The Safety Net L O C AT I O N C O N S U LT I N G
DESIGN & ENGINEERING
DESIGN-BUILD
IT’S ALWAYS SAFETY FIRST. CONSTRUCTION & CONTRACTING
APRIL 2019
VOLUME 13 ISSUE 4
Eye Safety - Ergonomics Lyn Wagner | Health Resources Publishing
W
ith so many people using computers at work and at home, complaints of eye strain, difficulty focusing and discomfort have become commonplace in doctors’ offices.
One of the main reasons for this is — although offices have marched into the age of technology, not much else has. People are still using the same lighting, furniture and desk configurations they had when using typewriters. The American Academy of Ophthalmology put together some tips to help us alleviate some of the eye problems modern technology has given birth to. They are: • Eye Exam — by your ophthalmologist, who can rule out the possibility of eye disease as the cause of your symptoms. You could simply need glasses when working at a computer, or your prescription might need updating; • Screen distance — you should sit approximately 20 inches from the computer monitor, a little further than you would for reading distance, with the top of the screen at or below eye level.
• Furniture — an adjustable chair is best; • Reference materials — keep reference materials on a document holder so you don’t have to keep looking back and forth, frequently refocusing your eyes and turning your neck and head; • Lighting — modify your lighting to eliminate reflections or glare. A hood or micromesh filter for your screen might help limit reflections and glare; and
• Equipment — choose a monitor that tilts or swivels, and has both contrast and brightness controls;
• Rest breaks — take periodic rest breaks, and try to blink often to keep your eyes from drying out.
Another thing to remember is that the forced-air heating systems in big office buildings can increase problems with dry eyes during the winter months. The usual symptoms of dry eye are stinging or burning eyes, scratchiness, a feeling that there’s something in the eye, excessive tearing or difficulty wearing contact lenses. Over-the-counter eye drops, called artificial tears, usually help, but if dry eye persists, see your eye doctor for an evaluation.
SAFETY FIRST. Austin employees have worked 2,671,019 hours without a Lost Time Accident through 2/2019.
Introduction to Eye Strain in the Office 3-22-19 | virtualmedicalcentre.com
The use of computers amongst office workers has increased markedly over the past two decades. This has resulted in an increase in health disorders associated with computer use, the most common of which are eye and vision problems. While eye health problems related to computer use are usually temporary, they cause significant discomfort to computer users and are largely preventable. Like the human body, the human eye is not designed for looking at a computer screen for prolonged periods. Office work previously included a range of activities, such as typing, reading, writing and filing, which involved a variety of movements and visual demands, and reduced the risk of eye strain. The use of computers allows many of these varied tasks to be combined and performed more efficiently from the desktop, thus reducing the amount of ‘natural’ breaks for office worker’s eyes and increasing the risk for
• Sitting an inappropriate distance from the screen (too close|too far); • Looking at the computer screen for long periods of time, particularly without breaks; and
the eyes to become strained.
• Working in a stressful environment.
In addition to computer use, other factors that contribute
Eye and Vision Problems Associated with Computer Use
to eye and vision disorders in an office environment include air conditioners, ventilation fans, static build up, airborne paper dust and contaminants. Computer users also have a decreased blink rate and increased ocular surface exposure due to horizontal viewing of the screen, which can increase the tendency for their eyes to become dry.
Risk Factors for Vision Problems The main risk factors for developing eye or vision
There now exists a substantial amount of evidence that computer use is closely associated with various eye disorders, which are collectively referred to as computer vision syndrome (CVS). Temporary vision and eye problems which are associated with computer use include: • Dry eye syndrome (keratoconjunctivitis sicca); • Eye strain or fatigue (Asthenopia); • Burning, itching or tearing eyes;
problems through computer use are:
• Temporary change in ability to see colors; and
• Viewing unclear or flickering images;
• Tired or irritated eyes.
• Viewing images or characters on the screen that are
Nonocular symptoms such as headaches, shoulder, neck
too small; • Using a screen that is glary or reflects other images;
or back pain may also result from over-correction or accommodation postures that aim to reduce eye strain (e.g. bending forward to view the screen more clearly.
• Working with background lighting that is too bright;
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Available evidence also suggests that there is an
intensity of light in the foreground and background,
increased risk of open-angle glaucoma associated with
for example, if a bright window is positioned behind a
regular computer use for extended periods. One study
computer screen.
reported that individuals who had used a computer for
In glary conditions, the eyes have to constantly adapt to
an average of 4-8 hours per day over five years were 1.14 times more likely to develop open-angle glaucoma than those who used computers for <4 hours per day, while those who averaged >8 hours in front of a computer each day were 1.38 times more likely to develop glaucoma. The risk of developing glaucoma was even greater amongst participants with co-existing refractive errors.
Preventing Eye Health Problems Related to Computer Use
the difference in contrast between dark and light areas, resulting in eye fatigue, headaches and reduced visibility. Glare can also be reflected from a computer screen and contribute to eye strain. Ways to reduce direct or reflected glare in the office environment include: • Control natural light from windows through the use of curtains, blinds or window tinting; • Reduce the contrast between foreground and
There are many measures individuals or employers can
background (e.g. use darker partitions behind
take to minimize the risk of workers developing eye
computer screens);
problems as a result of computer use. These are further discussed below.
Use an Appropriate Computer Screen Use a large, clean screen with a flat surface. The user should also ensure their screen has easily adjustable contrast and brightness and that images displayed on the screen are in sharp, clear focus and do not flicker.
Work Station Ergonomics The most important ergonomic factor for eye strain is the distance of the eyes from the computer screen. Computer users should arrange their workstation so that the computer screen is 18-30 inches from their eyes. In addition, computer users should take measures to reduce glare on their screen. Ergonomic measures that can reduce glare include placing computer screens at a 90o angle to windows (they should never be placed directly in front of or behind a window) and to the side, rather than directly below light sources (e.g. in between rows of fluorescent lights).
Glare and Reflection It is also important to take measures to prevent glare, shadow and reflection caused by external sources of light, as these can contribute to eye strain. Glare results when there is a high level of contrast between the
• Reposition the workstation or light source to adjust light falling directly on the work surface (see workstation ergonomics above); • Adjust the intensity of general lighting to suit the task performed); • Choose office furniture in neutral or dark colors that will reduce glare and reflection; • Change the type of lighting (e.g. filament lamps, luminescent lamps, sodium lamps and mercury-arc lamps provide different levels and quality of light); and • Use anti-glare screen filters.
Intensity of Lighting Good lighting should enable people to easily view their work without the need to strain the eyes. The type of work being performed will determine the intensity of light required. Work typically performed in an office environment, which involves fine and detailed work such as reading and writing, requires much more intense lighting than tasks that do not involve detailed viewing (e.g. walking). While lights need to be sufficiently bright to ensure detailed viewing tasks can be performed without straining the eyes, they should not be so bright as to cause glare and reflection. Office lighting that is either too bright or not bright enough, increases the risk of workers developing eye health problems. Computer users should be working in rooms in which the brightness is between 200-500 lux. In spaces
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where there are no other sources of bright light, lighting at around 300 lux is most appropriate. When the environment is already bright or there are large contrasts in lighting, brighter lights (400-500 lux) are more appropriate. Flickering
Prevent Dry Eyes Further measures that can be taken to prevent the eyes from becoming dry include:
lights from old or malfunctioning fluorescent tubes should
• Use lubricants or artificial tears when the eyes dry out;
be replaced or regularly maintained.
• Lower the position of the monitor so that more of the
Take Regular Breaks from Computer Use To allow the eyes to recover and focus on distant objects, users should take regular breaks from looking at their computer screen. Clinical optometrists often suggest the 20/20/20 rule – that is, after 20 minutes of computer use, look at something 20 feet (6 metres) away for at least 20 seconds. It is also recommended that computer users periodically take more substantial breaks (at least one 15-minute break after two hours of computer use) to prevent eye problems and muscular skeletal disorders associated with computer use. Computer users engaged in intensive keyboard work should take a 15-minute break every hour.
eye surface is covered by the eyelid; • Increase blinking; and • Drink 6-8 glasses of water per day for adequate hydration.
Take a Yearly Vision Test Regular computer users should take a yearly vision test so any eye problems can be discussed with an eye professional, eye problems identified early and preventative strategies developed. It is important that patients tell their health practitioner that they are a computer user, as this may impact on the type of lenses prescribed (if applicable).
Perform Eye Exercises Regularly Computer users should take a few minutes to perform simple eye exercises every hour.
Wear Glasses, not Contact Lenses The use of contact lenses increases the severity of symptoms of dry-eye syndrome (keratoconjunctivitis sicca). This syndrome is a common eye condition amongst office workers, with research indicating that up to 48% of office workers experience dry eyes. Office workers who wear contact lenses experience more severe symptoms of dry eye because contact lenses can cause friction if the eye is not well lubricated. If the surface of the eye is dry, the
Employee Training
contact lens also becomes dry and sticks to the upper
Employee training should be provided so all employees
eyelid during blinking. This “friction effect” from dry eye is
have adequate knowledge to implement preventative
what produces the discomfort.
measures. This includes knowledge of the signs and symptoms of eye strain and the need to take regular breaks and perform eye exercises, as well as the ability to make minor adjustments to the work environment (e.g. computer screen) to reduce eye strain.
Case Studies On the following page, two clinical cases outline typical scenarios in which computer users may experience eye and vision disorders, and demonstrate possible treatments for CVS.
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Case 1: Eye fatigue, blurred vision and headaches
Case 2: Eye fatigue and dry eyes
A 34-year-old female project manager visited an
A 28-year-old male information technology manager
optometric clinic for eye fatigue during work that
came to an optometric clinic and reported increased
required close-up viewing, periodic blurred vision and
eye fatigue and dry eyes. He had previously consulted
frequent frontal headaches in the early evening. She
his physician, but was found to be in good health. The
had treated her symptoms with analgesia in the past,
eye examination suggested that he had normal eye
but found no relief. Her eye examination revealed
and vision conditions. However based on his clinical
no permanent eye damage, however her clinical
history, which revealed extensive computer use with
history revealed the following working conditions were
infrequent breaks, he was diagnosed with CVS with
contributing to eye strain:
transient nearsightedness.
• Five hours of work per day at the computer over the
His eye fatigue and dry eyes were associated with
previous 12 months, without sufficient breaks to allow
two factors:
the eyes to rest and focus in different fields of vision;
• Working for 8 hours or more a day at the computer
• A viewing distance of only 12 inches (30 cm) from the computer monitor; and • Her computer monitor being positioned on top of
during the previous 12 months, without taking breaks to allow the eyes to rest focus on distant objects; and • The existence of various visual ergonomic problems in
the CPU, creating a viewing angle that was above
the patient’s work environment; while the screen was
eye level and which therefore increased exposure
positioned at an appropriate viewing distance of 22
of the eye’s surface.
inches (56 cm), his computer screen was higher than
Based on her eye examination and clinical history, she
eye level and produced glare and reflection.
was diagnosed with CVS. The following measures were
The following measures were recommended to treat the
implemented to treat the condition:
condition, and resulted in significant improvement of
• She was prescribed glasses and advised to wear
symptoms:
them for work involving close-up viewing; • She was advised to reposition her computer screen so that it was at least 18 inches and up to 30 inches away from her eyes, and so that the top of the screen was at eye level • She was advised to take regular breaks and perform
• Adjust the computer workstation, to reduce glare and reflection and aligning the top of the computer screen at eye level to reduce the proportion of the eye’s surface exposed when viewing the screen; • Taking regular breaks to perform simple eye exercises when the eyes become strained (Visual Training).
simple eye exercises, when involved in extended periods of computer use (i.e. more than 1 hour).
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Sleep Deprivation Is Killing You and Your Career Published on February 19, 2019 IN | 2-21-19 | Dr. Travis Bradberry Influencer The next time you tell yourself that
cells, wreaking havoc by impairing
keeps skin smooth and elastic. In men
you’ll sleep when you’re dead, realize
your ability to think—something no
specifically, not sleeping enough
that you’re making a decision that
amount of caffeine can fix.
reduces testosterone levels and lowers
can make that day come much
Skipping sleep impairs your brain
sperm count.
function across the board. It slows
Too many studies to list have shown
sooner. Pushing late into the night is a health and productivity killer.
your ability to process information
that people who get enough sleep
According to the Division of Sleep
and problem solve, kills your creativity,
live longer, healthier lives, but I
Medicine at the Harvard Medical
and catapults your stress levels and
understand that sometimes this isn’t
School, the short-term productivity
emotional reactivity.
motivation enough. So consider this—
gains from skipping sleep to work are
not sleeping enough makes you fat.
quickly washed away
Sleep deprivation
by the detrimental
compromises
effects of sleep
your body’s ability
deprivation on your
to metabolize
mood, ability to focus,
carbohydrates and
and access to higher-
control food intake.
level brain functions
When you sleep less,
for days to come.
you eat more and
The negative effects
have more difficulty
of sleep deprivation
burning the calories
are so great that
you consume.
people who are drunk
Sleep deprivation
outperform those
makes you hungrier
lacking sleep.
by increasing the appetite-stimulating
Why You Need
hormone ghrelin
Adequate Sleep
and makes it harder
to Perform
for you to get full by
We’ve always known
reducing levels of the satiety-inducing hormone leptin.
that sleep is good for your brain,
What Sleep Deprivation Does to
but research from the University of
Your Health
People who sleep less than 6 hours a
Rochester provides the first direct
Sleep deprivation is linked to a variety
obese than those who sleep 7-to-9
evidence for why your brain cells need you to sleep (and sleep the right way—more on that later). The study found that when you sleep, your brain removes toxic proteins from its neurons that are by-products of neural activity when you’re awake. Unfortunately, your brain can remove them adequately only while you’re asleep. So when you don’t get enough sleep, the toxic proteins remain in your brain
of serious health problems, including heart attack, stroke, type 2 diabetes
night are 30% more likely to become hours a night.
and obesity. It stresses you out because your body overproduces the stress hormone cortisol when it’s sleep deprived. While excess cortisol has a host of negative health effects that come from the havoc it wreaks on your immune system, it also makes you look older, because cortisol breaks down skin collagen, the protein that
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Storing Fire Proof Materials LION Technology |2-25-1919 | Lee Ann Coniglione to the flash point has to do with the characteristic of volatility that we just mentioned. The two are essentially interrelated. Perhaps it is no surprise then that one of the two parameters used to classify flammable liquids is in fact the material’s flash point. The other parameter is boiling point. For all of these reasons and more, specific safeguards need to be taken when handling and storing flammable liquids. In this article, we’ll summarize the main points from OSHA’s General Industry Flammable Liquids Standard as it relates to the use of flammable storage cabinets. Before we get into a discussion on the cabinets themselves, let’s take a quick look at how OSHA groups flammable liquids based on the characteristics of flash point and boiling point.
OSHA’s Classification of Flammable Liquids Nearly every facet of industry – be it research and development, production, manufacturing, or logistics – handles, transfers, stores or otherwise uses some amount of flammable liquids. As a result of widespread use and the materials’ hazards, flammable liquids are regulated by OSHA under several standards. The OSHA Standard we will focus on in particular in this article falls under the General Industry Flammable Liquids Standard at 29 CFR 1910.106. A popular misconception synonymous with flammable liquids is that it’s the liquid component of the material that catches fire and burns. It’s important to keep in mind
You’re likely familiar with both “categories” of flammable liquids and “classes” of flammable liquids. Simply put, OSHA uses the term “category” in its definition of flammable liquids, while the NFPA uses the term “class.” OSHA has four broad categories of flammable liquids ranging from Category 1 through Category 4. Each category’s flash point and boiling point values is summarized in the table below. [29 CFR 1910.106(a)(19)] OSHA/GHS
FLASH
BOILING
DOT
NFPA
CATEGORIES
POINT (ºF)
POINT (ºF)
HAZMAT
(APPROX)
Category 1
< 73.4
≤ 95
PG I
IA
Category 2
< 73.4
> 95
PG II
IB
Category 3
≥73.4 and ≤140
N/A
PG III or Combustible
IC or II
Category 4
>140 and ≤199.4
N/A
Combustible
IIIA
that this is NOT the case. It is actually the vapors coming off the liquid that ignite. So, a liquid’s ability to give off vapor (known as “volatility”) directly correlates with the material’s hazard severity.
Flash Point and Volatility for Flammable Liquids When addressing the inherent hazard associated with flammable liquids, we typically look to the material’s flash point temperature. Is it “really low” or on the “higher” side? The reason we refer
By comparison, the NFPA broadly uses the terms “Class I,” “Class II,” and “Class III,” each of which has subgroups denoted by the letters “A,” “B,” and “C.” For instance, an NFPA Class IB liquid is defined as having a flash point below 73°F and a boiling point at or above 100°F. Referencing the OSHA table above, we can see that a Class IB as defined by the NFPA would fall under Category 2 according to OSHA’s standards.
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For more about classifying flammable liquids under OSHA
made tight by some equally effective means. The cabinet
and U.S. DOT PHMSA requirements, check out Burning
door must be equipped with a three-point lock with the
Love: How DOT and OSHA Regulate Flammable Materials.
door sill raised at least 2 inches above the bottom of the
Storing Flammable Liquids in Cabinets
cabinet. The design and construction of the cabinets shall effectively limit the internal temperature to not more than
Now that we have a sense of how flammable liquids
325°F within the cabinet when subjected to a 10-minute
are defined/categorized, let’s turn our attention to the
fire test. In addition, all joints and seams shall remain tight
safe storage of these materials in the workplace. If your
and the door securely closed during the fire test. The
facility makes use of flammable storage cabinets, you’ll
exterior cabinet doors must be labeled “Flammable -
want to make sure they meet OSHA’s specifications for
Keep Fire Away.” [29 CFR 1910.106(d)(3)(ii)]
design and construction. In addition, HOW you store your
While ensuring you have an OSHA-compliant cabinet for
flammable liquids, that is to say, where and how much, is
your flammable liquids is a good place to start, there is
also regulated by OSHA. Let’s start with a brief discussion
much more to be aware of when it comes to flammable
of permissible quantities.
liquid storage.
When dealing with flammable liquids falling into
Other factors to consider include limits on how much
Categories 1, 2 or 3, no more than 60 gallons of liquid
liquid you can have stored outside of a flammable
may be stored inside a cabinet. Let’s apply this to an
storage cabinet, the number of cabinets you can have in
example scenario. Say you have numerous two-liter
a single storage area, the proximity of fire extinguishers to
bottles on hand that are full of flammable liquids. You’re
the storage area, etc. For additional information on these
looking to finally put them away in the storage cabinets in
topics and more, see OSHA’s Standards for flammable
your area. How many should you put in each cabinet?
liquids at 29 CFR 1910.106.
When converting from liters to gallons, we want to keep in mind that 2 L equals approximately 1/2 gallon (0.53 gal.).
Hazmat Safety and OSHA HazCom Training
If we do a bit of math, we arrive at a value of 113, which
DOT and OSHA each maintain requirements for how to
means that no more than 113 bottles of the 2 L size would
communicate flammability, combustibility, and other
be allowed in a storage cabinet. Now it’s more likely that
types of hazards. They also have rules for what to do in an
your flammable liquid bottles are of all different sizes,
emergency and for how to store, handle, transport, and
so you will need to take this into account when making
use flammable and combustible materials safely.
sure you are not exceeding the maximum volume of flammable liquids allowed in each cabinet. As for the Category 4 flammable liquids, remember, here we’re talking about liquids with higher flash points, so it should be no surprise that the maximum allowable volume is increased. OSHA allows no more than 120 gallons of Category 4 flammable liquids to be stored in flammable storage cabinets.
Montana Contractor Signs Partnership with OSHA to Protect Workers on School Construction Project OSHA.gov
Flammables Cabinets: OSHA Design and Construction Requirements Let’s move on to the design and construction requirements for these cabinets. OSHA provides specifications for two distinct types of cabinets: metal and wood. Due to their widespread popularity, however, we’ll be focusing on cabinets constructed of metal.
OSHA and general contractor Langlas & Associates, Inc., established a strategic partnership to protect workers at a high school construction project in Billings. During the two-year partnership, OSHA and the contractor will provide training and outreach on hazards, including falls, struck-by, electrical, amputations, and trenching and excavations. The
The bottom, top, door, and sides of the cabinet shall be
partnership will also raise awareness of OSHA’s
at least No. 18 gage sheet iron and double-walled with
rulemaking and enforcement initiatives to prevent
1.5-inch air space. All joints must be riveted, welded or
workplace hazards in the construction industry.
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18 Essential Safety Tips When Using a Portable Generator Arbill | 2-21-19 | Julie Copeland
As we are at the height of the winter season, one constant threat is the loss of power due to ice storms or vehicle accidents taking out telephone poles.
Shock and Electrocution The electricity created by generators has the same hazards as normal utilitysupplied electricity. It also has some
When these events occur, a reliable
additional hazards because generator
backup to get energy to your facility
users often bypass the safety devices
or home is a portable generator.
(such as circuit breakers) that are built
However, these generators come with
into electrical systems. The following
a variety of risks.
precautions are provided to reduce
Provided below are specific hazards
shock and electrocution hazards:
inherent with the use of generators,
• Never attach a generator directly
along with helpful information to
to the electrical system of a
ensure that workers and others using
structure (home, office, trailer, etc.)
such equipment remain safe.
unless a qualified electrician has
Hazards Associated with Generators: • Shocks and electrocution
properly installed the generator with a transfer switch. Attaching a generator directly to a building
from improper use of power or
electrical system without a properly
accidentally energizing other
installed transfer switch can
electrical systems.
energize wiring systems for great
• Carbon monoxide from a generator’s exhaust. • Fires from improperly refueling a generator or inappropriately storing the fuel for a generator. • Noise and vibration hazards.
distances. This creates a risk of electrocution for utility workers and others in the area. • Always plug electrical appliances directly into the generator using the manufacturer’s supplied cords or extension cords that are grounded
(3-pronged). Inspect the cords to make sure they are fully intact and not damaged, cut or abraded. Never use frayed or damaged extension cords. Ensure the cords are appropriately rated in watts or amps for the intended use. Do not use underrated cords—replace them with appropriately rated cords that use heavier gauge wires. Do not overload a generator; this can lead to overheating, which can create a fire hazard. • Use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), especially where electrical equipment is used in or around wet or damp locations. GFCIs shut off power when an electrical current is detected outside normal paths. GFCIs and extension cords with built-in GFCI protection can be purchased at hardware stores, do-it-yourself centers, and other locations that sell electrical equipment. Regardless of GFCI use, electrical equipment used in wet and damp locations must be listed and approved for those conditions.
9
• Make sure a generator is properly
may NOT prevent CO from building
properly designed and marked for
grounded and the grounding
up when a generator is located in
their contents and vented.
connections are tight. Consult the
an enclosed space.
manufacturer’s instructions for
• Keep fuel containers away
• Make sure a generator has 3’ to 4’ of
from flame producing and heat
clear space on all sides and above it
generating devices (such as the
• Keep a generator dry; do not use
to ensure adequate ventilation.
generator itself, water heaters,
it in the rain or wet conditions. If
• Do not use a generator outdoors if
proper grounding methods.
needed, protect a generator with a canopy. Never manipulate a generator’s electrical components if you are wet or standing in water. • Do not use electrical equipment that has been submerged in water. Equipment must be thoroughly dried out and properly evaluated before using. Power off and do not use any electrical equipment that has strange odors or begins smoking.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, toxic gas. Many people have died from CO poisoning because their generator was not adequately ventilated. • Never use a generator indoors or in enclosed spaces such as garages, crawl spaces and basements. NOTE: Open windows and doors
its placement near doors, windows,
cigarettes, lighters and matches). • Do not smoke around fuel
and vents could allow CO to enter
containers. Escaping vapors or
and build-up in occupied spaces.
vapors from spilled materials can
• If you or others show symptoms of CO poisoning— dizziness, headaches, nausea, tiredness—
travel long distances to ignition sources. • Do not store generator fuels in
get to fresh air immediately
your home. Store fuels away from
and seek medical attention. Do
living areas.
not re-enter the area until it is determined to be safe.
Fire Hazards • Generators become hot while
Noise and Vibration Hazards • Generator engines vibrate and create noise. Excessive noise and vibration could cause hearing loss
running and remain hot for long
and fatigue that may affect
periods after they are stopped.
job performance.
Generator fuels (gasoline, kerosene, etc.) can ignite when spilled on hot engine parts. • Before refueling, shut down the generator and allow it to cool.
• Keep portable generators as far away as possible from work areas and gathering spaces. • Wear hearing protection if this is not possible
• Gasoline and other generator fuels should be stored and transported in approved containers that are
Congratulations!
Charlie Engel has renewed his OSHA 502 Outreach Trainer certification for Construction at Texas University. Renewal of this certification is required every four (4) years to continue teaching OSHA 10 and 30 hour classes.
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Trenching Tragedy in the Making SafetyNow ILT | 3-22-19
There are some obvious hazards in this picture that make it a great tool for training and learning. Share this image with your crew and see how many hazards they spot. Then discuss why they are hazardous, how these hazards can be corrected, and what they would do if they were asked to work in this excavation. Here are six violations found in this scene, along with explanations for each. 1. There are no protective systems in place – no shoring, sloping, or use of a trench box. • Unless trench walls are solid rock, no one should enter a trench deeper than 1.2 meters (4 feet) if it is not properly sloped, shored, or protected by a trench box. 2. The spoil pile should be at least 1 meter (CA) or 2 feet (U.S.) from the edge of the excavation, and farther away for deeper trenches.
• Equipment should also be kept as far from the excavation’s edge as possible. • The weight of the spoil and the weight of equipment puts pressure on the walls of the excavation and can lead to collapse. 3. Vibration from vehicle traffic, heavy equipment, compactions, pile driving and blasting can also affect trench stability and lead to collapse. 4. Water has been allowed to accumulate in the trench. • Rain, melting snow, thawing earth and overflow from adjacent streams, storm drains and sewers all produce changes in soil conditions. In fact, water from any source can reduce soil cohesion. • The amount of moisture in the soil has a great effect on soil strength. Once a trench is dug, the sides of the open excavation are exposed to the air. Moisture content of the soil begins to change
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almost immediately, and the strength of the walls
with ladders so that workers can enter and exit safely.
may be affected. The longer an excavation is
Ladders must be:
open to the air, the greater the risk of a cave-in.
• Placed within the area protected by the shoring
5. Workers in the trench don’t appear to be wearing
or trench box.
head protection or any other form of PPE.
• Securely tied off at the top.
• Whenever there is the potential for falling debris or
• Extend above the shoring or box by at least
objects, hard hats must be worn. • Safety glasses are recommended to protect eyes from flying debris. 6. A ladder has been placed in the trench, but the lone
1 meter (3’). • Be inspected regularly for damage. • Placed as close as possible to the area where
worker on the far end of the excavation may have trouble reaching it quickly. Whether protected by
personnel are working and never more than 7.5 meters (25’ away.)
sloping, boxes or shoring, trenches must be provided
Which Injured Workers Are More Likely to Receive Opioid Prescriptions? Study Explores National Safety Council | 2-20-19 Cambridge, MA — Injured workers who are older, employed by organizations with smaller payrolls and in counties where more people have health insurance are more likely to receive opioid prescriptions, according to a recent study from the Workers Compensation Research Institute. The study, “Correlates of Opioid Dispensing,” used data from 1.4 million pain medication prescriptions filled within 18 months after an injury occurred between October 2014 and September 2015 in 27 states. Workers at least 55 years old received an opioid prescription 49 percent of the time and two or more prescriptions 24 percent of the time. For workers ages 25 to 39, those percentages were 42 and 19, respectively. Other findings: • Mining industry (including oil and gas extraction) workers were most likely to received opioid prescriptions for pain (62 percent). Construction workers were second at 55 percent. • Injured workers in counties with uninsured rates at or less than 9 percent received an opioid prescription 57 percent of the time, compared with 48 percent for workers in counties where uninsured rates were 30 percent or greater. • Injured workers at organizations with payrolls between $1 million to $4 million received an opioid prescription 54 percent of the time. For those employed by companies with larger payrolls, those percentages were either 47 or 48. • Injured workers in areas with fewer than 20,000 residents received an opioid 68 percent of the time. For areas with more than 250,000 residents, opioids were prescribed 54 percent of the time. • 79 percent of workers who suffered fractures were prescribed opioids. Cases of carpal tunnel and neurological spine pain received opioids 70 percent and 66 percent of the time, respectively. • Men received an opioid prescription in 46 percent of cases, and two or more in 22 percent of cases. For women, those percentages were 42 and 19, respectively. “This information may be useful for policymakers, payers, employers and health practitioners to target efforts to better manage possible overuse of opioids while providing appropriate care to injured workers and reducing unnecessary risks to patients and unnecessary costs to employers,” the researchers said.
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Court Decision Says that GCs Can Receive OSHA Citations for Subcontractor Violations Construction / UNKIE | 2-21-19 | Shane Hedmond
A late 2018 ruling in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the
According to the court records, both a City of Austin
5th Circuit ruled that a violation given to Hensel Phelps
inspector and a Hensel Phelps’ superintendent instructed
Construction, a General Contractor, is valid, even
the owner of the CVI Development, LLC [directly
though none of the firm’s employees were directly
contracted by Haynes Eaglin Watters, LLC (HEW), who
affected by the cited safety hazard. The appeal
directly contracted by Hensel Phelps] to redirect his
overturns a previous court ruling from 2017, that stated
employees back to the excavation site to finish the work
OSHA could not cite an employer such as Phelps. Phelps
in that area. The owner of CVI emailed a Senior Project
was cited for one willful violation, totaling $70,000 in
Manager at HEW explaining that “[P]lacing rebar in the
fines, after the Austin, Texas, area OSHA office received
mud and rain is unorthodox and very dangerous,” but was
a complaint of hazardous working conditions, according
again instructed to move the employees back to the area.
to Safety and Health Magazine.
CVI received two violations from the incident: one serious
The citation explains that “four (4) workers were installing
and one willful, totaling $18,000. The serious violation was
rebar during intermittent rain in an unprotected excavation
for allowing workers in an excavation below the level
approximately twelve feet and six inches (12’6”) deep by
of the base or footing of a foundation or retaining wall
one hundred and fifty feet (150’) long, exposing the workers
and for the competent person on site not removing the
to a cave-in hazard. “The workers subjected to the hazard
employees from a hazardous area. The willful violation
were employed by a subcontractor hired by one of Hensel
was for not providing adequate protection from cave-in.
Phelps’ subcontractors.
The 5th Circuit governs only Louisiana, Texas and
OSHA’s Multi-Employer Worksite Policy was cited as the
Mississippi. It’s my understanding that lower federal
reason for issuing the citation to Hensel Phelps. In that
courts in the same district must abide by the rulings of
policy, a “creating employer” is defined as “the employer
their circuit’s appellate court. While this decision will
that caused a hazardous condition that violates an OSHA
not immediately and directly affect other areas of the
standard” and explains that “employers must not create
country, this decision can set a precedent for other
violative conditions. An employer that does so is citable,
courts to rule in the same fashion in the future.
even if the only employees exposed are those of other employers at the site.” That policy went into effect in 1999.
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March 2016 OSHATake California Fines Construction Company Following Worker Fatality California OSHA issued 10 citations and $242,600 in penalties to Platinum Pipeline, Inc., after a worker died in a trench collapse. Inspectors concluded that the company failed to train workers on excavation hazards; protect workers from excavated materials; and adequately slope, shore, or shield an excavation wall.
Florida Roofing Contractor Cited for Repeatedly Exposing Workers to Fall Hazards OSHA has cited Crown Roofing, LLC, for exposing workers to fall hazards at different worksites. The contractor faces penalties of $265,196. OSHA initiated the inspections as part of the Regional Emphasis Program for Falls in Construction after inspectors observed the workers on roofs without fall protection.
Virginia Cites Contractor for Safety and Health Violations Virginia Occupational Safety and Health issued 12 citations and $528,692 in penalties to T.D. Fraley & Sons, Inc., after a worker who was removing scaffolding sections received an electric shock from contact with a power line. Inspectors concluded that the company failed to protect workers from the energized power line and ensure that scaffolding was properly supported.
California Construction Company Fined Following Worker Fatality California OSHA issued four citations and $65,300 in penalties to Shimmick Construction Co., Inc., and ConQuest Contractors, Inc., after a worker was fatally struck by a falling beam. Inspectors determined that the companies failed to identify hazards from moving flat rail cars and ensure the safe travel of a rail crane.
Contractors Cited for Safety Violations Following Two Fatalities at Florida Worksite OSHA cited two contractors – PCL Construction Services, Inc., and Universal Engineering Sciences – for safety violations after two workers suffered fatal injuries at a worksite. OSHA found that the contractors failed to properly inspect formwork, shoring, working decks and scaffolds prior to construction. The contractors collectively received three violations totaling $157,792 in proposed penalties.
Pennsylvania Construction Company Cited for Exposing Workers to Trenching Hazards OSHA cited Etna Construction, Inc., for exposing workers to excavation hazards at a worksite. The company was cited for failing to install protective systems inside a trench, provide a safe means of exit from the trench, ensure that workers wore hardhats, and properly guard protruding steel. The company faces penalties of $208,560.
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OSHA Eyes Update of Powered Industrial Trucks Standard; Issues Request for Information National Safety Council | 3-11-19
Washington — OSHA is seeking input to aid in a possible update of its powered industrial trucks standard (1910.178), which covers forklifts, fork trucks, tractors, platform lift trucks and motorized hand trucks, among others, according to a Request for Information published in the March 11 Federal Register. The agency’s powered industrial trucks regulations for the construction, maritime and general industries were “based on industry consensus standards from 1969,” OSHA states in a March 8 press release. The requirements went into effect in 1971, when the agency was established. OSHA is requesting information on “types, ages and usage of powered industrial trucks; maintenance and retrofitting; how to regulate older powered industrial trucks; types of accidents and injuries associated with operating these machines; costs and benefits of retrofitting the machines with safety features; and other components of a safety program.” The agency states it will use the information received to “determine what action, if any, it may take to reduce regulatory burdens and create jobs, while improving worker safety.” Comments on the RFI are due by June 10. The powered industrial trucks standard has been a perennial fixture on OSHA’s annual list of Top 10 most frequently cited violations.
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The Importance of Proper Fall Protection Training for Workers at Height E-News | Construction Superintendent | 2-15-19 | Baxter Byrd, Pure Safety Group
As the march of technology pushes
of individual worker training, the
and echoes the requirements found
fall protection products into the future,
updated standard removed that
in OSHA 1926 Subpart M Safety and
the most useful tool for the worker-
doubt. OSHA 1910.30(a)(1)
Health Regulations for Construction.
at-height remains the one between
states unequivocally:
In essence, training for the worker-at-
their ears. Keeping that tool keen
Before any employee is exposed to a
height can no longer be considered a
and sharp with a properly managed training program is the most effective way to ensure that what goes up, comes down safely.
fall hazard, the employer must provide
tangential concern.
training for each employee who uses
It would be reductive to simplify
personal fall protection systems or who
training for the worker-at-height
is required to be trained as specified
into a single, all-encompassing
2017 was an important year
elsewhere in this subpart. Employers
curriculum; there are simply too
regarding worker-at-height training.
must ensure employees are trained in
many strata of worker to require
OSHA released its long-awaited
the requirements of this paragraph on
every worker to “know it all.� Rather,
update to the 1910 Walking-Working
or before May 17, 2017.
a better approach is to identify
Surfaces and Personal Protective
This standard helps further codify the
which training is most effective for
Equipment (Fall Protection Systems), which became effective on Jan. 17, 2017. If there was any doubt before this release as to the necessity
non-legally binding, but thorough ANSI/ASSE Z359.2-2017 Minimum Requirements for a Comprehensive Managed Fall Protection Program,
a specific type of worker, and then add layers of more complex training as workers gain experience or take on greater responsibilities.
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The Power of Why Before jumping into the different levels of training you may need on a jobsite, it’s worth considering one of the most important benefits of training – the power of “why.” When addressing a fall hazard solution, it is one thing to know what equipment to use
type of structure, a worker may have
ventilation, explosive potentials due
multiple responsibilities depending on
to flammable vapor concentrations
the nature of the work being done.
and below-foot rescue/retrievals.
Still, there are general boundaries
Confined space rescues are
that can help identify what type of
incredibly dangerous with potential
fall protection training might be most
rescuers themselves making up
appropriate for a given jobsite role.
nearly 60 percent of fatalities.
The following list is not exhaustive, but includes examples of role-specific
Eliminate Viral Training
training common to many jobsites:
If we refer to the OSHA and ANSI
knowledge). It is very possible a
• Authorized Person: Entry-level
regulations mentioned above, it’s
worker may have the practical
introduction to fall protection
worth noting that each employee is
knowledge to solve a problem, but
topics. Authorized Persons
required to be trained. While it might
not the theoretical reasoning (the
represent the standard worker on
be tempting to approach training
“why”) behind it. Without a firm grasp
a jobsite, and typically work under
via a viral method; i.e., training a few
of the theoretical reasoning behind
the supervision of a Competent
workers to pass on the information to
why a specific solution is used, a
Person.
others, it’s the wrong approach. Just
(practical knowledge), and another to know why to use it (theoretical
worker may substitute what they feel is an appropriate alternative and end up in a life-risking situation.
• Competent Person: Competent Persons are assigned by the employer, and are capable
Take leading-edge compatible self-
of identifying fall hazards and
retracting lifelines, for example. A
selecting the appropriate fall
worker may know there are certain
protection equipment based on
SRLs that are suitable for falls in which
theoretical knowledge to mitigate
the lifeline may contact the edge
those hazards. Competent Persons
of a structure. But, unless they know
calculate fall clearance, develop
why only specific SRLs can withstand
rescue plans and perform
that type of fall – how they work, the
regular equipment inspections to
purpose of certain features or how a
ensure proper functionality. Each
leading-edge fall differs from a regular
jobsite must have at least one
fall – when it comes time to choose
Competent Person.
an SRL from the job box, their lack of knowledge may lead them to make the wrong choice. This is especially true when a jobsite contains products from different manufacturers, since not all designs are necessarily compatible. When a worker can properly evaluate a practical solution against their theoretical knowledge, they are much less likely to make mistakes in choosing a proper fall protection solution.
Different Roles, Different Responsibilities Jobsite responsibilities can vary greatly and, unlike in a strict hierarchical
as in a college class, we wouldn’t consider it effective for the professor to teach one student, and have that student pass the information to the next person and so on. Like the children’s “phone game,” the more ears knowledge passes through before it meets its intended recipient, the more opportunity there is for static, misinterpretation, incorrect translation and loss of integrity. Truly effective training is instructor-led and direct to the student, with ample opportunities to clarify information for the greatest learning outcomes.
• Authorized Rescuer: A prompt rescue of a fallen worker is a legal requirement. The Authorized Rescuer is capable of writing or reviewing a fall protection or rescue plan and performing a timely rescue in any given situation. Rescuers are knowledgeable in the selection, care, inspection and use of specialized rescue equipment. • Confined Space Entry/Rescue: Not every worker is automatically permitted to enter a confined work space. Given the unique conditions found in confined space areas, workers need to be familiar with environmental conditions/noxious air
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