Category Archives: Head Protection

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Protective Clothing

ESSENTIAL SAFETY EQUIPMENT FOR MOTOCROSS (GUEST POST)

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Essential Safety Equipment for Motocross 

Needless to say, Motocross is an exciting but very risky sport. As they usually take place in the outdoors, chances of accidents and subsequent injuries are higher. Flying particles like rock, dust, mud and other debris can compromise your vision and cause accidents. Alternatively, it is also possible that your motorbike may face mechanical difficulties during the race. To keep possible injuries to a minimum, it is important to invest heavily in safety.  

Most common Motocross injuries 

Being an extreme sport, injuries are very common in Motocross races. A medical research shows that at least 95% of Motocross racers sustain injuries after a race. These researchersafety s also pointed out that engaging in Motocross causes extreme stress to all parts of the body with most injuries commonly occurring during falls or crashes. Owing to the high speed and the force of crashes, injuries in Motocross events can be serious, including fatal spinal cord injuries. 

These injuries occur at bends of the track and during landing, making protective gear even more important. Some of the most common injuries include broken wrists, collar bones, ankles, joint sprains and the rupturing of the knee joint. Most physiotherapists recommend the use of knee braces, shoulder supports, wrist supports, ankle braces and wrist casts for motocross injuries. For muscle strains caused by the sport, you should opt for regular ice packs and cold therapy. Keeping a first aid kit handy is also a good option. 

Safety gear for Motocross events 

Considering the past record of Motocross events, injuries are a part and parcel of the game. However, there are many steps you can take to keep your injuries to a minimum. Every rider taking part in Motocross is required to have safety gear without which they are not allowed to participate. 

Motocross helmets are undoubtedly one of the most important parts of the safety gear as they are responsible for safeguarding your head and neck. You should also invest in high quality goggles made from tough and scratch resistant polycarbonate. This ensures that the goggles do not crack on impact and continue to shield your eyes. You should also invest in strong boots to protect your ankle, shin and foot from the stress of riding. Invest in quality gloves to protect your hands from impact. Boots and gloves also help you maintain a grip on your bike without being bound to it. 

Motocross clothing generally includes protective jackets, shirts and pants. It is important to protect your legs from injuries. To avoid small rocks and other particles hitting your legs and affecting your race, you should opt for padded motocross pants with additional internal lining for cushion. Riders also opt for Motocross jackets with chest guards as it is the largest area of impact during a crash. The chest is also most often exposed to strain from handle bars and protecting it with a multilayered shirt or jacket is a wise idea. 

Penny is an expert associated with POA Racing. a UK based online seller of quality Motocross equipment. The store stocks branded Motocross safety gear for racers including Motocross helmets, clothing and other essentials.

Thank you, Penny, for this interesting post on Motocross safety.  It is a very exciting sport for those who love taking risks; however, some folks may prefer a simple little bicycle for their mode of transportation!  We appreciate your participation on our Blog4Safety. pb

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Head Protection

TIPS ON TREATING COMMON INJURIES

 Sooner or later, someone at work or in your household will experience one or more of the injuries listed below.  We want to share these suggestions on what to do, what not to do, and when to seek medical attention.  Please keep these instructions where you can find them – inside your first aid kit would be good.  Hopefully, you may never need them, but just in case………… 

  • Bloody Nose:  When delicate blood vessels in the nose break, a nosebleed will follow.
  • Do: Lean slightly forward and pinch your nose just below the bridge, where the cartilage and the bone come together; maintain the pressure for 5 to 15 minutes.  An ice pack pressed against the bridge may also help.
  • Don’t: Tilt your head back.  You may swallow blood,  and potentially some could go into your lungs.
  • When to Seek Medical Attention: If the bleeding hasn’t stopped after 20 minutes; if the nosebleed happened spontaneously; or if it accompanies a headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears, or vision problems.

 

  • Sprain: Sprains happen when the ligaments surrounding a joint are pulled beyond their normal range.  Sprains may also appear swollen and bruised.
  • Do: Alternately apply and remove ice every 20 minutes throughout the first day.  Wrapping the joint with elastic compression bandage and elevating the injury may help.  Stay off the injured limb at least 24 hours.  After that, apply heat to promote blood flow to the area.
  • Don’t: Work through the pain; you may risk more damage, like tearing the ligament.
  • Medical Attention: If the injury fails to improve in a few days, call a doctor – you may have a fracture or a muscle or ligament tear.

 

  • Burn: Third-degree burns result in broken or blackened skin.  Second-degree burns cause blisters, and first-degree burns produce redness.
  • DO: Place the burn under cool running water, submerge it in a bath, or apply wet towels. Loosely bandage a first-or second-degree burn for protection.
  • Don’t: Put an ice pack on major burns.  This may damage the skin and worsen the injury.  Also, don’t pop blisters, and don’t apply an antibiotic or butter to burns, because this can lead to infection.
  • Medical Attention: Call 911 for third-degree, electrical and chemical burns, or if the victim is coughing, has watery eyes, or trouble breathing.  Go to the ER for a second-degree burn that’s larger than your palm; treatment may prevent scarring.

 

  • Choking: When a person is really choking, he can’t cough strongly, speak, or breathe, and his face may turn red or blue.  (I have seen this happen, and it took the Heimlich maneuver to save this person.) 
  • Do: Call 911.  If it is an older person, have him/her lean forward, and using the palm of your hand, strike his back between the shoulder blades five times.  When that doesn’t work, stand behind the victim, place one fist above the belly button, cup the fist with your other hand, and push in and up toward the ribs five times, as in the Heimlich.  If you are alone, press your abdomen against something firm, like a kitchen counter, or use your hands.
  • Don’t: Give water or anything else to someone who is coughing.
  • Medical Attention: Always call 911 when it is true choking.  The universal sign for choking is when the victim wraps his hands around his throat to gesture that he is choking and needs help.

 

  • Open Wound: Cuts, scrapes or punctures need to be treated promptly to avoid infection.
  • Do: Place sterile gauze on the injury and apply pressure to stop the bleeding.  Wash minor cuts and scrapes with soap and water, and follow with a thin layer of Vaseline or an antibiotic ointment and cover with a bandage.
  • Don’t: Wash or apply ointment to a wound that is large, deep, or profusely bleeding.  Don’t try to remove an object protruding from the wound.
  • Medical Attention: Call 911, especially if there’s an object in the cut.  Call your doctor if the wound is deep, accompanied by a fever, or has redness, swelling or red streaks around it.

 

  • Poisoning: Cleaning supplies, carbon monoxide and pesticides are potential household and work hazards.  Also, some persons may be allergic to bee stings and insect bites. 
  • Do: Call 911 if the person is unconscious or having trouble breathing.  Otherwise, call the Poison Control Centers’ national hotline (800-222-1222).  Be ready to tell what substance was involved, how much was taken and when, and the age and weight of the victim.
  • Don’t: Wait for symptoms to appear to call for help.  Don’t give ipecac syrup or try to induce vomiting.  The poison could cause additional damage when it comes back up.  Don’t let the victim eat or drink anything unless the hotline operator tells you to do so.
  • Medical Attention: Always.

 

  • Blow to the Head:  Because the skull is very protective, hitting it rarely results in injuries to the skull itself.  However, if the force is great, the neck, back, and soft tissues inside the head can be injured.  (This is also a good time to remind those who work where something may get dropped on them, or they may run into the sides of things, nothing beats wearing a hardhat!)
  • Do: Call 911 if the person is unconscious.  Treat a bleeding struck area the same as any other cut, but follow up with your doctor, as there could be internal injuries.  Putting an ice pack on a small bump can help reduce the swelling.
  • Don’t: Leave the victim alone, especially when he’s sleeping.  Wake him/her up every three to four hours and have him answer simple questions to make sure there’s no brain injury, such as a concussion.
  • Medical Attention: Call 911 if the victim exhibits seizures, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, or obvious changes in behavior.

Again, let’s hope there won’t be a need for you to render this type of aid; but accidents happen, and it pays to be prepared.

 

Source: realsimple.com/injury

 

 

 

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

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Head Protection, High Visibility Safety, Protective Clothing

SAFETY TIPS FOR TWO-WHEELERS!

 

The Month of May recognizes two types of riders: first, Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and second, Bike Month.  We felt that this would be a good time to feature both forms of riding,  and the safety factors involved to keep all cyclists safe on the roads. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) supports Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.  Temperatures are on the rise and motorcyclists and bicyclists are taking to the roads.  This is the time to remind all drivers to share the highways and streets.  The League of American Bicyclists sponsors Bike Month. This year Bike to Work Week is May 14-18, (so think about it), and Bike to Work Day is Friday, May 18th.  The inaugural Bike to School Day is May 9, 2012.  This is a chance to celebrate the unique power of the bicycle and the many reasons we ride.  Regardless of your reason to ride – commuting to work or school, saving money or time, preserving your health or the environment, exploring your community –  get involved in Bike Month, and possibly recruit more people in your community to ride bikes, as well! 

First, we want to furnish safety tips for bicycle riders; however, many of them apply to motorcyclists, as well. 

  • Follow the rules of the road.
  • Ride with traffic and obey the same laws as motorists.
  • Use the rightmost lane that heads in the direction that you are traveling.
  • Always look back and use hand and arm signals to indicate your intention to stop, merge, or turn.
  • Obey all traffic control devices, such as stop signs, lights, and lane markings.
  • Be visible.
  • Ride where drivers can see you.
  • Wear brightly colored clothing at all times.
  • At night, use a white front light and red rear light or reflector.  Wear reflective tape or clothing.
  • Be Predictable.
  • Ride in a straight line and don’t swerve between parked cars.
  • Do not ride on the sidewalk.
  • Make eye contact with motorists to let them know you are there.
  • Anticipate conflicts.
  • Be aware of traffic around you and be prepared to take evasive action.
  • Be extra alert at intersections.
  • Learn braking and turning techniques to avoid crashes.
  • Wear a helmet.
  • Make sure that the helmet fits on top of your head, not tipped back or forward.
  • After a crash or any impact that affects your helmet, visible or not, replace it immediately. 

Are you aware that over two-thirds of vehicle-motorcycle accidents are caused by drivers, not motorcyclists, and lead to more serious injuries and deaths?  The main reason is that drivers tend to look for other vehicles and don’t notice cyclists until it is too late.  There are no seatbelts on motorcycles, of course, so a rider can easily be thrown off in an accident.  Here are some safety tips for motorcyclists:

  • Practice defensive riding.  Avoid riding in blind spots, use turn signals, and extra caution when passing a vehicle.
  • Position yourself to be seen.  Lane placement will help you see further and others see you.
  • Protective eyewear and protective clothing will serve as a buffer from the impact of an accident.
  • Wear a helmet even if it is not required in your state.  Generally speaking, those who wear a helmet suffer far less head injuries and/or are less seriously injured. 

Last, but not least, here are some safety tips for drivers of automobiles and trucks:

  • Be aware of motorcycles and bicycles at intersections and when they may be making a left turn or changing lanes.
  • Anticipate a rider’s maneuver: obstructions that you do not notice may be deadly for a rider.
  • Don’t follow too closely behind a motorcycle; allow plenty of room. 
  • Be courteous to bicycle riders.
  • Be mindful that motorcyclists and bicyclists have the same rights and privileges as other drivers. 

Increased safety will result in increased awareness.  Drive friendly!  Let’s make it a safe summer for everyone.

 

Source: League of American Bicyclists; NHTSA

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

MAY IS NATIONAL ELECTRIC SAFETY MONTH

The theme of this year’s National Electrical Safety Month is “Be in the Know about the New.”  Sponsored by the Electrical Safety Foundation (ESFI), a non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety in the home, school, and workplace.  This month’s observance is to increase public awareness of electrical hazards in order to reduce the number of electricity-related fires, fatalities, injuries, and property loss.  We often take electricity for granted.  There are new ways of furnishing electricity, such as solar power and wind power.  The electricity that you use in your home travels through an electrical grid, going through an interconnected network of generating plants, transformers, and transmission lines.  

Solar power is derived from sunlight.  Sunlight can be directly utilized, converted in electrical energy, or converted into mechanical energy.  This is an important source of sustainable alternate energy.  Three common types of solar power are:

  •         Passive Solar
  •         Photovoltaic (Solar Cells)
  •         Solar Thermal (Electric Power Plants)

Solar power is advantageous for its cost effectiveness and environmental friendliness.  However, before choosing to install a solar power system for your home there are a variety of considerations.

  •          Your property should have open rooftop space or land that is free of shade five hours per day. 
  •          You should have your home evaluated by a licensed, qualified professional to ensure it can support this new technology.
  •          Only professionals should be hired to install and repair solar panels at your home or workplace.
  •          Building, electrical, and plumbing codes also apply to solar power installations.
  •         Solar power systems present unique safety challenges for fire fighters.  In the event of a fire, inform all officials of the use of solar panels as well as  identify the type used, in order to help them assess the risks. 

Wind power has become more mainstream in recent years.  The power of the wind is harnessed and transformed into electrical energy through the use of wind turbines; when wind blows over the blades of the wheel, it creates lift, causing them to turn.  The blades are connected to a shaft, which turns an electric generator, thus converting kinetic energy into electric energy.

Here again, there are certain aspects that homeowners should consider, such as:

  •          An average annual wind speed of at least 10 mph is considered necessary to make a small wind system economical.
  •          Determine the requirement and costs for connecting your system to the grid by checking with your utility company.
  •          Be sure of your household electricity needs and purchase the correct size wind turbine. 

We have named a couple of new sources of electric energy.  One thing remains: electricity is dangerous.  Here are some things you should know about electrical safety: 

  •          Arcing faults are one of the major causes of more than 50,000 home electrical fires that occur each year in the United States.  This is a dangerous problem caused by damaged, overheated, or stressed electrical wiring or devices.
  •          GFCI’s (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters are designed to protect people from shock and electrocution.  They constantly monitor electricity flowing in a circuit, and switch off power if they sense any loss of current.  According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, GFCI’s could prevent over two-thirds of home electrocutions that occur each year.
  •         TRR’s (Tamper Resistant Receptacles) look like regular outlets, but are designed with spring-loaded receptacle cover plates that close off the receptacle openings, or slots.  The 2011 National Electrical Code (NEC) requires installation of TRRs in all new homes because they have proven to be so effective.
  •          Every year in the U.S. more than 2,400 children under ten years old are treated in emergency rooms for electric shock or burns caused by tampering with a wall outlet, which could have been prevented by having TRRs in the home. 

It is estimated that electricity causes 140,000 fires each year.  Electricity kills almost 400 people and injures thousands more annually.  Most could have been avoided with an increased awareness of electrical safety.  Power line contact with construction equipment, ladders, and gardening tools are among the leading cause of electrocutions.  Flickering lights, overloaded circuits, and discolored outlets and light switch faceplates indicate the need for electrical upgrades.  By addressing these hazards, lives can be saved, injuries reduced, and economic losses caused by electrical fires will be lessened.

Utility company personnel are required to wear several types of Personal Protective Equipment, such as special safety glasses with dielectric hinges designed without metal parts, hard hats, antistatic shoes and antistatic coveralls (flame retardant).  

This article was shared with Jack Rubinger,  http://graphicproducts.blogspot.com/2012/04/may-is-national-electrical-safety-month.html 

Source: Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI)

 

 

 

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

HOW TO IMPROVE SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE (GUEST POST)

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Free PPE Guide from Graphic Products Lists 12 Major Workplace Hazard Categories and Required PPE for Each Category

By Jack Rubinger, jarubinger@graphicproducts.com, 503-469-3024

Safety in the workplace is easy to neglect but the price of doing so can be high. Think increased Worker’s Comp and debilitating injuries. Certain procedures have been proven to increase workplace safety. So if you’re serious about safety, conduct an Industrial Facility Safety Audit at your workplace.  One reason? In the U.S. in 2005, OSHA conducted more than 38,700 inspections and over 85,000 violations were issued – almost half were un-programmed or surprise inspections.

Getting Started

Have you stopped and thought about facility-wide safety? If so, what activities were checked and implemented?  The following criteria should determine the task prioritization:

  • ·Accident frequency and severity
  • ·Potential for severe injuries and illness
  • ·New jobs
  • ·Infrequently performed jobs

Encourage co-workers to get on board with safety. Take a closer look at your facility and equipment. Then, re-read all the applicable documentation and chat with coworkers who work in these areas.

When evaluating the facility, assess the following:

  • ·Are workers wearing appropriate PPE – hard hats, boots, reflective vests?
  • ·Warehouse signage. Hazardous carbon monoxide fumes may be present around loading docks and forklifts. Clear all aisles for better traffic flow.
  • · Go through chemical storage areas. Look for spills, exposure to flammable materials, proper air flow and leaks.
  • ·Maintenance shops must be examined for chemicals hazards such as gas, solvents and cleaning supplies and possible electrical (arc flash) and mechanical hazards that need to be identified.
  • ·Ensure large format RTK and arc flash labels (6” x 9” and larger) are used in locations where greater visibility is needed.
  • · Turn off and lock out energy sources when machines are serviced to prevent accidents. Energy sources that can’t be locked out must be tagged out.
  • ·Buildings must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Life Safety Code 101. Check exits and restrooms for proper and required signage.
  • ·Conduct a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA).

Consultant James Pryor has conducted and been on the receiving end of many industrial facility safety audits. “The JHA, if conducted properly, is the single most important tool in preventing accidents,” explained Pryor.

JHA steps include:

  • ·Selecting job to be analyzed
  • ·Breaking job into sequences
  • ·Identifying hazards
  • ·Determining preventive measures to overcome hazards

It doesn’t help to develop a to-do list that winds up on a manager’s shelf. Safety action plans should be a work in progress. After the audit has been conducted and changes and corrections have been made, document the following in a safety log book and make it available:

  • ·Have injuries decreased?
  • ·Has exposure to potential hazards decreased?
  • ·Have attitudes changed? This is hard to gauge unless surveys and open discussions are conducted and recorded.
  • ·Have changes been made to increase safety?

While an industrial facility safety audit should result in a mutually-agreeable number of restorative phases to apply, consider this: Do you feel safe at work? If the answer “no,” then you’ve got your work cut out for you.

# # #

Texas America Safety Company and Blog4Safety wish to thank Jack for these instructions on how to keep your workers safe and compliant.  We appreciate the information and hope you will think about following his instructions for a safe workplace. 

General Safety Issues, Head Protection

HELMET LAW REPEALS: TWO OPPOSING VIEWS – GUEST POST

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Michigan’s recent helmet law repeal has people debating over whether helmet laws are a matter of personal safety or public affairs. Michigan now allows motorcyclists over the age of 21 to ride without a helmet as long as they carry $20,000 worth of additional insurance and have passed a motorcycle safety course within the last two years. Many motorcyclists are excited about this development, as they believe that wearing a helmet comes down to personal safety, and should be their choice. Opponents of the bill say that the repeal will spell out millions of dollars a year in additional healthcare costs, paid by the government and state taxpayers, which could be prevented if all riders wore helmets.

According to statistics, motorcycle helmets reduce the chance of fatality in a crash by 37%. A motorcyclist riding “lid-free” is 40% more likely to suffer from a fatal head injury. Oklahoma is an example of a state that enforces helmet use for riders under a specific age – in this case, anyone under the age of 18.

Currently, twenty nine states have repealed a universal helmet law. A total of 19 states still require all motorcyclists to wear helmets. Another 28 states enforce some motorcyclists to wear helmets, usually requiring it for riders under a specific age, such as Michigan and Oklahoma. Only three states currently have no motorcycle helmet laws in place – New Hampshire, Iowa and Illinois.

After Florida repealed  its motorcycle helmet laws in 2002, it saw a 40% increase in riders admitted to hospitals to treat motorcycle injuries, and the fatality rate rose by 24%. The costs to treat motorcycle injuries, where head wounds were the primary focus, increased by $22 million dollars in the first two and a half years following the repeal.

Smarter-usa.org claims that only slightly more than half of all motorcycle crash victims have private health insurance, which means the millions of dollars in annual injury healthcare costs for uninsured riders is paid by the government (aka taxpayer dollars). Michigan’s repealed law requires riders to have personal health insurance, plus additional insurance- though many say it is not enough. The average motorcycle claim paid by the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association is $418,000 – hardly touched by the additional $20,000 of insurance that Michigan bikers are being required to carry.

Bikers who oppose helmet laws say that such laws infringe on their rights. They argue that personal safety is their own choice and is not a decision that should be made by lawmakers. Some cite that other activities such as alcohol consumption and the use of tobacco cause more deaths and cost the economy much more in healthcare costs, and yet the law does not prohibit the use of these substances because the use of these products is a personal choice.

Some bikers who oppose helmet laws also point out that allowing motorcyclists to ride “lid-free” will encourage tourism to the state, boosting the state economy.
Others still, say that most motorcycle accidents, whether the bikers are wearing helmets or not, are caused by negligence or lack of experience – things a helmet can’t fix.

Whatever side of the fence you are on, one thing is clear – this is a heated topic, and one that will continue to stir debate as more states consider repealing their own helmet laws. But for now, many Michigan motorcyclists are happy to feel the wind in their hair as they ride home, for the first time, without a helmet.

Noble McIntyre is an experienced Oklahoma motorcycle accident attorney and the senior partner and owner of McIntyre Law.  Thank you, Noble, for this very informative article.  It’s hard to understand why anyone would be “hard-headed” enough to take chances by not protecting their head!

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, High Visibility Safety, Protective Clothing, Uncategorized

OFFSHORE DRILLING SAFETY – Joint Post

Offshore Rig Safety – Joint Post

Pat Brownlee writes for  Texas America Safety Company, (Blog4Safety), http://www.tasco-safety.com/ and David Beastall writes on behalf of Acre Resources,  who recruit for health and safety jobs.

Offshore drilling provides 24 percent of U.S. oil and 25 per cent of U.S. gas supply, but not without inherent occupational risks.

Personnel who work on offshore rigs normally work two weeks on and two weeks off. Their mode of transportation to and from platforms is usually by helicopter, unless situated close enough they can travel by vessel. As a result every employee must be trained on how to be deployed to and from helicopters.

The Gulf of Mexico has a constant flow of helicopter traffic, and the weather over the Gulf varies from fog to strong winds, thunderstorms, and hurricanes. In the United States, personnel safety for offshore drilling requires proper training in compliance with OSHA and American Petroleum Institute Standards.

The Health and Safety Executive in the UK recorded a fall in unintended oil and gas leaks in 2011 with the trend still present leading into the first quarter of 2012. However the HSE findings were that there are still further steps that need to be taken in order to reduce the risk of unnatural environmental disasters and occupational health and safety risks for drilling crews and energy professionals out in the field.

The number of leaks from hydrocarbons is seen as an important KPI and indication of how successful the offshore industries around the world are at managing major risks. Accidents and loss of life show a strong correlation to unintended sea oil and gas leaks.

So how is the offshore energy industry tackling health and safety responsibilities?

Rig specialists in safety are usually required to have a bachelor’s or associate degree in occupational health or public safety. These safety officers or advisors are responsible for emergency planning and implementation, conducting safety audits, and seeing that any safety-related problems are corrected. Offshore rig workers have a different kind of safety culture, as they not only must contend with the hazards of a land-based drilling rig, but the responsibilities that accompany working in a marine environment, and the costs of mistakes that might be made. They must be prepared on what to do in case of a fire or blow-out or other incident.

Demand for health and safety professionals who can provide foresight, analysis and manage the risks heavily involved and associated with high risk occupations and jobs are shown to be increasing demand. This is in part because natural carbon resource and energy suppliers are keen to avoid the potential fallout rather than investing in post disaster management. Such incidents that result in the loss of billions of dollars to put things back on the right track are often later revealed to have been avoidable in the first place were health and safety not ignored or corners cut in an attempt to squeeze down costs.

The last line of defense when something goes wrong on any job, is personal protective equipment, (PPE). Employers are responsible for training workers on how to use their safety gear and enforce the use of these pieces of equipment, which include hardhats, goggles or safety glasses, safety shoes, flotation devices, fire-retardant coveralls, and more.  The PPE any man or woman wears can be the difference between sustaining a minor injury to receiving a permanent disability. The protection it provides is limited, but the use of PPE is crucial.

Ensuring workers are comprehensively trained in how to use the personal protective equipment and potentially lifesaving resources available to them however can make a huge difference when the unexpected happens.

Nearly a year on from the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, the attitudes and corporate culture surrounding the offshore energy industry are now seen to be changing, partly in response to some of the worst man-made environmental disasters experienced within the industry. The Deep Water Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico involved BP and one of their leased deep sea drilling rigs located within close proximity to the United States. When this exploded, 11 men were killed and many others sustained serious injury in the process alongside the consequences and environmental damage still being felt to this day.

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

SAFETY EQUIPMENT FOR CRANE OPERATORS AND LIFTING CREWS

About the authors:
Pat Brownlee writes for Blog4Safety.com, a part of Texas America Safety Company, (tasco-safety.com), who wishes to share safety advice. Texas America Safety Company has been in the safety supply business for over twenty years, serving the world with quality safety products. Our phone number is 800-646-5346 or 325-646-5346.
Nathan Gladwin is the business development manager of Harold Potter Ltd.  They provide lifting equipment, heavy duty cranes and overhead cranes for construction, manufacturing and industry in the United Kingdom.  Their website is haroldpotter.co.uk.  Our phone number is  01159-838-111.  In this piece, two companies come together as experts within their respective fields to discuss the safety requirements and protective equipment that crane operators and heavy lifting crews should be deploying to reduce and minimise the dangers and inherent risks of working within heavy industry.

Accidents keep happening every day, often due to someone’s irresponsibility. It isn’t surprising to learn that cranes at construction sites, drilling rigs, and mines are popular places for serious injuries, and sometimes death. If Personal Protective Equipment, PPE, had been used, possibly these accidents could have been prevented, or at best, less serious injuries may have occurred.

Nathan: “One of the tasks I perform every Friday morning is to see what news and developments are happening in our industry, this often finds me encountering health and safety incidents and accidents at work involving cranes. It’s important to know the mistakes others are making so that we can adequately address the needs of our customers.  Due to the sheer number of silly accidents and fatalities I decided to seek out opportunities to speak about personal protective (PPE) and safety equipment that in our opinion should be issued to crane operators and lifting crews working within heavy industry.”

There is much responsibility for crane companies to train their operators and ground crews to go about their business as safely as possible. In the United States, OSHA requires the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce employee exposure to hazards. The lifting, maneuvering and moving of heavy loads means the chances of impact or collisions are quite likely at some point.

Pat: “Flame resistant clothing, gloves, head protection, eyewear and protective footwear are all examples of PPE. The particular job hazards will dictate the type of PPE that is needed for a certain crane project. All protective clothing and equipment should be appropriate and specific for the job and the potential hazards. Workers must always ensure that their PPE is clean and functional. In the case it is damaged, they should return it to their supervisor for replacement.”

Nathan: “It’s often not a question of if, but when it will happen. A hard hat will protect you from knocks or impacts that would cause concussion or may potentially result in a death. It’s not just swinging loads; people have been seriously hurt and injured from tripping into hardened or blunt stationary objects.”

Pat: “Yes, operators should wear a hardhat; most hardhats have the capability for face shields or other safety products to be attached as necessary.”

Can you give us an example as to how and why hard hats should always be worn? Do you find people are complacent about their own health and safety?

Nathan: “A particularly memorable example that comes to mind is that of a bizarre death involving a crane operator carrying out lifting at a cargo port. The straps that were used to secure a load of heavy steel were either not suitable for the job or were possibly fatigued and in a state of disrepair. In any case, the straps buckled under pressure and a metal bolt was projected at high velocity striking the operator in the head. This sadly concluded with the operators’ death. A hard hat may have saved his life.”

Pat: “…yes, it was too hot, or too uncomfortable, on and on. Now, manufacturers and designers have designed protective clothing, safety glasses, and gloves that fit small persons, large persons, and women, who usually require smaller clothing. So, there’s really no good excuse for not wearing your PPE.”

Nathan: “As a crane operator, there will be something to meet the specific environment you work in. PPE and hi-vis clothing comes available in everything from light waist coats, pants, coveralls to extreme all weather suits and jackets.”
Is some PPE more important than others?

Pat: “We believe all PPE is vital, so it’s hard to classify which one is the most important. First aid kits should be available – both in the crane and on the ground. Gloves that are good for gripping gears should be used, and if necessary, there are flame resistant coveralls, jackets, etc. Fire equipment should also be on board.”

Nathan: “…It can be heart sinking to discover missing kits or whereby they have not been replenished over time when they’re needed. It’s not really possible to answer what’s most important, as the risk will be different dependent upon the situation or project.”

Pat: “For eye protection, there are impact resistant safety glasses, goggles, and over-the-glasses safety glasses. Most workers want to wear good safety shoes, ones that have steel-toes, (unless they work around electricity), and that will equally keep them safe from slips, trips and falls.

What would you recommend for specific roles within lifting crews?

Pat: “For the signalers, who know all safety regulations pertaining to cranes and the work that is being performed, hardhats would be a must. Regulations allow only one person to be the signaler, being sure the operator acknowledges every signal, and maintains constant sight with the operator. Signalers are to stop the operation at once if communication with the crane operator is lost.”

The laws of gravity govern that what goes up must come down; the question of how to stay safe will be on many peoples’ minds when in close proximity to or involved in such activity.

Nathan: “Safety shoes, boots or trainers of the sufficient safety grade will prevent your feet from getting crushed, and it’s never nice to hear about how someone had to have a foot or limb amputated when simple equipment can make all the difference.”

Pat: “For those who are part of boom assembly or disassembly, and working on tower cranes, OSHA requires the use of fall arrest systems when working at an unsafe height.”

Cranes and lifting equipment are used in all sorts of challenging locations such as shipping ports, dry-docks, drilling rigs, building and construction sites or manufacturing workshops. I imagine being able to clearly hear a persons’ voice over the background noise can be challenging even when conditions are ideal. How do people stay safe in these conditions?

Nathan: “If you cannot be heard, then it’s imperative that you can be seen! Much of today’s modern and robust safety clothing and garments feature high visibility materials and fabrics, reflective surfaces and dyed in bright colours. They are of course the iconic sign that you work in industry and you’re to be taken seriously. You backup your chances of remaining safe in dangerous or hazardous conditions by ensuring if that you’re not always sharp to seeing a potential threat, that at least someone else can be looking out for you.”

Pat: “The rest of the crew should be wearing hi-visibility vests or jackets, hardhats, gloves, and safety glasses. The use of hi-visibility hardhats, vests, and gloves would be very important in these situations. There are gloves that have bright colors, and unless this interferes with the hand signals they give the crane operator, this would be helpful.”

What are your concluding thoughts?

Nathan: “We can be sure PPE isn’t an outright replacement for common sense, intelligence and foresight thinking; however it does in fact compliment this extremely well and will prevent companies from experiencing the negative repercussions.”

Pat: “Training is the main key to a successful crew. We are in agreement with the statement you made that PPE isn’t an outright replacement for acting properly.   In case of emergencies, the employer should know that the crews are well-trained in CPR, first aid, and emergency response. Operating any type of heavy equipment is a huge responsibility, with others depending on the operator’s skill and knowledge of safety.”

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Head Protection

INSIDE THE UPS AND DOWNS OF ELECTRICAL HAZARDS

Today’s guest post is sent to us by Jack Rubinger, www.duralabel.com/.  Working around electricity can be very dangerous, so pay attention to these excellent safety tips from Jack:

Look up!

Electrical hazards are overhead. Live wires run dangerously close to cranes, drilling rigs, backhoes, dump trucks and tree trimmers.Electrical hazards are the second leading cause of deaths in the construction industry, killing an average of 143 construction workers each year, according to The Center for Construction Research and Training.

Isn’t it time for a renewed call for visible cues to warn us of electrical hazard dangers from up high, down low and both inside and outside our facilities? New sign and label materials will hold up for years in all kinds of weather conditions – making them ideal for electrical hazards which may occur in facilities and outdoors. A new puncture-proof, water-proof and mildew resistant fabric-like stock is made to survive extreme outdoor and indoor conditions.  Proper labeling doesn’t just save time and money, it saves lives.  Accidental contact of overhead electrical power lines by mobile equipment is a leading cause of occupational fatalities in the United States, accounting for 20% of on-the-job electrocutions, reported the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.  Many safety rules and regulations have been established to protect those facing the greatest risks from electrical hazards.

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has standards for mobile and locomotive cranes that include operation near overhead power lines and tree care operations that provide safety requirements. Standards address the following issues:

  • Consider any overhead wire to be energized unless and until the person owning the line or the utility authorities verify that the line is not energized.
  • De-energize power lines before work begins, erect insulated barriers to prevent physical contact with the energized lines, or maintain safe clearance between the energized lines and boomed equipment.
  • Notify line owners before work is performed near power lines.
  • Post warnings on cranes cautioning the operators to maintain safe clearance between energized power lines and their equipment.
  • Review common electrical hazard safety signs and pay attention to important OSHA/ANSI safety codes, standards and regulations.

Make sure to use the appropriate colors, formats and designs as outlined in OSHA §1910.145. Signs used to identify safety issues should be designed in a specified format to comply.

Look down!

Buried or partially exposed power lines are especially hazardous because they carry extremely high voltage. Check work areas for other forms of electrical equipment including street lights and traffic lights – indicators that underground power lines will be present. Look out for sand, plastic strips or specially marked bricks when excavating, which signal the presence of underground power lines. Plans and maps identifying the location of underground cables can date quickly and underground depths can alter road upgrades or developments. The depth of underground cables vary from site to site or even on the same property. Underground cables should never be moved or relocated unless authorized. Below are tasks that expose workers to underground power lines.

  • A plumber cutting a water pipe when there could be an electric cable next to the pipe.
  • A fencing contractor digging holes where an electric cable could be buried.
  • Construction site excavation.
  • Jackhammers.
  • Well drilling.
  • Landscaping.
  • Trenching for pipes.

Look inside!

Perform an electrical hazard analysis to review what types of hazards develop in a plant. Look for oil and grease or debris that dissolve or damage insulated cables. Watch out for loose wires that cause electrical shorts and unguarded temporary lights that are exposed to energized parts. Use the guidelines in NFPA 70E and IEEE 1584 to identify and assess electrical shock and risks throughout your facility.

Arc Flash and Solar Panel – Other Electrical Hazards

An arc flash occurs when an electrical short-circuit produces a high-energy, high-temperature explosion. These occurrences are known to propel molten metal and other dangerous debris through the air. Explosions of this nature can damage a person’s eyesight, hearing and cause severe burning or death. For more information about extremely hazardous electrical Arc Flash dangers, visit www.arcflash.me.

Whether the electrical hazard is found indoors, outdoors, far above our heads or buried deep beneath the ground, these hazards need prominent visibility to ensure safe conditions for those who work with or near power lines, tools and construction vehicles. To warn other employees in the facility of the potential hazard, remember to place signs in the area of live repairs being performed. Compliance with sign and label regulations is an important step in the right direction. Protect your workforce by marking electrical hazards clearly.

Thank you, Jack, for this article emphasizing the importance of playing it safe around electricity.  As he advises, look up, down, and all around to be sure you are not digging or working near electrical hazards!  Texas America Safety, www.tasco-safety.com, has special safety glasses that feature a special dielectric hinge design with no metal parts.  Also, there are special hardhats that are built for use by utility companies and other industries where head protection with dielectric protection is necessary.  Many specialized personal protective products that do not conduct electricity can be found on our site.