Masonry Magazine December 2009 Page. 25
Wash your hands and face outside of dusty areas before performing any of these activities.
Posters and signs warning of the presence of silica dust should always be prominently displayed at any work site. Quarterly "Tail Gate Talks" should be conducted on the dangers of silica exposure so that all workers have a complete understanding of how to prevent increased exposure.
The use of Respiratory Protective Equipment should be considered as a last resort when all other preventative solutions have been put in place and silica dust exposure continues to be an issue. Respiratory Protective Equipment can vary, so make sure that the proper equipment is being used and fitted correctly to each worker. Workers must be trained in the proper way to use a respirator and must understand the health reasons for always wearing it. Wear only a N95 NIOSH certified respirator, if respirator protection is required. It is mandatory to have a written respiratory program in place if any kind of protective equipment is being used. IMAS Brian Delahaut is vice president of MIK Diamond Products, Inc.
OSHA on Silica Control
OSHA has released "Controlling Silica Exposures in Construction" (www.osha.gov/Pulibcations/3362silica-exposures.pdf), which is a guidance document that addresses the control of worker exposure to dust containing crystalline silica, known to cause the lung disease silicosis.
The publication, intended to assist employers in providing a safe and healthful workplace, includes methods for controlling silica such as wet cutting during construction operations. Vacuum dust collection systems also effectively control silica by drawing dust particles away from the worker's breathing zone and depositing them into a filtered dust-collection chamber.
Employers should conduct periodic monitoring of silica exposure by testing air samples at the construction site to determine if the level of silica in the air exceeds the permissible exposure limit (PEL) outlined in the construction PEL standard. As one of OSHA's areas of emphasis, the agency has developed standards for silica to assure work practice controls are effective.
For more information, visit www.osha.gov/SLTC/silicacrystalline/index.html.
Learn More
For more information about respirator programs, including which respirators have received NIOSH approval as safe and effective, visit the NIOSH Web site, www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/respirators.
All these preventive measures should not be looked at in isolation, but in combination with each other. For more information, visit www.osha.gov/SLTC/silicacrystalline/index.html and www.cdc.gov/niosh/consilic.html.
California and some other authorities have listed respirable crystalline silica as a substance known to cause cancer. For more information, visit http://oehha.ca.gov/prop65/law/P65law72003.html and www.dir.ca.gov/Titles/sub4.html.
If you Have 'Rabbit Ears,' get rid of Them
CONTRACTOR TIP OF THE MONTH
Are you listening to what people are saying about your management style in the hall way, lunch room and community, and letting it cloud your judgment? Is it eating you up inside? That condition, my friends, is what I call Rabbit Ears.
In these trying times, a leader has to do unpopular things to keep the business running successfully. If the leader does not make those decisions, the company will go out of business. Most companies have dropped in yearly sales by 30 percent or more. With lower sales, your company can't leave overhead and systems run the way they always have, for it just won't add up and your profits will drop. That means changes are necessary, even though they are no fun to make. Some of these changes include taking a company truck from an employee who always has had the luxury of driving it to and from workc laying off based on employee performance instead of tenure; and not having the annual Christmas party to save some badly needed cash.
When you make these changes, people are going to begin talking about your leadership style. Don't let these conversations and rumors distract you from your course. Decide the direction your company needs to take to remain profitable or become profitable again, and stay on that course until you get where you need to be. In other words, don't get Rabbit Ears and let things people say about your management decisions eat you up inside. Those Rabbit Ears will not only stray you off course, but also will give you heartburn and, possibly, heart problems, in the end.
On Fox News last night, Bill O'Reilly asked the guest on his show, Dennis Miller, why President Obama has taken up a fight with Fox News, when he has so many other issues on his plate. Dennis told him something that I will never forget: "Obama has Rabbit Ears. Instead of listening to the army commanders (the ones he put in place) in Afghanistan when they told him we need a troop surge to fight the terrorists there, he is making his surge against Fox News."
"So, if President Obama is the pitcher in a baseball game, instead of focusing on his throws crossing home plate, he is listening to what the people in the stands are yelling about him and his team. Is that what you mean? Bill asked.
Dennis replied, "No, it is worse than that, Bill. Instead of trying to pitch a perfect game, he wants to make sure everyone in the dugout and stands is telling him he is the perfect pitcher. And, if they don't tell him he is perfect, then they will be punished accordingly."
Wow, what a way to drive a point home. I guess Rabbit Ears affect our society on all levels.
As a leader, you should take into consideration opinions from your people before deciding the direction of the company, especially your top commanders. However, once you consider their advice, make those tough decisions that will help your company survive these trying times. Choose the right course, instead of one that makes people feel good while your business continues to suffer. Watch that your Rabbit Ears are not picking up the background noise, for it can affect you mentally and even physically. Then, once you have decided the direction your company needs to go, don't let outside influences throw you off course. This economy won't be like this forever, and your clear focus will help make sure your company is still here for the next wave of good times.
Damian Lang is a mason contractor in southeast Ohio. He is also the author of the book "Rewarding and Challenging Employees for Profits in Masonry." To order a copy of his book or attend one of his seminars held specifically for mason contractors, call Sherry Wittekind at Lang Masonry, 740-749-3512.