1. © 2004 by Prentice Hall Terrie Nolinske, Ph.D. 16 - 1 16 Managing Workplace Safety and Health

2. © 2004 by Prentice Hall Terrie Nolinske, Ph.D. 16 - 2 Challenges How can employers maintain a safe and healthy work environment? What are basic provisions of workers’ compensation laws? What is OSHA and what does it do? What are some of the main health and safety issues in the workplace?

3. © 2004 by Prentice Hall Terrie Nolinske, Ph.D. 16 - 3 Workplace Safety and the Law Workers’ Compensation Benefits Injuries or illnesses occurring on the job Total disability benefits Impairment benefits Survivor benefits Medical expense benefits Rehabilitation benefits

4. © 2004 by Prentice Hall Terrie Nolinske, Ph.D. 16 - 4 Provide safe, healthy work environment Comply with occupational safety and health standards Keep records of occupational injuries and illnesses Workplace Safety and the Law Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)

5. © 2004 by Prentice Hall Terrie Nolinske, Ph.D. 16 - 5 Workers’ Compensation Total disability benefits Impairment benefits Survivor benefits Medical expense benefits Rehabilitation benefits

6. © 2004 by Prentice Hall Terrie Nolinske, Ph.D. 16 - 6 OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standards Exposure Control Plan —Outline the procedures identify workers at risk. Universal Precautions handle all blood and body fluid as though contaminated Cleaning Protocols identify decontamination methods and procedures for handling waste

7. © 2004 by Prentice Hall Terrie Nolinske, Ph.D. 16 - 7 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) provide gloves, masks, goggles Hazard Communication warning labels/signs identify restricted areas Information and Training Record-keeping keep records of staff exposed to risk while employed plus 30 years OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standards

8. © 2004 by Prentice Hall Terrie Nolinske, Ph.D. 16 - 8 Develop an AIDS Policy Rights to be covered (confidentiality, workplace accommodation) Define benefits employees with AIDS receive How communicate AIDS policy to employees Identify training needs Deal with affected workers’ productivity issues Provide support / referral services?

9. © 2004 by Prentice Hall Terrie Nolinske, Ph.D. 16 - 9 Violence in the Workplace Harassment, threats, assaults, sabotage Occupations with greatest risk of violence: –Police officers / Security guards –Taxi drivers –Prison guards –Bartenders –Mental health professionals –Gas station attendants

10. © 2004 by Prentice Hall Terrie Nolinske, Ph.D. 16 - 10 Managing Sabotage State that sabotage will not be tolerated Expense of damage is employee’s responsibility Hire best people for the job and treat well Training in conflict management Offer a 3rd-party hotline for employees to report incidents of workplace sabotage

11. © 2004 by Prentice Hall Terrie Nolinske, Ph.D. 16 - 11 Profile of People Prone to Workplace Violence White men, 30 - 40 years Socially isolated—a “loner” Stress in personal life Work is person’s sole focus Cannot deal with criticism, anger Low self-esteem Cannot deal with authority Fascinated with weapons

12. © 2004 by Prentice Hall Terrie Nolinske, Ph.D. 16 - 12 Cumulative Trauma Disorders (repetitive stress injuries) OSHA proposed ergonomic workplace standards to reduce CTDs Socially responsible firms minimize risk of CTDs

13. © 2004 by Prentice Hall Terrie Nolinske, Ph.D. 16 - 13 To Avoid CTDs Stretch 2 - 3 times per hour Maintain good posture –Sit erect. –Feet flat on floor. –Bend elbows at a comfortable angle. –Sit about 18-28 inches from the screen. –Place documents at the same height and angle as monitor.

14. © 2004 by Prentice Hall Terrie Nolinske, Ph.D. 16 - 14 OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program for excellence in safety and health programs STAR status -- work sites that provide outstanding safety and health protection to employees MERIT status -- work sites committed to providing the best worker protection DEMONSTRATION status -- work sites pilot-testing cutting-edge safety and health strategies that may eventually alter STAR program requirements

15. © 2004 by Prentice Hall Terrie Nolinske, Ph.D. 16 - 15 Safety Programs Safety committees of people from all departments Communicate safety using multimedia approach Use positive reinforcement / incentives to encourage safe behavior Communicate safety rules and enforce them Conduct regular inspections and accident research Make improvements to the workplace

16. © 2004 by Prentice Hall Terrie Nolinske, Ph.D. 16 - 16 Managing Burnout Characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, illness, reduced personal happiness and work accomplishments.

17. © 2004 by Prentice Hall Terrie Nolinske, Ph.D. 16 - 17 Wellness Programs Identify potential health risks through screening and testing Educate employees about health risks (high blood pressure, smoking, poor diet, and stress) Encourage employees to change lifestyles through exercise, good nutrition, health monitoring

18. © 2004 by Prentice Hall Terrie Nolinske, Ph.D. 16 - 18 Some employers have on-site occupational health centers (OHC), where workers injured on the job can be evaluated and treated at the place of business. The OHC is usually staffed by a nurse, occupational therapist and physical therapist. What are the advantages and disadvantages of on- site OHCs? Case