Online Training Available

OCCU-TEC and 360training have released the environmental industry's first online EPA Asbestos Inspector Refresher training course.

The four-hour course, which complies with EPA's Model Accreditation Program (MAP), was jointly created by OCCU-TEC and 360training and is accredited by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Air Pollution Control Program (APCP).  The course is geared towards asbestos inspectors who need to fulfill annual refresher training requirements.

The Asbestos Inspector Refresher course reviews the relationship between asbestos exposure and the potential health effects, in addition to certification requirements for building inspectors and the basic elements of a thorough building inspection.

OCCU-TEC and 360trainng collaborated over a period of several months with a team of in-house technical specialists along with regulators to complete the online refresher course.

Find out more about online training by going to www.occutec.com.

2009 has arrived.  It's a time of new resolutions for a new year.  Have you made yours yet?  If not, here's a review of some best practices that you can use to help make 2009 a safer year while improving the bottom line for your company.

Get a Handle on Your Data.
If you still use a paper filing system to track your safety and health information it may be time for a change.  Database systems like OCCU-TEC's AutoTrak™ allow you to collect, maintain and access your information easily and effectively.

Think Green.
With sustainability and "Green Solutions" playing increasingly important roles in  Washington and the regulatory environment, it is obvious that your company may need to address this subject within your facility.  It's not only a 'bottom line' issue, but may be required soon.

Be Proactive.
In some facilities workplace hazards may exist without being obvious. Certain building materials may contain asbestos that do represent an active hazard until they are damaged or disturbed, such as during a remodel project. Indoor air quality may adversely affect worker comfort and productivity if it declines as a result of humidity levels that are too high or too low, if CO or CO2 levels become too high or if particulate levels are too high. Emergency generator fuel systems require preventive maintenance if they are to respond in an emergency. If you have questions related to Facilities Environmental Management issues, call OCCU-TEC (800-950-1953) before something that is minor becomes a problem.

Would you like to be SHARP?
OSHA's Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) program recognizes small businesses that operate exemplary safety and health management systems.  A variety of benchmarks and requirements must be reached in order to be certified a SHARP business but the benefits could include an exemption from inspections for a period of time, lower workers compensation premiums and improved productivity.

Why consider these practices?  You can't afford not to! According to OSHA approximately 6,000 employees die from workplace injuries in the United States each year.  Another 50,000 die from illnesses caused by exposure to workplace hazards.

In addition, 6 million workers suffer non-fatal workplace injuries at an annual cost to U.S. businesses of more than $125 billion.

During this time of year we naturally look at the future and wonder what we can do differently.  These few ideas may be a step in the right direction.

If this list seems too daunting why not call a proven partner for your Facilities Environmental Management or Safety needs.  For over 25 years OCCU-TEC has been a leader in environmental management and safety solutions.

If you need a partner in 2009 to help you get through some of these, or other resolutions, remember OCCU-TEC.  Call 1-800-950-1953 or go to www.occutec.com for more information.