Pfizer Fined $15,000 by OSHA for Unsafe Work Practice around Electricity

A complaint on unsafe working conditions led OSHA’s Hartford office to inspect Pfizer’s Groton campus.  The inspection revealed 5 violations related to workspaces and work practices, one of which is unsafe clearance near electrical equipment. The violations, which OSHA termed as serious, were specifically found in the pharmaceutical company’s Buildings 260 and 230 which are office buildings, not laboratories.  Because of these violations, OSHA asked Pfizer to pay more than $15,000 last week.

In spite of the fine, OSHA assured Pfizer that if the allegations turn out to be wrong, the latter can contest the agency’s findings.  However, if the findings are not contested or if OSHA’s findings turn out to be true, the violations will have to be posted on Pfizer’s workplace.

Due to this incident, Pfizer, together with its contracted facility management firm, Jones Lang LaSalle, is partnering with OSHA to address the safety needs.  The company said it welcomes suggestions on workplace safety.

What lessons can be learned from this experience?  What measures could Pfizer have done to avoid such unnecessary notice?  Since one of the violations is particularly about electricity, the bigger question is, how does one work safely around it?  The Safety Blog will try to address these issues by offering some safety reminders not just for Pfizer but for every workplace.

• We are all aware about the hazards of working around electricity.   Exposure to it can cause shock, burn, electrocution and even death.  Therefore, it is very important for live electrical components such as switches, power outlets and breaker boxes to be guarded.  Guarding may be done by using permanent barriers and insulating materials; locking electrical equipment in storages, rooms, and other enclosures; and locking out/tagging out them.  Guarding is an effective way of avoiding worker exposure to electricity.
• Equip yourself.  If necessary, wear the appropriate personal protective equipment and clothing that are approved and certified by the proper authorities.  Also, avoid wearing metallic accessories while working with electrical equipment.
• Always check that the electrical equipment is in good working condition.  Malfunctioning machines are often dangerous.
• Water is an effective conductor of electricity.  It is therefore important that you keep your workplace, especially the locations of electrical equipment, clean and dry.
• Keep sources of spark and combustion away from electrical sources.
• Communication in the workplace is also very vital.  Use labels, signs and permanent markings.  Add information about the electrical equipment’s power. Make sure that they are readable, understood and posted where they are easily seen by the workers.
• Always be ready.  Have fire extinguishers and other fire-fighting equipment in your workplace.  Make sure that they are up-to-date.  Also, be trained in administering first aid especially CPR.  Have emergency contact numbers and keep communication tools working and available.  Have an emergency action plan.
• Check that the electrical equipment are turned off and are guarded before leaving them.

Here are important things that particularly cater to Pfizer’s violation on unsafe clearance near electrical equipment.

• There should be safe and adequate clearance or working space around electrical equipment.  This is necessary so that workers can move around these equipment without getting electrocuted or hurt.  The space must be big enough for them to work comfortably, productively and safely.  The distance usually depends on the voltage and the nature of the equipment.  Thus, it is very crucial to have the equipment’s information as well as the authority’s standards, regulations and recommendations handy.
• Keep the working space free from obstructions.  This will ensure smooth movement as well as maintain a fire- and explosion-free environment.
• Ensure that the working space is well-lighted; it is risky to work in the dark.  Also, keep your area well-ventilated to prevent the equipment from overheating.

Take note that there are also situations that happen outdoors such as cranes getting in contact with overhead power lines and electrocution while repairing utility poles that also concern safe clearance around electricity.   Thus, it is your responsibility to have full knowledge and understanding of your assigned task and know the precautionary measures that you have to take to prevent any electrical accident.  Remember to always stay safe at work!

OSHA Strengthening Outreach Program; Fraudulent Trainers Targeted

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is strengthening the Outreach Training Program—a curriculum on educating employers and workers about workplace hazards—after reports of the presence of fraudulent trainers circulated. Since this Program is a voluntary initiative, independent trainers—both eligible and ineligible—have emerged for the construction and general industries.

However, despite OSHA regulation through the handing out of 10-hour course completion cards (which serve as “certifications”), some trainers have still been found to provide training that is not in accordance with the program. To solve this and to identify program violators, OSHA is working on how to improve trainer authorization procedures as well as how to ensure that trainers are in compliance with the agency’s program guidelines. According to OSHA’s Jordan Barab, though independent trainers have significantly helped in the expansion of the training program, fraudulent activities and unscrupulous trainers will not be tolerated by the agency as it is the health and lives of the workers that are threatened. In strengthening the program to address this issue, the following procedures are done:

• Trainers are given authorization to teach and to do outreach training only after completion of a one-week course in an OSHA Training Institute Education Center.
• Only after going through the course at OSHA’s Training Center do trainers become eligible to teach the 10-hour and/or 30-hour programs. The 10-hour program covers basic information about workplace hazards and an introduction to OSHA standards and regulations, while the 30-hour program includes courses in construction, maritime and general industry safety and health hazards.
• Completion of the Outreach Training Program from an authorized trainer/training center will entitle the student/trainee to an OSHA 10-hour card. Some states and cities require their workers to undergo this training as well as to earn an OSHA card as a condition of employment.
• OSHA is increasing unannounced or surprise monitoring visits at independent training centers to check if trainers are in compliance with program requirements.
• The agency has also developed a process for investigating and arbitrating complaints. From this, OSHA will create and post on its Web site a “watch list” containing details of outreach trainers who have received disciplinary action.
• OSHA requires trainers to certify their classes as well as to have documentation of their training. These requirements should first be met as well as submitted before OSHA will release the course completion cards to the trainers.
• The Outreach Training Program courses have also been revised as well as the exams made more challenging so that the authorization of new trainers is made more competitive.
• Though still undergoing development, OSHA will be adding an ethics module to all trainer courses.
• OSHA will continue to refer fraudulent activity to the Labor Department’s Office of the Inspector General and trainers caught falsifying information will be subject to criminal prosecution.

Barab concluded by emphasizing that these efforts to strengthen OSHA’s Outreach Training Program are still for the workers to receive quality training, to help them gain employment, and to keep them safe in their workplace, wherever it may be.

OSHA Convenes on Diacetyl, a Potentially Harmful Chemical Found in Food Flavorings

OSHA convened small business employers regarding proposed rules on exposure to diacetyl, a potentially harmful substance found in food flavorings.  The goal is for the employers to review the proposal before OSHA publishes the rules.

Prior to this convening, there have already been cases of workers’ deaths due to respiratory problems reportedly caused by prolonged exposure to diacetyl.

Why these deaths?  If diacetyl exposure causes death, does ingestion of it also cause the same?

The chemical diacetyl is responsible for the butter-like flavor in several food products.  It is found in dairy products, coffee, brandy and rum.  Artificially, it is used as flavoring in popcorns, baked goods, cake mixes and even in pet foods.  Yes, frequent and repeated inhaling of its vapors in high concentrations may lead to lung problems; however, ingestion does not since it is classified as “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) for consumption by the Food and Drug Administration.

Aside from lung problems, diacetyl purportedly causes skin, eye, nasal and upper respiratory burns too.

For workers assigned in flavor-making plants or in facilities that coat food products like popcorns with flavorings that contain diacetyl, extreme caution is therefore important.  Here are exposure control methods that must be followed.

1. Know your health condition.  If you have sensitive lungs, ask your employer if you can be assigned to tasks that will limit or not expose you to diacetyl vapors.
2. Be properly trained – in detecting the release of diacetyl, its physical and health hazards, and the control measures necessary such as work practices, emergency procedures, and the use and maintenance of PPE.  Training should be done as often as necessary.
3. Read the Material Safety Data Sheets or MSDS of diacetyl before you use them.
4. Take note that diacetyl is flammable so keep it away from fire or any source of spark.
5. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after working with diacetyl.
6. Clean up spills and leaks immediately.
7. Ensure safety when cleaning and maintaining tanks and other containers.  Make sure that the cleaning areas are isolated.  Rinse tanks and containers with cold water first; do not use compressed air in cleaning powdered butter-flavoring chemicals.  If you need to enter tanks and containers, make sure that you comply with confined space entry requirements.
8. Implement engineering controls:

• Close or cover mixing tanks.  Provide local exhaust ventilation from the mixing and holding tank to the outside of the facility.  Make sure that you comply with environmental regulations when doing this.
• For transferring purposes, utilize pumping system instead of manual transfer to minimize exposure.  Provide a separate room or enclose a room used for butter flavored popcorns.  Make sure that there is negative air pressure in the mixing room in relation to the rest of the facility.
• Use the appropriate PPE.  If you operate or work inside the mixing room, make sure that you use the proper respirator.  In choosing the proper respirator, consider your operations, the working condition, and other factors.  For microwave popcorn facilities, a NIOSH-certified air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridges may be used.  In hot mixing rooms, another kind of respirator called powered air-purifying respirator or PAPRs may be considered.
• Aside from the respirator, you may also need to wear eye protection as the vapors may also irritate your eyes; gloves and apron made of butyl rubber to prevent skin irritation; and chemical-resistant gloves or sleeves to avoid dermal injury.
• Keep your workplace well-ventilated.  When using ventilation, make sure that the other areas of the facility do not get contaminated.

These are important control methods from OSHA that you must follow if you want to have a safe working environment.  Be fit, healthy and safe at all times!

Over $1 Million in Penalties for Wisconsin Plant

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited a whey processing plant located in Wausau, Wisconsin a total of 1.14 million USD in penalties for their workplace safety violations. The amount is the second highest for this year that OSHA has sought against violators, according to Brad Mitchell of the US Department of Labor.

Milk Specialties Global of Whitehall will have to answer to OSHA’s citations against them that their plant has unaddressed safety hazards. The company was allegedly allowing untrained workers to do maintenance work around tanks and power equipment without protection. In the past couple of years, five fatalities have also been recorded at the plant. The accidents were reportedly due to confined space entry issues—all of which could have been prevented from happening. OSHA has stated that the proposed penalties involved 17 willful violations that were committed with “plain indifference or intentional disregard” for employee safety and health. Citations for 4 repeat violations and 17 serious violations—including unchecked fire extinguishers, lack of lighting and signs for exits, and improper guarding of wall and floor openings—were also laid down. Mitchell added that Milk Specialties had been given 15 days to respond and to attend to OSHA’s citations.

Trevor Tomkins, Chief Executive of Milk Specialties, expressed in behalf of the company their surprise and dismay over the alleged violations that led OSHA to cite and penalize the processing plant. According to Tomkins, the allegations were unfair as they employed only eight workers and that their recorded workplace injury had only been one. Tomkins, however, stressed that they were willing to work hand in hand with OSHA to resolve the matter as they were committed to employee safety.

And what can be learned from this recent OSHA citation? Compliance to safety rules and regulations is still the key. Plants as worksites are hazardous by nature and workers have to be looked out for by the management to ensure safety. Here are some safety points to remember:

• Identify and address safety hazards as early as they arise. Do not neglect attending to such worksite issues—and neither should anyone wait for any mishap or accident to occur before safety measures are taken.
• Train your employees and get them educated on safety. OSHA requires a 10/30 Hour Training Program for General Industry that will equip your workers on the basics of workplace safety. Make sure that you don’t get left behind!
• Have your employees wear and use all the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while on the job—especially in tasks involving equipment and other risky setups.
• OSHA has safety regulations for confined space. Get a hold of the guidelines, inform your employees, and implement the rules in your worksite.
• Plants are fire hazards, so always give importance to taking fire safety measures in your own plant. Update your fire extinguishers, properly maintain your fire exits, and utilize a fire safety plan.
• Put up all the necessary guards, whether on any equipment or on every working and walking surface in your plant.

Compliance to safety rules and regulations will not only keep you in good reputation with OSHA, it will also—and most importantly—ensure safety and health in your workplace and for your workers. Keep healthy and safe.

3 Deaths Point to Machine and Equipment Accidents

Three separate deaths of workers in Michigan, Oregon and Pennsylvania, occurred last week due to accidents while using machinery tools and equipment.

The first incident in Michigan involved a 21-year-old window washer who fell while rigging down the Grand Rapids Art Museum on Wednesday afternoon.  Reports say that his rig gave way as he made his way down from the roof of the building.

The second death happened in North Portland on Wednesday night while a man was operating a 40-foot lathe and got caught in it.  None of his co-workers saw what happened until they heard noises and that’s when they turned off the machine.

The last incident in Northern Pennsylvania on Thursday was a drilling accident where a worker’s skull was crushed when his head was caught between a control box and a drilling rig.

OSHA is looking into all three cases.

Let’s look at some issues that were raised from these three incidents and what needs to be done to avoid them from happening in your workplace.

1.  For the window washer incident, why did the rig give way?  Was it not properly anchored?  Was it too windy?

• First and foremost, always remember that you need a certificate on professional window washing before you can do the task.
• Since you’ll be working on suspended platforms, keep your tools to a minimum.  Bring only what is necessary.  Know the platform’s load capacity and do not overload it.
• Also, keep the platform clean (oil- and grease-free) and clutter-free so that you avoid any slipping or tripping accident.
• Check that the supports and anchors of the platform are strong enough.
• Be knowledgeable of fall protection systems.  Wear the appropriate body harnesses.  See to it that all connections are fastened, locked and secured.
• As much as possible, do not wash windows on windy days, especially at high altitudes.  This is dangerous.  Clean when the weather is more peaceful.

2.  For lathe safety, remember that it is your responsibility to safely operate and properly maintain the machine.  The following are some tips for you:

• Read, understand and follow the owner’s manual.
• Taking off from the second incident, do not wear loose clothes and dangling accessories that might get caught in moving or rotating parts of the machine and might pull you towards it.  If you have long hair, tie it.
• Remove objects from the lathe bed before turning it on.
• Keep your hands away from moving parts.  Specific lathe parts should be guarded.
• Wear durable PPE that will protect your eyes from flying objects.
• Wear sturdy and closed shoes that will protect your feet from any sharp objects on the floor or that might fall on the floor.
• Start a lathe at low speed and then increase the speed gradually if necessary.
• Never leave a lathe that is turned on.

3.  For drilling safety that refers to the last incident, here are useful reminders for you.

• Wear hard hats all the time.  Use gloves when working with ropes.
• Don’t forget to install machine guards and other safeguards where necessary.
• Use forklifts properly.
• Make sure your pipe racks are leveled properly.
• When there are suspended or moving pipes and other objects, remember to stand clear.  Always be aware of your environment.  Keep your hands away from moving chains.
• Use the proper techniques in handling pipes, tools and equipment.  Apply proper hand placement.
• Keep your work area clutter-free and oil- and grease-free.
• Lubricate what needs to be lubricated.  Make sure everything is in good condition.
• Keep all machines and equipment clean and well-maintained.

The above safety tips and reminders are just some things that you have to keep in mind.  Constant training is very important for you to escape death from machine and equipment accidents.  Yes, these accidents happen; but remember, they can be avoided.  Stay safe at work!

The Latest on Construction Site Accidents

A crane operator became another casualty to a workplace accident when the crane he was operating fell over last June 15 in Home Port Marina, Tarpon Springs. Ivan Hubbert, 71, died after falling off his crane and suffering severe head injuries. As of press time, OSHA is still looking into the incident.

In another issue on construction and workplace safety, a New York Committee for Occupational Health and Safety (NYCOSH) report drew attention to the alarming rates of workplace fatalities in the area. Though the numbers have decreased in recent years, records show that the numbers for occupational injuries and on-the-job fatalities are still relatively high, especially in the construction industry. Immigrant, minority, and non-union workers were also identified to be the most predisposed in these numbers.

The report has cited the following causes for New York’s workplace safety issues:

• Low number of OSHA state inspectors in proportion to workers. It has been distinguished that the ratio of inspectors to workers is smaller now than in the past years. This has become insufficient in meeting worker needs as well as in providing for their protection and guidance. New York was reported to have a lower ratio than that of the International Labor Organization’s (ILO) standard which is 1:10,000.
• OSHA’s penalty structure is insufficient. The NYCOSH report showed that this is evidence of a lack of enforcement—not enough to compel industries to comply with regulations. The low fines and meager penalties have not been effective in deterring or curbing the occurrence of workplace accidents. (Workplace fatalities in New York are only fined a little over $5,000; reports also show that no employer cited for a hazard leading to a fatality was brought to court for prosecution.)
• Construction worker fatalities still rate as highest among all the occupational sectors. Injuries and deaths in construction sites are still higher than in most workplaces. In New York, fatality rates in the construction industry are also higher than in most areas.

Other issues and concerns that surfaced in the report were:

• The need to focus on the construction sector due to the high activity of construction (particularly of residential buildings) in New York.
• Employers failing to prioritize the safety of their workers—particularly that of addressing hazards and dangers in the worksites.
• The need for a stricter enforcement and more severe penalties—effective enough to deter further workplace accidents.
• The issue on OSHA moving to propagate new crane regulations. (Concerns arose in the localities because some found this as a pre-emption to stricter regulations they can otherwise implement. Local authorities felt that this would only inhibit them from enforcing stronger rules on their constituents.)
• The need to amend the OSH Act so that OSHA’s enforcement budget will be increased. (The budget increase was identified due to the need to coordinate local authorities, agencies, and unions so that all will work together towards worker and workplace safety. Behind the need for a budget increase is still the goal to encourage cooperation among various sectors and concerned entities so as to reduce workplace injuries and fatalities.)
• The need for OSHA to give particular and immediate attention to protecting non-union and immigrant workers. (Non-union and immigrant workers rate as the highest in the worker fatality numbers yearly.)

The NYCOSH report concluded with an emphasis on the need for a restructuring as well as a budget shift for OSHA. They identified these two as the main keys that might contribute to the ultimate goal of reducing the fatality rates and, eventually, preventing death and injury in the workplace.

Avoid OSHA Fines from Gun Making Violations

OSHA recently called the attention of a firearms manufacturing company because of its alleged violations on health and safety standards.  The Newport plant of Sturm Ruger & Co. Inc was inspected between November 2008 and May 2009 and was discovered to have violated standards on PPE and machine guards, fire and explosives as well as inadequate recordkeeping among others.  Due to this, OSHA wants to fine the company $255,150.

To avoid having a similar experience, be reminded of the safety practices in every step of manufacturing gun and other firearms.  Whether casting metal or polishing firearms, be sure you are following the rules and regulations that are set in place by your employer and your local authority.  Here are some ways you can avoid being fined by OSHA.

• Use the necessary PPE such as respiratory protection every time you do your work.  This is to avoid inhaling lead and other dangerous chemicals that are transmitted through air.  Use the proper eye protection too such as safety goggles as well as the proper clothing – usually, long sleeves and pants to protect your skin.  Your employer must be able to provide you with these.  Maintain your PPE and clothing well.
• Follow every step carefully and be sensitive to your environment.  Remove all clutter and unnecessary items in your workplace to avoid fire and explosions.
• Always guard machines that have rotating or dangerous parts.  Don’t leave them exposed.  This is for everyone’s safety.
• Equip your workplace with fire extinguishers and other fire-fighting equipment.  Make sure they are inspected regularly to ensure that they work effectively when the need arises.
• Keep your machines well-oiled, if necessary.  Always inspect them to make sure that all parts present are in good condition.  Replace parts that need to be replaced and repair machines that need to be repaired.  Don’t forget to turn off machines and unplug them before doing these.  Keep in mind the lockout and tagout regulations too.
• If there is a need to post print outs of reminders and safety checks for everyone, do so.
• Keep your workplace well-ventilated to avoid suffocation and sudden explosions.  Keep flammable items away.
• Do not smoke while you are at work to avoid sparks.
• Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before eating, drinking or smoking to avoid lead poisoning.  Better yet, wash whole body and change into clean clothes after working.
• Check electrical connections from time to time to prevent electrocution and other electrical accidents.
• Clean all surfaces of your work area after working.  Use the appropriate cleaner and detergent for removing lead that has settled down.  Use also the proper disposal bags for safe waste elimination.  Keep the whole workplace clean, tidy and organized all the time.
• Practice effective record-keeping.

Keeping up with safety precautions in gun making is more than just avoiding fines imposed by OSHA.  It is, more importantly, about protecting yourself and your co-workers from the hazards brought about by the nature of your work.  Wherever you are working, always keep your workplace a safe one!

3 Workers Fall to Their Deaths off a Scaffold

Another worksite accident occurred last June 10, 2009, this time, three construction workers fell to their deaths from a scaffolding that collapsed in West Campus. The incident happened in the construction site of a luxury, high-rise residential condominium neighboring the University of Texas. The reasons for the collapse of the supposed-to-be secure scaffold as well as its fall height or plunge distance are still unknown. The names of the victims, four in all with one attaining only minor injuries, are yet to be released.

The scaffoldings erected in the said construction site were reported to be unstable and not secure for working, but official reports of what and how things happened exactly that Wednesday are yet to be stated. As of press time, the scaffolding contractor, the project’s developer, and the building owner, have all refused to comment. OSHA and local police are now looking into the incident, with the deaths being investigated as an industrial accident.

The opening of the new condominium was set this summer, but with the recent accident and the investigations still to be done, its opening might be delayed. A consultant to the building owner, MacArthur Management LLC, has however stated that they are now looking after the victims’ families.

Another factor which will be looked into on this incident is the reported lack of worker training, as Texas’ construction workers are not required to have training before working on a scaffold. The same does not apply in most states. This, of course, is evidence of a slack in implementation, on top of the already weak state regulations. The state of Texas has been known for such construction site accidents.

The thing we can learn from this, time and again, is that safety should always be given a premium. This, of course, starts with the proper implementation of safety regulations so that workers can—and will—be protected on the jobsite or in their workplaces. Success will not be one way, however, as workers also need to be vigilant as well as to work hand in hand with various safety agencies to ensure that safety is always upheld in their worksite.

DOSH Proposing New Heat Illness Requirements

The June 18 meeting of the Cal/OSH Standards Board in Oakland will include an emergency proposal on heat illness prevention that seeks to bring “more specificity and enforceability” to General Industry Safety Orders §3395.

The proposed amendments will, according to the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR):

• Clarify the provisions on when and how to provide shade, drinking water and employee training;
• Add tiered procedures to be followed when temperatures are above 85F and 95F;
• Add related requirements to implement “feasible and effective” measures for protecting employees working outdoors;
• Eliminate the definition of the “preventative recovery period.”

DIR says the board meeting will give the public an opportunity to comment on the emergency proposal. The board is expected to vote on the proposal at the same meeting.

Source : Cal-OSHA Reporter

Trench Collapse Minutes After OSHA Officer Stops Work

An april release from the OSHA quick-takes shows another great example of the dangers of trench collapses.  In this example – OSHA claims that just minutes after an OSHA officer stopped work on an 8 foot trench, it collapsed.  This collapse was particularly mind-blowing, due to an unnamed employee arguing with the OSHA officer literally 3 seconds before the trench collapses.  A video transcript :

OSHA Officer : “This is a good demonstration as to why you’re not supposed to be down there without caving protection…”

Employee : “I understand that, but when we also would’ve seen any type of movement, we would have been out of there and been able to excavate it out before it happened….and I know it’s a…a “what-if” on both ends…”

**3 Seconds Elapses…**

**Trench Collapses**

OSHA Officer : “I mean I wouldn’t wanna be down in there when that happens…and it’s hard to judge when those things happen.”

You can see the fissure on the left side of the trench, about 0.5″-1″ wide which gradually grows during the course of the video.  While this particular example seems underwhelming, keep in mind that this trench is approximately 8 feet deep, Earth falling on you from above is never a good thing no matter what quantity.

To raise awareness and prevent accidents like this, OSHA provides specific information on Trench and Excavation in their usual format, laid out to answer any questions you have regarding this.

1. What OSHA standards apply to trenching and excavation?
2. What information is available to the construction industry regarding trenching and excavation?
3. What are the potential hazards and possible solutions associated with trenching and excavation?
4. What additional information is available regarding trenching and excavation?

Additionally, OSHA Directive CPL 02-00-069 [CPL 2.69], (1985, September 19). Establishes a National Emphasis Program (NEP) for the programmed safety inspection of trenching and excavation operations.

A video of the incident can be seen by clicking here.