All posts by Doug

General Safety Issues

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

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Work hazards exist in most professions.  Employers must provide as much administrative assistance and planning to eliminate these hazards as they can, by either work practice control (changing the way employees do their jobs) or engineering control (building barriers between hazards and workers, when possible).  When these measures aren’t enough, OSHA requires that employers provide their employees with PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).  (Note:  Certain Standards of OSHA state that the employer must provide PPE at no cost to the employee, while others state only that the employer must provide PPE.) Examples of PPE are hardhats, respirators, full body suits, hearing protection devices, foot, hand, face and eye protection.

In several installments, we will share information with you to help you understand the basics of determining the proper types of PPE that will keep employees safe!  It is important that employers and employees:

  • Do a hazard assessment of their workplace
  • Be familiar with the different types of PPE
  • Train in proper wear and care of PPE
  • Select appropriate PPE for various circumstances
  • Report to supervisor when PPE needs to be replaced
  • Replace worn or damaged PPE

We hope to help you decide what products to furnish to ensure your safety!

Source:  OSHA, PPE 3151-12R

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

Lightning – Not-So-Fun With Electricity.

One of the most fascinating things to do during a thunderstorm is watching lightning.  One never knows when it is going to happen; this brilliant illumination that dances among the clouds.  Those bolts of lightning cause an average 80 deaths and 300 injuries in the United States every year.  Persons should listen to weather warning devices such as NOAA weather radio in order to prepare for approaching thunderstorms.  If you can hear thunder, it is time to take precautions.

Places you don’t want to be if this threat occurs:

  • Open spaces, such as ball parks, golf courses
  • On the water: wading, in a boat, swimming, etc.
  • Outside, period
  • In the shower or running water
  • Talking on a corded telephone
  • In a group of people

    Lightning Strike

Do you know:

  • Lightning can travel sideways, up to ten miles?
  • Lightning can strike someone swimming or scuba diving in water and travel a great distance away from the point of contact?
  • That you are safe in a car, as long as you have the windows up and do not touch any metal?  Contrary to theory, rubber tires do not offer protection from lightning.  The car’s metal conducts the charge to the ground.
  • Lightning hits the tallest point?  Therefore, if you are outside, crouch as low as possible, and touch as little of the ground as necessary.
  • Ten per cent of lightning occurs without visible clouds?  Even if the sky is blue, you need to take cover when you hear thunder.
  • If the time delay is 30 seconds or less between lightning and thunder, you need to seek shelter immediately?

If someone is struck by lightning:

  • Call 9-1-1 for immediate assistance
  • Give First Aid
  • Check for burns.

Lightning can cause broken bones, damage to the nervous system, loss of hearing or eyesight.  You are not at risk to touch someone who has been hit by lightning; people who have been struck do not carry electric charge that can shock you.

The next time clouds gather, and thunder starts to rumble, play it safe, and stay inside!

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

Drivers, Start Your Engines!…. Safely?

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Before you start your engines, we thought we’d share some facts regarding NASCAR Safety.

Millions of dollars have been spent to ensure the safety of the drivers, team members, and the fans of the sport. construct Safety Barriers with materials that absorb better than concrete.  The Hans Device (combination helmet and neck restraint) is mandatory.  Restrictor Plates are used at two high-banked superspeedways, Daytona and Talladega. These plates reduce the speed of the cars for safety.  Cars are designed with two roof flaps, which help prevent cars from becoming airborne.  Drivers, of course, are outfitted with fire retardant gloves, boots, and suits.
Pit Road has speed limits for safety.  Pit Members are required to wear helmets, full fire suits, and gloves.  The gas man must wear a fire apron.  Although it is not compulsory, it is recommended changers wear safety glasses to prevent debris from getting into their eyes.  Since the NASCAR cars do not have wing mirrors, it is mandatory to have spotters to communicate with their drivers to relay information as to location of cars in blind spots.

Mechanix products are probably the most popular gloves NASCAR team mechanics use in their job.  Many products are available: all types of gloves, even ones with lights, ladies’ gloves, Radio Belt, knee pads, backpacks, and more!

If you plan to visit the track, you might want to also take along:

  • Safety glasses with UV protection
  • SunX Towelettes
  • Miracool Bandannas
  • Earplugs from
  • Maybe even some Gatorade

Be sure to wear a wide-brimmed hat, and drive friendly!

Source:   Wikipedia

General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

MOSQUITOS ARE STILL HERE!

I was playing golf last night and, without thinking, left the mosquito repellent at home.  I spent most of the time out there swatting at the bugs.  Needless to say, it didn’t turn out to be one of my more relaxing games.

For those of us who live in warmer climates, the arrival of fall doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be on guard against mosquito bites.  Viruses that cause West Nile, dengue fever, eastern and western equine encephalitis, and St. Louis encephalitis are carried by these little pests. Tom Sidway, veterinarian and manager of Texas Department of State Health Services zoonosis control program, states that 30 per cent of the states’ 1,700 West Nile cases from 2002-2006 became ill after August 31.

To reduce the risk of mosquito-borne infection:

  • Cover as much skin as comfortable when outdoors.
  • Use insect repellents that contain DEET.
  • Change water in pet bowls, bird baths, and wading pools several times per week.  Drain standing water from around your home.
  • Make sure door seals are intact; mosquito-proof your house.

We know that all mosquito bites don’t cause illness, but we need to protect ourselves when we are outdoors.

Texas DSHS

General Safety Issues

HOLDING TAILGATE MEETINGS

No, this isn’t a tailgate party before a football game, it’s a 10-15 minute on-the-job meeting held to make employees aware of work-related illnesses and accidents.
In California, these meetings are required in both the construction and tunneling industries.
The person in charge asks employees to share actual experiences, ones that they have witnessed: an on-the-job accident or near-accident.  These meetings are casual and relaxed, where the workers feel comfortable talking about topics that pertain to their particular job hazards.  The meetings are always about safety and health problems on the job, and employee participation is encouraged.  Meetings are held to ensure rules are followed and to prevent accidents from happening.

As an example, and according to Cal/OSHA, workers are killed or injured every year because machine guards are taken off and not replaced.  Typical excuses given for this type of accident are:

  • “I didn’t have to time to replace it”
  • “The guard slowed me down”
  • “Listen, I’ve run these machines for years without guards and I’ve never been hurt”
  • “I wanted to be sure the machine was running ok, just never got around to replacing the guard”.

Of course, it’s too late for the victim after the accident has occurred.  Regretfully, it is then that the guards are replaced and strict rules are enforced.

Regardless of what type of company safety policy is enforced at your place of business, it is important that all workers have input to make sure they are protected from accidents and illnesses that are job-related.

Source: CAL/OSHA

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

UNDERSTANDING FOOD ALLERGIES

Because September is National Food Safety Education Month, there’s no better time to discuss food allergies.  More than 160 foods exist that can cause reactions for people with food allergies.  Eight most common allergenic foods listed by the law are named:
1.    Milk
2.    Eggs
3.    Fish (e.g., bass, flounder, cod)
4.    Crustacean shellfish (e.g., crab, lobster, shrimp)
5.    Tree nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, pecans)
6.    Peanuts
7.    Wheat
8.    Soybeans
The Food Allergen Labeling & Consumer Protection Act of 2004, requires that food regulated by the FDA, local and imported, list source of ingredients.  (Foods not regulated by the FDA are meat, poultry, and certain egg products.)

Allergic reactions may include: hives, coughing, wheezing, rash, itchy sensation in the mouth, swelling of the face, tongue, or lip, vomiting and/or diarrhea, swelling of the throat and vocal cords, and difficulty in breathing.

A person with food allergies can experience a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, following ingestion of a food allergen.  Mild symptoms that occur after ingesting food allergens can sometime become more severe, and should be treated promptly.
Anaphylaxis can lead to: severe lowering of blood pressure and shock (anaphylactic shock), constricted airways in the lungs, and extreme swelling of the throat.  It is estimated that anaphylaxis to food results in 30,000 emergency room visits, 2,000 hospitalizations, and 150 deaths annually.
From first-hand experience, we recommend a person with tendencies toward food allergies carry an antihistamine with them at all times.  Prompt administration of epinephrine by autoinjector (e.g., Epi-pen) during early symptoms of anaphylaxis may help prevent this serious situation.

CFSAN/FDA

Uncategorized

SAFETY TIPS FOR THOSE “UP IN THE AIR” WORKERS!

Did you ever notice a guy standing high up in a bucket, working on electric or telephone lines?  Looks like fun for those of us who don’t make our living doing that.  But there are safety risks involved, such as falls, electrocutions, and tip-overs for workers who stand in cherry pickers or bucket trucks, which are held up by boom-supported aerial platforms.

According to OSHA, the following safe work practices are encouraged:

  • Always treat power lines, wires and other conductors as energized, even when they are down or appear to be insulated.
  • A restraining belt with a lanyard attached to the boom or basket to prevent the worker(s) from being pulled from the basket should always be used.
  • If provided, use outriggers.
  • Unless permitted by the manufacturer, never move the equipment with workers in an elevated position.
  • Hydraulic, mechanical, or electrical safety devices should never be overridden.
  • Workers who operate aerial lifts are to be properly trained in the safe use of the equipment.
  • Elevating work platforms should be maintained and operated according to manufacturers instructions.
  • Load limits of equipment should not be exceeded.  The combined weight of worker, tools and materials should be considered.

The next time you see one of these workers, you might just say thanks for getting your power, cable, or telephone back on line during that last storm.  Their job is not an easy one!

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

RECOVERING THE WORLD TRADE CENTER GROUND

Since today is the anniversary of the horrible tragedy on 9/11, I thought it might be good to mention an article written shortly after the event covering details of the recovery effort.

“A Dangerous Worksite – World Trade Center” is a must-read.  This informative article on OSHA’s website greatly details the grueling efforts of thousands of people working to recover the remains of those who lost their lives, and to reclaim the ground where the twin towers once stood.  The goal of OSHA, City of NY, Construction and Labor Unions and government entities was to recover the site with no further loss of life.

Workers from virtually all walks of life are listed in the article, along with pictures that bring it all back to its harsh reality.

To quote John Henshaw, Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA, U S Department of Labor: “On May 30, 2002, when the recovery was completed, not another life had been lost, and illness and injury rates were far below national average for industries involved in the recovery.”

Along with hundreds of suppliers and businesses in America, T.A.S.C.O. proudly sent hardhats and respirators to protect the dedicated workers.  OSHA distributed more than 131,000 respirators, 11,000 hard hats, 13,000 safety glasses and goggles, 21,000 pairs of protective gloves, and identified more than 9,000 hazards.
Texas America Safety Company, along with all Americans, salutes the workers for their hard work during the 10 months of the recovery mission.

Source: OSHA

Uncategorized

ON THE ROAD AGAIN…..TURN THAT CELL PHONE OFF!

The following information is for your good and the good of all others on the road – using cell phones while driving is dangerous, and puts you and others at risk!  Many countries, as well as some cities and states in the United States have made it illegal to talk using a hand-held phone while driving.  California drivers under age 18 may not use cell phones while driving, except in emergency situations.

If you simply must use a cell phone on the road, here are some tips to keep you safe:

  • Stop the vehicle while placing calls.
  • Use hand-free or speaker phones.
  • If you have to text, for Pete’s sake, pull off the road!
  • Focus on your driving; do not make emotional or important business calls that divert your attention.
  • Keep your phone within easy reach.
  • Let your passenger make the call for you, or let your passenger drive while you make the call.

There are many folks who make their living driving all day (or night).  Employers should ensure mobile workers are using their cell phones safely, and not risking their life or others due to improper cell phone usage.  Companies should create and enforce policies regarding hands-free operation of cell phones in order for their remote workers to be less distracted while driving.  Some prefer to use answering services for their drivers to access once they arrive safely at their destination.

How on earth did we ever make it without these wonderful little gadgets?  They are a welcome convenience to our busy lives; however, we need to exercise caution if we choose to use them while driving.  If we don’t pay attention, the results could be devastating.

Home Safety Products, Weather Protection

Just How Prepared Are You?

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With all the hurricanes and storms occurring, weather emergency plans are more important than ever.

Are you and your family prepared for weather emergencies, or other hazardous events?
Since we have no control over the weather, and can’t prevent disasters from happening, the best measure of protection we can have is preparedness.

We have a list of to-do tasks to help you get organized, just in case:

  1. Create a disaster supplies checklist:Storm Clouds
  • Food (non-perishable, for three days)___
  • Water (enough to last three days)___
  • Flashlights___
  • Basic Tools___
  • Personal Hygiene Supplies___
  • Battery-powered Radio___
  • Pet Needs___
  • Extra Clothes___

2.  Complete an emergency contact list for each member of the family.  List phone numbers,       out-of-town contacts, and important numbers.  Have each member keep this list in their wallet, purse or backpack.
3.   Keep photocopies of insurance and vital records in a safe place away from your home.  This would include copies of medications, insurance information, drivers license, ID’s, passports, bank and credit card information.

4.   Check radio and television for weather alerts.  Know the difference between Watch and Warning.  Watch means that dangerous weather is possible; Warning means that dangerous weather is about to happen.  Seek shelter.

Texas DSHS