All posts by Doug

General Safety Issues

BULLYING CAN BE A PROBLEM FOR ALL AGES

Probably everyone has had to deal with a bully at one time or another.  There’s always going to be someone making another person’s life miserable.  Almost like a disease without a cure, bullying often goes too far.  Too often, we hear about a teenager that has decided the only way to escape the torment of a bully is to commit suicide.  This needs to stop.

Definitions of a bully are, someone who:

(a) intimidates;

(b) threatens;

(c) frightens;

(d) terrorizes; and/or

(e) endangers.

Anyone who has encountered bullies can no doubt add other descriptions.  What can we as a society do about this problem?  Parents are the key.  By paying close attention to our kids, we can notice when they seem to be acting differently, and ask questions.  Many times a child won’t say that someone is harassing them, until it’s gone too far.  Place a confidential call to school officials to bring the problem to their attention.  If school administration or teachers are unable to curtail the situation, call law enforcement.

In the past, things like this happened on “mean streets.”  With cell phones, computers, and email chat rooms, the cyber world creates virtual “bad streets” everywhere!  Cowards hiding behind a computer or cell phone can make a person’s life miserable by spreading all sorts of rumors or making threats.

Then, there are some of the bullies left over from junior high, still out there, seeking attention the only way they know, by picking on someone else and trying to build themselves up by making others feel small.  (We’re talking about the workplace, now!) Here’s some advice for grown-ups and students to apply when encountering a bully:

  • Avoid this person as much as possible.
  • Develop self-control; don’t let them think they have the best of you.
  • Ignore them.
  • Talk to teachers, school administrators.  They have laws to follow to protect you.
  • Talk to your supervisor; your company should have policies that protect you.
  • Ask that security cameras be placed in areas that could deter these activities.
  • Keep a record.  It’s always good advice to document, document, document!
  • If it keeps up, make a formal complaint to management.
  • When that doesn’t work, seek legal advice.  Personal injury lawyers’ consultations are usually free.

This all goes back to parenting.  If parents know they are raising a bully, they should put a stop to it before it gets out of hand.  The damage that bullies can cause sometimes leaves a permanent scar on their victim.  We all must learn to behave toward others in a positive way.
Only then will we see a safer world.

Weather Protection

ONCE AGAIN, IT’S TORNADO SEASON!

Tornadoes have already hit some areas of the United States!  Because they keep coming back year after year, we want to repeat this information we shared with you last year.  The most violent storms of nature, tornadoes are rotating funnel clouds that extend from thunderstorms to the ground with winds that can reach 300 mph.  Their paths can be one mile wide and up to 50 miles long.

In order to keep the public informed, NOAA weather radio, commercial radio, and television stations frequently announce weather situations.  WATCH means that a tornado is possible.  WARNING means that a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar, and to take shelter immediately.
From FEMA: The following are facts about tornadoes:

  • They may strike quickly, with little or no warning.
  • The average tornado moves Southwest to Northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction.
  • Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water.
  • The average forward speed of a tornado is 30 MPH, but may vary from stationary to 70 MPH.
  • They may be almost transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms in the funnel.
  • Tornadoes can go with tropical storms and hurricanes as they move onto land.
  • Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., but can happen at any time.
  • Tornadoes are most frequently reported east of the Rocky Mountains during spring and summer months.
  • Peak tornado season in the southern states is March through May; in the northern states, it is late spring through early summer.

Danger signs of tornadoes are: large hail, large dark low-lying cloud, (particularly if rotating), loud roar (like a freight train), and dark, greenish sky.  The area may become very still prior to a tornado.

When a tornado is approaching, get to a cellar, basement, closet or hallway away from windows and doors, and get under a table.  If you are in a mobile home, get out immediately and take shelter.  If you are outside: lie flat in a ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands.  You are safer in a low, flat location than under an overpass or bridge.  If you are in a vehicle, never try to outrun a tornado. Leave your vehicle and seek a safer location.  Watch for flying debris from a tornado. Debris causes major injuries and many fatalities.

We certainly hope you never experience a tornado.  As we always suggest: remember to keep adequate supplies of water and non-perishable foods, first aid kit, flashlight, change of clothes, and other needed equipment ready in case of an emergency.  The best plan for you and your loved ones is to be prepared, just in case.

Source: FEMA

General Safety Issues

ANOTHER WAKE-UP CALL FOR DUI OFFENDERS

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Recently, a Tarrant County, Texas, jury sentenced a 31 year-old woman to 16 years in prison for being drunk when she caused a collision January 11, 2009, that killed a 20 year-old young man, riding in a small car that was broadsided as she ran a red light, driving at a speed of 70 m.p.h.  In addition, she was sentenced to 10 years in prison for intoxication assault because the driver of the car was permanently maimed.  The driver, who was 21 at the time of the accident, spent 85 days in a Fort Worth hospital and now uses a wheelchair.  He has difficulty speaking; his life has been altered because of the recklessness of someone who had spent the evening drinking at two nightclubs and had a blood alcohol content that was more than twice the legal limit.

The driver of the SUV had no criminal history, but the jury handed down the stiff sentence.  After passing sentence, the District Judge ruled she could serve her two prison terms concurrently.  She must serve at least eight years before she will be eligible for parole.  The prosecutor noted that “if it makes someone think twice about drinking and driving”, that’s fabulous.  (Just seeing the video of this horrible wreck, filmed by the red-light camera, was enough to make you get into the habit of slowing down when you come to an intersection.  It was like watching a race car speed down the street, hitting the victims’ car so hard it just disappeared.)

After the verdict, several family members addressed the woman in the courtroom.  The young man who drove the small car had prepared a montage of pictures shown on a video screen.  It showed him as a young boy, then a strapping young man who joked with friends and family, swam, and played sports.  “Then I met you,” the text on the video said.  Next, were photographs of his mangled car, and breathing tubes he used as he fought for life in an intensive care unit.  The final text said “Don’t forget me,” “because I sure won’t forget you.”

If you go out with friends and have a few drinks, use your head and give the keys to someone else.  We have to be responsible for each other.  Take the keys away when you see someone taking a chance getting behind the wheel!  It may make them angry, but you may keep them from endangering their life, and hurting or killing others.  Lives can be forever changed for the victims of a driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The woman who was speeding through a busy intersection will have to live with the guilt associated with her careless act.  Sometimes even nice people make mistakes, and that one will stay with her forever.

Source:
Fort Worth Star-Telegram

General Safety Issues

KEEPING OUR AGING WORKFORCE SAFE

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Who knows what age determines when a person becomes a member of the “aging workforce”, or what is sometimes referred to as the “chronologically-gifted workforce?”  Those “baby boomers” born after World War II should be getting ready to retire; however, times have changed. Americans are living longer and they are also working longer.  Regardless of the reasons to continue working, older workers bring knowledge, experience, and wisdom to many aspects of business.  Studies report that in general, there is lower turnover, more dedication to the workplace, more positive attitudes, and less absenteeism than from a younger workforce.

Employers must apply safety practices in the workplace to prevent significant injuries to all employees, not just the older workers.  However, there are some reasons that extra care should be taken to ensure the safety of those whose hearing, vision, or balance may slow them down a little.  Training may be different for older workers.  New skills should be explained in a way that they understand. Simply put, justification and logic- why you are doing what you are doing is the easiest message to get across to workers of any age.

According to the Texas Department of Insurance, these are some changes that happen as workers age:

  • Balance – Injuries involving falls are more common to older workers.  Slips and falls account for 14 to 40 percent of non-fatal occupational injuries to workers of all ages.  Work should be matched up to a person’s abilities.  The correct Personal Protective Equipment should be furnished to all workers.
  • Muscular – Older workers may lose muscle mass, which means they lose strength. They may tire more easily, and need to exercise daily to be fit and flexible.
  • Respiratory – Oxygen uptake declines after the age of 50, and physical activity is more difficult.  If the worker is not able to do strenuous tasks, they should be assigned a less physically demanding job.
  • Vision – Many folks in their forties sometimes begin to notice that they do not see as well as they did when they were younger.  Workers should be encouraged to have their eyes checked regularly.  Signs at workplaces should be easily seen and easy to read and follow.
  • Circulatory – We all know that in the summer, outside workers need more breaks and water to cope with heat stress.  These especially apply to the older worker.  All workers should be allowed proper consideration to accommodate what their bodies can withstand in cold or hot weather conditions.
  • Mental – Older persons are usually able to perform mental tasks just as well as their younger counterparts.  They are still able to learn to do new things, it might just take them a little longer.  Changes in mental ability and physical condition do not happen to everyone as they age.
  • Hearing – Employers should be aware that some older workers may be less able to hear verbal instructions if the background is noisy, and be sure that they understand what is being requested of them.

The older generations didn’t have all the technology exists now.  They did many things the old-fashioned way – the hard way!  We also need to appreciate the fact that they are willing to go out into this busy, fast-paced world and do their jobs with the pride and work ethics they were taught.  They can teach us all a thing or two!  Let’s keep them safe.

Uncategorized

NOTES ABOUT APRIL

On April 1st, we’ve probably all been the victims of innocent pranks, either at school, or our place of work.  It’s all in fun, and can’t be too bad for only one day.  Just remember to be ready for someone to try to trip you up on April Fools Day!

This week, Christians observe Good Friday on the 2nd of April, followed by Easter Sunday on the 4th.

Focusing on health, the month of April is Cancer Control Month, time to renew our commitment to fighting this dread disease by knowing more about prevention and early detection.  Persons are encouraged to adopt healthy lifestyles through exercise, proper diet, and regular checkups by their physician.  Go to www.cancer.org, or www.cancer.gov for in-depth information to learn about research and what you can do to stay healthy and help others.

Since 1987, April has been designated as Alcohol Awareness Month, to raise public consciousness and educate people about the devastating effects alcohol can have on our youth, individuals, and families.  In the U.S., the Number One drug choice for young people under age 21 is alcohol, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.  Every day in America, 7,000 underage youths take their first drink.  The misuse of alcohol and drugs has a huge effect primarily on families; however, these problems carry over to the workplace, as well.  For more information on this problem, go to www.niaaa.nih.gov.   If you suspect a family member or co-worker is dealing with this problem, encourage him/her to get help.

Three other April reminders:
1.    Income tax filing deadline is the 15th.

2.    Earth Day is observed on the 22nd.

3.    Administrative Professionals are honored on their special day, the 22nd.

Although the first day of Spring occurred in March, April always brings feelings of new beginnings.  Enjoy your thirty days of April, and keep safety in mind when you start more outdoor activities.  When you get in the mood to do those outdoor chores, don’t be fooled. Wear your safety glasses when mowing or edging the grass and gloves for gardening and other tasks.

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

DEADLINE APPROACHING FOR HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM STANDARDS COMPLIANCE

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published the final Hexavalent Chromium (CrVI) Standard on February 28, 2006, with a deadline for full compliance on May 31, 2010.  Three versions of the standard apply each to General Industry, Construction, and Shipyards, with similar provisions.

According to the Centers for Disease Control: Cr(VI) compounds are a group of chemical substances containing the metallic element chromium in its positive- 6 valence (hexavalent) state.  Occupational exposures to Cr(VI) occur during the production of stainless steel, chromate chemicals, chromate pigments, chrome plating, and thermal cutting.

NIOSH considers all Cr (VI) compounds to be potential occupational carcinogens.  Rarely found in nature, Cr(VI) is a toxic form of the element chromium.  Other uses for chromium are making bricks in furnaces, leather tanning, wood preserving, and may be in dyes, paints, and inks.  Cr(VI) may be inhaled through dust, fumes or mist.  Prolonged exposure can cause irritation or damage to the respiratory tract, eyes and skin if it comes in contact with those organs, and lung cancer.

To prevent this, employers must first determine the air quality and element of risk to their employees.  An Industrial Hygienist should perform air monitoring and inform the company of the employees’ time weighted average for an 8-hour workday.

OSHA requires engineering controls put into place to eliminate employees’ exposure to Cr (VI) and enhance their protection by the use of respirators or N95 types of facemasks. Respiratory protection requirements are the same in all three standards. Respirators are required in situations whenever exposure levels exceed the permissible exposure limit and/or emergencies.

The OSHA standards also require that separate change rooms are available to prevent cross-contamination of street clothes.  The employer must provide disposable clothing, or clean, repair and replace all protective clothing used by employees when they have been exposed to Cr (VI).  Medical surveillance is to be available free for the employee who has been exposed to the substance at or above the action level for 30 or more days per year, or those who are experiencing symptoms of adverse health effects.  Employees must wash their hands and face at the end of each shift.  No eating or drinking in the work areas is permitted.

Most of us may be more familiar with the name Erin Brokovich than this chemical compound.  She was credited with investigating the case of alleged contamination of drinking water with Cr (VI) in the southern California town of Hinkley. At the center of the case was a facility called the Hinkley Compressor Station, part of a natural gas pipeline connecting to the San Francisco Bay Area and constructed in 1952. Between 1952 and 1966, a major natural gas and electricity provider used hexavalent chromium to fight corrosion in the cooling tower. The wastewater dissolved the Cr (VI) from the cooling towers and was discharged to unlined ponds at the site. Some of the wastewater seeped into the groundwater, affecting an area near the plant approximately two miles long and nearly a mile wide.. The case was settled in 1996 for $333 million, paid to 634 Hinkley residents, the largest settlement ever paid in a direct action lawsuit in U.S. history.

General Safety Issues

STAYING SAFE IN PUBLIC PLACES

We go along from day to day enjoying our lives and daily routines, but a random act of violence can quickly alter everything we plan and look forward to.  On Sunday, March 14th, a beautiful 28-year old woman was watching her two children play in a city park in a small Texas town, when suddenly a 42-year old man walked up behind her and stabbed her in the back!  She was flown to Fort Worth, where doctors found that her spinal cord was almost severed, and she will never walk again.

What causes someone to cause this much harm to a complete stranger?  The man told the local newspaper in a jail interview that he had been mentally ill for twenty years; it is our hope that authorities will solve the puzzle after thoroughly investigating this crime.

People have the right to take their children to playgrounds and parks without the fear of an assault such as this.  Chances are, there would not have been anything she could have done to prevent what happened, had she seen the man coming toward her.  Maybe this tragedy can serve as a warning to others, that we must be aware of our circumstances all the time.

Here are some places that women in particular need to be careful:

  • Parking lots – especially at night, and without ample light.
  • Parks – are safer when there are several other people present.
  • Malls – late hours when crowds thin out.  It would be wise to ask for security to walk you to your car, or have someone with you.
  • Parking garages – don’t use them if they have poor lighting.  If you work where there is a parking garage, ask security to accompany you to your vehicle.
  • Public rest stops – when there are several vehicles around them, they may be safe; however, it would be better to go to a gas station or store, with other people around, especially after dark.

Other tips for staying safe are:

  • Don’t wear expensive jewelry when you are alone.
  • Keep your cell phone handy.
  • If you have a daily walking schedule, change the routes you take.
  • If someone in a car stops to ask a question, stay far enough away that you can escape.
  • Avoid ATM’s at night.
  • Realize that using headphones can lessen your awareness.
  • If you have to go out alone, daytime is the safest time of day.
  • Don’t walk in deserted areas, where you must pass alleys, trees, and bushes that create hiding places for someone wanting to do you harm.
  • It is safer to use the “buddy system”; ask a friend or two to accompany you to take a walk or go to the mall.

One other reminder to parents and grandparents: we know that children reach an age that they feel they don’t need to be accompanied to the bathroom when in a restaurant, park, etc.  But it is a good idea to check to ensure that someone isn’t in there, and wait outside the door.  You just can’t be too careful when it comes to the safety of your child.

It is a sad fact of life that anyone may have the misfortune to fall victim to assault, harassment, robbery or physical attack.  Chances are, the majority of people won’t.  But it is a good idea to take precautions to keep ourselves safe at all times.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

Keep an Eye on Your Workers

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Guest Blogger: Vince Hundley

Workers who refuse to follow your safety glasses policy are your biggest risk.  If they don’t conform, you have to take a hard line. I am telling you because I have years of hard data to back me up.

Years ago, I was managing our company’s safety program. We were performing at about the national average on-the-job injuries, but I was desperately looking to affect some improvement to reduce our accidents and lower our loss ratios.

I was having limited success, so I analyzed our accident data and the only obvious trend that I found was that accidents occurred when people took shortcuts. So I did what anyone would do, I implemented a 100% safety glasses policy.  I suspected that 100% compliance would prevent injuries.

What I found was surprising!  I received widespread pushback from the workers.  They told me that their safety glasses made them feel less safe!  They whined because they couldn’t see, or that they were getting headaches.  The resistance was so strong that I nearly gave in.

With the backing of our superintendent, I held my ground.  Over time the complaints dissipated, and soon only a few people were resisting the program. I was able to target those obvious individuals and gave them this ultimatum: “Either they change their behavior or they will move on– Whether voluntarily or not.”

As time went on, our incident rate improved significantly. Many of the careless accidents we’d experienced were not happening anymore. Then it occurred to me, the people not wearing safety glasses were the most likely to get injured!

How did I make that connection?

Workers that did not follow the policy were more likely to participate in risky behavior.  They just plain did not value their safety as much as their safer co-workers. I concluded the people that refused to wear glasses were Anti-Safety!!  If they pushed back on wearing safety glasses, then I knew they would push back on other things.

So if you are trying to reduce accidents and create a safety-conscience culture in your company, you should isolate those people that refuse to follow your safety policy on eye protection policy, and you should take a hard line.  It will help your employees, your safety culture and it will help your bottom line.

Pass this advice on to your family, friends and coworkers, because the more we talk about safety, the less we’ll hear about accidents.

Eye Protection at Your Workplace
All safety glasses and goggles should be ANSI Z87.1 certified for industrial eye protection with the Z87 mark on the frame or lenses. In certain occupations, a face shield and/or goggles should be mandatory.

ABOUT VINCE HUNDLEY:Hundley
Mr. Hundley graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety from Illinois State University, and completed his Master’s of Science in Industrial Hygiene at SDSU.  He is certified by the Board of Certified Safety professionals as a Certified Safety Professional (CSP).  Mr. Hundley is President and CEO of SMART Safety Group and President of OSHA outlet. 

General Safety Issues

THIRTEEN STEPS TO LIVE BY

If you know a young person who is considering doing volunteer work, or beginning a new job, here’s some common-sense advice to give them.  These suggestions are excellent for all workers, regardless of age.   Whether it is volunteering in a facility such as a hospital, nursing home, or humane shelter, or starting a new job, there are rules and regulations to be followed.

Here are thirteen steps that we hope everyone will abide by:

1.    Get training. Can you show me how to do it?  What things should I watch for?

2.    Learn how to do the job safely.  Follow the policies, procedures and rules.  Be aware of what to do in an emergency.

3.    Be supervised. If my supervisor is not near to where I am working and I have a question, to whom do I go?

4.    Wear the gear. If Personal Protective Equipment or PPE is required, such as gloves, aprons, hairnets, safety glasses, ear plugs, etc., find out how to use them properly and wear them.

5.    Think the job through and identify risks before beginning. Understand unsafe practices or situations and report them.

6.    Ask, Ask, Ask. There are no stupid questions, just stupid excuses when you do something without being told, and without instructions.  Don’t be afraid to communicate.  Try to ask smart questions and not give answers such as, “I didn’t know”, or “No one told me”.

7.    Don’t do anything that you haven’t been instructed to do safely and don’t do anything you’ve been told not to do, for anyone! The supervisor rules.  If others ask you to do something you have been told not to do, or have not received training in, check with your supervisor before you do it.

8.    Follow rules. Every job and every game plan has to include rules to ensure that everyone plays fairly, moves the ball together, and acts like a team.

9.    Tell your supervisor if you see anything hazardous that may hurt someone else or you. If you see them doing something that you know could injure them, report it.  Who is doing it is not as important as what is being done.  You’re not ratting, you are making a mature move to prevent unnecessary injuries.

10.    Remember you are not being asked to give until it hurts! If you get hurt, no matter how minor it may seem to you, report it to your supervisor and let your family know.

11.    Talk to your family and let them know what type of tasks you’ll be doing and the training you have received. If you have any concerns or things that feel aren’t right, tell them.  Sometimes your parents know things you don’t.

12.    Be honest. If you think the task is beyond your personal capabilities, let the employer know right away.  Don’t take on anything that you can’t handle.

13.    Don’t assume you can do something you haven’t done before without some instructions or supervision, and never do anything more than what you were actually told to do without checking with the supervisor first.

This is good advice for all of us.  Remember, your health and safety is more important than any job or paycheck.  Pay Attention!  Keep your eyes open and don’t be afraid to speak up.  You need to protect yourself.

Source:  Ministry of Labour, Canada

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

WINDY CONDITIONS CAN BE DANGEROUS

Spring is officially here, and we are already experiencing some windy days, which is normal for this time of the year.  The Western United States is usually affected by winds more than other parts of the country.  Having lived in West Texas for a number of years, we became accustomed to more wind in the Spring, which often resulted in terrible sandstorms, limiting visibility to zero, on very bad days.  (You didn’t want to be wearing contact lens when it was extremely windy!)  Worse, we see images on the news of the conditions that our troops face in the deserts of Iraq and Afghanistan, with blinding sandstorms adding to their many other challenges.

Wind is something we all should pay attention to.  For those who work outdoors, it can create risky situations.  Persons who work on scaffolds, or any platform where they are above the ground should take all precautions by wearing the proper PPE, such as goggles to protect their eyes, harnesses, and other means of stabilization.  Another example of windy conditions affecting the workplace are airlines, which often must delay or cancel flights because of high winds.

Windy conditions can adversely affect all vehicles – cars, trucks, R.V.’s, and motorcycles. The best course of action while driving in windy conditions is to slow down.  A strong wind gust can blow a driver or rider off course.  Motorcycle riders need to remember that no matter how strong they think they are, the wind is stronger.  The best thing for all drivers or riders who are fighting high winds is to find a safe place to stop until things calm down.

Those who live in mobile/manufactured homes may want to have a licensed installer inspect to ensure it is safely anchored to the ground, that it has the right number of ground anchors, and to replace any damaged or corroded ones.  If winds reach a high speed, these types of homes may be susceptible to damage.

With the beginning of more outdoor activities that warm weather brings, everyone should be cautious.  When grilling, keep a fire extinguisher or water hose handy just in case the wind starts blowing.  If there is a burn ban in the area you live, by all means, observe the ban.  Too many fires have been started by carelessness, as Californians can confirm.  Winds have carried fire across thousands of acres of beautiful forests.  Boaters should be aware of changing weather, noticing cloud changes, or the water beginning to white cap.

The best advice is to pay attention to the weather forecast for your area every day.  Then you can assess conditions for your workday, or for other activities you have planned.  Nice, soft breezes keep us at ease; it’s just that some days the winds may get a little out of hand.  That’s when we get in situations that we must remain calm and use our skills to stay safe.