Personal work journals help you recall details when it matters the most
Can you recall every day of every job in your career? If you’re an apprentice, maybe, but once you have a handful of years in the trade, you’ll probably notice a lack of recollection. For all intents and purposes, remembering details of your career won’t ever be needed — unless you are exposed to asbestos, silica, lead or any other hazardous material. This is where keeping a work journal becomes a lifeline. You can’t go back in time to create one, so starting one early in your career (like now!) could save you time, money and effort down the line.
Remember: your exposures can also have a bearing on your family member’s health.
A well-kept work journal can store valuable information, documentation crucial to establishing timelines and latency periods. It should also document recovery for you and any family members who have been exposed to materials you either came into contact with on the jobsite or brought home on your clothing, boots or work vehicle.
Daily work journals can be written in a hardcover book with a dated format or they can be kept electronically. However, written format is associated with better recall of events.
When keeping a work journal, remember:
- WHO: Write down who you worked for, including employer, supervisor, general contractor and fellow employees.
- WHAT: Mention job duties performed during that shift and what was going on in your workspace at the time.
- WHERE: Document the address of the jobsite and note the area where you were working. Example: Jones Hospital, 100 First St., Smalltown, PA, second floor, cafeteria
- WHEN: All entries should be dated. Note the weather conditions.
- PRODUCTS: Include names of products you worked with and products you worked around.
- EXPOSURES & ACCIDENTS: Write detailed accounts of any accidents or exposures, including the names of the general contractor and immediate supervisor and all people contacted regarding the incident, such as union representatives. Keep an updated account moving forward of all actions regarding the incident and maintain documentation afterward to note any health testing or changes.
Additional questions? Call or text Diane Blackburn, SMOHIT care coordinator, at 412-671-6532 or send her an email to diane@blackburnconsulting.org