By Lawrence Reaves

The health risks associated with asbestos exposure are better understood today than they were several years ago. The major health factor associated with asbestos exposure is mesothelioma cancer. Asbestos is a substance which is chemically composed of impure forms of magnesium-silicate fibers. Asbestos was once widely used because of its durability and heat-resistant qualities. The authorities placed it on a ban after scientists linked exposure to the substance to mesothelioma and other lung conditions. These conditions were widely noticed among certain categories of workers in occupational areas such as the military, builders and contractors.

Workplaces Prone to Asbestos Exposure

The Environmental Protection Agency maintains that the insulation in many buildings in the US contains asbestos. Workplaces which carry the greatest risk of asbestos exposure are:

1. Railroads

2. Shipyards

3. Factories

4. Gas mask manufacturers

5. Construction sites

6. Mines

7. Insulation manufacturers

Even within this short list of high-risk work places, there are workers who are more at risk than others. For example, workers on a construction site are at a greater risk for asbestos exposure than those who work in a company which manufactures gas masks.

The 5 Most Common Jobs with Asbestos Exposure Are:

1. Railroad workers

2. Ship builders

3. Factory workers

4. Construction workers

5. Miners

These occupations are high-risk for exposure to asbestos because workers interface directly with materials that contain the fine asbestos fibers. When inhaled, these fibers cause asbestosis, pleural mesothelioma or other forms of lung cancer to develop. Family members of these workers are at risk for secondary exposure to asbestos. This happens because the workers gather asbestos dust and fibers on their clothes which they then take home.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned new uses of asbestos in the USA, but in 1991 their efforts to have most uses of asbestos banned by 1997 fell through as the US Federal Court blocked this action. One blogger, Asbest21, stated in a post on Blog Carnival that manufacturers were aware from as far back as seventy years ago that asbestos was hazardous, but they kept that knowledge hidden. Workers exposed to asbestos were not given sufficient warning of the associated dangers in the mid-1960s.

Seeking Redress for Asbestos Exposure

Many workers exposed to asbestos and who later develop mesothelioma or other lung conditions go for years without realizing that something is wrong. This form of cancer takes up to twenty or forty years to manifest itself. This means that people exposed to asbestos can live normal lives for several years before realizing that their health is deteriorating. The nonspecific nature of the symptoms of mesothelioma can further delay the detection and subsequent treatment for the condition.

Conclusion

Despite the efforts of the Environmental Protection Agency to advocate for the health of workers exposed to asbestos the threat remains high for some workers. These workers face the risk of developing the associated conditions of asbestos exposure. It is best that workers exposed to asbestos receive regular screenings to have early detection of any developing condition. Feeling healthy and having no apparent symptoms are not valid reasons to avoid having regular screenings.

About the Author: Lawrence Reaves writes about

asbestos lung cancer

and

asbestos in navy ships

and other locations. He gets his information from AsbestosNews.com.

Source:

isnare.com

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By Stephen Turner

Many smart business owners have an aggressive and thorough “branding” strategy.

They communicate regularly with customers, work on product and service messaging and development, and re-do their website, sales material, blogs, social media and marketing pieces on a regular basis.

Still many companies overlook the entire concept of branding. While they may re-do a website, or change their brochure, they fail to grasp the concept that their brand is an entire customer experience, not just a logo or newly designed ad in a magazine.

The “brand” is the entire process of how a business works with a client, from original attraction, to product/service development and placement, to ongoing follow-up and customer relations.

The real branding process begins not by creating a new sales piece but by analyzing your business practices and client relationships.

Do your customers believe they are getting fair value for what you offer?

If your products seem to be out of touch with the marketplace you need to determine what can you do to change them.

Can you improve packaging, service delivery or the product itself? Is price an issue? Can you deliver on what you promise?

Once you have fulfilled your customer promise, you then can take a good look at your marketing materials. Is your logo modern looking and attractive or look like something out of the 1950s?

Does your website provide key information your customers need in a fast easy-to-read manner?

Can customers find your website easily when they do an online search? If you use brochures make sure they look clean and professional with current information.

Thirdly, analyze how you sell your goods and services.

If you use a sales staff do they represent your firm in a professional manner? Do they dress appropriately and show-up for appointments on time? Do you they receive constant training and management support or are they allowed to just flounder along?

Your salesperson will be the first contact your prospective customer will have with your company and immediately he/she will form an opinion whether it be good or bad.

Fourth, do some research and ascertain how the general business community perceives your company.

If sales are weak and you’ve done no advertising or public relations in quite some time most businesses probably have no opinion about your company.

In fact in all likelihood most have never heard of it.

To restart your brand invest in advertising and a public relations campaign. Develop a plan that reaches your target audience. Some tactics may include joining boards of organizations, sponsoring events, securing articles in various publications, and communicating with your audience via online news sites and social groups.

Fifth, follow-up with customers and make sure they are happy with product and service delivery. In today’s fast-paced environment receiving a call or email inquiring about customer satisfaction can separate your firm from the rest of the pack.

In a small company that call or email can come from top management. In a larger company it may come from the head of customer service or customer service rep.

The ability to sell and market a good product in a professional manner, follow-through with excellent customer service, and give-back to your community by playing an active role in groups and charitable organizations, is the best way to enhance your brand or reenergize a stale one.

About the Author: Stephen Turner is a Principal with Solomon/Turner, a St. Louis Public Relations firm. Solomon/Turner works with clients on a national and regional basis as well as in the St. Louis, MO area. The firm offers a variety of PR and marketing services. Contact

solomonturner.com

or 314-205-0800

Source:

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By Ed Stevens

More and more businesses are outsourcing private companies to help them with their security guard needs.

There are lots of reasons that many of the top companies outsource their security guard services. This article will provide you with some of the most important benefits that come with outsourcing security guard services.

Benefit #1 – Transfers Risk

When you outsource security guard services, you’re transferring some of the liability risk to the security guard company.

A licensed security guard company should have the expertise and experience to avoid potential risks. They are also insured to cover all sorts of problematic scenarios. Is your company properly insured to handle potential risks?

It’s a safer option to outsource your security guard services rather than take it on all by yourself.

Benefit #2 – Get Great Service at a Reasonable Price

You get world-class security at the faction of a price it would cost you to do it yourself. That’s because you don’t have to worry about the startup costs.

The private security guard company handles the start-up costs associated with hiring security guards as well as purchasing equipment and uniforms. That’s a big savings for your company.

Benefit #3 – Allows You to Focus on What You Do Best

When you outsource, you no longer have to worry about the hiring, training and other administrative tasks that come with security services.

Outsourcing allows you to focus on your company and what you do best. You shouldn’t be wasting your hours managing and worrying about security. Leave it to the professionals, so you can have more time to focus on your business.

You’ll sleep a lot better at night knowing that professionals are protecting your business.

Benefit #4 – Increases Financial Flexibility

Outsourcing security guard services helps to increase your financial flexibility.

You no longer have significant portions of your budget tied to something that is not a main priority of your business. This allows you to invest more into what’s most important for your business.

Benefit #5 – Improve Human Resources Workflow

Your human resources department won’t have to take on the additional responsibilities that come with more employees. You’ll keep your HR department in great shape.

You won’t have to take on additional human resource employees to handle the extra responsibilities and paperwork that come with more employees.

Benefit #6 – Increased Productivity

You’ll see productivity improvements across the board. That’s because you’re no longer committing serious amounts of money and resources to security.

By letting the outsourced company focus on the security guards, you can focus more on the important issues that will help your business get ahead.

Benefit #7 – Starting Up is a Breeze

When you outsource security guard services, starting up is easy. Doing it own your own might take weeks or even months to get started.

Outsourcing eliminates the burdens associated with training and providing the necessary support for success. You won’t have as many upfront costs.

Summary

Outsourcing your security guard services allows your business to stay competitive and stay profitable in the 21st Century.

When searching for a security guard company, be sure to thoroughly review all of your options. Be sure to find a security guard company that is properly licensed and insured in your state.

About the Author: Edward Stevens is a security expert and former security advisor to governmental agencies. He’s the CEO at National Security Service, a nationwide security guard and patrol company that provides

private security

and other

security services

. Connect with Edward via his website at www.GuardsToGo.com.

Source:

isnare.com

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