Safety Consulting & Training
On-Site and/or On-Line

OSHA Depiction of COVID Risk Categories

Just how far are we expected to go with our workplace protections to prevent the spread of COVID-19? OSHA expects us to have protective measures place. However, the extent of our preventive measures needs to be appropriate to match the assessed risks, not necessarily the best of the best practices available in all cases.

A little clarification on the categories in the Risk Pyramid:

• Very High Exposure Risk: Jobs with a very high potential for exposure to known or suspected sources of SARS-CoV-2 during specific medical, postmortem, or laboratory procedures.
• High Exposure Risk: Jobs with a high potential for exposure to known or suspected sources of SARS-CoV-2. Workers in this category include:
• Medium Exposure Risk: Jobs that require frequent/close contact with people who may be infected, but who are not known to have or suspected of having COVID-19.
• Lower Exposure Risk (Caution): Jobs that do not require contact with people known to be, or suspected of being, infected with SARS-CoV-2. Workers in this category have minimal occupational contact with the public and other coworkers

I'm personally relieved that my work and the work of most client companies' situations are mostly in the section with "Lower Exposure Risk". However, we may occasionally find ourselves in a "Medium Risk" situation, especially as managers in production plants.

Since our risk of exposures is not extreme, our preventive measures tend to be simple and inexpensive. However, there are many companies that have not put forth the effort to but very basic common controls in place in a consistent manner yet.

If your company has been lax on basic COVID-19 controls (or any other controls required by your county), I suggest you (more…)

               
Automated Check-in.            Manual self-check-in.                  Collection Bin for Privacy.

Companies should have some sort of daily check-in/screening process for COVID-19. The check-in system typically asks employees about whether they've had a fever during the last day, has experienced other possible COVID-19 symptoms, and whether the employee has a likelihood of significant exposure to COVID-19. The check-in process may also include a forehead temperature check.

Follow this link for details and Sample Screening Form. (more…)

The CDC updated the recommended guidelines for employers (7/20/2020) to follow for accepting an employee back at the worksite after an isolation period for COVID-19 (whether their case is confirmed or suspected).

They did not seem to cover all the situations we are seeing, so here's some ideas for you:

Situation 1: Person had symptoms and is getting better (whether tested positive, or never tested)

Must have these:  Symptoms (such as cough or shortness of breath must be improved & no fever last 24 hrs (without taking any fever reducing meds).
And need one of these:
a) 10+ days since symptoms first occurred
b) 2 negative COVID-19 tests taken over 24 hrs apart (Because of lines and delays in results, this may not be a feasible route these days).

Situation 2: Person was hospitalized for COVID-19

Should have a Doctor's note and 2 negative COVID-19 tests taken over 24 hrs apart

Situation 3: Person tested Positive for COVID-19 but never had symptoms (more…)

Gov. Greg Abbott                            Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley

OK - It's official now. When in public, or with a moderate size group,  or within 6 feet of a co-worker -Wear A Mask.

The eye-opening data below shows we need to do a much better job in preventing the spread of COVID.

   

COVID-19 has created challenges for holding workplace classes and meetings. Impact Safety has created an on-line training program covering Lockout / Tagout. Follow this link (the cartoon graphic) to see a sampling of the new on-line program.

     

Impact Safety helps companies build and maintain safety programs that employees are proud to support and participate in. We can be especially helpful for companies near Dallas-Fort Worth. If you would like to know more about our services and what's-in-it-for your company, let's start a conversation.

If your printing or manufacturing company is operating through the corona virus crisis, you need to watch this video. Six B Labels was audited for compliance to emergency COVID-19 regulations by the City of Dallas – and they were ready. They had already made simple modifications in operations that greatly reduce risks of employees catching the virus at work.  Follow this link to see for yourself:

• Signage
• Masks
• Distancing & Barriers
• Sanitizing
• Hand washing
• Visitor and Shipping processes

The video provides an overview of "new norms" for production companies, and it shares insights on cultural reactions to life in the "COVID era".

I received this from an Industrial Hygienist friend, Gary Ticker. He points out that if your mask has an exhalation valve, the valve will allow much of your mists to escape into the air, potentially exposing others to COVID-19.

Note: N95 masks are recommended if you are caring for a relative who is ill or someone diagnosed with COVID-19. Most of us will be wearing cloth masks, medical masks, or un-rated dust masks through this era.

OccuSafe Newsletter: Are N-95 Facemasks the Best Choice?

N-95 air purifying facemasks are now widely used to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during the pandemic. They provide better protection than surgical and homemade masks since they (more…)

Some print companies are considered critical/ essential in terms of current mandated pandemic controls in Dallas. Examples would be companies where most of the product is packaging for pharma or foods.

While there are memos from the US Postal Service declaring print essential to their business…  In Dallas this memo may not be accepted as proof a print company is essential/critical in cases where a company only prints marketing materials or retail POP. In this case, the company can open now but must follow guidelines for non-essential businesses that were just issued for Dallas County.  I’ve highlighted the key requirements currently in effect below for three types of businesses: Essential, Non-Essential, and Construction.

Note that on Monday, April 27, Governor  Abbott will be outlining state level guidelines for re-openings. (more…)

Printing companies and other essential manufacturing companies are on the front-lines of fighting this invisible enemy. This (somewhat lengthy) document contains ideas and a framework for planning workplace controls to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 at work.

Basic Controls for Everyone Everywhere during this Pandemic:

• If you have a fever, cough, or breathing issues – There is a possibility you may have COVID-19. Stay home, contact a doctor for advice. If a test for COVID-19 is appropriate, the doctor will advise you on options.
(more…)