Of primary importance is emphasis of work teams of at least two employees, as one must be available to provide CPR in the case of cardiac arrest of ventricular fibrillation.

The “269″ standard requires employers to comply with the medical services and first aid provisions in 1910.151, which requires that:

• Someone in the workplace is trained in first aid if no medical facilities exist in near proximity.
• First aid supplies are readily available.
• Quick-drenching or flushing facilities are provided for immediate emergency use where the eyes or body of a person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials.

In addition, 1910.269(b)(2) requires that field crews have first aid kits placed in weatherproof containers if the contents of the kits could be exposed to the weather.

Inspection and availability of first aid kits. First aid kits in vehicles or at company facilities must be placed in locations where they will be readily available when needed. 1910.151, Appendix A provides guidance on first aid kit contents and how to assess the needs of the work place, including exposure to Blood Borne Pathogens. Additionally, the contents of first aid kits must be inspected at least annually to ensure that the items are useable and all required items are present in the kits (1910.269(b)(3)).

While the standard does not specifically cover documenting the results of first aid kit inspections, some companies have initiated inspection documentation procedures in which staff inspect the contents of first aid kits at regular intervals and enter the inspection date and the inspector’s initials on an inspection tag inside the kit.

Risk manager should take the time to review which employees have not had CPR training, or if their first aid kits are lacking any supplies given the possiblity they may have been used in the past. Check these things now rather than find out one of your teams was not prepared when an accident occurred. Remember the 4-minute Requirement, which states that first aid supplies or a worker trained in first aid must not be more than 4 minutes away from a shock victim’s location or all workers must be trained. This happens in the case of large facilities, or when workteams are frequently out in the field.

Review the standard and determine what action you need to take to be prepared for an incident, should it occur.

On January 5, 2010 the ASSE announced that it had completed a voluntary consensus standard dubbed “Work Zone Safety For Highway Construction.”  The ASSE has been in existence for almost 100 years, and has grown in size and stature to represent one of the most respected national safety organizations in the country.  The standard is set to be published by the American National Standards Institute (identifier A10.47-2009) and go into effect February 24, 2009.

Highway work provides many challenges to risk managers due to how exposed workers are to a wide variety of different hazards.  Most obvious is the presence of speeding cars, many of whose drivers pay little or no attention to signage warning them to slow down before entering a work zone.  This is compounded by the low visibility associated with certain outdoor work scenarios (night time, precipitation, fog) as well as the frequent use of heavy equipment which can itself seriously restrict the field of vision of both operators and workers on foot. Obviously, both day and night PPE supplies should be available.

A10.47-2009 has been designed to cover a wide range of different employment scenarios associated with highway work, and deal not just with typical construction activities such as paving, maintenance or repair, but also the often overlooked utilities activities that take place on public roadways.  Given that roughly twenty percent of all workplace fatalities in 2008 occurred on highways, and a third of those involved someone being struck by a vehicle, it is clear that highway work ranks as one of the most dangerous types of employment in the United States.

The fact that individual states often have their own policies in this area only adds to the confusion for foremen and risk managers attempting to satisfy conflicting legal requirements while still offering their workers the highest possible degree of injury protection.  The federal government’s involvement in roadwork safety balances the convenience of motorists (through the reduction of delays and the scheduling of major work to occur at night, for example) with the safety of workers, which is not always an equation that works out in favor of hazard mitigation.

Although the ASSE standard is voluntary in nature, its adoption across the country by private contractors may spur OSHA into taking longer look at whether highway work requires its own section of the federal regulatory code.

A clean room presents a particular type of spill control issue that also ties in to the need to protect the environment in question from external contaminants.  Quite simply, the floor of a clean room, whether the room is used to put together computer components or  perform lab work with biological organisms or chemicals needs to be protected in order to maintain the integrity of the workspace.  Since the possibility of floor contamination is double-edged – it can come from above (spills from the workbench) or from outside (tracked in dirt and foreign substances from elsewhere), a solution that can control both of these potential vectors is required.

Tacky mats offer a unique opportunity to meet each of these challenges head-on.  These simple mats resemble regular floor mats, and are meant to be installed underfoot in areas where workers are most likely to stand.  This can include on the interior side of a door way or underneath each individual work station throughout a room.  Tacky mats such as those manufactured by CleanTeam are composed of a series of special layers which use an adhesive to pry any foreign substances from the footwear of workers.  All that has to be done is for an employee to stand on the mat, and then the simple act of lifting the feet does the rest.  These mats can also can catch any fallen substances that may have escaped the counter top, preventing them from being tracked throughout the room.

These mats are absorbent, and once the top layer has taken in as much contamination as it can hold, it can be peeled back to reveal a fresh layer underneath.  Available in a range of different sizes, the mats also come in 30 or 60 layer versions.

For taking care of spills on top of a work surface, clean room wipes are an excellent option.  Unlike standard paper towels or rags, clean room wipes are sterilized and offer low lint and anti-static properties in order to interact as safely as possible with electronics and chemical / biological materials.  Some wipes, such as the Lymtech Validated series are guaranteed to be sterile through the application of gamma radiation in order to take out even the toughest of microorganisms that could be lurking between the sheets of lesser wipes.  Available from a variety of different manufacturers, such as Lymtech and Kimberly Clark, there are clean room wipes custom suited to a variety of different lab applications.

There are two primary issues which can lead to an accident due to the presence of rain.  The first is the water itself, which poses a threat in several ways.  Water can cling to almost any surface, making it slippery to the touch and underfoot.  This viscosity is even more pronounced should rain water mix with any chemicals or oils that may be on the ground or on a piece of equipment, making it harder to hold on to power tools, vehicle controls or even remain upright in certain situations.  Water can also soak through the clothing worn by workers and cause their body temperatures to drop, which over the course a shift can lead to severe health risks such as frostbite or even pneumonia.  Simply put, wet clothes can significantly accelerate the negative health impact of cold weather.

The second, less commonly associated risk presented by rain is low visibility, particularly when operating heavy equipment.  Whether rain is heavy or even just a gentle mist, the lack of light brought about by storm clouds almost always drops the distance at which workers can see each other.  This problem can be exacerbated when moving in and out of artificially illuminated spaces, such as an indoor warehouse and a much dimmer stock or lumber yard.

Fortunately, risk managers have a large number of options when it comes to mitigating these particular safety concerns.  Many levels of rainwear targeted towards an industrial application are available on the market, ranging from full rain suits such as the River City Dominator, which offers .42 mm of PVC and nylon protection from the elements, to lightweight options such as Zodiac .10 mm PVC rain suits.  The latter are particularly useful for workers who may only occasionally require protection from the wet, as their small form factor makes them convenient for transport out into isolated areas when rain might be in the forecast.  Simpler solutions, such as hooded raincoats and slush boots designed to provide cleated rubber grip on slippery surfaces are also available and should be considered the bare minimum for outdoor workers in a rainy climate.

With regards to visibility, industry-oriented rainwear is almost always available in high contrast or reflective colors such as yellow or bright green, with the option of reflective materials wrapped around them in order to stand out against even the darkest backdrops.  It is important to train workers to keep their rain gear as clean as possible in order to avoid masking its reflective qualities.  In particular, employees who must often inspect typically grimy areas such as sewers, waste collection facilities or those who service outdoor machinery should be aware of the need to regularly clean their rain suits.  If cleaning is not feasible on-site, then fresh rain protection should be made available for each shift in order to maintain the highest possible safety standard.

However, there are other considerations to make when planning for welding to occur within a facility or job site.  Not only should the worker directly involved in the welding be afforded the proper tools and training to perform his or her job safely, but the surrounding area and all other employees should also benefit from the same level of protection.  This means taking into consideration a number of different factors that can impact the security of a welding site.

To begin with, any area where welding is planned to occur should be well marked so as to ensure that any workers who might be sharing the same space – whether as a result of performing their own tasks, or while in transit – are aware of the activity that is taking place.  This is especially important with regards to repair work that might be performed in an area where welding is out of the ordinary.  Not only does this fight through the sense of routine that can cause people to be blind to items they do not customarily encounter during their day to day responsibilities, but it also alerts them to the presence of heat and sparks which could interact negatively with any volatile substances being transported.

The latter concern can be expanded to include the effect of sparks and heat on the immediate environment.  Obviously, a shower of fire is an unwelcome proposition in almost any working situation, but in areas where combustible dust, chemical vapors or sensitive electronics are also present it can easily spell disaster.  This is part of the reason why the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that some type of shielding be used to separate a welder’s work area from the rest of the facility or job site.

This shielding often takes the form of a heavy curtain that is draped around the welder’s equipment and the items being worked on.  The advantage of a curtain is that it can be easily adapted to the shape and size of the work area, and it can also be placed over delicate gear in order to add an extra degree of protection from sparking.  Some curtains, such as those available from Wilson are manufactured in such a way as to be transparent.  Made of a special type of vinyl, they protect the eyes of passersby from the potentially harmful light frequencies produced by certain types of welding but they also allow for employees to know if a worker or equipment is present behind the curtain.  In addition, they promote the ability of light to pass through into the work area and improve the visibility of the welder, which can be critical in situations where a workspace is too cramped for supplementary lighting to be introduced.

Welding curtains are a simple, yet effective method for ensuring the safety of welders, other workers and the environment around them without having to resort to disruptive shut downs or take chances with the effects of sparking or excess heat.

To be fair, the current standard dates back to the early 70s and there have been numerous advances in technology and industry practices since then.  Designed to take aim at the leading causes of crane and derrick related fatalities and injuries related to equipment malfunctions. Two studies were used to as a basis for aspects of the proposal “Crane-Related Fatalities in the Construction Industry,” by J.E. Beavers, et al, and “Crane-Related Deaths in the U.S. Construction Industry,” by A. Suruda, et al.  According to Suruda, the top 5 causes of fatalities from crane related incidents are electrocution, crane assembly or disassembly, boom buckling or collapse, crane overturn, and rigging failure.

Here are a few of the ways in which the Oct. 08 proposal would combat the major hazards outlined in both the Beavers and Suruda studies.

• Unless ground conditions are firm, drained, and sufficiently graded, equipment would be prohibited from being assembled or used.
• The “controlling entity,” normally either the employer owning the property or primary contractor would be responsible for prepping ground conditions before cranes could be assembled or used.
• Employees would be prohibited from standing under an equipment (crane, boom, etc) while pins are being removed unless employer could demonstrate a restraint that would prohibit equipment from falling on an employee.
• The proposal also covers electrocution hazards, overhead protective covers to be attached to guardrails; care to be taken, and the need for a signal person to relay signals of hazards.

It should be noted that these are just a few of the proposed in changes in the Oct. 08 final register for the cranes and derricks standard.  OSHA will still be taking into consideration the comments from these proposed changes and any new data that may impact the safety and health of workers.  At the time that the proposal was issued, the cost of complying with the changes represented less than 1% of revenues for each of the industries affected.

The agenda released pointed to a final rule date being issued around July of 2010.  If you use cranes and derricks, now is the time to review the Oct. 08 proposed standard and any new industry changes that have occurred since then.  The new standard is coming be ready.

References

Proposed Rule: Cranes and Derricks in Construction; http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=FEDERAL_REGISTER&p_id=21169;

Accessed November 7, 2009.

Analysts have pointed to a variety of reasons such as the economy, longer life expectancy, and rebellious nature of baby boomers that combine to keep older workers in the labor market.  Yet, the most pressing of all is the impending “brain drain” that is feared by most industries.  This is the idea that when the seniors and baby boomers retire, they will be taking with them precious knowledge that their younger counter parts simply do not possess.

So as employers look for new ways to “court” older workers, considering changes that could keep senior staff safe and healthy should be at the top of the list.  Before, making needless changes you should ask yourself the following questions:

Are you familiar with the physical needs of your senior staff?

Before making any changes, you need to be sure you are fully aware of the needs of your senior staff.  This will allow you to target changes for maximum effectiveness.  For example, redesign the workspace of senior staff that is constantly walking around the facility or standing at a line may be less effective than installing anti fatigue matting.

Is your safety equipment really safe for your senior staff?

This may seem like a stupid question, but think about it. While the weight of standard equipment doesn’t seem to bother your 20 somethings, it may be a huge stress to the joints and muscles of your senior staff.  And, the last thing you want is for your staff to have to choose between safety and comfort, regardless of their age.  So, consider ergonomic and light weight safety gear and equipment for your senior staff.

For a small business these changes, while helpful, may seem a bit expensive. So, if you are looking for simpler changes, consider the suggestions below:

• The 18 inch rule – designing work spaces to prevent the need for senior staff to reach for any objects or tasks that is greater than 18 inches away.
• Ten minute time outs – encouraging senior staff in positions that require repetitive motions to take 10 minute breaks to reposition or stretch a little throughout their work day.
• Shoe slip-ons – providing anti-slip shoe slip-ons to senior staff that spend a lot of time walking on slippery floors, such as those that are hardwood or tiles, especially during bad weather.
• Back/knee supports – providing additional back and knee supports to senior staff to reduce the stress placed on joints and muscles throughout their work day.

Keeping senior staff happy is a high priority for many business owners today.  So, it should come as no surprise that the best place to start is by increasing the measures taken to keep them safe.

After the H1N1 reports on ways to combat the virus, many healthcare organizations are realizing that it may be time to consider respirators.  Typically, healthcare organizations are known for using surgical masks.  Yet, respirators offer greater protection for staff and patients.  If you are considering respirators for staff within the healthcare industry, it is important to identify the differences that make respirators more effective than surgical masks.  The key differences are detailed below.

The Design

Surgical masks are designed to protect the wearer from large splatters, meaning fluids such as blood. Tiny splatters such as spittle from sneezes are not effectively contained by surgical masks. Since, surgical masks are not equipped with filters airborne particles are allowed to move from patient to wearer freely, and vice versa.   Respirators on the other hand are designed to protect the wearer from all splatter and airborne particles coming from the patient and the patient from the same coming from the wearer.

Ability to Combat Viruses

Unlike surgical masks, respirators have a built in filter, preventing airborne particles, such as viruses, or spittle from being inhaled or expelled by the wearer.  However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of a respirator depends on its standard. Although there are a few standards that are accepted by OSHA, the current industry standard for respirators is N-95.  These respirators are designed to filter out 95% of particles that attempt to enter the respirators’ filter.  Surgical masks are ill equipped to prevent the transmission of airborne particles.

Standards

Respirators are constantly being improved upon new standards emerge as new risks are uncovered.  So, unlike surgical masks, respirators will continually be able to combat the spread of new viruses.  Plus, OSHA regulations guide the design of respirators.  Letting you know that you are providing your staff with the best possible protection.

The Fit

The idea behind respirators is that they create an air tight seal, eliminating the wearer from breathing in or being exposed to any air before it passes through the filter.  Although surgical masks are tied tightly around the face, the tying of surgical masks do not foster an air tight seal.

Initially, healthcare organizations could argue the inexpensiveness of surgical masks, and the mass need within their facilities made surgical masks a more attractive option.  But, with disposable respirators, those points are no longer holding water.  Not to mention, the incorporation of durable materials and nose bridge designs, make choosing respirators a no-brainer.  The fact is respirators keep your staff safer, at a comparable price.

• Start bi-annual or quarterly physical testing.  Most employers do a fit test upon hire.  However, as the working population ages, employers find themselves digesting unrelated medical injuries that increase the severity of workers’ compensation claim.
• Do not take requests lightly.  Supervisors and managers need to be trained to not dismiss any request for the repair of equipment or for additional safety gear.
• Ensure that all employees use safety equipment and follow safety precautions.  More often than not seasoned employees have their own way of doing things. And although, their way may be quicker, odds are good they are not safer.

You are probably wondering why review safety strategies that are based on logic.  Well these tactics are designed to reduce injuries through prevention without increasing costs.  And you will need those cost savings because an increase in costs should be anticipated.

• Your compensation costs are going to rise, due to an increase in workers compensation claims.  OSHA has started aggressively pursuing companies for under-reporting.  Expect new guidelines to surface regarding what types of injuries should be reported, forcing companies to count more accidents as compensation claims.
• An increase in claims will usually lead to an increase in a company’s experience modification, which will in effect a company’s workers compensation premium for at least 3 years.
• Your compliance costs will probably increase.  The expected new director of OSHA, David Michaels, is well known for promoting ergonomics.  Plus, with his views on musculoskeletal injuries, the entire industry is anticipating an ergonomics standard.  Since ergonomics has been more of a recommendation instead of a requirement, most companies will need to spend money in order to comply with any ergonomics standard.

Businesses seem to be holding their breath, but the key to any safety issue is prevention.  The direction of OSHA has many in the industry terrified.  Still, staying a head of the game on prevention will give you one less thing to worry about.

Those who put their health on the line to save the lives of others can find themselves dealing with accident victims who have been stricken as a result of contamination with hazardous substances.  Clearly, protecting the safety of emergency medical personnel and rescue workers as they try to do their jobs is important enough that risk managers responsible for EMS (emergency medical services) teams need to develop clear policies for handling these types of situations.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has recently released a document entitled “Best Practices for Protecting EMS Responders During Treatment and Transport of Victims of Hazardous Substance Releases.”  The aim is to provide guidance to risk managers interested in a comprehensive safety strategy for dealing with these types of difficult health services scenarios.

Much of the guide focuses on concrete measures that can be taken to ensure that EMS personnel are not placing themselves at risk when performing medical interventions on exposed victims.  A significant component of the OSHA document focuses on training workers to be able to recognize hazardous situations as quickly as possible, in order to lessen their chances of dangerous exposure.  Situational awareness is a key tenet of keeping medical personnel safe.  Furthering this theme, OSHA describes several different pieces of equipment which can be used to detect the presence of otherwise odorless, tasteless and invisible contaminants which could be present at the scene of an emergency.  These include radiation, chemical agents and biological hazards and toxic street drugs such as methamphetamine, which can be found in labs in concentrations high enough to cause serious injury.

The document also describes the types of personal protective equipment (PPE) that can be helpful in reducing the dangers posed by hazardous substances, and on training emergency workers in how to properly use this type of gear.  PPE related to hazardous materials can include anything from gloves and respiratory masks to full on containment suits with respirators, depending upon the severity of the incident being responded to.  PPE becomes especially relevant when making contact with victims, as it is possible for certain types of contaminants to actually permeate the bodies of those who require medical treatment.

The latter can create a dangerous situation when transporting a patient, as they may spread the hazardous substance in question simply by touch or even exhaling.  Not only do EMS workers need to be able to protect themselves from this possibility, but those present in hospital emergency rooms must also be safeguarded against accidental exposure once contaminated patients have been admitted into a ward.  A clear policy for handling these types of accidents is a critical component of any EMS risk management portfolio.