Statistics show that Americans spend around 1,178 per year at work. Some people spend more time and some less time, but on average nearly 1,200 hours are spent working. That is a lot of time, and while that isn’t more time than we spend doing other things, it is a significant enough number that people can discern when something at work is causing them to feel ill.
Statistics show that Americans spend around 1,178 per year at work. Some people spend more time and some less time, but on average nearly 1,200 hours are spent working. That is a lot of time, and while that isn’t more time than we spend doing other things, it is a significant enough number that people can discern when something at work is causing them to feel ill.
In the United States there is a broad range of working environments, from cubicles to manufacturing plants every one’s “office space” looks different. Also everyone’s air in their space is different. In a high rise office space the air is supplied from HVAC units or some other form of hair handling units. These units pull outside air into the buildings to help cool or warm them. In a manufacturing plant the air might have a variety of ways to enter the work space. Some facilities have huge bay doors that are opened when work begins. This allows for natural air to circulate through the plant. Other companies utilize HVAC units as well, and then still others have huge fans that they place below openings in their ceilings that they use to pull out side air in and circulate the air around the employees.
The air originates from the same place, but as it goes through a cooling system or passes through a dirty manufacturing plant the air can gather microscopic particles that it carries throughout the building. These particles are for the most part harmless, but sometimes they become something that can cause the employees to get sick. When working in the industrial field often times there is welding and painting that needs to happen to large and small pieces of machinery. While it might seem like a great idea to simply paint the parts in the open air so that they can air dry, it could get messy. So typically a paint booth or spray booth is created. These booths must be tested regularly so that it can be determined what the employees are breathing on a regular basis.
These air tests will determine if is necessary for the employee to wear Personal Protection Equipment, or PPE, like a respirator. Better yet the air monitoring will help the employer know if the ventilation in the booth is meeting standards or if it needs to be fixed.
The only way to know for certain that the air quality in any working environment is suitable the employees in each employers working conditions, is to have the air tested. This is a simple procedure and it is relatively inexpensive. If you feel like the air quality in your unique office space needs to be tested click hereto find a professional in your area that can perform an Air Quality test.
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.
