History

Since the beginning of mankind, humans have adapted a sense of using the right tool for the job. In ancient times, it was tying rocks or bones to sticks for use as a hammer or sharpened to make hunting easier. Essentially, they established that using crude items could be used to make life easier. Ergonomics is just that, an applied science (not just a buzzword for marketers!) of work. That is, it’s intended to maximize productivity of workers by reducing/eliminating fatigue or discomfort. The literal definition of ergonomics, as Dictionary.com states, is “the study of the relationship between workers and their environment.” Also known as “biotechnology,” and first coined by Wojciech Jastrzebowski in 1857.

However, these early adoptions were merely used to optimize tasks. Ergonomics has since evolved into learning how to include worker safety and health by addressing muscle force, cardiovascular activity, maximum weight, etc. This is seen by Frederick Winslow Taylor in the 19^th century in which he used his “Scientific Method” (AKA ergonomics) to assist coal workers in tripling their productivity by designing shovels that were lighter and smaller. Also in the 1900s Frank and Lillian Gilbreth further expanded Taylor’s methods by coming up with the “Time and Motion Studies.” This was meant to reduce the amount of unnecessary motions required to perform a task. With this approach, they reduced the number of motions bricklayers used (from 18 to 4.5) and allowed them to increase productivity from 120 bricks per hour to 350.

“Formal” ergonomics is generally credited to the development of more complicated machinery in WWI and WWII. As aircrafts, tanks and other complex machines were being developed; human errors were piling up, resulting in catastrophes. Non-combat casualties were an outcome of bad engineering and design. This begged the necessity of better results through better designing, and the most “modern” form of ergonomics (how we know it today) is now becoming the norm.

Engineers and psychologists are working together in collaboration to improve our daily lives through better design. A multi-disciplinary approach has been taken to include anthropologists, industrial engineers, cognitive scientists and physiologists in order to understand the human operators and to design systems and machines to fit said user.

Today, most of us know ergonomics in a workplace context. As the average worker in America works for about 8 hours a day, the need for ergonomic office furniture and practices is of the upmost importance. The idea is to be sure that as technology and design make our homes safer and more comfortable, and in the case of the workplace, to increase productivity, increase comfort and prevent injuries and fatigue.

Hazards Associated with Ergonomics

Back injuries - Common back injuries include sprains, herniated disks and fractured vertebrae. Lower back pain is often the result of incorrect lifting methods/habits and poor posture.

• Tips include:

• Properly train employees on appropriate lifting techniques

• Utilize material handling equipment (carts, dollies, hand trucks)

• Encourage stretching for employees to reduce muscle strain

Carpal tunnel syndrome - A nervous system disorder causing parethesia (limbs falling sleep), pain and numbness. Carpal tunnel can be caused by environmental factors such as heavy manual work or work with vibrating tools. There is even a small amount of clinical data to suggest that lighter, repetitive tasks can cause it. This includes activities when frequent/constant wrist flexion is needed or when there is pressure against the underside of the wrist.

As you may remember, we previously covered the topic of “office safety” in an earlier blog, broken up into a 4-part web series. This was a great success in that it helped many to discover another side of an office setting in which hazards were uncovered and myths debunked. Still, it was meant to be a general coverage of the office setting and now we aim to uncover some more in-depth safety info, tips and practices involving office workers and those who work in an office area.

In our new 6-part weekly web series, we will spend time expanding on several subjects including workplace mental health, ergonomics, emergency plans, fire/electrical hazards, “common sense”/housekeeping practices, and the most common workplace injuries: slips, trips and falls.

So mark your calendars for this Monday, June 10^th when part one, “Ergonomics: Office Biotechnology and Improving Your Quality of Work” will come out exclusively on the Safety Training Services’ Safety Blog!

Remember that the safest workplaces are ones where every employee knows and practices appropriate office safety!

Here we are already in June, and summer is around the corner. June and July are peak months for grilling fires. But before you dust off that spatula and run to the store for some steaks and A1, let’s take a moment to discuss grilling safety and some tips to keep you from ending up like this poor guy.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends grillers are mindful of safety. Grills, in general, pose an obvious risk for fires and burns. Gas grills pose a slightly higher threat than charcoal grills in that gas grills contribute to a higher number of home fires than charcoal ones.

Running the Numbers

According to an analysis done by the NFPA, in 2006-2010, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 8,600 home fires involving grills, hibachis, or barbecues per year, including an average of 3,600 structure fires and 5,000 outside fires. These 8,600 fires caused an annual average of 10 civilian deaths, 140 reported civilian injuries, and $75 million in direct property damage. Once again, July was the peak month for grill fires, but these incidents occur throughout the year.

Flammable or combustible gas or liquid was the item first ignited in almost half of home outdoor grill fires. In almost half (46%) of the home outdoor fires in which grills were involved, 53% of the outside gas grills, and 26% of gas grill structure fires, the fire started when a flammable or combustible gas or liquid caught fire. 

Gas vs. Solid-Fueled (Information from NFPA “Grill Fact Sheet”)

• 83% of grills (5 out of every 6) involved in home fires were fueled by gas while 14% used charcoal or other solid fuel.
• Gas grills were involved in an average of 7,100 home fires per year, including 2,800 structure fires and 4,300 outdoor fires annually.
• Leak or break was the leading factor contributing to gas grill fires.
• Charcoal or solid-fueled grills were involved in 1,200 home fires, including 600 structure fires and 500 outside fires.
• The leading cause of these structure fires was something that could burn being too close to the grill.

More than one-quarter (28%) of the home structure fires involving grills started on a courtyard, terrace, or patio:

• 28% started on an exterior balcony or open porch.
• 6% began in the kitchen.
• 5% started on an exterior wall surface.

Emergency Room Visits Due to Grills

Before the Season Starts

7 Quick Tips for Grill Safety

With May (Electrical Safety Month) coming to a close, Safety Training Services, Inc. would like to offer 10 tips to remember for those who work near overhead power lines (when working outside):

1. Survey your surroundings. Always be aware of the location of power lines, particularly when using long tools (e.g. ladders). Don’t assume…assess.

2. Obey the 10 foot rule. As in, do not work or use equipment within 10 feet of overhead lines. You may feel lucky and think “I won’t come in contact with the power line.” However, the electricity can arc to nearby objects and people and assuming you have enough time to think before being barbequed better than my dad’s grilled chicken, you’ll remember these words.

3. Be careful when working on your roof. That includes cleaning gutters, installing antennas and satellite dishes or any repair work. Oh….and during winter, those holiday lights, be especially careful putting those 250 strands up, thank you Mr. Griswold.

4. Never climb trees near power lines. Limbs & branches can bend or break off and obviously, you can fall off. Didn’t you learn this as a child?

5. Never trim trees near power lines. Leave that to a professional.

6. Always follow safety procedures, no matter how boring and mundane they seem. Just remember, “Working safely may get old, but so do those who practice it.”

7. Assume all power lines are energized. Do not use metal ladders near them; instead use appropriate American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-approved ladders for work near energized power lines. With respect to electricity, one wrong move could be your last.

8. Train yourself/your workers. You/they should be versed in emergency communication and proper techniques for providing aid to someone after an electrical accident.

9. Use Safety Watches or Spotters. Their only duties should be observing the work and communicating with the operator to ensure the equipment never gets closer than 10 feet to a power line. Were you in boy/girl scouts as a kid? Remember the “buddy system!”

10. Don’t be a hero! Keep a safe distance from any victim who is/was in direct contact with electricity. Call 911 immediately! Do not try to touch victim because you may be electrocuted. 

The best way to avoid injury from power lines is to make the choice to stay committed to safety. All rules & regulations are useless unless they’re observed. Safe work habits should be consistent and ongoing.

Remember, as OSHA states it, “no building, equipment, deadline or profit is worth a human life.”

Safety Training Services, Inc. provides appropriate training for several safety topics, including but not limited to: OSHA General Industry, OSHA Construction Industry, NFPA 70E Arc Flash Training, HAZWOPER, Confined Space Entry and Rescue. Call or contact us for a free quote on safety training! Consulting Services, Rescue Services and Equipment sales & rentals also available. Or schedule a visit to come by (or us to you) and see what we can offer your company today!

"Falls are the leading cause of death in construction and every year, falls from ladders make up nearly a third of those deaths. These deaths are preventable. Falls from ladders can be prevented and lives can be saved by following safe work practices."

--OSHA.gov

Do I Need a Ladder?

In order to answer this simple question, first you must ask yourself the following questions (as indicated by OSHA):

1. Will I have to hold heavy items while on the ladder?
2. Is the elevated area high enough that it would require a long ladder that can be unstable?
3. Will I be working from this height for a long time?
4. Do I have to stand on the ladder sideways in order to do this work?

According to OSHA, if the answer to any of these questions is a "Yes," then you may want to revisit the idea and consider using something other than a ladder (scissor lift, scaffolding, etc.)

Choosing the Right Ladder for the Job

• Ensure the ladder is high enough for you to reach your work area without having to stand on the top rung.
• When using ladders to access another level, secure and extend the ladder at least 3 feet above the landing point to provide a safe handhold.
• The base of the ladder should be secured.
• Wear proper footwear
• Place the ladder on stable and level ground. DO NOT place it on an uneven surface.
• Ensure that the ladder is fully extended before starting work.
• Prevent passersby from walking under or near ladders in use by using barriers or getting your coworker to act as a lookout.
• Do not work on the top rung of the ladder.
• Maintain three points of contact with the ladder at all times.
• Do not carry any tools or materials in your hands when climbing a ladder.
• Do not lean away from the ladder to carry out your task. Always keep your weight centered between the side rails.
• Do not use ladders near doorways. If you need to use a ladder near a doorway, make sure that the door is locked.
   

Ladder Maintenance

Before use, visually check ladder for defects. Make sure there are no visible defects and that it's in good working condition. Always remember to maintain and store the ladder properly. Said information should always be found via manufacturer's instructions.

 

After checking ladder, make sure not to use if ladder:

• is faulty.
• is bent.
• is missing a step.
• has spreader bars that do not have a locking device or mechanism.
   

Ladder safety is so important because fall accidents CAN BE PREVENTED! Proper training gives an individual the knowledge and ability to get home safely every time.
 

Safety Training Services, Inc. is available to meet and exceed your expectations on appropriate ladder safety training and other OSHA compliance training! Find out why how we can bring value to you and your company today. Click below for more information on our OSHA compliance training courses!
 

May is "Clean Air Month!" This makes it a great time for annual refresher training on respirator safety. In your workplace, does the area you directly work in contain (or potentially contain) hazardous materials? Respirator safety training is important for you or your employees in order to work safely in those areas.

3 Quick Tips on Respirator Safety

1. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the jobs performed by employees and the respiratory hazards of their jobs and work areas.

2. Identify the proper respiratory protection for each of said hazards, including:

• Type of respiratory protection

• Type of cartridge(s) required required for air purifying respirators

• Conditions for use of atmosphere supplying respirators should be used (if applicable)

3. Know & use the NIOSH approved color-coded labels for respirator filters, cartridges, and canisters:

Respiratory Safety Hazards

• According to the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA),approximately 5 million workers are required to wear respirators in 1.3 million workplaces throughout the nation. Respirators protect workers against insufficient oxygen environments, harmful dusts, fogs, smokes, mists, gases, vapors, sprays, and airborne TB bacteria.

• Respiratory hazards include cancer, lung impairment, other diseases, or death. The use of respirators may avert hundreds of deaths and thousands of illnesses annually.

• According to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in a recent year only 59 percent of establishments that required employees to use respirators actually provided respirator training.

   

  

The weather outside is getting warmer and generally "nicer." May is here and so are some of our favorite two-wheeled vehicles. 

DuPont has issued a few good, quick motorcycle safety tips in infographic form to provide assistance in understanding the hazards associated with them. The first infographic describes the "S.E.E." method and the second describes what to check EVERY time before you get on your motorcycle!

Forklifts have been around since the very early 20th century.

Used as a practical machine to move products over short distances, they evolved from hoists and have become one of the most important, yet overlooked, industrial innovations in modern times.

World War II was a big catalyst in the development of forklifts, as the amount of goods continually being moved through that period made it a necessity for the forklifts of that time to last longer and needed to get through an eight hour day without constant recharging.

It was in the 1950s when warehouses were being built bigger and were expanded up more-so then out. With these increased lift heights, there were more concerns with safety and newer, more efficient models were being made.

Unlike cars and trucks, forklifts are often steered with their rear wheels. This increases maneuverability in tight corners, but makes for a different experience than traditional driving. Also the instability of a forklift is a noteworthy characteristic. They are rated for loads at a specified maximum weight and a specified forward center of gravity. An operator must be properly trained so as to take the load (raised or not), unit's speed, centrifugal and gravitational forces into account in order to avoid a disastrous tip-over accident. Information on load limit/loading for reference can usually be found on the forklift unit itself. Fitting it with specific safety equipment, such as a cage or a "cherry picker" (type of aerial work platform that consists of a platform or bucket at the end of a hydraulic lifting system), can also allow a forklift to be used as a personnel lift.

Safety in the Workplace:

With the intrinsic hazards associated with forklifts, there is a high need for companies to establish "rules" for the workplace to keep employees safe. Suggestions include:

• Establish speed limits
• Mark forklift lanes (don't forget proper signage as well)
• Drivers must yield to pedestrians
• Drivers must sound horn at any/all intersections
• Drivers of forklifts must stay a safe distance from ramps, platform edges, and other forklifts/vehicles
• Be sure to slow down and take turns slowly and safely
• Always stop before going into reverse
• Seatbelts, seatbelts, seatbelts! (make mandatory)
• Basically, operators shall:
  • i. Use seatbelts at all times.
  • ii. Obey traffic safety rules.
  • iii. Never allow riders.

Training:

Companies must get into the habit of supplying employees with "appropriate" training on forklifts.

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has the most important standard with regards to forklift safety, ANSI B56. This standard is for safety requirements relating to the design, operation and maintenance of power industrial trucks (PITs). The standard is used as a guide to formulate safety rules and regulations.

ANSI B56.1-2005, Section 4.19, regarding operator training states,

"Personnel who have not been trained to oper­ate powered industrial trucks may operate a truck for the purposes of training only, and only under the direct supervision of the trainer."

"The training program shall be presented to all new oper­ators regardless of previous experience." ANSI B56.1-2005, Section 4.19.2

ANSI B56.1-2005, Section 4.19.4

(a) fundamentals of the powered industrial truck(s) the trainee will operate
(b) operating environment and its effect on truck operation
(c) operation of the powered industrial truck
(d) operating safety rules and practices
(e) Operational training practice

OSHA also steps in with their regulations, under 29 CFR 191.178, for PITs.

OSHA states that training must be conducted by someone with, as OSHA puts it, "the knowledge, training, and experience to train operators and evaluate their competence." And quite simply, training shall (to mean: MUST) include:

• Formal instruction
• Practical training
• Evaluation of the trainees' performance in on-the-job situations

Forklifts are such a huge asset to us, but are dangerous pieces of machinery. Keep your eyes & minds open while working in or around them. Tell your company you want real, appropriate training before working with them. I'll leave you with what happens "when forklift training gets forgotten." The link to your REAL forklift training is below....the question is why wait until something happens to YOU?

The OSH Act (That created OSHA) was passed over 40 years ago in order to protect America’s workers. Since then, great progress towards keeping America’s workers safe has been made. However, more work must still be done as we still have the statistics, almost daily, about serious injuries and/or fatalities.

In 2010 alone, over 4,600 workers were killed and 3.8 million workers reported injuries (and think about how many DIDN’T report). That makes an average of almost 13 injuries per day!

So a return to a previous idea of updating OSH Act in the form of a bill, Protecting America’s Workers Act (PAWA), with the intent to expand & strengthen workplace safety laws. PAWA was introduced a few different ways before in several congressional sessions, but never passed.

What is PAWA? Well it looks to update/amend OSHA to cover more workers, update penalties, strengthen protections, enhance public accountability, clarify an employer's duty to provide safe work environment. What does it entail? Let’s take a look at what PAWA aims to do:

• Over 8.5 million workers are not covered by OSHA. This includes federal, state, local public employees and some private sector.
• PAWA would include flight attendants, state correctional officers and workers in government agencies and provides OSHA protections to these workers.

Increase penalties for law-breakers

• Current law says willful OSHA violations that lead to a worker's death may be charged, at most, with a misdemeanor.
• Repeated and willful OSHA violations that result in serious injury or death can be charged as felony.
• Updates OSHA civil penalties (unchanged since 1990). Sets minimum penalty of $50,000 for worker death caused by a willful violation.

Protects whistle-blowers on unsafe conditions in the workplace

• OSHA's whistleblower provisions have had no update since adoption...in 1970.
• Updates those whistleblower protections by incorporating successful administrative procedures adopted in other laws (like the Surface Transportation Act).

Enhances the public's right to know about safety violations

• Improves public accountability and transparency.
• Mandates Department of Labor (DOL) investigates all cases of death or serious incidents of injury at work.
• Gives workers (and their families) the right to meet with DOL investigators.
• Requires employers to inform workers of their OSHA rights.

Clarifies employer's duty to provide a safe work environment, equipment and track recordable injuries/illnesses for all workers on-site

• Amends the General Duty Clause to include all workers on the worksite.
• Clarifies employer responsibility to provide the necessary safety equipment to their workers (example: PPE).
• Directs DOL to revise regulations  for site-controlling employers to keep a site log for all recordable injuries and illnesses among all employees on the worksite.

---

That about wraps up PAWA and its goals. Think for a moment about these questions and then comment what you think in the box below!

• Does this frame of mind have merit? 
• Do you think this should be passed? 
• As an employee, do you feel this is headed in the right direction? 
• As an employer, do you feel this is headed in the right direction? 

No matter what side of the fence you are on, how can workplace safety training companies continue to assist employees & employers while its being negotiated?
 

...and has really been going through major changes since 1970. It has often been considered to be an indicator of a country's economic progress, due to steel's critical role in infrastructural and overall economic development.

There has been a massive increase in the demand for steel since the turn of the millennium due to the economic boom of both China and India. World steel demand increased during the early 2000's; at the same time, many Indian and Chinese steel companies have risen to notability. Although China, as a whole, is both the the largest steel producer and consumer, ArcelorMittal is, in fact, the world's largest steel producing company.

The world steel industry peaked in 2007, when the steel-using sectors plunged and the construction industry used 50% of steel produced (the next highest usage was mechanical machinery & metal products with about 15% each). Although it deserves to be said that the slowdown was occurring already before the worldwide great recession that started in 2008. Demand was weak in 3 of the 4 major steel countries (NA, JP, EU) and steel mills strongly reduced output. Heavy cutbacks in construction caused falling prices (down about 40%) due to a sharply lowered demand. 

The industry witnessed a turnaround in late 2009 and continued to grow together with the global economic recovery. World crude steel production went up from 851 megatons (Mt) in 2001 to 1,548 Mt in 2012. This outperformed 2011 by almost 1.5%. Specifically, the U.S. steel sector will be dealing with excess capacity as its most significant issue due to the continued growth in new steelmaking facilities. However, on a good note, global steel demand is expected to improve gradually this year in comparison to 2012. In the United States, growth will be supported by attempts to sustain the economy's momentum, an improving labor market, strong momentum in the auto sector and recovery in construction markets. Increased demand should lead to improved profitability for 2014 and 2015, driven by better utilization rates. European steel demand is likely to fall further this year before a mild rebound takes hold in 2014. The big challenge for steelmakers in 2013 is to be cost competitive while maintaining enterprise value.

“The steel market in 2013 is off to a slow start, but signs of strength in some of the most important steel consuming market such as autos and energy (with a large inventory overhang at this point), provide some reason for optimism as we move into the usually seasonally stronger second quarter.”

--David Phelps, president of the American Institute for International Steel

Safety and Health in the Iron and Steel Industry
 

The original code of practice on safety and health in the iron and steel industry was adopted in 1981.

The International Labour Organization (ILO), founded in 1919, became the first specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) in 1946. The main aims of the ILO are to promote rights at work, encourage decent employment opportunities, enhance social protection and strengthen dialogue on work-related issues. The newest version of this code, updated 2005, reflects the many changes in the industry, its workforce, the roles of the competent authorities, employers, workers and their organizations, and on the development of new International Labour Organization  instruments on occupational safety and health, focuses on the production of iron and steel and basic iron and steel products.

According to Part II, Section 5.1 of the Safety and Health in the Iron and Steel Industry Code, the choice and the implementation of specific measures for preventing workplace injury and ill health in the workforce of the iron and steel industry depend on the recognition of the principal hazards, and the anticipated injuries and diseases, ill health and incidents. Below are the most common causes of injury and illness in the iron and steel industry: 

(i) slips, trips and falls on the same level;
(ii) falls from height;
(iii) unguarded machinery;
(iv) falling objects;
(v) engulfment;
(vi) working in confined spaces;
(vii) moving machinery, on-site transport, forklifts and cranes;
(viii) exposure to controlled and uncontrolled energy sources;
(ix) exposure to asbestos;
(x) exposure to mineral wools and fibres;
(xi) inhalable agents (gases, vapours, dusts and fumes);
(xii) skin contact with chemicals (irritants (acids, alkalis), solvents and sensitizers);
(xiii) contact with hot metal;
(xiv) fire and explosion;
(xv) extreme temperatures;
(xvi) radiation (non-ionizing, ionizing);
(xvii) noise and vibration;
(xviii) electrical burns and electric shock;
(xix) manual handling and repetitive work;
(xx) exposure to pathogens (e.g. legionella); 
(xxi) failures due to automation;
(xxii) ergonomics;
(xxiii) lack of OSH training;
(xxiv) poor work organization;
(xxv) inadequate accident prevention and inspection;
(xxvi) inadequate emergency first-aid and rescue facilities;
(xxvii) lack of medical facilities and social protection.

 

As you can see quite well, the importance of safety and safety training in the steel and iron industry. With hazards ranging from noise to physical to chemical to ergonomics, it is a inherently dangerous industry to work in. Specific PPE should include, but not be limited to:

(a) molten metal resistant jackets and trousers;
(b) face shields or vented goggles;
(c) molten metal resistant gloves;
(d) safety footwear insulated against heat;
(e) respiratory protective equipment;
(f) protective helmets;
(g) hearing protection; and
(h) eye protection.

If you work in the industry, your next step should be to identify these issues at work. Have you found a problem in not knowing how to handle a situation listed above? Has any of these common injuries happened at your job? Is a problem in regards to training (or lack thereof)? Or retraining (annual refresher courses)? Unsatisfied with previous training/trainers? Safety Training Services, Inc. will train (and/or retrain) you and your employees on safety code compliance, confined spaces & other safety-related courses. Our site or yours, our hands-on courses will provide you with appropriate training to keep you safe and trained consistent to safety code requirements.

Maybe your issue is equipment or PPE? Whether you need new, used, rentals, servicing or just to figure out what equipment to use for a specific job, speaking to one of our professionals in our Technical division will help you find the right tool for the job in whatever capacity necessary. 

Or simply contact our safety consulting division at (219) 554-2180 and found out how we will help identify problems and conduct a safety-related gap analysis for your company.