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Category: Staff News

Drugs At Work

Mon, July 17, 2017 Published by

When a co-worker seems to be abusing drugs or alcohol, ignoring or avoiding the issue will not help the situation. Diagnosis of an alcohol or other drug problem is not the job of a supervisor or 7200-7201img_47colleague. However, being alert to changes in an employee’s performance is a core component of everyone’s job. Some symptoms are common among alcohol and drug abusers but not always indicative of a problem. These include:

Performance:

  • inconsistent work quality
  • poor concentration
  • lowered productivity
  • increased absenteeism
  • careless mistakes
  • errors in judgment
  • needless risk taking
  • disregard for safety
  • unexplained disappearances from the job site
  • extended lunch periods and early departures

Behavior:

  • frequent financial problems
  • avoidance of friends and colleagues
  • complaints about problems at home
  • deterioration in personal appearance or health
  • blaming others for problems and shortcomings
  • complaints and excuses of vaguely defined illnesses

Working with the Occupational Safety & Health Administrations (OSHA) we follow five components that they have deemed necessary for an effective drug-free workplace. We created and implemented a drug-free workplace policy. We train our supervisors to watch for signs. We provide employee education and awareness. We have employee assistance programs through our Spiritual Life Department as well as some contracted agencies. And finally we drug test before employment, post-injury, and any time there is reasonable cause or suspicion.

Did you know 10-20% of the nation’s workers who die on the job test positive for alcohol or other drugs, according to OSHA. Industries with the highest rates of drug use are the same as those at a high risk for occupational injuries, such as construction, mining, manufacturing and wholesale. Comprehensive drug-free workforce programs are recommended within workplace environments involving safety-sensitive duties like operating machinery. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers information and guidance for employers on workplace drug-testing issues. Access the information at www.drugfreeworkplace.gov.

For more information you can always stop by the HR Department or go to www.copperpoint.com.

How to Avoid Slips, Trips & Falls

Mon, July 10, 2017 Published by

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Next to traffic collisions, falls kill more people than any other kind of accident. Nearly 6,000 people die each year as a result of falls on the job or someplace other than their home. Falls can become costly accidents when you consider the suffering, medical expenses, lost wages and lost production. At work, most falls result from slips or trips at floor level, not from high places.

Avoid slips. Keep an eye out for hazardous walking conditions including hidden steps, smooth surfaces, wet, icy or oily surfaces, and loose flooring, carpets or rugs. Avoid trips. Keep your work area neat and orderly, watch for things such as furniture in high traffic areas, items on floors, drawers left open, electrical cords in open areas, and objects left on stairways. Avoid falls. You can prevent falls by being aware of your environment and by removing potential hazards when you see them. Ensure lighting is sufficient in the area. Avoid “makeshift” step stools like boxes or furniture. Use a stepladder. Repair or replace worn stair treads or unraveled carpet. Lower yourself gently from high areas such as flatbeds or work stages. Never jump. Be aware of the length of your hems and cuffs so they don’t get caught while walking.

keep_an_eye_open_for_tripping_hazards_before_they_floor_you_simpsons_slips_trips_and_falls_safety_poster_s1158__42710-1408562840-850-1100Know how to use a ladder. Follow these tips to prevent ladder falls:

  • Ensure ladder is in good condition and has safety feet.
  • Always face the ladder.
  • Remember 4-to-1 rule. For each four feet of height, set the base out one foot.
  • Do not carry anything in your hands while you climb the ladder. Hoist what you need.
  • Move the ladder if an item is out of your reach. Keep your body centered so your belt buckle is between side rails.

When it comes to preventing slips trips and falls, your state of mind in approaching a situation can make the difference. Falls occur because people don’t expect them. The more you anticipate and guard against falls, the fewer you’ll have.

 

Saving Money Is Easier Than You Think It Is

Mon, July 10, 2017 Published by

Just about everyone could do with saving a few pennies for a rainy day, but sometimes cutting back on financial expenses can be tough. Here are several easy ways to save money that you may not have considered:

  1. Carpool to work. Sharing a ride with neighbors or colleagues is not only good for the environment, but it’s easy on the wallet as well. Ride-sharing even one day a week has been shown to save carpoolers 10%-20% of commuting costs. Bonus tip: If carpooling doesn’t work with your schedule, look into taking public transportation instead of driving. You’ll save money on gas, car maintenance, and parking.
  2. Make a meal plan. Dining out takes a huge bite out of many family budgets because most people don’t plan ahead. Every weekend, draw up a meal plan for the week ahead and shop for the needed ingredients. The excuse that “there’s nothing to eat” won’t be an option when dinner time rolls around. Bonus tip: Take a detailed list to the grocery store so you won’t be tempted to buy items on an impulse.
  3. Maintain your vehicle. Schedule oil changes and appropriate tune-ups when recommended. These have a financial cost upfront, but simple, ongoing maintenance work is far less expensive than major repairs that might be required if these are overlooked. Bonus tip: Learn how to change the oil in your car and perform basic maintenance yourself to avoid paying shop fees. Or, find a friend or neighbor who has these skills and make an exchange. An oil change for a week’s worth of dog walking only requires time!
  4. Read e-books. Instead of buying new hard-copy editions, purchase digital books, which can be significantly less expensive. Bonus tip: Can’t give up the good ol’ ink-and-paper book? You can still save money by shopping at used bookstores or purchasing used books online. Alternatively, hold a book-swapping party with friends and you’ll walk away with new-to-you books at no cost.

From Keith & Cheryl Krone’s Service For Life! “Insider Tips for Healthy, Wealthy and Happy Living…”

Workplace Violence

Mon, July 3, 2017 Published by

Violence or the threat of violence against workers can range from threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and homicide. It is one of the leading causes of job-related deaths.

About 2 million American workers are victims of workplace violence each year. No one is immune from workplace violence. Workers who exchange money with the public or deliver passengers, goods, or services are at increased risk for violence.

You can protect yourself from potential risky situations. Many high risk professions include healthcare staff, IT crew, and utility employees. While there are no guarantees, you may help reduce the odds of becoming a victim of violence by learning to recognize and avoid or diffuse potentially violent situations by attending personal safety programs. Alert Security to all concerns and make sure to document the situation.

You should be alert to potential behavior and attitude signs in coworkers and clients such as these:

  • Upset about recent events at work or personal crisis.
  • Recent major change in behavior, demeanor and appearance.
  • Appears withdrawn from normal social activities.
  • Intimidating verbally or abusive.
  • Harasses or mistreats others.
  • Challenges or resists authority.
  • Blames others for problems in life or work; suspicious, holds grudges.
  • Abuses drugs or alcohol.
  • Shows unwelcome, obsessive romantic attention.
  • Stalks targeted co-worker.
  • Makes threatening reference to violence.
  • Makes threats to harm self, others or property.
  • Brings weapons or has a fascination with weapons.
  • Has a known history of violence.
  • Has communicated specific proposed acts of disruption or violence.
  • Feels morally superior or self–righteous.
  • Feels entitled; rules don’t apply to them.
  • Feels wronged, humiliated, degraded and possibly wants revenge.
  • Believes no options for action except for violence.
  • Is isolated or a loner.

If you believe there is a chance for violence please report it to your supervisor, Human Resources, or Security so we can help the people involved.

For more information visit www.copperpoint.com.