Are Water Treatment Plants the Most Dangerous Places to Work in Ohio?
• Trench collapse — Workers digging a trench can be crushed or suffocated if the trench collapses.
There’s nothing like a hot shower to help wake you up at the start of a new day. Running low on time? Fortunately, there’s still a fresh pot of coffee brewing in the kitchen. Most people don’t think about how remarkable it is to have access to fresh water at almost any time of the day, but Americans sure take advantage of our water supply. The U.S. Geological Survey found that the average American uses about 90 gallons of water per day thanks to our nation’s water treatment plants. Like any workplace, Ohio’s treatment plants have their own risks. However, according to Treatment Plant Operator magazine, the men and women who work in treatment plants, such as the Jackson Pike and Southerly treatment plants in Columbus, experience an average illness and injury rate that is higher than any other occupation. This month, we’re looking at why.
• Waterborne diseases — Plant workers who come in direct contact with wastewater can be exposed to pathogens that cause waterborne diseases such as diphtheria, dysentery, Legionnaires’disease, and hepatitis A.
• Drowning — Lack of safety equipment in process tanks and pits can cause tragic, avoidable drownings.
Conditions at a water treatment plant can contribute to a range of workplace injuries, from something small like a sprain to a larger issue like a debilitating respiratory issue. While treatment plants can be dangerous, this doesn’t mean the men and women who work there aren’t entitled to protections. If a worker at a water treatment plant suffers an injury that leaves them unable to do their job, they may be eligible for workers’compensation benefits. Filing for workers’comp can be stressful, especially when struggling with a severe injury. Learn how to get started by downloading our free book “Worker’s Guide to Injury Compensation in Ohio”at MonastLaw.com/reports .
Toxins, heavy equipment, confined spaces, and water are recipes for disaster. Some of the unique risks workers at water treatment plants face include:
• Exposure to gases and chemicals — Sewers, pipelines, and pump stations rarely have proper ventilation systems for gases like methane, hydrogen sulfide, and carbon dioxide. The sanitation processes at treatment plants can also expose workers to dangerous levels of chlorine.
SUDOKU
NIBBLES WITH NUG
LEFTOVER CANDY SNACK MIX
Inspired by Food & Wine Magazine
This recipe fromMomofuku Milk Bar chef and “Master Chef” judge Christina Tosi makes great use of those extra Halloween goodies. It’s a quick and easy way to both elevate and get rid of unwanted leftovers.
INGREDIENTS
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2 cups mini pretzels, coarsely broken
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6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted 12 oz mini candy bars, such as Snickers, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
1/4 cup light brown sugar 2 tbsp granulated sugar 1/3 cup dry milk powder
DIRECTIONS
1.
Heat oven to 275 F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, fold together pretzels, sugars, milk powder, and butter. 3. Spread mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20 minutes. 4. Let cool for at least 30 minutes and mix in candy bar pieces before serving.
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