Page 8 - OHS, October 2023

EDITOR’S COMMENTARY Th The W s e F F u u t tu ur re ea an nd d Th The e F F u un n d d a am me en n t ta a l l s W o or rk k e er rs s a af f e e t t y yc co on n t ti in nu u e es s t to o c ca al ll l f f o or r a a b b l le e n nd d o of f i i n n n no ov v a at t i io o n na an nd dt ti i m m e e - -t t e es st te e d d p pr ra a c c t ti ic ce e s s. . As we assembled this issue of Occupational Health & Safety, it struck me how much it blends coverage of innovation in safety products and technology that will shape workplace safety’s future, along with stories that still focus on the fundamentals that impact workplaces in the here and now. On the technology side of this issue’s coverage, a few examples include Gen Handley’s piece on Smart Protective Apparel’s Role in Lone Worker Safety (page 10); Robert Yaniz, Jr.’s compilation of a slew new product innovations hitting the industry (page 36); Matthew Hart’s article on how technology is helping workplaces implement individualized safety for each worker (page 64); and Matt Marrapode’s exploration into how wearables are emerging as tools for ensuring heat safety for workers (page 66). Looking at this issue’s coverage on fundamentals, Christine Robinson, Ph.D., digs into how common cleaning products are creating respiratory concerns for workers (page 20); Karen Hamel CSP, CIT, WACH, and Holly Pups, CSP, MSP, both shared useful insights into materials handling training (pages 46 and 50, respectively); and Alex Selwitz explains warehouse layout strategies that emphasize safety protocols and manage risk (page 88). And, of course, this issue also looks into areas where technology and fundamentals overlap. I was lucky enough to interview Ealat Chaachouh of Blackline Safety about the importance of change management when implementing connected gas detection systems (page 78); and Tim Turney delved into the danger posed by silica dust exposure and the standards and measures used to monitor and combat exposure (page 54). And those are just some examples. I encourage you to flip back a couple of pages to the Table of Contents to see everything this issue has to offer (it’s a lot). This issue’s blend of technology topics and articles on key safety fundamentals got me thinking about how much that reflects the world of worker safety. Turney’s article is a great example. As we were wrapping up this issue, OSHA announced an initiative for improving the enforcement and compliance in the engineered stone industries. In the OSHA announcement, OSHA Assistant Secretary Doug Parker noted that “Many workers in the engineered stone industry are experiencing illnesses so severe that they’re unable to breathe — much less work a full shift — because of their exposure to silica dust.” OSHA then used a positively heartbreaking example of a 27-year-old worker in California who developed silicosis and is no longer able to support his wife and three children. The control of worker exposure to silica dust is a blend of smart monitoring technology to ensure levels are below OSHA’s permissible exposure limit, training workers on the work practices, putting engineering controls like water sprays into place, outfitting employees with the right PPE, and engaging in medical surveillance.That blend of real-world fundamentals, technology and product solutions is exactly where worker safety lives. DAVID KOPF Publisher & Executive Editor, OH&S Magazine ID STATEMENT Occupational Health & Safety (ISSN 0362-4064) is published 7 times a year, Feb/Mar, Apr/May, June, Jul/ Aug, September, October and Nov/Dec by 1105 Media, Inc., 6300 Canoga Avenue, Suite 1150, Woodland Hills, CA 91367. Periodicals postage paid at Woodland Hills, CA 91367, and at additional mailing offices. Complimentary subscriptions are sent to qualifying subscribers. Annual subscription rates payable in U.S. funds for non-qualified subscribers are: U.S. $79.00, International $149.00. Subscription inquiries, back issue requests, and address changes: Mail to: Occupational Health & Safety, P.O. Box 2166, Skokie, IL 60076-7866, email OHSmag@1105service. com or call 847-513-6011 or 888-768-8759 for U.S. & Canada; 00-1-847-513-6011 for International, fax 847-763-9564. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Occupational Health & Safety, P.O. Box 2166, Skokie, IL 60076-7866. Canada Publications Mail Agreement No: 40612608. 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