Preventing Recreational Water Illnesses (RWIs)

Recreational water facilities (pools, spas, splash pads, etc.) in several cities in the southern part of the state, as well as some in northern Iowa, have recently been closed following the discovery of Cryptosporidiosis (Crypto), a diarrheal disease caused by microscopic parasites.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has put together some information on things the public can do to prevent the spread of Crypto, as well as other RWIs: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/dtopics/waterborne/prevention/recreational.html

Tips for all swimmers:

·         Stay out of the water if you have diarrhea.

·         Wash hands with soap and water after going to the restroom.

·         Shower before you get in the water.

·         Don’t swallow the water.

 

Additional Tips for parents with young children:

·         Take children on frequent bathroom breaks when swimming – waiting to hear “I have to go” may mean that it’s already too late!

·         Change diapers in changing rooms, not poolside or on the beach. Wash your hands and the child’s hands after changing diapers.

MDH has also put together a quick fact sheet for recreational water employees and what they can do to prevent contamination of Crypto and other RWIs: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/dtopics/waterborne/prevention/recstafffs.html

If you discover the presence of Crypto, or any other RWI, at your facility, close it and contact the Minnesota Department of Health immediately. Patron complaints of illness may also be reported to the MDH Foodborne and Waterborne Illness Hotline at 1-877-366-3455, and MDH will contact the appropriate health department for follow-up.

 

By: LMCIT Loss Control

 

 

Free Introductory OSHA Recordkeeping Training

Reporting of workplace incidents can be a timely and confusing procedure. When OSHA performs a site visit, it is something they are sure to cite if you haven’t been keeping it up to date. That’s why MN OSHA is offering a free class on October 21^st – to help show you the basics. 

Details:

• Date:  Friday, Oct. 21, 2016
• Time:  9 to 11:30 a.m.
• Cost:  Free 
• Location:  Department of Labor and Industry, 443 Lafayette Road N., St. Paul, MN (get directions; see parking information)
• Topics:  A review of the fundamental requirements of OSHA recordkeeping; the most common OSHA log errors
• Registration:  Register online today
• Link to more Information: http://www.dli.mn.gov/OSHA/Recordkeeping.asp

If you are unable to attend, MN OSHA has plans to post the training as a webinar in January 2017. 

Keep in mind that OSHA reporting is different from Workers’ Compensation claims.  There are three different forms you will want to be familiar with: OSHA 300, OSHA 300A, and OSHA 301.

·         OSHA 300 – Is a running log of all work related injuries or illnesses.

·         OSHA 300A – Is a summary of work related injuries and illnesses for the previous year and must be posted in a location visible to all employees. This form must be filled out and posted even if no recordable incidents have occurred.

·         OSHA 301 – Is the actual report for each recordable incident that occurs and should be the first form filled out following an incident.

OSHA has also put together this info packet to help guide you through these forms:

https://www.osha.gov/recordkeeping/new-osha300form1-1-04.pdf

 Here are some fillable PDFs of the forms:

 https://www.osha.gov/recordkeeping/RKform300pkg-fillable-enabled_FormOnly.pdf

Remember to be diligent with your OSHA recordkeeping, it’s not just paperwork, it’s a legal requirement.

By: Cody Tuttle, Loss Control Representative

 

 

Chainsaw Safety

Minnesota has seen quite a few heavy storms and tornado warnings (that weren’t always just warnings) in recent weeks. That means we’ve also seen a lot of strong winds tearing down trees as well. Between the need to clean up and the unfortunate fact fall and winter are on their way, it’s probably a good time to freshen up on your chainsaw safety. Luckily our friends over at Minnesota OSHA Workplace Safety Consultation (WSC) have got you covered with their new four-part chainsaw safety videos (Note: they are on the bottom half of the linked page, the five shorter videos at the top of the page are also worth a watch though). The trainings last between 30-60 minutes, are very informative, and are well worth your time if you plan to be using a chainsaw this year.

 

By: Cody Tuttle, Loss Control Representative