3M Science of Safety: Recent Episodes
3M
From identifying hazards to providing education and training, 3M can help you get your job done and get you and your workers back home safely at the end of each day. In this podcast series we discuss health and safety challenges to assist in controlling workplace hazards and risks through the Science of Safety.
Part two in our series on exposure assessment awareness. In this episode, 3M’s Katie Hacker and co-hosts Mark Reggers and Laurie Wells continue their discussion on workplace exposure assessment awareness. Listen in as they go deeper into exposure standards, monitoring, and other considerations and best practices for conducting exposure assessments. Katie Hacker is a Certified Occupational Hygienist (CIH) and Global Application Engineering Manager in 3M’s Personal Safety Division.
The Science of Safety Podcast is presented by the 3M Personal Safety Division. This is a podcast that is curious about the science and systems behind workplace health and safety with a focus on personal protective equipment (or PPE) used to help keep workers healthy and safe.
Welcome back to another episode of the Global Science of Safety podcast. In this episode co-hosts Mark Reggers and Laurie Wells, along with guest Katie Hacker discuss exposure assessment as a component of workplace hazard awareness. Having a systematic method to characterize workplace exposures to chemical, physical and biological agents is fundamental to occupational health and safety programs. This is part one of a two-part series on exposure assessment awareness. Tune in to learn more about this important aspect of workplace health and safety. Katie Hacker is a Certified Occupational Hygienist (CIH) and Global Application Engineering Manager in 3M’s Personal Safety Division.
The Science of Safety Podcast is presented by the 3M Personal Safety Division. This is a podcast that is curious about the science and systems behind workplace health and safety with a focus on personal protective equipment (or PPE) used to help keep workers healthy and safe.
In this episode, Eric Fallen joins co-hosts Mark Reggers and Laurie Wells to discuss a common challenge: how to hear important sounds in the work environment while being protected from hazardous sounds. Eric is a technical specialist with the 3M Personal Safety Division supporting protective communication hearing protectors. He holds a Doctor of Audiology degree and is a retired Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army. Tune in to learn more about understanding how fluctuating and intermittent noise can affect hearing protector use and about technologies that allow sound to be audible while protecting the worker from hazardous sound.
The Science of Safety Podcast is presented by the 3M Personal Safety Division. This is a podcast that is curious about the science and systems behind workplace health and safety with a focus on personal protective equipment (or PPE) used to help keep workers healthy and safe.
In this episode, Shari Smith joins co-hosts Mark Reggers and Laurie Wellsto to discuss silica. Shari is a segment specialist in the 3M Personal Safety Division and also a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) and Certified Safety Professional (CSP). Tune in to learn more about potential workplace exposure to silica including applications that may generate respirable crystalline silica, potential health effects, and examples of controls.
The Science of Safety Podcast is presented by the 3M Personal Safety Division. This is a podcast that is curious about the science and systems behind workplace health and safety with a focus on personal protective equipment (or PPE) used to help keep workers healthy and safe.
Today on the podcast co-hosts Mark Reggers and Laurie Wells continue their discussion on workplace hazard awareness with guest Lucre Pfefferman. Lucre is a Certified Occupational Hygienist working for 3M New Zealand in the Personal Safety Division. In this episode, the team discusses the concept of hazard recognition, which is another important element of occupational health and safety awareness.
The Science of Safety Podcast is presented by the 3M Personal Safety Division. This is a podcast that is curious about the science and systems behind workplace health and safety with a focus on personal protective equipment (or PPE) used to help keep workers healthy and safe.
Welcome back to another episode of the Global Science of Safety podcast. In this episode, 3M’s Lucre Pfeffermanand co-hosts Mark Reggers and Laurie Wells discuss workplace hazard awareness with a focus on anticipating hazards. Tune in to learn more about this important aspect of workplace health and safety. Lucre Pfeffermanis a Certified Occupational Hygienist working for 3M New Zealand in the Personal Safety Division.
The Science of Safety Podcast is presented by the 3M Personal Safety Division. This is a podcast that is curious about the science and systems behind workplace health and safety with a focus on personal protective equipment (or PPE) used to help keep workers healthy and safe.
In this episode of the Global Science of Safety Podcast, join co-hosts Mark Reggers and Laurie Wells as they discuss full body harnesses with 3M’s David Baker. David is the 3M Personal Safety Division EMEA Fall Protection Application Engineering Leader based in the United Kingdom. Full-body harnesses are used in many segments including construction, oil and gas, utilities, and heavy manufacturing and transportation. The purpose of a full-body harness is to help arrest a fall from heights, distribute the impact forces around the body, and help ensure the body remains in an upright plane. Tune in to learn more about the selection and fit of this important piece of personal protective equipment.
The Science of Safety Podcast is presented by the 3M Personal Safety Division. This is a podcast that is curious about the science and systems behind workplace health and safety with a focus on personal protective equipment (or PPE) used to help keep workers healthy and safe.
Welcome back to the Science of Safety Podcast. Today on the podcast, co-hosts Mark Reggers and Laurie Wells welcome Don Rust, a Certified Industrial Hygienist, and Certified Safety Professional in 3M’s Personal Safety Division. In this episode, they discuss head protection including types of hard hats, selection considerations, donning tips, care and maintenance, and much more. Hard hats are an important piece of personal protection equipment for construction, heavy manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, utilities, and many other industries where there is a potential for head injuries from falling objects, flying/swinging objects, nearby overhead hazards, and other worksite-specific hazards.
The Science of Safety Podcast is presented by the 3M Personal Safety Division. This is a podcast that is curious about the science and systems behind workplace health and safety with a focus on personal protective equipment (or PPE) used to help keep workers healthy and safe.
In this episode of the Science of Safety Podcast, co-hosts Mark Reggers and Laurie Wells, along with special guest Katie Aune, a Specialist Application Engineer, and Certified Safety Professional in 3M’s Personal Safety Division, discuss eye hazards in the workplace. Eye hazards can be found in nearly every industry from construction, heavy manufacturing, mining, and oil and gas to chemical, pharmaceutical, and utilities. Tune in to learn more about protecting workers' eyesight on the job including common hazards, types and styles of eye and face protection, and selection considerations including fit, comfort, and compatibility.
The Science of Safety Podcast is presented by the 3M Personal Safety Division. This is a podcast that is curious about the science and systems behind workplace health and safety with a focus on personal protective equipment (or PPE) used to help keep workers healthy and safe.
In this episode of the Science of Safety Podcast, co-hosts Mark Reggers and Laurie Wells, along with special guest Katie Aune, a Specialist Application Engineer, and Certified Safety Professional in 3M’s Personal Safety Division, discuss eye hazards in the workplace. Eye hazards can be found in nearly every industry from construction, heavy manufacturing, mining, and oil and gas to chemical, pharmaceutical, and utilities. Tune in to learn more about protecting workers' eyesight on the job including common hazards, types and styles of eye and face protection, and selection considerations including fit, comfort, and compatibility.
The Science of Safety Podcast is presented by the 3M Personal Safety Division. This is a podcast that is curious about the science and systems behind workplace health and safety with a focus on personal protective equipment (or PPE) used to help keep workers healthy and safe.
In this episode of the Science of Safety Podcast, co-hosts Mark Reggers and Laurie Wells, along with special guest Katie Aune, a Specialist Application Engineer, and Certified Safety Professional in 3M’s Personal Safety Division, discuss eye hazards in the workplace. Eye hazards can be found in nearly every industry from construction, heavy manufacturing, mining, and oil and gas to chemical, pharmaceutical, and utilities. Tune in to learn more about protecting workers' eyesight on the job including common hazards, types and styles of eye and face protection, and selection considerations including fit, comfort, and compatibility.
The Science of Safety Podcast is presented by the 3M Personal Safety Division. This is a podcast that is curious about the science and systems behind workplace health and safety with a focus on personal protective equipment (or PPE) used to help keep workers healthy and safe.
In this episode, co-hosts Mark Reggers and Laurie Wells reflect back on some of the highlights from this first global season of the podcast. From selection fundamentals for respiratory protection, hearing protection, and fall protection to the science of fit. This season of the podcast has been full of guests from around the world. best practices, and more. Listen in as Mark and Laurie drop some hints on the new lineup of topics for next season.
The first global season of the Science of Safety Podcast is presented by the 3M Personal Safety Division. This is a podcast that is curious about the science and systems behind workplace health and safety with a focus on personal protective equipment (or PPE) used to help keep workers healthy and safe.
In this episode, co-hosts Mark Reggers and Laurie Wells reflect back on some of the highlights from this first global season of the podcast. From selection fundamentals for respiratory protection, hearing protection, and fall protection to the science of fit. This season of the podcast has been full of guests from around the world. best practices, and more. Listen in as Mark and Laurie drop some hints on the new lineup of topics for next season.
The first global season of the Science of Safety Podcast is presented by the 3M Personal Safety Division. This is a podcast that is curious about the science and systems behind workplace health and safety with a focus on personal protective equipment (or PPE) used to help keep workers healthy and safe.
In this episode, co-hosts Mark Reggers and Laurie Wells reflect back on some of the highlights from this first global season of the podcast. From selection fundamentals for respiratory protection, hearing protection, and fall protection to the science of fit. This season of the podcast has been full of guests from around the world. best practices, and more. Listen in as Mark and Laurie drop some hints on the new lineup of topics for next season.
The first global season of the Science of Safety Podcast is presented by the 3M Personal Safety Division. This is a podcast that is curious about the science and systems behind workplace health and safety with a focus on personal protective equipment (or PPE) used to help keep workers healthy and safe.
Welcome back to the Science of Safety Podcast. Today in the podcast co-hosts Mark Reggers and Laurie Wells along with their guest, 3M’s Skye Liu, discuss the importance of fit for hearing protection. Fit and noise reduction are related and are key aspects of hearing protector selection and use. Tune in to learn more about fit for earplugs and earmuffs, fit-testing methods, factors that can affect fit, best practices, and much more.
The first global season of the Science of Safety Podcast is presented by the 3M Personal Safety Division. This is a podcast that is curious about the science and systems behind workplace health and safety with a focus on PPE used to help keep workers healthy and safe.
Welcome back to the Science of Safety Podcast. Today in the podcast co-hosts Mark Reggers and Laurie Wells along with their guest, 3M’s Skye Liu, discuss the importance of fit for hearing protection. Fit and noise reduction are related and are key aspects of hearing protector selection and use. Tune in to learn more about fit for earplugs and earmuffs, fit-testing methods, factors that can affect fit, best practices, and much more.
The first global season of the Science of Safety Podcast is presented by the 3M Personal Safety Division. This is a podcast that is curious about the science and systems behind workplace health and safety with a focus on PPE used to help keep workers healthy and safe.
Welcome back to the Science of Safety Podcast. In this episode, co-hosts Mark Reggers and Laurie Wells along with their guest, 3M’s Jessica Tredinnick, discuss the importance of fit for tight-fitting respirators. Tune in to learn more about fit, fit testing, factors that can affect fit such as facial hair, best practices, and much more.
The first global season of the Science of Safety Podcast is presented by the 3M Personal Safety Division. This is a podcast that is curious about the science and systems behind workplace health and safety with a focus on personal protective equipment (or PPE) used to help keep workers healthy and safe.
Welcome back to the Science of Safety Podcast. In part two of our series on fall protection selection co-hosts Mark Reggers and Laurie Wells welcome Heidi Lopez-Hidalgo, a global Senior Application Engineer in 3M’s Personal Safety Division. In this episode, they continue the discussion on the ABCs of fall protection with a focus on the DEFs (descent and rescue, education, and fall protection for tools). Tune in to learn more about keeping workers safe while working at heights.
The first global season of the Science of Safety Podcast is presented by the 3M Personal Safety Division. This is a podcast that is curious about the science and systems behind workplace health and safety with a focus on personal protective equipment (or PPE) used to help keep workers healthy and safe.
In this episode of the Science of Safety Podcast, co-hosts Mark Reggers and Laurie Wells, along with special guest Greg Peterson, a Specialist Application Engineer with 3M Australia, discuss working at heights and selection of fall protection equipment. Tune in to learn more about the hierarchy of controls, and the ABCs (anchorage, body support, connectors) of fall protection. This is the first episode of a two-part series on fall protection selection.
The first global season of the Science of Safety Podcast is presented by the 3M Personal Safety Division. This is a podcast that is curious about the science and systems behind workplace health and safety with a focus on personal protective equipment (or PPE) used to help keep workers healthy and safe.
In part two of our series on hearing protection selection, co-hosts Mark Reggers and Laurie Wells welcome Bev Borst, Occupational Hearing Nurse and Senior Safety and Health Specialist with 3M Canada. This discussion focuses on essential hearing protector selection criteria, such as attenuation, audibility, comfort, fit, environmental conditions, and personal protective equipment (PPE) compatibility. Tune in to hear about what you can do for your hearing by choosing appropriate hearing protectors.
The first global season of the Science of Safety Podcast is presented by the 3M Personal Safety Division. This is a podcast that is curious about the science and systems behind workplace health and safety with a focus on personal protective equipment (or PPE) used to help keep workers healthy and safe.
In this episode of the Science of Safety Podcast, co-hosts Mark Reggers and Laurie Wells, along with guest Mohammed Saleem, a Certified Industrial Hygienist and Senior Technical Specialist – Europe, with 3M's Personal Safety Division, explore some fundamentals related to hearing protection selection. This is part one of a two-part series on selection considerations. Tune in to learn more about hazardous noise, evaluating noise exposure, occupational exposure limits, types of hearing protection, and the listener challenge: what does your hearing do for you?
The first global season of the Science of Safety Podcast is presented by the 3M Personal Safety Division. This is a podcast that is curious about the science and systems behind workplace health and safety with a focus on personal protective equipment (or PPE) used to help keep workers healthy and safe.
Part two in our series on respiratory protection selection. In this episode, co-hosts Mark Reggers and Laurie Wells along with 3M’s Dr. Nicole Vars McCullough resume their discussion and dive deeper into the different types and styles of respirators and concepts such as fit, comfort, and personal protective equipment (PPE) compatibility.
The first global season of the Science of Safety Podcast is presented by the 3M Personal Safety Division. This is a podcast that is curious about the science and systems behind workplace health and safety with a focus on personal protective equipment (or PPE) used to help keep workers healthy and safe.
In this episode of the Science of Safety Podcast, co-hosts Mark Reggers and Laurie Wells along with guest Dr. Nicole Vars McCullough, Vice President of Application Engineering and Regulatory in 3M's Personal Safety Division, discuss some fundamental concepts for respiratory protection selection. This is part one of a two-part series on selection. Tune in to learn more about airborne contaminants, considerations for evaluating exposure, occupational exposure limits, types of respiratory protection, and much more.
The first global season of the Science of Safety Podcast is presented by the 3M Personal Safety Division. This is a podcast that is curious about the science and systems behind workplace health and safety with a focus on personal protective equipment (or PPE) used to help keep workers healthy and safe.
Welcome to the first global season of the Science of Safety Podcast presented by the 3M Personal Safety Division. This is a podcast that is curious about the science and systems behind workplace health and safety with a focus on personal protective equipment (or PPE) used to help keep workers healthy and safe.
We are excited to announce that the Science of Safety podcast is now being expanded to be globally focused going forwards and more applicable to workplaces all over the world, not just in Australia. In this episode, co-hosts Mark Reggers and Laurie Wells introduce themselves and give a preview of this first global season of the podcast. Upcoming topics this season include selection considerations for respiratory protection, hearing protection, and fall protection and the importance of fit for respirators and hearing protectors.
Digital technology is creeping in more and more to the workplace safety space. The advent of digital photography has led to the development of combined visual and heat sensing cameras. These are able to detect and differentiate variations in temperature in a workplace environment, which then enables those responsible to make better decisions around worker safety where temperature changes are volatile and unpredictable.
In this episode, 3M specialist, Kevin McComb discusses with host Mark Reggers, the latest technologies used for Thermal Imaging, the features of cameras and their associated systems, and the kinds of specific use cases where Thermal Imaging becomes standard practice to increase worker safety.
In this episode, part two from Episode #100, host Mark Reggers and PPE specialist Maurice Gould dive deeper into the various technical specifications that differentiate coveralls from one another, and how these differences inform our choices when selecting the most suitable coverall for the intended workplace application.
Coveralls vary in all kinds of ways, from the type of material, the methods of layering different materials to improve protection, breathability and wearer comfort, seam and tear strength and in the overall quality, adherence to standards and compliance. We must ensure that those responsible for protecting workers with PPE such as coveralls, are doing the right thing, knowing the garments are fit for purpose, understanding all the factors involved and making fully informed choices to protect workers and keep workplaces safe.
Part one of our two-part series focusing on Protective Coveralls, 3M PPE Specialist Maurice Gould takes host Mark Reggers through the considerations employees and workers must be familiar with when it comes suitable and appropriate PPE Coverall protection.
Besides the obvious role of coveralls in keeping workers and their clothes clean, coveralls’ main role is usually to avoid workers’ skin being impacted by unwanted chemicals and dust. The skin is a route of entry for many harmful substances to impact the body, and when all other controls have been exhausted or are simply not possible, the last line of defence in the hierarchy of controls could be a PPE coverall. We must be sure coveralls are fit for purpose, with the right level of protection provided, robust enough to resist things like scrapes and tears and fit suitably to avoid loose-fitting garments increasing danger by potentially getting caught in machinery.
If your workplace uses coveralls, or you are considering undertaking work that might require coverall protection, these two episodes will ‘cover all’ you need to know to make sure you make the right choices when selecting and using PPE coveralls.
When you need to work in environments where breathing the air could prove to be hazardous - even fatal - and filtering that air simply won’t guarantee you safe supply, you might have to carry your own air with you. SCBA (Self-Contained breathing Apparatus) allows you to create a portable, safe, clean air solution, and can provide. If fitted properly, maintained and used with the right training and preparation a SCBA rig can allow workers to get the job done in otherwise impossible environments.
In this episode, 3M specialist, Kevin McComb covers all the aspects you need to be aware of and consider when it comes to SCBA; when you may need to choose this solution, how it compares with other air-purifying or clean air supplied options, what components make up an SCBA, appropriate training, use, care and maintenance or this vital piece of PPE.
How prepared are you if a major disaster or emergency happens at work? Are your responses detailed and practiced? What if the emergency impacts more than just your business or place of work? Do you have the right strategies in place to ensure your communication and response is in line with the management systems of local, state and national emergency response organisations? In this episode, host Mark Reggers and Risk Management Professional, Andrew Stanbury discuss the finer details of emergency management, including the Australasian Inter-service Incident Management System (AIIMS), overarching principles that guide emergency management, flexibility, roles and the many aspects to preparing and responding to disasters and emergencies large and small.
In this episode, host Mark Reggers and 3M’s Terry Gorman, Occupational Hygienist and respiratory protection specialist in PPE, are discussing all about Supplied Airline Systems. Usually, respiratory protection takes the form of filtering or air purifying products, that take the air being breathed in from the environment and filter out the unwanted impurities, such as particles or vapours. Supplied Airline Systems are required when the air is either too toxic to filter or presents a risk of unknown substances being present in a contaminated are that are unable to be filtered from getting into the worker’s lungs.
Terry covers the application and use of Supplied Airline Systems, the various components of a system, cleaning, servicing and maintenance programs and some more detailed specifications around air pressure, air-conditioning, multiple worker systems and training to ensure correct use and reliable service or Supplied Airline Systems.
In this episode, host Mark Reggers and guest Jane Whitelaw, Certified Occupational Hygienist and RESP-FIT Board Member (more detailed bio below) discuss the RESP-FIT program, which has been developed in response to a need to improve the respirator fit-testing standards and practices in Australia. The Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists (AIOH) developed the program and provides employers and PCBUs the means for improving the quality of fit-testing in the workplace.
RESP-FIT provides a standardised training syllabus and accreditation to ensure a framework of competency can be made available to all Australian workers. The syllabus and training are based on the Australian and New Zealand standard 1715, and also based on ISO 16975-3. Mark and Jane cover the processes, standards and rigours developed through the creation of the RESP-FIT program and how you can get involved, either as an accredited fit-tester, a training provider, or by finding and engaging accredited fit-testers through the RESP-FIT website.
In this episode, host Mark Reggers and guest Professor David Crouch, 3M’s Global Subject Matter Expert – Application Engineering (Defence & Public Safety) continue where they left off and resume their discussion on respiratory protection related to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear hazards.
CBRN is an acronym for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear. It is a terminology used worldwide that refers to malicious incidents or weapons in which any of the four types of hazards mentioned are used to cause significant harm or disruption. It encompasses the protective measures taken in these situations and consists of passive protection, contamination avoidance and mitigation.
In this episode, Professor David Crouch, 3M’s Global Subject Matter Expert – Application Engineering (Defence & Public Safety) joins host Mark Reggers for the first of a two-part series to discuss respiratory protection as it relates to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear hazards. CBRN is an acronym for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear. It is a terminology used worldwide that refers to malicious incidents or weapons in which any of the four types of hazards mentioned are used to cause significant harm or disruption. It encompasses the protective measures taken in these situations and consists of passive protection, contamination avoidance and mitigation.
In this episode, host Mark Reggers and guest Adrian Sims, Managing Director at Vent-Tech Ltd continue where they left off and resume their discussion on the subject matter of local exhaust ventilation.
Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) is an engineering control designed to reduce or eliminate worker exposure to dust, fumes or other hazardous airborne substances that are created by numerous processes in the workplace. An LEV system captures the emissions at the source, removing them from the work area before inhalation to protect worker health.
In this episode Adrian Sims, Managing Director at Vent-Tech Ltd joins host Mark Reggers for the first of a two-part series to discuss local exhaust ventilation.
Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) is an engineering control designed to reduce or eliminate worker exposure to dust, fumes or other hazardous airborne substances that are created by numerous processes in the workplace. An LEV system captures the emissions at the source, removing them from the work area before inhalation to protect worker health.
In this episode, Sarah-Jane Dunford, Director and Principal Consultant from Riskology and One Touch Contracting joins host Mark Reggers to discuss managing contractors.
Contractor management refers to a method of controls to effectively manage outsourced work conducted for an individual company to prevent and or minimise potential health and safety risks. It addresses the challenges associated with the selection, acquisition, use, and monitoring of these contracted employees and their work.
In this episode, host Mark Reggers and guest Mike Clayton, 3M’s Senior Respiratory Protection Research & Application Specialist for the Personal Safety Division in the United Kingdom continue where they left off and resume their discussion on the subject matter of conducting a respirator fit test.
Tight-fitting respirators must seal to the wearer’s face to provide the expected protection. A respiratory fit test ensures that the respirator truly fits and is being worn correctly. Respiratory fit testing applies to all tight-fitting respirators, either full face masks that cover the mouth, nose and eyes and half masks which covers the mouth and nose.
In this episode, Mike Clayton, 3M’s Senior Respiratory Protection Research & Application Specialist for the Personal Safety Division in the United Kingdom joins host Mark Reggers for the first of a two-part series to discuss conducting a respirator fit test.
Tight-fitting respirators must seal to the wearer’s face to provide the expected protection. A respiratory fit test ensures that the respirator truly fits and is being worn correctly. Respiratory fit testing applies to all tight-fitting respirators, either full face masks that cover the mouth, nose and eyes and half masks which covers the mouth and nose.
In this episode, Kerry Cheung, Certified Occupational Hygienist and Technical Specialist at WorkSafe New Zealand joins host Mark Reggers to discuss their work-related health strategy.
Work-related health acknowledges the interaction between a person’s work and their health, focussing on the way work could impact worker health and the way their health might influence safe work practices. WorkSafe NZ’s work-related health strategy aims to have fewer people experience work-related ill-health to achieve their vision of: Everyone who goes to work comes home healthy and safe.
In this episode, Zach Lawler, Quality and Application Engineer for 3M’s Fall Protection Business in the Personal Safety Division joins host Mark Reggers to discuss fall protection connectors.
When it comes to fall protection, connectors are devices that attach the full-body harness to the anchorage system. They are an essential element of any fall protection system used when working at height. They can be single products such as shock absorbing lanyards or self retracting lifelines, or multiple devices working together.
In this episode, Sarah-Jane Dunford, Director and Principal Consultant from Riskology and One Touch Contracting joins host Mark Reggers to discuss safety management systems.
Safety management systems provide a systematic business-like approach to managing safety elements in the workplace. They are used to continuously identify and monitor hazards, control risks and to help in the prevention of accidents and injuries. They typically include organisational structures, accountabilities, objectives, plans, policies and procedures.
In this episode Robert Blackley, Senior Health Physicist and Radiation Services Manager at ANSTO returns to discuss non-ionising radiation with host Mark Reggers.
As opposed to ionising radiation, non-ionising radiation is a source of relatively low-energy radiation that does not have enough power to ionise atoms or molecules and unable to change the composition of a substance. Non-ionising radiation is found in a wide range of occupational environments, although considered less dangerous, overexposure can pose considerable health risks to potentially exposed workers if not suitably controlled.
In this episode Mike Clayton, 3M’s Senior Respiratory Protection Research & Application Specialist for the Personal Safety Division in the United Kingdom joins host Mark Reggers to discuss respiratory protection equipment factors.
Respiratory protective equipment factors are numbers that reflect how much protection a respirator is capable of offering the wearer, for the level of air contaminants in their environment. Knowing the protection factor is essential as it aids in selecting the appropriate level of respiratory protection needed. However, there are numerous protection factors which can cause confusion when choosing a respirator for use in the workplace.
In this episode Zach Lawler, Quality and Application Engineer for 3M’s Fall Protection Business in the Personal Safety Division joins host Mark Reggers to discuss fall protection body harnesses.
A full-body harness is a critical component of a fall protection system used when working at height. In the event of a fall, the harness retains the wearer keeping them connected to the anchorage it is attached to while distributing the forces generated in the fall to areas of the body that are more capable of withstanding them.
In this episode Tejaswi Shetty, Microbiologist and Senior Property Risk Consultant at Greencap joins host Mark Reggers to discuss cooling towers and the hazards they can present.
A cooling tower is a heat rejection device used to lower the temperature of the water contained within it through evaporative cooling. It expels waste heat to the environment outside the building allowing the cold air to move into the internal parts of the building and cool the structure. Sometimes the dispelled air may be contaminated with Legionella bacteria, that if inhaled by susceptible people, may develop into legionnaires’ disease.
In this episode Robert Blackley, Senior Health Physicist and Radiation Services Manager at ANSTO joins host Mark Reggers to discuss ionising radiation.
Ionising radiation is the energy produced from natural or artificial sources in the form of waves or particles. It has enough power to change the composition of substances it interacts with by breaking their chemical bonds. Although radiation has many useful applications in industry and medicine, over-exposure can be detrimental.
In this episode Carmen Naylor, Certified Occupational Hygienist supporting High Reliability at ANSTO as the Occupational Hygiene Leader joins host Mark Reggers to discuss the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), who they are and what they do.
ANSTO is one of Australia’s largest public research organisations and provides the Australian and international community with products and services to improve human health, support industry and protect the environment. ANSTO works across these areas to find solutions to some of the biggest questions in science for the benefit of all Australians.
In this episode, Terry Gorman, 3M’s Lead Application Engineer for the Personal Safety Division in Australia and New Zealand joins host Mark Reggers to discuss surgical masks and respirators, and the difference between them.
Surgical masks and respirators may look similar, with the names often used interchangeably. However, when it comes to respiratory protection, they are quite different. They each perform different roles that offer varying levels of protection in a diverse range of applications, and it’s important to understand when and where they are used.
In this episode, host Mark Reggers and guest Carolyn Topping, Acting Director of the Occupational Health and Hygiene Unit within Workplace Health and Safety Queensland continue where they left off and resume their discussion on the subject matter of engineered stone and silica.
In recent years there has been much discussion surrounding engineered stone benchtops causing a resurgence in silicosis, a fatal and life-debilitating lung disease, amongst workers in the benchtop manufacturing, finishing and installation industries. Silica, one of the most common minerals on the planet found in both engineered and natural stone is an occupational hazard for those working with stone countertops due to their exposure to large volumes of toxic airborne silica.
In this episode, Carolyn Topping, Acting Director of the Occupational Health and Hygiene Unit within Workplace Health and Safety Queensland joins host Mark Reggers for the first of a two-part series to discuss engineered stone and silica.
In recent years there has been much discussion surrounding engineered stone benchtops causing a resurgence in silicosis, a fatal and life-debilitating lung disease, amongst workers in the benchtop manufacturing, finishing and installation industries. Silica, one of the most common minerals on the planet found in both engineered and natural stone is an occupational hazard for those working with stone countertops due to their exposure to large volumes of toxic airborne silica.
In this episode, host Mark Reggers and guest David Hauser, Team Manager in Property Risk at Greencap resume where they left off and continue their discussion on the subject matter of Property Risk.
Property risk relates to a broader area than just the land and buildings in question. It covers risks associated with the asset, the infrastructure and people. It looks at how a property is managed to minimise hazard exposure to individuals, whether they be occupants or visitors, and how the efficiency and effectiveness of the property can be improved.
In this episode, David Hauser, Team Manager in Property Risk at Greencap joins host Mark Reggers for the first of a two-part series to discuss Property Risk.
Property risk relates to a broader area than just the land and buildings in question. It covers risks associated with the asset, the infrastructure and people. It looks at how a property is managed to minimise hazard exposure to individuals, whether they be occupants or visitors, and how the efficiency and effectiveness of the property can be improved.
In this episode host Mark Reggers and guest Jackii Shepherd, Safe Work Australia’s Director of Occupational Hygiene Policy and Team Manager for their Workplace Exposure Standards Review continue where they left off and resume their discussion on the exposure standards review process.
Under the model work health and safety laws, a workplace exposure standard is an airborne concentration of a chemical that a worker cannot be exposed above in the workplace to protect them from harm. However, because science and technology are always evolving, so too does our understanding of chemicals, the way we use them and their impacts on health; as a result, a review process is essential.
In this episode, the first of a two-part series, guest Jackii Shepherd, Safe Work Australia’s Director of Occupational Hygiene Policy and Team Manager for their Workplace Exposure Standards Review joins host Mark Reggers to discuss the exposure standards review process.
Under the model work health and safety laws, a workplace exposure standard is an airborne concentration of a chemical that a worker cannot be exposed above in the workplace to protect them from harm. However, because science and technology are always evolving, so too does our understanding of chemicals, the way we use them and their impacts on health; as a result, a review process is essential.
In this episode host Mark Reggers and guest Terry Gorman, 3M’s Lead Application Engineer for the Personal Safety Division in Australia and New Zealand continue where they left off and resume their discussion on the subject matter of bushfires and respiratory protection.
Bushfire smoke generates a gigantic volatile cocktail of hydrocarbons of various sizes, shapes and toxicity. Measuring the degree of respiratory hazard exposure from bushfire smoke is never easy as there are many factors at play during the blaze. Respiratory protection in these unpredictable conditions is critical, which, when used correctly and paired to the circumstances, can significantly reduce your exposure.
In this episode, Terry Gorman, 3M’s Lead Application Engineer for the Personal Safety Division in Australia and New Zealand joins host Mark Reggers for the first of a two-part series to discuss bushfires and respiratory protection.
Bushfire smoke generates a gigantic volatile cocktail of hydrocarbons of various sizes, shapes and toxicity. Measuring the degree of respiratory hazard exposure from bushfire smoke is never easy as there are many factors at play during the blaze. Respiratory protection in these unpredictable conditions is critical, which, when used correctly and paired to the circumstances, can significantly reduce your exposure.
In this episode, Terry Gorman, 3M’s Occupational Hygienist for the Personal Safety Division in Australia and New Zealand joins host Mark Reggers to discuss Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) care and maintenance.
Respiratory protective equipment can be the lifeblood of your tool kit, protecting you from a host of respiratory ailments and diseases. Like all safety equipment, however, they need proper care and maintenance to be effective, and in turn, provide the required protection against the inhalation of hazardous airborne substances in the workplace.
In this episode, Nigel Johnson, managing director of Property Risk Australia joins us to discuss lead and the associated health risks and effects from exposure.
Throughout time lead has been an extremely beneficial metal, although it has also been toxic to humans. Before its recognition as a highly poisonous substance lead was used extensively in a wide variety of products and applications. Although phased out, many countries still allow the sale of products that expose humans to lead. As a result, it continues to pose a public health risk.
In this episode host Mark Reggers and guest Jen Hines, Consultant Occupational Hygienist and Lecturer at the University of Wollongong continue where they left off and resume their discussion on the subject matter of diesel particulate matter.
Diesel particulate matter is the particle substance within diesel exhaust. It is a carcinogenic combination of particulates and gases that are detrimental to one’s health. Occupational exposure can present itself in the form of short term acute effects such as eye and respiratory irritation through to long term chronic conditions like heart and lung disease.
In this episode, the first of a two-part series, guest Jen Hines, Consultant Occupational Hygienist and Lecturer at the University of Wollongong joins us to discuss diesel particulate matter with host Mark Reggers.
Diesel particulate matter is the particle substance within diesel exhaust. It is a carcinogenic combination of particulates and gases that are detrimental to one’s health. Occupational exposure can present itself in the form of short term acute effects such as eye and respiratory irritation through to long term chronic conditions like heart and lung disease.
In this episode Dr. Julia Norris, current AIOH President & Medical Director at Occuhealth joins us to discuss workplace health monitoring and why it is important.
Health monitoring in the workplace is the process of checking a worker’s health over time as a result of having been exposed to a hazardous substance. Health monitoring is not a substitute for using effective control measures to eliminate or minimise risks. It does, however, allow the workplace to look for specific health effects attributed to exposure from hazardous materials.
In this episode Terry Gorman, 3M’s Occupational Hygienist for the Personal Safety Division in Australia and New Zealand joins us to discuss eye & face protection.
When it comes to personal protective equipment, eye & face protection refers to safety gear that shields the delicate eyes and face from the wide range of hazards that may impact them on any given shift. Ranging from dust, sparks, heat, chemicals, flying or falling objects, every workplace has its own inherent risks.
In this episode Catherine Dunkerley, Senior Stakeholder Engagement Manager at Standards Australia, takes a deeper dive into the world of standards with host Mark Reggers as they explore how standards are developed.
Standards are documents that set out specifications, procedures and guidelines that aim to ensure products, services, and systems are safe, consistent, and reliable. In the world of safety, standards ensure the quality and consistency of products and services, giving both businesses and consumers greater peace of mind. They serve to increase our health and safety and can be used to justify operations, ensuring that products, services and methods are appropriate for their intended use.
In this episode Terry Gorman, 3M’s Occupational Hygienist for the Personal Safety Division in Australia and New Zealand joins us to discuss head protection.
Head protection refers to an item of PPE known as a hard hat used to protect the skull and its fragile contents, the brain. The hard hat is predominantly used by those who work on busy construction sites and other industrial settings where there is a potential for head injuries from falling, flying or swinging objects, nearby overhead hazards, possible contact with electrical hazards and so much more.
In this episode host Mark Reggers and guest Peter Knott, occupational hygienist with GCG Consulting continue where they left off and resume their discussion on the subject matter of coal dust.
Coal dust is a fine powdered form of coal which is created by the crushing, grinding or pulverising of coal during mining, handling and transportation. Coal dust exposure is hazardous to mine workers, placing them at risk of developing a dust-related lung disease, in particular, Coal Workers Pneumoconiosis (CWP), commonly known as ‘black lung disease’.
In this episode Peter Knott, occupational hygienist with GCG Consulting joins host Mark Reggers for the first of a two-part series to discuss coal dust.
Coal dust is a fine powdered form of coal which is created by the crushing, grinding or pulverising of coal during mining, handling and transportation. Coal dust exposure is hazardous to mine workers, placing them at risk of developing a dust-related lung disease, in particular, Coal Workers Pneumoconiosis (CWP), commonly known as ‘black lung disease’.
In this episode host Mark Reggers and guest Dr Ross Di Corleto, Principal Consultant and Director of Monitor Consulting Services continue where they left off and resume their discussion on the subject matter of heat stress & strain in the workplace.
Heat stress and heat strain are two different terms that are often incorrectly interchanged, using one phrase for the other. Heat stress refers to the net heat load to which a worker is exposed through physical exertion, environmental factors, and clothing worn. Heat strain is the body’s physiological response to heat stress, resulting in sweating, increased heart rate and elevated core temperature. Heat stress leads to heat strain which can give rise to heat-related illnesses or death if not managed correctly.
In this episode Dr Ross Di Corleto, Principal Consultant and Director of Monitor Consulting Services joins host Mark Reggers for the first of a two-part series on heat stress & strain in the workplace.
Heat stress and heat strain are two different terms that are often incorrectly interchanged, using one phrase for the other. Heat stress refers to the net heat load to which a worker is exposed through physical exertion, environmental factors, and clothing worn. Heat strain is the body’s physiological response to heat stress, resulting in sweating, increased heart rate and elevated core temperature. Heat stress leads to heat strain which can give rise to heat-related illnesses or death if not managed correctly.
In this episode Steven Nikolovski, State Inspector for Asbestos and Demolition at SafeWork NSW joins us to discuss loose-fill asbestos, what it is, and why it so bad.
Loose-fill asbestos is a dangerous form of asbestos used as insulation material and manufactured from raw crushed asbestos. It was used as ceiling insulation in the ’60s and ‘70s by a small group of companies due to its excellent insulating and fire-retardant properties before becoming banned from use. Loose-fill asbestos is friable, that is, there is no means of preventing the tiny fibres from being released into the air, drifting from the ceiling to other parts of the home and inhaled by its occupants.
In this episode Linda Apthorpe, Consultant Occupational Hygienist and University Lecturer returns to discuss naturally occurring asbestos.
Naturally occurring asbestos is the natural geological occurrence of asbestos minerals found in association with geological deposits including rock, sediments and soils. Generally, this refers to asbestos that has not been extracted or refined for commercial purposes and has been exposed unintentionally by excavation, road building or other construction or mining type works.
In this episode Linda Apthorpe, Consultant Occupational Hygienist and University Lecturer joins us to discuss the topic of asbestos in soil.
Asbestos in soil can be found on a variety of properties, be it residential, commercial or recreational. It may exist for several reasons, including buildings that contained asbestos not being demolished and disposed of correctly, or asbestos contaminated soil used as topsoil or fill material. Primarily, however, asbestos containing materials find their way into the soil due to activities such as illegal dumping. Contaminated soil poses serious health risks and exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.
In this episode, David Provan, Managing Director of Forge Works joins us, along with returning guest Pam Pryor, to discuss rules and procedures in safety and how it fits into the OHS Body of Knowledge.
Rules and procedures play a pivotal role in health and safety, particularly in high-risk environments. However, excessive documentation and governance can create an illusion of safety while possibly causing confusion and increasing risks. These concerns raise some critical questions, such as: what is, and what should be, the role of rules and procedures in regulatory compliance and hazard control.
In this episode David Caple, Director of David Caple & Associates Pty Ltd. joins us, along with last weeks guest Pam Pryor, to discuss health and safety in design and how it fits into the OHS Body of Knowledge.
Health and Safety in Design is one of the core elements of control and intervention to manage and mitigate risk. It maps out the process that you go through to get to that outcome by emphasising safe design, that is, thinking about a workplace, a machine, or a product that is safe to use. Its importance has seen this aspect included in the OHS Body of Knowledge.
In this episode Pam Pryor, OHS Body of Knowledge Development Manager at the Safety Institute of Australia joins us to discuss the OHS Body of Knowledge, what it is and how it is used.
The OHS Body of Knowledge is an ever-evolving knowledge base that occupational health and safety professionals can reference. First published in 2012, the project funded by WorkSafe Victoria had three defined deliverables. It was to define what the body of knowledge was that OHS professionals should have, to set up an accreditation process for university courses based on that body of knowledge, and to set up certification for individual professionals.
In this episode Peter Knott, occupational hygienist with GCG Consulting joins us to discuss real-time & video exposure monitoring.
Real-time monitoring, in essence, is collecting exposure samples over very brief periods. On their own, they provide indications of short-term fluctuations in exposure and typically lack context. Since exposures to hazards are an event in time, workers may experience different concentration levels at different times. Video exposure monitoring synchronizes the real-time data with video recordings of workers and or environmental activities of what was going on at the time, providing an extra layer of meaning.
In this episode host Mark Reggers and guest Debbie Dietrich, Senior Vice President and Corporate Industrial Hygienist for SKC Inc. continue where they left off and resume their discussion on the subject matter of Exposure Monitoring.
Exposure monitoring is a quantitative measurement of environmental hazards to which workers may be exposed to. It is a critical component of any Occupational Hygiene program in the prevention of illness and the preservation of health. Assessments help determine the types of controls required to remove or reduce a range of workplace hazards to things like chemicals, noise, radiation or heat stress to safe and acceptable levels.
In this episode, Debbie Dietrich, Senior Vice President and Corporate Industrial Hygienist for SKC Inc. joins host Mark Reggers for the first of a two-part series on Exposure Monitoring.
Exposure monitoring is a quantitative measurement of environmental hazards to which workers may be exposed to. It is a critical component of any Occupational Hygiene program in the prevention of illness and the preservation of health. Assessments help determine the types of controls required to remove or reduce a range of workplace hazards to things like chemicals, noise, radiation or heat stress to safe and acceptable levels.
In this episode Dr. Julia Norris, current AIOH President & Medical Director at Occuhealth joins us to discuss the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists (AIOH), who they are and what they do.
The Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists is a professional body representing the interests of occupational hygienists in Australia. Their mission is to promote and preserve the health and wellbeing of Australian workers through application of the knowledge, practice and standing of occupational health and hygiene.
In this episode Terry Gorman, 3M’s Technical Services Manager for the Personal Safety Division in Australia and New Zealand joins us to discuss when and why to change respiratory filters.
Respirator filters do not last forever. As they do their job capturing airborne contaminants in the maze of fibres that is the filter, it becomes harder for air to make its way through and It becomes too difficult to breathe. If not changed regularly undue physical burden will be placed on the worker, and particulate filters or gas & vapour cartridges may not provide adequate protection after having reached their capacity.
In this episode host Mark Reggers discusses the subject matter of indoor air quality with guest Kevin White.
Indoor air quality relates to the condition of the air within buildings and structures that we breathe in, and whether it is safe. Since we spend more than 90% of our time in-doors, poor-quality indoor air can affect the health, comfort and well-being of building occupants. It has been linked to reduced productivity and impaired learning in schools and has the ability to cause major health problems, such as allergies and respiratory diseases.
In this episode Ted Madison, 3M’s former Technical Services Specialist for the Personal Safety Division in the U.S.A. joins us to discuss impulse noise hearing protection.
Some of the most dangerous sounds that can contribute to hearing loss are some of the brief noises we hear. These sounds, known as impulse noises are very short, less than one second long, tiny bursts of noise that can be quite loud such as gunfire, an explosion, or the pop of pneumatic nail gun. Very loud impulse noises can cause both mechanical and metabolic damage to the sensory cells in the inner ear, under these conditions the proper selection, fit and use of hearing protection is critical.
In this episode Ranmalee De Silva, 3M’s Application Engineering Specialist for the Cleaning and Workplace Safety portfolio of the Commercial Solutions Division in Australia and New Zealand joins us to discuss slips, trips and falls.
Each year slips, trips and falls results in thousands of preventable injuries in the workplace. People must be able to move around the workplace safely, these incidents are a significant problem affecting every workplace, from the factory floor to the office and quite often can result in serious injury and lengthy amounts of time off work. Are you aware of slip, trip and fall risks and hazards in your workplace or work area?
In this episode Kosta Karagiannopoulos, 3M’s Application Engineering Specialist for the Transportation Safety Division in Australia and New Zealand joins us to discuss connected roads.
The connected roads program is about building the safer roads of tomorrow, starting today, to accommodate automated vehicles. Connected roads help improve roadway safety and efficiency through enhanced transportation infrastructure, for both human drivers and connected automated vehicles as the space age car of the future draws closer to becoming a reality.
In this episode Greg Peterson, 3M’s Technical Engineer for 3M Fall Protection in Australia and New Zealand joins us to discuss fall protection engineered systems.
An engineered system provides an anchorage point that allows greater movement and safety of the user over a larger or specific working environment. They are typically found on roofs, above truck loading bays, aircraft hangers, crane rails, anywhere the user needs to move along an area to perform their work.
In this episode Terry Gorman, 3M’s Occupational Hygienist for the Personal Safety Division in Australia and New Zealand joins us to discuss welding fume … a known carcinogen.
In early 2017, welding fume was reclassified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) from a classification of Group 2B, possibly carcinogenic to humans, to Group 1, Carcinogenic to humans. This change was mostly related to the effects of UV exposure on the skin and eyes, for lung cancers and limited evidence for kidney cancer, from welding fume exposures.
In this episode Peter Aspinall, the Principal Occupational Hygiene Consultant with WSP joins us to discuss exposure standards with host Mark Reggers.
Workplace exposure standards are a set of measures established by regulatory agencies that outline the maximum allowable limit for a variety of hazards that workers can be exposed to without suffering any negative health effects. They are numerical values representing the exposure levels prescribed as an acceptable risk.
In this episode Mark Reggers is joined by guest Terry Gorman, 3M’s Occupational Hygienist for the Personal Safety Division in Australia and New Zealand to discuss methyl bromide.
Methyl bromide is a colourless non-flammable gas which is heavier than air and odourless at low concentrations. It is widely used as a fumigant and pesticide to prevent unwanted pests such as insects and rodents in shipping containers. Methyl bromide is a very toxic fumigant gas that can be absorbed through inhalation and the skin.
In this episode Greg Peterson, 3M’s Technical Engineer for 3M Fall Protection in Australia and New Zealand joins us to discuss Fall Protection Anchor Points.
Anchorages, or as they are often referred to in the industry, anchor points, provide a secure point of attachment (to an existing structure) for the fall arrest system. Anchorages can be permanent or temporary and vary by industry, job, type of installation and structure they will attach to, and are an important component of a fall protection system that requires careful consideration.
In this episode Ted Madison, 3M’s former Technical Services Specialist for the Personal Safety Division in the U.S.A. joins us to discuss Hearing Protection Device Ratings.
When hearing protection is worn, it is important that the protective devices used have the appropriate protection rating based on your level of exposure to prevent noise-induced hearing loss. However, with different test methods used around the world to determine rating systems, ear plugs or ear muffs can have multiple ratings on them. How do you make sense of it all?
In this episode Ranmalee De Silva, 3M’s Application Engineering Specialist for the Cleaning and Workplace Safety portfolio of the Commercial Solutions Division in Australia and New Zealand discusses spill control in the workplace.
Spills in the workplace are unavoidable and need to be taken seriously when they do occur. Depending on the nature of the spill, whether it be oil, petrol, chemical or any other liquid it is important to get the spill under control to ensure the safety of personnel and minimise any environmental impact.
In this episode Rick Millar, the former Technical Manager for 3M Fall Protection in Australia and New Zealand discusses Fall Arrest versus Fall Restraint in Fall Protection with host Mark Reggers.
The complexities of fall protection go far beyond equipment selection and use. When working at height we need to be aware of the different systems and work methods available, i.e. Fall Arrest and Fall Restraint. While they may sound similar, there are differences that need to be understood to select the appropriate fall protection solution to ensure the safety of personnel required to work at height.
In this episode, Mark Reggers discusses Fentanyl Risks for First Responders with guest Brad Prezant. Brad, an occupational hygienist, is the Chief Scientific Officer for ValidAir Sciences.
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic medication that belongs to a group of drugs known as opioids. Opioids interact with opioid receptors in the brain and evoke a spectrum of responses within the body to treat pain. More recently, however, the abuse of illicitly produced fentanyl poses a risk of exposure to first responders who are required to attend crime and/or medical emergencies.
In this episode Mark Reggers is joined by guest Terry Gorman, 3M’s Occupational Hygienist for the Personal Safety Division in Australia and New Zealand to discuss Isocyantes.
Isocyanates are a group of highly reactive hazardous chemicals used to manufacture polyurethane foams, rubbers, plastics, varnishes, adhesives and paints. Isocyanates have been related to a number of adverse health effects, where isocyanates are used it is essential that a worker’s exposure is appropriately controlled.
In this episode Mark Reggers is joined by guest Kosta Karagiannopoulos, 3M’s Application Engineering Specialist for the Transportation Safety Division in Australia and New Zealand to discuss the science of retro reflectivity.
Retro reflectivity or retro reflection occurs when a surface returns a large portion of a directed light beam back to its source. It helps the eye perceive objects in low light conditions when illuminated by a light source. The science of retro reflectivity is incorporated into safety garments, traffic control devices, vehicle markings and many more applications to keep people safe when it is dark and visibility is reduced.
In this episode host Mark Reggers is joined by fellow hygienist, Peter Aspinall. Peter is the Principal Occupational Hygiene Consultant with WSP and they focus their attention on the topic of occupational hygiene.
Occupational hygiene is the practice of using science and engineering to anticipate, recognise, evaluate, control, and confirm the protection of workers from hazards in the workplace that may result in injury, illness, or affect the well-being of workers and the community at large. Occupational hygienists use their expertise to ensure the safety of workers’ health from the hazardous agents in the workplace they must work with that have the potential to cause disease, discomfort and ill-health, now and into the future.
In this episode, Craig Leech, NSW Sales Manager and Technical Specialist for Australian Welding Supplies (AWS) returns for part two of our welding hazards episode where we dive deeper into the associated risks and the control measures required to keep welders safe.
When we think welding most of us presume that it is simply the process of permanently bonding two pieces of metal together, however, there is more to welding than meets the eye. Technical matters aside, the world of a welder is filled with hazards, the risk of electrocution, fire and explosion, burns, electric shock, vision damage, inhalation of poisonous gases and fumes, and exposure to intense ultraviolet radiation is a real and present danger.
In this episode Mark Reggers is joined by guest Craig Leech, NSW Sales Manager and Technical Specialist for Australian Welding Supplies (AWS) to discuss welding hazards.
When we think welding most of us presume that it is simply the process of permanently bonding two pieces of metal together, however, there is more to welding than meets the eye. Technical matters aside, the world of a welder is filled with hazards, the risk of electrocution, fire and explosion, burns, electric shock, vision damage, inhalation of poisonous gases and fumes, and exposure to intense ultraviolet radiation is a real and present danger.
In this episode Rick Millar, the former Technical Manager for 3M Fall Protection in Australia and New Zealand discusses the ABCD’s of Fall Protection with host Mark Reggers.
When working at height, the danger of falling is real and can bring devastating consequences. While fall protection is a complicated issue and details of your local laws and regulations, codes of practice and standards all need to be considered and understood, there are basic rules and principles that need to be followed to increase the safety of people working at height.
In this episode host Mark Reggers discusses the subject matter of mould with guest Kevin White. Kevin is the Principal Consultant for Greencap’s WHS team in Western Australia.
Mould is part of a group of organisms called fungi. It is present almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors and mould spores are commonplace in many households and workplaces. Many different types of mould exist, and when present in large quantities have the potential to cause a range of both short term and chronic health problems, ranging from allergic reactions through to respiratory problems and even organ failure.
In this episode Kevin McComb, 3M’s Technical Services Manager for the Personal Safety Division in Australia and New Zealand returns for the last episode in our confined space series. In this final chapter they focus their attention on supplied air respiratory in confined spaces.
Confined spaces not only present toxic gases, but also the lack of oxygen. Where the lack of oxygen exists filtering respirators won’t cut it, this is where self-contained breathing apparatus, or airline apparatus must be utilised. Basically, we are taking our own supply of air with us into the confined space area and operating from a much higher degree of safety.
In this episode Mark Reggers is joined by guest Kevin McComb, 3M’s Technical Services Manager for the Personal Safety Division in Australia and New Zealand to discuss gas detection in confined spaces.
Confined spaces present many unseen challenges, one of these is the potential for toxic atmospheric conditions within the space. Prior to entry, it’s vital that the atmosphere is tested to check the oxygen concentration and to determine the presence of hazardous fumes, gases and vapours, as well as the respective levels of these potential hazards.
In this episode Mark Reggers welcomes guest Ash Mayor. Ash, a specialist trainer within 3M’s Safety Training team for the Personal Safety Division in Australia and New Zealand joins us to discuss confined space identification.
Confined spaces are usually not designed for people to work in. Not all employers and operators understand what constitutes a “confined space”, nor the dangers associated with working in such environments where hazardous atmospheres can quickly develop. So exactly what is a confined space and why are they so dangerous?
Ash Mayor, specialist trainer within 3M’s Safety Training team for the Personal Safety Division in Australia and New Zealand joins host Mark Reggers one last time as they continue their confined space journey. In this episode they cover confined space emergency preparedness requirements and considerations.
Having identified a confined space and measures to work safely within the space, are you prepared should an accident occur and rescue procedures need to be initiated? Confined spaces are found on numerous job sites and every year many workers are injured or killed while performing their daily work activities in confined spaces. In the event of an emergency time is critical, are you prepared for a confined space emergency?
In this episode Ash Mayor, specialist trainer within 3M’s Safety Training team for the Personal Safety Division in Australia and New Zealand returns to continue his confined space discussion with host Mark Reggers. In this instalment they focus their conversation on working in confined spaces.
Having identified a confined space as a hazard, proper planning is essential to working safely inside them. Ample consideration should be given to several issues, such as: site preparation, selection of equipment and PPE, personnel requirements, as well as training. Providing a safe means for workers to access and work in all types of confined space applications is critical.
In this episode Mark Reggers is joined by guest Terry Gorman, 3M’s Occupational Hygienist for the Personal Safety Division in Australia and New Zealand to discuss respiratory fit testing.
AS/NZS 1715:2009 - Selection, Use and Maintenance of Respiratory Protection, states that: “Employers shall ensure a suitable fit test is carried out for all users of Respiratory Protective Equipment with a close fitting face piece at least annually or whenever there is a change in the wearer’s facial characteristics.” What exactly is facial fit testing and why is it so important for workers wearing a respirator to be fit tested?
In this episode Mark Reggers discusses clandestine laboratories with guest Brad Prezant. Brad, an occupational hygienist, is the Chief Scientific Officer for ValidAir Sciences.
Clandestine Laboratories, also known as clan labs, or by their more common term Meth labs are used for the manufacture of illegal drugs such as methamphetamine. These labs pose a serious risk to the community due to the hazardous toxic chemicals generated during the drug manufacturing process. The by-products of meth labs can contaminate buildings, furniture, soil, water, and air within or close to the clan lab site with harmful fumes and highly explosive chemical compounds that impact both health and the environment.
In this episode Dr. John Pournoor, 3M’s Global Head of Government Affairs Center of Excellence, returns to continue the discussion on pandemics with a focus on how we prepare for the next crisis before it arises.
A “pandemic” is defined by the Dictionary of Epidemiology as ‘an epidemic occurring worldwide, or over a very wide area, crossing international boundaries and usually affecting a large number of people’. Throughout history, there have been a number of pandemics, one of the most devastating pandemics was the Black Death, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 75 to 200 million people in 1350. The most recent pandemics include the HIV pandemic as well as the 1918 and 2009 H1N1 pandemics.
In this episode 3M’s Global Head of Government Affairs Center of Excellence, Dr. John Pournoor, joins us to discuss pandemics and how we plan for them as a nation so that we are prepared in the event of an outbreak.
A “pandemic” is defined by the Dictionary of Epidemiology as ‘an epidemic occurring worldwide, or over a very wide area, crossing international boundaries and usually affecting a large number of people’. Throughout history, there have been a number of pandemics, one of the most devastating pandemics was the Black Death, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 75 to 200 million people in 1350. The most recent pandemics include the HIV pandemic as well as the 1918 and 2009 H1N1 pandemics.
In this episode 3M’s Chief Science Advocate Jayshree Seth returns to discuss the 3M State of Science Index Study; why it was initiated, its findings and why a national conversation about science and its important role in the world is needed.
The State of Science Index Study is an original third-party research project commissioned by 3M that explores global attitudes towards science. Spanning 14 countries, the study examines perceptions of science and its positive or negative impact on society. All over the world people are intrigued by the idea of science, recognising how it impacts the world on a global scale. Even though 90% of those surveyed stated that the word “science” makes them feel hopeful versus discouraged, 38 percent said their lives would not be much different if science didn’t exist, and about a third fell into the science skeptic camp.
In this episode we welcome Jayshree Seth, 3M’s Chief Science Advocate to discuss Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics - often referred to by its acronym STEM.
STEM is an academic discipline that integrates the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics to create critical thinkers, increase science literacy and enable the next generation of innovators. STEM is significant as it touches every part of our lives from the economy through to our general well-being. It is about moving forward, solving problems, learning and pushing innovation to the next level.
In this episode we welcome back guest Terry Gorman, a Certified Occupational Hygienist for 3M Australia and New Zealand in the Personal Safety Division to discuss respiratory protection programs.
Respirators protect you from inhaling hazardous chemicals in the air that can be in the form of gases, vapours, mists or dust. A Respiratory Protection Program operating according to the guidance in AS/NZS 1715 is required for workers to achieve a safe, reliable and ongoing level of protection from identified airborne contaminants. If you provide respirators to your employees you must have a written respiratory protection program in place.
In this episode Peter Tighe, former Chief Executive Officer of the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency and host Mark Reggers look at the future of asbestos in this country and where we go from here to get rid of asbestos.
Asbestos is an umbrella term for a group of fibrous silicate minerals found abundantly in nature. In the past, it was widely used in commercial applications and construction because its length and strength make it very heat resistant, great at insulating surfaces and easy to weave within other materials and products. Repeated and long-term exposure to asbestos has been directly linked to lung cancer, mesothelioma and other pulmonary issues. There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos fibres, it’s critical that you learn about the dangers of asbestos, where it can be found and how to manage it safely.
NOTE: The specific legislative requirements vary slightly between the states, territories and countries in Australia & New Zealand, so be sure to check your specific legislative requirements to ensure you are meeting your obligations.
In this episode host Mark Reggers discusses asbestos in imported items with guest Peter Tighe. Peter is the former Chief Executive Officer of the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency.
Asbestos is an umbrella term for a group of fibrous silicate minerals found abundantly in nature. In the past, it was widely used in commercial applications and construction because its length and strength make it very heat resistant, great at insulating surfaces and easy to weave within other materials and products. Repeated and long-term exposure to asbestos has been directly linked to lung cancer, mesothelioma and other pulmonary issues. There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos fibres, it’s critical that you learn about the dangers of asbestos, where it can be found and how to manage it safely.
NOTE: The specific legislative requirements vary slightly between the states, territories and countries in Australia & New Zealand, so be sure to check your specific legislative requirements to ensure you are meeting your obligations.
In this episode last week’s guest Jason Wall, the Acting State Inspector within the Asbestos and Demolition Unit of the Construction Team in SafeWork NSW, returns to impart his wisdom about asbestos removal with host Mark Reggers.
Asbestos is an umbrella term for a group of fibrous silicate minerals found abundantly in nature. In the past, it was widely used in commercial applications and construction because its length and strength make it very heat resistant, great at insulating surfaces and easy to weave within other materials and products. Repeated and long-term exposure to asbestos has been directly linked to lung cancer, mesothelioma and other pulmonary issues. There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos fibres, it’s critical that you learn about the dangers of asbestos, where it can be found and how to manage it safely.
NOTE: The specific legislative requirements vary slightly between the states, territories and countries in Australia & New Zealand, so be sure to check your specific legislative requirements to ensure you are meeting your obligations.
In this episode host Mark Reggers discusses asbestos management in the workplace with guest Jason Wall. Jason is the Acting State Inspector within the Asbestos and Demolition Unit of the Construction Team in SafeWork NSW.
Asbestos is an umbrella term for a group of fibrous silicate minerals found abundantly in nature. In the past, it was widely used in commercial applications and construction because its length and strength make it very heat resistant, great at insulating surfaces and easy to weave within other materials and products. Repeated and long-term exposure to asbestos has been directly linked to lung cancer, mesothelioma and other pulmonary issues. There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos fibres, it’s critical that you learn about the dangers of asbestos, where it can be found and how to manage it safely.
NOTE: The specific legislative requirements vary slightly between the states, territories and countries in Australia & New Zealand, so be sure to check your specific legislative requirements to ensure you are meeting your obligations.
In this episode Linda Apthorpe, Consultant Occupational Hygienist and University Lecturer continues her discussion with host Mark Reggers as they navigate their way through the topic of asbestos and why it needs to be taken so seriously.
Asbestos is an umbrella term for a group of fibrous silicate minerals found abundantly in nature. In the past, it was widely used in commercial applications and construction because its length and strength make it very heat resistant, great at insulating surfaces and easy to weave within other materials and products. Repeated and long-term exposure to asbestos has been directly linked to lung cancer, mesothelioma and other pulmonary issues. There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos fibres, it’s critical that you learn about the dangers of asbestos, where it can be found and how to manage it safely.
In this episode host Mark Reggers discusses the subject matter of asbestos with guest Linda Apthorpe. Linda is a Consultant Occupational Hygienist and Lecturer at the University of Wollongong.
Asbestos is an umbrella term for a group of fibrous silicate minerals found abundantly in nature. In the past, it was widely used in commercial applications and construction because its length and strength make it very heat resistant, great at insulating surfaces and easy to weave within other materials and products. Repeated and long-term exposure to asbestos has been directly linked to lung cancer, mesothelioma and other pulmonary issues. There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos fibres, it’s critical that you learn about the dangers of asbestos, where it can be found and how to manage it safely.
In this episode host Mark Reggers discusses the world of standards with guest Catherine Dunkerley. Catherine is the Senior Stakeholder Engagement Manager at Standards Australia.
Standards are documents that set out specifications, procedures and guidelines that aim to ensure products, services, and systems are safe, consistent, and reliable. In the world of safety, standards ensure the quality and consistency of products and services, giving both businesses and consumers greater peace of mind. They serve to increase our health and safety and can be used to justify operations, ensuring that products, services and methods are appropriate for their intended use.
In this episode host Mark Reggers and guest Meagan McCool, Director of Hazardous Chemical Facilities and Safety Management Audits with SafeWork NSW focus their discussion on Formaldehyde, one of the 2 priority hazardous chemicals for the 2018 reduction strategy program.
There are a multitude of hazardous chemicals of various forms used in the workplace that can cause illnesses such: as cancer, respiratory disease and skin and eye irritations, as well as death and permanent disabilities from fire and explosion related injuries. However, with the correct control mechanisms in place, exposure to dangerous chemicals are preventable, ensuring healthy, safe and productive workplaces.
In this episode host Mark Reggers discusses the SafeWork NSW 2017-2022 Hazardous Chemicals and Materials exposures baseline and reduction Strategy with guest Meagan McCool. Meagan is the Director of Hazardous Chemical Facilities and Safety Management Audits at SafeWork NSW.
There are a multitude of hazardous chemicals of various forms used in the workplace that can cause illnesses such: as cancer, respiratory disease and skin and eye irritations, as well as death and permanent disabilities from fire and explosion related injuries. However, with the correct control mechanisms in place, exposure to dangerous chemicals are preventable, ensuring healthy, safe and productive workplaces.
In this episode host Mark Reggers and guest Kate Cole, Manager of Occupational Health and Hygiene with Ventia resume their discussion and delve deeper into the subject matter of Silica in the workplace.
Silica, a basic component of soil, sand and rock is one of the most widespread minerals on earth existing in both crystalline and amorphous form. The crystalline form, which is more of a health concern, can be found in many common construction and building materials including: sand, stone, cement, concrete, asphalt, brick, tile, grout, mortar and drywall. Crystalline silica can become airborne during sanding, crushing, cutting, drilling and chipping. These tiny particles can be easily inhaled and travel deep into your lungs, repeated and long-term exposures have been linked to Silicosis and Lung Cancer. Some deadly respiratory illnesses caused by work can take up to 20 years to develop.
In this episode host Mark Reggers discusses the serious issue of Silica in the workplace with guest Kate Cole. Kate is a Certified Occupational Hygienist and is the Manager of Occupational Health and Hygiene with Ventia.
Silica, a basic component of soil, sand and rock is one of the most widespread minerals on earth existing in both crystalline and amorphous form. The crystalline form, which is more of a health concern, can be found in many common construction and building materials including: sand, stone, cement, concrete, asphalt, brick, tile, grout, mortar and drywall. Crystalline silica can become airborne during sanding, crushing, cutting, drilling and chipping. These tiny particles can be easily inhaled and travel deep into your lungs, repeated and long-term exposures have been linked to Silicosis and Lung Cancer. Some deadly respiratory illnesses caused by work can take up to 20 years to develop.
In this episode host Mark Reggers and guest Luciana Macedo, 3M’s Occupational Hygienist for the Personal Safety Division Australia and New Zealand pick up where they left off last week. They continue their discussion to help you work through the range of hearing protection options available and how to select the most appropriate for a wide range of noise levels.
It’s a loud world out there, and some of us work in hazardous noise environments. Being around too much loud noise can make you lose your hearing. Don’t put your hearing at risk, once it’s gone, you can’t get it back. Repeated exposure to loud sounds, greater than 85 dBA, can cause permanent hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as other negative health effects that can impact your well being, such as: stress, anxiety, hypertension, sleep disturbance and fatigue. Here’s the good news, there’s a lot you can do to protect your hearing with the appropriate hearing protection.
In this episode host Mark Reggers speaks with guest Luciana Macedo, Occupational Hygienist for 3M Australia/New Zealand in the Personal Safety Division to help you work through the range of hearing protection options available to select the most appropriate for a wide range of noise levels.
It’s a loud world out there, and some of us work in hazardous noise environments. Being around too much loud noise can make you lose your hearing. Don’t put your hearing at risk, once it’s gone, you can’t get it back. Repeated exposure to loud sounds, greater than 85 dBA, can cause permanent hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as other negative health effects that can impact your well being, such as: stress, anxiety, hypertension, sleep disturbance and fatigue. Here’s the good news, there’s a lot you can do to protect your hearing with the appropriate hearing protection.
In this episode host Mark Reggers and guest Terry Gorman, 3M’s Occupational Hygienist for the Personal Safety Division Australia/New Zealand take up where they left off and continue their big picture discussion about Respiratory Protective Equipment Selection.
Respiratory protective solutions are available in many forms and at times can be confusing. Which solution meets your workplace challenges and suits you best…disposable, reusable or powered & supplied air option? How do you know if you even need a respirator, what type of filter is required to provide adequate levels of protection and how often do they need to be changed? Daily? Weekly? Monthly?
Welcome to the inaugural episode of the 3M Science of Safety Podcast, an informative and practical series where we examine the complexities of daily safety challenges and arm you with a wealth of knowledge, know how, tips and advice to navigate your way through what at times appears to be a never-ending maze.
In this episode host Mark Reggers discusses the ins and outs of Respiratory Protective Equipment Selection with guest Terry Gorman, a Certified Occupational Hygienist for 3M Australia/New Zealand in their Personal Safety Division.
Respiratory protective solutions are available in many forms and at times can be confusing. Which solution meets your workplace challenges and suits you best…disposable, reusable or powered & supplied air option? How do you know if you even need a respirator, what type of filter is required to provide adequate levels of protection and how often do they need to be changed? Daily? Weekly? Monthly?