Deadline Extended For Participation - National Voluntary Stand Down of US Onshore E&P

Due to many requests, the reporting deadline for the National Voluntary Stand Down of US Onshore E&P has been extended to February 28, 2014. In response to the number of fatalities in the oil and gas industry, OSHA and the National STEPS (Service, Transportation, Exploration and Production Safety) Network urge all exploration and production companies to conduct a voluntary stand down at their work sites. Companies that recognize the value of safety training use stand downs as a tool to hold focused safety meetings and conduct comprehensive jobsite inspections.

 

These meetings provide effective communication of safety policies, goals and expectations at all levels and communicate each firm's safety message to its front-line workers who constitute the largest group of the industry's workforce. The intent of the national stand down reflects that of a regional stand down; to help raise awareness of health and safety issues which have occurred in the 2013 OSHA fiscal year.

 

A 2013 National Voluntary Stand Down of US Onshore E&P was held in two phases. Phase one was held as a live event on November 14, 2013 at Humble Civic Center, Humble, Texas and webcasted to Regional STEPS Network locations across the country. Guest speakers were Dr. David Michaels with OSHA, Ryan Hill with NIOSH, and an industry round table of representatives from AESC, API, IADC, and PEC.

 

Phase two is called "Take It To The Field". Participants are asked to spend a minimum of one hour in at least 15-minute intervals between November 15, 2013 and February 28, 2014 with their employees and/or contractors to share important safety information which is provided on www.oshastanddown.org. Registration is done online to participate and to record results. Data can be entered anonymously, and it is not mandatory to enter the company name, just city and state. Materials are available at www.oshastanddown.org and include videos; power point presentations containing awareness level information and incident overviews; examples of inspection forms; and a link to the recorded live Phase I event.

 

For more information about the National Stand Down, please visit www.oshastanddown.org.

How to File an OSHA Complaint

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 gives employees and their representatives the right to file a complaint and request an OSHA inspection of their workplace if they believe there is a serious hazard or their employer is not following OSHA standards. Further, the Act gives complainants the right to request that their names not be revealed to their employers.

Complaints from employees and their representatives are taken seriously by OSHA. It is against the law for an employer to fire, demote, transfer, or discriminate in any way against a worker for filing a complaint or using other OSHA rights.

If you think your job is unsafe and you want to ask for an inspection, contact us. It is confidential. If you have been fired, demoted, transferred or discriminated against in any way for using your rights under the law, you must file a complaint with OSHA within 30 days of the alleged discrimination.

Worker Rights

Workers are entitled to working conditions that do not pose a risk of serious harm. To help assure a safe and healthful workplace, OSHA also provides workers with the right to:

• Ask OSHA to inspect their workplace;
• Use their rights under the law without retaliation and discrimination;
• Receive information and training about hazards, methods to prevent harm, and the OSHA standards that apply to their workplace. The training must be in a language you can understand;
• Get copies of test results done to find hazards in the workplace;
• Review records of work-related injuries and illnesses
• Get copies of their medical records

Complaint Filing Options

You have these options to file your safety and health complaint:

1. Online - Go to the Online Complaint Form Written complaints that are signed by workers or their representative and submitted to an OSHA Area or Regional office are more likely to result in onsite OSHA inspections. Complaints received on line from workers in OSHA-approved state plan states will be forwarded to the appropriate state plan for response.
2. Download and Fax/Mail - Download the OSHA complaint form* [En Espanol*] (or request a copy from your local OSHA Regional or Area Office), complete it and then fax or mail it back to your local OSHA Regional or Area Office. Written complaints that are signed by a worker or representative and submitted to the closest OSHA Area Office are more likely to result in onsite OSHA inspections. Please include your name, address and telephone number so we can contact you to follow up. This information is confidential.
3. Telephone - your local OSHA Regional or Area Office. OSHA staff can discuss your complaint and respond to any questions you have. If there is an emergency or the hazard is immediately life-threatening, call your local OSHA Regional or Area Office or 1-800-321-OSHA.

To File your Discrimination Complaint

File a discrimination complaint if your employer has retaliated against you for exercising your rights as a worker. If you have been punished or discriminated against for exercising your rights under the OSH Act, you must file a complaint with OSHAwithin 30 days of the alleged reprisal. In states with approved state plans, workers may file a complaint under the OSH Act with both the State Plan and Federal OSHA.

If you are filing a complaint under any other whistleblower statute enforced by OSHA, the time limit for filing varies by statute. Refer to the Summary of OSHA Whistleblower Statutes to determine the time limit that applies to your complaint.

You may file your discrimination complaint using any of these filing options:

1. Online - Use the Online Whistleblower Complaint Form to submit your complaint to OSHA. Complaints received online from workers located in states with OSHA-approved state plans will be forwarded to the appropriate state plan for response.
2. Download and Fax/Mail - Download the Notice of Whistleblower Complaint Form (OSHA 8-60.1)*, complete it, and then fax or mail it back to your localOSHA Regional or Area Office.
3. Telephone - Call your local OSHA Regional or Area Office. OSHA staff can discuss your complaint with you and respond to any questions you may have.
4. Letter - You may also send a letter describing your complaint to your localOSHA Regional or Area Office. Please include your name, address and telephone number so we can contact you to follow up.

OSHA will accept your complaint in any language.

Who Can Complain?

Employees or their representatives have a right to request an inspection of a workplace if they believe there is a violation of a safety or health standard, or if there is any danger that threatens physical harm, or if an "imminent danger" exists. Employee representatives, for the purposes of filing a complaint, are defined as any of the following:

1. An authorized representative of the employee bargaining unit, such as a certified or recognized labor organization.
2. An attorney acting for an employee.
3. Any other person acting in a bona fide representative capacity, including, but not limited to, members of the clergy, social workers, spouses and other family members, and government officials or nonprofit groups and organizations acting upon specific complaints and injuries from individuals who are employees.

In addition, anyone who knows about a workplace safety or health hazard may report unsafe conditions to OSHA, and OSHA will investigate the concerns reported.

What Information Must the Employee Provide?

Employees or their representatives must provide enough information for OSHA to determine that a hazard probably exists. Workers do not have to know whether a specific OSHA standard has been violated in order to file a complaint.

The following are examples of the type of information that would be useful to OSHA when receiving a complaint. It is not necessary to have the answers to all these questions in order to file a complaint. The list is provided here as a guide to help you provide as much complete and accurate information as possible:

• How many employees work at the site and how many are exposed to the hazard?
• How and when are workers exposed?
• What work is performed in the unsafe or unhealthful area?
• What type of equipment is used? Is it in good condition?
• What materials and/or chemicals are used?
• Have employees been informed or trained regarding hazardous conditions?
• What process and/or operation is involved?
• What kinds of work are done nearby?
• How often and for how long do employees work at the task that leads to their exposure?
• How long (to your knowledge) has the condition existed?
• Have any attempts been made to correct the problem?
• On what shifts does the hazard exist?
• Has anyone been injured or made ill as a result of this problem?
• Have there been any "near-miss" incidents?

When Can a Complaint Be Filed?*

OSHA recommends that employees try to resolve safety and health issues first by reporting them to their supervisors, managers or the safety and health committee. At any time, however, employees can complain to their local OSHA Area or Regional Officeand ask for an inspection or an investigation. (Complaints to federal OSHA from workers in states with OSHA-approved state plans will be forwarded to the appropriate state plan for response.)

* Note: Discrimination complaints must be filed within 30 days of the alleged discrimination.

The following are some additional examples of specific questions for health hazards:

• Do any employees have any symptoms that they think are caused by the hazardous condition or substance?
• Have any employees been treated by a doctor for a work-related disease or condition? What was it?

February is American Heart Month

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women, but heart disease is preventable and controllable.

Every journey begins with one step, whether it’s climbing a mountain or preventing heart disease. This American Heart Month, CDC is offering weekly tips for better heart health. Take your first step on the road to a healthy heart with us.

Heart disease is a major problem. Every year, about 715,000 Americans have a heart attack. About 600,000 people die from heart disease in the United States each year—that’s 1 out of every 4 deaths. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women.1

Heart attack symptoms

The five major symptoms of a heart attack are

• Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back.
• Feeling weak, light-headed, or faint.
• Chest pain or discomfort.
• Pain or discomfort in arms or shoulder.
• Shortness of breath.
• If you think that you or someone you know is having a heart attack, call 9–1–1 immediately.

The term “heart disease” refers to several types of heart conditions. The most common type in the United States is coronary heart disease (also called coronary artery disease), which occurs when a substance called plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Coronary heart disease can cause heart attack, angina, heart failure, and arrhythmias.

Cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, costs the United States $312.6 billion each year.1 This total includes the cost of health care services, medications, and lost productivity. These conditions also are leading causes of disability, preventing Americans from working and enjoying family activities.

The situation is alarming, but there is good news—heart disease is preventable and controllable. We can start by taking small steps every day to bring our loved ones and ourselves closer to heart health. CDC is providing a tip a day throughout February, but you can take these small steps all year long.

One Step at a Time

As you begin your journey to better heart health, keep these things in mind:

• Don't become overwhelmed. Every step brings you closer to a healthier heart.
• Don't go it alone. The journey is more fun when you have company. Ask friends and family to join you.
• Don't get discouraged. You may not be able to take all of the steps at one time. Get a good night's sleep and do what you can tomorrow.
• Reward yourself. Find fun things to do to decrease your stress. Round up some colleagues for a lunchtime walk, join a singing group, or have a healthy dinner with your family or friends.

Plan for Prevention

Some health conditions and lifestyle factors can put people at a higher risk for developing heart disease. You can help prevent heart disease by making healthy choices and managing any medical conditions you may have.

• Eat a healthy diet. Choosing healthful meal and snack options can help you avoid heart disease and its complications. Be sure to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables—adults should have at least 5 servings each day. Eating foods low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol and high in fiber can help prevent high cholesterol. Limiting salt or sodium in your diet also can lower your blood pressure. For more information on healthy diet and nutrition, visit CDC's Nutrition and Physical Activity Program Web site andChooseMyPlate.gov.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can increase your risk for heart disease. To determine whether your weight is in a healthy range, doctors often calculate a number called the body mass index (BMI). Doctors sometimes also use waist and hip measurements to measure a person's body fat. If you know your weight and height, you can calculate your BMI at CDC's Assessing Your Weight Web site.
• Exercise regularly. Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower cholesterol and blood pressure. The Surgeon General recommends that adults should engage in moderate-intensity exercise for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. For more information, see CDC's Nutrition and Physical Activity Program Web site.
• Monitor your blood pressure. High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so be sure to have it checked on a regular basis. You can check your blood pressure at home, at a pharmacy, or at a doctor's office. Find more information at CDC's High Blood Pressure Web site.
• Don't smoke. Cigarette smoking greatly increases your risk for heart disease. If you don't smoke, don't start. If you do smoke, quit as soon as possible. Your doctor can suggest ways to help you quit. For more information about tobacco use and quitting, see CDC's Smoking & Tobacco Use Web site and Smokefree.gov.
• Limit alcohol use. Avoid drinking too much alcohol, which can increase your blood pressure. Men should stick to no more than two drinks per day, and women to no more than one. For more information, visit CDC's Alcohol and Public Health Web site.
• Have your cholesterol checked. Your health care provider should test your cholesterol levels at least once every 5 years. Talk with your doctor about this simple blood test. You can find out more from CDC's High Cholesterol Web site.
• Manage your diabetes. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar levels closely, and talk with your doctor about treatment options. Visit CDC's Diabetes Public Health Resourcefor more information.
• Take your medicine. If you're taking medication to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Always ask questions if you don't understand something.

For more ideas about simple steps to take every day for better heart health, visit the full page of tips. You can also follow the Million Hearts™ initiative on Facebook and Twitter for even more ways to protect your heart and live a longer, healthier life. Million Hearts™ is a national initiative to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes in the United States by 2017.

Together, we can prevent heart disease, one step at a time.

-http://www.cdc.gov/features/heartmonth/

Preventing Hot Water Burns and Scalds

Like fire, hot water from your hot water taps, steam and other hot substances can cause serious burns to adults and children. The outcomes from severe burns and scalds can be devastating causing death or serious injury and extreme suffering which can result in scarring for life.

Things to do to decrease the risk of burns and scaldsIt is obvious that injuries that result from burns and scalds have a major impact on all people and especially young children and the elderly. However, burns and scalds are preventable and the severity of burn related injuries can be minimised by following some guidelines.

Regulate the temperature of your hot water serviceMany hot water services deliver domestic hot water with an average temperature of 70ºC. However, the ideal temperature for domestic hot water is 50ºC. It's best at 50ºC because:

• At 60ºC it takes one second for hot water to cause third degree burns
• At 55ºC it takes 10 seconds
• At 50ºC it takes five minutes

It seems only a small difference in temperature but it can mean the difference between hospitalisation, skin grafts and scarring for life.

Keep hot drinks and handles away from kids

As well as regulating the temperature of hot water, following some simple steps can prevent burns and scalds in the kitchen. For example:

• Turn the handles of saucepans towards the back of the stove
• Keep hot drinks away from the edge of the table or bench
• Use a cordless kettle to prevent a child pulling it over
• Use the back hot plates or flames before the front ones
• Give toddlers their own special mug so they don't drink from an adult's which may contain liquid which is too hot
• Carry plates to pots, not pots to plates.

First Aid for Burns

• Remove any wet clothing.
• Apply cold running water to the area for 30 minutes. Never apply oil, butter, ointments or ice (floating ice in a bucket of cold water is O.K.)
• Keep the rest of the child warm to prevent shock
• Seek medical care if the burn involves the face or hands, is blistering or is larger than a fifty cent piece.