Video Reaction

1) Consider your workplace or a workplace of one of your family members. Are there chemical, biological, radiological or ergonomic issues? Using the industrial hygiene hierarchy of controls, how might you address the issues? How are they being addressed in reality?
Our use of cleaning products is our only chemical exposure at work. I find it difficult to find biological and radiological issues in a restaurant. As far as ergonomics is concerned, the one thing that I can think of is the cash register is located on a lowered counter. It's not a big hindrance to me even as someone who is tall. However, I think it would be better if it were higher so I wouldn't have to bend over or sit down to use the register effectively. 
2) What might be the barriers to workers exercising their rights to a healthy and safe workplace?
I think not knowing what their rights are is a big hindrance for workers to remain healthy and safe in the workplace. I can see a lot of people just accepting a job without fully understanding the health risks the job presents as well as what they can do to minimize their exposure. I think a lot of people have the feeling that since they are employees, they cannot speak up about the concerns they have in their workplaces.

Comments

  1. UnknownNovember 4, 2018 at 6:59 PM

    Ergonomic issues are everywhere. Have you mentioned that maybe they should put the cash register at a higher location? I wonder if that is something your management would be willing to do in order to reduce the risk of injury due to this. I agree that many workers do not know their rights when it comes to having a healthy and safe work environment. I wonder if there are online places where people can gather more info about their rights. I think jobs would explain this to them but I'm sure they don't because it does not benefit them as employers (that's how they may see it). It is important for employers to understand that keeping a safe work environment results in retainment of employees.

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  2. UnknownNovember 5, 2018 at 5:59 PM

    I feel like most of the time ergonomic challenges are not things we want to address in our work places, mainly because we dont think that those are the main causes. I know I dont always equate my back pain or back cramps to the way I sit at work. It is a very interesting thing for me and many young persons to start to consider.

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