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.
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.
Help NSC perform 'A Million Acts of Safety'
The National Safety Council is calling on you, your co-workers and your families to help us perform A Million Acts of Safety in the coming year. Create your profile today and track your progress at millionactsofsafety.nsc.org .
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Wednesday, November 04, 2009
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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.
NIOSH examining H1N1 among health care workers
NIOSH issued a statement Oct. 16 describing its efforts to gather information about serious illness or death among health care workers infected with the H1N1 virus.
News reports have linked at least four nurse deaths to H1N1 influenza, according to NIOSH. Health care workers are at a higher risk for exposure because they may interact with infected patients.
The agency is asking the public to notify the institute of cases of health care workers who experience serious illness, hospitalization or death associated with H1N1.
DOE considers safety program
The Department of Energy is seeking comment on a proposal to establish a safety program modeled after the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's "Safety-Conscious Work Environment" guidelines.
The NRC policy ensures employees are free to raise safety concerns without fear of retaliation. The petition for the rule came from Hanford Challenge, a watchdog group based in Seattle.
The comment period closes Dec. 15.
Biodiesel receives good marks from MSHA
Using biodiesel fuels in diesel-powered engines equipped with a diesel oxidation catalyst significantly reduces total carbon emissions, according to a Mine Safety and Health Administration program information bulletin (.pdf file) issued Oct. 13.
MSHA regulates miners' exposure to diesel particulate matter, a major component of which is total carbon. MSHA tests showed using biodiesel without a diesel oxidation catalyst produced a moderate reduction in carbon emissions. The best results came when the oxidation catalyst was used with B50 blend or 100 percent biodiesel.
Although only one engine model was tested, MSHA expects similar engines to produce similar results.
NTSB requests FMCSA track sleep apnea
In an effort to prevent commercial motor vehicle crashes among operators who have obstructive sleep apnea, the National Transportation Safety Board on Oct. 20 issued two safety recommendations to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
According to the recommendation letter (.pdf file), NTSB investigated a number of incidents across all modes of passenger transportation involving operators who have OSA. The board said these incidents highlight "the critical importance of screening for and effectively treating OSA among transportation operators." NTSB recommended FMCSA:
- Implement a program to identify CMV drivers who are at high risk for OSA and require those drivers to provide evidence of having been properly evaluated and, if treatment is needed, effectively treated before being granted unrestricted medical certification.
- Develop and disseminate guidance for CMV drivers, employers and physicians regarding identification and treatment of individuals at high risk for OSA, emphasizing that drivers who have effectively treated OSA are routinely approved for continued medical certification.
FMCSA releases report on driver distraction
Findings (.pdf file) from a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration study show driver distraction was a potential contributing factor in about 82 percent of commercial motor vehicle crashes between 2003 and 2005.
Researchers at the Blacksburg, VA-based Virginia Tech Transportation Institute's Center for Truck and Bus Safety combined and analyzed data from two large-scale CMV naturalistic truck driving studies. The data represented 203 CMV drivers, seven trucking fleets and 16 fleet locations.
Findings from the study show CMV drivers were engaged in non-driving-related tasks in 71 percent of crashes, 46 percent of near crashes and 60 percent of all safety-critical events. Analysis of the data showed 4,452 safety-critical events, 21 crashes, 197 near crashes, 3,019 crash-relevant conflicts and 1,215 unintentional lane deviations. A risk assessment showed drivers who text message while driving were 23.2 times more likely to be involved in a safety-critical event, compared with drivers who did not TWD.
DOT awards $20.9 million in grants for hazmat response
The Department of Transportation on Oct. 20 announced it awarded $20.9 million in grants for improving emergency response to transportation incidents involving hazardous materials.
According to a DOT press release, grant money will be used to help train first responders to react to incidents involving hazardous materials and to meet the safety challenges posed by new chemicals and alternative energy products.
Funding for the grants comes from user fees paid by shippers and carriers of certain hazardous materials to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. In June, PHMSA withdrew a notice of proposed rulemaking to raise registration fees after revised estimates showed unexpended balances from previous years and expected revenues would be enough to fund the grants at the current fee level.
NHTSA releases report on fatalities in frontal crashes
Findings from a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study on frontal crashes throughout a seven-year period show "poor structural engagement" caused fatalities despite safety belts and air bags.
In the report (.pdf file), researchers analyzed 122 crashes that occurred between 2000 and 2007 and concluded people continue to die because many crashes involve poor structural engagement (corner impacts, oblique crashes, impacts with narrow objects and under-rides) between the vehicle and its collision partner. The study also stated a substantial proportion of crashes were "exceedingly severe."
NHTSA is accepting comment on the report until Feb. 18, 2010.
Drowsy Driving Prevention Week is Nov. 2-8
The National Sleep Foundation in Washington announced that Nov. 2-8 will be Drowsy Driving Prevention Week. NSF's 2009 Sleep in America Poll (.pdf file) found 1.9 million drivers were involved in a car crash or a near crash caused by drowsiness in the past year.
Emergency physicians: ERs unprepared for H1N1 outbreak
The vast majority of emergency physicians are concerned about their emergency room's ability to handle a severe outbreak of H1N1 influenza, finds a poll from the American College of Emergency Physicians in Irving, TX.
ACEP polled more than 1,000 emergency physicians nationwide Sept. 15-23. Approximately 90 percent of respondents were concerned with managing an outbreak, and most believed the government was not focusing enough attention on flu prevention. ACEP noted that only 4 percent of funding for emergency preparedness is allocated for medical preparedness.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, H1N1 has been reported in all 50 states, with 21 states reporting widespread outbreaks.
CPSC: Drowning hazards exist beyond summertime
No matter what the season, children are at risk of drowning, warns the Consumer Product Safety Commission. From 2003 to 2005, an average of 90 children younger than 5 were killed and an additional 39 were injured in non-pool submersion incidents. Although 62 percent of the children drowned in bathtubs, other household items, such as buckets and baby seats, were involved in some incidents.
To prevent drownings, CPSC recommends:
- Never leave children alone near water, even briefly. Young children can drown very quickly in a small amount of water.
- Never move more than an arm's length away from a child in a bathtub.
- Do not leave a baby or toddler in the tub under the care of an older child.
- Do not leave buckets containing even a small amount of liquid unattended. Toddlers can fall in head first and drown. Always empty and store buckets properly, and do not allow them to collect rainwater.
Institute claims smoking bans reduce heart attacks
Smoking bans can reduce the risk of heart disease and heart attack, possibly by as much as 47 percent, according to a report from the Institute of Medicine.
A committee of IOM researchers conducted a review of data on the correlation between secondhand smoke exposure and heart problems, as well as 11 studies evaluating the impact of smoking bans. The report concluded sufficient evidence exists showing exposure to secondhand smoke increases the risk of heart disease among nonsmokers by 25-30 percent. According to IOM, about 43 percent of nonsmoking children and 37 percent of nonsmoking adults are exposed to secondhand smoke.
Data also indicated the enforcement of smoking bans is effective in reducing the risk of heart attack. However, the evaluated research varied on certain measurements, which put the risk reduction at anywhere from 6 to 47 percent and prevented IOM from determining an exact figure on the impact of smoking bans.
Companies report no decrease in productivity following cell phone bans
A recent survey of National Safety Council members has revealed that 99 percent of companies with policies prohibiting the use of cell phones and wireless communications devices while driving have experienced no change in productivity after the policies took effect. Productivity concerns were the top reason given by respondents who have not established a policy on cell phone use while driving.
Of the member companies who responded to the survey, 469 have enacted cell phone policies prohibiting employees from using hands-free or handheld phones. NSC has developed a Cell Phone Policy Kit to assist companies in developing or enhancing current policies. A fact sheet, data resources and other information regarding cell phone use while driving are available on NSC's Distracted Driving Web page.
2009 Congress & Expo: Are you registered?
The NSC 2009 Congress & Expo, scheduled for Oct. 25-30 in Orlando, FL, is your one-stop shop for education, networking, and the newest products and services. New educational opportunities at the world's largest annual safety, health and environmental event include outstanding keynotes, more advanced-level Technical Sessions, the Executive Edge Track, workshops, a new EHS Practitioners Meeting, and more. In addition, more than 800 companies will exhibit the latest products and services on the Expo Floor. Don't miss out – register today!
APHA encourages Americans to check emergency kits, batteries
Come Nov. 1, it's time to change your clocks, change your batteries and check your emergency kit, the American Public Health Association recommends.
During the annual daylight-saving time, APHA encourages people to examine their emergency preparedness kits – or create one – when they change their clocks for daylight-saving time as part of its Get Ready: Set Your Clocks, Check Your Stocks campaign.
The time change occurs on Nov. 1 in most areas of the country. Along with checking your emergency kit, APHA and other organizations such as the U.S. Fire Administration remind citizens to check – and, if necessary, change – the batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
CDC updates H1N1 guidance, OSHA directive forthcoming
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidance document on H1N1 infection control methods to protect health care personnel.
Issued Wednesday, the update revises an earlier guidance document on respiratory protection, isolation precautions and recommended time away for health care personnel; and provides expanded information on the hierarchy preference of preventive interventions such as engineering controls, administrative controls and personal protective equipment.
Among the more contentious suggestions was the repeated recommendation of using fit-tested N95 respirators for personnel in close contact with patients who have or are suspected of having H1N1. The Institute of Medicine makes the same recommendation, but other studies and some stakeholder groups have argued that a surgical mask is as effective in preventing the spread of infection among health care workers.
In related news, OSHA announced Wednesday that it would release a compliance directive to ensure uniform inspection procedures to identify and eliminate high-risk occupational exposures to H1N1. The directive will "closely follow" CDC's own guidance document, the agency said.
Vehicle crashes, first six months of 2009
16,626Number of people who died in motor vehicle crashes in the first six months of 2009
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
MSHA warns 10 mines of potential violations
The Mine Safety and Health Administration notified 10 mine operators that each has a potential pattern of violations of mandatory health and safety standards, the agency announced last week.
Using data from the 24-month period ending Aug. 31, 2009, MSHA identified nine coal mines and one metal and nonmetal mine. Half of the mines are in West Virginia; the others are in Kentucky, Missouri, Indiana and Virginia.
MSHA said it will monitor each mine's compliance record and perform inspections within 90 days. Operators have to significantly reduce their violation frequency rate to avoid being issued a Notice of a Pattern of Violations, which could result in miners being removed from the site.
California comp law changes ambiguity of 'personal relationship'
Workers' compensation in California can no longer be denied when an employee's injury or death was motivated by hatred of his or her race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or age.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) signed "Taneka's Law" on Oct. 11; it will go into effect Jan. 1. The law (AB 1093), authored by Assemblymember Mariko Yamada (D), was introduced in response to the 2006 stabbing death of 26-year-old retail store employee Taneka Talley. According to a press release from Yamada's office, the store's insurer denied workers' compensation to Talley's 8-year-old son, claiming Talley's attacker had sought to kill someone of her race that day, which constituted a "personal relationship" between the victim and killer.
Europeans expect recession will deteriorate workplace safety
Six out of 10 Europeans expect the recent global downturn to have a negative effect on safety and health at work, according to a survey by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, known as EU-OSHA.
With increasing unemployment, the survey found job security and salary level rank higher in importance than safe and healthy working conditions. However, 57 percent of respondents polled believe health and safety at work has improved over the past five years.
The survey, released Oct. 6, polled a total of 27,106 people – about 1,000 people from each of the European Union's 27 member states.
Doctors, nurses test positive for toxic chemicals: report
A study (.pdf file) of 12 doctors and eight nurses from 10 states found all study participants tested positive for toxic chemicals associated with health care.
The report, released by Physicians for Social Responsibility, the American Nurses Association and Health Care Without Harm, said each participant had at least 24 chemicals in his or her body. Four of those are on the Environmental Protection Agency's list of priority chemicals for regulation and are associated with illness and physical disorders, according to an American Nurses Association press release.
MSHA considers using personal dust monitors as sampling devices
The Mine Safety and Health Administration is seeking comment until Dec. 14 on a proposal to use a continuous personal dust monitor as a sampling device to measure coal mine dust exposure among miners.
In a 2006 study, NIOSH found the pre-commercial CPDM performance as a monitoring device was accurate, precise and durable, according to the MSHA request for information published Wednesday in the Federal Register.
MSHA is seeking comment about whether or not using the CPDM would lead to more effective monitoring and control of miners' exposure to respirable coal mine dust.
Nova Scotia seeks access to continuity plans during crises
Newly proposed legislation in Nova Scotia would compel private businesses in the Canadian province to provide internal business continuity plans in the event of a crisis.
The legislation (Bill No. 34), introduced Oct. 8, is an amendment to Nova Scotia's Emergency Management Act. According to a Government of Nova Scotia press release, the act would strengthen the province's Emergency Management Office's authority for making rules addressing the duties and planning of municipalities, and clarifies the act's precedence over other provincial emergency legislation.
Additionally, the bill would create an executive emergency management committee to oversee and direct the Minister of Emergency Management, and would allow for fines up to $100,000 or more with court approval for corporations that fail to comply with the act.
Stressors may increase risk of needlesticks: study
Home health care nurses working in stressful conditions may face a higher risk of needlestick injuries, according to research from the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health in New York.
A study involving more than 700 home health care nurses found those who were exposed to violence in their patients' households were nearly 3.5 times more likely to report needlestick injuries, according to a university press release. Likewise, nurses who worked around stressors such as cigarette smoke and vermin were almost twice as likely to report needlestick injuries. Such wounds can result in infection from bloodborne pathogens, such as hepatitis and HIV.
The study, which was funded by NIOSH, appeared in the September issue of the American Journal of Infection Control.
EEOC releases document on pandemic planning
A new document from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission outlines how the Americans with Disabilities Act applies to pandemic planning in the workplace.
Updated Oct. 8, the technical assistance document answers frequently asked questions about pandemic planning for ADA-covered employers, including:
- During a pandemic, employers must continue to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with known disabilities that are unrelated to the pandemic, barring undue hardship.
- Employers may not ask employees to disclose if they have compromised immune systems or a chronic health condition that would make them more susceptible to influenza complications.
- Employers may require employees who have been away from the workplace during a pandemic to provide a doctor's note certifying fitness to return to work.
- Employers are allowed to send employees home if they display influenza-like symptoms during a pandemic.
Drug-Free Work Week kicks off
Oct. 19-25 marks the fourth annual Drug-Free Work Week campaign, sponsored by the Department of Labor's Working Partners for an Alcohol- and Drug-Free Workplace program. This year's campaign is highlighting the impact a drug-free workplace has on families and communities.
"Successful drug-free workplace programs provide a safe and healthy environment for workers, and result in a productive workplace for employers," said Elena M. Carr, drug policy coordinator for DOL's Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy.
I'm concerned about carbon monoxide poisoning risks in my home. What should I know?
Every year, thousands of people are treated in emergency rooms for CO poisoning. The Environmental Protection Agency, National Fire Protection Association and U.S. Fire Administration all offer safety tips and information on preventing CO poisoning.
Six-month fatality numbers down in 2009: NHTSA
The number of motor vehicle crashes in the first six months of 2009 reached its lowest level since 2005, according to a report (.pdf file) released Oct. 9 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Early estimates show about 16,626 people died in motor vehicle crashes in the first half of 2009 – a decrease of about 7 percent from the 17,871 fatalities during the same period in 2008. The number of vehicle miles traveled dropped by 1.7 percent during the first quarter and increased by 0.7 percent in the second quarter. Additional estimates show:
- The fatality rate for the first half of 2009 declined to 1.15 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled – down from 1.23 fatalities per 100 million VMT in the first six months of 2008.
- February saw the largest decline in fatalities during the first half of 2009 – a 16 percent decline. Researchers noted that 2008 was a leap year, and 95 fatalities occurred during the extra day.
FMCSA to make CMV driver records available to employers; releases enforcement data
Commercial motor carriers will be able to electronically access driver inspection and crash records as part of the hiring process when the Driver Pre-Employment Screening program launches in December.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on Oct. 7 announced the new initiative. According to an FMCSA press release, employers will be able to access information regardless of state or jurisdiction. Federal privacy laws require that drivers must first give written consent for their records to be released.
DOT officials said commercial driver safety records currently are available to federal and state law enforcement personnel, and are accessible to drivers through a Freedom of Information Act request.
In related news, FMCSA also released the names of carriers cited in enforcement cases during fiscal year 2009, which ended Sept. 30. According to an agency report (large .pdf file), FMCSA conducted 5,214 enforcement cases and settled those cases for a total of more than $25.2 million.
Trucking association: Educate, test passenger vehicle drivers on CMVs
Members of the American Trucking Associations want states that conduct driver education to educate and test new passenger vehicle drivers on awareness of, and safe interaction with, commercial motor vehicles.
Alexandria, VA-based ATA released a statement Oct. 8 saying testing and education "must require classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training that includes, but is not limited to, truck stopping distances, proper distances for following trucks, identification of truck blind spots and avoidance of driving in those blind spots." According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 35 percent of all truck-involved highway fatalities occur in a truck's blind spots.
Additionally, ATA's board of directors formally announced its support of the Avoiding Life-Endangering and Reckless Texting (ALERT) by Drivers Act (S. 1653), which would limit federal funding to states that do not ban texting while driving.
Serious runway incursions down 50 percent: report
The number of serious runway incursions declined by 50 percent in 2009, according to a Federal Aviation Administration fact sheet released Oct. 8.
FAA defines a serious incursion as an incident in which "a collision was narrowly avoided, or there was a significant potential for collision that resulted in the need to take quick corrective action." In fiscal year 2009, which ended Sept. 30, 12 serious runway incursions occurred, compared with 25 in FY 2008.
In related news, FAA on Oct. 14 proposed multimillion-dollar penalties against two airlines for allegedly violating safety regulations. United Airlines could face a $3.8 million civil penalty for allegedly operating a Boeing 737 on more than 200 flights after the carrier violated its own maintenance procedures. U.S. Airways faces a $6.4 million civil penalty for allegedly flying eight aircraft that were not in compliance with air worthiness directives or the airline's maintenance program.
Flu vaccination rates remain stable: CDC
Seasonal influenza vaccination rates for the 2008-09 season were no higher than those in previous years, according to data released this week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Although the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices in 2008 expanded flu vaccine recommendations to include all children 5-18 years old, data indicates flu vaccination rates for all age groups remained stable: 40.9 percent for children 6-23 months old, 32 percent for those 2-4 years old, and 20.8 for 5- to 17-year-olds.
Immunization rates among adults with high-risk conditions such as diabetes, asthma or heart disease also remained stable: 32.1 percent for people 18-49 years old, 42.3 percent for those age 50-64, and 67.2 percent for people 65 and older.
Adult flu vaccination rates remain well below the Healthy People 2010 objectives, which aim for a 60 percent vaccination rate among high-risk adults younger than 65 and 90 percent for those 65 and older.
Study: Rate of pediatric burn injuries declining
The rate of burn-related injuries among children dropped 31 percent from 1990 to 2006, according to a study from the Center for Injury and Research Policy at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, OH.
Despite the decrease, about 120,000 children are burned every year. Most burn injuries affect children 6 and younger. Among this age group, the majority of burns occurred in the home – most often to the hands and fingers.
Study authors attribute the high number of burns to parents underestimating how far small children can reach. Further, young children have thinner skin than adults, causing burn injuries to be more severe.
CDC: Fewer schools selling junk food
Junk food is becoming harder to find in American high schools, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The report found a recent significant increase in the rate of secondary schools that do not sell soda, non-juice fruit drinks, candy and high-fat salty snacks to students. The percentage of schools that do not sell unhealthy drinks increased to 63 percent in 2008 from 38 percent in 2006; the number of schools that did not sell unhealthy snacks increased 46 percent to 64 percent during the same time frame, CDC said.
The report also found that progress in eliminating the availability of junk food varied widely by state. Although 75 percent of Mississippi secondary schools do not sell unhealthy snacks or soda, less than one-third of secondary schools in Utah, Kansas, Idaho and Nebraska do the same.
Keep portable generators at a distance: NIST
Although portable generators could be lifesavers during power outages this hurricane season, many people may be putting themselves at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning by placing the generators too close to their homes, suggests new research from the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Some generator instructions recommend the units be placed outside the home at least 10 feet from an open window or airway. New research (video) from NIST indicates the safe distance for a generator may be much farther.
Using a one-story home as a model, researchers tested multiple scenarios of generator placement combined with various environmental conditions. They discovered 15 feet from a window was not a safe distance for the generator in use outside the model home. NIST plans to conduct future studies using a two-story home.
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Wednesday, October 14, 2009
During your career as a safety professional, has a worker death ever occurred at your site?
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Total number of workers killed in metal and nonmetal mines from 1999 to 2008
344Total number of workers killed in metal and nonmetal mines from 1999 to 2008
Source: Mine Safety and Health Administration
HELP committee approves Main as MSHA head
The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension Committee on Wednesday approved the nomination of Joseph Main to head the Mine Safety and Health Administration.
The nomination now moves to the full Senate for consideration.
California issues long-awaited diacetyl standard
California's Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board last week issued a standard on occupational exposure to food flavorings containing diacetyl. Diacetyl is an ingredient in butter flavorings that has been linked to lung disease.
The California standard would affect flavoring and food manufacturers in the state that use diacetyl or food flavorings containing a concentration of at least 1 percent diacetyl. Under the standard, employers would be required to:
- Perform an exposure assessment
- Implement engineering and work practice controls
- Provide respiratory protection, medical surveillance, and hazard communication training and labeling
- Prepare Material Safety Data Sheets for products with at least 0.1 percent diacetyl
OSHA published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking for a federal standard in January, but Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis withdrew it earlier this year. ANPRMs have been criticized as a tactic used by the Bush administration to slow down the rulemaking process.
Acting OSHA administrator Jordan Barab recently said a diacetyl standard would be included in the agency's new aggressive rulemaking agenda.
OSHA revises fall protection enforcement policies
OSHA recently rescinded (.pdf file) its de minimis policy in the agency’s steel erection compliance directive regarding tripping hazards and the installation of nets or floors during steel erection. A de minimis violation is one that is considered minor and for which a citation may not be issued.
The directive pertained to OSHA's steel erection standard (1926.754). By rescinding the policy, OSHA is signaling to employers that they are required to comply with both subsections in the standard: 1926.754(b)(3) and 1926.754(c)(1).
OSHA's revision to its enforcement policy regarding de minimis violations is aimed at reducing the number of construction deaths, acting OSHA administrator Jordan Barab said in an agency press release.