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HOT TOPIC
Noise in the Workplace
The Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA) requires noise in the
workplace to be below 90 decibels during an 8 hour
shift. If the noise is measured at 85 decibels, the
employer must have a Hearing Conservation Program
for the employees in those work areas. A standard
lawnmower produces approximately 85 decibels of
noise.
There are 4 steps in the Hearing Conservation
Program:
• Reduce noise produced by machines – add noise
insulation.
• Monitor noise levels to determine if they exceed
safe levels (85db).
• Provide noise reducing products such as ear plugs
or muffs to staff who work in noisy areas.
• Educate employees about the effects of high noise
on hearing and educate them how to prevent hearing
loss by using noise reduction products.
Facts about hearing loss caused by high
noise levels
1. Noise induced hearing loss can be temporary or
permanent.
2. Temporary hearing loss results from short-term
exposure to noise, with normal hearing returning
after a period of rest.
3. Continued exposure to high noise levels over
longer periods of time gradually causes permanent
damage.
4. A significant change in hearing is called a
Standard Threshold Shift (STS).
WCORHA can conduct TWA’s and provide required
audiometric screenings. Please feel free to contact
us with any questions.
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WCORHA UPDATE
New Risk Management Platform
WCORHA has rolled out our new risk management
program – Worksite Safety Solutions. We’re excited
to announce that you now have access to Worksite
Safety Solutions through the WCORHA website at
www.wcorha.org
Worksite Safety Solutions combines a comprehensive
library of safety related policies, procedures, best
practices, and training material with a suite of
web-based productivity tools. The combination of
content, software tools and a web based management
system allows risk management professionals to
quickly develop and distribute custom safety
programs from a central platform.
For more information, please contact Dan Schroeder
at 419-226-9851 or Ami Boley at 419-584-0398
OSHA 300 Record Keeping Class
Thursday February 25, 2010
For more information, please call Ami Boley at
419-584-0398
An OSHA 10-hour course is being planned for April.
For further information, please call Dan Schroeder
at 419-226-9851
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WELLNESS UPDATE
Weight Management Tips
To ensure weight loss or maintenance of a
healthy weight, try at least two or three of the
good habits listed below. Your long-term goal
should be to practice all habits listed
regularly:
• Choose low fat, lower calorie foods more often
• Eat slowly
• Choose fruits and vegetables for snacks
• Use stairs versus an elevator when possible
• Drink water instead of sugar laden soft drinks
with sugar
• Use low-fat cheese, cream, shortening, and
butter when cooking
• Limit alcoholic beverages |
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OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE UPDATE
Medical Marijuana and the DOT
Recently, the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued
guidelines for Federal prosecutors in states that
have enacted laws authorizing the use of “medical
marijuana.”
We have had several inquires about whether or not
the DOJ advice to Federal prosecutors regarding
pursuing criminal cases will have an impact upon the
Department of Transportation’s long standing
regulation concerning the use of marijuana by
safety-sensitive transportation employees.
We want to make it perfectly clear that the new DOJ
guidelines will have no bearing on the Department of
Transportation’s regulated drug testing program. We
will not change our regulated drug testing program
based upon these guidelines issued to Federal
prosecutors.
The Department of Transportation’s Drug and Alcohol
Testing Regulation – 49CFR Part 40, at 40.151(e) –
does not authorize “Medical Marijuana” under a state
law use to be valid medical explanation for a
transportation employee’s positive drug test result.
The section states: 40.151 What are MRO’s
prohibited from doing as part of the verification
process?
As an MRO, you are prohibited from doing the
following as part of the verification process: (e)
Verifying a test to be negative based on information
that a physician has recommended an employee’s use
of a drug listed in Schedule I of the Controlled
Substance Act. (e.g., under a state law that
purports to authorize such recommendations, such as
the “medical marijuana” laws that some states have
adopted.)
Therefore, an MRO will not verify a drug test as
negative based upon information that a physician
recommended the employee’s used “medical marijuana.”
Please note that marijuana remains a drug listed in
Schedule I of the Controlled Substance Act.
Marijuana use remains unacceptable for
safety-sensitive employees subject to drug testing
under the Department of Transportation’s drug
testing regulations.
“It is our goal to assure the traveling public that
our transportation system is as safe as possible.”
U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Drug
& Alcohol Policy & Compliance (ODAPC).
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OSHA UPDATE
Are Your Employees in Danger of
Becoming a Statistic?
Thousands of people are blinded
each year from work related eye injuries that could
have been prevented with the proper selection and
use of eye and face protection. Eye injuries alone
cost more than $300 million per year in lost
production time, medical expenses, and worker’s
compensation.
OSHA requires employers to ensure the safety of
their employees in the work environment. Eye and
face protection must be provided when necessary to
protect against chemical, environmental, and
mechanical irritants. If you have any questions,
please contact Dan Schroeder at 419-226-9851 or Ami
Boley at 419-584-0398
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