People are planners. People make wills and pay life insurance policies, they also talk to loved ones and inform each other of their desires should there be an accident. People want to be prepared should the worst or unthinkable happen. But do people plan for the worst when it comes to their businesses?
People are planners. People make wills and pay life insurance policies, they also talk to loved ones and inform each other of their desires should there be an accident. People want to be prepared should the worst or unthinkable happen. But do people plan for the worst when it comes to their businesses?
In May of 2011 a very large and deadly tornado touched down in Joplin, MO. This tornado killed over 100 people and left a path of devastation that can still be seen today. This tornado was a major disaster and it not only destroyed homes but it also wiped out complete businesses. The St. Johns hospital was destroyed among many other businesses. It is said that the insurance pay-out will be around $2.2 billion dollars. Yes these people were insured and yes they will get compensated for their damages but do they know what to do if there is a minor emergency, like a leak or wind damage to a portion of the roof.
Damage and Flood management for large companies is a different game than damage and flood management for a person’s home. In 2007 a river overflowed and flooded a college campus in Miami, Oklahoma. This is considered a Category 3 water loss event. To clean up this type of damage the college can’t simply dry out all of the walls and floors with fans, re-paint, and the re-open the buildings. No, they must have tests done and have specialists on site to make certain that the buildings are in fact fit to be re-inhabited.
Managing this type of disaster requires not only a remediation crew but also a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH). The remediation crew takes their orders from the CIH and his testing. Thankfully the university in Miami had a CIH that they could call up on to help with the flood. It was his job to ensure that all the damaged materials were removed properly and that the remediation crews followed his specific guidelines for ensuring a clean and healthy environment.
Hospitals are literally ripe with disaster opportunity. Not only because of all the life supporting equipment, but mainly because it involves life and death situations. People’s lives are at stake when in a hospital. So when a disaster or flood strikes at a hospital it becomes even more urgent to fix. Having a CIH on retainer to be able to show up at a moment’s notice and help ascertain the damage and begin to manage the process is invaluable.
They will not only make certain that the facility gets restored properly and to superior health standards they will also make certain that the insurance company gives the facility a fair deal. They are able to utilize their knowledge of industrial hygiene and health safety to put an accurate perspective on the incident to the insurance company. A good CIH can be your ally in times of uncertainty. If your building has had a flood or disaster strike, click hereto find a CIH near you that can help manage the loss.
Occupational Health Overcomes Everyday Hazards
Many workers face different types of hazards on a daily basis. Each company has a responsibility to proactively protect their employees from hazards encountered in the workplace. Accidents or injuries can bring production to a halt, reduce the workforce while the employee is recovering and lead to costly worker compensation claims. A Certified Industrial Hygienist can help your company improve the Occupational Health present at your facility.
The Risk from Asbestos
Asbestos poses a major health risk in many office buildings and homes due to the wide adoption and usage of asbestos as an insulator in the construction process. Asbestos can be found in the glue beneath vinyl flooring or in material applied to concrete to regulate the temperature between floors in an office building. These buildings and homes are being remodeled and modernized as an update to the space, but the demolition process can be hazardous if asbestos is present. Test for asbestos prior to starting your next remodeling project to ensure workers are safe.
Communicating the Dangers with HazCom
Hazard Communication focuses on explaining the dangers present at the workplace. The employees have a right to understand the hazards present and how to remain safe on the jobsite. A Certified Industrial Hygienist can work with your company to fulfill the HazCom requirement set forth by OSHA.
