All posts by Doug
OUR SAFETY IN THEIR HANDS (GUEST POST)
Shut That Fire Door! Get Your Office Complying with Fire Regulations without Raising Your Voice
No one wants to be the office mother but enforcing health and safety rules, particularly ones that seem a little harder to understand the reasons behind, can take some epic nagging.
GUEST POST
Offices are prone to poor air flow and when summer approaches it’s all the more tempting to prop open the fire door to get a cool breeze flowing through but I’m sure anyone that cheekily wedge it open will have gotten an ear full of it by their HR manager, without really understanding the reason. This is because leaving a fire door wedged open is a direct violation of the health and safety regulations in the UK. Many other countries also have similar fire safety regulations.
Fire doors are installed to prevent a fire from rapidly spreading. By containing the fire gives a better chance for employees to escape unharmed and limit the damage to the commercial building
Not all doors are fire doors, as the must be certified, but they are required when:
·A door leads to a stairwell exit
·A door leads to a hazardous area, such as cleaning supply room holding flammable cleaning products.
·A door opens onto a hallway or from one fully enclosed room to another
Whilst it’s clear that fire doors help to save lives and minimise damage they can be a nuisance. Fire doors can be a particular nuisance when you have lots of employees moving around the building. Or try pulling open three fire doors with a tray of tea and coffees! This is why many companies turn a blind eye to the practice of wedging a door open on a hot day believing that there is little chance of a fire actually occurring but in the UK figures show that in 2007 31,000 fires were reported in buildings other than dwellings. This also includes private gardens and sheds but they only account for 22% of the reported fires.
If you hate enforcing the rules, particularly when you too like having the door open, there are options available that allow you to keep your cool image and have the fire door legally open. A <a href=”http://www.firecoltd.com/Fire/dorgard.aspx”>fire door guard</a> or fire door retainer allows you to prop open the door safely, without having anything wedging that may be an obstruction. The fire door guard actively listens for the fire alarm and will automatically shut in the event of a fire.
By installing a door guard you can save the nagging for other health and safety risk such as the ones reported in <a href=”http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/editors-choice/2008/11/20/the-crazy-world-of-health-and-safety-rules-86908-20909703/”>this article</a>.
The author of this post writes for Fireco, manufactures of intelligent products and systems that listen for the sound of the <a href=”http://www.firecoltd.com/”>Fire Alarms</a> and help service providers comply with their responsibilities and legal obligations under legislation.
No one wants to be the office mother but enforcing health and safety rules, particularly ones that seem a little harder to understand the reasons behind, can take some epic nagging.
Offices are prone to poor air flow and when summer approaches it’s all the more tempting to prop open the fire door to get a cool breeze flowing through but I’m sure anyone that cheekily wedge it open will have gotten an ear full of it by their HR manager, without really understanding the reason. This is because leaving a fire door wedged open is a direct violation of the health and safety regulations in the UK. Many other countries also have similar fire safety regulations.
Fire doors are installed to prevent a fire from rapidly spreading. By containing the fire gives a better chance for employees to escape unharmed and limit the damage to the commercial building.
Not all doors are fire doors, as the must be certified, but they are required when:
·A door leads to a stairwell exit
·A door leads to a hazardous area, such as cleaning supply room holding flammable cleaning products.
·A door opens onto a hallway or from one fully enclosed room to another.
Whilst it’s clear that fire doors help to save lives and minimise damage they can be a nuisance. Fire doors can be a particular nuisance when you have lots of employees moving around the building. Or try pulling open three fire doors with a tray of tea and coffees! This is why many companies turn a blind eye to the practice of wedging a door open on a hot day believing that there is little chance of a fire actually occurring but in the UK figures show that in 2007 31,000 fires were reported in buildings other than dwellings. This also includes private gardens and sheds but they only account for 22% of the reported fires.
If you hate enforcing the rules, particularly when you too like having the door open, there are options available that allow you to keep your cool image and have the fire door legally open. A fire door guard or fire door retainer allows you to prop open the door safely, without having anything wedging that may be an obstruction. The fire door guard actively listens for the fire alarm and will automatically shut in the event of a fire.
By installing a door guard you can save the nagging for other health and safety risks such as the ones reported in this article.
The author of this post writes for Fireco, manufacturers of intelligent products and systems that listen for the sound of the Fire Alarms and help service providers to comply with their responsibilities and legal obligations under legislation. Blog4Safety and Texas America Safety Company appreciate Kate sending this important information.
5 Amusement Park Tragedies
When you go to an amusement park you expect a day of rides, games, and fun—you do not expect to be injured, or worse, killed. Nothing can make you more wary about getting onto a ride than knowing that people do get seriously injured. Sometimes it is due to breaking of rules such as entering a restricted area, others it is the fault of the ride operator, and then there are the times when it is a ride malfunction that results in tragedy.
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This is the second article sent to us by Emily Kreifels, of the law firm of Console Hollawell, in New Jersey. When we take family or friends to amusement parks, we anticipate having fun, but accidents can happen. We know you will be interested in reading about five such tragedies. Attorney, Richard Console is the author of this article, as well as the first one we published about toy recalls. Please remember their website: http://www.consoleandhollawell.com/
When you go to an amusement park you expect a day of rides, games, and fun—you do not expect to be injured, or worse, killed. Nothing can make you more wary about getting onto a ride than knowing that people do get seriously injured. Sometimes it is due to breaking of rules such as entering a restricted area, others it is the fault of the ride operator, and then there are the times when it is a ride malfunction that results in tragedy.
There are some theme park accidents we will never forget. Here are some of the most notorious and memorable amusement park tragedies that have happened in this country.
Photo credit: WikiMedia.
Six Flags Over Georgia, Austell, GA
We have all seen the signs that hang on the fences surrounding amusement park attractions. They are there for a reason, and going beyond the signs could mean tragedy as it did for one teen at the Six Flags Over Georgia park. The teenager had just come off of the “Batman” ride when he made the decision to hop two fences, which said the area was restricted, along with one of his friends in order to retrieve the hat he lost during the ride. While in the restricted area the ride came past, decapitating the teen. The friend and individuals on the ride were not injured. The ride was said to have been going full speed at 50 miles per hour when it stuck the teen.
Photo credit: rollercoasterpro.
Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom, Louisville, KY
It was supposed to be a day of fun when 14-year-old Kaitlyn Lasitter and her friends visited Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom in June 2007, but it ended in tragedy. The girls decided to ride the “Superman Tower of Power” attraction, and since there were no lines the girls decided to ride a second time. When the ride began the second time, Lasitter reported that the ride jolted, then she and her friends started to get hit with falling cables all over their bodies. The teen realized when they were finally on the ground that the cables had severed both of her feet. Doctors were able to reattach only the right foot. The family sued the park and they reached a settlement outside of court for an undisclosed amount.
Photo credit: WBTA1490.
Darien Lake Amusement Park, Darien, NY
Sgt. James Hackemer died when he fell out of the “Ride of Steel” at Darien Lake Amusement Park in July 2011. The Iraqi war veteran lost both of his legs in a roadside bombing while he was serving our country. Hackemer’s nephew, who attended the park with him, reported to the New York Post that he remembers his uncle asking the park staff which rides were okay for him to go on and they told them he was fine to go on them all. The “Ride of Steel,” a rollercoaster that is 208 feet high and reaches speeds upwards of 70 miles per hour, only offers a lap belt and bar to hold its guests in. The Sgt., having no legs and in turn no lap, should not have been allowed on the ride as it could not properly secure him. The victim fell out of the car on the first turn after the highest drop on the ride.
Photo credit: NTSB.
Disney World, Orlando, FL
One of the perks to staying in the Disney World park is that the monorail can transport you all over the park. In 2009, two monorail trains crashed, which caused the death of Austin Wuennenberg, 21, who was operating one of the trains. The crash was reported to have been a result of a beam not fully transferring over, causing the two trains to be on the same track. The park was fined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the amount was undisclosed. Since the crash that caused $24,000,000 in damages, Disney has implemented new safety procedures that require monorail operators to carefully and diligently watch a beam change to try and avoid another crash.
Photo credit: Kevdo.
Disneyland, Anaheim, CA
Marcelo Torres, 22, was killed while riding the “Big Thunder Mountain Railroad” attraction in 2003. A locomotive separated from the track in a tunnel section of the ride, which injured several other guests in addition to killing Torres. He suffered blunt force trauma to the chest and bled out. The family settled out of court with the park for an undisclosed amount, but they did donate a large sum of money to a California college to set up a scholarship fund in their son’s name—he was a graphic designer.
If you or someone you love has been injured as a result of an amusement park accident contact a skilled personal injury attorney to get the compensation you deserve. This information was furnished by http://www.consoleandhollawell.com/; we appreciate their sharing things that could happen when we are out for a fun day.
Top 10 Toy Recalls of 2011
Companies constantly have to recall their products when it is discovered that their product poses a threat to their consumers. There are few recalls more terrifying than a toy recall because children should be able to play without the threat of injury or death. In 2011, our country saw many toy recalls, but these toys were some of the biggest. The following toys were listed as having been recalled this year by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The list is in no particular order.
Guest Post
Not long ago, I received a very nice email from Emily Kreifels, who works for the law firm of Console Hallowell, in New Jersey. She wrote: “My co-workers and I have started a blog that I think demonstrates the same principles of your blog. We also feel strongly about promoting accident prevention and overall safety. Our site covers a variety of injury-related topics that may occur not only at home and while driving, but also out in the real world. We also give tips on how to prevent these common accidents from occurring. We hope that by making this information readily available, we can help educate our community and increase safety so that injuries can be reduced and lives can be saved. Our new site can be found here. ” Emily sends this article written by Richard Console, Attorney at Law.
Please remember that if you have any of these toys you should stop using them immediately and contact the distributor. Toy recalls, even those that were issued voluntarily should be taken seriously in order to best protect your children. All of the recall and contact information can be found on the CPSC website.
Build-A-Bear Swimwear Set with Inflatable Inner Tube: 19,720 units
On November 16 Build-A-Bear issued a voluntary recall of this product. They stated that the inner tube accessory that came in the set posed a strangulation hazard because it could be pulled over a small child’s head. They received one report of an incident where a 3-year-old pulled the tube over their head and had difficulty getting it off. This product was sold at Build-a-Bear workshops nationwide from April 2011 through August 2011.
Kiddieland Disney Fairies Plastic Racing Trikes: 21,000 units
The recalls for this product were listed two separate times this year; on April 21 9,000 units were recalled, and on November 1 another 12,000 units were recalled. The fairies that protrude from the top of the handlebar were the cause of the recall since they were a laceration hazard should a child fall on them. The first recall noted that there had been three reports of children receiving lacerations to the face, and there was another report of a laceration to a 3-year-old’s eye with the second recall. The trikes were sold at Target stores nationwide from July 2009 through December 2009.
Trek 2012 FX and District Bicycles: 27,000 units
Trek issued a voluntary recall of these bikes on October 27. There were four reports of falls, one of which resulted in a broken tooth and lip lacerations. The hazard is that the bolt that secures the seat clamp to the seat post can break causing the rider to fall. The CPSC reported that the following models were recalled, model year 2012: Trek 7.2 FX, 7.3 FX, 7.4 FX, AND 7.5 FX; District, and 9th District bicycle models: WSD, Livestrong and Disc. The model name is found on the frame of the bicycle and the model year can be found near the pedals. These bikes were sold at specialty bicycle shops nationwide from May 2011 through September 2011.
Chloe doll shown.
Pottery Barn Kids Chloe, Sophie, and Audrey Dolls: 81,000 units
The recall was issued on September 8 and it involved the three above-mentioned dolls that were sold at Potter Barn Kids stores nationwide as well as online and through their catalogue between July 2006 and April 2011. There were five reports filed of the dolls having looped hair that posed a strangulation threat. There was one report where a piece of the looped hair was found around the neck of a 21-month old child. The piece was removed without causing harm to the child. They reported that if you have any of these dolls you should cut the looped strands of hair and remove the headband from the Audrey doll.
Radio Flyer Scoot ‘n Zoom: 165,000 units
On August 16, Radio Flyer issued a voluntary recall of the Scoot ‘n Zoom toy that was sold at Wal-Mart and other retailers, and online at Amazon.com and Target.com between August 2010 and August 2011. The toy posed a falling threat to children because it could tip over while riding. They received 10 incident reports, six of the reports included injuries. Three children lost or loosened their teeth as a result of falling from the toy and three had lacerations that required stitches. The recall was only for those marked with the model number 711, which can be found on the underside; the recall does not apply to models 711B.
Battat Toy Keys with Remote: 1,080,000 units
The recall was issued on August 2. The toy was sold at retailers nationwide as well as online between April 2010 and May 2011 B. FunKeys; and it was also sold through Parent’s Magazine from January 2006 through December 2009. The key ring and metal toy keys can break and pose a choking hazard to children. There were 17 reports of the keys breaking and 14 reports of the ring breaking, but no injuries have been reported.
Fisher-Price Little People® Builders’ Load ‘n Go Wagon: 208,000 units
Fisher-Price issued the voluntary recall on July 28. The handle of the wagon could cause lacerations if a child falls on it. There were seven reports of injuries, which included five children who needed stitches or surgical glue to close the wound. The wagon was sold at mass merchandise retailers nationwide between June 2009 and July 2011. The company has a repair kit available to remedy the hazard.
Yukon model pictured.
Adventure Playsets Wooden Swing Sets: 240,000 units
There was a recall issues on June 29 for the following models: the Tacoma / Tacoma II, Bellevue / Bellevue II, Durango / Durango II, Yukon, Sedona, Belmont, and Ventura / Ventura II. The retailers of these models include Academy Sports, Mills, Menards, Toys R Us, and Wal-Mart. The dates sold range from 2004 to 2007. The issue lies in the wood posts of the fort section of the set that can rot and weaken causing a fall hazard. They received more than 500 complaints.
Excite USA Military Copters: 24,000 units
On June 10 a recall was issued do to the laceration hazard posed by the plastic blades that can detach during operation. Three incidents were reported with two involving lacerations. The helicopters were sold at Rite Aid stores nationwide from January to May 2011.
Kiddieland Lights and Sounds Children’s Scooters: 16,000 units
The scooters were recalled voluntarily on April 21 due to a laceration hazard. Children could get their fingers caught in the hinge between the steering column and the platform. They received two reports of children getting their fingers caught and requiring stitches. The recall includes a Spiderman, Thomas & Friends, and pink girl’s scooter. The scooters were sole at Toys R Us and JCPenny between January 2009 and February 2011.
Once again, if you own any of the above mentioned products discontinue use immediately. Playtime should not be a time that ends in injury. If your child has been injured because of a hazardous or defective product, contact the New Jersey injury lawyers at Console & Hollawell to get the compensation you deserve.
All photos from CPSC.
Companies constantly have to recall their products when it is discovered that their product poses a threat to their consumers. There are few recalls more terrifying than a toy recall because children should be able to play without the threat of injury or death. In 2011, our country saw many toy recalls, but these toys were some of the biggest. The following toys were listed as having been recalled this year by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The list is in no particular order.
Please remember that if you have any of these toys you should stop using them immediately and contact the distributor. Toy recalls, even those that were issued voluntarily should be taken seriously in order to best protect your children. All of the recall and contact information can be found on the CPSC website.
Build-A-Bear Swimwear Set with Inflatable Inner Tube: 19,720 units
On November 16 Build-A-Bear issued a voluntary recall of this product. They stated that the inner tube accessory that came in the set posed a strangulation hazard because it could be pulled over a small child’s head. They received one report of an incident where a 3-year-old pulled the tube over their head and had difficulty getting it off. This product was sold at Build-a-Bear workshops nationwide from April 2011 through August 2011.
Kiddieland Disney Fairies Plastic Racing Trikes: 21,000 units
The recalls for this product were listed two separate times this year; on April 21 9,000 units were recalled, and on November 1 another 12,000 units were recalled. The fairies that protrude from the top of the handlebar were the cause of the recall since they were a laceration hazard should a child fall on them. The first recall noted that there had been three reports of children receiving lacerations to the face, and there was another report of a laceration to a 3-year-old’s eye with the second recall. The trikes were sold at Target stores nationwide from July 2009 through December 2009.
Trek 2012 FX and District Bicycles: 27,000 units
Trek issued a voluntary recall of these bikes on October 27. There were four reports of falls, one of which resulted in a broken tooth and lip lacerations. The hazard is that the bolt that secures the seat clamp to the seat post can break causing the rider to fall. The CPSC reported that the following models were recalled, model year 2012: Trek 7.2 FX, 7.3 FX, 7.4 FX, AND 7.5 FX; District, and 9th District bicycle models: WSD, Livestrong and Disc. The model name is found on the frame of the bicycle and the model year can be found near the pedals. These bikes were sold at specialty bicycle shops nationwide from May 2011 through September 2011.
Chloe Doll
Pottery Barn Kids Chloe, Sophie, and Audrey Dolls: 81,000 units
The recall was issued on September 8 and it involved the three above-mentioned dolls that were sold at Potter Barn Kids stores nationwide as well as online and through their catalogue between July 2006 and April 2011. There were five reports filed of the dolls having looped hair that posed a strangulation threat. There was one report where a piece of the looped hair was found around the neck of a 21-month old child. The piece was removed without causing harm to the child. They reported that if you have any of these dolls you should cut the looped strands of hair and remove the headband from the Audrey doll.
Radio Flyer Scoot ‘n Zoom: 165,000 units
On August 16, Radio Flyer issued a voluntary recall of the Scoot ‘n Zoom toy that was sold at Wal-Mart and other retailers, and online at Amazon.com and Target.com between August 2010 and August 2011. The toy posed a falling threat to children because it could tip over while riding. They received 10 incident reports, six of the reports included injuries. Three children lost or loosened their teeth as a result of falling from the toy and three had lacerations that required stitches. The recall was only for those marked with the model number 711, which can be found on the underside; the recall does not apply to models 711B.
Battat Toy Keys with Remote: 1,080,000 units
The recall was issued on August 2. The toy was sold at retailers nationwide as well as online between April 2010 and May 2011 B. FunKeys; and it was also sold through Parent’s Magazine from January 2006 through December 2009. The key ring and metal toy keys can break and pose a choking hazard to children. There were 17 reports of the keys breaking and 14 reports of the ring breaking, but no injuries have been reported.
Fisher-Price Little People® Builders’ Load ‘n Go Wagon: 208,000 units
Fisher-Price issued the voluntary recall on July 28. The handle of the wagon could cause lacerations if a child falls on it. There were seven reports of injuries, which included five children who needed stitches or surgical glue to close the wound. The wagon was sold at mass merchandise retailers nationwide between June 2009 and July 2011. The company has a repair kit available to remedy the hazard.
Adventure Playsets Wooden Swing Sets: 240,000 units
There was a recall issues on June 29 for the following models: the Tacoma / Tacoma II, Bellevue / Bellevue II, Durango / Durango II, Yukon, Sedona, Belmont, and Ventura / Ventura II. The retailers of these models include Academy Sports, Mills, Menards, Toys R Us, and Wal-Mart. The dates sold range from 2004 to 2007. The issue lies in the wood posts of the fort section of the set that can rot and weaken causing a fall hazard. They received more than 500 complaints.
Excite USA Military Copters: 24,000 units
On June 10 a recall was issued do to the laceration hazard posed by the plastic blades that can detach during operation. Three incidents were reported with two involving lacerations. The helicopters were sold at Rite Aid stores nationwide from January to May 2011.
Kiddieland Lights and Sounds Children’s Scooters: 16,000 units
The scooters were recalled voluntarily on April 21 due to a laceration hazard. Children could get their fingers caught in the hinge between the steering column and the platform. They received two reports of children getting their fingers caught and requiring stitches. The recall includes a Spiderman, Thomas & Friends, and pink girl’s scooter. The scooters were sole at Toys R Us and JCPenny between January 2009 and February 2011.
Once again, if you own any of the above mentioned products discontinue use immediately. Playtime should not be a time that ends in injury. If your child has been injured because of a hazardous or defective product, contact the New Jersey injury lawyers at Console & Hollawell to get the compensation you deserve.
Richard, we appreciate this very important information that could prevent another child from being injured. You may read more on the website : http://www.consoleandhollawell.com/.
The Dangers Of Golf Courses To The General Public
Golf is often described as one of the most relaxing sports to play, but there are perils lurking on every course and plenty of examples of horror stories of when things go wrong.
One story that recently came to light in Yorkshire, England featured a boy aged 11 who got stuck in the mud on a course and required assistance from the emergency services. Fortunately, the young lad emerged unscathed from his ordeal.
Here are a few other possible dangers to be mindful of while out and about playing golf:
Lightning
GUEST BLOG
Blog4Safety is always happy to receive articles from across the ocean; we know you will enjoy this one written by Matt Browne.
Matt is a copywriter with a journalism background, who forms part of RightClub.co.uk’s team of experts who always come up with all manner of wonderful, weird, and downright crazy ideas. We know you will enjoy Matt’s take on safety on the golf course. Read on!
Golf is often described as one of the most relaxing sports to play, but there are perils lurking on every course and plenty of examples of horror stories of when things go wrong. One story that recently came to light in Yorkshire, England featured a boy aged 11 who got stuck in the mud on a course and required assistance from the emergency services. Fortunately, the young lad emerged unscathed from his ordeal.
Here are a few other possible dangers to be mindful of while out and about playing golf:
Lightning:
Golf courses can be dangerous places if the weather suddenly takes a turn for the worse and it starts to thunder and lightning. Golfers are advised to seek shelter as quickly as possible if a thunderstorm does start and preferably get off the course altogether, steer clear of any lone trees, remove shoes with metal spikes on and leave their golf clubs well alone. Check the weather forecast before setting off on your UK golf breaks and act accordingly.
Golf carts:
No doubt many of you will have seen programmes such as Jackass when stunts in golf carts have been performed. While this is an extreme example of the hazards associated with driving golf carts, it serves as a warning to be responsible when travelling around by cart. Drive at a sensible speed at all times, be mindful of other golfers in carts and resist the urge of some off-track fun as it could end in tears.
Sun exposure :
Being open to the elements for hours at a time brings with it certain risks and exposure to the sun is a problem that golfers need to be aware of. Spending lengthy periods in the sun without taking adequate measures to protect a golfer’s skin or eyes is irresponsible and dangerous. Carry a hat in your golf bag and have some sunblock on hand just to be on the safe side.
Plant life and local wildlife:
There are certain places in the world where the local wildlife can pose a threat to the personal safety of golfers. Read this story, which tells what happened when an elderly golfer came into contact with an alligator in South Carolina a few years ago. There may also be a few nasty surprises waiting for golfers in the rough in terms of the plant life, while the uneven ground could cause a nasty slip, trip or fall.
A stray ball or club:
The importance of being alert at all times during a round of golf should never be underestimated. A lapse of concentration can cost you dear if you end up being struck by a stray ball or even a club, depending on how close you’re standing to your fellow golfers.
Our thanks again to Matt Browne. A personal thank you to Doug Turner, Texas America Safety Company and Blog4Safety, for his expertise and assistance.
OHSA Publishes New Information on Worker Safety
Today, we are featuring a guest blog written by Daphne Dunphy, a safety copywriter at Moneysupermarket.com, who majored in English. Daphne loves to combine her creative streak and passion for the English language with her love of all things travel. The following information was sent to share with our readers:
OSHA Publishes New Information on Worker Safety
The last month has brought with it new information on the rights of workers and employers, after documents were published in Washington that shed light on the protection offered to people who work outdoors.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration in Washington released a document that outlines the best ways to protect workers from hazards, particularly in the construction, general and maritime industries.
Two booklets have been produced, one called Workers’ Rights (here) and another entitled Employer Rights and Responsibilities (here).
Workers’ Rights goes into detail on the issues of workers’ conditions and making sure that environments comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The OSHA standards on workers’ rights also come under the spotlight, along with information on how to file a complaint with OSHA, and the protections offered to whistleblowers under the law.
The other booklet, Employer Rights and Responsibilities, takes employers through federal OSHA inspections, covering violations that can occur, and the situations in which they may be cited.
Other documents have been published to give people who work outdoors a more detailed guide to the protections they stand to receive.
Managers of laboratories can consult the newly-published Laboratory Safety Document (here) and fact sheets for advice on how to protect workers from exposure to chemical, biological and physical hazards.
A new guide to what workers should do before entering a confined space, such as an underground vaults, tanks, storage bins, silos or manholes has been published in the form of a ‘QuickCard’, entitled Permit-Required Confined Spaces in General Industry (here).
Other guidance has been made available on how to protect workers when using aerial lifts, focusing on the potential injuries and death that can occur when aerial lifts fail, fall over or eject people.
There is equivalent regulatory information available in the UK, where the board that oversees workplace safety regulations is called the Health and Safety Executive. This board published the Health and Safety Information for Employees Regulations (HSIER), which offers guidance on the public liability insurance UK residents can purchase.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration in Washington released a document that outlines the best ways to protect workers from hazards, particularly in the construction, general and maritime industries.
Two booklets have been produced, one called Workers’ Rights and another entitled Employer Rights and Responsibilities. Workers’ Rights goes into detail on the issues of workers’ conditions and making sure that environments comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The OSHA standards on workers’ rights also come under the spotlight, along with information on how to file a complaint with OSHA, and the protections offered to whistleblowers under the law.
The other booklet, Employer Rights and Responsibilities, takes employers through federal OSHA inspections, covering violations that can occur, and the situations in which they may be cited.
Other documents have been published to give people who work outdoors a more detailed guide to the protections they stand to receive.
Managers of laboratories can consult the newly-published Laboratory Safety Document and fact sheets for advice on how to protect workers from exposure to chemical, biological and physical hazards.
A new guide to what workers should do before entering a confined space, such as an underground vaults, tanks, storage bins, silos or manholes has been published in the form of a ‘QuickCard’, entitled Permit-Required Confined Spaces in General Industry. Other guidance has been made available on how to protect workers when using aerial lifts, focusing on the potential injuries and death that can occur when aerial lifts fail, fall over or eject people.
There is equivalent regulatory information available in the UK, where the board that oversees workplace safety regulations is called the Health and Safety Executive. This board published the Health and Safety Information for Employees Regulations (HSIER), which offers guidance on the public liability insurance UK residents can purchase.
The topics that Daphne mentioned are very important requirements of being trained and prepared for outdoor work responsibilities, such as entering confined spaces, using aerial lifts, and other occupations that present special hazards. Thanks, Daphne. We look forward to hearing from you again.
Problem Pedestrians: Impaired Walking and Drunk Walking
Guest Post by Garrick Infanger, Forensic Engineering Hub
Numerous accidents occur each year involving pedestrians. New research is evaluating the effects of impairments on the pedestrians. Impairments can involve physical disabilities, inebriation, or even technology.
In the excellent New York Times series ‘Driven to Distraction’, Matt Richtel examines the effect of modern technology on pedestrians in a new article ‘Forget Gum. Walking and Using Phone Is Risky’.
The era of the mobile gadget is making mobility that much more perilous, particularly on crowded streets and in downtown areas where multiple multitaskers veer and swerve and walk to the beat of their own devices…
Slightly more than 1,000 pedestrians visited emergency rooms in 2008 because they got distracted and tripped, fell or ran into something while using a cellphone to talk or text. That was twice the number from 2007, which had nearly doubled from 2006, according to a study conducted by Ohio State University, which says it is the first to estimate such accidents.
The era of the mobile gadget is making mobility that much more perilous, particularly on crowded streets and in downtown areas where multiple multitaskers veer and swerve and walk to the beat of their own devices…
Slightly more than 1,000 pedestrians visited emergency rooms in 2008 because they got distracted and tripped, fell or ran into something while using a cellphone to talk or text. That was twice the number from 2007, which had nearly doubled from 2006, according to a study conducted by Ohio State University, which says it is the first to estimate such accidents.
The recent bestseller ‘SuperFreakonomics’ deals with the issue of drunk-walking that involves some of the same issues for impaired walking on a worldwide basis.
Each year, more than 1,000 drunk pedestrians die in traffic accidents. They step off sidewalks into city streets; they lie down to rest on country roads; they make mad dashes across busy highways…
The average American walks about a half- mile per day outside the home or workplace. There are some 237 million Americans sixteen and older; all t old, that’s 43 billion miles walked each year by people of driving age. If we assume that 1 of every 140 of those miles are walked drunk— the same proportion of miles that are driven drunk— then307 million miles are walked drunk each year.
Doing the math, you find that on a per- mile basis, a drunk walker is eight times more likely to get killed than a drunk driver.
Whether an iPhone or a beer, impaired walking seems to be on the rise around the world.
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Garrick Infanger writes for the Forensic Engineering Hub, an engineering-focused site sponsored by Armstrong Forensic Engineers.
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Photo Credit: New York Times
TIMBERRRRRR!
For those brave souls who make their living in the logging industry, “Timber” is a very familiar word to warn fellow workers that a tree in their area is being felled. According to NIOSH (National Institute for Safety and Health), logging has been one of the most consistently hazardous industries, with a fatality rate 23 times higher than the rate of other dangerous occupations. The Bureau of Labor statistics shows that there are 81 fatalities per 100,000 workers.
By many measures, logging is the most dangerous occupation in the United States. The tools and equipment such as chain saws and logging machines pose hazards wherever they are used. As loggers use their tools and equipment, they deal with massive weights and irresistible momentum of falling, rolling, and sliding trees and logs. The hazards are even worse when dangerous environmental conditions are factored in, such as uneven, unstable or rough terrain; inclement weather including rain, snow, lightning, winds, and extreme cold and/or remote and isolated work sites where health care facilities are not immediately accessible. The combination of these hazards present a significant risk to employees working in logging operations throughout the country, regardless of the type of timber being logged, where it is logged, or the end use of the wood.
According to Eric Johnson, editor of Northern Logging and Timber Processing magazine, mechanized equipment has helped to make logging safer. Loggers now often sit in steel enclosed cabs of big machines, rather than working with chainsaws on the ground. Controls send chain saws out onto tree trunks from a safer distance. Heavy machines and equipment are used to cut trees to be transported to a log mill. Logging contractors are hired by industries such as agriculture, commercial businesses, industrial plants, and government agencies, as well as individual homeowners.
Loggers can get crushed when trees fall in the wrong direction. Large broken branches from up in the treetops often fall unexpectedly as the trees come down. These are called “widow makers”. Medical care is often very far away, so in the event of an injury, it takes a long time to get the attention the worker may need.
Logging companies must follow OSHA regulations in great detail. Workers must be properly trained, and be provided with appropriate Personal Protective Equipment: gloves, hardhats, safety glasses, and face protection, as well steel-toe boots. Well-stocked first aid kits should be at each work location and in each worker transportation vehicle.
We give our logging workers a big “High Five”! It takes special folks to do what they do.
NORTH TO ALASKA!
It’s always been my dream to go to Alaska, and someday, I hope to make it come true! After watching the Discovery Channel’s “Deadliest Catch”, however, I don’t think I want to make any career changes! It takes special persons, to make up the crews on those big fishing vessels.
The lures to become this type of fisherman are money and adventure. There’s money to be made, depending on the total catch, and how it is divided among the crew. Since the work is seasonal, the crews work hard to have successful catches. Newcomers must get experience on other types of fishing boats, such as those fishing for salmon before they can get hired to work on the King Crab ships. There is usually an abundance of work in canneries and processing, and persons such as students or teachers can enjoy the extra money during their time off from their regular job.
This is one of America’s most dangerous professions; the Bureau of Labor determines the risk factors, and commercial fishing usually tops the list of risky occupations, but there are others that have higher rates of occupational deaths. From year to year, the lists vary, according to other resources that study occupational injury and death. Usually the military has been left off the lists; however, because of the wars we are involved in, they have been included, and rightfully so.
While fishing off the Alaskan coast, the crews face turbulent seas, fog, falling overboard and drowning, icy waters, working with huge winches and hoists. Another major problem is ice, which can form on the masts and decks. Those who stay at sea for extended periods of time must be well prepared. Fishermen must have warm clothes, rainsuits, boots, winter liners, and gloves. If there is illness or injury while out to sea, access to medical assistance is far away. Because the potential of injury is present, applicants should inquire about the safety policies and procedures the company has established, and obey every safety aspect of the work involved.
The coast of New England also boasts a huge fishing industry, with lobsters being the main attraction. So, the next time you are in your favorite seafood restaurant, think about the effort and risks taken by those brave souls that furnish the delicacies we take for granted.
It’s always been my dream to go to Alaska, and someday, I hope to make it come true! After watching the Discovery Channel’s “Deadliest Catch”, however, I don’t think I want to make any career changes! It takes special persons, to make up the crews on those big fishing vessels.
The lures to become this type of fisherman are money and adventure. There’s money to be made, depending on the total catch, and how it is divided among the crew. Since the work is seasonal, the crews work hard to have successful catches. Newcomers must get experience on other types of fishing boats, such as those fishing for salmon before they can get hired to work on the King Crab ships. There is usually an abundance of work in canneries and processing, and persons such as students or teachers can enjoy the extra money during their time off from their regular job.
This is one of America’s most dangerous professions; the Bureau of Labor determines the risk factors, and commercial fishing usually tops the list of risky occupations, but there are others that have higher rates of occupational deaths. From year to year, the lists vary, according to other resources that study occupational injury and death. Usually the military has been left off the lists; however, because of the wars we are involved in, they have been included, and rightfully so.
While fishing off the Alaskan coast, the crews face turbulent seas, fog, falling overboard and drowning, icy waters, working with huge winches and hoists. Another major problem is ice, which can form on the masts and decks. Those who stay at sea for extended periods of time must be well prepared. Fishermen must have warm clothes, rainsuits, boots, winter liners, and gloves. If there is illness or injury while out to sea, access to medical assistance is far away. Because the potential of injury is present, applicants should inquire about the safety policies and procedures the company has established, and obey every safety aspect of the work involved.
The coast of New England also boasts a huge fishing industry, with lobsters being the main attraction. So, the next time you are in your favorite seafood restaurant, think about the effort and risks taken by those brave souls that furnish the delicacies we take for granted.