On The Job With Dave Havick

As a senior industrial hygienist, part of Dave Havick’s job is to assist employers with their hazard communication program. Although elements of that training may change with the adoption of GHS, the basics will remain the same.

Havick reminds employers that employee training on hazardous chemicals needs to be provided at the time an employee starts working or whenever a new potential hazard is introduced into the workplace. “One of the best ways to protect employee health is by providing information about the materials they work with,” advises Havick. “That means informing employees of the potential hazards, the best ways of handling hazardous materials and the right precautions to take to help ensure everyone is protected and jobs are performed as safely as possible.”

Generally, only the largest insurers have the expertise to handle sprinkler designs or tackle problems such as mold or dangerous school chemicals. And most of the bigger companies limit such assistance to only their largest accounts. But, EMC bucks the trend by providing those same 'larger insurer' services to all of our commercial policyholders.

More information on chemical hazard communication programs is available from your EMC loss control representative or the Loss Prevention Information Manual on emcins.com.