SAFETY BLOG

LEARN TO SAVE A LIFE WITH CPR TRAINING!

Dan Deluca — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 02:46:00 GMT

HEROIC SAFETY NOW OFFERS CPR/FIRST AID/AED TRAININGS

Heroic Safety Solutions, in cooperation with Community and Professional Resuscitation (C.P.R.) Solutions are proud to offer American Heart Association certified CPR/First Aid/AED trainings for the workplace.

Are your employees prepared for a medical emergency? When the pressure is on, can you initiate life-saving intervention to save a co-workers life? If not, then learn from the best! As in true Heroic fashion, all of our trainers are professional firefighters and paramedics. Our training team has accumulated years of experience applying these life-saving techniques in our communities. We want to pass this information on to you. You will find our trainings engaging, challenging, and entertaining; but best of all, we will come to you. Contact us for more information by following the CPR/First Aid/AED link.

Training Packages Include:

CPR/AED for the workplace
First Aid for the workplace
CPR/AED/First Aid workplace combo
CPR/AED for the Healthcare Provider

WWW.HEROICSAFETY.COM

SAFETY HUDDLE - FROSTBITE

Dan Deluca — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:32:00 GMT

Frostbite Emergencies

Working outside in the winter weather can be a very hazardous undertaking. Extreme cold can pose many threats to our personal safety. Frostbite should always be taken very seriously. Please review the following safety huddle with employees that may be exposed to cold temperatures.

Frost Bite Emergencies

Occurs when skin tissues freeze
Two causes of frostbite:

Cellular death at exposure
Narrowing of blood vessels in extremities due to the shunting of blood from the extremities to the core of the body, thus leaving less oxygenated warm blood for the areas farthest from the core

Most commonly affected areas of the body are nose, cheeks, ears, fingers & toes
There are three degrees of frostbite:

1st Degree: irritates the skin

burning, numbness, tingling, itching & cold sensations
appears white in color and feels frozen but retains resistance in the skin

2nd Degree: blisters with no major damage

decrease in sensation
swelling and blood filled blisters over white or yellowish skin that looks waxy
turns purplish-blue when rewarmed
significant pain with rewarming
ache and throbbing in 2-3 days

3rd Degree (deep frostbite): all layers of skin affected, permanent tissue damage

sensation is completely lost
no resistance, hard to the touch
only time will reveal the final amount of permanent tissue damage

Treatment:

call for professional medical help
keep affected area elevated to reduce swelling
move to a warm area to prevent further heat loss
always look for symptoms of hypothermia to accompany frostbite
remove all constrictive jewelry and clothes which may further constrict blood flow
provide warm, nonalcoholic, noncaffeinated fluids
apply dry, sterile dressings or bandages

place cotton between fingers and toes to prevent friction damage

do not rewarm if the affected area may refreeze
avoid gradual thaws

rewarm area quickly

rapid transport to a hospital is critical

Stay safe out there!

WWW.HEROICSAFETY.COM

SAFETY HUDDLE - DEVELOPING SAFETY PROGRAMS

Dan Deluca — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:50:00 GMT

Developing Safety & Health Programs

Safety and Health Program Guidelines:

Effective management of workplace safety and health programs:

reduces the extent and severity of work related injuries and illnesses
improves employee morale and productivity
reduces worker compensation costs

Exemplary workplaces use organized and systematic methods to:

assign responsibilities to managers, supervisors, and employees
regularly inspect for and control workplace hazards
orient and train all employees to eliminate or avoid hazards

A written safety program should include:

A statement of commitment and support for the safety and health program from the administration

statement to be signed by the CEO or other designated employee

A statement that defines the appointment of, the authority of, the training of, and the funding of a safety officer
A worker compensation policy that defines the parameters of the program and how employees access the program
A safety and health program for each OSHA standard that requires a hazard evaluation and risk assessment
A program that addresses the procedures to take when investigating a safety incident or accident
A program that addresses identifying and correcting unsafe work conditions and practices
A program that addresses each job task and job description from a safety and health standpoint in a manner to prevent on the job injuries and illnesses
A formal safety and health orientation
A periodic safety and health training program that addresses OSHA and site-specific safety and health issues such as PPE, engineering controls, hazardous materials communications, etc.
An outline of employer and employee responsibilities with respect to safety and health on the job

Be safe out there!

WWW.HEROICSAFETY.COM

SAFETY HUDDLE - WORK STATION ERGONOMICS

Dan Deluca — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 01:00:00 GMT

Office Work Station Ergonomics

Office workers sustain over 70,000 injuries in the office setting annually. Sprains, strains, and repetitive motion injuries account for many of these.

Falls and slips 35%
Strains and over exertions 22%
Struck by or against objects 18%
Caught in or between objects 10%

Ergonomics: is the study of man's relationship with his or her workplace. The employer must fit the task to the person. OSHA's standards on office ergonomics are found within 29 CFR 1903.1

The ergonomically correct work station:

Office chair should provide support for the lower back.

The seat should be fully adjustable in height.

Monitor terminal should be 18-24 inches away from worker.

The employee's eyes should be at the same height as the top of the monitor screen.
Anti-glare technology should be applied to decrease eye strain

When seated, the employee should sit in an upright position with shoulders back. Back fully supported.
Foot rests should be provided for shorter people to add support to the hips and back.
Upper legs and lower legs should form a 90 degree angle for optimum support.
The employee's elbows should be level with the keyboard.

Wrists straight
This will form a straight line from the elbow to the fingertips

Add wrist cushions to keyboard bases and mouse pads to decrease carpal tunnel syndrome.
Adequate lighting to decrease eye strain, but not too much to contribute to monitor glare.
Anti-slip mats under chairs decreases slips and falls.
Work space dividers to reduce noise.
Headsets decrease neck strains for employees that frequently use telephones.

Be safe out there!

WWW.HEROICSAFETY.COM

SAFETY HUDDLE - STANDARDS FOR CONCRETE EQUIPMENT

Dan Deluca — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:38:00 GMT

Standards for Concrete Equipment

The following safety huddle reviews OSHA regulations pertaining to construction safety standards. Today's safety huddle details the regulations that govern tools and equipment used in concrete and masonry operations. The following standards are quoted from 29 CFR 1926.702

Requirements for equipment and tools:

Bulk cement storage, containers, and silos shall be equipped with the following:

Conical or tapered bottoms, and
Mechanical or pneumatic means of starting the flow of material
No employee shall be permitted to enter storage facilities unless the ejection system has been shut down, locked out, and tagged

Concrete mixers with one cubic yard or larger skips shall be equipped with the following:

A mechanical device to clear the skip of materials
Guardrails installed on each side of the skip

Powered and rotating type concrete troweling machines that are manually guided shall be equipped with a control switch that will automatically shut off the power whenever the hands of the operator are removed from the equipment handles
Concrete buggy handles shall not extend beyond the wheels on either side of the buggy
Concrete pumping systems using discharge pipes shall be provided with pipe supports designed for 100 percent overload

Compressed air hoses used on concrete pumping systems shall be provided with positive fail-safe joint connectors to prevent separation of sections when pressurized

Concrete bucket equipment with hydraulic or pneumatic gates shall have positive safety latches to prevent premature or accidental dumping

Buckets shall be designed to prevent concrete from hanging up on top and sides

Sections of tremies and similar concrete conveyances shall be secured with wire rope in addition to the regular couplings or connections
Bull float handles, used where they may contact energized electrical conductors, shall be constructed of nonconductive material or insulated with a nonconductive sheath
Masonry saws shall be guarded with a semicircular enclosure over the blade

A method for retaining blade fragments shall be incorporated in the design of the semicircular enclosure

No employee shall be permitted to perform maintenance or repair activity on equipment (such as compressors, mixers, screens, or pumps used for concrete and masonry construction) where the inadvertent operation of the equipment could occur and cause injury, unless all potentially hazardous energy sources have been locked out and tagged

Be safe out there!

WWW.HEROICSAFETY.COM

SAFETY HUDDLE - AERIAL LIFT SAFETY

Dan Deluca — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:44:00 GMT

Aerial Lift Safety

On October 12, 2009, a construction worker in Philadelphia was killed when the aerial lift he was working from toppled over dropping him 125 feet. In light of this tragic accident, now would be an excellent time to review the OSHA standards that govern aerial lift safety. The following standards refer to 29 CFR 1926.453.

Scope and Application:

Aerial lifts acquired for use on or after January 22, 1973 shall be designed and constructed in conformance with the applicable requirements of the American National Standards for "Vehicle Mounted Elevating and Rotating Work Platforms"
Aerial lifts include the following types of vehicles:

Extensible boom platforms
Aerial ladders
Articulating boom platforms
Vertical towers
A combination of any such devices

Aerial equipment may be made of metal, wood, fiberglass reinforced plastic, or other material
May be powered or manually operated
May be field modified for uses other than those intended by the manufacturer provided that modification has been certified by manufacturer or any other equivalent entity

Requirements:

Aerial ladders shall be secured in the lower traveling position by the locking device on top of the truck cab, and the manually operated device at the base of the ladder before highway travel
Lift controls shall be tested each day prior to use
Only authorized persons shall operate an aerial lift
Belting off to an adjacent pole, structure, or equipment while working from an aerial lift shall not be permitted
Employees shall always stand firmly on the floor of the basket

Shall not sit or climb on edge of basket
Shall not use planks, ladders, or other devices for a work position

Fall protection shall be worn and a lanyard attached to the boom or basket

Body belts no longer acceptable as of January 1, 1998

Never exceed boom or basket load limits
Brakes shall be set when outriggers are used

Outriggers placed on pads or solid surfaces
Wheel chocks used when aerial lift is used on incline

Aerial lifts shall not be moved when the boom is elevated in a working position when men are in the basket

Except equipment that is specifically designed for this type of operation

Articulating and extensible boom platforms shall have both upper and lower controls

Lower controls shall not be used unless permission granted from employee in basket

The insulated portion of lift shall not be altered in any manner

Always consult OSHA standards for more details.

Be safe out there!

WWW.HEROICSAFETY.COM

Workplace Safety in Question. Worker Killed

Dan Deluca — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:03:00 GMT

Workplace Safety in Question

The construction industry has suffered another workplace accident that has taken a man's life on Monday, October 12. A construction worker in Philadelphia was working from a mobile lift platform when it toppled over while performing construction work on a church roof. National news is reporting that it was believed the platform rolled over a sidewalk grate which became unstable and caused the lift to become unbalanced, thus falling over with the employee in the basket. It is believed the boom on the lift was fully extended at the time of the accident and the worker fell approximately 125 feet.

Once again workplace safety will be examined to determine if this construction accident could have been avoided. The safe utilization of mobile platform lifts is regulated by OSHA standards. While the details of this accident are still sketchy, we must assume that an adequate safety assessment of the days work may have identified potential hazards to the stability of the lift. How many more workers are we going to lose in this country before workplace and construction safety is taken seriously?

WWW.HEROICSAFETY.COM

SAFETY HUDDLE - EMPLOYEE SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Dan Deluca — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 08:22:00 GMT

Employee Substance Abuse

October is drug-free workplace month. Substance abuse among employees can greatly decrease workplace safety and drastically increase costs for their employers. This safety huddle will outline the dangers of substances in the workplace, the basic elements of a successful drug-free workplace program, and helpfull lifelines for employees in need.

Statistics

When we hear the term "substances" we must realize that this is not exclusive to illegal drugs, but rather to any legal or illegal substances that are prohibited in the workplace. Employees must read their employers substance abuse policy and be familiar with the substances and levels of those substances that are prohibited. The bottom line; substance abuse is extremely dangerous and costly in the workplace.

Substance abusers are 5 times more likely to have an accident in the workplace.
Their accidents are 150% more severe than the normal employee.

not only are they more likely to injure you at work, but they are more likely to maim or kill you

Substance abusers have 5 times more worker compensation claims that the non-abuser.
Abusers use 300-400% more of their employee health benefits for themselves and their dependents.

Program Basics

A successful drug-free workplace program will prohibit the use of illegal substances and the abuse of legal substances. A common complaint among anti-program employees is "what I do in my free time is none of the company's business". We do agree that an employee's personal time is their own, but when they arrive to work and the substances that they have been abusing are still in their systems affecting their physical and mental abilities, thus decreasing safety to themselves an others, then it becomes everyones business. The following are the basic components of a successful drug-free workplace program:

A program will never succeed without supportive and committed leadership within a company.
A thorough written policy that is signed by all employees is the foundation for a successful program.

Must state company view on substance abuse in the workplace
Must list all substances tested for
Must list the blood alcohol composition (BAC) that will put an employee in violation of the policy
Must list the different criteria that warrant drug testing in the workplace
Must state the consequences of violating the policy

Employee education and training

Covers the structure of company's program
Discusses the dangers and health effects of substances
Discusses socio-economic effects of substance abuse

Drug testing

A good written policy is worthless without the enforcement of actual drug testing
Potential criteria for drug testing:

Pre-employment testing
Post-accident testing
Return-to-duty testing
Random Testing
Reasonable suspicion testing

Help resources for employees in need (non-mandatory)

Does the company offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)?
Lists of potential counselors and treatment centers within the community?
Management support within company for employees voluntarily seeking help.

Job protection

Follow-up support services for post-treatment employees.

Generally, the employees who have a problem with drug testing in the workplace are the employees who have something to hide. Every employee has the right to go home safe at the end of the day. Substance abusers greatly decrease your chances of making it home in one piece.

Be safe out there!

WWW.HEROICSAFETY.COM

SAFETY HUDDLE - WARNING LINE SYSTEMS

Dan Deluca — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:38:00 GMT

Warning Line Systems

The following safety huddle lists the OSHA standards that regulate and define the specifications for warning line systems in construction fall protection. Refer to 29 CFR 1926.502(f) for more details. Remember, workplace safety is every everybody's responsibility.

Definition: warning line system means a barrier erected on a roof to warn employees that they are approaching an unprotected roof side or edge, and which designates an area in which roofing work may take place without the use of guardrail, body belt, or safety net systems to protect employees in the area.

Warning line systems and their use shall comply with the following provisions:

Shall be erected around all sides of the roof work area.
When mechanical equipment is not being used, the warning line shall be erected not less than 6 feet from the roof edge.
When mechanical equipment is being used, the warning line shall be erected not less than 6 feet from the roof edge which is parallel to the direction of mechanical equipment operation, and not less than 10 feet from the roof edge which is perpendicular to the direction of mechanical equipment operation.
Points of access, materials handling areas, storage areas, and hoisting areas shall be connected to the work area by an access path formed by two warning lines.
When the path to a point of access is not in use, a rope, wire, chain, or other barricade, equivalent in strength and height to the warning line, shall be placed across the path at the point where the path intersects the warning line erected around the work area.

or the path shall be offset such that a person cannot walk directly into the work area.

Warning lines shall consist of ropes, wires, or chains, and supporting stanchions erected as follows:

the rope, wire, or chain shall be flagged at not more than 6 foot intervals with high-visibility material.
shall be rigged and supported in such a way that its lowest point (including sag) is no less than 34 inches from the walking/working surface and its highest point is no more than 39 inches from the walking working surface.
stanchions shall be capable of resisting, without tipping over, a force of at least 16 pounds applied horizontally against the stanchion, 30 inches above the walking/working surface, perpendicular to the warning line, and in the direction of the floor, roof, or platform edge.
The rope, wire, or chain shall have a minimum tensile strength of 500 pounds.
The line shall be attached at each stanchion in such a way that pulling on one section of the line between stanchions will not result in slack being taken up in adjacent sections before the stanchion tips over.

No employee shall be allowed in the area between the roof edge and a warning line unless the employer is performing roofing work in that area.
Mechanical equipment on roofs shall be used or stored only in areas where employees are protected by a warning line system, guardrail system, or personal fall arrest sytem.

Be safe out there!

WWW.HEROICSAFETY.COM

SAFETY HUDDLE - POSITIONING DEVICE SYSTEMS

Dan Deluca — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:12:00 GMT

Positioning Device Systems Compliance

The following safety huddle represents OSHA's safety compliance regulations for positioning device systems 1926.502(e). Always consult directly with OSHA compliance standards and manufacturer recommendations before utilizing these systems. Positioning device systems are not fall arrest systems, but they are personal safety devices that can be used to prevent an employee from falling. They are an invaluable tool for fall protection but employers and managers must understand how to use them properly.

Positioning device systems and their use shall conform to the following:

Shall be rigged such that an employee cannot free fall more than 2 feet.
anchor points for these systems must be capable of supporting twice the potential impact load of an employee's fall or 3,000 pounds, whichever is greater.
All connectors shall be drop forged, pressed or formed steel, or made of equivalent materials.
Connectors shall have a corrosion-resistant finish, and all surfaces shall be smooth.
Connecting assemblies shall have a minimum tensile strength of 5,000 pounds.
Dee-rings and snaphooks shall be proof-tested to a minimum tensile load of 3,600 pounds without cracking, breaking, or taking permanent deformation.
Snaphooks shall be sized to be compatible with the member to which they are connected, or shall be a locking type designed and used to prevent disengagement.

As of January 1, 1998, only locking type snaphooks shall be used.

Unless the snaphook is a locking type and designed for the following connections, snaphooks shall not be engaged:

directly to webbing, rope or wire rope
to each other
to a Dee-ring to which another snaphook or other connector is attached
to a horizontal lifeline
to any object which is incompatibly shaped

Shall be inspected prior to each use for wear, damage, and other deterioration, and defective components shall be removed from service.
Body belts, harnesses, and components shall be used only for employee protection (as part of a fall arrest system or positioning device system) and not to hoist materials.

Be safe out there!

WWW.HEROICSAFETY.COM

SAFETY HUDDLE - ELEMENTS OF AN EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN

Dan Deluca — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:17:00 GMT

Elements of an Emergency Action Plan

An emergency action plan (EAP) should address emergencies that the employer may reasonably expect in the workplace. Some examples include: fires; hazardous materials spills; tornadoes; floods; and others. The following text identifies the main components of an EAP as outlined by OSHA.

An EAP must be in writing, kept in the workplace, and available to employees for review. Employers with fewer than 10 employees may communicate the EAP orally.
An EAP must include at a minimum:

procedures for reporting a fire or other emergency
procedures for emergency evacuation, including type of evacuation and exit route assignments

use floor plans or workplace maps which clearly show the emergency escape routes
color coding will aid employees in determining their route assignments

procedures to be followed by employees who remain to operate critical plant operations before they evacuate

i.e. plant power supplies, plant water supplies, and other essential services that cannot be shut down or have to be shut down in stages

procedures to account for all employees after evacuation
procedures to be followed by employees performing rescue or medical duties
the name or job title of every employee who may be contacted by employees who need more information about the plan or an explanation of their duties under the plan

An employer must have and maintain an employee alarm system.

the alarm system must use a distinctive signal for each purpose and comply with the requirements in section 1910.165

An employer must designate and train employees to assist in a safe and orderly evacuation of other employees.

assure an adequate number of employees are available at all times to act as evacuation wardens in times of emergencies
one warden for every twenty employees in considered adequate
make wardens thoroughly aware of facility layout, places of refuge (interior and exterior), and any and all handicapped or disabled employees who may need extra assistance

An employer must review the EAP with each employee covered by the plan.

when the plan is developed or the employee is assigned initially to a job
when the employee's responsibilities under the plan change
when the plan is changed

If you need more information or are looking to have an emergency action plan created for your company, just click on this link. EAP

Be safe out there!

WWW.HEROICSAFETY.COM

SAFETY HUDDLE - INTRO TO BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS

Dan Deluca — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:09:00 GMT

Intro to Bloodborne Pathogens

Background of 1910 Subpart Z:

1986 OSHA petitioned by various unions to set standards for bloodborne pathogens
December 6, 1991, Bloodborne Pathogens Standards 29 CFR 1910.1030 established

combination of engineering controls, work practice controls, PPE, training, medical surveillance, hepatitis B vaccinations, signs and labels, and other regulations that minimize the risk of disease transmission
revised in 2001 to reflect Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act of November 6, 2000

revised standard took effect April 18, 2001
enforced July 18, 2001

Primary agents of concern are HIV, HBV (Hep B), HCV (Hep C)
Factors that determine overall risk for transmission is the type and number of blood contacts
Factors that vary risk of exposure are:

the pathogen involved
type of exposure
amount of blood in exposure
amount of virus in persons blood at time of exposure

The employer must:

have exposure control plan in place for reporting exposures
inform employees about treatments available
monitor for side effects of treatments

may involve testing the employee's blood

risks of infection:

HBV: none for vaccinated, 6-30% for unvaccinated
HCV: 1.8%
HIV: 0.3%

Control and Compliance:

All employers and employees who have occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens are required to establish a written exposure control plan and must include:

an exposure determination:

list of all job classifications in which all employees have occupational exposures
list of job classifications in which some employees have exposures
a list of all tasks and procedures in which exposure may occur

methods of compliance
HIV and HBV research laboratories and production facilities
Hep B vaccination and post exposure evaluation and follow up
communications of hazards to employees
record keeping
procedures for evaluating circumstances surrounding exposure incidents

Plan must be reviewed annually
Plan must be available to OSHA for examination and/or copying
The first principle of compliance is that universal precautions are to be observed
Engineering controls must be used to eliminate or minimize exposure
Sharps containers standards:

puncture resistant and closeable
labeled with biohazard placard or red colored
leak proof on bottom and sides
be constructed to prevent person from reaching inside

Communication and Training:

Hazards are primarily communicated through labels, tags and placards affixed to containers and contaminated articles or equipment

this is the visual component of communications
training will provide knowledge and skills

Training must include at least the following:

accessible copy of the bloodborne text with explanation of content
general explanation of blood diseases and symptoms
explanation of employers control plan and how to obtain a copy
explanation of how to recognize tasks that may involve exposure
use and limitations of methods to prevent or reduce exposure
all aspects of PPE
information on Hep B vaccination
information on persons to contact in an emergency and emergency procedures
post exposure evaluation and follow up
opportunity to ask employers questions

Always consult government standards for more details.

Be safe out there!

WWW.HEROICSAFETY.COM

SAFETY HUDDLE - EMPLOYEE HEALTH & WELLNESS

Dan Deluca — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 10:03:00 GMT

Employee Health & Wellness

Research is beginning to shed more light on successful companies. We are starting to find out that the general health and wellness of a company's employees directly relates to the efficiency and success of that company. Healthy employees are efficient employees. Tests have shown that employers who promote health and wellness among their employees have a more dedicated, satisfied, and successful workforce than those employers that do not.

Areas of health and wellness to promote in your company:

Workplace Safety-

The first and top priority in any workplace should be the health and safety of its employees. Just like at home, an employee wants to feel nurtured and safe in their work environment.

The first step is having a management staff that is committed to protecting their employees from all hazards and dangers. They must practice what they preach. If an employee knows that their management cares about them, then a level of trust will take root and the employee will dedicate more energy and talent to the benefit of the entire company.
Next, comprehensive safety protocols must be developed to protect employees from known or potential hazards.
Finally, training and education is the best way to increase knowledge of safe practices and to developing a safety-minded company.

Aesthetics and ergonomics-

The look and feel of the office or workplace can have a major effect on the emotional wellbeing of its employees.

Limit restrictive barriers such as cubicles and solid wall offices in the workplace. Maximize space in a way to promote socializing and idea creation.
Maximize natural light and fresh air. Encourage outdoor breaks, lunches, brainstorming sessions, etc.
A fresh coat of paint with balanced color schemes can go a long way to substitute for the industrial feel of many workplaces.
Utilize artwork that reflects the dedication and ideals of the company's employees.

Many employees who are involved in repetitive movements can be plagued by soreness and long term injuries.

Invest in a comprehensive ergonomics study within your workplace.
Upgrade to equipment, furniture, and procedures that will minimize repetitive movement injuries.

Mental and emotional health-

Provide access to confidential mental health professionals that can assist employees with common life difficulties such as depression, divorce, death in the family, etc.
Develop a comprehensive substance abuse program within the workplace. This program must deter substance abuse among employees, educate employees on the dangers of substance abuse, and provide treatment and recovery options for employees that are seeking help.

Physical health and wellness-

Educate employees on the impacts of eating healthy, exercising and monitoring health.
Set health goals as a company.

For example, an office of 15 people will strive to lose 100 pounds in one month.

Replace unhealthy foods and beverages in vending machines with fresh and healthy foods.
Develop a healthy workplace program that will cover all areas of health and wellness for the work force.
Provide interoffice wellness checks for employees on a regular basis.

Blood pressure checks
Influenza vaccinations
Prostrate cancer screenings
Breast cancer screenings

Encourage yearly physicals for employees in high-risk operations.

Take care of yourselves and your employees, they are the best asset you will ever have.

Be safe out there!

WWW.HEROICSAFETY.COM

SAFETY HUDDLE - SCHOOL ZONE SAFETY

Dan Deluca — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:15:00 GMT

School Zone Safety

School is back in session and the time has come to review issues pertinent to driving safely in school zones. Our children are defenseless from reckless drivers. Employers should take the time to review driver safety tips as it pertains to school zones.

Did you know?

According to experts, an alert and skilled driver traveling at 20 MPH who spots a child in the road 50 feet ahead will be able to come to a full stop within that distance.

The same driver traveling 30 MPH will not even begin to slow down before hitting the child.

20 MPH in school zones!

Most states mandate a 20 MPH speed limit in school zones although there are states that mandate less speeds. Keep in mind that 20 MPH is the maximum speed in which a driver may attain in a school zone. It is absolutely acceptable to slow down 5 to 10 MPH below the maximum limit.

Everyone must remember that children are unpredictable and can appear in a street or crosswalk at any time. Do not rely on the children to keep themselves safe, you must ensure their safety by slowing down and being alert.

Tips for driving safely in school zones:

SLOW DOWN! - The slower the vehicle is traveling, the more reaction time the driver has.

DITCH THE CELL PHONE! - Talking or texting while driving greatly diminishes the drivers ability to navigate the vehicle safely. Never operate a cell phone while driving through a school zone.

BEWARE OF BUSES! - Whenever you see a school bus, it is a safe bet to assume that there are children nearby. Watch for children darting into the street from the hidden sides of school buses.

BE PATIENT!- Never try get around a bus before it stops because there may be children crossing the street to board the bus. It is against the law to pass vehicles in school zones. On two-lane streets, oncoming traffic must stop for stopped school buses.

DON'T RELY ON LIGHTS AND SIGNS! - Always assume that children are near streets in school zones even when school zone caution lights are not operating. Be mindful of all street signs indicating crosswalks or school zone designations.

BE PREPARED TO STOP! - Keep your foot on the brake and be ready to stop at a moments notice. Children are small and difficult to see, they can come out of anywhere.

Always obey all public safety and traffic laws when driving in school zones.

Be safe out there!

WWW.HEROICSAFETY.COM

SAFETY HUDDLE - WELDING SAFETY

Dan Deluca — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 10:50:00 GMT

Welding Safety

Last week's safety huddle detailed some of the major hazards created by welding operations. This week we will be looking at the safety regulations that govern such operations.

Resistance welding equipment guidelines:

welding units must be installed by a qualified electrician
all doors and access panels must be closed on spot and seam welders
press welding operations must be guarded to prevent accidents

foot switches must also have guards

safety glass or fire resistant plastic is to be used to shield sparks
two or more safety stop buttons are required on welding machinery
safety chains are required on overhead suspended portable welders
program management forms or hot work permits are to be used to address safety management during welding, cutting, and brazing operations

permit to be issued by a competent person
not needed for work in fire safe areas
addresses at least:

pre-work safety evaluation
accident and fire evaluation
standardized work procedures
time frames when hot work can occur

Rules for oxyacetylene welding

crack the valve
before opening, release adjusting screw
always stand to one side
open slowly
do not use acetylene above 15 psig
purge acetylene and oxygen passages individually before lighting
first light acetylene before opening oxygen on torch
never use oil/grease on regulators or tips
do not use oxygen as substitute for air
keep all combustibles out of work area
fire watches maintained for 30 minutes after welding operations are completed

Guidelines for welding and cutting in confined spaces

adequate ventilation provided
all gas cylinders and welding machines should be left outside space, and require attendant to monitor the equipment and the worker
when welder is not in use, electrodes must be removed, or gas/oxygen supply needs to be turned off outside the confined space

Always consult government standards for more details.

Be safe out there!

WWW.HEROICSAFETY.COM

SAFETY HUDDLE - WELDING HAZARDS

Dan Deluca — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 09:49:00 GMT

Welding Hazards

Many industries utilize welding operations for construction, fabrication, and maintenance purposes. Welding and torch cutting are invaluable tools in American industry but can be very dangerous. Increase workplace safety by discussing welding hazards with your employees and develop a plan to mitigate or abate these hazards.

Welding Health Hazards

routes of exposure

inhalation - most common route of accidental entry
ingestion
absorption
injection

air contaminants

fumes - usually metallic, hazardous to inhale
particulates - solids or liquids that can be explosive and/or hazardous to breathe
gases - can effect the body through all routes of entry
vapors - evaporation of liquids or solids and can be very deadly

physical agents

ultraviolet radiation

causes skin burns
feeling of sand in eyes (known as "arc eye")

infrared radiation

mitigated with protective clothing and helmets

intense visible light

retinal damage from direct viewing

chemical agents

zinc

found in brass, galvanized metals, and alloys
cause metal fume fever which has symptoms similar to the flu

cadmium

rust preventative coating on steel
severe lung irritation, emphysema, and kidney damage

beryllium

alloy element with copper and other metals
chemical pneumonia
shortness of breath, cough, weight loss, and fatigue

iron oxide

alloying element in steel
iron pigmentation of lungs

mercury

rust prevention coatings
tremors, emotional and behavioral disturbances, and hearing difficulties

lead

lead bearing alloys and lead based paints
brain damage, central nervous system damage, circulation problems, and damage to the reproduction system

fire and electrocution

sparks and heat generated in welding operation can ignite combustible materials
vapors, dusts, and gases may ignite and explode
large amounts of electricity are needed to sustain welding operations, welding safety includes controlling electrical hazards

Please look for future safety huddles dealing with welding PPE and safety regulations. Always consult government standards for more details.

Be safe out there!

WWW.HEROICSAFETY.COM

REGISTER FOR N.E. OHIO OSHA 30 CONSTRUCTION TRAINING

Dan Deluca — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 10:19:00 GMT

Heroic Safety in cooperation with Sheakley Health and Safety Services is offering a regional N.E. Ohio OSHA 30 Construction training.

We understand your schedules are very busy. If you have been wanting to get an OSHA 30 Construction card, but cannot afford to dedicate a whole week of your time, then this training is for you. Starting on October 5, we will have an OSHA 30 Construction Outreach class one day per week for four weeks. We only want you for one day per week thus freeing up the rest of your week to take care of business.

The training will take place in Medina, Ohio. The course dates are as follows: Oct. 5, 13, 19, and 26. Each training will take place from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm on the listed dates. The cost of the training is $329.00 per person and is open to anyone who would like to be certified. Attendance is mandatory on each of the training dates.

Please click on the following OSHA 30 linkfor more details. You can call Heroic at 330-794-7931 or Sheakley's Jenny Gossett at 800-877-5055 ext. 1193 to register by phone or obtain more details.

Thank you. We look forward to seeing you there!

WWW.HEROICSAFETY.COM

SAFETY HUDDLE - HAND & FOOT PPE

Dan Deluca — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 11:08:00 GMT

Classifying Hand & Foot Protection

Hand Protection PPE

The selection of appropriate hand PPE is a very important part of workplace safety. Safety gloves are offered in many different types of protective materials. Always complete a hazard analysis before selecting PPE.

Always use machine guards and do not bypass safety measures.
Safety gloves & hazard protection:

Metal mesh - resist sharp objects
Leather - for rough surfaces
Vinyl & neoprene - toxic chemicals
Dielectric rubber - electricity
Padded cloth - sharp edges, slivers, dirt, and vibration
Heat resistant - extreme temperatures
Latex disposable - germs, bacteria, and pathogens
Lead lined - radiation

Always wash hands after work operations

Foot Protection PPE

There are many different foot related injuries that can arise on a job site or in a workplace. The following are all injuries and possible hazards that should be assessed before selecting proper foot PPE:

Impact injuries
Spills and splashes
Compression injuries
Electrical shocks
Extreme temperatures and moisture
Slipping

Classifying footwear:

Metatarsal footwear - protect the entire foot from ankle to toes
A reinforced sole - will protect the foot from punctures
Latex and rubber footwear - protects from chemicals and prevents slipping
PVC footwear - protects against moisture and increases traction
Butyl - will protect against ketones, aldehydes, alcohols, acids, salts, and alkalies
Vinyl - protects against solvents, acids, alkalies, salts, water, grease, and blood
Nitrile - resists animal fats, oils, and chemicals

Always consult government standards for more details.

Be safe out there!

WWW.HEROICSAFETY.COM

SAFETY HUDDLE - OSHA STANDARDS, CITATIONS & PENALTIES

Dan Deluca — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:57:00 GMT

Understanding OSHA Standards, Citations & Penalties

Reading OSHA Standards:

Code of Federal Regulations is divided into 50 titles
Title 29 is designated for the Department of Labor

All OSHA regulations are found within Title 29
Published annually on July 1

Breakdown of OSHA standards are as follows:

Title

Chapter

Parts

Subparts

Sections

Paragraphs

Sub paragraphs

Chapters represent issuing agencies
Subparts are individual topics within an overall part

example: 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S

Title 29 is Dept. of Labor
Chapter 17 is OSHA (implied in coding)
Part 1910 is General Industry Standards
Subpart S are the electrical standards

example: 29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L

Title 29 is Dept. of Labor
Chapter 17 is OSHA (implied)
Part 1926 is Construction Standards
Subpart L are the scaffold standards

Citations & Penalties:

Citations are not issued at time of inspection by OSHA Safety Officers, they are issued by OSHA Area Directors by certified mail with 45 days of inspection.
Types of citations:

other than serious - would not cause death or serious harm
serious - high probability of death or serious harm
willful - knowingly engaging in an act that is known to be dangerous or possibly fatal to employees
repeated - similar violations found on reinspection
failure to abate - former citation not abated
falsifying records
assaulting a compliance officer

Penalties:

other than serious: less than or equal to $7,000 per violation (usually a much lower amount than max)
serious: less than or equal to $7,000 per violation
willful: $5,000 to $70,000 and/or jail time
repeated: less than or equal to $70,000 per violation
failure to abate: less than or equal to $70,000 per day
falsifying records: $10,000 and/or jail time
assaulting a compliance officer: less than or equal to $5,000 and less than or equal to 3 years prison time

Appeals:

Employer has 15 days from certified notification of citation to notify Secretary that they wish to contest the citation.

If no notice is given within 15 days, then the citation and penalty will be deemed final.

Always consult the OSHA standards for more details.

Be safe out there!

WWW.HEROICSAFETY.COM

SAFETY HUDDLE - OSHA INSPECTIONS

Dan Deluca — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 10:16:00 GMT

OSHA Inspections

As safety consultants, our job is to help employers and employees understand the OSHA inspection process and inform them of their rights during these inspections.

OSHA Inspections

OSHA can:

inspect during regular working hours and at other reasonable times, and within reasonable limits and in a reasonable manner.
can privately question any employee they see fit to question.
inspect any place of employment, and all pertinent conditions, structures, machines, apparatus, devices, equipment and materials therein.
take environmental samples or obtain photographs related to the purpose of the inspection, and employ other reasonable investigative techniques.
notify the employer before leaving that a temporary restraining order will be petitioned for an imminent danger threat, and require the employer to post a sign in the hazard area notifying employees of the threat if threat is not immediately abated.
apply to the nearest federal district court for a temporary restraining order to shut down or halt operations.

OSHA cannot:

conduct a warrantless inspection without consent from the employer.
refuse to be accompanied throughout the inspection process by a representative of the employer or establishment.
make public any information gathered during the inspection process relating to trade secrets of the employer.
shut down any employer or operation without a temporary restraining order from a federal court.

OSHA Inspection Priorities:

Imminent danger
Fatalities and catastrophes
Programmed high hazards
Follow up inspections

Employer Rights

Employers have a right to:

seek advice from OSHA.
require inspectors to furnish identification and warrant.
have an opening and closing conference.
accompany inspector during inspection process.
contest citations.
take an active role in the development of safety standards.
have trade secrets kept confidential.

Inspection Process

Opening Conference:

explains purpose and scope.
employer provides a representative to accompany inspector.

Documents reviewed:

OSHA 300 log and 301 forms.
OSHA poster.
safety programs
mechanical power press maintenance and inspection records.

Safety inspection and walk-through:

examines site, processes, operations, equipment, machines, devices, etc. for OSHA compliance.

Closing conference:

no citation issued at this time.
briefs employers on conditions found.
informs employer of whether citations will be issued and the employers right to appeal such citations.

Always consult OSHA and federal standards for more details.

Be safe out there!

WWW.HEROICSAFETY.COM

SAFETY HUDDLE - ROADWORK VISIBILITY

Dan Deluca — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:16:00 GMT

Roadwork Visibility

Workers who spend a great deal of their time working along roadways are in constant danger from moving traffic and equipment. Employers must realize that there are federal standards that require employees to wear high visibility clothing. As of November 24, 2008, the federal government mandated that all workers within right of way of federal-aid highways are required to wear high visibility apparel that meets performance requirements of ANSI/ISEA 107-2004 class 2 or class 3 ANSI/ISEA 207-2006 public safety vests.

Understanding High Visibility Clothing

There are three classes of high visibility clothing. They are differentiated by the requirements for amounts of retroreflective material that needs to meet specific performance criteria, the width and placement of the material, design, and color of vest used. Classes of high visibility and reflective clothing are further broken down on a worker's proximity to traffic areas and the speeds of that traffic. The following is a synopsis of class requirements defined by these criteria.

Class 1: needs to be conspicuous and use retroreflective materials not less than 25mm in width.

Used when workers are well separated from traffic
Vehicle speeds of less than 25 mph

Parking attendants
Shopping cart retrievers
Warehouse workers
Roadside/sidewalk maintenance workers
Delivery vehicle drivers

Class 2: maintains superior visibility and are more conspicuous than the Class 1 garments. Minimum width of retroreflective material used on these is not less than 35mm.

Used when workers are on or near roadways
Vehicle speeds of 25 to 50 mph

Roadway construction workers
Utility workers
Survey crews
Law enforcement personnel
Crossing guards
High-volume parking lot or toll-gate attendants
Airport baggage handlers and ground crews
Railway workers
Emergency response personnel
Accident site investigators

Class 3: has greatest visibility. Maintains more retroreflective material than Class 2 and must have sleeves with retroreflective material between the shoulders and elbows. Not less than 50mm wide of retroreflective material.

Used for workers in high risk situations
Allows them to be seen from a minimum distance of 1,280 ft.
Vehicle speeds of greater than 50 mph

Roadway construction workers
Utility workers
Survey crews
Emergency response personnel

Always consult federal regulations for more details.

Be safe out there!

WWW.HEROICSAFETY.COM

PREPARE FOR THE WORST WITH EMERGENCY PREPARATION KITS!

Dan Deluca — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:10:00 GMT

Be Prepared!

Webster defines an emergency as, "a sudden, generally unexpected occurrence demanding immediate attention." Emergencies can come in many ways, shapes and forms. From extended power-outages to natural disasters such as tornadoes and hurricanes. In these times of emergencies, nobody is going to ensure your safety or the safety of the people your care about other than you! Be prepared by building emergency preparedness kits for your homes, families, and businesses.

Heroic recommends that individuals in the home have a minimum three-day supply of essentials per person such as food, water, and other related necessities. One-day supplies per individual are recommended in the business setting. Heroic suggests having emergency kits in the following places:

Home (3 days supplies per individual with first aid kit)
Vehicles (1 day per vehicle with first aid and roadside kit)
College dorm room/apartment (3 days per individual with first aid kit)
Camper or cabin (3 days per individual, first aid, and roadside kit)
Business (1 day per individual)
Cycling, hiking, or outdoor sports (first aid pocket kits)

Heroic Safety Solutions is proud to endorse the services of Safety City, Inc. Safety City offers completely customizeable emergency and disaster kits for the individual, family, car, or business. They offer quality affordable products to meet all of our emergency needs. Emergency and disaster kits can be purchased as is, or can be created to meet the specific needs of the buyer. Their website even offers a recommendation browser to help make suggestions to the buyer. They offer a wide range of emergency products including; nonperishable foods, water, long-burning candles, first aid kits, roadside kits, emergency radios, and many more.

Clink on the Safety City link below to explore their emergency products store and you will be on your way to preparing for the worst.

WWW.HEROICSAFETY.COM

SAFETY HUDDLE - MACHINE GUARDING

Dan Deluca — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:01:00 GMT

Principles of Machine Guarding

The basic types of hazardous mechanical motions and actions are:

Motions:

Rotating (including in-running nip points)
Reciprocating
Transversing

Actions:

Cutting
Punching
Shearing
Bending

Minimal general requirements for safety guards:

Prevent contact - must prevent hands, arms, and any other part of the body from making contact with moving parts
Be secure - workers should not be able to easily remove or tamper with the safety guard

Should be made of durable material that will withstand the conditions of normal use
Must be firmly secured to machine

Protect from falling objects - ensure that no objects fall into moving parts
Create no new hazards - the guard defeats its own purpose if it creates a hazard of its own such as a shear point, jagged edge, or unfinished surface
Create no interference - proper safety guarding can actually enhance efficiency since it can relieve the worker's apprehensions about injury
Allow safe lubrication - one should be able to lubricate the machine without removing the safety guards

Locate oil reserves outside the guard with a line leading to the lubricating point

Thorough operator training should involve instruction and/or hands on training in the following:

A description and identification of hazards associated with particular machines
The safety guards themselves, how they protect, and the hazards they are intended to protect the worker from
How to use safety guards and why
How and under what circumstances safety guards can be removed, and by whom
What to do (contact supervisor) if guard is damaged, missing, or unable to provide protection
This training is necessary for new operators, maintenance or setup personnel when any new or altered safety guards are put into service, or when workers are assigned to a new machine or operation

Look for Heroic Safety's future Safety Huddle on specific OSHA machine guarding requirements. Always consult the OSHA standards for further details.

Be safe out there!

WWW.HEROICSAFETY.COM

SAFETY HUDDLE - POWERED INDUSTRIAL TRUCKS

Dan Deluca — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 10:08:00 GMT

Powered Industrial Trucks

There can be a lot of confusion surrounding the topic of powered industrial trucks (PID) and their workplace safety standards. OSHA mandates that all employees who operate powered industrial trucks obtain a valid certification. Never allow an employee to operate these vehicles without completing a certified training program. PID's are rated according to their fuel and safety components. It is always a good idea to assess atmospheric hazards in your workplace before selecting a PID. Assess for flammabilities, aisle widths, adequate ventilation, etc. and then make your selection of PID based on the assessment findings.

PID Designations:

D - are similar to G except that they are diesel powered instead of gasoline
DS - diesel powered and are provided with additional safeguards to the exhaust, fuel, and electrical systems
DY - diesel powered with all of the safeguards of DS, do not have any electrical equipment (including the ignition), and are equipped with temperature limiting features
E - are electrically powered that have minimum acceptable safeguards against inherent fire hazards
ES - electric powered with additional safeguards to electrical systems to prevent emission of hazardous sparks and to limit surface temperature
EE - Have everything that E & ES have, but their electric motors and equipment are enclosed
EX - differ from the rest because their electrical fittings and equipment are designed, constructed, and assembled so that they may be used in certain atmospheres containing flammable vapors and dusts
G - are gasoline powered with minimal acceptable safeguards against inherent fire hazards
GS - have additional safeguards to exhausts, fuel, and electrical systems
LP - liquefied petroleum gas powered
LPS - additional safeguards to exhausts, fuel, and electrical systems

Miscellaneous Information

Storage and handling of liquid fuels shall be in accordance with NFPA 30-1969
Concentration levels of carbon monoxide gas created by PID's shall not exceed the levels specified in 1910.1000
Brakes or wheel stops shall be placed on trucks or rail cars to prevent unnecessary rolling or moving
High-lift rider trucks shall be fitted with an overhead guard unless operating conditions do not permit
Requirements are imposed for for proper care of trucks during operations and when not in use
All traffic requirements shall be observed, including authorized plant speeds, and trucks shall be kept under control at all times

PID Training Basics

Safe Operation!

Employer shall ensure that each PID operator is competent to operate a designated truck safely

Training program shall consist of:

Formal instruction
Practical hands-on trainings
Evaluation of operator's performance in workplace

Refresher training and evaluation of training effectiveness shall be conducted:

When the operator has been observed operating the vehicle in an unsafe manner
When the operator has been involved in an accident or near miss incident
When the operator has received an evaluation that reveals that the operator is not operating the truck safely
When the operator is assigned to drive a different kind of truck
When a condition in the workplace changes in a manner that could affect safe operation of the truck
An evaluation of each PID operator shall be conducted at least once every three years

The certification shall include:

Name of operator
Date of training
Date of evaluation
Identity of person performing training or evaluation

Always refer to the OSHA standards for more detailed information.

Be safe out there!

WWW.HEROICSAFETY.COM

SAFETY HUDDLE - RESPIRATOR BASICS

Dan Deluca — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 20:50:00 GMT

Respirator Basics

Inhalation is the most common route of exposure for employees to most toxic materials in the workplace. Selecting and utilizing the appropriate respirator can be quite confusing and difficult. Employers and employees must get a firm understanding of respirator basic knowledge in order to increase respiratory safety in the workplace.

Definitions

Cannister or Cartridge: a container with a filter, sorbent, or catalyst, or combination of these items, which removes specific contaminants from the air passed through the container.
Employee exposure: exposure to a concentration of an airborne contaminant that would occur if an employee were not using respiratory protection.
Fit Factor: a quantitative estimate of the fit of a particular respirator to a specific individual.
Fit Test: the use of a protocol to qualitatively or quantitatively evaluate the fit of a respirator on an individual.
Fogs: are vapors which have condensed into tiny airborne particles or droplets.
Gases: materials that become airborne at room temperature.
Mists and Sprays: very small droplets of liquid materials suspended in the air.
Oxygen Deficient Atmosphere: an atmosphere with an oxygen content below 19.5% by volume.
Service Life: the period of time that a respirator, filter or sorbent, or other respiratory equipment provides adequate protection to the wearer.
Vapors: substances created when a solid or liquid material evaporates.

Types of Respirators

Air Purifying Respirators (APR): a respirator with an air purifying filter, cartridge, or cannister that removes specific air contaminants by passing ambient air through the air-purifying element. Cannot and must not be used in oxygen deficient atmospheres!

Types of APRs:

Air Purifying Disposable Particulate Respirator

i.e. Dust Mask

Air Purifying Half-Mask Respirator

only covers mouth and nose

Air Purifying Full-Face Mask Respirator

encapsulates the entire face

Gas Masks

Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR)

uses a blower to force the ambient air through air-purifying elements to the inlet covering.

Atmosphere Supplying Respirator (ASR): supplies the respirator user with breathing air from a source independent of the ambient atmosphere.

Two types of ASRs:

Supplied Air Respirator (SAR): an atmosphere supplying respirator for which the source of breathing air is not designed to be carried by the user.

Supplied Airline Respirator

Air Cart and Airline

Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA): an atmosphere supplying respirator for which the breathing air source is designed to be carried by the user.

SCBA

Escape-Only Respirator

Four Questions Used to Determine Respirator Selection

What type of contaminant is present?
What is the form of the contaminant?
How toxic is the contaminant?
What is the concentration of the contaminant?

OSHA Respiratory Protection Program Components

Written standard procedures governing selection and use of respirators in the workplace
Industrial hygiene survey to determine exposure levels
Medical evaluation and surveillance
Fit testing
User training
Regular maintenance, cleaning, and disinfecting
Proper storage

Please consult with the OSHA standards to get more details of respirator safety.

Be safe out there!

WWW.HEROICSAFETY.COM