OSHA's plan for 2014

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) says that the regulations OSHA will be pursuing in 2014 are part of a plan/prevent/protect approach, "designed to ensure employers and other regulated entities are in full compliance with the law every day, not just when the Department of Labor engages an employer."

DOL is emphasizing greater openness and transparency by giving employers, workers, and others greater access to information concerning workplace conditions and expectations. The goal, says the department, is for compliance to become a more cooperative exercise.

New Final Rules Anticipated for 2014

OSHA plans to issue several final rules in 2014, as well as move proposed rules closer to implementation. Initiatives addressed in the regulatory agenda include:

• Confined spaces in construction. A final rule is expected early in 2014.
• Occupational injury and illness recording and reporting requirements. OSHA plans to revise the reporting requirements regarding the obligations of employers to report to OSHA the occurrence of fatalities and injuries that require hospitalization. A final rule is scheduled for April 2014.
• Slips and Falls—Personal Fall Protective Systems. OSHA has a final rule awaiting action by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) that will incorporate personal fall protection systems into the existing general industry rule for Walking and Working Surfaces (29 CFR 1910.23) that reflects new technologies. The final rule is expected in June 2014.
• Electric power transmission and distribution. A final rule awaiting action by the OMB would update requirements for foot protection and aerial lift fall protection for electrical installations.

Proposed Rules Moving Forward in 2014

• Modernizing recordkeeping. Under a proposal, certain employers would be required to submit injury and illness recordkeeping data electronically
• Injury and illness prevention plan (I2P2). OSHA is shaping a proposed rule that would require employers to develop a formal program to reduce workplace injuries and illnesses through a systematic process that proactively addresses workplace safety and health hazards. A notice of proposed rulemaking is expected in September 2014.
• Occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica. A proposal published in the Federal Register on September 12, 2013, would establish a new limit of 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air. Hearings on the proposal are scheduled to begin on March 18, 2014.
• Whistleblower protection. New rules have been proposed to establish consistent and transparent procedures for filing whistleblower complaints.
• Cranes and derricks in construction. The agency plans to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking that would address operator certification and other issues.

A number of regulations are in the pre-rule stage or are at various levels of review:

• Bloodborne pathogens. The agency is considering the continued need for the rule in light of overlap and possible conflicts with other regulations.
• Infectious diseases. A possible standard would require that employers establish a comprehensive infection control program.
• Preventing back-over injuries and fatalities. OSHA has requested information and has held stakeholder meetings to discuss emerging technologies that address the risks of backing operations.
• Reinforced concrete in construction. OSHA says current rules may not adequately address the hazards; the agency is seeking information on the topic.
• Combustible dust. Rulemaking has begun, but no proposal has been issued.
In addition, OSHA continues to review its chemical standards. The majority of existing permissible exposure limits (PELs) were adopted in 1971, and only a few have been updated since that time.

Accident Reduction through Good Housekeeping

Accident Reduction through Good Housekeeping

Housekeeping is not just about cleanliness. It includes keeping work areas neat and orderly and keeping aisles, floors and stairs free from slip and trip hazards. The removal of waste (paper, cardboard, containers, used chemicals) from the work area is valuable in reducing accidents. Housekeeping requires focusing attention on important details in the workplace such as layout, aisle markings, adequacy of storage facilities and maintenance. Maintaining “order” throughout the day requires a great deal of planning and management.

Experience has shown that good housekeeping is an essential and effective part of a safety and health program. Effective housekeeping helps eliminate workplace hazards and promotes a safer, more efficient work environment. Poor housekeeping can contribute to accidents by hiding hazards that cause injuries.

Effective housekeeping at work benefits both employer and employees. Effective housekeeping results in:

• Fewer accidents by creating an orderly, clutter-free, spill-free work environment
• Decreased fire hazards
• Reduced exposure to hazardous substances
• Improved control of tools and materials
• Better hygienic conditions leading to improved health
• More effective use of space
• Less janitorial work
• Improved morale

The Program

A good housekeeping program ensures that work areas are not used for storage and materials required on a day-to-day basis are kept at a minimum and stored correctly. Insufficient storage results in materials being used, handled and stored in hazardous and dangerous ways. To implement a housekeeping program, you should understand the use and movement of materials through your agency.

Training is another component of a good housekeeping program. It is important to train employees on the proper use of materials and products they use on a day-to-day basis. Employees also need to be aware of the different means of warning co-workers about hazards they may encounter. Examples include posting of signs on wet, slippery floors and the procedures for reporting unusual conditions.

Housekeeping responsibilities should be included in all job tasks, helping the agency maintain an orderly and neat appearance. Reorganizing, cleaning up and removing clutter should be done immediately. Effective housekeeping programs address and assign responsibilities for the following:

• Cleaning up during the shift
• Day to day cleanup
• Waste disposal
• Removal of unused materials
• Inspection to ensure that cleanup is complete.

It is easy to forget about the out-of-the-way places such as shelves, basements, sheds, boiler rooms, electrical/mechanical rooms and under stairs. Remember to include these areas in your housekeeping program. Maintaining a neat and orderly arrangement of tools, equipment and supplies will help to make this possible.

In order to determine if your housekeeping program is effective, you must have a system in place to seek out and account for deficiencies. An inspection is the last and most critical step in developing a program. Attached is a general housekeeping checklistthat can be modified for the needs at your agency.

Elements of a Housekeeping Program

As a safety officer, setting housekeeping standards will be the beginning of your program. Make sure to set clear, objective and attainable standards. Remember to follow safe work practices and any requirements that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) may impose. (www.osha.gov)

Dust and Dirt Removal

Vacuum or wet sweep dusty areas frequently. A dampened floor or use of a sweeping compound prior to sweeping will reduce the amount of airborne dust a worker might inhale. These techniques will help reduce respiratory type irritations. If dust and dirt are allowed to accumulate on surfaces, there is a potential for a slip hazard.

Compressed air should not be used for removing dust or dirt off employees or equipment. Compressed air can cause dirt and dust particles to be embedded under the skin or in the eye.

Employee Facilities

Employee restrooms should be cleaned at least once during a work shift and should have a good supply of soap, towels, toilet paper, plus disinfectants, if needed.

Employee break rooms should be separate from the work area and should be cleaned daily. Remember, smoking, eating or drinking in the work area where toxic materials are handled should be prohibited.

Flooring

Floors should be cleaned regularly and immediately if liquids or other materials are spilled. Poor floor conditions are a leading cause of accidents in the workplace. Areas such as entranceways that cannot be cleaned continuously should have mats or some type of anti-slip flooring. It is also important to replace worn, ripped or damaged flooring that poses a trip hazard.

Lighting

Adequate lighting reduces the potential for accidents. Make sure that inoperative light fixtures are repaired immediately. Dirty light fixtures should be cleaned so that light levels are maintained.

Aisles and Stairways

Aisles and stairways must be kept clear and not used for storage. Warning signs and mirrors can improve sight lines in blind corners and help prevent accidents. It is also important to maintain adequate lighting in stairways.

Spill Control

The best method to control spills is to prevent them from happening. Regular cleaning and maintenance on machines and equipment is essential. Also, the use of drip pans where spills might occur is a good preventative measure. When spills do occur, it is important to clean them up immediately. When cleaning a spill, use the proper cleaning agents or absorbent materials. Be sure waste products are disposed of properly.

Tools and Equipment

Tools and equipment should be inspected prior to each use. Damaged or worn tools should be taken out of service immediately. Tools should be cleaned and returned to the proper location after use.

Maintenance

One of the most important elements of a good housekeeping program is maintenance of buildings and equipment. This means keeping buildings, equipment and machinery in safe and efficient working order and in good repair. When a workplace looks neglected - broken windows, defective plumbing, broken floor surfaces or dirty walls - these conditions can cause accidents and affect work practices. It is important to have a program in place to replace or fix broken and damaged items as quickly as possible.

Storage

Proper storage of materials is essential in a good housekeeping program. All storage areas should be clearly marked. Flammable, combustible, toxic and other hazardous materials should be stored in approved containers in designated areas that are appropriate for the different hazards that they pose. Materials that are stored should not obstruct aisles, stairs, exits, fire equipment, emergency eyewash fountains, emergency showers, or first aid stations. Also it is important that all containers be labeled properly. If materials are being stored correctly, the incident of strain injuries, chemical exposures and fires should be reduced dramatically.

Individual Workspace

Many workplace injuries occur right in the employee’s workspace. This space is often overlooked when conducting general housekeeping inspections. Attached is a checklist that should be used by employees to evaluate their workspace. This evaluation should be conducted at least annually.

Implementing a good housekeeping program is an important element of any safety and health program. Remember: It is the employer’s responsibility to provide a safe workplace free of recognizable hazards. With these steps in place, an effective housekeeping program can eliminate workplace hazards and decrease injuries.

-The Commonwealth of Virginia Workers' Compensation Services

Winter Driving Safety Tips

Every winter, people are injured or killed because they are unprepared or overconfident on snowy, icy roads. Even if you are a veteran driver from a Snow Belt state and don't give venturing out in a blizzard a second thought, keeping these safety tips fresh in your mind can keep you on the road and in control.

Make sure you and your car are properly equipped

Before you set out on a snowy trip, even if it's just a short drive to the grocery store, keep the following items in mind.

• Make sure that your car has ample antifreeze, the windshield is clean and you have plenty of windshield washer fluid.
• Check to make sure the headlights are clean and in working order.
• Verify that the tires have tread and are properly inflated.
• Have your battery tested, to avoid being stranded in the cold with a car that won't start.
• Equip your car with a flashlight and extra batteries, a first aid kit, warm clothes, and a blanket.
• Remember to have sunglasses in the car, as the glare of the sun off of snow and ice can be more intense in the winter than it is in the summer.
• Perhaps the most important of all: Remember your cell phone, so you can call in case of emergency.

Slow down and drive smoothly

Driving too quickly is the main cause of accidents in winter conditions. Even if you're driving an SUV or a four-wheel-drive vehicle, you cannot safely do 80 mph during a snowstorm. Regardless of your vehicle, how you drive can prevent accidents.

• Avoid abrupt acceleration, braking and unnecessary lane changes. These maneuvers can cause your vehicle to lose traction and can launch you into an uncontrollable skid, leading to a collision.
• Four-wheel-drive may help your vehicle get going in the slushy stuff, but it's of no use when you're trying to steer or safely stop on a slippery road surface.
• Be patient and accept the fact that it is going to take longer to arrive at your destination.

Do not tailgate

Tailgating often leads to accidents, especially if you are driving in stop-and-go traffic. You may think that the driver in front of you doing 35 mph on the freeway is going too slow and needs a reminder in the form of you riding their bumper, but doing so is dangerous.

• Be patient and stay well behind the driver in front of you until it's safe to pass.
• It is important to remember that it takes a much longer distance to stop your vehicle in the snow or ice due to the reduced traction, even with just a light covering on the road.
• Having to deal with a fender bender on a busy road in the snow is certainly something that you want to avoid, especially if other cars are sliding around as well.
• Many serious accident injuries come from a second impact from another car after a seemingly trivial collision.

Do not use cruise control

Driving with cruise control has become almost second nature. Sure, it prevents you from getting leg fatigue, keeps you from unwittingly speeding and is great on long trips, but driving with it on in winter conditions can be unsafe.

• If cruise control has become a staple of your driving habits, make a conscious effort to ensure that you are not using it in winter weather.
• Using cruise control in the snow, ice or even rain is dangerous because if your car hydroplanes or skids, the car can accelerate and spin the wheels, attempting to maintain a constant speed.
• If you hydroplane with cruise control on, it will be more likely that you lose control of your vehicle.

Pull over or stay home

Remember, there is no shame in making the logical decision to stay in when the conditions are bad. You may be late arriving to your destination, but arriving late in one piece is much better than the alternative.

• If you can postpone your trip, or if it is non-essential, stay in when the weather is really bad.
• If at any point during your trip you feel that the weather is too bad to continue driving, simply stay put.
• If you're out on the road, find a safe spot to pull over and wait until the weather passes or calms to the point where you feel comfortable driving again.
• If driving in bad weather conditions is fatiguing, switch drivers before you get tired.

January is the deadliest month for carbon monoxide poisoning

According to a new study by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the first month of the year is the worst for carbon monoxide poisoning. At least two people die each day from carbon-monoxide poisoning in January—three times the fatality rate recorded in August and July. Unintentional carbon monoxide exposure accounted for 15,000 emergency room visits annually between 1999 and 2004, with an average of 439 people dying each year.

Fatalities were highest among men and senior citizens: Men because they are engaged in more high-risk behaviors such as working with fuel-burning tools or appliances and seniors because they are likely to mistake the symptoms of CO poisoning (headaches, nausea, dizziness or confusion) for the flu or fatigue.

It should come as no surprise that CO deaths are the highest in winter (December is the second highest month). Cold weather increases the use of gas-powered furnaces as well as the use of risky alternative heating and power sources (portable generators, charcoal briquettes, propane stoves or grills) during power outages. It’s also understandable that the highest CO death rates are in colder states: Nebraska, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and North Dakota. By contrast, California has the lowest fatality rate.

With these sobering facts it’s a good time to remember the following safety tips to prevent CO poisoning:

• Have your heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil or coal-burning appliance inspected and serviced by a qualified technician every year.
• Install battery-operated CO detectors on every level of your home.
• Don’t use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove or other gasoline or charcoal-burning device inside the home, basement or garage or outside the home near a window.
• Don’t burn anything in an unvented stove or fireplace.
• Don’t let a vehicle idle inside a garage attached to a house, even if the garage door is left open.
• Don’t heat a house with a gas oven.

If a CO detector sounds, leave your home immediately and call 911 from outside. Seek prompt medical attention if you suspect CO poisoning and if you or someone in your household is feeling dizzy, light-headed or nauseated.