You work hard to keep your employees safe. But did you know that chemicals in the workplace can pose a severe threat to their health?

Mold testing and treatment are part of the industry for remediation and environmental cleanup services. In the United States alone, people spend more than $23 billion every year on this industry. This industry employs more than 91,000 people to fill the demand for these services.

Right now, about 48 million Americans are living with some level of hearing loss. And about 22 million are exposed to hazardous noise levels at work, meaning that without intervention more are being put at serious risk of developing an irreversible disability.

Asbestos was once frequently used in a wide variety of construction products because of its high tensile strength and fire-resistant properties. From boiler and pipe insulation to bricks and concrete, asbestos was everywhere and it wasn’t until 1989 that the EPA announced an initiative to phase out the use of asbestos in the U.S. completely.

The US Environmental Protection Agency reports that pollutants can be two to five times more concentrated indoors than outdoors. Since we spend most of our time indoors, it is important to have high-quality indoor air.

At home, leaky pipes are a nuisance. They decrease water pressure, cause property damage, and can foster the perfect conditions for mold growth. As a property or facilities manager, leaky pipes aren't just an annoyance—they could become the primary source of health and safety issues.

Employee-based workplace safety committees may not be perceived as the “coolest” employee groups in a workplace, but their duties are worth respecting. With a workplace safety committee that includes employees, you as a manager can encourage your staff to be active participants in their personal safety and health at work. They can also become a valuable asset in the development and implementation of an effective health and safety program.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate mineral that was often used in building materials between the 1930s and 1970s. While asbestos was favored due to its durability and resistance to fire, the substance was eventually restricted due to its toxicity and the threat it poses to human health.

Maintaining a healthy and comfortable office environment is crucial to employee health, comfort, and performance. Ensuring that indoor air quality (IAQ) is optimal is a key ingredient in that process.

Exposure to mold spores is virtually unavoidable as mold grows outdoors but can find its way into buildings and grow there as well. In buildings with poor ventilation, high humidity, and/or water intrusion issues, mold can become problematic, especially for those with pre-existing respiratory conditions or allergies.