Tag Archives: OSHA standards

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

WAYS TO INSPIRE YOUR EMPLOYEES ABOUT THE NEED FOR WORK SAFETY (GUEST POST)

Work safety and sound precautions against health hazards is indeed a major aspect of all kinds of businesses, big or small. It is necessary that employers provide all kinds of safety dress, equipment and head/body gear in order not only to ensure avoidance of work related accidents but also ensure maximum safety, security and hazard free working environment for employees at all levels of work.

The equipment that may be needed are helmets and hardhats, ear plugs,  goggles and eye care, body wear, gloves and hand wear, safety belts, care of limbs and both lower and upper extremity, stockings and boots, and so on. It is the right and privilege of each and every worker to gain protection from any kind of accident and mishaps and it is obligatory for employers to provide it to them. 

Thus employees need to be provided a safe and hazard free work place, devoid of any kind of occupation or work related risks. However, despite best efforts, accidents do occur, and some of them may be lethal and dangerous, not only involving loss of limb but also that of life itself.  Each and every work site must have medical and First Aid personnel and supplies commiserating with type, extent and degree of potential harm. Medical first aid services are addressed in specific standards for general industry, employment, terminals and construction industry. All businesses must have at least one first aid kit in office room and at construction area sites.  The presence of an Automated External Defibrillator could indeed be life saving in event of heart attacks, as well as the need for first aid kit, bloodborne pathogen kit, with gown etc, CPR pack, disposable towels, plastic use and throw gloves, facial masks for mouth, eye shield and one way face shield.
 
Most safety minded and hazard avoiding companies would need to use a regular first aid kit that would have basic first aid treatment aids like splints, gauze, antiseptics, bandages, alcohol pads and also aspirin, burn cream or burn spray containers, eye wash kit, plastic gloves, compress for head and swollen injuries and also other needed first aid supplies.  Each work environment has different safety and hazard intervention needs and requirements due to diverse kinds of injury potential and possibilities.
 
However, if the injury requires more treatment than just first aid, it is important that hospital numbers are called; meanwhile, first aid is administered as it should be done. It is necessary to research the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) website for gaining best data on accidents and how these could be prevented.
 
The main idea behind OSHA is to offer safe and healthy working environment for working men and women by approving enforcement of required standards developed under the OSHA and by assisting and encouraging states in their endeavors to offer safe, reliable and healthy working environment by allowing research, data, education and training in the domain of occupational safety and health and for other purposes too. All field employees need these work safety even the essay writing factory workers.
 
Sent to us by Julius Kelty 
 
First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

FIRST AID INFORMATION FOR ON-THE-JOB INJURIES

First aid refers to medical attention that is usually performed immediately after the injury occurs and at the location where it occurred. It often consists of a one-time, short-term treatment and requires little technology or training to administer. First aid can include cleaning minor cuts, scrapes, or scratches; treating a minor burn; applying bandages and dressings; the use of non-prescription medicine; draining blisters; removing debris from the eyes; massage; and drinking fluids to relieve heat stress. OSHA’s revised recordkeeping rule, which went into effect January 1, 2002, does not require first aid cases to be documented.

First Aid Programs

First aid training is primarily received through the American Red Cross, the National Safety Council (NSC), and private institutions. The American Red Cross and NSC offer standard and advanced first aid courses via their local chapter/training centers. After completing the course and successfully passing the written and practical tests, trainees receive two certificates: (adult CPR and first aid). An emphasis on quick response to first aid situations is incorporated throughout the program. Other program elements include: basic first aid intervention, basic adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and universal precautions for self-protection. Specific program elements include training specific to the type of injury: shock, bleeding, poisoning, burns, temperature extremes, musculoskeletal injuries, bites and stings, medical emergencies, and confined spaces. Instruction in the principles and first aid intervention of injuries will cover the following sites: head and neck, eye, nose, mouth and teeth, chest, abdomen, and hand, finger, and foot injuries. Employers are responsible for the type, amount, and maintenance of first aid supplies needed for their particular program. The training program should be periodically reviewed with current first aid techniques and knowledge. Basic adult CPR retesting should occur every year and first aid skills and knowledge should be reviewed every three years.

It is a requirement of OSHA that employees be given a safe and healthy workplace that is reasonably free of occupational hazards. However, it is unrealistic to expect accidents not to happen. Therefore, employers are required to provide medical and first aid personnel and supplies corresponding with the hazards of the workplace. The details of a workplace medical and first aid program depend on the circumstances of each workplace and employer. Medical and first aid services are addressed in specific standards for the general industry, shipyard employment, marine terminals, longshoring, and the construction industry.

It is very important that a business have at least one first aid kit in the office or at a construction area.  Having an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) on location could be life-saving in the event of a heart attack.  OSHA also requires that certain items be contained in every first aid kit, such as:

  •          Bloodborne Pathogen Kit (in case of chemical or airborne illness).  A disposable gown with sleeves could be used if chemicals are spilled on clothes. 
  •          CPR pack, when someone  needs to perform CPR on another person.
  •          Large biohazard bags that are used to clean up spills.
  •          Disposable towels for cleanups.
  •          Plastic gloves.
  •          Face mask.first
  •          Eye Shield (all to be used when handling hazardous materials.)
  •          At least one CPR one-way face shield.

A regular first aid kit needs to be stocked with basics such as splints, gauze, antiseptics, bandages, and alcohol pads, in addition to:

  •          Tweezers
  •          Compress for head injuries or swollen injuries
  •          Plastic gloves
  •          Eye wash kit
  •          Burn cream or spray
  •          Aspirin or other over the counter pain relievers

Each work environment requires slightly different kits because each job has different injury possibilities.  You can check with your local OSHA representative to get a full list of the items you should have in your first aid kits.

In the event of a serious injury, the first thing a person should do is have someone call 9-1-1 immediately, while they begin administering first aid in the manner they have been trained to do.  To see the exact standards for each type of occupation, you may research the OSHA website.

One suggestion is that every home have a well-supplied first aid kit; also one in their car.  We never know when someone may need first aid, at home, or on the road.

Source: OSHA

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

YOUNGER WORKERS MUST BE SAFE ON THE JOB!

We want to share this important information with today’s young workers (those under age 25), and tell you how important you are to the future of our countries!  We have gathered information from the U.S. Department of Labor and the Canadian Centre for Occupational Safety and Health.  The DOL’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA’s) main role is to protect workers from workplace hazards that can cause a serious illness or injury, as well as Canada’s OSH.  Employers have the responsibility to follow established safety and health laws and common sense safety practices that prevent tragedy. 

When you begin a new job, talk it over with your parents or someone you trust, especially if you feel you are being asked to do tasks that are unsafe.  Your parents need to know of any hazards associated with your job.  Canadian experts believe, as well as those in the U.S., that many young persons are put into the job without the proper training.  You can’t just walk onto the job and be expected to know exactly what to do without being taught the fundamentals.  You have the right to a safe workplace.  Although new jobs may be intimidating, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and don’t rush just to impress your new boss.  You may be running a piece of equipment that an older worker has run for decades; hopefully, he will be your mentor and teach you the safe way to run it.  Pay close attention while being instructed. 

Job hazards that younger workers may experience are:  lifting objects, working at elevations, working with hot substances and objects, working with knives, operating mobile equipment or motor vehicles, working with food slicers, and /or working near running equipment and machinery.  Whether you are working in a food service industry, construction, warehouse, grocery store, or on a drilling rig, there are going to be hazards that you must be aware of and respect. 

In a letter from Dr. David Michaels, the Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), this sums it up, so please pay attention: 

Your Rights on the Job

Your employer must provide a workplace free of serious hazards.  Your employer must also:

  • Tell you the hazards and dangers of your job;
  • Inform you about the OSHA standards that apply to your workplace (in a language you understand);
  • Provide job safety training regarding workplace hazards and the required safety gear; (personal protective equipment)(PPE).
  • Tell you who to talk to if you have a health or safety question, and
  • Inform you what to do and who to talk to if you get hurt on the job.
  • Exercise your workplace safety rights without retaliation and discrimination; and
  • Ask OSHA to inspect your workplace. 

Ways to Stay Safe on the Job

  • To help protect yourself, you can:
  • Report unsafe conditions to your supervisor, parent, teacher or other adult that can help.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice.
  • Wear any personal protective equipment provided to do your job.
  • Follow the safety rules.
  • Never by-pass the safety features of equipment or take short-cuts.
  • Speak Up. Ask questions. (There’s never a dumb question when it comes to safety!) 

Why, then is this message so important to young people?  Because you are the new generation of workers, and we want you work safely.  Some of our workers are as young as 15; others are high school or college students working part-time, while many are already working full-time.  

Source: OSHA; Canadian Centre for Occupational Safety & Health

General Safety Issues

Updating “The Office” Evacuation Plan (Guest Post)

Updating “The Office” Evacuation Plan

By Jessica Stark

You work in a completely average office. Well, aside from that guy in sales who seems oddly obsessed with his family beet farm. And you can’t forget the cat lady in accounting. Oh, and the weird inter-office romance going on in Human Resources.

Okay, then again, maybe no office can be considered “average.” With so many wild personalities packed into such a small place, there’s no shortage of interesting dynamics to yield an interesting workplace. Perhaps for that very reason, it’s important that your office has a solid plan for an emergency—you don’t, after all, want to put your fate in the hands of the beet farmer. But how can you test the plan to see if your team knows how to react to an emergency? If your answer was to lock the doors and windows before setting off the alarm, you may be more at home on a network sitcom than a productive office. Consider these four tips when updating and testing your office evacuation plan:

Survey Your Building – If you are updating your evacuation plan or building a new one from scratch, taking a good look at your building’s interior and exterior is the first step. See how many exits there are and if they are clearly marked with exit signs. Look for possible routes that may be more effective – is there an outside stairwell or fire escape from the third floor that would work better than the stairs inside? Think outside of the confines of your current plan to see if there are better solutions.

Choose a Gathering Point – Once you’ve found the most efficient way to get your team to safety, you need a safe spot to gather and do a headcount. How else will you be sure that the overly enthusiastic singer in sales didn’t hit his head on the way out? Pick a spot that’s a safe distance from the building and make sure that everyone gathers there instead of hiding in their vehicles so you can see if everyone made it out okay.

Check Lighting – If a disaster knocks out the power, your emergency lighting still has to work. Regularly check your emergency lights to be sure that the bulbs and power supplies are still in working order. Replace any outdated or non-functioning equipment with updated emergency lights and supplies so your team can see their way to safety.

Meet OSHA Standards – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has many standards for evacuation routes. Larger buildings require more exit routes, doors that may be mistaken for exits must clearly be marked “No Exit” and other standards are required. OSHA has a useful guide for building evacuation plans and meeting all required standards for safety in your workplace. Explore the requirements and make sure they are met to avoid fines and potential tragedies on the job.

Your team may be quirky and full of memorable characters, or filled with sleepy, crossword-obsessed salesmen. Regardless of who you work with, though, an up-to-date and effective evacuation plan is a must for any workplace. Survey your building’s layout to find the most effective routes out in case of an emergency, make sure that your equipment is working and meets all standards and find a place to gather your team.

Thanks, Jessica, for this informative article.  Having a few safety posters around the office may help everyone remember to be very aware of emergency exits.  Pat

 

 

General Safety Issues

FACILITIES INSPECTIONS

IT’S TIME TO CONDUCT YOUR FACILITY INSPECTION –

INSIDE AND OUT!

 How often do your safety and compliance officers conduct inspections of your workplace?  OSHA is responsible for regular workplace health and safety concerns to ensure businesses are in compliance with their standards, which includes physical surveys and evaluating that the business meets criteria to be certified.  It is up to the safety officials of the company to ensure that the company continues to meet the standards set up by OSHA, by providing a safe atmosphere for its workers.  Facilities that have been inspected and certified are on OSHA’s records.  This includes construction and industrial sites. 

OSHA strongly intends to conduct on-site inspections for facilities that have a high rate of incidents, injuries and illnesses shown by recorded data.  Types of these establishments are nursing facilities, personal care facilities and manufacturing plants.  Construction is considered a high-risk choice of work, as well.  Inspections and investigations are done by OSHA compliance health and safety officers, who are professionally trained in the disciplines of safety and industrial hygiene.   (You may go to our parent company’s home page, Texas America Safety Company, www.tasco-safety.com, to read safety news reports of those companies who were guilty of various non-compliance issues, resulting in death and injury to workers.)

Inspections are always conducted without advance notice.  There are, however, special circumstances under which OSHA may give notice to the employer, but such a notice will normally be less than 24 hours. These circumstances include the following:

  •  Imminent danger situations that require correction as soon as possible;
  •  Accident investigations where the employer has notified the agency of a fatality or   catastrophe;
  •  Inspections that must take place after regular business hours or that require special preparation;
  •  Cases where notice is required to ensure that the employer and employee representative or other personnel will be present;
  •  Cases where an inspection must be delayed for more than 5 working days when there is good cause; and
  •  Situations in which the OSHA Area Director determines that advance notice would produce a more thorough or effective inspection. 

Employers who receive advance notice of an inspection must inform their employees’ representative or arrange for OSHA to do so.  If an employer refuses to admit an OSHA compliance officer or if an employer attempts to interfere with the inspection, the Act permits appropriate legal action, such as obtaining a warrant to inspect. 

How does a compliance officer prepare for the inspection?

A compliance officer represents the agency and is expected to demonstrate his or her knowledge and expertise in the safety and health field in a courteous and professional manner. Before the inspection, the compliance officer will become familiar with as many relevant facts as possible about the workplace, such as its inspection history, the nature of the business, and the particular standards that might apply. This preparation provides the compliance officer with a knowledge of the potential hazards and industrial processes that he or she may encounter and aids in selecting appropriatePPE safety supplies for use against these hazards during the inspection. 

The above information is from OSHA, so it might be a good time to get out that inspection checklist and make sure your workplace is in compliance. Hopes are you won’t find anything too dangerous, but it would be an excellent way to avoid a serious injury, lost time, and lost productivity, as well as legal repercussions.  Plus, the employees on the front line will probably sleep a little better at night, knowing you check safety issues out on a regular basis.

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

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT REDUCES RISKS WHILE WORKING WITH BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS

The appropriate use of personal protective equipment is mandated by OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standards.  This requires employers to provide proper personal protective equipment and clothing free of charge to employees.  Employees with occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens must receive extensive training. 

Those who work in the field of healthcare, i.e., medical, dental, nursing homes, EMS, and others such as law enforcement, are trained to take Universal Precaution: the approach to infection control with regard to human blood and potentially infectious materials as if they were known to be infectious.  About 8,700 health care workers each year are infected with HBV, and 200 die from the infection.  It is estimated that 5.6 million workers in the health care industry are at risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, such as:

  • Hepatitis B, which is more transmittable than HIV; affects liver.
  • HIV; Human Immunodeficiency Virus;
  • Hepatitis C.  This is the most common chronic bloodborne infection in the United States, most often caused by needlestick injuries.  If not treated properly, it can lead to active liver disease.

Gloves, masks, gowns, lab coats, face shields, goggles, and glasses with sideshields should be utilized as needed, as they drastically reduce health risks to workers.  Other types of PPE that may be required are shoe covers, surgical caps and hoods.  This gear should be readily accessible to employees, and available in appropriate sizes.  The PPE must be removed by the employee before leaving the work area or if the PPE becomes contaminated.  The employer is responsible to clean or launder clothing and equipment, and repair or replace it as necessary.  Hand washing facilities should also be available to employees, and designated areas should be assigned for washing, storage or discarding of PPE. 

Should an employee’s skin or mucous membranes come into contact with blood, he or she is to wash with soap and water and flush eyes with water as soon as possible.  In addition, workers must wash their hands immediately after removing protective equipment.  If soap and water are not available immediately, employers may provide other hand washing measures such as moist towelettes.  Employees still must wash with soap and water as soon as possible.  They must refrain from eating, drinking, applying cosmetics or lip balm, and handling contact lenses in areas where they may be exposed to blood or potentially infectious materials. 

Employers must have Exposure Control Plans and provide post-exposure prophylaxis and follow-up treatment of workers’ exposure incidents. 

Source: OSHA