Take steps to prevent illness and injury in the lab

Laboratory workers handle a variety of chemicals, solvents, etc.

Lab technicians and managers are routinely exposed to potentially dangerous chemicals, gases, particulate and biological contaminants.

Those toxins as well as other occupational hazards can affect the health and well-being of workers and hurt the bottom line.

The United States Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) says that injuries and illnesses sustained in the workplace cost the U.S. more than $53 billion in worker’s compensation in 2008.

One way to keep those costs down and workers healthier and safer is to put one or more programs in place that are designed to limit sickness and injury on the job.

OSHA recommends the following three options:

• Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP), which includes collaboration between OSHA, workers and management, training, worksite analysis and hazard prevention and control.
• The Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) recognizes and rewards small businesses that implement health and safety management systems.
• The OSHA Challenge Program advocates preventive measures to stop workplace accidents and rewards companies making gradual improvements in safety and health.

Source: Lab Manager Magazine

Lab managers can always contact OSHA or their respective health and safety agencies to obtain information on voluntary and essential health and safety standards and requirements to protect workers.

One important aspect of lab health and safety concerns the workplace's indoor air quality.

Generic air cleaning solutions are usually ineffective to keep the indoor air quality in laboratories at a satisfactory level and to contain the fumes, chemicals and odors that may affect workers even if they wear personal protective equipment.

Electrocorp specializes in customized air quality solutions and versatile units that remove a wide range of serious airborne contaminants to maintain safe, healthy and comfortable working environments in laboratories.

Laboratory air purifiers with many pounds of activated carbon and custom carbon blends can adsorb chemicals and help clean the air 24/7.

Contact Electrocorp for more information and personalized recommendations.