On March 11, OSHA published their long-anticipated final rule, “Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses”, just two weeks after being reviewed by the White House Office of Management and Budget. The workplace injury reporting and record-keeping rule proposes more frequent data collection from employers and remains a subject of interest and controversy in the public sphere.
Throughout the U.S. and the rest of the developed world, cardiovascular disease remains a leading preventable cause of death and disability. It’s certainly no coincidence that over the past several decades, global dietary patterns have been increasingly characterized by a rising intake of saturated fat, sugar and other high-calorie sweeteners, and salt. The prevalence of processed foods, combined with a shift toward sedentary habits and decreased physical activity, has contributed to a higher percentage of the labor force suffering from cardiovascular ailments that are often a result of poor nutrition.
When enjoying a meal, few take the time to consider all the steps it took to bring each of the ingredients from farm to dining table. Whether or not the food was prepared in your kitchen, at a restaurant, or in a retail setting, the main components of the dish were either harvested or raised from somewhere.
For workers who spend much of their day lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying materials—especially in a repetitive manner—it’s incredibly important to perform these movements properly in order to protect the back from discomfort or injury. Safe lifting techniques, such as getting close to the object you’re lifting or bending at the knees instead of from the back, are great examples of ergonomic principles that help workers protect themselves when moving materials.
The problem is that no one works in a vacuum; in real-world situations, you can’t always avoid working in awkward, ergonomically-incorrect positions. When certain job tasks do require getting in awkward positions, tightening the gut is the best way to stabilize the spine and safely engage in a variety of movements.
In the context of modern labor, workplace eye injuries have become nearly as common as slips and falls. According to the CDC, about 231,100 emergency room visits per year are due to work-related injuries to the eyes or face. Eye injuries alone cost businesses over $300 million per year in worker’s compensation payments, medical expenses, and lost productivity; in addition, around 20% of work-related eye injuries result in temporary or permanent vision loss.
In order to avoid these consequences, employers must do their best to prevent workplace eye injuries from occurring in the first place: by 1) assessing hazards, 2) using proper eye protection, and 3) encouraging worker compliance.
Great leaders in business are characterized, in part, by being genuinely committed to improving well-being and productivity in the workplace. Health and safety professionals in any industry understand that in order to achieve this, it’s critical to stay informed on the issues that face both employees and the company.
From industry insights and predictions to in-depth reporting, each of the following resources explores a different aspect of the safety conversation. BIOKINETIX has selected some of our favorite online magazines and blogs out there today– in no particular order– that are sure to prove useful to safety leaders in a variety of industries. (more…)
Chicago, IL (April 11, 2016)— BIOKINETIX™, a thought-leader in preventative corporate healthcare as well as employee safety and well-being, is pleased to announce new major national contracts with Coats Group (LSE: COA.L) and US Foods (NYSE: USFD). Through these contracts, BIOKINETIX will further provide Coats Group and US Foods with cutting-edge programs aimed at preventing occupational injuries, improving job task performance, and creating a stronger culture of safety and employee well-being.
In regards to preserving your company’s bottom line, meeting new OSHA regulations and standards is now more important than ever. Here’s how to make sense of the latest regulatory changes that are most likely to affect your business. (more…)
Although National Nutrition Month is coming to an end, the importance of cultivating nutritional education extends far beyond the 31st of March. One of the most critical issues impacting today’s workforce is the prevalence of chronic diseases caused by poor nutrition—and the underlying causes that need to be understood.
A cornerstone of any successful business is the concept that healthy, alert employees play a critical role in maintaining a standard of productivity and safety. When it comes down to it, lasting growth and success are truly dependent on individual wellness. Most companies have incorporated safety training into their monthly routine as a result of both state and federal regulations, which are in place to ensure these practices are being followed in order to prevent injury. (more…)