Thursday, November 19, 2009
Number of fires that occur annually in university housing
3,800Number of fires that occur annually in university housing
Source: U.S. Fire Administration
Senate committee approves Michaels' nomination
David Michaels' nomination for OSHA administrator moved to the full Senate for confirmation Wednesday after it received approval from the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.
The nomination passed through the committee in a vote in which only two senators were opposed – Sens. Richard Burr (R-NC) and Tom Coburn (R-OK). No hearing on the nomination took place before the full committee. A spokesperson for committee chairman Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) said such a formal hearing is rare and typically called only for controversial nominees.
GAO to OSHA: Improve accuracy of worker injury, illness data
Workers who fear losing their jobs and employers who fear higher compensation costs are among the factors that could affect the accuracy of worker injury and illness data, according to a Government Accountability Office report (.pdf file) released Nov. 16.
The report reviewed OSHA's audit process and suggested the agency take additional steps to verify data accuracy. GAO found OSHA audits overlook information from workers – the only data source not provided by employers.
Among GAO's recommendations:
- Require OSHA inspectors to interview workers during records audits.
- Minimize the amount of time between the date when injuries and illnesses are recorded by employers and the date audited by OSHA.
- Increase education and training to employers on recordkeeping standards.
Acting OSHA administrator Jordan Barab issued a statement welcoming the report, and said the agency would take up all of GAO's recommendations. The report comes just weeks after OSHA announced a National Emphasis Program on recordkeeping (.pdf file).
Chemical facility safety bill moves to Senate
A bill intended to protect chemical facilities and water treatment systems from terrorist attacks was voted out of the House on Nov. 6 and moved to the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
The Chemical and Water Security Act of 2009 (H.R. 2868) would amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 and the Safe Drinking Water Act. The proposed legislation would require chemical facilities to implement a site security plan and direct highest-risk facilities to use safer chemicals.
CSB issues video on pressure vessels
In a video message released Nov. 9, Chemical Safety Board Chairman John Bresland called on jurisdictions to adopt the American Society of Mechanical Engineers' pressure vessel code to help prevent accidents.
According to a CSB press release, 11 states currently do not require companies to follow New York-based ASME's code, which covers safeguards for pressure vessels, including design, welding, fabrication, testing and pressure relief.
Hispanic housekeepers face higher injury risk: study
A recent study of U.S. hotel workers found Hispanic housekeepers had a significantly higher injury rate than their counterparts of other races, and female hotel workers were about 1.5 times more likely to suffer injuries than men.
The study, presented Nov. 9 at the annual meeting of the Washington-based American Public Health Association, analyzed OSHA log incidents from five unionized hotel companies from 2003 to 2005.
The overall injury rate for hotel workers was 5.2 per 100 workers. Housekeepers, who were overwhelmingly female, had the highest injury rate at 7.9 due to the physical demands of the job, researchers said. Hispanic housekeepers had an even higher rate of 10.6, compared with 7.3 for Asians, 6.3 for whites and 5.5 for blacks.
Researchers said the findings indicate job gender stereotyping remains a defining factor for the workforce and possibly a risk factor for injury.
OSHA issues 'Black Friday' crowd control tip sheet for retailers
OSHA on Tuesday issued a crowd-control tip sheet for retailers nearly one year after the trampling death of a Walmart employee during a "Black Friday" sales event.
About 2,000 shoppers rushed into the store in Valley Stream, NY, on Nov. 28, 2008, for the retail chain's annual day-after-Thanksgiving sale. The store had no crowd-control measures in place, and an employee was knocked to the ground and asphyxiated when shoppers surged inside.
Among OSHA's guidelines (.pdf file):
- Have trained security or crowd management personnel or police on-site when a large crowd is expected.
- Set up barricades or rope lines in advance of customers arriving at the store.
- Do not restrict egress, and do not block or lock exit doors.
Strength training reduces pain among female office workers: study
Performing strength training exercises using dumbbells can significantly reduce neck and shoulder pain in female office workers, according to a Danish study (.pdf file) published in the November issue of the Bethesda, MD-based American Physiological Society's Journal of Applied Physiology.
For the 10-week study, 42 women whose office work involved repetitive tasks and computers were divided into three groups: strength training, general fitness and a control group that received counseling on ergonomics but no physical training. Before the study, participants had reported neck pain and tightness and tenderness of the trapezius muscle, which extends from the neck to the upper back, according to an APS press release.
Women who participated in the strength training program experienced a pain reduction of more than 50 percent, had better rapid force capacity and developed more of the muscle fibers that help generate power, while members from the other two groups reported no major changes, the press release said.
DOT releases action plan to address motorcoach safety issues
Department of Transportation officials hope to initiate rulemaking in 2010 for the installation of safety belts on motorcoaches as part of a new integrated Motorcoach Safety Action Plan (.pdf file) announced Nov. 16.
In addition, DOT officials want to initiate six other priority action items to address major safety issues, including:
- Rulemaking that would require electronic on-board recording devices on all motorcoaches to better monitor drivers.
- Rulemaking to prohibit text messaging while driving and limit the use of cell phones and other wireless communication devices by motorcoach drivers.
- Minimum knowledge requirements for people applying for authority to transport passengers.
FRA identifies 10 states with most highway rail-grade crossing incidents
The Federal Railroad Administration has identified 10 states that under a proposed rule would need to develop highway rail-grade crossing action plans.
According to a notice of proposed rulemaking (.pdf file) published in the Nov. 13 Federal Register, the states with the most reported incidents, on average, from 2006 to 2008 were Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Ohio and Texas.
States will have one year after the NPRM goes into effect to develop a federally compliant five-year action plan intended to reduce collisions at the crossings. Such collisions accounted for 4,200 accidents in those states (51 percent of all grade crossing collisions nationwide).
FRA on Sept. 2 outlined the crossing provisions as a direct final rule, but the agency withdrew it and instead published the NPRM after it received one adverse comment. FRA said the NPRM would not impose any direct or substantial compliance costs on the states and local governments.
DOT penalizes company for violating drug, alcohol testing regulations
The Department of Transportation on Nov. 17 issued an order (.pdf file) prohibiting a man from providing drug and alcohol testing services to DOT-regulated transportation industry employers after Federal Aviation Administration investigators discovered he had posed as a licensed physician.
According to a notice (.pdf file) published in the Nov. 17 Federal Register, Michael R. Bennett of Workplace Compliance Inc. in Winston Salem, NC, "performed all the roles and responsibilities of a medical review officer even though he was not a licensed physician," in addition to having used a medical doctor's name on thousands of negative test results and hundreds of positive test results. Officials with DOT's Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance reported Bennett did not contest the findings. Bennett and other individuals associated with Workplace Compliance are prohibited from providing drug and alcohol testing for the next five years, which is the maximum penalty allowed under the order.
Report outlines factors in run-off-the-road crashes
Drowsy driving, inattentiveness and vehicle overcorrection are common factors in a high percentage of fatal crashes analyzed in a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study of single vehicle run-off-the-road crashes.
In the study (.pdf file), released Nov. 17, researchers reviewed crashes recorded between 1991 and 2007 in NHTSA's Fatality Analysis Reporting System. The study showed 91.2 percent of drivers were most likely sleepy, 75.4 percent were inattentive and 85.6 percent had overcorrected the vehicle. Additional factors and conditions include alcohol use, curved roads, speeding, rural roadways, high speed limits and adverse weather.
Study indicates high levels of TWD among teens
Findings from a report released Nov. 16 show how prevalent text messaging while driving has become among teenagers.
The Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project analyzed teens, cell phone use and distracted driving.
Among the findings:
- 1 out of every 3 teens ages 16-17 have texted while driving.
- 48 percent of teens ages 12-17 have been a passenger in a car whose driver was texting.
- 78 percent of teens ages 16-17 have been a passenger in a car whose driver was texting.
Motivations for TWD include the need to report whereabouts to friends and parents, getting directions and flirting with significant others. Researchers also were alarmed at the frequency of teens who reported their parents texted while driving.
Findings are based on responses from telephone interviews and focus groups with 800 teenagers ages 12-17 and a parent or guardian.
USFA releases report on university housing fires
Approximately 3,800 fires occur annually in university housing, the vast majority of which are cooking fires, according to a report (.pdf file) issued last week by the U.S. Fire Administration.
The report, which analyzed National Fire Incident Reporting System data from 2005 to 2007, estimated fires in university housing – including dormitories and sorority and fraternity houses – cause 5 deaths, 50 civilian injuries and $26 million in property loss annually.
The report also found 94 percent of all university housing fires occur in dormitories, with 83 percent of the fires being related to cooking. Fires seemed to spike between the hours of 5 p.m. and 10 p.m., when students were most likely to be preparing meals or snacks, researchers said. The largest number of fires occurred during September and October.
Cheerleading stunts lead to injuries: study
More than half of all cheerleading injuries stem from stunts such as cradles, elevators, extensions and pyramids, according to a study from the Center for Injury Research and Policy of the Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, OH. Such stunts accounted for 96 percent of all concussions and head injuries.
Analyzing data from Cheerleading RIO, an online injury reporting system, researchers found the most common cheerleading injuries were sprains and strains. In 83 percent of the cases, cheerleaders were injured during practice.
Additionally, researchers found 90 percent of serious fall-related injuries occurred on artificial turf, grass, traditional foam or wood floors, and that only spring floors or 4-inch-thick landing mats placed on top of traditional foam floors provide adequate impact protection for two-level stunts.
The study was published in the November issue of the Journal of Athletic Training.
Keep safety in mind on Turkey Day
More home cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving than any other day of the year, according to the Quincy, MA-based National Fire Protection Association. In 2007, firefighters responded to 1,300 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving – 3 times the daily average.
To prevent fires, NFPA recommends:
- Do not use the stove if you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol.
- Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food.
- If you are simmering, baking, roasting or boiling food, use a timer to remind you to check the food regularly.
- Keep items that can catch fire away from the stovetop.
If a cooking fire breaks out:
- Smother grease fires by placing a lid on the pan and shutting off the stovetop. Do not remove the lid until the pan has completely cooled.
- For an oven fire, close the door and turn off the heat.
In related news, the American Association of Poison Control Centers reminds people to keep safety in mind on Thanksgiving to prevent food poisoning. To prevent this, AAPCC recommends:
- Handle food carefully. Wash hands, dishes, utensils and surfaces before and after handling food.
- Cook carefully. The most common cause of food poisoning is salmonella, which can only be destroyed by cooking foods thoroughly and at a temperature above 140° F.
- Thaw turkeys inside the refrigerator. Although it is safe to thaw a turkey in its original plastic packaging, transfer it to plastic wrap or foil after two days.
- Do not stuff a turkey in advance and then refrigerate it, as this can encourage bacteria growth. Remove stuffing before refrigerating leftovers.
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Thursday, November 12, 2009
OSHA provides H1N1 information
OSHA this week released fact sheets, together with a Web page, outlining ways workers and employers can limit the spread of the H1N1 influenza at work. An additional set of fact sheets deals specifically with health care workers, whose job often requires close contact with infected people.
OSHA said it will soon issue a compliance directive to ensure uniform procedures are established for flu-related inspections of health care settings. The directive will follow interim guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to an OSHA press release.
Acetylene standard goes into effect
With no "significant adverse comments" submitted on OSHA's direct file rule (.pdf file) for acetylene, the general industry standard went into effect Nov. 9, the agency said.
The standard (1910.102) updates outdated consensus standards and was considered by OSHA to be noncontroversial, so the agency in August published both a final rule and an identical notice of proposed rulemaking.
In the event OSHA had received significant adverse comments on the standard, it would have withdrawn the final rule and proceeded with the NPRM.
Adults who have injured someone they know by closing a car window
13 millionNumber of U.S. adults estimated to have injured someone they know by closing a car window
Source: Harris Interactive
OSHA schedules stakeholder meetings on combustible dust
Two informal meetings have been scheduled for stakeholders to discuss combustible dust hazards. The meetings, both of which will take place Dec. 14 in Washington, are part of OSHA's efforts to gather information on a proposed combustible dust standard.
OSHA published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking in the Oct. 21 Federal Register. According to the agency, at least 130 people have been killed and 780 injured in combustible dust explosions since 1980.
Scientists criticize federal N95 respirator requirement
Three scientific groups have expressed concern regarding the federal requirement that directs health care workers to wear fit-tested N95 respirators instead of surgical masks to limit transmission of the H1N1 influenza.
In a Nov. 5 letter (.pdf file) to President Barack Obama, the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology contend the policy does not line up with scientific evidence. Citing two recent studies that suggest N95 respirators do not provide more protection than surgical masks, the groups are calling for a modification of federal guidance and a moratorium on OSHA's enforcement of the requirement. One of the studies initially showed how N95 respirators provided better protection than surgical masks, but researchers said a re-evaluation of that study determined the difference was not statistically significant.
The letter also stated surgical masks are cheaper, more readily available and more likely to be worn by health care workers.
FEMA 'independence' bill moves out of committee
A House bill that would move FEMA back to a presidential Cabinet-level agency from the "unwieldy bureaucracy" in the Department of Homeland Security was voted out of committee last week.
Bill sponsor Rep. James Oberstar (D-MN) said in a press release that the FEMA Independence Act of 2009 (H.R. 1174) would restore the agency's "flexibility, capacity for quick decision-making and effectiveness" during disaster response and recovery efforts. The bill was approved by voice vote in the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and reported to the House for action.
Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) – chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, which has jurisdiction over FEMA – said that despite weaknesses uncovered in the agency during its response to Hurricane Katrina, FEMA works well under DHS and should not be moved.
FEMA was moved under DHS shortly after the department was created in 2003.
Committee holds hearing on paid sick days, H1N1
Advocates of a bill that would require employers to provide paid sick days suggested the legislation would help prevent employees from spreading illnesses at work, while opponents raised concerns about the economic effects of such a mandate.
During a Nov. 10 hearing, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee's Children and Families Subcommittee discussed the Healthy Families Act (S. 1152), which would require employers with 15 or more employees to provide up to 56 hours of paid leave time per year.
Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) said a policy is necessary in light of the H1N1 influenza pandemic to allow ill workers to stay home to avoid infecting co-workers. But HELP Committee ranking member Sen. Mike Enzi (R-WY) warned the bill could have an adverse effect on organizations struggling in the current recession, prompting them to reduce benefits or downsize.
In guidance to employers, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stressed all people with flu-like symptoms should stay home and away from the workplace to reduce the spread of infection.
CDC proposes setting leakage limit for half-mask respirators
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is accepting comment until Dec. 29 on a proposed rule (.pdf file) that would establish total inward leakage requirements for half-mask air particulate respirators approved by NIOSH.
The masks provide protection from toxic dusts, mists, fumes, fibers, and biological and infectious aerosols such as the flu. The rule would specify minimum TIL requirements and testing to be conducted by NIOSH and manufacturers to ensure the respirators provide effective protection when used correctly.
OSHA: Compliance with European GHS meets hazcom standard
Manufacturers, importers and distributors in the United States who follow a European Union regulation for the labeling of hazardous products meet OSHA's hazard communication standard (1910.1200), according to a standard interpretation from Richard Fairfax, director of OSHA's Directorate of Enforcement Programs.
As long as the label used complies with provisions in OSHA's hazcom standard – listing the chemical's identity, appropriate hazard warnings, and the name and address of chemical manufacturer, importer or responsible party – the EU GHS label is sufficient and OSHA will not issue citations, Fairfax said in an Oct. 6 letter.
Other standard interpretations recently released include:
- Only national consensus standards adopted or referenced by an OSHA standard provide a means of compliance.
- Chemical manufacturers must list either a physical address or a Post Office Box on a Material Safety Data Sheet to comply with the hazcom standard.
- Clarification of requirements for guarding access openings to fixed ladders.
EPA proposes new pesticide labeling to reduce drift hazards
The Environmental Protection Agency this week issued proposed guidance on pesticide labeling aimed at reducing hazards associated with off-target spray and dust drift.
The agency will evaluate the risk level of pesticides individually to help determine what measures are appropriate to protect people, wildlife, water, schools and other sensitive sites from harm, an EPA press release said. These measures could include the establishment of no-spray buffer zones or restrictions based on particle size, nozzle height and weather conditions.
"The new labels will carry more uniform and specific directions on restricting spray drift while giving pesticide applicators clear and workable instructions," said Steve Owens, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances.
Sept. 11 first responders have higher asthma rate: study
Workers and volunteers who spent an average of 80 days in rescue and recovery and clean-up efforts at the World Trade Center after the 2001 terrorist attacks suffer from asthma at twice the rate of the general population, according to recent data from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York.
An examination of the medical records of 20,843 WTC first responders who received screenings from July 2002 to December 2007 showed as many as 8 percent reported experiencing asthma attacks or episodes. In contrast, less than 1 percent reported these symptoms in 2000. Asthma typically appears in 4 percent of the general population, a Mount Sinai press release said.
The study was presented Nov. 3 at the 75th annual international scientific assembly of the American College of Chest Physicians.
Does a sedentary job indicate a sedentary lifestyle?
Working in a sedentary job makes men less likely to engage in physical activities outside of work, a new study from University College in London indicates.
According to a study abstract, researchers studied nearly 4,300 male and 1,800 female British workers ages 35-55 over a five-year period, assessed whether the participants worked a passive job and gauged their level of physical activity during nonworking hours.
Men working passive jobs throughout the duration of the study were 1.16 times more likely to have low leisure-time physical activity than those who had never worked a passive job. No association was found among the female workers.
The study was published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
Retirement eases sleep issues: study
Retirement can help you rest easy, according to a recent study from the University of Turku in Finland.
Researchers annually studied approximately 14,000 retirees via survey and found the odds of the retirees having disturbed sleep in the seven years after retirement were 26 percent lower than in the seven years prior to retirement. The reduction in sleep disturbances was especially notable among people in high-demand jobs, management-level workers and shiftworkers.
Participants in the study worked for a gas and electric company in France that offered a company-paid pension at 80 percent of their salary, and had a statutory retirement age of 55-60. "In countries and positions where there is no proper pension level to guarantee financial security beyond working age, retirement may be followed by severe stress, disturbing sleep even more than before retirement," study authors noted.
The study was published this month in the journal SLEEP.
Senate confirms transportation safety administrators
Anne Ferro was confirmed Nov. 5 as the new administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration; Cynthia L. Quarterman was confirmed the same day as the new administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. Ferro is the former president of the Maryland Motor Truck Association. Quarterman is the former director of the Minerals Management Service at the Department of the Interior.
The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee voted favorably and sent the nominations to the full Senate on Oct. 27.
NHTSA seeks comment on emerging traffic safety problems
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is seeking comment until Jan. 4, 2010, on potential traffic safety problems as the agency prepares for its 2010-2015 strategic planning.
NHTSA published more than 30 questions (.pdf file) in the Nov. 5 Federal Register to obtain feedback. The notice stated that although NHTSA has helped reduce traffic crash fatalities and resulting injuries during the past 43 years, more needs to be done "as new technology continues to develop and evolve."
Millions injured in car window incidents: study
More than 13 million U.S. adults are estimated to have injured someone they know by closing a car window, according to a study commissioned by KidsAndCars.org, a Leawood, KS-based nonprofit organization.
Results of the study, conducted by New York-based market research firm Harris Interactive, also estimated that:
- More than 22 million U.S. adults have been injured or know someone who was injured by another person closing a car window.
- More than 10 million U.S. adults have been injured by someone else closing a car window but did not seek medical care, thus they were not included in any government data collection efforts.
KidsAndCars.org officials said findings show the estimated number of incidents is much higher than the estimated injuries the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration listed in a notice of proposed rulemaking (.pdf file) for power-operated window, partition and roof panel systems. KidsAndCars.org submitted its findings when commenting on the notice and stressed the injuries involved someone else in the vehicle raising the window unbeknownst to another passenger. The organization also said NHTSA's efforts to mandate new types of power window switches will not help protect unsuspecting passengers.
FMCSA to host CSA 2010 Webinars
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in December will host two live Webinars on its "Comprehensive Safety Analysis 2010" initiative. CSA 2010 is a comprehensive review, analysis and restructuring of FMCSA's current compliance and enforcement program. A Dec. 3 Webinar will present an overview of CSA 2010 and operational model test results, while the Dec. 10 Webinar will cover the initiative from the perspectives of a motor carrier and a driver.
FMCSA intends to:
- Brief participants on the direction and progress of CSA 2010
- Obtain feedback and answer questions from its stakeholders
- Provide motor carriers, drivers and other stakeholders with information on what changes will occur with the implementation of CSA 2010
- Provide information on how to prepare for changes
Organization ranks most dangerous cities for pedestrians
Orlando is the most dangerous city for pedestrians, according to a new report from Washington-based Transportation for America.
The organization ranked U.S. metropolitan areas using the Pedestrian Danger Index, which determines the rate of pedestrian death in relation to the average amount of walking done by residents. The pedestrian death rate in Orlando was 2.9 deaths per 100,000 residents from 2007 to 2008, despite the fact that very few residents – only 1.3 percent – walked to work.
Other cities in top 10 were Tampa, FL; Miami; Jacksonville, FL; Memphis, TN; Raleigh, NC; Louisville, KY; Houston; Birmingham, AL; and Atlanta.
In the past decade, 43,000 Americans were killed while crossing or walking along a street, according to Transportation for America. Of those, 3,906 were children younger than 16.
The organization has called on Congress to improve pedestrian safety by designating federal funds to pedestrian projects, expanding the Safe Routes to School program and adopting a Complete Streets program that focuses on ensuring streets are safe for all modes of transportation.
NSC launches new Website
Check out the National Safety Council's new Website at www.nsc.org. Visitors will find greatly improved navigation and search capabilities. Better structure and site capabilities mean members get access to all materials in one location. Create a user profile and customize the information you receive on the home page. Forgot your Member ID? Call (800) 621-7619.
Borrowing prescription drugs often leads to side effects: study
More than 25 percent of people who borrow prescription medications experience side effects, according to a study presented at the American Public Health Association's 137th Annual Meeting & Exposition, which took place Nov. 7-11 in Philadelphia.
Researchers found that people who borrow prescription medications often are unaware of the potential risks and side effects of the drugs. More than half of the people studied said they did not receive written warnings or instructions about the medication, and 38.2 percent indicated they did not receive this information verbally.
The main reason study participants said they borrowed prescription drugs was to avoid visiting their health care provider, yet 1 out of every 3 ultimately ended up seeking care for their ailment. Half of these individuals did not inform their health care provider they had borrowed prescription medications.
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Wednesday, November 11, 2009
What action should OSHA take on ergonomics?
I have heard online access to National Fire Protection Association codes is now free. Is this true?
NFPA now offers a free read-only version of its codes. Start at NFPA Online Access, read the introduction, scroll down to "To review NFPA's codes and standards online" and click on "Visit NFPA’s Document Information page." You will find a list of all NFPA codes. Select the code of interest and follow the instructions to create a user profile, which will then give you read-only access.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Hot tub injuries
6,600Number of unintentional hot tub injuries reported annually between 1990 and 2007
Source: Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children's Hospital
OSHA proposes record-breaking fine against BP Products North America
OSHA last week announced a record $87 million fine against BP Products North America Inc. for failing to correct safety hazards identified after a 2005 explosion at BP's Texas City refinery killed 15 workers and injured 170.
"Let me be clear: This administration will not tolerate disregard of our laws," Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis said during an Oct. 30 press conference.
After a six-month investigation, OSHA officials cited 270 violations, with fines totaling $56.7 million, for failure to correct hazards as required by BP's 2005 settlement agreement with OSHA, as well as 439 new willful violations related to pressure relief safety systems.
"The fact that there are so many still outstanding life-threatening problems at this plant indicates that they still have a systemic safety problem in this refinery," acting OSHA administrator Jordan Barab said during the conference.
BP issued a statement contesting all of the proposed citations.
OSHA's previous highest penalty – $21 million – was issued to BP as part of the 2005 settlement agreement.
Barab: Federal OSHA oversight of State Plan states needs improvement
OSHA's oversight of states that operate their own safety and health programs has dwindled over the years, acting OSHA administrator Jordan Barab said in testimony last week before the House Education and Labor Committee.
In the Oct. 29 hearing on federal OSHA's recent critical review of Nevada's OSHA program, Barab said the report "convinced me that significant changes must be made in how federal OSHA conducts oversight over the State Plan programs."
The federal method of monitoring State Plan programs changed from "intensive" oversight measuring the states against federal performance in the 1970s to a current system that measures state performance against the state's own goals, according to Barab.
Additionally, although the federal government is supposed to provide 50 percent of a State Plan's funding, federal OSHA has provided no "significant increase" to State Plans in the past seven years despite a 20 percent increase in the agency's budget, he said.
In response, OSHA plans to conduct a study on all 25 State Plan programs. A 15 percent increase in State Plan funding also was included in the fiscal year 2010 budget request.
Fairfax: NEP on hex chrome coming soon
A National Emphasis Program on OSHA's new hexavalent chromium standard may be launched next month, according to Richard Fairfax, the agency's director of Directorate of Enforcement Programs. In an exclusive interview with Safety+Health magazine, Fairfax said the hex chrome NEP is in the final stages of a review process.
Proponents of the standard had petitioned OSHA for more than 10 years to issue a hex chrome standard that would include updated permissible exposure limits. Following a series of lawsuits, a court forced OSHA to issue a standard; full compliance is required by May 31, 2010.
Read the December issue of Safety+Health for more from the Fairfax interview.
OSHA whistleblower files new motion to get job back
An OSHA employee who alleges he was fired for criticizing the accuracy of the agency's injury and illness data filed a motion this week to return to work during his ongoing appeal of his termination.
Robert Whitmore oversaw OSHA recordkeeping requirements and was placed on administrative leave in 2007 for his criticism, according to Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, a Washington-based alliance of government employees representing Whitmore. PEER claims Whitmore was fired (.pdf file) shortly after the Washington Post published an article about him in February 2009.
In the "stay" motion (.pdf file) filed Nov. 3, Whitmore asked to be reinstated to his post pending the outcome of his appeal to the government's Merit Systems Protection Board.
Noting OSHA's recently launched National Emphasis Program on recordkeeping, PEER attorney Christine Erickson said in a press release that Whitmore should be "allowed to end his career implementing the measures he fought to bring about."
A Department of Labor spokesperson said the Privacy Act prohibits the agency from commenting on personnel matters.
EPA proceeds with ban on carbofuran
The Environmental Protection Agency announced last week that it will begin implementing a rule banning use of the pesticide carbofuran.
In May 2009, EPA revoked carbofuran tolerances after performing a risk assessment and determining the chemical posed unacceptable risks to farm workers near treated fields. Exposure can cause headache, sweating, nausea, diarrhea, chest pains, blurred vision, anxiety and muscle weakness.
Three grower associations and FMC Corp., which manufactures carbofuran, objected to the rule, but EPA determined the standard for an evidentiary hearing had not been met. The agency currently is taking steps to cancel carbofuran registrations. Under the rule, the pesticide may not be applied to any food crops after Dec. 31 of this year.
Association requests lower noise PEL
A hearing loss prevention group on Monday announced it has called on OSHA to lower the permissible exposure limit for occupational noise.
The Westminster, CO-based National Hearing Conservation Association noted in its request (.pdf file) that nearly 22 million American workers are exposed daily to hazardous noise, and NIOSH research indicates the current PEL can lead to noise-induced hearing loss in the long term. The organization also requested OSHA extend its PEL to other industries not currently covered by the regulation, including construction, agriculture and shipbuilding.
The current PEL is 90 dBA and the action level is 85 dBA; NHCA requested each be lowered by 5 dBA.
GAO studies Black Lung Benefits Program
Coal miners face several challenges when pursuing federal black lung claims, such as finding legal representation and producing sound medical evidence, according to a report (.pdf file) on the Black Lung Benefits Program released Oct. 30 by the Government Accountability Office. Black lung – or coal worker's pneumoconiosis – is a respiratory disease caused by breathing coal dust.
Of the 763 claims GAO examined, mining companies agreed to pay benefits for about 73 percent of them within three years of the initial claim. The report said 87 percent of the claims filed in 2008 were initially denied, possibly because miners have trouble proving they meet all of the program's eligibility requirements.
GAO also found both miners and mining companies have financial incentives to keep claims tied up in appeals. The agency recommended the Department of Labor track performance through the claims process and consider structural changes to the program.
DHS proposes new anthrax responder guidance
The Department of Homeland Security is accepting comment until Nov. 27 on proposed guidance for protecting first responders and other public health professionals in the event of a large-scale anthrax attack.
The proposal recommends measures such as personal protective equipment, vaccinations, and decontamination and hygiene procedures.
MSHA issues three program information bulletins
The Mine Safety and Health Administration last week issued a program information bulletin (.pdf file) on the proper procedures for using a CSE Corp. SR-MP training unit after eight miners received chemical burns to their mouths during a training exercise.
According to the bulletin, an examination determined the outsides of the units were contaminated with potassium superoxide, a chemical compound used in rebreathers that can cause burns if it leaks out of the canister and comes into contact with skin. The contamination appears to have occurred when overused units were placed in the same container as unused units, according to a July notice from Monroeville, PA-based CSE.
MSHA also announced a new emphasis on auditing underground permissible equipment (.pdf file) and reissued a program information bulletin on the Voluntary Fire Suppression Agent Suitability Program (.pdf file).
OSHA Website change highlights worker deaths
Worker deaths now are front and center on the homepage of OSHA's Website.
In October, the Website began featuring a rotating box with a brief description of worker deaths, such as "Worker fell 9 feet from a tubular welded scaffold while performing drywall work" or "Worker was electrocuted while performing service work on a vending machine." Above each description is a link to weekly fatality and catastrophe reports from the Directorate of Enforcement Programs.
Approved by Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis, the decision to post the figures was made as part of the Obama administration's "commitment to open government and to provide employers and workers with information they could use to help assure worker health and safety in their own establishments," an OSHA spokesperson said.
MSHA, NMA recognize safest mines
The Mine Safety and Health Administration and the National Mining Association last week honored 20 mines with the Sentinels of Safety award for their 2008 safety records.
The award is presented to mines with a minimum of 4,000 injury-free employee work hours. The 20 winning companies combined for almost 2.7 million work hours without a lost-time or restricted-duty injury, according to an MSHA press release.
Committee sends FMCSA, PHMSA nominations to Senate
The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee on Oct. 27 voted favorably and sent to the full Senate two nominations for heads of transportation safety agencies.
The committee approved Anne Ferro to be administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and Cynthia L. Quarterman to be administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
Ferro is the former president and CEO of the Maryland Motor Truck Association. She has served on a number of regional advisory committees relating to freight planning, highway safety and transportation funding.
Quarterman is the former director of the Minerals Management Service at the Department of the Interior. She is a partner in the Washington law firm Steptoe & Johnson LLP.
Rhode Island passes TWD ban
Rhode Island on Oct. 29 became the 19th state to pass legislation prohibiting motorists from sending, writing or reading a text message while driving. State Rep. Peter F. Kilmartin (D-District 61) and Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski (D-District 37) sponsored the bill.
Violators would face a fine of up to $85 for a first offense, $100 for a second offense, and $125 for a third or subsequent offense. The violation would not be part of a motorist's driving record, but would be reported to his or her insurance company.
Pilot survey yields unreliable data: report
The National Research Council on Oct. 28 released a report showing design deficiencies in a survey intended to track safety-related aviation incidents make the data gathered unreliable.
The National Aviation Operations Monitoring Service survey, which was jointly managed by NASA and the Aberdeen, MD-based Battelle Memorial Institute, was administered to more than 29,000 air carrier and general aviation pilots from April 2001 through December 2004.
According to an Oct. 28 NRC press release, although the survey employed a number of generally accepted collection practices, several flaws in its design and implementation affected the usefulness of the data. Among the many criticisms, NRC said pilots who answered questions regarding numbers of hours and flights flown and numbers of incidents observed rounded numbers or reported convenient numbers (numbers ending in 0 or 5), which NRC said contributed to serious concerns regarding the data's accuracy and reliability.
NTSB determines probable causes of two 2008 crashes
Tire failure and inadequate bridge railing protection were the probable causes of a 2008 motorcoach crash in Sherman, TX, that killed 17 people and injured 39, the National Transportation Safety Board concluded on Oct. 27.
According to the report, 4.5 hours into a trip from Houston to Carthage, MO, the motorcoach's right steer axle tire failed as it approached the bridge at 68 mph. The 55-passenger motorcoach went through the bridge railing, fell 8 feet and slid approximately 24 feet before coming to rest.
NTSB said the tire failure due to an extended period of low-pressure operation resulted in separation within the tire and led to loss of vehicle control. A bridge railing also failed to prevent departure, the report said.
The agency also concluded the pilot of a Maryland State Police helicopter was responsible for a September 2008 crash that resulted in his death and the deaths of three others. NTSB found systematic problems with the state's emergency helicopter program. Maryland State Police responded that it "will continue to work every day to uphold the lifesaving tradition of the most successful and most respected police aviation and medevac program in the world."
DOT, FCC join forces to combat distracted driving
The Department of Transportation and the Federal Communications Commission on Nov. 4 announced a joint effort to evaluate technologies intended to curb the effects of distracted driving.
According to a press release, officials from DOT and FCC will establish a working group to evaluate technology-based solutions to the dangers of distracted driving, and will coordinate consumer outreach and education as well.
FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski testified, along with Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, during an Oct. 28 hearing (.pdf file) before members of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. Genachowski said FCC is consulting with DOT as it institutes a consumer education campaign, and is exploring collaborations to support the safe use of mobile devices.
GAO: Pilot age has no effect on aviation safety
The health conditions of commercial pilots 60 and older have no effect on aviation safety, according to a Government Accountability Office report released Oct. 30.
The report (.pdf file) reviewed the Federal Aviation Administration's accident and incident data and the National Transportation Safety Board's accident data from December 2007 through September 2009, in addition to evidence from a performance audit. Findings show health conditions among pilots 60 and older did not cause any airline accidents or incidents in the time period studied. The Fair Treatment for Experienced Pilots Act, enacted in December 2007, extended the federal age standard for pilots of large commercial aircraft to 65 from 60. Researchers concluded a longer period of time and comparison between older and younger pilots would provide a more definitive assessment.
When should you seek emergency care for influenza?
Knowing what to do when you experience flu symptoms was made easier this week when the American College of Emergency Physicians issued guidance to help people determine when to seek emergency care for symptoms of the H1N1 influenza.
Developed in coordination with the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response and the Emergency Care Coordination Center – both divisions of the Department of Health and Human Services – the guidance lists a series of questions about symptoms and other health conditions (such as pregnancy or chronic disease) to help determine if emergency care is required.
USFA: Fire sprinklers best protection against fire injury, death
Every home should be equipped with working smoke detectors and, ideally, fire sprinklers to prevent fire injury and death, says the U.S. Fire Administration in its new public safety campaign: Install. Inspect. Protect.
According to USFA, more than 3,000 people are killed in home fires every year, most often in homes with no working smoke alarm. The presence of smoke alarms and sprinklers reduces the risk of death by 82 percent.
In related news, a National Fire Protection Association study (.pdf file) of 20 U.S. communities concluded home fire sprinklers easily can be integrated with local water supply systems without creating design problems or incurring significant additional cost. In a hearing this week in Baltimore, members of the International Code Council voted to retain residential fire sprinkler requirements in its International Residential Code despite opposition from home builders.
Hot tub injuries on the rise: study
Hot tub use has been on the rise in recent years, and so too has the rate of injuries associated with them, according to a new study from the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, OH. Unintentional injuries from hot tubs rose 160 percent to more than 6,600 injuries annually between 1990 and 2007.
Nearly three-quarters of people injured – most commonly from slips and falls – were older than 16. However, among children younger than 6, near-drownings were the most common cause of injury, and children ages 6-12 were most commonly injured while diving or jumping into the tub.
To prevent hot tub injuries, study authors suggest taking precautions such as installing a non-slip surface in and around the tub, limiting the time of hot tub exposure to 10-15 minutes, and ensuring the temperature is no higher than 104° F.
The study was published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Institute to fund research on bisphenol A
Research on bisphenol A's effects on human health will be a major focus for the National Institutes of Health in coming years.
NIH allocated approximately $30 million in funds received from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to study the effects of BPA over the next two years, according to an NIH press release.
The grants will fund additional testing on animals and humans to determine the impact of developmental exposure and adult chronic exposure to low doses of BPA. Areas of focus will include behavior; obesity; diabetes; reproductive disorders; and development of breast, uterine and prostate cancers.
In 2008, NIEHS concluded BPA causes adverse health effects in animals, but its effect on humans remains largely unknown, the release said.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
During your career as a safety professional, has a worker death ever occurred at your site?
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Senate, House transportation committees address distracted driving
Members of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee on Oct. 28 announced a new bill that would provide incentive grants to states that enact bans on text messaging while driving and other cell phone restrictions while driving.
During a hearing on combating distracted driving, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), co-sponsor of the bill, said the legislation would create a new program to send grants to states, which she said "better understand the unique solutions needed to combat this disturbing trend in transportation, and help make our roads safer." Meanwhile, Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) is gaining support for a bill that would reduce federal highway funding by 25 percent to states that do not pass laws banning TWD.
During an Oct. 29 hearing of the House Highways and Transit Subcommittee, Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood reaffirmed his commitment to aggressively and quickly reduce the number of injuries and deaths caused by distracted driving. He also said he had met with auto industry leaders to discuss ways in-car technology could prevent distraction. In addition, the subcommittee heard testimony from a panel of safety, research and auto industry experts, including John Ulczycki, group vice president of research, communications and advocacy for the National Safety Council.
Number of people killed in traffic crashes in 2008
37,261Number of people killed in traffic crashes in 2008
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
OSHA releases top 10 most cited violations for 2009
Richard Fairfax, director of OSHA's Directorate of Enforcement Programs, unveiled the agency's top 10 most frequently cited violations for fiscal year 2009 this week during a presentation at the National Safety Council's 2009 Congress & Expo in Orlando, FL.
The preliminary figures are:
- Scaffolding (1926.451) – 9,093
- Fall Protection (1926.501) – 6,771
- Hazard Communication (1910.1200) – 6,378
- Respiratory Protection (1910.134) – 3,803
- Lockout/Tagout (1910.147) – 3,321
- Electrical – Wiring Methods (1910.305) – 3,079
- Ladders (1926.1053) – 3,072
- Powered Industrial Trucks (1910.178) – 2,993
- Electrical – General Requirements (1910.303) – 2,556
- Machine Guarding (1910.212) – 2,364
Read the December issue of Safety+Health for the final list and an exclusive interview with Fairfax.
BLS: Decline in nonfatal workplace injury, illness rate
The rate of nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses dropped to 3.9 cases per 100 full-time workers in 2008, down from 4.2 the year before, according to new data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on Thursday. The number of cases also declined, to 3.7 million in 2008 from 4 million in 2007.
The BLS report comes on the heels of OSHA's recent launch of a National Emphasis Program on recordkeeping (.pdf file) that the agency hopes will ensure more accurate injury and illness data reporting from employers.
Barab, Henshaw trade thoughts on occupational safety
Acting OSHA administrator Jordan Barab on Tuesday attempted to make the case for increased enforcement while former OSHA head John Henshaw advised against relying too heavily on penalties.
The two men shared the stage in Orlando, FL, during a keynote session on occupational safety and health issues at the National Safety Council's 2009 Congress & Expo.
Barab said OSHA's ultimate goal is to make workplaces safer and not simply issue citations, but is not satisfied with the current penalty structure and will be looking to see if revisions could create stronger disincentives for employers who cut corners. "We are a regulatory enforcement agency, first and foremost. Under the Obama administration, we are going to act like one," Barab said.
Henshaw agreed that "strong, fair and effective" enforcement was necessary, but said OSHA does not have enough investigators to rely on enforcement alone. "OSHA is not just a 'new sheriff in town,'" he said, referring to a phrase freqently used by Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "It is a sheriff as well as an instigator or a creator of advancement around safety and health." Organizations should be encouraged to go beyond OSHA standards to achieve zero injuries, and the agency's partnerships, alliances and voluntary programs can help, Henshaw said.
Henshaw also voiced his support for an update to the Occupational Safety and Health Act, a safety and health programs standard, and for the creation of standards based on risk rather than the influence of "political winds." Barab, meanwhile, said OSHA will be looking to improve "antiquated" chemical standards, will conduct a survey of all State Plan states in light of the recent negative report on Nevada's program, and will examine how to minimize musculoskeletal injuries.
NIOSH's Howard emphasizes protection for health care workers
Calling mitigation of transmissible diseases the "last frontier of health care worker protection," NIOSH Director John Howard said the health care industry must learn from the H1N1 influenza pandemic to prepare for future pandemics.
Howard spoke Tuesday at an occupational safety and health keynote at the National Safety Council's 2009 Congress & Expo in Orlando, FL.
The industry needs to change its culture, which accepts the risks of exposure to biological hazards as part of employment, Howard said. He suggested employers take steps to minimize exposures through engineering controls, source control and administration controls, including vaccinations. Employers should encourage, promote and administer vaccinations of influenza for both health care workers and first responders, he said. Noting the recent controversy in New York, where vaccinations were required among health care workers before the order was suspended last week, Howard said such a mandate should be "clearly and dispassionately thought about."
He also touched on the recent debate of whether facemasks are as effective in preventing disease transmission as respirators. When a supply of respirators cannot be maintained, Howard said facemasks should be provided, noting that although they "don't fit, they leak and they don't filter," the masks "are better than nothing."
Senate confirms Main as MSHA head
The Senate on Oct. 21 unanimously confirmed Joseph A. Main as Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Mine Safety and Health Administration.
A former miner, Main directed the health and safety department for the United Mine Workers of America and has testified before Congress about mining disasters.
New York governor suspends mandatory vaccinations for health care workers
Due to a vaccine shortage, New York health care workers will no longer be required to get vaccinated against the seasonal and H1N1 influenzas, Gov. David Paterson (D) announced Oct. 22.
State Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines previously ordered all health care workers to receive both vaccines by Nov. 31, prompting the state's Public Employees Federation union to sue to reverse the policy.
In a press release, Paterson said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lowered its projections for the amount of vaccine available, so the state's limited supply would now go to people most at risk, namely pregnant women, children and people younger than 25.
NIOSH releases document on nanotechnology
NIOSH last week posted an online document (.pdf file) that includes presentations from seven international scientists on how nations can collaborate to protect workers from the potential harm of nanotechnology.
The presentations were given as part of the 18th World Congress on Safety and Health at Work symposium, held in Seoul, South Korea, in 2008.
Proactive ergonomics reduces symptoms: study
A proactive ergonomics approach, which involves having a professional ergonomist set up and adjust office furniture, can help reduce pain related to poor posture, according to a study from the World Bank's Joint Bank/Fund Health Services Department.
As part of the study, one group of workers received new ergonomic furniture with setup instructions, while a second group received furniture set up by an ergonomist.
Study results showed members of the second group who had previously experienced symptoms of musculoskeletal pain and eyestrain experienced a reduction in symptoms, according to a press release from the Elk Grove Village, IL-based American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, which published the study in its Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Researchers suggested a proactive program should include an individual workstation assessment to be effective in reducing symptoms and increasing productivity.
Health of the American worker declining: report
The health of the American worker is on the decline, according to a report from the New York-based Families and Work Institute.
As part of the study (.pdf file), researchers used data gathered from 1977 to 2008 in FWI's 2008 National Study of the Changing Workforce, and found only 28 percent of workers reported their overall health was "excellent" today, compared with 34 percent six years ago.
The study also found:
- 41 percent of workers reported experiencing stress "often" or "very often"
- One-third experienced symptoms of clinical depression
- 21 percent were being treated for high blood pressure; 14 percent for high cholesterol
- 49 percent do not engage in regular physical exercise; 22 percent engage in no rigorous exercise at all
In addition, the report found 8 percent of workers remain wholly uninsured. People working low-wage jobs were less likely to be offered insurance through their employer and were less likely to receive at least five paid sick days. Both workplace productivity and health were found to be positively impacted by workers being offered paid sick and vacation time.
Working past retirement good for your health: study
Completely retiring from the workforce in your senior years can have negative health consequences, suggests a new study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology.
A representative sample of more than 12,000 retirees from the National Institute on Aging's Health and Retirement Study were included in the study (.pdf file). Researchers evaluated each participant's health history and asked him or her to complete a survey gauging their mental health. The researchers studied the connection between employment and the prevalence of major disease, functional limitations and mental health, and found that so-called "bridge employment" in any field reduced diseases and functional limitations; employment in the retiree's specified field also was associated with improved mental health.
FMCSA agrees to review hours-of-service regulations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration agreed to review and reconsider its 2008 final rule (.pdf file) on hours of service for drivers, according to a settlement agreement filed Oct. 26 with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
The Washington-based advocacy group Public Citizen and other organizations challenged the rule for a third time in March, alleging it is based on studies and data that do not prove a link between reduced fatalities and any HOS regimen.
Public Citizen on Oct. 27 released a copy of the agreement (.pdf file), which states FMCSA will submit a notice of proposed rulemaking to the Office of Management and Budget for approval within nine months of the settlement date. Motions to govern further proceedings must be filed within 30 days of publication of the NPRM in the Federal Register.
The Arlington, VA-based American Trucking Associations released a statement reaffirming its stance that HOS regulations have worked to improve the industry's safety performance, and said its members plan to participate in the upcoming rulemaking process.
NHTSA releases 2008 traffic safety reports
The number of people who died in motor vehicle crashes in 2008 decreased 10 percent from the previous year, according to reports recently released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
In 2008, 37,261 people were killed and 2.3 million people were injured in traffic crashes. Among other findings:
- 2,739 drivers 15-20 years old were killed and an additional 228,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes.
- Alcohol-impaired driving fatalities fell to 11,773.
- 1 out of every 9 traffic fatalities resulted from collisions involving a large truck.
- Older adults accounted for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities and 18 percent of all pedestrian fatalities.
FMCSA cracks down on violators of drug, alcohol regulations
Seventy-seven bus and truck drivers could face civil penalties and more than 80 carriers face enforcement action as a result of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's first-ever alcohol and drug strike force.
According to a press release, FMCSA safety investigators reviewed drug and alcohol safety records collected Sept. 8-18 among commercial drivers employed by bus companies, interstate passenger carriers, hazardous material transporters and general freight long-haul trucking companies.
The strike force's goal was to identify motor carriers in violation of federal drug and alcohol testing requirements and to remove from the road commercial truck and bus drivers who jump from carrier to carrier to evade testing requirements.
In related news, due to a number of inquiries, the Department of Transportation issued a notice Oct. 22 stating the Department of Justice's guidelines for federal prosecutors in states that have enacted laws authorizing use of "medical marijuana" have no bearing on DOT's regulated drug testing program. DOT's Drug and Alcohol Testing regulation does not authorize "medical marijuana" under a state law to be a valid medical explanation for a transportation employee's positive drug test result.
NHTSA study examines motorcycle helmet use, crash outcomes
Motorcyclists who wear helmets are less likely to experience facial and head injuries than riders who do not wear helmets, according to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report released Oct. 27.
As part of the study (.pdf file), researchers examined data from its Crash Outcome Data Evaluation System on 104,472 motorcyclists and 93,527 motorcycles involved in 89,086 crashes in 18 states between 2003 and 2005. Findings showed helmeted motorcyclists were significantly less likely to experience a traumatic brain injury. Additional findings showed:
- More than two-thirds of motorcycle crashes occurred between noon and 8:59 p.m.
- Motorcycle crashes were more likely to occur in summer months.
- 68 percent of crashes occurred in an urban area; 38 percent occurred at intersections.
Researchers noted that CODES data does not identify whether the individual motorcycle helmets in fatal crashes complied with Department of Transportation regulations.
DOT forms new safety council
In an effort to establish a formal process for sharing agency data, best practices and strategies, Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood on Oct. 26 convened the first meeting of a newly formed Department of Transportation Safety Council.
The goals of the council are to further enhance the safety focus in all 10 DOT agencies and improve the impact of safety programs, LaHood said. The council also would help break down what LaHood called "organizational stovepipes" and would enable a stronger safety culture.
The council, made up of the heads of the 10 agencies, will be chaired by DOT Deputy Secretary John D. Porcari.
Child booster seats effective in injury prevention: study
Vehicle booster seats – both backless and high-back – significantly reduce the risk of children being injured in a motor vehicle crash, a study from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's Center for Injury Research and Prevention has found.
As part of the study, researchers reviewed the files of more than 7,000 children ages 4-8 involved in vehicle crashes between 1998 and 2007. Data showed children in booster seats were 45 percent less likely to be injured in a crash than children who used seat belts alone. The greatest injury reduction was seen in side-impact crashes, researchers found.
Researchers noted that since 2002, booster seat use among children ages 6-8 has tripled, likely due to the passage of many state laws requiring its use. Today, 47 states have booster seat laws, with 25 states and the District of Columbia requiring use up to age 8. Florida, Arizona and South Dakota are the only states that do not legally require child booster seats.
The study was published in the November issue of the journal Pediatrics.
Ensure safe use of hand sanitizers
Although loading up on hand sanitizer to keep the flu at bay may seem like a safe thing to do, the American Association of Poison Control Centers warns that improper use can be dangerous.
Hand sanitizers can be an effective tool in combating germs, but the ethanol-based sanitizers also can be toxic if ingested, Alexandria, VA-based AAPCC cautions. As the use of hand sanitizers has increased in recent years, so too has the number of calls to poison control centers concerning the substance. In 2006, 11,914 calls were made about ethanol-based sanitizers, 9,607 of the cases involving children younger than 6.
However, AAPCC notes that none of the cases resulted in death and stresses hand sanitizers are effective when used properly. The agency recommends children use hand sanitizers under parental supervision and that parents talk to their children about how to use them safely.
Chinese safety summit focuses on drywall
The safety of Chinese-made drywall was the main focus of the Third Biennial United States-China Consumer Product Safety Summit, held earlier this week in Wuxi, China, and Beijing.
Although the safety of toys, fireworks and all-terrain vehicles was discussed, the main focus was on imported Chinese drywall that is believed to cause a chemical reaction that releases a rotten egg-like smell and impacts consumers' health. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has received about 1,311 complaints from 26 states and the District of Columbia about health problems related to the drywall, such as persistent coughing, itchy eyes, bloody noses and difficulty breathing, according to Chairman Inez Tenenbaum. Complaints also indicated the drywall caused the corrosion of metal components in homes, such as electrical wiring, plumbing and fixtures. Many state and local health departments – mostly along the Gulf Coast – received additional complaints, Tenenbaum noted in her keynote address at the summit.
CPSC officials, working with China's Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, said they expect results from drywall testing next week.
Organization offers safe Halloween tips
Halloween is a fun time for children, but it can be a dangerous time as well. To prevent injuries, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons in Rosemont, IL, offers safety tips for common Halloween activities.
Pumpkin carving:
- Never allow children to carve pumpkins.
- Use specially designed knives rather than kitchen knives, and be sure the handle is dry.
- If the hand is cut, apply pressure with a clean cloth and elevate above the heart. If bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes, or if there is any numbness or loss of movement in the hand, seek medical treatment.
Dressing up:
- Ensure costumes are light, bright and trimmed with reflective tape.
- Costumes should be flame-resistant and short enough to eliminate tripping hazards.
- Consider makeup rather than masks, as many masks and hats can impair vision.
Trick or treating:
- Children should only trick-or-treat with adults in familiar neighborhoods.
- Carry flashlights and only approach homes that are well-lit.
Schneider Electric receives Robert W. Campbell Award
Schneider Electric is the recipient of the National Safety Council's 2009 Robert W. Campbell Award. This international award honors organizations that achieve excellence by integrating environmental, health and safety management into their business operating systems. The award fosters the sharing of EHS management systems and best practices for educational purposes worldwide.
NSC congratulates 2009 DSSA Winners
The 2009 Distinguished Service to Safety Award winners were announced Oct. 25 at the National Safety Council's 2009 Congress & Expo. DSSA is NSC's most prestigious award, bestowed on individuals in recognition of exemplary efforts and success in improving safety and health at work, on the road, and in the home and community.
Watch for the new NSC Website – Going live Nov. 2
Based on user feedback, the National Safety Council staff has been working hard creating a new Website. It is scheduled to go live Nov. 2. Visitors will find more user-friendly navigation, better search functions and more content. NSC members will no longer have a separate Website; instead, member-exclusive content – including posters, checklists, Webinars and tip sheets – will be available on the nsc.org site after members log in. Don't know your Member ID? Call (800) 621-7619.
Get involved and make a difference
As a member of the National Safety Council, a variety of volunteer opportunities (.pdf file) are available to you that allow you to interact with other safety leaders, including sharing ideas, experiences and lessons learned, as well as taking a leadership role in educating the public on critical safety issues. Join a Division, help your local chapter or serve as a Safety Ambassador. Fill out the Volunteer Information Request form (MS Word doc) and find an opportunity that meets your interests and time availability.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Senate committee postpones vote on Michaels nomination
The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on Wednesday postponed its vote on David Michaels' nomination to head OSHA.
Michaels was late in submitting answers to committee members' questions, and the senators did not have an opportunity to "adequately review" his answers after receiving them on Tuesday, according to a spokesperson for Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA), HELP Committee chairman.
Michaels' nomination vote had not been rescheduled as of deadline.
Drivers involved in crashes caused by dowsiness
1.9 millionNumber of drivers who were involved in a car crash or a near crash caused by drowsiness in 2008
Source: National Sleep Foundation
OSHA issues combustible dust ANPRM
OSHA on Oct. 21 published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking on combustible dust, less than one month after the Chemical Safety Board repeated its three-year-old recommendation (.pdf file) for such a standard.
Since 1980, 130 workers have been killed and an additional 780 injured in combustible dust explosions, according to OSHA. Most recently, 14 people were killed in a sugar dust explosion in Georgia in 2008.
The ANPRM notes the success of OSHA's Grain Handling Facilities standard (1910.272) in reducing grain dust fires and explosions. After the standard went into effect in 1987, dust explosions at grain facilities averaged 6.3 a year over the next 10 years, down from an average of 20.5 a year during the decade preceding the standard.
Although some current standards address combustible dust hazards, including the General Duty Clause, the ANPRM said those standards "do not provide a comprehensive set of requirements to fully address all of the prevention and mitigation methods specific to combustible dust."
OSHA is accepting comment on the ANPRM until Jan. 19.
Franken introduces safe patient handling bill
Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) last week introduced the Nurse and Health Care Worker Protection Act of 2009 (S. 1788), which would force OSHA to issue a standard on safe patient handling and injury prevention to help reduce musculoskeletal injuries among health care workers.
The bill would require:
- The use of lift equipment to move patients
- Worker training on safe patient handling
In 2007, nursing aides, orderlies and attendants sustained 24,340 musculoskeletal disorders, the leading cause of which is patient lifting, transferring and repositioning injuries, according to the bill.
A companion bill (H.R. 2381) introduced in the House in May by Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) is currently in committee.
Report reveals problems with Nevada OSHA program
OSHA issued a report (.pdf file) Oct. 20 identifying serious flaws in Nevada's OSHA program, including failure to issue appropriate citations for willful and repeat violations, investigators who lack adequate training in construction dangers, and failure to verify whether employers corrected hazards.
The investigation was prompted by the state's 25 workplace fatalities from January 2008 through June 2009, along with media coverage of the program's inefficiencies and complaints filed at the federal level.
Among other findings:
- In almost half the fatality cases, the state did not notify the deceased's family members of the investigation, depriving them of the opportunity to speak with investigators.
- Nevada OSHA agreed to conduct 2,900 inspections a year, which breaks down to 95-115 inspections per investigator, "far too many…to do a thorough job," according to the report.
- Cases were not organized consistently.
The report indicated Nevada's new leadership cooperated with investigators and committed to fixing the problems.
OSHA: Road construction workers must wear hi-vis in all work zones
All highway and road construction workers are required to wear high-visibility garments, according to a new letter of interpretation from OSHA.
A 2004 letter of interpretation stating that workers in highway and work zones are required to wear hi-vis apparel was limited by a 2006 Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission ruling that stated the garments need to be worn only where the Federal Highway Administration's Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices mandates. The current MUTCD requires vests only on federally funded roadways.
OSHA withdrew its previous answer in the original letter of interpretation and in the most recent letter provided "a more comprehensive answer" in requiring hi-vis apparel on all highway and road construction workers, regardless of whether the MUTCD requires them.
DHS publishes standards for private sector partnership program
The Department of Homeland Security last week published three proposed standards the agency hopes will "enhance operational resilience, business continuity management, and disaster and emergency management among participating private sector partners."
The standards are part of the agency's Voluntary Private Sector Preparedness Accreditation and Certification Program. Also known as PS-Prep, the program is a partnership between DHS and businesses, nonprofit organizations and universities.
USFA, NIST to conduct SCBA study
A joint study by the U.S. Fire Administration and the National Institute of Standards and Technology intends to examine the thermal performance of self-contained breathing apparatus facepieces.
The study, prompted by incidents of "serious" SCBA facepiece failure, will examine documented on-duty firefighter injuries and deaths due to thermal exposure to the facepiece, according to a USFA press release. Researchers will look for a way to enhance thermal protection to improve the safety of firefighters in the field.
OSHA: Special purpose particle accelerators may pose risks
OSHA has issued a safety and health information bulletin (.pdf file) on the hazards associated with operating special purpose particle accelerators.
Particle accelerators use electric fields to make electrically charged particles speed up and hit each other or a target. The collision of particles sometimes produces ionizing radiation, which can be dangerous to workers because exposure to ionizing radiation can potentially cause health problems. Workers also could be exposed to electrical hazards, oxygen-deficient atmospheres and confined spaces, according to an OSHA press release.
Special purpose particle accelerators typically are found at universities or Department of Energy sites.
OSHA standards referenced in the bulletin require employers to use lockout/tagout procedures, implement a fire protection program and provide personal protective equipment to workers.