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Do higher-ups say a program is too costly? Make it cheaper

There is no question that wellness programs are increasingly on the "chopping block" for budget cuts.

Save $25,000 by putting PPE in vending machines

In addition to getting a sandwich or drink from a vending machine, employees of Roswell, GA-based Kimberly-Clark Professional now get their personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, safety eyewear, hearing protection, and respirators from one, too. The goal is to control waste.

You have a free, untapped resource to boost wellness

This story is the first of a two-part series on increasing participating in wellness programs. This month, we report on the use of employee volunteers to promote programs with their own success stories. Next month, we'll cover how to improve communication to get out the word about programs.

At Intel, 178 employees respond to "call to action"

Co-workers "are the most influential source for building health and wellness knowledge and changing perceptions," according to Patti Clavier, BSN, RN, COHN-S, senior project manager of Santa Clara, CA-based Intel Corp.'s Global Health for Life Wellness Program.

Stand up and take the credit for dollars saved

"The days of people keeping you employed because you are breathing are over," says Chris Kalina, MBA, MS, RN, COHN-S/CM, FAAOHN, a Munster, IN-based health and safety consultant and former director of global occupational health programs and services at Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co. in Chicago. That statement is particularly relevant for occupational health providers and nurses, Kalina says. "You may be seen as something that can easily be eliminated," she says.

Take full advantage of this free safety training

Safety training should never be skimped on, but that doesn't have to mean spending a fortune on consultants or travel.

Health care workers infected with H1N1

With persistent outbreaks but milder than expected disease severity, the novel H1N1 posed a unique dilemma for health care providers. They first needed to assuage fear, then to prevent against complacency. They needed to monitor employee illnesses and provide adequate precautions, yet encountered varying guidance.

Did hospitals do enough to protect HCWs from H1N1?

Think of the outbreak of a novel H1N1 virus this spring as a colossal pandemic preparedness drill, either for a future virus or for a stronger resurgence of the strain later this year. So, how did hospitals do in their mission to protect health care workers (HCWs), including providing appropriate protective equipment, training, and communication?

Survey: Will workers show up in pandemic?

If you want your employees to report to work during a pandemic, make sure you have plenty of antiviral medications. Let them know how you'll help them manage the unique work-life balance issues of an emergency, such as child care when schools are closed. And underscore how important they are to the organization, even if their duties are clerical or custodial.

OSHA offers guidance on respirator protection

In guidance released before H1N1 influenza A made respirator use a hot topic again, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released a document to clarify the protection levels of different types of respirators and to help employers select the appropriate ones.

Addressing H1N1 is your business

With 1,103 confirmed cases as of May 29, Illinois is third in the nation, behind Wisconsin and Texas, in the number of confirmed H1N1 flu cases. Many businesses are suffering with schools closing and people being urged to stay at home if they develop symptoms of respiratory illness. Mary Capelli-Schellpfeffer, MD, MPA, medical director of occupational health services for Loyola University Health System, offers four tips on protecting businesses from the H1N1 flu:

California is first to adopt aerosol disease standard

California has become the first state to adopt an aerosol transmissible disease standard that requires hospitals to conduct a risk assessment, maintain an exposure control plan, and provide annual training to employees.

Obesity, diabetes interfere with work productivity

Obese workers with type 2 diabetes report less productivity on the job than their normal-weight co-workers, according to a new study of 7,338 working adults.

Occupational Health Management Archives – July 1, 2009

July 1, 2009