Why Do You Smoke

WHY DO YOU SMOKE?

There are many reasons why people smoke.  I will list some: 

·         COMFORT: Most people feel a sense of comfort from the smoking of a cigarette.

·         TENSION:  Do you feel the need to smoke after an argument, or when you are having a tough day? Maybe you feel that smoking relieves the tension when you are upset or depressed?

·         WEIGHT CONTROL:  Many people will use the smoking of a cigarette so they do not eat desert.

So, instead of snacking, you smoke.

·         STIMULATION:  Does smoking help you to concentrate?  Does it boost your energy?

·         FITTING IN TO A GROUP:  So, you want to be like everyone else?  Hmmm……..

TRUTH

Chemicals found in the tobacco and during the cigarette processing enter the blood stream through the lungs, or the buccal membranes of the mouth, and attach to the pleasure sensors in the brain to produce a sense of euphoria and well-being. Your body thinks it is pleasurable, while the actual result is damage to the rest of the body. Your body develops a need, or addiction, for the pleasurable feeling, which explains why you crave them when you do not have them.

REASONS TO QUIT SMOKING

·         Early Death:  Smoking does affect your lifespan.

·         Heart Attack and/or a Stroke is far more likely to occur in a smoker.

·         Lung Cancer – there is a good reason to quit.

·         You Can Be in Control of Your Own Habits, and not be a slave to a cigarette.

·         Your body ages quicker, your skin looks older, faster if you smoke.

·         Smoking is more addictive than many illegal drugs on the market.

·         Second hand smoke can cause:  asthma attacks, ear infections, coughing, sneezing, bronchitis, pneumonia, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).  There are more, but, these are the most common.

As you can see, it makes a difference to your lungs when you smoke, whether you feel it or not.  Is this really what you want to do to your own body? 

STAYING HEALTHY IS A GOOD REASON TO QUIT SMOKING.  Over time, you will be able to breathe easier, maybe walk without coughing, and your lungs may not burn at night when you lay down to sleep. You may even be able to play sports or outside games without getting winded. Adding a daily exercise regimen will improve the results you see.

EOS cannot make the claim that you will fully recover the health you had previous to starting smoking, because that really depends on how often you smoked, how many years, how deeply you inhaled, and how much damage has already been done to your body. But the sooner you quit, the lesser the damage done, and the more likelihood your body can compensate and completely recover its previous health.

  AND DO YOU LIKE HAVING EXTRA MONEY??????

The price of one pack of cigarettes can buy a gallon of milk and a loaf of bread. It can put gasoline in your car, so you can go to work.  There are so many items you can buy with $6.00. 

I did an interview with our Administrative Assistant, Joe Lobert, on his past experience with smoking cigarettes.  Joe describes it like this, “As a former cigarette smoker, I know that it gives pleasure to smoke.  The nicotine triggers the pleasure centers of the brain, making it very difficult to break the habit.”  Then Joe went on to explain why he finally quit, “I almost died from bronchitis and I was a single parent.  I did not want to leave my child behind without a parent to take care of him. I know for a fact that the smoking of cigarettes is what caused my bronchitis. I have not had bronchitis since I quit.”

The owner of EOS, Kat Parmer, quit in 1993 because she had suffered pneumonia 9 times in less than three years. Her doctor warned her that smoking was going to kill her, if she did not quit. She states, “I am much healthier now at 61 than I was when I was 38, the only way I can explain it, is because I quit smoking.”

Needless to say, this is a non-smoking facility. All the staff at Employee On-Boarding Specialties would like to see more healthy people as we continue to work in the occupational health world.  Life is precious, and we all should not only value our own life, but those around us. 

Sources:  WebMD and the Center of Disease Control and Prevention.

Sources:  Interviews with Employee On-Boarding Specialties, LLC

Blackout Wednesday

BLACKOUT WEDNESDAY

“Wow, what’s that all about?”  Statistics show that binge drinking and drunk driving increase during the holidays, beginning with Thanksgiving Eve, which is now termed “Blackout Wednesday” in many cities.  That day has become high-risk for young people.

AMS encourages everyone to make a plan for getting home safely before you even leave to start your evening.  Law enforcements will be running sobriety checks along the roadsides everywhere.  Always have a designated driver assigned for the evening.  Reports show that over the holidays, starting with Halloween, that high risk drivers will increase at least 33%.

Some people persist in drinking and driving based on myths about how the body reacts to alcohol and its ability to overcome the effects.  Alcohol affects the brain and body long after you stop drinking.  Any alcohol that remains in the stomach and intestine continues to enter the bloodstream and circulate through the body.  This means judgement and coordination can be affected for hours after you have taken your last drink.

The average alcohol driver arrested on the highway has a blood alcohol concentration of .20% more than double the level for intoxication in most states.  This percentage is equivalent to 14 beers in a four hour period for a man weighing 180 lbs. 

In 1997 the world’s leading provider of alcohol testing technologies for the criminal justice was established, the Alcohol Monitoring Systems, Inc. (AMS).  In 2013 the company launched the SCRAM GPS which helps people who have alcohol in their systems to not drink and drive.  AMS employs approximately 156 people worldwide and is a privately held company located in Littleton, Colorado.   You not only have to worry about your own life, but, the life of the other people in the vehicle with you and the other people on the road. 

So, Pay Attention!  Let’s think about the other lives that can be saved by not drinking and driving.  You might not care about yourself, but, there are children, mothers, fathers, and grandparents who want to continue with their lives.  

The staff of EOS believes that everyone should have a safe and joyous season, by having someone else drive.  And if you see a friend or family member drinking, take their keys and please offer them a ride home.  So, next year, they can have a happy holiday with you, instead of you toasting to their memory.

Employee On-Boarding Specialties

Source: Alcohol Monitoring Systems, Inc.

Source: CAIP (a non-profit agency that provides alcohol education).

Needle Phobia

Needle Phobia

Fear of Needles

Are you one of those people who get nervous and scared when you go to the doctor for shots or lab work? As a Medical Assistant or Phlebotomist, one of their many jobs is drawing blood or giving shots. It is very important to keep the person comfortable and calm during these times.

There are several ways to do this, from a patient stand point. Some things that may help are: counting to yourself, closing your eyes and take deep slow breathes, try to relax and not tense up, as well as asking questions and keeping the conversation going smoothly.

Once people become over anxious, issues start to arise that may prolong the process.  If someone were to come in and pass out on the floor or in a chair or perhaps get sick, the procedure may have to be rescheduled. Keeping others relaxed, calm, and comfortable is an important task. Making sure of the patient’s safety is a key component.

How bad does that needle really hurt?  When you get a shot or a blood draw there is a slight pinch pain that goes along with it, sometimes even a small burning if a medication is given. Most of the pain people feel is physiological or believed, but not necessarily the true action felt. A shot normally takes about 10 seconds where as a blood draw, when done correctly, is typically done in about a minute. The one thing you never want to do when getting a shot or having blood drown is to tense up.  When you tense up, your muscles tighten, which makes it harder for the medication to be administered, which can cause bruising and if done while having blood drawn can make it harder for the blood to be taken and can result in a longer draw time.

“AHHHH! Ouch that hurts!!”

“I haven’t administered the shot yet, please relax.”  If you or someone you know has done this, you may not realize the discomfort you have added to the situation. Being able to control your own feelings and actions can be a true benefit for the process. Just keep things in perspective and be aware of your surroundings. This would be the most helpful aspect that you can contributed to your visit.

All of us at Employee On-Boarding Specialties are trained and will help you through those times of stress.  If you come to us for a blood draw or a vaccine shot, we will keep you calm and get the job done in flash.   

ACRONYMS

ACRONYMS

What is with these 3/4 letter acronyms that are everywhere?  Not only will you find these in your own world, but in the occupational health world, there are a lot of these little guys running around as well.  We do physicals for all the truckers who come our way and there are several acronyms that are used during a physical.  For instance, DOT means Department of Transportation.  DTR stands for drug test results, as we do drug testing.  

Let’s plunge on: MER means, Medical Exam Report.  We use this form to log in information when we do a physical exam. POC is used quite often; it stands for Point of Contact.  DOB refers to your date of birth.  There is even an ESS on the DOT physicals which is the Epworth sleepiness scale which helps determine if you would be at risk of falling asleep while driving.  Are you confused yet?   

In regards to the DOT physicals we do, there is one test we do; the FSBS or a finger-stick blood sugar.  We accomplish this test with a simple finger stick and from that small amount of blood we can let you know if you need to pursue a medical doctor for further examination concerning sugar diabetes.   You will also see us get your BMI or body mass index score which helps determine if your weight is healthy for your height.

There are a lot of health care items we can help you with, everything from the physicals to safety classes.  Three of the life saving classes we teach are BLS, CPR/AED, and FA.  BLS (Basic Life Support) is for the healthcare worker, such as nurses, EMT’s, ER (emergency room) techs, etc.  CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)/AED (automated external defibrillator) is for the daycare worker, nannies, insurance employee, etc. That teaches them the basics of using a defibrillator and keeping someone alive until help arrives.  FA stands for first aid and is typically taken with the CPR/AED class and teaches you basic first aid from burns to heat stroke. You can give us a call or email us and we can get you certified for your occupation. You will then have the confidence that you will need to perform your duties.

 

Here is one acronym you will always want to remember: EOS.  Those three letters stand for Employee On-Boarding Specialties and we can help you with a variety of issues related to employment. Are you confronted by many obstacles and time constraints, here at EOS; we allow walk-ins and get those nagging little details taken care of.  We work with Dr. Ryan Walton who helps us with our physicals.  His waiting room typically does not have contagious patients waiting with you while you are signing in.   You can keep your confidence in the fact that our staff will be cheerful and fully equipped to take care of your well being. 

SYNTHETIC DRUGS

Synthetic Drugs

Synthetic drugs are chemically laced substances similar to marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamines sold over the counter at some convenience stores, gas stations, or tobacco shops.

The chemical make-up divides these into two categories: Cannabinoids and Cathinones. Cannabinoids are known as K2 or Spice, they are chemically formulated versions of synthetic marijuana that consists of lab-manufactured THC. Cathinones are often known as “bath salts”, they contain chemical compounds that mimic the effects of cocaine or meth. These are not intended for human consumption. They are dangerous because buyers do not know the chemicals they are ingesting, some can be two to 500 times stronger than THC. These aren’t illegal because the manufactures adapt simply by replacing the chemical compound being banned, while increasing the risk to the users, who are unaware of the reactions the new chemical may cause.

Packaging is deceiving for they are sold as incense, like Spice, G-Four, K2, and Mojo. They don’t have to list all the ingredients used and the ones they aren’t listing are the potentially dangerous and mind-altering. The products are marked with “not for human consumption” and users are still disobeying this label. These are not any safer or less potent than that of marijuana. Users report greater: -Anxiety, -Nausea, -Paranoia, -Discomfort, -Confusion, and –Desire for feeling to end. Both marijuana and synthetic chemicals negatively affect: -Short-term memory, -Motivation, -Reasoning ability, -Emotional stability, -Learning, and –Stamina. Bottom line: these herbal incenses and smoking mixtures are not herbal, not safe, and in some cases, not legal.

“Bath salts”  are packaged as crystalline powder in a small bag with names on it such as: -Ivory Wave, -Blow, -Red Dove, -Vanilla Sky, -Aura, -Zeus 2, - Zoom, -Bliss, -Blue Silk, - White Lightening, -Ocean, -Charge, -White Dove, and others. “Bath Salts” are a designer drug that has recently become available and can cause severe side effects. Signs/symptoms of this use are: -Severe paranoia, -Violent behavior, -Hallucinations, -Chest pain, -Seizures, -Decreased need for sleep, -Lack of appetite, and –Self-mutilation. Users have symptoms for 2-3 days and report the high as “horrible” and see demons, monsters, foreign soldiers or aliens, and some having to under-go long term psychiatric care because it doesn’t improve.

A big one now that has recently hit the news is a drug called “FLAKKA” also known as alpha-PVP, it is similar to “bath salts” and people are putting it on candies such as “sour patch kids”. “Parents please keep an eye out for an extremely dangerous drug disguised as a popular candy that is being seen across the country. These candies are usually individually wrapped, differentiating themselves from their legitimate counterparts” the Facebook post reads. Just like the rest of the alpha-PVP drugs of this kind can cause “excited delirium” and a feeling of euphoria and “hulk-like” strength. It is a very serious drug that can cause system failures, heart attack, serious risks, or even death! This drug is easily attainable and can be bought online through China. Worse yet, it is very cheap like pocket change for some as little as $3.

Long-term health problems that occur from “bath salt” are: -Kidney failure, -Liver failure, -Increased risk of suicide, -Long-term mental illness, -Self-mutilation, and –Death. These products can contain one of many “designer drugs” such as these currently used ones: -MDPV (methylenediozy pyrovalerone, but it could also contain mephedrone, a Khat derivative.)

Do you know basic first aid?

HELP!!!   MY NOSE IS BLEEDING AND WON’T STOP.    

 NEVER PUT YOUR HEAD BACK.  You could actually choke on your own blood if you tilt your head back while having a severe nose bleed. 

SO, WHAT DO I DO?  Tilt your head forward and pinch the nose very tight with constant pressure on the soft part toward the bottom of the nose.  If after a few minutes the bleeding continues, press harder.  If you cannot stop the bleeding in about 15 minutes, call 911 or go to the nearest health care facility.

OH, NO, I JUST BURNED MY ARM WITH VERY HOT COFFEE!!!

When you end up with a burn caused by hot liquids, fire, hot surface, or even steam, use cool water on the damaged area.  Only use cool water, not cold, as cold water or ice can damage the area even worse.  If the area is small enough, run cool water over the burn until it does not hurt anymore, approximately 5-10 minutes.

GRANDPA, ARE YOU OK?  ARE YOU CHOKING?

The universal choking sign is holding the neck with one or both hands.  When someone has severe choking, give thrusts slightly above the belly button.  These thrusts are sometimes called the Heimlich maneuver.  Like a cough, each thrust pushes air from the lungs.  This can help remove an object that is blocking the airway.  Get behind the person, wrap your arms around them so your hands are in front.  Make a fist with one hand, put the thumb side of your fist slightly higher than the belly button and well below the breastbone.  Grasp the fist with your other hand and give a quick upward thrust into the abdomen. 

We at EOS have classes you can take for First Aid and CPR to help you learn how to help someone that may have one of these issues so you will know what to do when an emergency happens.

*Facts taken from American Heart Association Heartsaver First Aid. 

EMPLOYERS: BEFORE YOU HIRE, CAN YOUR EMPLOYEE CANDIDATE DO THE JOB and INSTILL SAFETY?

Employee On-Boarding Specialties can be a great benefit to all employers by helping them to have the knowledge concerning a new employee on the status of their work related safety practices, and their ability to perform the task involved with their new post offer job. We do that using WorkSTEPS® functional employment testing.

The WorkSTEPS® test may not be performed until the employer has made a conditional job offer and must be completed before the individual begins work.  WorkSTEPS® functional employment testing will lower your worker’s compensation claims and create a safer, more productive workplace.  The Post-Offer Basic Test takes approximately two hours or less to complete.  The following diagram shows the process for the WorkSTEPS®:

Testing Process

This test may be expanded at the clinician’s discretion to quantify the extent of any pre-existing deficits. The test provides baseline information that may be used at a later date by employers, insurers, and/or medical providers to establish pre-injury status.  By going through the WorkSTEPS® program, we can see if the employee is a safe and cooperative worker, and we will pass that information to the employer as well.  The technicians here at Employee On-Boarding will teach the employee the proper way to perform lifts without injury, up to an average of 100 pounds, and to use that safe method throughout the lifts being performed.  We will also teach the employee how to turn their torso, and maneuver around objects, etc. all without hurting their backs.

Companies that have started using the WorkSTEPS® program have had significant and immediate results in reductions on worker’s compensation claims - up to a 50% reduction in some cases, and it continued thereafter.  All the tests are medically-safe, legally compliant, scientific and objective, and specifically designed to match a worker’s functional capabilities to the job performed. And all technicians who perform the tests are trained by WorkSTEPS®.

Ever thought about something like this for your company?  Give us a call and we can give you information on how to get into the WorkSTEPS® program.  This program isn’t just for your employees that are doing heavy lifting, but is for anyone in the office from the receptionist to the CEO of the company.  WorkSTEPS® has programs for ergonomics as well as for heavy lifting and drivers.

Information in this article was taken from www.worksteps.com.

Why Wear Personal Protective Equipment?

Did you know you could have infectious microorganisms in your blood?
These pathogens are:  to name a few, hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency (HIV), and one we do not want to even think about:  Ebola.

We need to pay attention when we are working around any kind of needles and sharps. We must be careful always keeping our eyes on the object we are working with.  We can encounter pathogens mostly at work, but also at home.  If you are taking someone’s blood, or testing someone for sugar levels, this involves blood that can spill, splash, or drip onto your skin.  You must at that point wash the area with lots of soap and water.  Proper hand washing includes washing all the way up and including the wrist, and washing for at least 20 seconds.

Even when we administer First Aid, maybe to a child, we still need to be careful with spilled blood.  It is also wise not to eat and or drink in any area where blood or other potentially infectious materials are.  Blood is not the only liquid that we need to concern ourselves with.  Any and all body fluids, unfixed human tissues, all infected materials, can expose us to infectious microorganisms.  Once these microorganism’s enter into our body through any portal we are then exposed. 

If you are working in any health care occupation (doctors, nurses, nursing assistant, or even dentists and dental hygienists), as well as housekeeping personnel in those facilities, you are at a higher risk of exposure to blood borne pathogens. We need to be cautious when working with blood, or other bodily fluids. If you are punctured by a sharp object (needles, broken glass, metal shavings, etc.), or get blood or any bodily fluid in your eyes, nose, mouth, or on any broken skin, you are possibly exposed.  Then, if you feel you have been exposed, you should seek immediate medical attention.  

We do have methods to protect ourselves from that exposure. That is why OSHA requires those with a higher risk of exposure to wear personal protective equipment, otherwise known as PPE.

So what is PPE and what does it consist of? 
Personal Protective Equipment refers to what you should be wearing to protect yourself from pathogens. It can be non-latex gloves, eye protective goggles, face shields, aprons, or any other clothing that covers your person, keeping blood from splashing onto your skin or mucous glands, such as your eyes, nose or mouth.

The Protective Equipment is considered appropriate if it protects all areas that might be exposed. It is appropriate only if it does not permit blood or other potentially infectious materials to pass through or reach the person’s skin, eyes, mouth, or other mucous membranes under normal conditions of use, and for the duration of time that the protective equipment will be used.  Remember, gloves and face masks are disposable.  Clinic jackets can be laundered.  Eyewear protection can be decontaminated. 

If you think your job is unsafe or if you have questions or concerns, you can contact OSHA at 1-800-321-6742.  Your contact will be kept confidential. 

You may find this and further information needed at www.osha.gov.

Are you ready for OSHA with your MSDS?

So you have opened your new business?  Do you have everything you need to cover your bases with OSHA, federal and local laws, and compliance standards?

“Yeah, it was a pain but all my posters have been put up as required.  Even the safety ones that aren’t required.”

I’m still pretty sure you missed one thing that most all companies overlook, unless they are a chemical plant.

“Ok wise guy, if you don’t think I have it, test me, and I’ll prove you wrong.”

Do you have all of your SDS and your hazardous communication policy in a book for review, if someone gets hurt on the job?

“SDS?  What is that? I’ve never heard of that term.”

With an answer like that, you aren’t quite as ready as you thought for OSHA requirements.  The SDS is a new name to an old term-MSDS.  MSDS, if you don’t remember, stood for Material Safety Data Sheets, but was recently changed to SDS or Safety Data Sheets.  The change was made, because there were too many variables being used to create the MSDS. So, OSHA adopted the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) and made a friendlier format for the sheets. 

“Oh, those. I don’t need those as we only use store bought chemicals on premises, and nothing like what a hospital uses.”

Well during a recent review of the new OSHA guidelines, we discovered that statement is partially true.  What we found was, if your employees use a chemical product, a disinfecting spray for example, like they would at home and only spraying it occasionally, as needed, then you can probably get away without an SDS on it. But, if they spray it continually to clean and disinfect numerous surfaces throughout the day, then you would want the SDS on hand.  The old saying, “better be safe than sorry,” comes to mind when putting together a book for your use as there is no penalty for having one if you don’t need it.

“Ok, we use this one disinfectant cleaning agent on all of the equipment every time it’s used by anyone.  Guess we better get on that SDS book as soon as we can.  But, let’s say we get busy, and forget to get it done right away, what happens?

Oh, you really don’t want to delay getting it done. If OSHA pays a surprise visit to your office, and you don’t have the SDS on hand when they think you should, you could face some really hefty fines and penalties.  OSHA requires every company to have a Hazardous Communication Policy, to include a plan outlining what has to be done in case of emergency situations, which might include a spill of the hazardous chemical. The reason for the SDS is that it explains what a chemical does, how to store it, what to store it in, and the temperatures it should be kept. It also explains what to do, if you are exposed to a chemical either by ingesting, breathing, or having it on your skin, or in your eyes. The SDS provides the chemical’s make up, the testing parameters that has gone into making it, and whether it is toxic to the environment, inside or outside.  The sheets also give instructions as to the combustibility, or if water should be used to extinguish a fire involving that chemical. With a great many chemicals, water is the worst thing to use to put out the fire. You should also have an Emergency Action Policy that would inform an individual(s) on evacuation plans, including where to meet the rest of the team, and who to contact in case of an emergency. Many small business owners are not aware of these requirements.

“Wow, I had no idea. Sounds like an important tool, and something I should get straight to work on. I don’t want to get caught without it, and I do worry about my employee’s safety.”

Pulmonary function testing

Mark:  My doctor is crazy.

Barbara: Why do you say that? I’ve always found him to be great.

Mark: Well he told me it was time to do a pulmonary function test. 

Barbara: Yeah, I’ve done it before. You breathe into a tube for them to find out your breathing capacity.

Mark: Yeah, that’s what he told me. And when I told him that I just did one, he asked me the name of the doctor who did it. I told him it wasn’t a doctor, but the police.

Barbara: The police don’t do pulmonary function tests.

Mark: Yes, they do.  They had me do one when they pulled me over after leaving the bar. And that is the same look the doctor gave me when I told him the same thing.

“So what exactly is a pulmonary function test?  I’ve never had to have one, but I’ve heard some people have to do them for their jobs.”

Pulmonary function tests, also called PFTs, are basically what they sound like; they test the function of your lungs (pulmonary system).  People with weakened lungs, like those with asthma or emphysema, or smokers have to have regular monitoring of their lungs to help the doctors detect changes.  If you have heard of people doing them for jobs, it’s the same concept, except it’s also to help ensure that the person doing the testing is capable of wearing respirators. We see how much air your lungs can expel within one second, and then how much air can be expended until your lungs are almost completely empty. This is compared to norms of the same age, height, weight and ethnicity.

“Why would someone need a pulmonary function test, if they have to wear a respirator?”

Have you ever worn even just a basic face mask for simple jobs at home, or even the paper ones a doctor typically wears in the hospital?  If you have done so, did you notice that it’s just slightly harder to breathe with it on that without it?  Respirators work by filtering the air that passes through the filters, with no other air coming through. The process of filtering makes a slight change in how much air you receive, so you work a bit harder to get all of the air you need.  People with weakened lungs already work harder than people with normal lung function, so to make sure that you have the lung function necessary to wear the device, a PFT would be conducted to make sure that you can handle the lower air volume. If your lungs are already restricted enough to not pass the PFT, your employer cannot take the responsibility of putting you into a respirator. Lack of enough air can cause a heart attack.

“What does a PFT entail?  Are there any special guidelines I have to follow before getting one done?”

The PFT will be completed by a specially trained respiratory therapist or technician in their office.  What the technician will do is ask you a series of questions before you begin the test. Those questions include if you have smoked in the last hour, have you had any recent surgeries, are you being treated for high blood pressure, and if you have anything in your mouth like piercings or dentures.  So there are some things you should avoid before having a PFT; eating a heavy meal (you can eat something, but don’t overstuff yourself), do not smoke or do serious exercising (waking a few blocks is ok, but don’t run 2 miles) for 6 hours before the test, avoid food or drinks that are caffeinated (caffeine can skew the test results), wear loose fitting clothing to allow your body room for that extra deep breath, and take all piercings and gum out of your mouth before the test.  If you have dentures, you can still wear them, but only if they are tight fitting in your mouth.

“Wow! So many requirements for one test.  What if I have medications I have to take?”

You can still take your medications. Just be sure to let the technician know that you are, so they can make sure they don’t interfere with the test results.

“Ok, that’s good to know.  But, I have also heard from my buddy he passed out when he did his.  Is that normal?”

Passing out (fainting) or a feeling of being lightheaded is a slight risk for anyone doing a PFT, but only because you have to inhale and exhale rapidly (think of someone who is hyperventilating). The technician will take precautions to prevent you from falling, especially if you are standing during the test. This is the reason it is recommended to remain seated during the test. If light-headedness occurs, it is up to you to let the technician know.  And if you have had a recent heart attack, heart disease, recent eye, chest, or abdominal surgery (within the last 3 months), or any respiratory infections you have to let the technician know before the test begins, because there are more risks involved with people with those issues. You may be referred to your family doctor for greater support during the test.

“Well that’s good know, at least I now know that I’ll be ok, if I ever have to take one of those tests.“

Yes, a PFT is really an easy test to take. It can also help your doctor monitor you, if you have any lung issues, and can help determine if you are able to wear respirators safely on a job.  If ever find out you have to take a PFT, present any questions to the technician. They will do their best to answer your questions, and try to make you feel as comfortable as possible for the test. 

Background checks, are they necessary?

Are Background Checks Something I Need to Consider?

Why do a background check on my employee?

According to federal statistics, employers who conduct effective background checks can often improve productivity and reduce the number of personnel prone to exhibiting violent behaviors. Add to that the use of drug/alcohol policies and collections as a component of the hiring process, and the company also lessens their chances of liability for negligent hiring for drug related issues. Federal guidelines recommend the use of a job application form that includes an appropriate waiver and release (permitting the employer to verify the information reported on the application). Recommendations also suggest that, prior to hiring any applicant, checking those references and inquiring about any prior incidents of violence or drug abuse is prudent. Another recommendation is to evaluate the need for screening contract personnel who work at your facility as well. Vendors and service organizations whose personnel make frequent visits or spend long periods of time working at your facility should certify that those individuals meet or exceed your firm’s safety and security requirements, which could include your requirement for them to make background checks and drug/alcohol testing a part of their hiring practices in order to work at your facility.

I understand there are companies that do background checks for all of their employees. It sounds like that could be a lot of hassle for me, and quite expensive. What would cause me to consider doing that for my employees?

Let’s start with the first issue - cost: Let’s consider the cost of doing a full Federal and State background check with Social Security Number verification, Sexual Offender Search, Wants and Warrants Search, and a State driving record search; around $60.00 per person. $85.00, if you include a two year employment and drug test history verification. Fingerprints are an additional $5.00, which is a cost mandated by the state of Wyoming.

Now consider the cost of legal services, bad customer relations, and negative media coverage when your company is charged with negligence should, heaven forbid, you hire someone without any of those verifications, and they were involved in an accident on the job that cost the life of another employee after having a similar accident months ago when working for another employer. That sounds like an extreme example, but it is very possible. The background search can help identify those people trying to hide past misbehavior, and every time someone hires them without checking their information it allows them to continue with the bad behavior. It is your company that pays for it.

Then we look at legal requirements for certain industries: If you are an employer who deals with at risk individuals, such as children, and vulnerable adults in the State of Wyoming, a criminal background check are required by the state, and this is to include State and Federal fingerprint search, criminal history, child abuse and neglect search, and sexual offender registry. Another industry with mandated requirements would be the transportation industry, which mandates federal and state background checks, a two year employment and drug testing history search, and law enforcement recommends a sexual offender search as well.

And I’m not sure if I can afford to have a background check done on a new hire. Are background checks really necessary?

Yes, it’s the law. As stated above, if your company has DOT drivers, the Federal Department of Transportation mandates the requirements. You do not have a choice, with the exception that you can hire a third party service to do that for you. Taking these steps in making your work site, and the work site of your customer as safe an environment as possible also makes good business sense. Not conducting a background check could potentially leave your company devastated in a Negligent Hiring suit.

One example:  An employer hiring someone unfit without background information, and by the actions or omissions of that employee, a third party was injured; the employer would be held liable due to the failure to investigate, leading to a finding of constructive knowledge.

As the employer, you have a duty to make a reasonable investigation of an applicant’s fitness before hiring. Failure to do so does not allow you to claim ignorance of the employee’s history.

What do I have to do to perform background checks?

There are procedures that must take place for a background check to be conducted. A consent form must be signed by the individual that meets the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. And if you choose not to hire that individual you must notify the candidate the source of the background check, and give them the chance to refute the information acquired before taking action, as they have the right to dispute the information in accordance to the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

As the employer, you will need to decide what type of background check best fits your needs. There are Criminal backgrounds checks, Driving history records, Credit reports, Education verification reports, etc. There are verifications of employment, and drug/alcohol testing history, and these are usually done by calling on the previous employer to supply that information. If you out-source your background checks, use a reputable firm. If, however, you decide to do those yourself, double check the information, and then cross reference that with any other information to ensure you have the as accurate information as possible. And good luck with your new hires.

Background checks will not guarantee you will never have a problem with an employee, but it does reduce your risk should anything happen. It shows due diligence on the company’s part.

References:

Combating Workplace Violence: Guidelines for Employers and Law Enforcement

http://www.theiacp.org/Portals/0/pdfs/Publications/combatingworkplaceviolence.pdf

Conducting Employee Background Checks: Why Do It and What the Law Allows

https://www.sba.gov/blogs/conducting-employee-background-checks-why-do-it-and-what-law-allows

Fair Credit Reporting Act

http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/pdf-0111-fair-credit-reporting-act.pdf