Tag Archives: hazards

Fall Safety

AVOIDING FALLS IN THE WORKPLACE

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According to the Centers for Disease Control, every day, four construction workers in the United States die on the job, and falls are the leading cause.  Also, the top ten most frequently cited OSHA violations are for improper fall protection, scaffolding safety, and ladder safety, resulting in the highest penalties, as well. 

The Bureau of Labor statistics classify falls as: falls on the same level of work, falls to lower level, and jumps to a lower level, when a worker jumps voluntarily to avoid a fall or other injury.  Construction workers have the highest number of fatalities from falls.  Falling from roofs is one of the main types of falls.  

Companies are required to train workers in how to avoid falls.  They must understand how to use fall protection equipment, such as harnesses, lanyards, rope grabs, roof anchors, roofers’ kits, tie-off slings and ladder safety systems.  Workers should know not to carry other objects while climbing a ladder.  There are certain procedures that meet the legal requirements for working in heights.  A very important daily habit to have is to be sure their equipment is in good shape, each time they get ready to use it. 

Platforms should be used correctly.  It’s easy to get off balance while standing on scaffolding or other types of platforms, and the results could be devastating.  Supervisors should set a good example for their workers, and never allow them to take shortcuts.  The workplace should have guardrails around floor openings and take other measures to keep their employees safe.   There are many sources of falls, and not all falls are fatal, but can lead to injuries, and lost time.  Workers can slip on floors, stairs, escalators, steps, parking lots, and chairs (yes, standing on chairs to change a light bulb or retrieve something is a big no-no.)  Weather conditions can also become a hazard for those working in heights. 

A  friend of mine recently bought a bike.  She fell the first time up, and broke her shoulder.  Now, she is getting ready for surgery in a few days, and will miss work for a few weeks.  Another friend fell off her back steps and broke her arm!  (I am really being careful now.)  We can fall anywhere, anytime, but the main concern is that we try to be careful and keep our bones intact!  

Bureau of Labor statistics also report that the cost to the company of a workplace fall can be around $40,000, with additional costs ranging four to ten times that amount.  The way things are these days, it will pay to encourage all employees to be very, very careful!

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

WE ALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO KNOW

Every American has the right to know the hazards to which they may be exposed in their daily living. Right-to-know laws provide information about possible chemical exposures. There are two forms that involve the right to know: Right to Know in the Workplace, and Right to Know in the Community.  Below is a list of some of the information that the EPA provides the public in the spirit of right to know in regard to their communities.

  • Emergency Planning
  • Toxic Substances and Releases
  • Environmental in the Community
  • Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) of 1996
  • Air Pollution
  • Water Quality
  • Lead Program
  • Hazardous Waste

The Right to Know in the workplace was established in 1985 with OSHA’s Hazardous Chemicals Standard.  Information that the workplace must have accessible to employees are:

  • Workplace Inspection Reports
  • Medical Records
  • Noise, chemicals, and other hazards workers are exposed to
  • Workers Comp claim forms and records
  • Injury and Illness Records OSHA Standards
  • Monitoring Methods
  • Accident Investigation Reports
  • MSDS– Chemical manufacturers and importers are required to assess hazards of chemicals and pass this information on to purchasers through container labels. Employers must provide information to workers through Material Safety Data Sheets.  This detailed information is to be furnished to all employees, and they must be trained to understand  the importance of the MSDS, and the risks of the chemicals their workplace may use.  These are to be accessible to employees in all work areas. 

Because of confidentiality of medical records and other personal data, different laws may apply to certain records, as applicable.  It will be interesting to research the different aspects of employees’ and citizens’ right-to-know laws.  We hope to bring more detailed information on various subjects to you in the future.

It is important that we do our part to control pollution in our country.  We want our schools, communities, homes, and workplaces to be safe havens that don’t make us sick.  If you have questions about situations in your surroundings or work environment, contact your local governmental authorities, or the Environmental Protection Agency.  It’s your Right to Know.

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING IS A GOOD IDEA

Do you take pride in keeping your home and yard nice and tidy?  How do you feel about keeping your workplace the same?  I have worked with some pretty messy people, ones who would throw their paper coffee cups on the floor, missing the wastebasket, and leaving other trash behind, and I wondered if they did the same at their houses.  Clutter, debris, and spills are a serious hazard, both at home and work.  Good housekeeping in the workplace pays big dividends, by preventing injuries, saving time by not having to look for tools or materials, and keeping  the boss happy. 

A sloppy workplace contributes to accidents such as tripping over objects that may have been left in the aisles or on stairs, getting hit by falling objects, or slipping on wet, dirty, or greasy floors.  Broken fixtures  in buildings that are not properly repaired can also cause accidents.  If the workplace is not kept free from dust and vapors, health problems could be an issue.  A safety officer should  complete a housekeeping checklist weekly.  Each department should be responsible to see that they pass the inspection with flying colors.  Housekeeping safety programs should include inspection, maintenance, upkeep, and repairs.  Aisles, fire equipment, first aid stations and emergency eyewash stations should never be blocked by clutter or debris. 

Employee facilities should be cleaned daily and stocked with soap, towels, and disinfectants. Many companies have individual lockers for workers to be able to change from their work clothes, in order to not contaminate their homes if they work in environments that contain hazardous materials.  

We’ve all heard the saying, “A place for everything, and everything in its place.”  This saying applies to our homes and places of employment.  Being organized is the best way to be efficient.  Dispensers play an important part of being organized in the workplace.  There are dispensers for everything from tape, to earplugs, eyeglasses, goggles, facemasks, medicines, hairnets, shoe covers, beard covers, and just about anything that requires being ready for use. 

Let’s all try a little harder to be good stewards at work. If every one of us keeps our little corner of the world tidy, what a safer world it will be.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

NEW HIRES NEED YOUR HELP

During this time of a bad economy, there are persons that are desperate for a job, and they may be happy to take one that has nothing to do with the type of work they have done in the past.  People from all professions have found themselves ousted from occupations that they have been doing for years, and are willing to take whatever comes their way, even when they may be overqualified, or lack experience in the particular job they take.  When this happens, becoming familiar with a new work situation and understanding safety issues are two of the most important things they must learn. 

It’s a known fact that during the first month on a new job, new hires are susceptible to injuries.  They should receive basic safety training from the very beginning.  Getting them acquainted with their coworkers and new surroundings is very important.  Other workers can serve as mentors and see that they understand the requirements of their job before letting them proceed alone.  In a work environment that involves machinery, the new hires must be properly taught the use of the machines, all about tools, and hazardous processes.

Of course, in occupations where Personal Protective Equipment is required, the new employee should be instructed to wear it at all times while on the job.  Whether it’s head, hand, eye, hearing, or any other type of protection, new workers should understand how to wear and maintain each particular item that they are furnished.  

Knowing how to fill out an accident report or a near miss report is another important part of orientation.  If there is an on-the-job injury, they must realize that it is urgent to notify a supervisor at the time of the injury.  If chemicals are involved in the job, understanding about Material Safety Data Sheets is a must. 

We’ve all been through the “first job” experience.  Everyone understands how nerve-wracking it can be to tackle and understand all that is expected of you.  Put yourself in the place of a new young hire, eager to learn, but somewhat overwhelmed.  You may be able to teach that person lessons that will stay throughout his/her career.  For someone who is starting all over, do whatever you can to make his/her transition a little easier. 

Take your job seriously.  There’s no room for horseplay in the work area.  Time for fun is during breaks, not when someone might get hurt while working.   Most companies train their employees on what to do in case of an accident, or how to call for help. First aid kits should be available in all areas of the workplace. 

Even though Human Resources Departments complete a checklist of items while conducting an orientation, it takes time and experience for a new hire to really get the big picture.  Once they are on the job, workers must not be afraid to ask their supervisors questions.  Paying attention to the answer may keep everyone safer.  Good luck to everyone who is starting a job, and best of luck to those who are looking for employment.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, High Visibility Safety, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

TIPS FOR STORM, FLOOD, HURRICANE RESPONSE

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With the recent floods and tornadoes in the midwest, and hurricanes looming in the south, it’s wise to remember that storm and flood cleanup activities can be hazardous. Workers and volunteers involved with flood cleanup should be aware of the potential dangers involved, and take proper safety precautions. Work-related hazards that could be encountered include: electrical hazards,carbon monoxide, musculoskeletal hazards, heat stress, motor vehicles, hazardous materials, fire, confined spaces and falls. This information is to help employers and workers prepare in advance for anticipated response activities, and to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses in the field once rescue, recovery, and clean-up begin. 

Disaster response teams are equipped with certified equipment that meets the needs to protect them from biological hazards, hazardous materials, waterborne and bloodborne pathogens.  Volunteers may not have previous experience in using personal protective equipment; therefore, they should be trained properly in how to don this equipment, wear it,  maintain it and know when and how to replace it. 

Personal protective equipment that is absolutely necessary in these types of clean-ups are:

  • Safety Glasses;
  • Respirators;
  • Water resistant clothing;
  • Boots;
  • Gloves (latex or nitrile), and if necessary, to be used under other gloves when removing rubble or debris;
  • Goggles;
  • Faceshields;
  • Boots. 

While making a rescue, responders should have gloves on to protect from  bloodborne infections such as HIV, Hepatitis B, or Hepatitis C.  In case of a sudden emergency, first responders are prepared with all the equipment they need and will train and help other responders and volunteers.  Another suggestion is to have hi-visibility hardhats, gloves, and/or vests, in order for workers to be seen when working around heavy equipment that may be operating  at the same time.  In case of flooding, storms, and hurricanes, it takes everyone working together to handle rescue and clean-up operations. 

We’ll be hoping for clear skies for the folks that have experienced this bad weather, and rain for the ones who need it – just not too much at one time!

 

Source: NIOSH

General Safety Issues

STAY OUT OF ABANDONED MINES!

 

“Stay Out–Stay Alive” is a national public awareness campaign designed to warn children and adults about the dangers of exploring and playing on active and abandoned mine sites.
Every year, dozens of people are injured or killed in recreational accidents on mine property. MSHA launched “Stay Out–Stay Alive” in 1999 to educate the public about the existing hazards. The campaign is a partnership of more than 70 federal and state agencies, private organizations, businesses and individuals.

 

            SOME EXAMPLES OF THOSE WHO DID NOT HEED THE WARNINGS:

         1-2008:  Nineteen-year old Arizona man died after falling into 35’ abandoned mineshaft.

         2-2008:  Twenty-year old man died when he came in contact with a high voltage transformer in a fenced-in area of an active mine in Pennsylvania.

        5-2008:  Three men in their twenties died from lack of oxygen when exploring an abandoned mine in California.

        5-2008:  Eighteen-year old boy drowned in off-limits, privately owned quarry.  Gates were locked and signs warning trespassers were all around.

NEAR MISSES:

        A twenty-three year old Pennsylvania man survived a 500’ fall into an abandoned strip mine.  While trespassing, he fell into a 700’ deep, 3,000’ long, and 1,500’ wide mine; rescuers spent hours on a dangerous rescue.  He faces charges of defiant trespass.

        Two twenty-one year old men escaped serious injury in a car crash in Wisconsin.  No seatbelts were used.  This happened in a rock quarry near an active mine. 

Throughout the year, “Stay Out–Stay Alive” partners visit schools, communities and youth organizations around the country to educate children about the importance of steering clear of abandoned mines.

These are not places to be explored.  I there are warning signs – take heed!

General Safety Issues

REMOVING ROAD DEBRIS IS A HAZARDOUS JOB

Do you ever wonder who picks up the trash along the highways?  There are many thoughtless travelers that toss out items too numerous to mention.  Because of litterbugs, unsecured items being transported, or accidents, our roads become unpleasant to look at, and dangerous, as well.  We owe a debt of thanks to those whose job it is to clean them up.

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, each state should have a program that provides for rapid, orderly, and safe removal from roadways wreckage, spillage, and debris from accidents.  State Highway Department maintenance workers are available day or night to flag motorists, operate equipment, drive trucks, and remove litter and debris in the event of an accident.

Volunteers in the Adopt-A-Highway, and other programs, do their fair share of maintaining the shoulders of the roads.  Contractors and prison labor also furnish workers that assist in this effort, as well.  Persons who undertake these jobs should have full knowledge of the risks involved and take safety measures.  They should wear personal protective equipment such as work gloves, boots, high visibility vests, hardhats,  and safety glasses.  Their training should include knowledge of biological hazards, which things may be recycled, and how to use good lifting techniques.   Their work area should have signs posted along the road, as well as safety cones in place.   A communication system must be used between the workers, and first aid kits should be available.  Whether they are paid or volunteer workers, they possibly could come in contact with snakes, poison ivy, insects, as well as contending with traffic passing close by.

According to an Eagle-Tribune (N.Andover, Maine) newspaper article, back in 2007, an artist from Florida created a sculpture made from plastic buckets, traffic barricades, sheet metal, pieces of pipe, and other debris from roadways to offer this opinion, “road debris is dangerous, and it’s everywhere.”  What a unique way to send this important message.

We Texans have had the theme “Don’t Mess With Texas,” for years; unfortunately, some do anyway.  Let’s all do our part to keep the highways safe and litter-free.