta if you work here, ma’am.

[His voice slipped back into tour guide mode as the space widened again. Huge doorways on each of the three walls ahead, large enough for a vehicle to pass through. Each passageway had different signage, and two had a conveyor belt stretched across the room, running parallel above us with clear markings on the floor underneath them.]

B] To the left we have the Gearbox, straight ahead is Onto-Runoff Byproduct Packaging, and to the right is the Dynamos, where we try and funnel all power generated by the Station so it can be directed to other facilities or converted into hydrogen energy storage. 

M] Onto-Runoff?

B] That, ma’am, is the stuff on the posters.

[He pointed up to the conveyor belt. Yellow barrels traveled across the room, stamped with the Office logo on one side, and a depiction of an eye on the other.]

B] It’s a byproduct of the Station’s works. The labcoats have been studying it for decades. They’re not real sure what it is, just that it…kind of isn't. It technically doesn’t actually exist. No mass, can't be detected on any spectrum they got. Theory is that we're not actually seeing it, just the absence it creates. Pure, concentrated entropy, runoff from the Station creating energy from nothing. You can’t violate laws of spacetime without some consequences, and in this case it’s creating all this…almost-kinda-real entropy that gets everywhere if we don’t clean it up.

M] Sounds like the Ontophages.

B] Yeah, like that. They think they’re related, but we ain’t seen an Ontophage down here in ages. This non-stuff drops off pipes down in the works, or leaks out of compressors. Pools in lower areas, or gums up machines. If it touches anything outside of the works that exists, it starts to cause what the Office calls ontological dissolution - it gradually stops existing, like an acid that melts reality. Some of it gets processed for the Office’s use, some of it goes to the folks at the Yellow Circle, a good chunk of it goes to long term storage.

M] What does the Office use it for?

[At this, Barry gives me a sidelong look as we approach a small office in the corner between two junctions, little more than a shack.]

B] That part’s classified. We don’t even know. They don’t tell us. Could be a secondary energy process, could be they use it to contain something….could be a weapon.

[The tone in that last phrase…we enter the shack and Barry grabs a drink from a water cooler.]

M] You sound like you have an idea of what it’s used for.

B] A hunch. This stuff is dangerous. It’s half the reason we made the Union way back.

M] The Union? 

[I remembered them signing that word - two fingers extended on each hand, moved in a horizontally circular motion.]

B] The North American Supernatural Worker’s Guild. Started in ‘42 after the big paracompressor explosion down in sublevel 17. The Office kept pushing us, we kept cutting corners, and eventually five people died. Including my great uncle. After that, my grandfather started the Union to push for better working conditions and hazard pay. 

[His tone is softer now, taking a drink. He gestures to the Unstable Reality Zones poster on the wall, a copy of which began my trip here.]

B] I could talk all day about the history of it. We ain’t perfect, of course. Didn’t accept nonhumans until ‘63, which my father went to his grave ashamed of, but we’re the reason the Office more or less abides by the safety guidelines we’ve come up with. Without that there’s a work stoppage, and everything grinds to a halt.

M] Has there been a lot of conflict between the Union and the Office in the past?

B] It’s all conflict, ma’am. The Union and the Office are engaged in a state of irreconcilable disagreement. They wanna pay less and get more, we want better pay and better, safer work. The whole history of the Office can be seen through that lens. 

M] Do you see the posters as a win for the Union?

B] Without a doubt. You know the bodycount we’d have if we didn’t keep drilling all our safety precautions into everyone’s heads? Safety win, morale win. We need all the help we can get.

M] What do you mean?

[Barry finishes his drink, looking away, through the window looking out onto the junction.]

B] Ehh. I’ve said enough already.

M] You too, huh. 

B] Hm? 

M] Everywhere I go in this organization I’m being bounced off walls. Secrecy seems to be something you and the office both abide by. The Office acts like it’s giving me clearance, but….they’re curating my job. 

B] Mmmh. 

M] Everyone I talk to is knowledgeable about what I’m asking, sure, but they’re also….company people. All of them are either trying to cover their ass or they honestly believe that they’re doing the most important job in the world. The only person I’ve met so far with an honest opinion on the Office is you. I thought I might get some actual answers. 

B] About what? 

M] Anything. How the Office determines normality, the numbers stations, the identity of the Director…what happened in Los Angeles. 

[He stiffens.]

B] I don’t know anything about that. 

M] You said the Runoff could be used as a weapon - 

B] I said I had a hunch. Don’t put words in my mouth. 

M] What’s your hunch based on? 

B] Listen. I’m one of those guys covering my ass. If I say something I shouldn’t or I fuck up, I don’t get a slap on the wrist. I'm not some spokesman for the Board of Infernal Affairs. I’m a union officer, and we’re already on thin goddamned ice with the Office. Secrecy is a tool. We both use it for our own goals. 

M] So you can’t help me. 

B] I’m walking you back. This is fucking over. 

M] That’s…probably for the best. 

[I let the moment pass before I speak again.]

M] I don’t want to keep you from your union meeting tonight.

[He stops in his tracks, shooting a look over his shoulder. His face moves from surprise to realization to suspicion. After a moment he half turns back to me.]

B] Ma’am, what are you here for?

M] I just…want answers. All of these interviews have been someone beating around the bush because they’re scared. After your speech about it, I thought the union would be people who could stand up.

[Barry hesitates, frowns, and silently turns back to keep walking. My face burns in embarrassment, my heart racing. This wasn’t worth it. I wanted answers but this wasn’t worth it, was it? Shame now, but what if I pushed a button I couldn’t un-press?

Barry doesn’t speak. We reenter the room of silence, mechanically putting our headphones back on. As we round the corner in the hallway again, he stops. Of course I can’t hear him, but his frame calls as if he’s letting out a heavy sigh. He turns to me, and signs.] 

<Back there, I was being honest. None of us know what happened, but we know something did. We have some shipment records that don’t make sense. Runoff shipped en masse to some site that’s not on public record anymore. Something called Project D-A-M-M-E-R-U-N-G. Our records are shredded. It’s like…>

[He trailed off - with signing, he sort of stared into space and tried to find the right words.]

<Like someone or something came in and tried to destroy everything to do with a certain subject, but only mostly succeeded. Like every fiftieth paper survived or was passed over. That’s what our meeting is about tonight. We know something happened and we’re deciding what to do next. You mentioned the stations. The stations are a part of it.> 

[He pulls a pen from his vest pocket and writes down an address, handing me the paper.]

<Memorize this address, then burn it before you leave. Bring P-E-P-P-E-R-M-I-N-T oil. Put it on before you go.  You’ll need it.>

(Buy the poster here.)

[alwaysbewoke]

AGAIN?!?!?

[allthecanadianpolitics]

A Nova Scotia excavation company has been fined $80,000 after a worker died when scaffolding collapsed on one of its job sites. In a decision released Wednesday, a Nova Scotia provincial court judge in Pictou, N.S., found the failure by Blaine MacLane Excavation Ltd. to ensure scaffolding was properly installed led to the 2020 death of Jeff MacDonald, a self-employed electrician. The sentence was delivered after the excavation company was earlier found guilty of an infraction under the province’s Occupational Health and Safety Act. Judge Bryna Hatt said in her decision she found the company “failed in its duty” to ensure that pins essential to the scaffolding’s stability were present at the work site.

Continue Reading

Tagging: @newsfromstolenland

[thatrandombystander]

A worker accidentally left a gate to one of our construction sites open over the weekend and a local resident and regular complainant decided to WALK ON SITE and take photos to request we tidy it up because she thinks it's messy and unsightly.

So now there's a discussion between project management on whether to prosecute this woman with a idk up to thousand dollar fine for TRESSPASSING onto a potentially DANGEROUS CONSTRUCTION SITE without supervision or PPE and take PHOTOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE of it, because she wanted to complain about a mess that she normally can't see behind the covered fencing??????

[alianoralacanta]

Warning! Long post alert!

Thanks to @maybezax (Zax) for posting a clip on Twitter, showing several drivers crouching in exhaustion in the pit lane (not even in the shade, where this would make a bit more sense) after the 2024 Singaporean Grand Prix. It is one thing for drivers to put everything into a race, but it is unusual to see this many drivers collectively doing this at the same time. Indeed, the last time I saw this was Qatar 2023.

For anyone who doesn't remember the debacle that was Qatar 2023, the drivers were asked to race in a ridiculously hot and humid place, in cars that have to be driven with precision at high speed. It was a blatant safety issue, confirmed by multiple drivers reporting either passing out or neither do so in the cars, vision problems, someone vomiting and a driver having to be persuaded to retire (because one of the symptoms of heat exhaustion is not getting the signals to say one is ill until it the situation is severe).

- Not written names because names aren't the point here. This is about the general safety situation and anyone could easily have swapped reactions with another - or had other serious reactions - because severe dehydration is like that.

One of the ideas that was proposed was for F1 to pay attention to the wet-bulb global temperature for their location. F1 might not have adopted the idea, but it occurred to me to check, so we can see whether this was weather-related or a bunch of drivers simply went, "It's the last race before several weeks' break, let's put absolutely everything onto the track to end this phase of the season".

I've had a look at the wet-bulb rating for Marina Gardens (which I think is the closest weather station to the track that measures WGBT) and it had a wet-bulb of rating 35, or Black. This is above the Green-Yellow-Red rating Singapore usually uses for this purpose (red is for 33 C + and it is required in Singapore to offer 10-minute breaks every hour, to every worker in an outdoor occupation in these conditions https://www.mom.gov.sg/heat-stress-measures-for-outdoor-work/faqs-on-heat-stress-measures-for-outdoor-work ).

Exact readings:

S108 Marina Gardens Drive Temperature: 29.1 degrees Celcius Relative Humidity: 80.7% WBGT rating: 35 WGBT Rating: BLACK Time taken: 2024-09-23, Time 06:15:00, +08:00 ahead of the UK

(Please note that this is at the end of the night and the sun will only just have started rising. Usually, humidity drops during the night). If these drivers make it look like it was ridiculously hot and sticky out there… that's because it was.

Singapore has a Workplace Safety and Health Act covering this situation for employers and organisations alike: if the WGBT is 32 degrees or higher, and the job has to be done outdoors, every company must provide 10 minutes of rest to every worker (longer breaks are recommended above this, but aren't compulsory and I can't imagine the FIA jumping in to impose these). No exemption for sports appears to exist (there's a limited one for military personnel), nor is any other heat protection measure considered mitigation for this. The choices are:

1) Shorten the event to below an hour. 2) Postpone the event until WGBT is below 32 degrees Celcius. 3) Red-flag the race for 10 minutes every hour, starting the count from when the last marshal has had chance to get to the rest area following the last car entering the pits, and giving all marshals chance to resume their posts before resuming the race.

The race was longer than 1 hour. I did not see the FIA or the teams offer a break. (For those of you saying, "the drivers could have parked if they wanted to follow the law", the FIA is responsible for the marshals and they can't take their mandatory break until all the athletes are taking theirs, so mandation from the FIA and co-enforced by teams would be the only way to make this work).

Since the FIA has not obeyed this standard, it is now liable for every single issue that occurs from this. We know the F1 drivers struggled and they train for this exact scenario quite intensely. If any marshal complained to the Ministry of Manpower about this (and I would be surprised if all of them handled it better than the drivers), then the FIA would be liable, which in turn would make the teams jointly liable - even if everyone in the teams and travelling part of the paddock were OK with this arrangement.

It also underlines how important it is that WGBT is adopted before Qatar and the FIA and teams all be bound by it. I don't know what Qatar's laws are about WGBT, but it is unlikely that a F1 struggling with a Singapore that it's been to successfully for years prior to this would otherwise be equipped to handle a Qatar that it barely got away with last time it went there (on a less stressful calendar, with a FIA that was less complacent about safety).

[ehssafetynewsamerica-blog]

US Labor Department investigating HelloFresh for alleged migrant child labor in Aurora, Illinois - ABC7 Chicago

Popular meal kit service HelloFresh is being investigated for allegedly employing migrant children in Aurora, Illinois. — Read on abc7chicago.com/post/hellofresh-news-us-labor-department-investigating-alleged-migrant-child-aurora-illinois/15625851/

[reasonsforhope]

"How much safer has construction really gotten? Let’s take a look.

Construction used to be incredibly dangerous

By the end of the 19th century, what’s sometimes called the second industrial revolution had made US industry incredibly productive. But it had also made working conditions more dangerous...

One source estimates 25,000 total US workplace fatalities in 1908 (Aldrich 1997). Another 1913 estimate gave 23,000 deaths against 38 million workers. Per capita, this is about 61 deaths per 100,000 workers, roughly 17 times the rate of workplace fatalities we have today...

In a world of dangerous work, construction was one of the most dangerous industries of all. By the 1930s and early 1940s the occupational death rate for all US workers had fallen to around 36-37 per 100,000 workers. At the same time [in the 1930s and early 1940s], the death rate in construction was around 150-200 deaths per 100,000 workers, roughly five times as high... By comparison, the death rate of US troops in Afghanistan in 2010 was about 500 per 100,000 troops. By the mid-20th century, the only industry sector more dangerous than construction was mining, which had a death rate roughly 50% higher than construction.

We see something similar if we look at injuries. In 1958 the rate of disabling injuries in construction was 3 times as high as the manufacturing rate, and almost 5 times as high as the overall worker rate.

Increasing safety

Over the course of the 20th century, construction steadily got safer. 

Between 1940 and 2023, the occupational death rate in construction declined from 150-200 per 100,000 workers to 13-15 per 100,000 workers, or more than 90%. Source: US Statistical Abstract, FRED

For ironworkers, the death rate went from around 250-300 per 100,000 workers in the late 1940s to 27 per 100,000 today.

Tracking trends in construction injuries is harder, due to data consistency issues. A death is a death, but what sort of injury counts as “severe,” or “disabling,” or is even worth reporting is likely to change over time. [3] But we seem to see a similar trend there. Looking at BLS Occupational Injuries and Illnesses data, between the 1970s and 2020s the injury rate per 100 workers declined from 15 to 2.5.

Source of safety improvements

Improvements in US construction safety were due to a multitude of factors, and part of a much broader trend of improving workplace safety that took place over the 20th century.

The most significant early step was the passage of workers compensation laws, which compensated workers in the event of an injury, increasing the costs to employers if workers were injured (Aldrich 1997). Prior to workers comp laws, a worker or his family would have to sue his employer for damages and prove negligence in the event of an injury or death. Wisconsin passed the first state workers comp law in 1911, and by 1921 most states had workers compensation programs.

The subsequent rising costs of worker injuries and deaths caused employers to focus more on workplace safety. According to Mark Aldrich, historian and former OSHA economist, “Companies began to guard machines and power sources while machinery makers developed safer designs. Managers began to look for hidden dangers at work, and to require that workers wear hard hats and safety glasses.” Associations and trade journals for safety engineering, such as the American Society of Safety Professionals, began to appear...

In 1934, the Department of Labor established a Division of Labor Standards, which would later become the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), to “promote worker safety and health.” The 1935 National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), which legalized collective bargaining, allowed trade unions to advocate for worker safety.

Following WWII, the scale of government intervention in addressing social problems, including worker safety, dramatically increased.

In addition to OSHA and environmental protection laws, this era also saw the creation of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

OSHA in particular dramatically changed the landscape of workplace safety, and is sometimes viewed as “the culmination of 60 or more years of effort towards a safe and hazard-free workplace.”"

-via Construction Physics (Substack newsletter by Brian Potter), 3/9/23

[scrubclean]

Why Scrub Cleaning Is Essential for Your Workplace in Melbourne, Australia

Maintaining a clean and healthy workplace environment is crucial for businesses in Melbourne, Australia. Cleanliness contributes to the health and safety of employees, improves productivity, and enhances a company's image. With Melbourne's growing business environment, workplaces ranging from offices to industrial sites must ensure a high standard of cleanliness. One of the best ways to achieve this is through professional scrub cleaning. This article will explore why scrub cleaning is essential for your workplace in Melbourne and the benefits it brings.

1. Ensuring Health and Safety in the Workplace

In Melbourne, businesses must comply with workplace health and safety regulations to protect employees from harmful conditions. Dirt, dust, bacteria, and allergens can accumulate in office spaces, warehouses, or retail environments, posing health risks to staff and customers. Professional scrub cleaning helps eliminate these contaminants, keeping surfaces like floors, walls, and workstations free from germs.

A clean workplace minimizes the risk of respiratory problems, allergies, and illnesses like the flu or cold. These can spread rapidly in an unclean environment, leading to more sick days and decreased productivity. Regular scrub cleaning reduces the number of germs, bacteria, and allergens present, which improves indoor air quality and ensures a healthier work atmosphere.

2. Boosting Employee Productivity

The appearance and cleanliness of a workspace directly affect employee morale and productivity. An untidy or dirty environment can lead to distractions, discomfort, and stress, while a clean, organized space encourages focus, efficiency, and creativity. In Melbourne, where industries like finance, education, and retail thrive, high levels of productivity are essential for businesses to stay competitive.

Scrub cleaning is a thorough method that ensures all areas, including hard-to-reach corners and high-traffic zones, are deeply cleaned. By maintaining a clean environment, employees are more likely to take pride in their workspace, which can contribute to better performance and overall job satisfaction.

3. Improving Company Image and Client Perception

First impressions matter, especially for businesses in Melbourne’s bustling economy. Clients, partners, and potential customers judge a business not just by its products or services, but by the environment it operates in. An unclean workplace can give off a negative impression, suggesting disorganization, lack of professionalism, or negligence.

Scrub cleaning ensures that your workplace looks spotless and well-maintained, creating a welcoming and professional atmosphere for anyone who visits. This is especially important in industries like retail, hospitality, and real estate, where customers regularly interact with the business environment. A clean, polished workspace can make clients feel more comfortable, confident, and inclined to do business with you.

4. Extending the Lifespan of Office Equipment and Infrastructure

Dust, dirt, and grime can cause wear and tear on office furniture, carpets, and electronic equipment. In Melbourne's fluctuating climate, this build-up can happen quickly, especially in areas with high humidity or near the city’s busy industrial districts. Floors, especially, are susceptible to damage from heavy foot traffic and spills, which can result in costly repairs or replacements if not properly cleaned and maintained.

Scrub cleaning goes beyond the surface, removing built-up dirt and grime that can deteriorate materials over time. This not only helps extend the lifespan of your office equipment, furniture, and floors but also saves your business money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent replacements or deep restoration services.

5. Meeting Environmental Standards and Promoting Sustainability

In Melbourne, there is increasing awareness about the importance of environmental sustainability. Many businesses are adopting green practices to reduce their environmental footprint and meet local regulations. Scrub cleaning can play a role in supporting sustainability efforts, especially when using eco-friendly cleaning products and methods.

Professional cleaning services in Melbourne are often equipped with environmentally friendly cleaning solutions that are non-toxic and biodegradable, ensuring that your workplace remains safe for employees while minimizing harm to the environment. This not only helps in reducing water and chemical waste but also promotes a healthier workplace for everyone involved.

6. Reducing Workplace Accidents and Liability

Workplace accidents, such as slips, trips, and falls, are among the most common causes of injuries in office and industrial environments. In Melbourne, businesses are legally obligated to ensure the safety of their employees and customers. Dirty or wet floors, cluttered spaces, and unsanitary conditions can increase the likelihood of accidents, which can lead to costly lawsuits and insurance claims.

Scrub cleaning ensures that floors are thoroughly cleaned and maintained, reducing the chances of accidents caused by slipping or tripping. Regular cleaning of high-traffic areas such as hallways, stairwells, and entrances helps to keep these spaces safe for employees and visitors. By maintaining a clean and hazard-free environment, businesses can avoid liability issues and ensure compliance with workplace safety regulations.

7. Customized Cleaning Solutions for Different Industries

Melbourne is home to a diverse range of industries, from healthcare and education to manufacturing and hospitality. Each industry has unique cleaning requirements, and scrub cleaning services can be customized to meet these specific needs. For example:

Healthcare facilities: Require deep cleaning and disinfection to prevent the spread of infections and ensure a sterile environment.

Retail stores and restaurants: Need frequent cleaning of floors and high-contact surfaces to maintain a hygienic and pleasant atmosphere for customers.

Industrial sites and factories: Often deal with oil, grease, and other heavy contaminants that require specialized cleaning solutions to maintain cleanliness and safety.

By working with professional scrub cleaning services, businesses can develop a tailored cleaning plan that addresses their industry’s specific needs and maintains the highest standards of cleanliness.

8. Saving Time and Allowing Focus on Core Business Activities

One of the most significant advantages of outsourcing scrub cleaning to professionals is that it frees up your team to focus on their core tasks. Instead of dedicating time and energy to managing in-house cleaning efforts, businesses can rely on experienced cleaning professionals who use advanced equipment and techniques to get the job done efficiently.

For companies in Melbourne, where business hours can be hectic, having a professional cleaning service take care of scrub cleaning ensures that the workplace remains clean without disrupting daily operations. This not only boosts efficiency but also allows employees to focus on what they do best, ultimately contributing to the company’s success.

9. Supporting Melbourne’s Local Cleaning Industry

By choosing professional scrub cleaning services based in Melbourne, businesses also contribute to the local economy. Supporting local companies helps generate jobs and strengthens the community, creating a positive economic impact. Melbourne is home to many skilled cleaning professionals who are familiar with the city's unique climate and environmental challenges, making them well-equipped to handle workplace cleaning needs effectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, scrub cleaning is not just about keeping your workplace looking good; it’s an essential service that ensures the health, safety, and productivity of your employees while enhancing your company’s image. For businesses in Melbourne, Australia, where cleanliness and professionalism are key to success, investing in regular scrub cleaning is a smart decision that can yield significant benefits.

From improving indoor air quality to extending the lifespan of office equipment and reducing workplace accidents, scrub cleaning offers numerous advantages that make it an essential part of any workplace maintenance plan. Whether you run an office, retail store, or industrial facility, maintaining a clean environment is crucial to fostering a positive work atmosphere and staying competitive in Melbourne's dynamic business landscape.

For more information and updates, visit our Facebook page or check out our official website.

Our Website Page - https://scrubclean.com.au/

[nando161mando]

Workplace well-being has declined in the US

https://www.futurity.org/workplace-well-being-3246762-2/

[m2yacademy12]

Achieving Global Safety Excellence: The NEBOSH International Diploma

Article:

In today's globalized world, the importance of workplace health and safety cannot be overstated. Organizations operating across borders face unique challenges in ensuring the well-being of their workforce. The NEBOSH International Diploma has emerged as a leading qualification for health and safety professionals, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to manage risks and promote a culture of safety in diverse working environments.

Understanding the NEBOSH International Diploma

The NEBOSH National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health International Diploma is a prestigious and comprehensive qualification designed for individuals pursuing a career in health and safety management. Recognized globally, it provides an in-depth understanding of occupational health and safety principles, enabling professionals to implement effective safety management systems in various industries.

Why Choose the NEBOSH International Diploma?

1. Global Recognition

The NEBOSH International Diploma is acknowledged worldwide, making it an ideal qualification for those aiming to work in multinational companies or different countries. Employers value the diploma as it demonstrates a high level of competence and commitment to health and safety.

2. Comprehensive Curriculum

The diploma covers a wide range of topics, including hazard management, risk assessment, incident investigation, and health and safety law. It ensures that graduates have a thorough understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of occupational health and safety.

3. Career Advancement

Holding a NEBOSH International Diploma can significantly enhance career prospects. Many graduates progress to senior health and safety roles, such as Health and Safety Manager, Consultant, or Advisor. The qualification also paves the way for further academic pursuits, such as a Master's degree in occupational health and safety.

4. Flexibility in Learning

NEBOSH offers flexible learning options, including classroom-based courses, online learning, and blended learning approaches. This flexibility allows professionals to balance their studies with work commitments.

Course Structure and Assessment

The NEBOSH International Diploma is divided into four units:

Unit IA: International Management of Health and Safety

Unit IB: International Control of Hazardous Agents in the Workplace

Unit IC: International Workplace and Work Equipment Safety

Unit DNI: International Application of Health and Safety Theory and Practice

Assessment is through written examinations for Units IA, IB, and IC, and a workplace-based assignment for Unit DNI. The rigorous assessment process ensures that only those with a comprehensive understanding of health and safety principles achieve the diploma.

Real-World Impact

Professionals with a NEBOSH International Diploma play a critical role in reducing workplace accidents and illnesses. They are equipped to identify potential hazards, implement effective control measures, and foster a safety-conscious culture within their organizations. This not only protects employees but also enhances organizational reputation and compliance with international safety standards.

Conclusion

The NEBOSH Courses is a gateway to a successful career in health and safety. Its global recognition, comprehensive curriculum, and flexibility make it an excellent choice for professionals dedicated to making workplaces safer and healthier. As industries continue to prioritize the well-being of their workforce, the demand for qualified health and safety professionals with a NEBOSH International Diploma will undoubtedly rise, ensuring a safer future for all.

[autistic-shaiapouf]

Beginning to really wonder how much of my financial concern is manufactured and handed to me as opposed to something I'm genuinely concerned by

[bnyrbt]

The Federal Advisory Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) is seeking public comment on reducing injuries and illnesses in the federal workforce and establishing while maintaining effective occupational safety and health programs. It’s important to submit a personalized comment, which could include counting COVID infections as an illness in the workplace, maintaining N95 masks in healthcare settings in care of COVID patients, ensuring access to high quality respirators in the workplace, improving ventilation, and implementing air filtration in all indoor settings. Feel free to use the points or borrow the language in our sample letter below.

Docket No. OSHA-2023-0012 COVID-19 infections continue to injure, harm, and cause mortality among Americans. Based on both case counts and estimates, millions of Americans also are suffering from Long COVID. It is important that Americans, those in the federal workforce and patients cared for in health care settings are also protected from COVID-19 infections. SARS-CoV-2 is spread via inhalation of aerosol particles with a higher risk at indoor settings compared to outdoor settings. Layers of protection including high quality respirators such as N95s, ventilation, and air filtration have been demonstrated to protect individuals from a COVID19-infection. COVID-19 infections must be counted as an illness in any workplace setting. Designating COVID-19 as an illness will allow federal workers sick with COVID-19 to have enough time to properly rest and recover from an infection, Furthermore, it will protect coworkers and clients from a COVID-19 infection, which will ultimately prevent outbreaks.  OSHA plays an important role in ensuring healthcare workers are protected from infections when caring for COVID-19 patients, and patients are protected from workers infected with COVID-19. Policies must remain in place to ensure healthcare workers have access to high quality N95 respirators when caring for COVID-19 patients and that COVID-19 patients must be quarantined in a negative pressure room. If healthcare workers stop wearing N95 respirators while caring for COVID-19 patients, many more will develop COVID-19. Because over 50% of COVID-19 transmission occurs before people develop symptoms, they may pass it to their coworkers or patients in a maskless healthcare setting. Policies must also be established that allow workers to use a high quality respirator in their workplace setting at all times.  I ask OSHA to fulfill its mission, which is “to protect the safety and health of America’s workers.” COVID-19 remains a serious safety and health issue for America’s workers. I ask that you ensure agencies such as CDC provide the best recommendations that employ a multi-layer approach to protect federal workers and their clients from COVID-19 infections.

Submitted comments to Docket No. OSHA-2023-0012 must be received by OSHA no later than September 29, 2023 11:59 p.m., EST

[constructionsafetynetwork]

Ladder Safety

Ladder safety is a crucial topic for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. This article will delve into the best practices for ladder use and why adhering to these guidelines is vital for preventing accidents and ensuring safety. The Basics of Ladder Safety When it comes to ladder safety, the importance of selecting the right ladder for your specific task cannot be overstated. The first step…