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).
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
CSDA / OSHA Alliance Releases Electrical Safety Best Practice
The Alliance between the Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association (CSDA) and OSHA has just released its fourth Best Practice entitled Electrical Safety (CSDA-OBP-1004). "Electrocution is a major focus for OSHA as it is one of the top four leading causes of construction fatalities, and therefore a natural area of focus for our Alliance," said Patrick O’Brien, CSDA Executive Director.
Electricity is widely recognized as a potential workplace hazard, exposing employees to electric shock, burns, fires and explosions. Working on or around electrical conductors and equipment can be particularly dangerous, because electrical energy often cannot be sensed until contact is made. The Electrical Safety Best Practice includes guidelines and preventive maintenance tips that should be applied to every workday. By following the advice given in this document, contractors can greatly reduce the chances of exposure to electrical hazards.
CSDA and OSHA have worked together on safety and health issues for the concrete sawing and drilling industry in an effort to educate contractors, prevent on-the-job accidents and injuries and provide vital materials to advance a safe work environment for sawing and drilling professionals. The Alliance has also released Best Practice documents on the subjects of Highway Work Zone Safety, Reducing Silica Exposure and Defensive Driving. Each of these previously released Best Practices are also available in Spanish.
Representatives from OSHA were at February's World of Concrete to present during the seminar program. OSHA’s Fran Dougherty presented on OSHA Fall Protection Standards while Danezza Quintero presented on the Most Frequent Safety Citations for Concrete Contractors. These speakers also staffed the CSDA booth during World of Concrete trade show to answer questions attendees had related to the health and safety of workers, especially those employed in the sawing and drilling industry.
Read and Download CSDA Alliance Best Practices
Highway Work Zone Safety - CSDA-OBP-1001
- Spanish version
Reducing Silica - CSDA-OBP-1002
- Spanish version
Defensive Driving - CSDA-OBP-1003
- Spanish version
Electrical Safety - CSDA-OBP-1004
Electricity is widely recognized as a potential workplace hazard, exposing employees to electric shock, burns, fires and explosions. Working on or around electrical conductors and equipment can be particularly dangerous, because electrical energy often cannot be sensed until contact is made. The Electrical Safety Best Practice includes guidelines and preventive maintenance tips that should be applied to every workday. By following the advice given in this document, contractors can greatly reduce the chances of exposure to electrical hazards.
CSDA and OSHA have worked together on safety and health issues for the concrete sawing and drilling industry in an effort to educate contractors, prevent on-the-job accidents and injuries and provide vital materials to advance a safe work environment for sawing and drilling professionals. The Alliance has also released Best Practice documents on the subjects of Highway Work Zone Safety, Reducing Silica Exposure and Defensive Driving. Each of these previously released Best Practices are also available in Spanish.
Representatives from OSHA were at February's World of Concrete to present during the seminar program. OSHA’s Fran Dougherty presented on OSHA Fall Protection Standards while Danezza Quintero presented on the Most Frequent Safety Citations for Concrete Contractors. These speakers also staffed the CSDA booth during World of Concrete trade show to answer questions attendees had related to the health and safety of workers, especially those employed in the sawing and drilling industry.
Read and Download CSDA Alliance Best Practices
Highway Work Zone Safety - CSDA-OBP-1001
- Spanish version
Reducing Silica - CSDA-OBP-1002
- Spanish version
Defensive Driving - CSDA-OBP-1003
- Spanish version
Electrical Safety - CSDA-OBP-1004
Labels: Electrical Hazards, electrical safety, Free Safety Guides
posted by Steve Hudgik |
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Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Navy's 3rd Fleet Stands Down Pending LOTO Review
The Navy Times is reporting that Vice Admiral Richard Hunt, the 3rd Fleet commander, has ordered all ships and shore commands to complete a "review of existing safety and tag-out programs." This follows the second electrocution death aboard a ship in the past four months.
The review of all existing electrical safety procedures, including the placement of warning tags designed to prevent electrical shock, is to be completed by March 26th.
You can read the complete Navy Times article here.
The review of all existing electrical safety procedures, including the placement of warning tags designed to prevent electrical shock, is to be completed by March 26th.
You can read the complete Navy Times article here.
Labels: electrical safety, LOTO
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Monday, September 21, 2009
OSHA Opens Record On Proposed Rule On Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution
OSHA announced today that it is opening the record on a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on electric power generation, transmission, and distribution and for electrical protective equipment. This limited opening seeks to obtain comments related to safe proximity between a worker and exposed electrical parts.
OSHA published a proposed rule to revise the general industry and construction standards for electric power generation, transmission, and distribution and for electrical protective equipment, such as insulating blankets, gloves and rubber sleeves. That proposal included revised minimum approach distances (MAD) to determine how close a worker or an object that the worker is holding can get to an electrical part. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers later made further corrections for calculating MAD and the current proposed rule includes those revisions.
"We want to incorporate the most accurate data for keeping workers at safe distances from dangerous electrical sources," said acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jordan Barab. "Extending this rulemaking process will provide us with the information we need to provide the best possible protection for working men and women."
A public hearing will be held Oct. 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The agency will accept comments on the proposed rule until Oct. 15. Interested parties who intend to speak at the hearing must submit notices of intention to appear no later than Oct. 1. Submit comments to the OSHA Docket Office, Docket No. OSHA-S215-2006-0063, U.S. Department of Labor, Room N-2625, 200 Constitution Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210. Comments may also be submitted to http://www.regulations.gov, the federal eRulemaking portal or faxed to the OSHA Docket Office at 202-693-1648.
OSHA published a proposed rule to revise the general industry and construction standards for electric power generation, transmission, and distribution and for electrical protective equipment, such as insulating blankets, gloves and rubber sleeves. That proposal included revised minimum approach distances (MAD) to determine how close a worker or an object that the worker is holding can get to an electrical part. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers later made further corrections for calculating MAD and the current proposed rule includes those revisions.
"We want to incorporate the most accurate data for keeping workers at safe distances from dangerous electrical sources," said acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jordan Barab. "Extending this rulemaking process will provide us with the information we need to provide the best possible protection for working men and women."
A public hearing will be held Oct. 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The agency will accept comments on the proposed rule until Oct. 15. Interested parties who intend to speak at the hearing must submit notices of intention to appear no later than Oct. 1. Submit comments to the OSHA Docket Office, Docket No. OSHA-S215-2006-0063, U.S. Department of Labor, Room N-2625, 200 Constitution Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210. Comments may also be submitted to http://www.regulations.gov, the federal eRulemaking portal or faxed to the OSHA Docket Office at 202-693-1648.
Labels: Arc Flash, Electrical Hazards, electrical safety, OSHA, osha information
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Thursday, June 25, 2009
Arc Flash Blast Video
This is a promotional video for an arc flash shield, but it also provides an excellent view of the power of an arc flash blast.
Related past posts:
Is Your Electrical PPE Adequate?
New (arc flash) Safety Sign and Label Printer
Arc Flash Warning Labels
Related past posts:
Is Your Electrical PPE Adequate?
New (arc flash) Safety Sign and Label Printer
Arc Flash Warning Labels
Labels: Arc Flash, Electrical Hazards, electrical safety, PPE
posted by Steve Hudgik |
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Wednesday, October 15, 2008
The Daredevil Electricians of Pakistan
Owais Mughal writes a blog about Pakistan. His October 13th post presents pictures of power company electricians, and the general public, working on utility wires. The post features lots of pictures along with Mr. Mughal's commentary.
I don't think I can do this report justice by trying to describe it, so I'll just let you read it yourself. Here is the link:
Daredevil Eletricians of Pakistan
P.S. You'll see lots of people in dangerous situations.
I don't think I can do this report justice by trying to describe it, so I'll just let you read it yourself. Here is the link:
Daredevil Eletricians of Pakistan
P.S. You'll see lots of people in dangerous situations.
Labels: Electrical Hazards, electrical safety
posted by Steve Hudgik |
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Monday, April 21, 2008
Doctors Feel Push To Downplay Injuries
The Charlotte Observer is continuing to keep the pressure on OSHA with their latest workplace H&S article. On Saturday they reported on a physicians conference last week in New York. The articles opens with this statement:
"A leading group of occupational doctors is taking the unusual step of speaking out publicly against pressure from companies to downplay workplace injuries."
"To outline their concerns, the physicians have sent a letter to federal workplace safety regulators and held a conference session in New York City on Monday. They're also planning to testify before Congress."
The article presents a series of testimonials from physicians describing instances in which they feel they have been pressured to not "treat injuries in a way that would make them reportable".
You can read the article at: http://www.charlotte.com/local/story/587539.html
"A leading group of occupational doctors is taking the unusual step of speaking out publicly against pressure from companies to downplay workplace injuries."
"To outline their concerns, the physicians have sent a letter to federal workplace safety regulators and held a conference session in New York City on Monday. They're also planning to testify before Congress."
The article presents a series of testimonials from physicians describing instances in which they feel they have been pressured to not "treat injuries in a way that would make them reportable".
You can read the article at: http://www.charlotte.com/local/story/587539.html
Labels: electrical safety, Industrial Health, Industrial Safety, Workers' Comp
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Friday, March 14, 2008
The Electrical Safety Questions OSHA Will Ask During an Investigation
An article titled, What OSHA Expects: The Electrical Safety Questions OSHA Will Ask During an Investigation by Kenneth Cybart appeared in yesterday's Occupational Hazards Magazine. This is how the article introduces itself:
"OSHA’s goal is for employers to identify all electrical hazards, both potential and actual... For electrical safety in the workplace, OSHA relies on expert consensus bodies such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and its standards published in NFPA 70E. To ensure that employers are following NFPA and OSHA guidelines, OSHA trains its inspectors and compliance officers to ask specific questions in the event of an electrical safety incident."
The article presents 17 questions OSHA inspectors are likely to ask, such as:
Are there detailed descriptions of work practices to be employed?
Were the workers performing the tasks qualified to do so?
Were proper tools and equipment used?
Were required electrical safety analysis performed?
You can read the complete article, including all 17 questions, on Occupational Hazards' web site.
"OSHA’s goal is for employers to identify all electrical hazards, both potential and actual... For electrical safety in the workplace, OSHA relies on expert consensus bodies such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and its standards published in NFPA 70E. To ensure that employers are following NFPA and OSHA guidelines, OSHA trains its inspectors and compliance officers to ask specific questions in the event of an electrical safety incident."
The article presents 17 questions OSHA inspectors are likely to ask, such as:
Are there detailed descriptions of work practices to be employed?
Were the workers performing the tasks qualified to do so?
Were proper tools and equipment used?
Were required electrical safety analysis performed?
You can read the complete article, including all 17 questions, on Occupational Hazards' web site.
Labels: electrical safety, OSHA Inspections
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Friday, December 28, 2007
Occupational Hazards #1 Story of 2007
Occupation Hazards E-News newsletter has published a list of the top ten most read stories on the Occupational Hazards web site. The most read online story was from February 14, 2007: OSHA Final Rule Updates Electrical Standard.
An OSHA press release provided this information about the updated electrical standard:
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration will publish a final rule in the February 14th Federal Register for an updated electrical installation standard.
"These are the first changes to the electrical installation requirements in 25 years, so it is important the standard reflects the most current practices and technologies in the industry," said Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Edwin G. Foulke Jr. "The revised standard strengthens employee protections and adds consistency between OSHA's requirements and many state and local building codes which have adopted updated National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and National Electrical Code provisions."
Changes to OSHA's general industry electrical installation standard focus on safety in the design and installation of electric equipment in the workplace. The updated standard includes a new alternative method for classifying and installing equipment in Class I hazardous locations; new requirements for ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and new provisions on wiring for carnivals and similar installations.
The final rule updates the general industry electrical installation requirements to the 2000 edition of the NFPA 70E, which was used as the foundation of the revised standard. The final rule also replaces the reference to the 1971 National Electrical Code in the mandatory appendix to the powered platform standard with a reference to OSHA's electrical installation standard.
An OSHA press release provided this information about the updated electrical standard:
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration will publish a final rule in the February 14th Federal Register for an updated electrical installation standard.
"These are the first changes to the electrical installation requirements in 25 years, so it is important the standard reflects the most current practices and technologies in the industry," said Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Edwin G. Foulke Jr. "The revised standard strengthens employee protections and adds consistency between OSHA's requirements and many state and local building codes which have adopted updated National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and National Electrical Code provisions."
Changes to OSHA's general industry electrical installation standard focus on safety in the design and installation of electric equipment in the workplace. The updated standard includes a new alternative method for classifying and installing equipment in Class I hazardous locations; new requirements for ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and new provisions on wiring for carnivals and similar installations.
The final rule updates the general industry electrical installation requirements to the 2000 edition of the NFPA 70E, which was used as the foundation of the revised standard. The final rule also replaces the reference to the 1971 National Electrical Code in the mandatory appendix to the powered platform standard with a reference to OSHA's electrical installation standard.
Labels: electrical safety
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Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Danger Of Power Lines Video
This video, from Lakeland FL, is of a demonstration showing the hazards of power lines. If you thought wood was a safe insulator , be sure to watch this video.
Labels: electrical safety, safety videos, workplace safety
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