Tag Archives: noise

Ergonomics, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

HAZARDS ARE LURKING EVERYWHERE!

We recently published an article regarding how to perform a job hazard analysis in the workplace.  There are hazards everywhere, in the workplace, home, school, businesses, just about anywhere you happen to go in everyday life. 

Have you ever noticed something in a store  that shouldn’t be there?  While  checking out of the grocery store, I noticed there were wires everywhere, around the area that customers had to pay out and pick up their sacks to leave.  They were installing new computers, but there must have been another way to put those wires where customers were not at risk.

Another example, a small local chain discount store had become extremely unorganized.  Seems that several employees had quit, and there were not enough employees to stock incoming merchandise, until it got to the point that it became dangerous to even try to find what you were looking for.  The risk of falling over something in the aisles was  bad enough that persons quit going into the store.  The local fire marshall warned the store to get it straightened out in a certain amount of time, or he would be shutting the door because the business had become a fire hazard.  Bringing in employees from area stores to help get everything stocked and neat again resulted from his visit.

Depending on the type of work we do, there are hazards in most all places of employment.  Biological Hazards can be extremely dangerous if the right safety precautions are not taken.  This includes anything that can be passed from one person to another.  Contagious biological hazards are flu, hepatitis, or HIV.  Mold and chemicals are also biological hazards. 

Fire Hazards in the workplace are one of the major causes of lost work time.  Work may be shut down because of fire damage to the building.  Employees should conduct fire drills often, and be trained in fire safety: where the fire extinguishers are and how to use them.  Exit routes should be clearly posted and never blocked.  Lives can be lost in fires, so this is a very serious concern.

Electrical Hazards are dangerous both at work and at home.  Never overload an electrical socket or extension cord.  Check all cords to ensure there are no frays that could start a fire. 

Slips, Trips, and Falls.  These are hazards that could happen anywhere.  In the home, stairs should be well lighted, and both in the home and workplace, good housekeeping is a must.  Clutter or other things out of place can cause someone to trip over them.  Wiring from computers stretched out in the office are a cause of falls.  Trips and falls can result in sprained muscles or worst case scenario, broken bones.  Falls from high places are always a threat to those who must work on ladders or six feet or more off the ground.  This is when fall protection is required.

Lifting Improperly.  How many times have you been told to bend at the knees when lifting a heavy object, only to bend over and use your back?  If you think that the load is too much for you, ask for help.  Four hands work much better than two in many cases.  Wearing a back brace offers some extra back support, and makes one aware of the weight they are lifting, but can’t prevent an injury if the load is too heavy.

Noise Hazards.  If you work in a place where you and your co-workers have to yell at each other, you need hearing protection.  Businesses such as manufacturing, airports (those working near the planes), around racecars and other loud machinery, need to protect their hearing.  Once hearing is damaged, it can’t be fixed.  Rather than have to wear a hearing aid, why not start off with hearing protection at the beginning of your career?  And for parents, encourage your kids to keep their music at a normal level.  When you can hear their music through their earplugs, it’s time to turn it down, and save their hearing.

Let’s help protect our coworkers and others when we notice something that could cause someone to get hurt.  Report any hazards at work; also, report hazards that you see in a store where you are shopping.   You could save someone from injury, and also save a company from a lawsuit.

General Safety Issues, High Visibility Safety

BACKOVER ACCIDENTS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES (GUEST POST)

A very real danger that exists on a construction site is one that is often overlooked. Everyone knows that falling from great heights or injuries from machinery are common with this type of work. However, many may not know that backover accidents also cause numerous deaths each year on construction sites.

A backover incident often occurs when a vehicle backs over a worker that is walking, standing or kneeling behind the vehicle. A reported 70 workers died from backover accidents in the year 2010 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Fortunately, it is possible to prevent these horrible accidents.

How do backover accidents occur?

To prevent these incidents, it is important to understand how they occur in the first place. Backover accidents usually happen due to several jobsite factors. For example, the noise from machinery can be so loud those nearby do not hear the backup alarm on a vehicle. Sometimes, accidents occur when workers riding along the outside of a vehicle fall off and into the path of the tires. Drivers of these vehicles also deal with a blind spot, and if workers stay in this blind spot too long, a backover accident can occur. Drivers often have spotters that are there to assist them while backing up a large vehicle. Occasionally, the spotter helping a driver will not see another vehicle and be backed over. In some cases, the reason why a worker was in the path of a vehicle is unknown.

How do construction sites prevent backover incidents?

One way of preventing backover accidents is cameras that work in conjunction with in-vehicle monitors. This allows drivers a clear view of what is behind their vehicles. There are also sonar and radar devices that alert drivers when objects or people are behind them. Better-planned sites will also cut down on these occurrences. For example, if a traffic control plan is implemented, then this will reduce the need for drivers to back up. Perhaps the best resource in preventing this terrible accident from happening is proper training. Most employees are not aware of the blind spot location on a typical work vehicle. For this reason, they will have no idea they are standing in a danger zone. To remedy this problem, proper training for workers is crucial. If they know where the blind spot is on a vehicle, they will be less likely to become part of this accident statistic.  Also, wearing high-visibility vests will help them be seen.

Construction sites are dangerous for numerous reasons. Backover accidents are just one way that workers are injured or killed while trying to do their job. It is important to make workers aware of backover dangers to assure a safe construction site.

Author Bio: Eric Blair writes about construction site and workplace safety equipment from http://www.fallprotectionusa.com/ that prevents unpleasant accidents.

 

General Safety Issues, Health Issues, Hearing Protection, Uncategorized

WORKPLACE NOISE MAY DAMAGE YOUR HEART

It is a proven fact that persons who work in loud places for long periods of time can suffer loss of hearing, but researchers are now saying that they may also risk developing heart disease.  Can you imagine spending eight or ten hours per day working in an atmosphere where you have to yell at each other to be heard?  More than twenty million Americans work in noisy industrial settings. 

A new finding from animal research also shows evidence that too much noise can be bad for the heart; however, some scientists suggest that the changes may be no more than part of the body’s general response to stress.  Research over the past twenty years suggests that noise exposure contributes to high blood pressure, which has been apparent in studies.  It makes sense that the excessive noise can be as stressful to the body as extreme physical exercise or high-anxiety. Noise increases the body’s level of adrenaline and cortisol, (stress hormones), meaning that your heart could be affected.  Whether at the factory or on a construction site, noise at work is a known health hazard, with studies showing it increases hearing loss, sleep problems and psychological stress, but what about the heart? 

Currently, researchers have analyzed data on more than 6,0000 working adults, age 20 and older, to see if those working in a loud environment for at least three months have a higher risk of heart disease and related problems.  Data was taken from a large ongoing study called the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which included interviews of participants about their health and lifestyle, as well as work situation.  They were given medical exams, as well.  The findings were striking – after taking into account several factors that are known to increase the risk of heart problems, (age, smoking, and overweight), researchers discovered that workers in loud environments were twice as likely to have heart disease compared with those in quieter settings.  They were almost three times as likely to have chest pain (angina).  The link was particularly strong for people under 50, who were between three and four times more likely to have angina or heart disease.  These workers’ “bad” cholesterol levels were not particularly high, nor were their overall blood pressure readings.  However, they were twice as likely to have high diastolic blood pressure (the lower number on a blood pressure reading).  Raised diastolic pressure has been linked to a higher risk of heart disease. 

Workplace noise is an occupational hazard that managers and employers should be concerned about.  It should be discussed by workers with their managers for prompt corrective measures, not only because it could possibly lead to heart disease, but more importantly, it can cause hearing impairment.  There are not too many options to reduce noise hazards in the industrial setting.  The most straightforward is wearing of earplugs, which can lower noise intensity by 20-30 decibels.  Finding the connection between industrial noise and heart disease is perplexing; some researchers think that noise is the stressor, so maybe that is where it all starts.  More research is being done on this important subject, but in the meantime, this study provides extra incentive to take precautions, such as wearing earplugs or safety earmuffs, to minimize noise exposure.

Hearing Protection

DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR? (OCCUPATIONAL HEARING LOSS)

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Controlling occupational noise can be one of the most cost-effective yet important facets of protection that companies can provide for their employees.  In the United States, every year, approximately 30 million workers are exposed to hazardous noise.  Noise-induced hearing loss can be reduced or eliminated through engineering controls and hearing conservation programs.  Even though hearing loss is one of the most common occupational illnesses, it is often ignored because there are no visible effects, it develops over a period of time, and with the exception of rare cases, there is no pain.  Persons experience a progressive loss of communication, socialization, and response to their environment.  

If you work in an industrial setting or operate loud machinery, you may experience short-term problems from too much noise, and your ears feel stuffed up, or you have temporary ringing in the ears (tinnitus.)  Repeated exposures to loud noise can lead to permanent, incurable loss of hearing or tinnitus.  Employers should reduce the noise exposure to below 85 dB (decibels.)  Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) is a number that appears on the labels of all hearing protection products sold in the U.S.  This rating equals the level of noise reduction in decibels provided by the particular type of protective equipment (earmuff, earplugs) in a laboratory setting.  Since these conditions may be different from the actual working circumstance, the real work setting should have a walk-around survey, and possibly more complete evaluation to screen for noise exposure.  By checking the particular areas and how long the noise exists, needs for the correct protection can be determined. 

For factory or other environments, employees should choose options that decrease workplace noise levels.  They should select hearing protection that is comfortable, convenient, and easy to put on and off as needed.  Some of the choices are:

  • NRR Earmuffs: completely cover the ear.
  • Canal Caps: earplugs that are on a metal or plastic band that can go around the neck when taken off.
  • Premolded, reusable plugs: silicone, plastic, or rubber – “one size fits all,” as well as available in various sizes.
  • Expandable foam earplugs: made of formable material designed to expand and conform to the shape of each individual’s ear canal. 

Employers understand the risks associated with not controlling the noise level in their business, such as:

  • When employees cannot hear clearly, they may miss warnings from other workers and may be unable to avoid an accident.
  • Creates stress.
  • Reduces productivity.
  • If the noise level is 80 dB, persons have to speak very loudly to be heard.
  • If the level is between 85 and 90 dB, persons have to shout to be heard.
  • If the level is above 95 dB, persons would have to move closer to hear each other at all.

For example, after a survey is done of the work environment, if the time-weighted average noise level of, say 97 dB, the worker would need earmuffs with an NRR rating of at least 16 or earplugs with an NRR rating of at least 24, based on the ratings on the packaging. 

Not only can persons get hearing damage or loss from their work environment if they do not wear the proper protective gear, but young persons should pay heed to their parents’ advice to turn their music down.  When our son was a teenager, we could hear him a block away from the house, because the music was so loud in his truck.   I have noticed our grandson’s I-pod is so loud, I can hear the beat of the music he’s listening to with the speakers in his ears!  (Evidentally, they didn’t listen to me!)  Persons have been known to have hearing damage from noise levels at events such as World Cup soccer, football games, car races and other sporting venues.  It’s a good idea to invest in a pair of earplugs if you plan to attend a noisy concert or any loud event. 

Employers must make a decision that if there is a risk to their employees from exposure to noise, on how they can prevent or control this exposure to all sources of noise, even personal stereos.  Regular hearing checkups for employees can be useful to find out if they are experiencing any loss of hearing.  A unique tool, (individual dosimeter) is a personal sound noise measurement  device.  This system consists of a small dosimeter that is worn by employees in a shirt pocket or on the back of a hardhat.  It has special earplugs or an earmuff with integrated microphones that record real-time, in-ear noise levels, with a connecting harness.  An infrared reader allows safety managers to retrieve data from the dosimeter at the end of each shift or work-week and analyze the results on a personal computer.  The Personal Attenuation Rating determines the effectiveness of the employee’s earplug over a range of frequencies.  Then safety managers know if their employees are getting the best protection, or if they need additional training on how to fit their earplugs, or try something different. 

Think about this: noise-induced hearing loss is the second most-often reported occupational injury, and hearing loss is permanent and irreversible.

 

Sources: OSHA, NIOSH, HSME

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, Hearing Protection, Uncategorized

HAVE YOU HEARD THE LATEST?

Chances are you haven’t, if you are among the 22 million U.S. workers who are exposed to hazardous noise on the job, with about 9 million suffering from noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).  Did you know that NIHL is the most common, permanent, and preventable occupational injury in the U.S?  Occupational hearing loss costs an estimated $242.4 million per year in disability extended across the workforce of our nation, according to NIOSH.

It is up to the employer to make the workplace quieter.  Prolonged exposure to excessive noise levels can cause permanent hearing loss.  They must know the levels of the noise that workers are exposed to and the risk to their hearing.  Employees who are exposed to a rate of 90 decibels or more an eight hour shift should have the noise level in their workplace reduced, or wear protective gear.  Sometime you have probably had tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or your ears felt stuffed up, when you walked away from a noisy area.  If this continues, you may have some hearing loss.

There are noise control devices that employees may wear, but require proper training on their use, as well as how to care for them. 

  • Industrial Earmuffs.  They totally cover the ears and should fit tightly, with no hair or other object to interfere with the seal.  The seals and inside of the earmuffs should be kept clean, and the headband should furnish good tension.
  • Hearing Protection Earplugs.  There are many types of earplugs that also should fit properly.  Workers should never share them, and have clean hands before inserting them.  The ear canal is 1 1/4″ long, and most earplugs are only 1/2″ to 3/4″ long.  They are premolded or have stems with which to insert them.

Hearing protection lowers the noise level of equipment, but does not eliminate it.  Workers are still able to hear the equipment and voices of co-workers.  A good sign that you need hearing protection is if you have to raise your voice to talk to someone an arms’ length away, or if you experience ringing or dull sounds after leaving a noisy place.

Work isn’t the only place that we are exposed to too much noise.  You might consider buying earplugs to wear in large crowds, concerts, car races, or sporting events.  I’ve been to some very loud football games, and the World Cup Soccer event proved that noise even interferes with the players’ concentration.  If you enjoy using power tools, earplugs will help protect your hearing.

There’s just one pair of ears to a customer, so take care of yours.  If you heed our warning, you won’t miss out on the latest news or juicy gossip!