Category Archives: Respiratory Safety

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

BLACK LUNG ON THE RISE

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Almost one-half of the power used in the United States is generated by coal; more than 130,000 miners put their lives at risk to provide it. Coal Workers Pneumoconiosis (CWP) is caused by prolonged breathing of dust in coal mines.  Another name for CWP is Black Lung Disease.

Years ago, Congress ordered Black Lung to be eradicated from the coal industry, under the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969.  This act was to protect miners by posing limits on exposure to dust, as well as adding increased benefits for families of coal miners.  For several years following this legislative enactment, the proportion of coal miners with Black Lung Disease went down.  However, in the last ten years, it is again on the rise.  Approximately 10,000 miners have died with CWP in the past decade, with younger workers developing severe and advanced cases.

Black Lung is a deadly, but preventable occupational disease.  It causes chronic coughing and shortness of breath.  Coal operators are required under the law to adhere to dust standards.  They have the necessary tools to control each miner’s exposure to respirable dust and silica.  Industries and miners must both ensure that control measures are applied and dust levels are accurately measured.

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, possible reasons that this disease is once more increasing are:

  • Inadequacies in mandated coal mine dust regulations;
  • Failure to comply with regulations;
  • Lack of disease measures to accommodate changes in mining practices brought about by depletion of richer coal reserves;
  • Effects of working longer hours in recent years;
  • Missed opportunities by miners to be screened and take action to reduce dust exposure.
  • New mining techniques and machinery that create more hazardous exposure to dust.

NIOSH also has set up mobile screening units that travel to locations where mining takes place and offer free x-rays, and other free health evaluations to miners.  When early disease is suspected, miners should request transfer to a job where there is less dust exposure.

A set of rules is being considered by the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) that would require some miners to use a new technology, the continuous personal dust monitor.  These real-time monitors would allow the miners to know what they are exposed to and respond to it right away.  The cost is $10,000 per monitor, so it’s a pricey proposition.  However, mining-industry representative Bruce Watzman says the industry supports MSHA’s efforts.  “The statistics concern us.  We need to understand and address this problem.”  NIOSH states that the first priority to all men and women miners is their health and safety.

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

HOW TO PREVENT WORKPLACE INJURIES

April is designated as Injury Prevention Month.  However, every month should carry the same theme.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics(BLS), in 2008, 5,071 Americans lost their lives as a result of workplace accidents.  This was down from 5,657 in 2007, but only because of the slowing economy.  About 3.6 million Americans suffer serious work-related injuries annually.

Because of the recent devastating coal mine explosion in West Virginia, we are reminded of how dangerous this industry is.  The BLS states that these employees are more likely to be hurt, suffer illness, or be killed than workers in private industries.  Coal mining companies should ensure the safety of their workers through many means, such as proper ventilation, firefighting equipment, air monitor systems, safe places they can escape to, etc.  It is suspected that many violations will be discovered once a Federal investigation is complete, as that particular mine had been issued over 100 citations, just this year.

Every company owes it to each and every employee to be assured that their safety is the Number One Priority.  Next, each employee should do all they can to ensure their safety and that of their fellow workers.  Here are some suggestions for workers’ security:

  • Heavy machinery/equipment operators know how their machines perform better than anyone, so their supervisors should work with them daily to ensure the machinery is checked often, and running safely at all times.
  • Workers should have an active role in company safety programs, by submitting safety suggestions, serving on safety committees, and participating in safety training.
  • Slippery floors, loose carpet, or other hazardous conditions should be reported to supervisors and taken care of as soon as possible.
  • First Aid training is a must.  There should be first aid kits in designated work areas, along with employees who know how to administer basic first aid in case of an accident.
  • Eyewash stations should be available and kept in clean, working condition.
  • Wearing the proper personal protective equipment as required is extremely important.  PPE is designed to protect specific parts of the body that are exposed to hazards.  It should fit properly and be worn at all times while working.  Employees should know how to care for their PPE and ask for its replacement when needed.
  • Companies should warn employees against improper behavior, such as horseplay.  Persons who like to play pranks on their co-workers may be endangering them.  Work environments should be pleasant, but not to the degree of being reckless.
  • Lifting objects that are too heavy is another source of injury.  If this is the case, lifting aids should be used in order to prevent back injury.

It’s hard to find many types of work that don’t carry a chance of injury.  From Anthropologists  to Zoo Keeper, all occupations present some sort of danger.  The best lesson for each individual is to be aware of the risks involved in their occupation and stay alert in order to remain safe each day.

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety, Uncategorized

TRAGEDY IN WEST VIRGINIA

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Monday, April 5th brought tragedy to the families of coal miners after an explosion occurred in the Upper Big Branch mine, where twenty-five miners lost their lives, with four more missing. The mine produced approximately 1.2 million tons of coal last year and is operated by Massey Energy Company. The company is one of the nation’s five top coal producers. In 2009, federal inspectors fined the company more than $382,000 for repeated serious ventilation and equipment violations at Upper Big Branch. Other violations included failing to follow plans, allowing combustible coal dust to pile up, and for improper firefighting equipment.

Methane gas is thought to be the cause of the explosion. Methane is one of the main dangers in coal mining. The Eagle coal seam releases up to 2 million cubic feet into this mine every 24 hours. Large fans are used in mines to keep the odorless, colorless gas concentrations below specific levels; if the concentrations build up, a spark (similar to a static charge made by walking across carpet in the winter,) can cause an explosion, which happened at the Sago mine explosion in 2006. That mine is located in northeastern West Virginia. Federal and state regulators have required mine operators to store extra oxygen supplies in the mines since that time. Upper Big Branch miners carry a container of breathable air on their belts, in addition to stockpiles of air containers throughout the mine. There are also chambers for miners to seek refuge in if they can reach them.

Coal mining and the timber industry are the two main industries in West Virginia. Miners know the many ways they can get hurt or killed in their jobs. One miner commented that he had never been asked to do anything unsafe by his employer, Massey Energy. Accidents happen in mining; families draw close to each other for comfort and depend on their faith to bring them through.

Almost one-half of the power used in the United States is generated by coal; more than 130,000 miners put their lives at risk to provide it. Ironically, I had just written an article less than a week ago about Black Lung disease being on the rise. There are so many hazards associated with mining. Americans should be thankful that there are tough, hard-working people that risk life and limb to produce our country’s energy.

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

DEADLINE APPROACHING FOR HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM STANDARDS COMPLIANCE

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published the final Hexavalent Chromium (CrVI) Standard on February 28, 2006, with a deadline for full compliance on May 31, 2010.  Three versions of the standard apply each to General Industry, Construction, and Shipyards, with similar provisions.

According to the Centers for Disease Control: Cr(VI) compounds are a group of chemical substances containing the metallic element chromium in its positive- 6 valence (hexavalent) state.  Occupational exposures to Cr(VI) occur during the production of stainless steel, chromate chemicals, chromate pigments, chrome plating, and thermal cutting.

NIOSH considers all Cr (VI) compounds to be potential occupational carcinogens.  Rarely found in nature, Cr(VI) is a toxic form of the element chromium.  Other uses for chromium are making bricks in furnaces, leather tanning, wood preserving, and may be in dyes, paints, and inks.  Cr(VI) may be inhaled through dust, fumes or mist.  Prolonged exposure can cause irritation or damage to the respiratory tract, eyes and skin if it comes in contact with those organs, and lung cancer.

To prevent this, employers must first determine the air quality and element of risk to their employees.  An Industrial Hygienist should perform air monitoring and inform the company of the employees’ time weighted average for an 8-hour workday.

OSHA requires engineering controls put into place to eliminate employees’ exposure to Cr (VI) and enhance their protection by the use of respirators or N95 types of facemasks. Respiratory protection requirements are the same in all three standards. Respirators are required in situations whenever exposure levels exceed the permissible exposure limit and/or emergencies.

The OSHA standards also require that separate change rooms are available to prevent cross-contamination of street clothes.  The employer must provide disposable clothing, or clean, repair and replace all protective clothing used by employees when they have been exposed to Cr (VI).  Medical surveillance is to be available free for the employee who has been exposed to the substance at or above the action level for 30 or more days per year, or those who are experiencing symptoms of adverse health effects.  Employees must wash their hands and face at the end of each shift.  No eating or drinking in the work areas is permitted.

Most of us may be more familiar with the name Erin Brokovich than this chemical compound.  She was credited with investigating the case of alleged contamination of drinking water with Cr (VI) in the southern California town of Hinkley. At the center of the case was a facility called the Hinkley Compressor Station, part of a natural gas pipeline connecting to the San Francisco Bay Area and constructed in 1952. Between 1952 and 1966, a major natural gas and electricity provider used hexavalent chromium to fight corrosion in the cooling tower. The wastewater dissolved the Cr (VI) from the cooling towers and was discharged to unlined ponds at the site. Some of the wastewater seeped into the groundwater, affecting an area near the plant approximately two miles long and nearly a mile wide.. The case was settled in 1996 for $333 million, paid to 634 Hinkley residents, the largest settlement ever paid in a direct action lawsuit in U.S. history.

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

SPRING BREAK – SWINE FLU?

The H1N1 virus seems to have hit a lull, and thankfully so.  However, it is a good idea for those who are taking trips for their spring break to have had their flu shot.  The Centers for Disease Control have confirmed there are still cases being reported, and the possibility of a new wave of flu activity exists.  In the United States, the virus is not widespread, and only four states had reported regional activity, which include Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia and South Carolina, as of March 5, 2010.

Most of the viruses identified so far continue to be 2009 H1N1 influenza A viruses.  These viruses remain similar to the virus chosen for the 2009 H1N1 vaccine, and remain susceptible to the drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir, with rare exception. Some influenza B viruses are circulating at low levels, and these viruses remain similar to the influenza B virus component of the 2009-10 seasonal flu vaccine.

Several colleges have taken precautionary measures to monitor student health situations, as well as working with local public health authorities.  It is important for schools to watch for another virus to begin following the return of students from their spring break.  The most consistent  advice for families planning to travel is to be certain everyone has had their flu shots, and to be aware of their surroundings.  If they are in crowds or traveling by bus or plane, it is still a good idea to observe others, and avoid someone sneezing or coughing often.  Having hand sanitizer handy is a great rule of thumb, and washing hands at every possible chance helps prevent the spread of germs.

We hope that everyone who has the opportunity to have a break this spring, a very happy time, and that they return well, rested, and ready to get back to school or work! Have fun, and stay safe!

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety, Uncategorized

ENSURING THAT EVERYONE UNDERSTANDS SAFETY

Safety Meetings and Safety Training are conducted to keep you safe while you earn your pay.  But what if these meetings were presented in a language that you didn’t know?  America has always been known as a Melting Pot, with immigrant workers coming from all over the world.  Many of them are from disadvantaged countries, and work in seasonal jobs such as agriculture.  Others work in construction, mining, and industries with high mortality rates.  Some are machine operators, assemblers, cleaners, and helpers.  Limited English proficiency may be a direct contributor to workplace injuries or fatalities. 

OSHA has a history of requiring employers to train their employees in a manner that they understand.  If they don’t speak English, then preparation for their job tasks, as well as safety and health training, is to be conveyed in the language that they understand.  If the employee’s vocabulary is limited, training must account for that limitation.  Simply telling them to read training materials will not satisfy the employer’s obligation.  OSHA also requires employers to verify that employees have acquired the knowledge and skills for which they have been trained; i.e., lockout/tagout, respiratory protection, bloodborne pathogens, etc.

Having worked for an oilfield construction company in West Texas several years ago, I know there were many of our employees that didn’t understand or speak English, and were dependent on their Spanish-speaking supervisors to instruct them.  They worked hard for minimum wage, and did a good job.  But there were injuries, as well.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health shares these examples of how they are working to improve problems that immigrant workers face:

§ The NIOSH Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) program identifies and studies work-related injury deaths, with the goal of identifying effective prevention measures.
§  Through on-site investigations, NIOSH and cooperating states collect detailed circumstances for select incident types, including deaths of Hispanic workers since 2002.
§ Targeted research programs focused on the construction and agricultural sectors, both of which employ a disproportionate share of immigrant workers. 
§ An occupational health disparities program, which is conducting research on the causes and prevention of occupational health disparities including those experienced by immigrant workers. 
§ A Spanish language website and translation of several NIOSH publications into Spanish.
§ An innovative information and communication effort with the Spanish-language television network Telemundo and other partners, in which construction safety messages were incorporated dramatically into a widely watched prime-time series, and supplemented with a public service announcement and a special website.

 
Companies and their supervisors are responsible for the safety of all workers, must understand the hazards of their job, as well as the importance of wearing Personal Protective Equipment, and how to take care of it.  If employees see a co-worker that is at risk, regardless of a language barrier, or any other reason, they need to reach out and help.  That way, everyone stays safe!

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Respiratory Safety

WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT MOLD

It’s a fact that mold has been on this earth for millions of years.  It is also a fact that we must deal with it, and get rid of it in order to have better air quality for everyone, especially those who are very sensitive to it.  Molds are found in damp, warm conditions.  Outdoors, it is in shady, moist areas.  Experts say there are hundreds of types of mold; however, it isn’t necessary to know what type you are concerned with.  Indoors it may be lurking in places where the humidity is high, such as basements or showers.  It is important to know how to safely get rid of mold if it is in your home or workplace.

When you are removing mold, it is imperative that you wear the correct personal protective equipment: There must be good ventilation, with doors and windows open if possible.  Never mix ammonia or other cleaners with bleach, as this could create dangerous fumes.  A mixture of 10% bleach with water will solve small problems.  If you have had a leak around fixtures, repair them as soon as possible.  Sometimes it is necessary to have professional treatment to eradicate the mold problem.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, some areas where there is a high exposure to mold are:

  • Greenhouses
  • Flower Shops
  • Summer Cottages
  • Antique Shops
  • Farms
  • Mills
  • Construction Areas
  • Saunas

The air we breathe contains mold spores, and certain persons are more sensitive to mold, and may have reactions such as upper respiratory tract infections, coughing, wheezing, and even asthma.  Because our immune systems are exposed to harmful mold organisms, excess moisture should be controlled in order to reduce its presence in our homes and workplaces.  Keeping humidity levels between 40% and 60%, using air conditioners or dehumidifiers during humid months, and providing adequate ventilation will help us all breathe a little easier!

Back Safety, Ergonomics, Eye Protection, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, High Visibility Safety, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

LOOKING OUT FOR #1!

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There aren’t many jobs in this world that don’t have a certain amount of risks involved.  Sure, a steelworker has a more dangerous job than a secretary sitting behind a desk!  But there are many hazards in even an office.  Tripping over wires, file cabinet drawers being left out, are just a few of the dangers lurking in an office.  It’s up to the individual to be safe.

Those who must wear Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE, have the responsibility of wearing it in the correct way, and not removing it while working.  Companies train employees in the proper use of PPE in relation to their job duties.  Employees should pay attention to the training they are given, and to the risks they encounter on an every-day basis.

Injuries occur at work, but many times they can be avoided.  Watching out for both yourself and the other guy will pay off.  Know your job hazards.  If you pay attention to your job, use common sense, avoid distractions, and follow company policies, hopefully you will go through your entire work experience without a scratch.

PPE is there for a reason:
There are many types of Personal Protective Equipment for hundreds of uses, but remember, it works best when used properly.  Your company can buy it for you, but it’s up to you to wear it and take care of it.  Be sure it fits comfortably.  If something becomes worn, report it to your supervisor, so it can be replaced.  Certain jobs at home require types of PPE, whether to protect your eyes with safety glasses or goggles while mowing the lawn, working in the shop, or wearing gloves when gardening.  Taking the time to put on a pair of gloves, glasses, or whatever is needed is the best way to be safe.  Whether your tasks are at home or work, play it safe!  Know your equipment and protect yourself at all times.

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety, Weather Protection

IT’S ALMOST TIME FOR THE WINTER OLYMPICS!

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If you are not among the lucky ones that are going to the spectacular country of Canada for the 2010 Winter Olympics, get out the hot chocolate, popcorn, candy and other goodies and get ready for some excitement and beautiful scenery.   British Columbia, Canada, is home to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games from February 12 through 28, and the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 through 21.  Host venue cities are Vancouver, Whistler, and Richmond.  The official torch is already crossing Canada.

Officials have been preparing for months, and Canadians are excited to welcome athletes and fans from all over the world.  The government is taking serious precautions with safety, health and security concerns for all visitors and athletes, as well as their own citizens.

One of the health issues is the spread of the H1N1 virus.  The World Health Organization is sending a representative to monitor for potential disease outbreaks, but officials feel the threat has passed.  However, British Columbia health officials have been planning for the possible impact it would have on the games since before the pandemic was declared in June.  In their planning, they decided to keep a large supply of antiviral drugs on hand, just in case.

To avoid a major outbreak, the best practices are to continue with these sanitary protocols: washing hands often, covering coughs and sneezes, and when sick, don’t get out in public.  Persons traveling to the games need to be watchful for exposure to sick persons, and not touch surfaces if they can keep from it.  Those with children should be extra cautious in protecting them from the illness.  Keeping hand sanitizer in ones’ bag or purse will serve as a reminder to keep your hands clean.  First and foremost, persons planning to attend need to get both the seasonal flu shot and H1N1 shot.  Hopefully, the athletes will have had theirs.  More than 100 staffers of the U.S. Olympic Committee are getting their H1N1 vaccines before they head to Vancouver.  Athletes are saying there may be more “elbow bumps” than hand shaking this time!

The Canadian organizers of the games have contingency plans for staffing should the virus affect regular staff members.  A security team of 750 officers will be on stand-by in case of illness or emergency.  There is a pool of volunteers that can be ready in short-order time.  Although they can’t make it a requirement, all staff members and volunteers have been asked to take the vaccine.  Many teams are arriving this month, and will have the opportunity to take the vaccine in time for it to be effective, if they haven’t already taken it.  Public health nurses will be at the athletes’ villages, as well as venues, including hotels where officials and sponsors will stay to monitor for illnesses.

We wish the country of Canada much success in keeping athletes, their families, and all the visitors to the Olympics both safe and well.  There are many security issues that they are dealing with, as well as health concerns.  With the very best athletes representing their home countries, this is a time for focusing the eyes of the world toward the good sportsmanship that is displayed by those who have worked so very hard to achieve their goals.  We wish good traveling and health to all those who are fortunate to attend these Winter Olympics, in addition to the excitement of seeing the true beauty of Canada.

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT RESPIRATORS, PART II

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This is a continuation of our post on respirators.  You can find the first segment here.

For anyone that has to wear Personal Protective Equipment, it’s a common fact that if it isn’t comfortable, it is going to be harder to wear it for a full day’s shift.  When deciding on a respirator, it is important to find the right type that fits around the face.  The type of exposure in the workplace determines the level of protection that is needed.

OSHA requires Fit Testing for all employees.  Workers must have time to learn how to put the respirator on the right way, and be sure that it fits.  This Fit Testing must be done before the initial use of the respirator and worn at least five minutes before the test is done.  There are Respirators Fit Test Supplies specifically for this purpose.  User Seal Checks are when the wearer inhales and exhales several times, to be sure the respirator will collapse slightly when inhaling and expand slightly upon exhaling.  If air leaks out between the face and the respirator, it is not a good facial fit.  A User Seal Check does not substitute for a Fit Test.

When choosing the right respirator for the job, you will need:

  • Soft, foam nose pads;
  • Bendable nose bands;
  • Wide adjustable head straps – they work better than the thin ones that dig into skin or get tangled in hair.

A dual-exhalation valve helps direct exhaled air down and away from face to reduce fogging glasses.  If you have changed any facial structure, due to loss of weight or surgery, a new type of respirator may be necessary to ensure a good fit.  Respirators will not fit properly over beards.

Be sure to check the label for NIOSH-approved equipment, and read all warnings and instructions that come with the respirator.  Your choice should be based on contaminants, workplace concentrations, and other site-specific conditions.  The workplace should be compliant with Federal, State, and Local regulations on worker safety, including, but not limited to OSHA regulations.  For more information, please go to the NIOSH /NPPTL (National Personal Protective Laboratory) website.

Source: CDC/NIOSH