Yearly Archives: 2013

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

SAFETY TIPS EVERY TRADESMAN SHOULD KNOW WHEN WORKING WITH ELECTRICITY (GUEST POST)

 

As many of you may know, working with electricity does have its risks and tradesmen working with the hidden dangers of household and industrial electricity on a daily basis should be on their guard, exercising safety and caution at every turn. According to a recent survey by Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) in the past decade 46,000 workers have been injured on the job by industrial electrical hazards, but what can you do to ensure you don’t form part of this statistic?

Check out the following four safety tips for industrial professionals to ensure they get through their working day safely and without encountering all-too-common hazards and resulting electricity-related accidents…

Never Assume Safety

Forgetting the basics of electrical safety, whether working with industrial alkaline batteries on a small installation or live conductors at a large scale manufacturing plant, results in the majority of injuries, such as electrocution, electric shocks, burns and falls. Never assume that an electrical component you are handling is safe, always run the necessary checks to ensure that the component you are working with is free from hazards before starting your project.

Know the Warning Signs

The second part of the ‘never assume safety’ rule is knowing how to confidently determine the warning signs and dangers that come with electricity and electrical components. If you are unsure about how to identify these hazards, then get clued up before you take on the project with professional training and assistance from a more qualified industry expert. After all, even if you have experience working with household voltages, this does not mean that you can work safely with commercial or industrial application voltages.

Use the Right Safety Equipment

As well as using your industry knowledge to identify the warning signs of electrical safety, it is also necessary to know what type of safety equipment is appropriate when dealing with electrical faults, devices, panels and other equipment to avoid serious injury. Always wear the appropriate safety gear; safety glasses, ear protectors, gloves, dust masks and rubber soled shoes are all essential accessories for completing an electrical project.

Test, Test and Test Again

Testing all electrical components before you start work is also an important step in electrical safety and testing should be completed thoroughly before checking whether a device is even on or off, or industrial batteries are energised. A non-contact voltage tester is every electrician’s best friend so make it yours; this handy tester can pinpoint whether a circuit is on before you even touch the switch or remove the panel to view its internal wires. Keep up to date with the latest electrical safety equipment and see the risk of electrical injury diminish!

Bio: Brittany is from Steatite Batteries, a market leading supplier of industrial technology solutions. Using over 75 years of experience, Steatite design and manufacture custom battery packs and industrial alkaline batteries.

 

 

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

HOW SAFE ARE “LONE WORKERS?”

How many of you know of someone who works alone?  How many jobs can you name that apply?  We may be unaware that there are several types of occupations that fall into this range, and each one has certain hazards or risks.  Some persons enjoy working alone, and for that reason, choose solitary jobs.  If you are working alone, be ready to work as safely as possible when fulfilling your duties.

Those who work alone are grouped into five broad categories:

  1. Workers who handle cash, such as convenience store clerks, retail food outlet workers, taxi drivers, liquor store employees, jewelry store clerks, and some law enforcement officers.
  2. Workers who are at risk of violent attack because their workplace is isolated from public view. This includes security guards and custodians.
  3. Workers who travel away from base office to meet clients:  sales workers, home care workers, social services workers and law enforcement officers.
  4. Workers who do hazardous work but have no routine interaction with customers or the public. This includes workers in the logging and oil and gas industries.
  5. Workers who travel alone but have no routine interaction with customers or the public. This includes truck drivers and business people in transit: deliverymen and mail carriers.

Each of these situations has different hazards and means of controlling them:

OSHA requires that employers must account for every employee having been checked on at regular intervals.  They should be notified at the end of the job assignment or end of work shift.  This should be done by sight or verbal communication.

Here are some ways to stay safe when working alone:

  • Employers must assess the hazards of the workplace.
  • Talk to workers about their work. Get their input about the work they do and possible solutions. Talk to your boss about how to minimize the hazards of the job.
  • Investigate incidents at the workplace, and those from similar workplaces.
  • Eligible employees could be given a personal locator beacon with GPS.
  • Avoid having a lone worker whenever possible, especially for jobs with a known risk.
  • Take corrective action to prevent or minimize the potential risks of working alone.
  • Provide appropriate training and education.
  • Report all situations, incidents or “near misses” where working alone increased the severity of the situation. Analyze this information and make changes to company policy where necessary. Ask for the “buddy system”, where you can take a coworker into high risk situations.  Ensure that this system is available to employees.
  • Establish a check-in procedure. Make sure regular contact is kept with all workers.
  • Establish ways to account for people (visually or verbally) while they are working.
  • For most lone workers, the telephone will be the main source of contact. If work is at a desk or station, have a telephone close by. If work is away from a main office or work station, keep your cell phone charged.  If a cellular phone is unreliable in the area, be sure to have alternative methods of communication available (such as use of public telephones, site visits or satellite technology.
  • Schedule high risk tasks during normal business hours, or when another worker is capable of helping if an emergency situation arises.
  • Position workers, where possible, in locations of highest visibility; don’t allow store windows to be covered up with signs, in order to keep employees visible to the public.
  •  Use a security system such as video surveillance cameras, mirrors, observation windows, etc., however, ensure that informed consent is obtained from employees prior to use. 

Other points for employers to consider:

Length of time the worker will be working alone:

What time of the day will the worker be alone?

  • Is it legal for the worker to be alone while doing certain activities? (For example:   In many jurisdictions, working alone in confined space or during lock-out/tag-out operations is restricted.).
  • What is a reasonable length of time for the worker to be alone?

Communication: Is voice communication adequate, or is it necessary to “see” the work?

  • What forms of communication are available?
  • If the communication systems are located in a vehicle, do you need alternate arrangements to cover the worker when away from the vehicle?

 Location of the work: Is the work in a remote or isolated location? (Remember, a remote location does not have to be far away. Storage rooms that are rarely used can be considered remote or isolated.) Transportation necessary to get there; if so, what type of transportation?

  • What are the consequences if the vehicle breaks down?
  • Is the vehicle equipped with emergency supplies such as – food, drinking water and a first aid kit?
  • Will the worker have to leave the vehicle for long periods of time?

Type or nature of work:

  • Is there adequate training and education provided for the worker to be able to work alone safely?
  • Does the work include working with money or other valuables?
  • If personal protective equipment is required, is it available, is it in good working order, and has the worker been trained in its use, care and storage?
  • What machinery, tools or equipment will be used?
  • Is there a high risk activity involved?
  • Are there extremes of temperature?
  • Is fatigue likely to be a factor?
  • If the worker is working inside a locked building, how will emergency services be able to get in? (For example: a night cleaner in a secure office building.)
  • Does the work involve seizing property or goods (such as repossession, recovering stolen property)?
  • Is there risk of an animal attack, or poisoning/allergic reaction from insect/animal bites?

Characteristics of the individual who is working alone:

  • Does the worker have experience and training? (For example: relevant administrative procedures, first aid, communication systems repair, vehicle breakdowns, and/or outdoor survival.)
  • Are there pre-existing medical conditions that might increase the risk? 

Most of us don’t think of being alone in an office a kind of danger.  However, if this is the type of work that you do, check to see how many exits there are in your room?  There should be at least two ways of escape if you feel threatened.  Also, have a communication system with your home base or an employee working somewhere else in the building.  We hear of “workplace violence”, and many times it happens in an office setting.

Sources:

OSHA; Safety.BLR (Free Toolbox Safety Talks; Alberta Department of Human Resources

 

 

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Protective Clothing, Weather Protection

MORE SAFETY SUGGESTIONS FOR SUMMER WORK

During the summer months, the right type of training and adequate protection can go a long way toward keeping workers safe outside, where workers are exposed to heat stress and UV radiation, pest-borne diseases, and poisonous plants .

Timing can be everything. While you can’t always choose your hours or work locations, you may be able to plan your workload to avoid overheating. Schedule your heaviest work for the coolest parts of the day. In the summer, sunlight exposure is greatest between 10 am and 4 pm.   Many workers start their day very early in the morning, and quit before the hottest time of the day starts, or return to work in the evening hours.  If you are working between 10 am and 4 pm, take several breaks during those hours, in a shady place.  

Stay hydrated.  When it’s hot, you must remember to drink enough fluids. Drink before you get thirsty, because once you become thirsty, you are already beginning to dehydrate. Skip drinks with caffeine, alcohol, and large amounts of sugar. Water is still the best choice, but if you are sweating a lot, drink a sports beverage to help replenish your electrolytes and prevent heat cramps.

 Summer fashion advice:  Wide-brimmed hats, sun glasses with side panels, and pants tucked into socks may not make much of an impression, but they can prevent any number of burns, stings, and bites. Full-length pants and long-sleeved shirts reduce bites from mosquitoes and ticks and minimize skin contact with poisonous plants. Hats and safety sunglasses protect your skin and eyes from the sun’s UV radiation. If you have a history of skin cancer, you may choose dark clothing with a tight weave, which blocks UV rays more effectively than light-colored, loosely woven clothing. However, if pests are more of a concern, wear light colors and tuck your pant legs into your socks to avoid unpleasant up-the-leg visitors. To stay cooler in the heat, wear light-colored clothing that is loose-fitting and made from a breathable material such as cotton.

Know your plants. Poison oak, ivy, and sumac are found throughout the United States. The sap oil from these plants can cause painful allergic reactions. Investigate the types that are poisonous, and avoid them. Wear long sleeves, long pants, boots, and gloves to shield your skin from contact. Also, you may consider using a barrier skin cream.  Burning plants that may be poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac can cause life-threatening allergic reactions from the smoke. 

Find out if any workers have existing allergies.  In addition to knowing first aid and having first aid kits handy,  supervisors should be aware if a worker  is allergic to certain insect bites or stings, plants, etc., and be prepared to treat them as soon as possible.  The worker should carry benadryl, or some type of allergy medicine to avoid going into anaphylactic shock.

Watch out for the critters!  Tall grass, leaf litter, rocks, wood piles, and bushes are favorite hiding places for spiders, ticks, scorpions, and snakes. If possible, stay away from these areas. Wear gloves when handling brush or debris. Wear boots, pants, and long sleeves when working in tall grass or underbrush. Cut grass and remove dried leaves from around the worksite to reduce tick populations. Be cautious near piles of undisturbed materials where snakes or spiders may be. Store unused apparel and equipment in tightly closed plastic bags. An additional spider caution: they are often found living in outdoor toilets where flies are plentiful.  If you are working around standing water, or where mosquitoes breed and live, be aware that some of these little pests carry West Nile Virus.  This is a very serious and debilitating disease, so be sure you have insect repellent sprayed all over your clothes and open skin.

Monitor your coworkers. In addition to your own physical condition,  also keep an eye on your coworkers. Learn the symptoms of heat-related illness, and watch for them in yourself and others. Understand that protective clothing or personal protective equipment may increase the risk of heat stress. Also, brush up on your first aid so you can help a coworker who may need immediate help if suffering from heat stroke or other heat-related reactions.  Observe certain workers, such as older ones, that could be prone to heat stroke.  Those with heart disease or other health problems may not be able to stand continuous heat very long.  You and your coworkers can also help each other by inspecting for hard-to-spot creatures. Ticks, in particular, can be difficult to see, especially on your own body. Help each other inspect skin, hair, and clothes for unwanted passengers.

Use plenty of  sunscreen.  Last, but certainly not least,  follow this advice: wear plenty of  good sunscreen to block UVA and UVB radiation. Wear sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15. SPF refers to the amount of time you will be protected from a burn. An SPF of 15 will allow a person to stay out in the sun 15 times longer than they normally would be able to stay without burning. The SPF rating applies to skin reddening and protection against UVB exposure. It does not indicate any level of protection against UVA. A good broad spectrum sunscreen will contain additional ingredients to block UVA.  Ask your dermatologist what he/she recommends.  Sunscreen performance is affected by wind, humidity, perspiration, and proper application. It should be reapplied at least every two hours. Some sunscreens lose their efficiency when used with insect repellent.  Throw away sunscreen bottles that are more than 2 years old, as it is no longer effective.

Source: CDC

 

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

FOUR COMMON WORK INJURIES AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM (GUEST POST)

It’s a pretty well-known fact that some industries have naturally higher risks for on-the-job injuries. Things like factory work, construction sites, and building/manual labor present a bigger change for someone to get hurt while they’re at work. Obviously, no one wants to get hurt at work, and for that reason, OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, has policies in effect that help to regulate work conditions and help prevent injury. In order to avoid being injured on the job, it’s helpful to know what the most common injuries are and how to prevent them from happening.

1. Overexertion Injuries

In jobs that require hard labor like heavy lifting, carrying, building, or throwing, workers are susceptible to overexertion injuries like pulled muscles, sprains, back injuries, or even heart attack. Employers should have policies in place to prevent injuries like these—employees need proper training for lifting and should report any aches or pains to the job’s supervisors. Encourage employees to take breaks if they are feeling exhausted from a particular task to avoid straining muscles, and hold regular training sessions to reinforce workplace safety.

2. Slipping and Falling, or Falling from Heights

Slips and falls are all too common. They can be caused by:

  •          an employee losing footing
  •          uneven ground
  •          spills

Slippery floors should be cleaned immediately, wet floors should have wet floor signs, and if floors are uneven, there should be caution signs posted until the floor is fixed—or better yet, that part of the building should be off limits until it is safe.  If an employee slips and falls, an incident report should be filed, and that employee should seek medical care to prevent further injury. As for falling from heights, such as off of ladders or roofs, these are difficult accidents to prevent, but employees can use proper protection gear if it is available, like harnesses when working on roofs or windows on the sides of buildings. These can be slip-and-fall incidents, or they can be due to faulty equipment, like a ladder breaking.

Equipment should always be in excellent condition to provide optimal safety. When equipment is not maintained, the employer may be held liable for any workplace injuries, but in those cases, the employee will have to get a workers’ compensation lawyer involved for additional help.

3. Repetitive Motion Injuries

Repetitive motion injuries can be similar to overexertion injuries, but they also include things like office workers who experience pain and injury from things like typing, or mail carriers who frequently have to lift heavy boxes. These can be prevented by employers making sure that their employees have proper break schedules and aren’t overextending their abilities. For example, if a person can only lift 50 pounds, they shouldn’t be made to lift 75 pound boxes all day long—that is bound to cause injury sooner rather than later. Likewise, ergonomic solutions can help prevent office-related injuries.

4. Machine Entanglement

Machine entanglement, as you might imagine, is a rather gruesome work injury, but unfortunately, lax safety procedures mean that these types of injuries aren’t uncommon. Clothing, shoes, fingers, and hair are often left unprotected and can be quickly swept into the inner-workings of a machine, which can very swiftly cause severe injury or death.

Prevent these and other accidents by taking measures such as:

  •    wearing hairnets and close-fitting clothing
  •    being alert about your surroundings
  •    paying close attention to the task at hand

Taking these steps helps ensure that work injuries don’t occur, keeping responsible employees safe while simultaneously protecting their coworkers.

Bio: Steven J. Malman is the founder and President of Malman Law, a personal injury law firm in Chicago, Illinois. Steven has experience representing victims in personal injury, nursing home abuse and neglect, medical malpractice, workers’ compensation and premises liability cases.

General Safety Issues

THE IMPORTANCE OF FIRE MARSHALL TRAINING (GUEST POST)

Maintaining good fire safety awareness is a must for all individuals. Although everyone must stay fire aware, one of the key figures involved in fire safety is going to be the fire marshall, so learning what this role entails is important.

If you’ve ever considered fire marshall training, knowing what they are responsible for can help you make an informed decision.

The Daily Duties For Fire Safety Awareness

Don’t let yourself think that a fire representitive is only going to be involved when a fire is breaking out. That isn’t the case at all.

In fact, there are daily duties that a fire marshall must be taking part in to ensure that maximal fire safety awareness is maintaining.

First, they must make sure that all exit doors are available for use and that these doors are unlocked and not obstructed by any obstacles standing in the way. It’s vital that everyone can easily get out should a fire break loose.

Next, they also need to check that the escape routes are likewise easily accessible and there are no combustible materials present around them. Anything irresponsibly left in the line of escape should be removed and stored in a suitable place.

On a day to day basis, the fire marshall must also check that fire extinguishers are in position and that safety signs are clear and completely visible with nothing standing in the way. It’s important that fire alarm call points are not being obstructed and that fire-resisting doors are closed and are functioning as they should.

If any of these are not working properly, a report must be made so the proper authorities are aware of it.

The Duties During An Emergency

Should the worst happen and a fire breaks out, there will be additional duties that the fire marshall needs to take on.

First, he or she must instigate the evacuation of the area and make sure that everyone has left the premises. From there, he or she must proceed to the assembly area and report to the fire co-ordinator, taking role call if necessary. Take a count sheet with a list of everyone in your office/premises and double check that no one could have been left, or trapped in the building.

From there, the fire co-ordinators will typically take over many of the duties and will start to gather information on the cause of the fire and all necessary facts that will be required in order to file the police report. They will also report if or when the building is safe to re enter.

You can see there are many different roles and duties that a fire marshall must take on.  If proper fire safety awareness is maintained, everyone should know who the marshalls are, what they are responsible for and ensure that these duties are being completed. An incident command safety vests might also help to alleviate confusion as to which person is doing a particular task.

It’s when duties are let slip that serious fire hazards can occur and when the most serious of fires can break out.

A thorough fire risk assessment of your premises conducted by professional fire safety consultants should always be carried out to ensure fire safety best practice is implemented. Then with proper care and maintenance, optimal fire safety should be easily maintained and you can rest easy knowing that should a fire occur, you are well protected.

Submitted by Joanne Gardner

 

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

TIPS FOR SAFELY WORKING ABROAD

The thought of being sent overseas by your company sounds pretty exciting –  a chance to see a new part of the world, sampling new types of food, and working alongside foreign employees.  

First, some serious planning should be done in order to avoid surprises later on.  Research all that you can ahead of time, so you will be better prepared.  Companies have information that is helpful to their employees and will make arrangements for their lodging, transportation, meals, etc. ahead of time.  

It is important to know the support systems that are there for foreign workers, such as emergency service facilities.  Being informed of what services are available for U.S. citizens or other working foreigners is very important. 

One can find websites on the internet that describe the conditions for travel to just about every country in the world.  There are definite warnings on which countries to avoid, as listed by these alert levels: 

  1. Do not travel;
  2. Exercise normal safety precautions;
  3. Reconsider your need to travel;
  4. High degree of caution. 

Companies could be held responsible as a result of their employees’ causing an accidental injury or death in the course of performing their duties.  The employer is responsible for ensuring that the working conditions of their employees are safe, including the security of the buildings in which they will be working.  They are also responsible for guaranteeing the level of the employee’s experience, the type of work to be done, and risk level for injury.  Also, they must ensure that the physical condition of the worker is good. 

Every company that regularly sends employees on business trips abroad needs to assess its insurance program to assure that these employees are adequately protected if they become sick or injured. Companies with employees living abroad need to be even more attentive about the insurance protection and support services they provide. 

Normally, the employee’s domestic health insurance will not be accepted by a foreign provider.  A travel assistance program can ensure that a sick or injured employee is put in contact with the best available medical care; therefore, specialized insurance is necessary to guarantee that coverage is available anywhere in the world an employee may need medical assistance.

Other reminders:  During your time off:

  • Don’t go to places that look unsafe;
  • Take a buddy or go with a group;
  • Don’t become a victim of crime; leave your valuables at home;
  • Leave your passport in the hotel safe (so you can get home);
  • Make a photocopy of your passport to keep with you at all times;
  • Make a photocopy of the passport to leave with family;
  • Pack medicines in their original containers, take extra glasses, etc;
  • Pack all the gear you need to perform your job.
  • Know where your American embassy is;
  • Leave a family contact person’s name with your employer;
  • Observe local laws and customs – you are subject to local laws in foreign countries.

Your company has entrusted you to represent them well and do a good job.  Stay safe!

 

 

General Safety Issues

WORKPLACE SAFETY: ARE YOUR EMPLOYEES SAFE? (GUEST POST)

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Every employer knows that its employees are its biggest asset; without them the business couldn’t function.  Keeping employees safe falls to every individual in a company but employers have a responsibility to ensure the people that work for them are happy and healthy, and that someone is there specifically to ensure that this happens. 

So how do you know that your employees are safe while they’re at work? 

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) uses the Health and Safety Act 1971 to uphold strict guidelines on what is needed to keep employees healthy and safe in the workplace. 

Guidelines for employers range from lighting, cleanliness, hygiene, moving around the premises and comfortable conditions.  Employers must make sure that: 

●       Buildings are up to scratch – they are lit well, of a good temperature, are clean and open to some fresh air, are not in dangerous disrepair and have good wash facilities. 

●       Anyone with a role that involves any of the following has specific guidelines around them; harmful substances, manual handling, noise, pressured equipment, working at height, working in confined spaces and radiation. 

●       There are full reporting systems in place for any workplace accidents or near misses. 

Employers also have strict guidelines on: 

  •   Fire Safety                             
  •   Electrical Safety                              
  •   Gas Safety 

On the flip side, employees also have an obligation to themselves and their peers when it comes to their health and safety at work.  Employees have a responsibility to: 

  •        Take reasonable care of their own and others health and safety. 
  •        Not to interfere with or change anything that has been put in place for theirs or anyone elses health and safety and to comply with any guidelines that are in place, including attending relevant training. 
  •        Report any incidents that occur or any concerns in keeping with company procedures. 
  •        Communicate any changes in health in keeping with the company procedures. 

Risk Assessments 

Risk assessments are an effective way of making sure that your workers are safe. They look at what could occur and examine it in detail to minimise the risk as much as possible. 

Risk assessments deliver this by sticking to five steps: 

  • ●       Identify the hazard
  • ●       Identify who is at risk and how they might be harmed
  • ●       Evaluate the risk and look at precautionary measures
  • ●       Record and put changes in place
  • ●       Carry out reviews and act accordingly as time goes on. 

If I’m concerned? 

Employers should ensure that there are adequate whistle blowing and reporting procedures in place and that they are prepared to approach the national governing body, the HSE, should any breaches occur. Employee health and safety should always be paramount. If there are any concerns they should be immediately reported by employees to management or to the HSE by managers. 

This is a guest post provided by the team at  Northern Insulation, UK based asbestos removal and thermal insulation experts.

We appreciate our authors and readers from the UK and several other countries.  This informative article was sent to us by Tudor Davies.  Similar safety rules apply in the U.S., under OSHA. pb

General Safety Issues, Hearing Protection

WHAT IS NOISE-INDUCED HEARING LOSS? (GUEST POST)

The occurrence of noise induced hearing loss is on the increase in the Western world, including Australia.  This increase is generally occurring from exposure to long periods of loud noises, and in some instances short loud noises such as an explosion.  While there are treatment options available, prevention is better than cure.  In order to prevent noise induced hearing loss, it must first be understood how it actually occurs.

How the human ear works

Every day we experience a large range of sounds via sound waves through our ears.  The Middle Ear amplifies the sound and hairs in the inner ear convert the sound waves into electrical signals so that our brains can understand what it is that we are hearing.  All pretty amazing when you think about it.

How does noise induced hearing loss occur?

While most noises we hear throughout the day are at safe levels, if we are exposed to an exceptionally loud sound (such as standing next to fireworks when they go off) or we are exposed to a loud sound for a prolonged period of time (for example working in a mechanical shop) then we can damage the hairs that convert sound in our inner ear.  This causes noise induced hearing loss.

Tips to avoid hearing damage in the workplace

First of all, it is necessary to understand what is meant by the term ‘too loud’. Any noise from 85 dB up can cause hearing loss. To put this figure into perspective, a lawn mower is between 85 and 90 dB. The louder the noise is,  the more quickly the hearing loss will occur. So follow these steps to protect your hearing.

  • Take note of how long you have been exposed to loud noise and try and have a break of 15 minutes or so to give your ears a rest.
  • Avoid noisy situations. If you have to  raise your voice to be heard then it is likely you are in a situation that is hazardous for your hearing.
  • If you can’t avoid a noisy situation, protect your hearing with either foam ear plugs or head phones.
  • If you regularly attend concerts, it may be worth investing in some custom fit musician ear plugs. Always avoid standing directly in front of speakers or amplifiers.
  • Have your hearing tested every two years particularly if you have noticed a change in your hearing. Your clinician will be able to give you further advice about protecting your hearing. 

When does noise induced hearing loss occur?

There are several ways that noise induced hearing loss can occur:

  • Prolonged exposure to noise:  If you are exposed to noise about 85 decibels for a prolonged period of time, then you can start damaging your hearing.
  • Short bursts of sounds:  Sounds above 120 decibels in short bursts can also cause hearing damage.

What are the symptoms?

Immediately after exposure to loud noise you may hear a ringing in your ears and have trouble hearing other people talk.  The length of time this lasts depends on how loud the noise you were exposed to was, and the length of period exposed.  Temporary hearing loss can also occur and for between 16 and 48 hours after an exposure to loud noise (eg., a rock concert).   Temporary hearing loss generally doesn’t have any long term effects.

The longer term symptoms of noise induced hearing loss can be difficult to diagnose at first.  The person may not notice slight changes in their hearing until it reaches a level that is unacceptable to them.  It is for this reason that regular hearing checks are needed. 

What are the treatment options?

As a first step you should make an appointment with a hearing centre.  After your assessment your audiologist will be able to discuss possible treatment options such as avoiding prolonged exposure to loud or the use of hearing aids.  Hearing aids can be very effective for noise induced hearing loss.

Noise induced hearing loss is a condition that is increasing in society.  As cities develop there are more and more opportunities for loud noises, and more chances of being exposed to loud noises for a prolonged period of time.  Both of these can cause noise induced hearing loss.

If you are experiencing noise induced hearing loss – or think you are – then it is imperative that you make an appointment to visit an audiologist to test your hearing today.  The sooner you address the problem the more opportunities you will have to limit the damage and improve your hearing.

BIO – Tanya Wilson

Tanya has over 7 years’ experience working in the hearing healthcare sector and writes hearing health care articles for Connect HearingAustralia.

Tanya’s hearing expertise enables her to focus on a range of hearing topics, including tackling common hearing issues, treatment options and new hearing technology.

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

SAFETY TIPS WHEN WORKING WITH ISOCYANATES

OSHA has announced a new National Emphasis Program for occupational exposure to chemical hazards.  One such chemical compound is isocyanates, which can cause occupational asthma, irritation of the skin, eyes, nose and throat, and possibly cancer.  

What are isocyanates? These chemicals are used in materials including paints, varnishes, auto body repair, and building insulation.  Spray-on polyurethane products containing isocyanates have been created for a wide range of retail, commercial, and industrial uses to protect cement, wood, fiberglass, steel and aluminum, including protective coatings for truck beds, trailers, boats, foundations, and decks.  Other jobs that have exposure to these chemicals are the manufacture of mattresses and car seats. 

Polyurethanes were a creation of America’s post World War II science and technology – the time when hundreds of so-called wonder chemicals were invented.  Polyurethanes or plasticizers are produced in three forms:

  1. As rigid foams primarily for building insulation, support elements, and decoration, and:
  2. As flexible or soft foams used for cushioning, and:
  3. As elasto-plastics used for automobile body panels, coatings, adhesives, sealants, and as a substitute for rubber.  Because of easy application and versatility, manufacturers and employers consider polyurethanes to be invaluable.

Polyurethanes are formed by combining a variety of chemicals: the most important ingredient is the family of isocyanates, which is made up of a number of chemicals: Toluene Diisocyanate (TDI), Methylene Bisphenyl Diisocyanate (MDI), Hexamethylene Diisocyanate (HDI), Naphthalene Diisocyanate (NDI), and Diisocyanate Dicyclohexyl Urethane.  

Telecommunications and automotive manufacturing members work with and are exposed to isocyanate products.  This work involves the use of polyurethane products used as foam plugs to weatherproof and seal telephone cable splices in the telecommunication business.  In the automotive manufacturing industry, polyurethane products are used in the plastics and related materials. 

Hazardous Exposures: 

Health effects of isocyanates include irritation of skin and mucous membranes, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing.  These chemicals include compounds known as potential human carcinogens, known to cause cancer in animals.  TDI exposure causes serious upper respiratory health problems that involve the throat, nose, esophagus and lungs.  It can also cause acute irritation, (such as a burn inside the nose, throat or lungs.)  This exposure can be so damaging that the body loses its ability to fight infections.  Before or as soon as possible after working with TDI, affected workers should have a complete work up and medical history, including, chest x-ray, lung function test, and blood tests.  This is very important for those workers who have a history of upper respiratory/lung allergies, previously weakened lungs, or lung/throat problems at the time of exposure. 

Controlling Hazards: 

The best way, of course, to control the hazard is to remove it from the workplace.  Some less toxic and more acceptable substitutes should be used.  Isocyanate products can be effectively controlled with the use of engineering controls, such as enclosed systems or methods, as well as local exhaust ventilation.  It is up the employer to ensure that their workers are not exposed to harmful levels of these chemicals.  If affected workers can smell the TDI substance (smells like fruit), they should leave the area immediately and notify the supervisor.  If, after implementing engineering and administrative controls, the workers are still exposed to harmful levels, employees must be given the appropriate personal protective equipment.  In addition to gloves, goggles, and protective clothing, the workers must also be given the correct type of respirator. 

Good hygiene by the workers is also a must.  They should not smoke or eat in TDI work areas.  Also, they should never wear contaminated work clothing home.  The employer should collect such clothing and arrange for it to be cleaned.  If TDI gets in the eyes, they need to be flushed with water for at least 15 minutes.  Affected workers should contact his/her physician.

If the chemical is inhaled, get the worker to fresh air, and call a physician immediately.  Trained personnel should give oxygen treatment to the patient.  If breathing stops, artificial respiration should immediately be given.

 

Sources: OSHA/NIOSH

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

TIPS TO PROTECT EMPLOYEES FROM HEAT ILLNESSES

We survived July, and are beginning the hottest part of the summer for many locales.  It seems this summer has been especially brutal on those in the northern United States, who are not as accustomed to extreme heat as those in the southwestern states.  There are several types of heat related illnesses, such as

  •          Heat Stress

  •          Heat Exhaustion

  •          Heat Syncope

  •          Heat Cramps

  •          Heat Rash

  •          Heat Stroke

According to the CDC, workers who are more likely to be exposed to extreme heat are:  outdoor workers and workers in hot environments such as firefighters, bakery and restaurant cooks, landscapers, yard workers,  farmers, construction workers, miners, boiler room workers, factory workers, welders, oil field workers, and many others. Workers at greater risk of heat stress include those who are 65 years of age or older, are overweight, have heart disease or high blood pressure, or take medications that may be affected by extreme heat.

Many reports of heat-related deaths of workers have been based on the fact that employers may not have been aware of certain medications that their employees are taking.  Others had simply not taken enough breaks while working in extreme heat, and many had not had enough fluids during the day, especially water, and certain sports drinks that help the body restore lost fluids through sweating.

Recommendations for Employers

Employers should take these very important steps to protect workers from heat stress:

  • Schedule maintenance and repair jobs in hot areas for cooler months.
  • Schedule hot jobs for the cooler part of the day.
  • Monitor workers who are at risk of heat stress.
  • Acclimatize workers by exposing them for progressively longer periods to hot work environments.
  • Reduce the physical demands of workers.
  • Use relief workers or assign extra workers for physically demanding jobs.
  • Provide cool water or liquids to workers.
    • Avoid alcohol, and drinks with large amounts of caffeine or sugar.
  • Provide rest periods with water breaks.
  • Provide cool, shaded areas for use during break periods.
  • Provide heat stress training that includes information about:
    • Worker risk
    • Prevention
    • Symptoms
    • Treatment
    • Personal protective equipment
    • The importance of monitoring yourself and coworkers for symptoms

Recommendations for Workers

Workers should avoid exposure to extreme heat, sun exposure, and high humidity when possible. When these exposures cannot be avoided, workers should take the following steps to prevent heat stress:

  • Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing such as cotton.
    • Avoid non-breathing synthetic clothing.
  • Gradually build up to heavy work.
  • Schedule heavy work during the coolest parts of day, (early).
  • Take more breaks in extreme heat and humidity.
    • Take breaks in the shade or a cool area when possible.
  • Drink water frequently. Drink enough water that you never become thirsty.
  • (If you wait until you become thirsty, you are probably already beginning to dehydrate.)
  • Approximately 1 cup every 15-20 minutes.
  • Avoid alcohol, and drinks with large amounts of caffeine or sugar.
  • Be aware that protective clothing or personal protective equipment may increase the risk of heat stress.
  • Monitor your physical condition and that of your coworkers. 

As employers search for ways to help their employees stay cool, they might want to consider cooling vests.  Once activated, they keep the body cooler for hours.  Ranging in a variety of colors, styles, and prices, these can be a valuable tool to maintain cooler body temperatures.