All posts by Doug

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

WARNING ABOUT TOO MUCH SUN

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The month of May is Skin Cancer Awareness month, so we want to take this opportunity to warn you about the consequences of skin cancer.  If you work outdoors, there are steps you can take to protect your skin.  If you are deliberately working on a tan, please consider that this can be risky.

Too many Americans don’t protect themselves from the sun’s damaging rays, according to the Center for Disease Control, even though they are aware that the burns from the sun increase their risk of skin cancer.  Many people who have been diagnosed with basal cell cancer, squamous cell cancer or melanoma, have been told by their dermatologists that sunburn during their childhood is likely a major factor that may have caused their problem as adults, so it is of the utmost importance that children’s skin is protected from the sun.

The American Academy of Dermatology has established the Shadow Rule: No Shadow – SEEK SHADE.  If your shade is shorter than you are, the sun is at its highest intensity.

For those who must work or play outdoors, wear wide brim hats, hardhats w/sunshields, ultra-violet absorbing eyewear, (safety glasses), long sleeves, and use sunscreen that has a minimum of 15 SPF.  Apply sunscreen hourly.  Reflective surfaces such as water and sand can add to the burning effects of the sun.  So play it safe, stay out of the sun as much as possible.

Most Americans believe they can start their summer tan a little faster by going to tanning beds, however, they don’t realize that without proper protection, those tanning beds can cause serious burns not only to the skin, but to the eyes.  On an average day, more than one million Americans use tanning salons.  First exposure to tanning beds in youth increases melanoma risk by 75 per cent. Research shows that UV radiation levels of a tanning bed are 100 times that of the natural sun.  The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) requires tanning facilities to furnish clean, UV-blocking goggles to all consumers.  Without these protective eye goggles, the New Jersey Society of Optometric Physicians warns that using a tanning bed without protective goggles is the “equivalent to staring at the sun.”

The number of melanomas is rising faster than any of the seven most common cancers.  According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, approximately 68,720 melanomas will be diagnosed this year, with almost 8,650 resulting in death.  We hope this helps you understand the significance of the damage UV rays cause.  We have mentioned the many ways you can protect yourself; if you suspect you may have some type of skin cancer, be sure to see your physician as soon as possible.  Do not ignore places that change color or don’t heal.  Many times treatment by a dermatologist can take care of the problem before it gets serious.

Source: Prevent Blindness America
Skin Cancer Foundation

Weather Protection

YOU CAN’T STOP THE MUSIC!

Our beloved “Music City”, Nashville, has become a devastated area, following heavy thunderstorms and flash flooding, which caused the Cumberland River to rise almost 12’ above flood level last weekend.  At least 30 deaths in Tennessee, Kentucky and Mississippi have been blamed on the recent storms.  The Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame, Opryland Hotel, and Opry Mills have been inundated with water.  The field of the Tennessee Titans was flooded, as well.  Ironically, this is “National Music Week,” stressing the role music plays in our lives.  Several country music stars lost valuable equipment in storage, as well as damage to their homes.  They, along with entertainers across America, have been performing to raise money to help residents who have lost everything.
Here are some helpful tips for those who are trying to retrieve whatever they can from their flooded property:

  • Extreme caution should be used because of possible chemical and electric hazards.
  • Also wear rubber or plastic gloves, boots, and other protective clothing to guard from contact with floodwater.
  • Be sure tetanus shot is current (within 10 years).
  • Hazardous waste and chemical containers may be moved or buried by floodwaters far from their regular storage places, which are risky for those who come in contact with them.  The fire department or police should handle these circumstances.
  • Maintain good hygiene during cleanup operations, wash hands with soap and running water as often as possible during the day.
  • Do not allow children to play in floodwaters, or with toys that have been in floodwaters.
  • Wear eyewear and head protection.  Sunscreen needs to be worn, as well.
  • Take precaution from insect and mosquito bites.
  • Get medical attention for all animal bites immediately.

It will take time to rebuild the attractions that draw tourists to Nashville and the surrounding area, but with the determination their citizens have shown, it will happen.  We can’t stop the music; it will always be what keeps us all going!

Sources:  OSHA Natural Disaster Recovery: Flood Cleanup
EPA-Homeland Security

General Safety Issues

TORNADO SEASON IS DEFINITELY HERE!

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According to statistics, Oklahoma, some southern parts of Kansas and Missouri, experienced 39 tornadoes in a 3-day period last week, from May 10th through May 12th.  Meteorologists hit the nail on the head when they predicted that conditions were right for activity from tornadoes.  The governor of Oklahoma has designated a state of emergency for 56 counties in that state.  More than 800 volunteers were helping victims of the tornadoes clean up debris and look for any traces of valuables that were left.  There were more than 100 people injured, two deaths, and millions of dollars worth of damage caused by the twisters.

The National Weather Center has stated that it will take time to gather all the data from the tornadoes last week.  There was also very large hail in some areas, some as large as softballs.

Two of the tornadoes were classified as EF-4, and four were EF-3’s.  According to the NOAA Satellite and Information Systems, here are the classifications of wind speeds:

  • EF-1 =   86-110 mph
  • EF-2 =  111-135 mph
  • EF-3 =  136-165 mph
  • EF-4 =  166-200 mph
  • EF-5 =  over 200 mph

It is hard to imagine how anything was left standing in winds that strong. According to experts, there’s no wind on earth stronger than winds inside a tornado.  It’s amazing that more people escaped injury; they had advance notice that allowed them to be better prepared, due to correct weather warnings.  This serves as a reminder to all of us to do the following:

1.    Know the hazards of dangerous weather.

2.    Pay attention to forecasts.

3.    Have a plan to stay safe.  Think about what you will do in case of a natural disaster and be prepared.

After the terrible week that Oklahomans had, let’s hope the rest of the season will be mild.  The residents are grateful to all the volunteers who are helping with the clean up.  It’s times like this when everyone steps up to the plate.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

ANYTIME. ANYWHERE. WE’LL BE THERE.

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It’s comforting to know that the above statement is true, when it comes to Emergency Medical Services.  May 16th through May 22nd, is National EMS Week, set aside to honor EMS Professionals, as well as afford them the opportunity to publicize safety and connect with the public that they serve.  EMS Week is sponsored by the American College of Emergency Physicians, who depend on the expertise offered by first responders, paramedics, EMT’s, firefighters, and police: those who serve on the “front line” of prehospital treatment.

In many communities this week, these providers will be giving tours of ambulances, and holding several projects that promote safety. From toddlers to senior citizens, it is helpful for potential patients to see just what is involved in being transported by ambulance.  Many cities and communities will be featuring those who furnish emergency services by explaining about their equipment and vehicles such as ambulances, firetrucks, and medical helicopters.

May 19th is set aside as EMS Day for Children, focusing on safety and preventing injury.  Because children react differently to illness and injury, and have a different set of emotional and physical needs, activities planned exclusively for them is very important.  What child wouldn’t enjoy getting to see an ambulance, fire truck, or police car up-close?

Anytime, anywhere, they are there!  At sporting events, you will see an EMS staff standing by, just in case of an injury.  They are present at schools and businesses, teaching CPR classes.  They’re even on a Facebook Page (National E.M.S.) and Twitter, where they share stories and recognize heroes.

EMS teams consist of EMT’s, those who have been certified in Basic Life Support (BLS), and Paramedics, (the highest level of prehospital medical training), and who have been trained in Advanced Life Support (ALS).  When you call with a medical emergency, it is comforting to know that they will come to your door.  People who live in rural areas depend on their rapid response.  It eases our minds to know that they will transfer our loved one to a different facility, whether it is due to a critical care need, a rehab center, or nursing home if necessary.

In times of tragedy, you will always see these unsung heroes doing all they can to save lives. Whether it’s natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, or accidents – the one thing we can count on is they are there…anytime, anywhere!

General Safety Issues

COMING ATTRACTIONS: CERTAIN ENFORCEMENTS ON OSHA STANDARDS

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Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, OSHA’s role has been to assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women.  OSHA has the authority to enforce standards developed under the Act, assist and encourage States in their efforts to carry out such conditions.  Working under the Department of Labor, OSHA provides research, information, education and training, focusing on keeping America’s workers safe.

Through the years, the role of OSHA has been diverse, but here are some of the changes in industrial safety standards brought about in past years:

  • Making sure there are guards on moving parts of machinery.
  • Permissible exposure limits to hazardous chemicals.
  • Confined space regulations.
  • Lockout/Tagout procedures.
  • Workers’ exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
  • Safety restrictions when involved with excavations and trenches.
  • Asbestos exposure standards.
  • Using Personal Protective Equipment, as required.

According to Hilda Solis, current United States Secretary of Labor, “We are strengthening our efforts to be vigilant in protecting the rights and safety of workers by hiring additional enforcement personnel, and revising and improving our regulatory efforts.”  Employers would be wise to take note of the following current considerations being addressed by OSHA:

  • If the Protected American Workers Act (now pending before Congress) passes, there will be enhanced civil and criminal penalties, changes in abatement requirements, expansion of victims’ rights, and revision to whistleblower structure. This may result in significant repercussions for American employers.
  • The national employer record program was announced by OSHA on October 1, 2009, requiring more scrutiny of the company’s ability to properly prepare OSHA logs, reporting workplace incidents, injuries and illnesses.
  • Another mandate from OSHA is requiring uniformity in the language of ALL settlement agreements- language that uses the settlement process as a way to get employers to agree to undertake more obligations.
  • OSHA issued a final rule allowing citations be given employers on a “per employee basis” for failure to wear/use required Personal Protective Equipment.
  • On April 29, 2009, OSHA announced it would initiate rulemaking on combustible dust hazards.
  • The issue of ergonomic hazards will be revisited by the Obama administration.
  • OSHA is seeking to align its Hazardous Communication Standard with the provisions of the United Nations Globally Harmonized Standard of Classifying and Labeling of Chemicals.

While employers face many challenges in their daily operations, the safety and well-being of their employees should come first.  Organized safety meetings, planning, hazard assessments, risk management, and ensuring compliance are just part of the steps to be taken to create a safe work environment.   In the event of a company mishap, OSHA will be knocking on the door to make sure that all safety policies and procedures were followed.

General Safety Issues

GULF OF MEXICO OIL SPILL BRINGS BACK HAUNTING MEMORIES TO RESIDENTS OF ALASKA

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On March 24, 1989, an oil tanker, the Exxon Valdez, hit the Bligh Reef in Prince William Sound, Alaska, and things have never been the same for this pristine area.  Alaskans are watching the cleanup process that is beginning on the shores of Louisiana, and Alabama.  Florida and Mississippi’s shorelines are also threatened.  The oil that leaked from the Exxon Valdez is still ranked #1 in environmental damages; however, it has been dropped from the top fifty international oil spills.  The damage to the fishing industry in Alaska, as well as tourism and other resources suffered immensely.  On the outside, it is vastly improved; but on the inside, Alaskans who were involved are scarred.

According to the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council, the National Transportation Safety Board investigated the accident and determined that the probable causes of the grounding were:

1.    The failure of the third mate to properly maneuver the vessel, possibly due to fatigue and excessive workload;

2.    The failure of the master to provide a proper navigation watch, possibly due to impairment from alcohol;

3.    The failure of Exxon Shipping Company to supervise the master and provide a rested and sufficient crew for the Exxon Valdez;

4.    The failure of the U.S. Coast Guard to provide an effective vessel traffic system

5.    The lack of effective pilot and escort services.

The ship’s captain had received permission to use the inbound lane rather than the outbound lane, due to the presence of icebergs.  However, once the ship passed the icebergs, it didn’t get back into the correct passage and became grounded on the reef.

Four summers were spent cleaning up the shores. More than 1,000 boats and 100 airplanes and helicopters were involved, as well as  more than 11,000 Alaska residents and some Exxon employees working together to restore the area.  Imagine 17 Olympic-sized swimming pools full of oil; that is equal to the amount of oil that leaked from the tanker.  Some of the wildlife and sea creatures of Alaska have come back; the herring have not.

Even though residents received monetary compensation, which took years in some cases, due to appeals, they feel they were not repaid for years that they were unable to make a living, most of them by fishing.

It’s unclear what will happen on the Gulf Coast, but massive efforts are being made to protect the wildlife and do what can be done to prevent the same devastation of livelihoods in that area as happened in Alaska.  After a thorough investigation, time will allow us to know what caused the explosion on the Deepwater Horizon, taking the lives of eleven persons, as well as injuring several others.  Until that time, our thoughts are with those who are trying to stop the oil spill, in addition to those who are struggling to protect the Gulf shores.

General Safety Issues

PROTECTING OUR SOUTHERN COASTS

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The eyes of the United States and other countries are focused on what is going to happen to the coastlines of possibly Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, following the terrible oil spill created by an explosion that occurred on Transocean Ltd.’s  Deepwater Horizon platform on April 20th.  There were approximately 126 persons on the rig at the time of the explosion.  Several were injured and eleven persons are still missing and presumed dead.

British Petroleum, the lease operator of the Macondo/Mississippi Canyon #252 oil well, is fervently trying to control the oil that is spreading through the Gulf of Mexico.  On Sunday, May 2, BP began drilling a relief well to intercept and isolate the oil well.  On Saturday, May 8th, a 40’ x 24’ x 14’ containment dome was lowered into the seabed around the leaking well, and was to be connected to a specialist vessel on the surface to receive as much of the oil as possible.  This method had been used in shallow water; however, when tried in the more than mile deep water, it failed.  The United States Coast Guard has performed controlled burns and deployed booms along the coast.  Department of Defense aircraft has also sprayed chemicals to treat the oil in the water.  Some 260 ships, such as barges, skimmers and recovery vessels are being used to collect oil from the sea surface.

BP is working with government agencies and relief organizations to ask for and train volunteers to help with the clean up on the coastlines.  A contractor from Louisiana began preparing volunteers in all aspects of the clean up.  There will be three levels of training, from one 45-minute session to 4 hours.  Volunteers are classified as unpaid volunteers, paid volunteers, and specialized personnel.  This is becoming an economic and environmental disaster.  According to Everyday Wildlife Champions, only trained experts should touch oiled wildlife.  The International Bird Rescue Research Center is taking part in the rescue of sea birds.

Residents of Alaska are re-living memories of the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill that devastated the fishing industry and economy in the Prince William Sound area of the state.  Almost one-fifth of the 54 million-gallons of oil cargo that the Exxon Valdez was carrying spilled into the water, when the ship hit Alaska’s Bligh Reef.  In the coming days, we will share more information on the recovery efforts that were made, and the long-lasting effects of that tragedy.

If you want to help, get in touch with one of the leaders in a community you live near.  It is important that you have the proper safety gear to protect yourself if you are working in or near polluted water.  Be sure you have on hand: sunscreen, gloves, protective clothing, safety glasses or goggles, and respirators.

For those who don’t live in these areas, there are many other ways to help, by donating to organizations that will assist these residents and the wildlife that will surely be affected.

General Safety Issues

NORTH AMERICAN OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH WEEK MAY 2-8

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NAOSH Week occurs every year during the first full week of May and is aimed at raising awareness about occupational safety, health and the environment and safety, health and engineering  professions.  The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) joined with the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE) and partners in Mexico to promote awareness in North America during NAOSH Week. This is one tool the almost 100-year-old ASSE and its 32,000 SH&E members use throughout the year to promote occupational safety, aimed at preventing injuries and illnesses. Several organizations representing thousands of businesses have partnered with ASSE and CSSE to support NAOSH Week, including U.S. federal agencies such as the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

NAOSH Week began in 1997.  Canada originally began observing Occupational Safety and Health Week in 1986.  During the NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) talks in 1997, the representative from Canada suggested that Mexico and the United States become involved in a similar endeavor.  Hence, this continent-wide event got its start.

Monday, May 3rd, NAOSH week was launched in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, in Canada, and in Washington D.C.  Businesses are encouraged to participate in all types of contests to promote safety and wellness.  Some companies even have personal protective equipment “fashion shows!”  Poster contests involving employees’ children, and other fun events get everyone involved.  Persons who are interested in becoming health or safety professionals are able to find out more about becoming involved in those occupations.  There are all types of affairs that involve communities and businesses.

NAOSH Week Logo

NAOSH

Three hands forming an equilateral triangle portrays the three participating nations – Canada, the United States and Mexico – and symbolizes joint venture, cooperation and the commitment to the common goals shared by all occupational health and safety partners. The three sides stand for partnership of the three countries in this joint occupational health and safety venture, as well as all tripartite partnerships between business, labor and governments. The connected hands illustrate assistance and cooperation on many levels – from interpersonal relationships in the workplace to international exchange.

Let’s get behind this annual observance and continue to work hard to prevent injuries all year long.

Source: NAOSH.org
Canadian Society of Safety Engineers

Uncategorized

KEEP OUR ROADS SAFE FOR EVERYONE!

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As the weather starts to warm up, more motorcyclists will take to the highways.  Because May is National Motorcyclist Safety Awareness Month, we want to remind vehicle operators to be extra alert when sharing the road with these travelers.  Being more vulnerable to crashes, motorcycle riders may fall victim to a driver that simply “did not see them.”  That’s why both drivers and motorcycle riders should follow the rules of the roadway and obey traffic laws.

Here are some tips for drivers:

  • Never share the lane with a motorcycle, give them lots of space.
  • Don’t drink and drive, in order to keep everyone safe.
  • Use extra caution when approaching an intersection.
  • Allow distance between you and the motorcycle rider.
  • Do not be a distracted driver.  Turn the cell phone off, or use a hands-free one.
  • Understand that motorcycles can maneuver quickly in traffic and suddenly come up behind you.  Be sure that you check your mirrors, and look before changing lanes.

Tips for motorcyclists:

  • Take Motorcycle Safety Foundation driving classes, and be licensed.
  • Be sure that you have the ability to properly handle the size of motorcycle you purchase.
  • Have good riding skills.
  • Know how to use defensive driving techniques.
  • Don’t ride in bad weather.
  • Wear high-visibility gear; bright colors to help you be seen.
  • Protect all parts of the only body you have with a good helmet, gloves, jacket, boots, goggles, riding pants.  These products won’t help if you leave them at home.  Special gear is designed to keep you comfortable, as well as safe.
  • Be a proponent of ATGATT, “All the gear, all the time.”
  • Use turn signals with every lane change.
  • Use extra caution when approaching an intersection.

Motorcyclists have as much right to be on the roads and feel safe as anyone else.  Let’s make this spring and summer a safe one and lower the statistics of accidents suffered by motorcyclists, bikers, and those riding in vehicles.  The only way we can successfully do this is by being more alert and responsible behind the wheel.  Accidents happen every day, and it is usually because someone was in a rush or simply not paying attention.  Play by the rules and no one will get hurt.

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

BLACK LUNG ON THE RISE

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Almost one-half of the power used in the United States is generated by coal; more than 130,000 miners put their lives at risk to provide it. Coal Workers Pneumoconiosis (CWP) is caused by prolonged breathing of dust in coal mines.  Another name for CWP is Black Lung Disease.

Years ago, Congress ordered Black Lung to be eradicated from the coal industry, under the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969.  This act was to protect miners by posing limits on exposure to dust, as well as adding increased benefits for families of coal miners.  For several years following this legislative enactment, the proportion of coal miners with Black Lung Disease went down.  However, in the last ten years, it is again on the rise.  Approximately 10,000 miners have died with CWP in the past decade, with younger workers developing severe and advanced cases.

Black Lung is a deadly, but preventable occupational disease.  It causes chronic coughing and shortness of breath.  Coal operators are required under the law to adhere to dust standards.  They have the necessary tools to control each miner’s exposure to respirable dust and silica.  Industries and miners must both ensure that control measures are applied and dust levels are accurately measured.

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, possible reasons that this disease is once more increasing are:

  • Inadequacies in mandated coal mine dust regulations;
  • Failure to comply with regulations;
  • Lack of disease measures to accommodate changes in mining practices brought about by depletion of richer coal reserves;
  • Effects of working longer hours in recent years;
  • Missed opportunities by miners to be screened and take action to reduce dust exposure.
  • New mining techniques and machinery that create more hazardous exposure to dust.

NIOSH also has set up mobile screening units that travel to locations where mining takes place and offer free x-rays, and other free health evaluations to miners.  When early disease is suspected, miners should request transfer to a job where there is less dust exposure.

A set of rules is being considered by the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) that would require some miners to use a new technology, the continuous personal dust monitor.  These real-time monitors would allow the miners to know what they are exposed to and respond to it right away.  The cost is $10,000 per monitor, so it’s a pricey proposition.  However, mining-industry representative Bruce Watzman says the industry supports MSHA’s efforts.  “The statistics concern us.  We need to understand and address this problem.”  NIOSH states that the first priority to all men and women miners is their health and safety.