A couple of months ago, I offered some tips for supervisors and trainers on how to train workers with learning challenges, such as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). I explained that ADHD affects more than just children; it's a neurobehavioral disorder that five percent of the adult population never outgrows. And since it affects about one in every 20 workers, there's a good chance that one of your workers is experiencing symptoms that makes working efficiently - and safely - a challenge. Here's some advice you can share with your workers so that those with ADHD can improve their safety habits in the workplace.

Working with ADHD

Were you one of those kids bursting with ideas but unable to sit still or wait your turn? If so, you might be one of the thousands of adults with ADHD.

The good news is you're probably smart, creative and enthusiastic. Most people with ADHD are. The not-so-good news is you're probably a bit impulsive, impatient and inattentive. These are not the traits of a safe and productive worker.

Here are some ways you can use ADHD to your advantage and counter the unsafe behaviors that come with the condition:

1. Turn a Negative Into a Positive

Having ADHD is not all bad news. For example, do you hyper-focus on tasks or projects you find particularly interesting? This common ADHD trait is one that can benefit both you and you employer. Talk to your supervisor about work that gets you excited and find out if you can do more of that and less of the stuff you find distracting.

2. Improve Your Communication Skills

Safe workplaces are those where workers can communicate effectively with each other. Unfortunately, people with ADHD don't always have the best communication skills. This can sabotage the safety of yourself and your co-workers and interfere with teamwork efforts. To improve your communication skills:

3. Reduce Distractions

Many workplace incidents occur because workers are not focused on the task at hand. Often, though, people with ADHD have difficulty concentrating. So it's important that you consider ways to cut down on distractions. For example, face your desk away from the line of traffic or use a private room to complete tasks requiring concentration. To block out distracting noises, wear headphones or earplugs (if it's safe to do so).

4. Handle Boredom

No one likes to be bored. But for adults with ADHD, boredom can make the situation (and them) intolerable. Try delegating "less interesting" tasks or doing them when you have the most energy; for many people, this is usually in the morning. Consider breaking "boring" tasks into manageable chunks and burning off excess energy by exercising or running errands at lunch.

5. Watch Your Time

Several workplaces operate on tight schedules and deadlines and it's important that everyone complete tasks on time. However, adults with ADHD can easily become immersed in a project or activity and lose track of time. If being late is an issue for you, you may unintentionally be giving the impression that you are disorganized. Try setting the alarm on your watch and don't let "one last task" keep you from being on schedule.

6. Know Your Limits

When someone is enthusiastic and impulsive, they tend to take on more than they can handle. Saying "no" does not mean that you're lazy. Resist the urge to over-commit and remember that a job done well is better than several done poorly.

Conclusion

If you have difficulty concentrating, poor listening skills and a short attention span - all traits of ADHD - adopt some of these strategies. They'll help you be a more productive and safer worker.

SAFETY TIP OF THE WEEK
May Is Tick Talk Time

It's Lyme Disease Awareness Month. Anyone working in many areas of North America needs to consider the possibility of being bitten by a deer tick infected with the bacterium that causes Lyme disease in humans. Symptoms include a skin rash, fever, joint pain, and in late stages, chronic arthritis or nervous system disorders. Avoid brush and tall grass, use tick repellent, wear light-colored clothing and check for ticks after being outside.

Do you have a quick safety tip you'd like to share? Send them to catherinej@bongarde.com and let us know if we can use your name/company name.

NAOSH WEEK

Happy 11th Anniversary

By Dave Duncan

Millions of people will be celebrating safety during North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week, which kicked off Sunday and runs through Saturday, May 10.

This year's theme is: Start today! Live it Every Day!

The goal of NAOSH week is simple: To focus employers, employees, partners and the public on the importance of preventing injury and illness in the workplace, at home and in the community. That goal is realized through many events, ranging from occupational safety and health conferences and speaker presentations, to poster displays, to safety and health training sessions across North America.

The first NAOSH Week was observed in Mexico, Canada and the United States in 1997. The idea was raised during North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) talks, when workplace safety was being discussed by government representatives from the three countries.

The Canadian representative noted that Canada had been observing Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Week (COHS) since 1986 and suggested that the US and Mexico might wish to consider holding similar recognition weeks.

Thus, NAOSH Week was born. The logo, featuring three linked hands forming an equilateral triangle, symbolizes joint venture, cooperation and commitment to common goals shared by all occupational health and safety partners throughout North America.

How is your company observing NAOSH Week? Tell us about your activities and awareness campaigns. Send them to catherinej@bongarde.com.

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