The purpose of the "OSHA" is to protect all employees from job-related accidents that may cause serious illness or death. The OSHA (administration) was created under the Department of Labor to enforce and bring forth any standards or regulations that will help in the effort to protect employees. OSHA will conduct "without notice" inspections to insure the standards and regulations that are pertinent to the funeral business are being implemented.

According to OSHA standards and regulations (1904.2, 1904.21, 1910.20), employers must keep records on training, respirator fit-testing, formaldehyde monitoring, hepatitis B vaccine approval/disapproval and any injury that is reported. Injuries should be logged in on the OSHA 101 and OSHA 200 forms. Records are to be maintained anywhere from 5 to 30 years.

If, by any chance, citations for violations occur, there may be a fine imposed. The fines that may be imposed can be up to $7,000.00. These fines can be reduced up to 95% depending on the severity.

We have established a compliance manual that will be customized by us for your funeral home. This will come with a full checklist which will be used to determine the physical requirements needed. After completing the checklist, we will evaluate it and provide the necessary information on how to correct the problem areas.

The manual, which is 160 pages long, consists of the following:

Hazard Communication Program

Exposure Control Plan

Emergency Evacuation Plan

Training Program

Labeling Hazards

Formaldehyde requirements

Bloodborne pathogens information

All the required records

Hazardous chemical list section where the MSDS's will be including a glossary.

Ergonomics

This will come with the required labels (we will get this from the funeral home), the formaldehyde monitors and the checklist.

The cost for the above manual and services in the state of Florida is $800.00. The fee includes all of the inspections and training for the first time. The inspection is done by Robert L. Short II and consist of a detailed survey of the funeral home. During this survey, all areas that violate the regulations that have been set forth, will be documented. The funeral home will receive a list of those violations and the proper recommendations for compliance.

Funeral homes outside the state of Florida can get the OSHA Compliance Manual customized for their funeral home for $400.00. This does not include a physical inspection. The funeral home must supply all of the necessary information and must fill out the checklist. After we receive the checklist we will send the recommendations for compliance.

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If you wish to set up an appointment or wish to purchase an OSHA Compliance Manual or MSDS Binder call Robert L. Short II at 727.505.8746.

Computerized formaldehyde monitoring is offered by T.R.S. Enterprises using the lastest technonolgy. This monitoring is done in accordance with CFR 1910.1048 in the state of Florida. The test will consist of the PEL (permissible exposure limit which is up to .75 ppm) and the STEL (short-term exposure limit which can be up to 2.00 ppm). To schedule a time to have your preproom monitored call Robert L. Short II at 727.505.8746 and set up an appointment.The cost for this service is $150.00.

Formaldehyde monitoring badges are also available for funeral homes that can't take advantage of the computerized monitoring. Four badges will be needed to do the monitoring as dictated by CFR 1910.1048. There will need to be two badges used each monitoring. One badge for the PEL (8 hrs) and one badge for the STEL (15 minutes). This test will have to be repeated after 7 days. The cost of badges are $185.00 (all fees inclusice, i.e mailing, analysis and mailing to lab) for the set or $50.00 each. Each monitor is manufactured to meet and exceed applicable OSHA and NIOSH Accuracy Requirements at both the 8-hour TWA and 15-minute STEL levels.

Our monitors are easy to use, light-weight badges which may be comfortably worn in employee’s breathing zone to measure personal exposure (OSHA compliance). May also be used for "area" exposure monitoring.

Monitors include analysis. Analysis of each monitor is performed within 24 hours of the day the mailer is received.

An independent laboratory report for your record-keeping.
An employee exposure profile is maintained for a historical update.
An immediate phone or fax notification will accompany elevated results. STAT-CALL™: service gives results in 24-hours.

Our monitors are enclosed within a postage paid mailer for convenient return to our laboratory.

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To place orders call 727.505.8746 or email us with your mailing address, phone number and contact person and we will mail you the monitors.

WHAT IS ERGONOMICS?

Ergonomics is the science of fitting workplace conditions and job demands to the capabilities of the working population. Effective and successful "fits" assure high productivity, avoidance of illness and injury risks, and increased satisfaction among the workforce. Although the scope of ergonomics is much broader, the term refers to assessing those work-related factors that may pose a risk of musculoskeletal disorders and recommendations to alleviate them.

WHAT ARE WORK-RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS (WMSD's)?

Although definitions vary, the general term "musculoskeletal disorders" describes the following:

· Disorders of the muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage, or spinal discs

· Disorders that are not typically the result of any instantaneous or acute event (such as a slip, trip, or fall) but reflect a more gradual or chronic development (nevertheless, acute events such as slips and trips are very common causes of musculoskeletal problems such as low back pain)

· Disorders diagnosed by a medical history, physical examination, or other medical tests that can range in severity from mild and intermittent to debilitating and chronic

· Disorders with several distinct features (such as carpal tunnel syndrome) as well as disorders defined primarily by the location of the pain (i.e., low back pain)

The term "WMSDs" refers to:

(1) musculoskeletal disorders to which the work environment and the performance of work contribute significantly, or

(2) musculoskeletal disorders that are made worse or longer lasting by work conditions. These workplace risk factors, along with personal characteristics (e.g., physical limitations or existing health problems) and societal factors, are thought to contribute to the development of WMSDs. They also reduce worker productivity or cause worker dissatisfaction. Common examples are jobs requiring repetitive, forceful, or prolonged exertions of the hands; frequent or heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying of heavy objects; and prolonged awkward postures. Vibration and cold may add risk to these work conditions. Jobs or working conditions presenting multiple risk factors will have a higher probability of causing a musculoskeletal problem. The level of risk depends on the intensity, frequency, and duration of the exposure to these conditions and the individual s capacity to meet the force or other job demands that might be involved. These conditions are more correctly called "ergonomic risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders" rather than "ergonomic hazards" or "ergonomic problems." But like the term "safety hazard," these terms have popular acceptance.

WHY ARE WMSDs A PROBLEM?

Many reasons exist for considering WMSDs a problem, including the following:

· WMSDs are among the most prevalent lost-time injuries and illnesses in almost every industry [Bureau of Labor Statistics 1995, 1996; National Safety Council 1995; Tanaka et al. 1995].

· WMSDs, specifically those involving the back, are among the most costly occupational problems [National Safety Council 1995; Webster and Snook 1994; Guo et al. 1995; Frymoyer and Cats-Baril 1991].

· Job activities that may cause WMSDs span diverse workplaces and job operations.

· WMSDs may cause a great deal of pain and suffering among afflicted workers.

· WMSDs may decrease productivity and the quality of products and services. Workers experiencing aches and pains on the job may not be able to do quality work.

· Because musculoskeletal disorders have been associated with nonworking activities (e.g., sports) and medical conditions (e.g., renal disease, rheumatoid arthritis), it is difficult to determine the proportion due solely to occupation. For example, in the general population, nonoccupational causes of low back pain are probably more common than workplace causes [Liira et al. 1996]. However, even in these cases, the musculoskeletal disorders may be aggravated by workplace factors.

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For more information the definition or if you wish to purchase the Ergonomics Compliance Manual, which includes all of the necessary forms and training materials call Robert L. Short II at 727.505.8746 The cost of the Ergonomics Compliance Manual is $600.00.

LABELING HAZARDS

A) According to OSHA standards and regulations Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations 1903.2, it is required that "Job Safety and Health Protection" notice is posted in a conspicuous location and available for employees to read.

B) According to OSHA standards and regulations Title 29 Code of regulations 1910.145, all hazards must be identified to prevent any serious bodily harm or death related accidents. The following is a list of items or areas that need to be identified, along with the required label or sign.

The following are the signs required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The signs are colored coded accordingly and laminated for longevity. This is due to the sanitation process that takes place after each embalming (the signs have a tendency to get wet).

All signs excluding the formaldehyde 37% are 8" X 10". The formaldehyde 37% is 3' X 5".

Emergency Eyewash $12.00	Emergency Shower $12.00
First Aid $12.00	Formaldehyde 37% $12.00
Danger Formaldehyde $12.00	No Smoking Etc. $12.00
Respirator Sign $12.00	Large Biohazrd $12.00
Small Biohazard $2.00

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