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).
Monday, June 30, 2008
Job Safety Numbers Are Under-Reported In Canada
The Toronto Star reports that hiding workplace injuries produces financial rewards for companies.
An investigation by the Toronto Star revealed that job safety numbers are under-reported in order to cut employer costs. The article in Sunday's edition states:
"The provincial government's highly touted campaign to improve workplace safety is rewarding companies for hiding injuries and rushing the wounded back to work.
A Toronto Star investigation has found that since 2000, companies have reported thousands of seriously injured Ontarians as having missed no time off work.
Some companies pressure or bribe workers not to report major injuries at all.
Some pay the wounded full salary to do degrading make-work jobs.
Others, such as construction giant Aecon Group Inc., have lied to make injuries look less serious."
Read the entire article at: http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/451322
An investigation by the Toronto Star revealed that job safety numbers are under-reported in order to cut employer costs. The article in Sunday's edition states:
"The provincial government's highly touted campaign to improve workplace safety is rewarding companies for hiding injuries and rushing the wounded back to work.
A Toronto Star investigation has found that since 2000, companies have reported thousands of seriously injured Ontarians as having missed no time off work.
Some companies pressure or bribe workers not to report major injuries at all.
Some pay the wounded full salary to do degrading make-work jobs.
Others, such as construction giant Aecon Group Inc., have lied to make injuries look less serious."
Read the entire article at: http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/451322
Labels: Industrial Health, Industrial Safety, workplace safety
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Results of 2008 World Safety Declaration Survey
SEOUL, Korea, June 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Driving a safety culture across organizations, extending it beyond the workplace and keeping it top of mind with a commitment to collaboration and sharing are critical for keeping employees safe, according to a DuPont-sponsored survey of signers of the World Safety Declaration (WSD).
The survey results are the basis for the 2008 WSD Report, "Instilling a Safety Culture Across Continents: How Collaboration, Commitment and Accountability Help Organizations Achieve Measurable Results in Workplace Safety," which was issued by DuPont at the XVIII World Congress on Safety and Health at Work. The WSD was created by DuPont in 2005 to provide companies with a framework to find common ground in identifying and improving workplace safety.
Among the leading areas of progress reported by WSD signers:
and to a growing list of companies. We will continue to strive to help others to better protect their employees, their customers and their communities."
Held every three years, the World Congress brings together several thousand key leaders and influencers of workplace safety policy from industry, government and labor who present and discuss emerging safety research, trends, best practices and innovations in the workplace. Today's World Day for Safety and Health at Work was established by the International Labour Organization in 2003 to emphasize the prevention of illness and accidents at work.
For a complete copy of the 2008 World Safety Declaration Report visit:
http://www.worldsafetydeclaration.com
The survey results are the basis for the 2008 WSD Report, "Instilling a Safety Culture Across Continents: How Collaboration, Commitment and Accountability Help Organizations Achieve Measurable Results in Workplace Safety," which was issued by DuPont at the XVIII World Congress on Safety and Health at Work. The WSD was created by DuPont in 2005 to provide companies with a framework to find common ground in identifying and improving workplace safety.
Among the leading areas of progress reported by WSD signers:
- Driving safety cultures across companies represents the greatest area of improvement, but continues to be an ongoing challenge as organizations strive to keep safety top of mind
- Driving line management accountability for safety was next, indicating that companies are effecting a shift in their organizations
- Reducing occupational accidents and injuries remains the bottom line focus of all safety programs.
and to a growing list of companies. We will continue to strive to help others to better protect their employees, their customers and their communities."
Held every three years, the World Congress brings together several thousand key leaders and influencers of workplace safety policy from industry, government and labor who present and discuss emerging safety research, trends, best practices and innovations in the workplace. Today's World Day for Safety and Health at Work was established by the International Labour Organization in 2003 to emphasize the prevention of illness and accidents at work.
For a complete copy of the 2008 World Safety Declaration Report visit:
http://www.worldsafetydeclaration.com
Labels: safety management, workplace safety
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OSHA Takes Extra Steps To Combat New York City Construction Hazards
Rise in city construction deaths and accidents 'unacceptable'
OSHA is taking new steps to combat the rise in construction fatalities in New York City, where 20 employees have died in construction-related accidents since January.
For two weeks beginning today, OSHA is bringing a dozen additional inspectors into the city to conduct proactive inspections of high-rise construction sites, cranes and other places where fatalities and serious accidents have been occurring. Additionally, ongoing inspections will continue under existing local emphasis programs, or as a result of complaints, referrals or accidents.
OSHA will review its findings to gauge the impact of these additional inspections and determine what other steps might need to be taken to address this deadly trend.
"There is no one - among regulators, employers, employees, unions and trade associations - who will accept these lost lives as the byproduct of work in a dangerous industry," said Louis Ricca Jr., OSHA's acting regional administrator in New York. "We must all commit to maintaining safety as the number one job priority each and every day."
Richard Mendelson, OSHA's area director in Manhattan, added: "The number and frequency of construction-related deaths and accidents in the city, and their associated human cost, is unacceptable. We're using every available resource and tool - enforcement, outreach, education, persuasion, even peer pressure - to better identify and proactively eliminate hazards, and to compel employers and employees to do likewise."
In addition to enforcement activities, OSHA is pursuing other measures to drive home the importance of construction safety to employers, employees and the construction industry. Since May, OSHA has been sending copies of violation citations issued to employers on city construction sites to the employers' insurance or workers' compensation carriers, and to construction project owners and developers, in order to raise their awareness of occupational hazards found on city job sites. Citations involving training violations at union sites will be sent to the unions representing the workers and to their training funds.
OSHA will continue its ongoing alliance with the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB), under which OSHA and DOB cross-train their inspectors and managers on each agency's construction safety standards, regulations and procedures, with a focus on the most common construction hazards likely to harm employees. OSHA also plans to hold outreach meetings with unions and the construction industry to garner their feedback on construction safety issues and elicit their support in reporting hazards and encouraging compliance with safety standards.
OSHA operates a vigorous enforcement program, conducting more than 39,000 inspections in fiscal year 2007 and exceeding its inspection goals in each of the last eight years. In fiscal year 2007, OSHA found nearly 89,000 violations of its standards and regulations.
OSHA is taking new steps to combat the rise in construction fatalities in New York City, where 20 employees have died in construction-related accidents since January.
For two weeks beginning today, OSHA is bringing a dozen additional inspectors into the city to conduct proactive inspections of high-rise construction sites, cranes and other places where fatalities and serious accidents have been occurring. Additionally, ongoing inspections will continue under existing local emphasis programs, or as a result of complaints, referrals or accidents.
OSHA will review its findings to gauge the impact of these additional inspections and determine what other steps might need to be taken to address this deadly trend.
"There is no one - among regulators, employers, employees, unions and trade associations - who will accept these lost lives as the byproduct of work in a dangerous industry," said Louis Ricca Jr., OSHA's acting regional administrator in New York. "We must all commit to maintaining safety as the number one job priority each and every day."
Richard Mendelson, OSHA's area director in Manhattan, added: "The number and frequency of construction-related deaths and accidents in the city, and their associated human cost, is unacceptable. We're using every available resource and tool - enforcement, outreach, education, persuasion, even peer pressure - to better identify and proactively eliminate hazards, and to compel employers and employees to do likewise."
In addition to enforcement activities, OSHA is pursuing other measures to drive home the importance of construction safety to employers, employees and the construction industry. Since May, OSHA has been sending copies of violation citations issued to employers on city construction sites to the employers' insurance or workers' compensation carriers, and to construction project owners and developers, in order to raise their awareness of occupational hazards found on city job sites. Citations involving training violations at union sites will be sent to the unions representing the workers and to their training funds.
OSHA will continue its ongoing alliance with the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB), under which OSHA and DOB cross-train their inspectors and managers on each agency's construction safety standards, regulations and procedures, with a focus on the most common construction hazards likely to harm employees. OSHA also plans to hold outreach meetings with unions and the construction industry to garner their feedback on construction safety issues and elicit their support in reporting hazards and encouraging compliance with safety standards.
OSHA operates a vigorous enforcement program, conducting more than 39,000 inspections in fiscal year 2007 and exceeding its inspection goals in each of the last eight years. In fiscal year 2007, OSHA found nearly 89,000 violations of its standards and regulations.
Labels: Construction Safety
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Monday, June 23, 2008
New Safety Sign and Label Printer
Graphic Products has started shipping their new DuraLabel PRO 300 label and sign printer. This is a high resolution, 300 dpi, high speed industrial printer. It is suitable for printing self-adhesive safety and informational signs and labels such as: arc flash labels, RTK labels, OSHA safety signs, pipe markers, tamper evident labels and more.
The unique feature of this new label printer is that it combines high resolution printing with high speed printing. In the past high resolution label printing was slow. But, by incorporating high speeding digital processing the DuraLabel PRO 300 gets labels to start coming out of the printer sooner, resulting in faster printing.
The DuraLabel PRO 300 uses the continually growing line of DuraLabel PRO supplies. From continuous vinyl in over 30 colors, to specialty supplies such as oily surface labels and low temperature tapes. They are six types of die-cut RTK labels and a unique two-color continuous vinyl tape is only available for DuraLabel PRO printers. Supplies are available for making everything from reflective parking lot signs to small shrink tube labels for wires.
The DuraLabel PRO 300 is the industrial label printer that gets the job done... and gets it done right. Visit the DuraLabel PRO 300 web site for more information www.DuraLabelPRO.com
The unique feature of this new label printer is that it combines high resolution printing with high speed printing. In the past high resolution label printing was slow. But, by incorporating high speeding digital processing the DuraLabel PRO 300 gets labels to start coming out of the printer sooner, resulting in faster printing.
The DuraLabel PRO 300 uses the continually growing line of DuraLabel PRO supplies. From continuous vinyl in over 30 colors, to specialty supplies such as oily surface labels and low temperature tapes. They are six types of die-cut RTK labels and a unique two-color continuous vinyl tape is only available for DuraLabel PRO printers. Supplies are available for making everything from reflective parking lot signs to small shrink tube labels for wires.
The DuraLabel PRO 300 is the industrial label printer that gets the job done... and gets it done right. Visit the DuraLabel PRO 300 web site for more information www.DuraLabelPRO.com
Labels: Arc Flash, rtk labels, safety labels, safety signs
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Free Online OSHA Training
I've mentioned OSHAcademy in a previous post a long time ago. But this online safety training is so good I thought I should mention i t again... and besides it's free!
OSHAcademy online courses are developed by Steven Geigle. I took many of his online safety courses when he was with the OR-OSHA, and they were excellent. He has brought those same courses to OSHAcademy, plus added many new ones.
All of OSHAcademy safety courses are free. There is a small fee if you wish to get a certificate to verify course completion. You may study online or print each module, study the material off-line, and then return to submit module quiz. The simple format, ability to study anytime and anywhere, online or off-line, with opportunity to communicate with a real instructor gives you complete control of the study process.
The following are some of the courses that are offered:
Course 700: Introduction to Safety Management Eight modules.
Course 701: Effective Safety Committees Eight modules.
Course 702: Effective Accident Investigation Eight Modules.
Course 703: Train the Safety Trainer Eleven modules.
Course 704: Hazard Analysis and Control Seven modules.
Course 705: Hazard Communication Program Six modules.
Course 706: Conducting a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) Six modules.
Course 707: Effective Safety Committee Meetings Seven modules.
Course 708: OSHA 300 Recordkeeping Seven modules.
Course 709: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Seven modules.
Course 711: Introduction to Ergonomics Five modules.
Course 712: Safety Supervision and Leadership Eight modules.
Course 716: Safety Management System Evaluation Twelve Modules
Course 720: Preventing Workplace Violence Eight modules.
Course 722: Ergonomics Program Management Eight modules.
Visit the OSHAcademy for more information (http://www.oshatrain.org/)
OSHAcademy online courses are developed by Steven Geigle. I took many of his online safety courses when he was with the OR-OSHA, and they were excellent. He has brought those same courses to OSHAcademy, plus added many new ones.
All of OSHAcademy safety courses are free. There is a small fee if you wish to get a certificate to verify course completion. You may study online or print each module, study the material off-line, and then return to submit module quiz. The simple format, ability to study anytime and anywhere, online or off-line, with opportunity to communicate with a real instructor gives you complete control of the study process.
The following are some of the courses that are offered:
Course 700: Introduction to Safety Management Eight modules.
Course 701: Effective Safety Committees Eight modules.
Course 702: Effective Accident Investigation Eight Modules.
Course 703: Train the Safety Trainer Eleven modules.
Course 704: Hazard Analysis and Control Seven modules.
Course 705: Hazard Communication Program Six modules.
Course 706: Conducting a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) Six modules.
Course 707: Effective Safety Committee Meetings Seven modules.
Course 708: OSHA 300 Recordkeeping Seven modules.
Course 709: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Seven modules.
Course 711: Introduction to Ergonomics Five modules.
Course 712: Safety Supervision and Leadership Eight modules.
Course 716: Safety Management System Evaluation Twelve Modules
Course 720: Preventing Workplace Violence Eight modules.
Course 722: Ergonomics Program Management Eight modules.
Visit the OSHAcademy for more information (http://www.oshatrain.org/)
Labels: Safety Training
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Wednesday, June 18, 2008
OSHA Investigates Crane Accident at New Dallas Cowboys Stadium
This article comes from today's edition of the Dallas News. The article is about a crane accident that took place last Thursday. It states:
"Two of three workers hospitalized after a crane accident at the new Dallas Cowboys stadium have been released from the hospital, officials said today."
"Thursday’s accident happened about 2 p.m. between the stadium’s dual arches just outside the northeast end zone. The workers were assembling a crane when a cable connector “failed” on the erecting crane, which allowed the cables and some other parts to fall, according to a written statement from Manhattan Construction, the project’s contractor."
This accident is drawing attention in the news both because it is crane accident, and because it is the third "high profile" accident that has taken place during the construction of the new stadium.
Read the complete story in the Dallas News
Labels: Construction Safety
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Budgeting for the Safety Miser
A current article in Occupational Health & Safety magazine tackles the subject of Budgeting for the Safety Miser.
Linda Johnson Sherrard, Technical Editor of Occupational Health & Safety, writes: "I admit it, I'm a budget miser who is horrible at developing realistic needs analysis. I always hold funds to the last minute, expecting some dire happening or equipment break that needs immediate assistance. I try to obtain at least one meaningful piece of equipment or diagnostic monitoring every year and keep my resources up to date. The costs of a new safety program (or refreshing an older, established one) can be staggering: You have to section it off for several years in order to obtain the items you need."
In this short article she offers a number of bullet points for estimating your safety budget. Read the article here: http://www.ohsonline.com/articles/63420
Linda Johnson Sherrard, Technical Editor of Occupational Health & Safety, writes: "I admit it, I'm a budget miser who is horrible at developing realistic needs analysis. I always hold funds to the last minute, expecting some dire happening or equipment break that needs immediate assistance. I try to obtain at least one meaningful piece of equipment or diagnostic monitoring every year and keep my resources up to date. The costs of a new safety program (or refreshing an older, established one) can be staggering: You have to section it off for several years in order to obtain the items you need."
In this short article she offers a number of bullet points for estimating your safety budget. Read the article here: http://www.ohsonline.com/articles/63420
Labels: safety management, workplace safety
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OSHA Offers Safety Tips For Working In Summer Heat
The hot days of summer are here. Throughout the country, thousands of employees who work outdoors face the potential dangers associated with overexposure to heat. Factors such as working in direct sunlight, high temperature and humidity, physical exertion and lack of sufficient water intake can lead to heat stress.
"During the warm season, it is important to understand that exposure to heat can cause serious illness or death," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. "We encourage employers and employees to take advantage of OSHA's many free resources that offer advice on how to stay healthy while working outside."
Exposure to heat can cause heat cramps and rashes. The most serious heat-related disorders are heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Symptoms include confusion; irrational behavior; loss of consciousness; hot, dry skin; and abnormally high body temperature. Drinking cool water, reducing physical exertion, wearing appropriate clothing and regular rest periods in a cool recovery area can lessen the effects of working in summer heat.
Protecting Workers from the Effects of Heat is a fact sheet explaining heat stress and how it can be prevented. The fact sheet Working Outdoors in Warm Climates provides recommendations on how to protect employees from exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV) and offers information on insect-caused illnesses such as West Nile Virus and Lyme disease. Employers and employees will find more practical tips for guarding against UV radiation in Protecting Yourself in the Sun, a pocket-sized card addressing skin cancer, describing its varied forms, and suggesting ways to block UV rays.
These outdoor work-related publications and others are free and can be downloaded from the Publications page on OSHA's Web site or ordered from the publications office at 202-693-1888. More information can be found on the Web sites of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
"During the warm season, it is important to understand that exposure to heat can cause serious illness or death," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. "We encourage employers and employees to take advantage of OSHA's many free resources that offer advice on how to stay healthy while working outside."
Exposure to heat can cause heat cramps and rashes. The most serious heat-related disorders are heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Symptoms include confusion; irrational behavior; loss of consciousness; hot, dry skin; and abnormally high body temperature. Drinking cool water, reducing physical exertion, wearing appropriate clothing and regular rest periods in a cool recovery area can lessen the effects of working in summer heat.
Protecting Workers from the Effects of Heat is a fact sheet explaining heat stress and how it can be prevented. The fact sheet Working Outdoors in Warm Climates provides recommendations on how to protect employees from exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV) and offers information on insect-caused illnesses such as West Nile Virus and Lyme disease. Employers and employees will find more practical tips for guarding against UV radiation in Protecting Yourself in the Sun, a pocket-sized card addressing skin cancer, describing its varied forms, and suggesting ways to block UV rays.
These outdoor work-related publications and others are free and can be downloaded from the Publications page on OSHA's Web site or ordered from the publications office at 202-693-1888. More information can be found on the Web sites of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
Labels: Industrial Health, OSHA, Safety Training
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Monday, June 16, 2008
OSHA Accepts Anonymous Complaints
In their Sunday edition the Boston Globe answers this question from a worker:
"My co-workers and I are subject to what we believe are harmful fumes. Management is aware of the problem, but has refused to take measures to improve air quality. My co-workers and I are hesitant to speak out due to fear of retaliation. What actions can we take to ensure safe conditions without risking our jobs?"
Read the answer in the Boston Globe
"My co-workers and I are subject to what we believe are harmful fumes. Management is aware of the problem, but has refused to take measures to improve air quality. My co-workers and I are hesitant to speak out due to fear of retaliation. What actions can we take to ensure safe conditions without risking our jobs?"
Read the answer in the Boston Globe
Labels: OSHA, osha information, workplace safety
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Unqualified Hardhats Feared As Fake Crane-Safety Papers Found
Sunday's edition of the New York Daily News reported that workers involved in erecting and dismantling towers cranes in New York City may not be qualified to be doing that type of work. A worker was found to have a fake OSHA 30 card that he received from his foreman.
The Daily News articled reported that:
"The worker, Luis Alvarez, a 32-year-old Mexican immigrant, said he was given the wallet-sized card by a construction foreman in case federal job-safety inspectors questioned him.
The card - also required for certain construction supervisors and workers in high-risk jobs - certifies the holder has completed 30 hours of safety training and passed a rigorous 40-question U.S. Labor Department
The federalOccupational Safety and Health Administration issues the certificates, known as OSHA 30 cards.
Alvarez told The News he was handed the card after a two-hour safety lecture. He said he did not take a test."
OSHA 30 cards became required for all workers who erect and take down tower cranes following two tower crane collapses and nine deaths since March 15th.
Our previous posts on crane safety include:
Tower Crane Safety
OSHA Investigates Crane Accident
OSHA Citations Issued In Connection With Fatal NYC Crane Collapse
The Daily News articled reported that:
"The worker, Luis Alvarez, a 32-year-old Mexican immigrant, said he was given the wallet-sized card by a construction foreman in case federal job-safety inspectors questioned him.
The card - also required for certain construction supervisors and workers in high-risk jobs - certifies the holder has completed 30 hours of safety training and passed a rigorous 40-question U.S. Labor Department
The federalOccupational Safety and Health Administration issues the certificates, known as OSHA 30 cards.
Alvarez told The News he was handed the card after a two-hour safety lecture. He said he did not take a test."
OSHA 30 cards became required for all workers who erect and take down tower cranes following two tower crane collapses and nine deaths since March 15th.
Our previous posts on crane safety include:
Tower Crane Safety
OSHA Investigates Crane Accident
OSHA Citations Issued In Connection With Fatal NYC Crane Collapse
Labels: Construction Safety, safety regulations
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Free Service Helps Ensure Workplace Safety In Florida
The Fort Meyers (FL) News-Press reports on a free safety program offered by the University of South Florida. The article states:
"Even owners of the best-run small businesses will admit they'd like to reduce workplace accidents, lower workers' compensation insurance costs and comply better with regulations from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Fortunately, online resources combined with a free University of South Florida program are here to help.
You apply to the program and receive consultations, usually at your business. You can find out about potential workplace hazards, improve health management methods and qualify for an exemption from routine OSHA inspections.
The free, federally funded services are confidential and separate from OSHA's enforcement efforts. The gains far outweigh any drawbacks."
You can read the complete article at the Fort Meyers News-Press web site.
Or visit the University of South Florida web site.
The program described here is for small businesses in Florida, but seems like one that could be implemented in other states.
"Even owners of the best-run small businesses will admit they'd like to reduce workplace accidents, lower workers' compensation insurance costs and comply better with regulations from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Fortunately, online resources combined with a free University of South Florida program are here to help.
You apply to the program and receive consultations, usually at your business. You can find out about potential workplace hazards, improve health management methods and qualify for an exemption from routine OSHA inspections.
The free, federally funded services are confidential and separate from OSHA's enforcement efforts. The gains far outweigh any drawbacks."
You can read the complete article at the Fort Meyers News-Press web site.
Or visit the University of South Florida web site.
The program described here is for small businesses in Florida, but seems like one that could be implemented in other states.
Labels: safety, Safety Training
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NIOSH Offers Online Library for Preventing Work Traffic Injuries
The U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) now offers an online library to house resources from around the world related to the prevention of road traffic injuries and deaths while at work. The resources are stored in the "Road Safety at Work" online library, at www.roadsafetyatwork.org.
The online library contains information on the following:
- "Best practices" including engineering controls, policies, administrative procedures, and guidance to employers or workers about safety on roads.
- Materials that show evidence of implementation and evaluation of success.
- Statistics about worker injuries and fatalities on roads.
NIOSH is working with partners to reduce the toll of road traffic injuries at work, which are the leading cause of occupational fatalities in the U.S. (30%) and other high-income nations. In the general population, deaths from road traffic injuries are projected to increase from 1.2 million in 2002 to 1.9 million in 2030, with low- and middle-income nations bearing most of the increase. If effective interventions are not implemented, the World Health Organization and the World Bank estimate that by the year 2030, road traffic injuries will become the 8th leading cause of mortality worldwide.*
"Thank you to all who have contributed to this library," said NIOSH Director John Howard, M.D. "NIOSH and partners remind you that this library is in continuing development and welcome your materials."
To contribute to the online library, www.roadsafetyatwork.org, please contact Jane Hingston at JHingston@cdc.gov. Information is needed on all types of occupational drivers: (1) drivers of commercial vehicles such as large trucks and buses (workers for whom driving is the primary job duty); (2) workers who use smaller trucks or passenger vehicles provided by their employer (workers whose primary occupation is something other than “driver”); and (3) workers who drive personal vehicles for work purposes. Workers who are pedestrians and those who are working on roads are also included.
NIOSH encourages use the online library, free of charge, and consider the best practices that may be useful in their workplace.
Labels: NIOSH, workplace safety
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Wednesday, June 11, 2008
$193,000 In Fines For A Laurel, MS Manufacturer With 54 Safety Violations
OSHA has proposed $193,000 in penalties against Howard Industries for 54 violations of federal safety rules at the company's two manufacturing locations in Laurel, Miss.
The producer of electrical power products is being cited with 36 serious violations and proposed penalties of $123,500 at its Pendorf Road plant, with an additional 15 serious violations and proposed penalties of $41,000 at its Eastview plant. The violations include failing to provide employees with proper protective equipment, and to provide machine guards and lockout-tagout procedures. Lockout/tagout refers to preventing accidental start-up of machinery during maintenance.
Two repeat violations with penalties of $27,500 are being proposed for violations similar to those noted during earlier inspections in 2007. Chemical containers lacked identification labels and chains used as slings for lifting loads were shortened using makeshift measures rather than reducing the number of links.
One citation with a $1,000 penalty has been proposed for the company's failure to make material safety data sheets (MSDS) readily accessible to employees in their work area. A MSDS provides both employees and emergency personnel with information that is of particular use if a spill or other accident occurs.
"It is unconscionable for an employer to tolerate serious injuries, including amputations, as just a cost of doing business, rather than get out into the production areas and fix these numerous problems before employees get injured," said Clyde Payne, director of OSHA's Jackson Area Office.
The company has 15 business days to contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
The producer of electrical power products is being cited with 36 serious violations and proposed penalties of $123,500 at its Pendorf Road plant, with an additional 15 serious violations and proposed penalties of $41,000 at its Eastview plant. The violations include failing to provide employees with proper protective equipment, and to provide machine guards and lockout-tagout procedures. Lockout/tagout refers to preventing accidental start-up of machinery during maintenance.
Two repeat violations with penalties of $27,500 are being proposed for violations similar to those noted during earlier inspections in 2007. Chemical containers lacked identification labels and chains used as slings for lifting loads were shortened using makeshift measures rather than reducing the number of links.
One citation with a $1,000 penalty has been proposed for the company's failure to make material safety data sheets (MSDS) readily accessible to employees in their work area. A MSDS provides both employees and emergency personnel with information that is of particular use if a spill or other accident occurs.
"It is unconscionable for an employer to tolerate serious injuries, including amputations, as just a cost of doing business, rather than get out into the production areas and fix these numerous problems before employees get injured," said Clyde Payne, director of OSHA's Jackson Area Office.
The company has 15 business days to contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Labels: OSHA Citations, OSHA Fines
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Fall and Cave-In Hazards Lead To $120,000 in OSHA Fines
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited two Massachusetts contractors for alleged violations of safety standards at a Concord construction site and proposed combined penalties totaling $120,200.
OSHA's inspection of a McDonald's restaurant construction site at 117 Loudon Road found employees of Shawnlee Construction, a Plainville, Mass., roofing contractor, exposed to fall hazards. Employees of James T. Lynch Contractors Inc., a Reading, Mass., excavation contractor, were found to be exposed to cave-in hazards. Shawnlee faces a total of $96,500 in proposed fines and Lynch a total of $23,700 in proposed fines.
"These are two of the deadliest, yet most preventable, hazards in construction work," said Rosemarie Ohar, OSHA's area director in Concord. "Failing to ensure that the proper safeguards are in place and in use needlessly exposes employees to death or serious injuries from falls or being buried in a cave-in."
Specifically, Shawnlee employees were found to be working atop 15-foot high trusses without fall protection and were not adequately trained in anchoring their fall protection lifelines. These conditions resulted in two repeat citations, carrying $82,500 in proposed fines. OSHA had cited Shawnlee in 2005, 2006 and 2007 for similar conditions at work sites in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Shawnlee also has been issued two serious citations, with $12,000 in fines, for lack of eye protection for employees using nail guns and improper use of fall protection harnesses and lanyards. Two other-than-serious citations, with $2,000 in fines, were issued for the company's failure to maintain and provide the illness and injury log in a timely manner.
Employees of James T. Lynch Contractors were observed working in a 7-foot deep excavation that lacked adequate protection against a collapse of its sidewalls. This finding has resulted in one willful citation, carrying a $21,000 fine. Lynch also has been issued three serious citations, with $2,700 in fines, for an access ladder of insufficient height and for lack of a hazard communication program and training for its employees.
Each company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations to meet with OSHA or to contest them before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
OSHA's inspection of a McDonald's restaurant construction site at 117 Loudon Road found employees of Shawnlee Construction, a Plainville, Mass., roofing contractor, exposed to fall hazards. Employees of James T. Lynch Contractors Inc., a Reading, Mass., excavation contractor, were found to be exposed to cave-in hazards. Shawnlee faces a total of $96,500 in proposed fines and Lynch a total of $23,700 in proposed fines.
"These are two of the deadliest, yet most preventable, hazards in construction work," said Rosemarie Ohar, OSHA's area director in Concord. "Failing to ensure that the proper safeguards are in place and in use needlessly exposes employees to death or serious injuries from falls or being buried in a cave-in."
Specifically, Shawnlee employees were found to be working atop 15-foot high trusses without fall protection and were not adequately trained in anchoring their fall protection lifelines. These conditions resulted in two repeat citations, carrying $82,500 in proposed fines. OSHA had cited Shawnlee in 2005, 2006 and 2007 for similar conditions at work sites in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Shawnlee also has been issued two serious citations, with $12,000 in fines, for lack of eye protection for employees using nail guns and improper use of fall protection harnesses and lanyards. Two other-than-serious citations, with $2,000 in fines, were issued for the company's failure to maintain and provide the illness and injury log in a timely manner.
Employees of James T. Lynch Contractors were observed working in a 7-foot deep excavation that lacked adequate protection against a collapse of its sidewalls. This finding has resulted in one willful citation, carrying a $21,000 fine. Lynch also has been issued three serious citations, with $2,700 in fines, for an access ladder of insufficient height and for lack of a hazard communication program and training for its employees.
Each company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations to meet with OSHA or to contest them before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Labels: OSHA Citations, OSHA Fines
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Friday, June 06, 2008
This Article Bothers Me
An article in today's San Fransisco Chronicle is titled "Worker crushed at South San Francisco asphalt plant". The article states:
"A worker at a South San Francisco asphalt plant was killed Wednesday when the machine he was repairing turned on and crushed him, authorities said today.
'It looks like an industrial accident, but we have to make sure all the T's are crossed and everything,' said South San Francisco police Sgt. Joni Lee."
What bothers me is the statement "it looks like an industrial accident." There is no such thing as an accident. If you read the article the cause of the "accident" is clear. Proper Lockout/Tagout procedures were not used prior to starting the work. I understand the police officer is looking at this from the perspective of whether or not a police investigation is needed. But still, this is an "accident" that could easily have been prevented. When it comes to safety, there is no such thing as an accident.
"A worker at a South San Francisco asphalt plant was killed Wednesday when the machine he was repairing turned on and crushed him, authorities said today.
'It looks like an industrial accident, but we have to make sure all the T's are crossed and everything,' said South San Francisco police Sgt. Joni Lee."
What bothers me is the statement "it looks like an industrial accident." There is no such thing as an accident. If you read the article the cause of the "accident" is clear. Proper Lockout/Tagout procedures were not used prior to starting the work. I understand the police officer is looking at this from the perspective of whether or not a police investigation is needed. But still, this is an "accident" that could easily have been prevented. When it comes to safety, there is no such thing as an accident.
Labels: workplace fatalities, workplace safety
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Life Saving Training Pays Off On The Job
1910.151(b) states, "In the absence of an infirmary, clinic, or hospital in near proximity to the workplace which is used for the treatment of all injured employees, a person or persons shall be adequately trained to render first aid. Adequate first aid supplies should be readily available."
Is meeting the above adequate? An article in today's Augusta (Georgia) Chronicle reveals that it may not. Curtis South, an executive with Thermal Ceramics Inc., had a serious heart attack at work. The type of heart attack he had is called sudden cardiac death. Co-workers used CPR and an automated external defibrillator, or AED, to revive him. The article reports that: "If five minutes had passed without help, he would have died. 'It's uncommon to survive,' Mr. South said. 'I'm very lucky.'"
You can read the entire article at the Augusta Chronicle.
Is meeting the above adequate? An article in today's Augusta (Georgia) Chronicle reveals that it may not. Curtis South, an executive with Thermal Ceramics Inc., had a serious heart attack at work. The type of heart attack he had is called sudden cardiac death. Co-workers used CPR and an automated external defibrillator, or AED, to revive him. The article reports that: "If five minutes had passed without help, he would have died. 'It's uncommon to survive,' Mr. South said. 'I'm very lucky.'"
You can read the entire article at the Augusta Chronicle.
Labels: Emergency Planning, First Aid
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Thursday, June 05, 2008
OSHA Cites Parking Garage Construction Contractors After Worker Is Crushed
OSHA has cited contractors for nine safety violations after an employee was fatally crushed when the Berkman Plaza II parking garage under construction in Jacksonville, Florida collapsed.
The citations carry a proposed $192,800 in penalties. These include a willful violation carrying a $49,500 penalty against Choate Construction, the general contractor, and two willful violations with penalties totaling $125,000 against Southern Pan Services (SPS), the concrete formwork contractor. Choate and SPS are each receiving a willful violation for failing to have a qualified person determine if the structure could support the additional three-quarters of an inch of wet concrete weight that was added to the 20-inch floor slab.
In addition, one willful violation is being proposed against SPS for failing to obtain a reshoring drawing, including all revisions, for the reshoring design method used at the site.
Choate Construction is also being cited for one serious violation with a proposed $6,300 penalty and one other-than-serious violation with a $900 penalty. SPS is receiving two serious violations resulting in $7,500 in proposed penalties.
A.A. Pittman, a concrete finishing contractor, is being cited for two other-than-serious violations and $3,600 in penalties for recordkeeping violations discovered during the inspection.
"These employers are experienced in this type of construction and know all too well that disaster can occur when engineering drawings are not adhered to, or are modified, as occurred in this tragic collapse, without the approval of a professional engineer," said James Borders, OSHA's area director in Jacksonville.
The companies have 15 business days to contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The site was inspected by staff from OSHA's Jacksonville Area Office.
The citations carry a proposed $192,800 in penalties. These include a willful violation carrying a $49,500 penalty against Choate Construction, the general contractor, and two willful violations with penalties totaling $125,000 against Southern Pan Services (SPS), the concrete formwork contractor. Choate and SPS are each receiving a willful violation for failing to have a qualified person determine if the structure could support the additional three-quarters of an inch of wet concrete weight that was added to the 20-inch floor slab.
In addition, one willful violation is being proposed against SPS for failing to obtain a reshoring drawing, including all revisions, for the reshoring design method used at the site.
Choate Construction is also being cited for one serious violation with a proposed $6,300 penalty and one other-than-serious violation with a $900 penalty. SPS is receiving two serious violations resulting in $7,500 in proposed penalties.
A.A. Pittman, a concrete finishing contractor, is being cited for two other-than-serious violations and $3,600 in penalties for recordkeeping violations discovered during the inspection.
"These employers are experienced in this type of construction and know all too well that disaster can occur when engineering drawings are not adhered to, or are modified, as occurred in this tragic collapse, without the approval of a professional engineer," said James Borders, OSHA's area director in Jacksonville.
The companies have 15 business days to contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The site was inspected by staff from OSHA's Jacksonville Area Office.
Labels: OSHA Citations, OSHA Fines
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OSHA Cites North East Linen Following Double Fatality
OSHA has cited North East Linen (Linden, N.J.) for multiple alleged safety and health violations after a double fatality.
OSHA initiated its investigation on Dec. 1, 2007, following the fatal accident. Two employees, who were cleaning a waste water tank, were discovered at the bottom of the tank, which was oxygen-deficient and contained hazardous chemicals. The investigation resulted in one willful, 12 serious and two other-than-serious violations.
"North East Linen did not take the appropriate steps to train its employees about potential hazards and to ensure its employees did not enter the waste water tank, which led to this tragedy," says Robert D. Kulick, director of OSHA's Avenel, N.J., area office.
The company was cited for a willful violation for failing to provide hazard communication training. The serious citations include North East Linen's failure to provide adequate means of egress; to take effective measures to prevent employees from entering the waste water tank; to lock out, or prevent accidental start-up of, equipment; to determine the presence and quantity of asbestos-containing material and not labeling the material; to close unused openings on an electrical panel; and to provide other necessary training.
"This horrible tragedy underscores the need for all employers to implement effective safety and health management systems," said Louis Ricca Jr., acting administrator for OSHA's New York region. "It also reinforces the need for employers to provide their employees with appropriate training, direction, personal protective equipment and engineering controls, particularly when working in and around confined spaces."
OSHA is proposing a total of $79,250 in fines for the combined violations.
OSHA initiated its investigation on Dec. 1, 2007, following the fatal accident. Two employees, who were cleaning a waste water tank, were discovered at the bottom of the tank, which was oxygen-deficient and contained hazardous chemicals. The investigation resulted in one willful, 12 serious and two other-than-serious violations.
"North East Linen did not take the appropriate steps to train its employees about potential hazards and to ensure its employees did not enter the waste water tank, which led to this tragedy," says Robert D. Kulick, director of OSHA's Avenel, N.J., area office.
The company was cited for a willful violation for failing to provide hazard communication training. The serious citations include North East Linen's failure to provide adequate means of egress; to take effective measures to prevent employees from entering the waste water tank; to lock out, or prevent accidental start-up of, equipment; to determine the presence and quantity of asbestos-containing material and not labeling the material; to close unused openings on an electrical panel; and to provide other necessary training.
"This horrible tragedy underscores the need for all employers to implement effective safety and health management systems," said Louis Ricca Jr., acting administrator for OSHA's New York region. "It also reinforces the need for employers to provide their employees with appropriate training, direction, personal protective equipment and engineering controls, particularly when working in and around confined spaces."
OSHA is proposing a total of $79,250 in fines for the combined violations.
Labels: OSHA Citations, OSHA Fines
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N.Y. Paper Manufacturer Faces 35 Workplace Safety Citations And $116,250 Fine
Brownville Specialty Paper Products Inc. cited following death of employee:
OSHA has cited Brownville Specialty Paper Products Inc., in Brownville, NY, for 35 alleged willful and serious violations of safety standards following the death of an employee at its 1 Bridge St. plant.
The employee was fatally crushed on Dec. 5, 2007, by two large rolls of paper, weighing approximately 2,500 pounds, that rolled out of a rewinding machine. OSHA's inspection found that the machine's barrier guard was not interlocked with its drive mechanism to prevent the rolls from being ejected during rewinding operations, and the company knew of the hazard but did not correct it.
"This accident could have been prevented had this machine been properly guarded against this hazard," said Christopher Adams, OSHA's area director in Syracuse. "This case illustrates in the starkest possible terms why effective safeguards are necessary to prevent death and injury on the job."
OSHA has issued Brownville Specialty Paper Products one willful citation, carrying a $49,000 proposed fine, for the unguarded rewinding machine. OSHA defines a willful violation as one committed with plain indifference to or intentional disregard for employee safety and health.
OSHA's inspection also identified hazards involving blocked and obstructed emergency exit routes; fall hazards from unguarded stairways and work platforms, ladder deficiencies, lack of safety belts and lifelines, and an emergency exit opening onto an unguarded 30-foot-high landing; various unguarded moving machine parts; improper compressed gas storage; uninspected lifting equipment; several electrical hazards; respirator safety deficiencies; inadequate hearing protection; no emergency response plan and training for liquid chlorine spills; lack of training for employees entering confined spaces; unlabeled steam pipes and chlorine lines; and incomplete energy control procedures to prevent the unintended startup of machinery.
These conditions resulted in OSHA issuing the company 34 serious citations, with an additional $67,250 in proposed fines. A serious citation is issued when death or serious physical harm is likely to result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known. In all, the company faces a total of $116,250 in fines for the willful and serious citations.
Brownville Specialty Paper Products Inc. has 15 business days from receipt of its citations to contest them before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. This inspection was conducted by OSHA's Syracuse Area Office; telephone 315-451-0808.
OSHA has cited Brownville Specialty Paper Products Inc., in Brownville, NY, for 35 alleged willful and serious violations of safety standards following the death of an employee at its 1 Bridge St. plant.
The employee was fatally crushed on Dec. 5, 2007, by two large rolls of paper, weighing approximately 2,500 pounds, that rolled out of a rewinding machine. OSHA's inspection found that the machine's barrier guard was not interlocked with its drive mechanism to prevent the rolls from being ejected during rewinding operations, and the company knew of the hazard but did not correct it.
"This accident could have been prevented had this machine been properly guarded against this hazard," said Christopher Adams, OSHA's area director in Syracuse. "This case illustrates in the starkest possible terms why effective safeguards are necessary to prevent death and injury on the job."
OSHA has issued Brownville Specialty Paper Products one willful citation, carrying a $49,000 proposed fine, for the unguarded rewinding machine. OSHA defines a willful violation as one committed with plain indifference to or intentional disregard for employee safety and health.
OSHA's inspection also identified hazards involving blocked and obstructed emergency exit routes; fall hazards from unguarded stairways and work platforms, ladder deficiencies, lack of safety belts and lifelines, and an emergency exit opening onto an unguarded 30-foot-high landing; various unguarded moving machine parts; improper compressed gas storage; uninspected lifting equipment; several electrical hazards; respirator safety deficiencies; inadequate hearing protection; no emergency response plan and training for liquid chlorine spills; lack of training for employees entering confined spaces; unlabeled steam pipes and chlorine lines; and incomplete energy control procedures to prevent the unintended startup of machinery.
These conditions resulted in OSHA issuing the company 34 serious citations, with an additional $67,250 in proposed fines. A serious citation is issued when death or serious physical harm is likely to result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known. In all, the company faces a total of $116,250 in fines for the willful and serious citations.
Brownville Specialty Paper Products Inc. has 15 business days from receipt of its citations to contest them before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. This inspection was conducted by OSHA's Syracuse Area Office; telephone 315-451-0808.
Labels: OSHA Citations, OSHA Fines, OSHA Inspections
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Monday, June 02, 2008
Union Ban On Killer Hose
News from Australia concerns the dangers of high pressure water lances. The Illawarra Mercury News reports on the death of a worker using a high pressure water lance and the supsequent union ban on the use of similar equipment. The article reports:
"Mr Kolomaka, 39, died after he was hit in the chest by an ultra high-pressure stream of water while cleaning a catchment sump at BlueScope's Springhill site last Thursday.
"Mr Kolomaka, 39, died after he was hit in the chest by an ultra high-pressure stream of water while cleaning a catchment sump at BlueScope's Springhill site last Thursday.
Wollongong Police Inspector Mark Lavers said Mr Kolomaka lost control of the hose while breaking up sediment at the bottom of a large pit in an area known as the 21 Dump.
'His colleague was standing 5m to 7m behind him controlling the water flow by a foot-activated pedal,' Insp Lavers said."
Do you see anything wrong with what happened as described above? Use this link to read the entire article.Labels: Construction Safety, Industrial Safety, workplace fatalities, workplace safety
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Nevada OSHA Boosts Work Site Safety
I have previously posted about articles in the Las Vegas Sun concerning the construction deaths in Las Vegas. The latest Las Vega Sun article, in this past Saturday's paper, reports that as of August 1st "Nevada will begin requiring contractors to place temporary flooring or safety netting beneath employees working on high-rise projects, the state Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced Friday."
I urge you to also read the comments at the end of the article.
I urge you to also read the comments at the end of the article.
Labels: Construction Safety, fall protection
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