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, March 30, 2010
Free ASSE Workzone Safety Webinar
This one-hour webinar will address the hazards of work zone safety, preventive efforts aimed at protecting the worker, and the new American National Standard ANSI/ASSE A10.47-2009 "Work Zone Safety for Highway Construction".
The ASSE work zone safety standard, which became effective last February, is a comprehensive standard covering several practices including flagger safety, run over/back over prevention, equipment operator safety, illumination, personal protective equipment (PPE), and much more.
"OSHA has few standards that cover work zone safety," said A10.47 Subcommittee Chair Scott Schneider. "The Federal Highway Administration is focused on safety for motorists and workers but also on reducing delays to the traveling public. Work zone safety standards also vary by state. The A10.47 standard is intended to fill the gap and to help contractors develop best practices to protect the safety and health of road construction workers. Each year, many construction workers are killed in work zones. They are run over by motorists, backed over by construction vehicles and electrocuted by overhead power lines."
"This standard deals with this wide range of hazards. Following it could save many of these lives," Schneider said.
Schneider, also the director of safety for the Laborers' Health and Safety Fund of North America will provide a detailed overview of the standards during the webinar and take questions at the end of his presentation.
ASSE serves as the secretariat for the A10 Accredited Standards Committee on construction and demolition operations. The A10 voluntary consensus standards serve as guides to contractors, labor and equipment manufacturers in the construction and demolition industry.
The webinar will be offered free of charge. Those interested in attending can register on The National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse website (http://www.workzonesafety.org/training/record/10234).
Past Related Posts:
OSHA Signs, Signals and Barricades
Construction Safety Statistics
WSIB Workplace Safety Videos
Labels: Construction Safety, Safety Training
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Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Least Nobody's Been Hit By A Meteor
Read the article here and learn about trailer, tarp and lifting injuries and their prevention.
Labels: Safety Training, Transportation Safety, workplace safety
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Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Heroic Electrical Crew Uses Job Safety Training To Respond To A Car Accident
"Dan Gilmore was one of the first Green Township paramedics on scene, arriving quickly from the firehouse just yards away on Delano Road. The [electrical] crew already had moved into action when Gilmore arrived, having removed the front and rear windshields. Although Green Township has a three-person paid day crew, Gilmore said they had to call for volunteers to respond with the needed rescue equipment."
The actions of the electrical crew allowed the injured to be treated five minutes sooner, which was significant in saving their lives.
Mike Ratliff, the electrical crew supervisor, credits his crew's response to the safety training he and his crew received at New River Electrical, based in Cloverdale, Va., as what prepared them to help.
Read the entire article at the Chillicothe Gazette.
Labels: Safety Training, Vehicle Safety
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Monday, March 01, 2010
Free Table Saw Safety Training Program
The training program is made up of five components (the following are links for downloading each component):
- Table Saw Safety Training Powerpoint
- Table Saw Safety Tip Sheet
- Table Saw Safety Test
- Answer Sheet for the test
- Training Evaluation Check List
"Through our alliance with OSHA, we strive to provide KCMA members and others with materials, guidance and access to training resources that will help them protect employees' health and safety, especially in reducing and preventing exposure to amputation hazards," said Dick Titus, Executive Vice President, KCMA. "The Table Saw Safety Training program is one more tool available to manufacturers to enhance workplace safety."
The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association, headquartered in Reston, Va., is the principal trade association in the United States for manufacturers of kitchen cabinets, bath vanities, decorative laminate products and suppliers to the industry. The KCMA is committed to excellence in manufacturing through continued quality, advocacy and leadership.
The page that provides a free download of program is available at www.kcma.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=members.KCMA/OSHA_Alliance
Labels: Safety Training
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Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Respirator Safety - Using Respirators
Labels: PPE, Safety Training, safety videos
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The Difference Between Respirators and Surgical Masks
Labels: hospital safety, Industrial Health, PPE, Safety Training, safety videos
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Monday, December 14, 2009
Challenging The Value Of Safety Training
Worker Still In Court 27 Years Later For Little Toe Injury
Can An Employer Enforce A Dress Code?
Chris Goulart Challenges the Value of Safety Training
OSHA Costs Me Money - It's Part Of Doing Business
Labels: Industrial Health, Safety Training
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Wednesday, December 02, 2009
OSHA Proposes $484,000 In Penalties For Asbestos Hazards In Buffalo, NY
"These significant penalties reflect the fact that this employer, an asbestos contractor with extensive knowledge of the OSHA standards that govern asbestos removal and handling, chose not to follow these standards and put its workers, including young, inexperienced college students, in harm's way," said acting Assistant Secretary for OSHA Jordan Barab.
OSHA found that several Cambria Contracting workers, who were cleaning up debris at the former AM&A department store warehouse on Washington Avenue, had not been trained in asbestos hazards and how to protect themselves. The workers also lacked proper respirators and protective clothing, and had not been informed of the presence of asbestos at the site. In addition, the employer failed to determine the asbestos exposure level and to establish a regulated work area for asbestos removal and handling. It also did not use vacuums with HEPA filters to collect debris but used methods to move debris with asbestos-containing material that typically can cause asbestos to be released into the air.
OSHA defines a willful violation as one committed with plain indifference to or intentional disregard for worker safety and health.
"This employer knew that training and other safeguards, which are well-known in the industry, were required, yet chose not to provide them," said Robert Kulick, OSHA's New York regional administrator. "That is unacceptable and needlessly placed the health of these workers at risk."
"Asbestos is well recognized as a health hazard since inhalation of asbestos fibers may lead to lung cancer and other diseases," said Arthur Dube, OSHA's Buffalo area director. "As exposures frequently occur during renovation and demolition work, we strongly urge contractors to ensure that their workers are adequately trained and protected against asbestos hazards."
Detailed information on asbestos is available on OSHA's Web site at: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/asbestos/index.html and http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/asbestos/construction.html.
Cambria Contracting has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, meet with OSHA or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The inspection was conducted by OSHA's Buffalo Area Office; telephone 716-551-3053.
Labels: asbestos, Industrial Health, OSHA Citations, Safety Training
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OSHA Proposes $222,500 In Fines For Safety and Health Hazards In The US Virgin Islands
The company faces a total of $222,500 in proposed fines following two OSHA inspections, a programmed inspection conducted as part of OSHA's National Emphasis Program on Petroleum Refinery Process Safety Management, and an inspection opened in response to a June 4 accident in which three workers suffered serious burns after being sprayed with hot boiler feed water while they were performing maintenance.
"OSHA's process safety management regulations are designed to reduce or eliminate workplace hazards associated with the catastrophic release of highly hazardous chemicals," said José A. Carpena , OSHA's area director for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. "These requirements are stringent and detailed because failure to comply can seriously compromise the safety and health of workers."
The citations issued as a result of the programmed inspection address the company's failure to properly document process safety information, conduct proper process hazard analysis, comply with recognized and generally accepted good engineering practices, obtain contractor safety and health programs, properly train employees, conduct maintenance on critical instruments and equipment, update operating procedures and resolve incident investigation findings in a timely manner. Additionally, OSHA has issued citations for not properly installing metal stairs, maintaining ladders in a safe condition, supporting piping systems and protecting them against physical damage and excessive stress, and for equipment deficiencies, a lack of machine guarding, and electrical and fire hazards.
The accident investigation resulted in citations for exposing workers to the hazards of hot water and steam condensate, not developing and documenting procedures to prevent the unintended release of hot water and steam, and not training workers on the safe application, usage and removal of energy control devices. OSHA issues a serious citation when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result and the employer knew, or should have known, of the hazard.
"One means of helping ensure worker safety is for employers to establish an effective safety and health management system through which they and their employees work together to proactively evaluate, identify and eliminate hazards before they result in injury or illness," said Robert Kulick, OSHA's regional administrator in New York.
The oil refinery, which employs about 2,500 workers, has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed penalties to comply, request an information conference with OSHA's area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The investigation was conducted by OSHA's Puerto Rico Area Office; telephone: 787-277-1560.
Labels: OSHA Citations, Safety Training, workplace injuries
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Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Life Is For Living
Related past blog posts:
Will You Be Here Tomorrow?
Safety At Work - Falling Bricks
WSIB Workplace Safety Videos
Labels: Safety Training, safety videos, workplace injuries
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Thursday, November 19, 2009
Take The Safety Sign Quiz - How Many Problems Can You Spot?
How many problems can you spot with this sign? It's easy to see three or four, but can you find eight or more problems?There are ten problems with this sign.
Visit the DuraLabel web site and take the quiz to see how many problems you can correctly identify with this sign. It's a multiple choice online quiz that is offered free... you don't even need to sign up to take the quiz.
Labels: safety signs, Safety Training
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Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Emergency Communication - NIOSH Safety Talk
The NIOSH "Emergency Communication Triangle" safety talk focuses on the content of emergency warning messages. It presents a procedure using mental cues that can be used by senders and receivers of emergency warnings. The talk includes graphics for use during the presentation, as well as references for more information.
The NIOSH Technology Notes #507 describes the NIOSH safety talk and the Emergency Communication Triangle.
The material was developed for use in short safety training sessions such as start-of-shift safety talks. The information can be presented in about 15 minutes. Although the illustrations were taken from the underground coal mining industry, the training can be tailored to any work setting by substituting appropriate examples.
Related Past Posts
Planning For A Workplace Emergency
NFPA Issues Emergency Evacuation Planning Guide For People With Disabilities
New OSHA Combustible Dust Web Page
Labels: Emergency Planning, NIOSH, Safety Training
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Tuesday, August 18, 2009
How Not To Do Training
Related Past Posts:
Free Safety Videos
There Was Once A Nail Without A Job
Safetywork Award - Falling Bricks
Labels: Safety Training, safety videos
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Zombies Increase Workplace Hazards
Slippery floors, hot cooking equipment, heavy lifting, loud noises and working alone are some of the dangers teens face as they take that first job or seasonal employment. These dangers can lead to fatalities and serious injury if workers are not aware of them and how to protect themselves against being injured on the job. To help teens stay safe at work, ASSE has launched an interactive online computer game called “Don’t be a Zombie at Work” and to illustrate how occupational safety, health and environmental (SH&E) professionals are key to staying safe.
Located at http://www.dontbeazombieatwork.org, the new ASSE game is free and features the imaginary evil “BodgeDab” industries. Players find themselves helping their co-workers avoid becoming a “zombie” by finding tools and information from embedded SH&E professionals to stay safe on the job. The game involves a mysterious corporation that has just moved into a large city, led by reputed evil boss Damballa Bokor, and opening businesses all over town. At the same time, the people working at these establishments are becoming “unnatural” -- zombie like. And the “virus” is quickly spreading among all workers. The player’s job is to move through these establishments - a restaurant (Club BodgeDab), a warehouse and an office to save the workers by undoing the workplace hazards. This will save the zombiefied employees and create a safe work environment. If done successfully, the player moves to the final challenge - BodgeDab headquarters and a showdown with Damballa Bokor.
Throughout the game Elle, an ASSE member and SH&E professional, is working undercover to help stop BodgeDab industries and inform the player of the dangerous and underlying dangers of BodgeDab industries. Just a call away, Elle and a team of safety professionals provide the player with clues on how to prevent workplace hazards, save the zombies and stop the dreaded BodgeDab industries.
In addition to Elle and the safety professionals, the player has several tools that can be moved to a tool box/inventory to fix the hazardous situations in each level. Instructions are provided throughout the game as are quizzes.
The “Don’t be a Zombie at Work” game, developed by ASSE members, is another tool ASSE has created and made available to its members and the public in an effort to prevent workplace injuries and fatalities. The other free young worker tools include the “Be Safe At Work: Tips for Teens” book mark and the brochures titled “Important Workplace Safety Guide for Young Workers” and “Preventing Roadway Crashes” available by contacting ASSE at customerservice@asse.org , by calling 847-699-2929 or downloading them from www.asse.org/newsroom in the press kit.
In 2007 a total of 117 teens under the age of 18 died from work-related injuries and another 77,000 teen workers were hurt badly enough to end up in hospital emergency rooms. Nationally, about 230,000 teens suffer work-related injuries, with most of those injuries occurring in the retail or service industries, according to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Overall, close to 6,000 workers die from on-the-job injuries and 4.4 million more suffer from injuries and illnesses in the U.S. alone.
Related Past Posts:
Video Game Teaches Forklift Safety
Labels: ASSE, Free Safety Guides, Safety Training
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Tuesday, August 11, 2009
OSHA Establishes "Watch List" To Strengthen Integrity of Outreach Training Program
OSHA recently conducted an undercover investigation as part of its heightened effort to address fraudulent activity by trainers authorized through the OSHA Outreach Training Program. The investigation of a 10-hour course conducted by Don Barker, environmental health and safety director for Thor Construction in Las Vegas, revealed several examples of failure to comply with program guidelines. Barker's infractions included submitting falsified information regarding the instructional time spent on the topics, failing to collect and retain required documentation and inappropriately advising students not to contact OSHA to report hazards.
OSHA revoked Barker's Outreach Training authorization after he declined to appeal the decision and his name has been added to the "Watch List" on OSHA's Web site. The "Watch List," available at http://www.osha.gov/dte/outreach/construction_generalindustry/watchlist.html, will be updated weekly. OSHA is monitoring training programs and has provided a hotline at 847-297-4810 for individuals to file complaints about fraud and abuse.
"Trainers who fail to provide appropriate safety training will pay a stiff price for their fraudulent behavior," said Jordan Barab, acting assistant secretary of labor for OSHA. "A tighter record control procedure has been instituted requiring trainers to sign their reports and certify the class was conducted in accordance with OSHA's guidelines. Trainers face civil and criminal penalties under federal law if reports or certifications are found to have been falsified."
Trainers are authorized by completing a one-week OSHA trainer course through an OSHA Training Institute Education Center. The trainers are then eligible to teach 10-hour programs that provide basic information to workers and employers about workplace hazards and OSHA, and 30-hour courses in construction, maritime and general industry safety and health hazards.
The voluntary Outreach Training Program has grown to a national network of more than 16,000 independent trainers eligible to teach workers and employers about workplace hazards and provide OSHA 10-hour course completion cards. The program's success has prompted some states and cities to legislate a requirement that workers complete training to earn an OSHA 10-hour card as a condition of employment.
Labels: OSHA, Safety Training
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Monday, August 10, 2009
Dealing With A Catastrophic Workplace Accident
The article discusses advance planning and preparation for catastrophic events in the workplace, and the importance of anticipating each workplace emergency before it happens. Here is how hesummarizes his article:
"In summary, employers can effectively deal with workplace fatalities and catastrophic accidents, but only through proper planning and execution. It is virtually impossible for an employer to deal with all the competing audiences which assemble during a catastrophic accident or fatality without proper planning. In fact, effective planning may help reduce the pain and suffering suffered by the surviving family and co-workers, while at the same time allow the employer to resume normal operations quicker and reduce the financial and potential legal burdens placed on the company."
You can read the entire article here.
Related Past Posts
Planning For A Workplace Emergency
NFPA Issues Emergency Evacuation Guide For People With Disabilities
What To Do When Responding To A Fire
Labels: Emergency Planning, hazard prevention, safety, Safety Training
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Wednesday, July 29, 2009
New Video - Combustible Dust: An Insidious Hazard
Related Past Posts
OSHA Issues New Combustible Dust Instruction
Combustible Dust Standards
Labels: hazardous materials, Industrial Safety, Safety Training, safety videos, workplace safety
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Friday, July 17, 2009
TEEX Industrial Firefighter Training
Labels: Industrial Safety, Safety Training, safety videos
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Thursday, July 09, 2009
Free Online Environmental & Health Safety Training
The free courses include:
Basic Fire Safety
Basic Electrical Safety
Intro to HAZCOM
Flu Symptoms and Prevention Strategies
Flammable and Combustible Liquids
Material Handling
Walking and Working Surfaces
“We’re in the business of protecting employees. If we can help prevent an injury, and help small businesses stay in compliance with OSHA – we’ve done our job. But we hope that you will love our free courses so much that the next time you need training you’ll immediately think of SafetySkills,” said Trey Greene, President and CEO of noodleStream.com.
Courses have various lengths and include quizzes throughout the course material. An incorrect answer on a quiz triggers a review of the related material and a repeat of the quiz question. After successful completion of a course participants can print a personalized certificate.
SafetySkills™ Direct is for small businesses with 100 or fewer employees to train. For larger companies, SafetySkills™ Enterprise has advanced reporting features and also allows for course customization. For more information and to see demo courses visit the Safety Skills web site at: http://www.safetyskills.com.
Previous Related Posts
Free Online Safety Training
OSHA Academy - Free Online Safety Training
Material Handling Safety Training
Labels: HSE, Industrial Health, Safety Training
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Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Dilbert And Safety
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Thursday, July 02, 2009
Lifting Without Injury
This is a short video (40 seconds) from 1966 that shows the proper posture for picking up objects.
This video (2:47) provides detailed, step-by-step instructions for evaluating, picking up and carrying an object.
Labels: Industrial Health, Industrial Safety, Safety Training
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Friday, June 12, 2009
ASSE Revised ANSI/ASSE Z490.1-2009 Standard On Safety Training
Approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) on April 21, the ANSI/ASSE Z490.1-2009 standard applies a broad range of training and training programs in order to specify how to adequately design, develop, deliver and evaluate training.
"The Z490 was written to provide a guide for the development and presentation of comprehensive HSE training events," said Z490 Committee Vice-Chair Frank Perry, P.E., CSP. "As health, safety and environmental professionals, we have all had the opportunity to conduct compliance training at one time or another. Occasionally we were less than satisfied with either our presentation or with the organization of the training materials. The Z490 is the perfect guide to develop, present and evaluate each training event. If one is using a third-party trainer, the Z490 can be used as a yardstick to ensure that you are truly getting what your organization requires and what you are paying for."
The standard covers all areas of training, including training development, delivery, evaluation and management of training and training programs. Criteria within the standard were developed by combining accepted practices in the training industry along with those in the safety, health and environmental profession.
The standard has many uses including: for use by employers to assess the services of outside training providers or to audit or improve their own training programs; for training providers to assess and improve their training services; and to be used as a basis for development and management of training and training programs. The standard has annexes and references that provide additional information and detail. It is available in print and electronic format by contacting ASSE customer service at 847-699-2929 or customerservice@asse.org.
Labels: ASSE, Safety Training
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Friday, May 22, 2009
U.S. Open Forklift Rodeo
Originally this was just a county-wide event, designed to, "promote the safe and efficient operation of forklifts in a fun, competitive environment." It was a modest success conducted out of doors on a parking lot. The second was rained out and postponed. Ever since it has been conducted indoors in a 35,000 sq. ft. Clark County Fairgrounds facility.
Under the direction of The Higgins Group, Inc., (HGI) the Rodeo’s innovator and facilitator, the SCCSC Rodeo has grown in popularity from a single county event, to a multi-county event, to an Ohio and regional event. It has grown from a one day to a two day (Fri – Sat ) event to enable increased participation. In 2006 it was renamed the "U.S. Open Forklift Rodeo," and it became an international competition.
Last month a regional rodeo, "SafeMOV Portugal," was conducted in Lisbon utilizing the HGI "how to" rodeo manual. The result was a huge success and they intend to send their two-person team to the SCCSC 2009 U.S. Open Forklift Rodeo. Meanwhile the Chesapeake Region Safety Council (Baltimore, MD) is preparing for an July 18th Forklift Rodeo with the assistance of HGI . They plan to send their championship team to the "U.S. Open Forklift Rodeo." A third rodeo using the SCCSC / HGI format also appears possible in Great Britain.
What are some of the features of the U.S. Open Forklift Rodeo?
1. Individual competition in conjunction with the two-person team element. Every operator is in the running for individual recognition as the "Top Gun" with the trophy and cash prize.
2. Two division levels, Master Operator & Championship which opens up the competition individual opportunity. Top Championship Division operators earn Master Operator qualification, cash prize, a jacket and they can compete in the Master’s Division in the future.
3. Top Teams (the combination of the two members scores, both divisions) earn a trophy.
4. A 25 question quiz taken from a Master Question File adds a knowledge element to the competition.
To learn more visit the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce website www.greaterspringfield.com.
For additional information about the U.S. Open Forklift Rodeo contact The Higgins Group at +1 937.325.7858 or info.higginsgroup@yahoo.com
Washington State also runs a Forklift Rodeo. This summer they will hold their 12th annual Forklift Rodeo at three locations around the state, with the finals being held in October in the Tacoma Dome.
Labels: safety, Safety Training, Transportation Safety
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Will You Be Here Tomorrow?
Labels: hazard identifcation, Safety Training, safety videos
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Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Workplace Safety: 5 Ways to Prevent an Injury Upturn During the Economic Downturn
According to the paper, common downturn events, such as job reassignments and layoffs, can increase employee exposure to injury just as many organizations have fewer available resources to manage those risks. According to BST vice president Don Groover, fewer resources are only part of the problem. "A downturn can also have significant cultural implications for a business," he says. "What leaders do now with respect to safety and the business sends a message to employees about what really matters. That message will resonate long after the outside situation improves." In the paper, BST recommends that leaders:
1. OPEN UP AND COMMUNICATE WHY SAFETY MATTERS NOW. Employees anxious about the impact of the economy on the company, and on them personally, can be at increased risk for injury. Leaders need to be out front, demonstrating concern, listening, and taking appropriate actions.
2. CONSIDER THE EFFECTS OF YOUR ACTIONS ON THE CULTURE. How leaders "do the hard stuff" - layoffs, job assignments, budget cuts - will dictate how people engage in safety and the business now and down the road.
3. REFINE YOUR STRATEGY. Oftentimes safety performance can become bogged down, both financially and functionally, by legacy systems that no longer meet the needs of the business. Many companies find that their actual needs dictate an investment in fewer (or different) systems than they have right now.
4. WORK THE FUNDAMENTALS. Survival in a downturn, for any part of the business, is about targeting the core elements that sustain the enterprise. In safety performance, that means protecting the lives and livelihoods of employees. Life-altering injuries and fatalities must be a primary concern.
5. DEMONSTRATE - AND DEVELOP - TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP. Leaders who use a transformational style are more successful at creating the will to go "above and beyond" self-interest and give people a sense of purpose, belonging, and understanding regarding the work they do.
The full paper and recommendations are available at BST’s website: http://www.bstsolutions.com/perspectives.
Labels: safety management, Safety Training, VPP Safety Articles and Papers, workplace safety
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Monday, March 02, 2009
The Fight Project
In 1993 Patrick Hayes died in a grain silo accident while working in an area for which he was not trained. The Times Daily article reports describes what happened.
"Sixty tons of corn had collapsed on him," Ronald Hayes [his father] said. "When they called and told us about the accident, we thought there had been a mistake in identifying who it was. He didn't work in the silo. He was a warehouseman. As it turns out, someone had quit the previous day, and Patrick was ordered to walk the corn."
Ronald Hayes' response was to do something good.The article reports:
"Hayes formed the Fight Project in 1996. The effort helps families receive reports ranging from autopsies to OSHA investigations. The project also gives families the option to speak with other families who have had loved ones killed or injured at work."
"Since 1996, the agency has helped more than 500 families."
"Not one person in any family has ever called me and said, 'I'm going to sue the company,' " Hayes said. "Those who end up suing do so because they can't get the company to cooperate, but all they want is for this never to happen again to anyone else."
Labels: safety, Safety Training
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Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Adult ADHD Is A Risk To Workplace Safety
"Some people just seem to be accident prone. Well now that we understand more about childhood attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) maybe we should be asking what happens to those children when they grow up and go to work, and what about the undiagnosed adults currently in the workforce."
The research showed that: "Based on the extra sick leave the staff with ADHD took and their lower work performance, the researchers estimated that each staff member with ADHD was costing their employer $4336 a year in lost revenue."
Read the complete article here.
Labels: Industrial Health, Industrial Safety, safety statistics, Safety Training, workplace safety
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Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Crackdown On Bogus OSHA Classes
The article provides more information on the extent of the lack of actual training in some OSHA classes, and the ability to purchase fake OSHA cards that certify the holder as having completed OSHA training. This article reports:
"In July, an undercover investigator working for the city School Construction Authority was able to buy six fake OSHA cards certifying the holder had completed a rigorous 30-hour OSHA course. A certified OSHA trainer has been suspended as the investigation continues."
"And in June, OSHA officials confirmed, the agency suspended another trainer in response to a News report that an immigrant worker who received no more than a two-hour safety lecture was able to obtain a certificate stating he had completed 30 hours of lessons on tower crane safety."
Last year the NY Daily News reported on the worker who had been found to have a fake OSHA card. (Click on the link to read that report.)
Our previous post on bogus OSHA safety classes.
Labels: OSHA, osha information, Safety Training
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Monday, February 02, 2009
Corners Cut And Beers Downed At OSHA Classes
"Safety is for sale in the dimly lit Aqueduct North bar in the far reaches of the Bronx. Last Sunday, a group of hardhats hunkered down for what was supposed to be 10 hours of crucial construction safety training. One of the 'hardhats' was an undercover Daily News reporter. What he found was that the $125 course took just over two hours, factoring in time spent waiting for the instructor to show and breaks to grab a beer."
Read the entire article at the N.Y. Daily News
Labels: Construction Safety, OSHA, Safety Training, VPP Safety Articles and Papers
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Monday, December 01, 2008
Is PPE Compliance A Challenge In Your Facility?
The above is from the blog for Today's Facility Manager magazine.
The following is the press release from Kimberly-Clark:
U.S. workers are risking workplace injuries by not complying with important safety procedures, according to a survey released today by Kimberly-Clark Professional. The survey found that 89 percent of safety professionals polled at the 2008 National Safety Council (NSC) Congress have observed workers failing to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when they should have been.
"We find it disheartening that people continue to put themselves at risk by failing to wear PPE when undertaking hazardous tasks," said Randy Kates, general manager of the safety business for Kimberly-Clark Professional. "Despite the importance of PPE, there is still an unacceptably high rate of noncompliance in the workplace."
This is the third consecutive year that the Kimberly-Clark survey has revealed a high rate of PPE noncompliance. In 2007, 87 percent of respondents said they had observed PPE noncompliance in the workplace, while 85 percent answered yes to this question in 2006.
Given the high rate of noncompliance over the past three years, it is not surprising that when asked to name the top workplace safety issue in their facilities one third of respondents cited worker compliance with safety protocols. Next was insufficient management support and/or resources for health and safety functions (27 percent). Under-reporting of workplace injuries and illnesses was third (14 percent), followed by training a multilingual, multicultural workforce (7 percent) and escalating worker compensation costs (5 percent).
Is the Economy a Factor?
One potential explanation for continuing problems with compliance could be the economy. Thirty-four percent of respondents said the economy had affected worker safety training programs or resources. Fifty-nine percent said it had not. Of those who said the economy had impacted safety training or resources, the survey found that:
• 63 percent said it had led to less money for education and training.
• 42 percent said it had resulted in reduced personnel to handle safety training tasks.
• 33 percent said the faltering economy had led to business concerns taking precedence over safety concerns.
This year’s survey also polled safety professionals about the steps they have taken or intend to take to encourage greater PPE compliance. The top response was "improving existing education and training programs," followed by "purchasing more comfortable PPE." Increased monitoring of employees was third, followed by tying compliance to individual performance evaluations and purchasing more stylish PPE.
"Work-related injuries in the U.S. cost more than $50 billion a year," said Kates. "Our research has shown that comfort and style are major drivers for compliance with PPE protocols. In the current economic climate it is more important than ever to invest in PPE that workers will want to wear."
Focus on Environmental Sustainability
The environment was another topic covered in this year’s survey. Fifty-nine percent of respondents reported that their companies had formal corporate sustainability goals, while 22 percent said they did not. (Twenty percent said they did not know the answer to this question.)
Respondents from companies with corporate sustainability goals were asked what their facilities were doing to become more environmentally responsible. The top choice was reducing the waste generated by a facility’s processes. It was followed by:
• Reducing energy consumption.
• Reducing the waste associated with supplies and other items that they purchased.
• Reducing water consumption.
All respondents were asked what their facilities had done to encourage or require suppliers to assist them in becoming more environmentally responsible. The top selection was increasing the amount of recycled content in the products supplied to them (39 percent). Tied for second place were: reducing packaging materials for the products supplied to them and having suppliers "demonstrate or state/warrant that they have environmentally responsible business practices" (29 percent). Close behind was delivering more products at one time to reduce fuel usage (27 percent).
Only 6 percent of respondents said environmental responsibility was not a major concern for their organizations. (For this question, respondents were allowed to select more than one answer.)
Health Concerns
When asked if they were concerned about the potential health and safety issues for their workers posed by oil, grease, heavy metal residues or toxic elements on re-usable rental shop towels, 63 percent of respondents answered yes. This compares with 73 percent of respondents answering yes to the same question in 2007.
When asked what might encourage them to switch from re-usable rental shop towels to
disposable wipers, the survey found:
• 35 percent of respondents cited concerns about the health and safety issues
mentioned above.
• 28 percent chose a closed loop solution for disposable wipers, in which used wipers
are recycled or converted to energy and diverted from landfills.
• 10 percent were concerned about water pollution from laundering re-usable rental
shop towels.
• 29 percent said they did not use rental shop towels.
Safety Philosophy
This year respondents were asked to describe their personal safety philosophy from a list of choices. Two responses tied for first place: "Safety doesn’t cost it pays" and "Organizations must create safety based cultures" (43 percent each). Only 10 percent selected the statement "Safety begins and ends at the top" and just two percent chose "Safety is a pain, but so is my boss."
"These results did not surprise us," said Scott Gaddis, global safety leader for
Kimberly-Clark Professional. "Workplace safety must be managed like every other strategic business objective that is important to an organization’s success."
Survey Methodology
The survey was undertaken at the NSC Congress in Anaheim, Calif., on September 23,
2008. The survey questionnaires were filled out by 153 safety professionals who reported being responsible for purchasing, selecting or influencing the purchase or selection of, or compliance with, PPE. The respondents included safety directors and managers, industrial hygienists, environmental managers and purchasing professionals. For full survey results, visit www.kcprofessional.com/us/mkt/2008nscpressrelease .
Labels: Industrial Health, Industrial Safety, safety management, Safety Training, workplace safety
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Monday, November 17, 2008
Challenges Small Businesses Face In Complying With Federal Regulations
 Nicholas Owens (right), Small Business Administration national ombudsman, said the Occupational Safety and Health Administration "provides helpful, easy to use resources that help small businesses be in compliance with OSHA's standards." Owens was joined by Vincent Santoro (center), vice president of Ideal Jacobs Corp., and Elyce Biddle, a senior economist at the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health during presentations at OSHA's Office of Small Business Assistance 'Business of Small Business' forum. It was the ninth event in the series that has included topics on teen summer job safety and maritime safety and health issues. |
Speaker Nicholas Owens (see photo), national ombudsman for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), discussed the role of the SBA as a liaison between small businesses and regulatory agencies. Fairness in enforcement, Owens said, was a major concern as it relates to small business compliance with regulations. He acknowledged OSHA's commitment to regulatory fairness and noted the tools and resources the agency provides to make compliance easier and more business-friendly.
The message that OSHA offers small businesses a helping hand with regulatory compliance was emphasized by National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) senior economist Elyce Biddle. She discussed a series of electronic tools that businesses can use to determine costs associated with implementing safety and health systems. Included was OSHA's "$afety Pays" program that helps employers estimate the costs of occupational injuries and illnesses. Biddle said this tool is one of the resources OSHA offers to minimize challenges small employers face with regulatory compliance.
Compliance with federal regulations was less complicated for the Ideal Jacobs Corporation, a screen printing manufacturer. Vincent Santoro, vice president of global manufacturing, acknowledged his company benefitted from OSHA's On-site Consultation Program addressing worksite hazards that were identified and subsequently corrected.
As a member of OSHA's Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP), Santoro said, "Customers look at a company differently when they see it takes safety seriously. SHARP made us think about everything from a different perspective. Is what you're paying for safety worth it? Of course, it's always worth it," he said.
SHARP recognizes small employers who operate an exemplary safety and health management program. Businesses accepted into the program are considered models for worksite safety and health.
The above is a press release from OSHA.
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Friday, November 07, 2008
Some Days Are Bloodier Than Others
Prevent This - how the incident in the video could have been prevented.
Real Stories - a real-life story about someone who experienced what was shown in the video.
Real Stats - statistics about the frequency of workplace injuries
Play Again - view the video again
Play Another - view another of the six videos
Send To A Friend - send an email
Here is their press release:
A new public awareness campaign has been launched to remind young working Albertans that injuries and fatalities can be only moments away.
“Anybody who loses focus for a moment is at risk of making a mistake on the job, and our young workers heading into the work force are the most vulnerable,” said Hector Goudreau, Minister of Employment and Immigration.
The campaign focuses on specific questions young workers should ask their employers to avoid a workplace injury or death. Based on extensive research and testing, the campaign focuses on 15 to 19-year-olds and emphasises that workplace incidents can be very real with lasting consequences. It includes transit ads, video productions for movie theatres, posters, Internet banner ads - all of which encourage young workers to visit www.bloodylucky.ca.
“We find that every workplace incident uncovers several unfortunate choices that were made that led to the tragedy; there are no accidents,” says Dr. Michael Alpern of the Job Safety Skills Society, a member of the Young Worker Provincial Advisory Committee. “Research shows that young workers have a higher injury rate than their workplace peers. We see it first hand and we endorse any program that might save a life or limb.”
The campaign is part of Work Safe Alberta, a unique partnership between industry, labour and government. An integral part of the initiative is promoting workplace safety by increasing public awareness.
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Wednesday, October 08, 2008
New On Demand Web-Based Training for OSHA Required Certifications
To counteract ever-increasing travel and educational costs, SoBran Inc. has inaugurated an advanced online training Website, www.SoBranTraining.com, initially focused on optimizing HAZWOPER 8-hour recertification training.
"As fuel prices have soared, online education has become an increasingly viable option. The time is right for classroom-based courses delivered online," said Soma Martin, SoBranTraining.com Marketing Executive. "For more than 10 years, SoBran has been in the forefront of offering the HAZWOPER 8-hour training for people who need a yearly recertification. Our new online offering is convenient, easy to use, and affordable for employers and individuals who need a compliant, computer-based training solution."
Working with SRP Environmental, a full-service environmental, health, and safety consulting firm, SoBran has developed a media-rich format that focuses on government regulations that apply to industries and businesses handling hazardous materials. "We have consulted with the best people in the industry," continued Martin. "Our customers loved our classroom system; we kept the essence and updated it to capitalize on the greater potentials of the online format."
SoBran Training draws on the company’s extensive experience in hazardous material
management and corporate safety policies to develop the unique interactive training program.
The company’s employees routinely work in environments that expose them to a wide variety of biological, chemical, nuclear, radioactive and explosive (CBRNE) threats. Safety is a top priority that has translated into comprehensive and effective online training products.
The convenient online HAZWOPER annual recertification course combines text, animation, graphics, voice, and music to create virtual environments and real-life problems. Learning by experiencing helps students retain more content and prepares them to react safely on the job.
Interactive quizzes assess training progress and help reinforce the lessons. The course's eight one-hour modules cover:
- Welcome and introduction
- Health and safety overview
- Health and safety planning
- Personal protective overview
- Confined space entry
- Drum and container handling
- Site characterization and hazard assessment
- Safe working practices and hazard recognition
SoBran's Web-based program delivers effective training that complies with OSHA requirements and is available on demand, anywhere, 24/7. Students work at their own pace and have toll-free telephone technical support in English and Spanish.
For employers, SoBran Training's HAZWOPER 8-Hour Annual Recertification Course offers a cost-effective, easily managed process for ensuring your employees are properly trained and certified. Using SoBran Training minimizes your efforts through:
- Volume discounts
- Automatic reminders of recertification deadlines
- Immediate feedback on student's progress
- Easily managed reporting features
- Immediate employee certification upon passing evaluation test
SoBran has also developed progressive training programs for workers in demanding technical specialties, including biochemical defense, environmental and weapons remediation, mail screening and security, and biomedical research support in Biosafety Level (BSL) 1-3 environments.
About SoBran, Inc.
SoBran is an established technical and professional process outsourcing company, serving government and industry for more than 20 years. We partner with our customers to complete critical missions in national defense, homeland security, biomedical research, logistics support, environmental protection, and national energy policy. ISO 9001:2000-certified and experienced in real-world challenges, SoBran brings a skilled professional staff, process orientation, and rigorous quality standards to all of our projects.
Headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, SoBran has major offices in Fairfax, Virginia; Burtonsville, Maryland; and Jacksonville, Florida, with additional field offices providing direct support for federal and commercial clients. We offer services through the GSA IT, PES and LOGWORLD schedules and several GWAC contract vehicles.
Whether the job requires chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) protection, operating a research vivarium, or managing some of the region’s largest warehouses, SoBran has the trained personnel and proven programs to efficiently achieve your goals. For more information, including opportunities to join the SoBran team, please visit www.sobran-inc.com or call (301) 476-9077.
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New Videogame Designed to Teach Forklift Safety
NSC Safetyworks Lift Truck combines Etcetera Edutainment’s videogame technology and game design techniques with OSHA forklift safety regulations to deliver an engaging forklift safety training experience suitable for new or experienced forklift operators. The product launched at the 2008 National Safety Council Congress and Expo and is now available for pre-order. The product will ship at the end of October.
“Improving safety is now a key objective at the executive level of many companies,” says Jessica Trybus, CEO and President of Etcetera Edutainment. “Our unique approach to reinforcing best safety practices helps companies achieve their safety objectives and rely less on on-the-job-training as the sole means of applying what has been learned in traditional classroom and online settings. Our lift truck safety product is the first in a series of industrial safety products that leverage videogame technology and design to increase retention of safety concepts and decrease risk of accidents and mishaps in the workplace.”
NSC Safetyworks Lift Truck allows trainees to drive in a virtual warehouse environment, guided by a series of task-based practice lessons focused on key forklift safety concepts. With each lesson trainees immediately apply what they have learned as they execute everyday tasks and respond to commonplace obstacles and conditions. Drivers receive feedback on their actions in real-time, thereby increasing their awareness of personal performance compared to best safety practices. This real-time feedback loop is powerful and is a key to the game’s effectiveness in increasing safety awareness. After completing the practice lessons, the driver goes on to complete a cumulative final exam where their safety performance is tracked and recorded; qualified trainees receive an NSC training certificate.
“My team tested the Beta version of Etcetera’s game-based forklift safety product,” said Jamie Carnevale Mackay, Alcoa, Environmental Health and Safety Manager. “The software allows trainees to learn, practice and test their forklift safety knowledge, proving competence in safety principles before going back out on the loading dock floor. I think the program is very engaging, easy to use, and is divided into manageable lessons. I look forward to playing the final product.”
Etcetera Edutainment developed NSC Safetyworks Lift Truck as a cost-effective complement to traditional forklift safety training. The training videogame is intended for a broad audience and is designed to run on commonly available PC configurations; no special hardware is required.
Trainees control the game using a standard keyboard. Optionally, an off-the-shelf steering wheel may be purchased independently to create an even more realistic experience.
About Etcetera Edutainment
Etcetera Edutainment is a leader in developing 3D games and simulation products for industrial and workplace safety. Etcetera Edutainment’s proprietary game engine, Crucible®, in combination with extensive experience in game and instructional design, is the foundation of powerful simulation products for safety training to increase knowledge retention and decrease the risk of accidents and mishaps in the workplace.
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Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Free Online Small Business Safety Training
- Easy to develop
- Inexpensive
- Can usually be done in-house
- Reflects your way of doing business
- Based on specific needs of your workplace
1. Introduction to Safety and Health Management Systems
2. Management Leadership
3. Worksite
4. Hazard Prevention & Control
5. Safety & Health Training
6. Post-Assessment
The online course is available at: http://www.ies.ncsu.edu/safetyhealthmgmt/#
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Friday, September 26, 2008
Safety@Work Creative Awards - Take The Lead
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Safety@Work Creative Awards - Safety Harness
Jointly organized by the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council and Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd (ST Engineering) in collaboration with Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the Safety@Work Creative Awards showcases students’ creative talents in advocating the importance of safety at the workplace. The theme for this year competition is Safety@Work, with specific focus on Fall Preventions.
Four posts today will provide four of the award winning videos. This first video, from students of Nanyang Polytechnic, received the Judges' Choice Award. It is called "Safety Harness".
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Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Award Winning Chinese Safety Video
The following is a press release announcing the award:
The Republic of China Institute of Occupational Safety and Health won first place at the International Film Festival in Seoul, Korea during the XVIII World Congress on Safety and Health at Work: A Global Forum for Prevention, Safety and Health at Work: A Societal Responsibility. The International Film and Multimedia Festival attracted 115 films and 50 multimedia applications from 25 countries, and brought a wide range of topics, new and old, to the attention of the Juries.
The Nick of Time, produced by the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Council of Labor Affairs in Taiwan, Republic of China, was awarded a first prize for a very different approach. Taking the concept that "Death is watching", the film uses animation to present the many risks and dangers facing workers, and how their attitude to safety is critical in avoiding injury. The Jury commended the excellent quality of the film, and applauded the original approach.
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Wednesday, August 20, 2008
OSHA's Proposed Rule On Remedies For Violations of PPE and Training Standards
"We want employers to understand the importance of complying with OSHA’s PPE rule for each and every one of their employees," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. "Without question, providing PPE for all employees will reduce costs, save money and, most importantly, save lives."
The proposed rule affects OSHA’s general industry, construction, and maritime standards. In many cases, OSHA combines separate violations of a single requirement in a standard into a single penalty. However, under the instance-by-instance penalty policy, OSHA may propose a separate penalty for each specific violation where the employer demonstrates a flagrant disregard for safety and health.
The proposed rule makes clear that failure to provide appropriate PPE or training may result in per-instance penalties in appropriate cases. The proposed rule does not add new compliance obligations, nor are employers required to provide any new type of PPE or training. The amendments merely clarify that a separate penalty may be assessed for each employee not provided the required PPE or training.
The agency will accept public comments on the proposed rule until Sept. 18. Interested parties may submit comments electronically at http://www.regulations.gov, the Federal eRulemaking Portal; by sending three copies to the OSHA Docket Office, U.S. Department of Labor, Room N-2625, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-2625, Washington, DC 20210; or by FAX at (202) 693-1678 if the comments and attachments do not exceed 10 pages. Comments must include the Agency name and Docket Number for this rulemaking (Docket No. OSHA-2008-0031).
Labels: OSHA, PPE, safety regulations, Safety Training
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Monday, August 18, 2008
Risky Jobs: Communication and Occupational Safety
"The availability of safety information and the willingness of individual workers to seek it out play an important role in safety. In the workplace, employees have to believe that there is reliable and useful safety information available before they can be expected to seek it and act on it. This is important because workplace injuries and fatalities have many ramifications beyond individual suffering."
The articles points out ways that organizations can effectively communication safety information:
1. Organizations should make the safety information personal by using first-line supervisors to deliver safety-related messages, both in word and by example.
2. Safety messages should be simple and to the point.
3. Positive safety behaviors should be encouraged and safety messages should focus on how to initiate safety behavior.
4. Safety messages should be delivered through more than one medium.
The complete article is available on the Communication Currents web site.
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Monday, August 04, 2008
The End Of Play Time?
"Play time is over for children, with up to half of youngsters banned from climbing trees, playing conkers or riding their bikes by over-protective parents who are terrified that they might get hurt.
ICM research for Play England shows that half of seven to 12-year-olds are banned from climbing trees. Four in 10 were banned from playing in their local park or recreational area without an adult present and one in three cannot ride a bike without parental supervision."
What does children's playtime have to do with workplace safety?
Children's playtime does more for children than just being a source of fine. During playtime children learn life skills. If kids are kept from challenging situations during playtime, they will not learn skills they need later in life.
I remember, when I was very young, that I climbed a tree and fell out of the tree. There where no broken bones but it was a lesson about gravity that I've remembered for 50 years. I didn't become afraid of heights, but when I was working as an engineer on new power plant construction during my "invincible years" (late teens and early twenties) I was always sure to use the proper safety equipment when working in high places.
The result of children are being protected from all possible harm is that we'll see new workers coming to the workplace without the "fear" and knowledge they would have gotten from playtime. They will not have the safety skills learned in the safe environment of a playground. Skills they will then need to learn them in the workplace.
As safety professionals this is a trend we need be aware of and be prepared to identify and address in our workplaces.
Here is another quote from the article:
'The research shows that children need to experience challenging play in order to develop important life skills and to better manage risk and challenge in their daily lives,' she said."
Note: This article mentions the sport of "conkers". See our previous post about safety and the game of conkers.
Labels: fall protection, home safety, Industrial Safety, Safety Training
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Thursday, July 10, 2008
There Once Was A Nail Without A Job
He'd done his duty proudly for years.
Then one day it was taken from him.
He was sure someone would notice and put him back to work.
But no one did.
Hope turned to despair.
Finally he decided he would be ignored no longer....
This innocent sounding introduction leads to serious head injury in a safety video titled "Nail" produced by the Extreme Group, in Halifax, Canada. It is one of three videos showing how safety hazards that are ignored can result in injury.
You can view all three videos at:
http://www.extremegroup.com/work/42
The Extreme Group, along with the Workers' Compensation Board of Nova Scotia , Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Worker's Compensation Board of PEI took home a Bronze Lion in the Product and Service, public health and safety category for the "Nail" television commercial at the 2008 Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival.
Labels: Safety Training, safety videos, workplace safety
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Monday, June 23, 2008
Free Online OSHA Training
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/)
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Wednesday, June 18, 2008
OSHA Offers Safety Tips For Working In Summer Heat
"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
Free Service Helps Ensure Workplace Safety In Florida
"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.
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Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Developing A Health And Safety Program
"Compliance begins with commitment to a health and safety program that’s tailored to fit the company. It must blend with its operations and culture so it can help employers maintain a system that continually addresses a focus on prevention of workplace injuries and illnesses."
He then addresses the need to involve employees in health and safety policy making and he follows this with a discussion of an initial and ongoing workplace safety audit and analysis.
He goes on to talk about continually reviewing workplace health and safety to control or prevent workplace hazards.
The article concludes with a discussion about the need and value of training.
You can read the article at Today's Facility Manager.
Labels: hazard prevention, Industrial Health, Industrial Safety, Safety Training, workplace safety
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Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Factory Mutual Makes Its Premium Risk Prevention Data Available at No Cost
Insurer FM Global Makes Its Premium Risk Prevention Data Available at No Cost For First Time in 170 Years
Release of unique source of property protection information reflects changing global risk environment
JOHNSTON, R.I., USA—For the first time in its 170-year history, FM Global, one of the world’s largest commercial and industrial property insurers, today announced its decision to release thousands of pages of its previously exclusive property loss prevention engineering guidelines at no cost through its Web site www.fmglobaldatasheets.com.
FM Global’s Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets provide large-scale businesses, facility and risk managers, as well as the architects, consultants and contractors who work for them, a valuable tool to help prevent property damage and maintain business continuity due to threats posed by fire, weather conditions, and failure of electrical or mechanical equipment.
The engineering guidelines contain a wealth of risk prevention information on hundreds of topics, ranging from building construction and fire prevention, to industrial equipment maintenance and natural disaster preparedness. Users who download the content also receive automatic notification via e-mail when data sheets are updated. FM Global is the only commercial property insurer in the world that develops and provides this type of premium technical data, all of which is based on scientific research and nearly two centuries of loss prevention experience.
FM Global’s decision to make its loss prevention data available at no cost reflects the changing risk profiles of its clients around the world, especially the increasing interdependence of businesses brought about as a result of globalization and technology.
“Companies are now so intertwined and geographically dispersed, that to help them reduce risk and prevent loss, it is beneficial to make our intellectual property widely accessible,” said Tom Lawson, FM Global’s senior vice president, engineering and research. “FM Global is always developing new ways to prevent risk, and we feel this complete access to our engineering recommendations can be invaluable to helping businesses manage the evolving risk environment in this increasingly interconnected world.”
Subjects covered by FM Global’s data sheets include:
- Construction
- Sprinklers
- Water Supply
- Extinguishing Equipment
- Electrical
- Boilers and Heating Equipment
- Hazards
- Storage
- Human Factors
- System Instrumentation and Control
- Pressure Vessels
- Mechanical
- Welding
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Monday, May 19, 2008
U.S. Navy Safety Bucks
The purpose of the program is to increase safety awareness throughout Navy Region Southeast installations by rewarding safe acts that go beyond normal day-to-day operations. It uses an immediate reward as the incentive to good safety deeds.
All base employees should apply safe work practices in their daily operations. Recognition should be given to individuals and departments for attaining an excellent safety record and providing and supporting the Voluntary Protection Program.
Behaviors that are acceptable for an award of an MWR Safety Buck include: identification of unknown hazards in the workplace, providing additional safety guards that enhance a job, taking initiatives to correct a known hazard such as a broken guard or any other good deed is determined by the Safety Buck distributors.
You can read the entire article at: Safety Bucks Program Kicks OffLabels: safety, Safety Training, workplace safety
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Friday, May 16, 2008
Safety Organizations Unveil New Online Safety Training ProgramService
National Safety Council of South Florida, The Safety Center and CertiLearn unveil state-of-the-art online training program
On Wednesday the National Safety Council of South Florida and The Safety Center announced the availability of a new an e-learning site developed in coordination with CertiLearn. SafetyCouncilAcademy.com is a leading-edge educational site dedicated to meeting the learning needs of health and safety professionals.
"We're excited to introduce a site that leverages the true potential of the Internet as an educational medium," said Ron Dearing, Jr, President for the National Safety Council South Florida and Executive Administrator of The Safety Center. The Safety Council Academy offers arange of courses that allow active members of the health and safety community to easily, affordably and conveniently get the continuing education they need to stay at the forefront of their profession.
Courses are aimed at those involved with medical, public health, emergency response and related professions, and cover topics from paramedic response to workplace safety and beyond. Content has been developed by online learning experts who designed the courses to appeal to a variety of learning styles and abilities. Each course leverages an engaging, multi-media environment that makes even challenging material readily comprehensible, significantly improving retention. "One of the main things that differentiates this on-line educational platform from others is blended learning", stated Dr. Chad Brocato, one of the developers of SafetyCouncilAcademy.com. Blended Learning is defined as the process of taking a portion of the training/education on-line and a portion in the classroom. As Brocato states, "There are just some learning components that are best performed in the classroom today."
The National Safety Council of South Florida and The Safety Center have together filled an important need in the local community for quality training and public education. The NSC is a nonprofit charitable organization that is largely known for its driver's education courses and related community-based initiatives centered on the goal of delivering "Programs for Safer Living." The Safety Center is a complementary organization that seeks to serve as a single source for workplace-related training, education, products and advisory services.
The Safety Academy site provides users a great degree of flexibility when it comes to program selection, purchase and delivery options, bandwidth requirements and other key features. Most of the courses are priced at $39.95 and $19.95, however some cost as much as $190.00.
Most of the courses focus on paramedic training. The following is a list of the non-parametic courses as well as a few of the paramedic courses:
HIV-AIDS Education for Healthcare Providers
Electrical Personal Protective Equipment
Electrical Saftey
Working Safely with Electricity
Back Care/Ergonomics
Basic First Aid
Driver Safety
Forklift Operator Safety - Fundamentals
Forklift Operator Safety - Safedriving
Air Medical Crew Course (40 Hour Curriculum)
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Domestic Violence
HIPAA Privacy and Security Training for Medical Records Staff
HIPPA Basic Health Information Security Training
Preventing Medication Errors
Basic Respiratory Protection
Confined Space - Entry Level
Confined Spaces
Equipo de protección personal (PPE) Personal Protective Equipment - Spanish
Personal Protective Equipment
AIDS in the Workplace
Bloodborne Pathogens
Comunicación de Riesgo Hazardous Communications - Spanish
DOT Hazardous Materials General Awareness
Fall Protection
Fire Safety
Flammable Liquid Safety
Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER)
Ladder Safety
Violence in the Workplace
Paramedic - Abdominal Trauma
Paramedic - Acute Coronary Syndromes
Paramedic - Airway Management and Ventilation
Paramedic - Allergies and Anaphylaxis
Paramedic - Behavioral Emergencies
Paramedic - Crime Scene Awareness
More information about CertiLearn is available online at www.CertiLearn.com. More information about the National Safety Council of South Florida and The Safety Center is available at www.SafetyCouncil.com.
Labels: Safety Training
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