Category Archives: Fall Safety

Back Safety, Ergonomics, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

Six Common Workplace Injuries That Can Be Prevented (Guest Post)

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Written by Jay Acker

Injuries that occur at work can be detrimental to a company’s bottom line. The problem is not just in the cost of litigation and increased insurance premiums from workers’ compensation claims, but also in the loss of motivation and productivity that can occur across an office when employees perceive neglect in their employer.

It’s far better to be proactive and avoid workplace injuries before they occur. Whether your company is solely office-based or utilizes a warehouse and a fleet of vehicles, there are universal accidents that can affect any type of business. To stop and prevent injuries before they have a chance to harm employees and derail a company, make yourself of aware of the most common workplace hazards and how to remedy them.

Repetitive Motion Disorders

Although tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and bursitis (swollen elbow) are not the most dramatic of workplace injuries, they are among those with the most long-term impact. Because these disorders develop over long periods of time, they’re also more difficult to reverse the effects of. And because of the growing number of sedentary office workers, they’re becoming more and more common. Use company alerts, emails and posters to remind employees to stretch and take breaks throughout the day. Ergonomic desks and chairs to support the lower back are integral, and you may even consider letting employees switch to stand-up desks if they express interest.

Slips and Falls

Although the possibility of a fall on scaffolding or construction sites is obvious, few office managers realize the real danger of stretching power cords and cables across an office. Make a rule against extending cables through areas that receive walking traffic. Likewise, ensure that stairwells and hallways are well-lit. And if an area of your workplace is ever mopped (even the bathroom), don’t forget the prudent legal benefit of a ‘wet floor’ sign.

Vehicle Accidents

Even if you trust a particular employee, think twice before handing them the keys to your personal or company vehicle to run a quick errand for you. Any worker that drives on company business should undergo a driving record background check. Furthermore, implement a company rule against sending text messages or talking on cell phones while driving, even if your state allows it.

Overexertion

In jobs where heavy objects are often moved, workers are generally prepared, including utilizing back-supporting belts and building strength through the consistency of their work. Within office environments, however, it’s common for employees to overestimate their ability. If a refrigerator needs to be moved in the break room or the copy machine needs to go out for repairs, leave these tasks to hired professionals. Even moving reams of copy paper could lead to an injury that could come back to haunt the business. Let employees know that they’re not expected to do any heavy lifting at their job and urge them to err on the side of caution when those tasks arise.

Heavy Machinery

Because new warehouse and machinery workers often come from a similar workplace, it’s tempting to toss them the keys to the forklift and let them get started immediately. Avoid this — any employee utilizing industrial machinery needs to undergo company-specific formal training before being allowed to work. Furthermore, establish rules about long hair, jewelry, and loose fitting clothing to avoid injury around moving parts.

Workplace Violence

In any workplace, tempers can flare. The key to avoiding workplace violence is early intervention. It’s rare that a disagreement will come to blows without weeks of tension stewing before a critical moment. Make it clear to employees that they won’t be looked down on for speaking out about an issue. Have an objective mediator and plan in place to handle disputes as they arise, settling small differences before they boil over into damaging and dangerous altercations.

Whatever type of business you’re in, the potential for workplace injuries is there. By preparing yourself and instilling an emphasis on safety and well-being amongst your employees, your company will be better suited to handle small injuries that arise, avoiding most of them before anyone ever has a chance to get hurt.

Jay Acker leads a production team at www.safetyservicescompany.com that creates safety training materials. SSC offers contractor-prequalification and other contractor verification servicers.

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Head Protection, Protective Clothing

Construction Safety and Compliance: Resources for Employeees and Employers (Guest Post)

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Submitted by Eliathah Boda of OSHAPros USA.

The construction industry is one of the most dangerous industries in the United States. The rate of fatalities among construction workers is three times higher than that for all workers in the U.S. – in 2009 it was 9.7 percent per 100,000 compared with 3.3 for all workers. For this reason, 60% of OSHA’s inspections are of construction sites. 

The four most dangerous hazards in construction work are: 

  • Fall Hazards
  • Caught-In or Caught-Between Hazards
  • Struck-By Hazards
  • Electrocution Hazards 

Besides inspections and enforcement of standards for the construction industry, particularly OSHA 29 CFR 1926, OSHA provides educational materials as well as training through authorized outreach trainers. On the OSHA website a number of helpful materials and resources are available that cover the most important construction safety topics. 

The Outreach Training Program addresses basic elements of safety in the workplace. The program was developed by OSHA, who then teaches trainers, who are then authorized to provide the training to workers in person or as videos offered online. The courses given through this program include two 10-hour courses for all workers, one on General Industry Safety and one on Construction Safety; two 30-hour courses offered that are geared mostly for supervisors and foremen, one that covers General Industry and one for Construction. You can see more information on the Outreach Training Program on the OSHA Website. Information on the Outreach Training Program is available on the OSHA website. 

Besides the courses offered through the Outreach Training Program, one of the most useful resources available for information on constructionsafety topics is the OSHA Construction eTool, an online training tool that is especially useful for workers in learning more about construction safety. The Construction eTool covers the most serious hazards in construction work, including electrical, falls, struck-by, and trenching, with thorough but easy to understand explanations of the hazards, applicable OSHA standards, and safety tips to avoid injuries from these hazards. It also explains how the standards apply to different workers. Additionally, there is information for employers on how to develop a safety and health program to help meet OSHA standards and prevent injuries. 

Another useful resource available on the OSHA website is a series of construction hazard prevention videos. These are available in both English and Spanish with closed captioning.These resources will provide you with a great deal of useful information and are an excellent supplement to the authorized OSHA training courses that are also available. 

OSHA Pros USA provides onsite OSHA training, online safety training courses, mock OSHA inspections, air & noise surveys, and litigation support across America. 

In addition, OSHA has a separate standard for every type of wide variety of safety products required for each particular job, according to the hazards.  You can find those standards on the OSHA website. pb

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

TOP FIVE CAUSES OF ACCIDENTS WHEN USING A LADDER (GUEST POST)

Submitted to us by Ross. 

Ladders are so common we rarely consider them too deeply. You move into your new apartment and there are three old wooden ladders, paint-splattered and splintery, sitting in the bedroom closet for no knowable reason. At the house you grew up in there’s an ancient ladder made from dark wood and brass passed down, apparently, from your great-grandfather. Ladders are everywhere, so common that no one ever considers the fact that ladders can, under the right kind of softheaded abuse, be the most dangerous things you’ll ever use, with the possible exception of a circular saw. 

There are many ways these devices can harm you, but to be fair almost all of them involve one thing in common: User error. 

1. Hopping. Ah yes, you’re on the ladder, you’re finished with this part of the project. You look over wistfully at the next thing in need of paint, or a fresh nail or screw. So near! And yet, out of reach. But you don’t want to climb down, walk the ladder over a few feet, and then climb back up using your legs like some sort of sucker. This is the moment where the fierce independents amongst us decide that all that hogwash about safety is for the Common Man, not you, and you decide to hop the ladder. This involves grabbing hold of it with both hands and through a combination of gravity and momentum getting the ladder to scrape along the floor until it is in a new position. Genius! 

Until you overbalance and end up under the ladder, bleeding from a head wound, of course. 

2. Overreaching. Sometimes the next bit is so temptingly close, you know that if you just lean out a little bit, maybe swinging one leg over to the outside, and you can do it and be a hero! This is a prized move for those of us who slept our way through our science courses in school and thus have an imperfect understanding of mass, gravity, and friction. 

3. Standing on the Top or Shelf. First of all, why provide you with that tempting shelf if it’s not meant to be used as a quick step to enable you to get a little closer to the wall? Those engineers are just cruel pranksters, really. The fact that the word shelf is universally accepted to mean not a step doesn’t factor, really. And the top is, technically a step! It’s sturdy, and just because keeping your balance on it is impossible doesn’t mean you shouldn’t climb up there, proud, brave, and five seconds away from a concussion.

 4. Ladders in Multiples. We salute you, geniuses of the world, for sussing out that if none of your ladders are tall enough you can duct-tape two ladders together and conquer the skies! Later, when you are applying direct pressure to the gash in your head you can regale the hospital staff with Tales of True Genius and they will all go home and head out into the workshop to regard their own ladders with a newfound excitement. 

5. Failure to Lock. You’re busy. Life goes by fast, and who has time for social niceties like wearing pants in public or making sure your A-frame ladder is locked in position? Just pull it mostly open and get to work. Those fools who bother to check things like locked hinges on ladders get their work done five seconds slower, and without the thrill of knowing they have cheated Death’s Younger Cousin, Grievous Injury, once again! 

As you can see, all of these accidents have one thing in common: You. The vast majority of ladders leave the factory in perfectly fit condition, ready to serve you safely for years – if you avoid these five common mistakes. 

 
Author Bio: Ladders Direct are a division of Clow Group Ltd, the largest privately owned manufacturer of access equipment in the UK. They have been manufacturing ladders for 100 years and are specialists in work at height ladder safety training. Connect with Ladders Direct on Twitter @Ladders_Direct.
 
Thanks for this humorous, yet serious post. 

 
Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

WORKING AT HEIGHTS: HOW TO AVOID DAMAGE AND SERIOUS INJURY (GUEST POST)

Sent to us by Karl Young.

Most people would be surprised by what the definition of working at heights is: work at height means working in any place where, if precautions were not taken, a person could fall down and injure themselves.

Work at height means working in any place where you work above ground level, could fall from an edge, through an opening or fragile surface; or could fall from ground level into an opening in a floor or hole in the ground. If your job requires you to work with any of the above dangerous then you will be working at height. If on a day to day basis you use working platforms such as scaffolds, tower scaffolds, cherry pickers, scissor lifts and podium steps, work on a roof, piece of plant or equipment; or use ladders or stepladders you and your employer need to be following the working at heights regulations.

Precautions

More often than not you will only be working at heights as a one off, you might be changing a light fitting or climbing a ladder to access storage space.  One of the best ways to ensure injury prevention at height is to carry out a risk assessment; this is a simple process which will help you choose the right precautions to take when working at heights.

Small businesses are often the ones that don’t have the right equipment in place to protect their employees from the dangers of working at heights. In most cases injuries and damage can be avoided by investing in long handled tools and other equipment that can sometimes be used to safety carry out a task from ground level.  Long handled brushes, roller paint brushes, water fed poles and hatch openers are just a few pieces of equipment that can enable any user to perform a basic task without the need to move above ground level.

Prevention

Employees are most often at risk from falling when working at heights, there are several methods of prevention for falling in the work place that can easily be implemented.  You can ensure the fixtures around you are safe and tight, ensure the roof of your premise if accessible is fitted with guard rails. You should always ensure that equipment purchased as a safety precaution is safe to use and has regular checks and maintenance.

Additional measure can be taken at work to reduce the risk of a fall. When using any equipment for work at height you need to ensure that:

  • The people using it are trained to use it safely;
  • It is regularly inspected and well maintained; and
  • The work is supervised to check people are working safely

The consequences of a fall can be minimised if you try and avoid and the prevent a fall before using measures that will only minimise or limit the consequences. A good example of this are safety nets, they can be installed around the edge of a premises roof to minimise the risk of injury if someone falls. Fall arrest equipment will also minimise injury if someone falls, providing the equipment is set up correctly, users know how to look after it and they understand its limitations.

The key to a safe and happy workplace is a knowledgeable employer and employee.  The failure to follow and adhere to regulations when working at heights can result in hefty fines and extreme cases employees being injured resulting in a lawsuit. It is best to be knowledgeable and smart when your employee needs to work at heights, visit your local authority’s website for more information on working heights regulations and precautions.  

The post was created by Karl Young on behalf of Loxam Access a leading specialist in the rental of Access Platforms, Access Equipment and Cherry Pickers.

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

WHICH TYPE OF SCAFFOLDING TOWER IS BEST FOR YOUR CONSTRUCTION PROJECT? (GUEST POST)

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Submitted by Matthew Wood. 

Scaffolding helps to shape some of the major construction or repair plans of buildings and provides the formwork for the materials that will keep such structures in place.

Without scaffolding we wouldn’t have such glorious architecture in place in our society today. One particular form of scaffolding comes in towers – these are designed for construction workers to make changes to structures above the ground. Hence the appearance of a vertical framework against the side of a building and the name ‘tower’.

Scaffold towers come in three different formats and each has different attributes to them that make them appealing for various construction jobs. 

Aluminium Scaffolding Towers

Aluminium scaffolding towers are lightweight and designed to be easy to use – making them an ideal solution for residential structures and tasks such as painting or installing a window. Typically, scaffolding can be made of steel but the aluminium structure is a much more practical answer if you’re looking for mobility. While aluminium scaffolding can be more expensive than steel, it is more durable and rust free.

Fibreglass Scaffolding Towers

 Fibreglass scaffolding towers are developed to provide functionality while prioritising safety. Because the structure is made of fibreglass, it can prevent hazards such as electrocution – making it the only solution for environments where electricity is present. Durable and easy to use, the fibreglass scaffolding tower is the most expensive type of scaffold tower on the market. These units come with straight forward setup instructions and are built by simply piecing them together. This also makes them a fantastic portability option – some structures even come with wheels so you don’t have to dismantle them.

Steel Scaffolding Towers

Steel scaffolding towers are the most traditional and common type of formwork structure on the market. Noted for being extremely durable, steel scaffolding towers are predominantly used when workers are dealing with large, heavy and articulated materials. However, these structures are difficult to move – mainly because of their excessive weight – and therefore should only be used for specific jobs that don’t require mobility. For all operations that require the use of heavy-weighted materials, steel scaffolding towers really are the only answer to your problems.

In conclusion

With the use of this article, assessing the respective needs of your construction and the requirements of the job in hand should now be able to help you to make an informed decision when choosing which scaffolding to invest in or hire.

An experienced and talented copywriter, Matthew Wood writes SEO savvy content for a collection of online publications and web projects.  Matthew’s latest work involves writing creative and engaging content on the subjects of Scaffolding Supplies and Formwork for the established online brand Unit Plant Services.

I might add that safety harnesses and safety lanyardsshould be used when working on scaffolds.  Thanks, Matthew, for this advice on selecting the right scaffolding tower.  pb

 

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Head Protection

WHY SCAFFOLDING TRAINING IS ESSENTIAL FOR ALL CONSTRUCTION BUSINESSES (GUEST POST)

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Submitted by Matthew Wood.  An experienced and talented copywriter, he writes SEO savvy content for a collection of online publications and web projects.  Matthew’s latest work involves writing creative and engaging content on the subjects of Form work and Kwikstage Scaffolding for the established online brand Unit Plant Services.

It may not be something that is at the top of your agenda but the value of scaffolding training really is priceless.

Owners of construction companies should ensure that all of their operatives who are involved with either the deployment or inspection of scaffolding should undergo the relative training needed to proficiently use the equipment.  Negligence in the operation of mounting and utilising scaffolding can result in devastating consequences such as damage to third party property, fines, cost of accident fees, injury to personnel and even death.

As such, I’m sure you’d agree that scaffolding training is absolutely vital for workers who are required to use the structures. This article will therefore highlight the applicable training courses for scaffolding and the benefits of such learning.

National Record Card Scheme & NVQ – Basic

This course is for the beginners who have no prior scaffolding training – although they must have at least six months experience as a scaffolder labourer. There are two parts to this course – which lasts around 20 days – and, upon completion, workers will be able to erect and dismantle scaffolding when working as part of a team. Part two of the course will include written and practical exams with an emphasis on working with different types of scaffolding.

Portfolio Build Level 2 Basic

If candidates have completed the aforementioned training then they are eligible to undertake a Portfolio course which teaches workers how to create and portray a collection of projects. This could be an excellent course for those looking to bolster their credentials when looking for employment in the construction industry.

NVQ Level 2 Assessment

This course – which requires the two basic parts of the National Record Card Scheme & NVQ to qualify for entry – has an emphasis on practical assessments which covers the theory that was undertaken during the basic training.

CISRS Advanced

To enter this course, candidates must hold a Basic Scaffolders Card. The training will involve the scaling and interpretation of construction drawings with workers learning how to erect and dismantle scaffolding a safe and correct manner. Upon completion, candidates will receive an Advanced Scaffolders certificate to represent their progress.

Portfolio Build Level 3 Advanced

This is a similar course to the previous portfolio guidance but will incorporate the subsequent training that works up to the Level 3 of scaffolding qualifications. 

NVQ Level 3 Assessment

Workers will undertake a number of practical tests in this course and cover the content that has been learnt during the advanced and Level 3 stage of scaffolding qualifications. Each of the candidates’ portfolios will also be examined in order to determine their level of understanding. At the end of the course, workers will be awarded documentation to show their competence against the required standards of scaffolding in construction – enabling them to apply for their CITB Advanced Record Card.

In the U.S., OSHA revised its scaffolds standard in 1996.  BLS studies showed that 25% of workers injured in scaffold accidents had received no scaffold safety training, and 77% of scaffolds were not equipped with guardrails.  OSHA estimates that informed employers and workers, in compliance with correct safety standards, can save as many as 50 lives and prevent 4,500 accidents every year.  In a recent Bureau of Labor study, 72% of workers injured in scaffold accidents attributed the accident either to the planking or support giving way, or to the employee slipping or being struck by a falling object.  The OSHA standard sets performance-based criteria to protect employees from scaffold-related hazards such as falls, falling objects, structural instability, electrocution, or overloading.  It also addresses training and various types of scaffolds, as well as falling object protection, ladders, weather conditions, aerial lifts, stilts, and other matters that are not covered in OSHA’s previous scaffolding standards.  Also, it allows employers more flexibility when using protective systems for working on scaffolds.  pb

 

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

HOW TO IMPLEMENT WINDOWS SAFETY MEASURES (GUEST POST)

While other people are mastering in looking for the most fashionable trends in window installation, others are alarmed of the news of how great the number of people, mostly children, who fall out of their windows. According to a research, roughly about 5,000 children nearly every year in the United States experience this unfortunate incident, and that which 28 percent of that number, required a hospital stay, and another who approximately died. Yes, this is a heartbreaking event, but also a thriving consequence for people who yearned for fashion, rather than safety. There’s always been a dichotomy to this matter: Safety vs. Fashion – which one would you choose? 

Designs for windows often turn into a challenge or major investments. Let’s face it! If you continue to accent windows in favor of a complex idea, you’ll never get an assurance of your child or any member of your family’s safety. It is time to hold a little back in fashion, and muse more on the preventive precautions you can associate with your windows. In that way, you’ll meet both in half- ways. 

Here are some tips you could do to secure safety in your home:

1.       Remember that an open window is always an invitation to a child. You should check if all windows have safety devices installed in them and that they are in good working order. These devices come with new windows, but you may purchase the devices alone. These could be wireless window transmitters that send coded commands to the window mechanism for open and close activity or a barrier bar alarm switch which is a deterrent made for basement windows, apertures, chimneys, and all other openings where your child can reach, and potentially fall.

2.       Educate your children on the risks provided when leaning against window screens. Screens are designed for the exchange of air and to keep insects out, not children.

3.       You may put up window guards. These are screwed into the sides of your window frames and have bars to support them. They are sold in different sizes for various size windows and may adjust for width.

4.       Strategic landscaping may reduce the degree of injury acquired in the event of a fall. Shrubs can help cushion potential falls, thus, cutting down accidents.

5.       Finally, while you’re childproofing your windows, take a moment to secure the curtain pulls or blind cords that are out of reach. They may play with it, and in an event, may strangle themselves. 

These are just some of the many helpful means of keeping your home safe by modifying your windows function and design, and being a little more careful. Remember to take no chances with windows safety. Home security is a must. 

Author Bio: John Anderson, a Southeastern American, graduated from Tennessee State University. He specializes in home improvement and is now, the online content coordinator for securitysytemspro.com. You may follow him in Twitter @ JohnAnderson090.

Eye Protection, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection

A GUIDE TO SAFETY EQUIPMENT FOR RENOVATION AND CONSTRUCTION (Guest Post)

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) under the United States Department of Labor, there were 4,690 workplace fatalities in 2010 alone out of which 774 were in construction. These deaths were mostly related to safety hazards that could have been potentially avoided. The number one cause of death was falling, followed by electrocution, then being struck by an object, and lastly getting caught in or between things. These four major causes were addressed by OSHA and guidelines were provided to ensure safety among construction and renovation workers.

The proper use of safety equipment can also prevent injuries and fatalities at construction sites. Although required by law in many states, a large number of workers tend to ignore the importance of safety equipment. The following steps are guide to using safety equipment for renovation and construction work.

Avoiding Falls With Proper Fall Protection Equipment

Personal fall protection equipment is a necessity at any construction site. Whether the renovation or construction requires climbing high buildings or remodelling a small home, safety equipment is absolutely essential. Falling is the number one cause of death at construction sites, making protection against it highly important. Some of the main reasons for falling include floor openings, unprotected walls and side holes, wrong scaffold construction, protruding steel and iron bars, and portable ladder misuse.

OSHA requires that any openings six feet or more should be protected with a guardrail or safety net system. Moreover, all construction sites should be inspected prior to work for any hidden openings or holes that can pose a danger to workers. These “fall prevention systems” are known to be a better option than “fall protection systems.” Fall protection systems consist of safety equipment like safety belts, full body harnesses, lanyards, lifelines, rope grabs, shock absorbers, carabiners, and anchors. All fall protection systems must be checked for size, manufacturer’s identification, usage, date of manufacture, and model number.

Safety Equipment to Avoid Electrocutions

Electrocution is the second main cause of deaths among construction workers. Some of the serious forms of danger that workers are exposed to when working around electrical materials include thermal burns, arc flashes, electric shocks, and blasts. There are two protection systems that need to be in place when working with electricity: Insulating Protective Equipment (IPE) and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

1. Insulating Protective Equipment (IPE)
According to OSHA the following insulation protection should be included when dealing with electricity: 

  • Insulation should be provided for “(rubber) line hose, blankets, and hoods”
  • Insulation for “barriers made of fiberglass or phenolic resin”
  • “Live-line tools, such as hotsticks, switchsticks, and shotgun sticks”
  • “Plastic or fiberglass hardcover items that can be installed with live-line tools”

2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Workers are required to use Personal Protective Equipment and workwear to protect against electrical hazards. The US Department of Labor suggests that all workers should be provided with training on how to properly use PPE. Security and hazard assessment should also be performed prior to any electrical work to judge the amount and level of PPE needed. Here are some of the PPE frequently used when working with electrical equipment:

  • Eye and face protection, such as safety glasses and face shields
  • Rubber gloves with insulation and leather protection
  • Industrial Hard hats
  • Safety shoes
  • Insulating sleeves
  • Chemical protection gloves
  • Flare resistant clothing

 Similarly, “struck-by” and other construction related fatalities can be avoided if proper measures and safety plans are put in place. OSHA requires that these measures are also taken care of when using construction vehicles. All vehicles must be fully inspected to guarantee functioning lights, brakes, mirrors, and other areas operating safely. To prevent hazards from falling objects, always make sure to wear a hard hat, goggles, and other protective gear. Load-carrying vehicles should be checked for safety prior to usage and all tools should be secured in place to avoid falling on people.

Almost all injuries and deaths can be avoided if workers are provided with proper guidelines on how to operate under different conditions with the necessary safety equipment. While some workers often tend to neglect these safety measures assuming that they are mere hindrances to their workflow, these measures are put in place for a reason — the safety and security of themselves and those around them. 

Below are listed some useful resources for those people that want to find out and read more about this topic:

Resources
http://www.osha.gov/oshstats/commonstats.html
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/construction/index.html
http://www.worksafebc.com/publications/health_and_safety/by_topic/assets/pdf/fall_protection.pdf

 

Our thanks to Lucy James for this very helpful article! pb

Eye Protection, Fall Safety, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, High Visibility Safety

IT’S TIME FOR THE “TOP TEN” MOST DANGEROUS JOBS IN THE U.S.

Back in 2009, we featured posts about the Top Ten Most Dangerous Jobs in our country;  we recently read an article about the same subject. Not surprisingly, many of the same ones continue to be on the list.  We want to review with you these hazardous jobs, both then and now, plus a few that we had listed three years ago.

FISHING: Fishers and fishing workers really have the most dangerous job in the country.  They must deal with inclement weather, malfunctioning gear, and transportation incidents that all add up to the fact that this profession has had the highest rate in the U.S. since 1992.  Their fatality rate is 116 per 100,000 workers, and average annual salary is $25,590.

LOGGING WORKERS:  More than one-half of incidents injuring loggers are the result of being struck by an object. (Maybe a tree?)  Loggers spend most of their days outside with terrible weather, heavy machinery, and high altitudes, and, according to the AxMen show, bad attitudes toward co-workers!  Fatality rate is 91.9 per 100,000 workers – 59 total, with the average annual salary being $32,870.

Next, AIRLINE PILOTS AND FLIGHT ENGINEERS.  Our top ten list in 2009 showed that small aircraft – cropdusters, banner planes, fire-fighting planes were more liable to experience crashes, especially the Alaskan bush pilots, because of sudden weather changes.  We cannot dispute that those who hold so many souls in their hands have a very huge responsibility every time they get behind the wheel.  The fatality rate is 70.6 per 100,000 workers, or 78 total.  Average annual salary for airline pilots is $118,070 and $76,050 for commercial pilots.

FARMERS AND RANCHERS:  Those who grow the very foods we consume and materials for our clothing are always among the most dangerous professions.  Their hours are very long, they must operate heavy machinery and equipment, and contrary animals.  Their fatality rate is 41.4 per 100,000 workers, or 300 total.  An average salary is estimated to be $60,750.

MINING:  Fifty countries in the world produce coal.  Besides risking health problems, such as “black lung” disease, they must risk suffocation, roof collapses, explosions.  Standard equipment must be worn by miners, including hardhats, goggles, hardhat lights, gloves, and steel-toed boots.  Heavy materials, close quarters and explosives all played into mining’s high fatality rate.  Mining machines operators have a rate of 38.7 per 100,000 workers, or 23 fatalities total.  The average annual salary for miners is $37,230 to $89,440.

ROOFERS:  Falls are one of the leading causes of fatal injuries or non-fatal injuries from working on roofs.  General construction work is among the most injury-prone jobs.  Everyone working at heights should be mandated to be fitted with fall-arrest equipment.  The fatality rate is 32.4 per 100,000 workers, or 57 total annually.  Their annual salary is $34,220.

REFUSE AND RECYCLABLE MATERIAL COLLECTORS:  Better known as waste management professionals, these guys were on our list in 2009, as well.  Their risk factors include getting hit by passers-by, compressed in equipment, and handling chemical or toxic materials such as improperly disposed needles.  This job was also listed as #4 in the most dangerous occupation for nonfatal injuries, primarily lacerations.  Fatality rate is 29.8 per 100,000 workers – 26 total, and average annual salary is $34,420.

TRUCK DRIVERS:  In our 2009 report, it was stated that many truck drivers crashed because of the carelessness of other drivers.  Seventy per cent of truckers who crashed as the result of  someone getting in their way.  Think about this the next time you cut in front of a truck that may weigh 40 tons.  Who do you think would win this race?  Truckers face long hours and overexertion.  Their fatality rate is 21.8 per 100,000 workers – 683 total.  Average salary $37,930 for heavy truck drivers and $29,080 for light truck drivers.

STUNTMAN:  This job did not make our 2009 list.  It  is still considered one of the most dangerous in the country due to long hours, and obvious dangers of their stunt. The last available figures showed 2.5 fatalities per 1,000 stunt workers.  Average annual salary $70,000.

LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS:  These folks always make the top ten most dangerous jobs list.  One hundred and thirty four police and sheriff’s patrol officers lost their lives on the job in 2010, a 40 per cent increase over 2009.  Fatality rate is 18 per 100,000 workers: 133 total.  Average annual salary is $56,250.  Our park rangers and border partrol officers are facing more violence every day because of drug cartels.

TAXI DRIVERS were on our list back in 2009.  Those who work in large cities risk violence every day, with every passenger they pick up.  It is an occupation where you don’t trust anyone.  GPS devices can track where the taxis are, and the company can keep up with them accordingly.  OSHA has suggested they work with an open mike switch, be equipped with a first aid kit and flashlight, are in constant communication with dispatch, have bullet-proof partitions and on-board cameras.

We feel sure you know of other jobs that should be counted among the most dangerous.  Firefighters, drilling rig workers, utility workers, roadway workers, some that perform green jobs – these and more can be very stressful.  Ones’ profession should be chosen with care.  If it is what you love doing, then go for it.  If you are not sure that it’s a safe choice, go down another road.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor; Bankrate.com

Ergonomics, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Health Issues

AN ANNUAL REMINDER: JUNE IS NATIONAL SAFETY MONTH

 

The National Safety Council is the organizer of  “June – National Safety Month”.  This year’s theme is “Safety 24/7”, because the National Safety Council says, “injuries and deaths off the job greatly outnumber those on the job.” 

That is a pretty frightening thought; however, if you think back, you may remember some close calls you have already had this year.  Maybe you started daydreaming while driving, and ventured a little too far into another lane on the road.  Maybe you thought you could do that one text while driving, only to look up to another close call.  Did you do something at work, that could have hurt someone else, or yourself?  This could be a good time to focus on staying safe, both at home, work, or play. 

There is a different safety focus for each week in June.  Week #1 is Employee Wellness and PALA+ Challenge.  (PALA stands for the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award Plus challenge.  PALA+ is designed for anyone who wants to improve ones lifestyle by eating healthier and exercising more.  Employers will be showing their commitment to their employees’ health and safety by starting this program up.   It’s just common-sense that by eating well and exercising, we all feel better.  What better time to start exercising either at work, or after work than now?  Many industries offer fitness centers for their employees to utilize.  Exercise and proper diet are important to every individual that desires to get healthy and stay that way. 

Week #2 is focusing on Ergonomics.  This is the science of fitting the job to the worker by designing tasks and furnishing equipment to suit the capability of each worker.  The secret is to prevent injury before it occurs.  Those workers in the healthcare field who are constantly lifting and assisting patients come to mind when thinking of ergonomics.  Also, those who work in warehouses, or office workers require proper ergonomics training.  Sitting at a desk all day requires proper posture, lighting, and ergonomically correct furniture. 

Week #3 focus is on Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls.  Falls are one of the most common injuries in the workplace.  Falls usually result from a slip or trip.  Housekeeping is essential to protecting workers by keeping obstacles out of the walkways, furnishing good lighting, and mopping and waxing floors when workers are away from the work area.  Loose carpet or rugs, and poorly placed electric cords have also been known to cause nasty falls. 

(One more thing about falls: recently, an elderly man we know fell and lay on the floor all night, until his daughter checked on him the next day.  He couldn’t reach his cell phone and wasn’t wearing a call-alert button.  If you know someone who stays at home alone, please see that they get this life-saving device that can immediately summon someone to help.) 

Last, but not least: Week #4 is “Driving Safely!”  How on earth to we get the message across to drivers to be safe?  It seems that we all truly want to be careful drivers, yet when we get behind the wheel, our personalities change!  (Maybe not all, but some of us!)  We just published an article about “Click It or Ticket” – these officers mean business about fastening that seatbelt.  They also are very serious if a driver is caught drinking while driving or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  There’s several culprits that contribute to distracted driving, especially cell phones.  Please, don’t text and drive!  Surely you have time to share that conversation through text or talk after you get home!  Please, for the safety of others on the road, do the right thing and turn the phone off.  The last thing my husband instructs me to do before I leave for a road trip alone is to Drive Defensively, as he has always said you never know what the other person is going to do.   

We hope you will use this information to keep yourselves and others safe.  We have wrapped up National Safety Month in one article; however, all these subjects we have written about or will continue to in future posts.  Texas America Safety Company and Blog4Safety are dedicated to helping keep you safe.