Occupational, Industrial, and Safety Shares for your company or organization

Opioids and Opiates

5/31/2016 Opioids and opiates; these terms are often used interchangeably. However, there is a subtle difference between them. An opiate is a substance derived from the poppy plant (which contains opium). Opiates are sometimes called “natural” since the active component is made by nature, not manufactured by chemical synthesis. Common opiates include morphine and codeine, both made directly from poppy plants. Meanwhile, an opioid is a substance that is synthetic or partly synthetic, meaning the Read more…

By Robert Brounstein, ago

Flagger Responsibilities

4/11/2016 With Election Day approaching at a probably all-to-fast pace, we are hearing more talk about our Nation’s crumbling infrastructure and that funding to repair our roads has become a priority. Whether this happens sooner or later, it seems inevitable that we will be seeing construction workers dressed in vibrant dayglow vests with reflective material becoming more prevalent on our highways and city streets. And while such repair work is, indeed, important, and even desired Read more…

By Robert Brounstein, ago

Personal Fall Arrest Systems

5/1/2017 The number one cause of death in the construction industry is falling from heights. Unfortunately, even though this type of accident has remained in the occupational limelight for years, investigations seem to concur that people seem to be making the same fundamental mistakes again and again. Listed below are some of the problems typically encountered while working at height: Underestimating the “falling at work” problem Automatically selecting fall arrest as the control method of Read more…

By Robert Brounstein, ago

Colorectal Cancer

3/20/2017 It a recent study published by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), data collected from the mid-1980s to 2013 indicates that colon cancer rates for people in their 20’s and 30’s have increased about 1 to 2 percent per year.  Further, the study reports that the rates for middle-aged adults also rose; however, at a slower pace. This study shows a shift in age-groups that are now the target of colon cancer. In the past, Read more…

By Robert Brounstein, ago

Nerve Agents

3/13/2017 Last month, on February 13, Kim Jong-nam, the exiled half-brother of North Korea’s ruler, Kim Jong Un, was murdered by having the nerve agent, VX-gas, sprayed into his face while at Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur International Airport.  According to the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), VX is the most toxic nerve agent ever synthesized.  The CFR (founded in 1921) is a United States 4900-member organization, nonprofit, publisher, and think tank specializing in U.S. foreign policy Read more…

By Robert Brounstein, ago

Pulled Muscles

2/27/2017 Many people make New Year’s resolutions pertaining to getting into shape and joining a gym. So now it’s the end of February and those of us that have made it this far and have not given up – a special word of encouragement is definitely in order. And for those of us that somehow have found excuses to give up on commitments, have no fear, you can always get back up and try once Read more…

By Robert Brounstein, ago

COPD

2/20/2017 It seems like whenever there is a commercial on TV (which happens all too frequently and all too annoying!), inevitably one of the several ads will be for a prescription drug (“ask your doctor to see if ‘such and such’ is right for you”).  Advertisements for lawyers looking for victims of mesothelioma, or those who have suffered from harmful side effects from some drug they were prescribed or procedure they encountered dominate the screen. Read more…

By Robert Brounstein, ago

OSHA’s Beryllium Regulation

1/16/2017 As the country’s current administration bids adieu, and the next one enters into prominence, Dr. David Michaels, the current assistant Secretary of Labor, or the head of OSHA, has spear-headed an effort to move forward and promulgate OSHA’s comprehensive regulation to protect the American Worker due to exposures from working with, as well as handling, beryllium. Beryllium is a strong, lightweight metal used in many industries, such as aerospace, electronics, energy, telecommunication, medical care, Read more…

By Robert Brounstein, ago

Carrageenan

11/7/2016 Recently, I went to the refrigerator in our break room to look for some “half n’ half” to add to my morning cup of Joe. Upon opening the door I noticed two containers of almond milk; both with bold letters stating, “CARRAGEENAN FREE.” Carrageenan free? OK, so what’s that? I thought it might be something like gluten; that portion of grains, such as wheat, barley and oats that have recently received some serious criticism Read more…

By Robert Brounstein, ago

An Assured Grounding Program

10/31/2016 An electrical safety program covers a wide range of topics. Notable subjects that fall within electrical safety include overhead power lines, battery charging stations, wiring design and installations, lockout/tagout procedures, as well as personal protective equipment. Something that has recently been recognized as its own stand-alone area-of discipline has been assured grounding. This topic focuses on the proper set-up and configuration of electrical equipment (such as hand tools) and extension cords. Information on assured Read more…

By Robert Brounstein, ago