Category Archives: Respiratory Safety
AID FOR THE PHILLIPINES
Following the most horrific typhoon to ever hit land anywhere, last Friday, November 8th, almost two million people of the Phillipine Islands, were either killed, hurt, or left homeless, without food or clothes. The hardest hit was Tacloban City, Leyte province in the central Phillipines. The death toll remains unknown, because of the destruction and devastation thoughout the country. President Benigno Aquino declared a state of national calamity. Local military have been assisting citizens as best they can, passing out water and also trying to control looting.
The people of the Phillipines are homeless, starving, and sick. Twenty-one countries have pledged to send relief through food and sanitation products, as well as medical assistance, and money. People are camping in the Tacloban City Astrodome, which brings back memories of the people of New Orleans, staying in the Superdome when Hurricane Katrina hit. With thousands of people jammed inside the structure, one can only imagine the lack of sanitation. Disease will take its toll on those who remain homeless.
In Tacloban, a hillside mass burial was held Thursday, November 14th. Bodies still remain in the streets. Only few survivors have received water and food, due to the delay in reaching them. Aid material is plentiful but because the airport was heavily damaged , planes couldn’t land, in addition, destroyed and blocked roads had to be cleared. Desperately needed aid has begun to reach some of the one-half million people that have been displaced by the disaster. The U.S.S. George Washington aircraft carrier arrived on the Phillipine Sea near the Gulf of Leyte Thursday. They will set up a position to assess damage and furnish needed food, water, and supplies. Twenty-one helicopters aboard the carrier will be able to view and hopefully get to inaccessible places. Six more U.S. ships are in the area, as well as the Marines.
Over 4,000 persons have been confirmed dead, but those numbers are expected to far surpass the total. It is going to take a long time to completely assess the damage and complete loss. Medical aid and supplies are needed urgently. Rescue workers and medical personnel will need personal protection, such as medical grade gloves, respirators, and other important gear to avoid disease.
Worldwide charities will be gathering money, donations of food and clothing, and other items that can assist the typhoon victims. Most of them have only the clothes they were wearing last Friday. If you are able to help, please choose the charity you know will be dedicated to sending relief for the people of the Phillipines as soon as possible.
BLACK LUNG INVESTIGATION
Black lung disease is the common name for coal workers pneumoconiosis (CWP). It once was a disease that affected coal miners over the age of 50; however, investigations show that younger mine workers are developing the disease as well. The name was given because inhalation of heavy deposits of coal dust makes miner lungs look black instead of a healthy pink. Since the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969, average dust levels have fallen. The 1969 law also set up a black lung disability benefits program to compensate coal miners who have been disabled by on-the-job dust exposure.
An investigation by the Center for Public Integrity and ABC News, (Brian Ross, Matthew Mosk, and Chris Hamby), brings up the terrible reality that many of America’s coal miners have been denied their black lung benefits. Although they were diagnosed as having the disease by their primary doctor, a particular physician at Johns Hopkins University and Medical Center has reviewed more than 1,500 x-rays of claimants since 2000, and never identified a single case of black lung disease. In many cases, it took the miner’s death, and an autopsy that followed, to prove what the miner claimed all along, that the cause of his diminishing health was brought on by the dust he breathed while working underground. Johns Hopkins is reviewing its Black Lung Program. The Center for Public Integrity also reviewed the work of one of the coal industry’s “go-to” law firms for black lung cases, finding instances in which the firm withheld evidence of the disease while fighting the miners’ claims.
ABC News identified a group of specialists with affiliations who help the coal companies defeat the miners in numerous cases. (The disability benefit is around $1,000 per month). A corps of lawyers, doctors, and experts have helped these companies deny the benefit to workers they so desperately need to fight the disease, rather than legal and medical experts.
ABC News featured “Black Lung, Out of Breath” on Wednesday night’s evening news with Diane Sawyer. It also aired on “Nightline” later that evening. Hopefully, public awareness will help support the cause of protecting the mine workers who become ill, and receive their benefits, as promised in that 1969 law.
Unless one has worked in industries such as mining, oil fields, or any other occupation that produces the energy our country needs, (or other countries, as well), persons do not realize the hazards that are involved in this kind of work. Let’s not take those workers for granted. Even though they are equipped with respiratory protection, hard hats, and all types of safety gear, through the years the accumulation of coal dust and other particulates in mines may take its toll.
Note: Johns Hopkins Medicine has suspended its black lung program pending a review in response to an ABC News investigation with the Center for Public Integrity that showed how medical opinions from doctors at the prestigious hospital have helped the coal companies thwart efforts by ailing mine workers to receive disability benefits.
Source: ABC News, Center for Public Integrity
KEEPING FOOD AND BEVERAGE EMPLOYEES SAFE (GUEST POST)
Workers of food and beverage industry are subjected to a large number of hazards. The primary of them are mentioned below:
- Workers are often subjected to same level falls arising from slippery conditions. Such falls may cause strains and sprains.
- They are exposed to sharp instruments like knives.
- Workers may collide with internal transport like containers and forklifts.
- The workplace often has poorly designed process flow and inadequate space of work. Workers are exposed to repetitive work and manual lifting. These factors lead to problems caused by poor work posture.
- Workers are exposed to excessive levels of noise caused by operations like use of beverage bottle fillers, conveyors, bottling and canning.
- Workers in this industry are exposed to chemical hazards caused by handling of chemicals used in disinfection and cleaning operations.
- They area also exposed to biological hazards caused by ingestion and inhalation of dust. Working in highly humid conditions also exposes the workers to microbiological and biological agents.
- This industry involves varying temperature conditions arising from activities like freezing, chilling and heat treatment. Workers are exposed to high temperatures during canning processes and pasteurization. They are exposed to chilling cold conditions while working in refrigerated spaces.
Measures to be taken for minimizing risks and hazards and maximizing workplace health and safety:
- The working surfaces and walkways should be kept dry and clean to prevent slips and falls. Workers should be provided with footwear having anti-slip features.
- Workers should use gloves while working with knives and other sharp instruments. This would safeguard them from cuts and similar injuries.
- Working areas and transport passages should be deferentiated. Handrails should be placed on stairs and platforms.
- Spillage of liquids and water on floor should be avoided.
- Training should be provided to workers on proper lifting techniques. To maximize the workspace of the workers, workstation should be created for each worker.
- For reduction in the noise levels, it is important to undertake engineering control measures.
- Emphasis should be made on the personal protection of workers.
Conclusion:
It is important for the safety personnel of food and beverage industry to design effective accident prevention methods and strategies aimed at making the workplace healthy and safe for the employees. A safe and healthy workplace would also lead to increased productivity of workers.
Author’s Bio: Alisa Martin is a guest blogger who writes quality articles on workplace safety. In this article she has written about workplace health and safety in food and beverage industry. Her articles are highly informative and useful to the readers.
FOUR SOLID CONCRETE SAFETY TIPS YOU SHOULD KNOW (GUEST POST)
Concrete is one of the most widely used materials in construction yet many contractors lack knowledge of the potential dangers posed by concrete and the equipment used to pour and finish it.
Thankfully, the deaths caused as a direct result of working with concrete are extremely rare. The injuries incurred from working with the material carelessly, however, are higher. And, like most workplace accidents, a significant proportion of these injuries were probably avoidable.
With that in mind, here are four essential concrete safety tips for anyone regularly working with concrete or related machinery.
Concrete burns; keep covered up and wear protective equipment
Concrete burns are one of the lesser understood risks of working with fresh concrete, principally because the thick, cold consistency of concrete isn’t something you’d expect to have a burning property.
However, fresh concrete has a high alkaline content, which makes it extremely dangerous to human skin. Even worse, alkaline attacks nerve endings meaning that those exposed to concrete might not feel the effects until well after initial contact. The severity of concrete burns can range from minor irritation to dermatitis and burns.
To avoid the risk of concrete burns, ensure that all skin that could potentially be exposed to concrete mix is fully covered; this includes forearms, legs and a face mask and goggles if possible. It goes without saying that you should invest in some hard-wearing protective gloves when handling concrete too.
Protect yourself from concrete dust
Concrete dust from pre-mix concrete is one of the more dangerous elements of working with concrete, as prolonged exposure and inhalation can lead to the development of asthma and other occupation-related respiratory illnesses. In the short term, it can also lead to severe irritation of the eyes.
Fortunately, protecting yourself from the effects of concrete dust is relatively simple. Always wear protective goggles and a face mask when pouring your concrete into a mixer. If any other unprotected workers are in your direct proximity at the time, tell to stand clear until the dust has cleared.
Be prepared for heavy lifting
Depending on the kind of concrete job you’re carrying out, workers might be required to lift heavy concrete blocks. Set concrete is extremely heavy, so ensure that you have the correct amount of workers lifting a block and that each worker follows the accepted ‘safe’ way to lift: a straight back, bent knees and lifting with the legs.
For heavier concrete blocks, you might require the use of machinery such as a crane. Before allowing a crane to lift a block, make sure that the block is properly secured and any risk of the block falling loose is minimal. Clear any workers out of the path of the block’s journey to avoid any fatalities should the block fall.
Stay safe with construction equipment
The finishing of concrete requires a lot of equipment, including some seriously heavy-duty machines such as ride-on power trowels. Safety checks should be carried out on this machinery before use; is everything in working order? Are there any loose parts? Also make sure that you fully train (or are fully trained) in the same use of all equipment you use – if you feel unsure or suspect that a worker might not be in a position to safely operate equipment, get someone else to operate the equipment and organise further training.
When using any construction equipment, other workers should be positioned well clear of the operating area.
Concrete is an extremely useful material and one that is relatively easy to use – so long as you follow basic safety procedures.
Christopher Smith is writing on behalf of Multiquip UK, suppliers of construction equipment
EASY HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS FOR THE WORKPLACE (GUEST POST)
Regardless of the type of industry you work in, whether it is construction, manufacturing or energy, it is extremely important that you adhere to any health and safety rules in the workplace. If you fail to follow the health and safety guidelines in operation, you may find that you inadvertently put yourself, and those around you, at risk. To ensure you are taking safety seriously, and protecting those around you, we recommend you follow these five simple tips:
Slips, Trips and Falls
Regardless of the environment you work in, you need to be conscious of any potential slips and trips that can occur. To avoid a fall at work, you should ensure that all employees have had relevant training, explaining how best to avoid any accidents in the workplace. For example, ensuring all equipment is returned after use, can prevent anyone from tripping over it. It is also important that all employees know not to ignore a spillage or hazard.
Heavy Goods and Lifting
If you work in an industry which requires you to constantly move products from one place from another, you should always ensure you are comfortable with the weight you are carrying. Currently there are restrictions in place, as to what a single person should legally be carrying, these regulations aim to protect employees from being expected to carry something that is too heavy for them. If you believe that an item is too heavy to be carried safely, you should use the appropriate lifting gear available, helping to prevent a heavy lifting injury.
Personal Protective Clothing
If you work in a hazardous environment, or you are operating dangerous machinery, you should always ensure that you are wearing the appropriate Personal Protective Clothing (PPE). Even if you are only going to be working for a short period of time, it is essential that you, and your fellow employees, are always protected.
Wiring
Most work places will have a high volume of wires to contend with. It is extremely important that all wires are maintained, and organized, in a manner that will prevent employees and visitors from tripping over them. If a little time is regularly dedicated to tidying and maintaining wires, you will find that any issues are quickly resolved. When setting up new equipment, or machinery, you should make certain that all wires are kept to the edge of a room, and that they are firmly fixed in place. Such measures will ensure they cannot move, avoiding the potential for a hazard to develop.
Fire Hazards
In any workplace fires are extremely dangerous, and can be devastating. With this in mind, you should prioritise protecting your workplace; making sure all employees are vigilant. It is crucial that you clearly explain and display fire procedures, making sure they are understood, in case of an emergency. You should also test and service all fire alarms and fire extinguishers on regular basis, so you know they will work correctly if they are ever required.
Asons Solicitors suggest that if someone would like to learn more about health and safety claims process, such information is available at www.asons.co.uk, or via an expert helpline on 01204 521 133
About Asons Solicitors:
Asons Solicitors is a Bolton-based law practice that specialises in personal injury and industrial disease claims. Founded by brothers Imran Akram and Kamran Akram, Asons Solicitors has developed to become a young and dynamic law firm that delivers practical solutions to clients in times of difficulty. Their continued focus on their staff has seen them awarded with the Investors in People “Gold Award”; which is reflected in the professional and personable approach they take in working with clients. They strive to grow and to develop, and their supportiveness and attention to detail ensures that their clients use them time and again.
For further information contact:
Email: info@asons.co.uk; Website: www.asons.co.uk
LASER CUTTING: THE DANGER OF THE LASER AND HOW TO PROTECT YOUR STAFF (GUEST POST)
Laser cutting is a dangerous process. The high temperatures and electrical voltages involved mean that staff must be well trained and aware of the dangers posed by this equipment.
Working with lasers is no easy task, and employees must be well-trained in order to operate them. Every workplace that includes the use of lasers should have laser risk management documentation in place, which should be part of its health and safety reading material and which all employees should be aware of. Some points to be aware of are:
Burns to the skin and eye damage
Laser lights pose significant risk to sight. Care must be taken to ensure that none of the light enters the user’s, or any bystanders’, eyes. If the laser beam does enter the eye it can cause retinal damage. To avoid this, the machine should have a guard fitted. It should always be engaged during use. Regular maintenance should be performed to make sure the guard is up to task. It is worth keeping in mind that some frequencies of laser beam may be invisible to the naked eye. Proper safety equipment should always be worn when operating the machinery to protect against burns.
Electrical failure and shock
Laser cutting equipment requires very high voltages. There is a danger of electrical shock if the laser casing is broken or the interior workings are exposed in any way. To minimise risk, the casing should be inspected regularly and any damaged components should be fixed immediately.
There are huge health and safety issues at work here, so you must keep your employees and your workplace safe by monitoring your equipment at all times.
Fume inhalation
When metal is cut, noxious gases are given off. These gases can be especially hazardous to the health of the user and bystanders.
To minimise risk, the work area should be well ventilated and safety masks should be provided and worn at all times. Cutting speeds should be set correctly so the machine isn’t producing an excessive amount of fumes.
As you can see, there are lots of things that you need to do to keep your workplace safe, and your employees safe from harm. To ensure you protect your staff, make the most of this information.
This piece was written by Mark Enright, a writer for http://www.laserprocess.co.uk Laser Process, experts in laser cutting services.
PREVENT WORKPLACE ACCIDENTS WITH FIRE SAFETY EQUIPMENT AND PROPER TRAINING (GUEST POST)
While the majority of workplace accident claims lead to minor injuries, fire can cause devastation. Protecting a business premises against fire will not just improve the health and safety of employees – it will also protect the general public, the emergency services and the owners of adjacent properties.
Clearwater Solicitors can help you make a workplace accident claim if you have been injured or if a loved one has lost their life as a result of a fire at work, but businesses should put all reasonably practicable steps in place to ensure fire does not harm their workforce. Businesses should have fire drills and training in place to deal with fires when they arise, and should invest in equipment to warn them of fires and help them to combat them if possible.
– Fire training and drills
All new staff should be trained in what to do in the event of a fire as soon as they start work, and if new equipment or methods of work lead to unexpected risks, staff should be told about these hazards. Businesses should hold at least one fire drill every year and keep a record of their results.
Businesses must ensure that every escape route has a clear passageway – some accident at work claims involve slips and trips during fire drills or in actual fires. Escape routes should be direct, short, and have enough room for everyone to get through, and staff should be provided with a safe meeting point.
Ensuring escape routes are safe could require the use of emergency lighting and emergency doors, and businesses will have to consider which solutions are right for them. Companies are also obliged to make special provisions for wheelchair users and other people with mobility problems – this could involve selecting people to help wheelchair users get downstairs if there is a fire.
– Fire equipment
Companies can significantly reduce their likelihood of facing accident at work compensation claims by investing in fire detection equipment, The type of equipment suitable for a particular business and the location of this equipment will depend on a variety of factors, but warning systems and detection systems will be essential.
Fire fighting equipment is also recommended, however, the correct equipment for each individual company will depend on the type of business it is and the building it is in. Staff should be trained in how to use this equipment when necessary.
All fire detection, prevention, warning and fighting equipment must be properly installed, well maintained and regularly tested.
Importance of fire safety
Every business must ensure its fire safety procedures are effective and suitable for their particular requirements, and must regularly assess and update these procedures to deal with emerging risks or new employees. When businesses fail to protect the wellbeing of their workforce effectively, they can find themselves facing accident at work compensation claims, or being prosecuted in court due to health and safety regulation breaches.
If you are unsure about the fire safety procedures in your business, then speak to an expert consultant before it is too late.
Karl Johnson works alongside unions and health and safety representatives to drive down the number of injuries compensation claims and accidents at work. He lives in Suffolk with three dogs and two cats, and enjoys playing Rugby with his friends, strumming out songs on his acoustic guitar, and listening to classic rock or Radio 4.
TOP SAFETY TIPS FOR HUMIDIFIER USE (GUEST POST)
Humidifiers are widely used in residential, commercial and industrial environments, especially as the colder months of winter approach and lower temperatures causes the air in our homes and on-site offices to lose moisture. Unbeknown to many people, dry air is just as damaging as air with excessive moisture and humidifiers are the perfect appliance to get your humidity levels where they should be.
However, whilst the health benefits of maintaining the recommended up to 45% humidity level are widely known, owners of humidifiers must exercise caution when operating and maintaining these useful devices and getting the most out of their air quality enhancing features. Check out our three steps to safe and efficient humidifier use…
Regularly Measure Humidity Levels
Maintaining the right level of humidity is the key to creating a happy and healthy work environment especially in the trade industry due to the amount of dirt, dust, debris and other harmful particles brought into the office space by workers. Whilst avoiding dry air is important, avoiding exposure to excessive moisture is equally vital, and offices and homes using a humidifier should measure their humidity levels regularly to ensure they strike the right balance.
As mentioned earlier in this article, the recommended humidity level for the winter season is 25% (35% to 45% during summer) so if your humidity level goes above 50% you must stop using the humidifier unit for a period of time until these levels have returned to normal. If the humidity levels remain high, then the number of dust mites, mold and airborne contaminants will multiply, exposing your workers to an increased number of health risks.
Clean Regularly to Minimize Bacteria Exposure
As you can imagine, humidifiers are a breeding ground for bacteria and mold due to its air processing and moisture restoring methods so it is important to clean the tank of your humidifier periodically for maximum cleanliness and efficient performance. It is recommended that you refresh the water in the tank every day and give the tank and its surroundings a wipe down regularly. Give the device a thorough clean and dry when you are storing the humidifier away on the lead up to the summer months, disposing of any used filters.
Go for Bottled Refills
When refilling the tank of your humidifier opt for bottled, distilled water instead of tap refills. This will ensure you avoid the build-up of troublesome limescale (caused by the minerals in tap water) that makes many appliances unsafe to use and inefficient.
Using these safety tips you can ensure that your office humidifier is kept in good working order and provides the safe and healthy working environment you need through the efficient restoration of moisture.
The author of this post is Martin Davies. As well as being an avid blogger in the home improvement and trade industries, he works for the Air & Water Centre to provide efficient solutions and improved air quality with the latest humidifying and purifying technologies.
WESTERN UNITED STATES STILL BATTLING WILDFIRES
This year, the Western United States has been charred by several wildfires, many still burning. Droughts, less spring snowpack, and higher summer temperatures are the main causes of these fires. Firefighters from all over the United States have helped in the battles in these eleven states: Washington, Oregon, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico and Arizona.
When wildfire threatens, you won’t have time to shop or search for supplies. If ordered to evacuate, assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit with items you may need. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers such as backpacks, duffle bags, or trash containers. Include:
- Keep important family documents in a waterproof container. Assemble a smaller version of your kit to keep in the trunk of your car.
- A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won’t spoil.
- One change of clothing and footwear per person and one blanket or sleeping bag per person.
- A first aid kit that includes your family’s prescription medications.
- Emergency tools including a battery-powered radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries.
- An extra set of car keys and a credit card, cash, or traveler’s checks.
- Sanitation supplies.
- Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.
- An extra pair of eye-glasses.
- Pet food. Make arrangements to get your pets to a shelter, if possible.
Health Threat From Wildfire Smoke
Smoke from wildfires is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees and other plant materials. Smoke can hurt your eyes, irritate your respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases. When smoke levels are high enough, even healthy people may experience some of these symptoms, caused by smoke:
- Stinging eyes
- A scratchy throat
- Irritated sinuses
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Headaches
- A runny nose
- Coughing
- Asthma exacerbations
Smoke may worsen symptoms for people who have pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as respiratory allergies, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), in the following ways:
- Inability to breathe normally
- Cough with or without mucus
- Chest discomfort
- Wheezing and shortness of breath
If you have heart or lung disease, smoke might worsen your symptoms. People with heart disease might experience—
- Chest pain
- Rapid heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
In cases such as this, you should contact your physician as soon as possible.
Wildland Fires: Fire-Adapted Communities
How the Fire Service, local officials, and the public can work together to withstand the devastating effects of a wildland fire. They are called grass fires, forest fires, wildland fires, or by a variety of names. Yet, no matter the name, they pose an evolving threat to lives and property in an increasing number of communities across the United States.
Homes near natural areas, the wildland/urban interface (WUI), are beautiful places to live. These pristine environments add to the quality of life of residents and are valued by community leaders seeking to develop new areas of opportunity and local tax revenue, but these areas are not without risk. It is up to each home owner to build their home with the right kind of landscaping, away from the house, and have a water supply available to wet down the home and surrounding area, in order to protect it.
Because fires are a part of the natural ecology, living adjacent to the wilderness means living with a constant threat of fires. Fire, by nature, is an unpredictable and often uncontrollable force. Firefighters will always give their best effort, but with wind and weather changes, it may be a puzzle to outguess the fire.
The concept of fire-adapted communities (FACs) holds that, with proper community-wide preparation, human populations and infrastructure can withstand the devastating effects of a wildland fire, reducing loss of life and property. This goal depends on strong and collaborative partnerships between agencies and the public at the State, Federal, and local levels, with each accepting responsibility for their part.
Your Role in Fire-Adapted Communities frames the FAC concept and current efforts to define its scope, explain the roles that groups can adopt to improve their fire safety, and provide leadership for future steps. The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) believes that by reviewing the roles and responsibilities each group can adopt now, communities will become better prepared to realize the FAC goal in the future.
Sources: U.S.F.A.; FEMA