OSHA  recently released its new guidance, Nail Gun Safety – A Guide for Construction Contractors.

A few of the chapters cover nail guns accidents and injuries.

It also details the Six Steps to Nail Gun Safety
1. Use the full sequential trigger.
2. Provide training.
3. Establish nail gun work procedures.
4. Provide personal protective equipment.
5. Encourage reporting and discussion of injuries and close calls.
6. Provide first aid and medical treatment.

This publication is a good tool, if you or your team use a nail gun. 

You can obtain it through this link Nail Gun Safety

Workers have the right to have a workplace that is as safe and hazard-free as possible.  Safety is important to companies for a number of reasons.  First, no one wants a tragedy on their watch.  Accidents, especially accidents where a worker dies has a severe financial impact for the company.
 
If you are a worker, work safe.  Don’t take shortcuts.  If you think about taking a short cut, don’t.  Use tools and equipment that are in good condition.  Don’t disable guards.  Trust your instincts.  If you think something is unsafe, stop and investigate before proceeding.  Discuss the situation with your supervisor.

If you are an employer, provide the right tools and equipment to enable your workers to do the job safely.  For example, if a 12-foot ladder is needed, don’t ask worker to do job with a 10-foot ladder.  Establish safety policies and procedures.  Enforce safety rules.

Every year, OSHA publishes a list of the ten most cited standards following inspections by federal OSHA.  According to OSHA, this list is published  to alert employers about these commonly cited standards so they can take steps to find and fix recognized hazards before OSHA shows up.

 1.  Scaffolding  (from Construction standards)
2.  Fall Protection (from Construction standards)
3.  Hazard Communication
4.  Respiratory Protection
5.  Lockout/Tagout
6.  Electrical, Wiring Methods
7.  Powered Industrial Trucks
8.  Ladders (from Construction standards)
9.  Electrical, General Requirements
10. Machine Guarding

Review this list.  If workers are exposed to hazards under these standards, make sure you are aware of these hazards and how to protect against them.  Far too many preventable injuries and illnesses occur in the workplace.

OSHA cites W Construction in Bozeman, MT and proposes $36,400 in fines.  OSHA went to their jobsite after receiving a couple of complaints.  OSHA cited them with one alleged willful violation for failing to provide cave-in protection and another serious violation for failing to remove workers from an unsafe trench when hazardous conditions were recognized.  W Construction has 15 business days from receipt of citations to comply, meet with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings.  We encourage employers to make sure they know their rights and defend themselves against OSHA citations.

In this busines climate, many companies are lowing profit margins to stay open.  While a $37,400 fine is tough to pay at any time, in today’s market, it could put some companies out of business.

The best thing to do avoid citations and fines.  Develop a strong safety culture based on a written safety program that includes a method of identifying and correcting hazards, conduct regular inspections and train employees.

April 28, 2011, marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of OSHA. Since OSHA's creation, the nation has seen remarkable progress in worker health and safety. Throughout 2011, OSHA is presenting a series of activities to celebrate these accomplishments. We will begin with an interactive timeline that marks important moments in the history of OSHA's efforts, along with those of its state partners, to reduce workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities. The page will also include a special message from OSHA Assistant Secretary David Michaels.

Oregon OSHA issued an alert to hair salons about the presence of formaldehyde in Brazilian Blowout.  Brazilian Blowout is a hair product used in salons to to straighten hair.  The company claims their product contains no formadehyde.  Lab tests show otherwise.

Formaldehyde is colorless and odorless, but it large quantities it carries an odor.  Some other symptoms:  skin and eye irritations, problems breathing, headaches, nausea and lethargy.  These symptoms range from cold and flu-like symptoms to cancer.

The company that manufactures Brazilian Blowout has issued a statement saying they are taking legal action against Oregon OSHA saying that the product is formaldehyde-free and the lab findings are wrong.

 20 year old student was killed videotaping a Notre Dame football practice.  He was in a scissor lift and ittoppled over in the wind killing Declan Sullivan.  The accident is being investigated by Notre Dame and Indiana OSHA.
 
Scissor lifts are dangerous and should not be used when it is windy.  When a scissor lift tips over, the user is either killed in the fall or crushed when by the lift.
 
Only trained and authorized personnel are allowed to operate lifts.
 
No matter what the investigation finds, nothing will bring this student back.  Hopefully other universities will take notice and train scissor lift users—not just their employees, but also their student scissor lift operators.

Nail guns operate like a loaded gun and must be treated with extreme caution.  Nail gun use requires the employee to wear suitable ear, eye and face protection.  Follow these additional safety rules when using nail guns.

1. Only employees trained in the safe and proper use of nail guns are allowed to use them.
2. Test nail gun each day prior to loading to ensure safety devices are working properly. 
3. A tool operating correctly must not be able to operate unless it is pressed against the work surface with  a force of at least 5 pounds greater than the total weight of the tool.
4. If nail gun is not working properly, during the test or during use, immediately remove tool from service.  Tag it with a “Do not Use” Tag.  Do not use nail gun until it is repaired.
5. Never tamper with safety devices.
6. Disconnect a nail gun before you service it.
7. Never point a nail gun, loaded or unloaded at another person.  Always assume gun is loaded.
8. Do not carry a nail gun with your finger on the trigger.  Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire.
9. Never rest the gun against any part of your body, or climb a ladder with gun cradled against your body.
10. Never leave loaded guns unattended.  Disconnect gun from air supply when not using.
11. Always store unloaded tools and cartridges in its locked storage container when not being used.
12. Never drive fasteners into very hard or brittle material.  This includes:  cast iron, glazed tile, surface hardened steel, glass block, live rock, face brick and so on.
13. Never use nail guns in explosive or flammable atmospheres.
14. Make sure no one is standing down range while firing.
15. Use appropriate gun and fastener for job.

What to Do in Case of a Misfire
In case of a misfire, the operator shall hold the tool in the operating position for at least 30 seconds before trying to fire it again. If it still will not fire, the operator must hold the tool in the operating position for another 30 seconds.  Continue to hold the muzzle against the work surface during disassembly or opening of the tool and removal of the powder load. Put bad cartridge into water immediately after removal.  Tool must be removed from service immediately if it becomes defective during use. Identify defective tools with a tag stating “DEFECTIVE” or “DO NOT USE”.

Manhole covers are heavy and closely fitted to the manhole opening. Never attempt to lift a cover without using proper pry bar tools, special lifting tools, and additional help where needed. Ensure fingers and toes do not remain under manhole covers when putting them down.

OSHA has cited two contractors after a scaffold collapse at Binghamton University in Vestal, N.Y., that injured six workers.

The scaffold platform bridge connecting two separate Hydro Mobile platform scaffolds failed and fell 40 feet to the ground. The two companies cited were Apple Roofing Co., a Syracuse contractor performing roofing work, and CFI Sales and Service, the Brackney, Pa., subcontractor that erected the scaffolds.

OSHA's inspection found that the safety chains designed to hold the scaffold platform bridge in place were no longer on the scaffold. OSHA could not determine who removed the safety chains, but they found that Apple Roofing did not have a competent person, one with the knowledge and authority to identify and correct such a hazardous condition, inspect the scaffold before using it.

"If Apple Roofing had inspected the scaffold, it would have seen that the safety chains were not in place and would not have used the scaffold until the chains were re-installed," said Christopher Adams, OSHA's area director in Syracuse.

As a result of its inspection, OSHA issued Apple Roofing five serious citations, with $12,300 in proposed fines, for not inspecting the scaffold, not training employees to recognize hazards associated with scaffolding work and for fall hazards. CFI Sales and Service was issued two serious citations, with $2,100 in fines, for a fall hazard and for not training employees to recognize scaffold work hazards. OSHA issues serious citations when death or serious physical harm is likely to result from hazards about which the employer knew or should have known.

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration is partnering with construction contractors, the Federal Highway Administration, the state of Georgia and local government organizations to sponsor a safety stand-down hour at local construction sites around Georgia on Tuesday, Nov. 9.

Employers will voluntarily stop work at construction sites from 7 to 8 a.m. EST to conduct work zone safety training focused on the prevention of injuries occurring when employees are struck by objects and vehicles. Objects and vehicles striking workers are a lead cause of construction-related deaths. Approximately 75 percent of struck-by fatalities involve heavy equipment such as trucks or cranes.

"The one-hour stand down will heighten employees' awareness and their ability to identify and eliminate work-related hazards in the construction community," said Cindy Coe, OSHA's regional administrator for the Southeast. "This alliance has taken the initiative and shown leadership with organizing and conducting this safety stand-down industry-wide as well as throughout Georgia to emphasize the importance of employees' safety in work zones."

Revised program policy now requires OSHA trainers to limit worker training classes to a maximum of 7½ hours per day. Before OSHA made this change, there were no limitations on how long these classes could last each day. With 10 hours of training, along with necessary breaks and lunch, students could sit in classes for up to 13 hours a day. OSHA became concerned that long, mentally-fatiguing class days might cause students to miss essential safety and health training.

OSHA now requires outreach trainers to conduct 10-hour courses over a minimum of two days and 30-hour courses over at least four days. OSHA will not recognize training classes that exceed 7½ hours per day and will not provide course completion cards to instructors.  However, instructors may request (in writing) an exception to this 7½ hour requirement based on extenuating circumstances.  

OSHA  is trying to define the phrase "feasible administrative or engineering controls" as used in the general industry and construction occypational noise exposure standards.  The goal as usual with this “New Sheriff” brand of OSHA is to amend enforcement procedures.  According to OSHA, they interpret feasible to mean “capable of being done”.

OSHA's  standards require that noise must be reduced to acceptable levels by feasible administrative or engineering controls before protecting employees with personal protective equipment.

Under the agency's current enforcement policy, however, the agency issues citations for failure to use engineering and administrative controls only when they cost less than a hearing conservation program or such equipment is ineffective.

OSHA is soliciting comments.  If you have want to comment, you have until December 20, 2010.  Submit comments to http://www.regulations.gov.  Docket No. OSHA-2010-0032.

The following is a list of the top 10 most frequently cited standards for Fiscal Year 2010 (October 1, 2009 to September 20, 2010) following inspections of worksites by federal OSHA. OSHA publishes this list to alert employers about these commonly cited standards so they can take steps to find and fix recognized hazards addressed in these and other standards before OSHA shows up. Far too many preventable injuries and illnesses occur in the workplace.

1.     1926.451 – Scaffolding
2.   1926.501 – Fall Protection
3.   1910.1200 – Hazard Communication
4.   1910.134 – Respiratory Protection
5.    1926.1053 – Ladders
6.   1910.147 – Lockout/Tagout
7.    1910.305 – Electrical, Wiring Methods
8.   1910.178 – Powered Industrial Trucks
9.   1910.303 – Electrical, General Requirements
10.1910.212 – Machine Guarding

The Government Accounting Office (GAO) reviewed OSHA's whistleblower program and found it lacking.  They found that OSHA had done little to ensure that investigators have the necessary training and equipment to do their jobs, and that it lacks sufficient internal controls to ensure that the whistleblower program operates as intended.  In addition, OSHA lacks sufficient internal controls to ensure that the whistleblower program operates as intended due to several factors, including inconsistent program operations, inadequate tracking of program expenses, and insufficient performance monitoring. Program operations vary by region in significant ways, as exemplified by differing standards used to screen out complaints, and by some regions not having formally trained supervisors who approve investigation decisions. The whistleblower program's national office lacks mechanisms, such as access to accurate data and actual case files, to monitor compliance with policies and procedures.

Workers who "blow the whistle" on prohibited or unlawful practices that they discover during their employment can play an important role in the enforcement of federal laws. However, these whistleblowers may also risk reprisals from their employers, sometimes being demoted, reassigned, or fired. Federal laws establish whistleblower protection processes, whereby workers who believe that they have faced retaliation for blowing the whistle can report their allegations to the appropriate federal agency, which then determines the merit of their claims. The Whistleblower Protection Program at the Department of Labor's (Labor) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is responsible for receiving and investigating most whistleblower complaints filed by nonfederal workers.

During a 10 or 30 hour class, OSHA outreach instructors now have to spend 2 hours covering Introduction to OSHA.  OSHA developed a training module to be used for this training.  This training requires us to cover how workers are protected if they report problems to OSHA or whistleblower protection.  As an instructor, I have to cover this material even though I know that this program may not protect these employees who blow the whistle.
 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics about 26 construction workers die each year from using aerial lifts. Approximately 70% involve boom-supported lifts, such as bucket trucks and cherry pickers; 25% of the other deaths involve scissor lifts.  Half of the falls from boom lifts involved being ejected from the bucket after being struck by vehicles, cranes, or crane loads, or by falling objects, or when a lift suddenly jerked. Three-quarters of the tip-overs of scissor lifts resulted in fall deaths; in the remaining accidents, workers died from being struck by the falling scissor lift. 

Often operators lack the training to know they are creating safety hazards. An aerial lift has the potential to cause serious injury when the operator has not read the operator’s manual. OSHA requires a qualified person to train all users on:·      

Electrical, fall, and falling-object hazards.

How to handle hazards.

Safe lift operation

Manufacturer requirements. 

Generally a pre-start inspection is required for all types of aerial lifts at each job site. Check operating and emergency controls, safety devices (such as, outriggers and guardrails), personal fall-protection gear, wheels and tires, and other machine components specified by the manufacturer. Look for possible leaks (air, hydraulic fluid, and fuel-system) and loose or missing parts.  Do not use defective equipment.

Safety Tips

·       Always close lift platform chains or doors.

·       Stand on the floor of the bucket or lift platform. Do not climb on or lean over guardrails.

·       Do not exceed manufacturer's load-capacity limits.

·       If working near traffic, install work-zone warnings, like cones and signs.

·       Use proper personal fall-protection.

·       Stay at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines.

·       Do not drive with the lift platform elevated (unless allowed by manufacturer).

·       Do not exceed vertical or horizontal reach limits or the specified load-capacity of the lift.

·       Prevent unauthorized use by locking a machine, keeping its keys off the job site, or securing it in an  inaccessible area  when not working

·       Operator’s manual must be kept on machine.

Recently, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released "Fatality Report".

Preliminary data report for 2009 fatal work injuries were 4340 in the US compared to 5214 in 2008. Within the numbers are some interesting things:

1. The 2009 total was the lowest since the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) started keeping this data in 1992.

2. Fatal rate was 3.3 per 100,000 full-time equivalents  for 2009 compared to 3.7 per 100,000 for 2008.

What about economic factors?

Because 2009 had a weaker economy, 6 percent fewer hours worked in 2009 than 2008,  these numbers still show a dramatic reduction. Yes, a full 17 percent lower fatalities in 2009 than in 2008.

There is a debate arising as to what are the reasons for these results.

What do you think the reason is?

The full article is available    http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cfoi.pdf

Please come back to voice your opinion on what's happening.

"There's a new sheriff in town," Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis warned during her 2009 swearing-in ceremony.

During the past year and a half, OSHA has issued twice as many OSHA egregious violations as the previous administration in a similar time period. 17 cases of egregious violations were issued to companies like BP.  Instead of combining violations for penalty purposes, each instance of noncompliance is considered a separate violation and a penalty applied separately.  This is the definition of an egregious violation.  These egregious violations may result in multi million dollar penalites to employers that show flagrant and willful indifference to protecting workers.

We were warned.

Many construction companies rent aerial lifts which means that your crew may not be familiar with the model you will be using.  Operator controls and other key features differ from model to model.

You need to make sure lift is working properly.

Make sure operator and maintenance manuals are on lift.

Be sure proper personal fall-protection is provided and used.

Four types of accidents result in 79% of all construction fatalities.  In addition, 85% of all citations and 90% of dollars in OSHA construction fines come from these four hazards.

In 2006, there were 1226 construction fatalities.

Falls accounted for 34.9% of these fatalities.  Falls in construction has been the leading cause of death for many years.  Primary causes are falls from unprotected sides, edges and holes; improperly constructed waling/working surfaces; failure to properly use personal fall arrest equipment (lanyard, harness and anchorage), and slips and trips (poor housekeeping).

Electrical shock resulted in 10.1% construction deaths.  Electrocutions are caused by contact with overhead power lines or live circuits and improper use of power tools or power cords that are poorly maintained. 

9.7% of construction fatalities are being struck by an object.  Approximately 75% of struck-by fatalities involve heavy equipment.  One in four “struck-by-vehicle” deaths involve construction workers, more than any other occupation.

The 7.7% of the caught-in fatalities are caused by being crushed by collapsing materials, such as in a trench or excavation, being caught in, or between, machinery or equipment, or equipment rollover.

The “other” category includes assaults and violent acts, fires, heat stress, exposure to harmful substances, etc. It is very large, partly because OSHA includes vehicle accidents in this category rather than in “struck-by.”

These hazards are called the “focused” four and OSHA focusing on these when inspection.  A better name for these accidents are the fatal four.

Construction is a potentially high hazard industry for those who work in it, with falls at the top of the hazards list. In fact, falls are the most frequent cause of fatalities at construction sites and annually account for one of every three construction-related deaths. Although there are commonly available methods for preventing falls, the number of construction workers who fall to their deaths has increased in recent years. According to preliminary 2007 fatality data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were at least 442 construction worker fatalities during 2007 as a result of falls from all causes.

Supervisors have the greatest influence on their work crew.  When supervisors follow safety rules, their team will follow their lead.  When a supervisor tries to enforce safety rules, but doesn’t follow them, safety rules will be followed inconsitently.  The one single thing that a supervisor can do to make sure workers are safe is to follow the rules.

Supervisors can protect workers by enforcing safe work practices and immediately correcting hazards found during regularly scheduled inspections.

A consistently implemented safety program improves job morale, protects the company, protects managers and supervisors while protecting workers.

Recently OSHA developed new training material that must be used in a 10-hour class.  This 2-hour module covers OSHA.  Module contains 10 exercises that must be covered.  The material is interesting, the time allocated to cover OSHA is reasonable,  but one of the exercises is how to fill out the complaint form.  Come on…what is your name and problem.  How to complain to OSHA has always been covered, but this self-serving exercise is lame. 

OSHA has a new pilot program working with building inspectors in 11 cities across the country.  The goal is to reduce worker deaths on construction sites--particularly deaths caused by falls, electrocution, and being caught between or struck by objects.

Under this program, building inspectors will notify OSHA when they observe unsafe conditions, so OSHA can send a compliance officer to inspect that workplace. "Through this program we will extend OSHA's eyes and ears where they are needed most to save lives in the construction industry," Barab stated.

No mention if these building inspectors are trained in hazard recognition or not.

Business owners could be held criminally liable for safety violations if the mine safety act passes.  The country watched the staggering horrors created by recent mine disasters and the apparent ineffectiveness of the Mine Safety Health Administration (MSHA) and demanded change.  The Mine Safety Act, HR 5663, came into being.  But it covers much more than just mine safety.

This bill is considered one of the most sweeping changes to the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.  Business groups are lobbying against this bill.

Under this bill, deaths or serious injuries in the workplace become felonies rather than misdemeanors.   These felonies carry a 10 year prison sentence for a first offense and 20 years for a second.  But it is not clear who would be charged since the language states, “any officer or director”. 

The bill also removes the word “willfully” and replaces it with “knowing” when it comes to these criminal penalties.  Since “knowing” is a new term in safety, this creates confusion.  How does a director defend against “knowing”?

Another bone of contention is the requirement to immediately abate hazards that OSHA finds and cites.  These hazards have to be fixed even before OSHA proves that a standard has been violated.  If OSHA says it, it is now gospel.  Business groups says this violates the concept of “due process”.

 
Again this bill does more than just improve miner safety. It continues to reinforce the adversarial stance that OSHA has taken. 

Fed OSHA issued its new crane & derrick standard today, July 28, 2010.  On the same day, OSHA held a live chat and discussed these new changes that supersede and replace old crane standard (from 1971).  I know I complain about the things that OSHA does that I don’t like, so to be fair, I appreciate and enjoy these live chats.

This standard has some sweeping changes.  However, these changes only affect cranes used in construction or cranes that are used for construction activities.  The rule goes into effect November 8, 2010.  Certain provisions have delayed effective dates from 1 to 4 years.

Revisions include:
• Operator certification and qualification requirements.
• Qualification for signal persons are specified.
• Requirement added for the use of qualified rigger when employees are in the fall zone to handle the load and for rigging operations during assembly/disassembly.

• Information exchange requirements between employers are specified regarding ground conditions.
• Pre-erection inspection of tower training.
• Employers must pay for the cost of operator certification for operators who they employ on the effective date of the final rule
• All pole work performed with digger derricks related to power transmission and telecommunications work are excluded and are covered by 1910.269.
• Operator certification test may be administered in a language understood by the operator candidate.
• Employers must comply with local and state licensing laws which will be considered to meet requirements of this final rule.
• Employers must comply with manufactures recommendations for the use of synthetic slings.

If you would like to review the 1070 pages of the crane standard. it's found here

http://www.ofr.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2010-17818_PI.pdf

Working in hot weather is hazardous.  Fact:  16 people died from heat stress while building the Hoover Dam. 

Heat stress is one of the most serious health hazards facing workers in the Gulf.  The risk from the heat and humidity is exacerbated by the long days worked and the protective equipment required, e.g. chemical resistant Tyvek coveralls, boots and gloves. More than 667 workers have already been treated for heat-related illness, some were very serious.

At OSHA's urging, BP has now implemented at all work sites a heat stress management plan that includes a matrix setting out specific work/rest requirements based on the heat, relative humidity, and the protective equipment worn.

Administrative or work practice controls of an effective heat program include:

• Acclimatize workers
• Replace fluids
• Reduce the physical demands
• Provide recovery areas
• Reschedule hot jobs
• Monitor workers

OSHA has more information on its website to help companies protect their workers from heat.  Remember, heat is dangerous, simple measures can save lives…be proactive…not reactive.

Crane safety has been in the forefront of the news due to the recent crane accidents in Houston, New York City, Miami, and Las Vegas.

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show 72 crane-related fatal occupational injuries in 2006.  These include all fatalities where the source of the injury was a crane, the secondary source of the injury was a crane, or where the worker activity was operating a crane.  Chart shows that 61% of the fatalities were caused when crane came in contact with objects or equipment. 

Properly trained operators and a well thought out and implemented crane policy can eliminate most accidents.  AGC of Colorado established a crane task force and published a free downloadable Mobile Crane User Guideline that can asist with your crane program.  Access it here.  
http://tinyurl.com/25q8fvr

The adversarial position that OSHA is taking seems to mirror the Obama stance on business.  Business is bad.  Business owners are evil and only the government can protect us from their evil machinations.

OSHA is proposing legislation could put a business owner in prison up to 10 years with a felony conviction  if a worker dies on the job.  This sounds like a good idea on paper, but I think it will be a disaster if implemented.

The climate between OSHA and business is now adversarial.  There is no more working together.  If you have a good safety record, you are under reporting and if you have a bad safety record, then you are…well…bad.  An inordinate amount of new laws have been enacted and changed during this president’s administration.  Some of them are good, while some are draconian or ludicrous.

Whether you believe illegal aliens should be given immunity or not.  The botton line is they did do something wrong if they entered the country illegally.  Our government turns a blind eye to that, but business owners that are providing employment and a tax base for our communities are now the “bad guys” and have to be punished.

The world has gone mad

Heat Kills!  When I think of summer, I smile.  It reminds me of good times, school is out, hanging with friends, Beach Boys music (oops showing my age), freedom and fun.  But when you are working outside, heat is dangerous.

With this heat wave, companies and workers must do everything they can to keep safe.

Know the signs and symptoms of heat illnesses and what to do in an emergency situation.

Know what Federal OSHA  will look for when they come out.  California has an extensive heat regulation and requires companies to have a written program.  See http://tinyurl.com/258fsrt for help in complying with California regulations..

Know how to protect yourself while working in heat.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEAT ILLNESS

Heat-related illnesses occur when a body is unable to cool itself.   Older workers, workers in poor physical condition, workers with a poor diet or employees taking certain medications are more at risk.  Some heat-related illnesses are: heat rash, heat cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. Heat stroke is the most serious and can result in death. However it is important to be able to recognize the symptoms of all heat-related disorders.

The following symptoms are commonly associated with the different heat illness medical conditions. Given the variability in recognition and reporting of heat illness symptoms, the information listed below should be used only as a general guideline.

Heat Rash (Prickly Heat) - Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating and clogged pores during hot, humid weather. 

General Symptoms:

·       Can cover large parts of the body

·       Looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters

·       Often occurs on the neck, chest, groin, under the breasts, or in elbow creases

·       Uncomfortable so it can disrupt sleep and work performance

·       Complicated by infections

Workers experiencing heat rash should:

·       Try to work in a cooler, less humid environment when possible.

·       Keep the affected area dry.

·       Dusting powder may be used to increase comfort.

Heat Cramps - Heat cramps affect people who sweat a lot during strenuous work activity. Sweating makes the body loose salts and fluids and minerals. If only the fluids are replaced and not the salts and minerals painful muscles cramps may result. 

General Symptoms:

·       Painful muscle spasms in the stomach, arms, legs, and other body parts may occur after work or at night.     

Workers with heat cramps should:

·       Stop all activity, and sit in a cool place.

·       Drink water.

·       Do not return to strenuous work for a few hours after the cramps

subside because further exertion may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

·       Seek medical attention if any of the following apply:

o   The worker has heart problems.

o   The worker is on a low-sodium diet.

o   The cramps do not subside within one hour.

Fainting (Heat Syncope) - Employees who stand for long periods or suddenly get up from a sitting or lying position when working in the heat may experience sudden dizziness and fainting. In both cases, the fainting is caused by a lack of adequate blood supply to the brain. Dehydration and lack of acclimatization to work in warm or hot environments can increase the susceptibility to fainting. Victims normally recover consciousness rapidly after they faint. 

General Symptoms:

·       Sudden dizziness

·       Light-headedness

·       Unconsciousness

Workers with heat syncope should:

·       Sit or lie down in a cool place when they begin to feel symptoms.

·       Slowly drink water, clear juice, or a sports beverage.

·       If they have or are fainting, call 911, notify their supervisor and make arrangement for transportation to medical facility.

Heat Exhaustion - Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to an excessive loss of the water and the salt contained in sweat. Older employees or those with high blood pressure are more susceptible to heat exhaustion.  Cool temperature is not a valid indicator of a normal body temperature.  Although the skin feels cool the internal body temperature may be dangerously high and a serious medical condition may exist.

General Symptoms:

·       Heavy sweating

·       Painful muscle cramps

·       Extreme weakness and/or fatigue

·       Nausea and/or vomiting

·       Dizziness and/or headache

·       Body temperature normal or slightly high

·       Fainting

·       Pulse fast and weak

·       Breathing fast and shallow

·       Clammy, pale, cool, and/or moist skin

Workers with heat exhaustion should:      

·       Move to cool area and replace fluids.

·       If needed, call 9-1-1.

Heatstroke - Heatstroke is usually fatal unless emergency medical treatment is provided promptly. 

General Symptoms:

·       No sweating because the body cannot release heat or cool    down

·       Mental confusion, delirium, convulsions, dizziness

·       Hot and dry skin (e.g., red, bluish, or mottled)

·       Muscles may twitch uncontrollably

·       Pulse can be rapid and weak

·       Throbbing headache, shallow breathing, seizures and/or fits

·       Unconsciousness and coma

·       Body temperature may range from 102 - 104 °F or higher within 10-15 minutes

If the muscles begin to twitch uncontrollably, keep the person from self-injury. Do not place any objects in the mouth.

Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts until emergency medical treatment is provided to the victim.

Workers with heat stroke should:     

·       Get medical help immediately.

·       Move employee to shady area and remove outer clothing.

·       Wet skin and increase air movement around worker.

·       Give fluids to drink.

NEVER leave a suspected heat stroke victim alone or let them go home.

Always seek medical help.

OSHA has issued its final rule allowing the agency to cite employers on a "per employee basis" for failure to provide/train/wear/use required personal protective equipment. 

"In this rulemakeing, OSHA is amending its standards to add language clarifying that the personal protective equipment (PPE) and training requirements impose a compliance duty to each and every employee covered by the standards and that noncompliance may expose the employer to liability on a per-employee basis."  If you want to read the Final PPE rule in its entirety, go to http://tinyurl.com/23mzlp7

To clarify:

An employer has 10 employees working in an area where respirators (or hard hats, or gloves, etc.) are required and employer failed to provide ppe.  This would not be 1 violation, but 10 (1 violation for each worker) along with 10 accompanying penalties.

In comparison to: 10 employees working in an excavation without shoring, OSHA would write one citation and one penalty.

Better to spend a few dollars up front, protect workers and avoid severe penalties for failing to provide PPE.

The victim was a 40-year-old male forklift truck operator for a food production and distribution company, who worked for the company approximately seven years. The day of the incident he was performing the typical task of moving product to a different row of the warehouse using a forklift truck. During this task, the load of product became caught in the narrow aisles and the victim lowered the load back to the ground. He tilted the mast forward and stood between the mast and the cage looking over the load to see the obstacle that was preventing him from placing the product onthe shelf. His foot caught the lever, which controlled the mast causing it to tilt back toward the cage. He tried to duck out of the way, but was unsuccessful; his head was crushed between the mast and cage.

 OSHA extimates that over 1,000,000 million forklifts are used at U.S. workplaces.  Accidents like the one above occur all to often.  OSHA specific training regulations went into effect in December 1999.  These new training regulations save 100 lives a year.

Items covered during training are:  keep all body parts in cab and lockout/tagout equipment before working on it.  Following these 2 simple rules would have saved this operator’s life.  Because forklifts are so widely used, operator’s underestimate their dangers and hazards.

The standard requires employers to develop and implement a training program based on the general principles of safe truck operation, the types of vehicle(s) being used in the workplace, the hazards of the workplace created by the use of the vehicle(s), and the general safety requirements of the OSHA standard.

Trained operators must know how to do the job properly and do it safely as demonstrated by workplace evaluation. Formal (lecture, video, etc.) and practical (demonstration and practical exercises) training must be provided.

Employers must also certify that each operator has received the training and evaluate each operator at least once every three years.

Prior to operating the truck in the workplace, the employer must evaluate the operator's performance and determine the operator to be competent to operate a powered industrial truck safely.

Refresher training is needed whenever an operator demonstrates a deficiency in the safe operation of the truck.

Training shall consist of a combination of formal instruction (e.g., lecture, discussion, interactive computer learning, video tape, written material), practical training (demonstrations performed by the trainer and practical exercises performed by the trainee), and evaluation of the operator's performance in the workplace.

I do a lot of forklift training for my clients and I appreciate the work, but bringing this training in-house is a good move.  It makes since economically and from a safety standpoint.  If you don’t want to take the time to develop your own safety training program, buying a training package makes sense. 

Sorry for this cheap shameless plug, but you might want to check us out if you are looking for a train-the-trainer forklift package.  If you want more info, go to http://tinyurl.com/2dt2xkx

The United States and many other countries throughout the world have developed a Globally Harmonized System for the Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). The GHS is the culmination of more than a decade of work. After ten years of technical work and negotiation, a United Nations Economic and Social Council Subcommittee adopted the Globally Harmonized System for Classification and Labeling ("GHS") and recommended that it be disseminated throughout the world.  By promoting common, consistent criteria for classifying chemicals and developing compatible labeling and safety data sheets, the Globally Harmonized System is intended to enhance public health and environmental protection, as well as reduce barriers to trade.

The implementation of the GHS can have numerous benefits for governments, business and industry, and public interest and labour groups. Implementing the GHS also provides a number of international benefits.  It is anticipated that application of the GHS will:

·         Enhance the protection of human health and the environment by providing an internationally comprehensible system,

·         Provide a recognized framework to develop regulations for those countries without existing systems,

·         Facilitate international trade in chemicals whose hazards have been identified on an international basis,

·         Reduce the need for testing and evaluation against multiple classification systems.

·         The GHS can also support the implementations of the Millennium Development Goals to “ensure environmental sustainability”.

The tangible benefits to governments are:

·         Fewer chemical accidents and incidents,

·         Lower health care costs,

·         Improved protection of workers and the public from chemical hazards,

·         Avoiding duplication of effort in creating national systems,

·         Reduction in the costs of enforcement,

·         Improved reputation on chemical issues, both domestically and internationally.

Benefits to business and industry include:

·         A safer work environment and improved relations with employees,

·         An increase in efficiency and reduced costs from compliance with hazard communication regulations,

·         Application of expert systems resulting in maximizing expert resources and minimizing labor and costs,

·         Expanded use of training programs on health and safety,

·         Reduced costs due to fewer accidents and illnesses,

·         Improved corporate image and credibility.

Benefits to workers and the public include:

·         Improved safety for workers and others through consistent and simplified communications on chemical hazards and practices to follow for safe handling and use,

·         Greater awareness of hazards, resulting in safer use of chemicals in the workplace and in the home.

The purpose of the GHS is to promote common, consistent criteria for classifying chemicals according to their health, physical and environmental hazards, and to encourage the use of compatible hazard labels, material safety data sheets for workers, and other hazard communication information based on the resulting classifications.

Now, OSHA is in the process of adopting these requirements for American workplaces.   The standardization will ultimately be good news for all concerned, facilitating improvements to both efficiency and worker safety. However, in the short term, the implementation of the GHS will require changes in all American workplace hazcom and other safety programs-including new labels and MSDS’s.

Fed-OSHA announced a proposed rule to revise and remove requirements within OSHA standards that are confusing, outdated, duplicates or inconsistent.  One of the changes is to General Industry Subpart E:  The title of this subpart is “Means of Egress” with a proposed name change to “Exit Routes and Emergency Planning”.  Which is a definite improvement.

 
While this is a simple change, it does provide clarity.  Besides General Industry Standards, Maritime, Construction and Agricultural changes are proposed. 

Maybe California should get on board and update their regulations.  In California, regulations allow an employer to notify Cal-OSHA by telephone or telegraph of a serious workplace injury or death, but not by fax or email.

This always makes me laugh, does anyone know how to send a telegram?  Are telegrams still around or did they go away with buggy whips?

A common construction hazard is working around high voltage overhead lines.

Every year, construction workers are killed or disabled after accidentally coming in contact with the lines.

With certain exceptions, work done over live (power on) overhead lines is against the law.  Working within 6 feet of lines carrying between 600 - 50, 000 volts is also prohibited.

Do not store tools, machinery, and equipment near live high voltage overhead lines if it is possible for them to come within the minimum clearance of 6 feet when they are being moved or used.

When moving boom-type equipment with boom lowered and no load attached, keep the end of the boom at least 6 feet away from high voltage lines.

When operating boom-type lifting or hoisting equipment, the minimum clearance between the line and any part of the crane or load is 10 feet when the overhead line is carrying between 600 and 50,000 volts.

For lines rated over 50,000 volts, minimum clearance between the lines and any part of the crane or load is 10 feet, plus 0.4 inch for each 1 kV over 50,000 volts, or twice the length of the line insulator,

but never less than 10 feet.

A person shall be designated to observe clearance of the equipment and give timely warning for all operations where it is difficult for the operator to maintain the desired clearance by visual means.

If you don’t know whether an overhead line is live, assume that it is until whoever owns or operates the line verifies that the power is off.

An estimated 1.3 million employees in construction and general industry face significant asbestos exposure on the job.  Heaviest exposures occur in the construction industry.

Asbestos is a widely used, mineral-based material that is resistant to heat and corrosive chemicals.  Asbestos usually appears as a whitish, fibrous material which may release fibers from coarse to silky.  These airborne fibers may be too small to see with the naked eye.

Asbestos exposure can cause asbestosis (scarring of the lungs resulting in loss of lung function that often progresses to disability and death), cancer of the lung, esophagus, stomach, colon and rectum.

OSHA has established very strict regulations covering asbestos exposure.  This standard sets a maximum exposure limit and includes provision for engineering controls and respirators, protective clothing, exposure monitoring, hygiene facilities and practices, warning signs, labeling, recordkeeping, and medical exams.

Workplace exposure to asbestos must be limited to 0.2 fibers per cubic centimeter of air, averaged over an eight-hour work shift.  The short-term or excursion limit is one fiber per cubic centimeter of air averaged over a sampling period of 30 minutes.  In areas where the exposure limits for asbestos exceed the 8-hour or 30-minute values, a regulated area must be established.  Only authorized persons wearing appropriate clothing and respirators can enter a regulated area.   In regulated areas, eating, smoking, drinking, chewing tobacco or gum and applying cosmetics are prohibited.

Warning signs must be displayed at each regulated area and must be posted at all approaches to regulated areas.

For any employee exposed to airborne concentrations of asbestos exceeding the permissible exposure limit (PEL), the employer must provide and require the use of protection clothing.  This includes coveralls or full-body clothing, head coverings, gloves, and foot coverings.  If the possibility of eye irritation exists, face shield, vented goggles or other appropriate equipment must be provided and worn.  The level of exposure will determine what type of respirator is to be used.

Caution labels must be placed on all raw materials, mixtures, scrap, waste, debris and other products containing asbestos fibers. 

Construction work involving asbestos is done by workers specifically trained on how to work around asbestos safely.  The main thing we have to remember is that asbestos may be present on the job and we need to stay away from it, unless we have been trained to work with it and all engineering controls, monitoring devices and personal protective devices are in place.

A forklift is designed to pick up and move materials.  The basic lift truck has forks on the front to engage the load.  The lift mechanism lifts the load so that it can be moved and stacked.  Driving a lift truck is not the same as driving an automobile.  Some lift truck operations are similar to driving a car, but a lift truck is a special machine designed to do a special job.  The forklift operator must be trained and authorized to operate the lift truck.  Here are some tips for safe operation of forklifts.

A lift truck is built for only one person—the operator.  Do not travel with people on the forks.

Handle loads within the rated capacity as shown on the nameplate.  The capacity represents the maximum load the lift truck is rated to handle.  The operator must determine if the load is within the capacity of the lift truck before the load is handled.
Inspect the lift truck before use and at the beginning of each shift.

Do not lift or hit anything that can fall on the operator or a bystander.

Never allow anyone under or on the forks.

Never put hands, arms, head or legs through the upright or near the carriage or lift chains. 

Keep all body parts inside the operator’s compartment when lift truck is moving.

Lift and lower with the upright vertical or tilted slightly backward from vertical

Do not tilt in either direction anymore than necessary when handling elevated loads.

Always travel with the load as low as possible and tilted back.
For better visibility with large loads, travel with the load trailing, but always look in the direction of travel.

Avoid bumps, holes, slick spots and loose materials that may cause the truck to swerve or tip.

Watch for clearances.

Stunt driving and horseplay is prohibited.

Excessive speed is prohibited.

Be alert for pedestrians.  Do not drive up to anyone standing in front of an object.

Stay away from the edge of the road.

Cross railroad tracks diagonally.

Sound horn when view is obstructed.

Do not operate a damaged or defective forklift.  Report damage, install a “Do Not Operate” tag and remove the key from the vehicle. All parts shall be replaced by an equivalent part. Truck shall not be altered by addition or deletion of parts.

As many as 16 million employees are exposed to high noise levels at work.  Sound enters the outer part of the ear which is made of cartilage covered by skin.  Sound waves travel down the ear canal.  They cause the eardrum (which is located at the entrance of the middle ear) to vibrate.  The vibrations pass on through the middle ear by causing the small bones to vibrate.  The vibrations move fluid in the cochlea of the inner ear.  The cochlea is the main organ of hearing in the body and contains about 20,000 hair-like cells.  The moving fluid moves or bends these cells which change vibrations into nerve impulses.  The nerve impulses are carried to the brain by the auditory nerve.  This nerve sends the sound signal to the hearing center of the brain.

Noise is unwanted or unpleasant sound.  Loud noise causes the hair cells to bend or go flat.  Usually these cells rise back up if the noise goes away.  But constant noise or a sudden loud sound can be so strong that the cells don’t recuperate.  Exposure to long-term noise may result in tinnitus.  This is a roaring, ringing, or whistling sensation in the ear that comes and goes or is constant.

To Protect Your Hearing:

·                     Maintain machinery to reduce noise levels.

·                     Know when hearing protection is required and wear hearing protection in loud-noise activities.

·                     Wear assigned hearing protectors.

·                     Don’t wear poor fitting or damaged hearing protectors.

·                     Make sure hands are clean before inserting or putting on hearing protectors.

·                     Don’t wear home made hearing protection.

Select the proper ear protection to protect your hearing.  Types of hearing protection include:

1.     Earplugs.  These seal the ear canal and may come in standard sizes or individually molded varieties.  Some are disposable while others are reusable.

2.   Canal Caps.  These are soft pads on a headband similar to headphones.  They seal the entrance to the ear canal.

3.   Earmuffs.  Similar to headphones and provide the greatest protection.

Welding, cutting and heating of toxic metals is a dangerous and hazardous job.  Adequate ventilation must be provided to protect the welder and other employees from toxic fumes and gases released during the welding process.  Always wear all required personal protective equipment and follow all safe welding procedures to help eliminate hazards posed by the chemical agents used during welding.  Some of the metals and their hazards used during welding include:

Beryllium.  This is sometimes used as an alloying element with copper and other base metals.  Acute exposure to high concentrations can result in chemical pneumonia.  Chronic exposure (long-term) may result in cough, weight loss, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

Zinc. This is used in large quantities when manufacturing brass, galvanized metals and other alloys. 

Exposure to zinc fumes during the welding process may cause metal fume fever.  Metal fume fever symptoms are similar to the flu.

Iron Oxide.  Iron is the principle alloying substance in the manufacture of steel.  Iron oxide fumes arise during welding not only from the base metal, but also the electrode.  Acute affect results in irritation of nasal passages, throat and lungs.

Cadmium.  Frequently used as a rust-preventive coating on steel.  Acute exposure to high levels of cadmium fumes may produce pulmonary edema, severe lung irritation and even death.  Long-term exposure can result in kidney damage or emphysema.  Cadmium is classified as a potential cancer-causing agent.

About 90% of all workplace accidents are caused by the unsafe acts of employees.  People can be the biggest hazard on the job.  Careless accidents are caused by:

Tiredness.

Lack of Knowledge.

Reckless Attitude.

Have a safe attitude.  A safe attitude means you recognize the risks you face on the job and are planning on what to do to protect yourself and prevent accidents.

·                     Treat job safety as one of your most important job responsibilities.

·                     Keep in mind Murphy’s law that things go wrong and at the worse possible moment.

·                     Remember the Boy Scout motto and “Be Prepared”.  Use your training and knowledge to keep safe.

·                     Develop and always follow safe work habits.

Here are a few basic safety principles to help keep you safe and healthy on the job.

·                     Plan each job before you start.  Have the tools, personal protective equipment (PPE) and materials you’ll need when you start the job.  Think through the job and know the procedure to follow.

·                     Use safety equipment and information to do the job.  This may include reading the MSDS and/or label and using PPE.

·                     Inspect tools, equipment, and PPE before using.  If they are not in good working order, do not use them. 

·                     Always use the right tool for the job.

·                     Good housekeeping is a key to safety.  Keep your work area free of hazards.

·                     Don’t take shortcuts.  Follow company and manufacturers rules.  Sometimes this may take longer, but the job will be done safely.

·                     Don’t ignore unsafe practices of others.  Unsafe practices may result in injuries to that worker, but others as well.

·                     Don’t let someone else talk you into taking shortcuts and bypassing safety rules.

·                     Be alert.  Pay attention.

·                     No horseplay. 

Companies can make rules, but the only person that can really keep you safe on the job is YOU.

Use proper ear protection when exposed to loud noise.  How to select the right hearing protection:

ü What kinds of noise are you exposed to and how loud is it?

ü What is the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of the hearing protection selected?

ü How long will you be exposed to dangerous noise?

The following are the different types of hearing protection available.  Never wear home made hearing protection.

Earplugs (Inserts)  Some kinds of earplugs are disposable and others reusable.  Disposable earplugs are usually made of waxed cotton, used once, and then thrown away.  Semi-disposable plugs are made of foam and last about a week.  Reusable plugs are either premolded or custom-molded.  Custom-molded are made to the exact fit of the ear.  Insertion Procedure:

Formable Plugs.  Slowly roll and compress plug into a thin cylinder.  Pull up and back on ear with other hand then insert compressed plug deep into ear canal.  Hold finger against plug until it begins to expand.

Premolded Plugs.  Reach around back of head and with one hand pull outward and upward on ear while inserting plug with other hand.  Push and twist plug until it fits snugly.

Canal Caps (Semi-Inserts)  Canal caps are soft pads on a headband much like headphones.  They are comfortable, cool and easy to put on and off.  They provide less protection than earplugs or earmuffs.  Insertion Procedure:

Hold large ends of pads, swivel them to place tips into ear canal openings, then push and wiggle pads into canals until they seal snugly.

Earmuffs  Earmuffs help protect against moderate to high-level noise.  Earmuffs must fit tightly over the ears to block noise.   How to use earmuffs:

Adjust headband so cushions press equally against both ears.  Pull hair back and away from beneath cushions.  To fit properly, the headband must not be too loose or too tight, cups should fit comfortably and be lightweight.

To properly take care of ear protectors:  inspect them before use—do not use them if they are damaged, wash hands before inserting earplugs, make sure you have a good fit and clean ear protectors before putting them away.

Always wear hearing protection when in noisy environments.

Skin diseases are the most common on-the-job illness.  Irritant contact dermatitis remains the most common occupational skin disease.  It is usually associated with toxic reactions to chemicals used in the workplace.  Another area of concern to OSHA is dermal protection associated with sun exposure causing skin cancer.

One of the best ways to protect your 2,800 square inches of skin is to keep it covered up.

General Hazards:

¨    Dermatitis is the name for rashes, itching, swelling and other irritations that develop from exposure to substances.

¨    Sensitization is allergy-like reactions, including rashes, that may be experienced whenever in the vicinity of a chemical following frequent or long exposure.

¨    Skin can be burned by a flame, hot surface, electrical exposure or exposure to a corrosive substance.

¨    Cuts, bruises, and other wounds can let bacteria in to the skin and lead to infections.

Skin protection tips:

¨    Use the least hazardous substance that will do the job.

¨    Keep chemical containers closed when not in use.

¨    Follow MSDS handling instructions.

¨    Bandage any small scrapes or cuts before putting on gloves or protective clothing.

¨    Wash promptly and thoroughly after working with hazardous substances.

¨    Don’t clean hands with solvents or industrial detergents.

¨    Apply barrier skin creams and lotions to clean, non-irritated skin before starting job.

¨    Wash and dry skin thoroughly at the end of work.

¨    Wear sun block when working outside.

First Aid for Skin Problems:

¨    Chemical Exposure.  Wash the exposed skin thoroughly with lots of soap and water for at least 15 minutes.  If your clothing was exposed to the hazardous substance, try to remove it while wearing gloves.

¨    Minor Burn.  Rinse in cold water and put on a sterile bandage. 

¨    Skin cut.  Wash with soap and water and cover with a sterile bandage.

OSHA requires that personal protective equipment:

ü      Protects each employee from the identified hazards.

ü      Is of safe design and construction.

ü      Is sanitary and reliable.

ü      Provides each employee with a good fit.

ü      Provides more than the minimum required protection.

ü      Protects against multiple hazards when necessary.

ü      Meets American National Standards Institute (ANSI)

     standards.

PPE fits well when it:

          1.       Provides you with the protection you need.

          2.      Is comfortable enough to allow you to move and

                    perform your job.

PPE is designed to protect you while providing the greatest possible comfort.  It can seem heavy or awkward.  The best way to get used to PPE is to practice wearing it.

Inspect PPE before every use.  Don’t use PPE that is defective or damaged in any way.

Caring for PPE includes the following:

ü      Always check PPE for damage after you use it.

ü      Clean PPE before putting it way.

ü      Dispose of single-use or damaged PPE properly.

ü      Store PPE appropriately.

Your responsibility to keep yourself safe while wearing PPE include the following:

ü Learn when to use PPE.

ü Know how to use PPE correctly.

ü Use the correct PPE whenever the job requires it to be worn.

ü Maintain PPE.

Each piece of PPE is designed to protect against particular hazards.  Make sure you always wear the appropriate PPE to protect you from the hazards you are exposed to on the job.

Accidents are investigated to find out why and how they happened—not to fix blame.  Once we know how and why an accident occurred, we can develop ways to prevent this type of accident from occurring in the future.  Therefore, accident investigation is one of the best ways to prevent future accidents.  We also investigate near-misses.  Near-misses are warnings that help us identify problems so we can avoid accidents.

Employee cooperation is required.  Employees must:

·       Always report any accidents or near-miss immediately so we can investigate the situation.

·       Cooperate with all investigations.

Again, investigate an accident to prevent it from happening in the future, not to assign blame.  Employee cooperation can make a big difference in providing a safe workplace.

Accidents should be investigated immediately when the facts are fresh in everyone’s mind.  An accident investigation includes the following:

ü What happened?

ü When did it happen?

ü Where did it happen?

ü How did it happen?

ü Why did it happen?

ü Who was involved?

And most importantly, how can we prevent it from happening again?

If an accident occurs, the first thing to do is make sure that any injured worker receives needed medical treatment.  If the accident involves a spill or leak, it has to be stopped.  But other than this, we try to keep the accident scene untouched until accident investigation is completed.  During the accident investigation, we try to obtain answers to our questions of who, what, when, where, how, and why.  To answer these questions, may require the help of persons involved and any witnesses to the incident. 

Get eyewitness reports immediately in order to obtain immediate impressions of what happened.  As time passes, a witness may confuse the current incident with something that happened in the past or become confused by what other people say.

Everyone’s help is needed, not only to investigate accidents, but also to take the corrective actions that will prevent future accidents.

The National Safety Council reported that in a recent year, there were 530,000 disabling hand and finger injuries.  Hand injuries usually fall into two categories:

·       Cuts, punctures, broken bones or amputation - these are traumatic injuries.

·       Skin diseases or burns - these are contact injuries.

Gloves are one of the best ways to protect your hands from injuries.  Do not wear gloves while working with moving machinery.  Be sure gloves fit snugly and comfortably.  Wear the right type of glove to protect against specific hazards.  Wearing the wrong glove will not protect you. 

ü Wear insulated gloves to protect against heat and cold.

ü Wear special insulated gloves when working around electricity.

ü Wear metal mesh or other cut-resistant gloves when handling sharp objects.

ü Wear leather gloves when working around rough surfaces.

ü Wear fabric gloves when handling slippery objects.

ü Wear neoprene or nitrile rubber gloves are needed to work with corrosives.

Basic safety precautions to protect your hands:

ü Follow manufacturer’s and company’s policy when using tools and equipment.

ü Feed materials into moving machinery with a push stick, not your hands.

ü Keep hands away from moving machine parts.

ü Always cut away from your body.

ü Use brushes, not hands, to sweep up metal or wood chips.

ü Store tools so no sharp edges are exposed.

ü Check materials for sharp edges, burrs or splinters, before handling them.

ü Know how hot or cold an object is before handling it.

ü Lift an object keeping hands away from pinch points.

ü Put materials down carefully so you don’t smash your fingers.

ü Hand tools to coworkers, handle first, do not throw tools.

ü Keep fingers on the sides, not top or bottom, when you’re stacking materials.

OSHA has many regulations that include safety rules, but the catchall for employer compliance is the General Duty Clause.  This clause states:

Sec. 5       

(a) Each employer—

(1) shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause, death, or serious physical harm to his employees;

(2) shall comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under the Act.

(b) Each employee shall comply with occupational safety and health standards and all rules, regulations, and orders issued pursuant to this Act which are applicable to his own actions and

conduct.

In order to benefit from safety rules, you have to recognize workplace hazards.  Some hazards are clearly recognized, for example DANGER signs on hazardous chemical labels.  But some hazards aren’t readily apparent unless you are knowledgeable about all aspects of your job.

Attitude may also be a hazard.  If you think safety rules don’t apply to you and ignore safety rules, that is a hazard.  The following are general safety rules.

ü Follow all OSHA and company safety rules.

ü Be aware of on-the-job risks and the precautions needed to avoid them.

ü Remember OSHA regulations require employees to follow safety rules.

ü Be alert to hazards.

ü Keep your mind on your job and the safety rules that protect you.

ü Dispose of trash properly and promptly.

ü Clean up spills immediately.

ü Report all accidents promptly.

ü Only use the right tool for the job.

ü Do not operate any equipment, unless you have been trained in its safe operation.

ü Use safe lifting techniques.

ü Do not use defective equipment

ü Don’t fool around or engage in horseplay.

Hard hats are required on most construction job sites.  Hard hats must be worn when falling hazards are present.  Bureau of Labor Statistics show that only 16% of workers sustaining head injuries were wearing hard hats, although 40% were required to wear them at the time the incident occurred.  Hard hats are designed to protect the head from impact blows and must be able to withstand penetration and absorb the shock of a blow.

Hard hats protect heads in two ways.

·                     Hard outer shells resist blows and penetration.

·                     Shock-absorbing suspensions (head band and straps) act as a barrier between the outer shell and head to absorb impact.

Hard hats must be worn to protect from hazards encountered on job.  Hard hats fall into three classes:

Class A.  Made to resist impact and penetration and provide low voltage electrical protection.

Class B.  Made to resist impact and penetration and provide high voltage electrical protection.

Class C.  Usually made of aluminum and provides impact and penetration resistance only.

Caring for your Hard Hat:

Inspect hardhat before each use.  Be sure that:

ü The headband isn’t stretched or worn and fits comfortably.

ü The shell has no dents, cracks or other visible damage.

When you remove your hard hat:

ü Check hat for damage.  Replace inner liner if it’s stretched.  Replace hardhat if shell is broken or punctured.  Replace hardhat if it sustained a heavy blow even though there is no visible signs of damage.

ü Occasionally wash shell in hot soapy water.  Rinse thoroughly.

ü Store in cool, dark, dry place.  Do not store in back window of vehicle.  Do not store in other areas where hardhat is exposed to sun and high heat. 

Additional Safety Tips:

ü Make sure hat fits right and suspension is adjusted properly.

ü Do not store any items (for example, cigarettes) between top of head and suspension.

ü Do not carry items in hardhat.

ü Do not sit on hat.

ü Do not toss hardhat around.

You have the right to know about the hazards you may encounter on the job and ways to protect yourself.  The material safety data sheet is a detailed bulletin prepared by the chemical manufacturer and the number one source of information regarding chemicals.  OSHA has developed a basic MSDS form to provide chemical manufacturers with a guideline in preparing MSDS’s.  The following information must be provided on each MSDS.  The information may vary from section to section depending on manufacturer, but it will be shown.

Chemical Identity.  This uses the name that’s on the label.  This section also tells you who makes or sells it and where they’re located.  It may also say when the MSDS was prepared.

Hazardous Ingredients/Identity.  This area lists all hazardous ingredients which have been determined to be health hazards and which comprise 1% or greater of the composition.  Any carcinogenic ingredients which comprise 0.1% of the composition will also be listed.

Physical Data.  This section explains the chemical’s normal appearance and odor.  Anything different should alert you to possible danger.  This also lists all other physical properties of the product:  boiling point, melting point, vapor pressure and density to name a few.

Fire and Explosion Data.  This section gives you the fire hazard risk.  Flash point is the minimum temperature at which a flammable liquid’s vapors could catch fire if they contact a spark or other ignition source.  The lower the number, the higher the risk.  Flammable limits are the minimum and maximum amounts of vapor in the air (%) that can catch fire.  It also gives you information on how to put out the fire.

Reactivity Data.  This tells you what could happen if this particular chemical is combined with other specific chemicals or air or water.  This section also tells if the chemical is stable or unstable and/or if it is incompatible with any other chemicals.

Health Hazard Data.  Tells how this chemical could affect your health—acute or chronic.  Acute happens immediately, for example, if you spill acid on your skin, it burns.  A chronic injury occurs over time—usually years.  For example, inhalation of a chemical day after day, year after year may lead to respiratory problems.  Also shown in this section are:  signs and symptoms of exposure and medical conditions aggravated by exposure.  Chemicals can only enter your body one of three ways:  inhaling, swallowing and through the skin.

Precautions for Safe Handling and Use.  Tells you what to do if there is a spill.

Control Measures.  This section tells you how to protect yourself when you work with the chemical.  What personal protective equipment is required and when to wear it.  This includes:  type of respirator, type of protective gloves, eye protection, and other protective clothing or equipment.  This section also tells what hygienic practices to follow, such as washing after handling or decontamination.

In recent years, laws have been passed giving employees a right to know about the hazards present when using certain chemicals in their workplace.  These laws require that all employees receive training in working safely with hazardous chemicals.  Employees have certain rights under the “Right to Know” program.  These include:

1.       The right to receive training so that you know:

          A.      The hazardous chemicals you work with. 

B.      Their health and safety hazards.  A chemical may have

          three basic physical hazards:

         1)       Fire.  You have the right to know if a chemical could in a liquid, gas or vapor form, catch fire and under what circumstances.

2)      Explosion.  You have the right to know if there are circumstances under which a chemical may explode.

3)      Reactivity.  You need to know if a chemical has the potential to explode or catch fire if it is combined with other chemicals or with water or air.  You need to know what the chemical must be kept away from.

C.      How to read and use labels.  Labels provide you with basic information on the chemical’s hazards and the basic procedures and protective equipment you should use.  The label also has basic handling and storage information.

          D.     How to use Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

E.      When and how to use personal protective equipment (PPE).

          F.      Safety rules to protect yourself on the job.

2.      It is your right to have a Material Data Safety Sheet readily available for each hazardous chemical you handle.

3.      It is your right to read the company Hazard Communication Policy.

4.      It is your right to know what the Hazard Communication    Standard means.  This Hazard Communication Standard is required under regulations issued by federal and state Occupational Safety & Health Administrations.  The Hazard Communication Standard provides workers and employers with information about the potential hazards of chemicals used in the workplace.

5.      It is your right to ask for information without fear of being discriminated against or fired.

Leaks and spills are a major concern when working with hazardous and flammable substances.  A spill may present a number of hazards depending on the substance involved.  Some of the hazards that may occur during a spill are:

fire, explosion, hazardous substances either released in the air or entering the water supply, and individuals may be contaminated if they come in contact with the spilled substance.  Spills don’t occur often, so we need to periodically review what to do in case a spill does occur.

Procedures must be in place before there is a spill.  These include:

·       Using proper containers.

·       Following proper procedures when using and transferring substances.

·       Inspecting containers ensuring they are in good condition.

If you see a spill, notify the safety coordinator immediately.  Report what is leaking and where, the size of the spill and the rate of flow.  Depending on the size of the spill and the substance spilled, the area may have to be evacuated.  Some material may be so hazardous that special training may be required before attempting clean up.

Contain the spill.  This is very important.  The less material spilled, the easier the cleanup.

·       Stop the source of the leak.

·       Cover drains or other possible escape routes.

·       Patch holes.

Contain the spill using the best method.  Some possible containment methods include:

·       Repairing the container or transferring substance into another

·       container that doesn’t leak.

·       Building a dike to keep spill from getting into water.

·       Placing an empty container under the leak.

Use absorbent materials to soak up spill or solidify it.  Push absorbent-liquid mixture into an appropriate container for proper disposal.

Everyone is responsible for doing everything possible to prevent spills, making sure containers are intact and handling them carefully.  Remember, a hazardous spill that causes a fire or explosion or the release of toxic substances does not only affect us, but also the people in the local community where we are working.

Locate Hidden Obstructions

Obtain plans and/or in states where mandated, call underground service company in order to locate any underground pipes or utilities that would interfere with the trench.  Be aware that these records may not be accurate.  The obstructions revealed should be physically located, and either removed or protected from damage.

Beware of Disturbed Ground

Take precautions when excavating in previously backfilled or disturbed soil.  Trenches in disturbed soil may require additional sheeting or bracing, as will hard compact ground, if there is filled ground nearby.

Conditions that Affect the Kind and Amount of Shoring Needed

A.      Depth of trench

If the trench is five feet deep or more, it must be shored or sloped.If there is a possibility of soil movement, even shallower trenches must be shored.When in doubt, shore.

B.      The more liquid in the soil, the more you need to protect yourself against cave-in.

C.      Changing weather conditions

          Hard packed soil can become soupy and unstable after rain.

          Trenches, which are safely sloped or shored in dry weather,      can become deathtraps when it’s wet.

Safety Precautions

A.      Don’t park heavy equipment next to a trench.

B.      Always wear your assigned personal protective equipment.

C.      Don’t stand or work under loaded lifting or digging equipment.

D.     Watch out for people below when you work on the sides of sloped or benched excavations.

E.      You can’t work on such sides unless the employees below are well protected from falling, rolling, and sliding material or equipment.

F.      Keep materials away from edges of excavations.  Keep all materials at least two feet from the edge.

G.     When an operator of moving machinery doesn’t have a clear view of the edge of an excavation, barricades, stop logs or some type of warning system must be used.

Stay on full alert at all times during excavation jobs.  Keep an eye out for any conditions that could cause cave-ins, such as cracks, bulges, or signs the ground is moving.

Many occupational deaths and injuries occur when workers fail to lock out and block out machinery before working on it.  Electrocution injuries, severe crushing injuries or the loss of fingers, hands and arms can occur when machinery is

inadvertently started while it is being repaired or maintained.  Here are a few true stories.

          **Three men were doing maintenance inside an asphalt mixer.  One employee was still inside

              when the power was turned back on and the mixer starter.  He was instantly killed.

          **An employee turned off an air-operated valve he was working on, but did not disconnect and lock it out. 

              During the repair operation he slipped and inadvertently turned on the switch letting air into the valve.

              His hand was caught and crushed in the valve.

Lockout/blockout requires that any energy source (electrical, hydraulic, mechanical, compressed air, or any other source that might cause unexpected movement) must be disengaged or blocked.  Electrical sources must be de-energized and locked.  There is a difference between turning off a machine and actually disengaging a piece of equipment. 

When working on machinery, take these four steps to protect yourself from injury:

1.       De-energize the machine.  Positively disconnect it from the power source.  If there is more than one source of power, disconnect them all.

2.      Lock out the disconnect switches.  Every employee will have a lock and key for each disconnect before working on machinery.

3.      Tag the disconnect switches.

4.      Keep key with you or with your direct supervisor.  Locking devices and tags may be removed only by the employee who placed them.  Locking devices and tags shall be removed upon completion of the work and after installation of protective guards.

Each employee working on machinery must lock out and tag the power disconnect.  Never assume the machine you are working on has been disconnected and locked, unless you have done it yourself.

Accidents have also occurred when workers did take the necessary steps of disconnecting the main power source.  But they did not take a crucial step to complete this procedure.  Always test equipment to make sure the machinery is de-energized.