Identifying methods of gathering and sharing hazardous air containment information

Abstract

For the past five years, air contaminants at Spectro Alloys have been a major source of employee concern. In these same five years, Spectro Alloys has seen high turnover and low employee morale. The purpose of this study was to assess and describe ways in which organizational trust-building can be enhanced by identifying effective methods of gathering and sharing information related to occupational exposure to air contaminants at Spectro Alloys Corporation. Based on employee feedback and past air sampling data, the two major air contaminants at Spectro Alloys are hydrogen chloride and aluminum dust. For this study, the health hazards associated with aluminum and hydrogen chloride were researched. Additionally, the value of trust in organizations, and methods of health hazard communication were described. Air sampling performed at processes associated with high levels of air contaminants showed results to be acceptable compared to OSHA’s Permissible Exposure Limits. The information was shared with employees, supervisors and management for the purpose of pre-testing material, soliciting feedback and gaining participation in the process from all levels of Spectro employees. The information sharing sessions concentrated on the material, its health hazards, signs and symptoms of exposure, permissible exposure limits, concentrations found at Spectro, and controls associated with reducing employee exposure to the contaminants studied. Methods of gathering and sharing information included personal communication, literature reviews, air sampling and the creation of materials with which to share the air contaminant information in an effective manner. Informal feedback from employees showed that trust, which is based on the relationship between the source and the recipient of the message, will take time to build Spectro Alloys. Effective information sharing methods, combined with air sampling data gives Spectro Alloys management an opportunity to begin trust-building and create a more favorable relationship with its employees.