Monthly Archives: July 2009

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

DECONTAMINATION SOLUTIONS

Waters after hurricane/flood/tornadoes can be contaminated with sewage, industrial waste, microorganisms, chemicals, and other substances that can cause illness or death.  In these environments, it becomes necessary for volunteer and rescue workers to begin the tasks of decontaminating the properties that are still standing.  An important step in preventing disease is to disinfect clothing, tools/equipment, and work area surfaces.

Good old household bleach solutions can be used for decontamination purposes when working in these environments.  It is important to workers and volunteers that good hand hygiene is established.  Hands should be washed with clean soap and water if at all possible.  If only contaminated water is available, use ¼ cup of bleach per 1 gallon of water.  When cleaning hand tools, immerse them in the solution.  Severe surface decontamination needs to be disinfected using a solution of 1½ cups of bleach to 1 gallon of water.  Allow this to stand 3 minutes.

It is important to mix bleach solutions fresh daily, just before use.  The solution needs to stand for 30 minutes before using.  Wipe electric or battery-operated tools with bleach solution.  It is also imperative that you wear gloves, and eye protection when cleaning clothes, tools, and surfaces.  When mold is present, use respirators (N-95 recommended).  Never mix ammonia products with bleach.

Because there is such a threat of disease, all precautionary measures should be taken by workers, volunteers and homeowners.  Wearing proper personal protective equipment is of the utmost importance.

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

DOWN ON THE FARM – PESTICIDES

As we drive down the highway, going through beautiful farmland, most of us don’t have a clue as to what goes on behind the scenes to create such a picture, and produce a successful crop.  Pests are a huge concern to farmers, and we want to share some information on the subject of pest control.

Pesticides help our agriculture industry through the EPA’s (Environmental Protection Agency) Integrated Pest Management system.  In agricultural settings, their approach is that less risky pest controls are used first (biopesticides).  The second stage is determining the level at which the pest is an economic threat to the crop.  Next, to monitor and identify when and what type of pesticide is needed.  Rotating different crops, pest-resistant varieties, or pest-free rootstock can be a more economical way to deter damage from pests and provide little or no risk to humans and the environment.  Broadcast spraying of a non-specific pesticide is a last resort.

New EPA safety requirements are meant to protect agricultural workers against pesticides used in crop fields.  Soil fumigants are pesticides that go into the soil and create a gas that kills several types of soil-borne pests in the fields.  This type of pesticide can cause health problems ranging from eye or respiratory irritation to more severe and irreversible effects.
Since these are restricted-use pesticides, only specially trained personnel can apply and oversee these types of operations.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, responsible use of soil, air and water resources for the production of food, feed and fiber must be balanced with the need to minimize impacts on human health, and preserve natural ecosystems.  As agrochemicals remain a cornerstone of pest management in U.S. agriculture, there is a continuing need to evaluate environmental transport processes and factors in assessing risk and in the development of mitigation strategies. Research is needed for an understanding of fate and effects. Such efforts will permit better science-based decisions as a basis for policy regarding the use of agrochemicals in U. S. agriculture.  Farmers need a variety of sustainable production options since no production system will be appropriate for every set of circumstances.  The use of agrochemicals must be evaluated due to the ecological risks associated with them.

Pest control is just one of the many problems that our agriculture industry copes with as they produce the nation’s food.  Keeping farm workers safe from the effects of pesticides is foremost.

USDA
EPA

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Hearing Protection

GIVE YOURSELF A HAND!

Tools are such a common part of our lives that it is east to forget that they pose serious hazards.  Hand tools range from axes to wrenches, and we need to keep them in top working condition in order to keep ourselves in good working condition, as well!  We need to protect ourselves with goggles, safety glasses, gloves; in other words, choose the right personal protection when using hand tools.

  • Wooden handles on hammers or other tools that are split or splintered should not be used, as the head of the tool could fly off, possibly resulting in pain for someone!
  • If wrench jaws are sprung, the wrench could slip.
  • Saw blades, knives, should always be turned away from employees working close by.
  • Mushroomed heads on impact tools, such as hammers, may cause shattering on impact.
  • Dull knives and scissors are more unsafe than sharp ones.
  • Pliers should not be substituted for wrenches.
  • Use the correct size of tool.
  • Store tools in safe places.
  • Iron/steel hand tools may produce sparks that could possibly be an ignition source close to flammable substances.
  • Employees and individual do-it-yourselfers should be properly trained in using hand tools.
  • Be aware that working with certain hand tools pose risks to fingers, hands and eyes.

These four basic rules can prevent hazards:
1.    Keep all tools regularly maintained and in good condition.

2.    Use the right tool for the job.

3.    Check each tool for damage before use, and don’t use tools that you find are damaged.

4.    Use the right personal protective equipment.

So, when you are do-it-yourself-ing: remember these tips!  If so, you will deserve to give yourself a hand, and a pat on the back!

OSHA

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, Weather Protection

“SUMMERTIME, AND THE LIVIN’ IS EASY”

Employers know that their personnel face year-round hazards, but summer brings extra ones, such as heat stress, exposure to pesticides, and venomous insects and snakes, just to name a few.  Workers in parks, recreation, highway departments, forestry, construction, paving, painting, and agriculture must deal with all the hazards that hot weather brings while performing their job duties.

Employers should train their workers well; they should be given the chance to acclimate to the heat gradually.  An estimated 46% of reported heat illness cases occurred the first day on the job; 80% reported cases of heat illness within 4 days of beginning a job.  Persons that are physically fit become acclimatized 50% faster than those who are not in good shape. However, during a heat wave, even previously acclimatized employees are at risk.  The body must have time to adjust to sudden, abnormally high temperatures or other extreme conditions.

There are many ways companies can help make the workers better able to do their job comfortably.  Furnishing shade in rest/break areas is very important.  Portable canopies or umbrellas can be set up, and use misting machines, or spray them with water.  Employers should be sure they wear hats, safety glasses (sunglasses), and proper protective clothing.  During heat waves, it would be best to work early morning or evening shifts, and avoid overtime and double shifts.

Other important ways that employers can ensure the health and safety of their workers are:

  • Educate them on ways to prevent heat stress.
  • Be sure they know what to do if a co-worker seems to be experiencing heat-related illness.
  • Provide plenty of water.
  • Adjust work schedule to provide workers rest from the heat.
  • Rearrange nonessential duties.
  • Supervisors should monitor workers and be sure they are staying hydrated.

Employers are required by OSHA to provide that workplaces are free from recognizable hazards, both indoors and outdoors.  It is up to the companies to know in advance what their employees will confront and guarantee that their environment is a safe one.

Source:
NIOSH
CAL/OSHA

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

DO YOUR PART TO KEEP YOUR WORKPLACE FREE OF DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

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The welfare of everyone at a worksite is threatened when a worker is impaired by abusing drugs or alcohol.  You can play an important part to ensure safety in the workplace by:

  • Knowing the drug-free policies of your workplace.
  • Setting a good example for others.
  • Telling management if you suspect use or impairment from drugs or alcohol that threatens safety and health of coworkers.
  • Seeking help if you or your co-worker(s) are impaired.
  • If you or a co-worker(s) are dealing with these problems, confidential help may be available, often at no cost to employees, through the company’s benefits program.
  • There are many outside services that can help.

These statistics are from a Department of Labor report. See if you recognize any of the signs:

  • One in five workers report that they have had to work harder, redo work or cover for a co-worker or have been put in danger or injured as a result a fellow employee’s drinking.
  • Up to 40 % of industrial fatalities and 47% of industrial injuries can be linked to alcohol consumption and alcoholism.
  • Alcohol and drug abuse has been estimated to cost American businesses roughly 81 billion dollars in lost productivity in just one year—37 billion due to premature death and 44 billion due to illness. Of these combined costs, 86 % are attributed to drinking.
  • Alcoholism is estimated to cause 500 million lost workdays annually.
  • Individuals who are current illicit drug users are more than twice as likely (9.3 %)than those who are not (4.3 %) to have changed employers three or more times the past year. Similarly, individuals who are current heavy alcohol users are more likely (8 %) than those who are not (4.4%) to have changed employers three or more times in the past year.
  • Individuals who are current illicit drug users are also more likely (12.9%)than those who are not (5 %)to have skipped one or more workdays in the past month. Individuals who are current heavy alcohol users are also more likely (11.3%)than those who are not (5.1 %)to have skipped one or more workdays in the past month.
  • Of callers to the National Cocaine Hotline, 75% admit to having used drugs on the job, 64% report that drugs have adversely affected their job performance; 44% say they have sold drugs to fellow employees, and 18% say they have stolen from coworkers to support their drug habit.

If any of this is familiar to you:

  • Do Not Delay or Ignore!  Tell your supervisor immediately.
  • Act to prevent worker from committing unsafe practices.
  • Be willing to risk being wrong. It is better to be safe than sorry when the well-being of all is on the line.

Call: Substance Abuse Treatment Locator, 1-800-662 HELP, or www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov
Drug Free Workplace Alliance\dol.gov

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

HOW SECONDHAND SMOKE AFFECTS US

It is an individual’s choice whether to smoke or not.  However, exposing non-smokers and children to environmental tobacco smoke, (ETS), is a different concern.  ETS are particles emitted from a burning cigarette, pipe, or cigar and smoke exhaled by a smoker.  Did you know that secondhand smoke has been classified as a known human carcinogen by the United States Environmental Protection Agency?  This rating is used only for substances proven to cause cancer in humans.

Non-smokers: The following statistics (in the U.S. alone), from the American Cancer Society, are caused by second-hand smoke:

  • About 3,400 lung cancer deaths in non-smoking adults occur annually.
  • Each year an estimated 46,000 deaths from heart disease in non-smokers who live with smokers.
  • Secondhand smoke causes breathing problems in non-smokers, such as coughing, chest discomfort and reduced lung function.
  • In children under 18 months, there are approximately 150,000 to 300,000 lung infections (pneumonia and bronchitis), resulting in 7,500 to 15,000 hospital stays annually.
  • Asthma attacks in children with asthma range from 200,000 to 1 million each year.

If your workplace doesn’t have a policy that protects non-smokers from exposure to ETS, try to get it to start one.  Either ban smoking indoors or designate a separately ventilated room that nonsmokers do not have to enter while performing their job responsibilities.

If you are a smoker, think about the effect this has on your body, as well as your family or friends.  Small children are unable to breathe fresh air while they are around smoke.  They are trapped while riding in a closed car with someone smoking.  Advice from many smokers is “if you haven’t started smoking – don’t!  It’s expensive and a hard habit to break.”  Think about it.  Everyone has the right to choose to smoke or not, just as in any other habit, but most of the time when they start smoking, they aren’t thinking about how it will play out in their health or the health of others later on.

Weather Protection

‘TIS THE SEASON…FOR HURRICANES, THAT IS!

June 1st marked the beginning of hurricane season for folks in the coastal areas of the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico.  More than 35 million Americans live in regions that are threatened by Atlantic hurricanes.

The best defense against hurricanes is public awareness and public preparedness.  Having just returned from Florida, it dawned on me that it would have been wise to seek advise about what to do in case of an emergency such as a tropical storm.  However, it was such a busy and fun time that we weren’t worried or prepared!  Maybe this message will reach some of you that are planning to visit areas where there is a real possibility of a hurricane.

According to NOAA, forecasters from their National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center call for a 50% probability of a near-normal season; however, there is more uncertainty this year due to global weather patterns.  Tropical storms are given names (Ana will be the first in 2009) when winds are sustained at 39 mph.  When those winds reach 74 mph, they become hurricanes and can develop into a major hurricane when winds reach 111 mph.  An average season produces 11 named storms, including 6 hurricanes with 2 major ones.  As if the high winds aren’t enough, other hazards that go along with hurricanes are flooding, storm surges, and tornadoes.

We hope that everyone who lives in these regions is prepared, but to be doubly sure, we want to remind you:

  • Have a family disaster plan.  Be sure to check with family or friends who live out of the danger area in case you may need to stay with them for a few days.
  • Be sure you have a disaster supply kit containing non-perishable foods, water, medications, manual can opener, flashlight and extra batteries.
  • Secure your home.  Reinforce doors, garage doors, shutters, and windows.
  • Listen to a NOAA weather radio.  Pay attention to forecasts.
  • Have a pet plan.  They are important members of your family and must not be left behind if at all possible.  If you have to go to a shelter, most of them won’t accept pets, so please contact a veterinary clinic or make other arrangements for a safe place to leave your pet in case of an emergency.
  • Be sure to keep your cell phone with you at all times.

If you are a tourist, find out what your options are to ensure your safety.  We hope that this season will be a breeze, and that the hurricanes might take this summer season off!

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

BEFORE YOU MAKE THAT BIG SPLASH

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If you are thinking about buying a new boat, there are many things you should know.

Be sure to check with your state parks and wildlife department for important information  all seaworthy (or lake-worthy) persons should know.

Texas Boater Education teaches:

  • How to choose the right boat for you and your family
  • Docking, anchoring, and maneuvering the trailer
  • Navigation rules and aids
  • Legal requirements for boats
  • Handling accidents and emergencies
  • Weather
  • Basic water safety
  • What to do in case of a fire on board
  • Basics of safety in regard to water sports

Other places that offer boater education are U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Power Squad, trained volunteer instructors, teachers, and game wardens.  Now hear this: it pays to be educated on boating skills and seamanship, as there are many insurers that offer discounts upon successful completion of boater education courses.

Rules of the water apply the same as on the highway: show courtesy to other drivers and have designated drivers for the boat.  Most boaters are willing to help a stranded boater by towing them to the shore if they are experiencing motor problems.  The main thing in boating (in addition to a safe driver) is extending courtesy to swimmers or skiers, and not come too close to them.

It’s the law that persons wear life jackets or PFD’s  (personal flotation devices).  Here’s a brief explanation of the five types:

  • Type I – Floats best, but bulky;
  • Type II – Good for calm inland water where there is a chance of quick rescue;
  • Type III – Same as above, and generally most comfortable for continuous wear.  Type III furnishes more freedom of movement for active water sports;
  • Type IV – Throwable device – can be tossed to person, serves as a back up to PFD, can be used as a seat cushion, but not suitable for rough water manageability;
  • Type V – An inflatable type.

You must know the type of jackets that are required for the particular size boat you choose.

Things to remember:

(1) Wear life jackets – they save lives!

(2) Have that designated driver!

(3) Have a safe boat – it can save your life!

(4) Be sure to take along sunscreen, and

(5) have a first aid kit on your boat.

See if you can say this ten times without tripping up: “You better be a sober boater!”  It pays to play it safe, whether on land or at sea!

Source: Texas Parks and Wildlife

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

A SALUTE TO AMERICA’S FARMERS AND RANCHERS

Our farmers and ranchers are a hard-working society; we owe them our thanks for all they do to feed our country.  At times, we may wish we lived on a farm or ranch, away from city life and its’ congestion, noise, and stress.  But our farm and ranch workers are also exposed to many types of hazards:

  • Machinery and equipment, causing hearing loss; hearing loss is prevalent among farmers who are exposed to loud and continuous noise from equipment, or when hearing protection is ignored.
  • Ultraviolet rays from the sun;
  • Respiratory problems caused by toxic gases and dusts from silos, livestock confinement facilities.
  • Agricultural chemicals, such as pesticides and anhydrous ammonia, which can cause health problems.
  • Safety and health standards are not enforced on family farms, due to special exemptions provided to agriculture. Therefore, as unregulated small businesses, farmers and ranchers are unintentionally exposed to hazards.

Even though they face these and many other hazards, farmers and ranchers have immense pride in what they do.  Many work land that has been in their families for generations; they have consumers depending on them to furnish food and dairy products and animals that depend on them to keep them healthy.  They don’t punch a time clock – their schedule usually goes from sunrise to sunset.  Long ago, windmills were the farmers’ way of pumping water, and they used solar energy long before it became the “green” thing to do.

Recently, there was a news report that a group of dairy farmers were in danger of losing their farms due to the economic situation.  They created a new co-op type of farm, working together to keep things going.  That’s they way our American farmers are, determined and tough. We need to think about their contribution to our way of life and let them know they are very much appreciated.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized, Weather Protection

DOWNED ELECTRICAL WIRES – SAFETY FIRST!

In almost all occupations, electrical hazards exist in some form.  Those hazards are multiplied for workers involved in cleanup and recovery efforts following major disasters.  A particular life-threatening danger exists around downed and low-hanging electrical wires caused from high winds, ice storms, or other weather-related troubles.

Some Safety Tips:

  • First, contact appropriate utility personnel.
  • Do not assume that a downed conductor is safe simply because it is on the ground, or not sparking.  Always consider all equipment, lines and conductors to be energized.
  • The circuits don’t always turn off when a power line falls into a tree or on the ground.  These downed power lines can kill you if you touch them, or the ground nearby.
  • Low-hanging wires still have voltage potential even if they aren’t touching the ground.
  • Never go near a downed or fallen electric power line.  Always assume that it is energized.  Fences, water pipes, bushes and trees, buildings, telephone/fiber optic cables, aluminum roofs, siding, sheds, etc., can also be energized by downed wires.
  • Some sources that create electrical backfeed are: circuit ties/switch points, lightning, generators, and downstream events.
  • Remember that electricity can travel away from its source.
  • Don’t touch anything that is touching the wire.
  • Never touch a person injured by a downed power line. Call 911 immediately.
  • If you are in your car, stay inside and use a cell phone for help.  Do not touch the outside of the car.
  • Finally, never drive over downed power lines.

OSHA