All posts by pat brownlee

General Safety Issues, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

OIL SPILL CLEAN UP CONTINUES

At this moment, we are hopeful that the cap that was placed on the BP oil well that has been creating havoc on our Gulf of Mexico since April 20th will hold.  It is moment by moment, as the company is continuing to test the pressure and is hopeful that the flow of oil and gas will be contained.

In the meantime, efforts to clean up the shorelines and the Gulf continue.  The agencies that are responsible for oil clean up are the United States Coast Guard and Environmental Protection Agency.  It seems that every way possible to clean up this mess has been tried.  From booms placed in the water to contain the oil, to boats that skim or suck the oil from the water into containment tanks, the continual flow of oil has been extremely challenging.  The oil has been set on fire –“ in situ burning”, or controlled burning that is done by the Coast Guard under certain conditions, when the sea is in a low state.  Because it is mostly oil, it can cause toxic smoke, but it is a trade-off between leaving the oil to remain in the gulf water or air pollution from the burn, which is of shorter duration.  NIOSH has been monitoring the air quality aboard response vessels, and recommended that Dust Masks and Respirators be available to all burn crews.

Dispersants were sprayed on the water by planes, to break up the oil, but some scientists feel that these chemicals are absorbed into the water, resulting in danger to marine life and corral reefs.

Another method of clean-up in the water is being done by two skimmer rigs, the Discoverer Enterprise, a ship that can collect, process, and store oil.  The Q4000 can’t process or store crude oil, but can burn the oil and gas through an “Evergreen” burner, creating a clean burn by eliminating visible smoke emissions. 

In Northwest Florida,  efforts to clean up some of their beaches resulted in removing too much sand.  The weight of tractors and trailers destabilized the shoreline, making it vulnerable to natural erosion.  Also, the weight of heavy machines forced oil deeper into the sand, creating a safety hazard. 

So it seems, these folks on the southern coastline areas can’t win for losing.  This has been a terrible puzzle to try to piece together to get the mess contained.  It may be months or even years before things will be back to normal.  Those who make their living, such as fishermen, and the entire tourist industry have suffered greatly.  Hopes are that they will be reimbursed quickly in order to fulfill their regular day-to-day obligations.

Thankfully,  the workers are wearing protective gear, such as sunglasses, gloves, vests, and hats.  Some are required to wear Tyvek clothing that protects them from hazardous materials.  The exact health risks are yet not fully determined for those who must do this work. 

We hope that our friends that have been affected by this terrible accident can soon see the light at the end of the tunnel, and someday see their beautiful blue water and wildlife back to normal.

General Safety Issues, Hearing Protection, Uncategorized

HAVE YOU HEARD THE LATEST?

Chances are you haven’t, if you are among the 22 million U.S. workers who are exposed to hazardous noise on the job, with about 9 million suffering from noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).  Did you know that NIHL is the most common, permanent, and preventable occupational injury in the U.S?  Occupational hearing loss costs an estimated $242.4 million per year in disability extended across the workforce of our nation, according to NIOSH.

It is up to the employer to make the workplace quieter.  Prolonged exposure to excessive noise levels can cause permanent hearing loss.  They must know the levels of the noise that workers are exposed to and the risk to their hearing.  Employees who are exposed to a rate of 90 decibels or more an eight hour shift should have the noise level in their workplace reduced, or wear protective gear.  Sometime you have probably had tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or your ears felt stuffed up, when you walked away from a noisy area.  If this continues, you may have some hearing loss.

There are noise control devices that employees may wear, but require proper training on their use, as well as how to care for them. 

  • Industrial Earmuffs.  They totally cover the ears and should fit tightly, with no hair or other object to interfere with the seal.  The seals and inside of the earmuffs should be kept clean, and the headband should furnish good tension.
  • Hearing Protection Earplugs.  There are many types of earplugs that also should fit properly.  Workers should never share them, and have clean hands before inserting them.  The ear canal is 1 1/4″ long, and most earplugs are only 1/2″ to 3/4″ long.  They are premolded or have stems with which to insert them.

Hearing protection lowers the noise level of equipment, but does not eliminate it.  Workers are still able to hear the equipment and voices of co-workers.  A good sign that you need hearing protection is if you have to raise your voice to talk to someone an arms’ length away, or if you experience ringing or dull sounds after leaving a noisy place.

Work isn’t the only place that we are exposed to too much noise.  You might consider buying earplugs to wear in large crowds, concerts, car races, or sporting events.  I’ve been to some very loud football games, and the World Cup Soccer event proved that noise even interferes with the players’ concentration.  If you enjoy using power tools, earplugs will help protect your hearing.

There’s just one pair of ears to a customer, so take care of yours.  If you heed our warning, you won’t miss out on the latest news or juicy gossip!

Back Safety, Ergonomics, General Safety Issues

HOW TO PREVENT MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS

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The science of fitting the job to the worker is called Ergonomics.  When the physical capacity of the worker is mismatched with the physical requirements of the job, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) can happen.  Ergonomics is the practice of designing tasks and equipment to fit the capabilities of the worker in order to prevent injuries before they occur.

Workers can be injured doing repetitive work, such as lifting for a full shift.   MSD’s can affect the back, legs, necks, wrists, shoulders, muscles and joints.  Think about our soldiers, how they are trained to withstand the weight of all that they must carry every day.  Supervisors of our military and emergency personnel, such as firefighters, must identify the risks of musculoskeletal problems  that could possibly be caused from wearing heavy gear for long periods of time.  

All work environments should have an ergonomics and training program  in order to prevent injuries.  Whether it is a workstation, warehouse, construction, or office ergonomics, the climate of the workplace should reflect the best way that employees are protected  from acute or chronic injuries. 

One example of preventing injury is to provide mechanisms such as conveyors, vacuum lifters, or other means to assist  those who must lift heavy objects. 

Healthcare workers face the risk of back injury while lifting patients, a regular part of their job.  This is the time when training in lifting methods is very important.  Some very small people can help manipulate nonambulatory patients with ease, because they know how lift, while at the same time keeping the patient safe.   

We can also suffer from musculoskeletal disorders while doing routine jobs at home.  Gardening, yard work, cleaning house, or sitting at a desk in the home office, can create problems the same as  at work.  We need to plan how we will work on a special project, or use stepladders rather than chairs when reaching for things.  Also, practicing good posture at all times is very important.  Maintaining the proper body weight for our height and age, eating healthy,  stretching before the start of work, and getting enough exercise are also  important factors in preventing injuries.

Whether you drive a truck, sit at a desk, work in construction, healthcare, military, or any other occupation,you have the right to be properly trained in order to perform your duties without the risk of pain and injury.

Back Safety, Eye Protection, Hand Protection, Hearing Protection, Home Safety Products, Respiratory Safety

SAFETY TIPS FOR “DIY-ERS”

“Do It Yourself” projects became popular in the 1950’s, when people decided to make repairs or home improvements without paying professionals to do the job.  Sixty years later, there are many home improvement businesses that sell materials and tools for these projects, and even offer classes to “weekend warriors”.  Television launched the idea with “This Old House” with Bob Vila in 1979.  Today, there are many Do It Yourself programs on television, making any project look like a snap! 

Do It Yourselfers have a lot of determination and are willing to do the work involved, and take pride in their accomplishments.  These people are also aware that safety plays a big part in a successful project.  The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that more than 4 million injuries occur during do-it-yourself projects.  One rule of thumb in playing it safe is to read instructions before tackling that task.  Manufacturer’s information is placed on all tools, and labels on paint, solvents and other products have safety guidelines to follow.  Wearing the right type of safety gear for the particular project is very important.  We’ve listed a few safety items that will help ensure your project is successful and that you emerge unscathed: 

  •     Safety glasses
  •     Respirators
  •     Earplugs/earmuffs
  •     Coveralls
  •     Gloves
  •     Kneepads
  •     industrial safety goggles 

Be sure that all power tools, extension cords and electrical outlets are in good repair.  Walls or surfaces for possible electrical wires or pipes should be checked before cutting, drilling, or hammering.  Special detectors are available at your local home improvement store.  Be sure that you power off and unplug power tools before making any adjustments. 

As always, be sure you lift heavy objects correctly, don’t bend your back. Last but not least, never wear loose clothing or jewelry, and pull back long hair when operating power tools, as they could become entangled. 

With safety in mind, forge ahead, and have fun with your project.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

IDEAS ABOUT UV PROTECTION

We haven’t forgotten that July is UV Protection Month, a reminder to all of us to protect our eyes and skin!  It is most important that we do everything we can to preserve our vision.  It is unimaginable to think about being without the gift of sight, or facing malenoma, a life-threatening form of skin cancer.

You have heard  about the types of UV rays, but let’s review them again:

UV-C rays are the most harmful, but are blocked by the ozone layer.  If they ever reach the earth’s surface, they could cause serious health concerns.  UV-B rays have high doses which cause sunburn and can cause skin cancer.  Other age-related signs of too much sun are wrinkles and skin discoloration.  UV-A rays can pass through the cornea, reaching the lens and retina inside the eye.  Overexposure of these rays is linked to certain types of cataracts, and development of macular degeneration.  Both these types of rays are shielded by the ozone layer, therefore, they are not as harmful as UV-C.  Because of weather changes, and seasons, however, we must be mindful that there may be some depletion of the ozone layer.

It is very important to remind you to select sunglasses that block 99-100% of both UV-A and UV-B radiation.  Also be sure that the lens are free from distortion and any imperfections.  Wrap-around styles allow more protection to the sides of the face.  It is of the utmost importance to protect children’s eyes from these rays, as well.  They need to wear glasses that contain the same element of protection as an adult’s,  not toy ones.  Much of the damage from the sun happens during childhood, only to show up later in life.  It goes without saying that in addition to sunglasses, suncreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 should be used often while anyone is in the sun, as well as wearing a wide-brimmed hat, or using an umbrella, if sitting outdoors.

Those who work outside should take precautions to wear eye protection and other types of personal protective equipment.  There are special sunshields that fit hardhats that help protect the face from the sun.

The following UV Index helps explain the stages of exposure to rays:

  • 2 or Less =   Low, for average person.  On hot days, persons should still wear glasses and sunscreen.
  • 3 to 5 =           Moderate.  Use the shadow test.  In early morning or late afternoon if you are taller than your shadow, UV exposure is likely to be low.  If your shadow is shorter around mid-day, levels of UV are higher.
  • 6-7=                  High.  From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is the worst time to be outdoors.  Be sure to use at least 15 SPF sunscreen, and often.
  • 8-10=                Very high.  Because your skin will burn quickly, take extra precautions.
  • 11+ =                  Extreme.  Stay out of the sun, especially from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. if possible.

Another thing to remember, if you are around sand or water, is that reflections can damage your eyes.  Reflections from snow almost double that from sand.  Persons with darker skin and eyes  need to protect their eyes the same as more fair persons.

There’s no way we can be immune from the dangers of overexposure from UV rays.  But we can take all the precautions possible to avoid damage to our eyes and skin.

General Safety Issues

DO YOU GET ENOUGH SLEEP?

Most of us have our own little quirks about sleep.  I seem to snooze the best after dinner, when I can stretch out on the couch and watch t.v., only to wake up wondering how my program ended!  Then when I go to bed, I have trouble going to sleep!

Getting the correct amount of sleep affects the way we look, feel, and perform our daily duties.  Current studies have shown that in the past eight years, Americans are getting less than six hours of sleep per night.  Many are losing sleep over financial concerns, according to a National Sleep Foundation poll.  It seems that when you are trying to relax and get some rest, worries become amplified. 

Here are some of the risks of sleep deprivation:

  • Chances of having an accident are increased.  Drowsy drivers are as dangerous as drunk ones;
  • Health – risk of diabetes and heart problems;
  • Becoming depressed;
  • Ability to pay attention decreases;
  • Inability to react to sudden happenings;
  • Inablity to remember details;
  • Obesity from increased appetite.  Lack of sleep causes a rise in the hormone ghrelin, which increases hunger, and a decrease in leptin, our body’s appetite suppressant.

A good rule of thumb is to not exercise at least 3 hours before bedtime.  Also, avoid caffeine, and understand that some alcoholic drinks act as stimulants rather than relaxants. 

It’s been shown in current studies that students perform better when they start classes a little later in the mornings, around 9 a.m.  The National Sleep Foundation recommends that teens get between 8 and 9 hours of sleep per night.  We adults should get between 7 and 9 hours, on week days, if possible. 

For safety’s sake, everyone should be conscientious about doing their job well and in a safe manner for their coworkers.  (Have you seen one of your coworkers fall asleep on the job?) If you have reason to think you need help with being able to sleep, see your physician.  There could be a medical reason you aren’t getting your rest, or he/she may feel you need a  prescription for a non-habit forming medication.  Do the same for someone you feel is not able to function as well as normal, possibly due to lack of rest.  A word of encouragement may be all they need to seek medical attention.

If all else fails, try my method: eat a good supper, and get interested in a good program or ballgame, and doze off!  Later, if you can’t go to sleep when you go to bed, try going back to the couch, or reading a book till you feel sleepy.  For a better quality of life, try to get a good quantity and quality of sleep.

General Safety Issues

TEMPERATURE CHANGES CAN BE A SHOCK!

In early June, we returned to Texas from an Alaskan cruise.  Most of the time on our trip, we wore lightweight jackets.  It’s amazing how pleasant the weather is in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.  We left Seattle headed for Denver, on a nice, cool day.  After switching planes in Denver, however, our pilot announced that the temperature in Midland-Odessa (our destination) was 105 degrees!  When we stepped out of the airport at 10 p.m., it was like walking into an oven. Talk about a shock!

States in the northeastern part of the United States have been experiencing extremely abnormal heat, resulting in a heat wave.  It may be harder on those who are not accustomed to these hot temperatures to cope with, than those who live where high temperatures, along with high humidity are more common.

Cities are usually hotter than rural areas, due to brick buildings, asphalt streets and tar roofs.  The elderly and others are afraid to go out if they live in unsafe neighborhoods.  They have their windows sealed up for protection; therefore, they get no draft from outside.  It’s up to friends and neighbors to see that they have some type of airconditioning, or take them to a place where they can be comfortable.   There are many places where persons can visit in order to escape the heat: community centers, churches, senior citizen centers, malls, movies, libraries, or stores. 

Those who are at risk to suffer the most from extreme heat are persons who are outside: firefighters, athletes, and anyone else who has to be in the sun most of the day.  They should seek shade as much as possible and take breaks often. Workers should agree to watch out for each other, and be sure that they are getting enough water and rest during their shift.

Others at risk are:

  • Persons who are overweight.
  • Children age 4 to the elderly, past age 64.
  • Those who have chronic medical or mental health conditions.
  • Persons who take certain medications that can distrupt body temperature.

We should conserve energy as much as possible, both with our bodies, and our use of power to cool our homes.  Overuse of power causes disruptions of service in heavily populated areas.  The thermostat of the airconditioner should be set no lower than 78 degrees.  There are timers that you can buy that enable you to set your cooling to come on around 30 minutes before you plan to arrive home from work or elsewhere. 

Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink water or juice; drink water often throughout the day.  Stay away from alcohol or caffeinated drinks, as they deplete the fluids from your body.  A good supplement for water is a sports drink, such as Powdered Gatorade Mix, which restores electrolytes and salt to the body.

This hot weather, too, shall pass.  Before you know it, you will be digging out a jacket to wear to a football game! Until then, do all you can to “keep your cool.” And please, please, don’t leave children, older persons, or animals in your vehicles.  It only takes ten minutes for the temperature to rise 20 degrees in a shut-up car!

General Safety Issues

STAY OUT OF ABANDONED MINES!

 

“Stay Out–Stay Alive” is a national public awareness campaign designed to warn children and adults about the dangers of exploring and playing on active and abandoned mine sites.
Every year, dozens of people are injured or killed in recreational accidents on mine property. MSHA launched “Stay Out–Stay Alive” in 1999 to educate the public about the existing hazards. The campaign is a partnership of more than 70 federal and state agencies, private organizations, businesses and individuals.

 

            SOME EXAMPLES OF THOSE WHO DID NOT HEED THE WARNINGS:

         1-2008:  Nineteen-year old Arizona man died after falling into 35’ abandoned mineshaft.

         2-2008:  Twenty-year old man died when he came in contact with a high voltage transformer in a fenced-in area of an active mine in Pennsylvania.

        5-2008:  Three men in their twenties died from lack of oxygen when exploring an abandoned mine in California.

        5-2008:  Eighteen-year old boy drowned in off-limits, privately owned quarry.  Gates were locked and signs warning trespassers were all around.

NEAR MISSES:

        A twenty-three year old Pennsylvania man survived a 500’ fall into an abandoned strip mine.  While trespassing, he fell into a 700’ deep, 3,000’ long, and 1,500’ wide mine; rescuers spent hours on a dangerous rescue.  He faces charges of defiant trespass.

        Two twenty-one year old men escaped serious injury in a car crash in Wisconsin.  No seatbelts were used.  This happened in a rock quarry near an active mine. 

Throughout the year, “Stay Out–Stay Alive” partners visit schools, communities and youth organizations around the country to educate children about the importance of steering clear of abandoned mines.

These are not places to be explored.  I there are warning signs – take heed!

Fall Safety

PLEASE HELP ME, I’M FALLING!

When it comes to falling, most of us have had close calls but have been lucky enough to get our balance before it happened.   There are more than 3 million disabling injuries each year in the workplace, and more than 1 in 10 is because of trips, slips, and falls.  In the U.S. construction industry, falls are the leading cause of fatalities.  More than 100,000 injuries at construction sites are the results of falls.

What can we do about them?  If any of these hazards exist at your workplace, fix them:

  • Slippery floors from spills.  Clean up wet spots immediately.  Put up signs where floors have recently been mopped.  If you work on slippery surfaces, wear shoes that have slip-resistant soles.
  • Obstructed view.  Do not carry bulky or heavy objects that you can’t see over.
  • Drawers and file cabinets left open.  Watch for open drawers and close them when they aren’t being used.
  • Loose carpet or bad flooring.  This is unsafe for all employees.  Insist that they be repaired immediately.
  • Stairs, ramps and escalators.  Always use handrails.  These should have adequate lighting.
  • Improper use of ladders.  Always use safety rules when standing on a ladder.  Hold on with one hand if you need to be higher while doing a task.  Do not use an office chair as a ladder.  Stepladders work quite well for reaching items on top of shelves or file cabinets.
  • Icy sidewalks.  How many workers have fallen just trying to get to their jobs?  It should be the responsibility of the employer to see that salt is placed on the sidewalks before workers (or customers) arrive.
  • Clutter.  Whether you work in an office or warehouse, there’s no reason to leave things sitting in traffic areas.
  • Improper anchorage for those who work in construction.  Lanyards, body harnesses, and other means of security must be used to ensure workers’ safety. A local roofing company employee recently fell to his death, when the roof collapsed, and he was not wearing a harness.

Let’s all do our part to see that our workspaces are safe for the other person, and the proper equipment is used as needed.

General Safety Issues

REMOVING ROAD DEBRIS IS A HAZARDOUS JOB

Do you ever wonder who picks up the trash along the highways?  There are many thoughtless travelers that toss out items too numerous to mention.  Because of litterbugs, unsecured items being transported, or accidents, our roads become unpleasant to look at, and dangerous, as well.  We owe a debt of thanks to those whose job it is to clean them up.

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, each state should have a program that provides for rapid, orderly, and safe removal from roadways wreckage, spillage, and debris from accidents.  State Highway Department maintenance workers are available day or night to flag motorists, operate equipment, drive trucks, and remove litter and debris in the event of an accident.

Volunteers in the Adopt-A-Highway, and other programs, do their fair share of maintaining the shoulders of the roads.  Contractors and prison labor also furnish workers that assist in this effort, as well.  Persons who undertake these jobs should have full knowledge of the risks involved and take safety measures.  They should wear personal protective equipment such as work gloves, boots, high visibility vests, hardhats,  and safety glasses.  Their training should include knowledge of biological hazards, which things may be recycled, and how to use good lifting techniques.   Their work area should have signs posted along the road, as well as safety cones in place.   A communication system must be used between the workers, and first aid kits should be available.  Whether they are paid or volunteer workers, they possibly could come in contact with snakes, poison ivy, insects, as well as contending with traffic passing close by.

According to an Eagle-Tribune (N.Andover, Maine) newspaper article, back in 2007, an artist from Florida created a sculpture made from plastic buckets, traffic barricades, sheet metal, pieces of pipe, and other debris from roadways to offer this opinion, “road debris is dangerous, and it’s everywhere.”  What a unique way to send this important message.

We Texans have had the theme “Don’t Mess With Texas,” for years; unfortunately, some do anyway.  Let’s all do our part to keep the highways safe and litter-free.