Yearly Archives: 2013

General Safety Issues

WHY HEALTH AND SAFETY IS IMPORTANT FOR YOUR BUSINESS (GUEST POST)

Whether you’re in a management position with a multi-million pound (or dollar) corporation, or whether you own a small business that employs only a handful of staff, health and safety should rank high on your priority list, and not only because of legal obligations. 

It is unfortunate that many employers do not consider Health and Safety to be a pressing issue. There seems to be the mentality that it doesn’t matter if an employee suffers an injury at work as the business does have adequate insurance in place, should that employee decide to sue you in court, which they more than likely will do. 

The point of the matter is that the effects of that original negligent act can be far reaching. The injured employee may not be able to continue with the same career path and could therefore be left jobless, which may affect their personal life should they have a mortgage or rent to pay. Then there is also the issue of dependencies, i.e. children/partner/spouse/parents who rely on the income from the employee.  

Ironic, because the accident most probably could have been prevented at a very low cost.
 
In a perfect world, business owners and all companies would put the welfare of their employees first, but unfortunately we don’t live in a perfect world, especially when one considers just how “profit driven” the business world really is.

This is exactly why past governments introduced legislation regarding health and safety. One of these requirements involves carrying out a regular health and safety risk assessment. These assessments can be done by the business owner, any designated employee or employees, or else by way of a third party firm specialising in this field.

While there are no real hard and fast rules pertaining to the actual minimum requirements or standards, it is every employer’s responsibility to ensure their assessments are at least worth something. Inspectors who may call to see your company can and will make recommendations if they feel more could have been done, but that’s basically where it ends. Should you choose to ignore such advice, and something does go wrong, full responsibility lies with you the business owner, rather than with any inspector.  Also, if a court decides your company’s health and safety risk assessment was inadequate,  your insurance company may be closing their door in your face.

To put it mildly, health and safety is a serious issue, and it needs to be viewed as such. If a business is small enough to justify doing their own assessments, or perhaps get one of their staff members to do them, then at the very least they should make sure suitable training is provided.

Author Bio
This article was provided by http://www.safetywearworld.co.uk/. Safety Wear World has written numerous articles on home improvement, DIY and health and safety in the workplace. 

We appreciate our friends in the United Kingdom for contribuing to our safety blog. pb

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

QUICK TIPS TO HANDLE FIRE ACCIDENTS AT YOUR WORKPLACE (GUEST POST)

first-aid-at-work-refresh1-615x210

“Safety never takes a holiday”. Truly, safety is the most important aspect of our lives. Following safety procedures is everyone’s responsibility. Can you imagine a day when someone knocks your door to inform that your loved one is in hospital in a serious condition, as the result of an accident? This is really heartbreaking news. Most accidents happen because they have not been prevented. So, taking health and safety training is very important to lead a safe and happy life. Employers must pay a lot of attention to manage health and safety at work to prevent accidents and ill health.

Fire accidents can strike anywhere and at anytime. Employees should undergo basic fire safety training because these accidents are expected to occur annually in most workplaces. Having ideas on fire safety tips is very important so as to prevent the likelihood of a fire that may result in injury, property damage or even death. There are many safety tips that employees should keep in mind which help them while fire accidents. Some of them are as follows:

  • After noticing a fire, you should immediately call to a fire department. The sooner they come to know the faster they approach

  • Employees should know exactly where the fire extinguishers are located, as well as how to use them

  • Shout for help loudly

  • Keep in mind that you should not use elevators during fire accidents. This is because if the power fails, you are stuck in the elevator with no means of escape

  • If you find any papers or any other clutter lying on the floor, immediately throw them out as they spread the fire more quickly

  • If your building is in fire check, you need to check before opening. If you feel any heat, then do not open that door

  • Switch off all the electrical appliances

  •  Do not disturb the fire team during fire fighting

  • Do not form into groups because it is difficult for the fire fighters to perform their tasks

Health and safety training effectively prevents the workplace accidents and injuries. Today, most of the business organizations are providing the best safety management systems as they understood the significance of the health and management that leads to:

  • Cost reductions

  • Improved employee relationships

  • Improved public image

  • Increase in the business productivity and reliability

Fire accidents are extremely deadly if you do not take proper precautions. As a business manager, you need to set up the health and safety notice board and keep it updated. Organize these health programs for your staff to reduce the hazards at your workplace and develop a safety action plan.

Author Bio: – Melvin is a medical student and is pursuing a firstaid course Glasgow. Apart from his studies, he likes to invest his time visiting patients in hospitals and clinics. He also likes to make general awareness on keeping health fit through his posts.

 

 

 

 
General Safety Issues

OSHA PLANS TO MAKE WORKPLACE SAFETY REPORTS PUBLIC

Federal safety regulators recently proposed major changes in workplace reporting rules requiring large companies (more than 250 employees) to file injury and illness reports electronically online,  making them available to the public. 

All interested parties (mostly large companies) will have 90 days to send comments on the proposal by OSHA, who will then consider all suggestions.  A public hearing will be held on January 9th.  Later, the decision to approve or deny the changes will be made.  Large companies will be required to transmit the data on a quarterly basis.  (This would affect approximately 38,000 companies).  Those with 20 or more in certain industries with high injury and illness rates would be asked to submit electronically a summary of work-related injuries and illnesses once a year.  There are about 440,000 companies that would be in this category. 

Here are some pros and cons to consider: 

PROS:

  • This change would put added pressure on businesses to comply by submitting reports in a more timely fashion.
  • It would enable the public to identify those companies with poor safety records.
  • It would aid OSHA by not requiring them to inspect those companies with good health and safety records, and focus more on the ones that are reported.
  • OSHA has 2400 inspectors that must cover 8 million workplaces.   
  • It would help employers identify and eliminate workplace risks. 

CONS:

  • Business groups will probably oppose the change for fear that misleading and sensitive information presented to the public could hurt a company’s safety reputation.
  • They may worry that this type of reporting doesn’t tell the full story of the cause of the injury and/or work-related health problems.
  • Businesses are already required to submit annual reports; this would add to their burden of sending in extra accident reports that the company is already aware of and making efforts to correct. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were almost three million workplace injuries and illness last year.  Over 4,300 workers died after being injured on the job in the past year.  Many safety advocates have criticized OSHA for not issuing higher fines for to help discourage unsafe workplaces.  An average penalty from OSHA is around $1,000; the median initial penalty proposed for cases where a worker dies is $5,900.  However, if you notice, these fines and penalties may add up to much heftier amounts.  OSHA feels that public disclosure of accident reports could be another way for them to increase pressure on companies to comply with safety rules.  OSHA feels that responsible employers will be pleased to be recognized as leaders in safety, according to OSHA head, David Michaels.

General Safety Issues

HONOR OUR VETERANS EVERY DAY!

We should honor our veterans every day, but especially on the day set aside to salute them,  Monday, November 11.  It is their day to shine, those veterans who valiantly served in past wars, and ongoing wars today.  They are true patriots who love their country and sacrifice time with their families and are willing to serve for the common good.

Unemployment among veterans remains an obstacle.  According to the Bureau of Labor statistics, the jobless rate of returning veterans stands at 7 per cent.  They face many challenges once they return home, some with disabilities, PTSD, and lack of work.

The good news is that many industries have pledged to “Hire 500,000 Heroes” and their spouses.  Since 2012, Convergys Systems has hired 5,000 veterans and their spouses, both in the United States and the United Kingdom.  This campaign challenges businesses to hire half a million veterans and their spouses by the end of 2014.  Convergys was awarded Civilian.Jobs.com 2013 Most Valuable Employer of the Military.

Other companies that have accepted the challenge are Advance Technology Systems, a manufacturing company, who has made hiring military veterans a high priority.  Starbucks wants to add 10,000 vets and spouses to its ranks. 

Veterans have the leadership and discipline to adjust to new jobs and locations.  Returning Heroes Tax Credit provides businesses that hire unemployed veterans a maximum credit of $5,600 per veteran.  The Wounded Warriors Tax Credit is given to companies who hire veterans with service-connected disabilities a maximum credit of $9,600 per veteran. 

Anytime you see a veteran, give him/her a big “Thank You”.  If you own a business, take the “Hire 500,000 Heroes” challenge, and do what you can.  If you hire one veteran, that’s one less hero that is unemployed.  I recently met an elderly man who was wearing a cap, showing he was a veteran of WWII, Korean War, and Viet Nam.  When he was told “Thank You for your service”, by another man who had served in Viet Nam, he simply stated, “It was a living.” 

These folks don’t want the glory they deserve.  They want to know they are appreciated by their countrymen.  They want to have a job when they return home, and those who no longer are able to work, want to receive their benefits.

Please do your part and “Hire a Vet!”  Texas America Safety Company and Blog4Safety salute our military men and women.

 

 

General Safety Issues

WHEN IT COMES TO ETHICS, IT PAYS TO TELL THE TRUTH!

Twice each month I receive a  newsletter, called OSHA QuickTakes, that reports, among many other things, a list of citations and fines, explaining how companies have violated certain acts.  The fine amounts in the releases just seemed to grow, so I picked this one:

OSHA has ordered Clean Diesel Technologies Inc. to pay $1.9 million to its former chief financial officer who was fired for reporting conduct the CFO believed to be damaging to the company’s shareholders. In late March 2010, the former CFO provided information to the company’s board of directors based on a reasonable belief there was a conflict of interest involving the chair of CDTI’s board of directors. The former CFO believed that a proposed merger was detrimental to the company, critical financial information had been withheld from board members, and the conflict of interest violated internal company controls mandated by the Securities and Exchange Commission as well as the company’s own corporate code of ethics.

OSHA’s investigation found that the company violated the whistleblower provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act when it wrongfully terminated the former CFO for warning the board of directors about ethical and financial concerns raised by a proposed merger.  

“OSHA plays a key role in protecting the integrity of the financial markets and the economy,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. “We protect those who are courageous enough to speak out, even internally, about violations of securities rules and regulations.”

 After being terminated from employment in April 2010, the former CFO filed a whistleblower complaint with OSHA one week later. OSHA’s investigation found merit to the complaint.  “This order should send a clear message to publicly traded companies that silencing those who try to do the right thing is unacceptable,” Dr. Michaels added.

As a result, OSHA has ordered CDTI,  a manufacturer and distributor of emission control systems based in Ventura, Calif., formerly headquartered in Stamford, Conn., to pay the complainant more than $486,000 in lost wages, bonuses, stock options and severance pay. In addition, the company must also pay the complainant over $1.4 million in compensatory damages for pain and suffering, damage to career and professional reputation and lost 401(k) employer matches and expenses.

The order also directs the company to post OSHA’s findings in an 8-K submission to the SEC since previous filings about the complainant’s termination and whistleblower activity had also been posted to the SEC.

The company must also expunge all files and computerized data systems of disciplinary actions related to the complainant’s termination, pay reasonable attorney’s fees and post the order and a notice to workers at all company locations and on its internal website. In addition, OSHA will inform the SEC of its findings so that it can pursue any other appropriate action. CDTI and the complainant each have 30 days from receipt of the findings to file an appeal with the department’s Office of Administrative Law Judges.

OSHA enforces the whistleblower provisions of Sarbanes-Oxley and 21 other statutes protecting employees who report violations of various securities laws, trucking, airline, nuclear power, pipeline, environmental, rail, public transportation, workplace safety and health, and consumer protection laws.

Employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees who raise various protected concerns or provide protected information to the employer or the government. Employees who believe that they have been retaliated against for engaging in protected conduct may file a complaint with the secretary of labor for an investigation by OSHA’s Whistleblower Protection Program. More information is available online at http://www.whistleblowers.gov/.

Source: OSHA QuickTakes

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

Editor’s note: The U.S. Department of Labor does not release names of employees involved in whistle-blower complaints.

NOTE:  This news release shows that even those at the top of the company, such as a Chief Financial Offiver, or a new employee at every company, has the right to report violations of any kind, without retaliation.  It does pay to tell the truth. pb

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, High Visibility Safety

IT’S DEER HUNTING TIME, SO LISTEN UP TO THESE SAFETY TIPS

Deer hunting season is upon us again, so one can never emphasize paying close attention to all safety tips.  A hunting trip gives the family or friends an opportunity to bond and enjoy the great outdoors.  It’s also fun to bring your trusty four-legged friend, your dog, along, too.  When youngsters are involved, it is a good idea for them to first have a gun training safety course. 

In deer country, driving safety is foremost.  No driver wants to injure or kill a deer or any other animal by driving too fast, disregarding the fact that there are more deer roaming about in the month of November, due to hunting and also deer mating season.  

Driving tips issued by the Insurance Information Institute are to 

  • Be aware that deer usually travel in groups;
  • They are most active in the evening, around 6 to 9 p.m.;
  • They can be highly unpredictable, especially when caught in headlights;
  • Exposed to loud noises such as horns and large noisy trucks;
  • Confused by fast-moving vehicles.

According to the Institute, deer whistles mounted on the car or pickup are not too reliable, despite advertising claims have not proved effective at keeping deer out of a vehicle’s path.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found in a recent study of fatal animal crashes, sixty (60) per cent of people who died in these crashes were not wearing safety belts.  Most human deaths could be prevented if every driver buckled up and every motorcyclist wore a helmet. 

Deer hunting involves a lot of eager men, women, and children armed with high-powered rifles and unfortunately, not everyone is as safety conscious as they should be.  One tip is to never pull the trigger unless you are sure without doubt, that your target is a deer.  This sounds simple enough, but it is surprising how many hunting accidents are from hunters shooting other hunters by accident.  

Hunting and alcohol definitely don’t mix.  Just recently, some teenage boys were on an outing, (not deer hunting, just critter hunting), when one youngster accidentally shot and killed his best friend.  It was determined that it was an alcohol-involved accident.  Leave the beer at the campsite for after the hunt.  If you are underage, leave the beer at the store. 

Never hunt alone. Having a partner is a safety-must.  Be sure to tell your family or friends where you plan to be and when you plan to arrive home.  Keep your cell phone charged and in range, if possible.  

Be sure other shooters know that you are human, not a deer, by wearing hi-visibility gear, such as vests and caps.  LED lights that clip onto your cap also help you navigate in the dark.  

If you have a hunting stand, be sure to check it out for safety before using it.  Never carry a loaded gun up or down a hunting stand.  To ensure safety for entering and exiting a hunting stand, use a fall arrest system.  Figure out a plan on how you will safely lower yourself back to the ground should your fall arrest system catch you after a fall. 

Following proper gun safety rules means that you handle any gun as though it were loaded at all times.  Only load the gun when you are ready to use it.  Never point the gun at another person. Keep the gun’s muzzle pointed in a safe direction, usually toward the ground.  Always keep the gun’s safety on until you are ready to shoot. 

Please hunt safely and legally.  Obtain a license and as you do, ask if there are any safety brochures you can take along.  Prepare your children in the right way to respect guns and hunting.

Happy Hunting and Stay Safe!

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

BLACK LUNG INVESTIGATION

Black lung disease is the common name for coal workers pneumoconiosis (CWP).  It once was a disease that affected coal miners over the age of 50;  however, investigations show that younger mine workers are developing the disease as well.  The name was given because inhalation of heavy deposits of coal dust makes miner lungs look black instead of a healthy pink.  Since the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969, average dust levels have fallen.  The 1969 law also set up a black lung disability benefits program to compensate coal miners who have been disabled by on-the-job dust exposure.  

An investigation by the Center for Public Integrity and ABC News, (Brian Ross, Matthew Mosk, and Chris Hamby), brings up the terrible reality that many of America’s coal miners have been denied their black lung benefits.  Although they were diagnosed as having the disease by their primary doctor, a particular physician at Johns Hopkins University and Medical Center has reviewed more than 1,500 x-rays of claimants since 2000, and never identified a single case of black lung disease.  In many cases, it took the miner’s death, and an autopsy that followed, to prove what the miner claimed all along, that the cause of his diminishing health was brought on by the dust he breathed while working underground.  Johns Hopkins is reviewing its Black Lung Program.  The Center for Public Integrity also reviewed the work of one of the coal industry’s “go-to” law firms for black lung cases, finding instances in which the firm withheld evidence of the disease while fighting the miners’ claims. 

ABC News identified a group of specialists with affiliations who help the coal companies defeat the miners in numerous cases.  (The disability benefit is around $1,000 per month).  A corps of lawyers, doctors, and experts have helped these companies deny the benefit to workers they so desperately need to fight the disease, rather than legal and medical experts. 

ABC News featured “Black Lung, Out of Breath” on Wednesday night’s evening news with Diane Sawyer.  It also aired on “Nightline” later that evening. Hopefully,  public awareness will help support the cause of protecting the mine workers who become ill, and receive their benefits, as promised in that 1969 law. 

Unless one has worked in industries such as mining, oil fields, or any other occupation that produces the energy our country needs, (or other countries, as well), persons do not realize the hazards that are involved in this kind of work.  Let’s not take those workers for granted.  Even though they are equipped with respiratory protection, hard hats,  and all types of safety gear, through the years the accumulation of coal dust and other particulates in mines may take its toll. 

Note:  Johns Hopkins Medicine has suspended its black lung program pending a review in response to an ABC News investigation with the Center for Public Integrity that showed how medical opinions from doctors at the prestigious hospital have helped the coal companies thwart efforts by ailing mine workers to receive disability benefits. 

Source: ABC News, Center for Public Integrity

General Safety Issues

REPORT YOUR CONCERNS ABOUT SAFETY AT WORK

This is the story of a whistleblower.  First, here’s the definition:

Noun 1. whistleblower – an informant who exposes wrongdoing within an organization in the hope of stopping it; “the law gives little protection to whistleblowers who feel the public has a right to know what is going on”; “the whistleblower was fired for exposing the conditions in mental hospitals”

informant, source – a person who supplies information
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
 
A worker for an Idaho sawmill company waits to see if he will receive a  settlement from Clearwater Paper Corporation because he raised workplace safety concerns to OSHA.  The Department of Labor is seeking $300,000 for this employee who was first suspended and later fired after OSHA conducted an inspection.  It was alleged that workers were exposed to excessive amounts of red cedar dust in one of their sawmills. That facility was closed in 2011.

The department is also seeking reinstatement of the employee (at one of the other facilities),  as well as payment of more than $300,000 in damages and fees, including back pay, compensatory damages, emotional distress damages and punitive damages.

Section 11(c) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act prohibits employers from discharging or in any manner retaliating or discriminating against any worker for exercising their rights under the Act. These rights include filing an OSHA complaint, participating in an inspection, raising a safety and health issue with the employer or the government, or any other right afforded by the OSHA law. Of the whistleblower complaints that OSHA receives every year, 11c complaints comprise the majority. For more information on 11c and the 21 other whistleblower statutes under OSHA’s jurisdiction, visit www.whistleblowers.gov.

Source: OSHA QuickTakes Newletter

Note: Many workers are very intimidated about reporting safety and health concerns, because of the fear of losing their job, and/or retaliation.  They are protected under the Whistleblower Act.  However, if the hazards of the job are not addressed and someone gets hurt or killed, those workers who were afraid to report safety violations may regret having not told someone.  Do not take that chance: report any suspicions to your supervisor, and if it is not addressed, then call an OSHA office in your area.  pb

General Safety Issues

ALL SET FOR KARTING – GET SAFEGUARDED FIRST (GUEST POST)

Many kids and young adults are into karting. Go karts are very popular today. This vehicle has four wheels and is available in different forms and shapes. Some models are motor-less while others are designed to run and compete on extended circuits. There are high-powered models which can be pricey, and if you are shopping around, it is important that you consider safety and your overall budget. 

The Yamaha go kart, along with other go kart models are widely available. You can find these vehicles in local and online stores. By simply doing your homework, you can purchase a suitable go kart vehicle that you can use to have fun at amusement parks or at the local neighborhood. 

You can find tracks designed for indoor and outdoor use.  Some go karts are available for rent and are commonly called concession or recreational karts.  Driver safety is a major concern, and so the karts usually have sturdy chassis. It is up to you to invest on a go kart without motor or one with electric/4-stroke engine. For the racing kart enthusiasts, there are also 2-stroke engines and 15Hp 4-stroke models. 

You have to make sure that you are set for karting. There is a need to safeguard the driver and one way to do this is to invest or rent Yamaha go kart or other quality karts. Once you get involve in go kart racing, you should purchase chest or rib protectors, racing suits, helmets, and neck (foam) protectors. Flipping over happens very frequently and with the protective gear, serious injuries can be avoided. 

Most go karts don’t come with a roll bar or seat belt. The riders get thrown out when the kart flips. Safety is a great concern, but you have nothing to worry about as long as you have the required racing kart gear. Never allow a rider to get in the Yamaha go kart without safety gear.  

The Yamaha go kart offers a line of powerful engines, along with other well-known brands like Aixro, Biland, and KTM. The go karts have 15 to 48Hp and can run as fast as 11,000 rpm. These karts require proper care and maintenance. If you want a go kart that requires low maintenance, a good option is the electric go-karts. These are usually used indoors or in controlled environments.

 Go kart racing is a safe activity, but to ensure the rider’s optimum protection, you have to buy the necessary gears. Though it may seem that these protective gears are additional cost, the money that you are going to spend is nothing compared to the amount that you can save in case an accident happens. The helmets and protective covering will prevent potential serious injuries. Now, you can ride without worries and have fun with family and friends. 

Safety should be your main concern when you ride a go kart. The Yamaha go kart is a powerful 4-wheeler, so you have to gear up. Never ride this vehicle without wearing any kind of protection. Enjoy and have fun with a go kart! 

Author Bio:

Wil Lee works at Killer Motorsports. Everyone employed with Killer Motorsports is personally involved with the motor sports industry. Killer Motorsports hire people who have a passion for riding, teaching and helping other riders get into vehicles that will fit their needs. It provides stock replacement parts, performance parts, and customer work done. Killer motor sports is fully committed to provide Best Customer Service. It provides free shipping, multi vehicle discounts, pit bikes, dirt bikes, go karts.

Track owners might want to stock up on some good driving gloves,  to relieve driver fatigue! pb

 

General Safety Issues

DOES YOUR WORKPLACE SAFETY LEADERSHIP NEED AN “ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT?”

Or is it you?  Every business has or should have safety leaders.  Selected employees make up a safety committee.  This is sometimes a group of persons who would rather be anywhere instead of a safety meeting.  It is up to the leader to make this assignment a fun and interesting task, rather than a boring gathering. 

When businesses have a safety leader that is certified in CPR training, and many other facets of safety, one who conducts regular safety drills, this leader is truly interested in getting out the message that the workplace must be safe for all workers.  Safety leadership and employee interaction equal success in employee safety.  Inspired leaders can take the company unit or team to the next level of performance.  It is important that department managers or assigned employees share responsibilities and answer to their safety manager. 

According to the National Safety Council, 25 per cent of all emergency room visits can be avoided if someone knows basic first aid and CPR; 13 per cent of workplace deaths are from sudden cardiac arrests, and for every $1 invested in first aid training and wellness programs, health care costs may be reduced by $3.84 and lower absenteeism costs by $5.82.  Having these skills may enable an employee to save a co-worker’s life. 

Businesses must plan and train for emergencies, regardless if it is a natural disaster, criminal act, fire, or other life-threatening event.  Have your plan in place; your employees should be included in the planning phase, and the entire workforce should know the plan, where exits are, where to report if possible, and other actions they should take.  Having random fire drills and emergency situation drills can play a part in the success of being prepared.  Ensuring that your leader and your employees are on the same page will promote a positive reaction.  

Professional safety leaders are educated in every facet of workplace safety; some in specialized fields.  They know how to train workers to keep the workplace safe, and  make it more of a challenge for workers.  

Suggestion: A safety leader could get permission from the administration and employees to make a training video, featuring the employees performing their every day responsibilities.  It is amusing how persons show more interest when they see how they function in the workplace.  Humor could be added to make it even more fun. (Maybe a “staged” accident!) 

Never take  safety responsibilities for granted; your leaders should instill a positive attitude and make each worker proud to do their part in keeping their Number One priority, going home from work safe every day.