Case Study 1: Radiation

Sidney loves technology and uses it regularly for work and at home. For approximately 1012 hours a day, Sidney is either in front of a computer screen, using a tablet, or using his smartphone. Recently, the software developers of his smartphone released an update, designed to decrease the amount of blue light emitted by the phone during nighttime hours. Curious about this, Sidney did some research and found various articles that indicated that computers, tablets, and smartphones emit blue light and use of these devices during night-time hours or in dark environments can cause potential health effects. In particular, blue light can have a negative effect on an individuals sleep cycle.

The next day while at work, Sidney asked his supervisor whether she knows anything about the impact of blue light on employees. Mackenzie, Sidneys supervisor, tells him that she read an article on the topic a few years ago; however, at the time the research was inconclusive. Sidney expresses his concern about how blue light could be having an impact on his health and the health of his coworkers. Mackenzie agrees to investigate this further and get back to Sidney with respect to what she finds.

Upon consulting with the health and safety manager Josh, Mackenzie learns he too is unaware of any potential hazards associated with blue light radiation. Both Josh and Mackenzie decide they need to investigate further. Josh agrees to conduct more research and consult with experts on the topic and get back to her within the next two weeks. Two weeks later Josh informs Mackenzie that blue light can, in fact, have potentially negative effects on sleep cycles by affecting the production of sleep hormones; however, testing for this is extremely complex and not something that can be done locally. Given that several employees including Sidney are required to work shift work, you are concerned about the impact this could be having.

QUESTION: As both Josh and Mackenzie, how would you handle this situation? Should you take greater steps to learn more about radiation from technology? What should or could you do to measure the impact? Discuss with classmates.

Case Study 2: Expensive Jewellery

As a newly hired human resource specialist, you are touring the floor of the manufacturing plant. You are surprised to see that many workers are wearing their hearing protectors around the neck like a necklace instead of covering their ears. Moreover, the style seems to be to wear safety glasses perched on top of the head rather than in a position that would protect eyes. Employees working with acids are doing so in street clothes and barehanded, although rubber gloves and safety aprons are hanging on hooks next to the workstations. Even from your brief tour, it is clear

that the company has invested in the best personal protective equipment available. Yet workers do not seem to be using the equipment to protect themselves.

QUESTION: One of your new responsibilities is health and safety programming. What do you do?