Tag Archives: hazards

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Protective Clothing

GREEN JOBS ARE NOT NECESSARILY SAFE JOBS!

Green Jobs are defined as jobs that help improve the environment.  In addition to revitalizing the economy by putting people back to work, they help the public become more aware of the ways we can all help our planet, each by doing his part to keep Mother Earth in better shape.  Green jobs are not always safe jobs, as we will point out some of the hazards that workers face in two particular “green job” fields:  Biofuels and Green Roofs.  Other green jobs are Wind Energy, Solar, Geo-Thermal Energy, Weather Insulation/Sealing, Hydrogen Fuel Cells, and Recycling, which we will cover in different segments. 

Biofuels have become a fast growing part of the energy sector, because demand for low-carbon impact, domestically produced fuels has increased.  These are created from renewable resources, such as plant biomass, vegetable oils, grains, and treated municipal and industrial wastes.  They can involve potentially dangerous situations, because they are combustible or flammable.  Workers must be protected from hazards of these fuels during their production processes.  The two types of biofuels that are currently being produced in the United States are Ethanol and Biodiesel.     

  • Ethanol is a flammable liquid that is readily ignited at ordinary temperatures.  Renewable ethanol is produced by fermented grains, or by using advanced technologies, from cellulosic materials such as waste paper, wood chips, and agricultural wastes.  The production process can involve other hazardous materials, such as bases, gasoline, and acids.  Up to 10% ethanol is blended with gasoline in most automotive fuel currently sold in the U.S.  Higher ethanol blends up to “E85” (85% ethanol blended with gasoline) are available in some parts of the country.
  • Biodiesel is a combustible liquid that burns readily when heated.  Blending with petroleum diesel fuel or contamination by materials used in manufacturing can increase its flammability.  Biodiesel is produced by combining organic materials, such as vegetable oils, with an alcohol (typically methanol), and using a strong base, such as a caustic, as a catalyst.  Glycerin, a combustible liquid, is produced as a by-product.  The caustic is neutralized with acid, typically sulfuric acid.  All of these materials may require careful management to protect workers.  Biodiesel is widely available.

This type of work will require extensive safety planning and training and the correct type of personal protective equipment (PPE), for workers who are exposed to the making of these biofuels.  From eyewear and face protection, to protective clothing and gloves, employers must  provide PPE to their employees. 

Green Roofs are steadily growing in popularity throughout urban areas in the United States.  The oldest Green Roof in the U.S. is on top of Rockefeller Center in New York.  Although the Rockefeller rooftop garden was built in 1930, interest in Green Roof technology has only occurred within the last 15 years.  Chicago, New York, and Portland are leaders in implementing Green Roof technology in the U.S.   Landscapers and roofing contractors are becoming more involved with installing green roofs, which are most often installed by green roof specialty companies.  Maintenance of a green roof falls under OSHA’s general industry standards.  The safety challenges associated with this growing industry have some new and often familiar safety issues.  In addition to wearing the proper type of PPE that fits the job, fall-arrest systems are very important. 

We will talk more about other green jobs soon.  In the meantime, if you are sipping a cool one on your “green roof” or driving to your favorite pub in your ethanol-burning new vehicle, have a safe and Happy St. Patrick’s Day!   If you aren’t doing either of those things, have a good time celebrating with the Irish!  (Don’t forget to wear green.)

General Safety Issues

HOW OFTEN DO YOU CONDUCT SAFETY INSPECTIONS?

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It is the employers’ responsibility to ensure that their employees are protected, for their safety and health.  If an employee complains that their workplace is unsafe, or there is an imminent danger situation at work, OSHA will perform an inspection, as it is their responsibility to ensure that companies are complying with safety and health regulations.   Therefore, it is very important that companies schedule their own informal inspections, depending on the hazards and conditions that apply to the specific job duties.  Very hazardous workplaces should be inspected weekly, and less dangerous workplaces, such as offices,  should be inspected at least monthly.  

If employees are included on the safety inspection team, they are motivated to comply with safety rules.  Because they are the ones who face certain risk factors, and can easily identify them, they will ensure that the problem has been remedied.  Rotating team members as safety leaders can balance the responsibilities of each person.  Later, team meetings can be held with supervisors to discuss the problems, how to solve them, and follow up to ensure they have been fixed. 

Here are some suggestions for checklists for safety inspectors.  Keeping one at the workstation would be a daily reminder for all employees to keep a watch on things, as well. 

  •        Are stairways clean, clear, and well lit?
  •        Do workers obey warning signs?
  •        Are there safety posters in several places?
  •        Are the posters changed often?
  •        Are work areas neat, clean, and orderly?
  •        Is lighting adequate?
  •        Are floors free of slippery, dangerous materials?
  •        Is there loose carpeting in carpeted areas?
  •        Are the aisles clear?
  •        Are fire alarms and exits easily accessible?
  •        Does everyone know how to use fire extinguishers?
  •        Does the sprinkler system operate properly?
  •        Are emergency exits open and accessible?
  •        Do all employees know emergency exits and routes?
  •        Are emergency numbers posted by all telephones in the work area?
  •        Are there adequate first aid supplies?
  •        Are eyewash stations and emergency showers available?
  •        Are machines and equipment clean and properly maintained?
  •        Are required guards in place and operating properly?
  •        Are electric wires in good condition?
  •        Are lockout/tagout procedures followed during maintenance and repair?
  •        Are equipment repairs performed only by qualified personnel? 

This is a sample checklist; chances are you can customize one that suits your particular workplace.  Many times, we take things for granted and don’t spot hazards that are right in front of us.  Getting employees in the habit of being aware of the safety of their own “little corner of the world” will be beneficial to the company, as well as the workers.

Eye Protection

UNDERSTANDING THE VALUE OF EYE SAFETY

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As we begin a new year, the economy may still be causing employers to examine ways to cut costs, and many times, safety budgets may be the primary avenues they take.  Safety experts say many companies see safety as an overhead cost; but eye injuries alone account for more than $300 million per year, according to OSHA.  This figure includes medical expenses, worker compensation, and lost production time. 

January is National Eyecare Month.  Once good vision is lost, it can’t be easily replaced.  Prevent Blindness America reports that an estimated 94,500 persons are treated in emergency rooms for eye injuries every year in the United States.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that around 2,000 people suffer eye injury at work each day.  That’s one in every ten, leading to at least one or more missed workdays.  The correct eye protection could either prevent 90% of those injuries or lessen the severity of damage to the eyes. 

Employers must furnish personal protective equipment that matches the particular hazards of the job.  Protective Safety goggles, safety glasses, sideshields, faceshields, and full-face respirators are designed to protect the eyes from impact, flying objects, dust, tools, chemicals, radiation, and many other hazards.  Companies must assess eye safety dangers and eliminate hazards before employees begin their work.  Employees should be trained to know that they should wear safety eyewear and other protective equipment at all times that there is risk of injury.   

Safety lens may be made of the following materials that meet or exceed the requirements for protecting the eyes:

  • Polycarbonate lens:  Protect against splatter, are not likely to fog; stronger than glass or plastic, have higher impact resistance than the others; but are not as scratch-resistant as glass.
  • Plastic lens: Also lighter weight than glass, not likely to fog either, but are not as scratch-resistant as glass.
  • Glass lens: are not easily scratched, and can be used around harsh chemicals.  They can be made with corrective prescriptions; however, they are sometimes heavy and uncomfortable. 

If a person is working with chemicals, they should wear goggles.  Working near hazardous radiation, such as welding, lasers, or fiber optics requires the worker to wear special-purpose safety glasses, goggles, face shields, or welding hoods designed for that particular task.  If the work area contains dust particles, flying objects, or other like hazards, safety glasses with side protection (side shields) should be worn, unless the employer feels that goggles would be safer. 

The “bottom line” is the fact that although companies think they may save money by cutting down on safety budgets, they might face higher costs because of an eye injury.  Prevent Blindness America estimates that the average eye injury costs a company $28,000 in medical expenses, lost time, and production slowdowns.  How many of their products would the business need to sell to offset that kind of expense, after a serious workplace accident?  They may feel that although accident protection is important, it may not be that urgent until something happens.  Let’s hope that isn’t the case.

Ergonomics, Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection

CONVEYOR BELT SAFETY

Conveyor belts are one of the most effective means of transporting bulk materials.  Because persons are working with a movable piece of equipment, there is a very serious chance of  injury or death if employees are not trained on how to work around conveyor belts.  Training is the basic and most fundamental part of preparing employees on how to keep themselves safe in all industrial settings.  Management must convey all safety issues to their new employees and be certain that they understand about how dangerous the equipment that they will be working from can be.  

Listed below are some general requirements from Occupational Safety and Health Administration:

  • An audible signal shall be sounded immediately before starting up the conveyor.
  • If operating station is at a remote spot, similar provisions for stopping motor or engine shall be provided at the motor or engine location.
  • There should be an emergency stop switch arranged so that the conveyor cannot be started again until the actuating stop switch as been reset to running on the “on” position.
  • Screw conveyors shall be guarded to prevent employees’ contact with turning flights.
  • Guards shall be provided to protect employees required to work below the conveyors that pass under work areas, aisles or thoroughfares.  Those crossovers, aisles, and passageways shall be conspicuously marked with suitable signs.
  • Conveyors shall be locked out or rendered inoperable and tagged with a “Do Not Operate” tag during repairs and when operation is hazardous to employees performing maintenance work.
  • All conveyors in use must meet applicable requirements for design, construction, inspection, testing, maintenance and operation as prescribed in ANSI B20-1-1957, Safety Code for conveyors, cableways and related equipment. 

Conveyors contribute to the one of the most common ways of being injured.  When visitors are in the facility, they should be informed of the ways to be safe around conveyors and other moving equipment. 

Other important rules regarding conveyor belt safety are:

  •          Only authorized maintenance personnel should service conveyors.
  •          Never ride, step, or sit on a conveyor belt at any time.
  •          Never remove guards.  They are there as protection from moving parts, such as gears and chains. 
  •          Know the location of start/stop controls, and keep the area free from obstructions.
  •          Clean only when the conveyor is stopped.
  •          Report all unsafe practices to your supervisor.
  •          Never load a stopped conveyor or overload a running conveyor.  This will assist in preserving your equipment, as well as not overheating it. 
  •         Trying to clear converter jams can create unsafe conditions and possibly damage equipment.
  •         Use correct lifting techniques.  Unsafe position and posture  could cause injuries while working around conveyors.
  •         Be sure the area is clear of debris and tripping hazards.
  •         If persons work beneath conveyors, there should be nets installed to catch any falling items. 
  •         Maintenance should never be performed on the conveyor until all hydraulic, electric and gravity energy sources    have been locked out and blocked.
  •          It is recommended that the right Personal Protective Equipment be used, relevant to the task and work area.  Gloves that furnish good grip are needed for handling bulky items, safety glasses should be worn when the materials on the belt are hazardous, and safety back supports will assist workers required to do lifting.
  •          Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers, and all body parts away from the conveyor belt. 

Anyone who does this type of work knows that it isn’t like the old “I Love Lucy” episode when Ethel and Lucy were working at the candy factory  and couldn’t keep up, when the conveyor belt started going faster.  They tried to eat the candy and hide it in their aprons!   This is a very serious occupation and those companies that train their employees to be vigilant toward safety are to be commended.  It requires a good safety plan, excellent training, and dependable supervision to be successful in protecting conscientious workers.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

WHEN PURCHASING TOYS, THINK SAFETY!

December is the official “Safe Toys and Gifts Month.”  With Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa all crammed into this month, those families with children will be spending what they can afford to make the holiday special by granting the wishes of their little ones, but much thought needs to be put into choosing safe toys.  Santa wouldn’t ever want to bring anything unsafe to the children, but he’s getting down to the wire now, so he probably can’t do the proper research into this important topic! 

Prevent Blindness America and United States Consumer Product Safety Commission report that in 2005 (last available data), more than 200,000 toy-related injuries were reported, and almost 8,000 of them were eye injuries, which included lacerations, abrasions, and foreign bodies in the eyes.  Sports equipment and even art supplies can be harmful if not used properly.  The American Academy of Opthalmology estimates that there are 40,000 sports-related eye injuries altogether annually. 

When selecting toys for small children, choose ones that are both appropriate for the child’s age and level of maturity.  All toys should meet ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards.  These toys will bear the label of approval by ASTM.  One of the most common causes of toy-related death is choking.  From 2005-2007, thirty-three children aspirated or choked to death on balloons, toys, or toy parts.  If you are looking at a toy or toy part and it fits inside a toilet paper roll, don’t buy it.  Small toy testers can also be purchased at toy or baby specialty stores. 

Toys with straps, cords, or strings more than 7” long pose a strangulation risk for children under age 3.  Also, remove mobiles from the crib after a baby reaches 5 months of age, or can sit up, to avoid another strangulation hazard.  Toys with sharp edges or points are discouraged.  Keep older siblings’ toys out of the range of your little ones.  This is all common sense advice, and most parents are very conscientious about the safety of their toddlers.  There are just so many hazards lurking in our homes, it pays to be extra careful. 

Select toys that do not contain lead paint.  There are some toxic chemicals or lead in some bibs, vinyl lunchboxes, and jewelry.  Discard or don’t purchase cheap metal jewelry.   Some toys that are made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) may contain toxic phthalates.  Most U.S. manufacturers of toys voluntarily stopped using PVC in their toys.  Another thing to think about: if a toy is too loud for you, it is too loud for your child.  Be sure you investigate how noisy it is before making that purchase.

For older kids, the right protective equipment, such as helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, or wrist guards should be purchased along with the type of sporting equipment you plan to buy them, such as bicycles, skateboards, and scooters.  Air guns and BB guns are not considered toys.  Even a cap gun with caps can be ignited by the slightest friction, causing serious burns. 

This is not meant to spread a cloud over the holidays.  It is to help Santa with his decisions in delivering to the children the best, safest toys ever!  We don’t you want to spend your time in the emergency room, because there’s just too much to do!  Should you have questions about certain items, go to www.cpsc.gov or www.recalls.gov and sign up to receive alerts of new recalls, as well as a list of current recalls.  Report dangerous toys to CPSC, 1-800-638-2772. 

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

WELDING IS “HOT WORK”

To say the least, welding, cutting and brazing operations are hazardous hot work.  Persons who do this type of work must know the risks of their jobs, and how to control them.  Dangers are always present in welding tasks.  It has been pointed out that the leading cause of welding accidents is carelessness.  Welders need to take this type of work seriously, and leave it to the professionals.  A good pro welder can teach a novice how to make the connection between skill and safety.

Several methods of welding are used in order to join metals together through melting and creating a tight bond:

  • Gas.  A propane torch is used to sweat a joint or solder two pieces of metal together.  This is the lowest heat, used for small jobs.
  • Oxyacetylene torch.  The most universal type of welding tool, which allows more heat.
  • Oxypropane. A less costly type of welding than gas or oxyacetylene.
  • Arc welding.  A machine creates heat through an electric arc.  There are two types of arc welding: Mig (Metal Inert Gas )  and Tig (Tungsten Inert Gas ). 

Overall, while both MIG and TIG are gas shielded arc welding processes, the primary difference lies in the way the filler metal is added to produce the weld. With the TIG process, the arc is created between a tungsten electrode mounted in a hand-held torch and the work piece to be welded.  The MIG process uses a filler metal which is the electrode and the arc is created when the filler metal comes into contact with the work.  An advantage of MIG welding is that it is faster than TIG welding, and somewhat easier for a novice welder to use.  TIG welding requires more skill, therefore, the user of a TIG welder should have sufficient experience as a welder.  Regardless of the welding method that is used, this type of work comes with many risks, and requires welders to be outfitted with the correct personal protective equipment.  Remember, welding is a way of heating pieces of metal using electricity or a flame so that they melt and stick together, – thousands of degrees! 

Virtually all parts of  welders’ bodies must be protected by the proper gear: beginning with a welder’s cap, safety goggles, glasses, and a welding hood with the correct lens filter for the particular task.  Welders must wear the right kind of gloves, and clothing that covers their skin and can’t catch sparks.  Leather aprons, and leggings are needed for the hot work, and dry welder’s gloves are for arc welding.  Good boots are needed to protect the legs and feet. 

The work areas where welding is done should be free from combustible and flammable materials, ventilation should be adequate, and all persons should  review MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) that apply to the particular job.  A fire extinguisher should be nearby.   If a welder is working in confined spaces, there should be a trained partner standing by with first aid equipment, in case of emergency. 

If that’s not “hot work,” I don’t know what is!  Not only are they working with heated metal and welding sparks, but in the summer time, all the protective clothing  they must wear is very bulky!  Welding is an integral part of creating and repairing many things that we take for granted.  Being a welder means being a member of a specialized work group.

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

INFORMATION ABOUT COMBUSTIBLE DUST EXPLOSIONS

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Most industrial settings have hazards of all types.  One kind of hazard that is particularly acute during winter months is combustible dust.   We feel  it is important that we share some information on this dangerous situation that may be present in many businesses. 

The National Fire Protection Association indicates that 1/32” of  an accumulation of this kind of dust can rise to an explosion.  This is an amount equal to the thickness of a dime.  Any combustible material (and some materials normally considered noncombustible) can burn rapidly when in a finely divided form. Powdered products that are stored and transported in bulk bags can form combustible dust when the bags are filled or discharged. If such a dust cloud is hovering in air in the right strength, it can become explosive. Any source of ignition; a flame, heating elements, frictional spark, or electrostatic discharge can cause a detonation. Such an explosion can cause employee deaths, injuries, and destruction of entire buildings. These events have killed many employees and injured hundreds over the past decades.  Materials that may form combustible dust include metals (such as aluminum, iron, zinc, and magnesium), wood, coal, plastics,  paper, soap, and certain textiles. In many accidents, employers and employees were unaware that a hazard even existed.  Other industries at risk of combustible dust explosions are:  food, (e.g., candy, sugar, spice, starch, flour, feed), grain, tobacco, pulp, rubber, furniture, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, dyes, and fossil fuel power generation. 

Dust Explosions are preventable.  The National Fire Protection Association has comprehensive information that can help manufacturers avoid these catastrophes.  They can assist company safety personnel, management, and others who are responsible for recognizing dust fire and explosion hazards byadvising  them in establishing control measures. Good housekeeping is of the utmost importance. Many manufacturers use industrial dust and fume collection systems in their facilities. 

One of the most important engineering controls available for improving or maintaining the quality of air in the work environment is ventilation. Ventilation is a way of controlling the environment with airflow. Facilities failing to furnish adequate maintenance of ventilation equipment, those workplaces operated to maximize energy conservation, windowless areas, and areas with high occupancies or confined spaces may have poor ventilation.

Personal protective equipment for employees in these industries includes respirators, hardhats, gloves, and eye protection, such as safety goggles.  Protecting the employees by furnishing the right PPE, and controlling risk factors in the facility should be the main goal of any business.  Those in charge should be aware of any previous fires their company has experienced.

Some of the above information was obtained from the U.S. Chemical Safety Board, an independent federal agency that investigates chemical accidents.  These board members are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.  They are comprised of chemical and mechanical engineers, safety experts, and others with vast experience in public and private sectors.  Following their investigations, they make recommendations to OSHA, EPA, individual organizations and labor groups. 

In 2003, the CSB launched investigations of three major industrial explosions involving combustible powders. These explosions – in North Carolina, Kentucky, and Indiana – cost 14 lives and caused numerous injuries and substantial property losses. The Board responded by launching a nationwide study to determine the scope of the problem and recommend new safety measures for facilities that handle combustible powders. The CSB issued its final report at a public meeting in Washington, DC, on November 9, 2006, calling for a new OSHA regulatory standard designed to prevent combustible dust fires and explosions.

Eye Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection

SAFETY FIRST IN MACHINE SHOPS

It there’s one place I would just as soon not enter, it’s a machine shop- there’s just too much going on!   Those who run any type of machinery, have to be very smart and very careful.  There are too many ways one can get injured around moving equipment, so we are going to mention some rules that apply to staying safe while working in this environment: 

1.      Shops should be kept clean.  Dirty, wet floors, tools left lying around, trash and debris should not be part of the picture.  A clean environment is a safe one.

2.      There should be enough space between machines and materials to maneuver.

3.      Walkways should be marked, to distinguish between work areas and safe walkways.

4.      There should be good ventilation in all machine shops.

5.      Be sure that flammable liquids are stored in closed containers.

6.      The correct type of fire extinguishers should be readily assessable:  Class A – Combination; Class B – Liquid Fuels; Class C- Electrical Fires.

7.      Persons with long hair/beards should tie them up in order not to get caught in a moving machine.  Do not braid long hair, as the entire hair could be pulled into a machine.

8.      Never wear jewelry, loose clothing, or gloves.  If you must wear gloves while preparing sharp materials, be sure to remove them before the machine is turned on.

9.      Open toe shoes (sandals) are forbidden in machine shops; steel toe boots are preferred.

10.  Never interfere with someone running another machine; their concentration may be disturbed, causing an accident.

11.  Understand the machine you are running.  Be completely familiar with it, and never leave it unattended.

12.  As in many other things, the buddy system is the safest.  Don’t be alone while running equipment.

13.  In cleaning your machine, do not use high-pressure air.  It can push chips into moving parts and cause wear on the machine.

14.  Wear the correct personal protective equipment, such as:

  •         Earplugs – protect your hearing based on the noise level of the equipment.
  •         Safety glasses, goggles, or faceshields – you must protect your eyes and face from flying objects, dust, etc. 
  •         In some shops where there are hoists to lift heavy objects, hardhats would also be required for safety.

Exercise caution when running machinery.  Work areas should have non-slip material for walkways, and all equipment should have working guards and covers.  There should be eyewash stations and first aid kits on hand.

   Machine tools can be hazardous- even for experienced machinists.  There are all kinds of opportunities in manufacturing, and it is a great trade to learn.  Just be very careful, as with many other occupations, we don’t have a replay button.

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Health Issues, Hearing Protection, Respiratory Safety

WHAT’S FOR DINNER? A SALUTE TO AMERICA’S FARMERS

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As we go through our busy days, and think about what we’re going to prepare (or buy) for dinner, how many of us consider how that food got to the grocery store,  into our kitchens and onto our tables?  We have our farmers to thank for the blessings of  food.  Agriculture is a big business, and our farmers, dairymen, and ranchers, who grow our vegetables, fruits, beef and pork, as well as produce milk products, work hard to make a living. 

There are all types of farmers – from older ones who learned the hard way, to younger ones who utilize technology to improve agriculture on a larger scale, to part-time farmers who also have other occupations, to niche/boutique farmers who produce specialty products.  They all have different needs when it comes to safety and health.  Certain hazards for those on the farm are exposure to noise  from tractors and other equipment.  Many have hearing loss from years of running heavy equipment.  They are exposed to too much sun, which can cause skin cancer, and they breathe dust, and chemical fumes that can cause lung damage (farmers lung.) 

Children who grow up on farms learn at an early age  chores that they are expected to do to help their parents.  They are taught to be careful around livestock, as even the little animals can kick if the mood strikes them.  Two of the main hazards for youngsters who live in rural areas are machinery and drowning.  Drowning rates for all age groups are three times higher in rural regions than urban areas.  There are rivers, ponds, lakes, and canals that may be tempting for kids to jump into on a hot day.  Other causes of injuries to children on farms are livestock and falls. 

Future Farmers of America and 4-H Clubs are groups that young people interested in agriculture can join.  Many extension groups exist for women in farming, as well.  Our government has established many programs to help protect our farmers, such as agricultural-occupational health services.  Rural emergency services should be specially trained to treat injured farmers, ranchers, and their workers for injuries specific to their occupations.  Tractor-related injuries and deaths are hazards that most farmers face every day.  Pesticides that are needed to control crop damage are health-related risk factors, too.  

The National Safety Council estimates that approximately 160,000 agricultural workers suffer disabling injuries each year.  This may be a conservative estimate, as many accidents go unreported.  The National Agriculture Safety Database covers many of the risks farmers face, and recommends the proper use of personal protective equipment that meets the particular need: 

  • Head protection – For protection from falling objects, hard hats are the best.  Bump caps can also be worn for protection from ordinary scrapes and bumps, but do not protect from impact.
  • Eye protection – Wearing goggles, face shields, or safety glasses can prevent rocks, soil, crop materials, or foreign objects from being thrown into the eyes.  Chemicals from spray cans can also cause serious damage to the eyes. 
  • Foot protection – Safety footwear doesn’t have to look like it; there are types of  lightweight work boots that are designed for comfort and protection from dropped objects, stepping on sharp rocks, or maybe even being stepped on by an animal.
  • Hand protection – Gloves that are chemical-resistant should be worn anytime pesticides are being used.  Other work gloves protect the hands from hazards associated with most farm duties.
  • Breathing protection – dust from livestock or equipment can cause breathing problems.  Dust masks or respirators will help alleviate discomfort from trying to breathe under these conditions.
  • Protection from sick animals – Whenever treating a sick animal, wear eye protection and gloves, and cover open wounds on your body, as some diseases can be transmitted from animals to humans. 

We understand that almost every occupation has some risk of injury; however, September is Farm Safety Month, and this is our way of saying thanks for all they do, and to let them know how much we appreciate their hard work and the hazards they face to grow the products we all need.  “Thank You” to all of you who work in agriculture.  Stay safe!

General Safety Issues

REFUSING TO DO DANGEROUS WORK

Have you ever felt that you are sent out to perform a job that may be unsafe?  If so, you need to know what your rights are in the event you feel you must refuse to perform the assigned task.  When you think that conditions of work are unhealthful or unsafe, you should notify your employer.  If your employer fails to correct the hazard or disagrees with you about the extent of the hazard, you may file a complaint with OSHA.  

However, you need to take the right steps to protect yourself.  Refusing to do a job because of potentially unsafe workplace conditions is not ordinarily an employee right under the OSH Act.  (Your union contract or state law may, however, give you this right, but OSHA cannot enforce it.)  Refusing to work may result in disciplinary action by the employer.  However, employees do have the right to refuse to do a job if they believe in good faith that they are exposed to an imminent danger.  “Good faith” means that even if an imminent danger is not found to exist, the worker had reasonable grounds to believe that it did exist.  But, as a general rule, you do not have the right to walk off the job because of unsafe conditions.  If you do and your employer fires or disciplines you, OSHA may not be able to protect you.  So, stay on the job until the problem can be resolved. 

You right to refuse to do a task is protected if ALL of the following conditions are met: 

  • Where possible, you have asked the employer to eliminate the danger, and the employer failed to do so; and
  • You refused to work in “good faith.”  This means that you must genuinely believe that an imminent danger exists.  Your refusal cannot be a disguised attempt to harass your employer or disrupt business; and
  • A reasonable person would agree that there is a real danger of death or serious injury; and
  • There isn’t enough time, due to the urgency of the hazard, to get it corrected through regular enforcement channels, such as requesting an OSHA inspection.

 When all of these conditions are met, you take the following steps:

  • Ask your employer to correct the hazard;
  • Ask your employer for other work;
  • Tell your employer that you won’t perform the work unless and until the hazard is corrected; and
  • Remain at the worksite until ordered to leave by your employer. 

If your employer discriminates against you for refusing to perform the dangerous work, contact OSHA immediately.  Knowing the proper procedures you need to follow in order to protect yourself will ensure that you don’t have to be in danger, or risk losing your job.  Your life is worth more than any job.

 

Source:  OSHA