Tag Archives: risks

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

DIFFERENT TYPES OF RESPIRATORY EQUIPMENT DESIGNED TO LET YOU BREATHE EASIER (GUEST POST)

1 Comment

Construction is a rewarding and essential line of work, but also a dangerous and difficult one in some cases. It’s no secret that there are multiple hazards to deal with on any given job site, but one that is especially common is the variety of risks to workers’ lungs and airways. Protecting the respiratory system of workers is vital not only for their personal health, but also for the longevity of the company that employs them. After all, endangering the health of workers by neglecting to provide them with proper respiratory equipment can lead to dire legal consequences.

Respiratory protection equipment is used to block a wide range of substances from entering the lungs of those who wearing them, including hazardous dust, fumes and vapors. Quality construction companies will know which ones are present on each job site, and will have the necessary equipment to handle each of these potentially harmful substances and fumes properly. These are the main types of respiratory equipment that are used on construction sites today.

Disposable Masks

The equipment that is used to protect a worker’s respiratory system can range from very basic masks to more complicated central ventilation systems. Air purifying respirators are generally the most common category of respirators used on most construction sites. In their most basic form, they are disposable masks that are meant for short-term use and are discarded after each day, or even multiple times during a single day of heavy use. The breathing process of the person who is wearing the mask naturally draws air through it, removing dust particles and debris.

Reusable Respirator Masks

The next step up from these disposable masks is reusable respirator masks. Essentially, they work the same as the disposable masks, as the user is responsible for breathing in the air that must be purified. The difference is that this type of mask is capable of blocking out more harmful materials than the disposable variety. The filters within these masks can be removed and replaced, and the masks can handle a variety of different filters that are specially designed to block specific substances. Some versions of these masks will sometimes leave an open area for the user’s eyes, while other models will have eye protection built in. Which is preferable depends on the work situation in which they’re being used.

Powered Respirators

Powered respirators are masks that use a powered blower to pull outside air into a filtration system. They usually include a mask unit that covers the entire face of the user, and they eliminate the need for the user to manually pull air into the system.

Atmosphere Supplying Respirators

The next step up from a powered respirator is an atmosphere-supplying respirator. This type of mask is connected to an external oxygen tank, and includes a built-in valve that lets users control the airflow into their mask. Atmosphere supplying respirators are used for jobs near more dangerous contaminates than air purifying respirators and powered respirators can handle.

Of course, each of these basic types of masks includes quite a few specific variations. Which masks will be necessary on a particular construction site depends on such factors as the air flow at that site, the contaminants in the air and the duties of the workers in question. Regardless, respiratory equipment is a vital aspect of any construction job that should be taken very seriously.

 By Maire Hunter

General Safety Issues, Head Protection

RIDING A MOTORCYCLE WITHOUT A HELMET: WHAT ARE THE RISKS? (GUEST POST)

 By Kelly Kovacic  

Most people need a vehicle to survive their daily lifestyles, but riding a motorcycle actually is a lifestyle.  Many people have heard at least one individual say that wearing a helmet makes someone look less cool, but many states have taken this option out of the equation altogether by requiring motorcycle helmets.

Unfortunately, not all states require riders to wear helmets. For example in Florida, any riders 21 and older, who are covered by medical insurance, are not required to wear a helmet. This often leads to serious injuries, when someone is involved in a motorcycle accident West Palm Beach attorneys understand these Florida laws and know how to help. Only when an individual knows all of the facts related to helmet use, will they understand the risk they’re taking without one.

Types of Injuries Sustained

Being involved in a motorcycle crash can cause numerous injuries; this is true whether a rider has a helmet on or not. Helmets are estimated to be 37 percent effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcyclists. Unfortunately, not wearing a helmet increases the chances of much more serious injuries and the severity of the following:

Head Injuries

Head injuries cause some of the most severe damage a person’s body can experience, and sadly, they’re almost always preventable. Motorcycle helmets are meant to take the brunt of the force when a biker’s head hits the pavement. Studies have shown that simply walking into something solid can cause a skull fracture, so just imagine what hitting the pavement at 55 MPH can do to a human skull without a helmet. Severe head injuries can cause brain damage, coma or death.

Spinal Injuries

Spinal injuries are one of the most feared injuries in the world, and not wearing a helmet when on a motorcycle can increase the risk of experiencing one. Helmets not only protect a biker’s head; they help keep their head stationary. If a person’s head remains stationary during an accident, their chances of not sustaining a serious neck or spinal injury increases. Unfortunately, those who do experience traumatic spinal injuries can face partial paralysis, full on paraplegia or even death. 

Serious Facial Abnormalities

Unfortunately, even riders who don’t suffer serious brain or spinal injuries can have their faces completely destroyed by not wearing a helmet. Most bikers have felt the pain of a little road rash. Unfortunately, a person’s face sliding across the pavement will cause much more damage than a simple case of road rash. Many riders have to get extensive reconstructive surgery after wrecking without a helmet. 

Statistics Related to Non-Helmet Use

Reading off a list of possible injuries usually isn’t enough to convince bikers to wear a helmet. Luckily, the statistics related to helmets and motorcycle wrecks are sometimes enough to sway a rider’s decision. 

Only around twelve percent of national motorcycle deaths occur in states where helmets are mandatory. A Michigan study found that 16.2 percent of helmeted bikers suffered incapacitating injuries after an accident. This number was 24.8 percent for non-helmeted riders. The Michigan study also found that 23 percent of helmeted riders suffered no injuries after a wreck compared to only 17.8 percent of non-helmeted bikers.

Riding around on a motorcycle is one of the most exhilarating and freeing experiences that a person can have. Unfortunately, people who enjoy this freedom without a helmet often pay the ultimate price. Anyone who has been injured or has had a family member injured in a motorcycle wreck needs to contact a personal injury attorney quickly. Medical bills can pile up quickly, and even though some states may not protect their bikers, many attorneys will. 

Kelly Kovacic has many friends that ride motorcycles, and so she stays on top of the latest motorcycle laws. For anyone who has been in a motorcycle accident attorneys Steinger, Iscoe & Greene have many years of experience handling these cases. Insurance companies try to label motorcyclists as reckless drivers, so having an attorney to protect your rights is a wise decision. 

Thank you, Kelly, for this information that will hopefully convince riders to wear helmets at all times.  There are many other parts of protective gear for riders, gloves, leg protection, boots, and even high-visibility safety vests that can be slipped over their jacket, in order to help them be more visible.

General Safety Issues

DECEMBER: “THREE-D MONTH” – DRUNK AND DRUGGED DRIVING PREVENTION MONTH!

1 Comment
  • December marks the observance of a very important campaign: 3-D Month: Drunk and Driving Prevention Month!  Pardon the pun, but the statistics on alcohol-related accidents are truly staggering!  Of 42,000 people who die on U.S. Highways annually, more than 18,000 lives are taken due to drunk drivers.  One in every ten Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related accident in their lifetime.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, every day in the U.S. 36 people die, and approximately 700 are injured, in car crashes involving an impaired driver. While some crashes might involve other factors as well, it’s probably safe to say that most of that death, and most of that pain, was entirely preventable.  Think about this: Getting behind the wheel when you’re impaired not only puts your life at risk, but the lives of so many others, possibly children. 

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has an organized campaign to improve conditions on the roadways.  Some projects they have been able to get approved are:

o       High Visibility Drunk Driving Crackdowns – Twice yearly during high-risk periods such as Labor Day and the December Holidays. 

o       Sobriety Checkpoints – Evaluating drivers for signs of alcohol or drug impairment at specific points of the roadways.  Signs may be posted in advance.  Average time of stop would be the equivalent of a traffic stoplight.

o       Smart Vehicle Technology-Within the next five years, car manufacturers may have developed DADSS (Driver Alcohol Detection Systems for Safety).

o       Ignition Interlocks – Convicted drivers have to blow into a device about the size of a cell phone that is connected to the starting circuit of the vehicle.

We worry about drunk drivers, drowsy drivers, and other risk-takers on the highways, such as drugged drivers.  Driving under the influence of prescription drugs can be deadly.  Medications act on systems in the brain that impair driving ability.  Warnings against the operation of machinery (including motor vehicles) for a specific time after use are included with the medications.  How many pay attention to those warnings?  If prescription drugs are taken without medical supervision (i.e., when abused), impaired driving and other harmful outcomes can result.

Drugs acting on the brain can alter perception, cognition, attention, balance, coordination, reaction time, and other faculties required for safe driving. The effects of specific drugs of abuse differ depending on their mechanisms of action, the amount consumed, the history of the user, and other factors. The principal concern regarding drugged driving is that driving under the influence of any drug that acts on the brain could impair one’s motor skills, reaction time, and judgment.

Behavioral effects of these medications vary widely, depending not only on the drug, but also on the person taking it.  Anti-anxiety drugs can dull alertness and slow reaction time.  Others, like stimulants, can encourage risk-taking and alter the ability to judge distances.  Mixing prescriptions or taking them with alcohol can worsen impairment and sharply increase the risk of crashing.

Almost nightly, we hear on the news about some drunk driving or drugged driving accident where innocent persons lost their lives, many times by a drunk wrong-way driver.  The mystery is how the guilty person has already been involved in similar incidents and is still driving.  It is now time that we recognize and address the dangers that can occur with drugged and drunk driving, a dangerous activity that puts us all at risk.  Drunk and Drugged driving is a public health concern because it puts not only the driver at risk, but also passengers and others who share the road.  

When you are celebrating the holidays, use common sense if drinking, and give a sober friend the keys if you overindulge.  Designated drivers play a valuable part toward the protection of their friends who are impaired, as well as the innocent folks in the other lane.  If you don’t have a designated driver, call someone, or take a cab.  As the saying goes, “Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk or Under the Influence of Drugs and/or Medications!”

 

General Safety Issues, Head Protection, Respiratory Safety

Construction Health and Safety: Working in Confined Spaces (Guest Post)

3 Comments

In the UK, the construction and maintenance industries remain consistently one of the largest employers, with the current figures showing that over 2 million people work in this industry every day. However, it is one of the most hazardous places to work, with construction workers facing a variety of risks and dangers as they carry out their tasks on a daily basis.  Therefore, without the correct education, training and awareness, working in this environment can be potentially dangerous. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the authority which lays down the health and safety law in the UK, gives regulations on a variety of construction areas to make sure that workers’ wellbeing and health is looked after properly by their employers.

When working in the construction and maintenance industry you may be faced with working in a confined space – especially if you work on the docks, or in the sewage or mining industries. In January of 1998, the Confined Spaces Regulation came into force in the UK, which set out the legislation surrounding Health and Safety in these circumstances.

The HSE gives the following definition of a “confined space”: any place, including chamber, tank, vat, silo, pit, trench, pipe sewer, flue, well or other similar space in which, by virtue of its enclosed nature, there arises a reasonably foreseeable specified risk (http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1997/1713/regulation/1/made). Due to the nature of the environment, it can be very dangerous to work in as there are many volatile characteristics to a confined space, for example, lack of oxygen, presence of gas or fumes, liquids which can suddenly rise in level or free flowing solids. With these risks present, there is no wonder that the HSE has a specific guidelines regarding working in a confined space.

The legislation states that every employer or self-employed person must ensure compliance with the regulations and the only way to do this is to make sure that those working in the environment understand the regulations and can recognise the risks involved in work of this nature. The issue with a large company is that you may not always be present to oversee the work, which is why a good education for your staff members is crucial – this is where construction training comes into the fray.

The confined space training course is one which is popular in the construction training category. On average, there are 15 fatalities each year following work in a confined space, and by ensuring that the HSE regulations are abided by, and that each and every worker, manager and supervisor is aware of their duties and how they should work this figure can hopefully be reduced.

A Construction Training Confined Space Course allows employers to ensure they are working within legislation guidelines, ensuring that their staff are trained in the risks which they may face when working in this environment. The courses are thorough and cover all elements from the definition of a confined space, to safe systems of work, how to identify hazards to safety equipment and form emergency procedures to access. You’ll usually find that there will be a short test at the end of the training session which is proof that you have digested and understood the information given to you.  It is also worth noting that there are different courses for the varying staff levels – from worker all the way up to site supervisors, as each has a different type of responsibility when working onsite.

Bio: Rebecca Field is writing on behalf of Britannia Safety and Training, a company offering construction training near Norwich in Norfolk, UK. Their industry experienced experts and purpose built training facility are designed to make your construction training course experience the best you can wish for. Visit their website here: http://www.britanniaits.com/  to find out more.

Thanks, Rebecca, for sharing this important information with us.  OSHA also has the same description and regulations for persons workin in confined spaces.  There should always be someone present watching workers in case of emergency, and those workers should have the proper personal protective equipment, such as respirators, hardhats, and other safety items. 

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

ESSENTIAL SAFETY EQUIPMENT FOR MOTOCROSS (GUEST POST)

1 Comment

Essential Safety Equipment for Motocross 

Needless to say, Motocross is an exciting but very risky sport. As they usually take place in the outdoors, chances of accidents and subsequent injuries are higher. Flying particles like rock, dust, mud and other debris can compromise your vision and cause accidents. Alternatively, it is also possible that your motorbike may face mechanical difficulties during the race. To keep possible injuries to a minimum, it is important to invest heavily in safety.  

Most common Motocross injuries 

Being an extreme sport, injuries are very common in Motocross races. A medical research shows that at least 95% of Motocross racers sustain injuries after a race. These researchersafety s also pointed out that engaging in Motocross causes extreme stress to all parts of the body with most injuries commonly occurring during falls or crashes. Owing to the high speed and the force of crashes, injuries in Motocross events can be serious, including fatal spinal cord injuries. 

These injuries occur at bends of the track and during landing, making protective gear even more important. Some of the most common injuries include broken wrists, collar bones, ankles, joint sprains and the rupturing of the knee joint. Most physiotherapists recommend the use of knee braces, shoulder supports, wrist supports, ankle braces and wrist casts for motocross injuries. For muscle strains caused by the sport, you should opt for regular ice packs and cold therapy. Keeping a first aid kit handy is also a good option. 

Safety gear for Motocross events 

Considering the past record of Motocross events, injuries are a part and parcel of the game. However, there are many steps you can take to keep your injuries to a minimum. Every rider taking part in Motocross is required to have safety gear without which they are not allowed to participate. 

Motocross helmets are undoubtedly one of the most important parts of the safety gear as they are responsible for safeguarding your head and neck. You should also invest in high quality goggles made from tough and scratch resistant polycarbonate. This ensures that the goggles do not crack on impact and continue to shield your eyes. You should also invest in strong boots to protect your ankle, shin and foot from the stress of riding. Invest in quality gloves to protect your hands from impact. Boots and gloves also help you maintain a grip on your bike without being bound to it. 

Motocross clothing generally includes protective jackets, shirts and pants. It is important to protect your legs from injuries. To avoid small rocks and other particles hitting your legs and affecting your race, you should opt for padded motocross pants with additional internal lining for cushion. Riders also opt for Motocross jackets with chest guards as it is the largest area of impact during a crash. The chest is also most often exposed to strain from handle bars and protecting it with a multilayered shirt or jacket is a wise idea. 

Penny is an expert associated with POA Racing. a UK based online seller of quality Motocross equipment. The store stocks branded Motocross safety gear for racers including Motocross helmets, clothing and other essentials.

Thank you, Penny, for this interesting post on Motocross safety.  It is a very exciting sport for those who love taking risks; however, some folks may prefer a simple little bicycle for their mode of transportation!  We appreciate your participation on our Blog4Safety. pb

Eye Protection, Fall Safety, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, High Visibility Safety

IT’S TIME FOR THE “TOP TEN” MOST DANGEROUS JOBS IN THE U.S.

Back in 2009, we featured posts about the Top Ten Most Dangerous Jobs in our country;  we recently read an article about the same subject. Not surprisingly, many of the same ones continue to be on the list.  We want to review with you these hazardous jobs, both then and now, plus a few that we had listed three years ago.

FISHING: Fishers and fishing workers really have the most dangerous job in the country.  They must deal with inclement weather, malfunctioning gear, and transportation incidents that all add up to the fact that this profession has had the highest rate in the U.S. since 1992.  Their fatality rate is 116 per 100,000 workers, and average annual salary is $25,590.

LOGGING WORKERS:  More than one-half of incidents injuring loggers are the result of being struck by an object. (Maybe a tree?)  Loggers spend most of their days outside with terrible weather, heavy machinery, and high altitudes, and, according to the AxMen show, bad attitudes toward co-workers!  Fatality rate is 91.9 per 100,000 workers – 59 total, with the average annual salary being $32,870.

Next, AIRLINE PILOTS AND FLIGHT ENGINEERS.  Our top ten list in 2009 showed that small aircraft – cropdusters, banner planes, fire-fighting planes were more liable to experience crashes, especially the Alaskan bush pilots, because of sudden weather changes.  We cannot dispute that those who hold so many souls in their hands have a very huge responsibility every time they get behind the wheel.  The fatality rate is 70.6 per 100,000 workers, or 78 total.  Average annual salary for airline pilots is $118,070 and $76,050 for commercial pilots.

FARMERS AND RANCHERS:  Those who grow the very foods we consume and materials for our clothing are always among the most dangerous professions.  Their hours are very long, they must operate heavy machinery and equipment, and contrary animals.  Their fatality rate is 41.4 per 100,000 workers, or 300 total.  An average salary is estimated to be $60,750.

MINING:  Fifty countries in the world produce coal.  Besides risking health problems, such as “black lung” disease, they must risk suffocation, roof collapses, explosions.  Standard equipment must be worn by miners, including hardhats, goggles, hardhat lights, gloves, and steel-toed boots.  Heavy materials, close quarters and explosives all played into mining’s high fatality rate.  Mining machines operators have a rate of 38.7 per 100,000 workers, or 23 fatalities total.  The average annual salary for miners is $37,230 to $89,440.

ROOFERS:  Falls are one of the leading causes of fatal injuries or non-fatal injuries from working on roofs.  General construction work is among the most injury-prone jobs.  Everyone working at heights should be mandated to be fitted with fall-arrest equipment.  The fatality rate is 32.4 per 100,000 workers, or 57 total annually.  Their annual salary is $34,220.

REFUSE AND RECYCLABLE MATERIAL COLLECTORS:  Better known as waste management professionals, these guys were on our list in 2009, as well.  Their risk factors include getting hit by passers-by, compressed in equipment, and handling chemical or toxic materials such as improperly disposed needles.  This job was also listed as #4 in the most dangerous occupation for nonfatal injuries, primarily lacerations.  Fatality rate is 29.8 per 100,000 workers – 26 total, and average annual salary is $34,420.

TRUCK DRIVERS:  In our 2009 report, it was stated that many truck drivers crashed because of the carelessness of other drivers.  Seventy per cent of truckers who crashed as the result of  someone getting in their way.  Think about this the next time you cut in front of a truck that may weigh 40 tons.  Who do you think would win this race?  Truckers face long hours and overexertion.  Their fatality rate is 21.8 per 100,000 workers – 683 total.  Average salary $37,930 for heavy truck drivers and $29,080 for light truck drivers.

STUNTMAN:  This job did not make our 2009 list.  It  is still considered one of the most dangerous in the country due to long hours, and obvious dangers of their stunt. The last available figures showed 2.5 fatalities per 1,000 stunt workers.  Average annual salary $70,000.

LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS:  These folks always make the top ten most dangerous jobs list.  One hundred and thirty four police and sheriff’s patrol officers lost their lives on the job in 2010, a 40 per cent increase over 2009.  Fatality rate is 18 per 100,000 workers: 133 total.  Average annual salary is $56,250.  Our park rangers and border partrol officers are facing more violence every day because of drug cartels.

TAXI DRIVERS were on our list back in 2009.  Those who work in large cities risk violence every day, with every passenger they pick up.  It is an occupation where you don’t trust anyone.  GPS devices can track where the taxis are, and the company can keep up with them accordingly.  OSHA has suggested they work with an open mike switch, be equipped with a first aid kit and flashlight, are in constant communication with dispatch, have bullet-proof partitions and on-board cameras.

We feel sure you know of other jobs that should be counted among the most dangerous.  Firefighters, drilling rig workers, utility workers, roadway workers, some that perform green jobs – these and more can be very stressful.  Ones’ profession should be chosen with care.  If it is what you love doing, then go for it.  If you are not sure that it’s a safe choice, go down another road.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor; Bankrate.com

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Health Issues

THINKING ABOUT GETTING A TATTOO?

Most persons who have tattoos are proud of their them.  So proud, they have them all over their arms and other body parts.  There’s a lot to consider before trying it out, if you haven’t done so already.  As the Food and Drug Administration says, “Think Before You Ink.”  When trying to think of the pro’s and con’s, it is hard to come up with a balanced list.  Actually, there’s really not much to say about the positive side, except that some people feel that it expresses their personalities.  However, there are many concerns on the con side, so here goes: 

  • Infection.  When you go into a tattoo artist’s shop, ask to see the autoclave (a medical pressure cooker primarily used for sterilizing medical instruments.) This autoclave must maintain a temperature of at least 246 degrees for 30 minutes to fully sterilize the equipment.
  • Spread of disease. The artist should wear some type of medical latex gloves that fit properly.  A pinhole could run the risk of cross-contamination.  Ask the artist if he/she has had their Hepatitis B vaccination.  You might be a little suspicious if he doesn’t remember, as the vaccination involves receiving 3 shots over a 4-month time frame.  You may want to consider getting the vaccination yourself,  just to be on the safe side.
  • Allergies.  Allergies to various ink pigments in both permanent and temporary tattoos have been reported, and can cause problems.
  • Granulomas.  Small knots or bumps that may form around material that the body perceives as foreign, such as particles of tattoo pigment.
  • Scarring.  Unwanted scar tissue may form when getting or removing a tattoo.
  • MRI complications.  People may have swelling or burning in the tattoo when they have an MRI.  This happens rarely and doesn’t last long.  Do not fail to have an MRI if needed. Just inform the technician so they can take appropriate precautions. 

Other concerns:

  • The FDA has not approved any tattoo pigments for injection into the skin. This applies to tattoos such as glow-in-the dark.
  • The use of henna in temporary tattoos has not been approved by the FDA; henna is approved only for use as a hair dye.
  • An increased variety of pigments and diluents are being used in more than 50 different pigments and shades.  These are approved for cosmetic use only, not injected into the skin.  Many pigments used in tattoo inks are not approved for skin contact at all.  Some are industrial-grade colors that are suitable for printers’ ink, and automobile paint.
  • Professional disposal of needles is also an indication of whether you want to get a tattoo in the salon.  They should be placed in a sharps container that you can see.  Also the needles used should be new.
  • Tattoos are permanent.  If you decide you need to have one removed, find a doctor that is experienced in tattoo removal.  The American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery can help you find the right physician. 

The FDA’s National Center for Toxicological Research in Arkansas is investigating the chemical composition of the inks and how they break down (metabolize) in the body; the short-term and long-term safety of pigments used in tattoo inks; and how the body responds to the interaction of light with the inks.  Whether the migration of tattoo ink has health consequences or not is still unknown.  NCTR is doing further research to answer many questions about the safety of tattoo inks. 

Do your own research while considering a tattoo; don’t do it on a whim.  It’s going to be with you the rest of your life.  Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the safety of the instruments and experience of the person placing a permanent message on your body for display.

General Safety Issues

ON THE ROAD – OFF THE PHONE!

1 Comment

Of all the articles we have presented, please read this one!  Being the last week of National Safety Month, and sponsored by the National Safety Council, this week’s title can have more impact on drivers than anything, if they will pay attention!  The theme is “On the Road – OFF the Phone!”  After reading information that the National Safety Council has to offer, I am now convinced that when I start my car, my cell phone will be turned OFF. Whatever messages I have will be there when I arrive at my destination.  If I need to make a call, I will do it when I am stopped for a soft drink or break and the car is parked. 

We have written about this subject as other bloggers, all in the interest of keeping drivers safe: distracted driving, drunk or drugged driving, texting and driving, and all the hazards of driving a vehicle that can cost your life or the lives of many innocent persons.  In the United States, so far this year, 626,997 (count ’em!) crashes involving drivers using cell phones while driving have already happened.  That’s one crash every 29 seconds!

Although I could use the hands-free device in my car, I really don’t like to use it.  Now, I am finding that hands-free driving is really no safer.  Vision is the most important sense for safe driving.  Many times, drivers using hands-free phones (and those using handheld phones) have a tendency to “look at” but not “see” objects.  There are estimates that show that drivers using cell phones look but fail to see up to 50 per cent of the information in their driving environment.  This is what researchers call “inattention blindness,” similar to that of tunnel vision.  They are looking out the windshield, but they do not process everything in the roadway  that they must know to effectively monitor their surroundings, seek and identify potential hazards, and respond to unexpected situations. (Primarily, because they are too engrossed in their phone conversation!)

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 11 per cent of drivers at any given time are using cell phones, (there are more than 285.6 million wireless subscribers in the U.S., many who admit that they regularly talk or text while driving.  The National Safety Council estimates more than one in four motor vehicle crashes involve cell phone use at the time of the crash.  This shows us that cell phone use while driving has become a serious public health threat.  A few states have passed laws making it illegal to use a handheld cell phone while driving; this gives the false impression that using a hands-free phone is safe. 

At one time, alcohol and speeding were the leading factors in fatal and serious injury crashes; now “distractions” has been added to the list.  Although texting is clearly a serious distraction, NSC data shows drivers talking on cell phones are involved in more crashes.  More people are talking on cell phones while driving more often, and for longer periods of time than they are texting.  In 2008, an estimated 200,000 crashes involved texting or emailing, versus 1.4 million crashes involving talking on cell phones. 

 I recently advised my grandson, who is in the Graduated Drivers Licensing program, to make that a habit.  After learning this information, I am more than convinced that I told him to do the right thing; whether or not he will, is his and his parents’ decision.  However, I am going to turn mine OFF while driving!  I will let my friends and family know that the phone is off while I am driving, and they can leave a message.  That’s one more way to solve the problem; let callers know that you won’t be answering while driving.

Hands-free devices often are seen as a solution to the risks of driver distraction because they help eliminate two risks – visual, looking away from the road and manual, removing your hands off the steering wheel.  However, the third type of distraction can occur when using cell phones while driving, cognitive – taking your mind off the road!  Hands-free devices do not eliminate cognitive distraction.  Cognitive distraction will be our subject for tomorrow.  Till then, hang up, and drive safely!

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

HOW TO PROTECT WORKERS FROM DANGERS IN CONFINED SPACES – PART I

1 Comment

The safety poster shown below is graphic, but it conveys excellent information for those persons whose jobs require them to work in areas considered to be confined spaces.   These vessels, etc. are normally sealed so the dangers within, whether it is high-pressure, hot, or toxic materials, or gases, mechanical or electrical hazards, stay within.  When a human enters to inspect or service what’s inside is when the danger begins.

According to OSHA, many workplaces contain spaces that are considered “confined” because their configurations hinder the activities of employees who must enter, work in, and exit them. Confined spaces include, but are not limited to underground vaults, tanks, storage bins, manholes, pits, silos, process vessels, and pipelines. OSHA uses the term “permit-required confined space” (permit space) to describe a confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics: contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere; contains a material that has the potential to engulf an entrant; has walls that converge inward or floors that slope downward and taper into a smaller area which could trap or asphyxiate an entrant; or contains any other recognized safety or health hazard, such as unguarded machinery, exposed live wires, or heat stress. Repeating, OSHA’s definition of  “Confined space” means a space that:
(1) Is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work; and
(2) Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit (for example, tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, and pits are spaces that may have limited means of entry.); and
(3) Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.

“Acceptable entry conditions” means the conditions that must exist in a permit space to allow entry and to ensure that employees involved with a permit-required confined space entry can safely enter into and work within the space.

According to NIOSH, when the entry of a worker is necessary,  prior to entry into any type of confined space, several things must be done to ensure the safety of the persons required to work there.  The atmosphere should be tested, at all levels – top, middle, and bottom.  The area should be well ventilated with blowers or fans, and re-tested to ensure that it is ventilated correctly before anyone enters.  There are many locations that have insufficient air movement, which results in oxygen deficiency, flammability, or toxic situations.  Persons inside may be involved in welding, cutting, or brazing operations, and others may be painting, scraping, sanding, or degreasing.  Workers must have the appropriate personal protective equipment, such as hardhats, gloves, rubber boots, and the proper type of respirators.  Some may need air purifying ones, those that filter dangerous substances from the air, or air supplying types that furnish safe breathing air from a tank or uncontaminated area nearby. Only air-supplying respirators should be used in confined spaces where there is not enough oxygen.

Other hazards of confined spaces include extreme temperatures, engulfment hazards, such as loose materials in bins – sand, coal, grain – materials that a worker could fall into and suffocate.  Being in small spaces also amplifies noise; some are slick and wet, adding to the risk of electric shock, and others may have falling objects dropped into the area by work being done above the entrance.  All of these hazards add up to the fact that it takes very special kinds of workers that are willing to do this type of work, and companies that do their very level best to meet the needs and requirements to keep these folks safe.

img855

Tomorrow, we will discuss the way these workers should be protected by having attendants at the entrance, and rescue operations at the ready, as well as a checklist that contains recommendations for a safe entry.  Please stay tuned…………………………

Source: OSHA, NIOSH