Tag Archives: United States

OSHA Kicks Off Summer Campaign to Prevent Heat-Related Illnesses and Fatalities Among Outdoor Workers

May 15, 2012 By in Heat Stress & Heat Exhaustion, News, OSHA News, OSHA Training, Personal Safety, Stress & Safety, Warehouse Safety, Workplace Fatality, Workplace Safety Tags: , , Leave a comment

 

 

Release Number: 12-912-NAT
May 7, 2012
Contact: Adriano Llosa      Jesse Lawder
Phone: 202-693-4686      202-693-4659
Email: llosa.adriano@dol.gov      lawder.jesse@dol.gov

US Labor Department kicks off summer campaign to prevent
heat-related illnesses and fatalities among outdoor workers
Educational materials and mobile application available

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor‘s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has kicked off a national outreach initiative to educate workers and their employers about the hazards of working outdoors in hot weather. The outreach effort builds on last year’s successful summer campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of too much sun and heat.

“For outdoor workers, ‘water, rest and shade’ are three words that can make the difference between life and death,” Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis said. “If employers take reasonable precautions, and look out for their workers, we can beat the heat.”

Every year, thousands of workers across the country suffer from serious heat-related illnesses. If not quickly addressed, heat exhaustion can become heat stroke, which has killed – on average – more than 30 workers annually since 2003. Labor-intensive activities in hot weather can raise body temperatures beyond the level that normally can be cooled by sweating. Heat illness initially may manifest as heat rash or heat cramps, but quickly can become heat exhaustion and then heat stroke if simple prevention steps are not followed.

“It is essential for workers and employers to take proactive steps to stay safe in extreme heat, and become aware of symptoms of heat exhaustion before they get worse,” said Dr. David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health. “Agriculture workers; building, road and other construction workers; utility workers; baggage handlers; roofers; landscapers; and others who work outside are all at risk. Drinking plenty of water and taking frequent breaks in cool, shaded areas are incredibly important in the hot summer months.”

In preparation for the summer season, OSHA has developed heat illness educational materials in English and Spanish, as well as a curriculum to be used for workplace training. Additionally, a Web page provides information and resources on heat illness – including how to prevent it and what to do in case of an emergency – for workers and employers. The page is available at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatillness/index.html.

OSHA also has released a free application for mobile devices that enables workers and supervisors to monitor the heat index at their work sites. The app displays a risk level for workers based on the heat index, as well as reminders about protective measures that should be taken at that risk level. Available for Android-based platforms and the iPhone, the app can be downloaded in both English and Spanish by visiting http://s.dol.gov/RI.

In developing last year’s inaugural national campaign, federal OSHA worked closely with the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration and adapted materials from that state’s successful campaign. Additionally, OSHA is partnering with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for the second year to incorporate worker safety precautions when heat alerts are issued across the nation. NOAA also will include pertinent worker safety information on its heat watch Web page at http://www.noaawatch.gov/themes/heat.php.

You'll Last Longer After A Little Rest.

Photos by: CAL-OSHA

Welcome to OSHA’s Campaign to Prevent Heat Illness in Outdoor Workers

HEAT ILLNESS CAN BE DEADLY. Every year, thousands of workers become sick from exposure to heat, and some even die. These illnesses and deaths are preventable.

This webpage is part of OSHA’s nationwide outreach campaign to raise awareness among workers and employers about the hazards of working outdoors in hot weather. The educational resources on this website give workers and employers information about heat illnesses and how to prevent them. There are also training tools for employers to use and posters to display at their worksites. Many of the new resources target vulnerable workers with limited English proficiency. OSHA will continue to add information and tools to this page throughout the summer.

OSHA is also partnering with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on weather service alerts. NOAA’s Heat Watch page now includes worker safety precautions when extreme heat alerts are issued.

We invite you to join in this effort by helping to reach workers and employers in your community with the resources you will find on this site.

Who is affected? Workers exposed to hot and humid conditions are at risk of heat illness, especially those doing heavy work tasks or using bulky protective clothing and equipment. Some workers might be at greater risk than others if they have not built up a tolerance to hot conditions.

What is heat illness? The body normally cools itself by sweating. During hot weather, especially with high humidity, sweating isn’t enough. Body temperature can rise to dangerous levels if precautions are not taken. Heat illnesses range from heat rash and heat cramps to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke can result in death and requires immediate medical attention.

How can heat illness be prevented? Remember three simple words: water, rest, shade. Drinking water often, taking breaks, and limiting time in the heat can help prevent heat illness. Employers should include these prevention steps in worksite training and plans. Gradually build up to heavy work in hot conditions. This helps you build tolerance to the heat – or become acclimated. Employers should take steps that help workers become acclimated, especially workers who are new to working outdoors in the heat or have been away from work for a week or more. Gradually increase workloads and allow more frequent breaks during the first week of work. Also, it’s important to know and look out for the symptoms of heat illness in yourself and others during hot weather. Plan for an emergency and know what to do — acting quickly can save lives!

Training Resources

Training Guide for Employers to Train Workers: Provides Tailgate or Toolbox Talks
Available in English [7 MB PDF*, 43 pages] and en Español [9 MB PDF*, 43 pages]

Cal/OSHA Heat Safety Training Kit for Employers*

Cal/OSHA DVD: Water, Rest, Shade: The Work Can’t Get Done Without Them*

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries Training Materials for Employers*

Labor Occupational Health Program’s (University of California, Berkeley) guide for tailgate training: Heat Hazards in Agriculture (2008). Also available en Español [1 MB PDF, 44 pages].

Farm Safety Association, Inc. Script for Instructors: Dangers of Heat Stress. Also available en Español. (2000, March).

Ohio State University Extension Training Module: Heat Stress. Also available en Español.

Texas Department of Insurance Fact Sheet: Heat Stress [169 KB PDF, 2 pages]. Also available en Español [169 KB PDF, 2 pages].

*NOTE: California and Washington state have their own heat illness prevention standards; these materials reflect the requirements in those standards.

Educational Resources for Workers and Employers

Illustrated, low-literacy fact sheets for workers
Available in English [1 MB PDF*, 4 pages] and en Español [1 MB PDF*, 4 pages]**

Worksites poster for employers that illustrate heat illness
Available in English [2 MB PDF*, 2 pages] and en Español [2 MB PDF*, 2 pages]**

Community posters that list heat prevention tips and provide OSHA
contact information
Available in English [2 MB PDF*, 1 page] and en Español [293 KB PDF*, 1 page]**

OSHA Heat Prevention Lesson Plan
Available in English [7 MB PDF*, 43 pages] and en Español [9 MB PDF*, 43 pages]

Use OSHA’s Heat Smartphone App
Check the heat index for your worksite and see reminders about the protective
measures for the specified risk level.

Additional Resources for Workers and Employers

OSHA Quick Card: Protecting Workers from Heat Stress [3 MB PDF*, 2 pages]

OSHA Fact Sheet: Protecting Workers from the Effects of Heat Fact Sheet [180 KB PDF*, 2 pages]

OSHA-NIOSH Heat Illness Info Sheet: Protecting Workers from Heat Illness [132 KB PDF*, 3 pages].

OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page: Occupational Heat Exposure

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Fast Facts: Protecting Yourself from Heat Stress [375 KB PDF, 2 pages] (2010, April)

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Workplace Safety and Health Topic: Heat Stress

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Extreme Heat

National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service Heat Index

Cal/OSHA Webpage: California Campaign to Protect Outdoor Workers From Heat Illness***

Cal/OSHA, Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) Webpage: Heat Illness Prevention***

Cal/OSHA Heat Illness Prevention eTool and Action Kit***

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries Webpage: Outdoor Heat Exposure (Heat Stress)***

**These resources were adapted from California OSHA’s heat campaign materials.
***NOTE: California and Washington state have their own heat illness prevention standards; these materials reflect the requirements in those standards.

Media Resources

Press Release [en Español]

Press Teleconference on Launch of 2012 Heat Illness Prevention Campaign featuring Assistant Secretary Dr. David Michaels [Recording]

Labor Secretary’s Public Service Announcement
Available as Audio or Video in English and en Español

Drop-In Articles

Short Version [MS Word] | En Español [MS Word]

Long Version [MS Word] | En Español [MS Word]

Drop-In Art for Publications (all high resolution)

English

Quarter Size Quarter Size (Color)
[717 KB PDF*, 1 page]		 Full Size
Full Size (Color)
[1 MB PDF*, 1 page]
Quarter Size (Black and White)
[624 KB PDF*, 1 page]		 Full Size (Black and White)
[1 MB PDF*, 1 page]

En Español

Quarter Size
Quarter Size (Color)
[1 MB PDF*, 1 page]		 Full Size
Full Size (Color)
[3 MB PDF*, 1 page]
Quarter Size (Black and White)
[1 MB PDF*, 1 page]		 Full Size (Black and White)
[5 MB PDF*, 1 page]

Response to the Open Letter From the 4695 Fatalities

May 14, 2012 By in News, Phil La Duke Articles Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Reblogged from Phil La Duke's Blog:

Click to visit the original post

St. John’s Cemetery, New Orleans

Dear Victims of Workplace Fatalities:

I received your letter last week, and while nothing I say or do will ever erase your tragedy I do hope I can help you to understand the state of workplace safety today. I hope you can receive this in the spirit in which it is intended. First, you are right I am a safety guy, but I am not THE safety guy.

Read more… 1,107 more words

The only thing I would add to this, is that the Safety person "MUST" be a hands on, on the floor type of person who is willing work with, and get to know his employees as well as earn their trust. They also need to know that you are approachable so that they don't look at us as "the enemy, or cop on the beat." When you include employees "as a part" of your safety program, and have them give safety talks, be a part of safety committees, etc.., you will indeed get excellent results. Once they begin to take ownership of their own safety, results will occur! I've done it this way, and it works! ~ Jack Benton

Job Opening! – Environmental Compliance Specialist – Minnesota

May 3, 2012 By in Job Posting, Midwest Job Posting, News Tags: , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Please Contact The Recruiter Directly – I Am Posting This As A favor To Them!!

Currently we are partnered with a Chemical Company in the Midwest that is in need of an Environmental Compliance Specialist.

  • Environmental Regulatory Compliance (including but not limited to federal (EPA), state (MPCA and others) and local (i.e. County & City Governments) rules and regulations)
    • Above Ground Storage Tanks (Major Facilities) – Permitting, compliance and reporting
    • Under Ground Storage Tanks – Permitting, compliance and reporting
    • Hazardous Waste Generation – Licensing, compliance, coordination, and reporting
    • Water – Industrial Stormwater/NPDES – Permitting, compliance, coordination, monitoring and reporting

– Industrial Wastewater Discharge – Permitting and compliance

  • Air – Permitting, compliance, recordkeeping and reporting
  • EPA SARA Form R – Annual threshold determination, release calculations and reporting
  • EPA SARA Tier Two – Inventory audits and reporting
  • EPA Risk Management Planning ­– Preparation, submission, auditing and reporting
  • EPA Toxic Substance Control Act – Notification and reporting
  • EPA Pesticides – Registration and reporting
  • Emergency Response Incident Command ­­­– Notification, coordination, remediation and reporting
  • Facility compliance inspections
  • Safety program support with duties including but not limited to:
    • Program maintenance and review
    • Facility compliance inspections
    • Hazard identification
    • Employee training
    • Emergency Response Incident Command
    • New Product review, classification, and approval
    • MSDS preparation, approval, and distribution oversight

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science or related field
  • Minimum of 6 years experience working with Environmental regulatory compliance.
  • Oral and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, and superior organizational abilities.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Word, Power Point, and Excel
  • JD Edwards experience a plus
  • Database design/management a plus
  • Ability and desire to work at a high level of accuracy

This position is based out of the Minnesota area.

–
David Riddell

Senior Recruiter

ADDISON-KIRBY Technical Recruitment

569 Arbor Lane

South Elgin, IL. 60177

847.208.3298

www.addison-kirby.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Free Webinar – “Workplace Violence: Warning Signs, Red Flags & What Puts You at Risk!” – Tuesday, May 1, 2012 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EDT

April 30, 2012 By in News, Workplace Safety, Webinar, Workplace Violence Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

    Metis Secure Solutions Presents:

“Workplace Violence: Warning Signs, Red Flags & What Puts You at Risk!” – with Workplace Violence Expert – Carol Fredrickson

Every business can be hurt by workplace violence! The only common element: managers and executives who were sure “it couldn’t happen here!” In most workplace violence shootings there were “red flags galore” and yet no one recognized or took action before tragedy struck!

In this webinar you will learn:

• To understand early warning signs of violence
• Recognize red flags
• Characteristics of a violent employee
• Missed opportunities to keep your people safe
• What puts you and your company at a higher risk for violence

Register for this complimentary webinar today: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/614356570

About Carol Fredrickson

Carol Fredrickson is the CEO and Founder of Violence Free. She and her partner Duane are in-demand workplace violence experts who offer seminars, workshops, webinars and keynotes on Managing Angry Clients, Customers, Employees and Patients. Clients rely on their skills, knowledge and expertise to prevent 6 and 7 figure lawsuits and more importantly to avert workplace violence.

Since 1993 over 100,000 people have benefited from Carol’s powerful messages. She keeps audiences on the edge of their seats with stranger-than-fiction case studies and “worst case” scenarios.

Carol can be reached at carol or by phone at 623-242-8797. For a list of Carol’s most requested topics that may be a fit for your next meeting, or additional, free resources to reduce liability and keep your people safe, visit www.violence-free.com.

University of California Study: US Workplace Injuries and Illness Costs Are Higher Than Expected

April 30, 2012 By in News, Workers Compensation, Workplace Fatality, Workplace Injuries, Workplace Safety Tags: , , , , , , , Leave a comment

In the first comprehensive review of its kind since 1992, a University of California Davis researcher has estimated the national annual price tag of occupational injuries and illnesses at $250 billion.

That figure is $31 billion more than the direct and indirect costs of all cancers, $76 billion more than diabetes and $187 more than strokes.

The study strongly suggests that the United States should place greater emphasis on reducing work-related injuries and illnesses, especially since costs have risen by more than $33 billion (inflation adjusted) since the 1992 analysis.

“It’s unfortunate that occupational health doesn’t get the attention it deserves,” says J. Paul Leigh, professor of public health sciences at UC Davis and author of the study. “The costs are enormous and continue to grow. And the potential for health risks are high, given that most people between the ages of 22 to 65 spend 40 percent of their waking hours at work.”

Where Did the Data Come From?

In generating the estimate, Leigh gathered 2007 data on occupational injuries and illnesses and their costs for civilian workers, including agricultural and self-employed workers. Injury and disease data came from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Available epidemiological research on the percentages of diseases—such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cancer—that can be attributed to occupational exposures was also considered. Leigh accounted for unreported injury and illness using estimates from BLS and state workers’ compensation systems.

Cost data came from the National Council on Compensation Insurance, the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, and the National Academy of Social Insurance. Total costs were calculated by multiplying the number of cases of occupational injury or illness by the average cost per case.

The study estimated that there were:

  • 8,564,600 fatal and nonfatal work-related injuries, which cost $192 billion
  • 516,100 fatal and nonfatal work-related illnesses, which cost $58 billion

The study also estimated 59,102 combined deaths from occupational injuries and diseases, which was higher than all deaths from motor vehicle crashes (43,945), breast cancer (40,970), or prostate cancer (29,093) in the same year.

Leigh noted in the study that workers’ compensation premiums do not currently account for these high figures. In fact, less than 25 percent of the costs of workplace injuries and illnesses are covered by workers’ comp. As a result, many occupational health issues go unresolved, and the bulk of the costs are absorbed by employer-provided medical insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid, raising healthcare costs for everyone.

Leigh believes that if workers’ comp premiums were based on costs for each employer rather than on industry wide costs, organizations would be much more motivated to invest in prevention campaigns and eliminate hazards because they would see the benefits of those changes to the bottom line.