Expert?

Have you ever noticed that "if you're from out of town, you're an expert," but in your own workplace you don't know anything?

A few days ago I told a worker that he was using the wrong PPE and then told him what he should be using.  Well, that started a rant about how "OSHA doesn't say that I have to.  I looked it up."  I carefully explained that the standard was a performance standard. You know, that's where the relevent OSHA standard tells you what to achieve but not exactly how to achieve the goal?  Then I explained why the PPE that he was using did not meet the criteria.

Ironically, I had trained this employee in the proper procedures, but for some reason, after several years of conducting the operation with the appropriate PPE, he had decided that he would not do it that way anymore.   Then the inevitable "show me where OSHA says I gotta."  I then carefully explained "performance standard," and why his choice of PPE was inappropriate.  Again, ranting and raving that I need to speak with his immediate superior, etc.  Obviously, the employee received a disciplinary note in his personnel file and an admonition that continuing to use the wrong PPE would result in more severe discipline.

So, as you might imagine, I visited his immediate superior to explain the situation, how I handled it, and told him what I had explained to his subordinate.  I was met with, "I looked it up in the OSHA standard and it doesn't say that."  Again, a carefully crafted explanation of "performance standard," OSHA interpretations, and "best practices" ensued.  Then, as you might expect, the "I need it in writing from someone that says I gotta."

Yes, I know that I should be the last word on the issue, but that does not often work in the real world.  Nevermind that I was hired because of 30+ years of safety experience, a degree in Occupational Safety and Industrial Hygiene, past safety teaching experience at a community college, and the OSHA 500 course authorizing me to teach OSHA 10 and 30 hour courses.  So, I pulled out an article that I had written a few years ago, added a pseudonym at the bottom of the article.  The article explained the situation in exactly the terms that I had verbally given both he and his subordinate (obviously, because I had written the article), but now the name of the author wasn't my name.  He read the article and said, "that's better, now I understand.  You need to communicate more like this guy."  Really?

I have had no compliance problems with this issue since.  I know, I could have gone up the line to the supervisor's superior, but I'm not sure that the consequences would have been worth the effort.  The immediate problem was solved and it looks like I may have a strategy for solving future problems.

But, the guy that wrote the article was from outside the company, so he knew better!  Imagine that!

Thanks to the people at The Mesothelioma Center (at www.asbestos.com) for this post.

Beware of Dangerous Asbestos during Construction

Asbestos once was considered a miracle mineral for its unique ability to resist heat and strengthen almost anything. It was used extensively throughout the construction industry and lauded for its versatility and affordability.

Unfortunately, it is also toxic when its microscopic fibers are unknowingly inhaled or ingested, leading to a variety of long term respiratory health issues, including asbestosis, lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma.

Although its use has been significantly reduced in recent decades, it remains a serious threat to anyone involved in the renovation, remodeling or demolition of a structure built before the mid-1980s.

Beware of the danger. No level of friable asbestos exposure is considered safe. If you believe you’ve been exposed to asbestos it’s important to see a doctor and discuss possible treatment centers.

Workers should take the proper precautions when working on an older residence or commercial building. Asbestos likely will be in the flooring, ceilings, walls, plumbing and electric fixtures.

Many common building materials contain asbestos. When these products begin to deteriorate or if someone drills, sands or disturbs them, the fibers often enter the air.

Although the immediate danger may seem minimal, the asbestos fibers can become lodged in the lining around the lungs. Over time, they will cause inflammation and scarring, which can lead to serious problems.

Protective gear should be worn, helping avoid any inhalation. A firefighter, for example, will wear a special breathing apparatus when entering an older building where the toxic fibers are in the air.

Construction workers should take similar precautions. In newer construction, roofing shingles often still contain asbestos, which is designed to resist heat.

Any clothes worn when working on a remodeling project should be left at the worksite or properly cleaned before coming home to avoid subjecting others to the unwanted exposure.

The use of asbestos may have dropped dramatically, but the dangers have not.