November 26, 2010 During an emergency, would your

WHAT’S INSIDE workers make this fatal mistake? I Preventing ‘chain reaction’ injuries 2 Sharpen Your Judgment fatality on the job is a tragedy several workers end up in the Does worker hurt during A that’s difficult enough to hospital – or worse. relay race get comp? deal with. But when additional workers are Would-be rescuer dead 3 What’s Coming hurt – or killed – trying to help the Here’s a recent example: A worker Lost body parts: Key steps to take first employee, it makes the situation fell into a grain bin at a facility in that much worse. Mount Carroll, IL. 4 Who Got Fined – And Why Unfortunately, it’s a real problem As he struggled, four other workers Worker crushed to death that’s common in many more dove in to help try to rescue him. in polishing machine industries than employers realize. Only two of the five made it One worker gets into trouble, out unharmed. Two workers died 5 What’s Worked and other employees without the in the bin, and another was taken to for Other Companies necessary rescue skills or training try the hospital. The lesson is clear: Unless Video clip got workers to help but end up hurting themselves employees have the proper training talking during training in the process. Instead of one injury or fatality, and gear, they should never enter 6 Safety Regs Update (Please see Fatal mistake ... on p. 2) ENFORCEMENT Company ordered to install on-board recorders for all trucks OSHA targets years-old recordkeeping violations 8 What Would You Do? t’s no secret OSHA’s targeting inspections began. In one case, the Too many safety suggestions: I recordkeeping violations. Now, the safety incident occurred in 2002 – Where should Mike focus first? agency wants to issue fines for errors four years before the inspections took in paperwork that occurred years ago. place. The Occupational Safety and The company admits it didn’t keep Health Review Commission (OSHRC) proper records during that time. is reviewing whether gaps in employer But it says it shouldn’t be penalized The Purpose of safety records can be considered because the violations were beyond SAFETY COMPLIANCE ALERT “continuing violations,” meaning the six-month limitations period. Safety Compliance Alert is the leading OSHA can fine companies for But if OSHA has its way and those source of fast-read information to help safety professionals avoid accidents and violations earlier than the six-month recording gaps are deemed continuous fines, reduce costly lost-time, improve period before an inspection. violations, the company will have to recordkeeping and keep government pay the fines. inspectors out of the workplace. Citations date back to 2002 And inspectors will get one more SCA keeps up with need-to-know legal and regulatory developments from OSHA Between May and November, weapon in their arsenal for issuing and other agencies and highlights new 2006, OSHA inspected AKM, LLC massive recordkeeping fines. trends in this fast-changing field. (dba Volks Constructors). Inspectors Oral arguments are scheduled in Also, twice a month, SCA reinforces time-tested safety practices by providing found many instances where injuries the case. real-world examples of what other companies weren’t reported. But all Info: Secretary of Labor v. AKM are doing – what worked and what didn’t – recordkeeping violations occurred LLC d/b/a Volks Constructors , to improve safety in the workplace, keep in compliance and limit liability to employers. more than six months before the OSHRC, No 06-1990. E NFORCEMENT HARPEN YOUR S JUDGMENT CONSTRUCTION SAFETY This feature provides a framework for decision making that helps keep you and Fine upheld, though no danger to workers your company out of trouble. It describes a recent legal conflict and lets you judge icture this: An inspector shows up The court said the ruling depended the outcome. P at your facility and discovers a on the standard that was violated. The rule that covers cave-in . He issues a fine, even though I no workers were exposed to the does not require employees to be in DOES WORKER HURT DURING hazard or in any danger because of it. danger for a violation to be issued. RELAY RACE GET COMP? Will the fine stick? That means Oregon OSHA didn’t Safety Director Pete Travers ran A court in Oregon is saying yes. have to prove workers were in danger. down the hall to grab the closest But another standard might yield a first-aid kit. Were workers at risk? different result, the court said. Oregon OSHA inspectors showed Info : tinyurl.com/mowat377 “We have enough hazards here up at construction company ML without silly games and relay races,” Mowat’s bridge worksite and found he mumbled as he grabbed the kit. trenching hazards that violated federal Fatal mistake ... The company was hosting OSHA’s excavation standards. (continued from p. 1) a yearly fundraiser that day over Mowat fought the violation, a confined space, even if it’s to rescue employees’ lunch break. One of claiming that Oregon OSHA had to another person. the events included an indoor prove the violation created an “actual relay race. or potential risk” to workers. Simply Rescuing in confined spaces Ann Neal, an employee, tripped violating a safety rule wasn’t enough “Chain reaction” deaths like this, over streamers marking the lanes in to warrant a penalty. where more people are killed trying to the race and injured her knee. Initially, a court agreed with the rescue another worker, account for Pete returned with the first-aid company. But the Oregon Court of 36% of confined space fatalities. kit and tended to Ann’s knee. Appeals overturned that ruling and To prevent these injuries and said the violation should stick. fatalities, the National Institute of Was lunch break part of work? In other words, Mowat was fined Occupational Safety and Health even though no one was in danger. A week later, John Jenkins, (NIOSH) recommends designating a the company lawyer, knocked on standby person for the confined space. Pete’s door. afety COMPLIANCE ALERT Make sure this employee: S • understands rescue procedures and “Ann wants workers’ comp,” he hazards associated with that specific said as soon as he walked in. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: ALEX IRWIN [email protected] type of confined space “I was afraid of that,” Pete said. MANAGING EDITOR: FRED HOSIER • has the proper rescue equipment – “But the fundraising games weren’t PRODUCTION EDITOR: KATIE REING PPE, apparatus, safety mandatory, right? Plus they were EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: PIETER VANBENNEKOM lines, etc., and during her unpaid lunch break.” Safety Compliance Alert (ISSN 1077-9787), • has the necessary training to know November 26, 2010, Vol. 17 No. 377, is published “You’re right,” John said. “But I semi-monthly except once in December (23 times a how to safely perform a rescue and think she might have a case. year) by Progressive Business Publications, 370 react calmly to the situation. Technology Drive, Malvern, PA 19355; PHONE : 800- Management encouraged workers 220-5000. FAX : 610-647-8089. Subscription rate $299 to get involved in this fundraising per year. Periodicals postage paid at West Chester, PA Other chain reaction hazards 19380. Postmaster: Send address changes to Safety drive. That might come back to hurt Compliance Alert, 370 Technology Drive, Malvern, While confined space hazards are us,” he said. PA 19355. certainly a common cause of chain “But you’ve told me horseplay Subscriptions: 800-220-5000 reaction injuries, other incidents can and isolated incidents that have This publication is designed to provide accurate and lead to would-be rescuers getting hurt. authoritative information in regard to the subject nothing to do with an employee’s matter covered. It is sold with the understanding When dealing with electrical job duties aren’t covered by that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, hazards, workers often shock accounting, or other professional services. If legal or workers’ comp,” Pete said. “This other expert assistance is required, the services of a themselves trying to pull another certainly wasn’t part of her duties. competent professional should be sought. — From employee off of a powered source. a declaration of principles jointly adopted by a I think we should fight it.” committee of the American Bar Association and a No matter what the situation is, committee of publishers. the message to workers needs to be Pete’s company tried getting the Printed on recycled paper. the same: If you’re not a trained case thrown out. Was it successful?

Copyright © 2010 Progressive Business Publications. rescuer, don’t try to be a hero. Call Please respect our copyright: Reproduction of this trained rescuers instead. material is prohibited without prior permission. I All rights reserved in all countries. Info: tinyurl.com/grain377, Make your decision, then please turn tinyurl.com/niosh377 to page 6 for the ruling.

xSafety COMPLIANCE ALERT X 2 November 26, 2010 W HAT ’ S COMING TRENDS TO WATCH

Watch what’s happening in various EMERGENCY RESPONSE states. Some actions indicate trends.

Lost body parts: Key steps to take I PROPOSITION TO LEGALIZE I BEST PRACTICES FOR MINIMIZING hospital – so it doesn’t get MARIJUANA DEFEATED INJURY AFTER AN INCIDENT separated from the hurt worker. Employers can breathe a sigh of he moments immediately Don’t soak teeth relief after citizens in one state T following an injury or safety If a worker’s tooth is knocked out, voted not to legalize marijuana. incident are crucial to minimizing he or she needs to get to the dentist California’s Proposition 19 was the damage done to any injured within one hour. Here are the steps to defeated at the polls earlier this workers and making sure more take right away: month. The ballot measure would people aren’t hurt. • Rinse the tooth in milk or water have essentially legalized weed And if an employee suffers an (milk has a neutral pH level). within the state, creating a whole amputation, gets a tooth knocked out • Put the tooth back in its original new set of headaches for employers or has his or her eyeball dislodged, socket as quickly as possible. trying to keep workers drug-free. knowing what to do right away can • If it doesn’t fit, keep it between the In fact, many are crediting the help reduce the impact of the injury. gum and cheek, and keep the proposition’s defeat with effective Here are key steps to take in ligament moist. ads highlighting the would-be ’s situations where an employee loses hazardous effects on the workplace. a body part. Don’t push eyes back in A dislodged eyeball is rare, doctors Ads showed “stoned” nurses Don’t put fingers on ice say, but it is possible for the eye to fumbling on the job and said Many think it’s best to ice fingers stay connected to the optic nerve but workers’ compensation premiums or other limbs that are amputated. be outside the eyelid. would skyrocket if the prop passed. Doctors say that’s not the case. If a worker’s eye pops out, follow Marijuana proponents have Instead: these steps: vowed to try again in two years. • Rinse (but don’t scrub) the finger or • Do not try to push the eye back into Info: tinyurl.com/prop377 other body part. the socket. It could cause additional • Wrap it in a damp piece of cloth. damage to other parts of the eye. I STATE KEEPS PROMISE TO • Put the digit in a plastic bag and • Get to an emergency room right BOOST FINE AMOUNTS place the bag in cold water. away. Call ahead to make sure an • Have the injured person keep the ophthalmologist can be waiting. After OSHA’s review of the body part until he or she reaches a Info: tinyurl.com/off377 nation’s 25 state-run health and safety programs, many states are getting serious about enforcement. SAFETY ATTITUDES Case in point: After OSHA Workers blame equipment for too many incidents criticized Michigan for issuing penalties that were too low, irtually all safety incidents or He says workers usually break MIOSHA fined an automotive V injuries can be attributed to one down causes for injuries and incidents materials supplier in Lansing of three causes. like this: $137,500. The incident was caused • injured worker’s fault: 20% The agency fined Bharat Forge by something the operator did, • another employee: 15% America, Inc., for hazards related to something another employee did, • equipment failure: 65% confined spaces, machine guards, or a faulty piece of equipment. But Wilson says the real cause fall protection and lockout/tagout, And sometimes it’s a combination is the injured worker far more among others. of those elements. often – more than 97% of the time. OSHA criticized the state for But determining which element is Sure, equipment breaks down and average fine amounts well below the most common cause at your malfunctions. But it’s far more the national average. facility can be a useful tool in common for workers to cut corners directing safety efforts. and jeopardize their own safety. MIOSHA is clearly working to That message could help change reverse that trend with this latest What do employees say? employees’ safety attitudes. fine. It’s safe to assume other state Employee perceptions of what’s to Info: Larry Wilson presented plans will start taking OSHA’s blame for a safety incident may be his findings at the recent National recommendations to heart, too. skewed, according to Larry Wilson, Safety Council Congress & Expo in Info: tinyurl.com/bharat377 VP of Safestart. San Diego.

xSafety COMPLIANCE ALERT X November 26, 2010 3 W HO G OT F INED – A ND W HY Roundup of most recent OSHA citations for safety violations

The following roundup highlights • continuous failure to correctly • provide adequate eye wash and trends in fines and violations. Listed classify injuries or illnesses shower stations • not correctly recording the number • guard machines with rotating are the latest companies cited, reasons of days a worker was away from equipment for inspections or dates of incidents, work due to injury or illness in the • ensure electrical panel covers were and amounts of proposed fines. OSHA 300 log closed 2 repeat violations for failure to: 2 repeat violations for failure to: Worker crushed to death • record 2009 and 2010 injuries and • provide energy control procedures in polishing machine illnesses on the OSHA 300 log • ensure workers were attaching An employee at this facility died 2 other-than-serious violations for lockout/tagout devices to energy after becoming trapped in a polishing failure to: isolating devices machine. As a result, OSHA issued • identify injuries in 2008 and 2009 4 other-than-serious violations, several fines, including two that resulted in a job transfer or including: recordkeeping violations. days away from work on the OSHA • failure to maintain and repair Fine : $65,900 300 log power tools and equipment Company : AP Specialty Metals, Info : tinyurl.com/Lowes377 • accurately label electrical equipment Alpharetta, GA Info : tinyurl.com/igloo377 Business : Metal processing Machine guarding and Reasons for fine : electrical hazards: $119K Roofing company had fall hazards at 2 worksites 1 willful violation for: This inspection was part of OSHA’s • failure to install machine guards site-specific targeting program aimed OSHA inspected this company in that would prevent employees from at facilities with high injury rates. 2009 and found fall hazards at two being caught in machinery Fine : $119,625 locations. Inspectors found similar 10 serious violations, including: Company : Harbison-Walker issues at two other worksites this year. • failure to develop and implement an Refractories Co., Vandalia, MO Fine : $66,600 energy control program that would Business : Refractory products Company : Cavalier Roofing Co. LLC, protect workers from the manufacturer Kensington, CT unexpected release of energy or Reasons for fine : Business : Roofing contractor start-up of machinery 16 serious violations, including: Reasons for fine : • lack of training on industrial trucks • deficient machine guarding 5 repeat violations, including: • exposing workers to flying debris • unmarked exit routes • a lack of fall protection safeguards • using flexible cords as a substitute 1 repeat violation for failure to: • using ladders of inadequate length for fixed wiring • keep areas near electrical equipment to access roofs and work areas 2 other-than-serious violations for: free from hazards • insufficient training on ladder use • failure to post an annual summary Info : tinyurl.com/refine377 2 serious violations, including: of injuries and illnesses • improper ladder use • not retaining OSHA logs for 2006 Lockout/tagout complaint • exposing workers to electric shock and 2007 prompts $113K penalty hazards from using an aluminum Info : tinyurl.com/metal377 ladder next to an energized Inspectors visited this electrical power source Paperwork violations manufacturing firm after they received Info : tinyurl.com/fall377 cost retailer $182K a complaint workers were exposed to lockout/tagout hazards while doing Definitions of violations This company was hit with several machine maintenance. recordkeeping violations. The fact Fine : $113,500 Willful: intentional disregard of, or plain that it’d been fined for similar errors Company : Igloo Products Corp., indifference to, OSHA rules. in the past only made the penalties Houston Repeat: previous citations for substantially that much steeper. similar violations in other worksites owned by Business : Cooler manufacturer the same company. Fine : $182,000 Reasons for fine : Company : Lowe’s Home Centers, Failure-to-abate: previous citations for similar 14 serious violations, including violations at the same worksite. Inc., Rockford, IL failure to: Serious: substantial possibility for death or Business : Regional distribution center • maintain dry walking surfaces serious harm. for home improvement retail store • keep stairway platforms clean to Other-than-serious: unlikely to cause death or Reasons for fine : avoid trip hazards serious harm, but directly related to job safety 4 willful violations, including: and health. • install stairway railings Cited companies have 15 working days to contest.

xSafety COMPLIANCE ALERT X 4 November 26, 2010 W HAT ’ S W ORKED FOR O THER C OMPANIES

CA subscribers include a broad range of small, medium and large firms involved in all types of economic activity. S In this regular section, three of them share a safety success story.

Video clip got workers and a little lighthearted. Luckily, I more serious and said “What’s wrong 1 talking in training found a perfect video to suit my needs. with this picture?” Right away, people starting Getting workers to stay safe when Funny video got sparks to fly identifying hazards – he should have they’re at home is about more than It was a “Safety 101” clip of a guy been wearing PPE, he should have just preventing an injury that could attempting to make his own fireworks been in a more open space, etc. affect their work. in his kitchen. Workers were getting the message It’s about how they view safety When he lights the fuse, the and applying workplace safety ideas throughout their lives. If they make firework blows up in his face. His to safety at home. safe choices at home, they’re more face is blackened and his hair’s For a one-minute video, it’s had likely to make safe choices all the standing on end. a big impact. It serves as a great time – their time at work included. It’s pretty obvious that it’s fake, reminder that safety never goes away. I wanted to emphasize staying safe but all our employees got a big kick (Rick Ward, Corporate Safety at home in a few of our safety out of it. Director, Roppe Holding training sessions. After everyone finished Co., Fostoria, OH) But I thought they should be funny laughing, I got a little REAL PROBLEMS, REAL Got contractors and After the orientation, employee fell. 2 workers to stay safe contractors get a sticker After looking at the on their helmet to show room and what needed During construction at our facility, they’ve completed the to be there, we realized we had contractors all over the place. training. there wasn’t a way to keep it safe. And it presented a real issue: Our So we made a new rule: No people didn’t know enough about the Walkthroughs addressed issues employees were allowed in that room hazards that came with the In addition to the general until the construction’s finished. construction, and the contractors contractor’s orientation sessions, we Thanks to the orientation, didn’t know enough about the needed to make sure our workers contractors know about the hazards hazards at our facility. were watching out for hazards. at our site. And it’s my job to make So we developed an orientation Case in point: We had a slip and sure my guys are keeping a close eye program for all the contractors. fall in one of the rooms. out for new hazards. It’s run by the general contractor, There were extension cords and (Dave Veeser, Production who best knows the hazards the trip hazards everywhere – in subcontractors may face. Supervisor/Safety Coordinator, hindsight, it wasn’t a surprise the Foremost Farms USA, Appleton, WI)

Workers spoke up to found two contributing factors we they weren’t at their best and take 3 let us know of hazards hadn’t known about before. steps to stay safe. One: He had the flu that day but So we made it clear that if for any You can’t always predict an didn’t tell anyone. reason they weren’t feeling 100% employee’s actions based on his past Two: He was distracted at home – confident in their ability to do a job performance. Just because he just found out his wife might not safely, they should tell someone and a worker’s been safe before doesn’t be able to stay in the country. take a backseat that day. mean he always will be. Point is, no matter how safe our Even if workers don’t act on it, Things change, and there are just procedures were or what steps we knowing they won’t be punished if too many variables. took to avoid hazards, this guy wasn’t they need a less stressful day helps Example: We had an employee focused on working safely. them stay focused on safety. who’d performed a high- job eight or nine times with no issues. Focus on the people (Bob McGough, President and Then, seemingly out of nowhere, he CEO, DynMcDermott Petroleum We hadn’t taken human factors Operations Co., New Orleans, in a had a safety incident. into consideration. When we looked into his injury, we presentation at the National Safety Workers needed to realize when Council Congress & Expo, San Diego)

xSafety COMPLIANCE ALERT X November 26, 2010 5 S AFETY R EGS U PDATE

TRANSPORTATION Company ordered to install on-board recorders for all trucks he feds are sending a clear vehicles, or it faces more than • hazardous electrical equipment, and T message to all companies $80,000 in penalties. • failure to inspect work areas. with transportation fleets: Comply Info: tinyurl.com/FMCSA377 MSHA said although this is the with hours-of-service regs, or we’ll first time it’s used a preliminary you to. injunction to stop mining operations, The U.S. Department of it won’t be the last. Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier MSHA asks for injunction Freedom Energy is owned by Safety Administration (FMCSA) against mining company Massey Energy Co., which also owns recently ordered JBS Carriers, Inc., to the Upper Big Branch Mine in West install electronic on-board recorders on For the first time in the agency’s Virginia where an explosion killed 29 all of its commercial trucks. history, MSHA is seeking a miners earlier this year. The recorders are devices attached preliminary injunction against a Info: tinyurl.com/msha377 to vehicles that automatically log the mining company that it accuses of number of hours drivers spend continually putting workers at risk of operating the vehicle. injury or death. The requirement is the result of an The agency wants to temporarily OSHA changes rule on FMCSA investigation of the Greeley, close Freedom Energy Mining Co.’s length of training days CO, company that uncovered 102 Mine No. 1 in Pike County, KY, until counts of hours-of-service violations the company has corrected all hazards OSHA has revised its rules on how and 3 instances of drivers operating and created a safety program long trainees can spend in Outreach vehicles with suspended, revoked or approved by MSHA. Training Program sessions each day. canceled commercial licenses. The injunction, filed with the U.S. Sessions cannot be longer than 7.5 District Court for the Eastern District hours a day under the new rules. That More requirements of Kentucky, comes after MSHA means 10-hour training courses will As part of the settlement inspected Freedom Energy eight times take at least two days to complete, agreement, JBS must also train in the last two years. and 30-hour classes will take four and future drivers on the proper use During those inspections, MSHA days at a minimum. of electronic on-board recorders and inspectors issued 1,952 citations, Following audits of the voluntary develop a safety management system including: training programs, officials had that uses recorder data to determine • improper ventilation concerns that exceedingly long days compliance with hours-of-service regs. • failure to support the roof were preventing trainees from JBS has until March of 2011 to • failure to clean up combustible retaining important information. install the recorders on more than 700 materials Info: tinyurl.com/train377

SHARPEN YOUR JUDGMENT – THE DECISION The event was within the scope of the worker’s job, and she was entitled to comp, the court said. (see case on page 2) I ANALYSIS: WATCH OUT FOR CELEBRATIONS AND No, Pete’s company lost when a court ruled the injured OTHER EMPLOYEE GATHERINGS worker was entitled to workers’ compensation. The injured employee argued she hurt her knee during Employee parties and other events probably aren’t your work – she was on the premises at a regular event. top priority when it comes to safety. But this case shows companies are responsible for injuries workers sustain. The company disagreed. It said she wasn’t getting paid to take part in the fundraiser over her lunch break. Plus, Plus, these events can be dangerous. Workers goof off the games weren’t part of her regular work activities. That and don’t always pay attention to their surroundings. meant she shouldn’t be eligible for comp. Checking over these types of activities for hazards may The court said the fundraiser was held every not be on top of your to-do list. But encourage organizers year – that made it an event that was part of employees’ to check with you ahead of time so you can identify regular activities. potential hazards and make the event safe. In addition, the company encouraged workers to Cite: American Greetings Corp. v. Bunch, Crt. of participate in the fundraiser and the recreational games. Appeals of Kentucky, No. 2009-CA-001750-WC, 2/26/10. Dramatized for effect.

xSafety COMPLIANCE ALERT X 6 November 26, 2010 F EDERAL A CTIVITIES WHERE TO GET HELP

Government notices on workplace safety I INDUSTRY GROUP RELEASES NEW CPR GUIDELINES Here’s SCA ’s digest of key notices construction operation, and they’re Remembering the steps of that appeared recently in the Federal exposed to typical underground cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) Register (FR) or on OSHA’s Web site construction hazards. used to be as easy as A-B-C (airway, concerning workplace safety issues. Info: tinyurl.com/hook377, breathing, compressions). But new Contacts, dates of publication and tinyurl.com/under377 page numbers are included for your guidelines have changed that order to C-A-B. quick reference. RETAIL The American Heart Association Retail companies expecting mobs (AHA) recently issued its 2010 CONSTRUCTION of shoppers this holiday season now guidelines for CPR and said it should Safety pros at construction have some guidance from OSHA on now begin with chest compressions. companies now have a bit more avoiding trampling or other Chest compressions help with clarification from OSHA on personal crowd-related safety hazards. blood circulation, and even people fall arrest system requirements and OSHA recently sent a letter to top not trained in CPR can do this step. what standards apply in underground execs at 14 major retailers warning tunnel construction. them about the hazards of large By getting to chest compressions Two letters of interpretation offer crowds, including a fact sheet faster and giving more bystanders additional guidance on these two on crowd management. the ability to assist, the AHA says aspects of construction safety. But the letter also contains an the new order will save lives. The first letter clarifies the implied warning: If your facility has The new guidelines also compressive strength requirements for a crowd-related incident or injury, emphasize the early use of an personal fall arrest system snaphooks. we’ll use the General Duty Clause to automated external defibrillator. OSHA rescinded a letter that fine you. Info: tinyurl.com/AHA377 (PDF) announced it would use a specific The warning is a response to a standard from the American National 2008 incident at a Wal-Mart in Valley Standards Institute (ANSI) to Stream, NY, on the day after determine compressive strength rules. Thanksgiving. On “Black Friday” – That standard required a 3,600 the biggest shopping day of the year – What safety officers told us pound gate compressive strength test. a worker was trampled to death when OSHA said that limit does not apply doors opened to excited shoppers. When an inspector to the construction industry. Info: tinyurl.com/crowd377 comes knocking Instead, the agency is referring In the event of an OSHA inspection, who companies to a different ANSI PPE would be the lead person responsible standard that requires a limit of 220 for walking through your facility with pounds. Employers with workers who deal inspectors? OSHA’s fall protection standard with hazardous chemicals every day 70% doesn’t include compressive strength now have a new voluntary standard Safety Manager requirements for snaphooks – for protective clothing. 19% including . So it uses the The American National Standards Plant/Facility Manager General Duty Clause to enforce Institute and the International Safety 8% compliance with the ANSI standard. Equipment Association have created a CEO/President/General Manager The second letter states the standard designed for employees who work with hazardous chemicals on a 2% underground construction standard No designated person does apply when workers are daily basis. The industry groups say 1% underground during the construction it’s the first standard to focus on everyday use instead of emergency Someone else of a tunnel where pipejacking is Source: PBP survey of 428 safety directors. taking place. situations. OSHA defines pipejacking as: The standard sets six categories of Heads up: If an OSHA inspector A method of installing pipe or other protective gear to protect against comes knocking, most companies lining where the section of lining is specific hazards including bloodborne say the safety manager will lead the installed at the opening of the pathogens, respiratory hazards and walkthrough. It’s best to prepare for excavation and is jacked or otherwise chemical splashes. that scenario in advance. forced towards the advancing face. The standard also includes OSHA said the standard also guidance on selecting the correct level of protection for workers. Each issue of SCA contains an exclusive survey applies when workers enter a manhole to give safety professionals insight into what connected to an active underground Info: tinyurl.com/ppe377 their peers nationwide are thinking and doing.

xSafety COMPLIANCE ALERT X November 26, 2010 7 W HAT W OULD Y OU D O ? THE LIGHTER SIDE

Here’s a challenging scenario you could encounter. We’ve asked three of I CRAZY INJURY EXCUSES your peers what they’d do. How would you handle it? PEOPLE USE TO SKIP WORK You know how important it is to Too many safety suggestions: How take every injury seriously – whether a worker suffered it on the job or can Mike pick where to focus first? at home. But employees also know that The Scenario and set aside the suggestions for faking injuries is a good way to get later that afternoon. Manager Mike Kelly walked out out of showing up for work. of the conference room with a smile Where to start? Whether these excuses are on his face. Supervisor Wayne After lunch, Wayne knocked on fake or not, they’re definitely Garber hustled to catch up to him. Mike’s office door while Mike was outrageous: “What a difference a week makes, reviewing the ideas. • One worker said he couldn’t huh, Mike?” he said. “Have you made any progress?” work because he hurt his foot “I can’t believe it,” Mike said. Wayne asked. after he got it stuck in the “Last week we barely had any safety “A bit,” Mike responded. “Some garbage disposal. suggestions, and this week we have of these are pretty involved, and I’m too many to handle.” • An employee had to leave not sure we have the money in our early after he fell asleep at his “I think losing the suggestion budget to make all these changes.” boxes and asking for ideas in person desk and hit his head, causing “After pushing those guys so hard a neck injury. did the trick,” Wayne said. for suggestions, you better make • A worker called out after “Could have been the pizza I sure you take them seriously,” Thanksgiving because she burned ordered, too,” Mike joked. Wayne warned. her mouth on pumpkin pie. “What are you going to tackle “You’re right,” Mike said. “I’m first?” Wayne asked. worried I’ll lose that enthusiasm if Info: tinyurl.com/excuse377 “I need to review all the we’re not able to act on some of suggestions,” Mike said. “Then I’ll these ideas quickly, if we can afford decide which ideas should be our them at all.” Did you know ... top priorities.” If you were Mike, what would Mike headed back to his office you do next? Avoid that watercooler

Reader Responses cheapest way to get the result employees are looking for. Russell Jones, Safety Manager, Reason: By presenting an overall Metal Panels, Inc., Tulsa, OK , you can cover several 1 suggestions at once and take the most What Russell would do: I’d be important elements of all the ideas. straight with employees. I’d tell them all their ideas are important, and Candy Lockhart, Transportation we’re starting with the most feasible 3 Coordinator, ISD 252, Canon suggestions. I’d make it clear we’re Falls, MN focusing on what we can realistically accomplish. What Candy would do: I’d go back to the employees and ask them to vote Reason: Being up-front with The average watercooler spigot has 2.7 employees at least lets them know on which suggestions they think are million germs per square inch. we’re addressing all their ideas, most important. Then I’d work to Source: NSF International. tackle whichever issues received the but we’re starting with the ones that There’s more danger to be found will work best. most votes. If they chose expensive or time-consuming ideas, I’d take those at the watercooler than just office gossip. Bacteria and germs can have Megan Perrine, Safety Manager, ideas to my supervisor and present them as a safety issue and mention a major impact on productivity, 2 Community Chevrolet, Inc., especially this time of year. Meadville, PA these topics are what workers are concerned about. What Megan would do: I’d find Reason: By taking a vote, I can get This feature in each issue of SCA charts trends a common theme among the an idea of what workers care most in national workplace safety and health to suggestions, then find the easiest and about and where to focus my efforts. help safety professionals perform their jobs .

xSafety COMPLIANCE ALERT X 8 November 26, 2010