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).
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Free Safety Guides Available
Graphic Products offers a number of free safety guides related to labeling and sign making.
OSHA Safety Signs Best Practices - this guide describes the OSHA and ANSI requirements for safety signs, including required colors and the new ANSI pictograms.
OSHA Safety Sign Guide (Poster) - this 24" x 18" poster is very unique and eye-catching. It describes the various types of safety signs, including signal word requirements. It provides a quick, easy-to-read overview of safety signs. This is a limited edition poster.
Top Ten OSHA Violations in 2008 - the top ten types of violations are covered based on the most frequent violations. A second list shows the top ten types of violations based on the proposed fines. Descriptions and references to the appropriate OSHA regulations are provided.
Guide To Required PPE - a one page quick reference to required PPE based on the hazard category. It also provides a cross-reference showing the hazard categories each type of PPE.
Phosphorescent Marking White paper - this white paper discusses the NFPA 101 requirements for phosphorescent markings in stairwells and exit ways. Local and state requirements are also mentioned.
All of the above are available at no charge from Graphic Products. The links will take you to an online order form.
OSHA Safety Signs Best Practices - this guide describes the OSHA and ANSI requirements for safety signs, including required colors and the new ANSI pictograms.
OSHA Safety Sign Guide (Poster) - this 24" x 18" poster is very unique and eye-catching. It describes the various types of safety signs, including signal word requirements. It provides a quick, easy-to-read overview of safety signs. This is a limited edition poster.Top Ten OSHA Violations in 2008 - the top ten types of violations are covered based on the most frequent violations. A second list shows the top ten types of violations based on the proposed fines. Descriptions and references to the appropriate OSHA regulations are provided.
Guide To Required PPE - a one page quick reference to required PPE based on the hazard category. It also provides a cross-reference showing the hazard categories each type of PPE.
Phosphorescent Marking White paper - this white paper discusses the NFPA 101 requirements for phosphorescent markings in stairwells and exit ways. Local and state requirements are also mentioned.
All of the above are available at no charge from Graphic Products. The links will take you to an online order form.
Labels: Free Safety Guides, OSHA Signs, PPE, safety labeling
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Monday, March 09, 2009
OSHA Proposes More Than $293,000 In Penalties Against Phenix Lumber Co
OSHA is proposing $293,700 in penalties for 36 safety and health violations found at Phenix Lumber Co. in Phenix City, Ala.
The total proposed penalties include $202,500 for four safety citations and one health citation resulting from the company's failure to correct violations identified during a previous OSHA inspection. Those citations include the company's failure to obtain audiograms for employees exposed to noise hazards, not implementing specific lockout/tagout procedures to prevent accidental start-up of machinery and three instances where machine guards had not been installed in a timely manner.
In addition, OSHA is proposing $23,100 in penalties for one repeat and seven serious health violations; and $68,100 for 17 serious, five repeat and one other-than-serious safety violations. The health violations relate to poor housekeeping of combustible dust, lack of safety signs, lack of safety equipment, and using incorrect electrical and forklift equipment. The safety violations include unguarded machinery and pit openings, not utilizing lockout/tagout procedures, dangers to employees from unstable piles of lumber, lack of signage and improper use of electrical equipment.
"These financial penalties are the direct result of the company's failure to correct violations found in 2007," said Kurt Petermeyer, OSHA's area director in Mobile. "Even when OSHA staff pointed out problems during previous inspections and management agreed to correct them, the company did not follow through on its obligations."
The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director in Mobile or contest the proposed citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The sites were inspected by staff from OSHA's Mobile Area Office, 1141 Montlimar Drive, Suite 1006; telephone 251-441-6131.
Other posts about OSHA citations:
OSHA Proposes $41,000 in Fines Against Sauerkraut Manufacturer
OSHA Proposes $273,000 In Fines For Lack Of Asbestos Safeguards
Contractor To Pay $750,000 OSHA Fine
The total proposed penalties include $202,500 for four safety citations and one health citation resulting from the company's failure to correct violations identified during a previous OSHA inspection. Those citations include the company's failure to obtain audiograms for employees exposed to noise hazards, not implementing specific lockout/tagout procedures to prevent accidental start-up of machinery and three instances where machine guards had not been installed in a timely manner.
In addition, OSHA is proposing $23,100 in penalties for one repeat and seven serious health violations; and $68,100 for 17 serious, five repeat and one other-than-serious safety violations. The health violations relate to poor housekeeping of combustible dust, lack of safety signs, lack of safety equipment, and using incorrect electrical and forklift equipment. The safety violations include unguarded machinery and pit openings, not utilizing lockout/tagout procedures, dangers to employees from unstable piles of lumber, lack of signage and improper use of electrical equipment.
"These financial penalties are the direct result of the company's failure to correct violations found in 2007," said Kurt Petermeyer, OSHA's area director in Mobile. "Even when OSHA staff pointed out problems during previous inspections and management agreed to correct them, the company did not follow through on its obligations."
The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director in Mobile or contest the proposed citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The sites were inspected by staff from OSHA's Mobile Area Office, 1141 Montlimar Drive, Suite 1006; telephone 251-441-6131.
Other posts about OSHA citations:
OSHA Proposes $41,000 in Fines Against Sauerkraut Manufacturer
OSHA Proposes $273,000 In Fines For Lack Of Asbestos Safeguards
Contractor To Pay $750,000 OSHA Fine
Labels: LOTO, OSHA Citations, OSHA Signs
posted by Steve Hudgik |
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Monday, February 23, 2009
OSHA Cites Employer For Confined Space Hazards Following Employee Death
OSHA cited Precision Industrial Maintenance Inc. (Schenectady, N.Y.) for alleged willful and serious violations of safety and health standards after an employee was fatally overcome by vapors while inside a tanker truck.
The Schenectady, N.Y., environmental and industrial maintenance company was cited following an August 2008 OSHA inspection of its Erie Boulevard facility.
"These citations encompass health and safety hazards associated with work in permit-required confined spaces, such as this one," said Edward Jerome, OSHA's area director in Albany. "These conditions must be addressed promptly and effectively. Left uncorrected, they expose employees to the potential hazard of asphyxia, which can be fatal."
OSHA has issued the company one willful citation, with a $35,000 proposed fine, for not providing employees with confined space rescue training at least every 12 months. Five serious citations, carrying $21,000 in fines, were issued for the company's failure to test conditions in confined spaces before entry; not completing required entry permits; not providing confined space training to employees; not evaluating rescue services for employees entering confined spaces; and lack of confined space warning signs.
OSHA defines a willful violation as one committed with plain indifference to or intentional disregard for employee safety and health. OSHA issues serious citations when death or serious physical harm is likely to result from hazards about which the employer knew or should have known.
"One of the best means of preventing serious workplace hazards is to establish an effective safety and health management system through which management and employees work together to actively identify, analyze and eliminate work-related hazards," said Jerome.
The company, which faces a total of $56,000 in fines, has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and fines to contest them before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. This inspection was conducted by OSHA's Albany Area Office; telephone 518-464-4338. Detailed information on permit-required confined spaces is available on OSHA's Web site at: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/confinedspaces/index.html.
The Schenectady, N.Y., environmental and industrial maintenance company was cited following an August 2008 OSHA inspection of its Erie Boulevard facility.
"These citations encompass health and safety hazards associated with work in permit-required confined spaces, such as this one," said Edward Jerome, OSHA's area director in Albany. "These conditions must be addressed promptly and effectively. Left uncorrected, they expose employees to the potential hazard of asphyxia, which can be fatal."
OSHA has issued the company one willful citation, with a $35,000 proposed fine, for not providing employees with confined space rescue training at least every 12 months. Five serious citations, carrying $21,000 in fines, were issued for the company's failure to test conditions in confined spaces before entry; not completing required entry permits; not providing confined space training to employees; not evaluating rescue services for employees entering confined spaces; and lack of confined space warning signs.
OSHA defines a willful violation as one committed with plain indifference to or intentional disregard for employee safety and health. OSHA issues serious citations when death or serious physical harm is likely to result from hazards about which the employer knew or should have known.
"One of the best means of preventing serious workplace hazards is to establish an effective safety and health management system through which management and employees work together to actively identify, analyze and eliminate work-related hazards," said Jerome.
The company, which faces a total of $56,000 in fines, has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and fines to contest them before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. This inspection was conducted by OSHA's Albany Area Office; telephone 518-464-4338. Detailed information on permit-required confined spaces is available on OSHA's Web site at: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/confinedspaces/index.html.
Labels: OSHA Citations, OSHA Signs
posted by Steve Hudgik |
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Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Revised OSHA Field Operations Manual Enhances Compliance Assistance And Enforcement
A revised Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Field Operations Manual now provides OSHA Compliance Officers with a single source of updated information and guidance to more effectively protect employees from occupational injuries, illnesses, and fatalities.
The Field Operations Manual is the guiding document for OSHA's Compliance Officers, whose mission is to assure the safety and health of America's working men and women. The manual assists Compliance Officers in scheduling and conducting inspections, enforcing regulations, and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health. The manual also guides Compliance Officers on how to inform employers about cooperative programs—such as On-Site Consultation, Strategic Partnerships, and the Voluntary Protection Program—to help them eliminate potential or existing hazards from the workplace.
"The new Field Operations Manual is a comprehensive resource of existing OSHA policy and procedural documents," said Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Thomas M. Stohler. "It gives Compliance Officers important guidance in implementing OSHA's balanced approach to workplace safety and health: enforcement, education and training, and cooperative programs. The Field Operations Manual will also be a resource for employees and employers, giving them a consolidated reference on how OSHA expects workplaces to be made safe and healthy. This is part of OSHA's continuing commitment to make its standards and enforcement activities transparent and understandable to all parties."
The Field Operations Manual (FOM), formerly called the Field Inspection Reference Manual, constitutes OSHA's general enforcement policy and procedures for use by the field offices in conducting inspections, issuing citations and proposing penalties.
Read the OSHA Field Operations Manual here (321 pages).
The significant changes in the new FOM are:
• Cancels and replaces the Field Inspection Reference Manual (FIRM).
• Cancels sections D. and E. of Chapter VI of the prior Field Operations Manual.
• Cancels Chapter XII of the prior Field Operations Manual.
• Will consist of the following chapters:
Chapter 1. Introduction
Chapter 2. Program Planning
Chapter 3. Inspection Procedures
Chapter 4. Violations
Chapter 5. Case File Preparations and Documentation
Chapter 6. Penalties and Debt Collection
Chapter 7. Post-Citation Procedures and Abatement Verification
Chapter 8. Settlements
Chapter 9. Complaint and Referral Processing
Chapter 10. Industry Sectors
• I. Agriculture
• II. Construction [Reserved]
• III. Maritime [Reserved]
Chapter 11. Imminent Danger, Fatality, Catastrophe and Emergency Response
Abstract-4
Chapter 12. Specialized Inspection Procedures
• I. Multi-Employer Workplace/site Policy [Reserved]
• II. Temporary Labor Camps
Chapter 13. Federal Agency Safety and Health Programs [Reserved]
Chapter 14. Health Inspection Enforcement Policy [Reserved]
Chapter 15. Legal Issues
Chapter 16. Disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
The Field Operations Manual is the guiding document for OSHA's Compliance Officers, whose mission is to assure the safety and health of America's working men and women. The manual assists Compliance Officers in scheduling and conducting inspections, enforcing regulations, and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health. The manual also guides Compliance Officers on how to inform employers about cooperative programs—such as On-Site Consultation, Strategic Partnerships, and the Voluntary Protection Program—to help them eliminate potential or existing hazards from the workplace.
"The new Field Operations Manual is a comprehensive resource of existing OSHA policy and procedural documents," said Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Thomas M. Stohler. "It gives Compliance Officers important guidance in implementing OSHA's balanced approach to workplace safety and health: enforcement, education and training, and cooperative programs. The Field Operations Manual will also be a resource for employees and employers, giving them a consolidated reference on how OSHA expects workplaces to be made safe and healthy. This is part of OSHA's continuing commitment to make its standards and enforcement activities transparent and understandable to all parties."
The Field Operations Manual (FOM), formerly called the Field Inspection Reference Manual, constitutes OSHA's general enforcement policy and procedures for use by the field offices in conducting inspections, issuing citations and proposing penalties.
Read the OSHA Field Operations Manual here (321 pages).
The significant changes in the new FOM are:
• Cancels and replaces the Field Inspection Reference Manual (FIRM).
• Cancels sections D. and E. of Chapter VI of the prior Field Operations Manual.
• Cancels Chapter XII of the prior Field Operations Manual.
• Will consist of the following chapters:
Chapter 1. Introduction
Chapter 2. Program Planning
Chapter 3. Inspection Procedures
Chapter 4. Violations
Chapter 5. Case File Preparations and Documentation
Chapter 6. Penalties and Debt Collection
Chapter 7. Post-Citation Procedures and Abatement Verification
Chapter 8. Settlements
Chapter 9. Complaint and Referral Processing
Chapter 10. Industry Sectors
• I. Agriculture
• II. Construction [Reserved]
• III. Maritime [Reserved]
Chapter 11. Imminent Danger, Fatality, Catastrophe and Emergency Response
Abstract-4
Chapter 12. Specialized Inspection Procedures
• I. Multi-Employer Workplace/site Policy [Reserved]
• II. Temporary Labor Camps
Chapter 13. Federal Agency Safety and Health Programs [Reserved]
Chapter 14. Health Inspection Enforcement Policy [Reserved]
Chapter 15. Legal Issues
Chapter 16. Disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
Labels: osha information, OSHA Inspections, OSHA Signs
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Monday, February 04, 2008
OSHA Reminds Employers to Post Injury/Illness Summaries Beginning Feb. 1, 2008
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration on Friday reminded employers that beginning Feb. 1, 2008, they must post a summary of the total number of job-related injuries and illnesses that occurred during 2007. Employers are required to post OSHA Form 300A (summary). The 2007 summary must be posted from Feb. 1 to April 30, 2008.
"The OSHA 300 logs provide employers and employees a broad view of where injuries and illnesses are occurring at their worksites," stated Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. "Identifying and posting injury and illness information provides employers and employees with useful information to help ensure a more safe and healthful workplace."
The summary must include the total number of job-related injuries and illnesses that occurred in 2007 and were logged on the OSHA Form 300. To assist in calculating incidence rates, information about the annual average number of employees and total hours worked during the calendar year is also required. If a company recorded no injuries or illnesses in 2007, the employer must enter "zero" on the total line. The form must be signed and certified by a company executive. Form 300A should be displayed in a common area where notices to employees are usually posted.
Employers with 10 or fewer employees and employers in certain industries are normally exempt from federal OSHA injury and illness recordkeeping and posting requirements. A complete list of exempt industries in the retail, services, finance, insurance and real estate sectors is posted on the OSHA Web site.
The Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics may still select exempted employers to participate in an annual statistical survey. All employers covered by OSHA need to comply with safety and health standards. All accidents that result in one or more fatalities or in the hospitalization of three or more employees must be reported verbally within eight hours to the nearest OSHA office.
Copies of OSHA Forms 300 and 300A are available on the OSHA Recordkeeping Web page in either Adobe PDF or Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet format.
"The OSHA 300 logs provide employers and employees a broad view of where injuries and illnesses are occurring at their worksites," stated Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. "Identifying and posting injury and illness information provides employers and employees with useful information to help ensure a more safe and healthful workplace."
The summary must include the total number of job-related injuries and illnesses that occurred in 2007 and were logged on the OSHA Form 300. To assist in calculating incidence rates, information about the annual average number of employees and total hours worked during the calendar year is also required. If a company recorded no injuries or illnesses in 2007, the employer must enter "zero" on the total line. The form must be signed and certified by a company executive. Form 300A should be displayed in a common area where notices to employees are usually posted.
Employers with 10 or fewer employees and employers in certain industries are normally exempt from federal OSHA injury and illness recordkeeping and posting requirements. A complete list of exempt industries in the retail, services, finance, insurance and real estate sectors is posted on the OSHA Web site.
The Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics may still select exempted employers to participate in an annual statistical survey. All employers covered by OSHA need to comply with safety and health standards. All accidents that result in one or more fatalities or in the hospitalization of three or more employees must be reported verbally within eight hours to the nearest OSHA office.
Copies of OSHA Forms 300 and 300A are available on the OSHA Recordkeeping Web page in either Adobe PDF or Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet format.
Labels: OSHA, osha information, OSHA Signs
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Monday, August 07, 2006
OSHA Signs, Signals and Barricades Regulations
OSHA standard 1926.200 provides the requirements for signs, signals and barricades that are to be used during construction. This regulation provides a general description of each type of sign that is required on a construction site.
Signs and labels are an important part of a safety program because they communicate needed information right at the point of need. In addition to following OSHA regulations, which are generic, it is important to create safety signs and labels that clearly deliver their message. This means, for example, using as few words as possible while still clearly communicating. In addition, the colors used on safety labels and signs should be standardized--some color combinations are required by OSHA for certain types of labels and signs--so that they can be immediately recognized. Plus the use of pictograms helps to quickly convey a message, as well as communicating to someone who may not understand the language used on the label or sign.
Signs and labels are an important part of a safety program because they communicate needed information right at the point of need. In addition to following OSHA regulations, which are generic, it is important to create safety signs and labels that clearly deliver their message. This means, for example, using as few words as possible while still clearly communicating. In addition, the colors used on safety labels and signs should be standardized--some color combinations are required by OSHA for certain types of labels and signs--so that they can be immediately recognized. Plus the use of pictograms helps to quickly convey a message, as well as communicating to someone who may not understand the language used on the label or sign.
Labels: OSHA Signs, workplace safety
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Thursday, August 03, 2006
Making Facility Safety Labels and Signs
Labels and signs are an important part of any safety program. They communicate needed information at the point of need. Safety labels need to be clear, easy-to-read, and be of the proper size and color. Plus they need to be durable.
The DuraLabel 4TTP industrial label and sign printer will make the safety labels and signs you need for your facility. Using vinyl tapes up to 4 inches in width (tapes can be tiled to produce larger signs), die cut labels, or specialty materials, the DuraLabel uses high quality 300 dpi thermal transfer printing to create labels and signs that are resistant to sunlight (UV), water, scuffing and harsh environments (when printed with a chemical resistant ribbon).
The DuraLabel is not limited to making safety labels and signs. It can produce a wide range of labels--from shrink tube wire markers to NFPA Diamond RTK labels. It includes database software for produce arc flash waring labels and templates for pipe markers.
The DuraLabel 4TTP is an industrial labeling machine that can handle most labeling and sign making needs.
The DuraLabel 4TTP industrial label and sign printer will make the safety labels and signs you need for your facility. Using vinyl tapes up to 4 inches in width (tapes can be tiled to produce larger signs), die cut labels, or specialty materials, the DuraLabel uses high quality 300 dpi thermal transfer printing to create labels and signs that are resistant to sunlight (UV), water, scuffing and harsh environments (when printed with a chemical resistant ribbon).
The DuraLabel is not limited to making safety labels and signs. It can produce a wide range of labels--from shrink tube wire markers to NFPA Diamond RTK labels. It includes database software for produce arc flash waring labels and templates for pipe markers.
The DuraLabel 4TTP is an industrial labeling machine that can handle most labeling and sign making needs.
Labels: OSHA Signs, safety labeling
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Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Examples of Safety Signs
The New Mexico State University web site provides several pages that give examples of safety signs. This is an excellent resource to help you create safety signs that are comprehensive and which communicate all the needed information.
The web page to visit is: http://www.nmsu.edu/safety/resources/safety_signs.htm
The examples include safety signs such as Safety First, Caution, Danger, Notice, and generic safety signs. There are also links to a section on safety symbols and another to pages with examples of charts, such as a PPE chart.
This page is particularly useful if you are just just getting started adding safety signs, such as in a new installation, or if you are auditing your safety signs and labels with the intention of upgrading the quality of the content.
A FREE guide / punch list for doing an audit of safety labels and signs is available from Graphic Products. You can request your free copy here: Safety Sign and Label Inspection Workbook
The web page to visit is: http://www.nmsu.edu/safety/resources/safety_signs.htm
The examples include safety signs such as Safety First, Caution, Danger, Notice, and generic safety signs. There are also links to a section on safety symbols and another to pages with examples of charts, such as a PPE chart.
This page is particularly useful if you are just just getting started adding safety signs, such as in a new installation, or if you are auditing your safety signs and labels with the intention of upgrading the quality of the content.
A FREE guide / punch list for doing an audit of safety labels and signs is available from Graphic Products. You can request your free copy here: Safety Sign and Label Inspection Workbook
Labels: OSHA Signs
posted by Steve Hudgik |
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