Safety Links Blog

In 2009, more than 150 construction workers died due to being struck by vehicles. One of the most deadly hazards is being struck by cranes or crane parts.

The following video shows how a worker standing on an area out of the driver's rear view can lead to the crane’s unloading positioning swings to hit him. In this situation, no barricades were placed to keep other people from coming in the working area were the swinging cranes were and in result this is what happened.

Accidents like this occur within seconds and that is why underestimating simple preventative procedures like the ones shown here should not be an option. Take these steps and help reduce the chance of you and your employees ever experiencing a tragic accident like this!

Here are some tips provided from OSHA:

• Cranes are to be operated only by qualified and trained personnel.
• A designated competent person must inspect the crane and all crane controls before use.
• Be sure the crane is on a firm/stable surface and level.
• During assembly/disassembly do not unlock or remove pins unless sections are blocked and secure (stable).
• Fully extend outriggers and barricade accessible areas inside the crane’s swing radius.
• Watch for overhead electric power lines and maintain at least a 10-foot safe working clearance from the lines.
• Inspect all rigging prior to use; do not wrap hoist lines around the load.
• Be sure to use the correct load chart for the crane’s current configuration and setup, the load weight and lift path.
• Do not exceed the load chart capacity while making lifts.
• Raise load a few inches, hold, verify capacity/balance, and test brake system before delivering load.
• Do not move loads over workers.
• Be sure to follow signals and manufacturer instructions while operating cranes.

For more information on Construction and Equipment Operation Courses, visit our website at www.SafetyLinks.net

With competition increasing, companies must be concerned about cutting costs and trimming expenses. These costs must be reduced not only to save money, but also to compete with other organizations who offer similar services.

Although the importance of safety is obvious, it is often very difficult to balance the reality of costs with the necessity for safety programs. But does safety actually cost money? In the short run implementing safety will likely have some costs. After all, production time must be taken for training, and safe equipment must be purchased.

In the long run however safety does not cost a penny. In fact effective safety programs have been known to actually save companies 4 dollars for every dollar spent. Not only will you reduce compensation and insurance costs, but you will keep trained workers, which makes you more efficient and profitable. In addition your customers will continue to use your services ultimately keeping you, your employees, and your subcontractors employed!

Working in the outdoor heat?

Every year, more than 30 workers die of a heat stroke. Due to the rising number of deaths and concern, OSHA has launched a national awareness initiative to educate employers and workers of the dangers of hot outdoor work environments. Heat illness educational materials in both English and Spanish are now available for anyone’s workplace training. The page can be viewed at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatillness/index.html. Other symptoms to look out for when working in hot temperatures are heat rashes and heat cramps, which can occur prior to a stroke.

"It is essential for workers and employers to take proactive steps to stay safe in extreme heat, and become aware of symptoms of heat exhaustion before they get worse,” says Dr. David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health. “Agriculture workers; building, road and other construction workers; utility workers; baggage handlers; roofers; landscapers; and others who work outside are all at risk. Drinking plenty of water and taking frequent breaks in cool, shaded areas are incredibly important in the hot summer months."

Even more convenient, you can use your smart phone to your advantage when working outdoors. A mobile app for Androids and iPhones is now available for workers and supervisors to monitor heat index at a work site. Risk levels and reminders on protective safety measures are available in it and can be viewed in either Spanish or English. To download it, visit http://s.dol.gov/RI.

If you haven't already, you can view Safety Links e-learning safety module on Heat Stress at http://www.safetylinks.net/index.php/blog/entry/safety-tip-heat-stress-in-work-environments.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Folding Step Stools

Units: About 1.6 million in the United States and 64,000 in Canada

Importer: Kennedy International Inc., of Dayton, N.J.

Hazard: The folding step stools can break or collapse unexpectedly when in use, posing a fall hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Kennedy International is aware of at least 15 reports of incidents involving step stools cracking or breaking, including three reports of injuries to consumers using the stools. Injuries included two reports of back injuries and one report of a fractured leg.

Description: This recall involves 9-inch and 13-inch Kennedy International folding step stools. The step stools are plastic and have a handle for carrying the stools when they are folded. The style number is 3575 for the 9-inch and 3576 for the 13-inch step stools. The style number is printed on a sticker on one of the legs of the stool. "Kennedy Home Collection" is also printed on a label on some of the stools. They were sold in the following colors: blue, green, gray, red, purple, pink, orange, turquoise, aqua, white, plum, orchid, emerald, sapphire, sangria, ocean, sage, fuchsia, lime and various color combinations.

Kennedy International 13-Inch Step Tools

Kennedy International 9-Inch Step Tools

Sold at: HomeGoods, Marshalls, TJ Maxx and other retailers nationwide from January 2010 through January 2012 for between $8 and $12.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled step stools and contact Kennedy International to receive a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Kennedy International toll-free at (855) 270-8301 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at www.kennedy-intl.com

Note: Health Canada's press release is available at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=1586.

As Dr. David Michaels, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health says, "OSHA's 1983 Hazard Communication Standard gave workers the right to now.”

Now more than ever, this statement applies to the newly aligned United Nations' Globally Harmonized System with OSHA’s HazCom standard. Its merging will help facilitate American workers' safety and make it easier for employers to compete in a globally.

This change includes establishing consistent labels and safety data sheets for all chemicals made in the U.S. and imported. They will also classify chemicals according to their health and physical hazards.

By September of this year, all states with OSHA-approved safety and health regulatory programs must add the GHS amendments to their HazCom programs. “This update will give them the right to understand as well”, says Michaels.

Here is a link to learn more about the system- http://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/ghs.html

To inquire about consulting for the implementation of GHS with OSHA’s HazCom, visit us at http://www.safetylinks.net/index.php/training/safety-courses-for-all-industries/hazcom.

If you weren't aware already, today is the day to recognize all of you safety and health professionals in your workplace for their commitment and determination to improve the work lives of each one of us every day.

The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) approved the holiday in March 2006 to be celebrated aligned with the North American Occupational Safety & Health Week (NAOSH). It falls every year on the Wednesday of this week and recognized around the globe.

Currently there are about 100,000 occupational safety, health and environmental practitioners in the U.S. today in what has become one of the most challenging and rewarding career fields!

Ever wonder what companies get cited for the most? Here are OSHA’S top 10 most frequently cited standards violated of 2011 and their link to its page:

1. Scaffolding, general requirements, construction (29 CFR 1926.451)
2. Fall protection, construction (29 CFR 1926.501)
3. Hazard communication standard, general industry (29 CFR 1910.1200)
4. Respiratory protection, general industry (29 CFR 1910.134)
5. Control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout), general industry (29 CFR 1910.147)
6. Electrical, wiring methods, components and equipment, general industry (29 CFR 1910.305)
7. Powered industrial trucks, general industry (29 CFR 1910.178)
8. Ladders, construction (29 CFR 1926.1053)
9. Electrical systems design, general requirements, general industry (29 CFR 1910.303)
10. Machines, general requirements, general industry (machine guarding) (29 CFR 1910.212)

For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/compliance_assistance/frequent_standards.html.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration is set to unveil improvements in emergency training and rescue technology.

MSHA chief Joe Main plans to discuss the latest advances on Tuesday at the National Mine Health and Safety Academy in Beaver, WV.

MSHA will display its new emergency command vehicle, as well as a mobile gas laboratory, seismic location vehicle and mine gas monitoring vehicle.

Several training exercises will take place concurrently, including an outdoor firefighting competition, smoke training in a mine simulation laboratory, and about 50 rescue teams testing their skills in a staged emergency.

For more information on Miner Training, visit http://www.safetylinks.net/index.php/training/osha-msha-courses.

With over 10,000 construction workers injured and 255 killed in 2010 due to falling, OSHA in partnership with NIOSH, has developed and initiated a new fall prevention campaign. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis rightfully announced its kick off last week emphasizing its goal to raise awareness by providing workers with information and educational materials specialized in their industry to diminish this problem.

Some of the types of organizations OSHA and NIOSH have stated they plan to work with are trade associations, labor unions, employers, universities, community and faith-based organizations, and consulates.

“When working at heights, everyone needs to plan ahead to get the job done safely, provide the right equipment and train workers to use the equipment safely,” says Dr. David Michaels, assistant to secretary of labor for occupational safety and health “now is the time to ensure that workers and employers understand what is required to prevent falls.”

OSHA’s new fall prevention website with both English and Spanish versions is available at http://www.osha.gov/stopfalls. NIOSH and NORA have also collaborated to provide a fall prevention website at http://www.stopconstructionfalls.com.

To view OSHA’s press release, visit http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=NEWS_RELEASES&p_id=22260

For information on Fall Protection training, visit http://www.safetylinks.net/index.php/training/construction-safety-courses

The International Labour Organization, the international organization that oversees international labor standards, recognized last Saturday, April 28 as World Day for Safety & Health at Work. The annual event promotes the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases globally.

Their focus this year is on promoting occupational safety and health in a green economy. “As the green economy develops, it is essential that safety and health at work are integrated into green jobs policies. This implies integrating risk assessment and management measures in the life cycle analysis of all green jobs.” the ILO notes. “This is especially relevant for sectors such as construction, waste recycling, solar energy production and biomass processing.”

The 28th of April is also a day in which the world's trade union movement holds its International Commemoration Day for Dead and Injured Workers to honour the memory of victims of occupational accidents and diseases and organize worldwide mobilizations and campaigns on this date.

For more information, visit http://www.ilo.org/global/lang--en/index.htm.

In the case of a tragic accident in the workplace involving death, OSHA has come out with a new directive. This directive explains that OSHA Representatives are to contact the victim’s family after the incident, explain the investigation and offer a timeline with updates on the progress of it. Once finished, they will explain the findings to the family. Any citations given to the place of employment will also be disclosed to the family.

The directive states its “three-phrase approach” to interactions that include:

1. An initial communication;
2. Follow-up communication throughout the inspection; and
3. Post-inspection communications.

According to Dr. David Michaels, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health, “OSHA is committed to working with families to explain the circumstances surrounding the deaths of their loved ones” he says. “This directive ensures that OSHA receives the necessary information from the family to assist in the investigation, and keeps the family informed throughout the investigation and settlement processes.”

To view OSHA’s press release on the announcement, visit HERE.

Did you know that in 2011, 68% of highway contractors experienced motor vehicle crasher in their work zone? According to the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), www.agc.org, out of this percentage, 28% workers reported an injury and 18% indicated there was at least one fatality.

As an employer, there are several ways in which you can prevent these kinds of incidents from happening that could lead your company to temporarily shut down or have costly results. Many have opted for stricter enforcement in their training and/or existing safety laws. Others have been forced to require police presence for longer periods of time for surveillance. Or what about monitoring fleet safety closer?

Unfortunately, not only is the number of work zone accidents high, they are actually increasing with time. Of course, ease of technology in handheld devices is a strong contributor. Consequently, according to the same source mentioned, 84% of contractors would agree that vehicle motor crashes are indeed greater today than they were a decade ago.

So if your company’s project requires work zone regulations, keep in mind that safety is regularly updated and strictly enforced at all times. Not only will it benefit deadlines and budgets, but more importantly, help save lives.

For more information on general safety training and consulting visit, http://www.safetylinks.net/index.php/training

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Gems 3100 Pressure Detectors/Transducers

Units: About 25,000

Importer: Gems Sensors Inc., of Plainville, Conn.

Hazard: The transducer can fail to accurately detect water pressure in a fire suppression sprinkler system. This could cause the sprinkler system to fail to activate and pump water to the sprinklers in the event of a fire.

Incidents/Injuries: None.

Description: The Gems 3100 Pressure Transducer is used to detect pressure in a range of applications, including the detection of water pressure as part of a fire pump controller in a fire suppression sprinkler system. The transducer has "Gems Sensors & Controls," as well as the 18- digit part number, printed on a label affixed to the center of the transducer. Part numbers beginning with "3100" are included in this recall.

Sold by: Gems sold the recalled 3100 Pressure Transducers directly to end-users and through distributors from January 2006 through February 2012 for about $250.

Manufactured in: England

Remedy: Contact Gems to receive enhanced twice monthly inspection instructions and information about a free replacement transducer, when warranted. End-users who use the 3100 Pressure Transducer in other applications in which water pressure is measured should contact Gems to determine if their units are affected.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, call the company toll-free at (855) 877-9666, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at http://www.gemssensors.com

Heat rashes, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat fainting, heat strokes... sound scary enough? Regardless of where you live, it's never too early to take some preventative steps to ensure safety while working in hot environments. Watch this month's e-learning module for some useful tips on how to avoid getting ill.

To watch our past e-learning modules, visit http://www.safetylinks.net/index.php/blog/categories/listings/online-training-for-free.

Sakar International Recalls Battery Chargers Due to Electrocution, Electric Shock Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Digital Concepts Compact Travel Charger

Units: About 48,000

Importer: Sakar International Inc. of Edison, N.J.

Hazard: The plastic holding the screws can break, causing the screws to come loose and the casing to separate. This can expose energized components, exposing users to electrocution or electric shock.

Incidents/Injuries: Sakar International has not received any reports of the charger falling apart, or of electrocution or electric shock. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The charger holds two AA or AAA batteries, is silver colored and has a sticker on the top which says “Digital Concepts” and “Compact Travel Charger”. This recall involves item numbers CH-1600S and CH-1600-RS which are identified with the date code MID#: 0801110. Both numbers can be found on the white label on the underside of the charger. Also on the underside are three screws and a retractable power plug.

Sold at: Cobra Digital, Lot-Less, Ocean State Jobbers and RadioShack from January 2011 through February 2012 for about $10.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled battery charger and contact Sakar International Inc. for a replacement product.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Sakar International Inc. toll free at (877) 397-8200 at any time or visit the firm’s website at www.sakar.com/recall

Irwin Recalls 10-Inch Circular Saw Blade 3-Pack Due to Laceration Hazard Posed by Defective Packaging

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Classic Series Circular Saw Blade 3-Pack

Units: About 55,260

Manufacturer: Irwin Industrial Tool Company, Huntersville, N.C.

Hazard: The saw blades can fall out of the bottom of the plastic packaging, posing a laceration hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Irwin has received three reports of the saw blades falling out of the packaging. No injuries were reported.

Description: This recall involves Irwin Classic Series 10-inch Circular Saw Blade Limited Promotion 3-Packs. The blister packs contain one 10-inch trim and finish saw blade with 60 teeth (60T) and two 10-inch general purpose saw blades with 40 teeth (40T). The blades are stacked offset in the packs. The packaging is blue, orange and yellow and has the words “Irwin” and “Classic Series” on the front top left corner and “3 Circular Saw Blades” on the front lower left corner. Model number “ICSLD3PK” is located on the front top right corner.

Sold exclusively at: Lowe’s stores nationwide from approximately October 2011 through November 2011 for $40.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately contact the firm to receive a free storage container for the saw blades. Consumers should not disturb any saw blades that remain in the packaging but should store the saw blades in the packaging in a safe and secure location until the container arrives, then immediately transfer the saw blades to the container and discard the original packaging.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Irwin at (800) 464-7946 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET or visit the firm’s website at www.irwinrecall.com

The DOT defines a Hazmat employee as a person who is “Employed on a full-time, part time, or temporary basis by a hazmat employer and who in the course of such full time, part time or temporary employment directly affects hazardous materials transportation safety”.

This includes people who during the course of employment: “(i) Loads, unloads, or handles hazardous materials; (ii) Designs, manufactures, fabricates, inspects, marks, maintains, reconditions, repairs, or tests a package, container or packaging component that is represented, marked, certified, or sold as qualified for use in transporting hazardous material in commerce; (iii) Prepares hazardous materials for transportation; (iv) Is responsible for safety of transporting hazardous materials; (v) Operates a vehicle used to transport hazardous materials.

So in plain English if you are at all involved in the packaging, handling or even completing the paper work for hazardous materials that will be transported then you are a Hazmat employee.

Training and the Hazmat Law

The Federal hazardous materials transportation law (49 U.S.C. § 5101 et seq.) is the basic statute regulating the transportation of hazardous materials (hazmat) in the United States. This law requires the training of ALL hazmat employees. The purpose is to increase a hazmat employee's safety awareness and be an essential element in reducing hazmat incidents.

Each Hazmat Employer Must:

• train and test
• certify
• develop and retain records of current training (inclusive of preceding three years) for each hazmat employee (during the period of employment and 90 days thereafter)

Training Must Include:

• General awareness/familiarization
• Function-specific, training
• Safety
• Security awareness
• In-depth security training, if a security plan is required
• Driver training (for each hazmat employee who will operate a motor vehicle)

Initial Training

A new employee, or an employee who changes job functions, may perform hazmat job functions before completing training, provided the employee does so under the direct supervision of a properly trained and knowledgeable hazmat employee; and the hazmat training is completed within 90 days of employment or change in job function.

Recurrent Training...

Is required at least once every three years. The three year period begins on the actual date of training.

Training Records Must Include:

• Hazmat employee's name
• Completion date of most recent training
• Training Materials (Copy, description, or location)
• Name and address of hazmat trainer
• Certification that the hazmat employee has been trained and tested

Upcoming DOT Hazmat Open Class:

Tuesday- May 17, 2012

8:00 - noon

Ocoee Training Center

For more information or to register, go to http://www.safetylinks.net/index.php/training/dot-course/dot-hazmat

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has announced that Delta Air Lines Inc. signed a corporate-wide settlement agreement with the agency to install seat belts and implement seat belt policies on baggage handling vehicles as part of a compliance plan over the next two years at approximately ninety of its domestic airport locations that fall under federal OSHA's jurisdiction. The company plans to take the same safety measures at airport locations under state OSHA’s jurisdiction, although not part of the agreement.

The agreement resulted as abatement of alleged violations in the death of a Delta baggage handler in January 2010. The worker suffered a fatal traumatic brain injury when the tug vehicle he operated collided with a food service truck and the impact ejected him out of the vehicle and onto the pavement. OSHA issued a citation to Delta for violating federal regulations requiring employers to provide employees with personal protective equipment, including – in this case – seat belts.

Compliance measures in the plan include:

• Installing seat belts on all covered vehicles within the first twelve months;
• Any new covered vehicles the company purchases must come equipped with seat belts;
• Implement and enforce a program requiring its employees to wear seat belts when operating or riding on any Covered Vehicle;
• Conduct mandatory employee training on seat belt use and safe operation of covered vehicles;
• Track and enforce seat belt use through documented observations; conducting random audits of compliance; and periodically setting up checkpoints at Covered Routes to assess seat belt use;
• Inspect covered vehicles for property functioning seat belts and remove any vehicle from use if they find the seat belt missing or malfunctioning.

When completed, the compliance plan will help protect 16,000 Delta workers from injuries preventable by seat belt use.

"OSHA's corporate-wide settlement agreements are highly effective tools for ensuring that companies address hazards that can injure or kill their workers," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels in a release. "This kind of widespread change within corporations can go a long way toward keeping workers across the country safe and healthy at the end of every workday."

OSHA has resources available to assist the airline industry in workplace safety and compliance.

To view the agreement on the settlement, go to http://www.osha.gov/csa/delta041612.html.

As minority groups in the country grow, so does the need to expand safety communication to a wider audience. With this in mind, OSHA now offers many of its educational materials in other languages including Spanish.

Two of OSHA's signal publications are now available for order in Spanish through OSHA's Spanish Publications page. _Derechos de los trabajadores (_Workers' Rights) describes the rights to which workers are legally entitled under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Derechos y responsibilidades patronales al cabo de una inspectión de la OSHA (_Employer Rights and Responsibilities Following an OSHA Inspection) is provided during an OSHA inspection and explains to employers what happens after the inspection.

OSHA also has publications available in Portuguese, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Korean, Polish, and Vietnamese. To order copies of these or any other OSHA publications, please call 1-800-321-OSHA (6742) or visit OSHA's Publications page.

Did you know?

• Between 20-30% of fleet vehicles crash each year
• Fleet crash costs are equal to 13-15% of fleet spending
• Drivers of company vehicles have 50% more crashes than private drivers
• Road crashes is the most common form of work-related death

Companies with active road safety programs have achieved 30-65% reductions in work-related traffic accidents and associated costs.

If you are just beginning to address occupational driving risk consider the following options:

Offer a Defensive Driving Seminar: Our Defensive Driving Seminar combines driver safety education with interactive group problem solving. We have developed a unique approach, combining driver safety education with risk resolution, based on national and local research pointing to the things that have achieved the best results in reducing driver risk. Put simply we provide the latest and most effective program to reduce the risks associated with work-related driving.

More importantly our Defensive Driving Seminar targets specific driver behaviors to improve driving habits and prevent accidents.

Use a “How am I Driving” Bumper Sticker reporting system: How many times have you been cut off and wished the other vehicles had a bumper sticker? By using a “How am I Driving” campaign you will begin to experience more cautious drivers and ultimately fewer collisions.

Our How am I Driving? System includes a toll free call center where the public can easily report their observations. After words an observation report will be emailed to you so corrective action can be taken.

Our fleet safety solutions are the most cost effective and professional solutions available! For more information on our new Fleet Safety Initiative call Randy Free at 407-353-8165 or visit http://www.safetylinks.net/index.php/fleet-safety

Below is a great article on psychological health and safety. Because most would disregard psychological health issues in the workplace or classify as unimportant, often they are left untreated. A recent poll of employees from all over the world has shown comparisons between different countries and their levels of work-related mental-health issues. Results have organizations taking more notice and raising efforts to improve the overall well-being of their employees…

Psychological health, safety cited as risks

REUTERS MARCH 17, 2012

Companies around the globe have work to do to improve worker satisfaction because three in 10 employees say their workplace is not psychologically safe and healthy, according to a new poll.

Whether it is due to stress, inter-personal conflict, frustration, lack of feedback or promotion, 27 per cent of workers in 24 countries said they are not happy with the psychological aspects of their work environment, the survey by research company Ipsos for Reuters showed.

"Employers need to pay attention to their employees' mental health, not just their physical health," said Alexandra Evershed, senior vice-president, Ipsos Public Affairs. "Three in 10 is still a fairly large proportion and that goes up to 44 per cent and 43 per cent in Argentina and Mexico and 42 per cent in Hungary,"

Nearly half, 47 per cent, of the total of 14,618 workers polled agreed that their workplace was 'a psychologically safe and healthy environment to work in' and 26 per cent hovered on the fence and weren't sure.

Although many North Americans have fewer holidays than Europeans and may work longer hours and enjoy fewer social services, Americans and Canadians had the highest marks for positively assessing the mental health of their workplace, followed by workers in India, Australia, Britain and South Africa. Evershed suggested that the improving economies in some countries could have played a part in the positive assessment among employees.

"It's better than it was," she said in an interview. "India, China, Brazil, South Africa, these are countries where the economic picture has been brightening."

To view the article, go to http://www.vancouversun.com/jobs/Psychological+health+safety+cited+risks/6318434/story.html