SureHire is heading to the Edmonton Convention Centre April 15 & 16, 2026, for the 23rd Alberta Health and Safety Conference. This year’s theme, “Zero Harm: Rethinking What’s Possible” challenges industry leaders, safety professionals, and innovators to push beyond traditional approaches, embrace emerging technologies, and strengthen employee engagement to build safer, healthier, and more resilient workplaces.
Tag: Workplace Safety
SureHire is heading to Orange County, CA, USA, from April 26 through April 30, 2026, for the annual NDASA Conference. This conference highlights the common mission of supporting excellence in the drug and alcohol testing industry and promoting safe and drug-free workplaces.
Session Details: May 5, 2026, at 1:00 PM (MST)
Many employers focus their efforts solely on drug and alcohol testing and overlook the importance of educating their employees about substance abuse in the workplace. SureHire’s Reasonable Suspicion Training programs offer a simple, cost-effective solution.
Reasonable suspicion training is also known as RST, reasonable cause training, or drug and alcohol awareness training. These programs are designed to educate supervisors and employees about the adverse effects of drugs and alcohol on workplace safety.
Our interactive course includes:
- A workbook
- Case study review
- A live instructor available for questions
- 2 knowledge assessment sections, and
- A certificate of completion for each individual.
Session Details: April 15, 2026, at 1:00 PM (MST)
Many employers focus their efforts solely on drug and alcohol testing and overlook the importance of educating their employees about substance abuse in the workplace. SureHire’s Reasonable Suspicion Training programs offer a simple, cost-effective solution.
Reasonable suspicion training is also known as RST, reasonable cause training, or drug and alcohol awareness training. These programs are designed to educate supervisors and employees about the adverse effects of drugs and alcohol on workplace safety.
Our interactive course includes:
- A workbook
- Case study review
- A live instructor available for questions
- 2 knowledge assessment sections, and
- A certificate of completion for each individual.
Session Details: April 9, 2026, at 8:30 AM (MST)
Many employers focus their efforts solely on drug and alcohol testing and overlook the importance of educating their employees about substance abuse in the workplace. SureHire’s Reasonable Suspicion Training programs offer a simple, cost-effective solution.
Reasonable suspicion training is also known as RST, reasonable cause training, or drug and alcohol awareness training. These programs are designed to educate supervisors and employees about the adverse effects of drugs and alcohol on workplace safety.
Our interactive course includes:
- A workbook
- Case study review
- A live instructor available for questions
- 2 knowledge assessment sections, and
- A certificate of completion for each individual.
SureHire is pleased to announce the acquisition of Spectrum Safety Services, a trusted provider of first aid, fall protection, confined space, H2S, and workplace safety training.
This new acquisition further strengthens our ability to help clients build foundations for safer, healthier, and more productive workplaces by combining Spectrum’s workplace safety programs with SureHire’s existing screening and workforce risk solutions.
Canadians are facing increased stresses, pressures, and health challenges, leading some individuals to turn to alcohol and drugs as a coping mechanism. Recent data from the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction highlights growing concerns around mental health and substance use. As a result, the risk of workplace substance abuse has escalated, prompting employers to take proactive measures. One key step is ensuring supervisors are equipped with reasonable suspicion training to help identify and address potential issues, ultimately supporting a safe and healthy work environment.
Alcohol and drugs are known to have harmful effects on the health, safety, and overall well-being of individuals, colleagues, and the public. In workplaces, it can result in:
- Increases in employee injuries,
- Increases in property or equipment damage,
- Increases in absenteeism and/or sick leave,
- Increases in conflict and violence,
- Increases in turnover,
- Reduced productivity,
- Increases in theft, and
- Decreased employee morale.
Employers cannot initiate reasonable suspicion testing without first going through the 5-step process. Reasonable suspicion training provides critical information about how to initiate reasonable suspicion training, including the 5-step process and other tools employers can use to help manage the misuse of alcohol and drugs in the workplace.
What is reasonable suspicion?
Reasonable suspicion is a term used to describe circumstances that usually indicate a reason to complete an investigation or assessment of an employee’s fitness for duty or to explore possible explanations for an employee’s unusual conduct, actions, or appearance. The findings of this assessment may conclude that an individual is either under the influence of a prohibited substance or facing other physical/mental strains. If the assessment points toward possible substance impairment, reasonable suspicion testing may be required.
What is included in the 5 Step Reasonable Suspicion Process?
To properly complete an investigation or assessment of an employee’s fitness for duty, it’s important for supervisors to fully understand each step of the process to ensure:
- The observed behaviours correlate with possible alcohol and/or drug use
- The necessary documentation is collected and reported
- The appropriate conversation is had with the employee
- The alcohol and drug screens are completed only when necessary
The 5-Step Reasonable Suspicion Process includes:
- Observation. There are 4 main indicators that will help you determine if someone may be under the influence.
- Confirmation. Get a second opinion.
- Documentation. All companies should have a reasonable suspicion checklist in their drug and alcohol policies that is readily available for all supervisors and managers.
- Confrontation. You must effectively communicate your findings with the employee.
- Testing. Check your policy – understand what testing is required.
Important Considerations
Consistency. there must be a consistent process followed to ensure that there is no bias involved. Ensuring that a consistent checklist is used, and the same process is followed for each case will assist the employer. If there are inconsistencies in the process, it can have a negative effect on the employer in the case that a complaint is filed.
Confidentiality. The reasonable suspicion process is extremely confidential and is not to be taken lightly. The entire process is not to be shared with any individual who is not privy to this information.
SureHire’s Reasonable Suspicion Training Programs
Reasonable suspicion training is an important tool that employers can use to help manage the misuse of alcohol and drugs in the workplace. Properly trained and educated supervisors will be able to contribute to a healthy and safe workforce by having the ability to recognize the signs and symptoms of potential substance impairment and take the appropriate actions to manage reasonable suspicion circumstances, thereby preventing safety incidents from occurring.
SureHire offers a variety of interactive and self-study Reasonable Suspicion Training programs for employees and supervisors. Our courses have been completed by hundreds of individuals across North America and have been rated 5 stars.
Learn more about Reasonable Suspicion Training and get your workers certified today!
We are thrilled to announce that today, May 6, 2024, SureHire Occupational Testing has officially acquired COHR Health, a well-known leader in occupational health services.
With this acquisition, we are able to leverage our industry-leading technologies and better help our clients maintain a safe, healthy and productive work environment for their employees with the same level of excellence and professionalism that both SureHire and COHR Health are known for.
Read the press release for full details!
TAKEAWAY: This article delves into strategies to keep workers cool and safe on drilling sites during the hot summer months. Read on to discover essential tactics for mitigating heat-related risks and ensuring the well-being of your workforce.
When the summer sun blazes down on drilling sites, the combination of strenuous work, full-length protective gear, and high temperatures can create a recipe for heat-related challenges.
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) defines a “hot” worksite as one where conditions exceed a wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) of 79°F (26°C), taking into account factors like air temperature, humidity, radiation, and wind speed.
Drilling activities in the mining and oil and gas industries intensify the heat load on workers. Strenuous labour also generates considerable body heat, so addressing the risks associated with elevated temperatures is crucial. While protective clothing shields workers from sunburn and keeps workers safe on a drilling site, it can inadvertently contribute to heat stress.
Risks of Hot Job Sites for Workers
Working under scorching conditions on drilling sites introduces risks beyond the discomfort of high temperatures. Sweltering heat can significantly impact workers’ job performance and health.
Exposure to extreme heat can adversely affect concentration, reaction time, alertness, and coordination, increasing the potential for accidents and injuries. Heat stress, a common consequence of prolonged exposure to high temperatures, can manifest as muscle cramps, heat rash, heat exhaustion, or the most severe form, heat stroke.
For drilling site workers, the combination of physically demanding tasks, full protective gear, and soaring temperatures heightens the risk of these heat-related conditions. As the mercury rises, safeguarding workers’ health and safety becomes an utmost priority.
Looking For Fitness-to-Work Testing?
SureHire’s Fitness-to-Work program tests participants’ ability to perform the physical demands and bona fide occupational requirements of a job. These day-to-day tasks can include lifting, carrying, crouching, bending, reaching, and long periods of time spent moving without rest.
Fitness-to-Work testing is a great tool for employers in determining whether they have the right hire for the job.
How to Stay Cool on Hot Drilling Sites
Navigating the sizzling conditions of drilling sites when it’s hot requires a strategic approach to ensure workers’ well-being and safety. Here are nine vital strategies to help keep workers cool in the sweltering heat.
- Hydration
Prioritize hydration by providing ample water and promoting regular intake. Steer clear of caffeinated beverages, which can lead to dehydration. Workers arriving on-site dehydrated, perhaps after consuming alcohol the previous night, will have increased hydration needs.
Furnish a cool box with refreshing drinks, allowing workers easy access to hydration throughout their shifts.
- Regular Rest Breaks in a Shaded Area
While establishing permanent shaded areas might pose challenges, encourage workers to seek shade during rest breaks. Doing so provides opportunities to rehydrate and lower body temperatures. Workers can find shady spots nearby, such as air-conditioned truck cabs, to cool down during breaks.
Rest breaks can sometimes disrupt drilling site workflow. To manage this, plan in line with ongoing tasks. It might be necessary to stagger breaks, with some workers continuing until a convenient pause point. However, it’s critical to prioritize worker safety by ensuring immediate rest if heat stress signs emerge.
- Slow the Pace
Discourage rushing through tasks, as this can make the work feel more strenuous and increase the heat load on the worker, raising the risk of heat stress.
- Cover up
When full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) isn’t required, advise workers to wear long-sleeved, lightweight, and cooling clothing to shield themselves from the sun. Ensure the face, neck, eyes, ears, and back of the head are protected.
- Heat Safety Designation
Assign a team member to monitor heat safety to help oversee the team’s well-being. Train this individual to identify heat-related symptoms, distribute water bottles, enforce rest and shade breaks, and initiate the buddy system. A buddy system helps ensure workers look out for each other and watch for signs and symptoms of heat stress.
- Monitor the Heat Index
The heat index is what the heat feels like, considering the combination of temperature and humidity levels. Most phone weather apps display the Heat Index. The National Weather Service says a heat index of 90-105 F (32-40 C) may cause sunstroke, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity.
Understanding that the heat index was established for shady conditions with light wind is vital. Full sunshine can increase the index values by up to 15.
For drilling workers, the temperature could feel even hotter than the number on the heat index, given their protective clothing, strenuous work, and heat generated from the job site. Consider establishing your own heat threshold for workers, prompting additional or extended breaks, or reducing workload.
OSHA recommends using a wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) monitor to measure workplace environmental heat.
- Acclimatize Employees to Work in Extreme Heat
Acclimatizing employees to extreme heat involves a gradual workload increase for new and returning workers over 1-2 weeks. During heatwaves, reduce workload and heat exposure by 50% for all workers, gradually restoring to 100% over four days. Workers should continue taking breaks in shaded, cool areas during acclimatization.
Remember that workers respond uniquely to heat stress. Variations in health and medication can lead to differing heat sensitivities. Thus, relying solely on the heat index might not account for individual variations.
- Strategic Work Schedules
Adjust work schedules to avoid peak heat. Consider starting earlier and finishing earlier to minimize exposure during the hottest parts of the day. Prioritize more frequent breaks during peak heat hours.
- Heat Safety Training
Provide thorough heat safety training as part of overall health and safety protocols. Train workers to prevent heat-related illnesses, recognize symptoms, administer first aid, and follow emergency plans.
By implementing these strategies, drilling site operators can ensure a safer and more comfortable work environment for their teams.
Looking For Fitness-to-Work Testing?
SureHire’s Fitness-to-Work program tests participants’ ability to perform the physical demands and bona fide occupational requirements of a job. These day-to-day tasks can include lifting, carrying, crouching, bending, reaching, and long periods of time spent moving without rest.
Fitness-to-Work testing is a great tool for employers in determining whether they have the right hire for the job.
How to Keep Workers Cool on Drilling Sites During Summer | In Conclusion
In conclusion, safeguarding workers’ well-being on drilling sites when the temperatures are high is paramount. Employers can mitigate the risks of heat-related illnesses by adopting a holistic approach emphasizing hydration, rest breaks, vigilant monitoring, and tailored strategies for acclimatization. Acknowledging individual differences and maintaining a watchful eye on heat index readings are crucial.
Through diligent adherence to these strategies, drilling site operators can foster a safer and more comfortable work environment, ensuring the health and productivity of their valuable workforce. Prioritize these measures to keep your team cool and thriving even in the hottest conditions.
TAKEAWAY: This article explores ways to manage occupational noise, no matter which industry you’re in. Read on to learn how to proactively mitigate occupational noise risks and help prevent NIHL among workers.
Jump Ahead
- Identify Noise-Related Hazards in the Workplace
- Conduct a Noise Assessment to Assess the Risks
- Engineering Controls: Equipment Modification or Replacement
- Administrative Controls: Adjusting Workplace Protocols and Procedures
- Use Hearing-Related Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Conduct Regular Audiometric Testing
- Hearing Conservation Basics | In Conclusion
- You May Also Be Interested In…
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 22 million workers are exposed to potentially damaging noise annually, a problem that can have far-reaching adverse effects. High noise levels may interfere with workplace communication and, in turn, increase the risk of related accidents and injuries. Hearing loss can occur, which has implications ranging from communication difficulties to various health issues such as tinnitus and poor mental health.
Exposure to high noise levels can lead to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), an irreversible problem. This type of hearing damage may occur from one-off excessive noise exposure or exposure to noise above the recommended safe limits over time. Occupational NIHL is a widespread yet preventable problem.
Some of the most high-risk industries for NIHL include transportation, manufacturing, forestry and agriculture, mining, and oil and gas. Each sector has unique noise-related hazards, but the good news is that employers can take plenty of practical steps to decrease noise exposure in the workplace and keep workers safe.
Identify Noise-Related Hazards in the Workplace
The first step in managing occupational noise is identifying potential workplace noise-related hazards. These hazards can vary widely depending on the industry and specific job roles. It’s crucial to assess all areas of the workplace and tasks that could expose employees to excessive noise levels.
For instance, noisy machinery and equipment may pose significant risks in the manufacturing sector. Vehicle engines and road noise could contribute to elevated noise levels in the transportation industry. By conducting thorough assessments and involving employees in hazard identification, employers can gain valuable insights into potential sources of noise exposure.
Conduct a Noise Assessment to Assess the Risks
Once you identify potential noise hazards, conducting a comprehensive noise assessment is essential. This assessment involves measuring noise levels across different workplace areas using specialized equipment (for example, a sound level meter). The goal is to quantify the extent of noise exposure and determine whether it exceeds recommended safe limits.
For example, construction industry employers should measure noise levels from equipment and activities such as drilling, hammering, and heavy machinery operations. This data helps them make informed decisions about implementing effective noise control measures.
Request a Quote Today!
SureHire offers Audiometric Testing both in-facility and through our mobile fleet. Contact us today to request a quote!
Engineering Controls: Equipment Modification or Replacement
Engineering controls focus on modifying or replacing equipment to eliminate or reduce noise at its source. This proactive approach can significantly lower noise exposure levels. For instance, installing noise-reducing enclosures or dampening materials around machinery in a manufacturing setting can effectively reduce noise emissions.
Equipping heavy machinery with quieter exhaust systems can reduce noise in the mining industry. Such modifications protect workers’ hearing and create a more comfortable and productive work environment.
Administrative Controls: Adjusting Workplace Protocols and Procedures
Implementing administrative controls involves adjusting workplace protocols and procedures to minimize noise exposure. Employers can schedule noisy tasks during specific hours to limit employees’ time in noisy areas and create designated quiet zones.
For example, in a call center environment, provide employees with noise-canceling headphones to mitigate the impact of background noise during phone conversations.
Use Hearing-Related Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to protect employees’ hearing is another essential component of managing occupational noise. Earplugs and earmuffs are types of PPE for reducing noise exposure to safe levels.
Providing comfortable and effective ear protection is crucial in any industry with high noise levels. Proper training on correctly using hearing-related PPE ensures that employees receive the intended protection.
Ensuring proper personal protective equipment (PPE) fit is paramount to its effectiveness. Ill-fitting hearing-related PPE can compromise its ability to adequately reduce noise exposure, rendering it less effective in safeguarding employees’ hearing.
This concern has been particularly relevant for women, as standard PPE sizes and designs have often been based on male anatomical proportions, potentially resulting in inadequate protection for female workers. Addressing this issue by providing PPE options accommodating diverse body types and conducting Hearing Protection Fit Testing can significantly enhance all employees’ overall safety and well-being.
Employers must consider several crucial factors beyond fit when selecting the right hearing protection. While a proper fit is essential to ensure optimal noise reduction, comfort is also important. Uncomfortable or cumbersome hearing protection may discourage employees from wearing it consistently, exposing them to potential risks. Noise reduction ratings (NRR) are also critical, with higher NRR values indicating more effective noise reduction.
The nature of the job and specific noise sources also determine the most suitable hearing protection. Whether custom molded earplugs or earmuffs are preferred, the chosen type should align with the work environment and tasks to provide reliable and comfortable noise attenuation, ultimately contributing to a safer and healthier workplace.
Conduct Regular Audiometric Testing
Regular audiometric testing, also known as hearing tests, is vital to a comprehensive hearing conservation program. These tests assess employees’ hearing over time and help detect changes that may indicate early signs of hearing loss.
For instance, in the aviation industry, where aircraft noise is a prevalent hazard, pilots and ground crew members should undergo regular audiometric testing. Early identification of hearing loss allows for timely intervention and adjustments to noise control measures.
Request a Quote Today!
SureHire offers Audiometric Testing both in-facility and through our mobile fleet. Contact us today to request a quote!
Hearing Conservation Basics | In Conclusion
Effectively managing occupational noise is a critical responsibility for employers across various industries. The consequences of noise-induced hearing loss can be profound, affecting the well-being of employees and an organization’s overall productivity.
Employers can create a safer and more conducive work environment by identifying noise-related hazards, conducting thorough noise assessments, implementing engineering and administrative controls, providing appropriate PPE, and conducting regular audiometric testing. Taking proactive steps to mitigate noise risks demonstrates a commitment to the health and safety of the workforce, promoting a culture of prevention and protection.
Remember, safeguarding employees’ hearing is a legal requirement in many jurisdictions and a fundamental ethical responsibility. By prioritizing hearing conservation, organizations can ensure the long-term health and well-being of their most valuable asset—their employees.
You May Also Be Interested In…
- SureHire Announces Acquisition of Spectrum Safety Services
Sleep & Fatigue Specialist, Clinton Marquardt, uncovers 4 hidden costs of fatigue and how you can manage them. - Do You Have Reasonable Suspicion?
Employers cannot initiate reasonable suspicion testing without first going through the 5-step process. Reasonable suspicion training provides critical information about how to initiate reasonable suspicion testing, including the 5-step process and other tools that employers can use to help manage the misuse of alcohol and drugs in the workplace. - SureHire Occupational Testing Acquires COHR Health: A Positive Step Towards Safe, Healthy, Productive Workforces and Communities
We are thrilled to announce that today, May 6, 2024, SureHire Occupational Testing has officially acquired COHR Health, a well-known leader in occupational health services. Read on… - Occupational Testing Use Case – Mining
In this case study, we will explore how mining companies can use various types of occupational tests to reduce Total Recordable Incident Rates (TRIR) long term. - 9 Strategies to Keep Workers Cool on Drilling Sites During Hot Summer Months
This article delves into strategies to keep workers cool and safe on drilling sites during the hot summer months. - Hearing Conservation Basics: How to Manage Occupational Noise
Learn how to proactively mitigate occupational noise risks and help prevent NIHL among workers.
