Photographs are a learning tool of how accidents can be prevented. Thank you to Margaret Hennis our USF SafetyFlorida contributor for July. Hazards: Accumulated and combustible debris (boxes) is blocking an emergency exit and a fire extinguisher. Violation(s): 1910.37(a)(1) Exit routes must be kept free of explosive or highly flammable […]
Dear Reader, As business operations resume, it is important to consider employer responsibility for providing a safe and healthful workplace that is free of recognized hazards. We understand how difficult it can be to adjust your operations with guidance constantly evolving. Here are a few steps all employers can take to reduce workers risk of exposure to COVID-19 transmission: Develop an Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response Plan Implement Basic Infection Prevention Measures Identify and Isolate Sick People, if Appropriate Develop, Implement, and Communicate about Workplace Flexibilities and Protections Follow Existing OSHA Standards The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has developed guidance to assist employers […]
The Florida Perinatal Quality Collaborative (FPQC), housed in the USF College of Public Health’s Chiles Center, has been on a mission of making sure Florida’s infants and mothers receive the highest quality health care and outcomes for the last decade. Some improvements hospitals have made because of the FPQC’s efforts […]
“To tackle current health challenges effectively, it’s critical to create a public health workforce that is able to tap into a wide range of innovative approaches and social marketing is one of these,” said Dr. Mahmooda Khaliq Pasha, assistant professor of social marketing and associate director of the WHO Collaborating […]
Prepare your workplace for hurricane season during a pandemic Dear Reader, A special thank you to everyone who attended the recent webinar on “Reopening America Amidst COVID-19”. During that webinar, we shared tools necessary to coordinate a safe reopening amidst a pandemic. Safety and Health experts discussed key topics including navigating interim guidance, critical elements of a preparedness plan, and realistic strategies for supporting business continuity. If you were unable to attend the webinar, you may view the recording by selecting the following link: https://bit.ly/3i35xTO. For access to the presentations, […]
Hazards Unsafe use of step ladder—worker using top/top step of step ladder-1926.1053(b)(13) See Photo for other potential hazards Consequences: Fall to lower level Severe injuries such as fractures; or, fatal injury Corrective Action: Employer needs to influence safe activity by positive reinforcement of safe work practices—key personnel recognizing workers verbally for performing their work safely; or, negative reinforcement—disciplinary action to workers observed not following recognized safe work practices. All workers using ladders need appropriate safe ladder use training by competent persons– 1926.1060(a)(1). The employer should have an active, current and […]
Written by: Adam Marty, PhD January 2020 started with news of a novel disease in a country half way around the world. This novel disease would become what is known as COVID-19. Six months later, the United States has experienced over 1.8 million cases of COVID-19, over 100,000 fatalities attributed to the disease, led to stay-at-home orders, and shuttered non-essential businesses across the country. Indeed, this new disease has impacted virtually every aspect of American life. COVID-19 and public health have been a constant part of the news cycle since […]
The Florida Perinatal Quality Collaborative’s Director’s Award goes to an organization that has gone above and beyond to assist the FPQC in improving the health and health care of moms and babies in Florida. “Dixie Morgese and the Healthy Start Coalition of Flagler and Volusia Counties clearly exemplify this in the Collaborative’s effort to address the state’s neonatal opioid withdrawal crisis through improving the care for moms and infants,” said FPQC Director Bill Sappenfield. The Coalition has made multiple contributions to the FPQC’s Maternal Opioid Recovery Effort (MORE) and Neonatal […]