All posts by pat brownlee

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Health Issues, Respiratory Safety

SAFETY IN GRAIN HANDLING FACILITIES

Both employers and employees must know all the precautions to protect themselves against potentially hazardous conditions in grain handling facilities.  Grain handling facilities are those such as grain elevators, feed mills, flour and rice mills, dry corn mills, dust palletizing plants, soybean flaking operations, and the dry grinding operations of soycake.  Many safety and health hazards are associated with grain handling operations.  Suffocation and falls are the two leading causes of death at grain handling facilities.  Other risk factors are potential flash fires and explosions as a result of excessive amounts of airborne grain dust, and electrocutions and injuries from improperly guarded machinery.  OSHA issued the grain handling facilities standard (29CFR 1910.272) to reduce injuries and deaths in the grain handling industry.  This standard requires workers to be trained in the identification and control of grain handling hazards.  Health and respiratory hazards are also presented by exposures to grain dust and airborne contaminants. 

The most important facet of preventing health issues and injury risks in all industrial activities is proper training.  Prior to new employees starting work, when changes occur in assignments, or if employees are exposed to new or unfamiliar hazards – the proper training must be applied.  Also, when workers are assigned to infrequent, special, or suspected hazardous tasks (such as bin entry or handling toxic or flammable substances), they must have been trained correctly.  Specific procedures included are performing housekeeping, hot work, lockout/tagout, and preventative maintenance.  Grain handling facilities are required to implement a hot work permit system.  This type of work includes electric or gas welding, cutting, grinding, brazing, or any similar activity that produces a flame or spark.  The permit guarantees that the employer and operating personnel are aware that hot work is being performed and that accurate safety precautions have been taken.

 We have talked about confined spaces in previous articles.  In grain handling, there will be a necessity to enter silos, bins, and tanks.  As mentioned before, atmospheric testing in confined spaces is mandatory.  These tests must be conducted before entry (by experts) and continued until work is finished.  Ventilation, supplemented by the use of appropriate air supplied respirators, shall be provided when: oxygen levels are less than 19.5%. 

At home or work, it seems that housekeeping is extremely vital, especially so in industrial settings.  OSHA standard allows “a maximum accumulation of no more than 1/8 inch of dust in priority housekeeping areas of grain elevators.”  When this amount of grain dust accumulates, steps must be taken immediately for its removal.  All lockout-tagout procedures required by 29 CFR 1910.147 and OSHA standard should be observed when entering grain elevators or silos for maintenance.  If a person enters a bin, silo, or tank from the top, they must wear a full parachute-type body harness with a lifeline.  This holds the body vertical and in case of an accident, makes easier removal of the victim through small access hatches.  A well-trained and properly equipped attendant is required to maintain communication with the personnel in the confined area during the whole time, and to provide help when needed. 

Workers in grain handling face serious dangers of suffocation, entanglement, falling, fires, explosions, electrocutions, and injuries from improperly guarded machinery.  These dangers will be eliminated if employers implement a safe grain handling program, train their employees on the safe handling of grain, and both employer and workers carefully follow the procedures to ensure the safe handling of grain.  

As we reported earlier, in an article about the Top Ten OSHA violations and penalties assessed for 2010, Violation of (29 CFR 1910.272) Grain Handling Facilities came in at #9 on the most penalties assessed list.   At least 25 U.S. workers were killed in grain entrapments last year, and there were more grain entrapments in 2010 than in any other year since researchers at Purdue University began collecting data on the subject in 1978.  The following is a list of violations that received citations, many of them classified as serious, in 2010:

  • Failure to train in safety precautions and bin entry procedures;
  • No observer during bin entry;
  • No rescue equipment;
  • Not testing atmosphere in the space to be entered;
  • Failure to have deflagration controls for combustible dust;
  • Walk working surfaces without guarding in place;
  • Failure to safeguard employees from electrical hazards such as broken electrical conduits;
  • Lack of signage and hazard communication procedures;
  • Failure to evaluate work spaces for confined space entry permits;
  • No confined space entry program;
  • Non-entry retrieval system;
  • Lack of personal protective equipment;
  • Lack of electrical training;
  • Lack of combustible dust controls;
  • Failure to train employees in combustible grain dust hazards. 

All workers should have the assurance that these things are not going to happen to them; that their company would purposely do everything possible to guarantee a safe return home after their shift every day.  Let’s hope that 2011 will result in fewer violations and safer, well-informed and properly trained employees.

Source: OSHA, Texas Dept. of Insurance (TDI)

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Health Issues

STAY AWAY FROM THESE SUMMER MONSTERS!

Just about the time we get all ready for summer outings, here comes bad news….Bugs!  The first segment of this article originally appeared on SafetyXChange.org, written by Catherine Jones, and is used with permission from the copyright holder, Bongarde Media.  Ms. Jones shared some interesting facts about a little, but well-known bothersome critter.  The second installment came from last night’s news – another worry especially for our friends up north and in the midwest.

Question: What can:

  • Jump 150 times its own length;
  • Consume 15 times its own body weight in blood every day;
  • Lie dormant – without food – for several months;
  • Reproduce within 36 to 48 hours after its first meal; and
  • Transmit two types of bubonic plague?

Answer: The tiny but mighty flea.

As temperatures rise, so does the possibility of flea infestations. These little blood-suckers not only torment your cats and dogs, they also pose a health concern to your human family members. To see if you have fleas in your home, take a walk through the house in white socks and watch for the 1/25-1/4 inch cling-ons. If you see just one flea, chances are there are more than 100 of its friends and relations nearby. To rid your home of fleas:

  • Thoroughly wash your pet’s bedding. Better still, throw it out.
  • Talk to your vet about safely treating your pet for fleas.
  • Prevent re-infestation by using a flea control program in your garage, porch and yard.
  • Thoroughly vacuum your carpets, rugs, floors and baseboards
  • Place the used vacuum bag in an airtight plastic bag and get it into the outdoor trashcan immediately.

Next, just as summer is here, we have a new disease to worry about, (at least I’ve never heard of it): babesiosis.  The black-legged deer tick sometimes carries the parasite and can cause babesiosis, rather than lyme disease, which other ticks may carry.   These tiny, poppy-seed sized ticks are affecting pets and people who live in the North Eastern and upper Midwest states.  Their bite will not leave a rash, so it is not as easy to detect as bites from other critters.  It usually must stay attached 24-36 hours to transmit the parasite.  According to the Centers for Disease Control, this can be dangerous, especially for those with weakened immune systems.  Symptoms are similar to flu.

If you plan to go outdoors in grassy areas, please take the following precautions:

  • Walk in the center of trails that are already cleared.
  • Stay away from tick habitats, if possible.
  • Wear socks, long pants, long-sleeved shirts.
  • Apply repellents to skin and clothing.
  • Read instructions on the proper way to use repellents on children.
  • Check your pets and clothing before you return indoors.

If you find one of this type of tick, remove it with tweezers, and try to keep it alive, in order to take to the doctor’s office to be checked out.  If the diagnosis shows babesiosis, effective treatments are available and most always successful.

Summer is no fun without outings.  Don’t get “ticked off”!  There are so many ways to protect yourself and your pets, you should be able to get out there and stay “bug-free”!

General Safety Issues

FOR A GOOD CAUSE………….

Over 42,000 troops have been physically wounded during the current military conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Hundreds of thousands more are estimated to be recovering from invisible wounds of war, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depression, and traumatic brain injury (TBI).  Thousands of wounded warriors and caregivers receive support each year through Wounded Warrior Programs that are uniquely structured to nurture the mind and body, and encourage economic empowerment and engagement. 

I noticed a product on our website: www.tasco-safety.com, which are Digital Camo gloves manufactured by MCR Safety, who donate a portion of the profits from the sales of this particular glove to the Wounded Warriors Project.  Later, I noticed the same logo on another product that I had in our home.  This made me want to know more about this movement and how many people are involved in helping our deserving troops.  

My research showed that Wynonna has an album dedicated to the troops, as well as other celebrities, such as Toby Keith, and Trace Atkins, who have performed charity gigs.  Listed among other celebrities are Sean Connery, Al Roker, Donald Trump, Jimmy Buffett, Mike Myers, Joan Jett, Sam Waterston, Tony Sirico, and many others, who have held benefits or helped in other ways.  Athletes are not being left out, either.  Minnesota Vikings’, Jared Allen, formed Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors in 2009, after he returned home from USO trips to military bases in the Middle East.  His is a non-profit organization created for the sole purpose of raising money to build or modify the homes of America’s injured military veterans so they are handicap accessible and comfortable.  One can also find a large number of businesses and financial services that support this worthy cause. 

Tough Mudder raised more than $1 million in donations for the WWP services.  In case you are like me and haven’t heard of this, Tough Mudder is a fast-growing and highly-recognized endurance series, with nine remaining tour stops in 2011.  Unlike other endurance events or mud runs, Tough Mudder events are constructed by British Special Forces and consist of a 10-12 mile trail run over rugged terrain, steep inclines, water hazards and 18-25 military-style obstacles testing one’s toughness, fitness, strength, stamina, mental grit, teamwork, and camaraderie.  Tough Mudder events are not timed and are won by all those capable of completing the course – a category that to no surprise included wounded warriors themselves! 

Efforts have been made to pass the Veteran’s Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitative Services Improvement Act of 2011, which would require the VA to provide veterans who have TBI with ongoing, long-term rehabilitative care, including support services to maximize independence and quality of life.  Learn more about the bill and how you can contact your Representatives and Senators to ask for their support on this important bill; this information can be found on the Wounded Warriors Project website.  

Wounded Warriors was founded in 2003, with the purpose of providing a voice for wounded warriors and their families.  This is accomplished by working with Congress and the Federal government to promote forward-moving policy, organizing calls-to-action, and keeping our constituency informed about changes in laws and regulations.  Wounded Warriors Project creates, advocates, and lobbies for legislation that will support wounded warriors and their families into the future.  They also find jobs for our service men and women who are anxious to return to the mainstream.

By raising public awareness and enlisting the public’s aid for the needs of severely injured service men and women, this project  also allows  them to help each other, while providing unique services and programs to meet their needs.  Isn’t it time we all do what we can to thank our heroes, those who have returned from the most dangerous places in the world, and have had their lives changed forever? 

Source: Wounded Warriors Project

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

MORE ABOUT SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS!

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Because slips, trips, and falls are a major source of both home and industrial injuries, there are a few more things we need to present to you today.  Whose fault is it when someone falls?  There is certainly no room anywhere – at home, school, or work – where an intentional prank causes someone to fall.  You know, the old “pull the chair out from behind someone,” trick, where the one sitting winds up on the floor.  As we get older, we realize that a fall can have lasting health effects on people. 

Do you think that people get hurt because they just don’t respect safety regulations and procedures?  Normally this isn’t the case, according to studies.  It is usually a brief moment of inattention that ends in disaster, not a person’s indifference to safety procedures.  If you think about it, inattention can be identified as the root cause of injury in most every category of accident analysis (traffic mishaps, power tool injuries, aggression incidents, etc.).  In regard to slips, trips, and falls, inattention can lead to regrettable events ranging from a simple bruised shin to extremely serious consequences such as concussions, or even death.  Have you heard someone say, “I guess I just wasn’t thinking,” during an accident investigation?  Sometimes we are too wrapped up in a conversation, or thinking about the next job, or a personal problem or activity, that we forget to pay attention to the hazards around us.  From the State Office of Risk Management, Texas, here is an “Inattention Test” that might help:  Do you:

  1. Get bored easily?
  2. Lose track of conversations (having to ask, “What were you saying?” (Yes, I do!)
  3. Suddenly return to reality (after driving past your exit on the freeway)?
  4. Know your job so well you could   “…..do it with your eyes closed?”
  5. Daydream?

These examples and others show potential for inattention.  A person’s state of mind is his/her own personal property, and, of course, cannot be controlled by a boss or the workplace.  As a result, the supervisor must frequently emphasize to the workforce the consequences a loss of focus could cause.  Stay alert and don’t lose sight of what you are doing.  If you get in a hurry because you lost your train of thought, you might start walking too fast, or running, and lose your balance.  Distraction, not watching where you are going, carrying materials that obstruct vision and speed are common elements in many on-the-job injuries.  So, plan, stay alert, and pay attention!  Employees should report any slips, trips, or fall hazards that they identify at work.  Posters displaying fall warnings also should be placed in areas that are frequented.  Training is one of the most important keys to preventing falls at work.  No horseplay should be allowed.  It’s o.k. to have a little fun, but not at the expense of a personal injury and lost time at work. 

Last, but not least, at work or home, the lighting should be good.  Be sure you are aware of the location of light switches, and have a flashlight handy, too.  Proper lighting ensures that employees using stairways or elevators can be safe.  In homes with staircases, you certainly want adequate lighting.  Another tip for home or work: never use a chair as a ladder!  That’s an accident just waiting to happen.  If you go outside, be sure you have shoes that are safe to walk on wet sidewalks or slippery areas.  Older citizens usually pay a higher price after experiencing a fall, such as a broken hip, so any time you see someone who seems to be a little unsteady, offer them your strong arm.  As we said yesterday, do your best to stay upright, and avoid those messy slips, trips, and falls!

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

THEME FOR NATIONAL SAFETY MONTH – JUNE 19 – 25: PREVENTING SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS

Slips, trips, and falls represent the most common cause of workplace injuries, behind  motor vehicle accidents.  Slips, trips, and falls can result in head, back, and neck injuries, as well as broken bones, cuts and bruises.  According to the National Safety Councils’ 2008 injury facts, the average workers’ comp costs for slips, trips, and falls, was $21,500.  So we’re not talking about minor incidents. 

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety reports that 60% of falls happen at the same floor level.  The other 40% are falls from heights.  Even the slightest change in elevation surface (1/4” to ½”) can cause a trip or fall.  Caution signs should be placed in obvious areas to avert falls.  Those who work at heights should wear some form of personal fall arrest system – harness, lanyards, tie-off slings, etc. – one that fits the particular job best.  Falls from ladders, roofs, stairs, or jumping to a lower level causes many injuries.  Each of these risks demand different considerations in a fall arrest program.   Many homes have areas with lower-level family rooms, which are hazardous for visitors.  Homeowners should warn them to “watch their step” while visiting.  

Good housekeeping in a business is vital.  If these practices are not enforced, other administrative control measures implemented will never be fully effective.  Safety and housekeeping go hand in hand.  This is extremely true, especially when addressing the serious issue of slips, trips and falls.  If the facility’s housekeeping habits are poor, the result may well be employee injuries, rising insurance costs, and regulatory citations.  If the facilities are noticeably clean and well organized, it is a good sign that its overall safety program is effective as well.  Disorderly work environments can negatively impact the morale of employees who must function in a job site that is dirty, hazardous, and poorly managed.  Because slips, trips, and falls occur more than any other occupational injury, it makes good sense for the company to ensure that employees comply with a good housekeeping program.  This is a plan that should be part of each worker’s daily performance.  If each individual does his/her part to keep work areas clean, the housekeeping program will be a success.  The same rule applies to our homes.  If we don’t place things in their right place, someone is going to come along and trip over something that shouldn’t have been there.  Nightlights are good for preventing falls (or running into a wall) for overnight visitors who could get lost in the darkness in your home. 

Most falls can be prevented.  All we should do is follow this simple rule: watch where we are going!  We take walking for granted, so we pay little attention to potential hazards.  Here are some common fall hazards cited by the National Safety Council that we should watch for:

  • Hidden steps;
  • Wet spots;
  • Smooth surfaces;
  • Loose, irregular surfaces;
  • Oil and grease.
  • Obstacles in walkways;
  • Electrical cords in walkways;
  • Aisles that have boxes stacked and left in the way;
  • File cabinet drawers left open;
  • Tools left out. 

Many workers are required to wear protective footwear on the job.  Shoes that have slip-resistant soles help prevent  injuries.  Safety footwear is designed to protect feet against the most common types of injuries, impact, compression and puncture.  It is important to choose footwear according to the hazards present, but also be sure it is comfortable enough to wear for several hours.  

Tomorrow we will delve into this serious subject a little bit more.  Until then, stay safe, and remain upright!

 

SOURCES: CCOHS, SORM (Sstate Office of Risk Management, Texas), OSHA

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Health Issues, Weather Protection

TOO MUCH SUN, TOO LITTLE SUNSCREEN?

It seems that the U.S. is behind Canada and Europe when it comes to labeling sunscreen products.  In the past, manufacturers were not required to disclose how well their products protect against cancer-causing ultraviolet A, (UVA) rays.  Only the amount of protection against ultraviolet B was required to be on the label.  Both types of UV rays cause skin damage, including premature skin aging and skin cancer.  UVB primarily causes sunburn while UVA light is more damaging because it penetrates the skin farther, causing wrinkles and other problems. 

A beautiful tan is very attractive, but if the one who is working on that tan could only realize the results that might be caused later in life, they might forgo the tan and protect their skin.  A Sun Protection Factor (SPF) doesn’t offer insights into UVA protection.  

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States.  Each year, 3.5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed and treated.  According to the American Academy of Dermatology, almost 20% of Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.  While most skin cancers are curable, squamous cell carcenomas kill 2,500 Americans each year, and melanoma kills 8,700 Americans annually, according to the American Cancer Society. 

It is important that we protect our youngsters now, because these cancers are developing while they are young.  My best friend has had all three types of skin cancers, and she must consistently go for biopsies and treatment.  She is very fair, and has blue eyes;  her dermatologist told her that this all began when she was a child.  

The labeling of sunscreen as sun block implies inaccurate information that makes claims the protection will offer more than 2 hours of protection, or is water-proof or sweat-proof -without indicating the length of time of full protection.  Experts recommend using a sunscreen of at least 50 SPF.  Studies show that some of the sunscreens that are most protective are not necessarily the most expensive ones.  

Until the new labeling is available, it is recommended that you slather on a glob of sunscreen the size of a golf ball and do so very often.  (You’ll go through a tube quickly, but it’s worth it!) Having to deal with skin cancer is not something you want to face, or for your children to have to go through.  If you have to be outside, wear a hat, protective clothing, and even take along an umbrella.  When swimming, apply that protective lotion religiously.

Safety sunglasses are manufactured that offer 99.9% protection from UVA/UVB/UVC rays.  Our eyes must also be protected from the sun at all times; even small children need that protection.  Thankfully, glasses have been designed to take care of the risks of exposure to UV rays.  Maybe next year we will have full disclosure of the protection we can expect from sunscreens. 

Source:ABC News

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection

FIRE IT UP SAFELY!

Someone hasn’t told Mother Nature that it’s not summer yet!   The first official day of summer is June 21st!  With the blazing hot days we have already experienced, there’s no telling how hot this summer is going to be.  One of the things that millions of Americans enjoy doing during warm (hot) weather is firing up the barbecue grill.  The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) urges consumers to check their grills and “fire it up safely” to prevent fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.  Before lighting a grill, do a safety check. 

  • First of all, check SaferProducts.gov to be sure that your grill has not been recalled.  If it has been, contact the manufacturer and don’t use it until you get it repaired or replaced.
  • Inspect the hoses on a gas grill for cracking, brittleness, holes and leaks.  Make sure there are no sharp bends in the hose or tubing and that all connections are secure.  Replace them if necessary.
  • Check for propane gas leaks.  Open the gas supply valve fully and apply a soapy solution with a brush at the connection point.  If bubbles appear, there is a leak.  Try tightening the tank connection.  If that doesn’t stop the leak, close the gas valve and ask a qualified professional to repair it.
  • Be sure the grill is clean.  By regularly cleaning the grill and grease trap, the risk of flare-ups and grease fires will be reduced. 

Now that you have checked the grill, be sure to operate it as safely as possible.  Here are some tips:

  • Place the grill on a level surface away from yard games and other foot traffic.
  • Cook outside only. 
  • Never leave a grill unattended. 
  • Keep children and pets away from the cooking area.
  • The outside surface of a grill can get hot and burn when touched.
  • Check the grill legs for stability.
  • Keep a garden hose nearby for use in the yard, in case of fire.
  • If a flare-up happens, adjust the controls on the gas grill or spread out the coals on a charcoal grill to lower the temperature.  If a grease fire occurs, turn off the gas grill and use baking soda or a kitchen fire extinguisher to put out the fire.
  • Don’t wear loose clothing.
  • Use long utensils.
  • Use gloves or mitts to protect hands.
  • Be sure the grill is completely cool before anyone gets near it after you have finished cooking. 

According to the National Fire Protection Association, June and July are peak months for grill fires.   Fire departments responded to fires started in hibachis, grills, or barbecues,  resulting in an annual average of 3,200 structure fires and 4,500 outside fires. These 7,700 fires caused an annual average of 13 civilian deaths (to the nearest ten), 120 civilian injuries and $70 million in direct property damage.   More than one-quarter (29%) of the home structure fires involving grills started on a courtyard, terrace or patio, 28% started on an exterior balcony or open porch, and 7% started in the kitchen.  Flammable or combustible gas or liquid was the item first ignited in half of home outdoor grill fires. In 49% of the home outdoor fires in which grills were involved, 56% of the outside gas grills, and 39% of gas grill structure fires, the fire started when a flammable or combustible gas or liquid caught fire. 

Anytime you are dealing with fire, there may be a risk.  Take precautions during grilling season.  Have a plan; be organized.  Get out those ribs, burgers, veggies, and other tasty treats and enjoy!  Just be careful.

General Safety Issues, Health Issues, Weather Protection

HEAT STRESS SAFETY – PART II

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Even though OSHA does not have a specific standard for heat stress, employees are protected under the General Duty Clause of the OSH Act because heat-related illnesses are a serious hazard.  The General Duty Clause states that employers are required to “provide a place of employment free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to its employees.”  Persons who work either outdoors, or indoors in hot buildings, seem to have accidents more often than in moderate temperatures.    If a person becomes overheated, the effect may be mental confusion, tiredness, and irritability.  These conditions can result in poor judgment and unsafe practices. 

Yesterdays’ installment discussed the causes of heat-related illness and symptoms to watch for.  These are ways that employers can protect their employees:

  • Train all employees to know the signs and symptoms and how to respond;
  • Schedule the hardest work during the coolest part of the day;
  • Encourage the buddy system; (working in pairs)
  • Furnish cool water and ask employees to drink one cup every 15 to 20 minutes; also encourage them to wear light-colored, loosing fitting clothing;
  • Reduce radiant heat by placing shields around hot machines or furnaces;
  • Discourage employees from eating large meals or consuming caffeine before and during work in hot environments;
  • Increase the amount of insulation on furnace walls;
  • Open windows and doors;
  • Use exhaust ventilators or air blowers;
  • Lower humidity levels by installing exhaust hoods over areas that release moisture; and
  • Provide tools and equipment that reduce physical demands on employees. 

Here are several ways to treat victims of heat exhaustion:

  • Provide cool water to drink;
  • Move them to a cool, shaded area;
  • Fan the person;
  • Cool the skin with a wet cloth;
  • Loosen and remove heavy clothing;
  • If he/she is dizzy, lay victim on his/her back and raise their legs 6” to 8”.
  • If she/he is nauseated, lay victim on his/her side.
  • Stay with the victim.
  • Call for emergency help if the victim doesn’t feel better in a short time.  If heat exhaustion is not treated, the illness may advance to heat stroke, the most serious heat-related illness.  Signs of a heat stroke are:
  • Dry pale skin (no sweating);
  • Hot red skin;
  • Mood change, (confused, irritable)
  • Collapse/unconsciousness;
  • Seizures, fits. 

Prompt first aid for someone suffering the symptoms of heat stroke should include the same first aid for heat exhaustion, plus:  Call for emergency help; lay victim on his/her back unless he/she is unconscious; remove any objects close by if victim has a seizure; provide cool water to drink if conscious; and place ice packs under armpits and in the groin area. 

Employees are at increased risk for heat-related illness when they:

  • Are dehydrated or fatigued.
  • Use improper work methods;
  • Have infrequent exposure to hot temperatures and high humidity;
  • Are over the age of 40;
  • Use certain medications (antihistamines, diuretics, and some tranquilizers)
  • Are in poor physical condition or overweight;
  • Have used drugs/alcohol within the past 24 hours prior to working in the heat;
  • Have heat rash or sunburn;
  • Have had prior heat-related illnesses;
  • Wear too much or restrictive clothing. 

If you happen to have a heat-related incident or if a co-worker experiences any of the symptoms we have described, this knowledge is invaluable.  For those supervisors who are fortunate to work in an air-conditioned atmosphere, do all you can to keep your employees as safe and comfortable as possible.  In a building, large fans will at least circulate the air. 

Source: OSHA, Texas Department of Insurance

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Health Issues, Weather Protection

HEAT STRESS SAFETY INFORMATION – PART I

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 Thousands of workers every year become sick from exposure to heat – some even die.  The thing we should understand is that these illnesses and deaths are preventable!  Each year, we strive to bring helpful information about how to survive seasonal weather, and the elements that workers and all of us are exposed to.  This spring has already brought extremely hot conditions to parts of the country, and several persons have  lost their lives. 

Today we are focusing on raising awareness of the risks of working in hot environments to both employers and employees, with the intent of reducing those risks.  Everyone should be able to recognize safety and health hazards of working in extreme heat, things that increase the risk of heat-related illness, signs and symptoms of illness, first aid, and preventive measures that decrease the risk of heat-related illness. 

When workers are exposed to air temperatures that are warm or warmer than our skin, sweating becomes the primary means of maintaining a constant body temperature.  If conditions of high humidity exist, however, the sweat is decreased and it makes it harder for the body temperature to adjust.   If employers will allow  workers a gradual time to adjust to this hot environment progressively, (about 5-7 days), there should be fewer heat-related illnesses.  Those who are not given time to adjust may be more likely to feel the effects of these illnesses.  In reality, most of the time, workers are exposed to the heat from Day One.   One of the most important things to remember when working in hot conditions is to stay hydrated by drinking water often.  Resting in a shady place and working earlier in the day will also improve work conditions.  Remember, drinking water on a regular basis puts less strain on the cardiovascular system. 

Excessive exposure to a hot environment can bring about a variety of heat-related health problems and illnesses, such as heat cramps, fainting, heat rash and heat exhaustion.  An employee that suffers from heat exhaustion may still sweat, but these other signs and symptoms may appear, such as:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Feeling sick to stomach, vomiting
  • Mood changes (confused or irritable)
  • Decreased and dark-colored urine
  • Light-headedness or fainting
  • Pale, clammy skin 

Employers must outline the proper personal protective equipment required for their employees to be able to handle the heat.  Polarized safety glasses are needed to protect the eyes from UV rays, and if hardhats are part of the PPE, there are cloth neck shields and sunshields  that attach to them.  Plenty of sunscreen should be used, an abundance of water should be available.  Some companies choose Gatorade to help their workers stay hydrated, also. 

Tomorrow, we will talk about other ways of preventing heat stress and how to treat a victim of heat exhaustion.  In the meantime, stay cool!

Source: Texas Department of Insurance, OSHA

General Safety Issues

TEEN DRIVER SAFETY – NATIONAL SAFETY MONTH (JUNE 12-18)

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From the time they were little kids, we have preached to our children about being careful – watch when you cross the street, don’t talk to strangers, don’t jaywalk, don’t ride your bicycle in an unsafe place, don’t be a bully, listen to your teachers, obey your parents, the list goes on and on.  Everything we have told our children from the time they were toddlers was for their own safety.  It is a big responsibility to teach children right from wrong, and to guide them to grow up to be responsible teens and adults.

Because science explains that the brain doesn’t fully mature until we are in our twenties, it means that some of the decisions young persons make until that time will be very important ones that will determine their safety and well-being.  Teen Driver Safety Week, which is sponsored by the National Safety Council, is held each June to educate and encourage safe behaviors around the leading causes of preventable injuries and deaths.  Motor vehicle crashes are the No. 1 killer of teens in the U.S.  More teens lose their lives in motor vehicle crashes than the next three causes combined – homicide, suicide and unintentional drug overdose.  They need to understand this, and also that the risk of being in a car crash is at a lifetime high in the first six to 12 months and 1,000 miles of driving.  This risk can be reduced by a combination of gradual exposure to higher-risk situations and practice under parental supervision.  

Parents are the key to basic safety driving skills for teens.  Here are some great suggestions from State Farm Insurance to begin a good driving instruction program:

  • Review the controls and features of the car.  Make sure your teen knows how each one works:
  • Dashboard controls;
  • Steering wheel and seat adjustment;
  • Mirror adjustment;
  • Turn signals;
  • Headlights;
  • Wipers;
  • Air bags and seat belts;
  • Emergency lights;
  • Parking brake/release;
  • Starting/turning off the engine;
  • Gas, brakes (especially ABS)
  • Warning indicator lights on dashboard.
  • The location of the  registration, insurance card and manual. 

I must admit I did not go over all that with our three teens.  I briefly explained things to them, and then we drove on some low-traffic unpaved roads.  Take your teen to an empty parking lot, and have them practice applying gas and brakes, driving straight, turning, and backing up.

This is the time to remind your teen driver to pay attention to the surroundings by (a)  looking ahead and to the sides; (b) checking mirrors; (c) scanning continuously for hazards, and (d) teaching your teen to keep a clear “safety space” around the car, so there’s room to react to any hazards.  The farther he or she hangs back from the vehicle in front, the better your teen will be able to see what’s ahead.  Seeing better and farther provides extra time to react to changing traffic conditions. 

Graduated Driver Licensing is a proven road to improving teen safety.  GDL is a novice driver licensing system that is proven effective at reducing teen drivers’ high crash risk by 20-40%.  States with more comprehensive GDL systems see a higher reduction in teen crashes.  GDL reduces teen driver exposure to high crash risk situations, such as nighttime driving and teen passengers.  This allows new drivers to build experience and skills in lower-risk situations.  The three stages of GDL licensure are: 1. A learner’s permit that allows driving only while supervised by a fully licensed driver. 2. An intermediate (sometimes provisional) license that allows unsupervised driving under certain restrictions including nighttime and passenger limits. 3. A full license. 

We all learn to be better drivers with experience in different situations.  Today’s drivers have too many distractions; teens need to learn to put those distractions aside and focus on the main goal: getting from point A to point B in one piece.  Any of us can make a wrong decision behind the wheel.  Teens are at jeopardy the most.  They have a unique mix of inexperience, distraction, peer pressure, and the tendency to underestimate risk. 

It’s up the parents and peers to encourage safety to their teens every time they get behind the wheel.  These young people have the right to take their place on the roads, we just have to help them understand the importance of keeping both themselves and other drivers safe at all times.