My Safety and Health

OSHA: Sawmill Safety and Health Violations

2012-02-14T19:08:00.000+08:00

By MIKE STUCKA - mstucka@macon.com

Federal regulators say a Sandersville sawmill exposed workers to falls of as much as 18 feet and didn’t develop procedures to remove electrical power to dangerous equipment while it was being worked on.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced Monday it is citing Beasley Forest Products Inc. for 21 safety and health violations, with proposed penalties of $78,000.

Included in the complaint are 12 serious safety violations including improper use of compressed air for cleaning, a lack of guardrails and handrails on walkways and stairs, improper signage, improper machine guards, a damaged ladder, problems with access to a circuit breaker box and missing covers on electrical boxes, according to an OSHA statement.

OSHA said the company also failed to create a hazard communication program for people working with combustible dust, prevent the accumulation of combustible dust, launch a hearing conservation program, and properly store oxygen and acetyline cylinders. Those were termed serious health violations.

OSHA said serious violations leave a substantial probability that death or serious harm could result from hazards the employer knew, or should have known, about.

“This inspection has identified a range of hazards that include the accumulation of combustible dust, a clack of machine guarding and fall hazards,” said Bill Fulcher, director of OSHA’s Atlanta-East Area Office, in a statement. “Employers cannot wait for an OSHA inspection to identify the hazards that expose their employees to the possibility of serious injuries.”

Source : www.macon.com

LOL : Planned Accident

2012-02-13T23:28:00.001+08:00

Planning your own accident? What shall you do?

Source : www.DarthsAndDroids.net

Heat Risk to Workers

2012-02-12T20:11:00.000+08:00

Heat, whether 'seasonal' or part of the 'normal work environment', can be a hazard - working in heat can lead to workers suffering serious illness and can also lead to increased accidents. Here's information on the effects of heat and gives reps an Action Plan on how to tackle the issue at the the workplace.

Rest - Work breaks

The following is a suggested place to start when negotiating a rest-work regime for inclusion in a Heat Policy.

Duration of paid rest breaks within each hour when the temperature reaches and/or exceeds temperatures shown	Temperature (ºc)
15 minutes	30 degrees
30 minutes	32 degrees
45 minutes	34 degrees
60 minutes	36 degrees

Ensure the policy is reviewed each year by the OSH Committee.

Summary for the Health and Safety Representative:

Talk to your members about heat and its health and safety effects.
Carry out an audit of the workplace to identify heat stress areas.
Ensure the employer monitors the health and safety of workers.
Ensure that all incidents are reported.
Negotiate a heat policy appropriate to your workplace through your health and safety committee if you have one - don't wait until summer to raise the issue with management.
Review your policy each year.

Legal Standards

There are no regulations specifying standards for maximum temperatures in the workplace.

However, employers have a duty under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (1994) to provide and maintain for employees, as far as practicable, a working environment that is safe and without risks to health. This includes providing a safe system of work, information, training, supervision, and where appropriate personal protective equipment. The employer also has the duty to monitor conditions at the workplace - this includes heat.

Importantly, the employer has a duty to identify hazards and implement controls to eliminate or, if this is not reasonably practicable, reduce the risks associated with the hazards. The employer MUST consult with elected ohs reps where these exist, and affected workers on the measures to be implemented to eliminate/reduce the risks.

The UK's OHS regulator, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), has a section on their website which specifically addresses matters of Temperature, including what the HSE recommends in terms of minimum and maximum temperatures.

What are the health effects of exposure to heat?

When the body is exposed to more heat than it can cope with, this leads to heat stress. The body tires to cope mainly by evaporation - sweating. As the temperature in the work environment increases, so too does the body's temperature. This triggers sweating and a flow of blood to the skin where it can be cooled by evaporation. Excessive sweating leads to loss of water from the body, dehydration and loss of salt, resulting in potentially serious health effects.

Possible consequences of excessive heat:

Increase in the likelihood of accidents due to reduced concentration; slippery, sweaty palms; increase of discomfort of some personal protective gear, resulting in reduced protection and unsafe conditions, etc
Skin Rashes: "prickly heat"
Heat Illness:
Heat Cramps: Muscle spasms as a result of heavy sweating without restoring the body's salt/water balance.
Heat Exhaustion: Dehydration following heavy sweating causes clammy, moist skin, weakness and fatigue, nausea, vomiting, headache and giddiness. Reduced blood flow to the brain may lead to fainting.
Heat Stroke: Hot, dry skin and rapidly rising body temperature can lead to collapse, loss of consciousness, convulsions, even death
Aggravation of other medical conditions and illnesses: e.g. high blood pressure or heart disease due to increased load on the heart
Aggravation of the effects of other hazards: through interaction with other workplace hazards such as noise or exposure to toxic substances heat can compound their effects
Reproductive Disorders: may affect sperm count or the health of the foetus.

Some of the problems and their symptoms experienced in the temperature range between a comfortable zone (20C - 27°C)

Who is at risk?
Workers in a variety of occupations may be exposed to heat stress. For example, working in any, or a combination of, the following conditions:

outdoor workers - such as construction and building workers, gardeners, etc - particularly during summer months;
occupations where there are plant or processes which generate radiant heat. These include: bakeries, kitchens, laundries, foundries, boiler rooms, steelworks and in other manufacturing processes. Workers in these industries become "acclimatized" (that is used to) to these conditions to a certain extent;
occupations such as those in building and construction;
hot, stuffy, and poorly ventilated buildings; and
working in vehicles.

Source : ProfShukor.blogspot.com

When Older Workers Drive

2012-02-12T00:25:00.000+08:00

The days of retiring at age 62 or so are over for many. Instead of playing golf and gardening, a significant number of older Americans are still at work.

For example, the rates of driver involvement in fatal work-related crashes steadily increase beginning around age 55, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

Changes that occur because of aging may contribute to this increase. Older drivers can suffer from reduced night vision and increased intolerance of glare, slower reaction times, declines in cognitive functioning, and decreasing muscle strength and range of motion.

Although most of these changes do not affect a person’s ability to work, they can affect the ability to safely operate a vehicle, making it harder for older drivers to react quickly and effectively to road hazards.

Older workers may also suffer from chronic conditions like arthritis or take medications that affect their alertness.

Protect older workers from motor vehicle hazards by:

Ensuring that they participate in driving safety courses, like those offered by AAA or insurance providers, even if they have safe driving records.
Scheduling driving tasks with sensitivity to older drivers. In particular, daytime driving could be assigned preferentially to older workers, while night-driving tasks could be assigned preferentially to younger workers.
Making sure older workers are aware of the potential effects of medications they may take on their ability to drive safely.

Older workers bring much to your workplace with their experience, wisdom, and caution. Provide them with the information and resources they need to counter age-related conditions and continue working productively and safely.

Source : Safety.BLR.com

OSHMS Manual 3.05 of 9 : Legislation (Standards)

2012-02-10T18:34:00.001+08:00

OSHMS Manual
previous : Part 3.04 - Legislation (Codes of Practices)

3.05 The OSH Standards

Standards generally outline acceptable minimum requirements in a system or engineered manufacture. Standards can cover such areas as construction, quality and performance (including endurance, strength and wear-and- tear) and tolerances. Though we may exceed the expectations of any prescribed Standards, we must not deliver anything less.

Standards apply to many parts of a business operation, and include fire and pressure vessel standards, personal protective equipment minimum requirements, plumbing and electrical requirements and so forth.

A standard highly recommended for reference is the Malaysia Standard for Occupational Safety and Health Management System.

Standards are available from Standards Malaysia, and incur a fee. Apply to Standards Malaysia, Century Square, Level 1 & 2, Block 2300, Jalan Usahawan,63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, MALAYSIA (Phone: +603-8318 0002).

next : Part 4.01 - OSH Policy and Procedure

Halliburton Receives OSHA Star Worksite Approval

2012-02-09T18:01:00.001+08:00

Halliburton has been reapproved by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as a Star Worksite within its Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP). The worksite approval is for Halliburton's Drill Bits and Services manufacturing facility in The Woodlands, Texas. It is the only drill bit manufacturing facility in the energy services industry to achieve this status.

At this location, Halliburton designs and manufactures roller cone and fixed cutter drill bits to handle a broad range of drilling challenges. It also repairs bits at the facility, which opened in 2003 and was first certified in 2004. This is the second time the facility has been recognized with a recertification after completing an intensive audit process with OSHA/VPP. The first VPP recertification, which is designated for three years, was awarded in 2008.

"Serving as a model of excellence and influencing safety practices across the energy services industry demonstrates Halliburton's commitment to the highest level of health and safety leadership," said Laura Schwinn, vice president, Halliburton Drill Bits and Services. "Achieving this designation again validates our commitment to safely deliver exemplary solutions to our customers."

The VPP recognizes employers and workers in private industry and federal agencies that have implemented effective safety and health management systems and that maintain injury and illness rates below national Bureau of Labor Statistics averages for their respective industries. In the VPP, management, labor and OSHA work cooperatively and proactively to prevent fatalities, injuries and illnesses through a system focused on hazard prevention and control, worksite analysis, training, management commitment and worker involvement. To participate, employers must submit an application to OSHA and undergo a rigorous onsite evaluation by a team of safety and health professionals. VPP participants are re-evaluated every three to five years to remain in the programs. VPP participants are exempt from OSHA programmed inspections while they maintain their VPP status.

About Halliburton
Founded in 1919, Halliburton is one of the world's largest providers of products and services to the energy industry. With nearly 70,000 employees in approximately 80 countries, the company serves the upstream oil and gas industry throughout the life cycle of the reservoir – from locating hydrocarbons and managing geological data, to drilling and formation evaluation, well construction and completion, and optimizing production through the life of the field. For more information, visit www.halliburton.com.

Source : Halliburton

Tips : Computer use safety

2012-02-08T18:09:00.002+08:00

Now days, we use computers for longer hours, we may notice increasing aches and pains in some parts of our bodies. These musculoskeletal problems can happen in anyone: computer programmers, engineers, data entry workers, telephone operators, customer service workers, and even graduate students. The problems can range from minor muscle aches that last less than a few hours to persistent tendon problems that can last for years. The more severe problems can lead people to leave a job they like or stop doing sports activities they enjoy, like golf or bicycle riding. So we should do what we can to prevent the minor aches of work from progressing to disabling conditions.

The most common body areas to watch for are the hands, wrists, thumbs, elbows, shoulders and neck. The problems may vary from aches to pain, burning, numbness or tingling. These symptoms may be felt during typing or mouse use or at other times when no work is being done, including during the night when the symptoms might wake you up. If you experience any of these symptoms, or other persistent or recurring pain that you think may be related to using a computer, you should see a qualified physician or talk to your company's health and safety staff. The earlier a problem is properly diagnoses and treated, the less chance there is that it will progress to a disabling condition.

Now, having said that, you should know that most often these problems are not serious and will go away with a little attention to the way you work. First of all , the more hours you work, the greater your risk. In my patients I frequently hear that their problem started after they worked on a project with a tight deadline. For example, they worked for 10 to 12 hours a day for two weeks, and the ache that started in the elbow just never goes away.

When working on the computer for long hours, pay attention to tension, discomfort or pain you feel and take immediate action to relieve it.
Make sure you stand up and walk away from your computer on a regular basis. Just walk around for a few minutes, stretch, and relax. This should be done at least every hour. For my patients I recommend that they use a timer and get away from their computer every 20 to 30 minutes.

The greatest risk for these problems occurs when people use computers intensely for long hours and work in poor postures. Ergonomics is the study of understanding the limitations of the human body in order to design productive and comfortable workplaces, tools and work tasks. We study what postures are comfortable for computer work and what are not.

Figuring out how to properly set up your workstation, chair, monitor, keyboard and mouse can be a complicated task because when you adjust one thing, like the height of the chair, it can effect something else, like your wrist angle. The goal should be to adjust everything so that your body is in a comfortable posture that you would not mind being in for hours. You would not drive a car without adjusting the seat and mirror. Likewise, you should not drive the computer without adjusting it to your body. Here is an overview of how to adjust your workstation.
Adjust you chair so your feet and back are firmly supported by the floor and seat back. You should lean back in your chair a little. Arm rests can be a nuisance; they can press on the elbow or prevent you from pulling your chair forward.
Position the monitor so the top is about at the level of your eyes and it is straight in front of you. It should be about an arm length away. If it is difficult to see the small characters check the glare, monitor resolution, or your eyes. You may need glasses (bifocals can be a problem). You should not have to lean forward to see your work. If you are frequently reading from books or papers when using the computer, use a sturdy document holder set next to the monitor.
The keyboard should usually be at a low height, near the height of your elbows and the mouse or trackball should be right next to the keyboard. They can be higher if you have a padded surface to rest your forearms on. I am not a big fan of wrist rests; the wrist is a sensitive part of the body and it should not be constantly resting on something. Having to continuously reach for the keyboard or mouse may lead to shoulder pain. If you have to reach for the keyboard or mouse (for example with a high desk surface), rest your arms in the middle area of the forearms. Generally the keyboard should be flat so that the wrists are relatively straight.
Try a different keyboard, mice and trackball -- there are many alternative designs on the market and it is up to you to find the one that works best for you. Some people find using the mouse uncomfortable. They can try using the mouse with their other hand or try switching to a trackball. People with hand and wrist pain may want to try the Microsoft Natural Elite keyboard; it appears to reduce hand pain.
Finally, the stresses of work can make aches and pains worse. The stresses of deadlines has already been mentioned. Ideally, you should try to set up your work so you can control the pace and flow of your work, so that you can take a break when you need to and not feel like you have to work through your coffee break or lunch breaks. As mentioned, get away from the computer for a few minutes regularly. Sometimes a coworker or the supervisor may get on your nerves. Try to constructively resolve these conflicts; do not let them fester.

As one of my professors said once, "The job you do should be something you look forward to doing every day, something that you would rather do than anything else in the World". Not all of us are fortunate enough to have a job like that. But we can take steps to make our work better and safer.

It's Your Body

Long hours on the computer can be rewarding, even fun, but they can also lead to aches and pains in your neck, shoulders, arms and hands. If you ignore these aches and continue working with improper work habits you may develop painful and disabling injuries.

You may have heard of some of these musculoskeletal problems: tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other health problems referred to as repetitive strain injuries (RSI) or cumulative trauma disorders.

Why some people develop these problems and others do not may be due to things like our age, physical conditioning, medical conditions (e.g., pregnancy, diabetes), hobbies (e.g., musical instrument use, weight lifting), and our ability to relax and get along with co-workers and supervisors.

But they also can be brought on by long uninterrupted hours at the computer, especially under stressful work conditions, using improper work habits and improper postures. Although setting up your computer may seem intuitive and as simple as pulling up a chair and reaching for the mouse, it takes deliberate effort to use your computer properly.

The purpose of this guide is to help you set up your computer and develop good work habits so that you can be productive and comfortable when using the computer.

If You Have Pain

If you experience recurrent, persistent or worsening discomfort, especially if the discomfort includes pain, numbness or weakness, promptly consult a qualified physician.

The earlier a problem is correctly diagnosed and treated, the easier it is to take care of and the less chance there is that it will progress to a disabling condition.

Source : OSHisAjourney.blogspot.com

Beef up safety at beaches

2012-02-08T01:58:00.003+08:00

KUALA LUMPUR: The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has urged relevant agencies and authorities to beef up safety at beaches throughout the country in view of the growing number of deaths by drowning each year.

Its chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said management strategies should be drawn up and implemented effectively to prevent such tragedies.

“We need a strategy for safe beaches, free from drowning. It is not about stopping people from having fun, or preventing them from being in, on, under and around water.

“We want them to be safe while doing so,” he said in a statement here, yesterday.

He said beach safety has not been addressed properly and public safety at the beach tended to be a forgotten issue while considerable attention is given to the protection of environment and other matters.

He said according to the Fire and Rescue Department the number of drownings recorded in 2010 was 331 and in 2011, 303 cases.

He said there are many factors which cause drowning such as unrestricted and ready access to beaches, lack of knowledge and understanding of water conditions, ignorance, disregard or misjudgment of dangerous water conditions and lack of awareness on water safety.

“It is the responsibility of organisations, agencies, and authorities with jurisdiction over beach areas to identify and preferably minimise the risks of injury or death by drowning.

“This responsibility is not sufficiently met by installing signs or providing safety equipment,” he said.

Apart from education on safe practices during water activities, Lee said people should also advocate for proper supervision of beaches and other water attractions and support legislation that requires the use of personal floatation devises to be worn in the water. — Bernama

Source : www.TheBorneoPost.com

EU-OSHA Workplace Safety Photo Contest Winners

2012-02-06T19:29:00.000+08:00

"Nothing speaks louder than a photograph that stirs the imagination, evokes emotions and engages both the photographer and the viewer," said Dr. Christa Sedlatschek, director of EU-OSHA. "With over 7 million accidents and 20 million cases of work-related disease annually in the EU-27 alone, this pan-European photo competition is helping to raise awareness of workplace safety and health across Europe, supporting our mission to make Europe's workplaces safer, healthier and more productive."

"Dressmaker" by Krzysztof Maksymowicz

The winning entry, titled "Dressmaker" by Polish photographer Krzysztof Maksymowicz, shows a close-up of a woman's hands as she sews with a needle – a tool that Maksymowicz says "is slowly becoming forgotten. The picture is symbolic, capturing risk prevention in its most basic form."

To see all winning entries, visit OSHA.Europa.eu.

Source : EHSToday.com

Safety Recognition Award Seeks Nominations

2012-02-06T17:03:00.003+08:00

The International Dairy Foods Association is now accepting applications for the eighth annual Dairy Industry Safety Recognition Awards, a program that honors facilities for outstanding worker safety performance. Award winners will be notified this fall and featured in the “Dairy Field Reports” section of Dairy Foods magazine, which co-sponsors the safety awards program.

“We know that dairy companies and their employees are proud of their accomplishments and eager to participate in this award program, and we expect the number of entries to continue to climb,” said Clay Detlefsen, IDFA vice president of regulatory affairs. “We encourage all facilities to send in nominations for their processing and trucking operations so we can recognize their hard work, dedication and outstanding achievement.”

Applicants will be judged on specific data required by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) on the facility’s “Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses” report (OSHA Form 300A). Employers are required to post their OSHA 300A forms from February 1 through April 30 each year.

Processing facilities will be judged in four product categories: natural and processed cheese; dry, condensed and evaporated products; ice cream and frozen desserts; and fluid milk. Within each product category, there are awards for small, medium and large facilities that achieve the best overall safety performance rates based on the OSHA data.

Trucking operations will receive certificates for having no lost days and no cases involving job transfers or restrictions.

Entry forms are available online, and there is no fee to enter. All entries must be submitted to IDFA no later than March 31, 2012.

Source: International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA)

Most occupational injuries occur in the afternoon

2012-02-03T18:37:00.000+08:00

Taipei, Feb. 2 (CNA) Nearly 90 percent of injuries sustained by workers on the job usually occur after the midday break, according to Council of Labor Affairs (CLA) statistics published Thursday.

The CLA attributed the high incidence of afternoon injuries to reduced physical strength and mental focus after the lunch break.

In the period 2002 to 2009, the CLA recorded a total of 3,097 fatal injuries on the job, with 87.3 percent occurring at small and medium-sized companies.

According to the CLA's Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, the high worker turnover rate at small companies, employers tend to be reluctant to provide adequate occupational safety and health training.

Employees who have been on the job for less than a year and those who have not had work safety training are most prone to occupational injuries, accounting for 63 percent and 76 percent of the total, respectively, according to CLA statistics.

The most dangerous jobs in Taiwan are in the construction sector, with workers reporting a 58 percent injury rate, followed by the manufacturing industry (21.3 percent), and the transportation, warehousing and telecommunication sector (5.8 percent), CLA data shows.

Source : FocusTaiwan.tw

General Office Safety Rules

2012-02-02T16:22:00.000+08:00

Most people would not think that an office is a particularly hazardous work environment—and compared to a foundry or mine, it is not. However, even an ordinary office contains many potential hazards. Following a few, simple safety rules can help to keep everyone safe and injury-free.

If you open it, close it
If you turn it on, turn it off
If you unlock it, lock it up
If you break it, fix it… If you can’t fix it, call in someone who can
If you borrow it, return it… Ask for permission to borrow first
If you lose it, replace it
If you make a mess, clean it up
If you move it, put it back
If you don’t know how to operate it, ask someone who knows how… If you can’t find that person, leave the equipment alone
If it doesn’t concern you, don’t mess with it

Workplace safety program can cut injuries if adequately enforced

2012-02-01T16:48:00.002+08:00

Washington, Jan 27 (ANI): A longstanding California occupational safety program, which necessitates all businesses to do away with workplace risks, can help avert injuries to employees, but only if it is effectively enforced, a new study has revealed.

The first-ever evaluation of the California Injury and Illness Prevention Program found evidence that the program reduces workplace injuries, but only at businesses that had been cited for not addressing the regulation's more-specific safety mandates.

"We found the safety effects to be real, but not very large," said John Mendeloff, lead author of the study and a senior public policy researcher for RAND, a nonprofit research organization.

"We think that the most important reason for the limited impact of this program is that inspectors often did not go beyond a review of the employer's written document."

When California Division of Occupational Safety and Health inspectors did investigate further and found failures to comply with provisions to train workers, identify and abate hazards, and investigate injury causes, the average injury rates at targeted businesses declined more than 20 percent in the following two years, Mendeloff said.

However, these provisions were cited in only about 5 percent of Cal-OSHA inspections, RAND researchers found. In the other 20 percent of inspections where a violation of the rule was cited, it was only for the section requiring the employer have a written program. Such a violation carries an average penalty of 150 dollars.

The California Injury and Illness Prevention Program, which became effective in 1991, requires all employers to adopt certain procedures. These include communicating to employees about risks, carrying out regular workplace surveys and abating the hazards that are found, training employees about how to work safely, and investigating the causes of the injuries that occur.

In contrast, almost all other safety standards address specific hazards - for example, those dealing with protection against fall.

The RAND study noted that higher penalties for noncompliance with the program and more extensive activities to make employers aware of their obligations could enhance compliance. However, two other approaches could have a greater impact: having inspectors conduct more in-depth assessments of employer programs and having inspectors link the violations they find and the injuries that have occurred to the program by asking "Why weren't these prevented by your Injury and Illness Prevention Program?"

The study found that employers who were cited for violations of the Injury and Illness Prevention Program in one inspection usually came into compliance in future inspections. However, the overall percentage of inspections finding program violations did not change over time.

Moreover, the percentage of first-time inspections finding violations was the same in 2007 as it was in 1993. These findings indicate that information about the program requirements failed to reach many employers, they failed to be convinced to comply by the threat of penalties, or both.

The 20 percent reduction in injuries following citations for the specific requirements of the California Injury and Illness Prevention Program translates to about 1 injury per year at a workplace with 100 employees. Most estimates of the value of preventing a work injury are in the range of 15,000 dollars to 50,000 dollars. (ANI)

Source : www.NewsTrackIndia.com

New ILO Publication - Identify, Prevent and Address Workplace Stress

2012-01-31T19:55:00.000+08:00

The International Labour Organization (ILO)'s new publication, "Stress Prevention at Work Checkpoints: Practical Improvements for Stress Prevention in the Workplace" helps identify and address workplace stressors.

"Work-related stress is one of the most important tissues in many countries and in different kinds of workplaces. Stress has many negative impacts, including circulatory and gastrointestinal diseases, other physical problems, psychosomatic and psychosocial problems, and low productivity," the manual states.

Specialists on stress and work improvement, along with ILO staff members, outlined 50 occupational stress-prevention “checkpoints” in the manual. These checkpoints cover the categories of leadership, job demands, job control, social support, the physical working environment, work-life balance, recognition at work, protection from offensive behavior, job security and communication. The manual also includes a stress-prevention checklist.

The Why and the How

Each checkpoint covers a particular topic and explains why the checkpoint is important and how to implement it. Additional hints for each checkpoint also are included.

For example, Checkpoint 5, "Address workplace problems immediately when they occur," asserts that conflicts relating to occupational safety and health, personal/management issues and more can create stressors for workers. Managers and workers should cooperate to address these problems as promptly as possible, the manual states. Employers should seek any necessary technical advice, keep confidential information private and let employees know they should report any problems right away.

Checkpoint 11, "Engage workers in decision-making about their work," points out that employees able to control how they do their work may be more productive and more knowledgeable. Among other action, the manual encourages employers to organize group discussions and ensure that employees can offer their ideas and suggestions at work.

"Solving stress problems at work is one of the challenges to ensuring a productive and healthy working life in both industrialized and industrializing countries. This manual has been prepared to reflect the increased necessity for measures to deal with problems causing stress in the workplace," the publication states. "The actions for improvement suggested by these checkpoints are also based on a number of underlying principles that have proven to be practicable and applicable in real workplaces."

ILO released "Stress Prevention at Work Checkpoints: Practical Improvements for Stress Prevention in the Workplace" in January. Download the manual as a PDF here.

Source : ehsToday.com

Register with MyLot

2012-01-31T04:08:00.002+08:00

myLot User Profile

Moore business gains safety and health recognition

2012-01-30T18:39:00.005+08:00

NORMAN — DrillRight Technology of Moore, a drilling equipment and service company, recently achieved the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program status from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Labor Commissioner Mark Costello presented the award to Darrell Husted, president of DrillRight, during a luncheon on Jan. 24 at the DrillRight offices in south Oklahoma City.

Becoming the first in the nation to receive this honor within the North American Industry Classification System category of Drilling Oil and Gas Wells, DrillRight has changed the way the energy industry looks at safety, according to Diana Jones, director of OSHA’s Oklahoma Consultation Program.

“In the world of safety, people don’t know the difference they are making when taking these preventative measures,” Jones said. “The feat DrillRight obtained through gaining SHARP status will stand as a legacy for years to come.

“Darrell’s vision of safety will make a huge impact throughout the energy industry,” Jones said. “He has proven it is possible for energy companies to be safe.”

Incorporated in 1998, DrillRight has become the second largest independent directional drilling company in the nation. From one employee and two drillers to its current size, DrillRight has grown significantly because of the company allowing its employees and contractors to take ownership of their jobs.

“Since our beginning in 1998, one of our core priorities has been safety,” Husted said. “We are now able to commend that hard work, as we become SHARP certified. Our employees and contractors have played a large role throughout the certification process. Each day their integrity and responsibility shine throughout the workplace.”

The Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program recognizes employers who operate at their worksites exemplary safety and health programs that result in the immediate and long-term prevention of job-related injuries and illnesses.

“SHARP signifies that a business is a model for safety and health,” Costello said. “With the real interest in the health and safety of its employees, DrillRight clearly deserves this award. SHARP is a rigorous program and takes commitment from both the employees and management.”

Source : NormanTranscript.com

The Danger Safari

2012-01-27T23:18:00.000+08:00

Wouldn't it be scary, if a lion jumped on the bonnet of your car, just several centimeters away of you?

These folks don't seem frightened.

This is the Werribee Open Range Zoo in Victoria, Australia and only the bonnet of the car is inside the glass cage with lions.

The rest of the car is on the outside. Very interesting way of interacting with the lions. Interesting ???

This is what you get when implement HIRARD correctly.

OSHMS Manual 3.04 of 9 : Legislation (Codes of Practices)

2012-01-26T19:11:00.000+08:00

OSHMS Manual
previous : Part 3.03 - Legislation (OSH Regulations)

3.04 The OSH Codes of Practices

Codes of Practice are released by DOSH from time to time to provide practical guidance in the fulfilment of the demands of the Act and the Regulation. In fact, DOSH states: 'Employers, employees, designers, manuafacturers, suppliers and importers can use an approved industry code of practice in conjunctin with the OSH Act and OSH Regulation.' (In fact, DOSH encourage such use.)

Codes of Practice particularly recommended for access include:

Code Of Practice For Road Transport Activities 2010
Industry Code of Practice for Safe Working in a Confined Space 2010
Industry Code of Practice On Indoor Air Quality 2010
Code Of Practice On Indoor Air Quality, 2005
Code Of Practice For Safe Working In A Confined Space, 2001
Code Of Practice On Prevention And Management Of HIV/AIDS At The Work Place, 2001
Code Of Practice On Prevention And Eradication of Drug, Alcohol And Substance Abuse in the Workplace, 2005
Code of Practice On Safety Health And Environment For Transportation Sector (SHE Code), 2007

DOSH further states:

'The OSH Regulation can adopt or incorporate other relevant publications (such as standards and codes of practice), where appropriate. This means that the information contained in the document becomes law.'

XYZ personnel should pay particular attention to (MS 1722 : 2003):

Clause 3.1.3 : Employee participation;
Clause 3.2.4 : Communication;
Clause 3.3.2 : System planning, development and implementation;

The OSH Regulation is available from DOSH (free if downloaded from their website - www.DOSH.gov.my) – however, it may be prudent to check re any updates from time to time.

next : Part 3.05 - Legislation (Standards)

Photos - unbelieveable accidents

2012-01-25T20:03:00.000+08:00

If you don't know what is going to happen, there is no way to stop it. Plan ahead for safety.

Safety is a continuing journey, not a final destination.

Eye Protection For Infection Control

2012-01-24T17:54:00.001+08:00

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends eye protection for a variety of potential exposure conditions where workers may be at risk of acquiring infectious diseases via eye exposure. Infectious diseases can be transmitted by several mechanisms, that include infections which can be introduced through the mucous membranes of the eye (conjunctiva). The infectious agents include viruses and bacteria than can cause conjunctivitis (e.g., adenovirus, herpes simplex, Staphylococcus aureus) and viruses that can cause systemic infections, including blood borne viruses (e.g. hepatitis B and C viruses, human immunodeficiency virus), herpes vi-ruses, and rhinoviruses. They are introduced to the eye either directly (e.g., blood splashes, respiratory droplets generated during coughing or suctioning) or from touching the eyes with contaminated fingers or other objects.

Eye protection provides a barrier to infectious materials entering the eye and is often used in conjunction with other personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, gowns, and masks or respirators. The eye protection chosen for specific work situations depends upon the circumstances of exposure, other PPE used, and personal vision needs. There is wide variety in the types of protective eyewear, and appropriate selection should be based on a number of factors, the most important of which is the nature and extent of the hazard.

Eye protection must be comfortable and allow for sufficient peripheral vision and must be adjustable to ensure a secure fit. It may be necessary to provide several different types, styles, and sizes. Selection of protective eyewear appropriate for a given task should be made from an evaluation of each activity, including regulatory requirements when applicable. These hazard assessments require a clear understanding of the work tasks, including knowledge of the potential routes of exposure and the
opportunities for exposure in the task assessed (nature and extent of worker contact). Exposure incident reports should be reviewed to identify those incidents (whether or not infection occurred) that could have been prevented by the proper use of protective eyewear. Common eye protection devices include goggles, face shield, safety glass and full-face respirators.

Employees’ training on the eye protection devices shall include the following: proper use, use in conjunction with other PPE, removal of potentially contaminated eye protection devices, and disinfectant of reusable eye protection.

Potential Eye Hazard Examples in the Workplace

The following are potential eye hazards in the workplace.

Hammering, grinding, sanding, and masonry work that may produce particles
Handling chemicals may lead to splashes in the eye
Wet or powdered cement in the eye can cause a chemical burn
Welding leads to exposure to arcs and flashes (intense UV radiation) for welders, helpers, and bystanders
Dusty or windy conditions can lead to particles in the eye
Eye injuries can result from simply passing through an area where work is being performed
Coworkers around or above you may generate the hazard

Types of eye protection:

Safety glass resemble normal eye-glasses but have lenses that have a much higher degree impact resistance.
Safety goggle surround the entire eye area providing a greater level of protection than safety glasses and should fit around prescription glasses. Some goggles also protect eyes from vapors.
Face shield cover the entire face. They are used when larger quantities of hazardous materials are being used.

Source: www.CDC.gov

Manage occupational road risks to reduce accidents

2012-01-23T19:18:00.000+08:00

SIBU: The number of commuting accidents reported yearly has increased with 22,040 cases in 2010, according to SOCSO.

As such, employers had a moral obligation to manage occupational road risks (ORR) by reviewing the road safety standards of their organisations, said National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

“Employers have to protect their employees and other road users by managing ORR to reduce business losses arising from road accidents,” he said in an emailed statement yesterday.
In 2000, the number of commuting accidents recorded was 19,620 cases, rising to 22,040 cases in 2010 – an increase of 12.33 per cent.

Lee said: “NIOSH is very concerned about road accidents and fatalities because many of the victims are from the workforce. The frequent reports of road accidents, fatalities and injuries are not only tragic to the families involved but a loss to the nation’s workforce.”

Traffic-related motor vehicle crashes were one of the leading causes of work-related injuries and deaths. Commuting accidents make up a significant percentage of industrial accidents reported to SOCSO yearly, he said.

Employers and employees must take cognizance of these statistics and address the issue to reduce the number of commuting accidents, he stressed.

Employers needed to provide training to employees to be competent drivers and riders besides developing and implementing safety procedures and programmes for the workplace to
reduce accidents, deaths and injuries, he added.

The 25th Ops Sikap was launched on Wednesday to remind motorists and motorcyclists to use roads safely during the long festive break to minimise the number of accidents and fatalities.

The campaign which ends Jan 30 was also to emphasise the importance of adopting the right attitude to prevent accidents, Lee said.

Source : www.TheBorneoPost.com

Proper safety measures for construction workers could prevent work-place injuries or deaths

2012-01-23T17:14:00.000+08:00

SPRINGFIELD - The recent fatality involving a man working on a tornado-damaged house in West Springfield has highlighted the need to take safety measures to prevent falls, according to an official with the Western Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health.

“We did not have a lot of fatalities,” Michael J. Florio, the executive director of the Western Mass COSH, said during an interview Wednesday regarding the June 1 tornadoes that devastated the area.

“Let’s not create them rebuilding.” The Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health is a nonprofit organization with 37 offices around the country.

Nineteen-year-old James Ivanov of Agawam died Jan. 11 at the scene of a tornado-damaged building in West Springfield’s Merrick section after falling four stories from the roof to the basement. He was working with a crew reframing the house at Union and George streets next door to 687 Union St. where a woman died in the June 1 tornado shielding her daughter.

The Springfield office of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the death, which has been ruled accidental. Mary E. Hoye, director of the office, has declined to say whether Ivanov was wearing a harness or taking other safety measures, citing the ongoing nature of her investigation, which may not wrap up for about a month.

However, Hoye would say that it is important to take such measures such as using a harness or guardrails to prevent falls.

“It is a huge emphasis for us,” she said of preventing falls.

Florio, whose organization teaches OSHA-certified training classes, said falls are the leading case of accidental deaths. Even taking a spill from just three feet can result in fractured bones, according to him.
OSHA regulations require that when working at heights of more than six feet, roofers, electricians and bridge workers should take measures such as wearing a harness attached to a lanyard anchored to something that can withstand 5,000 pounds of force, Florio said.

“The biggest problem is getting our workers to use the equipment. It is a case of ‘I am only going to do it for a second’,” he said. “‘I’m only going to go up on that roof to nail something down for a second.’ How long does it take to fall?”

Florio said most of the local contractors are pretty good about taking safety precautions, but there are some problems with contractors from out of the area.

Source : www.MassLive.com

Tile Manufacturer Fined $318K for Safety Violations

2012-01-20T17:49:00.002+08:00

Federal officials have cited a Sunnyvale, Texas-based tile manufacturer for safety violations and proposed $318,000 in penalties.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited American Marazzi Tile Inc. with 25 safety and health violations for exposing workers to excessive noise levels, machine guarding hazards and other dangerous conditions at its facility in Sunnyvale.

Three willful violations involve failing to establish and maintain:

a hearing conservation program for workers exposed to noise levels exceeding 85 decibels;
provide the required machine guards for exposed belts, pulleys, chains and sprockets; and
establish a lockout/tagout program for energy sources to protect workers from the unexpected start up of machinery.

A willful violation is one committed with intentional knowing or voluntary disregard for the law’s requirements, or with plain indifference to employee safety and health.

Twenty-one serious violations involve failing to provide personal protective equipment, provide confined space training, provide machine guarding to prevent workers from coming into contact with rotating parts, develop energy control procedures for machines with more than one energy source, provide fire extinguisher training, properly store oxygen and acetylene cylinders, develop a bloodborne pathogens program and train employees on hazardous chemicals used in the facility.

A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

One other-than-serious violation is for failing to post a copy of the hearing conservation standard in the workplace.

An other-than-serious violation is one that has a direct relationship to job safety and health but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm.

OSHA has placed American Marazzi Tile in its Severe Violator Enforcement Program, which mandates targeted follow-up inspections to ensure compliance with the law. Initiated in June 2010, the program focuses on recalcitrant employers that endanger workers by committing willful, repeat or failure-to-abate violations.

American Marazzi Tile employs about 254 workers who produce ceramic wall and floor tile products at the Sunnyvale location.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s Dallas area director or contest the citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Source: OSHA

Quiz - Construction Safety

2012-01-19T17:49:00.000+08:00

Simple assessment on Construction Safety. Do let us know your comment.

What are the basic things you should wear on the work site?

When doing roof work what should you take in consideration?

While working at height what should you never do?

What are the fundamentals when using toxic material?

What are the fundamentals when using material that you are not familiar to?

When you lift heavy weights what should you make sure that you have, in the first place?

OH NO!! Someone's been hurt! Do you...

Thank you.

Safety first... because accidents last.

Manage the road risks

2012-01-18T21:51:00.000+08:00

THE 25th Ops Sikap which ends on Jan 30 aims to remind motorists and motorcyclists to use the roads safely during the long festive break and minimise the number of road accidents and fatalities.

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is very concerned about road accidents and fatalities because many of the victims are from the workforce.

We view with utmost concern the frequent reports of road accidents, fatalities and injuries which are not only tragic to the families involved but also a loss to the nation’s workforce.

Traffic-related motor vehicle crashes is one of the leading causes of work-related injuries and deaths. Furthermore, commuting accidents also make up a significant percentage of industrial accidents reported to SOCSO yearly.

The number of commuting accidents has risen from 19,620 cases in 2000 to 22,040 cases in 2010, an increase of 12.33%.

Employers and employees must take cognizance of these serious statistics and be prepared to address the issue with a view towards reducing the number of commuting accidents.

In particular, employers have a duty to protect their employees

and other road users by adopting the approach of managing occupational road risk in order to reduce business losses which arise from “at work” road accidents.

In this connection, employers have a role to play in developing and implementing comprehensive safety procedures and programmes for the workplace to reduce accidents, deaths and injuries, including providing training to their employees to be competent drivers and riders.

Measures to be taken by employers to prevent traffic-related deaths and injuries of workers from motor vehicle crashes should include:

Establish a written policy requiring drivers and motorcyclists to undergo safe driving and riding practices and proper use of vehicle safety features;
Conduct driver’s licence background checks on prospective drivers before they are hired.
Provide seat belts and other safety features in all employer-provided vehicles;
Ensure that drivers and motorcyclists in their employ comply with designated speed limits on roadways;
Ensure and establish written procedures in respect of proper maintenance of all vehicles owned by the employers;
Ensure drivers observe speed limits;
Do not permit the drivers to continue driving if fatigued;
Ensure that workers use appropriate barriers and traffic control efforts while work is being performed on the side of roadways;
Conduct defensive driving and riding courses to minimise accidents; and
Carry out random drug tests on all bus drivers to ensure the safety of their passengers.

Employers have a moral obligation to adopt a proactive approach to manage occupational road risk.

They should always review the road safety standards of their organisations.

Employers who take action to promote the safety of their staff while driving or riding will achieve major cost savings, improve their image and make a significant contribution to meeting road safety targets.

The Government should rely on school education to create a new breed of motorists and motorcyclists who care for themselves and for others.

In this connection there should be a syllabus on road safety for schools to inculcate the need to practise good etiquette and behaviour on the road.

TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE,
Chairman, NIOSH.