Archive for category Safety Articles
Over $500,000.00 in penalties, WOW
Posted by jrussell in Safety Articles on September 15th, 2009
It happened here in North Alabama as a matter of fact in Tuscumbia Alabama, a landscaping products company is facing more than $500,000 in penalties for violating federal safety guidelines.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration says that inspections at a company that has facilities in three states resulted in 142 workplace citations for safety and health violations. This includes 59 at its bark and stone plants in Tuscumbia, which is the company’s headquarters.
OSHA has proposed penalties totaling $576,750, this includes $260,900 for violations at the Tuscumbia plants. While the other penalties were incurred at the Mississippi and Georgia facilities.
The penalties were assessed for violations which include allowing employees to operate, service and clean machinery without procedures and protective devices in place. These measures are required to ensure workers are not injured by the machines. Other penalties were assessed because of failure to provide proper fall protection and failure to provide proper safety training for employees. While this seems quite extensive already they also failed to keep workplace injury logs.
Company management has consistently displayed a systemic indifference to the safety and health of their employees. An OSHA representative is quoted as saying that “When this is done it usually results in a dangerous work environment” and most people in safety know that this is very true.
Of course management disputes this claim but the proof is in the pudding and the pudding here is remarkably clear. Although one can’t deny that they may respect an honor their employees, their head has been in the sand when it comes to safety and following OSHA guidelines.
According to one report a spokesman for the Department of Labor’s regional office in Atlanta, said that OSHA inspectors initially planned to visit a single plant but decided after this inspection that follow up inspections were needed at the other plants of the company.
Maybe it is hard for the company to see at this juncture of the investigation, but this inspection will likely save lives in the future. Could you imagine being part of this company and having to cope with an unnecessary death in the work place.
Just My Opinion
Joe Russell
Work Related Fatalities Drop For 2008
Posted by jrussell in Safety Articles on August 25th, 2009
As I was looking through the OSHA.gov website this morning I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that Fatal Occupational Injuries dropped for 2008.
There were 5,657 work related fatalities in 2007 and a new report that this number fell to 5,071 fatalities in 2008. This is a great improvement which equals over 10% improvement from one year to the next. However it still has a sobering effect on the way we think about the American worker.
We also had a dramatic drop in highway fatalities in 2008, as a matter of fact the lowest since 1961. The number of fatalities on the highway was 39,700.
Why these numbers dropped so dramatically for both these can be debated by many people in the know, but WOW think about it, 5,071 deaths at the workplace and 39,700 deaths on the highway, these are still huge numbers.
I am very thankful for the decrease in both these numbers, but until you become personally involved in one of these numbers you will never feel the pain that is caused by each of these deaths.
It is a horrible thing in my mind that we become statistics instead of people. Most of us look at this and all we see is numbers but the pain and suffering goes way past the person that is killed in one of these accidents.
There loved ones who are left behind are devastated and will never be the same again. They have lost a brother, sister, father, mother, daughter, son, husband or wife and their lives are impacted forever.
Why can’t we as human beings be more sensitive to the pain and hurt of others so we can see that we should be safer workers and safer drivers.
The fact is that we can’t until we feel that pain, that heartbreak, that load of responsibility we received when we get when this happens to US.
So I leave you with this thought.
When you are doing an unsafe job or driving on our nations highways think about how your loved ones will be affected by your death and don’t become a statistic.
Joe Russell
Ergonomics
Posted by pdill in Safety Articles, Uncategorized on April 24th, 2009
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 335, 390 ergonomic injuries in 2007 which required an average of 9 days from which to recover. These injuries, also known as Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), accounted for 29% of all injuries that required time off from work to recover. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) says that MSDs are ” injuries or disorders of the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, disorders of the nerves, tendons, muscles and supporting structures of the upper and lower limbs, neck, and lower back that are caused, precipitated or exacerbated by sudden exertion or prolonged exposure to physical factors such as repetition, force, vibration, or awkward posture. “
Ergonomic injuries are caused by repeating movements over an extended period of time. These Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) can include a number of different problems, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis. Symptoms can include a loss of strength and/or dexterity.
Proper Ergonomic planning can also save a company quite a bit in worker compensation. According to an ergonomics study conducted by OSHA in the year 2000, MSDs accounted for $1 of every $3 spent for workers’ compensation. Total direct costs were estimated to be about $50 billion annually.
If you are an office worker, there are a number of things that you can do to help make your work environment more ergonomically friendly. A proper posture, avoiding awkward wrist angles on the keyboard, and leaving at least 20 inches between you and your monitor are a few ways you can improve your workspace. OSHA has created a checklist which you can print off and utilize. It can be found at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations/checklist.html.
If you are employed in a manual labor position, your particular ergonomic challenges will vary. However, there is some information available which you may want to pass on to your supervisor. Asking to have your work table’s height adjusted, acquiring ergonomic chairs, adjusting posture, and regular ergonomic evaluations are just some of the things that can be done to improve your health and environment. You can also obtain ergonomic tools that are easy to grip, use anti-vibration gloves, and get floor mats for your workspace to act as a shock absorber. A list of company success stories can be found on OSHA’s website at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/ergonomics/success_stories.html. These stories include specific cases of ergonomic improvements in factory working environments, which can give you clues as to how you can change your own working environment for the better.
The U.S. Department of Labor states that the top ten occupations for MSDs in 2007 were:
- Laborers and freight, stock, and materials movers
- Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers
- Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants
- Construction laborers
- Light or delivery service truck drivers
- Retail salespersons
- Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners
- Carpenters
- Maintenance and repair workers, general
- Registered nurses
The Importance of an Evacuation Plan
Posted by tturner in Safety Articles on April 23rd, 2009
click the image to enlarge
Are your employees trained fire fighters? Do your employees form their own personal fire brigade that is trained and equipped to fight fires? If this is not the case then your organization must have an evacuation plan to be used if an emergency should occur. An evacuation plan provides a safe, organized means of evacuating individuals during an emergency. Without one, chaos will occur that could cause injury and even death.
In 2005 thousands of people died as a result of Hurricane Katrina, but many of the deaths could have been prevented. These deaths were a result of pure negligence and disregard for human life. Hundreds of elderly and disabled people were unable to evacuate, and the lack of an evacuation plan caused them to be left behind. At just one nursing home 34 patients were discovered dead after being left behind during the evacuation for Hurricane Katrina.
Most of these nursing home deaths occurred due to drowning when the victims were left behind and the facilities flooded. Others died because of inadequate evacuation plans. Some suffered while being stranded on sweltering hot busses with no air conditioning, while others were evacuated without any medical records which prevented proper health care. These nursing homes were forewarned about the need for an evacuation plan, but many failed to provide these plans to state officials which caused the death of many elderly and disabled people.
In addition to hurricanes, workplace evacuation may be necessary in instances such as fire, earthquake, flooding, toxic material release, or even workplace violence. All employees should receive instruction regarding the company evacuation plan. Employers should post maps directing occupants of the building to the nearest exits. The plan should also identify a common outside location where employees should assemble. These maps should be easy to read with a highlighted exit route, and adding a few graphics will make the map more visually appealing.
Some employees should be designated to handle certain tasks during an evacuation. These employees should be assigned these tasks during the emergency evacuation preparation, not during the emergency. These tasks include assisting other employees and visitors out of the building, shutting down critical operations and equipment if safely possible, and accounting for employees and visitors after the evacuation.
Employers should ensure that all employees are very familiar with the evacuation procedures and are aware of duties they are responsible for in case of an emergency. Employers should schedule evacuation drills and conduct surprise drills to keep employees aware and on their toes. These are just the basic steps employers need to take to ensure a safe and well-organized evacuation. The OSHA website provides additional instructions and tools to further assist the formation of an adequate evacuation plan. If these simple steps had been followed by the nursing homes in New Orleans many lives could have been saved. Hopefully these individuals learned from their mistakes. Stay Safe.
Safety award of the year!
Posted by mwu in Safety Articles on April 1st, 2009
Yeah, it’s funny on the video, but it won’t be funny if you get the award next year. Stay safe, follow the rules!
Forklift Safety
Posted by tturner in Safety Articles, Uncategorized on March 20th, 2009
Forklifts may look like they could be a lot of fun, but a forklift is far from a toy. A forklift is a powerful industrial truck that is capable of lifting and moving tons. Thousands of injuries and deaths in the workplace are related to forklifts each year. Many factors contribute to forklift accidents such as improper training or lack thereof, improper operation, poor maintenance, and horse play. Forklift operators should be of appropriate age, properly trained, and authorized in order to reduce accidents. It is against federal law for anyone under the age of 18 to operate a forklift, and anyone over the age of 18 must be trained and have the proper certification.
Most forklift accidents occur due to forklift overturns. On February 20th a construction worker was killed when the forklift he was driving fell about 35 feet from a platform on a construction sight. In 1996, a forklift driver was killed when the forklift he was driving tipped over on its side and the driver was crushed by the materials being carried by the forklift. Just because a worker may be a good driver, that does not mean he/she is capable of operating a forklift without training. Forklifts are extremely unstable when carrying a heavy load. Forklifts also differ from traditional driving because most forklifts have rear steering where traditional driving is front steering. Therefore, operating a forklift without proper training can be deadly to drivers and bystanders.
Proper maintenance is a must for companies who own and operate forklifts. After an investigation was conducted on the 1996 accident where the driver was killed, it was concluded that the forklift he was driving had not been properly maintained which cause it to be unable to perform properly. Forklifts should be closely examined before being operated and should not be used if it is not concluded that it is in safe operating condition. Keeping the forklift clean and free from excess dirt and oil is a major part of maintaining a forklift and can prevent further problems. Forklift operators should inspect a forklift thoroughly before operating to ensure his/her safety and the safety of others.
OSHA provides several tools on its website to aid forklift owners and drivers in staying safe. The OSHA website contains information on OSHA forklift standards as well as other agency standards. It also provides tips on how to prevent forklift accidents. CCOHS.com answers common questions about forklifts and forklift safety. You can also find daily checklists examples that forklift owners and operators should use as a guide when checking to make sure a forklift is operational. This list should be used in addition to the forklift manufacturer’s maintenance instructions. And if you’re being affected by the suffering economy, OSHA provides a free online forklift operation and safety course. There is no excuse for ignorance when operating a forklift. The information is provided and easy to access if we just use it.
Stay Safe!
Check out this forklift accident that could have been prevented and luckily no one was hurt:
Forklift safety
Securing Loads On Trucks
Posted by jrussell in Safety Articles, Uncategorized on March 11th, 2009
While most of us are aware that hazardous materials should be secured properly while shipping, some drivers may not be as aware that it is also important that other loads be secured safely while on public roadways. I have seen it and so have you, the traffic on the highway slows down to a crawl and 15 minutes later you see what happened some truck is either wrecked or just parked on the side of the highway with a load scattered everywhere.
Not that long ago I remember an accident here in Alabama where a log fell from a logging truck and killed someone in a car who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Not that long ago I remember a roll of steel that broke free of the tie downs and crashed through a house. While serious fines can be assessed for the improper shipment of hazardous materials isn’t it also important that we make sure that other loads are properly secured.
I see DOT enforcement vehicles from time to time with huge tractor trailer trucks pulled over doing their checks, but have never seen one with a normal citizen pulled over because their ladder is not properly secured? Why do normal people who have no knowledge of DOT regulations not have the common sense to properly secure their loads? I see it all the time and you do to, a random piece of furniture smashed to smithereens on the side of the highway.
Have you heard the horror stories of those innocent people who had accidents because of the carelessness of others with improperly secured loads? There are many of those stories out there and what happened to them depends upon the situation.
I was driving in Chattanooga Tennessee on Interstate 24 not that long ago. The traffic had completely filled all 5 lanes on each side of the highway and I was driving in the center lane of those 5 east bound lanes. I was following a guy, likely a country store owner who had just bought supplies for his store. There was a huge box of paper towels on top of the load in the pickup just sitting there unsecured. Suddenly the huge box of paper towels blew off of the truck and onto the highway just in front of my truck. With the highway traffic bumper to bumper almost I could not dodge the box and I knew that I should not brake for fear of causing a serious accident on the freeway. So I just plowed into the box of paper towels. Thank God my airbag did not deploy but the box burst open and rolls of paper towels showered onto the traffic behind me on all 5 lanes of traffic.
In this case thank God there was no accident caused by this incident, but what would have happened if I had suddenly slammed on my brakes or swerved to avoid the box? The results could have been horrible. I think that DOT needs to wake up and smell the coffee and increase their patrols and try to curb this problem that seems to be getting worse.
Wake up America, YOU are responsible for your actions. When you are moving something on our nations highways please make sure that your load is properly secured. If you don’t you may be the cause of someone loosing their life on the highway.
Joe Russell
Workplace Violence
Posted by jrussell in Safety Articles, Uncategorized on February 18th, 2009
What does OSHA say about Workplace Violence?
Of course it has been happening for generations but today we understand from OSHA that workplace violence is the fourth leading cause of fatal occupational injuries in the United States. According to OSHA there were 564 workplace homicides in 2005 out of a total of 5,702 fatal workplace injuries. Did you know that over 2 million workers in America are exposed to some type of workplace violence each year.
Workplace violence is a subject that all businesses must address so they can be prepared for the worst case scenario and possibly even avoid these tragedies from happening altogether. Workplace violence is a serious safety and health issue. An issue that must not be disregarded because this violence should be very preventable in most cases with correct supervisory techniques.
OSHA has developed guidelines and recommendations to reduce worker exposure to this hazard, but is not initiating rule making at this time. OSHA is being wise in this approach because requiring anything other than a plan and the training of employees is a hard requirement to set on industry as a whole.
How most of this violence is approached by companies is to prohibit employees from bringing weapons onto company property. Most people think this is a good move, but is it? What if a disgruntled employee gained access to the plant brandishing an automatic handgun and an AK-47 assault rifle. If an employee had a handgun in their lunch box they might be able to take this nut out before he could kill 20 people. According to many authorities on the subject today, a company should establish a zero tolerance policy and never stray from that policy no matter who the violator happens to be.
The company where I worked for many years had a good approach in that they treated a threat on supervision as a very real hazard. If a threat occurred supervision would offer the offender anger management classes and if the employee chose not to attend the classes they lost their job and were never allowed in the plant again.
If two employees got into an argument without physical contact most of the time something could be worked out, but if physical contact ever occurred the offending employee would immediately loose their job.
The problem with workplace violence is that you never know the state of mind that an employee might be in. Is the employee having trouble paying their bills, on drugs, having family problems, suffering from depression, most of the time we do not know what is going on in a persons mind.
The drug problem can mostly be solved by requiring random drug testing in the work place. Normal minded people understand that losing their job because of drug use is really retarded, so they control those desires in order to have a happier life. Companies who have a good medical plan for their employees can solve the depression problem through medication which also softens many of their financial problems.
So there are some solutions to workplace violence and most of those solutions can be addressed by using plans, forethought and training. Another solution many times is just be kinder to one another and companies should respect their employees for what they are, a very important asset.
Joe Russell
Ford / Volvo Safest New Cars
Posted by jrussell in Safety Articles, Uncategorized on January 30th, 2009
Ford and Volvo Safest new cars on the road.
After reading an article last week about how Ford and Volvo have the safest new cars and trucks on the road, as designated by the insurance industry, I was very impressed. Recently I watched one of those television news shows where that covered a problem that fire and rescue personnel were having in using the Jaws of Life to free trapped people in wrecked cars.
The problem they were experiencing was that the old jaws that cut metal in order to free people was no longer powerful enough to cut the metal in some new cars. The reason for the jaws failure is because of the better construction of the vehicle and the metal that is now being used. One of the specific cars they tested it on was a Ford. This insurance industry report confirms this story.
Ford Motor Co. and its Volvo subsidiary have been using some new anti-rollover technology in building their cars resulting in many of the safety results from the insurance industry. Ford and Volvo had 16 vehicles in the 2009 model year on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s list of the safest new cars, followed by Honda Motor Co. who had 13 vehicles on the list.
There were seventy two cars, trucks and SUVs that received the top safety pick designation for 2009. This more than doubles the number of vehicles that were on the list in 2008 and triple the number in 2007. These numbers give a clear indication that auto makers have learned much to improve auto construction safety.
This is a clear indication that the auto industry is paying close attention to what the consumer wants in a car and that is safety. The most recent major concern by the consumer is economical transportation. I hope that the recent upturn in automakers providing a safer product is not hindered by gas prices.
For now we must take our hats off to the auto industry and in particular Ford/Volvo for providing a safer vehicle to transport us in our daily lives.
Joe Russell
After All These Years Asbestos Still A Hazard
Posted by jrussell in Safety Articles, Uncategorized on January 30th, 2009
Although partially banned for most uses in 1972, Asbestos still poses a danger over 40 years later.
It appears that even before the partial ban of Asbestos usage in 1972, the harmful effects were no secret among Asbestos Manufacturers. Industry complained about the partial ban in 1972 even though many of them understood very well the dangers that Asbestos posed in causing Mesothelioma, which is one of the lung diseases that Asbestos causes.
Asbestos usage is heavily regulated in the United States and is now banned except for few closely monitored products and industries. According to NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) there is no safe level of exposure to asbestos fibers and that any exposure puts the person at an increased risk of developing asbestos related diseases.
Even today we have companies who fail to realize, or to recognize, the hazards of their employees being exposed to existing Asbestos fibers.
Recently OSHA issued a citation to a company in Eldorado Kansas for two willful violations of the standards that protect the worker from exposure to Asbestos. The fine $140,000 and in 2007 the same company was fined $153,500 for 18 serious safety violations. The company is contesting the violations that it received last year.
OSHA inspected the plant after it received several complaints that employees at the refinery were in danger of asbestos exposure. The report states that over 100 employees were exposed to airborne asbestos that came from thermal insulation. The advantage, if you will, to a willful disregard for these dangers is that there may be no obvious effect on the worker for 20 years and by that time their liability will have passed. I call this heartless, what about you?
We obviously still have many people and companies who don’t fully understand the hazards associated with exposure to Asbestos Fibers. The list of usages that Asbestos had over the years is extensive and many could possibly just be missing some areas where a danger may exist. Following is a list that I found on the Mesothelioma web site of the different usages for Asbestos in the old days.
- Pipe insulation
- Insulation on boilers, turbines and other heat–generating industrial equipment
- Fireproofing, acoustical sprays and stucco
- Brake pads, clutch pressure plates and other friction products
- Fireproof textiles
- Wallboard, joint compounds and wall texture
- Cement and cement piping
- Electrical wiring
- Floor tile and linoleum
- Insulation in hair dryers and other consumer products
- Gaskets and packing
- Laboratory equipment
- Plastics and phenolic laminates
- Mud additives used in oil drilling
- Mold liners used in foundries
One guideline for Asbestos safety, if there is a doubt about the possibility of Asbestos being present in something, take time out and have the proper testing done. This could help to eliminate the possibility of coming down with one of these dreaded lung diseases for which Asbestos is known to be a contributor.
Joe Russell
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