Pump Down The Volume: Noise Pollution Is Serious Stuff.
While it’s impossible to make a factory blasting at full output TV studio quiet, steps can be taken to reduce noise as much as possible – which translates into high productivity and fewer worker’s comp claims for hearing loss.
– By Isaac Rudik
In a world where workplace and outside noise can seem like an unyielding din, it is easy to take hearing for granted. Moreover, symptoms of hearing loss can be overlooked since they appear gradually and are seldom associated with pain. As a result, increasing deafness remains unnoticed often for years until it’s too late.
In fact, among all occupational hazards, noise is the biggest cause of permanent disability claims settled by Ontario’s Worker’s Compensation Board. According to WSIB, hearing loss due to high workplace noise levels resulted in roughly $100-million in claims paid out over a recent 10 year period.
As a result, Ontario’s Ministry of Labour introduced strict limits for workplace noise exposure. Among other things, the government reduced the allowable exposure time to noise by workers in half. The Environment Ministry deals with preventing excessive noise in Ontario, and sounds produced by human activity is controlled by the laws in the Ontario Environmental Protection Act (EPA), which holds that noise is a contaminant with adverse effects on workers.
Why? Because researchers proved that an individual exposed to 85dba for eight hours a day, week after week, will suffer hearing loss. The louder the sound, the less time it takes. Thus, the noisier the workplace, the fewer exposures and time it takes to produce significant – and, for employers, costly – hearing loss.
Achieving Results
While it’s impossible to make a factory blasting at full output TV studio quiet, steps can be taken to reduce noise as much as possible.
Executives at an Ontario tool-and-die maker knew they were in a noisy business; it’s in the nature of what the company does. But they were intent on reducing noise levels as much as possible. For one thing, they didn’t want to be socked with expensive worker’s comp claims if employees started suffering hearing problems; for another, they recognised that high noise levels meant lower productivity.
The company developed a three-prong strategy: Remove, Reduce, and Rest.
The company removed as much noise as possible from its plant and then reduced the amount of noise entering the workplace. Following exposure to loud noise, auditory rest is crucial to allow recovery time for the hearing system.
The plant formed a management-worker committee and following guidelines created by the Canadian Hearing Society.
First, noise was reduced at the machinery sound source, either by isolating machines or installing insulating materials to muffle sound and vibration.
Next, within the plant sound barriers made of acoustic materials were installed along with adding machine enclosures, equipment mounts, exhaust silencers and mufflers. Where possible, sound-absorbing coatings were applied to machines and plastic gears substituted for metal ones. Each helped reduce noise.
Finally, schedules were re-configured to allow workers to rotate to less noisy areas during their shift. They were also provided personal hearing protection and instructed on its proper use.
Primary Solution
The company used a variety of SONEX Panels which provided it with a range of acoustic solutions that met both functional and aesthetic requirements. The panels are used in everything from industrial facilities to manufacturing plants, warehouses, schools and universities, churches, multi-purpose rooms, cafeterias, offices, retail stores, recording studios and many other locations requiring acoustical control.
SONEX panels were chosen for their adhesive-applied installation and are all made with Willtec® foam, which is fire rated Class 1. At the same time, SONEX Valueline Baffles helped improve communication, reducing echo and reverberation in large open areas such as the production plant and warehouse.
Although the company absorbed an up-front investment, it noticed improved productivity on the plant floor almost immediately. Moreover, it received a number of points towards its LEED certification as an all-around healthy and green workplace – which is paying off in employee retention.
Coupled with reducing the likelihood of joining a long line of companies facing worker comp claims for hearing loss, the company is delighted it pumped down the volume.
Isaac Rudik is a compliance consultant with Compliance Solutions Canada Inc. (www.compliancesolutionscanada.com), Canada’s largest provider of health, safety and environmental compliance solutions to industrial, institutional and government facilities.
E-mail Isaac at irudik@csc-inc.ca or phone him at 905-761-5354.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Straighten Up Or Pay The Price
Straighten Up Or Pay The Price
Muscular-skeletal disorders account for 40% of workplace injuries, costing the economy $2-billion annually. But proper workplace ergonomics has proven repeatedly to repay itself in higher profits and less lost time due to entirely avoidable injuries.
- By Isaac Rudik
When business executives and owners hear someone mutter the word “ergonomics,” too often their eyes glaze over, their mind wanders, and they dismiss the whole notion as another buzzword dreamed up consultants who have no idea what’s really involved in running a business and turning a profit.
Unfortunately, in many cases they’d be correct – but only because the word has been co-opted by advertising to plug fuzzy features of everything from cars to shoe inserts.
That’s too bad because the fact is ergonomics has a direct bearing on profitability. In fact, ergonomics often affects everything from productivity to the rate of workplace injuries. And it’s not just because employees might get a sore back from sitting in a poorly designed chair or lifting a heavy box improperly. Correct workplace ergonomics extends across the shop floor, encompassing everything from tool design to the layout of factories and warehouses.
In short, investing in proper workplace ergonomics has proven repeatedly to repay itself in higher profits and less lost time due to entirely avoidable injuries.
Immediate Payback
Several years ago, a 200-year old manufacturer became alarmed at its injury rate for muscular-skeletal disorders (MSD), which was nearly three times the norm for all industries. To figure out what was wrong, it created a series of “ergonomic committees” that included employees from every department, an assessment of every task performed in the plant, an annual discomfort survey of workers and an enhanced training and communications plan.
Over a five year period, the company spent $2.5-million on its ergonomic programme. The company calculated that its annual return-on-investment was 40% – a whopping 40% per year. At the same time, it reduced workplace MSD injury rate by the 40% as well and, where workstation improvements were made and MSD factors reduced, productivity climbed by an astronomical 100%.
Another manufacturer, this one high tech, realised that most workplace injuries that resulted in lost time related to lifting, fastening and keyboarding. It conducted a study, led by an outside advisor, to determine where workstations and tasks created the greatest risk for MSD injuries. As a result, adjustments were made in both workplace design and employee training.
In the first year alone, the cost of worker compensation claims plummeted 75%, to $94,000 from more than $400,000. The following year, additional improvements were made and claims fell again to $12,000. The company estimates that it saved nearly $1.5-million over four years in direct costs alone; the programme cost $500,000.
Simple First Steps
A business doesn’t have to begin with a six-figure investment to improve ergonomically-driven productivity increases. New resources are available to workers and employers to help prevent ergonomic-related injuries, which accounts for 40% of time lost from injuries and cost the Canadian economy $19-billion over the 10 years from 1996 to 2006:
Conventional Ergonomic Chair: They provide optimal support to every part of the body. They are fully adjustable in many different directions, enabling workers to get the perfect seating position, offering excellent support for both the back and legs.
Saddle Seat: As its name suggests, the chair’s shape resembles a horse saddle. It keeps the pelvis in its natural position so that, when leaning forward, the user moves from the hips and not the waist.
Recliner Chair: Reclining is the most relaxing position for the back, especially for people who suffer spine-related problems such as lumber spinal stenosis. While not well-suited for tables or desks, these chairs usually feature detachable or swivel tables for holding a laptop and files.
Solid Solution
A high backed synchronized glider chair such as one designed with the Moller® back support system is a commonly-used, solid solution because it employs a physician-designed approach that is clinically proven to reduce back and neck pain, fatigue and headaches by encouraging proper back alignment.
The spinal column is fully supported and maintains a natural lower spine configuration. Compression on the veins is reduced and circulation improved while strain on the lower back muscles is decreased, reducing fatigue and discomfort. Moreover, such a chair allows for multiple adjustments for maximum, personal comfort.
Given the high cost to companies of entirely preventable workplace injuries from MSD’s, the relatively low cost – and almost immediate payback – of avoiding the problem makes total sense.
Isaac Rudik is a compliance consultant with Compliance Solutions Canada Inc. (www.compliancesolutionscanada.com), Canada’s largest provider of health, safety and environmental compliance solutions to industrial, institutional and government facilities.
E-mail Isaac at irudik@csc-inc.ca or phone him at 905-761-5354.
Muscular-skeletal disorders account for 40% of workplace injuries, costing the economy $2-billion annually. But proper workplace ergonomics has proven repeatedly to repay itself in higher profits and less lost time due to entirely avoidable injuries.
- By Isaac Rudik
When business executives and owners hear someone mutter the word “ergonomics,” too often their eyes glaze over, their mind wanders, and they dismiss the whole notion as another buzzword dreamed up consultants who have no idea what’s really involved in running a business and turning a profit.
Unfortunately, in many cases they’d be correct – but only because the word has been co-opted by advertising to plug fuzzy features of everything from cars to shoe inserts.
That’s too bad because the fact is ergonomics has a direct bearing on profitability. In fact, ergonomics often affects everything from productivity to the rate of workplace injuries. And it’s not just because employees might get a sore back from sitting in a poorly designed chair or lifting a heavy box improperly. Correct workplace ergonomics extends across the shop floor, encompassing everything from tool design to the layout of factories and warehouses.
In short, investing in proper workplace ergonomics has proven repeatedly to repay itself in higher profits and less lost time due to entirely avoidable injuries.
Immediate Payback
Several years ago, a 200-year old manufacturer became alarmed at its injury rate for muscular-skeletal disorders (MSD), which was nearly three times the norm for all industries. To figure out what was wrong, it created a series of “ergonomic committees” that included employees from every department, an assessment of every task performed in the plant, an annual discomfort survey of workers and an enhanced training and communications plan.
Over a five year period, the company spent $2.5-million on its ergonomic programme. The company calculated that its annual return-on-investment was 40% – a whopping 40% per year. At the same time, it reduced workplace MSD injury rate by the 40% as well and, where workstation improvements were made and MSD factors reduced, productivity climbed by an astronomical 100%.
Another manufacturer, this one high tech, realised that most workplace injuries that resulted in lost time related to lifting, fastening and keyboarding. It conducted a study, led by an outside advisor, to determine where workstations and tasks created the greatest risk for MSD injuries. As a result, adjustments were made in both workplace design and employee training.
In the first year alone, the cost of worker compensation claims plummeted 75%, to $94,000 from more than $400,000. The following year, additional improvements were made and claims fell again to $12,000. The company estimates that it saved nearly $1.5-million over four years in direct costs alone; the programme cost $500,000.
Simple First Steps
A business doesn’t have to begin with a six-figure investment to improve ergonomically-driven productivity increases. New resources are available to workers and employers to help prevent ergonomic-related injuries, which accounts for 40% of time lost from injuries and cost the Canadian economy $19-billion over the 10 years from 1996 to 2006:
Conventional Ergonomic Chair: They provide optimal support to every part of the body. They are fully adjustable in many different directions, enabling workers to get the perfect seating position, offering excellent support for both the back and legs.
Saddle Seat: As its name suggests, the chair’s shape resembles a horse saddle. It keeps the pelvis in its natural position so that, when leaning forward, the user moves from the hips and not the waist.
Recliner Chair: Reclining is the most relaxing position for the back, especially for people who suffer spine-related problems such as lumber spinal stenosis. While not well-suited for tables or desks, these chairs usually feature detachable or swivel tables for holding a laptop and files.
Solid Solution
A high backed synchronized glider chair such as one designed with the Moller® back support system is a commonly-used, solid solution because it employs a physician-designed approach that is clinically proven to reduce back and neck pain, fatigue and headaches by encouraging proper back alignment.
The spinal column is fully supported and maintains a natural lower spine configuration. Compression on the veins is reduced and circulation improved while strain on the lower back muscles is decreased, reducing fatigue and discomfort. Moreover, such a chair allows for multiple adjustments for maximum, personal comfort.
Given the high cost to companies of entirely preventable workplace injuries from MSD’s, the relatively low cost – and almost immediate payback – of avoiding the problem makes total sense.
Isaac Rudik is a compliance consultant with Compliance Solutions Canada Inc. (www.compliancesolutionscanada.com), Canada’s largest provider of health, safety and environmental compliance solutions to industrial, institutional and government facilities.
E-mail Isaac at irudik@csc-inc.ca or phone him at 905-761-5354.
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