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

STAYING SAFE IN THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY BY CLEANING YOUR TANKS (GUEST POST)

January 21, 2014 pat brownlee

Industrial accidents are more than just frustrating occurrences: they can be potentially disastrous and dangerous for employees and employers. In order to prevent these instances of injury, taking preventative measures and solving problems before they begin can help decrease the chance of problems and loss of profit. For those in the oil and gas industry, staying safe and maintaining the integrity of the product are the highest concerns. By having a regular tank cleaning and maintenance system will ensure the longevity of the product as well as the protection of the employee.

1. Preventative Maintenance

By regularly and effectively cleaning oil tanks, you can maintain the life and functionality of the tank. Tank malfunctions can cost companies huge losses in time, profit as well as employee attention to their other respective tasks. A tank malfunction can lead to leaks and more, which is not only time consuming to fix, but as the employer you are exposed to legal ramifications, and that’s where the real cost is going to be.

2. Sludge Removal

The material accumulation at the bottom of oil tanks is technically referred to as “sludge” and this accumulation can be potentially problematic if not properly and consistently removed. By using industrial tank cleaners, you can remove or regulate this sludge so that you can maintain the most product.

3. Decommissioning

By cleaning oil tanks properly, the ability to decommission them can be done quickly and safely. If not, decommissioning an oil tank can be become extremely dangerous and will require more employee time and energy to take apart.

4. Maximize Oil Recovery

By maintaining a regular cleaning schedule for oil tanks you can also maximize the product you have. Many industrial tank cleaners can re-use the sludge by converting it back to the liquid so that there is no loss of profit. By keeping this sludge to its lowest and by using the best equipment, you can ensure that employees do not have to enter the tanks or expose themselves to harmful inhalation or accidental injury.

5. Maximize Storage Capacity

Maintaining proper storage space for materials like oil is crucial in keeping employees and businesses safe. If the tanks experience pressure or improper space requirements, the product risks becoming compromised and will require human intervention to correct. This is when safety becomes an issue and easily preventable. Cleaning tanks is the key to maintaining the safe and good standing of your company.

This guest post was written by Steve Bronson in association with Waterline Tank Technologies. They have pioneered an inexpensive and effective method of crude oil tank cleaning. More information can be found at http://www.waterlinellc.com/.

Note: When workers are required to go into tanks for cleaning, much personal protective equipment is required. Tanks are considered confined spaces, and there is the danger of fumes that can cause respiratory problems, in addition to the sludge and other hazardous materials they may have to wade through. Companies should furnish the proper protection such as rubber boots, protective clothing, gloves, hardhats, respiratory protection, and eye protection. pb

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

WORKER SAFETY IN HOSPITALS INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE ON NEW WEBSITE!

January 20, 2014 pat brownlee

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has introduced a suite of online resources to support hospitals in fostering a safer workplace for employees and patients. The extensive materials include fact books, self-assessments and best-practice guides designed to help hospitals prevent worker injuries and illness, assess workplace safety needs, enhance safe patient handling and implement safety and health management systems. “These new materials can help prevent hospital worker injuries and improve patient safety, while reducing costs,” said Dr. David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health. In a teleconference held on Jan. 15, Dr. Michaels was joined by Dr. John Howard, director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; Dr. Lucian Leape, chairman of the Lucian Leape Institute at the National Patient Safety Foundation; and Dr. Erin S. DuPree, chief medical officer and vice president of the Joint Commission Center for Transforming Healthcare.

Every morning at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, staff from each department gather together in a conference room to begin the day the way they always do – by talking about workplace safety. One staff member is designated the new “safety officer of the day,” and the agenda includes, as always, a review of recent safety incidents and concerns. As Health Director Alison Muth explains, “Starting the day without these meetings would be like pulling out of the driveway without your seatbelt on.” What a unique idea – starting each day with a safety meeting.

It’s no coincidence that Cincinnati Children’s is generally acknowledged as one of the very best pediatric hospitals in the country. Both the current and previous CEOs have run non-health care companies and recognize the value of a safe workplace – to workers, to customers and to the bottom line. There are many other hospitals across the country that do it right. There are even 14 hospitals – such as University Medical Center at Brackenridge in Austin, Texas, and Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital in Nashville, Tenn., who participate in OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Programs, an elite group of companies whose proactive approach to injury and illness prevention have resulted in dramatic decreases in workplace injuries, accompanied by a transformed workplace culture that leads to higher productivity and quality, reduced turnover, reduced costs and greater employee satisfaction.

It’s important for all hospitals to follow suit. In 2012, U.S. hospitals recorded 248,100 work-related injuries and illnesses, nearly 58,000 of which caused employees to miss work. The good news is that injuries and illnesses can be prevented.

Hospitals have seen an unusual amount of flu this season, with many resulting in pneumonia, and even death. Hospital employees are the first ones to be exposed to many illnesses, and are given preventive vaccines to help them stay well. By using face masks, gloves, and other protective clothing to combat the spread of germs, workers try to remain healthy. Washing hands is important to healthcare givers and anyone else who has touched the surfaces or door knobs, pens, or anything else that a sick person has been in contact with.

The mission of all hospitals is to give the best patient care possible. Handling patients in a safe way, having fall prevention on their beds (bed alarms), and monitoring them often is very important. That is why holding daily safety meetings with department staff makes sense. Their employees may report any incidents to them in order that they discuss this in the meetings and together come up with better solutions.

Nurses, aides, and other hospital employees that help patients to their wheelchairs or bathroom, should use a lift if the patient is too heavy, in order that the caregiver not be injured. There are many ways that hospital employees must stay as healthy as possible; management should ensure that they do. Personal protective equipment is a big part of hospital attire. Lab coats, shoe covers, face shields, examination gloves, hair covers, surgical gowns, and other clothing you see hospital personnel wearing is considered personal protective equipment.

Anyone connected with a hospital should check out this informative website.

Source: Department of Labor

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

FIRST AID INFORMATION FOR ON-THE-JOB INJURIES

January 19, 2014 pat brownlee

First aid refers to medical attention that is usually performed immediately after the injury occurs and at the location where it occurred. It often consists of a one-time, short-term treatment and requires little technology or training to administer. First aid can include cleaning minor cuts, scrapes, or scratches; treating a minor burn; applying bandages and dressings; the use of non-prescription medicine; draining blisters; removing debris from the eyes; massage; and drinking fluids to relieve heat stress. OSHA’s revised recordkeeping rule, which went into effect January 1, 2002, does not require first aid cases to be documented.

First Aid Programs

First aid training is primarily received through the American Red Cross, the National Safety Council (NSC), and private institutions. The American Red Cross and NSC offer standard and advanced first aid courses via their local chapter/training centers. After completing the course and successfully passing the written and practical tests, trainees receive two certificates: (adult CPR and first aid). An emphasis on quick response to first aid situations is incorporated throughout the program. Other program elements include: basic first aid intervention, basic adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and universal precautions for self-protection. Specific program elements include training specific to the type of injury: shock, bleeding, poisoning, burns, temperature extremes, musculoskeletal injuries, bites and stings, medical emergencies, and confined spaces. Instruction in the principles and first aid intervention of injuries will cover the following sites: head and neck, eye, nose, mouth and teeth, chest, abdomen, and hand, finger, and foot injuries. Employers are responsible for the type, amount, and maintenance of first aid supplies needed for their particular program. The training program should be periodically reviewed with current first aid techniques and knowledge. Basic adult CPR retesting should occur every year and first aid skills and knowledge should be reviewed every three years.

It is a requirement of OSHA that employees be given a safe and healthy workplace that is reasonably free of occupational hazards. However, it is unrealistic to expect accidents not to happen. Therefore, employers are required to provide medical and first aid personnel and supplies corresponding with the hazards of the workplace. The details of a workplace medical and first aid program depend on the circumstances of each workplace and employer. Medical and first aid services are addressed in specific standards for the general industry, shipyard employment, marine terminals, longshoring, and the construction industry.

It is very important that a business have at least one first aid kit in the office or at a construction area. Having an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) on location could be life-saving in the event of a heart attack. OSHA also requires that certain items be contained in every first aid kit, such as:

Bloodborne Pathogen Kit (in case of chemical or airborne illness). A disposable gown with sleeves could be used if chemicals are spilled on clothes.
CPR pack, when someone needs to perform CPR on another person.
Large biohazard bags that are used to clean up spills.
Disposable towels for cleanups.
Plastic gloves.
Face mask.first
Eye Shield (all to be used when handling hazardous materials.)
At least one CPR one-way face shield.

A regular first aid kit needs to be stocked with basics such as splints, gauze, antiseptics, bandages, and alcohol pads, in addition to:

Tweezers
Compress for head injuries or swollen injuries
Plastic gloves
Eye wash kit
Burn cream or spray
Aspirin or other over the counter pain relievers

Each work environment requires slightly different kits because each job has different injury possibilities. You can check with your local OSHA representative to get a full list of the items you should have in your first aid kits.

In the event of a serious injury, the first thing a person should do is have someone call 9-1-1 immediately, while they begin administering first aid in the manner they have been trained to do. To see the exact standards for each type of occupation, you may research the OSHA website.

One suggestion is that every home have a well-supplied first aid kit; also one in their car. We never know when someone may need first aid, at home, or on the road.

Source: OSHA

Back Safety, Eye Protection, Fall Safety, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, Protective Clothing

HOW FAR HAS CONSTRUCTION SAFETY COME IN 50 YEARS? (GUEST POST)

January 18, 2014 pat brownlee

Whether you’re thinking in terms of technology, scientific knowledge, or health, there’s no denying that we’ve come a long way over the past fifty years. Safety in the construction industry is no exception.

The most significant event occurring over the past fifty years that has resulted in safety improvements both in construction and general industry was the signing of the Occupational Safety and Health Act in 1970 by President Richard Nixon. This law resulted in the creation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as well as the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

OSHA Standards

Initially, OSHA regulations were based on national consensus standards and began to take effect in 1971. The first standard specific to construction, however, was issued on November, 23, 1972. Since then, a number of standards affecting the construction industry have been developed. While it is beyond the scope of this article to discuss each covered topic in detail, major categories include:

o Personal protective and lifesaving equipment
o Fire protection and prevention
o Materials handling
o Hand and power tools
o Welding and cutting
o Electrical
o Scaffolding
o Fall protection
o Concrete and masonry construction
o Steel erection
o Stairways and ladders
o Cranes and derricks

The complete list of covered topics and related narrative can be easily accessed on the OSHA website.

Part 1926 contains the construction regulations with part 1910 being for general industry. However, whether one is involved in the construction business or another industry, it is necessary to refer to both, as there is a considerable amount of overlap between the two.

Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that states can, and often do, have requirements that are more stringent than the federal regulations. Twenty-seven states and territories currently operate state plans that are OSHA-approved.

ANSI Standards

Contributions from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) have had a positive impact on safety over the past fifty years as well through the development of standards to which equipment manufacturers must adhere.

Examples include criteria for safety glasses and fall protection equipment. ANSI standards normally go into much more detail than the OSHA regulations. OSHA will incorporate them by reference into its own standards in many cases.

Safety as Good Business

Technological advancements have resulted in the reduction of hazards through more effective engineering controls and substitution of hazardous products with safer alternatives.

In addition, companies have begun to understand that an effective safety program makes good business sense. Robust safety procedures often carry over into other disciplines and positively impact things such as quality, productivity and cost control.

Hiring With Safety In Mind

Looking at a contractor’s safety record when making hiring decisions can save a company a considerable amount of future grief. For example, negative publicity resulting from a serious injury that occurs on the property, even though the injured person was a contractor’s employee, can be difficult to overcome.

During construction activities, the regulatory agencies will consider the facility a multi-employer work site and can hold both companies accountable for any safety violations. Any citations issues could result in a significant financial impact in addition to negative public relations.

A review of the prospective contractor’s OSHA 300 log, on which any significant injuries must be recorded, can provide a quick overview of how the contractor incorporates safety into the day to day operations. An unusually large amount of entries or multiple entries for the same type cause can raise a red flag that something is amiss.

Information regarding citations and fines levied by OSHA against the contractor are a matter of public record and can usually be found through a web search. When it comes to hiring a construction contractor, a small amount of due diligence up front can save a lot of regret later.

Jason Kane is an advocate of workplace safety in all industries. He is a blogger for Federal Steel Supply, Inc., the preferred choice of the global community since 1979.

General Safety Issues

IS YOUR COMPANY PREPARED TO PREVENT WORKPLACE VIOLENCE?

January 17, 2014 pat brownlee

Each and every working person deserves to have a job where they feel safe. There was a time that life was easier: you could go to work and do your eight hours, and return home safely. But times have changed; we see more senseless violence in workplaces, schools and even movie theaters. Companies now must train their employees to recognize threatening situations and know what to do should something happen.

There are all types of workplace violence:

Violence by strangers;
Violence by customers;
Violence among co-workers;
Violence as the result of personal relationships.

Assaults and threats of violence number almost two million per year in the United States. After workplace accidents, homicide is the second leading cause of death in the workplace. The workplace can be any permanent or temporary location where employees perform any job-related duty. A physical assault, threatening behavior, or verbal abuse in the workplace is considered violence.

Employees should be trained to recognize signs of workplace hostility and report them immediately to their supervisor. Threats, obscene phone calls or emails, harassment of any type, being pushed or shoved, or any aggressive physical acts are considered violent behavior. Offensive gestures, shouting, punching walls, slamming doors, or discourteous conduct toward customers or co-workers are not to be tolerated. Those who tell false malicious statements against co-workers or others to damage their reputations or undermine authority should also be turned in.

If a worker shows an abnormal fascination with guns or weapons, or brings them to work, there is trouble lurking. Police should be notified immediately. Companies should establish a good relationship with local law enforcement.

Our children have to attend school, and many school districts have changed their policies to screen any visitors that come into the building, and make the entrances more visible to the office staff when someone approaches the school. Teachers have given their lives to save children; this should never happen to the most innocent of victims – our children and teachers.

Hospital workers also come to mind when it comes to workplace safety. One never knows when a patient or family member or person trying to steal drugs will enter a hospital. Most hospitals have taken security measures to prevent violence in their facility; however, terrible things still could happen.

As mentioned earlier, any permanent or temporary place where people are doing their job should be a safe haven for them. Where appropriate, alarm systems, metal detectors, or closed-circuit video recording cameras, should be installed. In large buildings, a “safe room” should be designed. If it takes bullet-resistant glass in certain businesses, it would be worth keeping employees safe.

Employees must be committed to safety and health in the workplace. They should know how to manage escalated hostile and aggressive behavior without risking their own life. Sometimes that isn’t possible, and any worker or supervisor should not give up their life. There should be no reprisals against an employee who reports a suspicious incident or threatening situation. Be sure that parking lots and all areas around your worksite have adequate lighting for safety of workers.

Workplace violence has had the following economic impact:

500,000 employees lose 1,175,100 work days each year;
$55 million annual lost wages;
Security increases costs billions of dollars;
Legal expenses;
Property damage;
Lost productivity;
Diminished public image.

Businesses should assign a “Threat Assault Team” or “Patient Assault Team” to assess vulnerability to workplace violence and determine appropriate actions. Requiring employees to report all assaults and threats to this team will be invaluable. The Team then should respond to their employees. Whatever is required, workplace violence should be stopped.

Source: OSHA; osec.doc.gov

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

WORKING AT HEIGHTS: A GUIDE TO STAYING SAFE (GUEST POST)

January 16, 2014 pat brownlee

There are going to be many times in your life where you are likely to be required to work at heights; whether it’s due to a tree that needs trimming or your roof tiles need replacing, working at heights can be incredibly dangerous. However, there are a number of ways in which you can change the way that you work at heights in order to make the process safer and thus reduce the risk of accidents occurring.

Regulations Regarding Working at Heights

There are a number of rules and regulations in place that prevent those who work at heights for a living from making potentially fatal mistakes.

Organization

One of the most important regulations in place is that all work at height must be organized and planned thoroughly to avoid any incidents or accidents. This also means that you should plan your actions in accordance with any accidents that may occur; for instance what would you do if you fell from a great height? Do you have a method of contacting others in the event of an emergency?

Qualifications

It’s essential that all of those that work in forestry, arboriculture, construction and many other trades are qualified to work at heights and are competent in doing so. If you are not qualified to work at heights you could be putting yourself and those around you at risk, you could also get into a lot of trouble as you will be held responsible for any mistakes that are made.

Assessment

Before you begin a job that requires you to work at height you should perform a risk assessment and determine whether or not the job is too dangerous for you to participate in. Even if the task that you have been given is not the most dangerous job that you have encountered it’s still recommended that you utilize a powered access platform as these platforms are often surrounded by barriers that will prevent your fall.

If you do not make an assessment of the area that you will be working in before you begin it’s possibly that you could cause harm to others through fallen branches, displaced roof tiles or falling debris.

Equipment

Once you’ve made an assessment of the task that requires you to work at height you must select the appropriate equipment that you will use for the job. It’s crucial that you keep an eye upon the condition of your fall protection equipment and ensure that it is maintained at all times; allowing your equipment to fall into disrepair can cause serious issues as it means that they are liable to break or make the task at hand much more difficult than it has to be.

Overall there are many different aspects of working at heights that you must take into account, and these include the various dangers. Where possible we recommend that you avoid working at heights, but if it’s necessary you should follow the guidelines above.

We also ask that you remember that falling from a great height can cause a loss of mobility and in many cases the fall can be fatal; ensure that there are measures in place that will minimize the distance and the consequences of a fall if it should transpire.

Submitted by Kevin Grant
PromaxAccess.com

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, High Visibility Safety

DECIDING ON SAFE MOTORCYCLE EQUIPMENT (GUEST POST)

January 15, 2014 pat brownlee

When facing the daily commute, workers have increasingly opted to favor motorcycles in lieu of costlier passenger vehicles, carpooling, and public transportation. Within the past decade, the number of motorcyclists in the United States has roughly doubled from around 3.8 million to 6.7 million. While motorcycle culture has enjoyed a newfound appreciation, there’s another statistic that is a greater cause of concern – and that’s the number of motorcycle accidents occurring annually, which has been on the rise for the past two decades.

With an increasing number of people riding for daily commutes rather than as experienced hobbyists, it’s unfortunate that these numbers are destined to rise. However, following these tips when preparing your motorcycle equipment can drastically reduce the odds that any accidents you find yourself involved in might result in serious impairment or death.

Choosing the Right Motorcycle Helmet

There are riders who ignore wearing helmets due to the misconception that they negatively impact your ability to hear and see your environment. However, studies have verified time and time again that how motorcycle helmets affect hearing and vision is marginal at best. More importantly, the fact that helmets reduce the fatality of accidents by around 40% is enough proof to never consider going on without a helmet.

A good motorcycle helmet should be not only durable, but lightweight. Additionally, excessive weight on your head can cause your neck to whip harder to cause more extensive neck and head damage in the event of an accident. This will allow turning your head more easily to maintain awareness of your environment. A helmet should also be well-fitted and adjusted for a snug, unmoving fit. A helmet will also improve your road awareness by negating wind noise, dust, and insects that might aggravate you on the way.

And, of course, wearing a helmet will help you in terms of staying on good terms with police officers and your insurance provider.

Equipping the right gear

One of the greatest challenges for motorcyclists who opt for riding for their daily commute is that their daily work attire, especially of the white-collar variety, doesn’t exactly meet the level of protection necessary to defend oneself during an accident. After all, while your local motorcycle club might nod in approval when you arrive in leather chaps, you might find a harder time getting the approval of your supervisor.

While standard competition weight leather is an exceptional choice for protection, there are options for motorcycle protection even for those with a business-oriented image to maintain. Kevlar mesh is a comparably protective material that offers greater breathability and a more lightweight solution. It is also far more weatherproof and can even be equipped under clothing if appearances are a great concern. Many Kevlar mesh products feature leather padding on high impact areas, which are an excellent design consideration to prevent getting a case of road rash.

If none of these choices are options immediately available to you, the next best alternative is to dress in many layers. Your bare minimum should incorporate some kind of heavy duty jacket, wear resistant pants, gloves, boots, and your helmet. Consider wearing clothing which feature reflective safety materials, or even a full reflective safety vest.

While it might not be ideally comfortable and it might take a little extra effort to change upon arriving at your destination, making sure you arrive in one piece is too important to ignore simply because it might seem inconvenient at the time.

This is a contribution by Greg Pickett, a content creator with Michael Padway & Associates. In addition to writing online, Greg is a motorcyclist who drives a vintage BMW whenever he has a weekend when the roads aren’t iced over. Follow him on Twitter at @GregTPickett.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, Protective Clothing

UNIQUE SAFETY NEEDS OF WELDERS (GUEST POST)

January 14, 2014 pat brownlee

The Unique Safety Needs of Welders

Practically any industrial production job involves some degree of risk to workers, and welding certainly provides its share. The application of high-temperature torches onto metal surfaces inevitably creates dangerously bright light, hot sparks and flying debris. As a result, welders must use specific types of clothing and equipment to meet their unique safety needs. Let’s look at some of these modes of protection.

Eyes and face – The most obvious threat to a welder involves hot sparks, bits of metal or other debris flying up into the face, eyes or hair. For this reason alone, a welder would always need to wear protective headgear that includes both a faceguard and a helmet. Additionally, however, welders must protect their eyes against dangerous frequencies of ultraviolet light that can cause serious eye damage or even blindness after prolonged or repeated exposures.

While many construction workers might simply don a pair of safety goggles (tinted or un-tinted) to keep foreign matter and bright sunlight out of their eyes, welders must be equipped with a specially designed welding hood that includes ANSI-certified shading against the hazardous UV frequencies generated by their work. Since different types of welding torches generate different degrees of UV, welders should select a model that includes protection against their specific type of job or project, based on an IR scale of 1.5 (minimum shading) to 14 (maximum shading).

Some models, such as the Pyramex Auto Darkening Helmet, can provide IR shades ranging from #9 to #13. This design also includes plenty of interior room for a respirator if needed.

Welders must use suitable eye and face protection against blinding, scorching sparks.

Head and ears – While a full-scale welding hood may protect the entire head, welders using just a faceguard may need to add a separate helmet to protect their hair from sparks. At the same time, however, they should also worry about flying debris entering the ear canals and causing blockages, infections or serious damage. Earplugs can close off the ear canals against this threat, while earmuffs such as the Pyramex PM1010 also protect the outer ear, provided that you can fit them underneath your helmet. These products have the added advantage of protecting your hearing in a noisy manufacturing or construction environment.

Hands and feet – A welder’s hands come closer to the source of dangerous sparks and flying debris than any other part of his body, so thick, fire-resistant gloves should be on every welder’s essential equipment list. Choose gloves specially designed for welding and other high-heat applications, such as Goatskin Tig Leather Welders or Kevlar Wool Lined 14-inch Gloves.

At the same time, however, keep in mind that sparks may also fall downward toward the feet, igniting ordinary cloth shoelaces, or a heavy piece of substrate may slip and drop onto them, causing serious injury. Leather boots with steel-reinforced toes can help protect against both of these dangers, while shoe covers can keep sparks off of laces.

Other considerations – Even if welders own all of the above items, they may need to take additional measures to protect themselves when welding. Gulfport Indura coveralls or similarly flame-resistant garments can reduce the risk of a stray spark igniting on the shirt or pants, for example. Heavy organics such as wool and cotton always make better choices than synthetics, which tend to melt when ignited.

Pants should always fit over boots instead of tucking inside them so debris or sparks cannot fall inside the boots. The sleeves should extend over the arms at all times.

Don’t forget the flame-resistant coveralls!

When properly used by workers (and properly required by management), these protective items can make all the difference between tragedy and “just another day at the office,” so make the effort to safeguard yourself or your employees. Happy welding!

William Reynolds has worked as a freelance copywriter since 1997. William specializes in website content, ghost-blogging, print marketing content and audio/video scripts for providers of health and safety products such as Miracle-Ear.

(Images courtesy of gameanna and suwatpo /FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

General Safety Issues, Hearing Protection

U.K. Hearing Loss Statistics (Guest Post)

January 13, 2014 Doug

Our thanks again to Thomas Fairclough for sending this guest post from Asons Solicitors. If you would like to learn more about industrial deafness,or the hearing loss claims process information is available at www.asons.co.uk

An alarming 1/6 of the UK population suffer from some form of hearing loss. Of those suffering from hearing loss around 6.4 million are over the age of 65+ and about 3.7 million are of working age. Surprising about 3.7 million people aged 16 – 65 have hearing loss, and around 135,000 of them are severely or profoundly deaf.

Of the 10 million who suffer from hearing loss, more than 800,000 people are severely or profoundly deaf.

About two million people in the UK need hearing aids, but only 1.4 million decide to use them regularly. Of those who suffer from hearing loss more than six million would benefit from the use of hearing aids.

About 10% of adults in the UK suffer from constant tinnitus. 1% of adults have tinnitus that affects their quality of life. Similar to hearing loss, the risk of developing tinnitus increases with age. Up to 30% of over 70s experience tinnitus, compared to 12% of people in their 60s and just 1% of people aged under 45.

Due to the increasing age of the UK population, there will be an estimated 14.0 million people with hearing loss by 2031. The World Health Organisation predicts that by 2031 adult onset hearing loss will b one of the top ten diseases in the UK, more common than diabetes and cataracts.

On average it takes people ten years to finally address their hearing loss. Even when they do decide to take action, 45% of people with hearing aids say that initially their GP failed to refer them directly to an audiologist when they first mentioned that they felt they were suffering from hearing loss.

Note: Hearing loss can be prevented if those exposed to loud environments will wear earplugs or earmuffs that are designed to protect their hearing. Once the damage is done, it is permanent. pb

Ergonomics, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

HAZARDS ARE LURKING EVERYWHERE!

January 12, 2014 pat brownlee

We recently published an article regarding how to perform a job hazard analysis in the workplace. There are hazards everywhere, in the workplace, home, school, businesses, just about anywhere you happen to go in everyday life.

Have you ever noticed something in a store that shouldn’t be there? While checking out of the grocery store, I noticed there were wires everywhere, around the area that customers had to pay out and pick up their sacks to leave. They were installing new computers, but there must have been another way to put those wires where customers were not at risk.

Another example, a small local chain discount store had become extremely unorganized. Seems that several employees had quit, and there were not enough employees to stock incoming merchandise, until it got to the point that it became dangerous to even try to find what you were looking for. The risk of falling over something in the aisles was bad enough that persons quit going into the store. The local fire marshall warned the store to get it straightened out in a certain amount of time, or he would be shutting the door because the business had become a fire hazard. Bringing in employees from area stores to help get everything stocked and neat again resulted from his visit.

Depending on the type of work we do, there are hazards in most all places of employment. Biological Hazards can be extremely dangerous if the right safety precautions are not taken. This includes anything that can be passed from one person to another. Contagious biological hazards are flu, hepatitis, or HIV. Mold and chemicals are also biological hazards.

Fire Hazards in the workplace are one of the major causes of lost work time. Work may be shut down because of fire damage to the building. Employees should conduct fire drills often, and be trained in fire safety: where the fire extinguishers are and how to use them. Exit routes should be clearly posted and never blocked. Lives can be lost in fires, so this is a very serious concern.

Electrical Hazards are dangerous both at work and at home. Never overload an electrical socket or extension cord. Check all cords to ensure there are no frays that could start a fire.

Slips, Trips, and Falls. These are hazards that could happen anywhere. In the home, stairs should be well lighted, and both in the home and workplace, good housekeeping is a must. Clutter or other things out of place can cause someone to trip over them. Wiring from computers stretched out in the office are a cause of falls. Trips and falls can result in sprained muscles or worst case scenario, broken bones. Falls from high places are always a threat to those who must work on ladders or six feet or more off the ground. This is when fall protection is required.

Lifting Improperly. How many times have you been told to bend at the knees when lifting a heavy object, only to bend over and use your back? If you think that the load is too much for you, ask for help. Four hands work much better than two in many cases. Wearing a back brace offers some extra back support, and makes one aware of the weight they are lifting, but can’t prevent an injury if the load is too heavy.

Noise Hazards. If you work in a place where you and your co-workers have to yell at each other, you need hearing protection. Businesses such as manufacturing, airports (those working near the planes), around racecars and other loud machinery, need to protect their hearing. Once hearing is damaged, it can’t be fixed. Rather than have to wear a hearing aid, why not start off with hearing protection at the beginning of your career? And for parents, encourage your kids to keep their music at a normal level. When you can hear their music through their earplugs, it’s time to turn it down, and save their hearing.

Let’s help protect our coworkers and others when we notice something that could cause someone to get hurt. Report any hazards at work; also, report hazards that you see in a store where you are shopping. You could save someone from injury, and also save a company from a lawsuit.

Work Safety Blog

Monthly Archives: January 2014