Overview
This one is pretty involved, but do your best to answer each question.
Case Study:
You and some co-workers at a full-service establishment named Kool Kuts did a health survey of your co-workers and a workplace inspection to find out what problems exist. From the health survey completed buy eight workers (six licensees, one receptionist, and one owner), you found:
- Seven reported regular headaches and shortness of breath
- Six reported shortness of breath
- Five reported rashes or other skin problems
- Four reported allergies
- Three reported shoulder or back pain
From the inspection, you found:
- Emergency phone numbers are not posted
- There is only one fire extinguisher
- Large, heavy containers are stored on high shelves
- There is poor air circulation in the workplace
- There are no vented manicure tables
- There is no ventilation system
- No protective gloves are available when licensees work with chemicals
- No Safety Data Sheets are available
- There are no cushioned mats for workers to stand on
- Based on these results, what two hazards would you choose to work on first?
- Why did you choose these two particular hazards?
- How could you get more information about these hazards?
- What changes would you need to make to correct the two hazards? What would be your short-term and long-term goals?
- Now that you have decided on your goals, what would you do to get the two hazards corrected?
The owner responded that she wasn't going to spend any money to buy a vented table. For one thing, she wasn't sure that people's symptoms were related to the job. She also said that she couldn't give more information on the chemicals being used because she didn't have it.
At the same meeting, your co-workers said there was no way they would use gloves-even if they were supplied. They felt that gloves are too uncomfortable and clients don't like them.
- What obstacles are there to getting changes made?
- What would you say to the establishment owner when she claims she doesn't have more information about product ingredients?
- How could you convince the establishment owner that people's health problems might be work-related?
- How would you respond to the establishment owner's concern about money?
- What would you say to your co-workers who don't want to wear gloves?