Winter Weather Alert: Generators

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious issue for workers who use or are exposed to generators. As the winter storm season approaches employers and workers need to concentrate on avoiding exposures that could lead to serious illness and death in the workplace. Today's post was shared by U.S. CPSC and comes from www.cpsc.gov

Dangerous ice and snow is sweeping across the plains, south, and heading east.  There are expected to be widespread power outages associated with this large storm. Are you planning on using a portable gas generator to help you during or after the storm this week? When dealing with severe winter weather and power outages some people take unnecessary risks. Do not take extra risks with your generator. It can be deadly. Its invisible odorless CO exhaust can kill you and your family in just minutes. Be safe. Put your generator: OUTSIDE! Keep it at least 20 feet* away from windows and doors. Do NOT put generators in garages or basements. An open door does NOT provide enough ventilation to save you from deadly carbon monoxide gas. When you use a generator, be sure to have a working CO alarm in your home. (Note: You should do this anyway.) Finally, know the initial symptoms of CO poisoning: Headache Fatigue Shortness of breath Nausea Dizziness. Get outside into fresh air quickly and call 911 immediately. Know what to do. * Minimum distance recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Here’s more information on carbon monoxide. This address for this post is: http://www.cpsc.gov/onsafety/2013/12/winter-weather-alert-generators/

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Drug overdose deaths have quadrupled since 1980

The Workers' Compensation system is embroiled in a debate over use of pain medications. As I noted before, the problem of prescription pain medication and the abuse of medical prescribers, Is not limited to Worker's Compensation alone. The problem is systemic in the medical delivery system throughout the United States and it is foolish to think that it is only an exclusive issue two of Worker's Compensation claims. What is actually occurring, is that the insurance carriers and employers in Worker's Compensation, are utilizing this issue to reduce the delivery of medical benefits at the cost of damaging the very Basic requirements of a Worker's Compensation system. Today's post was shared by RWJF PublicHealth and comes from knowmore.washingtonpost.com

Drug overdose deaths have quadrupled since 1980 Since 1980, the number of us who die of drug overdoses has quadrupled. Most of these deaths now result from prescription drugs, especially painkillers. “The dichotomy between good drugs prescribed by doctors and bad drugs sold on the street is just bad science,” one doctor told The New York Times a couple of years back. The really upsetting maps above show this change over the decade that ended in 2009. Appalachia and New Mexico, as popular culture would lead you to expect, were particularly bad areas for drug fatalities fifteen years ago, but now, the problem is clearly a national one. “What other people had been saying was that this was predominantly a rural problem of drug poisoning,” Lauren Rossen, one of the people who put together this analysis, told me. “We were somewhat surprised to find that drug poisoning death rates were actually highest in metropolitan areas.” Exceptions are the state of New York and a narrow band running through the center of the contiguous states, from North Dakota to Texas. Click “Know More” to read more about this troubling trend.

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NJ Braces For Winter Weather --- Snow

Workers traveling the NJ highways tonight and tomorrow need to stay informed of the weather service announcements closely as an urgent Winter Weather Message has been issued for an anticipated winter storm.

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE 

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOUNT HOLLY NJ 

355 PM EST THU JAN 5 2017 

 ...LIGHT SNOW TO AFFECT THE AREA TONIGHT...FOLLOWED BY A POTENTIAL FOR A MORE SIGNIFICANT WINTER STORM PARTICULARLY NEAR THE COAST IN SOUTHERN PORTIONS OF DELAWARE AND NEW JERSEY LATE FRIDAY NIGHT INTO SATURDAY..."

OSHA has made the following suggestions to employers and employees to prepare for winter weather hazards:

Winter Driving

Although employers cannot control roadway conditions, they can promote safe driving behavior by ensuring workers: recognize the hazards of winter weather driving, for example, driving on snow/ice covered roads; are properly trained for driving in winter weather conditions; and are licensed (as applicable) for the vehicles they operate. For information about driving safely during the winter, visit OSHA's Safe Winter Driving page.

Employers should set and enforce driver safety policies. Employers should also implement an effective maintenance program for all vehicles and mechanized equipment that workers are required to operate. Crashes can be avoided. Learn more at: Motor Vehicle Safety (OSHA Safety and Health Topic’s Page).

Employers should ensure properly trained workers' inspect the following vehicle systems to determine if they are working properly:

• Brakes: Brakes should provide even and balanced braking. Also check that brake fluid is at the proper level.
• Cooling System: Ensure a proper mixture of 50/50 antifreeze and water in the cooling system at the proper level.
• Electrical System: Check the ignition system and make sure that the battery is fully charged and that the connections are clean. Check that the alternator belt is in good condition with proper tension.
• Engine: Inspect all engine systems.
• Exhaust System: Check exhaust for leaks and that all clamps and hangers are snug.
• Tires: Check for proper tread depth and no signs of damage or uneven wear. Check for proper tire inflation.
• Oil: Check that oil is at proper level.
• Visibility Systems: Inspect all exterior lights, defrosters (windshield and rear window), and wipers. Install winter windshield wipers.

An emergency kit with the following items is recommended in vehicles:

• Cellphone or two-way radio
• Windshield ice scraper
• Snow brush
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Shovel
• Tow chain
• Traction aids (bag of sand or cat litter)
• Emergency flares
• Jumper cables
• Snacks
• Water
• Road maps
• Blankets, change of clothes

Work Zone Traffic Safety

Workers being struck by vehicles or mobile equipment lead to many work zone fatalities or injuries annually. Drivers may skid, or lose control of their vehicles more easily when driving on snow and/or ice covered roads. It is therefore, important to properly set up work zones with the traffic controls identified by signs, cones, barrels, and barriers, to protect workers. Workers exposed to vehicular traffic should wear the appropriate high visibility vest at all times, so that they can be visible to motorists (OSHA Letter of Interpretation, dated, August 5, 2009).

Learn more at: Work Zone Traffic Safety* (OSHA QuickCard™) and Highway Work Zones and Signs, Signals, and Barricades (OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page).

Stranded in a Vehicle

If you are stranded in a vehicle, stay in the vehicle. Call for emergency assistance if needed, response time may be slow in severe winter weather conditions. Notify your supervisor of your situation. Do not leave the vehicle to search for assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards. You may become disoriented and get lost in blowing and drifting snow. Display a trouble sign by hanging a brightly colored cloth on the vehicle’s radio antenna and raising the hood. Turn on the vehicle's engine for about 10 minutes each hour and run the heat to keep warm. Also, turn on the vehicle's dome light when the vehicle is running as an additional signal. Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and open a downwind window slightly for ventilation.

Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Do minor exercises to maintain good blood circulation in your body. Clap hands and move arms and legs occasionally. Try not to stay in one position for too long. Stay awake, you will be less vulnerable to cold-related health problems. Use blankets, newspapers, maps, and even the removable car mats for added insulation. Avoid overexertion since cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. Unaccustomed exercise such as shoveling snow or pushing a vehicle can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse.  

Shoveling Snow

Shoveling snow can be a strenuous activity, particularly because cold weather can be tasking on the body. There is a potential for exhaustion, dehydration, back injuries, or heart attacks. During snow removal in addition to following the tips for avoiding cold stress, such as taking frequent breaks in warm areas, there are other precautions workers can take to avoid injuries. Workers should warm-up before the activity, scoop small amounts of snow at a time and where possible, push the snow instead of lifting it. The use of proper lifting technique is necessary to avoid back and other injuries when shoveling snow: keep the back straight, lift with the legs and do not turn or twist the body.

Using Powered Equipment like Snow Blowers

It is important to make sure that powered equipment, such as snow blowers are properly grounded to protect workers from electric shocks or electrocutions. When performing maintenance or cleaning, make sure the equipment is properly guarded and is disconnected from power sources.

Snow blowers commonly cause lacerations or amputations when operators attempt to clear jams with the equipment turned on. Never attempt to clear a jam by hand. First, turn the snow blower off and wait for all moving parts to stop, and then use a long stick to clear wet snow or debris from the machine. Keep your hands and feet away from moving parts. Refuel a snow blower prior to starting the machine; do not add fuel when the equipment is running or when the engine is hot.

Clearing Snow from Roofs and Working at Heights

Employers must evaluate snow removal tasks for hazards and plan how to do the work safely. Workers should be aware of the potential for unexpected hazards due to the weather conditions, for example, layers of ice can form as the environmental temperature drops, making surfaces even more slippery. A surface that is weighed down by snow must be inspected by a competent person to determine if it is structurally safe for workers to access it, because it may be at risk of collapsing. Snow covered rooftops can hide hazards such as skylights that workers can fall through. Electrical hazards may also exist from overhead power lines or snow removal equipment.

Employers can protect workers from these hazardous work conditions, for example, by using snow removal methods that do not involve workers going on roofs, when and where possible. Employers should determine the right type of equipment (ladders, aerial lifts, etc.) and personal protective equipment (personal fall arrest systems, non-slip safety boots, etc.) for the job and ensure that workers are trained on how to properly use them. For more information, see OSHA's Hazard Alert: Falls and Other Hazards to Workers Removing Snow from Rooftops and Other Elevated Surfaces*.

Preventing Slips on Snow and Ice

To prevent slips, trips, and falls, employers should clear walking surfaces of snow and ice, and spread deicer, as quickly as possible after a winter storm. In addition, the following precautions will help reduce the likelihood of injuries:

• Wear proper footwear when walking on snow or ice is unavoidable, because it is especially treacherous. A pair of insulated and water resistant boots with good rubber treads is a must for walking during or after a winter storm. Keeping a pair of rubber over-shoes with good treads which fit over your street shoes is a good idea during the winter months.
• Take short steps and walk at a slower pace so you can react quickly to a change in traction, when walking on an icy or snow-covered walkway.

Repairing Downed or Damaged Power Lines

Repairing and/or replacing damaged power lines in severe winter weather conditions are especially hazardous. A major hazard is snow, because the moisture can reduce the insulation value of protective equipment, and could cause electrocution. In these conditions de-energized work is safer, but if energized work must be done, qualified workers and supervisors must first do a hazard analysis that includes evaluating the weather conditions and identifying how to safely do the job.

Other potential hazards include:

• Electrocution by contacting downed energized power lines, or contacting objects, such as broken tree limbs, in contact with downed energized power lines.
• Fires caused by an energized line or equipment failure.
• Being struck or crushed by falling tree limbs, collapsing poles, etc.

When working on downed or damaged power lines, electrical utility workers should use safe work practices, appropriate tools and equipment (including personal protective equipment (PPE)). Extra caution should be exercised when working in adverse weather conditions. Learn more at: Contact with Power Lines (OSHA Construction eTool).

Working Near Downed or Damaged power lines

Assume all power lines are energized and stay clear of any downed or damaged power lines. Establish a safe distance from power lines and report any incidents to the responsible authority. Only properly-trained electrical utility workers can handle damaged power lines. Learn more at: Contact with Power Lines (OSHA Construction eTool) and Working Safely Around Downed Electrical Wires* (OSHA Fact Sheet).

Removing Downed Trees

Clearing downed trees is a critical job during severe winter weather conditions. It is usually urgent to remove downed trees that block public roads and damage power lines. Emergency crews are often tasked with clearing downed trees.

Potential hazards include:

• Electrocution by contacting downed energized power lines or contacting broken tree limbs in contact with downed energized power lines. Learn more at: Line Clearance Tree Trimming Operations (OSHA Electric Power eTool).
• Falls from heights.
• Being injured by equipment such as chain saws (Chain Saw Safety* (OSHA QuickCard™)) and chippers (Chipper Machine Safety* (OSHA QuickCard™)).

Workers should wear PPE that protect them from the hazards of the tree removal tasks. Workers using chainsaws and chippers to clear downed trees should use: gloves, chaps, foot protection, eye protection, fall protection, hearing protection and head protection.

Only powered equipment designed for outdoor and wet conditions should be used. Use all equipment and tools (saws, chippers, etc.) properly and for the purpose that they are designed for. Ensure that equipment is always maintained in serviceable condition and inspected before use by a knowledgeable person that can identify any problems with the equipment. Do not use equipment that is not functioning properly. Equipment must have proper guarding (as applicable); safe guards must never be bypassed.  All controls and safety features must function as designed by the manufacturer. Learn more at: Tree Trimming and Removal* (OSHA QuickCard™).

Saving Money, Poisoning Workers

This is a case for employers to act with moral responsibility to maintain a safe work environment, stronger regulations and changes in statutory provisions to make the workplace safer. This post was shared by Jordan Barab and comes from www.nytimes.com

The workers at Royale Comfort Seating in Taylorsville, N.C., had a simple but grueling job. For 10 hours at a stretch they spray-glued pieces of polyurethane foam into shapes that became the spongy filling of cushions sold to many top furniture brands. Unfortunately, the glue contained a dangerous chemical known as n-propyl bromide, or nPB, and the spray guns left a yellowish fog in the air that coated everything in sight. Exposure to the toxic fumes left some workers so dizzy at the end of the day that they walked as if drunk.

Worse yet, many developed long-term ailments. One worker can no longer stand or sit for more than 20 minutes without feeling excruciating pain in her spine and legs. Another lost control of his hands and could not put on clothes without help.

One in 10 deaths among working-age adults due to excessive drinking

Shared from the cdc.com Excessive alcohol use accounts for one in 10 deaths among working-age adults ages 20-64 years in the United States, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published today in Preventing Chronic Disease. Excessive alcohol use led to approximately 88,000 deaths per year from 2006 to 2010, and shortened the lives of those who died by about 30 years.  These deaths were due to health effects from drinking too much over time, such as breast cancer, liver disease, and heart disease; and health effects from drinking too much in a short period of time, such as violence, alcohol poisoning, and motor vehicle crashes.  In total, there were 2.5 million years of potential life lost each year due to excessive alcohol use. Nearly 70 percent of deaths due to excessive drinking involved working-age adults, and about 70 percent of the deaths involved males.  About 5 percent of the deaths involved people under age 21.  The highest death rate due to excessive drinking was in New Mexico (51 deaths per 100,000 population), and the lowest was in New Jersey (19.1 per 100,000). “Excessive alcohol use is a leading cause of preventable death that kills many Americans in the prime of their lives,” said Ursula E. Bauer, Ph.D., M.P.H., director of CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. “We need to redouble our efforts to implement scientifically...

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The Hazards of Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers now proliferate the workplace. Concern has been raised over medical issues created by their use, especially for pregnant women who are health care workers. Additionally the fragrances used may be toxic.

Virginia Evans and Peter Orris from the University of Illinois authored a Letter to the Editor on this topic in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine ( Vol 54(1):3, Jan 2012).

“…exposure to alcohol-based hand sanitizers would, at most, lead to very low blood alcohol levels… if an additional risk reduction is desired by pregnant health care workers, work practices should be modified to allow the use of soap and water as a substitute for the alcohol-based hand sanitizer.”

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The young and new on job most affected by heat stress: study

Today's post was shared by US Dept. of Labor and comes from www.iwh.on.ca

Study of work-related heat stress finds heat strokes, sun strokes and other heat illnesses spike over groups of days and disproportionately affect those on the job less than two months

On hot, sultry summer days, it’s common to see ministries of labour issue alerts telling workers to stay cool, drink a lot of water and take longer breaks if necessary. Public health officials will also urge people to stay indoors and check in on their elderly neighbours.

If employers were ever to issue a workplace equivalent of such alerts, they should ask workers to keep an eye on their young colleagues—especially the new ones on the job.

According to a study by the Institute for Work & Health (IWH) on heat stress, young men working in manual occupations are most vulnerable to extreme heat. The more inexperienced they are on the job, the more likely they are to need time off work to recover from heat stroke, sun stroke, fainting and other forms of heat illnesses.