Back Belts – Do They Protect Workers?

By davidrabban
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Back injuries account for a large number of injuries and illnesses in the workplace and cost the economy thousands of dollars. In response to the increasing human and economic costs of back injuries, companies have tried using many devices to lessen the chance of back injury, either in conjunction with or in place of sound ergonomic programs. One such device is the “back belt.” Back belts, also called back supports or abdominal belts, resemble corsets and have been used by some companies in the belief that they prevent worker injury during lifting activities. However, those who rely on back belts to prevent injury should be aware of the lack of scientific evidence supporting their use. The decision to wear a back belt is a choice and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) believes that workers and employers should have the best available information to make that choice. So NIOSH conducted an extensive study and concluded that there was “insufficient scientific evidence” that wearing back belts protects workers from the risk of job-related back injury. In their study, NIOSH found that the back injury rate among workers who wore back belts every day was “statistically insignificant” from those who didn’t use them regularly. Even employees in the most strenuous types of jobs showed no real difference in either back pain complaints or injury claims when using back belts. A history of back injury was the strongest risk factor for predicting either a back injury claim or reported back pain among employees, regardless of back belt use. NIOSH does not consider back belts to be personal protective equipment and does not recommend the use of back belts to prevent worker injury. They conclude that back belts do not lessen the hazards to workers who lift, push, pull, twist or bend repeatedly. The most effective way to minimize the likelihood of back injury is to develop and implement a comprehensive ergonomics program. The program should include: ergonomic assessment of jobs and workstations to make sure that work activity can be done without exceeding the physical capability and capacity of the worker, on-going, comprehensive training for all workers on lifting mechanics and techniques, a surveillance program to identify potential work-related musculoskeletal problems and, a medical management program. On the basis of available evidence, how effective back belts are in reducing back injuries remains unproven. … [Read more...]

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Retail worker safety

By davidrabban

Retail workers sell a variety of products in storefronts ranging from department stores and grocery stores to quick stop marts and specialty shops. While the products and the environment may vary, if you are a retail worker, keep your mind on safety while you are doing business. A primary hazard for retail workers is injury due to slips, trips, and falls. Wear sturdy, comfortable footwear with non-slip soles. Maintain good housekeeping around the worksite to avoid tripping hazards. Report spills, uneven flooring, and/or piled debris promptly so they can be cleaned up, repaired, and cleared away. To avoid a fall, use ladders and footstools properly. Ergonomic injuries are another retail worker hazard. Know the signs and symptoms of ergonomic injuries such as numbness, tingling, and/or pain. Report symptoms and injuries to your supervisor. Use good lifting techniques when handling and lifting materials by keeping a straight back and using your leg muscles to power the lift. Avoid excessive or repetitive reaches for materials. Store materials properly so they are easy to access. Rotate your job tasks throughout your work day to avoid repetitive motion injuries. Change your working, standing, and seated positions throughout the day by using anti-fatigue floor mats and footstools to prevent staying in the same position all day (static postures). Pad sharp or hard work surfaces to prevent contact stress to your wrists, arms, and elbows. Take 30 second micro-breaks every 20-30 minutes of work time to give your body a rest and change positions. As a retail worker in a public facility, be aware of workplace violence hazards. Prepare and practice how to handle violence, robberies, and shoplifting if they occur. To discourage robbery and shoplifting, greet people as they enter the store; ask lone shoppers if they need help. Keep the store clean and well-lit. Move around the store periodically. If you work alone, keep the back doors secure. Never exit alone at night to empty the trash. Get training on the security features of your worksite such as panic alarms, surveillance cameras, and time-lock safes for cash. Make sure the store has accurate lighting inside and outside. Ensure that landscaping does not obscure your view outside or provide a place for trespassers to hide. Know and use proper cash management policies by avoiding making deposits alone or at night. Get customer service training to learn how to handle and diffuse angry … [Read more...]

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Keep Drugs & Alcohol Out of The Workplace

By davidrabban
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Drug use and alcohol consumption are usually considered personal issues; that is until they start to affect safety and worker performance. Abuse of drugs and alcohol cost employers through high absenteeism and sick pay. If a worker is fired or cannot function on the job, the company loses the services of an experienced worker. As well employees hurt themselves and their families if they lose their job as a result of their actions. Those under the influence of drugs or alcohol may cause friction or hostility in the work group, lower morale and work efficiency, use poor judgment that results in bad decisions, and give the company a poor public image. Individuals should be aware of their alcohol and drug consumption during certain times of the year, especially during the winter when the days are dark and dreary; people may experience symptoms of depression or seasonal affected disorder (SAD). They may turn to drugs and alcohol wrongly thinking it will alleviate the symptoms of the disorder. The holiday season can be a hectic time of the year with increased social gatherings and financial pressure leading some people to rely on drugs and alcohol to help them deal with the anxiety that the holiday season can bring. Those who over consumed alcohol or drugs the day before are hung over and may feel out of sorts and have difficulty recovering. As well, they may not give their full attention to the safety aspect of their work. Judgment and safety performance can become impaired and result in an increased likelihood of an injury occurring to themselves or others. People who suffer from personal or health problems may also resort to drugs and alcohol as a relief, even some prescription medication can interfere with job performance; hampering clear thinking and causing distraction. Irresponsible consumption of drugs and alcohol not only jeopardizes the safety and health of the workers and coworkers but it can also affect the employer’s business and impact the future of all families involved. q 10/10 … [Read more...]

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Hellman Recalls Avocado Pulp

By admin
Hellman Recall Avacado Pulp

Food Recall Action Alert July 9, 2010 For Immediate Release Contact:Christine Cunnick 703-516-0700 National Grocers Association J. Hellman Frozen Foods, Inc. Recalls 992 Cases Señor Mexicano Avocado Pulp Recall Reason: Because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. This recall notification is being issued out of an abundance of caution based on a confirmed positive result for Listeria monocytogenes in a random sample test conducted by the FDA. Packs/Codes: Señor Mexicano™ Avocado Pulp, 2lbs bags (UPC Code 7 503012 650001) with the following Lot number: A 21 04 10 / A 21 04 12. Photos: Product Labels The company has said they have notified all their customers who have received the product in question and have directed them to remove it from their shelves and return to them as soon as possible. Because it is possible that products bearing the Lot number A 21 04 10 / A 21 04 12 were further distributed and could be on store shelves and in consumer homes, this recall is being extended to the general public. Instructions for Retailers/Distributors: Immediately examine your inventory and quarantine product subject to recall. If you have product purchased between these dates, please with the affected Lot number contact J. Hellman Frozen Foods, Inc. immediately and return this product as soon as possible in order to credit your account accordingly. Distribution: [Multi-State]: Distributed in California and Hawaii. Contact: Retailers with questions regarding the recall should contact Greg Abadjian, Director of Food Safety at 213 - 243-9105 betweem the hours of 4 A.M. and 9:30 A.M. N.G.A. is the national trade association representing the retail and wholesale grocers that comprise the independent sector of the food distribution industry. An independent retailer is a privately owned or controlled food retail company operating a variety of formats. Most independent operators are serviced by wholesale distributors, while others may be partially or fully self-distributing. Some are publicly traded but with controlling shares held by the family and others are employee owned. Independents are the true "entrepreneurs" of the grocery industry and dedicated to their customers, associates, and communities. N.G.A. members include retail and wholesale grocers, state grocers associations, as well as manufacturers and service suppliers. For more information about N.G.A. and the independent sector of the industry, see … [Read more...]

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Chairman’s Report

By Ramzi Murad Leave a Comment
NMA Chairman's Letter by Ramzi Murad

Strong community ties – driving growth for the NMA and it’s member businesses “I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”– Mahatma Gandhi The Neighborhood Market Association was created to represent the independent businesses and to look after their interest in these tough times. The NMA has been gradually becoming more recognized and trusted by many people. Today we are a well known association which represents over 21,000 employees, and grown to 2,000 businesses in three different states; California, Nevada and Arizona. Our businesses interact with our communities and they are fully committed to the economical needs of our neighborhoods. The NMA is constantly working to be a vital participant in most of our community activities. Our retailers and suppliers are aware and sensitive to our customers’ needs, and will do what ever it takes to build a good and healthy relationship. We have a great working relationship with law enforcement and the Alcoholic Beverage Control, which has benefited our neighborhoods and has improved the safety of our businesses. I’d like to commend every one for their hard work and great efforts. We are sharing our knowledge and expertise with our suppliers to increase sales and become more efficient. Our goal is to succeed in our businesses , and to make sure that we will stay in business . The world depends on us, we must continue to excel and to work wisely. Let us all be one unit and one family to better mankind and to avoid failures. We must keep an open mind and be more active in our communities in order to build up the trust that is required to insure the success of our businesses. Finally I am very optimistic about our future, and I feel that we will continue to grow and thrive and become more recognizable within our communities. God bless you all. Ramzi Murad … [Read more...]

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