Tag Archives: Safety

General Safety Issues

A MESSAGE TO YOUNG WORKERS

We want to share this important information with today’s young workers (those under age 25), to tell you how important you are to the future of your country!  We have compiled 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.  Why, then is this message so important to young people?  Because you are the new generation of workers, and we want you to work safely.  Some of our workers are as young as 15; others are high school students, or college students working part-time, while others are already working full-time.  

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. 

There are many resources that can help you understand the particulars of your job.  Some of the ways young workers may be injured 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: (I added a few words in italics that I think are important, too. 

YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO A SAFE JOB!

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). Always wear whatever PPE (e.g., gloves, safety glasses, hardhat, etc) as required; and understand how to care for it.
  • 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. 

To help assure a safe workplace, OSHA provides you with rights to:

  • Receive information and training about hazards, methods to avoid harm, and OSHA standards that apply in a language that you understand;
  • 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.
  • Wear any personal protective equipment provided to do your job.
  • Follow the safety rules. Always think and act with safety in mind.
  • Never by-pass the safety features of equipment or take short-cuts.
  • Speak Up. Ask questions. Ask for help. 

Someday you will be the leaders of industry.  Learn all you can and do your best to be a safe worker by encouraging others to do the same. 

Source: OSHA; Canadian Centre for Occupational Safety & Health

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

IT’S JUNE, AND THAT MEANS IT’S NATIONAL SAFETY MONTH!

It is hard to believe that another month of June has rolled around, meaning it is National Safety Month – time to focus on round-the-clock safety and health.  The National Safety Council emphasizes that June is the time to stress the urgent need to reduce unintentional deaths and injuries on the road, in the workplace and at home.  Week One’s focus is on “Summertime Safety” (June 1-4). “Preventing Overexertion” is the theme for Week Two (June 5 – 11).  A subject that is very important to parents and teens during Week Three – “Teen Driver Safety,” (June 12-18.) Week Four, (June 19 – 25), we will emphasize safety ideas for “Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls.”  Finally, “ON the Road – OFF the Phone,” is the topic of discussion for the end of the month, (June 26 – 30.)  These are all subjects that affect most all of us in one way or another.  

Accidents happen every day of the year, regardless of whether it is at work, traveling, or at home.  It seems that summertime does bring some unusual accidents, and one reason may be because there are so many more outdoor activities going on.  Summer is the time for boating, fishing, waterskiing, canoeing, bicycling, skateboarding, swimming, and many other fun actions that may cause injuries if we aren’t careful.  (For the past two weekends, we heard of two different boating incidents where young persons drowned.  None of them were wearing life jackets.)  Playgrounds are inviting to little ones, so there should always be adult supervision when they play on the different types of equipment.    

Heat is a threat to workers who must become acclimated to the change in temperatures; many times, it is a drastic change from what they are used to.  They must stay hydrated and get some rest breaks in the shade during long work shifts.  Teens new to working in the outdoors should be sure to drink plenty of water orpowdered drink mix, and everyone should wear sunscreen and light colored clothing.  Student athletes should also stay hydrated while working out for sports. 

Those who work in agriculture always face extreme weather conditions – dry, hot, windy, and sunny.  Farm children need to be supervised by adults, especially while they are around water, such as ponds or tanks, and animals.  There are lots of ATV riders in summer weather, as well as motorcyclists, who should know the safety rules regarding their vehicles, and wear the right gear for protection.  

We hope this summer brings everything you are planning for: vacation time, relaxation, fun in the sun (don’t forget the sunscreen and sunglasses), safe trips, and the other things that many families plan for during summer months when they have school-age children.  It seems there are always some types of accidents, associated with hot-weather activities, that we can’t encourage everyone enough to be extremely careful when planning vacations, trips, and yes, even work.  For most of us, work marches on, so we need to make the necessary accommodations to stay cool and safe during each workday, too. 

One way for young people to be safe is to have a “buddy” system.  It is always better to have a friend along just in case there is a problem.  One extra important reminder about summer: there will be more children playing in their front yards (and possibly the streets).  So keep a watch out for them when you are driving in neighborhoods. 

Have a fun and safe summer!

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

NATIONAL SAFE BOATING WEEK – MAY 21 – 27

 Many of you who have probably gotten out those dusty boats and launched them already.  It’s time for some fun and sun on the water!  There’s nothing more fun than going fishing, skiing, or for a leisure ride in a boat.  Some of the best memories we have were teaching our kids and their friends to waterski.  We even had a life jacket for our Cairn terrier, Willie.  A game warden was very surprised to see that little dog wearing it, and commented that in all his years of work, he had seen only one other dog wearing a life jacket.  Willie had a bad habit of getting on the bow of the boat and falling in, so all we had to do was pick him up with a dip net to rescue him, while his jacket kept him afloat! 

The National Safe Boating Council, Inc. (NSBC) was organized in September of 1958.  The NSBC has a current membership of over 330 U.S. and Canadian organizations, all interested in boating safety and education, by promoting Safe Boating Week.  I have included a sample pledge card in this article, which is a common-sense agreement regarding the responsibility that you owe yourself and your friends and family any time you operate a boat.  If you wish to sign this pledge, you can go to the National Safe Boating Council website.   Beginning boaters and experts alike should be familiar with boating safety rules of operation.  State boater education requirements vary by state.  Be educated, aware and prepared for every circumstance that may arise.  The U.S. Coast Guard offers free Vessel Safety Checks.  They offer complimentary boat examinations to verify the condition of certain safety equipment that is required by State and Federal regulations.  They also offer virtual online safety checks as well.

In a previous article, “Before You Make That Big Splash,” shares other information about boating, including the five types of life jackets (PFD’s) – personal flotation devices.  There are many other resources that one should check out before taking off in that new boat.  Safety is the big thing when it comes to operating a boat.  Many lives are in the hands of the driver, the same as a vehicle on the road.  And don’t be surprised when a  local game warden checks your boat out to ensure that there are plenty of life jackets and other required equipment onboard.

Regardless of where you are boating – in fresh or salt water, on a river or a lake, the one common point  throughout this article is the importance of wearing a life jacket.  In about 80% of all fatal boating accidents, the cause of death is drowning.  In 90% of those drownings, the person wasn’t wearing a life jacket.  Each person on your boat should have a life jacket on; it won’t help if it’s under the seat when they fall in.  Life jackets are not as bulky as in the past; there are many styles that are comfortable and easy to put on.  It may be hot, but it sure beats the risk of drowning.  Accidents have been known to happen to good swimmers.  If Willie wore his, you can, too!

Check the weather conditions before  starting  your boating trip.  If the water becomes rough, get to the shore as soon as possible.  Be sure you have a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit on your boat.  It is also a good idea to have a second person that knows how to operate your boat, just in case.   The most important part of boating safety is using common sense.  Operate at a safe speed, stay clear of large vessels, and be respectful of other boaters.  Staying safe in a boat (everyone) is accomplished when drinking alcohol is saved for later (on land).  Chances of being involved in a boating accident are doubled when alcohol is involved.    

Here is a sample of the National Safe Boating Council pledge card:

I,
pledge to boat safely each and every time I go out on the water, keeping myself, my family, my friends and fellow boaters from harm’s way.  I will always boat responsibly by (please check each line)
Wearing my life jacket and ensuring that everyone on board wears their life jacket (when in a small boat, or operating in rough water or threatening weather conditions)___  
Remaining sober and alert – remembering that the use of alcohol contributes to accidents on the water___  
Staying in control of my craft and respecting the right of others enjoying the waterways___  
Knowing and obeying navigation rules, operating at a safe speed and maintaining a proper lookout___  

______________________________

______________________________

(signature)

(date)

 

 

Please make the decision to honor the rules of boating safety for yourself, family, and friends.

 Sources: NSBC, discoverboating.com

General Safety Issues, Protective Clothing

MAY IS HERE, AND THAT MEANS IT’S NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE SAFETY MONTH

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Sponsored by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, May is designated as National Motorcycle Safety Month.  Their main goal is to get drivers to understand that motorcyclists have the same rights and priviledges as any other vehicle on the road, and we all must “share the road.”  We should pay attention every time we approach a motorcycle and extend courtesy to them as they travel.  They don’t have all the protection that we in cars or trucks have; their driving abilities and gear are their main lines of defense.  I have posted a very similar list previously, but please pay attention to these ten things that all car and truck drivers should know about motorcycles and motorcyclists (from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation):

  1. There are many more cars and trucks than motorcycles on the road and some drivers don’t “recognize” motorcyclists. They ignore them, usually unintentionally. Look for motorcycles, especially when checking traffic at an intersection.
  2. A motorcyclist may look farther away than he or she is in actuality. It may also be difficult to judge a motorcycle’s speed. When checking traffic to turn at an intersection or into (or out of) a driveway, estimate that a motorcycle is closer than it looks.
  3. A motorcycle can be easily hidden in a car’s blind spots or masked by objects or backgrounds outside the car. Thoroughly check traffic, whether you’re changing lanes or turning at intersections.
  4. A motorcycle may seem to be moving faster than it really is. Again, don’t immediately rely on your perceptions.
  5. Motorcyclists sometimes slow down by downshifting or merely rolling off the throttle, thus not activating the brake light. Don’t tailgate motorcyclists. At intersections, anticipate that motorcyclists may slow down without any visual warning.
  6. Turn signals on a motorcycle are not often automatically self-canceling. Some riders, (especially beginners) sometimes forget to turn them off. Try to determine whether a motorcycle’s turn signal is for real. And if you’re driving a car, remember to use your turn signals too. They’re a great communication tool for riders and drivers when used properly.
  7. Motorcyclists often adjust position within a lane to be seen more easily, to avoid road debris, and deal with passing vehicles and wind. Understand that motorcyclists often adjust lane position for a purpose, and it’s not an invitation for a car to share the lane with them.
  8. Maneuverability can be one advantage for a motorcycle, but don’t expect that motorcyclist can always steer or swerve out of harm’s way. Please leave motorcyclists room on the road, wherever they are around you.
  9. Stopping distance for motorcycles can be nearly the same or better than that of cars. But wet or slippery pavement can put motorcyclists at a disadvantage. Don’t violate a motorcyclist’s right of way, especially in bad conditions.
  10. Don’t think of it as a motorcycle, a machine: Think of the rider; the person on board is someone’s son, daughter, spouse or parent. Unlike other motorists, protected by doors, roofs and airbags, motorcyclists have only their safety gear and are at greater risk from distracted drivers.

Friday, May 6th, is the Fifth Annual International Female Ride Day.  Women riders are encouraged to ride that day, with the purpose of bringing awareness to women motorcyclists.  It says, “Just Ride” as its’ theme.  This is a global, synchronized day that reaches out to women from all parts of the world.  This idea was presented to women five years ago, and women of all ages, styles of riding, and motorcycle brands have made this a phenominal day, according to Vicki Gray, of MOTORESS, and founder of International Female Ride Day. 

I admire those who enjoy riding motorcycles, and have several friends who do so.  They have even given me a ride, (in my younger days) , and it was fun to enjoy that smooth glide down the highway.  However, when you look down at the pavement, you don’t want to wind up there.  Let’s all do our part to “share the road” with our fellow travelers, regardless of how many wheels they have. 

Tomorrow, we will talk about the protective gear that motorcycle riders wear, or should wear.  It always makes me uneasy to see a rider without a helmet.  Until then, ride friendly and safely!

Sources: NHTSA, Motorcycle Safety Foundation, Powersports Business

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

THERE ARE MANY KINDS OF “GREEN JOBS”

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If you are interested in making a difference while improving our environment, a “green job” may be just the thing for you!  More and more types of jobs are opening up that offer new ways of furnishing energy, and conserving the natural resources that our earth offers.  Some “green jobs” have been around for a while.  Safety measures must be taken to protect the workers, just the same as in any other job. 

Recycling may have been one of the first ways that we began to think about ways to use things more than one time.  I remember my grandmother would rinse out little plastic bags, hang them on a little line by the sink with a clothespin to dry, and reuse them.  Saving aluminum foil was another way of recycling, a long time before the word “recycling” became popular.  Now, recycling has become a big industry.  Metal scrap recycling is a huge business that processes  in the U.S. alone, 56 million tons of scrap iron and steel, which includes 10 million tons of scrap automobiles.  Scrap copper, lead, zinc, stainless steel and smaller quantities of other metals are processed on an annual basis.  Ferrous scrap metal contains iron, and nonferrous metals do not contain iron.  There are ways to recycle just about anything these days – paper, bottles, and cans, to name a few. 

Since 1985, the percentage of waste recycled in the U.S. has doubled, and this trend will likely continue.  Turning materials that become waste into valuable products brings big financial, environmental and social returns to the country.  As this industry continues to grow, so do the number of available jobs, and each presents its own safety and health risks.  The most common causes of illness in this industry are poisoning from lead or cadmium, skin diseases and respiratory conditions due to inhalation of toxic agents.  Some incidents may be caused by contact with an object or piece of equipment, overextension, or exposure to a harmful substance.  Whether serving as a volunteer to do recycling, or working in that particular field, there are certain types of personal protective equipment that should be worn -from gloves, respirators, goggles, safety glasses, hardhats, to protective clothing, depending on the specific job. 

Weather Insulating/Sealing is another type of “green job.”   Weather technicians update old or inefficient residential or business structures to make them energy efficient.  Their tasks may include installation of fans, blower doors, energy-efficient windows, weather stripping, sealing and caulking.  They must be safety and environmentally conscientious.  Their jobs may require them to crawl into confined spaces, climb ladders, and use power hand tools.  Various types of weathering include blow-in and spray-on applications.  Persons seeking these jobs should have a certain amount of training in order to apply these materials to product specifications in order to achieve proper weatherization.  Because these applications and materials include working with fiberglass, cellulose, spray polyurethane foam, polystyrene, and latex sealant, workers should be provided with the proper respiratory protection, adequate ventilation, and training in first aid.  Some of these materials are flammable, so extreme precautions should be taken.  Other materials can cause asthma and allergic reactions in some individuals. 

Those who work in “green jobs” are making our world more environmentally friendly.  They must follow the same safety procedures and policies as those in other jobs.  We have described some of the “green jobs” that are improving our lives.  Support these by recycling, conserving energy, or trying something new that is “earth friendly.”  We all can do more by teaching our young people to appreciate the earth, and keep it beautiful.  Look around, and notice how many persons are picking up  trash on highways, or cleaning up after a sports event.  If every person would do their own little “green job”, we wouldn’t have to ask others to do it.  We have a saying in Texas, (as you know), “Don’t Mess With Texas.”  Why don’t we have a new theme, “Don’t Mess With Our EARTH!”  (It’s the only home we have!)

General Safety Issues

NORTH AMERICAN OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH WEEK

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Led by Canada’s Canadian Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE) this campaign was first launched in June of 1997, when an agreement between Canada, the United States and Mexico was reached, with the goal to promote workplace safety within the boundaries of the three nations.  Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Week had been being observed for ten years prior to the beginning of North American Occupational Safety and Health Week.  The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) joined with the CSSE in 2002, to promote public awareness of occupational safety, health, and the environment during this important week.  Other groups that are partners in this NAOSH Week are the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC), Threads of Life, OSHA, Association of Occupational Health Professionals in Healthcare (AOHP), and partners in Mexico.  Threads of Life is a national registered charity dedicated to supporting families along their journey of healing who have suffered from a workplace fatality, life-altering illness or occupational disease.  Their mission is to help families heal through a community of support and to promote the elimination of life-altering workplace injuries, illnesses, and death. 

This years NAOSH theme is “Celebrating a Century of Safety.”  The ASSE is not only celebrating their 100th anniversary, but it is also the 100th anniversary of one of the most terrible workplace disasters in United States history – the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire.  In 1911, 146 men and women died in the Asch building in New York City.  When a fire began on one of the top floors of this building, workers rushed to escape; however, the doors were locked.  There were no fire sprinklers, even though the fire sprinkler head was patented in 1872.  There were no fire safety or prevention products or programs at the factory.  Because the fire escape had melted and broken off, the elevator operator tried to save as many people as he could, but as the fire spread, many jumped to their deaths to the street below.  Some even jumped into the elevator shaft.  Fire department ladders couldn’t reach the top floors of the building.  Soon after this disaster, public outrage led to a wave of new worker protection rules and regulations.  The ASSE was founded in New York City, and many said it was the beginning of our modern safety movement.  Since that time, ASSE and its’ more than 33,000 occupational safety, health and environmental professional members continue to work in all industries and their communities to ensure that another Triangle Factory fire never occurs again. 

NAOSH sponsors activities to support work safety and educate the public worldwide by members and organizations.  Events such as panel discussions on the history of safety, preventing distracted driving, recognizing winners from around the world of the kids’  “safety-on-the-job” poster contest, are just some of the tools that are used to enhance workplace safety worldwide.  The AOHP, a national association that represents thousands of healthcare workers whose vision is to be the defining resource and leading advocate for occupational health and safety in healthcare, states that NAOSH week “not only helps us keep our workers safe and contributes positively to a business’ bottom line, but makes sure there are smiles at the end of the day when that worker returns home safe and sound to their family.” 

Too many persons are dying from on-the-job injuries.  These organizations and others are working to help prevent injuries and illnesses  in industries worldwide.  Members of the groups have distributed catastrophe preparedness information, free teen worker safety and preventing roadway crash brochures, developed teen worker safety courses, helped Habitat for Humanity, held personal protective equipment (PPE) fashion shows, donated PPE and much more.  

NAOSH Week is observed the first full week of May each year.  On the Wednesday of NAOSH Week, Occupational Safety and Health Professional Day has been observed since 2007.  The American Society of Safety Engineers and Canadian Society of Safety Engineering, along with other members from Canada, the U.S., and Mexico encourages employers, employees, and the public to realize the importance of preventing injury and illness in the workplace, at home, and in the community.  We salute all those who work diligently to educate and promote safety in the workplace. 

Sources: Worksite News (Canada), American Society of Safety Engineers,  Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety

General Safety Issues

APRIL 28TH – INTERNATIONAL DAY OF MOURNING

Most of us are probably not aware of the significance of April 28th.    It is the International Day of Mourning, set aside to pay our respects to fellow workers who were injured or killed on the job.  The International Day of Mourning not only commemorates the dead, ill and injured, but raises awareness of the importance of occupational health and safety and its role in preventing needless tragedies. 

Initially launched by the Canadian Labour Congress in 1984, the day was officially established as the National Day of Mourning in 1990 after the Canadian government passed the Workers’ Mourning Day Act.  In the United States, the AFL-CIO, America’s union movement, adopted April 28 as Workers’ Memorial Day.  Later, in 1996, the International Confederation of Free Trade organized the first International Day of Mourning, which prompted candle lighting ceremonies to protest unsafe work practices.  More than 85 countries worldwide recognize this important day.  

This year’s theme is “Mourn for the dead, fight for the living.”  Here are ways that you can do just that:

  • Be a safety mentor to a new worker.
  • Find the lesson to be learned from a workplace injury or fatality you’ve heard about.
  • Hold a candlelight vigil to remember workers who died.
  • Take 5 minutes to listen to Stacy Smallwood’s OHS performance poetry, a beautiful tribute to those who died on the job.
  • No matter where you are in North America, dedicate a flower to a fallen worker on the WorkSafeBC memorial website.  As you watch the flower fall, take a moment of silence to honor a friend, family member or colleague. 

There are probably very few of us who have not known someone who died on the job, as a result of either unsafe work conditions, lack of training, or carelessness on the part of the worker.  One of the ways that you can help others is to be a safety mentor to co-workers, at all times, as mentioned above.  Don’t take unnecessary chances; go to your supervisor if you feel your tasks are compromised. 

The following is an excerpt from an AFL-CIO Facts About Safety and Health Department report, dated April 18, 2011:  “This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the effective date of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.  The Act – which guarantees every American worker a safe and healthful working environment – created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to set and enforce standards and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to conduct research and investigations.  This year also marks the 42nd anniversary of the Coal Mine Health and Safety Act, and 34th anniversary of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act.  Since 1970, workplace safety and health conditions have improved.  More than 431,000 workers can now say that their lives have been saved since the passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.  However, many workers remain in serious danger, as demonstrated by the Massey Energy West Virginia coal mine disaster last April that killed 29 miners, the Tesoro Refinery explosion in Washington state a few days earlier that killed 7 workers, and the BP/Transocean Gulf Coast oil rig explosion that claimed 11 workers lives.” 

Approximately 1,000 Canadian workers and over 5,000 American workers die annually in work-related incidents.  Canadian workplaces average three workers dying on the job every day, with more than 900,000 workplace injuries reported every year.  An average of 16 workers in the U.S. die each day from injuries received at work, and 134 are estimated to die from work-related diseases.  Each day in America, approximately 9,000 workers are treated in emergency rooms because of occupational injuries.  These statistics indicate that we have a long way to go before we reach the safety goals that North American workers deserve. 

CCOHS, OSHA, CDC/NIOSH hope that the annual observance of this day will strengthen the resolve to establish safe conditions in the workplace for everyone.  It is as much a day to remember the dead as it is a call to protect the living.

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

NATIONAL WINDOW SAFETY WEEK, APRIL 4 – 10

The Window Safety Task Force, under the National Safety Council’s Community Safety Division, works with the American Architectural Manufacturing Association, Window and Door Manufacturing Association, Screen Manufacturers Association, National Association of Home Builders and other organizations to educate North Americans on the importance of window safety.  This group has been presenting materials on this subject since 1997.  They know that the leading causes of injury and death in young children are fires and falls. 

Besides doors, windows are a secondary escape route in a fire or other emergency. They are designed as points of escape.  It is critical that the windows are placed in locations in both homes and businesses where they can provide a safe exit.  Families should have a fire escape plan.  Children should be taught to get out of a house that is on fire.  Hold a family fire drill often, and plan landscaping that can possibly prevent injury if anyone does have to jump or fall from a window. 

If you have bars, grills, or other types of security on your windows, they are useless in an emergency, unless they have a functioning release mechanism.  You might think you are keeping someone out, but you may be causing yourself to become trapped, and you can’t escape!  Never paint or nail windows shut. 

When there are young children living or visiting in your home, be sure the windows they may be playing around are locked.  If you need ventilation, open taller windows, and never have furniture close to an open window, where they might climb up and fall out.  Be sure to watch when they are playing on a patio or around sliding glass doors.  A fall through glass could cause serious injuries. 

Don’t count on insect screens to catch anything except the bugs!  Shortly after we moved into the home where we currently live, we left our sliding glass door open one evening, when our birddog, Lucy, heard something outside and ran through the screen!  That was the end of leaving that door open. 

We all must understand the importance of safety in the home, and be prepared to escape in the event of fire.  Years ago, a home on our block was totally destroyed by fire, resulting in the deaths of three persons.  A mother of a four-year old, broke a window in her bedroom to run for help – she couldn’t find her child.  Later, the body of the little girl was found under a bed, where she had crawled.  If we take the time to be prepared, hopefully, tragedies such as this, can be prevented. 

There is more excellent information on this subject at the National Safety Council website.  We are all asked to share this information with friends, family, co-workers, and communities, not only through the first week of April, and all of April, but all year long.

General Safety Issues, High Visibility Safety

“WALKERS” THAT HAVE UNSAFE RIDES

Individuals who hang advertising flyers on homes’ doorknobs, are known as “walkers.”  Before they can begin their distribution, many of them are picked up and delivered to the designated area in cargo vans that have no seats, let alone seatbelts.  Many times, up to 10 people ride in the back, along with stacks of flyers to be circulated.  On March 4th, three people were killed and seven others were injured when the 1995 cargo van they were in burst a tire and careened into a tree.  The ironic part of it is that Texas law, (as well as most other states), does not require seatbelts for adults in a cargo van that has no seats.  There’s no state or federal prohibition against carrying adults in the back, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.  And because there are no seatbelts, restrictions on capacity don’t apply, stated the DPS.  (Another ironic part of this is that the vehicle’s manual states that carrying passengers is unsafe.)

 

Pablo Alvarado, director of the Los Angeles-based National Day Laborer Organizing Network, stated, “tragedies such as these are a reminder that more needs to be done to protect the rights and safety of workers.  Day laborers, like those who lost their lives, go to great risks to humbly provide for their families.  Employers must be responsible for their safety during and en route to work.” 

Day workers gather around service stations, shelters, and boarding houses, hoping to have the opportunity to earn typically around $40 to $55 a day, walking approximately 10 to 15 miles.  Many of these workers are homeless, and although they realize that the vehicle they are climbing into may have bald tires, or be unsafe, they need the work.  Firms who furnish cleanup crews at sports stadiums also use this type of transportation.  Some of these vans have nothing more than floorboards for persons to sit on.  Hopefully, following this accident, things may change.  Two flyer-distributing services not involved in the accident said they are rethinking their use of such vehicles and may install seats.  Until recently, the industry has taken advantage of loopholes in state and federal road safety regulations to hold down costs. 

Advertising companies that furnish this type of labor face restrictions from many cities.  Several communities in the Metroplex – Bedford, Colleyville, Frisco, McKinney, Allen, Rowlett, Murphy, Coppell, and Corinth, have passed city ordinances that require these advertising companies and each of their workers to be individually registered with their local police.  Companies must pay $50 for a six-month permit.   They also require all walkers to display their permit and wear an orange reflective traffic safety vest.  Solicitation ordinances suggest that permits are not issued to anyone who has been convicted or pleaded no contest to a felony or misdemeanor in the previous ten years.  Charitable solicitations, political literature, or distribution of religious tracts are exempted from the permitting requirements.  Police want to know who is in their neighborhoods. 

There are flyer delivery services that do not rely on cargo vans.  Some say they use minivans with factory-installed seats and seat belts.  Others say they limit riders to seven, not ten.  One owner said he uses a van, but it has seats.  As he said, “It sounds kind of unsafe not to have seats.” 

Let’s hope that this latest accident will get the attention of lawmakers in order to protect the safety of those persons who do this type of work.  They deserve better than this. 

Source: Ft. Worth Star-Telegram

General Safety Issues

COUNT THE VIOLATIONS!

For the past few weeks, we have been covering the Top Ten OSHA violations and penalties assessed for fiscal year 2010.  Violation of (29 CFR 1910.272), Grain Handling Facilities, was listed as #9 on the top ten highest penalties assessed list.  The following is an article released by OSHA, March 16, 2011, regarding the death of a young worker who lost his life working in a grain bin.  Please note the numerous other violations (in italics) the company received.  These are many of the violations that have been mentioned as we have counted down the list. 

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited a grain company in Morral, Ohio, following the September 2010 death of a 20-year-old worker who was caught in a discharge auger while cleaning out a grain bin.  “This tragic death could have been prevented had the grain bin owner and operators followed occupational safety standards and learned from the tragedies that have occurred at other grain bins,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Dr. David Michaels. “Grain elevator owners and operators must implement well-known safety practices to prevent workers from being hurt or killed in a grain bin.”   At least 25 U.S. workers were killed in grain entrapments last year, and the numbers of entrapments are increasing, according to researchers at Purdue University. There were more grain entrapments in 2010 than in any year since the university started collecting data on entrapments in 1978.

Following inspections at the company’s three bin facilities, 46 safety and health violations have been cited, with penalties totaling $465,500.  One location was issued a total of eight safety citations with proposed penalties of $175,000, including two willful citations for failing to lock out the discharge and sweep auger, and to provide an appropriate grain bin entry permit to perform work. A willful violation is one committed with intentional knowing or voluntary disregard for the law’s requirements, or with plain indifference to worker safety and health.

Five serious citations were issued for failing to train employees in safety precautions and bin entry procedures, not having an observer during bin entry, failing to have rescue equipment, failing to test the atmosphere in the space to be entered and failing to have deflagration controls for combustible dust. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.  One other-than-serious citation (one that has a direct relationship to job safety and health, but probably wouldn’t cause death or serious harm) was issued for not having combustible dust warning signs in place.

As a result of violations discovered at the first facility, OSHA initiated inspections at the company’s two other facilities.  One facility was fined $171,000 and cited with a total of 22 health and safety violations, including two repeat safety violations for allowing employees to walk working surfaces without proper guarding in place and failing to safeguard employees from electrical hazards such as broken electrical conduits. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years.

Thirteen serious safety citations were issued for allowing employees to walk working surfaces without ladderway gates and mid-rails, and exposing workers to electrical and machine guarding hazards. Four serious health citations were issued for a lack of safe grain handling and electrical procedures. Three other-than-serious health citations were issued for lack of signage and hazard communication procedures.

The company’s third facility was fined $119,500 and cited with a total of 16 safety violations, including one willful violation for failing to evaluate work spaces to determine if any required confined space entry permits. Fourteen serious citations were issued for failing to implement a confined space program, not having a non-entry retrieval system, a lack of personal protective equipment for employees, a lack of electrical training, a lack of combustible dust controls and failing to train employees in combustible grain dust hazards. One other-than-serious citation was issued for a lack of combustible dust warning signs.

Since 2009, OSHA has fined grain operators in Illinois, Colorado, South Dakota and Wisconsin following similar preventable fatalities and injuries.  In addition to enforcement actions and training, OSHA sent a notification letter in August, 2010 to grain elevator operators warning them not to allow workers to enter grain storage facilities without proper equipment.    OSHA’s Region V, which includes Illinois, Ohio and Wisconsin, initiated a Grain Safety Local Emphasis Program in August 2010, and has since conducted 61 inspections and issued 163 citations to grain operators/facilities. The violations cover hazards associated with grain engulfment, machine guarding, lockout/tagout of dangerous equipment to prevent accidental energization start-up, electricity, falls, employee training and combustible dust hazards.

OSHA’s Severe Violators Enforcement Program began in the spring of 2010, and is meant to focus on employers that endanger workers by committing willful, repeat, or failure-to-abate violations in one or more of the following circumstances: a fatality or catastrophe; industry operations or processes that expose workers to severe occupational hazards; exposure to hazards related to the potential releases of highly hazardous chemicals; and all per-instance citation enforcement actions. 

If companies do not mind paying fines, it seems they would be disturbed by the loss of life of an employee, and the fact that they are not providing for the safety of their workers.  This is an example of the various violations we have been describing.

Source: OSHA