HR Soapbox - The Workplace Contains The Biggest Threats To Your Health

October 18, 2007

Volume 6, Number 18

In This Issue...THE WORKPLACE CONTAINS THE BIGGEST THREATS TO YOUR HEALTH

OK, so your personnel files may not look like this...but are they legally prepared to defend you?

You need to be absolutely confident that all of your employee records, personnel files, and documents — from pre-hire through termination — are legally prepared to defend you...whether in an ICE (I-9) investigation, an OFCCP audit, a DOL probe, or an EEOC charge.

Plus, now with identity theft and immigration crackdowns in the workplace on the rise, you also need to take special precautions to ensure the security and accuracy of your employees' personal information, or risk profit-draining fines, penalties, or even lawsuits.

Join us for a live web conference that covers every step of the employment record retention and documentation process...

LEGAL & PRACTICAL RECORD-KEEPING STRATEGIES:
How To Protect Your Organization From Fines, Penalties & Identity Theft

Live, Interactive Web Conference
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
1:00-2:30 PM Eastern Time

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THE WORKPLACE CONTAINS THE BIGGEST THREATS TO YOUR HEALTH

I originally thought I was only risking my life by getting in my car and driving to work. Lots can happen on the way, mind you. Before even getting into the car, I might drop my keys, bend down to pick them up, and not be seen by a driver backing out of a parking space. I might spill coffee on myself while rummaging through my purse for my keys, and then get badly burned. What about once I'm driving? Any danger may befall my commute — a downed power line, a tree lying across the road, a kamikaze squirrel — the possibilities are endless.

I was in for a rude awakening when news broke that led me to realize I am not even safe and sound in my quiet little office building. According to a doctor in Denver, CO, butter-flavored microwave popcorn caused a patient's lung disease. Lung disease from popcorn fumes? People make microwave popcorn all the time here! Then there was also a report that some laser printers are considered "high particle emitters," which release particles that can pose a significant health risk when inhaled. Why didn't the manufacturers warn us before we connected every computer in our office to their laser printers?

Those reports only forced me to think about what other dangers exist at my workplace. So, in the tradition of the great Stephen Colbert, who features the "ThreatDown" on his show The Colbert Report (pronounced col-BEAR re-POR), which has included the dangers of cereal and Superman, among other wolves-in-sheep's clothing, I give you my own list of the seven biggest threats at work.

1. Ceiling tiles. If they can be removed so easily to access the HVAC system, that means they can fall just as easily on top of me as I sit at my computer to forward my very last wish-granting e-mail to 10 people. I must wear a helmet, or risk being flattened by a fallen ceiling tile. I just have to convince HR to bend the dress code and allow head coverings for the sake of saving employees from major head trauma.

2. Air conditioning. What is your real purpose, HVAC system? I demand an explanation for why you must blow cold air at gale force. My cardigan sweater is no match for you against catching a cold!

3. Carpeting. The only trips I want to take are ones to visit family or to the beach. A trip to the emergency room from tripping on bunched-up or ripped carpeting is not my idea of a fun trip.

4. Water. Yes, water, so clean and pure in the water cooler. It might be purified and safe to drink, but to lift a brand-new bottle is not safe for my back, or, potentially, my toes.

5. Computer monitors. I wonder where I can get one of those bibs made of lead the dentist uses when taking x-rays. That would certainly protect me from hours of sitting in front of a radiation-emitting monitor.

6. Germs. My real issue here is with hand sanitizer. With your fruity scent and refreshing aloe, how can I really believe you are protecting my skin from bacteria and germs?

7. Lunch fumes. Never mind popcorn. What particles am I inhaling while a frozen lunch or leftovers from dinner cook in the lunchroom microwave? From now on I'll be wearing a HAZMAT mask at work because I am not risking my lungs' health due to my co-worker's chicken cordon bleu frozen entrée.

Now you are well prepared and armed with the truth (or should I say, "truthiness"?) when employees come to you with their complaints of computer-monitor radiation or tuna-sandwich fumes. Tell them what I plan to do for the worst threats at work, and then hope for the best that you don't lose an employee's services for several weeks to a wind burn injury from the HVAC system.

Good luck, stay legal, and for goodness sake, protect yourself!

Melissa McKeown
Associate Editor

READERS GET ON THE SOAPBOX

Here's what readers had to say in response to last month's issue on:
TIME WASTED MAY BE TIME WELL SPENT

I resoundingly agree, especially in light of the evolving mentality and expectations of our current working population. Poor Bob Cratchit didn't realize that Scrooge was abusing him, because he always had to work on Christmas and supply his own coal. However, now we know that compartmentalizing and overbearingness don't work — in fact, a better-rounded, more sociable person is more effective in getting/giving information, key to success in business interaction among a work team; and the individual's ability to make decisions confidently, without feeling the manager's breath on his/her neck, is critical in today's lean workplace.

So, bottom line, a little bit of slack during the work day will reap huge gains, nurturing the attitude that it's just smart business to check work e-mail from home. After all, it's the humans, not automotons, who make the cutting-edge differentiator for any company.
Your point of socialization is well founded and can be a great "team" building tool. In the right work environment, sharing common goals, whether it is work related or socially motivated, helps to build team skills and trust among co-workers. The "family" spirit that develops is a human resource commodity that money can't buy. If you have that camaraderie, this can make all work flow more smoothly, thereby increasing productivity. Obviously, the correct work environment is necessary. You wouldn't want employees on a production assembly line to be distracted while doing hazardous work. Still, in areas of employment where interpersonal cooperation and skills are a must, the benefits to operations far outweigh any minor loss in productivity.

The bottom line for a successful business is a combination of profit and beneficial lifestyle for the employees. After all, whether you live to work, or work to live, you are spending your time on earth in the service of someone else. It might as well be pleasant. I utilize this philosophy, and it shows in the employees' attitude and the shareholders' pockets.

Note: Responses may have been edited for clarity and length.

Review past issues of HR Soapbox here.

TOP 5 RESOURCES FOR HUMAN RESOURCES PROFESSIONALS

1.
AHI's Complete Employee Termination Kit

Covers all the steps, tips, and tools you need to: audit the termination decision; break the news to employees; interview exiting employees; properly document your actions; and comply with federal and state employment laws (including payment of final wages). It also includes customizable versions of all of the termination forms, notices, and documents you'll need.

2.
HR Personnel Forms & Documents Library

Gives you a complete collection of Human Resources documents for every situation... customizable with the click of your mouse. We have designed all the forms based on legal specifications to protect you and your organization from costly fines and lawsuits.

3.
The Complete Policy Handbook

Shows you how to safeguard against the damage that loopholes in your employee handbook can cause. You'll get a CD-ROM containing a complete set of ready-to-print policies for a foolproof manual of your own...policies that have stood up to courtroom challenges...with language that has worked in defending other employers.

4.
Employer's Guide To Record- Keeping Requirements

Covers all the records, files, and documents demands made on employers by state and federal laws and agencies; as well as what you must post on company property to stay on the right side of employment laws.

5.
Employee Problem Solver

Gives you a solid mix of practical advice seasoned with legal experience for attacking the problem, not the personality, in difficult situations that you and your managers face every day. Each general problem area is designed to offer immediate practical steps for preventing, attacking, and solving tough personnel problems.