SAFETY BLOG

Workplace Safety in Question

The construction industry has suffered another workplace accident that has taken a man's life on Monday, October 12.  A construction worker in Philadelphia was working from a mobile lift platform when it toppled over while performing construction work on a church roof.  National news is reporting that it was believed the platform rolled over a sidewalk grate which became unstable and caused the lift to become unbalanced, thus falling over with the employee in the basket.  It is believed the boom on the lift was fully extended at the time of the accident and the worker fell approximately 125 feet.

Once again workplace safety will be examined to determine if this construction accident could have been avoided.  The safe utilization of mobile platform lifts is regulated by OSHA standards.  While the details of this accident are still sketchy, we must assume that an adequate safety assessment of the days work may have identified potential hazards to the stability of the lift.  How many more workers are we going to lose in this country before workplace and construction safety is taken seriously?

Intro to Bloodborne Pathogens

Background of 1910 Subpart Z:

• 1986 OSHA petitioned by various unions to set standards for bloodborne pathogens
• December 6, 1991, Bloodborne Pathogens Standards 29 CFR 1910.1030 established
• combination of engineering controls, work practice controls, PPE, training, medical surveillance, hepatitis B vaccinations, signs and labels, and other regulations that minimize the risk of disease transmission
• revised in 2001 to reflect Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act of November 6, 2000
• revised standard took effect April 18, 2001
• enforced July 18, 2001
• Primary agents of concern are HIV, HBV (Hep B), HCV (Hep C)
• Factors that determine overall risk for transmission is the type and number of blood contacts
• Factors that vary risk of exposure are:
• the pathogen involved
• type of exposure
• amount of blood in exposure
• amount of virus in persons blood at time of exposure
• The employer must:
• have exposure control plan in place for reporting exposures
• inform employees about treatments available
• monitor for side effects of treatments
• may involve testing the employee's blood
• risks of infection:
• HBV: none for vaccinated, 6-30% for unvaccinated
• HCV: 1.8%
• HIV: 0.3%

Control and Compliance:

• All employers and employees who have occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens are required to establish a written exposure control plan and must include:
1. an exposure determination:
• list of all job classifications in which all employees have occupational exposures
• list of job classifications in which some employees have exposures
• a list of all tasks and procedures in which exposure may occur
2. methods of compliance
3. HIV and HBV research laboratories and production facilities
4. Hep B vaccination and post exposure evaluation and follow up
5. communications of hazards to employees
6. record keeping
7. procedures for evaluating circumstances surrounding exposure incidents
• Plan must be reviewed annually
• Plan must be available to OSHA for examination and/or copying
• The first principle of compliance is that universal precautions are to be observed
• Engineering controls must be used to eliminate or minimize exposure
• Sharps containers standards:
• puncture resistant and closeable
• labeled with biohazard placard or red colored
• leak proof on bottom and sides
• be constructed to prevent person from reaching inside

Communication and Training:

• Hazards are primarily communicated through labels, tags and placards affixed to containers and contaminated articles or equipment
• this is the visual component of communications
• training will provide knowledge and skills
• Training must include at least the following:
1. accessible copy of the bloodborne text with explanation of content
2. general explanation of blood diseases and symptoms
3. explanation of employers control plan and how to obtain a copy
4. explanation of how to recognize tasks that may involve exposure
5. use and limitations of methods to prevent or reduce exposure
6. all aspects of PPE
7. information on Hep B vaccination
8. information on persons to contact in an emergency and emergency procedures
9. post exposure evaluation and follow up
10. opportunity to ask employers questions

 Always consult government standards for more details.

Be safe out there!

Welding Hazards

Many industries utilize welding operations for construction, fabrication, and maintenance purposes.  Welding and torch cutting are invaluable tools in American industry but can be very dangerous.  Increase workplace safety by discussing welding hazards with your employees and develop a plan to mitigate or abate these hazards.

Welding Health Hazards

• routes of exposure
• inhalation - most common route of accidental entry
• ingestion
• absorption
• injection
• air contaminants
• fumes - usually metallic, hazardous to inhale
• particulates - solids or liquids that can be explosive and/or hazardous to breathe
• gases - can effect the body through all routes of entry
• vapors - evaporation of liquids or solids and can be very deadly
• physical agents
• ultraviolet radiation
• causes skin burns
• feeling of sand in eyes (known as "arc eye")
• infrared radiation
• mitigated with protective clothing and helmets
• intense visible light
• retinal damage from direct viewing
• chemical agents
• zinc
• found in brass, galvanized metals, and alloys
• cause metal fume fever which has symptoms similar to the flu
• cadmium
• rust preventative coating on steel
• severe lung irritation, emphysema, and kidney damage
• beryllium
• alloy element with copper and other metals
• chemical pneumonia
• shortness of breath, cough, weight loss, and fatigue
• iron oxide
• alloying element in steel
• iron pigmentation of lungs
• mercury
• rust prevention coatings
• tremors, emotional and behavioral disturbances, and hearing difficulties
• lead
• lead bearing alloys and lead based paints
• brain damage, central nervous system damage, circulation problems, and damage to the reproduction system
• fire and electrocution
• sparks and heat generated in welding operation can ignite combustible materials
• vapors, dusts, and gases may ignite and explode
• large amounts of electricity are needed to sustain welding operations, welding safety includes controlling electrical hazards

 Please look for future safety huddles dealing with welding PPE and safety regulations.  Always consult government standards for more details.

 Be safe out there!

Classifying Hand & Foot Protection

Hand Protection PPE

The selection of appropriate hand PPE is a very important part of workplace safety.  Safety gloves are offered in many different types of protective materials.  Always complete a hazard analysis before selecting PPE.

• Always use machine guards and do not bypass safety measures.
• Safety gloves & hazard protection:
• Metal mesh - resist sharp objects
• Leather - for rough surfaces
• Vinyl & neoprene - toxic chemicals
• Dielectric rubber - electricity
• Padded cloth - sharp edges, slivers, dirt, and vibration
• Heat resistant - extreme temperatures
• Latex disposable - germs, bacteria, and pathogens
• Lead lined - radiation
• Always wash hands after work operations

Foot Protection PPE

There are many different foot related injuries that can arise on a job site or in a workplace.  The following are all injuries and possible hazards that should be assessed before selecting proper foot PPE:

• Impact injuries
• Spills and splashes
• Compression injuries
• Electrical shocks
• Extreme temperatures and moisture
• Slipping

 Classifying footwear:

• Metatarsal footwear - protect the entire foot from ankle to toes
• A reinforced sole - will protect the foot from punctures
• Latex and rubber footwear - protects from chemicals and prevents slipping
• PVC footwear - protects against moisture and increases traction
• Butyl - will protect against ketones, aldehydes, alcohols, acids, salts, and alkalies
• Vinyl - protects against solvents, acids, alkalies, salts, water, grease, and blood
• Nitrile - resists animal fats, oils, and chemicals

 Always consult government standards for more details.

Be safe out there!

OSHA Inspections

As safety consultants, our job is to help employers and employees understand the OSHA inspection process and inform them of their rights during these inspections.

OSHA Inspections

• OSHA can:
• inspect during regular working hours and at other reasonable times, and within reasonable limits and in a reasonable manner.
• can privately question any employee they see fit to question.
• inspect any place of employment, and all pertinent conditions, structures, machines, apparatus, devices, equipment and materials therein.
• take environmental samples or obtain photographs related to the purpose of the inspection, and employ other reasonable investigative techniques.
• notify the employer before leaving that a temporary restraining order will be petitioned for an imminent danger threat, and require the employer to post a  sign in the hazard area notifying employees of the threat if threat is not immediately abated.
• apply to the nearest federal district court for a temporary restraining order to shut down or halt operations.
• OSHA cannot:
• conduct a warrantless inspection without consent from the employer.
• refuse to be accompanied throughout the inspection process by a representative of the employer or establishment.
• make public any information gathered during the inspection process relating to trade secrets of the employer.
• shut down any employer or operation without a temporary restraining order from a federal court.
• OSHA Inspection Priorities:
1. Imminent danger
2. Fatalities and catastrophes
3. Programmed high hazards
4. Follow up inspections

 Employer Rights

• Employers have a right to:
• seek advice from OSHA.
• require inspectors to furnish identification and warrant.
• have an opening and closing conference.
• accompany inspector during inspection process.
• contest citations.
• take an active role in the development of safety standards.
• have trade secrets kept confidential.

 Inspection Process

• Opening Conference:
• explains purpose and scope.
• employer provides a representative to accompany inspector.
• Documents reviewed:
• OSHA 300 log and 301 forms.
• OSHA poster.
• safety programs
• mechanical power press maintenance and inspection records.
• Safety inspection and walk-through:
• examines site, processes, operations, equipment, machines, devices, etc. for OSHA compliance.
• Closing conference:
• no citation issued at this time.
• briefs employers on conditions found.
• informs employer of whether citations will be issued and the employers right to appeal such citations.

 Always consult OSHA and federal standards for more details.

Be safe out there!

Permit Confined Space Entry 

A Confined Space is defined as a space that:

1. Is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work;
2. Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit;
3. Is not designed for continuous occupancy.

A Permit Required Confined Space is a space that has one or more of the following characteristics:

1. Contains or has the potential of containing a hazardous atmosphere;
2. Contains materials which have the potential for engulfing an entrant (worker);
3. Has an internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor which slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross-section; or
4. Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.

A Competent Person means one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.

Potential Confined Space Hazards

1. Oxygen deficiency atmosphere - <19.5%
2. Oxygen enriched atmosphere - >23.5%
3. Engulfment from materials
4. Entrapment
5. Combustible dusts
6. Mechanical hazards, i.e., crushers, mixers, etc.
7. Flammable gases such as methane
8. Toxic materials, i.e., welding fumes, hydrogen sulfide, CO
9. Electrical hazards

 Responsibilities

There are 3 specified jobs that must be filled prior to any confined space entry:

1. Entry Supervisor:
• Competent person in charge of completing hazard assessment, rescue assessment, and confined space permit
• Assure adequate protection is provided to entrants such as verifying lock out/tag out , and all hazards are securely isolated
• Support attendants authority in controlling access
• Verify all personnel have exited prior to closing space
• Insure all personnel involved are aware of hazards
• Assure rescue services are available prior to entry
2. Attendant:
• Monitor entrants during job, entry, and exit to ensure safety
• May not abandon post for any reason while personnel are in space unless relieved
• Monitor atmospheric conditions in space prior to and during entry
• Control access to space
• Summon emergency assistance as needed
• Assess hazards in and around space, and take action if needed
• Keep records of confined space work, air results, entry/exit, etc.
3. Entrant:
• Assure space has been ventilated, isolated, or otherwise made safe for entry
• Immediately exit a space, without question, upon word of the attendant, no matter what!
• Follow all safety rules and procedures that apply to the job
• Be familiar with the work to be performed and procedures that apply to the job
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment

7 Steps for a Confined Space Entry

1. Isolating the space:
• Close valves
• Double-block and bleed, or use blank flange
• Empty space
• Depressurize, vent, and drain
• Lock out/Tag out
• For all electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, chemical, thermal, or other energy sources
• Clean hazardous residue from space
2. Ventilating the space:
• Mechanical
• Fans or forced air blowers
• Make sure air supply is not contaminated
• Air supply must be from fresh air
3. Pre-Entry meeting:
• All personnel involved in entry procedures shall meet and discuss hazards, rescue, tasks, etc.
4. Completing entry permit forms:
• Correctly and completely filled out prior to entry
• Validated and activated by entry supervisor's signature
• Entry not allowed without valid permit
• Permits valid up to 12 hours in length
• Canceled permits kept on file for 1 year
5. Testing the atmosphere:
• Prior to every entry when space is vacant
• Ventilate for 10 minutes and test again prior to entry
• Continual monitoring while space is occupied
• Must record atmospheric data at least hourly for permit required spaces
• More frequent if conditions exist or suspicions warrant
• Any time a limit is exceeded, no matter what the reason, all personnel shall immediately exit the space and no one reenters until safe levels are attained
• Oxygen levels at least 19.5% to max 23.5%
• A reading of anything other than 21.7 is reason for further investigation of the space
• Flammable atmospheres: less than 10% LEL, lower explosive limit
• Toxic gases:
• CO, PEL <35ppm
• H2S, <10ppm
• any other toxins
6. Entering the space:
• Attendant posted near entrance for duration of work
• Constant communications with entrant for duration
• Entrants to sign the sign-in log when entering and sign out when exiting
7. When the job is done
• Review job: hazards, problems, other contractors, etc.
• Entry supervisor cancels the permit
• Remove all personnel, tools, debris, etc.
• Close the space

 Be safe out there!

Identifying Trench Hazards 

Trenching and excavations are very dangerous operations in the workplace.  The greatest hazard associated with trench work is a trench cave-in.  Cave-in accidents have twice as many fatalities in comparison to all other construction accidents.  Employers and employees have to develop a detailed plan of operation, perform a hazard analysis, inspect the job site, and remain safety conscious at all times.

Identifying and understanding the many hazards present in trenching operations can prevent tragedies on a job site.  The following list comprises many trench hazards that have to be evaluated, mitigated, and abated before trench-work begins.

• Location of underground utilities - Contractors must make an effort to notify utility owners of proposed trench work near or around the location of suspected utilities or before new trenching projects begin.
• Ask owners for exact locations
• Inquire of any and all hazards created by the utilities
• Are there ways to abate or control the hazards associated with those utilities
• If contact with utility owners cannot be made within 24 hours, proceed cautiously with trench operation
• Inclement weather - Always obtain weather reports on a daily basis before starting any trench operations.  Severe weather can have serious effects on the stability of a trench and create deadly hazards within a matter of minutes.
• Alert employees of impending storms, heavy rains, potential flooding, freezes/thaws and lightning
• Soil types - Making a determination on soil type will identify specific hazards and will dictate trench protection systems and regulations.
• Soil testing should always be conducted by a competent person trained in classifying soils
• Always attempt to use multiple forms of testing
• Visual Tests-identify features and characteristics of the soil.
• If present, identify sand, gravel, silts, clays, solid rock, etc.
• Look for fissures or cracks in soil
• Identify standing or seeping water in soil
• Take note of any evidence of erosion
• Evidence that the location has been excavated before
• Manual Tests-employ a competent person to complete manual testing via various means and instrumentation.
• Vibrations - There are many sources of vibrations on job sites, all of which can have a great effect on the shifting or stability of trenches.  Here is a list of some common sources:
• Construction machinery
• Highway traffic
• Railroad traffic
• Pile driving operations
• Jack hammering operations
• Grinding and paving operations
• Industrial operations
• Water - Standing and flowing water can create immediate cave-in and drowning hazards.
• Pump out any and all standing water inside of trench
• Divert flowing water away from trenches
• Assess adjacent structures to identify where runoff will be deposited
• Evacuate any trenches where water is seeping through the soil
• Adjacent structures and over-head operations
• Assess whether or not the weight of adjacent structures will effect the stability of the trench
• Wear appropriate PPE and construct over-head protection for employees who may be injured by falling objects
• Determine if excavating operations will effect the stability of adjacent structures
• Defects in protective systems - Always inspect safety equipment before utilizing.
• Look for inadequate or weakened welds on trench boxes
• Pneumatic lines should be assessed for air leaks and broken couplings.  Pneumatic trench jacks with leaks should never be used
• Always use to manufacturers specifications on the equipment
• Never exceed posted load and weight limits on equipment
• Inexperienced employees - Anytime an employer feels that an employee is unaware of job responsibilities and company safety policies, that employee is not allowed to work in trenching operations until training has been conducted and the employer feels the employee has become competent.

 All of the previous hazards should be identified and assessed before any trench operation begins.  Take care of your employees and your company by developing detailed trenching protocols, conducting site safety inspections and implementing job-specific safety trainings.

Be safe out there!

Heat Emergencies in the Workplace

It is almost time for summer.  Whether working indoors or outdoors, summer means longer days and increased temperatures in the workplace.  Now is a good time for employers and employees to review heat related emergencies and become fluent in ways to decrease the chances of heat-related accidents and injuries.

Heat Related Stressors:

• Direct sunlight
• Poor physical condition of employee
• Lack of ventilation or air movement inside structures
• High-heat operations or processes
• Lack of hydration
• Heavy work clothing or PPE
• Some medicines increase risks
• Lack of experience or tolerance to increased temperatures

Heat Related Emergencies

1. Heat Rashes
• Most common symptom experienced by employees in hot work environments.
• Occurs as a result of skin that stays wet from unevaporated sweat.
• areas commonly affected is the neck, groin, upper chest and back, under breasts, knees and elbows
• Mitigation
• continually seek rest and shelter in a cooler, less humid environment
• keep all affected areas dry
• use dusting powders to decrease wetness and increase comfort, but avoid creams and ointments
2. Heat Cramps
• An early indicator that the employee's core temperature is rising and not compensating properly.
• Symptoms include muscle aches and soreness throughout the body.
• Caused by electrolyte imbalances from perfuse sweating and lack of hydration to replenish nutrients.
• Associated with hard physical labor in hot environments.
• Mitigation
• drink one cup of cool water every 15 to 20 minutes
• consume electrolyte/carbohydrate based sports drinks at regular intervals throughout the day
• implement regular rest breaks in cool shaded environments
3. Heat Exhaustion
• A progressed indicator of more serious heat related injuries.
• Caused by a combination of excessive heat and prolonged dehydration.
• Signs and symptoms are weakness, dizziness, nausea and severe headaches.
• fainting and collapse are severe symptoms that can pose serious injury risks to employees
• Mitigation
• shelter in cool shaded areas
• provide fluid hydration
• apply cold packs to back of neck, groin and armpits
• employees exhibiting symptoms of heat exhaustion should be removed from service and must rest for the remainder of the day
4. Heat Stroke
• A life-threatening disorder!
• Occurs as a result of the body's inability to continually regulate temperature and the body temperature rising to critical levels.
• Early symptoms
• irrational behavior, lack of sweating, extreme confusion, hot and dry skin
• Late symptoms
• seizures or convulsions, loss of consciousness
• death
• Mitigation
• call paramedics immediately
• shelter employee in cool shaded environment
• remove clothing
• wet employee's body with cool water
• apply cold packs to neck, groin, and armpits
• hydrate conscious employee with cool water
• employee must be seen by medical professionals

Best Work Practices

• Provide cool beverages to employees and encourage employees to hydrate every 15 to 20 minutes.
• In extreme temperatures, work in shifts that alternate one group resting in the shade while another group works in the heat.  Continue to alternate at tolerable working levels.
• Expose workers to higher temperatures gradually.  Steadily acclimate employees to higher and higher temperatures and at longer periods of time.  This will increase their tolerance to working conditions.
• Encourage employees to wear light fabrics that wick moisture away from skin and ventilate well.
• Provide rest and recovery in cool shaded areas that may contain fans, misting devices, and hydration services.
• Always monitor employees with chronic and acute health conditions.  Consider reassignment for higher risk employees.
• Reschedule hot work for days when lower atmospheric temperatures will compliment high heat processes and operations.
• Have employees trained in first aid and CPR assigned to every job site or workplace.

Stay cool and be safe out there!

-Heroic Safety

Hazard assessment cannot be stressed enough.  Every time we set foot into the workplace we must evaluate our surroundings and work operations for threats to our safety.

On Thursday April 23, two painters in Akron, Ohio were dropped off at a vacant house under renovation at 10 p.m.  The painting job was fairly straight forward, they were to paint all of the floors on the inside of the house.  The house had no electric service, and since they were going to work throughout the night, they decided to use a generator to provide electric to their portable lights.  The two men placed a gas generator in the fruit-cellar of the basement of the house.  The room that housed the generator had a small open window which the two men obviously thought would be enough ventilation for the exhaust fumes.  There were no other open windows in the entire house.  On Friday morning, the contractor arrived at the residence to check on the painters' progress and found the two men lying on the floor inside of the house.  The man immediately called 911.  When police, fire, and EMS arrived, one of the painters was declared dead on the scene and the other was barely breathing.  Carbon dioxide levels are considered hazardous at 35ppm (parts per million).  The initial levels detected by responders was over 700ppm.

This is just another tragic example of a deadly workplace accident that most certainly could have been avoided with a little fore-thought and safety planning.  Again, we must make safety in the workplace our first priority.  The following is a link to the reported story.

Fumes Suspected in Death

The Heroic Safety Huddle - Hazard Assessment

Hazard assessment and identification are the keys to ensuring a safe workplace.  Construction sites and industrial sites are large operations that are very dynamic in nature.  Therefore, multiple hazards usually exist or can be created in the course of operations.  Even small businesses have existing hazards that need to be addressed.  Taking the time to identify all existing and potential hazards is the first and most basic step in developing a safe workplace.

Everyday, before operations begin, a hazard assessment should be completed by a competent person.  A competent person is defined by OSHA as; a person who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.  Employees are also encouraged to survey their work environment before starting a shift and reporting any existing or potential hazards to their manager.

The following list is a general checklist that can be used by managers and employees to increase their focus on areas that generally contain hazards.  All employers are encouraged to add any areas of their workplace that may not be addressed on the following list.

• The Basics
• Are access and egress points clearly marked and unobstructed?
• Are all employees aware of emergency protocols?
• Is first aid available, and are emergency phone numbers posted in plain sight?
• If working outdoors, does today's weather forecast pose any threats to employees or operations?
• Is a competent person going to be continually on site and do the employees know who this person is?
• The OSHA Focus Four
• Caught In: Are there any areas in the work environment where an employee may be caught, engulfed, trapped, crushed, etc?
• i.e., confined spaces, machine guarding, trenches
• Struck By: Are there any areas where objects may fall on or hit employees?
• i.e., overhead work areas, tow motors, hoist shafts, gantry cranes, vehicular traffic
• Electrical:  Look for electrical wiring hazards, damaged electrical tools or cords, and areas where employees may contact voltage lines.
• Falls:  Look for any areas of the work environment that may create a fall hazard.
• i.e., open stairwells, unguarded edge lines, trip hazards, open trenches, pits, shafts.
• Fire Prevention
• Are all flammable liquids stored in appropriate cans and lockers?
• Are all fire extinguishers, firefighting equipment, and alarms visible and functioning?
• Are escape routes posted in conspicuous places?
• Is all welding and cutting operations done according to regulations?
• Are all sources of ignition managed and inspected?
• Miscellaneous
• Is all equipment or machinery in good working condition?
• Is personal protective equipment appropriate for the task, and is it available to all employees?
• Are all materials stacked or stored properly?
• Are hazardous chemicals labeled appropriately?
• Have employees been trained in their areas of operations?

Never begin any work operations until all identified hazards have been mitigated or eliminated.  Make all employees aware of any hazards found immediately after identification.  Remove any damaged tools, equipment, or machinery from service until repairs, or servicing can be completed.  Keep daily records of all hazard assessments for liability reasons.  Be detailed in documentation to cover what hazards where identified, steps taken to mitigate or eliminate, and all employees notified of the hazards.

Hazard assessment should be completed daily.  This list is to be used as a starting point.  Please add any potential hazardous work areas that may be pertinent to your workplace.

Be safe out there!

Heroic Safety Solutions