HEALTH AND SAFETY IMPLICATIONS OF SHIFTWORK

According to recent data collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 15 million people in the United States work on a rotating shift, night shift, or evening shift schedule. In addition, the total number of hours worked by employees in the United States is higher than most of Western Europe and Japan. Both working irregular shifts and working long hours have been shown to contribute to safety risks and health problems.

Shift workers tend to be more tired than the general population, which can lead to difficulty concentrating and slower reflexes. As a result, shift workers are more likely to make errors on the job or be involved in accidents. The stress of shiftwork might also cause such employees to acquire certain health conditions.

When an individual works at night, he or she is unable to get enough restorative sleep. Sleep following a night shift is usually shorter and less regenerative than sleep during the night would have been. During nighttime hours, body functions and brain activity slow down. Because the individual is already lacking sleep, he or she is likely to exhibit performance problems. Individuals who work rotating schedules will experience additional problems each time they must switch between day and night shifts.

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In addition to fatigue and concentration problems, shiftwork can also lead to serious health problems. Research has shown that employees who work rotating shift schedules are more likely to experience digestive problems, such as nausea, constipation, and stomach ulcers. Heart conditions are also more common among shift workers than in the general population.

Because shiftwork is often unavoidable, it is important to design the work schedule so that it minimizes the stress of shiftwork as much as possible. A properly designed work schedule can prevent accidents, improve worker morale, and decrease the likelihood of employee health problems.

All workers have a natural circadian rhythm that tells their bodies when to sleep and be awake. For this reason, employees who must be at work during late night and early morning hours are likely to have more trouble focusing. Certain shift times might also prevent workers from seeing family and friends. To prevent problems that might result from unusual shift times, many employers avoid scheduling the same worker for late night or early morning shifts during all work periods.

Though it might seem like it would be easier for workers to adapt to an unusual shift if it were a permanent assignment, most workers readjust to a normal schedule on their days off. For this reason, the majority of employers assign shiftwork on a rotating schedule. Rotating schedules prevent a worker from constantly experiencing the stress associated with the night shift. However, rotating schedules require workers to make changes to readjust to new sleep patterns regularly. To prevent serious health problems, it is advisable to rotate a worker's shift every few weeks, rather than weekly or after only a few days.

Another important factor to consider in shiftwork is the amount of time an employee has to rest. Employees who work eight-hour shifts have more hours in the day remaining for rest than employees who work 12-hour shifts. Unfortunately, the other tasks employees must perform after their shift will not decrease when they work overtime, so employees who work long shifts must often sacrifice sleep in order to make ends meet. To prevent a buildup of fatigue, employers of employees who must work long hours should avoid scheduling too many consecutive workdays for the same employee.

Employers who require workers to perform shiftwork should also teach employees effective coping skills to deal with the stress of the schedule. Employees working rotating shifts can improve their situations by getting as much sleep as possible during their time off. They should also make an effort to spend time with family and friends, exercise, and eat a balanced diet.

FOUR PRACTICAL USES FOR FIRE BLANKETS

Fire blankets are an essential accessory that are often excluded from workplace or home safety plans. These blankets are highly effective in snuffing out fires, so it's essential to have them available. There are different types of fire blankets, which will be discussed further in the following paragraphs. Keep reading to learn how these valuable accessories can save lives in common situations.

1. Electrical & General Indoor Fires. Usually a wool fire blanket is versatile enough to stand up to these types of fires. Sometimes poorly-wired outlets, frayed cords or the cords of old heaters are likely to start an electrical fire. When this happens, a fire blanket is just as effective as a fire extinguisher. However, people who panic have an easier time using a fire blanket than a fire extinguisher. When people panic after seeing a fire, they often fumble or forget how to activate an extinguisher. Simply throwing the flame-retardant wool blanket is a fast way to put out small flames. Choose blankets that are large enough to cover the room area they're placed in. If necessary, purchase multiple blankets. Whether using these in a home or office, place them in locations where they'll be easily accessible. Educate family members or employees about how to use them.

2. Kitchen & Grease Fires. Wool blankets are often suitable for kitchen or grease fires. There are some fire blankets on the market that are specifically intended for kitchens. If desired, purchase these instead of a general wool blanket. Be sure to purchase enough of these blankets to cover a large grease fire. Store them in a place that isn't too high. For example, never put one above a stove or indoor grill. In the event of a grease fire on the stove, it might be impossible to reach the blanket without getting burned. Restaurant businesses should always have these blankets available to minimize equipment damage. By the time employees use an extinguisher, equipment might be damaged beyond repair or the fire might have already spread.

3. Infant & Child Fire Protection. Fires often occur unexpectedly. Unfortunately, dangerous flames claim the lives of many infants each year. To minimize the risk of infant harm, use a special infant fire blanket. They're sold at fire safety companies and baby supply stores. Every daycare business should always use these fire-retardant blankets on napping infants. They can also be used at home on unattended infants who are napping. Never cover an infant's face. These blankets cling to the outline of the baby's body, so it's easy to wrap them up and keep them safe from flames while exiting a structure that's on fire.

4. Outdoor Fires. Large fire blankets are ideal for outdoor fires that arise from grills, fire pits or candles. Since there is usually plenty of oxygen outdoors, it's easy for fires to flourish. By the time a fire extinguisher is obtained, the fire might have spread far. It's best to keep a fire blanket handy when any candles, torches or grills are lit outdoors. If the flames become out of control, throw the blanket on the fire immediately.

To prevent fires before they start, put a fire blanket over flammable materials that aren't constantly stored at optimal temperatures. People who catch fire should try to use a fire blanket instead of rolling on the ground. Stopping, dropping and rolling doesn't immediately eliminate the oxygen exposure as a fire blanket does. To keep as calm as possible during a fire, always remember that they are easy to put out by simply eliminating the source of oxygen with a fire blanket.

WHY EMPLOYERS SHOULD ADD CSPs TO THEIR TEAM

CSPs gain certification from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals, which is commonly referred to as the BCSP. The Council of Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards and the National Commission for Certifying Agencies are responsible for accrediting Certified Safety Professionals in the United States. The ISO/IEC is responsible for international accreditation. To become a CSP, an individual must have a bachelor's degree in any field or an associate's degree in health and safety. They must also satisfy the following requirements:

• Pass the Comprehensive Practice and Safety Fundamentals exams.
• Provide the BCSP with proof of maintaining competency by re-certifying every five years.
• Have at least four years of professional safety experience.

Why Companies Should Hire CSPs. Companies that hire CSPs enjoy an enhanced reputation. CSP certification is one of the most coveted credentials in the United States today. Having an individual who is certified in environmental positions, health and safety is an asset. Employers in many fields seek these professionals. They work with not-for-profit organizations, government agencies, businesses, various industries and consulting firms. In addition to this, many lawyers have started using CSPs as expert witnesses in trials where expert testimonies in health and safety are required. They have been involved in cases with OSHA citations, Workers Compensation, injury lawsuits and several other types of court proceedings. Many government and private agencies require CSPs in their contracts for assurance of experience and knowledge.

Employer Benefits of Hiring a CSP. Employers enjoy many benefits from hiring a CSP. The following are some of the most desirable advantages:

• The company name is associated with a prestigious global certification.
• An individual is identified as a source of expertise by extensive examination.
• Company relations with environmental, health and safety communities are improved.
• Enhances company reputation by keeping an individual certified in safety, health and environmental positions on staff.
• Establishes an examination basis for assessment of employee competency.
• Offers easy access to current information on applicable laws, regulations, consensus standards and licenses.
• Demonstration to other parties that certificate holders have been tested and deemed competent under the highest standards.
• Recognition of the highest level of professionalism in certified health, safety and environmental executives.
• Standards of practice for certification maintenance exemplify enhanced professional credibility.

EPA and OSHA standards show recognition of CSP certification in regulations, standards and laws. Many local and state government contracts require CSP services. These professionals continue to grow in value through government, public and employer recognition. They also continue growing in value because of the national accreditation benefit and the high standards they must abide by.