#worker safety protections

[iww-gnv]

It’s not the disease-carrying mosquitoes, the scorpions, or the 22-kilogram tanks full of pesticide strapped to his back that Wendell Van Pelt fears. It’s the heat. This summer, while spraying insect-killing chemicals in the gardens of the rich in Greater Scottsdale, Arizona, Van Pelt has endured temperatures well in excess of 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Stepping past velvety green lawns and lagoon-like pools on his rounds, the field training manager at Mosquito Squad, a pest control service, has at times felt like he's “living in an oven.” But Van Pelt has had respite from the scorching conditions: a cloak of cooling power wrapped around his torso—a vest filled with ice. “I love it,” he says, describing how his backpack filled with pesticide or natural repellent seems to amplify the effect: “That backpack is almost pressing the cold into your back. It just feels fantastic.” Van Pelt knows that heat stress can be very dangerous. Everyone should be mindful of the risks, he emphasizes. And due to climate change and multiple recent heat waves, awareness of those risks is growing around the world. Millions of workers who toil outside, or in indoor spaces where temperatures can climb to unbearable levels, are increasingly adopting special strategies to cope. Cooling garments—vests, hats, and scarves—are among them.

[Read the rest]

[lem0nademouth]

sorry for not identifying as one end of a political horseshoe in my instagram bio but you’re gonna have to actually ask me about my values and morals and beliefs to know what they are

[lyncotek]

Introduction

This article will discover How Commercial Outdoor Entrance Mats Can Improve Safety. In industrial environments, retaining costs under control and visitor and worker safety paramount are crucial issues. Strategically setting outdoor entrance mats is one often-not-noted method that efficiently addresses both troubles. This mattress reduces the cost of maintenance and overhaul by preventing falls and spills by preserving the environment around indoors for longer

Understanding the Diversity of Commercial Outdoor Entrance Mats

There are numerous types of business outdoor entrance mats, each made to fit unique situations and necessities. Options starting from absorbent mats that take in moisture to scraper mats that successfully dispose of debris from footwear are to be had to meet any need. Aesthetic choices, weather, and foot traffic quantity are only a few of the factors to recollect even as choosing the correct mat.

Enhanced Safety with Commercial Outdoor Entrance Mats

The primary purpose of outside entrance mats is to improve safety by using reducing the threat of journeys, falls, and slips. This matting drastically decrease the hazard of mishaps by using imparting an extra traction-rich floor, particularly in damp or slick circumstances. They also keep footwear from being tracked interior and developing problems by collecting moisture and particles from shoes.

How Commercial Outdoor Entrance Mats Reduce Maintenance Costs

Over time, you may store quite a little cash on protection by investing in great outdoor front mats. These mats protect indoor flooring surfaces from dust and moisture at the entrance, increasing their durability and decreasing the want for common cleaning. By doing this, exertion fees are decreased and the demand for expensive cleaning resources and gear is reduced as nicely.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Commercial Outdoor Entrance Mats

When deciding on access mats for commercial locations, there are a few matters to not forget. These include elements together with placement and length to guarantee top-of-the-line insurance and efficacy, sturdiness to face up to sturdy foot visitors and awful weather, and customization selections to meet branding specifications.

Installation and Maintenance Tips

To maximize the use and durability of outside entrance mats, proper installation and maintenance are crucial. By using the counseled installation techniques, you could lessen the hazard of journeys and falls by ensuring the mats are firmly and flatly hooked up. Moreover, frequent upkeep and cleansing, such as vacuuming, shaking, and washing, contribute to their persevered efficacy.

Cost-Effectiveness and Return on Investment

Good entrance mats may be steeply-priced up the front, but in the long run, the benefits heaps outweigh the price. These mats provide corporations a robust go-back on funding because of the reality they minimize place and tear on interior surfaces, decrease the want for ground cleanings, and avoid injuries that could cause pricey legal responsibility claims.

Environmental Sustainability

Eco-friendly access mat solutions are developing in reputation as sustainability will become an extra considerable issue for companies. These mats, which might be lengthy-lasting and products of recycled substances, help business sustainability objectives in addition to making indoor space purifiers.

Future Trends in Entrance Mat Technology

It is anticipated that future developments in entrance mat generation will concentrate on improving effectiveness and overall performance. Mats with superior dirt and moisture retention and much less complex protection will quit result from material and design enhancements. Real-time mat overall performance monitoring and management also can be made possible via integration with clever building systems.

Conclusion

Commercial outdoor entrance mats play a crucial position in improving safety and decreasing preservation prices in business spaces. By preventing slips and falls, minimizing dirt and moisture access, and defensive indoor surfaces, those mats provide a cost-effective approach to commonplace facility management demanding situations.

FAQs

How do outdoor entrance mats improve safety?

Can entrance mats really reduce maintenance costs?

What types of materials are used in commercial entrance mats?

How often should outdoor entrance mats be cleaned?

Are there any regulations regarding entrance mats for commercial spaces?

[girderednerve]

The proposed crackdown on silica follows a fraught history of the mine safety agency's decades of failure to protect miners from the toxic dust. The proposal also overlooks a history of overexposure at coal mines.

Again, this downplays the need and justification for action.

The rule notes that 93% of silica dust samples have been in compliance with existing silica dust limits since 2016. But the remaining 7% of samples amount to 5,300 instances of excessive exposure to the dust based on the newly proposed limit, according to MSHA data analyzed by Louisville Public Media and Public Health Watch.

In the 30 years leading up to 2016, agency data analyzed by NPR and Frontline found 21,000 excessive silica dust samples based on the existing limit. More than twice that many dust samples — 52,000 — exceeded the newly proposed limit.

This means that coal miners worked amid dangerous levels of silica dust — which is easily inhaled, easily lodges in lungs and can lead to severe disease and death — tens of thousands of times in 30 years.

During those three decades, the risk of silica dust exposure increased, as mining consumed the thickest coal seams, leaving thinner seams embedded in rock. Cutting those thinner seams generated more fine silica particles.

Also, during that period, the agency did not respond effectively to the threat.

[workersolidarity]

🇦🇺 🧑‍🔧✊ 🚨 AUSTRALIA BECOMES THE FIRST NATION IN THE WORLD TO BAN ENGINEERED STONE DUE TO HEALTH RISKS TO WORKERS

Australia became the first nation in the world to ban engineered stone due to the health risks to workers, local media reported on Wednesday, with the ban due to take effect in July, 2024.

Australia made the decision during a meeting of the Commonwealth, State and territory workplace ministers. The move was made in response to a surge in the lung disease, Silicosis.

Australia's Assistant Secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions, Liam O'Brien, is quoted as saying, "Engineered stone is a fashion product that is killing the workers who make it."

"With alternatives readily available, why are we risking the lives of tradies for a fashionable finish in our kitchens?" O'Brien added.

Engineered stone has been used in Australia since the mid-2000's, with the first cases linked to engineered stone arising in 2015, with hundreds of cases having since developed.

#source

@WorkerSolidarityNews

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

John Darko

* * * *

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

July 19, 2023

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

JUL 20, 2023

A little more than two years ago, on July 9, 2021, President Biden signed an executive order to promote competition in the U.S. economy. Echoing the language of his predecessors, he said, “competition keeps the economy moving and keeps it growing. Fair competition is why capitalism has been the world’s greatest force for prosperity and growth…. But what we’ve seen over the past few decades is less competition and more concentration that holds our economy back.”

In that speech, Biden deliberately positioned himself in our country’s long history of opposing economic consolidation. Calling out both Roosevelt presidents—Republican Theodore Roosevelt, who oversaw part of the Progressive Era, and Democrat Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who oversaw the New Deal—Biden celebrated their attempt to rein in the power of big business, first by focusing on the abuses of those businesses, and then by championing competition. 

Biden promised to enforce antitrust laws, interpreting them in the way they had been understood traditionally. Like his progressive predecessors, he believed antitrust laws should prevent large entities from swallowing up markets, consolidating their power so they could raise prices and undercut workers’ rights. Traditionally, those advocating antitrust legislation wanted to protect economic competition, believing that such competition would promote innovation, protect workers, and keep consumer prices down. 

In the 1980s, government officials threw out that understanding and replaced it with a new line of thinking advanced by former solicitor general of the United States Robert Bork. He claimed that the traditional understanding of antitrust legislation was economically inefficient because it restricted the ways businesses could operate. Instead, he said, consolidation of industries was fine so long as it promoted economic efficiencies that, at least in the short term, cut costs for consumers. While antitrust legislation remained on the books, the understanding of what it meant changed dramatically.

Reagan and his people advanced Bork’s position, abandoning the idea that capitalism fundamentally depends on competition. Industries consolidated, and by the time Biden took office his people estimated the lack of competition was costing a median U.S. household as much as $5000 a year. Two years ago, Biden called the turn toward Bork’s ideas “the wrong path,” and vowed to restore competition in an increasingly consolidated marketplace. With his executive order in July 2021, he established a White House Competition Council to direct a whole-of-government approach to promoting competition in the economy. 

This shift gained momentum in part because of what appeared to be price gouging as the shutdowns of the pandemic eased. The five largest ocean container shipping companies, for example, made $300 billion in profits in 2022, compared to $64 billion the year before, which itself was a higher number than in the past. Those higher prices helped to drive inflation. 

The baby formula shortage that began in February 2022 also highlighted the problems of concentration in an industry. Just four companies controlled 90% of the baby formula market in the U.S., and when one of them shut down production at a plant that appeared to be contaminated, supplies fell dramatically across the country. The administration had to start flying millions of bottles of formula in from other countries under Operation Fly Formula, a solution that suggested something was badly out of whack. 

The administration’s focus on restoring competition had some immediate effects. It worked to get a bipartisan reform to ocean shipping through Congress, permitting greater oversight of the shipping industry by the Federal Maritime Commission. That law was part of the solution that brought ocean-going shipping prices down 80% from their peak. It worked with the Food and Drug Administration to make hearing aids available over the counter, cutting costs for American families. It also has worked to get rid of the non-compete clauses which made it hard for about 30 million workers to change jobs. And it began cracking down on junk fees, add-ons to rental car contracts, ticket sales, banking services, and so on, getting those fees down an estimated $5 billion a year. 

“Folks are tired of being played for suckers,” Biden said. “[I]t’s about basic fairness.”

Today, the administration announced new measures to promote competition in the economy. The Department of Agriculture will work with attorneys general in 31 states and Washington, D.C. to enforce antitrust and consumer protection laws in food and agriculture. They will make sure that large corporations can’t fix food prices or price gouge in stores in areas where they have a monopoly. They will work to expand the nation’s processing capacity for meat and poultry, and are also promoting better access to markets for all agricultural producers and keeping seeds open-source. 

Having cracked down on junk fees in consumer products, the administration is now turning to junk fees in rental housing, fees like those required just to file a rental application or fees to be able to pay your rent online. 

The Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission today released new merger guidelines to protect the country from mass layoffs, higher prices, and fewer options for consumers and workers. Biden used the example of hospital mergers, which have led to extraordinary price hikes, to explain why new guidelines are necessary. 

The agencies reached out for public comment to construct 13 guidelines that seek to prevent mergers that threaten competition or tend to create monopolies. They declare that agencies must address the effect of proposed mergers on “all market participants and any dimension of competition, including for workers.”

Now that the guidelines are proposed, officials are asking the public to provide comments on them. The comment period will end on September 18. 

One of the reporters on the press call about the new initiatives noted that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has accused the Biden administration of regulatory overreach, exactly as Bork outlined in a famous 1978 book introducing his revision of U.S. antitrust policy. An answer by a senior administration official highlighted a key element of the struggle over business consolidation that is rarely discussed and has been key to demands to end such consolidation since the 1870s. 

The official noted that small businesses, especially those in rural areas, are quite happy to see consolidation broken up, because it gives them an opportunity to get into fields that previously had been closed to them. In fact, small businesses have boomed under this administration; there were 10.5 million small business applications in its first two years and those numbers continue strong. 

This is the same pattern the U.S. saw during the Progressive Era of the early twentieth century and during the New Deal of the 1930s. In both of those eras, established business leaders insisted that government regulation was bad for the economy and that any attempts to limit their power came from workers who were at least flirting with socialism. But in fact entrepreneurs and small businesses were always part of the coalition that wanted such regulation. They needed it to level the playing field enough to let them participate.  

The effects of this turnaround in the government’s approach to economic consolidation is a big deal. It is already having real effects on our lives, and offers to do more: saving consumers money, protecting workers’ wages and safety, and promoting small businesses, especially in rural areas. It’s another part of this administration’s rejection of the top-down economy that has shaped the country since 1981. 

—

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

[skyler10fic]

YESSSS Hot Labor Summer!

[constructionsafetynetwork]

Best Practices for Protecting Road Construction Workers

Road construction workers operate in an environment where danger is a constant companion. The proximity to moving traffic, the use of heavy machinery, and the exposure to various environmental elements make their workplace one of the more hazardous ones. Therefore, implementing best practices for protecting road construction workers is not just a regulatory requirement but a moral imperative. To…

[nokingsonlyfooles]

Just a little break...

All it takes is a taste of not having to do something pointless and broken. "School" morphed into a proxy for "work," a preliminary filter for good workers, which codifies wealth, privilege and obedience as grades of smartness. But only a certain kind of smartness does well in school.

And now? Now you can knock yourself out proving you'd be a great worker... and still not get a job that pays you enough to live. So why bother? It hasn't been about learning for a long time, if I can't even get a job with it, why go? The only thing you can threaten the kids with now is crashing the economy - and why would they care about an economy that doesn't have a place for them?

Young people do want to learn, they can't help it, they're wired for it. They're just choosing to do it in places other than school. Maybe they'll get back to work when we provide better learning value for their time.

[lcpmon]

idk how other ppl learn to read characters but even when someone has very few lines, if they're not a few throwaway lines and have a smidgen of thought put into them, you can really deduct a lot of things from what they say without mountains of dialogue and array of actions they take.

cIaus, even Iucas via his few lines and interactive dialogue, is so easy to understand and learn what hes about from the dialogue you are given. it shouldnt be hard to mess him up

and even tho these are more active characters in the story with goals to achieve and story beats to hit, u rly can apply the same to lngo and 3mmet. u can make assumptions or deduct possible aspects about how they act from breaking down their dialogue and possible routine. some things might be completely speculative and pulled out of thin air but as long as it matches the characters general front its hard to go wrong

[workcompattorney]

Injured on the Job Due to Lack of Proper PPE

What Is Personal Protective Equipment? Personal protective equipment (PPE) is any type of gear or clothing worn by a worker to protect them from hazards that could cause injuries or illnesses. This includes items such as safety goggles, hard hats, respirators, and gloves. It also includes items such as face masks and shields that have become more common in recent years due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Why Is PPE Important?

 PPE is important as it helps protect workers from potential exposure to hazardous materials or conditions. For example, if a worker is exposed to loud noise for an extended period of time without wearing ear protection, they can suffer permanent hearing loss. Alternatively, if a worker works with chemicals without wearing respiratory protection or protective clothing, they run the risk of inhaling toxic fumes or getting burns on their skin. 

The Responsibility of Employers Regarding PPE

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that employers protect their employees by ensuring a safe work environment free of hazards, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Employers must provide appropriate PPE to workers at no cost, as well as make sure it’s properly maintained, inspected and used in hazardous conditions. 

Employers must also clearly communicate their PPE requirements to all employees, train them on the use of PPE, continuously monitor employee compliance with PPE regulations and enforce safety practices with disciplinary action when necessary.

If your employer neglects these duties and you’re injured as a result, you have rights to workers comp benefits. In fact, fault is generally not taken into consideration when making a workers compensation claim. Here are the steps you can take to protect yourself:

Document everything – Keep detailed records about your injury and take photos if possible. This can be helpful when filing a workers’ compensation claim.

Get medical attention – Seek medical attention right away so that your injuries can be documented by a healthcare professional. Tell your doctor all relevant information about your injury including when it occurred and what happened leading up to it so they can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Reach out to an attorney – Consider speaking with an experienced St. Louis workers’ comp attorney who can help make sure you get fair compensation for your injuries. They’ll be able to advise you on what legal options are available and guide you through each step of the process so you don't have to go through it alone. 

St. Louis Workers Compensation Attorneys

At the Law Office of James. M. Hoffman, we understand how difficult it can be when you have suffered an injury due to your employer's negligence. That’s why we prioritize providing comprehensive legal knowledge about workers’ comp cases. We can explain the legal process clearly so that you understand what kind of compensation you might be entitled to receive. Contact us today at (314) 361-4300 for a free case evaluation.

[toytulini]

This would be so much cuter, if they werent all completely off leash around a vehicle that could kill them if they do something unpredictable or arent visible to a large truck

(via)

[webdesgninghouse]

The Importance of Dust Collectors in Industrial Safety: How They Protect Workers and Equipment

In today's industrial environments, maintaining safety and efficiency is paramount. One critical component that often goes unnoticed is the dust collector. These systems play a vital role in ensuring a safe workplace by controlling airborne dust, which can pose significant health risks to workers and potentially damage equipment. In this blog, we will explore the importance of dust collectors in industrial safety and how they protect both workers and equipment.

Understanding Dust Collectors

Dust collectors are specialized systems designed to filter out and collect airborne particulates generated during various industrial processes. They can effectively capture dust, smoke, and other pollutants before they can circulate in the workplace. This not only helps in maintaining air quality but also prevents the buildup of hazardous materials.

Health Risks Associated with Dust Exposure

Prolonged exposure to dust can lead to severe health issues for workers, including:

Respiratory Problems: Inhalation of fine dust particles can cause lung diseases, such as silicosis and pneumoconiosis, as well as exacerbate asthma and allergies.

Skin Irritation: Dust can lead to skin conditions, including dermatitis, especially for workers who handle materials that generate fine particles.

Long-term Health Issues: Some dust particles may be carcinogenic, posing serious long-term health risks.

Implementing effective dust collection systems, like those provided by AirFilt, is essential to mitigate these risks and create a safer working environment.

How Dust Collectors Enhance Workplace Safety

Improving Air Quality: Dust collectors filter out harmful particles from the air, providing workers with cleaner and safer breathing conditions. This is especially critical in industries such as woodworking, metalworking, and food processing, where dust generation is significant.

Reducing Fire and Explosion Risks: Dust accumulation can lead to fire hazards, especially in industries dealing with flammable materials. Dust collectors help prevent dust buildup, minimizing the risk of fires and explosions.

Protecting Equipment and Machinery: Dust can cause wear and tear on machinery, leading to costly repairs and downtime. By capturing dust before it settles on equipment, dust collectors prolong the lifespan of machines and ensure they operate efficiently.

Compliance with Regulations: Many industries are subject to strict health and safety regulations. Implementing a dust collection system helps businesses comply with these regulations, avoiding penalties and ensuring a safe workplace.

Enhancing Productivity: A clean work environment contributes to improved worker morale and productivity. When employees feel safe and healthy, they are more likely to be engaged and efficient in their tasks.

Choosing the Right Dust Collector

When selecting a dust collector, it's essential to consider factors such as:

Type of Dust: Different materials produce various types of dust, and some require specific filtration methods.

Volume of Dust Generated: The dust collector must be adequately sized to handle the amount of dust generated in your facility.

Airflow Requirements: The system should be capable of maintaining the necessary airflow to ensure efficient dust capture.

At AirFilt, we specialize in providing high-quality dust collectors tailored to meet the unique needs of various industries. Our solutions not only enhance workplace safety but also promote operational efficiency.

Conclusion

The importance of dust collectors in industrial safety cannot be overstated. They are essential for protecting workers' health, preventing equipment damage, and maintaining compliance with safety regulations. By investing in a reliable dust collection system from AirFilt, businesses can create a safer working environment and enhance overall productivity. Don't underestimate the power of clean air—it's a critical component of a successful and sustainable industrial operation

Airfilt is India's leading manufacturer of Dust Collector. You can contact them for further information regarding the Dust Collector

[nnctales]

Understanding Construction Accident: Causes, and Legal Recourse

Construction accident is a critical concern within the construction industry, often leading to severe injuries or fatalities. With the construction sector consistently ranking among the most hazardous workplaces, understanding the nature of these accidents, their causes, and the legal implications is essential for workers, employers, and legal professionals alike. This article explores the…

[the-study-hub-academy]

Enhance Your Career with Essential Safety and Certification Courses in Surrey

In today’s competitive job market, having the right certifications can make all the difference in securing your desired role or advancing in your current position. Whether you're entering a new industry or seeking to expand your skill set, Surrey offers a wide range of essential training courses that cater to various professional needs. From first aid to workplace safety, these certifications not only boost your employability but also ensure you are well-prepared to handle critical situations. Here’s a closer look at some of the key courses available in Surrey.

1. First Aid Courses in Surrey

First aid training is an invaluable skill that transcends industries. Whether you're in construction, hospitality, or office work, knowing how to respond to medical emergencies can save lives. Surrey offers a variety of first aid courses designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to manage everything from minor injuries to life-threatening situations. These courses often cover CPR, wound care, and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). By completing a first aid course, you become a vital asset in any workplace, ensuring that you can provide immediate care in emergencies.

2. TDG Training Course in Surrey

For those working in industries that involve the transportation of dangerous goods, the TDG (Transportation of Dangerous Goods) training course in Surrey is essential. This course provides comprehensive instruction on the safe handling, packaging, and transportation of hazardous materials. With stringent regulations governing the transport of dangerous goods, completing a TDG training course not only ensures compliance with legal requirements but also enhances your understanding of how to prevent accidents and protect the environment.

3. Fall Protection Course in Surrey

Falls are among the leading causes of workplace injuries, particularly in construction and maintenance sectors. The Fall Protection course in Surrey is designed to teach workers how to prevent falls and use fall protection equipment effectively. This course covers the principles of fall prevention, the proper use of harnesses and other safety gear, and how to assess potential hazards. Whether you’re working at heights or managing a team that does, fall protection training is crucial to maintaining a safe work environment.

4. WHMIS Training in Surrey

The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training in Surrey is a must for anyone working with or around hazardous materials. WHMIS training ensures that workers understand the dangers associated with these materials and know how to handle them safely. The course covers important topics such as labeling, safety data sheets (SDS), and emergency procedures. Completing WHMIS training is not just a legal requirement in many industries; it also plays a key role in preventing workplace accidents and ensuring the safety of all employees.

5. Building Service Worker Certification Course in Surrey

For those looking to enter the building maintenance industry, the Building Service Worker (BSW) certification course in Surrey offers the training needed to succeed. This course covers a wide range of topics, including cleaning techniques, maintenance procedures, and health and safety regulations. Upon completion, participants are equipped with the skills necessary to maintain clean, safe, and efficient building environments. The BSW certification is particularly valuable for those seeking employment in schools, hospitals, and commercial properties.

6. Food Safe Certificate in Surrey BC

Food safety is critical in any environment where food is prepared or served. The Food Safe certificate in Surrey BC is a widely recognized certification that teaches participants the principles of safe food handling, sanitation, and hygiene. This course is ideal for anyone working in the food service industry, from restaurant staff to food production workers. Earning a Food Safe certificate not only helps you comply with health regulations but also demonstrates your commitment to maintaining high standards of food safety.

Why Certification Matters

Obtaining certifications in these areas not only enhances your professional skills but also makes you more attractive to potential employers. These courses provide practical knowledge and meet industry-specific regulatory requirements, ensuring that you are prepared to handle the challenges of your job safely and effectively.

Whether you’re starting a new career, looking to advance in your current role, or simply seeking to improve your workplace safety knowledge, Surrey offers a variety of training options to meet your needs. Investing in these courses is an investment in your future, providing you with the credentials and confidence to excel in your chosen field.