NEWSLETTER
Workplace safety
Plan, Provide, Train
OSHA emphasizes three simple steps to prevent workplace accidents: plan ahead, provide the right equipment, and train employees in safe practices.
Preventing Slips, Trips & Falls
Slips, trips, and falls account for about 25% of reported injury claims and cause more than 95 million lost workdays annually. Good housekeeping, proper footwear, and hazard awareness reduce risks significantly.
Ladder & Scaffold Safety
Workers must be trained to properly use ladders, scaffolds, and fall protection systems. Simple actions like maintaining three points of contact, securing equipment, and inspecting scaffolds before use save lives.
Personal Responsibility
Rushing, taking shortcuts, or being distracted (e.g., using a phone) increases accident risk. Encouraging focus and safe behaviors helps create a culture of prevention .
Invisible But Dangerous
Invisible But Dangerous
Many hazardous substances don’t look or smell threatening. Vapors, residues, and airborne particles may go unnoticed, but their long-term effects can be severe. Awareness and regular monitoring help ensure the unseen doesn’t become unmanageable.
BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS
The Role of Employers
A safe workplace starts at the top. Employers play a critical role in reducing bloodborne pathogen risks by enforcing universal precautions, implementing sharps safety, and ensuring employees have access to timely training and protective equipment.
Training Saves Lives
Education saves lives. OSHA requires initial and annual training so every worker understands the risks of exposure to HBV, HCV, and HIV—plus how to respond effectively when an incident occurs
Every Second Counts
If exposure happens, speed is essential. Immediate reporting and medical evaluation—ideally within 2 hours—can mean the difference between safety and infection. Fast access to post-exposure prophylaxis is key.
Symptoms Aren’t Always Obvious
Unlike chemical exposure, bloodborne pathogens may not cause immediate symptoms. That's why post-incident blood testing, source evaluation, and follow-up are mandatory under OSHA protocols
Don’t Wait for an Incident
Sharps injuries and blood contact are often preventable. Use of engineered safety devices, proper disposal procedures, and consistent PPE use can drastically reduce the chances of occupational exposure
HAZARDOUS MATERIAL
The Role of Employers
A truly safe workplace starts with leadership. Employers are responsible for ensuring hazardous materials are clearly labeled, safety protocols are enforced, and employees have access to proper training and PPE. When oversight lapses, risk multiplies.
Training Saves Lives
A well-informed team is the first line of defense. Consistent training on how to recognize, handle, and respond to hazardous substances equips workers to prevent exposure incidents before they escalate into emergencies.
When Symptoms Appear
Exposure to hazardous materials can quietly impact the body. Workers may experience coughing, eye irritation, skin reactions, or dizziness—often dismissed until conditions worsen. Recognizing and reporting these symptoms early is vital for timely care.
Immediate Action Matters
Whether it’s a chemical splash or inhalation of fumes, knowing how to act in the moment can make a critical difference. Proper spill containment, eyewash procedures, and prompt medical assessment are key steps in preventing lasting harm.
drug free workplace
The Challenge of Detection
Substance use in the workplace isn’t always obvious. It can show up in the form of poor focus, unusual behavior, or inconsistent performance—often dismissed as personal stress or burnout until safety or productivity is compromised.
The Impact on Safety and Workflow
When substance use goes undetected, it puts not just the individual but the entire team at risk. Even minor lapses in coordination or judgment can lead to preventable accidents, missed deadlines, or costly workers' comp claims.
When the Signs Add Up
Patterns like frequent absences, delayed response times, or personality changes may signal a deeper issue. Whether due to prescription misuse or recreational drug use, these signs shouldn’t be overlooked by employers or supervisors.
Building Awareness and Response
Early recognition matters. Employers who invest in training for reasonable suspicion and encourage open communication are better prepared to intervene before small issues turn into major incidents or liabilities.
Are drugs at work?
Understanding The Issue
Substance use in the workplace is a serious, yet often subtle, threat to safety, productivity, and team cohesion. While signs of impairment are not always obvious, the consequences can be significant. Employees in safety-sensitive or high-responsibility roles are particularly vulnerable to the downstream effects of undetected substance use.
Recognizing the Signs
Unlike acute medical conditions, substance use at work may present as a pattern of small, progressive changes. Early warning signs may include increased absenteeism, decreased concentration, frequent mistakes, or shifts in mood and behavior. Physical indicators such as drowsiness, slurred speech, or lack of coordination may also appear. When left unrecognized, these signs can lead to safety violations, performance problems, or workplace incidents.
The Role of Evaluation
Employers have a responsibility to respond when impairment is suspected. This begins with a documented Reasonable Suspicion process—an objective protocol used to determine whether an employee should be referred for medical evaluation or drug testing. Proper evaluation may involve medical screening, interviews, and collaboration with occupational health providers who specialize in workplace safety and compliance. A consistent, confidential approach ensures both fairness and adherence to employment law.
The Workplace Impact
The impact of impairment on the workplace can be wide-ranging. Even isolated cases can result in significant liability or injury if not addressed promptly. Establishing a drug-free workplace policy not only protects employees—it reinforces a culture of accountability and trust.
Taking Preventive Action
Prevention is key to maintaining a safe and productive environment. This includes training supervisors to identify signs of impairment, educating employees on the company’s drug-free policies, and offering access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) when appropriate. Clear communication, supportive resources, and consistent enforcement empower organizations to intervene early—long before incidents occur.
Back pain & Herniated Disk
Understanding the Injury
A herniated disk occurs when soft inner material presses against spinal nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness. It’s common in labor-intensive roles and can lead to job disruption if untreated.
Symptoms & Diagnosis
Pain in the neck or back, radiating leg or arm discomfort, and in severe cases, loss of bowel or bladder control are signs of disk herniation. Diagnosis includes physical exams, X-rays, MRI, or EMG testing.
Treatment Options
Most herniated disks improve without surgery. Treatment includes medication, rest, physical therapy, ergonomic support, and light-duty work adjustments — all of which BAOMG can coordinate for your team.
Employer Best Practices
Early reporting, early treatment, and early return-to-duty lead to better outcomes. Avoiding prolonged disability and passive treatment saves costs and speeds recovery. Prevention starts with education and ergonomics.
Heat Exposure in the Workplace
In this issue, BAOMG delivers vital guidance on preventing and managing heat-related medical emergencies — including heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and heat cramps. With rising temperatures and increased outdoor work during summer months, this clinical guide empowers employers to act fast, protect their workforce, and comply with Cal/OSHA standards.
Spot the Signs Early:
Confusion, hot dry skin, heavy sweating, and cramping signal escalating heat illness. Quick recognition and response can prevent long-term harm or fatal outcomes.
Employer Action Plan:
Hydration, shade, training, and flexible schedules reduce risk. A proper heat illness prevention plan aligns with Cal/OSHA standards and protects workforce health.
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