http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for national occupational standards Copyright 2008 Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:01:03 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/national+occupational+standards http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-become-a-domestic-energy-assessor http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-become-a-domestic-energy-assessor#comments Fri, 11 May 2007 04:30:02 +0000 domestic energynational occupational standardsdiplomacandidatecomplianceself improvementenergy assessment http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-become-a-domestic-energy-assessor domestic energy assessor in the UK. The first is assessment, the second is training. Both are provided by the NHER. Lets take a look at what is involved in the assessment of domestic energy assessor candidates.

Called the ABBE Level 3 domestic energy assessor diploma, the certification is a brand new part of qualifying. This requirement to become a domestic energy assessor became available at the end of 2006, as part of the about-to-be-implemented home sale regulations on energy performance compliance. Considered a vocational related qualification (VRQ), it is based on competence.

A would-be domestic energy assessor would achieve this diploma through not only assessment but examination as well. The UK government puts out a National Occupational Standards report, which spells out what a domestic energy assessor candidate would need to do to achieve this diploma.

There are 5 categories of compliance with domestic energy assessor National Occupational Standards. The first category is to work in a professional and effective manner, which would be both assessed and tested. The three parts to this category include the development and maintenance of effective work relationships with coworkers, consumers, vendors and other interested parties.

This category also includes proof that the candidate can manage her or his own resources and time well, that he or she is engaged in self-improvement in work areas, and conducts her or himself in an ethical and professional manner always.

The second category of compliance, for determination of domestic energy assessor qualification, is a look at whether the candidate is prepared for the energy assessment. She or he must agree with and confirm the instruction that must be undertaken for the assessment and must be prepared to conduct relevant inquiries about the property.

The actual performance of energy assessment practices and procedures falls into the third category. Here is where the candidates ability to adequately inspect property and determine the performance of its energy and to record the findings of her or his inspection are assessed.

The fourth and final category of compliance to the standards for domestic energy assessors is the ability of the candidate to produce and explain the required energy performance certificates (EPC.) Include in this category are the specifics of produce the EPC document, issuing it for the homeowner and explaining what is contained therein.

A government regulated UK assessment center is tasked with determining if a candidate qualifies as a domestic energy assessor. The center must ensure that the candidate has obtained the necessary level of energy-efficiency knowledge and skills.

This is determined by the training courses the candidate has completed, and the portfolio of evidence presented that the candidate has performed EPC assessments adequately. The candidate may be instructed to train further, or may be found ready to take the ABBE exam that will certify him or her as a domestic energy assessor. Pete James runs Energy Assessor Courses for people that want a new career. You can find out more at his Web site http://www.domestic-energy-assessor-training.co.uk ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/successful-habits-occupational-safety http://www.artwoo.com/article/successful-habits-occupational-safety#comments Sun, 03 Dec 2006 16:27:12 +0000 national advisory committeeretail grocery industrymusculoskeletal disorderswork environmentsoccupational safety and health administrationoccupational safety and healthergonomics http://www.artwoo.com/article/successful-habits-occupational-safety Occupational Safety and Health Administration is a U.S. Department of Labor organization devoted to the health and safety of American workers. They offer various tactics to reduce MSD's (musculoskeletal disorders) in the workplace. Their Outreach and Assistance program, designed to interface with workers directly, is one of four in their "four-pronged" approach to aiding the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace. The other aspects of the "four-pronged" approach are: Guidelines, Enforcement and the National Advisory Committee.

Ergonomics is the science of designing and maintaining products, machines and work environments that cause the least stress upon the human body and result in the fewest instances of injury and discomfort. The four prongs of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's approach to ergonomic safety have different areas of focus. The Enforcement branch has to do with the inspections carried out by this and other organizations to assure that work environments are as safe as they can be. When they find organizations that violate standards of ergonomic safety they alert authorities and attempt to alter the situation. The National Advisory Committee branch controls the applications of research related to the study of ergonomics. The Guidelines branch develops industry specific guidelines based on statistics related to ergonomic industries in the workplace. Finally, the Outreach and Assistance branch helps businesses, small and large alike, identify and apply good practices in ergonomics to their workplaces to increase the safety and comfort of their employees.

OSHA releases studies on specific industries to help those industries create a more ergonomically satisfying environment for their employees. One such industry is the Retail Grocery industry. They first identified some of the risks particularly associated with employment in the Retail Grocery industry, specifically, force, repetition, awkward posture and static postures. OSHA maintains that these factors dramatically increase the chances of the Retail Grocery employee of serious injuries and illnesses such as, muscle strains and back injuries, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff injuries, Epicondylitis and trigger finger. OSHA identifies certain activities, such as stacking shelves, that place employee's bodies in awkward positions that they must maintain for a period of time. Some of their solutions are as simple as the following, related to icing produce. They recommend a better ice machine that takes the stress of scooping and loading ice away from the worker by letting gravity and the ice machine pour ice into buckets on a cart below the machine. In this way, the ice is ready to be transported when the worker approaches the machine, cutting any bending, scooping and lifting the employee might otherwise have had to perform and making the overall experience more physically pleasant. Leon Groom writes about http://www.ergo-items.com/keyboards.htm, http://www.ergo-items.com/keyboards/split/ergosplit.htm and http://www.ErgoLance.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/so-you-not-a-psychologist-then-what-are-you http://www.artwoo.com/article/so-you-not-a-psychologist-then-what-are-you#comments Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:43:25 +0000 occupational therapy professionmental health settingshand muscleshand rehabilitationsocial dysfunctionspecialist areapersons life http://www.artwoo.com/article/so-you-not-a-psychologist-then-what-are-you
I am an Occupational Therapist and my specialist area is working within mental-health settings or in the community with people experiencing mental-health or emotional difficulties. I decided to write this article to explain what occupational therapist does and is trained to do within the field of mental-health.

Occupational Therapists believe that people have the ability to influence their own health and well-being through their occupations. Within occupational therapy the term "occupation" is used in its widest sense to refer to the wide variety of roles and activities that a person engages in during everyday life. Occupational Therapists recognize that occupations give structure and meaning to a person's life. Occupational Therapists believe that if a person is not able to engage in an adaptive way with occupations that are important and meaningful to them, this can have a detrimental effect on their well-being.

It is this approach to physical, psychological and social dysfunction that makes the Occupational Therapy profession unique. Occupational therapists are concerned with treating the effect of illness or injury as it relates to the persons ability to function. For example, an Occupational Therapist working within the specialist area of hand rehabilitation, would be very knowledgeable in biological sciences and physical medicine and be able to communicate and work allied to surgeons and physiotherapist colleagues working in this area. The difference would be that whilst the physiotherapist may focus on the restoration of, movement, and strength of the hand muscles, the Occupational Therapist would focus on the persons ability to use the hand during activity and occupations. So, an occupational therapist may spend time retraining the person to be able to grip a telephone or sign their name, if these were activities the person highlighted as important for them to work on.

Occupational Therapists have developed their own theories about occupation and also draw from the academic discipline occupational science. In addition, occupational therapists also need to understand information from a variety of other disciplines because they work with people experiencing illness, disease and social problems. Therefore, during the three to four years degree level training, an occupational therapist will be taught from disciplines such as sociology, psychology, psychiatry, physical medicine, developmental theory and biological sciences such as anatomy and physiology. Occupational Therapy's knowledge base includes these disciplines.

Occupational Therapists work in such a variety of settings and it would be impossible to have an in-depth understanding of information from all of the disciplines mentioned. Therefore, occupational therapists will usually specialise in an area after a few years of their career and develop a deeper understanding of theories and practices that are specific to their chosen area.

For example, an Occupational Therapist working within the field of mental-health will become knowledgeable about information from psychological and psychiatric disciplines and use such information and techniques in their everyday practice. They will also work alongside professionals from such disciplines, the OT's role to bring their unique understanding of occupational theories and models to the professional skills mix.

Occupational therapy has organized the vast amount of information from other disciplines into frames or reference. These frames of reference contain complementary theories that can be applied within a specific area of practice (Creek, 1997). Occupational Therapists specializing in mental health draw from frames of reference such as cognitive, cognitive behaviour, human developmental, occupational behaviour, psychodynamic and rehabilitative. Again, which frame of reference the occupational therapist used will depend on the unique needs of the client and also what is favoured by the setting in which they work or which approach is most supported by clinical evidence of effectiveness.

Occupational therapists working within the field of mental-health today, will often become very familiar and competent at working from and using techniques from the cognitive behavioural therapy frame of reference because this approach is currently very popular and well-researched. I now practice privately, working with individuals experiencing psychological, emotional and behavioural problems and my main frame of reference is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Edinburgh.

In sum, occupational therapists are highly qualified and professional trained healthcare practitioners who draw from the same knowledge base as other well -known professions, whist at the same time having a unique focus that is occupational in nature. Occupational therapists focus on the person and their life as a whole as opposed to just focusing on symptoms and illness labels. Occupational Therapy is available from the NHS and there are now more and more occupational therapists practicing privately. The college of occupational therapists would be able to provide you with a list of private practitioners with specialist skills in different areas. I am able to offer Occupational Therapy, Edinburgh and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Edinburgh.

References

Creek, J. (1997). Occupational Therapy and Mental Health. Churchill Livingstone. London.Karen is a mental health occupational therapist and also has a degree in Psychology. She has worked in NHS mental-health care and also practices Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Edinburgh, NLP Edinburgh and Hypnotherapy Edinburgh. Visit http://www.karenhastings.co.uk for more information.]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-importance-of-being-a-domestic-energy-assessor http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-importance-of-being-a-domestic-energy-assessor#comments Wed, 07 Nov 2007 00:35:01 +0000 renewable energy resourcestechnical competenceenergy assessmentenergy efficiencyuk governmentnational occupationallegislation http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-importance-of-being-a-domestic-energy-assessor legislation is to encourage both residential and commercial installation and use of green energy and renewable energy resources.

Each certificate for each energy assessor has to be produced by those with the federal government has determined qualified and competent to do so. The UK government is still evaluating additional measures to verify the competence of each energy assessor.

At this point in time, the legislation in the UK for evaluating an energy assessor says that she or he must be suitably competent or qualified to produce an energy assessment. By suitably qualified the legislature means someone who has experience and or learning and training equal to the requirements of the National Occupational Standard regulations for that occupation.

An energy assessor of the UK government is going to have the responsibility of completing primary tasks that relate to the newest of the United Kingdom measures for energy efficiency. While energy assessment is now offered by various organizations, only a portion of these energy assessors are actually trained and have earned an Energy Performance Display Certificate. This certificate is what gives them the authority to call themselves an accredited energy assessor. Each energy assessor must know and follow the newest version of the UK governments National Calculation Methodology. There are several different methodologies, dependent on whether a structure is residential and or about to be sold or rented, under construction, or of mixed use.

An energy assessor needs to meet two criteria in order to practice. The first is the energy assessor qualification, a document of energy inspection that shows technical competence. In the process of being updated by the National Occupational Standard, the qualification will be approved by the national Qualifications and Curriculum Agency.

An energy assessor also needs accreditation. Accreditation may be possible in several specializations such as construction, commercial and residential. The scope of qualification will cover many energy inspection areas. An energy assessor will be evaluated in his or her assessment of energy performance, perhaps in buildings under construction, in rental properties or in single family homes, for example. Each energy assessor is only allowed to conduct energy inspections in the area or areas covered by her or his current accreditation and qualification.

Additional limitations may be placed on an energy assessor beyond the types of dwellings or circumstances. An energy assessor might, for example, be determined certified for a specified number of years, after which he or she might have to retrain, upgrade his or her skills and or retest for a new certification.

Several companies in the United Kingdom have the approval of the Secretary of State to oversee the accreditation for energy assessors who wish to evaluate the energy efficiency of existing structures. These companies are RICS, Northgate, NES, Elmhurst and BRE. Many labour unions offer classes and certification and recertification training for energy assessors as well. James Copper is a writer for http://www.propertycareerskills.co.uk ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-onet-occupational-database-the-best-job-descriptions-on-the-internet http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-onet-occupational-database-the-best-job-descriptions-on-the-internet#comments Fri, 08 Aug 2008 12:43:17 +0000 bureau of labor statisticsknowledge skills and abilitiesoccupational profilesoccupational classificationstreasure troveknowledge skills abilitiesoccupational profile http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-onet-occupational-database-the-best-job-descriptions-on-the-internet
The information I will describe below was developed by United States Government agencies including but not limited to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The ONET database is a treasure trove of occupational data and is the largest of its kind.

At the heart of the process is a concept called the ONET Content Model. Go to www.onetonline.org to read along. It will be helpful for your career search to be acquainted with the job titles that the leading occupational source identifies as related occupations.

How They Do It

In order for the ONET database to provide what I call the 'transition trees' for every occupation, they needed to develop a codification and classification system that they call the SOC taxonomy. SOC stands for Standard Occupational Classification and the taxonomy is a group of standardized characteristics they use to develop job profiles in hundreds of occupations. The taxonomy includes 812 occupational classifications/profiles today.

Why It is Important for You

The ONET database is the only database that combines and relates occupational classifications with Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.(KSA's). It is the KSA library of characteristics that make up the backbone of every occupational profile. Each worker possess a unique set of knowledge, skills, and abilities -- but you also share commonalities among and between many other occupational profiles. These are referred to as the 'related occupations' that are discussed and analyzed below.

The SOC Taxonomy

Here is an example of how the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) taxonomy model works. The SOC was developed by the Department of labor to classify the entire population of occupations. Occupations that share knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics are grouped within the same SOC family. Most of the occupations titles are strongly related, but sometimes titles you might think are related are not. I tested this theory on two titles that I assumed would be related, but found out otherwise.

I have known several computer programmers and many technical people who are also amateur musicians. I've read that the reason is that programmers and musicians share a love of mathematics and patterns. To test that theory I analyzed the ONET taxonomy to see how closely Computer Programmers and Musicians were related.

Computer Programmers are categorized under SOC 15.
Musicians are classified under SOC 27.

A search for 'Computer Programmer' returned 504 occupations sorted by relevancy.
Music Directors and Music Teachers had a relevance score of 1 out of 100. This is the lowest score.
Mathematical science teachers also had a relevance of 1 out of 100.

According to the experts at ONET, there is a weak link between computer programmers and musicians on the ONET Relevancy scale.

Next, I followed the daisy chain of 'related occupations'. Here is what I found:

Level 1. Computer Programmer (SOC 15) is related to Computer Operator (SOC 43)
Level 2. Computer Operator is related to Desktop Publisher (SOC 43)
Level 3: Desktop Publisher is related to Film and Video Editors (SOC 27)
Level 4: Film and Video Editors is related to Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators (SOC 27)

I searched on the Musician Occupation and found this:

Level 1: Musician (instrumental) (SOC 27) is related to Film and Video Editors (SOC 27).
Yet, there is no direct link from that title to Musician. The KSA profile seems to flow in one direction.

Conclusion:

Everyone has an "X" factor. While the taxonomy is a valuable tool and I encourage everyone to use the ONET system, let's recognize that creativity and imagination cannot be placed in a box.Perry Maisin is a business communicator with 25 years of experience in resume writing, business process documentation, and technical staffing. Read informative articles on career testing, interviewing, and job tactics and strategy at Get Professional Advice Now!]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/overview-of-the-nmra-national-model-railroad-association http://www.artwoo.com/article/overview-of-the-nmra-national-model-railroad-association#comments Mon, 09 Jul 2007 14:20:00 +0000 model railroadingkalmbach memorial librarynmrakalmbach libraryprototype photosfortunatelytrain hobbyists http://www.artwoo.com/article/overview-of-the-nmra-national-model-railroad-association Model railroading and prototyping is a wonderful hobby that doesn't really require that anyone share in it with you =96 but the enjoyment of seeing others reactions to your special diorama or the ability to pose questions on specifications and historical references to a group of friends for many causes them to seek out other like-minded enthusiasts.

Fortunately there are many clubs and organizations that have sprung up around model railroading, hundreds in the USA alone =96 but one of the largest and most prestigious is the NMRA, the National Model Railroad Association, a non-profit educational association designed to promote model railroading, and to influence standards within the industry.

The NMRA sets its focus on its members all across the globe with over 150 divisions or groups of members spread out in 18 regions across the globe. With their yearly convention and the

"National Train Show" the NMRA manages to continue building excitement in the industry for model train hobbyists to enjoy. A leading group for the advancement of train hobbyists for over 70 years the NMRA has been there for its members and will continue to be there for many years to come.

Founded in 1935 the NMRA helped to set many of the standards that exist today and still maintains a list of Standards and Recommended Practices available to manufacturers and hobbyists.

The NMRA also helps maintain the Kalmbach Memorial Library which is one of the larger railroad reference centers in the world. Holding more then 100,000 prototype photos, more than 50,000 modeling, prototype and historical society magazines and more then 5,000 books the Kalmbach Library is a great resource for hobbyists of prototype railroading.

A few resources that the NMRA makes available to its members include:

- Access to the Kalmbach Memorial Library, perhaps the best resource available on railroads and model railroads - Fellowship with other modelers and a monthly magazine - Access to Regional and National conventions - Access to the Members' Aid Program forum, where you can discuss tribal knowledge of model trains as well as the Data Sheets for existing train specifications Are you looking for information about building and operating your model railroad? Get lots of helpful advice on The Model Railroader website at http://www.themodelrailroader.com Get a free copy of my special report "Model Railroad Design Secrets" at http://www.themodelrailroader.com/free-report.php ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/strategy-of-comprehensive-analysis-with-the-help-of-self-contained-spy-cams http://www.artwoo.com/article/strategy-of-comprehensive-analysis-with-the-help-of-self-contained-spy-cams#comments Wed, 08 Oct 2008 07:43:35 +0000 consistent viewpointcmos camerasspy camsconvincing rolehidden camerasvigilant eyeunpredictable results http://www.artwoo.com/article/strategy-of-comprehensive-analysis-with-the-help-of-self-contained-spy-cams consistent viewpoint, belief, and a style of standards that can maintain to run a long-lasting occupation with the help of the scientific and innovative ways. Progress can be maintained at the maximum height with the help of the latest equipments and with the installation of the hidden cameras. The comprehensive opinion of installing the hidden cameras or the spy cams within our occupational premises unite with surveillance requirements at a better intensity. Makers of spy cams and several other types of hidden cameras, nanny cams, CMOS cameras are relentlessly working for fresh and hottest eye catching models for the comforts of the people. The important features in the development of these cameras are profitable and the knowledge of its potency and determination of capturing pictures at different altitudes are pleasant. Excellence can be attained by getting better handiness in using these cameras in different occupations. To maintain a good flow in a particular occupation and to keep a vigilant eye on the notorious we have to set up spy cams or hidden cameras at our occupational locations and these cameras with pioneering advantages and appearances are ready to serve with convincing role for the users.

The constant worry for success or achievement orientation is the common factor among many business men today. They have to deal with uncertainties with utmost care always. They have to be alert and make the right decisions and act promptly with unpredictable results. He is the person who can take risks always and accepts challenges if he has installed the spy cams or the hidden cameras at his occupational premises. This is the motive which ultimately tends to strike for success in situations involving with an assessment in relation to some standard of excellence. Any professional work cannot survive in a fixed state but it moves on. The ups and down in any occupation is logical. Innovation is like an agent of communal change and economical development. To perform this role an individual must assume and innovative approach for the utilization of the hidden cameras or the spy cams. Basically, a professional is an individual who tries and experiences new things and equipments into his profession for success. A smart professional can be hopeful of profits of all the equipments he is using and he does not like to miss a chance to make the most use of it. If proper care is taken and regular analysis is done with the help of good equipments, then the occupation is expected to improve and if proper care is not taken then it can even destroy it. So it is always in our favor if we take wise decisions and make use of the excellent equipments which are planned for surveillance and security functions so that we can rest in peace in our surroundings with pleasure.for cheap micro spy nanny cams and for information on self contained spy nanny cam Please visit:http://www.my-spycam.com/self-contained-spy-cams/]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/paralegals-top-organizations-you-need-to-know http://www.artwoo.com/article/paralegals-top-organizations-you-need-to-know#comments Thu, 01 Jun 2006 21:32:06 +0000 paralegal educationamerican bar associationnational association of legal assistantsnational federation of paralegal associationsamerican allianceparalegalsnala http://www.artwoo.com/article/paralegals-top-organizations-you-need-to-know paralegals began developing in the United States in the 1960s and 1970s as lawyers began hiring the assistants to help them with paper work, case investigation and general duties. As more attorneys began hiring legal assistance, the American Bar Association formed the Standing Committee on Legal Assistance to help set the standard in the paralegal - attorney relationship, employment guidelines and other duties associated with the paralegal, or legal assistant. That committee was formed in the late 1960s and today is made up of both attorneys and professional paralegals. The American Bar Association offers a certification program to institutions that give courses in paralegal instruction which gives the bar association the opportunity to set standards in the education of legal assistants.

There are several major national professional organizations for paralegals in the United States, in addition to their representation in the American Bar Association. Some of those organizations have helped form the career field of the paralegal, or legal assistant.

Two professional organizations, the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) and the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA), together represent more than 30,000 paralegals across the U.S. The organizations, while both working to serve the paralegal profession, have been competitive while determining the language that helps shape the profession. The NFPA prefers usage of the word paralegal while NALA prefers the term legal assistant.

The American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE) is an organization of institutions and teachers of paralegal education programs. The organization strives for consistent paralegal education standards.

A new organization for paralegals began in 2003 and quickly began setting standards in the legal assistant field. The American Alliance of Paralegals serves individuals. Members in the American Alliance of Paralegals are required to meet certain educational or work experience guidelines in order to be a voting member. The organization was the first national organization for paralegals to become involved in setting minimum educational standards and guidelines.

If you are a paralegal hoping to gain membership in a national professional organization, do some research to see what type of associations are typical to your area. The national organizations will likely have state and regional groups meeting in your area, or a nearby area. Talk to other paralegals in your area to see if they have professional membership in one of these organizations. Ask about benefits and professional development training the organizations offer.

If you are just entering a career as a paralegal or just beginning training for such a career, see if a professional membership can help you in your career plans. Perhaps an organization that offers various networking or job notice work boards would be of benefit to someone seeking to enter the field. Membership could be like having an insider pulling for you. Also, if you are a student planning to enter the paralegal field, a national organization might be able to hook you up with scholarship or other financial award information to help you complete your training. Contact all the paralegal organizations you can find to see if they have special information that might help you along your path to your legal career.

This article may be reproduced only in its entirety. Scott Knutson is an entrepreneur and writer. For more of his articles visit: http://www.elite-paralegal.com | http://www.totalparalegal.com | http://www.paralegal-insider.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/health-safety-ignoring-it-will-close-your http://www.artwoo.com/article/health-safety-ignoring-it-will-close-your#comments Tue, 30 May 2006 00:32:06 +0000 health and safetypublic healthindependent healthprofessional healthemployee healthlitigioushttp http://www.artwoo.com/article/health-safety-ignoring-it-will-close-your health and safety and public health and safety are two areas that have become increasingly important, but also easier to manage, in recent years. There has been an increase in awareness of Health and Safety concerns in the general public and employees.

The increasingly litigious cultural atmosphere has brought health and safety to the forefront of most public and business decisions. This has been paralleled, however, by a growth in the availability of health and safety professionals, and also in better and more detailed health and safety information on the Internet. More help is available at http://www.health-safety-now.info..

Occupational health and safety measures can take many forms - from the management of physical risk in your place of work, to employee health and safety concerns about noise or stress levels.

The important thing for businesses is to have a plan for every possible health and safety situation that could arise, or that all could be feasibly predicted anyway.

Depending on your business area, there may be an organization that monitors the health and safety in your workplace - this particularly applies to dangerous locations such as railways, nuclear installations and mines, and to workplaces involved with vulnerable people, such as nursery schools, care homes and hospitals.

The occupational health and safety of these businesses will probably be monitored and checked regularly by an independent organization.

If such a group does not cover your place of work, it is recommended that you invest in a professional health and safety inspection. Alternatively you could appoint a permanent group of occupational health and safety experts, depending on the size and needs of your enterprise.

Public health and safety may be monitored by a government agency, or independent health and safety professionals may be employed to judge the health and safety of a prospective project or place of work.

Public health and safety should take into account both the health and safety of the public sector employees and of members of the general population whose health and safety may be affected by a project. Pearl Deloria has an SME management background, specializing in health and safety issues. Read more of her articles visit http://www.quality-article-service.info.. For more HandS info visit http://www.water-contamination.info and http://www.head-injuries.info ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-paralegal-profession-how-it-began-and-where-its-going http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-paralegal-profession-how-it-began-and-where-its-going#comments Tue, 20 Nov 2007 16:20:01 +0000 national federation of paralegal associationsparalegal professionparalegal fieldnational federation of paralegalnational association of legal assistantsamerican bar associationprofessional paralegals http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-paralegal-profession-how-it-began-and-where-its-going paralegal profession began back in the 60's and 70's. Attorneys began hiring assistants to help them with general duties, case investigation and paper work. This trend was noticed by the American Bar Association and it resulted in the formation of the Standing Committee on Legal Assistance which was established to setup standards in the paralegal / attorney relationship. It included duties associated with a paralegal and employment guidelines. Today, the committee consists of both professional paralegals and lawyers.

The American Bar Association offers a certification training program to schools that offer paralegal certification and training. This helps to establish educational and training standards throughout the industry which helps to ensure training uniformity.

In addition to the American Bar Association, there are a number of national organizations for paralegals that have also contributed to the refining of the paralegal / legal assistant profession.

Two of these professional organizations are the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) and the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). Together they represent about 30,000 paralegals in the United States. While these organizations are competitors, they have come together to help shape and serve the paralegal field. NALA prefers to call individuals in the profession legal assistants while NFPA prefers to call them paralegals.

Another organization, which consists of paralegal educational programs and teachers, is called The American Association for Paralegal Education or AAfPE. Consistent paralegal educational standards are one of their key points of interest.

Another professional organization for paralegals, which primarily serves individuals, was created in 2003 and is called The American Alliance of Paralegals. It quickly began setting standards in the paralegal field and paralegals are required to meet particular work experience and / or educational guidelines in order to be a voting member. It was also the first national organization for paralegals to become involved in setting minimum educational guidelines and standards.

You may want to check with other paralegals in your area to see what they have to say about the professional memberships available in any of these organizations in your area. You may also want to inquire about other benefits of becoming a member and what type of professional development training each organization offers.

If you are considering a paralegal career or you have just begun your paralegal training, you may want to consider adding a membership card to one or more of the professional paralegal organizations in your area.

It's both common sense and good business sense to contact every paralegal organization you can find. Professional paralegal organizations that offer networking or job opportunity boards are clearly a great benefit to anyone but they can be essential to those who are just beginning their careers. These organizations can also expose you to many opportunities you may otherwise not have been exposed too like: scholarship offers or financial programs that could help you complete your training.

If you've been sitting back and waiting to take that next step in your life and your career and the allure of a paralegal career is calling you... then you must check out the links below. Visit http://www.totalparalegal.com or http://www.totalparalegal.com/sitemap1.html or http://www.totalparalegal.com/links.html for more information on a Paralegal Career. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/company-pensions-in-a-nutshell http://www.artwoo.com/article/company-pensions-in-a-nutshell#comments Thu, 24 Jul 2008 05:43:21 +0000 occupational pension schemeindependent financial advisersremuneration packagescompany pensionsscheme detailsretirement agemoney purchase http://www.artwoo.com/article/company-pensions-in-a-nutshell Company pensions are an invaluable part of employees' remuneration packages. They are a central incentive and motivation to staff and an important part, therefore, for successful retention and recruitment. This importance is recognised by the Independent Financial Advisers who help and advise employees and companies alike on the benefits of a company or occupational pension scheme.

Types of occupational pension

If the company offers an occupational pension scheme, this generally means that it also makes contributions to its employees' pensions and may also include benefits to the spouse, partner or dependents of the employee in the event of their death.

Although the particular scheme in place in any one company will vary from workplace to workplace, it will fall into one of two broad categories:

- Final salary schemes -- as the name suggests, this type of scheme bases the pension on the salary the employee is earning in the final years of his employment and the number of years he or she has worked for that employer;

- Money purchase schemes -- individual employees receive pension benefits based on the amount of money that has been paid into a pension fund and the performance of the investments in that fund.

Who pays?

Company pensions generally rely on regular monthly contributions being made by both employee and employer, based on a percentage of the employee's salary. For both employee and employer, those contributions are made free of any tax deductions.

Pension payment

The employee's retirement age -- the age at which he or she can start to draw the pension -- will be set out in the rules of the particular pension scheme. Details about qualification, together with estimates of the pension benefits likely to be paid on retirement, will be made available by the administrator of the pension scheme.

Changing jobs

If the employee leaves the company's employment, it is generally not possible for him or her to continue contributions to the same occupational pension scheme, although the benefits are preserved and the former employee becomes what is known as a "deferred member" -- the benefits are deferred until the employee's qualifying retirement age under the rules of the scheme.

In the case of a final salary scheme, the deferred pension benefits are re-valued on a regular (generally annual) basis, with the intention of their being kept broadly in line with inflation. Some of the benefits of such schemes -- "death in service", for example -- are unlikely to continue to be available, however, if the employee has left the company's employment and is a deferred member.

In the case of a money purchase pension scheme, the combined employee and employer contributions remain invested in the pension fund. Annual statements on the current performance of the fund and forecasts of its future performance will continue to be sent to the former employee and deferred member.

Pension transfers

Employees have the option of transferring their accumulated pension from the occupational scheme into a personal pension plan or, if they have changed jobs, into another company scheme.

The implications and costs of doing this, however, are by no means straight forward and anyone thinking of transferring from an occupational pension scheme, or anyone with any questions about company pensions in general, would best seek independent financial advice.Sean Horton is a Director of Enhanced Wealth, a whole of market mortgage broker and IFA specialising in mortgage advice and the associated areas of company pensions, protection, and life cover.]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-master-of-science-in-occupational-therapy-online-means-a-secure-future http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-master-of-science-in-occupational-therapy-online-means-a-secure-future#comments Sun, 30 Nov 2008 12:08:20 +0000 entry level degreebaby boomer generationtalented instructorslargest populationpopulation groupmedical professionclinical knowledge http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-master-of-science-in-occupational-therapy-online-means-a-secure-future clinical knowledge and techniques for analyzing patient needs. Not to mention the fact that you will advance in your career and gain knowledge that will allow you to help more and more people.

The best part of obtaining an online degree is that you will be able to acquire these enhanced skills in your own home and at your convenience. For a hard-working professional who's already employed in a demanding job, with ongoing obligations to support and care for a family, being able to work when and where it's convenient is paramount to being able to complete an advanced degree in the shortest amount of time. In addition to benefiting from the experience of your talented instructors in your classes, the online "classroom" will also expose you to the experience and ideas of your fellow students. Think about it: you will have the benefit of all the experience gleaned by the students in your classes. As a medical professional, such information is priceless and will enable you to vastly improve your own efforts at caring for your patience.

The largest population group today is the baby boomer generation. The services offered to these individuals provide jobs for many, mostly in the medical profession. As we age our bodies slowly deteriorate and health problems arise. As an occupational therapist you know the benefits your services offer this generation. Learning more and obtaining advanced degrees will ensure that you are prepared to undertake treatment of these individuals.

When you pursue a course of study aimed at helping you to complete your master's degree you'll be able to tap into your own experiences in a clinical setting. You are able to analyze past success and mistakes and use what you already know in order to learn even more. When you couple that with the latest clinical studies and most advanced techniques available you are sure to become well rounded in your industry. Having access to the latest, most up to the minute information is so important to a field like occupational therapy where there are new advances in treatment every year, and even more new treatment techniques on the horizon.

Medicine is one of the few fields right now with any significant job security. Getting a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy will enable you to provide for your family for many years to come. But this is only one reason for you to pursue this intensive course of online study. By receiving your master's degree you will be helping other people to improve their lives through your efforts. Not only will you be making a very good living in a secure profession with good benefits, but also every day that you go to work you will be making a positive impact on the lives of others.

There are few more noble callings than those in the medical field. It has always been a good field to work in, but advances in learning technology and the ability to tap into the experiences and skills of fellow professionals all over the world makes the present day the very best time in history in which to practice medicine. Getting an advanced degree means you will have an important job that's valuable to society and you'll have the security of knowing that you're working in a field that is virtually recession-proof. As the largest population group ages your services will be needed more often. Secure your future with an advanced degree.Andy West is a writer for ATSU, an online college for healthcare professionals looking to obtain a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Online degree. Other courses are also offered at this well respected institution For more information please visit ATSU.edu.]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-role-rula-assessments-play-in-occupational-ergonomics http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-role-rula-assessments-play-in-occupational-ergonomics#comments Fri, 05 Oct 2007 02:15:02 +0000 rulapostureuniversity of nottinghamvdu usersintervalsriskassessment requirements http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-role-rula-assessments-play-in-occupational-ergonomics RULA is a risk analysis screening tool that provides a rapid assessment of the relative risk relating to a worker's performance. RULA assesses biomechanical and postural loading on the whole body with particular attention to the neck, trunk and upper limbs.

The tool was developed Dr Lynn McAtamney, a co-founder of COPE, leaders in Occupational Ergonomics, in conjunction with Professor Nigel Corlett, of University of Nottingham.

A RULA assessment requires little time to complete, no specialist equipment and the scoring generates an action list which indicated the level of intervention required to reduce the risks of injury due to physical loading on the operator.

RULA is intended to be used as part of a broader ergonomic study. The reliability and validity of the tool was established in a series of studies conducted with VDU users and sewing machine operators.

RULA is of particular assistance in fulfilling the assessment requirements of both the European Community Directive (90/270/EEC) on the minimum safety and health requirements for work with display screen equipment and the UK Guidelines on the prevention of work-related upper limb disorders

Step 1 - Observing and selecting the posture(s) to assess

RULA is used to assess moments of a work cycle by observing the range of postures adopted whilst undertaking tasks prior to selecting the posture(s) for assessment. Depending upon the type of assessment, selection may be made of the longest held posture or what appears to be the worst posture(s) adopted. For example, when the work cycle is long or the postures are varied it may be more appropriate to take an assessment at regular intervals. It will be evident that, if assessments are taken at set intervals over the working period, the proportion of time spent in the various postures can be evaluated.

Step 2 - Scoring and recording the posture

Decide whether the left, right or both upper arms are to be assessed. Score the posture of each body part using the electronic tool. Review the scoring and make any adjustments if required. Select calculation button.

Step 3 - Action Level

The grand score is compared to the Action Level List. Since the human body is a complex and adaptive system, they provide a guide for further action. In most cases, to ensure efficient and effective control of any risks identified, the actions lead to a detailed investigation. This is described further in "Reducing the Risks of Work Related Upper Limb Disorders: A Guide and Methods" available from The Institute for Occupational Ergonomics. James Bowden is a Director of COPE, the UK's premier occupational Health and Saftey, Occupational Ergonomics and Manual Handling specialists http://www.copeohs.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/information-on-asthma-for-grown-ups http://www.artwoo.com/article/information-on-asthma-for-grown-ups#comments Thu, 07 Sep 2006 06:27:16 +0000 adult asthmaoccupational asthmaasthma specialistsasthma patientasthma attacksadult lifeadults http://www.artwoo.com/article/information-on-asthma-for-grown-ups Adults and Asthma

This article talks about Asthma for the grown up and elderly. We know that asthma has many medical implications.

Adult asthma normally comes from one of three conditions. First off, some adults that have had asthma their entire lives or that have had it since childhood are in one condition. In the second, the asthma was there during childhood and then all symptoms of asthma were gone for a period of time and then sometime later in their adult life, asthma has come back. Finally, there are those adults that are first getting asthma during their adult years. In this case, the asthma is almost always brought on by occupational asthma conditions, or poor working conditions or exposure to triggers that over time developed into asthma in the individual.

Anyone that has asthma, including the adult, can find the help that they need in treating and living with it. As you will learn as an asthma patient, there are many types of medications on the market that can be used to treat asthma both in the episodes that you may experience (asthma attacks) as well as in the day to day living arrangements. Those that have had asthma as a child and then had no symptoms of asthma for much of their life only to have it resurface are often the hardest patients to treat. Here, something, possibly contaminants or even infection, has caused the resurgence of the asthma and it is often a severe case when this happens.

In cases where occupational asthma is the culprit, it is often the asthma specialist's first course of action to determine what the trigger is that is causing the asthma outbreaks. Then, the first treatment for this type of asthma will be to avoid that trigger. Of course, your doctor will help you to determine what that is and will work with you to determine just what can be done to help provide you with relief from your asthma. Even as an adult, it is important to seek out the help you need for asthma. Roger Thompson writes about asthma, health related issues and jobs for http://www.Idohealthcare.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/career-outlook-for-virtual-assistants http://www.artwoo.com/article/career-outlook-for-virtual-assistants#comments Fri, 19 May 2006 21:32:10 +0000 career outlookgrowth outlookpr specialistsoccupational outlookpublic relations prgovernment careerthing to remember http://www.artwoo.com/article/career-outlook-for-virtual-assistants career outlook predictions aren't developed yet for the Virtual Assistance industry, whether that's because it's a relatively new field or because the tasks done by VAs are as varied as the VAs themselves remains to be seen. One has to examine similar fields and skill-sets to see how VAs will fare in the years to come. By looking at these similar fields, you can see that the growth outlook for Virtual Assistance is above average. The question of "Will this job still be around in 20 years?" can be answered by looking at the services that a specific VA is offering and closely-related "traditional" employment fields.

The most important thing to remember, though, is to keep current with technology and software that can progress your business. If you only know outdated technology, then you and your business are outdated and your clients may go elsewhere for service. Keep adding to your services and learn everything you can about your niche market and what they currently need.

With many businesses restructuring and downsizing (getting rid of middle managers), companies are utilizing more and more secretarial and administrative support staff to take over those duties. If you offer administrative support as a VA, and market yourself as an off-site solution to those downsizing companies, your "job security" looks pretty good. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that you will have competition from on-site employees for these positions.

If you offer more specialized services than administrative support, you have different chances for sustaining an ongoing career. Here are two examples:

If you offer Public Relations (PR)services, your occupational outlook is rosy. With so many different types of organizations -- such as businesses, nonprofits, universities, hospitals and more - looking for media specialists and PR specialists to do more than just "tell their story." Creativity, initiative, good judgment and the ability to communicate effectively are some of the skills necessary to succeed in this job. There's lots of competition in this role, but employment/contracts for PR specialists is expected to grow faster than average, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

If you offer Desktop Publishing services, your occupational outlook is also great. Many companies are beginning to outsource these services, as opposed to having in-house staff. With experience and/or a degree in graphic design or a related field, desktop publishers have a variety of different organizations to market themselves to. VAs offer an affordable alternative to hiring a graphic design firm.

Whether you specialize in desktop publishing and graphic design or public relations or another niche specialty, it's clear that Virtual Assistance is catching on and the VAs who are out there aren't going anywhere. With more and more employers and companies looking to outsource projects turning to offsite personnel to fulfill these needs, the view of using "virtual" workers is changing. It's no longer as common to hear objections such as "How do I know you'll really be working?" when proposing using a VA to someone who never has before. Many people have heard of VAs now or know someone who uses theirs. In most cases, once someone has a VA on their team, they don't turn back to in-house staff to fulfill those duties.

To check out similar fields' occupational outlooks, visit the Occupational Outlook Handbook (2006-07 edition) put out by the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics at http://www.bls.gov.. If you're an aspiring Virtual Assistant, claim your free e-report "Virtual Assistant Business: A Basic Guide to Start Your Own" at http://www.virtualassistantbusiness.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/ergonomics-at-work-osha-is-on-the-job http://www.artwoo.com/article/ergonomics-at-work-osha-is-on-the-job#comments Sat, 11 Nov 2006 22:27:04 +0000 occupational safety and health administration oshaoccupational safety and health administrationproactive stanceoccupational safety and health actoccupational safety and healthcharles baudelairecomputer use http://www.artwoo.com/article/ergonomics-at-work-osha-is-on-the-job Charles Baudelaire observed back in the 1800s, "Inspiration comes of working every day." Most people do work every day, and unfortunately it's not only inspiration that comes of it. Repetitive stress injuries (RSI) are also the result of every day tasks performed again and again while operating a computer. Relief is in sight, however, thanks in part to a particular government agency. This organization is raising awareness and promoting solutions 24/7.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has a mandate to protect employees from being hurt in the workplace. James Hodgson, Secretary of Labor, established OSHA within his department in 1971. This was in response to the Occupational Safety and Health Act, legislation he helped author. For the first time in U.S. history, the government stepped in to make sure that workers were as protected as possible from illness, injury, and death on the job. And OSHA had its work cut out for it. Construction, chemical, and agricultural workers were among the many who needed better safety standards in their industries.

But as computer use rose, and the related RSI grew, OSHA turned its attention to this new problem. In recent years, OSHA has developed a four part program designed to reduce injuries and illnesses associated with computer use on the job. The four parts are

Guidelines, Outreach and Assistance, Enforcement, and the National Advisory Committee.

Guidelines are recommended practices that are developed for specific tasks and industries. These are voluntary, not mandatory. Employers use the guidelines to identify and modify risks in the workplace. Implementing these practices reduces injuries related to the way people do their jobs.

The Outreach and Assistance component of this program is aimed at businesses of all sizes. OSHA wants companies to take a proactive stance when it comes to preventing RSI. To help employers, OSHA designed an extensive array of tools that educate, analyze, and train people regarding the ergonomics of their jobs. Available to the public for free on the OSHA website, the computer workstation portion of the Ergonomics eTools is a comprehensive guide to proper computing techniques.

Included in this section is:

Good Working Position (talks about every part of the body and what the best placement is for preventing RSI)

Workstation Components (all the technology and furniture you commonly use is listed here with possible hazards, solutions, and tips)

Checklist (a great way to evaluate how you're doing ergonomically while you operate a computer) Work Process (focuses on the physical movements of computer use, with hazards to watch for, more solutions, and tips)

Workstation Environment (information about factors people often don't think about such as lighting, ventilation, and glare)

But Outreach and Assistance is more than the Ergonomic eTools. It has industry guidelines, cooperative programs, ergonomic analysis info, and success stories. It even has a checklist with tips for new purchases. It is chock full of valuable information for everyone from the individual computer user to the captains of industry.

OSHA persists in its campaign to help employers and employees prevent Repetitive Stress Injuries. If the folks at OSHA have their way, inspiration will be the only result of long hours of work in front of a computer. Baudelaire would approve Leon Groom writes about http://www.ergo-items.com/keyboards.htm, http://www.ergo-items.com/keyboards/split/ergosplit.htm and http://www.ErgoLance.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/things-to-ask-a-shar-pei-breeder http://www.artwoo.com/article/things-to-ask-a-shar-pei-breeder#comments Mon, 03 Mar 2008 03:35:01 +0000 shar peiasking the right questionsbreeder searchreputable breedersearch processnew petopen communication http://www.artwoo.com/article/things-to-ask-a-shar-pei-breeder Shar Pei breeder is listed with a national breeder registry or not. You can expect support, detailed care instructions and a food sample from a good Shar Pei breeder. Ask your Shar Pei breeder if they have a policy of taking dogs back to avoid abandonment or shelters.

When you are ready to choose a Shar Pei breeder you are going to need to ask a lot of the right questions because your breeder is someone you will be in contact with for many years to come. You need to trust your breeder and be able to communicate with them. And one of the ways you can determine that is by asking the right questions during the breeder search process. This is a little primer on what some of those questions could be and what answers you should be looking for.

Any reputable breeder is going to be listed with a national breeder registry, using the registry's breeding standards as his or her own. You are going to need to question a breeder that is not listed with a registry and find out what they use for breeding standards and also why they choose not to be part of a national organization that lends credibility to their business.

With a good Shar Pei breeder the relationship between owner and breeder does not end when the transaction is finished. A reputable breeder will be there for the owner for many years to come to make sure that the owner knows how to give quality care to their new dog and offer any advice that the owner may need on how to care for their new pet. It is important to have this open communication with your breeder and if your breeder is not into communication after the sale then it is time for a new breeder.

When a new owner leaves the property of a reputable Shar Pei breeder they do so with detailed care and feeding instructions and a sample of the dog's food so that the owner knows what to feed their new dog. If your breeder does not indicate they offer this kind of assistance to owners then you may want to move on to a different breeder.

You want to know that your Shar Pei breeder is prepared to be there for the good times and the bad and that is why one question you should ask is if they have a policy of taking back dogs they have sold. You won't get a refund but if you find yourself in a situation where you cannot care for your dog anymore at least you know that your breeder cares enough to not want to see the dog abandoned or wind up in a shelter. Gestures like that is a wonderful thing for a breeder to offer.

Always ask a lot of questions of your prospective Shar Pei breeders. Sometimes a breeder will offer pet insurance for free so be sure to ask about that too. You can never ask a breeder too many questions and the more reputable breeders will insist that you ask a lot of questions so that you are totally comfortable with them before you buy your dog. Melissa Coleman is a much sought after speaker, holding lectures about a number of canine subjects. There is good information on what to ask a potential http://www.sharpeiguide.com/Shar_pei_Breeders/index.php Shar Pei breeder in this article. You can use this article to get important http://www.sharpeiguide.com/Shar_pei.php Shar Pei information. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/rottweiler-breeder-information-you-need http://www.artwoo.com/article/rottweiler-breeder-information-you-need#comments Sat, 02 Feb 2008 20:20:00 +0000 rottweiler breederreputable breedergood breedingnew petpet insurancerottweilerongoing support http://www.artwoo.com/article/rottweiler-breeder-information-you-need rottweiler+breeder" rel="tag">Rottweiler breeder should be affiliated with a breeder registry so ask them which one they are listed with. A good Rottweiler breeder will offer care and feeding instructions as well as ongoing support to new owners. Sometimes a reputable Rottweiler breeder will offer free pet insurance and the option to return the pet with no refund.

It is time to go out and find a Rottweiler breeder to get your new pet from and one of the first things you need to arm yourself with is a checklist of questions that you should be asking your Rottweiler breeder so that you know exactly what kind of person you are dealing with. The choice of a breeder is an important decision, so make sure you have all of the resources at your disposal you can and be sure to ask a lot of questions.

A reputable breeder is going to be listed with a national breeder registry because a national breeder registry is going to set the standard the breeder uses for good breeding practices. Always check what your breeder says by searching the registry's Internet site so that you can confirm what they tell you. If they are not listed then ask them why they are not listed and ask them what breeding standards they use if it is not the standards of a reputable national organization.

Ask your potential Rottweiler breeder what information they will give you when it comes to the care and feeding your new dog. A reputable and good breeder will always supply a new owner with complete information, usually in writing, on how to properly care for their new dog. Most breeders will also give you samples of the food your new dog eats so you can get the right kind of food. A breeder that is not offering this kind of important information may not be a breeder you want to deal with.

When you leave with your new pet your relationship with your breeder does not end. You should always feel like you have an open channel to your breeder so you can ask questions about your new pup. Your breeder should be just as interested in the health and well being of your dog as you are so make sure they are there for you after the sale.

In some cases insurance companies will offer free pet insurance to a reputable Rottweiler breeder so that they can pass it on to new owners. The insurance last six weeks, which is just long enough to cover that first vet appointment. The insurance company hopes you will like the insurance and pay to renew it while the breeder will just be happy you are getting the dog the medical attention it needs.

Different breeders have different policies and some breeders will offer to take back a pup if you ever find yourself unable to care for it anymore. The breeder will not offer a cash refund but they will offer the dog a chance at a new home and the chance to stay out of shelters or avoid being abandoned. You should always learn as much as you can about your Rottweiler breeder, as you will be dealing with them for many years to come. Sharon Davies is an animal lover that owns many large dogs. If you need questions to ask potential http://www.officialrottweilerguide.com/Rottweiler_Breeders/index.php Rottweiler breeders, then use this article. This article contains helpful http://www.officialrottweilerguide.com/Rottweiler.php Rottweiler information regarding reputable breeders. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/are-there-motorcycle-helmet-safety-standards http://www.artwoo.com/article/are-there-motorcycle-helmet-safety-standards#comments Tue, 15 Jul 2008 08:29:19 +0000 motorcycle helmet safetyhelmet safety standardsminimum safety standardssnell memorial foundationsnell standardshelmet manufacturerdot standards http://www.artwoo.com/article/are-there-motorcycle-helmet-safety-standards motorcycle helmet safety standards.

When you're looking at motorcycle helmet safety standards, you should know that there are two different groups giving certifications. The government's certification that minimum safety standards are met is given by the Department of Transportation.

Another thing to note is that depending on what country you live in, there may be different motorcycle helmet safety standards. If you live in the US, it is safe to say that any helmet that adheres to the DOT or SNELL standards are good to go. For other countries other standards may apply.

There are a few things to note about the DOT standards. Compliance is shown through a certification that must be displayed on your helmet. A police officer who would like to inspect your helmet for legality can ask to see this sticker.

It is also important to keep in mind that a helmet is not tested by the government if it has a DOT certification. That testing is done by the manufacturer on an honor system that it passes government standards.

So how do you ensure that even though the motorcycle helmet manufacturer says it passes certain safety standard tests that it is actually a helmet that will protect you in case of an accident? There is really no way to know for sure, however picking an established brand and company that has been around for awhile and has a reputation for excellence is a good idea.

There is a second motorcycle helmet safety standard used in North America. It is known as the Snell Memorial Foundation, or simply SNELL. It uses independent laboratory testing, and is not affiliated with the government.

There are differences in the SNELL testing approach. It is more involved and has more tests than the DOT standard. It is also performed by the SNELL labs, and not by the manufacturer themselves. Having a third party confirm the safety standards vs. leaving the responsibility up to the manufacturer is huge! This ensures the helmet you purchase is capable of protecting you in case of an accident.

There are some issues with the SNELL approach. First off, it is expensive to undergo for the manufacturers, and not all helmets are therefore tested. Secondly, it uses less helmets in its testing, because less are submitted.

A SNELL helmet is often also DOT certified, giving you peace of mind. If you like a SNELL certified helmet and have the money, it is a good buy because it is sure to meet motorcycle helmet safety standards.

When protecting your head it is a good idea to get the absolute best helmet your budget can handle. Obviously going with a SNELL is the best choice since it covers both the DOT and the SNELL standards. Settling with a DOT helmet is better than one that isn't safety certified but if possible, shoot for both certifications.Safety standards are there for a reason, to ensure that consumers are being protected! For a large selection of both DOT and SNELL certified helmets just visit Splat Hat. There are all sorts of helmets available, both different color and style combinations are available. For a selection of HJC Open Face Helmets with many different color and style combo's check out Splat Hat.]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-find-a-qualified-massage-therapist http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-find-a-qualified-massage-therapist#comments Wed, 07 Jun 2006 12:32:03 +0000 massage therapiststherapeutic massagemassage therapistnational certification board for therapeutic massage and bodyworknational commission for certifying agenciesnctmbncbtmb http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-find-a-qualified-massage-therapist massage therapist.

The place to start is with credentials. Regarding state regulation, 33 states and the District of Columbia now regulate massage therapists. If you are in one of these states you will want to find out if your prospective massage therapist is licensed, though in some states it is referred to as state certification or registration. Some local governments may also have some form of regulation.

The primary national credential is the designation Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, which is designated by the initials NCTMB. Professional certification differs from governmental regulation because it is private (i.e., non-governmental) and not compulsory. The designation NCTMB is awarded by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB), which is a non-profit corporation. The Board is elected by the people who are nationally certified.

People earn the designation NCTMB by meeting certain requirements, generally involving education and experience, to take an exam. If they pass it, they become nationally certified for 4 years.

They must then complete certain requirements to re-certify every 4 years. What is especially significant for the consumer is the national certification program has been accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), located in Washington, D.C. This means the national certification program has been thoroughly evaluated by an outside agency according to very rigorous standards. AMTA is proud to have been a primary contributor to the creation of the national certification program.

Another criteria is education. The minimum number of hours of training AMTA recommends looking for is 500 hours, which is the standard followed by most of the states regulating massage therapists, though the required number of hours is increasing in some places. AMTA recommends you look for a graduate of a training program that has been accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA) or an agency with equivalent standards. Why? To become accredited by COMTA a training program must offer a curriculum that meets certain requirements, submit an extensive self-evaluation, undergo a site visit inspection by a team of experts, and be evaluated by an independent accreditation board. This means a training program accredited by COMTA has qualified faculty to teach, proper equipment and classrooms, required teaching subjects, and other features needed to adequately train students in massage therapy. In turn, you the consumer can have some assurance about a massage therapist's training if your prospective massage therapist graduated from an accredited training program.

Another factor to consider is whether a prospective massage therapist belongs to a credible professional association, such as AMTA. Of course, this being AMTA's Website, we're partial to AMTA .... and for reasons that are also good for consumers and the public. To belong to AMTA, a massage therapist must either pass the national certification exam, graduate from a training program accredited or approved by COMTA, or have a current AMTA accepted state, provincial, or city license. AMTA has practice standards that promote the highest standards in the profession. AMTA members must also follow a strict Code of Ethics, to which AMTA members are held accountable. Violations are subject to grievance procedures. AMTA is a non-profit organization whose leaders are democratically elected by its members, so its dedication to high standards and advancing the profession remains strong.

Next, you might want to ask about your prospective massage therapist's approach to massage therapy. While some massage therapists may only use one or two types of massage, most massage therapists employ a variety of techniques in their practice. What you want to find out is if what the massage therapist offers is compatible with what you need. You can find out more about the various types of massage by looking at the glossary of definitions. The more specific your needs, the more important the massage therapist's approach and specific skills may be. You could also ask about how many years experience the massage therapist has. By the way, some massage therapists with many years experience may have started out in an era when there weren't as many training programs around and many of the profession's standards were not yet in place. You can, if you wish, take their experience into account when considering their credentials.

Finally, you may find just the "right" massage therapist for you the first time you try. However, you may also need to try several massage therapists to find the "right fit" for you, because, besides credentials, there is also a personal element to massage. Personality fit is important too, so is trust. You should feel confident and comfortable with your massage therapist. Communication is an important element in massage therapy. Don't be afraid to discuss any apprehensions or concerns.

We have a way to make finding a massage therapist a little easier .... AMTA's Find A Massage Therapist® national locator service! By using the this service, you can receive the names of several qualified massage therapists near you. If you or someone you know needs to find a massage therapist, AMTA's Find A Massage Therapist® national locator service is available on this Website to assist you.

Questions to Ask When Looking for a Massage Therapist

- Are you currently licensed as a massage therapist in this state? (If you are in one of the 33 states or the District of Columbia which regulates massage therapy) - Are you a graduate of a training program accredited or approved by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA), OR - Are you certified by the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork? - Where did you receive your massage therapy training? How many hours of training did you complete? - Do you have advanced training in any specific massage techniques? - Are you a member of AMTA? The http://www.amtamassage.org/ is a resource center for http://www.amtamassage.org/massage_ther.html and http://www.amtamassage.org/consumers.html. ]]>