Holidays should be a time of fun and festivities.  However during every holiday season, tragedies happen.  The holiday safety tips shown below will protect your holidays and lessen the chance of adversity.

Trees
1. When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label "Fire Resistant."
2. Check for freshness, when purchasing a live tree.  A fresh tree is green and needles are hard to pull from branches.  Needles do not break, when bent between your fingers. The trunk of a fresh tree is sticky with resin.  Tree should not lose many needles while being transported.  Tap tree on the ground, prior to purchase.  If the tree doesn't lose many needles, it is fresher.
3. When setting up a tree at home, place it away from fireplaces, radiators or portable heaters.  Place the tree out of the way of traffic and do not block doorways. Cut a few inches off the trunk of your tree to expose the fresh wood.  This allows for better water absorption and will help keep your tree from drying out and becoming a fire hazard.
4. Be sure to keep the live tree stand filled with water,  heated rooms can dry live trees out rapidly. 

Lights
1. Inspect all tree lights, before hanging them on your tree. Look for frayed wires, broken sockets or loose connections.  Make sure all bulbs work.  Some cords are safe to use with burned out bulbs.  Discard lights with frayed wires, broken sockets or missing connectors.  If not sure if safe to use with burned out bulbs, discard and replace. 
2. Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted. Before using lights outdoors, check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use.  To hold lights in place, string them through hooks or insulated staples, not nails or tacks.  Never pull or tug lights to remove them.Plug all outdoor electric decorations into circuits with ground fault circuit interrupters to avoid potential shocks.
3. Turn off all lights when you go to bed or leave the house. The lights could short out and start a fire.

Decorations
1. Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials to trim a tree.

Food Safety
1. Bacteria are often present in raw foods.  Fully cook meats and poultry, and thoroughly wash raw vegetables and fruits.  Always keep raw foods and cooked foods separately, and use separate utensils when preparing them.  Always thaw meat in the refrigerator, never on the countertop.
2. Foods that require refrigeration should never be left at room temperature for more than two hours.                          

Fireplaces
1. Before lighting any fire, remove all decorations from fireplace area.  Open flue.
2. Do not burn gift wrap paper in the fireplace. A flash fire may result as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely.

Shopping
1. Wear conservative, comfortable clothing, casual shoes and very little jewelry. Before your shopping trip, consider leaving a copy of your shopping travel plan with a relative or trusted friend. 
2. Shop with a friend, if possible, there is safety in numbers. 
3. Stay alert. 
4. Instead of a purse, carry a small wallet in a front pants pocket or inside jacket pocket.  Wear a fanny pack. If you must carry a purse, hold it under your arm, close to your body, not dangling by the straps. 
5. Never leave your purse in a shopping cart or on a counter while you pay for your purchases. When using public restrooms, use extreme caution — try to avoid putting your purse on hooks or door handles. These places give criminals easy access to your bags. 
6. Plan your shopping/errands so you load your trunk only when you are ready leave.  Load your trunk when you leave a location — never open a trunk, fill it full of valuables, close it, and then just walk away to do more shopping or other errands.

Traveling
1. If traveling by vehicle, know where you are going and how to get there and back. Obtain a map or download the latest available GPS data.
2. Check road conditions before leaving, especially when traveling out-of-state.
3. Inform a family member where you will be and when to expect you back; give them your route if they don't know it.
4. Travel and conduct your business during daylight hours if possible.
5. To the extent practical, select well-traveled and lighted thoroughfares. Avoid less-traveled roads as much as possible, especially when driving at night or in unfamiliar locations.
6. When driving, keep doors locked and windows rolled up at all times. Maintain at least half a tank of fuel, and keep vehicle in good repair.
7. If planning a "road trip" over the holidays, have your vehicle serviced and checked far enough in advance to allow for repairs if needed.
8. Keep spare fuses and an "emergency kit" in your vehicle at all times.
9. You should also have a basic first aid kit in your vehicle at all times.
10. Devote your full time and attention to driving!
11. If you feel yourself getting tired, pull over and take a break (at a safe location where there are other people and light).
12. When parking, roll up windows, lock vehicle, take keys, and make sure valuables are concealed. When it's dark, park and walk in lighted areas to the extent possible.
13. Keep your wallet, purse, and any other valuables on your person or otherwise out of sight, NOT on the seat next to you.
14. If you must leave valuable items in your car while out and about, place items out of sight before reaching your destination or move them inconspicuously. Someone may be watching when you hide items under/behind a seat or cover them with something. 

Federal OSHA has cited Lincoln Paper and Tissue LLC $212,000 for alleged  repeat and serious violations.  A mill employee was burned when hot steam and condensate burst out of the end of a high-pressure steam line in abSeptember 2010 incident.  Lincoln Paper & Tissue LLC has 15 business days from receipt of citations to comply, meet with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings. 

$195,000 of the fines are due to repeat violations.  In March 0f 2008, the company was fined for a similar hazard.  If a company violates the same regulation within 5 years of the first citation, the citations are categorized as repeat and the fines go up substantially.

Safety professional encourage companies’ to protect themselves by defending against OSHA citations.  If you can legally prove that the citations should not have been issued, not only do you avoid the immediate problem, but protect yourself from a repeat violation for the next 5 years.

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.

Unscramble the words below by rearranging letters to form words.  All words apply to safety.

TAYSFE  MROARPG   _______________________________

STIFR IDA   ______________________________________

DAHR THAS  ______________________________________

NEICDFON SCSPEA         ______________________________

LVOESG__________________________________________

GRECMYNEE CRUDEROPES  __________________________

THEA STSERS_____________________________________

Stumped?  Contact: tpenewell@mrsoshasafety.com  for answers.     

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."

8% of industrial accidents are due to unsafe use of manual and power tools.  Some of the main causes of accidents are:

§  Using the wrong tool for the job.

§  Using the right tool for the job, but using it incorrectly.

§  Failing to wear personal protective equipment.

§  Failing to follow approved safety rules.

Following is a list of general safety precautions to follow when working with portable power tools.

1.    Read owner’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper tool use.   Know its limitations and potential hazards.

2.   Use the right tool and only the right tool for the task it was designed to do.

3.   Keep guards in place and in working order.

4.   Keep work area clean and free from clutter.

5.    Don’t use power tools in a dangerous environment.  Don’t use in damp or wet environments.  Do not expose them to rain. 

6.   Keep work area well lit. 

7.    Do not use power tools in the presence of flammable liquids or gases.

8.   Maintain tools, by keeping them sharpened and oiled.

9.   Make sure cords are not frayed, insulation is good and outlets match plugs.

Never use any tool unless you have been trained to do so.

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.

California offers workers comp insurance to California businesses through the State Compensation Insurance Fund. But State Fund doesn’t have to play by the same rules that every other insurance carrier must follow.
 
Dale Debber, President of Compline, has written an excellent article on this.  If you have an interest in Workers Comp insurance in California, please follow this link.  One more time I am  outraged and annoyed with government actions.

http://www.compline.com/SCIF-Broker-Policy-Unfair-to-Brokers-and-Employers.aspx

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

There is a difference between a heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest. 

A heart attack is caused by a circulation problem, caused when one or more arteries delivering blood ot the heart is blocked.  Oxygen in the blood  cannot reach the heart muscle and the heart muscle becomes damaged.  This damage can lead to trouble with the heart’s electrical system.  This may lead to sudden cardiac arrest.

Sudden cardiac arrest is caused by an electrical problem in the heart and results in the heart unable to beat.

Every year more than 250,000 Americans die from sudden cardiac arrest.  CPR  or cardiopulmonary  resuscitation is a key to survival. But CPR is more effective when coupled with an automated external defibrillator (AED).  An AED is a portable electronic device that is simple and easy for a non-medical person to use.  The AED talks a person through the process  of applying an electric shock that should start the heart to beat normally when a person suffers fron sudden cardiac arrest.

The cost of these devices has come down over the years and AED’s are now available for less than $1000.  As the price is reasonable, we want to encourage businesses, apartment buildings, public buildings, etc. to add AED’s to their first aid program.  The American Heart Association says that at least 20,000 lives could be saved annually with prompt use of AED’s.

The key to success is early intervention.  Get First Aid/CPR/AED training today—the life you save may be your loved one.

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.

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?

Family Website:

·                   Keep it anonymous.  Do not give out your last name, city or phone number.

·                   Keep it anonymous.  Do not use your email address if it contains your last name or location.  Obtain an anonymous email address (e.g., yahoo or hotmail) and an adult should check messages.

·                   Be careful with links.  If you link to your church or school, for example, a predator may be able to determine where you live.

·                   Be careful of the pictures you post.  Backgrounds can reveal clues to your location.  Review them carefully before posting.

Internet Safety

·                   Keep computer in the living room or family room—never behind a closed bedroom door.

·                   Don’t use the Internet as a babysitter.  Spend time with your kids while they are online.

·                   If they see something on the Internet that is upsetting, call a parent to take care of it.

·                   Be aware of what they are doing and with whom when they are online.

·                   Make sure your kids are aware of basic Internet safety rules:

·       Never give out personal information.  This includes phone numbers, school name, last name, address, when and where they attend their extracurricular activities.

·       Never meet a cyber friend in person—unless a parent goes with them or they have your permission.

·       If they receive strange or upsetting emails, let parents know right away.

·       Never email pictures to a cyber friend unless they have your permission.

Shown below are tips to make your home safe. 

·                   Thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables before eating.

·                   Keep kitchen clean and counters disinfected.

·                   Wash off the tops of canned soft drinks and all can before you open them.

·                   Refrigerate and cook meats properly.

·                   If you have small children, lock cabinets that have poisonous substances in them.

·                   Medicine should be kept in containers with child-resistant lids.

·                   If you think your child ate or drank something poisonous, call your local Poison Control Center immediately.

·                   Have a family fire safety route.  Have 2 routes out of every room.

·                   Test smoke alarms and replace batteries every 6 months.

·                   Clean out your filter after every wash.  If you use fabric softener, wash filter periodically.  Clothes dryers cause 14,000 fires every year.

·                   Do not depend on heat producing items to automatically turn off.

·                   Have a fire extinguisher near each exit.

·                   Have chimney cleaned regularly.

·                   Do not plug too many items into the same electric outlet.

·                   Install carbon monoxide detectors.

Dog Safety:

·                   Try not to startle any dog—even your own.

·                   Teach children to leave a dog alone when it is eating, sleeping or chewing on a toy or bone.

·                   Always supervise children when playing with dogs.

·                   Always ask owner if it okay to pet a dog before touching it.

Bike Safety:

·                   Inspect bike before riding.

·                   Wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet.

·                   Adjust bicycle to fit.  Stand over bicycle.  There should be 1-2 inches between you and the top tube (bar) if using a road bike and 3-4 inches on a mountain bike.

·                   Seat should be level and adjusted so there is a slight bend at the knee when leg is fully extended.

·                   Make sure you can be seen.   Wear neon, fluorescent or other bright colors day or night.  Just because you can see a driver doesn’t mean the driver can see you.

·                   Always keep one hand on handlebars to maintain control.  Carry books and other items in a carrier or backpack.

·                   Watch for road hazards.

·                   Avoid riding at night.  Night riding may require reflectors and lights.  Check local regulations.

·                   Go with the flow of traffic.

·                   Obey all traffic laws.

·                   Yield to traffic when appropriate.

·                   Be predictable.  Ride in a straight line, not in and out of cars.

·                   Stay alert—use your eyes and ears.

·                   Look before turning.

·                   Watch for parked cars.  Ride far enough out from the curb to avoid the unexpected from parked cars—doors opening or cars pulling out.

The safest place for bike riding is on the street, where bikes are expected to follow the same rules of the road as motorists and ride in the same direction.

·                   Children under 10 years old are not mature enough to make decisions necessary to safely ride in the street.

·                   Children under 10 are better off riding on the sidewalk.  When riding on the sidewalk:

·       Watch for vehicles coming out of or turning into driveways.

·       Stop at corners of sidewalks and streets, looking for cars and make sure drivers see you before crossing.

·       Enter a street at a corner and not between parked cars.

·       Be polite and alert pedestrians by saying, “Excuse me” or "Passing on your left”.

Never leave children unattended in or around parked cars.  Some dangers are:

·                   Being inadvertently backed over in a driveway or parking lot.

·                   Being left in a vehicle where temperatures can reach deadly levels in minutes. 

·                   Accidentally knocking the vehicle into gear and setting it into motion.

·                   Strangulation by a power window or sunroof.

·                   Climbing into a truck and getting locked in.

Always wear a seatbelt and make sure all passengers buckle up. 

·                   Children should face the rear of the vehicle until they are 20 pounds and 1 year of age.  Children, who weigh 20 pounds before 1 year, should ride in a rear-facing infant seat designed for weights greater than 20 pounds until one year.

·                   Do not put a rear-facing car safety seat in the front passenger seat of any car with a passenger-side front air bag.

·                   Children must ride in a safety seat until they are 4 years old and weigh 40 pounds.

·                   A booster seat can be used when a child has outgrown the safety seat, but is too small to fit properly in a vehicle safety belt.

The safest place for children is in the back seat.

Sometimes when watching the old TV shows “Father Knows Best”, “My Three Sons”, Leave It to Beaver” or even “Brady Bunch”, it’s hard to believe that such a simple easy time existed.  The world is a scarier place today and our children need to learn how to protect themselves.  This training has to start as soon as they are talking in sentences.  Teach your children:

·                   What to do if they become separated from you in a public place.  They should not wander around looking for you.  Have them go to the checkout counter, security office or lost and found quickly and tell them they have lost their parents and need help.  Teach them to go to a low risk adult.  For example, a police officer in uniform or a pregnant woman with children.

·                   That grownups do not need help from a child.  Grownups should not ask a child for directions or help to find a lost puppy.

·                   That they shouldn’t go with someone who tells them their parents need their help or that their parent’s sent them.  They should not go with anyone unless you have given them prior permission.

·                   That if someone on foot or in a car is following them, they should stay away.  Do not get close to any car.

·                   That if someone tries to take them, they should try to get away and yell or scream, “I don’t know this person this is not my mom (or dad)”.

·                   To never leave the yard or go to a friend’s house without your permission.

·                   To take a friend with them—never go places alone.

·                   Not to let people take pictures of them.

·                   That no one should touch them in any area that is covered by a bathing suit and they should not touch anyone in those areas.

·                   That they can say no to someone who makes you feel uncomfortable or scared—even a grownup.

·                   That when home alone and answering the phone, never say that a parent isn’t here. 

·                   To not answer the door, if alone.  Teach them whom to call if they become afraid.

What you should do:

·                   Know where your kids are at all times.  Know their friends and what they’re doing.

·                   Know the route your child takes to school.

·                   Know your neighbors.  Teach your children where to go if they feel threatened.

·                   Be aware of changes in your child’s behavior.

·                   Be alert to grownups or teenagers who pay an inordinate amount of attention to your kids.

·                   Be careful when hiring a babysitter or any one else that may have custody of your child.

·                   Know your children’s friends and their parents.  Keep a “friend’s list” that includes phone numbers and addresses.

·                   Teach your children that no one should touch them or interact with them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable.

·                   Teach your children to trust their feelings and instincts and to come to you if they sense something wrong.

Always listen to your children’s fears and be supportive.

Summer time is fun time.  Diving injuries can result in death or serious injury.  While playing in pools, follow these safety rules when diving.

•               Never dive into above-ground pools.
•               Never dive from the side of an in-ground pool.
•               Always dive from the end of the diving board.
•               Always dive with your hands in front of you and swim quickly away from bottom.

Backyard pools are dangerous.  Statistics from Centers for Disease Control (CDC) show that 1 in 4 fatal drowning accidents involve children 14 or younger.  From 2005 to 2007, there were an average of 283 drowning per year for children 5 and under.
 
For every child that dies, another 4 are taken to the emergency room for submersion-related accidents.  If a child survives, there may be permanent brain damage.

Children should always be supervised around a pool.

Pool should be completely fenced with a self-closing and self-latching gate.  Children should not be able to reach the latch.  Keep doors and windows leading to pool area secure.

Inspect back yard.  Make sure there are no tables or chairs that can be used to climb into the pool area.

Never partially remove a pool cover.  Small children may become trapped underneath it.

Keep toys away from pool.  Toys can fall into pool and a small child may go in after it.

Remove steps to above-ground pool when not in use.

Keep a phone poolside for two reasons.  If the phone rings, children are not left unsupervised when adult goes to answer it and it is close at hand in case of an emergency.

Make sure babysitters are aware of pool hazards for small children and to be continuously supervising to avoid accidents.

Keep rescue equipment by pool.

Learn CPR!

Parents, watch your kids.  We sometimes think they are safe because they are playing in the back yard or at a friend’s house.  Drowning is a more of a reality that an abduction, so never let children swim or play around pools unatteneded.
 

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.

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.

When a new person joins the work team, the work environment changes.  Employees that have been working together for a long time get in a groove.  They know the work style and work attitudes of the members of the team.

In the beginning, new employees are eager to do things right.  In fact, during the first six months, an employee is more eager to learn and please than at any other time during his employment. Smart supervisors use this time to instill proper work procedures and safety rules.  This is the time to let new people know the key job procedures.

The best way to help a new employee learn the job is by having veteran employees work with the newcomer.  The seasoned worker can show the newcomer how to do the job safely.   Both the supervisor and senior worker should monitor the new worker, continuing to advise and train.

A common mistake is overloading new employees with too much information. 

Remember they need time to get used to new people, new tasks, and a new schedule.

For the first week, keep information general.  That way, there’s a better chance the information will be remembered.  Some general safety rules to be emphasized during the first week are:

• Do not do any job, unless you have been trained to do so.
• Do not use any equipment, unless you have been trained to do so.
• Follow all safety rules.
• Be alert to hazards.
• Keep your mind on your job.

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.

As part of the Hazard Communication Standard, you need to know about chemical labels.  Labels or other forms of markings must appear on each container of chemicals.  Always read the label on the container before using any products. That way you know what you are using and if it is hazardous.  If you know what to look for, the label will give you a lot of information.  Never used chemicals in an unmarked container.

The label will tell you if the chemical is flammable or combustible, explosive, reactive or radioactive.  The label will also identify health hazards.  Information found on labels:

·                     The name of the chemical is on the label.  It may have the common name, its scientific name, or both.  It also gives an ingredient list.

·                     The name, address and emergency telephone number of the company that manufactured or imported the chemical.

·                     Some labels may have special words that let you know how dangerous the chemical is.

          1.  Danger - can cause immediate serious injury or death.

          2.  Warning - can cause potentially serious injury or death.

          3.  Caution - can cause potentially moderate injury.

·                     Label may show the physical hazards of the chemical.  This may be shown by a word like “Flammable” or “Explosive” or with a symbol like skull and crossbones.

·                     Label also show health hazards.  Some labels use a color and number system to explain both physical and health hazards:

Red means a fire hazard.

Yellow is a reactivity hazard.

Blue is a health hazard.

Number 0 means minimal hazard, 1 is slight and 4 is the highest degree, a severe hazard.

·                     Some labels give storage and handling instructions.

·                     Labels show personal protective equipment and emergency situation instructions.

Follow these safety tips:

·                     Don’t cover labels so they can’t be read.

·                     Don’t depend on the label alone for protective information, read the MSDS.

·                     Never use a container that doesn’t have a label.

Labels are provided to keep you safe.  Read them and use the information.

Fire extinguishers must be placed conspicuously and within easy reach so they can be accessed quickly.  Only try to put out a fire if you can do so without placing your life in danger.  Only try to put out a fire after the fire department has been called.  A small fire can turn into a large fire very quickly.  A few minutes can make a difference.  Before you begin to fight a small fire:

·                     Make sure that everyone has left or is leaving the area.

·                     Make sure the fire department has been called.

·                     Make sure your back is to a safe and unobstructed exit to which the fire will not spread.

There are four classes of fires.  All fire extinguishers are labeled, using standard symbols, for the classes of fires on which they can be used.  Most portable fire extinguishers are multi-purpose (ABC) which are appropriate for extinguishing a Class A, B or C fire.  

Class A.  Ordinary combustibles, such as wood, cloth and paper.  It
is very dangerous to use water or an extinguisher labeled only for Class A fires on an electrical fire.

Class B.  Flammable liquids, such as gasoline, oil and oil-based paint.

Class C.  Energized electrical equipment, including wiring, fuse boxes,
circuit breakers, machinery and appliances.

Class D.  Combustible metals, such as magnesium or sodium.

Depending on the size of the fire, stand about 10 to 20 feet away when using a fire extinguisher.  Portable fire extinguishers discharge faster than most people think, usually within 15 to 30 seconds.  Never rehang a fire extinguisher, even if its been used for only a few seconds.

When properly used, a portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives.  Portable extinguishers are not designed to fight a large or spreading fire.  Even against small fires, they are useful under certain conditions.

·                   The extinguisher must be rated for the type of fire you are
          fighting.

·                     The extinguisher must be large enough to put out the fire.

·                     The extinguisher must be within easy reach, in working order and fully charged.

Follow the four-step PASS procedure when using an extinguisher.

PULL the pin:  This unlocks the operating lever usually by a twist-pull action.

AIM low:  Point the nozzle at the base of the fire.

SQUEEZE the lever above the handle:  This discharges the extinguishing agent.

SWEEP from side to side:  Moving carefully toward the fire, keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire and sweep back and forth until the flames appear to be out.  Watch the fire area.  If the fire reignites, repeat the process.

The number one cause of death or injury (whether on or off the job) is motor vehicle accidents.  Driving can present all kinds of hazards, but the greatest potential hazard is the driver.  The following safety tips will help you avoid motor vehicle accidents.

1. Check your vehicle frequently.  Be sure that brakes, accelerator, belts, radiator, oil, battery, tires, headlights and brake lights are all in good working condition.
2. Obey the speed limit.
3. Follow traffic rules.
4. Watch out for the other driver.  Stay away from vehicles that swerve in and out of traffic, fail to signal, or are driving very fast or very slow.
5. Road and weather conditions can affect the way you drive.
6. Stay alert and aware while driving. 
7. Always wear seatbelts.
8. Use car phones sparingly or not at all while driving.
9. Keep headlights on low beam during the day.
10. Don’t drink or take drugs.  Some prescription drugs will impair driving ability.
11. Don’t tailgate.  Stay at least two seconds behind the vehicle in front of you.
12. Pass on the left only.
13. Yield right of way.
14. Don’t overload vehicle.
15. Be especially cautious in heavy traffic.
16. Never pass a stopped school bus.
17. Be a defensive driver.
18. Keep your eyes on the road, your mind on driving, and your hands on the wheel.
19. Keep an eye out for changes in road and traffic conditions, pedestrians, bicycles and animals.

More than half of motor vehicle deaths occur after dark.  Here are some night safe driving tips:

·                     Let your eyes adjust to the dark when leaving building.

·                     Make sure your headlights are working and turn them on as soon as it starts to get dark.

·                     Keep more of a distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.

·                     Stop and rest if you're tired.  Walk around, get some fresh air.  Have a cup of coffee.

To be a good defensive driver, expect the unexpected and the worse from other drivers.

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.

Most people are familiar with the safe way to lift—bending your knees, hugging the load and letting the strong muscle in your legs do the actual lifting.