Yearly Archives: 2010

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Respiratory Safety

WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT MOLD

It’s a fact that mold has been on this earth for millions of years.  It is also a fact that we must deal with it, and get rid of it in order to have better air quality for everyone, especially those who are very sensitive to it.  Molds are found in damp, warm conditions.  Outdoors, it is in shady, moist areas.  Experts say there are hundreds of types of mold; however, it isn’t necessary to know what type you are concerned with.  Indoors it may be lurking in places where the humidity is high, such as basements or showers.  It is important to know how to safely get rid of mold if it is in your home or workplace.

When you are removing mold, it is imperative that you wear the correct personal protective equipment: There must be good ventilation, with doors and windows open if possible.  Never mix ammonia or other cleaners with bleach, as this could create dangerous fumes.  A mixture of 10% bleach with water will solve small problems.  If you have had a leak around fixtures, repair them as soon as possible.  Sometimes it is necessary to have professional treatment to eradicate the mold problem.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, some areas where there is a high exposure to mold are:

  • Greenhouses
  • Flower Shops
  • Summer Cottages
  • Antique Shops
  • Farms
  • Mills
  • Construction Areas
  • Saunas

The air we breathe contains mold spores, and certain persons are more sensitive to mold, and may have reactions such as upper respiratory tract infections, coughing, wheezing, and even asthma.  Because our immune systems are exposed to harmful mold organisms, excess moisture should be controlled in order to reduce its presence in our homes and workplaces.  Keeping humidity levels between 40% and 60%, using air conditioners or dehumidifiers during humid months, and providing adequate ventilation will help us all breathe a little easier!

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

ONCE MORE, HELP IS ON THE WAY!

When news of an 8.8 earthquake hit the Latin American country of Chile on Saturday, President Obama sent word to President Michelle Bachelet, that the U.S. is ready to help.   Secretary of State Hillary Clinton left Sunday for a planned 5-day trip to Latin America.  She also promised that rescue and recovery support is available.

Thus far, Chile has reported 708 deaths resulting from the earthquake.  Concepcion, population 670,000, was hardest hit.  The quake’s epicenter was reported offshore and 21 miles underground, which was about 200 miles from Chile’s largest city, Santiago.

President Bachelet has ordered the country’s military troops to assist local police in controlling looting.  She has appealed for help from other countries, as well.

Although the earthquake measured stronger than the Haiti quake, the devastation and death count was much higher in Haiti, whose death toll is 220,000.  Millions of persons remain homeless, and still in need of food, water, and shelter.  The location of the epicenter of Haiti’s earthquake was 8 miles underground, and on the edge of Port-au-Prince.  After the Saturday quake, there was the threat of tsunamis as far away as Russia and Japan; however, there have been no immediate reports of serious damage from any countries.

Chile is the wealthiest country in Latin America; Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.  Chile has architectural structures that can handle natural disasters better than the buildings in Haiti that were poorly built, and crumbled on top of each other.  February, 2010, has not been kind to our friends to the south.  Help came from all over the world when the earthquake happened in Haiti.  When Chile decides what their main needs will be, dedicated rescue teams and workers of all types will be there.  Thankfully, their infrastructure and government can handle things well, and they are better able to take care of their people.

We pray for the safety of all volunteers who travel to Chile and for the well-being of the citizens of that country.  Let’s hope for peace and quiet for a long time!

General Safety Issues

MAD ABOUT MARCH!

One big March activity for college students and basketball fans alike is March Madness!

A total of 65 men’s teams vie for the Men’s Division I NCAA championship.

Women’s Division I NCAA Basketball playoffs feature 64 teams competing to reach the Championships.

Following their respective men’s and women’s conference tournaments, games are played throughout the United States, beginning with regional tournaments, which bring much entertainment and excitement to sports fans.

The Grand Finale is called the Final Four.   Good luck to all the players, coaches, and staff involved.  The teams work hard to qualify to represent their schools in these playoffs.

Spring officially starts March 20; however, usually during the month of March, college students from all over the U.S. take their annual Spring Break.  Students are thinking about having a blast; but their health and safety is important.  There are safe and fun ways to enjoy Spring Break without taking risks that may affect the rest of the school year, or for that matter, the rest of their lives.

Most young people think that they are immortal; but in the first three decades of their lives, more Americans are killed by unintentional injuries than any other cause.  So, please, keep these suggestions from Centers for Disease Control in mind:

  • Be prepared for trips you plan to take, know what vaccinations you need if going abroad.
  • Avoid situations where you could be harmed.  Stay with people that you know. Repeat: Do not leave with strangers!
  • If you are around water, know how to swim.
  • When boating, wear a life jacket.
  • Avoid too much sun.  Use plenty of sunscreen, (at least UV15), and wear wraparound sunglasses.
  • Limit alcohol intake.  To have a memorable spring break, don’t drink too much, so you can remember what you did!
  • Don’t drink and drive.
  • Think about doing something different this year, such as volunteering.
  • Start a fitness program if you aren’t already getting enough exercise.  Jogging, walking, playing volleyball or other activities are fun and don’t cost a thing.
  • Get a baseball team or soccer team together.
  • Spend your free time with your parents.  Enjoy Mom’s home cooking!

We hope everyone enjoys the month of March.  Spring is just around the corner, and we all will start to get outdoors more, whether it’s gardening, playing golf, or working in the yard.  Enjoy the warmer weather and always play safe and stay safe!

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

MARCHING IN LIKE A LION FOR 2010

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After the winter we have experienced in the United States, let’s hope that the month of March might start off like a lamb rather than a lion!  But it doesn’t look that way, according to the latest weather predictions.  There are many things to talk about coming up in March.

March is the month to recognize Workplace Eye Safety and Health Month.  January was National Eye Care Month, and we hope you read our piece “Two Things You Must Protect”, because it offers statistics on injuries to the eyes and the causes of the injuries.  We have focused on eye protection in several other articles, but we cannot stress enough the importance of wearing safety glasses, goggles, or side shields on your glasses, or wraparound safety glasses when working in areas where impacts could happen or foreign objects could get into your eyes.

Prevent Blindness America reports that workplace eye injuries account for 94,500 people being treated in U.S. hospitals annually.

Again, we will present their chart showing types of causes of eye injuries:

Product Categories Est’d Injuries Per Year
Tools (power,portable,manual, other)                    19,458
Welding Equipment                                                          15,338
Adhesives                                                                               5,733
Bleaches (non-cosmetic)                                                  5,580
House Repair/Construction                                            4,476
Lawn Mowers                                                                         4,388
Paints, Varnishes,Shellacs,Removers                         3,434
Chemicals                                                                                3,350

Here are some suggestions from last year’s article “March is Workplace Eye Safety and Health Month”, in case of an accident:

  • For specks in eye: try to wash out with tears or eyewash.  If this doesn’t help, keep eye closed, bandaged loosely and see physician.
  • For foreign objects in eye: it may be necessary to seek emergency medical assistance if it cannot be flushed with eyewash or removed with a moistened cotton swab.  Cover the eye and seek emergency medical attention.  If it is removed, flush with lukewarm water or saline solution.
  • Liquid chemicals or sprays in eye need to be flooded with clean water immediately, continuously, and gently for 15 minutes.  Keep eye open as wide as possible, and see a physician.  If possible, take label or container to physician.  Use spray cans carefully, as they are an increased source of chemical eye injuries.
  • Blows to the eye: apply cold compress for 15 minutes and each hour thereafter.  Discoloration or blackening could mean internal damage; a doctor needs to examine it.
  • Cuts or punctures of eye or eyelid need to be bandaged; seek medical help immediately.  Do not wash out or try to remove object.

We don’t realize how valuable the gift of vision is until it’s too late! Protect those eyes!

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT CUT PROTECTION

Persons who work in environments that require them to handle sharp objects want to wear the safest, cut-resistant gloves that are available for their particular needs.  Cut resistance defines the material that the gloves are constructed from.  One method of testing the fabric is using force to cut through the material using a moving blade.  In the U.S., the ASTM F1790 is the most common test for cut resistance, which along with ANSI/ISEA glove selecting criteria rates them on a scale from 0 to 5.

Other factors that are also important to consider are the workplace conditions: humidity, temperature and lubricants that are involved.   Most cut-resistant gloves are made from stainless steel wrapped with softer nylon yarn for strength and comfort.  These types of gloves are suitable of food processing, canning, glass handling, and metal fabricating applications.
Certain materials that are in the design of cut-resistant gloves are five times stronger than steel.  Although they are strong and cut-resistant, they are not puncture-proof.  They are not intended for use near powered blades or other rotating equipment.

Employers know the risk factors in their workplace.  Things they should look for when selecting cut-resistant gloves for their employees:

  • Tear strength
  • Abrasion resistance
  • Durability – select gloves that will be as strong at the end of the shift as at the beginning.
  • Comfort – gloves that are going to stay on all day long should be comfortable.
  • Fit – gloves that are loose will only make things clumsy for the employee.
  • Grip –very important that the glove allows a good grip.

Certain types of industrial jobs require wearing cut-resistant sleeves, as well.  The main ingredient to reducing injuries is to train employees well in the type of risks they will encounter on a daily basis.  As with any well-trained workers, they learn to never take their safety for granted: to be constantly aware of accidents that may be waiting to happen.

General Safety Issues

ARE YOU ALWAYS CAUTIOUS AROUND MACHINES?

One of OSHA’s most violated standards is machine safeguarding.  If you work around any type of machinery, you must never take a shortcut; you must always take the time to safeguard your machine, which is the easiest way to prevent disabling injuries.

Three areas that must be safeguarded to minimize hazards are:

1.    The point of operation.  Where you cut, shape or bore lumber, is an example of the point where the work is done.

2.    The power transmission apparatus: Any component that transmits energy to the part of the machine performing the work: flywheels, belts, gears, and pullies.

3.    Moving parts:  All moving parts of a machine, including feed mechanisms and auxiliary, reciprocating, rotating and moving parts.

Safeguards will keep your hands, arms, and other body parts from coming in contact with dangerous moving components.  They must be firmly secured to the machine, so the safeguard device won’t hurt you.  Remember, your safeguard apparatus is built to enable you to perform your job efficiently and comfortably.  Another feature of the safeguard device is that is protects you from projectiles.  If a small item is dropped into a cycling machine, the safeguard should prevent it from becoming airborne.

Safeguards should be securely placed on the equipment, where it cannot be removed easily, and they should be made of durable material.  They should not create new hazards, i.e., sharp edges.  Workers should be able to complete their work more easily, through not having to worry about being injured.  Machine guards should be established where the equipment can be lubricated safely, without having to remove the safeguards.

Be sure you understand how to operate your equipment properly.  Read your manual and understand the capabilities and hazards of the machine.  Preventive maintenance guidelines should be followed.  If you immediately report safety hazards, you could possibly save someone (maybe yourself) from unintentional injury.  Talk to your supervisor if you suspect something is unsafe in your workplace.

Always use machine guards when you are working on or repairing equipment.  Lock it out and tag it out, if you need to step away from the machine.  If co-workers are doing something you feel is unsafe, let them know, and if they continue, report it to your supervisor.  There is no need to put everyone in jeopardy.  Accidents can happen too quickly.  Don’t overlook the possibilities of an on-the-job mishap.  Along with safeguarding your equipment, safeguard yourself by always wearing the correct personal protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles.

Source: OSHA

General Safety Issues

WHAT’S GOING ON?

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It appears that we are living in an age that disturbed or evil people upset with their government, families, bosses, or other concerns, can set off bombs, or fly planes into buildings that innocent persons are working in.

Austin, Texas, has experienced two incidents in a short period of time.  An angry young man fired a gun on the steps of the State Capital just a few weeks ago.  He was quickly apprehended, and no one was hurt.

Last Thursday, an Austin man, Joseph Stack, rammed his single-engine Piper Dakota into the seven-story Echelon building, which housed approximately 200 IRS workers, as well as employees of other companies.  The plane, weighing around 3,000 lbs., was full of fuel and could fly at a top speed of 200 mph.  People who were simply doing their jobs had no idea that their day would be far from normal.  People were hurt, some critically, and one IRS employee died, as well as the pilot.

Stack had evidently been in several confrontations with the Internal Revenue, and his anger built up into such frustration that he decided the only way to make his feelings known was to commit this horrible act.

The U.S. Transportation Safety Administration will be thinking of ways to restructure security regulations for more than 15,000 business jets that could cause serious damage if they fell into the wrong hands.  Now, it we hope they will also figure out a way to create more security when it comes to regulating these small private planes.

“Safe Rooms” are built into homes to protect their owners from natural disasters, but what kind of “fortress” would it take to really be safe where we work?  We must continue working for the life we desire and not be afraid.

It’s normal for all of us to complain from time to time about things going on in the world, (freedom of speech, right?), but special attention should be paid to individuals who are extremely disturbed about their work, the government, politicians, or who have continuous disputes with others.  Some remain silent, until it’s too late.  A way of preventing disaster from occurring might be if someone listened and tried to fix it.

General Safety Issues

DO YOU HAVE AN ESCAPE PLAN?

We spend countless hours at work, but how much of that time is devoted to learning exit strategies in case of emergencies?  Regardless of your vocation, whether it is in a plant, factory, warehouse, or office, you need to know the quickest route out of the building.  How would you escape from your workplace in an emergency? Do you know where all the
exit doors are in case your first choice is too crowded?  Are you sure the doors will be unlocked and that the exit access, such as a hallway, will not be blocked during a fire, explosion, or other crisis? Knowing the answers to these questions could keep you safe during an emergency.

There are more than 5,000 injured workers every year as the result of workplace fires and explosions.  Employers should conduct fire and safety drills often, as new employees will learn more through practice rather than their original orientation when they are first hired.  Knowing the right safety policies and becoming familiar with fire exit directions create a safer environment for everyone.

An exit route is a continuous and unobstructed path of exit travel from any point within a workplace to a place of safety. An exit route consists of three parts:

  • Exit access – portion of an exit route that leads to an exit.
  • Exit – portion of an exit route that is generally separated from other areas to provide a    protected way of travel to the exit discharge.
  • Exit discharge – part of the exit route that leads directly outside or to a street, walkway, refuge area, public way, or open space with access to the outside.

According to OSHA, a workplace normally must have at least two exit routes to permit prompt evacuation of employees and other building occupants during an emergency. More than two exits are required, however, if the number of employees, size of the building, or arrangement of the workplace will not allow employees to evacuate safely. Exit routes must be located as far away as practical from each other in case one is blocked by fire or smoke.
Exception: If the number of employees, the size of the building, its occupancy, or the design of the workplace allows all employees to evacuate safely during an emergency, one exit route is permitted.

It would also be a good idea to pay attention to exit routes when visiting a hospital, sitting in a theater, going to the mall, a restaurant, or any large or crowded facility.  When we strap ourselves in for a plane trip, how many persons are actually paying attention to the safety instructions being given before take-off?  Hopefully, we won’t ever need to find the exit in this type of emergency, but it would be a smart thing to be aware of the location of the exits, as well as how to use the oxygen or flotation devices, if needed.  Hopefully, all schools conduct fire drills often in order to assure the safety of our children.

Our malls furnish huge maps to let you know where you are and the location of the stores you are seeking.  How many of us have paid attention to our company maps that furnish the same information regarding exactly where you are, and how to evacuate in the case of an emergency?  To avoid panic, your company should ensure that all employees are on the same page when it comes to exit strategies, but we must do our part as well.

General Safety Issues

DEALING WITH STRESS

When you think of stress in the workplace, what type of work do you think of, other than your own?  I think of stressful situations in emergency services, medical, rescue, fire, and law enforcement.  Then there’s delivery people, who are rushed to get all their deliveries done on time, regardless of the miles they must drive in order to do so.  Whether you are at the top of the corporate ladder, or not, working under stress is a common part of the job description.  We know that some stress creates productivity, but too much is not a good thing.  Effective communication between supervisors and workers is the key to keeping things calm.

A tense part of a new employee’s job orientation is becoming acquainted with the culture of the workplace.  In addition to performing a new job, it’s difficult to learn the patterns of co-workers,.  Office politics or gossip in the workplace can lead to stressful conditions. Sophisticated technology that exists now – computers, cell phones, faxes, pagers, and the internet have created added expectations for fast and efficient productivity.  Employees are expected to learn new software often. Persons who operate heavy machinery or drive trucks are under constant pressure to be alert at all times.

Research has shown that it is as dangerous to be stressed or fatigued as to be legally intoxicated.  The current economic situation is one of the major reasons for stress in today’s workplace.  Companies have merged, restructured, or downsized, resulting in putting more demands on their workers.  Sometimes unhealthy and unreasonable pressures are put on workers who are expected to do the job of two persons instead of just one.  Some workplaces have persons who constantly harass other workers.  This should not be tolerated, and the person who is the victim should report it to their supervisor without fear of retribution.

We see “burnouts” in every walk of life.  Signs of burnout are when one can’t say “No” to added responsibilities, can’t delegate part of their work to others, (because they think only they can do that particular task), are under intense pressure most of the time, or are trying to do too much for too long.  Many workers can’t help but take their personal or family problems to work.  Living in a fast-paced world, it’s no wonder there are so many employees that just can’t take time to “stop and smell the roses”.

There are many ways to try to keep stress away: find a hobby that’s fun to do, that makes you forget about work.  Get some type of exercise.  Getting seven or eight hours of sleep regularly and eating healthy foods can help keep you in shape and ready for your days’ work.  When you need support, talk to family or friends.  Sometimes, just getting your worries off your chest will make you feel much better.

Take those appointed breaks while you are on the job!  Walk outside and get a whiff of fresh air! Think about it: in most workplaces, there’s no one that can’t be replaced.  Someone was there before you, and someone will replace you when you leave.  No job is worth ruining your health for; so try to chill out, be thankful that you have a job, and make it a pleasant experience each day.  By doing so, you may ease someone else’s stress, as well.

Back Safety, Ergonomics, Eye Protection, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, High Visibility Safety, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

LOOKING OUT FOR #1!

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There aren’t many jobs in this world that don’t have a certain amount of risks involved.  Sure, a steelworker has a more dangerous job than a secretary sitting behind a desk!  But there are many hazards in even an office.  Tripping over wires, file cabinet drawers being left out, are just a few of the dangers lurking in an office.  It’s up to the individual to be safe.

Those who must wear Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE, have the responsibility of wearing it in the correct way, and not removing it while working.  Companies train employees in the proper use of PPE in relation to their job duties.  Employees should pay attention to the training they are given, and to the risks they encounter on an every-day basis.

Injuries occur at work, but many times they can be avoided.  Watching out for both yourself and the other guy will pay off.  Know your job hazards.  If you pay attention to your job, use common sense, avoid distractions, and follow company policies, hopefully you will go through your entire work experience without a scratch.

PPE is there for a reason:
There are many types of Personal Protective Equipment for hundreds of uses, but remember, it works best when used properly.  Your company can buy it for you, but it’s up to you to wear it and take care of it.  Be sure it fits comfortably.  If something becomes worn, report it to your supervisor, so it can be replaced.  Certain jobs at home require types of PPE, whether to protect your eyes with safety glasses or goggles while mowing the lawn, working in the shop, or wearing gloves when gardening.  Taking the time to put on a pair of gloves, glasses, or whatever is needed is the best way to be safe.  Whether your tasks are at home or work, play it safe!  Know your equipment and protect yourself at all times.