Indoor air quality can impact the health, comfort, well-being, and productivity of building occupants, and therefore, is a major concern to businesses, managers, and employees.

As Americans we spend up to 90% of our time indoors and many of us spend much, if not most, of our working hours in an office environment. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has conducted studies that show how indoor environments sometimes can have levels of pollutants that are actually higher than levels found outside.

Pollutants in our indoor environment can increase the risk of illness. Indoor air pollution is an important environmental health problem, as shown by several scientific studies. And although,  severe indoor air quality problems may not be an issue in most buildings, even well-run buildings can sometimes experience times of poor indoor air quality.

In 1989, the EPA reported that improved indoor air quality can result in higher productivity and fewer lost work days. It is also estimated that poor indoor air may cost the nation tens of billions of dollars each year in lost productivity and medical care.

All of the occupants of a building can have a great influence on indoor air quality. Something as “everyday” as heating food in a microwave or using the photocopier can generate odors and pollutants. Once we understand and are aware of indoor air issues, we can help prevent these problems.

8 ways to improve the indoor air quality in your office: 

Don’t block air vents.

Don’t smoke in building or within 8 feet of any building doorway.

If you have office plants, maintain them.

If you make/see a water spill, clean it up. Water can lead to molds & fungi.

Stay on top of garbage! Dispose of it promptly and regularly.

Don’t leave food out. Store it properly!

Avoid bringing things into the building that has potential to release harmful odors or contaminants.

If you suspect an indoor air quality problem, contact your building manager immediately!

Biohazards?! That sounds like something out of a science fiction movie or better left to somebody in a white coat in a lab somewhere, right?

WRONG!

Biohazards are anything of biological origin that can cause harm to humans. So, although you WOULD find these things in a laboratory or in a sci fi flick, you also become contaminated with them on a pretty regular basis even at your workplace. 

Ask yourself these questions....

"Did anyone sneeze around me today and NOT cover their nose/mouth?"

"Have I flown in an airplane recently?"

"How often are the door knobs cleaned in your workplace bathroom?"

"Has a co-worker asked you to assist putting a Band-Aid on?"

If the answer to any of these questions is "Yes." then chances are, you were exposed to a biohazard or biohazardous material(s). "Bio" means life and "hazard" is something potentially dangerous. 

In an era of biohazards, first aid training is a must. Of course we see the need for trained responders, first aid kits and AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) in the workplace, but do you know how to wrap a gauze bandage? Do you see the need to wear disposable gloves? Despite causing serious or lethal disease and sometimes death, bloodborne pathogens and other biohazards command little attention from most people. 

Bloodborne pathogens are pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can be transmitted and cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV). These are examples addressed by the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens standard 29 CFR 1910.1030. Malaria (mosquito-borne infectious disease) and syphilis (sexually transmitted infection) are also caused by bloodborne pathogens. Body fluids (other than blood; saliva, urine, etc.) may also transmit diesases. Many of these diseases are infectious and should be addressed not only for your health but to prevent the spread of infection to others in the workplace and beyond.

There are six common ways in which infectious agents spread:

So how to avoid we avoid spread of infectious disease? Well, the simplest answer is to maintain good hygiene (wash hands/body), be aware of the proper PPE for dealing with biohazards, and to remember to always sterilize/disinfect your working area and equipment.

But for a more clear, concise idea of how to keep safe from bloodborne pathogens as a first responder, we will now discuss the 9 best practices for doing so.

Check back often for more great safety info from Safety Training Services, Inc. And don't forget to "Like Us" on Facebook or subscribe to our newsletter for additional information on appropriate safety training!