2017

What is Podcasting?

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As many of you know, we recently have launched the Portage County Safety Council Podcast. We realize that some of our members may not be familiar with podcasting so we thought it would be fun to write a quick blog to link those members to some great podcasting info.

Don’t worry! If you already know what a podcast is, we included some pretty cool stats that you may enjoy (see graphic below).

  1. What is a podcast? “A digital audio or video file or recording, usually part of a themed series, that can be downloaded from a website to a media player or computer.” – Dictionary.com
  2. Where did the term come from? “The word originated as a portmanteau of ‘iPod’ (a brand of media player) and ‘broadcast’.” – Wikipedia
  3. How many people listen to podcasts? “112 million Americans have listened to a podcast” and “42 million Americans listen to podcasts weekly, five times more than go to the movies.” – Source
  4. Do people actually listen to entire episodes? “86% listen to all or most of each episode”. – PodcastInsights.com

Courtesy of Podcast Insights.com.

2017 Podcast Statistics

 

Carbon Monoxide: December 2017 Safety & Hygiene Corner

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Question:

The cold season is around the corner—should we be concerned with carbon monoxide?

Answer:

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, toxic gas which interferes with the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood. CO is non-irritating and can overcome persons without warning. Many people die from CO poisoning, usually while using gasoline powered tools and generators in buildings or semi-enclosed spaces without adequate ventilation.

Effects of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

  • Severe carbon monoxide poisoning causes neurological damage, illness, coma and death.

Symptoms of CO exposure

  • Headaches, dizziness and drowsiness.
  • Nausea, vomiting, tightness across the chest.

Some Sources of Exposure

  • Portable generators/generators in buildings.
  • Concrete cutting saws, compressors.
  • Power trowels, floor buffers, space heaters.
  • Welding, gasoline powered pumps.

Preventing CO Exposure

  • Never use a generator indoors or in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces such as garages, crawl spaces, and basements. Opening windows and doors in an enclosed space may prevent CO buildup.
  • Make sure the generator has 3-4 feet of clear space on all sides and above it to ensure adequate ventilation.
  • Do not use a generator outdoors if placed near doors, windows or vents which could allow CO to enter and build up in occupied spaces.
  • When using space heaters and stoves ensure that they are in good working order to reduce CO buildup, and never use in enclosed spaces or indoors.
  • Consider using tools powered by electricity or compressed air, if available.
  • If you experience symptoms of CO poisoning get to fresh air right away and seek immediate medical attention.

U.S. Department of Labor

http://www.osha.gov (800) 321-OSHA

Brought to you by Ohio BWC safety consultants.

Walking-Working Surfaces: November 2017 Safety & Hygiene Corner

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Question:

Do I need to inspect the walking -working surfaces in my facility?

Answer:

Yes, according to OSHA’s revised walking-working surfaces rule. OSHA’s definition of a walking-working surface is any horizontal or vertical surface on or through which an employee walks, works, or gains access to a work area or workplace location. The employer must inspect the surfaces, regularly and as necessary, to ensure they are maintained in a safe condition. If a hazardous condition is recognized, the condition is to be corrected or repaired before an employee uses the surface again. If the correction or repair cannot be made immediately, the hazard must be guarded to prevent employees from using the surface. Hazardous conditions may include sharp or protruding objects, loose boards, corrosion, leaks, spills, snow, and ice. For more information on the revised rule, see Subpart D of 29 CFR 1910.

Brought to you by Ohio BWC safety consultants.

2017 First Half Semi-Annual Reports Due July 15th

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Hello PCSC Members:

The time has come to submit your First Half Semi-Annual Report for the period of January 1, 2017 – June 30, 2017, by the deadline of July 15th.

ALL Safety Council members, including newly enrolled members, are required to complete the semi-annual reports to maintain a current Safety Council membership and to ensure your eligibility for the Safety Council rebate and Safety Awards programs.

Employers eligible to pursue the current FY18 safety council rebate must complete both reports for calendar year 2017.

Please take a few moments and complete the short Semi-Annual Safety Council report. It is absolutely critical that you return your report to the Safety Council by no later than July 15th.

Click here to complete the report online.

Click here to download the 2017 First Half Semi-Annual Report Form.

Click here to download the Instruction Sheet to help you complete the report.