Tag Archives: falls

General Safety Issues

ARE YOU STANDING SAFELY? (GUEST POST)

There is much said about the negative side of sedentary jobs – sitting at a desk all day can have a very negative effect on our health from minor issues such as Repetitive Strain Injury right through to increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. But what about employees who are constantly on their feet? Millions of staff stand all day in the UK, doing all sorts of jobs in a variety of different industries. Cashiers, nurses, assembly line workers, retail staff and food service assistants are just a few. 

Being on your feet all day can be a real pain. Back pain, shoulder pain, leg pain, muscle tension, joint issues, hip problems, varicose veins. These are just some of the things that are associated with standing for long periods of time. Workers can suffer, especially if they are in a role where they are in a similar stance or doing the same thing over and over, such as a cashier or assembly line worker. Because they are not moving about much they are feeling the force of gravity, their muscles become tense – and this can lead to all sorts of pain. 

So if your staff are always on their feet, think about what you can you do to minimise the pain. 

Let’s start at the bottom. Are your staff wearing the right shoes? If they have correctly-fitting and fit-for-purpose footwear they’ll be comfortable and this will seriously minimise the risks already outlined. There is also another benefit. When staff are comfortable, they are more productive. Think about last time you were wearing shoes that weren’t comfortable. All you can think about is how much your feet are hurting. If that’s how your staff are feeling they are hardly likely to be the best ambassadors of your brand. 

But it’s not just about how happy, smiley and productive your staff are. It’s also about ensuring they are safe. Many workplaces have the potential for slips. In fact, slips and trips are the most common hazard in the workplace, with over a third of all major injuries coming from them. That’s why it’s important to make sure your staff have the correct footwear.  

So what can you do to make sure you and your staff are more comfortable at work? Here are our top tips: 

  • Give them a variety of jobs – changing their duties regularly means they move about in different ways and this gets their blood flowing, preventing muscle tension and pain.
  • Give your staff the opportunity to stand or sit if possible. A mixture of the two is best.
  • Do risk assessments – could staff slip or trip? If so think about the right, anti-slip footwear.
  • Make sure staff have short breaks when they are standing all day, as this again promotes movement.
  • Cushioned or anti-fatigue matting can help make a difference.
  • Make sure your employees’ footwear conforms to UK and European guidelines and is also comfortable and suitable for the job they are doing, because happy feet = happy staff.

Kay Riley has year of experience is the health and safety sector and is now a writer for Shoes For Crews Europe. Kay is looking to reach out to the industry to share her knowledge. I look forward to answering any questions or comment you have on the piece.

 

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

March 3-9: National Patient Safety Awareness Week

Patient Safety Awareness Week is an annual education and awareness campaign for health care safety led by NPSF. Each year, health care organizations internationally take part in the event by prominently displaying the NPSF campaign logo and promotional materials within their organizations, creating awareness in the community, and utilizing NPSF educational resources among hospital staff and patients. Visit the NPSF Store to order materials.

The theme for Patient Safety Awareness Week 2013 is Patient Safety 7/365: 7 days of recognition, 365 days of commitment to safe care. This is a week to recognize the advancements that have been made in the patient safety arena, while acknowledging the challenges that remain—and committing to work on them, every day.

Key Facts About Patient Safety

Doctors, nurses, and other health professionals dedicate their lives to caring for their patients. But providing health care can be complicated. There are often multiple steps involved in a health care visit. A number of different medical staff may be take part in the care of a single patient. And patients may be confused by unfamiliar words and technical language.  If the patient is elderly, there should be a caregiver or family member present to be sure everyone understands the physicians’ instructions.

Although hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices take many steps to keep their patients safe, medical errors can happen. Often, medical errors (also called adverse events) happen when there is a single misstep in a chain of activities.

Researchers and experts in the field of patient safety have identified a number of ongoing patient safety challenges. Below are descriptions of some of the most common and worrisome issues.  Have you or a friend or family member experienced an incident regarding safety issues while you were a patient? 

Wrong-Site Surgery

Wrong-site surgery means an operation done on the wrong part of the body or on the wrong person. It can also mean the wrong surgery was performed.  Wrong-site surgery is rare and preventable, but it does still occur. Between 1995 and 2010, 956 wrong-site incidents were reported to the Joint Commission (the Joint Commission is an organization that reviews and grants accreditation to health care institutions). One study surveyed surgical procedures from 28 hospitals and found the incidence of WSS to be approximately 1 in 112,994 procedures. For the average hospital, this means only one error every 5 to 10 years. 

However, to ensure that you aren’t that “one” error, be sure to ask the surgical staff  if the correct surgical site is marked, and ask any other questions you may have prior to the surgery.

Medication Errors

Medication errors are when a patient receives the wrong medication, or when he or she receives the right medication but in the wrong dosage or manner.  Medication errors are unfortunately very common. According to the Institute of Medicine’s July 2006 report Preventing Medication Errors, medication errors harm an estimated 1.5 million Americans each year, resulting in upward of $3.5 billion in extra medical costs. Medication errors include cases where the wrong medication is given, where the wrong dose of the right medication is given, or when medication is given the wrong way (for example, in pill form rather than liquid) or when it is given at the wrong time. 

Health Care-Acquired Infections

A health care-acquired infection (HAI) is an infection a person gets while being treated for a medical condition. HAIs may occur in patients who are treated at a medical facility or in their homes. An infection is considered to be an HAI when it occurs after treatment begins. HAIs are often discovered within 48 hours of admission to a health care facility, but other infections may also be considered HAIs.  In the United States, 1 out of 20 hospitalized patients contract HAIs. These complications of care lead to extra time in the hospital and longer recovery times.

The three most common types of HAIs are

  • Catheter-related bloodstream infections: Catheter-related bloodstream infections, or CRBSIs, are among the most common infections in patients who are admitted to critical care units. These infections occur when bacteria and other germs travel down a “central line” and enter the bloodstream.
  • Hospital-acquired pneumonia: Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) is an infection of the lungs that occurs 48 hours or longer after admission to a hospital. This pneumonia tends to be more serious because patients in the hospital are often sicker and unable to fight off germs than otherwise health people. Hospital-acquired pneumonia occurs more often in patients who are using a respirator (machine) to help them breathe. Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) falls into the HAP category. It may occur in patients who need a tube to breathe.
  • Surgical site infections (SSI): A surgical site infection is an infection that occurs after surgery in the part of the body where the surgery took place. Surgical site infections sometimes only involve the skin. Others are more serious and can involve tissues under the skin, organs, or implanted material (such as knee or hip replacements). 

Falls

Falls are a common cause of injury, both within and outside of health care settings. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of adults over 65 fall each year. Injuries that result from falls can include bone fractures, excessive bleeding, or even death.  Researchers estimate that more than 500,000 falls happen each year in U.S. hospitals, resulting in 150,000 injuries. Patients may be at increased risk of falls if

  • They have an impaired memory
  • They have muscle weakness
  • They are older than 60
  • They use a cane or walker to help them walk

Medications may also play a role in increasing a person’s risk for a fall. Studies have also shown that elderly patients taking four or more prescription medications are at three time’s greater risk for falls than are other patients.  Hospitals and other health care organizations take steps to prevent falls among their patients, such as placing a sign on the door that this patient is a fall risk. You can help prevent falls by asking your doctor or nurse about your risk and taking steps to reduce your chance of a fall.  Bed alarms are also placed on the beds of fall-prone patients.

Readmissions

A readmission is when a patient needs to return to the hospital less then 30 days after being discharged. Many factors may lead to hospital readmissions, such as poor quality care or a gap in the transition between different providers and care settings. Readmissions may also occur if patients are discharged from hospitals prematurely, or if they are discharged to inappropriate settings, or if they do not receive adequate information or resources to aid in recovery.

Patients can help avoid readmission by making sure they understand their care plan before they are discharged from the hospital. They also need to be sure to follow up on care once they leave the hospital.

Diagnostic Errors

Diagnostic errors mean a diagnosis that was either “wrong, missed, or unintentionally delayed.” No-fault errors may happen when there are masked or unusual symptoms of a disease, or when a patient has not fully cooperated in care. Diagnostic errors may also result from system-related problems, such as equipment failure or flaws in communication. A wrong diagnosis may also occur when the clinician relies too much on common symptoms, and choosing an obvious answer, without looking further into what may be causing them.

We all want to know there is a hospital nearby when one falls ill or has an accident.  We also want to trust that we will receive professional care.  My husband developed a Strep B infection following a hip replacement, resulting in more surgery, and six weeks of home health care, including wearing an iv bag for six weeks.  Luckily, the infection cleared up, but he should not have had to go through that.  I could list numerous friends and family that have been made more sick after being hospitalized than before they went in.  I feel most of you can, too.

The best advice is to feel free to ask the doctors and nurses as many questions as you have.  Nurses and aides should do their job and give the same attention they give to patients who have no one sitting in the room with them to those who do have someone present.  It is not the sitter or family members’ job to bathe, or take care of the patient.  This happens in hospitals all too frequently.  We all are paid to do our own jobs.  It is our responsibility to be aware of negligence and/or mistakes, and report it to the compliance officer of the hospital.

I just had to add my two cents to this article.  Most of us have experienced some type of incident while in a hospital.  The statements in italics are my comments.  Feel free to send yours, too. pb

Source: National Patient Safety Foundation

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

HOT WORKS – SAFE WELDING OPERATIONS (GUEST POST)

1 Comment

Sent by Jason of riskatmedia.com 

There are particular hazards associated with hot works, which includes welding activities, the use of oxy/gas equipment and acetylene, cutting operations and air-arc gouging. Each year over 1000 work related injuries to welders are reported to the Health and Safety Executive in the United Kingdom.  Approximately 300 of these are major injuries, such as amputations and fractures.  Some of these injuries result from hazards that accompany almost all types of work activity, such as handling, slips and trips and being hit by a moving or falling object.  Others are more likely to be solely associated with welding activities, such as the intensity of electric arcs and high temperatures. 

Manual handling

Prior to carrying out any unavoidable manual handling activity, you should help to protect yourself from injury by following good manual handling practices. Consider the task to be carried out and the nature of the load, and be aware of your own capabilities and the environment in which you are working. In particular, portable welding equipment, gas cylinders and work pieces can be extremely heavy and you should give consideration to safe manual handling practices before undertaking any job that involves lifting these items. 

Slips, trips and falls

Slips and trips can result from contamination, obstacles, inappropriate footwear, reduced visibility, the environment and people’s attitudes. Good housekeeping can significantly reduce the risk of serious slip and trip injuries. Containing spent rod ends and removing debris, slag, packaging and other waste materials to waste skips. You can also reduce the risk of slips and trips by properly routing any cables or air hoses that you use.

A safe place of work should be established to take into account the restricted visibility resulting from welders wearing protective head-shields. Consider whether the environment in which you will be working increases the risk of slips and trips and take responsibility for your own and your colleagues safety by appropriately containing any spills that you might discover. 

Moving or falling objects

Death or injury can result when large and heavy objects, such as gas cylinders used during welding operations, tip or fall because they have not been properly secured. Gas cylinders should always be secured by means of a chain, strap or cable to a building support, or proper cylinder cart. Bottle trolleys should also be covered when gas cylinders are moved short distances. 

Electrical Dangers

Electric shock from welding equipment can result in death or severe burns. Serious injury can result if the welder falls as a result of the shock. To prevent the risks posed by electrical hazards, all equipment should be tested and certified before use. Air pipe work should be checked to ensure that there is no electrical conductivity between the ends and the welding return cable should be connected as close as possible to the work piece. The electro-magnetic field produced by certain types of welding equipment may pose a risk to welders who have implantable medical devices fitted. Please make sure that you have informed your supervisor if you have an active implantable medical device, and talk to your doctor about the safety of using welding equipment in relation to your medical device. 

Fire and Explosion

Welding and allied processes produce molten metal, sparks, slag and hot work surfaces which pose a risk of fire and explosion, and which can result in fatalities, serious injury and plant damage. Flying sparks are the main cause of fire and explosion, especially as sparks can travel up to 10 metres from the work space. Sparks and molten metal can travel even greater distances when falling and can pass through and become lodged in cracks, clothing, pipe holes and other small openings. To reduce the risk of fire and explosion when carrying out Hot Works, a permit for work should be obtained before commencing work on any operational plant. Working areas and the areas below them should be kept free of combustible material. Fixed items of plant, such as installed electrical cables should be protected by a fire blanket. Sparks should be contained by means of a non-flammable material. Fire extinguishers should be close at hand, and the working area should be inspected when work is suspended to ensure there is no residual risk of fire or explosion. 

Oxy-Gas Equipment

Additional precautions are necessary when working with oxy-gas equipment. Gas bottles should be in an upright position, secured to prevent falling and located in an open aspect during use. The cylinder valves should be kept shut while hoses and equipment are being connected or disconnected. The requirement to fit flash back arrestors to both hoses is mandatory, but you should also ensure that you have enough gas in both cylinders to complete the job and that you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper shut-down and start-up procedures for the equipment you are using to reduce the risk of flashbacks. The bottle key should be kept on the valves while equipment is in use to enable quick shut off in the event of an emergency. A fire watch should be maintained during operations.

All gas cylinders should be isolated when not in use to prevent oxygen or gas enrichment. And all operators should subject oxy-gas equipment to daily pre-use checks, such as leak detector spray or pressure drop tests. Contamination of gas cylinders by oil or grease should be avoided, as this may increase the risk of fire and explosion. Direct exposure to fire can initiate a heat generating decomposition reaction within acetylene gas leading to the potential for explosion. Any cylinders exposed to a fire should therefore be isolated for at least 48 hours, or until deemed safe. When not in use, gas cylinders should be stored in properly constructed and ventilated cages, with no source of ignition within three metres. 

Eye damage and burns

Most welding and related activities produce significant quantities of non-ionising radiation, such as visible light, ultraviolet and infra-red, which can cause eye damage and painful skin burns. The intensity and wavelength of energy produced depends on the process, welding parameters, electrode and base metal composition, fluxes, and any coatings or plating on the base material. Ultraviolet radiation increases approximately as the square of the welding current. Visible brightness or luminance of the arc increases at a much lower rate. Processes using argon produce larger amounts of ultraviolet radiation than those using most other shielding gases. The risk of injury to the operator resulting from exposure to non-ionising radiation can be reduced by decreasing the length of exposure, wearing a head shield and standard Personal Protective Equipment or PPE with gauntlets and Proban fire-retardant overalls. 

Welding Fumes

Many welding processes produce fumes which are potentially harmful. Depending on the materials involved, the ill effects can include irritation of the eyes, skin and respiratory system, or more severe complications such as impairment of speech and movement. Symptoms of over-exposure to welding fumes may manifest immediately or some considerable time later. To reduce these risks, position the work area with an open aspect to minimise fume concentrations. Use forced ventilation where necessary and, in confined spaces, an air fed hood. Use a disposable mask appropriate to the type of fumes produced during work operations, and remember that respirators are mandatory for stainless steel welding. It is also important to refer to the relevant Hazardous Material Assessment which will outline additional safe working practices for the materials used. 

Work piece Stability

Where cutting operations are performed, it is always important to give consideration to the effect that these operations will have on the stability of the work piece. In particular, consideration should be given to weight distribution, as the removal of significant weights may alter the balance of the work piece. Where appropriate, the work piece should be supported. You should also plan how items that have been removed will be lowered without risk to yourself, to others who may be working nearby, or to equipment. 

Emergency procedures

In the event of an emergency, conduct an initial assessment of the situation. If you believe that the situation is beyond your control, evacuate the area immediately. Turn off all valves, but only if it is safe to do so. If the flame from a leak cannot be extinguished by turning off the valve, do not stay and attempt to fight the fire. Evacuate the area immediately. 

Guest post Riskatmedia Safety Training Videos

Fall Safety, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

SAFE ACCESS AND EGRESS (GUEST POST)

Another great article send to us by Jason of  riskatmedia 

Access and egress refer to the rate or means of entry and exit to a workplace or work area.  Routes that provide access and egress should be controlled, safe, suitably constructed, kept free of obstructions and well maintained.  Serious injury can result from hazards such as fires, slips and trips, contact with moving vehicles, unauthorised entry into hazardous work areas, falls into floor openings and falls into water, when access and egress arrangements are not properly maintained.

We will cover each of these hazards in turn during the course of this presentation, and will demonstrate the importance of maintaining safe access and egress arrangements. 

Site Access

It is extremely important to always know who is on site at any given time, and aware of personnel present in a particular work area.  In the event of an emergency, such as a fire, it will then be possible to determine whether anyone has been unable to evacuate the site.  It will also be possible to direct rescue services to the appropriate work area.  You should, therefore, always follow the appropriate access control procedures every time you enter or exit a site or a controlled work area. 

Egress Routes

Egress routes need to be clearly marked out, well lit, unobstructed and well maintained if they are to allow personnel and others on site to exit quickly in the event of an emergency.  For these reasons, you should never lay down or store tools, equipment, work pieces or other items on routes of egress.  Operations should be planned so that they do not damage egress routes, and any accidental damage should be rectified immediately.

Contain and report any spills that are likely to affect egress routes.  Holes should be repaired, covered, or guarded and reported.  And you should consider whether any waste water runoff produced as a result of your operations is likely to affect egress routes.  Most importantly, make sure that you are familiar with the egress route from your work area and from the site, so that you can quickly and safely exit the work place in the event of an emergency. 

Slips, Trips and Falls

Egress routes are often also access routes, and part of your work area. But even when they are not, access routes and work areas should be kept in a safe, unobstructed and well maintained condition, as this can help to reduce the risk of dangerous slip and trip accidents.

Slips and trips represent a significant cause of work related injury.  Slips and trips can result from contamination, obstacles, inappropriate footwear, reduced visibility, the environment and people’s attitudes.  Good workmanship and good housekeeping are practices that can help to prevent accidents and fires.  By removing debris, slag, packaging and other waste materials to waste skips, you can contribute significantly to good housekeeping.  You can also reduce the risk of slips and trips by properly routing any cables or air hoses that you use, by placing fixed covers over small holes in flooring, by ensuring that you always wear appropriate footwear, by holding the handrails when you use stairs or access ladders, by considering whether the environment in which you will be working increases the risk of slips and trips and by taking responsibility for your own and your colleagues safety and appropriately containing any spills that you might discover.

Mobile Plant

Each year, a number of people die as a result of being struck by a moving or falling object.  In most cases, these deaths involved accidents relating to vehicles in the work place.  It is important to separate vehicles and pedestrians in your work area, and to remember that only suitably trained, certified and authorised people should operate mobile plant, that you should always be aware of vehicle movements within your workplace and that you stick to pedestrian routes when going to or leaving your work area. 

Arrangement of your Work Area

Your work area should be organised to ensure that you have enough height and space for access and egress, as well as to move around and carry out operations safely.  Low level ceilings or pipe-work should be highlighted.  Particular safe working procedures are required in work areas with limited access and egress, including confined spaces. 

Hazardous Work Areas

Access restrictions, such as barriers, are required for hazardous work areas.  Machine shops, elevated work platforms, confined spaces, roofs, floor openings and work areas over or near water pose significant hazards and it should not be possible for unauthorised personnel to enter these areas.  Please stick to designated pedestrian walkways if you need to walk past or through these work areas and do not be tempted to cross barriers or take unnecessary short cuts.  If you need to work in a hazardous area, you must follow the specific access procedures for your work area.  This may include access control and equipment control.  You may not be able to take personal items into certain work areas, such as confined spaces.  You will also need to be familiar with the rescue plan established for some work areas, including confined spaces and work areas near water.  If you operate powered access equipment, you must be suitably trained and authorised. 

Floor Openings

All floor openings should be guarded by scaffold barriers and toe boards, and appropriate warning signs should be displayed to prevent falls.  Personnel working within the barrier must wear a safety harness attached to secure anchor points.  When operations are suspended for significant periods, additional precautions should be considered, including fixed covers.  Covers should be made of a suitable, load bearing material. 

Working Over or Near Water

Safe access and egress routes to and from work areas near or over water should be established.  Buoyancy aids should be available and a first aid box should be provided at the operational site.  Work over water requires specialist scaffolding which should be erected by fully trained personnel.  You should never interfere with safeguards or make unauthorised alterations to this scaffolding.  All personnel who work near water should be trained in resuscitation techniques and they should never work alone.  An in situ risk assessment should be conducted to determine whether additional controls are necessary to prevent falls into the water, which may result in drowning, the ingestion of pollutants, exposure to water borne diseases and resultant illness.  Additional controls may include full netting of the scaffold, harnesses and safety lines, life jackets and a rescue boat.  If a rescue boat is required, two experienced personnel should serve as crew.  Consideration should be given to whether the water is tidal, deep or on an estuary, whether strong currents prevail and whether there are straight sided banks, in determining how rescue will be affected. Particular hazards and risks to the boat crew will also need to be assessed, and a shore based supervisor may need to be provided.  Radio and mobile communications should be established.

 

Guest Post Riskatmedia – Safety Training Videos

Ergonomics, Eye Protection, Fall Safety, First Aid Safety, Hand Protection, Hearing Protection

POWER TOOL SAFETY (GUEST POST)

1 Comment

By Jason, from RiskAtMedia: 

All work activities carry the potential to cause harm to our own and others’ health and well-being, but we sometimes forget how real and close to us these hazards are.  Every year, a large number of people are killed at work, and an even greater number of people suffer work related injuries because they are unable to follow safe working practices. There are particular hazards associated with the use of powered tools, some of these hazards accompany almost all types of work activity, such as manual handling and slips and trips.  Others are of particular concern to powered tool operators and we will consider these in this Power Tool Safety brief. 

Manual Handling

Manual handling related activities are a major cause of occupational injury.  Low back pain, joint injuries and repetitive strain injuries of various sorts, affect over a million people each year, and many of these injuries are the result of manual handling. Prior to carrying out any unavoidable manual handling activity you should help to protect yourself from injury by following good manual handling practices.  Consider the task to be carried out and the nature of the load, and be aware of your own capabilities and the environment in which you are working. In particular, tools and work pieces can be extremely heavy and you should give consideration to safe manual handling practices before undertaking any job that involves lifting these items. 

Slips, Trips and Falls

Slips, trips and falls represent a significant cause of work related injury.  Slips and trips can result from contamination, obstacles, inappropriate footwear, reduced visibility, the environment and people’s attitudes.  Good workmanship and good housekeeping are practices that can help to prevent accidents and fires.  By removing debris, swarf, packaging and other waste materials to waste skips you can contribute significantly to good housekeeping.  You can also reduce the risk of slips and trips by properly routing any cables or air hoses that you use, by appropriately storing materials, tools and other equipment and keeping walkways clear, by ensuring that you always wear appropriate shoes and by taking responsibility for your own and your colleagues safety and appropriately containing any spills that you might discover. 

Contact Risk

Contact with moving or rotating power tools is a significant hazard to personnel using power tools, as well as to personnel working close by, and can result in serious injury.  All personnel need appropriate training and experience to be able to use work equipment safely.  Never use any work equipment unless you have received suitable training and are qualified and competent to do so.  Before you begin to use a powered tool, make sure that you have read the manufacturer’s instructions for use.  Study the tool to make sure that you know which parts of the tool move, which parts are stationary and which parts are sharp.  Make sure that all guards are in place.  Where appropriate, remember to securely clamp tools or work pieces.  And ensure that you only use tools for the job they were intended to perform, as this can significantly reduce the risk of injury.  To protect others from the risk of contact with the moving or rotating powered tool parts, make sure any necessary warning signs and barriers are in place before you begin work.  You should also take care if you need to walk through or work in an area adjacent to where another person is using powered tools. 

Electrical Safety

Electric shock from powered tools can result in death or severe burns.  Additionally, serious injury can result if the operator falls against a powered tool as a result of the shock.  To prevent the risks posed by electrical hazards, all electric powered tools should carry a valid test certificate or label.  Testing should be carried out by suitably trained individuals.   If an electric powered tool does not carry a valid test label, it should not be used and you should inform your supervisor. 

Malfunction

You should also carry out a visual pre-use inspection of all tools to ensure that they remain undamaged.  If you do discover a defect, please do not use the tool and report the problem to your supervisor.  Never attempt to make temporary repairs to a tool.   You should also observe the tool while it is in use for possible signs of malfunction.  If you notice that the tool is vibrating abnormally, doesn’t sound right, or is displaying signs of any other problem, switch it off and report to your supervisor.  When using an impact wrench, only sockets specifically designed for use with impact wrenches should be used and you should carry out a daily pre-use inspection of the socket to ensure that it is undamaged.  Never use sockets designed for hand ratchets on an impact wrench. 

Maintenance

Ensuring that equipment is appropriately cleaned and maintained is also central to safety.  Clean tools after each use, as a dirty tool is unsafe and is difficult to use.  When you carry out maintenance, make sure that the equipment is isolated and cannot be turned on accidentally.  Ensure swarf has cooled before using gloves and a brush to remove it and clean the tool.  If you need to remove swarf from a running powered tool to prevent long strands developing, make sure that you are not wearing gloves and use a rod to remove the swarf.  Never use a rag to clean a tool while it is running and never use compressed air to clean a tool. 

Entanglement

When using powered tools, wear close fitting garments, do not wear a tie or jewellery and tie back long hair and long beards to reduce the risk of entanglement. 

Personal Protective Equipment PPE

Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE, is an important means of reducing the risks associated with projectile particles produced when using powered tools.  At least standard PPE with safety glasses should be worn.  It may be necessary to screen the work area if projectile particles pose a hazard to individuals working or passing nearby.  Only PPE in good working condition will reduce the hazards associated with your work, so it is important to remove, clean and store your PPE correctly. 

Noise at Work

Hearing loss caused by exposure to noise at work is a significant source of occupational disease, with many people suffering deafness, tinnitus or other ear conditions as a result of exposure to excessive noise levels at work.  The level of noise and how long people are exposed to noise at work both contribute to potential hearing damage.  Noise can be reduced to harmless levels by wearing industiral ear plugs and ear defenders. These items of PPE should therefore always be worn while using impact wrenches, and should also be worn when using other powered tools unless local measurements indicate that noise levels are below the level at which such action is necessary. Controls should also be considered for individuals working in close proximity. 

Human Factors

Human factors also play a role in increasing the risk of injury while using powered tools.  Never come to work in possession of, or under the influence of, alcohol or drugs.  These substances expose everyone to risks that are unnecessary and easily avoided.  You should also not use powered tools if you are overly tired or unwell, as concentration is important to using tools safely. 

Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome HAVS

If you regularly use powered tools, you may be at risk of developing Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome or HAVS.  This condition involves damage to the blood vessels, nerves and joints of the hand, wrist and arm.  It is a painful and debilitating condition, resulting in numbness of the hands to the extent where it is impossible to feel with your fingers and very difficult for you to pick up small objects.  This can make both occupational and leisure activities, such as playing darts, fishing or DIY, impossible.  HAVS is entirely preventable.  Always use the right tool for the job, as this will allow you to complete the job more quickly and will expose you to less hand-arm vibration.  Carry out a pre-use inspection of all hand held equipment and report any damage to your supervisor, as faults and general wear may result in increased vibration.  If you do experience abnormal vibration from hand held equipment, please report this immediately.  Try to reduce the amount of vibration you are exposed to in one go by doing other jobs in between.  Use a relaxed grip and avoid using excessive force on a tool or work piece.  Store tools so that they do not have very cold handles when used next.  Keep your hands warm and dry and take breaks to exercise your fingers regularly.   Wear gloves when using impact wrenches to reduce the effect of vibration. 

Compressed Air

Compressed air is a safe and reliable alternative to electricity for powering impact wrenches and other air powered tools, but it can be dangerous if it is not used responsibly.  In particular, contact with streams of compressed air can penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream.  All compressed air plant should be appropriately inspected and certified to ensure that it is safe to use.  Never operate air compressors at faster speeds than the manufacturer’s recommendation and ensure that the air intake is from a clean, outside and fresh air source, with screens and filters used to clean the air if necessary.  Unless your tool has a quick disconnect plug, you should always turn off the air supply at the control valve and bleed the tool before disconnecting.  You should never compress, bend or kink air hoses and you should never carry an impact wrench or other tool by the air hose.  And never use compressed air to clean your clothes or yourself. 

Emergency Procedures

In the event of an emergency, isolate any equipment that you have been using and evacuate the area according to the site emergency procedures.  If you are involved in an accident, seek immediate assistance. 

Riskatmedia – Safety Videos

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hearing Protection

MACHINING SAFETY (GUEST POST)

Sent by Jason, of riskatmedia.com. 

All work activities carry the potential to cause harm to our own and others’ health and well-being, but we sometimes forget how real and close to us these hazards are. Every year, a large number of people are killed at work, and an even greater number of people suffer work related injuries because they are unable to follow safe working practices.

There are particular hazards associated with machining activities, which includes both general machining activities and the use of magnetic based equipment. Some of these hazards accompany almost all types of work activity, such as handling and slips and trips. Others, such as contact with moving machinery and contact with hazardous substances are of particular concern to machine operators as they result in significantly higher rates of injury amongst these personnel than amongst other workers. 

Manual Handling

Manual handling related activities are a major cause of occupational injury. Low back pain, joint injuries and repetitive strain injuries affect over a million people each year, and many of these injuries are the result of manual handling. Prior to carrying out any unavoidable manual handling activity, you should help to protect yourself from injury by following good manual handling practices. Consider the task to be carried out and the nature of the load, and be aware of your own capabilities and the environment in which you are working. In particular, machine attachments and work pieces can be extremely heavy and you should give consideration to safe manual handling practices before undertaking any job that involves lifting these items. 

Slips, Trips and Falls

Slips and trips represent a significant cause of work related injury. Slips and trips can result from contamination, obstacles, inappropriate footwear, reduced visibility, the environment and people’s attitudes. Good workmanship and good housekeeping are practices that can help to prevent accidents and fires. By removing debris, swarf, packaging and other waste materials to waste skips you can contribute significantly to good housekeeping. You can also reduce the risk of slips and trips by properly routing any cables or air hoses that you use, by appropriately storing materials, tools and other equipment and keeping walkways clear, by ensuring that you always wear appropriate footwear and by taking responsibility for your own and your colleagues safety and appropriately containing any spills that you might discover. 

Risk of Contact

Contact with moving or rotating machine parts is a significant hazard to personnel involved in machining activities, as well as to personnel working close by, and can result in serious injury. All personnel need appropriate training and experience to be able to use work equipment safely. Never use machinery unless you have received suitable training and are qualified and competent to do so. You should ensure that you are suitably qualified and are competent to use the particular type of equipment that you will be working on. Before you begin to use a machine, study it to make sure that you know which parts of the machine move, which parts are stationary and which parts are sharp. Make sure that all guards are in place. Remember to securely clamp both the machine and the work piece. To ensure Machine Safety make sure that you only use that piece of equipment for the job it was intended to perform. To protect others from the risk of contact with the moving or rotating machine parts, make sure that the appropriate warning signs and barriers are in place before you begin machining ensuring Authorised Personnel Only can gain access.” 

Electrical Safety

Electric shock from machinery can result in death or severe burns. Additionally, serious injury can result if the person falls as a result of the shock. To prevent the risks posed by electrical hazards, all electrical equipment should carry a valid test certificate or label. Testing should be carried out by suitably trained individuals. If an electrical appliance does not carry a test label, then please, do not use it. You should also carry out a visual pre-use inspection of all machinery, if you discover a defect or problem with the machine, it should not be used and you should inform your manager. 

Machine Malfunction

It is equally important to monitor the machine while it is running for possible signs of a malfunction. If you notice that the machine is vibrating abnormally, doesn’t sound right or is displaying signs of any other problem, switch it off and report to your manager. 

Machine Maintenance

Ensuring that equipment is appropriately cleaned and maintained is also central to machine safety. Inspect and sharpen cutting tools, lubricate machinery and check the alignment of milling machines as appropriate. Clean machinery after each use, as a dirty machine is unsafe and is difficult to use. When you are carrying out machine maintenance, make sure that you follow the appropriate lockout and tag-out procedures to ensure that the equipment is correctly isolated and cannot be turned on accidentally.

When cleaning machines after use, ensure that the machine is switched off and that the swarf has cooled before using gloves and a brush to remove swarf and clean the machine. If you need to remove swarf from a running machine, make sure that you are not wearing gloves and use a rod to remove the swarf. Never use a rag to clean a machine while it is running. Never use compressed air to clean a machine, your clothes or yourself. 

Risk of Entanglement

When conducting machining operations, it is extremely important that you take the steps necessary to reduce the risk of entanglement. Wear close fitting garments, do not wear a tie or jewelry and tie back long hair and long beards. Never wear gloves when operating a machine. If material is rough or sharp and you need to wear gloves to handle it, make sure that you place or handle the material while the machine is turned off and that you then remove your gloves before turning on or operating the machine. You should never attempt to measure a part that is moving. 

Personal Protective Equipment PPE

Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE, is an important means of reducing the risks associated with projectile particles during machining operations. At least standard PPE with safety sun glasses should be worn. It may be necessary to screen the work area if projectile particles pose a hazard to individuals working or passing nearby. Only PPE in good working condition will reduce the hazards associated with your work, so it is important to remove, clean and store your PPE correctly. 

Noise at Work

Hearing loss caused by exposure to noise at work is a significant source of occupational disease, with many people suffering deafness, tinnitus or other ear conditions as a result of exposure to excessive noise levels at work. The level of noise and how long people are exposed to noise at work both contribute to potential hearing damage. Noise can be reduced to harmless levels by using ear plugs and ear defenders while conducting machining operations, and these items of PPE should therefore be worn unless local measurements indicate that noise levels are below the level at which such action is necessary. 

Human Factors

Human factors also play a role in increasing the risk of injury while conducting machining operations. Never come to work in possession of, or under the influence of, alcohol or drugs. These substances expose everyone to risks that are unnecessary and easily avoided. You should also not conduct machining operations if you are overly tired or unwell, as concentration is important to operating machines safely. Behave sensibly in the machine shop. Don’t run and don’t walk behind someone who is operating machinery as you may bump in to them. 

Hazardous Substances

Substances such as coolants and other metal working fluids, hydraulic, lubricating, gearbox oils and cleaning agents can cause dermatitis if they come into contact with your skin. Fluid systems containing water or water mixes can cause bacterial infection on contact.

If you need to use these or other potentially hazardous substances, ensure that you follow the procedures outlined in your hazardous substance assessment, which may include the use of additional PPE. Try to avoid getting these substances on your skin, but if you do, pre-work or barrier creams will make your hands easier to clean. Rehydration creams will also replace lost skin oils after washing, and help to keep your hands in good condition. Wash, eat and drink away from your work area, and always wash your hands before eating, drinking or smoking. Avoid breathing in metal working fluid mists by using machining procedures which reduce the amount of mist produced, by using extraction and by using appropriate PPE. Remember that all hazardous chemicals can be identified by their warning signs, and should be stored in suitable containers that are clearly labelled and which identify the hazards associated with their use. Information on the substance as well as an assessment of the hazards associated with its use should also be available. 

Magnetic Based Equipment

There are additional hazards relating to the use of magnetic based equipment. It may well be unsafe to use magnetic based equipment if you have an active implantable medical device fitted. Make sure that you have informed your manager if you have an implanted medical device and talk to your doctor about the safety of using magnetic based equipment. Particular safe working practices are necessary to prevent injury should the electrical supply to the magnetic base fail. You should label the relevant electrical supply sockets and switches to prevent someone accidentally turning off the supply. 

Emergency Procedures

In the event of an emergency while conducting machining operations, isolate any machinery that you have been using and evacuate the area according to the site emergency procedures. If you are involved in an accident, seek immediate assistance. You should never operate machinery while alone unless specific lone working procedures are in place.

 

Riskatmedia – Safety Videos

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Head Protection

Preventing Winter Head Injuries (Guest Post)

By Sheldon Warden

Winter brings with it a magical feeling for most people. The season is full of holidays that bring family and friends closer together. Unfortunately, this season also brings with it an increased chance of sustaining detrimental head injuries. Most people would obviously realize that icy roads can increase the likelihood of a vehicular accident which could cause a brain injury, but there are many other ways that a person can sustain a brain injury that don’t sound nearly as treacherous as frozen over streets.

Why Winter increases the Risk of Brain Injuries

Just like icy streets, frozen over sidewalks present a danger for those walking across them. Slip and fall accidents are common throughout the year, but once ice has settled on the ground, the occurrence of this type of accident can go through the roof. It’s important to remember, however, that the following activities also greatly increase the risk of a person sustaining a traumatic brain injury during the winter.

  • Ice Skating
  • Sledding
  • Skiing
  • Snowboarding

The aforementioned activities combine slick surfaces with high speeds, and while all of these things are enjoyable, this combination proves disastrous for numerous people every winter.

Preventing Serious Brain Injuries

There’s probably not a person in the world who knew that they were going to sustain a brain injury before taking part in the activity that caused it. Unfortunately, the winter months make this occurrence a constant possibility. Luckily, there are ways that a person can lessen the likelihood that they or someone they love will sustain massive head trauma.

Wear a Helmet when Appropriate

The most obvious safety step for people participating in sledding, snowboarding, hockey and other high risk winter activities is to wear a helmet. Helmets save innumerable lives every year, and it’s simply reckless to not wear one when engaged in an event where accidents are liable to occur.

Always Buckle Up

Another safety step that should be incredibly obvious is to always wear a seatbelt. This should be common sense year-round, but during the winter months, accidents can easily happen even if a person is driving superbly. Our Reading personal injury lawyer in Pennsylvania has handled many winter crash cases and warns that it only takes a fraction of a second to lose control of a vehicle on ice, and failing to be secured properly in your vehicle can easily lead to a serious head injury.

Take Precautions to avoid Slips

Slip and fall accidents account for many serious brain injuries. During the winter, it is important for those in extremely cold areas to apply salt to their driveways, walkways or sidewalks if they have frozen over. Doing this on the sidewalk in front of a person’s house will decrease the chance that they or their neighbors will slip and fall. It also isn’t a bad idea to wear slip resistant shoes or snow boots during this time of the year.

Signs of a Serious Brain Injury

Many people believe that if they have a head injury, they will notice obvious overbearing symptoms that lead them to seek treatment. This, however, is not always the case. There are a few common symptoms of brain injuries that many people may not even consider serious.

  • Unconsciousness, even if for only a few seconds.
  • Seizures.
  • Repeat vomiting.
  • Prolonged confused states.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Headache.
  • Sudden change in sleep patterns.

These symptoms are all hallmarks of serious brain injuries. While it is true that these warning signs can occur due to other reasons, their appearance after a head injury, regardless of how seemingly minor, are a likely telltale sign of a traumatic brain injury.

No one should live on edge during the winter months. It’s obvious that the likelihood of a serious brain injury will go up during this time of the year, but there are ways to avoid these tragedies. Furthermore, a person who recognizes symptoms of a brain injury should seek medical attention immediately. Winter can be a treacherous time, but with the right proactive measures, individuals will likely enjoy this magical time with no brain injury at all.

Shelby Warden is a legal researcher that pays special attention to safety laws that were created to prevent injuries and protect the public. The Law Firm of McMahon, McMahon & Lentz and their Reading personal injury lawyer team in Pennsylvania have helped many people who were injured due to the negligence of another get the compensation they deserve so they could get their lives back on track. Their firm does not receive any fees or expenses until you have received the compensation for your losses.

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

SAFETY OF MARITIME WORKERS: DO YOU KNOW YOUR RIGHTS? (GUEST POST)

Written by Saam Banai.

Every industry has workplace hazards, although some industries are more hazardous than others. Maritime occupations such as crab fishing rank as some of the most dangerous in existence. This is due to the unique variety of threats faced at sea and limited medical facilities. To exacerbate matters, receiving compensation for an injury at sea can be difficult.

Common Threats at Sea

Maritime workers face a variety of threats at sea, the least of which are the mundane threats faced by workers in any industry. Slip and fall accidents, injuries from overexertion, and even intentional acts caused by coworkers are all hazards while at sea. Due to the physically intensive nature of work at sea and the presence of excessive moisture, these ordinary threats become magnified for sailors.

Work at sea also entails threats unique to the ocean. The ship itself is one potential threat. Moving nets can snag workers, causing falls, muscle strains, broken bones, or even ejection over the side of the ship. Other moving equipment can cause blunt force trauma of any severity, including death. Unlike most working environments, ships are also at risk of sinking, thereby exposing workers to frigid waters and potentially harsh waves.

Exposure to severe weather is another hazard at sea. Severe winds can send equipment flying into workers or even send the workers overboard. Large waves can destabilize the employee’s footing, causing falls. In freezing temperatures, accumulated ice that becomes dislodged from the ship can also become a flying weapon.

Employer Duties and Employee Recourse for Injuries at Sea

The nature of an employer’s duty to its employees varies depending upon the nature of the vessel. The United States Coast Guard regulates fishing vessels while the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, otherwise known as OSHA, regulates the remainder of the industry and shipyards.  Employers regulated by OSHA are expected to provide employees with certain equipment, such as helmets and fall restraints, otherwise, our maritime injury lawyer tells us, they might be liable for negligence. Employers not regulated by OSHA will have less restrictive requirements.

The United States has a sophisticated workers’ compensation and tort system that will remedy most complaints. The Merchant Marine Act of 1920 extended this system to sailors, permitting them to bring actions for negligence and other traditional torts against the owner of the ship, the captain, or other individuals who committed the tortious acts. The action may be filed in state or federal court like any other tort action.

Actions for negligence require a showing that the actor breached a duty of care. The standard duty of care is to act reasonably. If the injured party is injured as a result of another party failing to act reasonably, then the injured party may recover for damages like any other plaintiff. Failing to comply with regulations may also constitute a breach of the duty. The defense will also contest the other elements of negligence, such as causation and injury.

In practice, recovering for injuries suffered at work while at sea can be more complicated. Vessels are routinely registered out of different countries and assigned for different purposes. There are also certain limitations as to what constitutes a sailor under the Merchant Marine Act. Anyone injured at sea should contact an attorney specializing in admiralty law. An attorney can give legal advice to injured plaintiffs and help them understand their options for recovery, if any. 

Saam Banai is a freelance writer, editor, and certified sailor.  He contributes this article for Doyle Raizner LLP, trial lawyers experienced in maritime law. Having a maritime injury lawyer on your side in the event of a work accident at sea might mean the difference between receiving compensation or not receiving compensation.

Thank you, Saam, for another informative article. I didn’t know that fishing vessels were regulated by the U.S. Coast Guard rather than OSHA.  It would seem that these industries would provide the proper safety supplies for their workers, because it is such a dangerous occupation.

Ergonomics, General Safety Issues

PREVENTING KNEE PAIN AND INJURIES THIS WINTER (GUEST POST)

Sent to us by Rebecca Morris

For many people, news of the first mountain snowstorms of the season brings anticipation of fun-filled hours skiing and snowboarding. For others, there is dread at the thought of blocked drives and slippery walkways. Very few think of winter as a time to be especially aware of the potential for knee injuries. Making plans to avoid pain and suffering during this time of slippery ice and heavy snow should be just as important as waxing skis and snow shovels.

Knee injuries are some of the most common, and potentially devastating, injuries sustained by athletes and those doing strenuous, everyday jobs. This is because our knees support the majority of our body’s weight while bending, flexing, and pivoting. Many people do not consider the ligaments, tendons, and muscles surrounding the knee when deciding if they are fit enough to participate in an activity. When these skeletal structures are weakened by inactivity, or stressed from over-use, the likelihood of injury is greatly increased. Most injuries result in minor pain for short periods of time, but other injuries can cause permanent damage resulting in a lifetime of pain and diminished activity levels. Preventing injuries to these vulnerable ligaments and tendons, as well as other parts of the knee, can be as simple as finding and wearing the proper knee brace.

Protection for Mild Activity Levels

Sleeve style knee braces and supports provide a comfortable, light-weight, and convenient level of protection for those who experience mild pain during sports or other activities. This type of knee brace can help prevent mild strains, sprains, and instabilities of the knee joint. They can easily be worn under all types of clothing. This makes them an ideal form of protection against injuries resulting from slipping on iced and snowy ground.

Protection for Moderate Activity Levels

Many of the favorite activities of fall and winter involve just as much stress and strain on the knees as summer sports. Hinged knee braces can be used to provide an extra level of support while hiking the mountains in search of beautiful fall leaves, or cross-country skiing to find that perfect holiday tree to decorate. These knee braces can be made from metal, alloys, or rigid plastic and provide much better support for those who spend more time navigating the ice and snow. Though not as easily worn as a sleeve style knee brace, they are light-weight and adjustable to fit over or under athletic clothing. Another option is a knee brace that combines a sleeve type support with the extra stability of a brace.

Protection for High Activity Levels

Everyone knows ice hockey can be just as much of a full contact sport as football. Many people don’t realize that downhill skiing and snowboarding can be just as stressful to the ligaments, tendons, and muscles surrounding the knee. For these types of activities, more support is needed than that supplied by a standard knee brace. Knee braces that include rigid crossbars above and below the knee are widely recommended to prevent potentially devastating injuries resulting from these highly stressful activities.

Finding the Appropriate Knee Brace for Your Level of Activity

As the number of people involved in sports and other outdoor activities increases, the demand for protective equipment also increases. There are many brands of high-quality knee braces and supports available without a doctor’s order. Searching for sports bracing and therapy experts should provide a variety of styles able to meet the needs of anyone interested in preventing knee injuries. 

Author Bio

Rebecca Morris has found BetterBraces.com the best place online to find knee braces and hinged knee braces for sports injuries. She recommends always consulting your physician and fitness professionals to discuss your options for staying fit and recovering from injuries.

Thanks, Rebecca for sending an article that applies to so many people who suffer knee problems.  for those who work on their knees, carpenters, gardeners, and other vocations, knee pads can also help allieviate knee pain, and hopefully prevent further injury to the knee. Pat

 

 

Fall Safety, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

NATIONAL WINDOW SAFETY WEEK APRIL 1 – 7

There are so many health and safety observations for the month of April, it will keep us busy to describe them all.  April 1-7 is National Window Safety Week, sponsored by the National Safety Council.  The Window Safety Task Force of the NSC reminds parents that windows play a vital role in our homes, but they can also pose a risk of a fall in the home if the appropriate safety measures are not taken.   Fires and falls of all kinds are among the leading causes of injury and death in young children.  Children may climb up on furniture to reach the window, and fall out.  It is important that when windows are kept open for ventilation, such as these pretty spring days, there’s no furniture close by that they can access a window.  One study revealed that more than 5,000 kids fall out of windows every year, suffering injuries that can be severe. 

The Screen Manufacturers Association (SMA) has spearheaded industry and consumer-oriented programs dealing with screen safety issues.  SMA’s “Kids Can’t Fly” programs have gained national recognition in promoting the concept that screens are designed to furnish ventilation and keep insects out – they are not designed to keep small children in!   Children should also be taught not to play near open windows or around patio doors.  A fall through a glass door can cause a serious injury, or be fatal. 

Windows also play a vital role in home safety.  They serve as a secondary escape route in the event of a fire or other emergency.  Legislators throughout the United States have mandated building codes requiring specific windows be designated as points of escape.  The size and placement of windows designated  for escape in a residence are also governed by building codes.  The ability to easily open widows and remove insect screens without special knowledge or tools is critical to safely escaping through a window.  Many persons have died in their own burning homes, because of sealing their windows shut to prevent break-ins or worse, in dangerous neighborhoods.  This is a tragedy, when people’s safety is so threatened.  If you need more security for your home, call your local fire department or building code official to determine proper window guard placement, such as security bars, grilles or grates, that have a functioning release mechanism. 

Plan a strategic window in each sleeping and living area that will meet escape and rescue requirements.  Plant shrubs or grass beneath the windows, that could furnish a more cushioned landing space, just in case.  Every family should have an emergency escape plan.  Teach your children that a window can save their life in the event of a fire.  Practice this plan regularly.  They are taught things about fire safety at school, as well, but if you prepare them for action at home, they will understand the importance of exiting the house the right way. 

It’s always a good idea to have a first aid kit handy in every home.  Keep it stocked with the right supplies for every scenario, from scrapes and cuts to over-the-counter medications.  Remember, keep your windows locked when you shut them.  Don’t invite trouble.