Tag Archives: Work

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

BLACK LUNG ON THE RISE

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Almost one-half of the power used in the United States is generated by coal; more than 130,000 miners put their lives at risk to provide it. Coal Workers Pneumoconiosis (CWP) is caused by prolonged breathing of dust in coal mines.  Another name for CWP is Black Lung Disease.

Years ago, Congress ordered Black Lung to be eradicated from the coal industry, under the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969.  This act was to protect miners by posing limits on exposure to dust, as well as adding increased benefits for families of coal miners.  For several years following this legislative enactment, the proportion of coal miners with Black Lung Disease went down.  However, in the last ten years, it is again on the rise.  Approximately 10,000 miners have died with CWP in the past decade, with younger workers developing severe and advanced cases.

Black Lung is a deadly, but preventable occupational disease.  It causes chronic coughing and shortness of breath.  Coal operators are required under the law to adhere to dust standards.  They have the necessary tools to control each miner’s exposure to respirable dust and silica.  Industries and miners must both ensure that control measures are applied and dust levels are accurately measured.

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, possible reasons that this disease is once more increasing are:

  • Inadequacies in mandated coal mine dust regulations;
  • Failure to comply with regulations;
  • Lack of disease measures to accommodate changes in mining practices brought about by depletion of richer coal reserves;
  • Effects of working longer hours in recent years;
  • Missed opportunities by miners to be screened and take action to reduce dust exposure.
  • New mining techniques and machinery that create more hazardous exposure to dust.

NIOSH also has set up mobile screening units that travel to locations where mining takes place and offer free x-rays, and other free health evaluations to miners.  When early disease is suspected, miners should request transfer to a job where there is less dust exposure.

A set of rules is being considered by the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) that would require some miners to use a new technology, the continuous personal dust monitor.  These real-time monitors would allow the miners to know what they are exposed to and respond to it right away.  The cost is $10,000 per monitor, so it’s a pricey proposition.  However, mining-industry representative Bruce Watzman says the industry supports MSHA’s efforts.  “The statistics concern us.  We need to understand and address this problem.”  NIOSH states that the first priority to all men and women miners is their health and safety.

General Safety Issues

WORK AND FATIGUE DON’T MIX

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Right now you are thinking. “So, work and fatigue don’t mix, but my work tires me every day!”  Or do you get tired of your work?  Our mental outlook on our occupation plays a large part in how our bodies react to the demands of our jobs.  You certainly wouldn’t want to meet a drowsy driver on the road because he has driven too many hours.  Would you want a surgeon to operate on you if he’s already been in the operating room for several hours?  I want mine scheduled for the first thing in the morning!  If we have a good attitude about the work we plan to perform each day, we will see better results, and look forward to the next day.  Think positive thoughts.

There are many factors that play into workplace fatigue, such as:

  • Sleep-deprivation;
  • Lonely, boring jobs;
  • Shifts that are too long;
  • Demands to work extra shifts;
  • Dissatisfaction with job;
  • Heavy work loads;
  • Stress.

Studies have shown that because of workers’ lack of sleep, the costs of lost productivity range in the $350 billions-worldwide annually.  The best habit for anyone is to get 7.5 or 8.5 hours of sleep per night.  Persons who work night shifts have more difficulty adjusting to different sleep patterns and sometimes suffer from fatigue at work, even going to sleep on the job.

Employers should ensure that the workplace doesn’t promote fatigue.  One way to succeed is to require shorter shifts or change to rotating shifts, eliminate repetitive jobs by varying job duties, and train workers on how to get enough rest.  While on breaks, workers could try playing a quick game, or planning their next get-away, instead of thinking about their work duties.
Fatigue can cause poor judgment, lack of concentration, poor communication skills, less productivity, and the ability to do complex jobs.  Tired workers experience slower reaction time, loss of memory, the ability to recall details, and may take risks, which could lead to everyone being in harm’s way.  Most jobs require our complete attention, such as heavy equipment operators, handling dangerous chemicals, using sharp instruments, driving vehicles, taking care of patients; the list could go on and on.

If one always feels tired or depressed, it would be best to see his/her doctor, to be sure there isn’t a medical reason for their fatigue, at home and work.  Everyone can stay strong by eating healthy, avoiding junk and fatty foods, doing the right exercise regularly, and getting enough sleep.

So, don’t be “sick and tired of being sick and tired!”  It’s up to you to do something about it.

Try starting with A for Attitude.

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT CUT PROTECTION

Persons who work in environments that require them to handle sharp objects want to wear the safest, cut-resistant gloves that are available for their particular needs.  Cut resistance defines the material that the gloves are constructed from.  One method of testing the fabric is using force to cut through the material using a moving blade.  In the U.S., the ASTM F1790 is the most common test for cut resistance, which along with ANSI/ISEA glove selecting criteria rates them on a scale from 0 to 5.

Other factors that are also important to consider are the workplace conditions: humidity, temperature and lubricants that are involved.   Most cut-resistant gloves are made from stainless steel wrapped with softer nylon yarn for strength and comfort.  These types of gloves are suitable of food processing, canning, glass handling, and metal fabricating applications.
Certain materials that are in the design of cut-resistant gloves are five times stronger than steel.  Although they are strong and cut-resistant, they are not puncture-proof.  They are not intended for use near powered blades or other rotating equipment.

Employers know the risk factors in their workplace.  Things they should look for when selecting cut-resistant gloves for their employees:

  • Tear strength
  • Abrasion resistance
  • Durability – select gloves that will be as strong at the end of the shift as at the beginning.
  • Comfort – gloves that are going to stay on all day long should be comfortable.
  • Fit – gloves that are loose will only make things clumsy for the employee.
  • Grip –very important that the glove allows a good grip.

Certain types of industrial jobs require wearing cut-resistant sleeves, as well.  The main ingredient to reducing injuries is to train employees well in the type of risks they will encounter on a daily basis.  As with any well-trained workers, they learn to never take their safety for granted: to be constantly aware of accidents that may be waiting to happen.

General Safety Issues

ARE YOU ALWAYS CAUTIOUS AROUND MACHINES?

One of OSHA’s most violated standards is machine safeguarding.  If you work around any type of machinery, you must never take a shortcut; you must always take the time to safeguard your machine, which is the easiest way to prevent disabling injuries.

Three areas that must be safeguarded to minimize hazards are:

1.    The point of operation.  Where you cut, shape or bore lumber, is an example of the point where the work is done.

2.    The power transmission apparatus: Any component that transmits energy to the part of the machine performing the work: flywheels, belts, gears, and pullies.

3.    Moving parts:  All moving parts of a machine, including feed mechanisms and auxiliary, reciprocating, rotating and moving parts.

Safeguards will keep your hands, arms, and other body parts from coming in contact with dangerous moving components.  They must be firmly secured to the machine, so the safeguard device won’t hurt you.  Remember, your safeguard apparatus is built to enable you to perform your job efficiently and comfortably.  Another feature of the safeguard device is that is protects you from projectiles.  If a small item is dropped into a cycling machine, the safeguard should prevent it from becoming airborne.

Safeguards should be securely placed on the equipment, where it cannot be removed easily, and they should be made of durable material.  They should not create new hazards, i.e., sharp edges.  Workers should be able to complete their work more easily, through not having to worry about being injured.  Machine guards should be established where the equipment can be lubricated safely, without having to remove the safeguards.

Be sure you understand how to operate your equipment properly.  Read your manual and understand the capabilities and hazards of the machine.  Preventive maintenance guidelines should be followed.  If you immediately report safety hazards, you could possibly save someone (maybe yourself) from unintentional injury.  Talk to your supervisor if you suspect something is unsafe in your workplace.

Always use machine guards when you are working on or repairing equipment.  Lock it out and tag it out, if you need to step away from the machine.  If co-workers are doing something you feel is unsafe, let them know, and if they continue, report it to your supervisor.  There is no need to put everyone in jeopardy.  Accidents can happen too quickly.  Don’t overlook the possibilities of an on-the-job mishap.  Along with safeguarding your equipment, safeguard yourself by always wearing the correct personal protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles.

Source: OSHA

General Safety Issues

DEALING WITH STRESS

When you think of stress in the workplace, what type of work do you think of, other than your own?  I think of stressful situations in emergency services, medical, rescue, fire, and law enforcement.  Then there’s delivery people, who are rushed to get all their deliveries done on time, regardless of the miles they must drive in order to do so.  Whether you are at the top of the corporate ladder, or not, working under stress is a common part of the job description.  We know that some stress creates productivity, but too much is not a good thing.  Effective communication between supervisors and workers is the key to keeping things calm.

A tense part of a new employee’s job orientation is becoming acquainted with the culture of the workplace.  In addition to performing a new job, it’s difficult to learn the patterns of co-workers,.  Office politics or gossip in the workplace can lead to stressful conditions. Sophisticated technology that exists now – computers, cell phones, faxes, pagers, and the internet have created added expectations for fast and efficient productivity.  Employees are expected to learn new software often. Persons who operate heavy machinery or drive trucks are under constant pressure to be alert at all times.

Research has shown that it is as dangerous to be stressed or fatigued as to be legally intoxicated.  The current economic situation is one of the major reasons for stress in today’s workplace.  Companies have merged, restructured, or downsized, resulting in putting more demands on their workers.  Sometimes unhealthy and unreasonable pressures are put on workers who are expected to do the job of two persons instead of just one.  Some workplaces have persons who constantly harass other workers.  This should not be tolerated, and the person who is the victim should report it to their supervisor without fear of retribution.

We see “burnouts” in every walk of life.  Signs of burnout are when one can’t say “No” to added responsibilities, can’t delegate part of their work to others, (because they think only they can do that particular task), are under intense pressure most of the time, or are trying to do too much for too long.  Many workers can’t help but take their personal or family problems to work.  Living in a fast-paced world, it’s no wonder there are so many employees that just can’t take time to “stop and smell the roses”.

There are many ways to try to keep stress away: find a hobby that’s fun to do, that makes you forget about work.  Get some type of exercise.  Getting seven or eight hours of sleep regularly and eating healthy foods can help keep you in shape and ready for your days’ work.  When you need support, talk to family or friends.  Sometimes, just getting your worries off your chest will make you feel much better.

Take those appointed breaks while you are on the job!  Walk outside and get a whiff of fresh air! Think about it: in most workplaces, there’s no one that can’t be replaced.  Someone was there before you, and someone will replace you when you leave.  No job is worth ruining your health for; so try to chill out, be thankful that you have a job, and make it a pleasant experience each day.  By doing so, you may ease someone else’s stress, as well.

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

DOWN ON THE FARM – PESTICIDES

As we drive down the highway, going through beautiful farmland, most of us don’t have a clue as to what goes on behind the scenes to create such a picture, and produce a successful crop.  Pests are a huge concern to farmers, and we want to share some information on the subject of pest control.

Pesticides help our agriculture industry through the EPA’s (Environmental Protection Agency) Integrated Pest Management system.  In agricultural settings, their approach is that less risky pest controls are used first (biopesticides).  The second stage is determining the level at which the pest is an economic threat to the crop.  Next, to monitor and identify when and what type of pesticide is needed.  Rotating different crops, pest-resistant varieties, or pest-free rootstock can be a more economical way to deter damage from pests and provide little or no risk to humans and the environment.  Broadcast spraying of a non-specific pesticide is a last resort.

New EPA safety requirements are meant to protect agricultural workers against pesticides used in crop fields.  Soil fumigants are pesticides that go into the soil and create a gas that kills several types of soil-borne pests in the fields.  This type of pesticide can cause health problems ranging from eye or respiratory irritation to more severe and irreversible effects.
Since these are restricted-use pesticides, only specially trained personnel can apply and oversee these types of operations.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, responsible use of soil, air and water resources for the production of food, feed and fiber must be balanced with the need to minimize impacts on human health, and preserve natural ecosystems.  As agrochemicals remain a cornerstone of pest management in U.S. agriculture, there is a continuing need to evaluate environmental transport processes and factors in assessing risk and in the development of mitigation strategies. Research is needed for an understanding of fate and effects. Such efforts will permit better science-based decisions as a basis for policy regarding the use of agrochemicals in U. S. agriculture.  Farmers need a variety of sustainable production options since no production system will be appropriate for every set of circumstances.  The use of agrochemicals must be evaluated due to the ecological risks associated with them.

Pest control is just one of the many problems that our agriculture industry copes with as they produce the nation’s food.  Keeping farm workers safe from the effects of pesticides is foremost.

USDA
EPA

General Safety Issues

NEW EMPLOYEES

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Do you remember your first day on the job, wishing you understood what everyone else was doing?  You want to fit in, and it seems as though there’s a mountain of information being tossed your way.  No one can absorb everything they are told, but the main thing one needs to pay attention to is safety on the job.  With the summer season beginning, a whole new workforce will begin.  Those younger employees need to have a mentor for a few months, just to ensure their safety and the safety of others.

It is the responsibility of the employer to provide proper training beginning from Day One.

Bureau of Labor Statistics show that 40% of on-the-job injuries are workers experiencing their first year of work.  The first thing employers should do is start orientation on the first day.  Co-workers can be of assistance if they notice the new employee is doing something unsafe; they need to speak up and warn them before they get injured.  They also can tell the new employee who to talk to if they have concerns about safety.  Personnel need to respect the equipment they are working with, and be aware that their wellness can be an issue if they don’t use caution.

In most of our experiences, we gradually find out what to do:  a good example is a Fire Drill.  Every company has their own policy and procedures and new employees should be told where the exits are and what to do upon exiting the building.  Many times, we don’t find out until there is a fire drill and then someone says, “Oh, yeah, do such and such, then return to work when the all clear is given.”

New employees, remember this:

  • Don’t take shortcuts
  • Use what you learn all the time
  • Be sure you understand; don’t hesitate to ask questions
  • Respect and follow warnings
  • Be sure you know what to do in emergency situations
  • As for safety materials and instructions if you have not received them

Remember the TEAM mantra applies to all of us:
Together Everyone Accomplishes More!

Think Safety and Work Safely.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

RETURN TO WORK PROGRAMS

Studies show that most employees that have been injured on the job want to go back to work as soon as they possibly can, following their recovery.  Businesses, large and small, should have Return to Work policies in place and be sure that all employees understand them.

Employers should consistently demonstrate concern for their welfare and treat all employees the same.  At the time an employee seeks medical attention, the physician should give him/her a prognosis as to when they can regain their full time employment.  Companies may set a limit on transitional periods, i.e., 90 days, that the employee can perform lighter duties in order to resume some type of work plan.

There are also studies that show the following:

  • The longer an employee stays off work, the less likely they are to return.
  • It is to the benefit of the employer to prevent replacing the worker, by offering transitional work to the injured worker, in order to avoid a possible lawsuit, and face increased workers compensation costs.
  • It is better to accommodate the person with on-the-job light duties than for them to work from home with restrictions.
  • Companies with good return to work programs reduce lost workdays and have employees that want to return to work.
  • Those employees who miss 6 months’ work are 50% more likely to not return.
  • One-fourth of employees who miss 1 year of work will probably not return.
  • If they are off 2 years or more, there is little chance of their return.

Companies that have disability programs that enable their employees to fulfill some form of duties prove to the employee that they are reliable and capable, and an asset to the employer, letting them know that their expertise makes them valuable employees.  This also enables employees be self-sufficient.

“Early” Return to Work Programs decrease temporary total disability payments, as employees that are back on the job are earning wages again.  The American Medical Association encourages their members to release employees to work as soon as they are medically able.  It is proven that employees heal more rapidly and their treatment time is reduced, if the doctor releases them as soon as possible.  This early return to work plan also serves as a cost reduction on Workers Compensation premium rates for the employer, and in certain cases, reduces legal costs.

Everyone needs to be on an even playing field in all walks of life.  Employers that treat their employees fairly when they have been injured on the job are rewarded by employees that want to get back to their job and will do a good job for them.  Successful safety programs and practices reduce injuries, making everyone happier, both the employer and employee!