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Time to post injury summary
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is reminding employers about the requirement to post the OSHA 300A summary of the total number of work-related injuries and illnesses that occurred last year. Only the 300A summary—not the OSHA 300 log—must be posted from February 1 to April 30.
The form should be posted in a common area where other employee notices are usually displayed. A copy of the summary must also be made available to workers who move from worksite to worksite or who do not report to any fixed worksite on a regular basis.
The summary must include the total number of job-related injuries and illnesses that occurred in 2009 and were logged on the OSHA 300. To assist in calculating incidence rates, information about the annual average number of employees and total hours worked during the calendar year is also required. If a company recorded no injuries or illnesses in 2009, the employer must enter "zero" on the total line. The form must be signed and certified by a company executive.
Employers with 10 or fewer employees and employers in the retail, services, financial, insurance, and real estate sectors are normally exempt from OSHA recordkeeping and posting requirements. A complete list of exempt industries can be found on OSHA’s website.
Big payoff for driver pre-hire screens
A study by Atlas Ergonomics, an ergonomic service and technology provider, shows that systemic physical screenings of truck drivers prior to hiring led to a 7% reduction in lost work days, saving a long haul carrier $28 million in just two years, a return of $25 for every dollar spent on the program.
From 2007 to 2009, Atlas screened approximately 20,000 driver candidates for the carrier—after a conditional job offer had been made but before work began. The study, part of Atlas’ ongoing research into transportation industry ergonomics, reviewed and quantified the effects of a pre-work screen (PWS) program in addressing drivers’ risks of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
MSDs are especially costly to the commercial transportation industry. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Washington State Department of Labor spotlight the industry’s high rates of overexertion injuries. Combined with a high level of employee turnover, these injuries cost trucking companies millions of dollars annually in direct and indirect injury expenses.
Atlas says the research shows that by assessing drivers’ physical risks following a conditional job offer, a screening program can match physical abilities with the physical demands of the job. This in turn reduces injuries and costs.
To request a copy of the study: http://www.atlasergo.com/about_contact.aspx
New videos on respirator safety
OSHA has developed two new videos for healthcare workers that feature training and guidance on respirator safety.
The agency’s Respirator Safety video demonstrates how to correctly put on and take off common types of respirators, such as N95s. The Difference between Respirators and Surgical Masks video explains how they prevent exposure to infectious diseases.
Respirators play an important role in protecting many workers from exposure to chemical and biological hazards in the workplace, says OSHA. At a time when pandemic influenza has highlighted the risk to healthcare workers, the new videos will prepare and protect workers from the very illnesses they are responsible for treating.
The videos also explain how workers can perform a user seal check to test whether a respirator is worn properly and will provide the expected level of protection. Visitors may watch both an English and Spanish version by visiting OSHA’s Respiratory Protection page or the Department of Labor’s YouTube site.
Region 1 contractor fined for cave-in hazard
A Massachusetts construction company has been fined more than $55,000 after an OSHA inspector observed a company employee working in an unprotected 6-foot deep excavation at a Braintree, MA worksite.
An OSHA inspection found that the trench lacked both cave-in protection and a ladder or other safe means for workers to exit the trench. OSHA standards require that all excavations 5 feet or deeper be protected against collapse. In addition, an excavator, driven to the edge of the trench, caused soil and rocks to fall into the trench.
No one ever thinks the trench he or she is working in will collapse, but the fact is cave-ins happen in seconds, says OSHA, crushing and burying workers beneath tons of soil and debris before they have a chance to escape. That’s why mandatory safeguards must be in place and in use at all times.
As a result of its findings, OSHA has issued the company two willful citations, with $50,000 in fines, for the unprotected excavation and missing ladder; two serious citations, with $4,000 in fines, for the excavator at the trench’s edge and for the lack of high visibility vests for an excavator operator exposed to vehicular traffic; and one other-than-serious citation, with a $1,200 fine, for an incomplete injury and illness log.
For detailed information on trenching hazards and safeguards, including an OSHA Quickcard:
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/trenchingexcavation/construction.html and http://www.osha.gov/Publications/trench/trench_safety_tips_card.pdf.
Booklet on hexavalent chromium
A booklet outlining industry requirements for hexavalent chromium standards is now available on OSHA’s website.
Workers exposed to hexavalent chromium can develop lung cancer and damage to the nose, throat, and respiratory system. Inhaling its fumes can cause allergic reactions or asthmatic symptoms, such as wheezing and shortness of breath.
The chemical is used in pigments, metal finishing, wood preservatives and fungicides. Workers may also be exposed to hexavalent chromium fumes generated during welding of chromium metal alloys.
Hexavalent chromium is a powerful lung carcinogen, says OSHA, and exposure must be minimized.
The booklet explains OSHA’s requirements for exposure limits, exposure monitoring and determination, protective work clothing and equipment, medical surveillance, communication of hexavalent chromium hazards, and recordkeeping.
To print free copies: http://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA-3373-hexavalent-chromium.pdf
Tips for greening your break room
—reprinted with permission from Business & Legal Resources (BLR)
Businesses going green is hot as companies seek to reduce the effects of climate changes and want to be seen as responsible. But it means more than that. Businesses with conservation programs know that conservation benefits their bottom line.
Start a conservation program with these tips to cut down on waste (and spending) in your break room:
- Waste not. Use real dishes, not disposable products. All you need is a sink, soap, sponge and dish rack.
- If you must. If your only option is to use disposable cold cups, plates, or cutlery, look for sustainable products, especially compostable ones—avoid Styrofoam products and plastic.
- Make yourself at home. Have everyone bring in their own mug from home, or purchase some mugs, cups, cutlery, plates, and bowls for the break room.
- Buy Energy Star. If you must buy new appliances, look for energy efficient ones, ones that are Energy Star certified. This is another green tip that also saves money.
- Lose the baggage. Cut down on needless packaging. For example, share milk and cream for coffee instead of using individual cream or creamer packets, and spoons for stirring instead of disposable stirrers.
- Skip the water cooler. If you don’t like your tap water, consider a water filter in the fridge instead of a water cooler or individual bottled water. This one will save you a ton of money!
- Unplug the energy vampires. Plug all the nonfridge appliances, such as microwave, coffee maker/grinder, toaster, etc., into a power strip (surge protector) so that you can switch their power off at the end of the day. Appliances plugged in, even if not in use, suck some energy.
It means more that just protecting the environment—conservation, and investing in conservation programs, means saving money.
BLR is the leading provider of employment, safety and environmental compliance solutions. For more information, visit www.BLR.com or call 800-727-5257.
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