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Paint remover, degreaser, fertilizer and glass cleaner; these and other chemicals are a part of today’s high quality of life and a necessary part of many work environments. The hazard communication standard first went into effect in 1985 and covers almost all workplaces under OSHA jurisdiction. The basic idea behind the standard requires chemical manufacturers and employers to communicate information to workers about the hazards of workplace chemicals or products. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), container / product labels,  employee training and a written program are the main components for communicating chemical information to employees. These elements are designed to prevent injuries and keep workers healthy and safe while performing their job.

Health and Safety

The best way to protect employee health and safety is to educate them on each of the chemicals they work with. Some chemicals can explode, start fires or violently react with others. Some can cause skin rashes, breathing problems, or more serious injuries including burns and death. But if hazardous chemicals are handled carefully and the proper precautions are followed, chemicals can be handled and used safely.

MSDS and Labels

Illness and injury can be prevented by reading the MSDS and container / product label for each chemical being used. These two major program components provide important health and safety information about the hazardous chemicals employees will be working with. Employers must make MSDS.s and labels available to workers, but the program can only be effective with the help and cooperation of all employees.

Be Compliant

Many employers think the Standard doesn’t apply to their workplace.  However, the vast majority of workplaces under OSHA jurisdiction have some exposure to chemicals that require documentation and proper labeling. Some examples of common chemicals are household or commercial cleaning fluids, fuels, solvents, lubricants, degreasers, and aerosols.

Take Part

Work smart by participating in the company’s hazard communication program. Safe work practices for properly handling chemicals, how to use required personal protective equipment, and any first aid procedures in case of an accident will be taught. Since health and safety is your responsibility, be sure to understand the job function, and ask your supervisor any questions regarding using and/or handling chemicals safely.

Claimant Fraud

Special Investigation Unit Manager Accidents may occur. However, when employees are involved in fraudulent claims it hurts entire communities, especially an employer, whose workers compensation insurance premiums increase due to the loss. At FirstComp we are dedicated to protecting policyholders by combating fraud. Below is a story of a win in the battle against workers compensation fraud:

Sam was a convenience store clerk who felt he should only work when he wanted to. Before starting his shift on a Friday evening he devised a plan to skip work and still be paid. Early in his shift he paced up and down a store aisle watching customers and his co-worker at the register. Once he realized his coworker was distracted he walked over to a wire rack – and shook it – to see if it would fall. Realizing no one was watching he pulled the wire rack down on himself and started screaming for help. Eventually, an ambulance was called to transport him to the hospital. What Sam did not realize was the store not only had a video camera over the cash register but also over the store aisles. His .staged. accident was caught on video tape.

Sam faces up to 5 years in prison for workers compensation fraud if convicted by a court of law. Some potential fraud red flags to be on the lookout for include:

•  The employee has injuries that do not match with the story of the accident
•  There are no witnesses to the accident
•  The accident occurred early on a Monday morning or after a holiday weekend
•  The accident leads to rumors or whispers around the workplace that the injury was faked