Safe Workplace and Safety News
This is the safety news blog for the Safe Workplace web site. We cover workplace safety related news with a focus on how safety, or a lack of safety, impacts employers, employees and their families. We also cover topics such as safety training, safety tools, and legal issues related to safety. For regular safety news and information enter your email address in the box above the Subscribe button to the right (then click on the button).
Thursday, June 28, 2007
OSHA Cancels Workplace First Aid Training Guidelines
OSHA announced on Tuesday that it has cancelled CPL 02-02-053. The annoucement states:
"OSHA Instruction CPL 02-02-053 Guidelines for First Aid Training Programs, 01/07/1991, is cancelled. "Best Practices Guide: Fundamentals of a Workplace First-Aid Program" provides OSHA's current guidance on this issue."
The announcement states that the reason for cancellation is that CPL 02-02-053 is out-of-date.
This notice, which cancels a directive, describes a Federal program change for which State adoption is not required. The referenced "Best Practices Guide: Fundamentals of a Workplace First-Aid Program" provides OSHA's current guidance on this issue and is available for State use.
"OSHA Instruction CPL 02-02-053 Guidelines for First Aid Training Programs, 01/07/1991, is cancelled. "Best Practices Guide: Fundamentals of a Workplace First-Aid Program" provides OSHA's current guidance on this issue."
The announcement states that the reason for cancellation is that CPL 02-02-053 is out-of-date.
This notice, which cancels a directive, describes a Federal program change for which State adoption is not required. The referenced "Best Practices Guide: Fundamentals of a Workplace First-Aid Program" provides OSHA's current guidance on this issue and is available for State use.
posted by Steve Hudgik |
Workplace Safety Post 0 Comments |
Add Comment | links
Free Guide to Required PPE
A free chart, showing required PPE, is available from the Hazardous Material Labels (HazMatLabels) web site.
The chart shows hazardous material categories across the top, and lists the required PPE for each category. The bottom half of the chart has pictograms for each of the required PPE and for each PPE shows the categories that require that PPE.
This chart is available free to businesses, government agencies, non-profits, schools and the military.
The chart shows hazardous material categories across the top, and lists the required PPE for each category. The bottom half of the chart has pictograms for each of the required PPE and for each PPE shows the categories that require that PPE.
This chart is available free to businesses, government agencies, non-profits, schools and the military.
Labels: Industrial Safety, PPE
posted by Steve Hudgik |
Workplace Safety Post 0 Comments |
Add Comment | links
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
The Multi-Employer Doctrine
The June 2007 issue of Occupational Hazards magazine reports on an OSHRC decision that invalidates a 1976 ruling that general contractors are responsible for supervising OSHA compliance of their subcontractors.
The opening paragraph of the article states:
The Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (OSHRC) decision, in a case involving home builder Summit Contractors, held that citing a general contractor solely because it is a so-called “controlling employer” is inconsistent with 29 CFR 1910.12(a), a regulation that governs the application of OSHA’s construction standards in 29 CFR Part 1926. That regulation states, in part, that “Each employer shall protect … each of his employees engaged in construction work by complying with” Part 1926 (emphasis added). The commission held that issuing a citation to a so-called “controlling employer” whose own employees were not exposed to an alleged violation was inconsistent with the phrase “his employees.”
This decision removes the need for general contractors to "patrol" work sites conducting safety inspections covering areas in which the general contractor's employees are not involved. While the general contractor is still responsible for the safety of their own employees, they are no longer responsible for the safety of subcontractor employees. There are some exceptions to this, however. For example OSHA standards in Part 1926 have their own multi-employer requirements related to steel erection in Subpart R.
I recommend reading the entire article, which is titled: End of the Line or a Chance for a Fresh Start?
The opening paragraph of the article states:
The Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (OSHRC) decision, in a case involving home builder Summit Contractors, held that citing a general contractor solely because it is a so-called “controlling employer” is inconsistent with 29 CFR 1910.12(a), a regulation that governs the application of OSHA’s construction standards in 29 CFR Part 1926. That regulation states, in part, that “Each employer shall protect … each of his employees engaged in construction work by complying with” Part 1926 (emphasis added). The commission held that issuing a citation to a so-called “controlling employer” whose own employees were not exposed to an alleged violation was inconsistent with the phrase “his employees.”
This decision removes the need for general contractors to "patrol" work sites conducting safety inspections covering areas in which the general contractor's employees are not involved. While the general contractor is still responsible for the safety of their own employees, they are no longer responsible for the safety of subcontractor employees. There are some exceptions to this, however. For example OSHA standards in Part 1926 have their own multi-employer requirements related to steel erection in Subpart R.
I recommend reading the entire article, which is titled: End of the Line or a Chance for a Fresh Start?
posted by Steve Hudgik |
Workplace Safety Post 0 Comments |
Add Comment | links
Thursday, June 21, 2007
How To Detect and Handle Hazardous Chemical/Gases Leakage and Spillage
The following was written by Mr.Chang Miau Sin, Principal Consultant (ESQ Consultancy Services SDN. BHD). It was presented at the APHOSO-20 Conference.
Abstract Hazardous chemicals and gases are used as raw materials in the chemical, petrochemical, and other types of industries around the world. Although the risks and hazards of hazardous chemicals and gases have been assessed, audited and analyzed by many EHS experts, accidents continue to occur in many industries around the world. The writer would like to share his experiences in the latest technologies, methodology, management guidelines and instrumentation in regard to the topic of this paper "How To Detect and Handle Hazardous Chemical/ Gases leakage and Spillage" with the participants in the APHOSO-20 Conference.
Hazardous chemical and gases have potential risks and hazards. They can be disastrous to people in the workplace and the surrounding manufacturing or residential areas. In addition, hazardous chemicals and gases can cause death, cancer, illness, and long term or short term poisoning. They can also caused fire and explosion in the facilities and environment.
This paper provides details and information about the latest technologies, methodologies, management guidelines and instrumentation knowledge, which have been used in many multinational companies in developed countries around the world. The paper will also discuss preventive measures, protective equipments, equipments, detective equipments and the necessary control systems that need to be in place. The author will share the practical experiences and knowledge in handing emergency response and disaster with the participants.
In order to control the risks and hazards for usage, storage, transporting and handling hazardous chemical and gases, the company should:
In addition, an effective chemical / gases detection system should be implemented for the preservation of lives and property. The writer will also introduce various types of risk assessment systems for the production process, which provideact as an advance warning to prevent potential disasters from happening.
1. Introduction
Although the EHS management system has been well developed and implemented in industries to prevent hazardous chemical and gases leakage and spillage, many hazardous chemicals/gases disasters and incidents happen around the world. In order to preserve human life, it is important for top management to understand the latest technologies, methodology and system on how to detect and handle hazardous chemicals & gas leaks and spillage.
2. Prevention of hazardous chemical/ gas leakage and spillage
The commitment from top management of the company or organization is the key factor to prevent accidents. The preventive measures for hazardous chemical/gas leakage and spillage includes:
3. EHS Management System
The EHS management system should include hazard identification that determines the potential hazard of a facility that uses chemicals/gas. Depending on the risk level and the type of operation at the workplace, the EHS management system may include:
4. The Hazardous Chemical/Gas Detection System
In the event of hazardous chemical or gas leakage and spillage, the response time for the emergency response team to react or active is normally less than 3-5 minutes. It is impossible to activate emergency response plan, if the hazardous chemical/gas is not detected during the incident. One of the key elements to prevent such incident/disaster is "How to detect the hazardous chemical / gas leakage and spillage?"
The presence of Hazardous chemical / gas at in incident location or other emergency situation adds a new dimension of risk to residents and to those who are handling and treating casualties and providing emergency services. Therefore the selection and installation of the chemical / gas detection system is the fundamental element in accident prevention program.
4.1 Hazardous Chemical / Gas Detection System
Before purchase and installation of chemical / gas detection system, evaluation process need to be carried out. Suggested evaluation steps are as follow:
(1) Identity the potential risk, hazard and danger points
(2) Understand the application
(3) Selection of the detection system
(4) Profile the potential chemical / gas release scenarios
4.1.1 Identity the potential risk, hazard and danger point
The design of detection system should be linked to the type of risk and hazard of the chemical and gas . The hazard identification can asses the level of the level of hazard of the chemical and gas. The hazard identification can asses the level of hazard on-site. The method of hazard identification has been well established, such as Job Safety Analysis, Fault Tree Analysis, Hazard study, QRA and Safety Integrity Levels, etc.
When the hazard has been identified, the location of the leakage and spillage of hazardous chemical / gas could pose a danger to human life should be determined. In general, the gas detector or sensor used to monitor potential release point should be positioned close to potential leak point.
With regards to the environment of work place, various type of sensor or detector should be considered, such as explosion-proof, weatherproof type, etc.
4.1.2 Understand the application
Before purchase hazardous chemical / gas detection system, the person-in-charge should decide the type of hazardous material should monitor. Reference need to make to the local legislations and industrial safety requirement; the type of sensor, response time of sensor and accuracy of sensor should be identified. Depend on the level of hazards, the detection system should be able to activate immediately upon leakage incident through automatically shut down the valve, initiate the alarms or sirens and other application.
4.1.3 Selection of the Detection System
The key point of selection of the detection system is the high quality and reliability of system. In general, most of the company or person-in-charge only consider the cost of the detection system. Using the wrong type and not reliable detection system may result in heavy lawsuit, Compensation or medical bill that costs thousand times higher than the cost the detection system.
The decision of selecting the detection system should be made by a team of EHS operation and engineering committee. The specification, standard and guide on the selection of the detection system should be discussed and finalized before purchase. Understanding of the detection system is the most important issue before consideration of purchase. Other important factors to be considered for example the supplier’s company background, their customer’s reference and feedback can used as important reference to the reputation of the supplier. The supplier should provide detail presentation explaining the product specification, additional value added service for example after sales service, backup facilities and maintenance training, etc.
4.1.4 The Potential Chemical / Gas Release
Depend on the scenarios of the potential Chemical / gas leakage, the response time of the detection system and the time to active emergency response plan will be the important issue. If the plant or operation is located near the residential area, city or school, the decision to shut down the operation / process / plant should be depend on the level of the hazardous chemical / gas. For example in the Bhopal – Methyl – Iscyanides underground storage tank automatically ignited during the critical moment, this will substantially reduced the number of death by the incidents.
In a vapor cloud explosion, unconfined vapor cloud explosion or boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion, the time for people to escape could be less than 3 minutes. It is important to determine the situation, the timer for the explosion might be occurred. In general, while the atmosphere reach 10% of LEL, the detection system should be able to active alarm to alert the operation personal to take necessary action ti prevent fire & explosion. Although the reliability of detector or meter is the most important factor, easy operation and calibration of the detection system should be the additional key points to consider during evaluation.
Conclusion
As refer to the hazardous chemical / gas leakage and spillage incident & disasters, no one in the organization, industries or companies can afford to compromise on Environmental, Health and Safety issue. The top management or person-in charge should work out the financial budget that the company can afford to purchase, rent or lease the detection system.
However, EHS management system, hazard identification, detection system, emergency response / evacuation plans and personal protective equipment can prevent and mitigate the risk of handle hazardous chemical and gases.
The author is pleasure to share his experiences and knowledge on the design and installation of the high quality hazardous chemical and gas detection system in various industries / operations. He can reached at esqcssb@streamyx.com or esqcssb@tm.net.my.
Abstract Hazardous chemicals and gases are used as raw materials in the chemical, petrochemical, and other types of industries around the world. Although the risks and hazards of hazardous chemicals and gases have been assessed, audited and analyzed by many EHS experts, accidents continue to occur in many industries around the world. The writer would like to share his experiences in the latest technologies, methodology, management guidelines and instrumentation in regard to the topic of this paper "How To Detect and Handle Hazardous Chemical/ Gases leakage and Spillage" with the participants in the APHOSO-20 Conference.
Hazardous chemical and gases have potential risks and hazards. They can be disastrous to people in the workplace and the surrounding manufacturing or residential areas. In addition, hazardous chemicals and gases can cause death, cancer, illness, and long term or short term poisoning. They can also caused fire and explosion in the facilities and environment.
This paper provides details and information about the latest technologies, methodologies, management guidelines and instrumentation knowledge, which have been used in many multinational companies in developed countries around the world. The paper will also discuss preventive measures, protective equipments, equipments, detective equipments and the necessary control systems that need to be in place. The author will share the practical experiences and knowledge in handing emergency response and disaster with the participants.
In order to control the risks and hazards for usage, storage, transporting and handling hazardous chemical and gases, the company should:
- Implement the best practices of an effective EHS management system
- Have an on-site and off-site emergency response plan (ERP) and Emergency Response Drill.
In addition, an effective chemical / gases detection system should be implemented for the preservation of lives and property. The writer will also introduce various types of risk assessment systems for the production process, which provideact as an advance warning to prevent potential disasters from happening.
1. Introduction
Although the EHS management system has been well developed and implemented in industries to prevent hazardous chemical and gases leakage and spillage, many hazardous chemicals/gases disasters and incidents happen around the world. In order to preserve human life, it is important for top management to understand the latest technologies, methodology and system on how to detect and handle hazardous chemicals & gas leaks and spillage.
2. Prevention of hazardous chemical/ gas leakage and spillage
The commitment from top management of the company or organization is the key factor to prevent accidents. The preventive measures for hazardous chemical/gas leakage and spillage includes:
- an EHS management system
- a chemical/gas detection system
- on-site emergency response & evacuation plans
- public awareness
- personal protective equipment
- emergency and rescue equipment.
3. EHS Management System
The EHS management system should include hazard identification that determines the potential hazard of a facility that uses chemicals/gas. Depending on the risk level and the type of operation at the workplace, the EHS management system may include:
- EHS Policy
- EHS organization structure
- EHS duty/responsiblility
- EHS process control
- EHS program
- EHS training/awarenes
- EHS work permits
- contractor EHS program
- EHS audit/inspection
- EHS committee/meetings
4. The Hazardous Chemical/Gas Detection System
In the event of hazardous chemical or gas leakage and spillage, the response time for the emergency response team to react or active is normally less than 3-5 minutes. It is impossible to activate emergency response plan, if the hazardous chemical/gas is not detected during the incident. One of the key elements to prevent such incident/disaster is "How to detect the hazardous chemical / gas leakage and spillage?"
The presence of Hazardous chemical / gas at in incident location or other emergency situation adds a new dimension of risk to residents and to those who are handling and treating casualties and providing emergency services. Therefore the selection and installation of the chemical / gas detection system is the fundamental element in accident prevention program.
4.1 Hazardous Chemical / Gas Detection System
Before purchase and installation of chemical / gas detection system, evaluation process need to be carried out. Suggested evaluation steps are as follow:
(1) Identity the potential risk, hazard and danger points
(2) Understand the application
(3) Selection of the detection system
(4) Profile the potential chemical / gas release scenarios
4.1.1 Identity the potential risk, hazard and danger point
The design of detection system should be linked to the type of risk and hazard of the chemical and gas . The hazard identification can asses the level of the level of hazard of the chemical and gas. The hazard identification can asses the level of hazard on-site. The method of hazard identification has been well established, such as Job Safety Analysis, Fault Tree Analysis, Hazard study, QRA and Safety Integrity Levels, etc.
When the hazard has been identified, the location of the leakage and spillage of hazardous chemical / gas could pose a danger to human life should be determined. In general, the gas detector or sensor used to monitor potential release point should be positioned close to potential leak point.
With regards to the environment of work place, various type of sensor or detector should be considered, such as explosion-proof, weatherproof type, etc.
4.1.2 Understand the application
Before purchase hazardous chemical / gas detection system, the person-in-charge should decide the type of hazardous material should monitor. Reference need to make to the local legislations and industrial safety requirement; the type of sensor, response time of sensor and accuracy of sensor should be identified. Depend on the level of hazards, the detection system should be able to activate immediately upon leakage incident through automatically shut down the valve, initiate the alarms or sirens and other application.
4.1.3 Selection of the Detection System
The key point of selection of the detection system is the high quality and reliability of system. In general, most of the company or person-in-charge only consider the cost of the detection system. Using the wrong type and not reliable detection system may result in heavy lawsuit, Compensation or medical bill that costs thousand times higher than the cost the detection system.
The decision of selecting the detection system should be made by a team of EHS operation and engineering committee. The specification, standard and guide on the selection of the detection system should be discussed and finalized before purchase. Understanding of the detection system is the most important issue before consideration of purchase. Other important factors to be considered for example the supplier’s company background, their customer’s reference and feedback can used as important reference to the reputation of the supplier. The supplier should provide detail presentation explaining the product specification, additional value added service for example after sales service, backup facilities and maintenance training, etc.
4.1.4 The Potential Chemical / Gas Release
Depend on the scenarios of the potential Chemical / gas leakage, the response time of the detection system and the time to active emergency response plan will be the important issue. If the plant or operation is located near the residential area, city or school, the decision to shut down the operation / process / plant should be depend on the level of the hazardous chemical / gas. For example in the Bhopal – Methyl – Iscyanides underground storage tank automatically ignited during the critical moment, this will substantially reduced the number of death by the incidents.
In a vapor cloud explosion, unconfined vapor cloud explosion or boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion, the time for people to escape could be less than 3 minutes. It is important to determine the situation, the timer for the explosion might be occurred. In general, while the atmosphere reach 10% of LEL, the detection system should be able to active alarm to alert the operation personal to take necessary action ti prevent fire & explosion. Although the reliability of detector or meter is the most important factor, easy operation and calibration of the detection system should be the additional key points to consider during evaluation.
Conclusion
As refer to the hazardous chemical / gas leakage and spillage incident & disasters, no one in the organization, industries or companies can afford to compromise on Environmental, Health and Safety issue. The top management or person-in charge should work out the financial budget that the company can afford to purchase, rent or lease the detection system.
However, EHS management system, hazard identification, detection system, emergency response / evacuation plans and personal protective equipment can prevent and mitigate the risk of handle hazardous chemical and gases.
The author is pleasure to share his experiences and knowledge on the design and installation of the high quality hazardous chemical and gas detection system in various industries / operations. He can reached at esqcssb@streamyx.com or esqcssb@tm.net.my.
posted by Steve Hudgik |
Workplace Safety Post 0 Comments |
Add Comment | links
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Using 5S For Improving Safety
5S is a lean manufacturing technique that uses cleaning and organization to improve a variety of aspects of a business, including quality, productivity and safety. At its heart is is a very simple system that generally costs little to implement.
It is called 5S because it is based on a five step process. Each step is identified by a word beginning with the letter "S".
Sort - Eliminate unnecessary items in the work area.
Set In Order - Establish effective storage and organization.
Shine - thoroughly clean the area and the equipment in it.
Standardize - Establish standards for keeping the work area clean and organized.
Sustain - Maintain what has been accomplished
I recently read an article in Modern Machine Shop magazine that provides a good overview of the benefits several facilities saw from using 5S. The article is titled "Success In Workplace Organization Efforts"
A free guide the summarizes the 5S System is available on the Custom Sign Makers web site.
A guide to the standard color coding system used for 5S is available from Graphic Products, Inc.
It is called 5S because it is based on a five step process. Each step is identified by a word beginning with the letter "S".
Sort - Eliminate unnecessary items in the work area.
Set In Order - Establish effective storage and organization.
Shine - thoroughly clean the area and the equipment in it.
Standardize - Establish standards for keeping the work area clean and organized.
Sustain - Maintain what has been accomplished
I recently read an article in Modern Machine Shop magazine that provides a good overview of the benefits several facilities saw from using 5S. The article is titled "Success In Workplace Organization Efforts"
A free guide the summarizes the 5S System is available on the Custom Sign Makers web site.
A guide to the standard color coding system used for 5S is available from Graphic Products, Inc.
Labels: Lean Manufacturing
posted by Steve Hudgik |
Workplace Safety Post 0 Comments |
Add Comment | links
Monday, June 11, 2007
First Mobile Contractor Earns VPP Star Honor
A "mobile contractor" is a contractor who brings crews to various work sites. The workforce is not permanantly based on one work site, but works on maintenance and construction projects on multiple worksites.
Repcon Inc. in Corpus Christi, Texas became the first mobile contractor to receive OSHA's VPP STAR designation. The first mobile site to achieve VPP STAR status was PPL Electric Utilities in Pennsylvania in 2005, however Repcon is the first mobile contractor to achieve VPP STAR.
The Caller-Times in Corpus Christi reported:
"OSHA area director John Giefer said he hopes other companies follow in Repcon's footsteps now that OSHA has expanded the program to include mobile work sites."
Repcon Inc. in Corpus Christi, Texas became the first mobile contractor to receive OSHA's VPP STAR designation. The first mobile site to achieve VPP STAR status was PPL Electric Utilities in Pennsylvania in 2005, however Repcon is the first mobile contractor to achieve VPP STAR.
The Caller-Times in Corpus Christi reported:
"OSHA area director John Giefer said he hopes other companies follow in Repcon's footsteps now that OSHA has expanded the program to include mobile work sites."
"Before the mobile work site designation was established, Giefer said, only fixed sites such as refineries received Star status."
"OSHA wanted to tap into a large group of employees that were being neglected under (the Voluntary Protection Program's) previous regulations," Giefer said. "We started a partnership with Repcon in 2002 to see if we could establish a system where they could be honored."
Labels: VPP
posted by Steve Hudgik |
Workplace Safety Post 0 Comments |
Add Comment | links
Friday, June 08, 2007
Young Worker Summer Safety
Schools are closing for the summer and teenagers are starting their summer jobs. The following is reprinted from an OSHA fact sheet:
Most youth find paid employment, either during the summer or year-round, before graduating from high school. Young workers, ages 14-24, are at risk of workplace injury because of their inexperience at work and their physical, cognitive, and emotional developmental characteristics. They often hesitate to ask questions and may fail to recognize workplace dangers. OSHA has made young workers a priority within the agency and is committed to identifying ways to improve young worker safety and health. OSHA's Young Worker Initiative addresses this group's safety and health through a multi-pronged outreach program.
OSHA Outreach
OSHA offers multiple outreach resources to help young workers and their employers, parents, and teachers prevent and reduce injuries and illnesses in the workplace.
Teen Workers Safety and Health Topics page http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/teenworkers/index.html
Most youth find paid employment, either during the summer or year-round, before graduating from high school. Young workers, ages 14-24, are at risk of workplace injury because of their inexperience at work and their physical, cognitive, and emotional developmental characteristics. They often hesitate to ask questions and may fail to recognize workplace dangers. OSHA has made young workers a priority within the agency and is committed to identifying ways to improve young worker safety and health. OSHA's Young Worker Initiative addresses this group's safety and health through a multi-pronged outreach program.
OSHA Outreach
OSHA offers multiple outreach resources to help young workers and their employers, parents, and teachers prevent and reduce injuries and illnesses in the workplace.
Teen Workers Safety and Health Topics page http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/teenworkers/index.html
- Information about teen worker rights and responsibilities.
- Informational resources directed toward teens, parents, employers, and teachers.
- Real stories about teens injured or killed at work.
- Descriptions of potential workplace hazards and how to prevent injury.
- Sections on seasonal jobs (summer and winter), their hazards, and injury prevention.
- Electronic tools on young worker safety and health in agriculture and in restaurants.
- Young worker resources in Spanish.
- Teen Workers – Brochure, OSHA 3244
- Teen Workers – Poster, OSHA 3231
This brochure and poster describe teens' right to a safe and healthy workplace and their responsibility to be safe.
- YouthRules! programs in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division which include a summer job fair and activities to promote workplace safety and health, and child labor laws.
- Participation with career/technical education organizations in meetings and student career/technical skills competitions. www.youthrules.dol.gov
- Several of OSHA's Regional and Area Offices periodically offer training for career/technical teachers for use in school occupational safety and health courses. Other OSHA offices have worked with youth groups on safety and health programs and developed training for youth in specific workplaces.
www.osha.gov/html/oshdir.html - OSHA awards Susan Harwood Training Grants to nonprofit organizations for preparation of occupational safety and health curricula for audiences including young workers. www.osha.gov/dcsp/ote/sharwood.html
- OSHA's Alliance Program enables employers, trade or professional organizations, and educational institutions interested in young workers to collaborate with OSHA on projects to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses in this age group. Alliances that include a prominent young worker safety and health component include the American Society of Safety Engineers, the Industrial Truck Association, and the National Safety Council and SkillsUSA. www.osha.gov/dcsp/alliances/focus/youth_ alliances.html
- OSHA has Young Worker Coordinators in each of the 10 OSHA regions to assist a variety of groups including employers, small businesses, trade associations, and community groups with outreach, education, and training for young workers. These coordinators meet periodically by teleconference to discuss, plan, and evaluate OSHA young worker programs.
- OSHA founded and organizes periodic meetings of the Federal Network for Young Worker Safety and Health (FedNet), 11 federal agencies that collaborate to maximize the impact of federal resources for young worker safety and health while avoiding duplication of effort. FedNet products include an informational packet about youth fatalities in illegal forklift operations, checklists to guide teens through a first employment experience, and an article about protecting young workers from workplace violence. www.youngworkers.net
Labels: workplace safety
posted by Steve Hudgik |
Workplace Safety Post 0 Comments |
Add Comment | links
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Workers May Not Be As Safe As You Think
Fall Protection
An article in the May 2007 issue of Facility Safety Management magazine points out some problems with safety equipment used for fall protection. The article, written by Thomas G. Dolan, states:
The main issue is that "the different components of the lanyard do not really fit together. Therefore the standards, which may appear to be met in theory are not necessarily met in practice."
One of the problems is that snap hooks have the possibility of "rollout"--"which means that when the snap hook and D-ring are hooked together, if they are rolled over, pressure can apply to the gate and the mechanism will become undone."
The article points out that this type of failure is possible with most connections currently in use. Mr. Dolan then goes on to offer a method for keeping workers safe.
Other problems such as a lack of proper labeling, inadequate training, improper sizing of fall protection equipment, and a lack of certification of equipment and parts are also discussed.
An article in the May 2007 issue of Facility Safety Management magazine points out some problems with safety equipment used for fall protection. The article, written by Thomas G. Dolan, states:
The main issue is that "the different components of the lanyard do not really fit together. Therefore the standards, which may appear to be met in theory are not necessarily met in practice."
One of the problems is that snap hooks have the possibility of "rollout"--"which means that when the snap hook and D-ring are hooked together, if they are rolled over, pressure can apply to the gate and the mechanism will become undone."
The article points out that this type of failure is possible with most connections currently in use. Mr. Dolan then goes on to offer a method for keeping workers safe.
Other problems such as a lack of proper labeling, inadequate training, improper sizing of fall protection equipment, and a lack of certification of equipment and parts are also discussed.
Labels: fall protection, Industrial Safety
posted by Steve Hudgik |
Workplace Safety Post 0 Comments |
Add Comment | links
20,000,000 Construction Hours Without A Lost Time Injury
SRS construction forces earn award for safe hours
Bechtel Savannah River Inc. (BSRI) has set a new site record and Bechtel National record for hours worked without losing any time due to a job-related injury or illness. Construction forces have surpassed 20 million safe hours, extending the record they set in May 2004, when they exceeded the previous site record set by DuPont Construction in 1988.
BSRI Construction also holds the Bechtel U.S. record for the project logging the most "safe hours." To put this accomplishment in perspective, the average U.S. construction company would incur 241 lost-time injuries in 20 million exposure hours.
Michael Graham, president of BSRI, praised construction workers and their supervisors for their dedication to protecting themselves and their co-workers.
"The men and women of Bechtel Construction are the best. The hazards they face daily involve excavations, hoisting and rigging, confined space entry, chemicals and radiation. I am extremely proud of them and the fantastic job they have done and continue to do," he said.
As a token of the company's gratitude and in recognition of this world-class performance, construction employees will attend a BBQ celebration and receive commemorative golf shirts.
"However," Graham said, "the best gift is that our construction employees are able to return home from work every day injury-free."
Washington Savannah River Company (WSRC) President Leo Sain said the construction achievement is one of several positive signs about the continuing strength of the SRS safety culture.
"Construction continues to set a remarkable pace, and the entire workforce is accepting the challenge of improving on a world-class performance," Sain said.
He added that SRS has been recognized for continued safe performance in 2007 by the South Carolina Manufacturers Association, the South Carolina Department of Labor and Gov. Mark Sanford.
In addition, WSRC was recognized by the Department of Energy (DOE) last year for earning the DOE Voluntary Protection Program Legacy of Stars Award, culminating six years of "Star Status" achievement. This is the highest level of safety recognition in that program.
WSRC, a Washington Group International company, operates the SRS for DOE. The WSRC team includes BSRI., BNG America Savannah River Company, BWXT Savannah River Company and CH2 Savannah River Company.
Bechtel Savannah River Inc. (BSRI) has set a new site record and Bechtel National record for hours worked without losing any time due to a job-related injury or illness. Construction forces have surpassed 20 million safe hours, extending the record they set in May 2004, when they exceeded the previous site record set by DuPont Construction in 1988.
BSRI Construction also holds the Bechtel U.S. record for the project logging the most "safe hours." To put this accomplishment in perspective, the average U.S. construction company would incur 241 lost-time injuries in 20 million exposure hours.
Michael Graham, president of BSRI, praised construction workers and their supervisors for their dedication to protecting themselves and their co-workers.
"The men and women of Bechtel Construction are the best. The hazards they face daily involve excavations, hoisting and rigging, confined space entry, chemicals and radiation. I am extremely proud of them and the fantastic job they have done and continue to do," he said.
As a token of the company's gratitude and in recognition of this world-class performance, construction employees will attend a BBQ celebration and receive commemorative golf shirts.
"However," Graham said, "the best gift is that our construction employees are able to return home from work every day injury-free."
Washington Savannah River Company (WSRC) President Leo Sain said the construction achievement is one of several positive signs about the continuing strength of the SRS safety culture.
"Construction continues to set a remarkable pace, and the entire workforce is accepting the challenge of improving on a world-class performance," Sain said.
He added that SRS has been recognized for continued safe performance in 2007 by the South Carolina Manufacturers Association, the South Carolina Department of Labor and Gov. Mark Sanford.
In addition, WSRC was recognized by the Department of Energy (DOE) last year for earning the DOE Voluntary Protection Program Legacy of Stars Award, culminating six years of "Star Status" achievement. This is the highest level of safety recognition in that program.
WSRC, a Washington Group International company, operates the SRS for DOE. The WSRC team includes BSRI., BNG America Savannah River Company, BWXT Savannah River Company and CH2 Savannah River Company.
Labels: workplace safety
posted by Steve Hudgik |
Workplace Safety Post 0 Comments |
Add Comment | links
Monday, June 04, 2007
Construction Safety Statistics
I've been searching for safety statistics for the construction industry this morning and found it surprisingly difficult to find information. Most of the available information seems to be published by attornies looking to attract clients. If you know of a good source of information on accidents in the construction industry, please add it as a comment to this post.
Lawcore.com had some information that shows that of the 5,915 workplace falities in 2000, 2118 of those were construction related... more than any other occupational group. However, it woud be more useful to know the number of fatalities/injuries per thousand manhours worked. The lawcore.com web site states that falls, trenches and electrical accidents are the most common causes of fatalities on construction sites.
Statistics from Ireland on another legal web site confirm this. This McGarr Solicitors' site reports:
"The study showed, in the case of the sample of incidents reviewed, that 20% involved falls; 20% involved ladders or scaffolds; 11% involved contact with power lines; 9% involved collapse of trenches."
Lawcore.com had some information that shows that of the 5,915 workplace falities in 2000, 2118 of those were construction related... more than any other occupational group. However, it woud be more useful to know the number of fatalities/injuries per thousand manhours worked. The lawcore.com web site states that falls, trenches and electrical accidents are the most common causes of fatalities on construction sites.
Statistics from Ireland on another legal web site confirm this. This McGarr Solicitors' site reports:
"The study showed, in the case of the sample of incidents reviewed, that 20% involved falls; 20% involved ladders or scaffolds; 11% involved contact with power lines; 9% involved collapse of trenches."
Labels: Construction / Installation
posted by Steve Hudgik |
Workplace Safety Post 1 Comments |
Add Comment | links
