I've been helping a business associate recently with the redesign of his website that offers all natural mold removal products. I thought I already knew a lot about mold and how it can make us sick, but in researching his products and countless articles I came to realize that my even my mold awareness level was not as high it should be.

​For those of you in construction, who take on remodels or restoration work, or for homeowners who may suspect they have mold or mildew problems, knowledge is everything.  You need to take every step you can to protect yourself and family if you have had water damage, if you live in an older home, or you suspect there is mold in you home. Even the smallest amounts can affect us, and everyone has a different tolerance level.

​Mold exposure can result in a condition know as Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), which can be debilitating and leave you feeling sick for a very long time. On her website, Life After Mold, Dr. Lauren Tessier, provides information and treatment options for those suffering from  mold exposure and CIRS. In Canada, please talk with your family doctor to explore treatment options if you have been diagnosed or suspect you may be suffering from mold exposure.

Although many people know that mold exposure can cause respiratory difficulties, not many know that it can cause an array of other complaints such as:​

Information from the CDC (Centre for Disease Control)

We're introducing a new feature to our website, open to anyone who has a questions related to virtually anything related to safety whether that involves training, regulations, equipment, procedures, the OHSA.... Submit your question to brenda@safetyguystraining.com and our resident expert Amanda from All Safety Consulting will provide you with the answers you need.

Hi Amanda - I own a landscaping company, and some of the equipment we use, like backpack blowers can get pretty loud.  I want to make sure we protect the hearing of our employees, what steps could you recommend to make sure we doing everything right.  ~ Ted W.
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Hi Ted ~ I'm glad you asked that question! First you need to determine the db levels of the equipment. There is an app available from iTunes that you can download, Decibel X: dB, dBA Noise Meter. You can also rent or buy a dB meters or have a professional come out and perform the testing for you. Either way it is crucial to measure the dB for each piece of equipment. Backpack blowers are especially harmful and require two sets of protection.

​If you ever unsure, for example after renting or buying a new piece of equipment, and cannot find information from the manufacturer then the best course of action is the make sure the workers hearing is protected to the highest level.  The could require double hearing protect (plugs and muffs).  There is also ear-fit (hearing protection) testing.  This is a device that tests the effectiveness of hearing protection base on db exposure.  

The WSIB claims for noise induced hearing loss is at its highest ever.  When hiring new workers it is in the best interest of the employer to request a hearing test, then the employer has a bench mark.  Have the employee go through ear-fit hearing protection testing to ensure they are fully protected and document the results.  If in the future that employee has a noise induced hearing loss claim your company would be protected from any responsibility.  Usually this type of claim goes to the workers last employer.  If the last employer shows proof that it didn’t happen while the employee worked for them then WSIB goes to the next employer and so on.

Fall is here again and with that comes a seasonal increase in the spread of colds, flu and viral infections. In fact, as I write this, I have two staff off sick and three family members suffering at home with the same viral infection that is spreading through Kingston.

​As an employer, there is nothing quite as nerve wracking as someone calling in sick. Worse is the accompanying thought of germs having already been spread by that employee throughout the workplace...potentially leading to the temporary loss of an entire workforce for days. It can be a nightmare scenario for small business and their clients when it is imperative to meet deadlines to keep the cash flowing and complete projects on time. I worry about this, and I know I'm not alone. Sick workers have a real impact on productivity and to a lesser degree staff morale as other workers attempt to keep up with an increased workload.

Instead of feeling helpless though, it is better to don those protective gloves and start preparing to prevent or minimize the occurrence of colds, flus and other nasty viruses at work this fall and winter.

1. Encourage employees to go home immediately and stay home if they begin to feel sick at work. While this may seem inconvenient, it is better to have one staff member at home than witness your workforce go down one by one as contagion spreads.
2. Protect the well - Allow employees to work from home if possible until the spread of flu seems to have dissipated - our staff have laptops and a phone plan that allows them to work remotely.
3. Stock up on hygiene products to help prevent the spread of cold and flu – these include tissues, disinfecting wipes, soap, and hand sanitizer. 
4. Encourage employees to wash their hands regularly throughout the day especially after coughing or sneezing.
5. Avoid touching your face and mouth, this can help prevent germs entering your system. 
6. Avoid touching the bottom of briefcases, knapsacks and the like as they can provide a safe harbour for germs.
7. Purchase air purifiers with HEPA filters for the office that are capable of eliminating air born allergens and viruses.
8. Encourage employees to keep surfaces and equipment clean by wiping them regularly with disinfectant wipes. This is particularly important for shared equipment like telephones, keyboards, door knobs, handles, steering wheels and consoles in company vehicles..
9. Encourage visitors to stay away if they are ill or wear personal protective equipment such as face masks if staying away is not an option. Not easy I know. You may wish to include a statement in your Health & Safety Policy so that your employees and any sub trades are all in agreement about the protocols for dealing with sick employees.
10. Encourage employees to stay healthy by eating a balanced diet, exercising every day, getting enough rest and avoiding dangerous substances like tobacco and alcohol.
11. Practise good cough and sneeze etiquette by covering the mouth or nose when coughing or sneezing  - the better option is to turn head (away from people) and sneeze or cough into the inside of your elbow.
12. Create an email campaign for staff, or hang signs to remind employees to stay away when they are sick and practise hygiene measures like hand washing and good cough and sneeze etiquette to prevent cold and flu transmission.

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