Reproductive Wellness at Risk for U.S. Workers..

Confessions of a SAFE-AHOLIC, By: Stephanie Zizzo, ASHM

The other day I was reading an article in the Safety & Health magazine called “Harmful Exposure”, by Deidre Bello. This article in particular caught my attention instantly because of 4 words... reproductive health and safety professional. According to the CDC, there is a decrease in fertility among U.S. Couples. Many studies report that an explanation for this is linked to workplace hazardous chemicals.

The Facts for Over-Exposure According to NIOSH are:

1. In men, lead can lower your sperm count, give your sperm abnormal shape, alter your sperm transfer, and change your hormones and sexual performance.
2. In women, lead can cause infertility, miscarriages, low birth weight, and developmental disorders. (Potential exposure in welders, home re-modelers)
3. For men, welding can lower your sperm count and cause abnormal sperm shape.
4. For women, ionizing radiation can cause infertility, miscarriages, low birth weight, developmental disorders, and childhood cancer. (Potential exposure in health care staff, dental personnel, and atomic workers)

These are just a few of the ways that hazardous conditions can harm your reproductive health. Scary, huh?

Important Components

• Currently, OSHA does not have specific standards for governing reproductive hazards (Bello).
• There is a lack of research to show exact direct effects from hazardous agents, but both employers and employees can do their part to guard themselves against the “what if” (Bello).
• The safety professional should take part in making sure that there is proper training in place to rise awareness about reproductive hazards (Bello).

Summit Training Source offers many programs covering welding safety, lead safety, and many other topics that can help keep your hazard awareness up-to-date. Check it out here!

Source: Bello, Deidre. “Harmful Exposure”. Safety & Health. Vol. 184 NO.2. August 2011.

Make an Impression In Your Next Classroom Session with Training Techniques that Work!

Confessions of a SAFE-AHOLIC, By: Stephanie Zizzo, ASHM

In the world of Safety, there are countless opportunities to sit in training sessions, whether you are at a conference looking for your CEU's or at work learning about the basics of Fire Safety. About how many of those classroom sessions have put you to sleep? Or how many have you walked out of feeling, “Wow... I want the last 40 minutes of my life back...” Engaging adults as learners, especially in the classroom setting, must go beyond the lectures and the PowerPoints; capturing an adult mind requires more than that. Group discussions, role-playing, storytelling, and simulations are just a few great techniques that should be incorporated into any training classroom.

I read an article in the Professional Safety Journal, titled “Engaging Learners”. In the article the author Fred Fanning discusses how people only remember about 20% of what they hear. This means when you take your Machine Guarding course, you walk out only remembering 20% of the extremely important procedures because it was read to you from a PowerPoint. You have not only lost valuable information but, are now at risk of endangering your life and the lives around you...

How do we avoid losing so much info? One of my favorite techniques to use while training is simulation. While I was teaching a First Aid course to a group of student employees at Grand Valley State University I used a “golf cart accident” simulation to get the students involved in a semi-real situation. I had a volunteer pretend he had been in a accident in a golf cart and toward the end of my presentation I told the students there had been an emergency that we needed to attend to right away! We all rushed outside to find our fellow co-worker covered in red corn syrup blood (it looked VERY real!!). The students used what they had learned during the training session to provide proper first aid until the “EMS” could arrive.

Though creating a simulation requires more time and energy and sometimes an extra buck, it is well worth it. According to the article by Fanning, while adults only remember 20% of what they read and hear, they remember 60% of what they do.

The best part about being a trainer is that you can use your creativity to help others learn skills for a certain job or project. In class while I was a student at GVSU, my favorite professors were the ones who had so many great stories! Storytelling is one of the most effective training tools that I have have ever used or taken part in. “Storytelling can impart complex information in an understandable manner” (Fanning, 2011).

I will never forget one of my classes in college when my OSH professor explained to us about Lockout/Tagout. He told us the story of a man who worked at a dog food plant. He informed us that he went into the mixer and forgot to lockout the machine...someone came and turned it on and the exact words from my professor were “they were picking him up with a spoon...” I remember going back to my dorm and telling everyone that story. I also remember how important is it to practice the procedures of Lockout/Tagout.

The bottom line is it is important to use multiple methods to “break-up” a classroom training session and engage users. Don’t use just one method. Combining PowerPoint™, simulation, interaction, and Q & A keeps students actively thinking. Segmenting with a video training program on the topic is a great way to engage students, especially a video program that shows real working situations and on the job activities while explain best safety practices. For many topics, hands on training is extremely beneficial and sometimes required. The old “lecture and lab” concept still works today.

Remember that the responsibility of training students can be very rewarding if you put in the time and effort. Use your personal experiences and your creativity to make the learning environment worth while and interesting. Challenge yourself and your students to create a fun and effective classroom!

To check out some video topics that Summit Training Source has to offer click here! 

Lights, Camera, Action! A Sneek Peek Into Summit's Production Team



Filming on location.

From research and script development to when the final animations are added and the gloriously finished product is at your finger tips; we couldn’t do any of it without our ridiculously talented production team (whom we swear can move mountains….safely of course).   Here is a sneak peek into how Summit creates the best training programs in the industry, sort of like the tour at Universal Studios, except on a bit smaller scale.  We promise, Jaws will not jump out of your computer screen; and if he does, we didn’t do it.

Content is King!

At the core of Summit’s training programs, no matter the format, is content.  Whether developing an interactive, online training course, a DVD training presentation, or both, our experts begin with content research.   In order to develop award winning, technically accurate training each producer must have a deep understanding of the issue or hazard, how it affects various industries, what the consequences are, and the best safety practices and procedures employees must know to do the job right.  Our producers take this knowledge and determine an engaging way to present materials to students utilizing adult learning methodologies to ensure comprehension and retention. 

The team makes sure all of our programs are in compliance with all training requirements, including OSHA, DOT, and EPA standards, and whenever possible, have regulatory experts review our programs and research to guarantee the highest possible standards.  Research is conducted by our EH&S Specialist and the main producer for that program by referencing all relevant regulations and by speaking with subject matter experts and customers who are regularly exposed to the subject.  



Donna Pisacreta, developing content for a multi-media online course.

Summit producers are not limited to handling only segments of the production as other production companies often handle development; they take responsibility for the program from its inception to the product being ready for market.   This not only provides consistency throughout the entire production, but also creates courses that meet the established objectives and follow adult learning methodologies.  And not to mention that each specialist brings their talents to the project to develop a truly powerful training program that effectively communicates its information and delivers measurable results!  

Scripting the Safety Story

Once the research is conducted, the next step is scripting the program.  The producer takes all of the knowledge they’ve gathered and organizes it into a training presentation.  They first create a detailed outline for the topic and then begin to add in the guts of the program.  Our script is serious, folks; this is not a sitcom!

Scott Wallace, Production Manager, edits video footage.

Once the script is written and we the producer knows what the program is going to say, they begin to plan the additional features that make the program truly engaging.  The producer creates a list of shots that will best visually convey the spoken material.  Ides for graphics, animations, and for online programs, interactions, are layered into the script in appropriate spots to ensure the best learning experience for user.



Our video content and photos come from film shoots at actual work environments using real workers.   Our programs are realistic and not staged, so employees can relate to the material they are watching on screen.    Sometimes, even members of the Summit staff make cameos in productions, bet you didn’t know we could act too.  Our producers are hands-on and ready to tackle any work environment, from steel mills to construction sites. They are trained in safety….after all, they pretty much write the book (video, and online course) on it.



Jennifer Zehner, Graphic Artist, creating media for online course.

The Magic Touches

The final parts of the production process include adding the narration, 3D animation, Flash animation, and music.  The producer spends hours editing the video footage to match the script and narration.  Graphics and animations are created in-house with state-of-the-art equipment and our very gifted graphic animators.  The detail that goes into each interaction, graphic and animation is astounding. Video segments, creative interactions, and animations are added to the online training programs.  This final step is essential in topping off the Summit training experience; here we can give the viewers a taste of the passion we have for safety as put it into each and every program! 



Aaron Spence, 3D Animator, creating a visual for a video production.

Of course, the production process is not linear, and many of these procedures are happening at the same time, which makes the production side of our office a very, busy area.

Ready for You!

And now, after all the hard work and finishing touches, Summit is now ready for the new program to go the most important people in the industry: YOU. 



Summit's Video Production, Interactive Media and Information Technology Team.



Last Week for Summit's Summer Safari Sale

http://www.safetyontheweb.com/marketingemails/safari/

Is it OK to Cry at Work?: The Advantages and Disadvantages of Stress in the Workplace

Confessions of a SAFE-AHOLIC By: Stephanie Zizzo, ASHM

This week, I attended the Lakeshore Safety and Environmental Network Lunch Meeting, which featured Dr. James (Jim) Motiff to speak on “Understanding Stress in the Workplace”. Dr. Motiff's presentation was one of the best presentations I have ever been to. His information on dealing with stress was informative on a workplace level and a personal level.

It really got me thinking about stress and how it can be bad and good. “Stress has a bad name because we associate it with negative experiences”, Dr. Motiff said, he continued to explain how more people than ever report leading stressful lives. He asked us why this may be? Possibly, because of technology, because of the economy, and because of the modern world. The key to managing stress is: Balance.

He continued to explain to us the meaning of Good Stress. Good Stress gives us the feeling of being challenged. Without stress we become bored. Stress helps us to be more productive, have more energy, and keep us interested. There is a catch though... it is possible to have too much of a good thing, hence the Bad Stress.

Bad stress accompanies the feeling of being overwhelmed. It makes us feel out of balance; as if there are too many demands, and that we are working beyond our capabilities. To help solve the issues of bad stress, there should be teaching and training in place to avoid lettings all the small things add up.

Dr. Motiff continued to discuss how we are genetically programmed to react to stress. Genetics takes over our reactions to stress in 1 of 3 ways: Fight, Flee, or Freeze. Sometimes when we become overwhelmed and stressed at work, we go home and react to our stress by fighting; Fighting with our spouses or even fighting with ourselves. We could decide there needs to be some sort of payback to our employer, whether that is stealing company property or destroying equipment. When we choose to Flee, we run away. In a work setting this can be missing work, doctors excuses, daydreaming with no focus, and forgetting things. This type of behavior can lead to accidents in the work place, such as accidentally forgetting to lock and tag out a machine. When someone with unbalanced stress levels Freezes, more often than not you will see their productivity decline, which can significantly hurt the company's bottom line.

Dr. Motiff told us about a study he had read where 700 men and women were questioned about what they would do if someone yelled at them at work... 20% of those people said they would cry. Others said yell or curse (this was more common in women) and 15% said hit someone. Another poll was taken where men and women were asked, if it was OK to cry at work. From the poll, 48% of men said yes it was ok, and only 41% of women said it was OK. Why is this?

Gender differences may be the cause...James talked to us about what happens when a women cries in the work place. First, crying resets both men and woman’s stress balances. When women and men cry, they instantly feel better and relieved. But for women, after they cry and feel good, they are immediately moved with an immense amount of guilt. This is because as women we feel the responsibility to our gender to be strong and not cry in a place of work or power because we perceive it makes us look weak. These feelings can often cancel each other out leaving us feeling upset.

So what do we do when we recognize this behavior amongst employees and co-workers? If you see a worker who is moody, be helpful and acknowledge the fact that they have feelings. Here are the wrong actions to take, with the corrections following:

• Don't say things like “poor thing, you must be stressed”, this automatically puts the person into a category of being helpless.
• Instead try to help the person by listening to them and try to understand
• Don't pretend like you're the Guru of stress and you have the answers
• They talk... You listen!
• Don't try and shut the emotion down by telling them “Stop crying it will be ok”
• Instead make sure they know that you truly care and you are there to hear them out. The person doesn't want to feel alone
• Don't ask “why” questions, “why are you crying” or “why do you feel bad”
• Rather, ask open ended questions of, “what” and “how”. “how are you feeling” or “what are you feeling”

Remember, stress is natural and ordinary in daily life, including work. Recognize the signs of stress for yourself and the people around you. Whether you are at work or home stress can not be eliminated and it shouldn't be because Motiff says, “Managing stress is the key to success at work and happiness in life”.

Stay smiling :)

-Stephanie

Beat the Heat this Week!

Confession's of a SAFE-AHOLIC By: Stephanie Zizzo, ASHM

With the heat index soaring into 100s, scorching, humid, burning, and blistering are all perfect words to describe the days to come. Dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke... These words play a personal role within us every day that we spend outdoors in the heat. Heat stress is a important topic that should be addressed carefully for those of us who work outside or just enjoy being outside on a hot summer day. According to Center for Disease Control an estimated six million workers in the United States may be exposed to occupational heat stress. Below are some tips to beat the heat this week while spending time outdoors!

1. Wear light weight breathable materials, this will help keep moisture in so dehydration doesn’t come too early
2. Drink plenty of water to help you stay hydrated throughout the day
3. Schedule all the heavy labor for the early morning or later evenings to avoid the hottest hours between 10am and 3pm.
4. Choose PPE with heat stress in mind
5. Check the weather frequently for the heat index to make sure you make the correct choices when dressing and packing up your water
6. Have an emergency action plan in place if someone does have a heat stroke or gets heat exhaustion to make sure the appropriate measures are taken.
7. Take breaks often to find shade and drink lots of water
8. Avoid drinks that have caffeine or sugar
9. NO ALCOHOL, it will dehydrate you even more!
10. Provide heat stress training to all employees that could be exposed to high temperatures. Summit Training Source, Inc. has 2 Heat Stress programs including:

• “Heat Stress”
• How the Body handles Heat
• Types of Heat-related Disorders
• Preventative Measures
• Recognizing Symptoms
• Helping Co-workers Suffering from Heat Stress
• “Heat Stress: Preventative Measures”

• What is Heat Stress?
• Preparing for Heat
• Heat Stress Disorders and their Health Affects
• Safe Work Practices

For more information check it out here "Heat Stress" and here "Heat Stress: Preventative Measures". They are available in a variety of different formats, DVD, Online and Video.

Stay cool!

-Steph

Reinstatement of Fall Protection Requirements!

Confessions of a SAFE-AHOLIC By: Stephanie Zizzo, ASHM

While reading the Professional Safety Journal I came across an article titled “OSHA Rescinds Residential Fall Protection Exemption”...try and say that 10 times fast... Within this article was information concerning the commercial and residential construction industry and their fall protection rules. After hearing bits and pieces about the reinstatement and finally getting a grasp on what exactly is happening, this is my take on the issue:

1. As of June16, 2011 OSHA will start to actively enforce of the new rule
2. What is the new rule? The new rule will cancel out the old STD 3.1/ STD 3-000-001. These were used as an exemption for residential and light commercial contractors from the CFR 1926 Fall Protection standard.
3. Again... so what is the new rule...!? Well it seems there really isn't a new rule. Whats happening is OSHA has reinstated the CFR 1926 Subpart M Fall Protection requirements that was created 16 years ago. So now everyone has to play by the same rules.
4. There is a 3 month phase happening from June 16, 2011 to September 15, 2011. During this time as long as you are following the STD 3-000-001, you will only be given a hazard that states what you need to do to become compliant.
5. Is it possible to be exempt? Well...Yes it is if you can meet these two requirements than you can put the safety nets and guardrails away:

• the end-use of the structure being built must be as a home (dwelling)(OSHA, 2010)
• the structure being built must be constructed using traditional wood-frame construction materials and methods. The limited use of structural steel in a predominately wood-framed home, such as a steal I-beam to help support wood framing, does not disqualify a structure from being considered residential construction (OSHA, 2010)

If I was a residential and commercial construction worker I would be quite grateful that this took effect. According to the Census of Fatal Occupational statistics about 45% of fatalities in residential construction are from falls, it is the leading cause of death in construction (Bethancourt 69). For more info check out OSHA's site, Click here!

-Steph

Sources:

Bethancourt, Jeremy. “OSHA Rescinds Residential Fall Protection Exemption”. Professional Safety. June 2011. 66-71.