Super K Radiator Repair deals with the repair of repairs and building of copper-brass radiator which are found in hot rods, restored cars and large tracks. The repairing process includes the removal of copper-brass radiator from the vehicle, repairing it, and installing it back (Nunez, 1993). There are a lot of injuries that occur during the repair and building of radiators which require the attention of the emergency kitty. A number of injuries have occurred to the four employees of the company some being severe to include broken toes and fingers. The operations of the company are risky and fatal and need to be addressed (Tuskes 1998).
There are occupational and environmental hazards associated with the repair of copper-brass radiators. First, there is a risk of material handling methods which have resulted to a lot of injuries to the technicians. Secondly, there are risks associated with exposure to the dust from the copper metal (dust/fumes).
There are a number of ways of minimizing exposure to hazards in the Super K repair company. They include regularly checking equipment to ensure they are in good order. Secondly, the company should ensure that hazard correction procedures are in place. Thirdly, every employee should know how to use persona protective gears which should be worn all the time when working. Finally, workers should be made to understand the basic safe work procedures (Suplido, 2000).
The main purpose of the occupational health and safety team is to plan, execute, and assess the program that aims to improve health, advance the safety of workers, and to increase the output of employees (Sparks, 2001). Members of the occupational health team include: an environmental health nurse, an industrial hygienists, a safety professional, an occupational medicine physician, and an occupational health psychologists (Dykeman, 2002). Each member of the team will have his/her roles to play in ensuring the health of the employees is enhanced and maintained. An environmental health nurse attends to patients who have been exposed to an environmental exposure. An industrial hygienist provides a break down on how industrial workers are meant to operate hygienically (Harrington, 1983). A safety professional explains the safety measures that workers are supposed to take. The medicine provides treatment to the patients who have sustained injuries in their work. The team can also collaborate with other professionals like toxicologists, ergonomists, epidemiologists, and organizational psychologists, among others (Bakker, 2008).
If I was to address one hazard at Super K, it would be addressing the material handling methods. This means workers should wear safety gears at all times.
I would recommend the employees always ensure that their health comes first. This means that they should, first, wear protective gears during working hours. This includes, safety boots, helmets, screening to prevent inhaling hazardous dust and particles, aprons, among others. I will also advice employees to ensure that they follow the safety work procedures so that they do not succumb to injuries. Finally, I will advise them to always consult a medical practitioner whenever they get injured in the place of work.
References
Nunez, C. M., Klitzman, S., & Goodman, A. (1993). Lead exposure among automobile radiator repair workers and their children in New York City. American journal of industrial medicine, 23(5), 763-777.
Tuskes, P. M., & Key, M. M. (1988). Potential hazards in small business—A gap in OSHA protection. Applied Industrial Hygiene, 3(2), 55-57.
Suplido, M. L., & Ong, C. N. (2000). Lead exposure among small-scale battery recyclers, automobile radiator mechanics, and their children in Manila, the Philippines. Environmental research, 82(3), 231-238.
Dykeman, R., Aguilar‐Madrid, G., Smith, T., Juárez‐Pérez, C. A., Piacitelli, G. M., Hu, H., & Hernandez‐Avila, M. (2002). Lead exposure in Mexican radiator repair workers. American journal of industrial medicine, 41(3), 179-187.
Harrington, J. M., & Gill, F. S. (1983). Occupational health. Blackwell Scientific Publications.
Bakker, A. B., Schaufeli, W. B., Leiter, M. P., & Taris, T. W. (2008). Work engagement: An emerging concept in occupational health psychology. Work & Stress, 22(3), 187-200.
Sparks, K., Faragher, B., & Cooper, C. L. (2001). Well‐being and occupational health in the 21st century workplace. Journal of occupational and organizational psychology, 74(4), 489-509.
