Safety Training

Safe-Teen: Avoiding Hazards on the Job

2007-06-11T10:33:00.000-04:00

Safe-Teen: Avoiding Hazards on the Job

Familydoctor.org reports that 70,000 teens get injured on the job and even had to undergo emergency treatment. Worse, 70 teens die because of job-related injuries, such as unsafe equipment, stressful conditions, and lack of safety training or supervision.

Considering these, every teen should realize that they face real, life-threatening risks while in the workplace. For instance, for those working in the food service industry, Familydoctor.org cites hazards such as slippery floors, sharp objects, and hot surfaces, like grills, stoves, and pans. For those doing office work, poor computer workstation design can cause repetitive movement injuries. Teens who work in retail stores may also experience injuries from heavy lifting. On the other hand, they could be exposed to unsafe conditions like robberies and other violent crimes.

It is important that teens know the possible hazards they may encounter while working so they can avoid getting hurt.

Safety Training - West Nile virus threatens outdoor workers

2006-09-15T09:29:00.000-04:00

West Nile virus, which is spread to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes, can cause severe symptoms from a single bite – from high fever and neck stiffness to coma, tremors, vision loss and paralysis.

Outdoor workers face the greatest risk, including farmers, foresters, landscapers, roofers, painters and construction workers.

The mosquito threat is greatest in the summer, and continues through September, as long as the weather stays warm.

NIOSH provides employers with the following tips on protecting workers:

* provide training that describes how the virus is transmitted.
* stress the importance of reporting all work-related injuries.
* provide a medical surveillance system that monitors the symptoms.
* provide workers with protective clothing and repellents.
* reduce worker exposure to mosquitoes by not having them work outdoors when mosquitoes are most active.
* eliminate as many standing sources of water as possible to decrease the mosquito population.

Groundskeeping and outdoor workers also face other types of occupational risks. Keep them safe by learning more about Coastal's safety training programs.

Safety Training - Hearing loss from chemicals

2006-09-14T09:14:00.000-04:00

Noise is the workplace hazard normally associated with occupational hearing loss. But health and safety researchers are giving increased attention to a lesser-known threat to normal hearing – ototoxins.

Industrial Hygiene News reports that ototoxins are chemicals that can damage the auditory nerve and cochlear hair cells in the inner ear, with routes of exposure through inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption. When ototoxic chemicals enter the bloodstream, they can be circulated to the ear and lead to mild hearing loss or profound deafness.

The work activities where noise and ototoxins combine include painting, printing, construction, manufacturing of metal, leather, and petroleum products and fueling vehicles and aircraft.

The following control strategies have been recommended by various U.S. agencies:

* Perform task-based assessments of individual worker exposure to ototoxic chemicals using personal air sampling devices and/or skin and surface samplers.
* Take steps to reduce potential ototoxin exposures through inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption.
* Conduct yearly audiograms for workers exposed to ototoxins when Airborne and dermal exposure levels are high.

For more information on the combined effects of chemicals and noise, see the NIOSH Topic Page at NIOSH.

Safety Training - Columbus Steel receives OSHA fine

2006-09-13T09:43:00.000-04:00

OSHA issued citations against Columbus Steel Castings Co. yesterday for two repeat and 59 serious violations of federal workplace safety and health standards, resulting in a $257,500 penalty.

OSHA personnel opened an investigation at the steel casting and manufacturing facility in March based on injury and illness data reported by the business and following receipt of complaints and two accidents earlier this year. As a result, OSHA found that Columbus Steel Castings Co. had failed to correct hazards involving missing or inadequate standard guardrails and inadequate guarding of vertical belts that posed a risk to workers. In each case, OSHA issued repeat violations based on an October 2003 investigation that found the same or similar hazards, which were cited and certified as corrected by the company.

The 59 serious citations issued by OSHA covered a variety of hazards including confined spaces; lockout/tagout issues; problems with overhead cranes and forklifts; electrical hazards; inadequate machine guarding; and the improper storage of oxygen and fuel gas cylinders.

The Columbus, OH facility has been inspected four times since 2003, including a fatality investigation that year. The company has 15 working days from receipt of the citations to appeal before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Aerial work platforms

2006-09-12T13:52:00.000-04:00

Manlifts and scissor lifts, if used correctly, provide quick and safe access to work areas that at one time could only be reached from scaffolding or a crane's manbasket. These lifts are important tools, but there are right and wrong ways to use them safely.

According to Toolboxtopics.com, the most important tip to remember before operating any aerial lift platform, is always read and follow the manufacturer's safety and operation manual. This information must be kept on the rig, and can usually be found in a PVC tube that's tied to the machine's frame or rails.

Other safe operating procedures for manlifts and scissor lifts include:

• Always check for overhead obstructions before driving or elevating the platform.
• Refuel tanks only when the unit is turned off. If battery powered, the batteries should be charged only in a well ventilated area, away from any open flame.
• Prior to each shift a safety inspection should be completed by the operator; this includes both a visual inspection and a function test.
• Elevate the platform only when it is on a firm, level surface.
Scissor lifts are efficient one-direction lifts. They provide a solid surface to work from, but always remember:
• Guardrail, midrails and toeboards must be in place. The toe board can be omitted at the door.
• The platform must be equipped with a mechanical parking brake that will hold the unit securely on any slope it is capable of climbing. The brake should be tested periodically.
• Never use the lift's rails, planks across the rails, or a ladder, to gain additional height.
Unique hazards for manlifts: Manlifts can move in more than a single direction, increasing the risk of mishaps, so it's important to remember the following:
• When ever working out of a manlift, a full body harness must be worn, and properly attached to the basket. A sudden jolt has thrown people from manlifts, before they could react.
• Always maintain a safe distance from debris piles, drop-offs, floor openings, etc.
• Never drive the manlift when it is elevated above the limit the manufacturer considers safe. Each piece of equipment will state what the maximum extension can be while being driven.

Avian flu preparedness

2006-09-11T10:58:00.000-04:00

In the event of an Avian flu pandemic, businesses will play a key role in protecting employees’ health and safety as well as limiting the negative impact to the economy.

Pandemicflu.gov offers a contingency plan with six separate areas of consideration, including how companies should plan for the impact of a pandemic on your employees:

• Forecast and allow for employee absences
• Implement guidelines to modify the frequency and type of face-to-face contact
• Encourage and track annual influenza vaccinations
• Evaluate employee access to and availability of healthcare services
• Evaluate employee access to and availability of mental health and social services
• Identify employees with special needs and incorporate their requirements into your preparedness plan

To review the other steps in the plan, go to: http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/businesschecklist.html

Fall protection tips

2006-09-08T10:51:00.000-04:00

Want a quick lesson on fall protection? OSHA’s New Fall Protection Quick Card provides helpful tips to prevent falls on the ground and on ladders, including:

* Identify all potential tripping and fall hazards before work starts
* Inspect fall protection equipment for defects before use
* Secure and stabilize all ladders before climbing
* Use handrails when you go up and down stairs
* Practice good housekeeping – keep cords, welding leads and air hoses out of walkways or adjacent work areas.

For a complete look at the Quick Card, go to: http://www.osha.gov/Publications/fall_protection_qc.html

Emergency planning for small businesses

2006-09-07T16:12:00.000-04:00

September is National Preparedness Month, the time to focus on the job of getting prepared for the naturally-occurring or man-made disasters. Small business must focus on emergency planning, because 25 percent of them do not reopen following major disasters, according to the Institute for Business and Home Safety.

In an effort to protect the city’s 65,000 small businesses from earthquakes, fires, electrical outages, severe storms, hazardous material spills, tsunamis and acts of terrorism, The San Francisco Small Business Commission offered these helpful tips, which businesses everywhere can follow:

* Protect critical systems such as computers and telephone equipment from failure or attack by installing surge protectors and antivirus software
* Assemble and store emergency supplies
* Provide for emergency backup power and lighting
* Identify and post evacuation routes and assembly areas
* Develop an emergency communication plan – assess alternate communication systems
* Establish a notification plan and emergency contact list
* Conduct regular exercises with employees to review emergency procedures
* Establish an emergency training plan -- orient employees to your specific recovery plans and provide staff training in first aid and CPR

Vibration hazards

2006-09-06T10:13:00.000-04:00

Vibrations caused by power tools, vehicles and heavy equipment expose six million workers to whole-body and hands-transmitted vibration, which can cause vascular, neural and musculoskeletal disorders, according to NIOSH.

A study by Loughborough University in England produced a long list of sources of occupational vibration – from power and impact tools to vehicle seat dynamics and steering wheel vibration (for the complete list, go to: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/hu/groups/noisevib).

The Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety says employers can measure vibration with accelerometers and frequency analyzers. They can protect workers from vibration by providing them with appropriate tools and vibration-absorbing materials like gloves. The can train their employees on safe work practices, such as employing a minimum hand grip, avoiding continuous exposure and maintaining sharpened cutting tools. They should encourage employees to consult doctors at the first sign of vibration disease.

Safety audits for Labor Day

2006-09-05T13:45:00.000-04:00

The American Society of Safety Engineers is recommending that employers commemorate Labor Day by conducting a companywide safety audit as part of their efforts to protect workers, according to Business & Labor Reports.

“A safety audit is a tool occupational safety, health and environmental practitioners use to assess workplace hazards and risk and make recommendations for reducing them in an effort to prevent accidents, injuries and illnesses,” ASSE president Donald S. Jones said. “With more than 5,000 people dying each year from on-the-job accidents and four million suffering from workplace injuries and illnesses, we must continue to work diligently to protect our workers.”

Safety audits are part of a safety management system that monitors safety and health performance, as well as compliance with OSHA and other regulatory standards. Each component of the total system is included: management policy, operating procedures, emergency procedures and training. The aim is to disclose the strengths and weaknesses, with the objective of minimizing loss through accidents. The outcome of the audit will be a report, followed by an action plan, which must be monitored. The audit will be carried out by a competent team that is independent from the company.

Office safety

2006-08-31T10:35:00.000-04:00

Everyone knows about the dangerous work environments in heavy industry, but few understand the risks in everyday office environments that result in more than 400,000 injuries per year.

Workers should learn to avoid these common hazards to stay safe and healthy in the office, according to Toolboxtopics.com:

* Musculoskeletal strains and sprains associated with material handling: Never lift objects that are too heavy to handle and lift objects from the floor using the proper lifting mechanics.

* Stress and strain associated with sitting and VDT use: Arrange your desk or work station so that your arms, wrists, legs, back and neck can be maintained in a comfortable "neutral" position, with proper back support.

* Injuries that result from slips, trips, and falls: Never run in the office and beware of electrical cords or phone cords that could be a tripping hazard.

* Hand injuries from cuts, scrapes, smashes, and punctures: Use a letter opener when opening envelopes and boxes, and a staple puller when removing staples from documents.

* Avoid stress by staying organized, taking breaks and relaxing your body.

Gloves for first responders

2006-08-30T09:01:00.000-04:00

What kind of gloves should first responders to major natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina wear?

A report in Industrial Hygiene News says exposure to pathogenic microorganisms from injured victims and the flood waters around New Orleans required heavy duty nitrile gloves, because nitrile provides chemical resistance to petroleum hydrocarbons.

After the flood waters in the Gulf Coast receded, the cleanup efforts changed, requiring a different set of protective gear for cleaning debris. General purpose, heavy duty work gloves and cut-resistant gloves with abrasion resistance were worn by responders.

When relief efforts moved into the rebuilding phase, another hazard needed to be addressed. Mold is a major concern for rebuilding homes that contained flood waters, so nitrile gloves were worn again for removing mold contaminated building materials.

Protecting workers’ hands from contaminants is an important part of any clean-up or response effort. Workers should follow the standards set by organizations such as the National Fire Protection Association to select the appropriate glove for the specific task at hand.

Airport ground worker safety

2006-08-29T09:42:00.000-04:00

The safety of airport ground workers was considered during a recent three-day conference of the airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration, but recent reports in the Washington Post and the Confined Space blog suggest the workers aren’t safe and not much is being done about it.

The Post reported four workers killed or seriously injured this year, including one who was sucked into the engine of a Continental jet and another who was struck by a baggage cart at the Detroit airport.

The most common injuries result from heavy lifting, with 4.53 injuries and fatalities per 100 workers in 2004 according to Bureau of Labor statistics.

The Post reports that working conditions increase the risk of injury. “They fix planes and load and unload heavy bags in sweltering heat and frigid cold and do their jobs amid the deafening roar of aircraft engines. They must avoid stepping in oil slicks and watch out for baggage carts whizzing by.”
Meanwhile, they may not be protected by OSHA regulations, since OSHA is prevented from enforcing its regulations if working conditions are regulated by another Federal agency, such as the FAA, Confined Space says.

Paul Kempinski, director of ground safety for the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers District 141 union, urges government agencies to more rigorously monitor ground operations. "Something needs to be done sooner,” he says. “Someone needs to be in charge of oversight."

OSHA announces new respiratory protection standard

2006-08-28T09:05:00.000-04:00

New assigned protection factors (APFs) for respiratory protection programs are being incorporated into OSHA’s respiratory standard, the agency announced Wednesday.

APFs are numbers that indicate the level of workplace respiratory protection that a respirator or class of respirators is expected to provide to employees when used as part of a respiratory protection program. An APF table is included in the final standard to guide employers in the selection of air-purifying, powered air-purifying, supplied-air and self-contained breathing apparatus respirators.

Employers must follow these new requirements and use APFs to select the appropriate type of respirator based upon the exposure limit of a contaminant and the level of the contaminant in the workplace. Employers select respirators by comparing the exposure level found in the workplace and the maximum concentration of the contaminant in which a particular type of respirator can be used.

Construction safety training orientation

2006-08-24T09:48:00.000-04:00

The construction industry suffers from one of the highest accident rates, with over 2,000 fatalities a year, according to OSHA, prompting a call within the industry for greater safety training.

Wconline.com, a walls and ceilings site, advocates safety orientation programs for contractors that communicate company procedures to employees before they set foot on the job site. The programs should also provide information on applicable regulatory requirements.

Many of the basic items in its suggested safety orientation program are specific to the construction industry, including:

• Guidelines for using and inspecting company-specific tools, equipment, machinery and vehicles.
• Using company tools and equipment for personal use
• Using personal tools on your job sites
• Using other contractors’ tools and equipment
• Allowing other contractors to use your tools and equipment
• Applicable OSHA regulations: personal protective equipment, scaffold, ladder, fall protection, electrical, fire protection, confined spaces, trench safety, heavy equipment safety
• Machinery/vehicle safety requirements
• Manual lifting, moving and carrying
• What to do with damaged, worn-out, unsafe tools and equipment

15-passenger van safety

2006-08-23T09:46:00.000-04:00

One of the main reasons for 15-passenger rollover accidents, which caused over 1,000 fatalities in a recent three year period, is driver inexperience. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that only experienced drivers should operate the vans on a regular basis because of the significant design and handling differences from other passenger vehicles.

The NHTSA says drivers can prevent rollover crashes by:

* braking properly – 15-passenger vans require additional braking time
* avoiding conditions that lead to loss of control – never be under the influence of drugs or alcohol and always be well rested and attentive
* drive cautiously on rural roads – rollovers frequently occur in rural areas when vans strike a ditch or embankment or run onto soft soil
* know what to do if the wheel drops off the roadway – gradually reduce the speed and steer back onto the road when it is safe to do so
* properly maintain your tires – worn tires can cause vans to slide sideways on wet pavement

PPE of utmost importance to emergency responders

2006-08-22T13:14:00.000-04:00

A recently released RAND Corp. study proposes improved personal protective equipment to protect emergency responders from the chemical, biological and physical hazards following the collapse of large buildings.

The study was conducted after hundreds of emergency workers were permanently disabled from exposure at Ground Zero after the World Trade Center collapsed on 9/11.

“The most challenging risks emergency responders need protection from are hazardous chemicals they could inhale,” said Henry Willis, a RAND researcher. “The hazards following the collapse of a large multi-story building are larger and more uncertain, and the duration of the response is much longer than usual.”

The guidelines recommend that:
* air-purifying respirators should be available to emergency responders; the respirators use cartridges, weigh less and last longer than standard firefighter gear that uses an air tank
* responders who will be treating victims or handling human remains should wear gloves, clothing and eye and face protection to protect themselves from bloodborne pathogens.
* individuals without respiratory protection who are exposed to the dust cloud from a building collapse should be removed from the site and given medical treatment.
* responders without protective equipment should not be allowed to enter hazardous areas on a building collapse site.

Wear your gloves!

2006-08-21T09:44:00.000-04:00

Your hands should be protected whenever you are cutting, painting, welding or handling sharp metal, chemicals, needles or blood samples. It’s very important to wear the right glove for each specific task.

OSHA has added hand safety to its standard on personal protective equipment, requiring workers to wear appropriate protection whenever their hands are exposed to hazards. It lists guidelines for employees to follow when selecting the proper gloves.
Employees can choose from the follow glove materials:

* cotton
* leather
* rubber
* metal mesh and other new fibers known as Kevlar, Spectra, and Vectran

There are advantages and disadvantages to each kind of glove. Make sure you know which kind you need for the work you do. Make sure the gloves fit properly and inspect them each time you wear them, because damaged gloves are responsible for about 50 percent of hand injuries.

OSHA fines poultry processing plant for safety violations

2006-08-18T15:27:00.000-04:00

OSHA has cited Gold Kist for allegedly exposing workers to serious and repeated safety hazards at its Russellville, Ala., poultry processing plant. The agency is proposing penalties totaling $143,000.

OSHA issued 21 serious safety citations with proposed penalties of $90,000. The citations were associated with blocked and improperly marked exits; unsafe floor conditions; inadequate personal protective equipment; insufficient machine guarding; and numerous other safety hazards.

The company also received two repeat violations with penalties totaling $50,000 for failure to keep conveyor belt work areas free from fall hazards and other unsafe conditions.

The action comes amidst growing government concern about meat and poultry industry safety. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 14.7 out of 100 industry workers are injured on the job, with workers suffering from physically demanding, repetitive work on production lines that move very quickly while they are wielding knives or other cutting instruments. They frequently work in extreme temperatures in close quarters with limited training and insufficient safeguards.

A report by OMB Watch, a Washington research organization, faults OSHA for setting voluntary ergonomic guidelines for the meat and poultry industry that are unenforceable and “a far cry from the real health and safety protection needed.”

New Web site helps companies prepare for emergencies

2006-08-17T11:49:00.000-04:00

The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) has launched a website with resources to help businesses prepare for an emergency, saying the government's website (ready.gov) contains inaccurate and incomplete information, according to Business & Legal Reports.

The FAS says the government's ready.gov includes generic advice, repetitive details, unnecessary lengthy descriptions, and insufficient information for people with disabilities.

The FAS's new site, Reallyready.org, attempts to provide better and clearer information to individuals with disabilities, businesses, and families.

The site includes a plan for continuity, an emergency response plan, and other emergency preparedness and response information to help business prepare for a variety of situations, such as natural disasters, nuclear threats, and pandemics.

Safety resources for Hispanic employees

2006-08-16T16:25:00.000-04:00

In an effort to protect Hispanic employees, the EPA and OSHA have developed Spanish language Web resources.

Huracanes is the EPA’s Spanish language hurricane preparedness Web site that provides businesses with information on how they can minimize injury and property damage during the hurricane season.

Capsules de Salud y Seguridad is OSHA’s Spanish language newsletter that presents a cross section of information on workplace health and safety issues, particularly those affecting Hispanic workers.

To see Huricanes, go to http://www.epa.gov/espanol/huracanes.htm

To see the OSHA newsletter, go to http://www.osha.gov/as/opa/spanish/index.html

OSHA releases fire service manual

2006-08-15T11:22:00.000-04:00

Fire Service Features of Buildings and Fire Protection Systems is a new OSHA publication that will help increase the safety of building occupants and emergency responders by streamlining fire service interaction with building features and fire protection systems.

Fire service operations take place in stressful and time sensitive environments. Decisions are often made in unfamiliar settings and without vital information, such as what is burning, where the fire is spreading, or the location of occupants. Poorly located fire hydrants, inaccessible fire department connections, confusing zone information, unmarked valves, or improperly designed standpipes are examples of features that can slow fire service operations. Delays, however brief, can dramatically affect an operation and its outcome.

OSHA’s new manual explains how fire service operations can be influenced by different building features. The manual includes chapters and narratives on building and site design, sprinkler systems, standpipe systems, fire department connections, fire alarm and communications systems, as well as various firefighting systems.

The manual can be used by company safety managers and fire service organizations to increase fire safety and decrease injuries to responding and operating fire service personnel. Employee occupants as well as fire service employees will benefit from the safer working conditions. The manual will also help in response to other emergencies, such as hazardous materials releases, emergency medical care, non-fire rescues and terrorist events.

The new booklet can be downloaded from the publications page of OSHA’s web site, www.osha.gov, or by calling OSHA's publications office at (202) 693-1888.

Preparing for hazardous materials spills

2006-08-14T09:13:00.000-04:00

Any company that stores, uses or transports hazardous materials must be prepared for chemical spills.

Industrial Hygiene News reports that when a spill occurs, employees should first assess the risk surrounding the situation, from the volume of the spilled material to the hazard and physical properties, the location of the spill and the level of ventilation.

Then, cleanup specialists must be used to remove the spilled material safely. A HAZWOPER-trained team must manage the spills.

Federal regulations require employees to be trained to properly manage the spills. From 24 to 40 hours of classroom training plus hands-on instruction in practical spill response techniques is suggested, with refresher training mandated by OSHA. Managers also recognize the need for frequent drilling to maintain team readiness.

Bureau of Labor releases 2005 workplace fatality statistics

2006-08-11T11:23:00.000-04:00

The Bureau of Labor Statistics released its annual workplace fatality data yesterday, reporting that 5,702 fatal work injuries were recorded in the U.S. in 2005, down one percent from 2004 at a rate of 4.0 per 100,000 workers.

Fatal highway incidents remained the most frequent cause of death, accounting for 1,428 deaths, a quarter of the fatalities, up two percent from 2004. Fatalities resulting from exposure to harmful substances or environments rose seven percent, with heat exposure the major reason. There were 767 fatal falls, a seven percent decline from 2004.

Other key findings include:

* The private construction industry accounted for 1,186 fatalities, the most of any industry.
* Fatalities in transportation and warehousing, agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting increased.
* Fatalities among workers under 20 years of age increased 18 percent.
* Fatalities among Hispanic workers increased two percent.
* There were 29 workplace fatalities attributable to hurricanes.

For the complete BLS report, go to: http://www.bls.gov/news.release/cfoi.toc.htm.

OSHA fines two Florida companies following workplace fatalities

2006-08-10T10:31:00.000-04:00

OSHA has fined two South Florida companies for safety violations, proposing penalties of $154,800 against Aleluya Roofing Co., Miami, following a fatal construction accident, and $52,250 against Sun Terminals, Fort Lauderdale, after a fatal accident at Port Everglades.

The fatality at Aleluya occurred on Jan 25, when an employee fell from the roof of a six-story building in Miami and was impaled on the pickets of a wrought-iron fence. The worker had been on a trolley hoist that lifted up, causing the machine and the employee to fall to the street below.

OSHA fined the company $70,000 for failure to comply with the manufacturer’s operating specifications for the trolley hoist. An additional penalty of $44,000 was issued because the fire exits were closed and blocked on four separate occasions. Other citations came for failure to provide fall protection and train employees to recognize fall hazards.

At Sun, a March 25 accident resulted in the death of a longshoreman who was struck by an elevated container that pushed him, crushing his head against a steel support beam. The company was sited for 21 violations totaling $51,750, including exposing employees to being struck and crushed by an overhead cargo container; failing to train employees in proper safety procedures and failing to train supervisors in accident prevention.