Confined spaces refer to enclosed areas deemed dangerous due to limited access. These may be a storage tank or a pipe, anything that workers may work in or enter for maintenance that is not a habitable space. Confined spaces are made more dangerous by the hazards associated with them, including suffocation, submersion, entrapment, engulfment, etc. Knowing about confined spaces and their hazards is important because many confined space deaths are preventable. Unfortunately, too many of these are untrained rescuers going in after the original entrant unknowing of the hazards in the confined space and succumb to the same hazard(s) as the person they went in to help.

In fact, most multi-death fatal incidents involve one or more would-be rescuers who are improperly trained and equipped to rescue the original victim.

OSHA defines a confined space as:

1. Being large enough for an employee to enter and perform work,

2. Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit,

3. Is not designed for continuous occupancy.

   
   

A permit required confined space will contain all of the above, plus one or more of the following:

• A potentially hazardous atmosphere

• A substance that has the ability to engulf or asphyxiate the entrant

• Inwardly converging walls within the space or a floor the slopes downward, tapering to a small cross-section

• Contains any other serious safety or health hazard

A confined space attendant provides entrants protection during their time in a confined space. A confined space attendant is an optional service anytime an employee goes into a confined space, however in the event of a permit-required confined space, a confined space attendant is mandatory. A confined space attendant is a very integral part of the safety of the entrant and works as part of the confined space team, whom all have responsibilities to secure the safety of the team.
 

Confined Space Attendants’ Responsibilities

There are a few very important things that confined space attendants are responsible for. First and foremost, there must be at least one authorized attendant present at all times. The attendant controls access to the confined space. The duties of the attendant include testing the atmosphere of the confined space and periodically testing it again or continually monitoring it for any possible changes in the atmosphere. You must never enter a confined space if the atmospheric conditions are not suitable. They must also review and follow all permit procedures in a permit-required confined space. If a confined space attendant sees a hazard that is correctable, they will correct said hazard in a quick, safe, and efficient way. They will summon emergency assistance as needed. In the event that they are unable to correct a hazard, they will report the supervisor those hazards. If an attendant must never abandon his post for any reason while personnel are in the confined spaces unless relieved by another qualified attendant. Lastly, an attendant should keep records of confined space work, such as air test results, personnel entry/exit, etc.

Obviously, the attendant has the responsibility to keep the entrant safe from harm while they are working in the confined space, but an entrants and supervisors have their own responsibilities while working in/around a confined space.
 

Entrant Responsibilities

• To assure that the space has been adequately ventilated, isolated, emptied, or otherwise made safe for entry.
• To immediately exit a space, without question, upon word of the attendant, no matter what the reason.
• To follow all safety rules and procedures.
  • To be familiar with the work to be performed and the procedures.
  • To use the appropriate PPE whenever necessary.
     

Supervisor Responsibilities

• To assure adequate protection is provided to the entrants by verifying adequate lockout/tagout and that all hazards are isolated, controlled or eliminated.
• To support the attendant’s authority in controlling access to a confined space.
• To verify that all personnel have exited prior to closing the space.
• To assure that all personnel involved are aware of the hazards associated with the space.
• To assure that rescue services are available prior to entry.

To that last point about rescue services, we need to be familiar with what that would include. Rescue services, must be available while authorized entrants are in a confined space. As we said in the first paragraph of this article, deaths often occur during rescue. Untrained persons enter the space to help the downed worker can get themselves caught in the confined space, or worse, become a victim themselves to whatever may have harmed the original entrant. Trained professional rescue services are available for this purpose. They are skilled in both non-entry and entry rescue techniques. A small sample of rescue work can be found below, with more extensive coverage found in the 'Non-Mandatory Appendix F -- Rescue Team or Rescue Service Evaluation Criteria' found on OSHA's website!
 

• Non-entry: A rescue that is conducted without entry into the confined space. This can be conducted by such means as a rope or winch.
• Entry by personnel trained to conduct rescues:
• All members of the team must be specially trained in confined space rescue work,
• The team must have at least one member certified in CPR and first aid,
• All members of the team must be trained in the techniques and equipment for specific confined spaces.
• The rescue team must practice in all types of spaces in which a rescue could be required.

In today's article, we will finish up our topic of AWPs, or aerial work platforms, with information on the roles of the trainer and of the dealer. Previously, we discussed 'Tips, Training, and Current Issues' and 'Compliance, Training and Familiarization'. 

Role of the Trainer

As we stated in a previous article, the ANSI A92 Standards have already defined a qualified person. This relates to both operators and trainers:

“Qualified person. One who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated his/her ability to solve or resolve problems related to the subject matter, the work, or the project.”

Attributes

Per the “Statement of Best Practices of General Training and Familiarization for Aerial Work Platform Equipment,” here is a suggested list of attributes a trainer will need in order to successfully educate operators:

Skills/Knowledge

• Must know the rules, regulations and standards.
• Needs to have knowledge of the equipment, the operator safety manual, warning decals and placards.
• Possess awareness of potential hazards and the means to protect against identified hazards.
• Be able to identify and avoid potential workplace hazards.
• Understands manufacturer’s guidelines for proper/improper use and application of the equipment.
• Knows the consequences of improper use and application of the equipment.
• Has a good safety record that is based on consistent implementation of the rules.

Communication

• Possess good communication and presentation skills when speaking with groups or individuals.
• Knows and understands the teaching methods and learning styles of adult learners.
• Be able to obtain acknowledgement from the operator that he/she can implement the training.
• Has the ability to deliver training in a manner and language appropriate to ensure understanding by the audience.

Qualities

• Possesses a concern for the welfare of others so trainers can serve as a safety advocate.
• Be intuitive and perceptive with people, i.e., can “read” the audience.
• Works in a confident and honest manner with people.
   

Role of the Dealer

If you were to rent aerial equipment, you may wonder what the role of the dealer who provides you with the rental equipment is. Do they provide training? Familiarization?
 

General Training

It is the dealer’s responsibility to assist its customers in identifying training resources in order to satisfy its operator training obligations. Some dealers may provide training for their customers; others may choose to offer other training resources such as recommending a training company or getting the customer information on the manufacturer. Potential training resources are any entity offering instruction by a qualified instructor following an appropriate training program. This may be the manufacturer, rental company, independent training company or internal resources of the employer who rented the equipment. 

ANSI/SIA A92 Standards Section 5.7 (Responsibilities of Dealers) state:

“Training. The dealer shall offer appropriate training to facilitate owners, users, and operators to comply with requirements set forth in this standard regarding inspection, maintenance, use, application, and operation of the aerial platform.”

Nothing states that the dealer must accomplish this training itself. Remember, the responsibility for conducting proper operator training has always been on the user and the individual employer. The dealer must offer training or direct the customer to a selection of reasonably available resources to ensure proper training of the customer’s personnel.
 

Familiarization

It is the dealer/rental company’s responsibility to provide familiarization to the designated person(s) receiving the equipment.

ANSI/SIA A92.5 and A92.6 Standards Section 5.8 (Responsibilities of Dealers) state:

“Familiarization upon delivery. Upon delivery by sale, lease, rental or any form of use, the dealer shall have the responsibility with the person designated by the receiving entity for accepting the aerial platform to:

1. Identify the weather resistant compartment (for manual(s)
   storage).
2. Confirm that the manual(s), as specified by the manufacturer, are on the aerial platform.
3. Review control functions.
4. Review safety devices specific to the model aerial platform being delivered.”

Record Retention

Whenever general training or familiarization takes place, documentation should be made to verify that said training/familiarization has been completed. An optional validation of training may come in the form of a certificate or an ID card. These documents should include the information/standards trained on under ANSI/SIA A92.

The documentation (for verification) of training/familiarization should include the following information and should be retained for a period of four years as required by the ANSI/SIA A92 Standards:

• Name of the operator or person receiving familiarization
• Date of training/familiarization
• Equipment covered in training/familiarization
• Identity of the person(s) performing the training/familiarization

Image by Horrgakx on Flickr.

Remember Safety Training Services, Inc. the next time you need aerial lift training! If you simply have questions on training, you can click here! Or click the button below to find out more about our AWP Training.

We wrote last week about the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), what exactly aerial work platforms (AWPs) are, the current issues facing the industry, and some tips to keep you safe on an AWP. This week, we will focus on compliance requirements, operator familiarization and general training.

Roles

ANSI standards heavily promote safety by developing recommendations and guidelines; however these standards are to be considered best practices, and are not laws or regulations. Compliance with ANSI standards is voluntary.

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), a government agency that issues and enforces regulations for employers to ensure workplace health and safety. These regulations are often referred to as standards, but they are in fact laws and compliance is mandatory.

So Why Comply?

It is true that ANSI is voluntary, and OSHA is mandatory, however it is to be noted that the OSHA regulations were in fact based on ANSI standards. Basically, once OSHA adopts the ANSI standards as their own, they no longer are voluntary and become law.

Despite ANSI standards being voluntary, it is in every company’s best interest to comply. Because OSHA law many times is adopted from ANSI standards, the standards in the ANSI handbook are considered a consensus of what’s best to keep employees safe and because of this OSHA can decide that the company is not “free from recognized hazards” and cite the company for the “general duty” clause for not following ANSI standards. So as it turns out, ANSI standards may not be as “voluntary” as expressed. Keep yourself and your employee’s safe, by following the ANSI guidebooks as mandatory as OSHA law.

Operator

Prior to use of an AWP, the operator must be trained before operation of the unit. This training should include the inspection, application, recognition, and avoidance of hazards associated with the equipment. As stated earlier, familiarization of the specific model of equipment should also be received prior to operating. Here is outline of each as stated by ANSI A92 Standards.

Training

• Essentially what prepares an operator to operate AWP
• Can teach multiple pieces of equipment of a particular type
• Covers broad types (push-around, boom lifts, scissor lifts, trailer-mounted boom lifts), as opposed to specific manufacturer/models
• Includes classroom/”formal” training as well as “hands-on”/practical

An aerial work platform is, as ANSI defines it, a mobile or manually propelled device that has an adjustable position platform, supported from ground level by a structure.

ANSI

ANSI stands for American National Standards Institute, who facilitates the development ofAmerican National Standards (ANS) by accrediting the procedures of standards developing organizations (SDOs). These groups work cooperatively to develop voluntary national consensus standards.

Their mission, according to their website, is “to enhance both the global competitiveness of U.S. business and the U.S. quality of life by promoting and facilitating voluntary consensus standards and conformity assessment systems, and safeguarding their integrity.”

Aerial Work Platforms (AWPs)

AWP equipment is very useful. It allows users access to usually inaccessible areas, usually at height. They can be used by maintenance workers, construction workers, firefighters (for emergency access); all while being operated by a single person (most models). AWPs can not only be used for transportation and/or access to certain areas, but also can be equipped with electrical outlets, compressed air (for power tools), and other specialist equipment.

There are many programs available for training operators of this equipment. Many of these training programs offer much to students regardless of their level of experience with AWPs. In fact, it is the differences in experience within the students in the class that usually makes for a great training atmosphere and allows every student to leave the training with some good information they didn’t know before.

Current Issues Facing the Industry

• Understanding the importance of proper general training and familiarization
  • This is too often overlooked; you wouldn’t want someone on the road who simply ‘skimmed’ a driver’s manual and has not familiarized themselves with the make/model of the vehicle they’re driving, would you? So why send someone onto a machine in which they know very little about?
• Improper training
  • Does driver’s ed simply show you a 15 minute video presentation, give you a driver’s license and wish you luck on the road? Heck no!
• Confusion between general training and familiarization
  • Do you know the difference? Here’s how ANSI defines the two:
    • Familiarization: “Providing information regarding the control functions and safety devices for the aerial work platform(s) to a qualified person or operator who controls the movement of the aerial work platform(s) being delivered.”
    • General Training: “Instruction to enable the trainee to become a qualified person regarding the task to be performed, including knowledge regarding potential hazards.”
• Misunderstanding of who is qualified to be a trainer
  • ANSI defines a ‘qualified person’ as follows (this pertains to operators and trainers alike):
    • “One who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated his/her ability to solve or resolve problems related to the subject matter, the work, or the project.”
• Need for clarification of all AWP equipment  stakeholders’ responsibilities
  • ANSI is looking to address certain issues in an updated version of the standards.
• Impact on insurance
  • Although, in a general sense, with appropriate training “accidents” are less likely to happen and therefore less insurance would be claimed/paid out.

In next week’s blog article, we will address many of these issues and shed light upon how to be ‘appropriately’ trained to use an AWP. This should serve as a thought-provoking piece until then, when we will discuss training, being ‘qualified’ and the importance of familiarization for the operator.

I will however, share with you some AWP safety tips. These are very important to follow, as the equipment being operated is potentially dangerous if operated incorrectly. Failure to follow these tips could result in serious injury, or worse. Stay safe, ingrain these in your head, and come back next week for additional best practices for aerial work platforms!

Aerial Work Platform Safety Tips

1. Make sure that workers who operate aerial lifts are properly trained in the safe use of the equipment.
    
2. Maintain and operate elevating work platforms according to the manufacturer's instructions.
    
3. Never override hydraulic, mechanical, or electrical safety devices.
    
4. Never move the equipment with workers in an elevated platform unless this is permitted by the manufacturer.
    
5. Do not allow workers to position themselves between overhead hazards, such as joists and beams, and the rails of the basket. Movement of the lift could crush the worker(s).
    
6. Maintain a minimum clearance of at least 10 feet, or 3 meters, away from the nearest energized overhead lines.
    
7. Always treat power lines, wires and other conductors as energized, even if they are down or appear to be insulated.
    
8. Use a body harness or restraining belt with a lanyard attached to the boom or basket to prevent the worker(s) from being ejected or pulled from the basket.
    
9. Set the brakes and use wheel chocks when on an incline.
    
10. Use outriggers, if provided.
     
11. Do not exceed the load limits of the equipment. Allow for the combined weight of the worker, tools and materials.

Safety Training Services, Inc. offers aerial work platform training for you and your workers! Our AWP training can be customized to include scissor, boom lift, or both. We provide the participant the necessary knowledge regarding the units operation, hazards and safeguards. This course consists of classwork, written testing and (hands-on) practical evaluation.

Training is administered by professional safety trainers, specialized in delivering operator training for aerial equipment with an engaging course that exposes participants to multi-media content, cause & effect accident videos and current events. We also provide on-site training at your location, alleviating the need for participant travel.

All participants are issued course completion certificate and photo ID cards, (with successful course completion). We provide and maintain all necessary recordkeeping and make it available to our customer whenever you may need it. This training will help to minimize “loss time accidents” and help to maintain or improve your EMR – Experience Modification Rating.

Click the button below for more information!

"Moving machine parts have the potential to cause severe workplace injuries, such as crushed fingers or hands, amputations, burns, or blindness. Safeguards are essential for protecting workers from these preventable injuries. Any machine part, function, or process that may cause injury must be safeguarded. When the operation of a machine or accidental contact injure the operator or others in the vicinity, the hazards must be eliminated or controlled."

--OSHA on "Machine Guarding"

5 Most Common Ways of Machine Guarding

1. Barrier Guards
2. Presence Sensing Devices (PSD)
3. Pullbacks/Restraints
4. Two-hand Controls/Two-hand Trip
5. “A” and “B” Gates

Barrier Guards

These are designed to keep the operator’s hands and arms from entering the “danger zone” as prescribed by the particular machine. They are appropriate safeguards for full revolution and part revolution mechanical power presses. They are usually the first point-of-operation safeguard considered for machines.

Regulation: 29 CFR 1910.217

• Barrier guards on power presses must prevent the entry of hands or fingers into the point of operation by reaching through, over, under or around the guard.
• The barrier guards must conform to maximum permissible openings tables.
• The barrier guard itself must not create pinch points between the guard and moving machine parts.
• The guard must not be easily removable.
• The guard must not interfere with machine inspection.
• The barrier guard must offer maximum visibility of the point of operation consistent with the other requirements.

Presence Sensing Devices

These are designed to automatically stop the machine stroke if sensing field is interrupted. Proper use provides protection not only for operators but also for other employees in the area. They are one of the most common safeguards for automatic feed part revolution clutch presses, and have many requirements that must be met before they can be installed as point-of-operation safeguards.

Regulation: 29 CFR 1910.217

• Presence sensing devices (PSD) cannot be used on machines using full revolution clutches.
• A PSD must protect the operator by preventing or stopping normal stroking of the press if the operator’s hands are inadvertently placed in the point of operation. The PSD must also be interlocked into the control circuit so that the slide motion will stop the downstroke from continuing if any part of the operator's body is within the sensing field at that time.
• Guards must be used to protect all areas of entry to the point of operation not protected by the PSD.
• PSDs cannot be used as a tripping means to initiate slide motion.
• Should a failure occur within the system, the PSD must be constructed so that the normal stopping action is still applied when required, but prevents the start of the next stroke until the failure is corrected. The failure must be indicated by the system.
• “Muting” or bypassing of the PSD during the upstroke of the press slide is permitted for parts ejection, circuit checking, and feeding.
• The safety distance from the sensing field to the point of operation must be greater than the distance determined by the safety distance formula.

Pullbacks/Restraints

Pullbacks

These are safeguarding devices on both full and part revolution power presses. They are similar to restraints, but are designed to pull the operator’s hands away from the area of the closing dies (point of operation) during each stroke of the power press.

Regulation: 29 CFR 1910.217

• Attachments must be connected to and operated by the press slide or upper die.
• Attachments must be adjusted to prevent the operator from reaching into the point of operation or to withdraw the operator’s hands from the point of operation before the dies close.
• A separate pullout device must be provided for each operator if more than one operator is used on the press.
• Each pullout device in use must be inspected and checked for proper adjustment at the start of each operator shift, following a new die set-up, and when operators are changed. Necessary maintenance or repair on both must be performed and completed before the press is operated.
• Inspection and Maintenance Records. It is the responsibility of the employer to make periodic and regular safety inspections and keep accurate records of them.

Restraints

Sometimes referred as “holdouts,” restraints are similar to pullbacks and are appropriate safeguards for both full and part revolution mechanical power presses. When properly anchored, restraints are adjusted so that the operator can never reach the point of operation. The size and type of restraint depends on the size and type of press.

Regulation: 29 CFR 1910.217

• A holdout or a restraint device must protect the operator by preventing the operator from inadvertently reaching into the point of operation at all times and must include attachments for each of the operator’s hands.
• Attachments must be securely anchored and adjusted and separate set of restraints must be provided for each operator if more than one is required on a press.

Two-hand Controls/Two-hand Trip

Two-hand Controls

These are safeguarding devices in the single stroke mode of operation on part revolution clutch presses. It is similar to the two-hand trip; this device keeps the operators hands away from the point of operation during the entire machine stroke.

Regulation: 29 CFR 1910.217

• Press operations requiring more than one operator must provide each operator with separate two-hand controls where each set must be engaged to complete a machine stroke. The removal of a hand from any control button will stop the slide.
• Each two-hand control must meet the construction requirements of paragraph 29 CFR 1910.217(b)(7)(v).
• The safety distance between each hand control device and the point of operation must be greater than the distance determined by the safety distance formula.
• Two-hand controls’ position must be fixed so that only a supervisor of safety engineer is capable of relocating them.

Two-hand Trip

These are safeguarding devices used on a full revolution clutch power press only. It requires the joint operation of two trigger buttons located away from the “danger zone” of the press. It is similar to two-hand controls in that it requires the operator’s hands to be away from the point of operation to activate the machine stroke, but differs in that activation of the machine stroke requires only a "trip" of the controls whereas a two-hand control requires continued pressure.

Regulation: 29 CFR 1910.217

• When used in press operations requiring more than one operator, separate two hand trips must be provided for each operator, and must be designed to require concurrent application of both operators to activate the slide.
• A two-hand trip shall have the individual operator's hand controls protected against unintentional operation and have the individual operator's hand controls arranged by design and construction and/or separation to require the use of both hands to trip the press and use a control arrangement requiring concurrent operation of the individual operator's hand controls.
• The safety distance between the two-hand trip and the point of operation must be greater than the distance determined by the safety distance formula. 
• Like two-hand control devices, two-hand trips’ position must be fixed so that only a supervisor or safety engineer is capable of relocating the controls.

“A” Gates/”B” Gates

Type "A" and "B" Gates are both recognized methods for power press safeguarding. The "A" gate is used in both full and part revolution clutch presses while the "B" gate is for part revolution presses only.

Type “A” Gates

These protect the operator during the entire machine stroke. This means the gate will not open until after the crankshaft rotation is complete (360°) and the machine is stopped at top dead center. Although Type "A" Gates can be used on either part or full revolution clutch presses, best safety practice is the "A" gate should be used only on full revolution clutch presses.

Type “B” Gates

These protect the operator during the downstroke only. The gate starts to open before the crankshaft rotation is complete (generally after 180° crankshaft rotation). The gates must open on the upstroke of the machine cycle before the crankshaft rotation is complete.

Regulation: 29 CFR 1910.217, 29 CFR 1910.212

• In both cases (“A” & “B” Gates), operators must be prevented from placing their hands or any other body parts in the point of operation during the die-closing portion of the press stroke.
• The guard itself must comply with applicable standards.

"Revising OSHA's Hazard Communication standard will improve the quality and consistency of hazard information, making it safer for workers to do their jobs and easier for employers to stay competitive."

--U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis

If you are not already aware that the Hazard Communication is undergoing a huge change in that “Material Safety Data Sheets” (MSDS) will now be known as simply “Safety Data Sheets” (SDS) as the Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) is now aligned with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). This update was made to provide a common approach to classifying chemicals and communicating hazard information on labels and SDS.

In OSHA’s words:

“Once implemented, the revised standard will improve the quality and consistency of hazard information in the workplace, making it safer for workers by providing easily understandable information on appropriate handling and safe use of hazardous chemicals. This update will also help reduce trade barriers and result in productivity improvements for American businesses that regularly handle, store, and use hazardous chemicals while providing cost savings for American businesses that periodically update safety data sheets and labels for chemicals covered under the hazard communication standard.”

In order to ensure chemical safety in the workplace, information about the identities and hazards of the chemicals must be available and understandable to workers. OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) requires the development and dissemination of such information:

• Chemical manufacturers and importers are required to evaluate the hazards of the chemicals they produce or import, and prepare labels and safety data sheets to convey the hazard information to customers.
   
• All employers with hazardous chemicals in their workplaces must have labels and safety data sheets for their exposed workers, and train them to handle the chemicals appropriately.
   

• Hazard classification: Now provides specific criteria for classification of health hazards, physical hazards and mixtures.
   
• Labels: Chemical manufacturers and importers will be required to provide a label that includes a harmonized signal word, pictogram, and hazard statement for each hazard class and category. Precautionary statements must also be provided.
   
• Safety Data Sheets: Will now have a specified 16-section format.
  • New 16 section format:

1. Identification
2. Hazard(s) identification
3. Composition/information on ingredients
4. First-Aid measures
5. Fire-fighting measures
6. Accidental release measures
7. Handling and storage
8. Exposure controls/personal protection
9. Physical and chemical properties
10. Stability and reactivity
11. Toxicological information
12. Ecological information
13. Disposal considerations
14. Transport information
15. Regulatory information
16. Other information, including date of preparation or last revision

• Information and training: Employers are required to train workers by December 1, 2013 on the new labels elements and safety data sheets format to facilitate recognition and understanding.
  • Training to be included:

  • Training on label elements

  1. Product identifier
  2. Signal word
  3. Pictogram
  4. Hazard statement(s)
  5. Precautionary statement(s)
  6. Name, address and phone number of the chemical manufacturer, distributor, or importer

• Training on the new 16-section format

The first deadline in the implementation phase is Dec. 1, 2013. By this date, employers must train workers on the new label elements and safety data sheet format. OSHA’s Hazard Communication website has the following QuickCards and OSHA Briefs to assist employers with the required training.

• Label QuickCard

• Pictogram QuickCard

• Safety Data Sheet QuickCard

• Safety Data Sheet OSHA Brief

Let Safety Training Services help you through this first deadline by getting yourself and your staff trained on the new Hazard Communication Standard today! Find out how we can do so by clicking below!

Today's blog article comes with a great infographic to sum up its information. Courtesy of the Editors at Best Choice Reviews. They write great articles on a multitude of subjects from fitness to personal shopping to electronics/technology. Check them out!

Anyways, today's subject will be "Everyday Ergonomics." Thank you again Best Choice Reviews for providing this information!

Everyday Ergonomics

Ergonomics is the science of efficient work. Use our guide to promote health and focus at home, on the road, and in the office.

Commuting
The average commute is 25.5 minutes, or 51 minutes a day. And 8.1% of Americans commute for an hour or more both ways.[1] That’s a long time to mistreat your back and neck.

Train or bus?[5]
Essentials:

• Loose clothes
• Comfortable shoes
• Feet flat
• Use railing to balance

Car?[4]
Essentials:

• Base of your spine touching back of the seat.
• Rolled towel, or some form of support filling the gap between mid rib cage area and seat
• Don’t slump
• Lift your back up
• Adjust headrest and tilt head back onto it
• It takes time to adjust to sitting correctly. With practice it will feel comfortable.

Back pain is the second most common reason for missed work. Don’t ruin your day before it starts.[9]

Work
Workplace health is a marathon, not a sprint. That doesn’t mean that you aren’t an “industrial athlete.” Let us coach you into the right place.

Work-space: [7][6][10]

• Monitor 15 degrees above eye level horizon is easiest on eyes and neck.
• Tilt monitor back slightly.
• Feet flat on floor.
• Lower back supported.
• Monitor one arms’ length away.
• Forearms and hands in straight line.
• Should be comfortable to look at the center of the screen for prolonged periods.
• Lighting should only be as bright as the room’s lighting.
• Avoid glare from the sun.

Habits:[8]

• Get up and walk/ stretch at least once an hour.
• Talk to colleagues in person instead of sending intra-office emails.
• Take the stairs.
• Hold “walking meetings.”
• Walk to a farther bathroom.

The Average worker spends 5 hours 41 minutes sitting at work. Leading to higher rate of sedentary lifestyle, decreased mental stability, and increased muskulo-skeletal problems.[11]
Almost 60% of work related injuries can be avoided with proper ergonomics. Why risk it?[9]

Luggage 

• Push, don’t pull rolling bags.
• Use bags with two straps to spread weight equally across body.
• Choose longer straps when using single strap bags and drape across body on the opposite shoulder.
• Only carry what you need.

Manual Labor [3]

• Use knee pads for prolonged kneeling
• Mix up repetitive actions
• Store heavy items within reach (see “work zone”)

Core concepts

In 1700 Ramazzini, a Paduan professor of medicine, outlined the importance of neutral posture and the “work zone” in maintaining muskulo-skeletal health. [12]
We’ve known about ergonomics for hundreds of years. It’s up to you to change.

The Neutral Posture [2]
The position where each joint is resting. Least tension on nerves, muscles, tendons, and bones.
Often seen in astronauts under conditions of weightlessness.

Fingers: gently curved, not spread apart.
Wrists: in line with forearm
Forearms: With thumb up.
Elbows: Bent from 90-110 degrees. Close to torso.
Upper Arms: hangs straight down
Shoulders: resting. not up, down, forward, or back.
Neck: balanced on the spinal column.
Spine: an ‘s’ shape. Upper region bends out. Lower region gently bends in.
Lower body: hip and knee joints slightly bent.

The greater the deviation from the neutral posture, the greater the risk of injury and discomfort.
Cumulative trauma disorders develop over weeks, months, or years from the repeated stress on a particular body part. Start changing your habits now.
Repetitive motion disorders are muscular ailments.
Examples: Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, Dequervain’s Disease,Tendinitis, Trigger Finger

The “work zone” [3]
The best work zone:

• Never do heavy lifting outside of it.
• As far forward as your wrist with arms slightly bent.
• As wide as your shoulders.
• Upper level at about heart height.
• Lower level at about waist height.

The “ok” work zone:

• As far forward as your hand with arm outstretched.
• A foot to either side of shoulders.
• Upper level at shoulder height.
• Lower level at fingertips when arms relaxed at sides.

If you could make the choice to live without pain. Wouldn’t you make the choice everyday?

Citations

1. http://www.census.gov/hhes/commuting/files/2012/ACS-20.pdf
2. http://www.oehc.uchc.edu/ergo_neutralposture.asp
3. https://www.osha.gov/ergonomics/guidelines/retailgrocery/retailgrocery.html#stocking
4. http://www.wikihow.com/Sit-in-a-Car-Without-Back-Pain
5. http://www.chiropractic-uk.co.uk/gfx/uploads/member%20area/Posture%20sheets/Mind%20your%20posture%20-%20commuting.pdf
6. http://ergocanada.com/ergo/monitors/monitor_height_guidelines.html
7. http://www.ors.od.nih.gov/sr/dohs/Documents/ORS_Ergonomics_Poster_Rd5.pdf
8. http://www.forbes.com/sites/alisongriswold/2012/06/12/to-work-better-just-get-up-from-your-desk/
9. http://www.nclabor.com/osha/etta/A_to_Z_Topics/ergo.pdf
10. http://www.gatoroffice.com/monitor_ergonomics.htm
11. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113210203.htm
12. http://ergonomenon.com/ergonomics-articles/bernardino-ramazzini-the-first-ergonomist-and-what-have-we-learned-from-him/

What is “Arc Flash?”
 

Arc flash is a phenomenon that results from an arcing fault, where an electric current strays from its intended path and travels through the air causing an electrical explosion. Between the instantaneous explosion and the resulting radiation and shrapnel, an arc flash often causes violent and serious results;

• Severe skin burns
• Respiratory system damage
• Hearing damage
• Eye/face injuries
• Even death

This is the sixth and final installment of Safety Training Services, Inc.'s second "Office Safety" web blog series. Directly below you will find links to the previous topics:

Part One | Two | Three | Four | Five 

Series #1: Part One | Two | Three | Four 

Now that you've caught yourself up (if need be), we will now discuss two topics in this article: "Safe Driving" and "Recycling." 

Safe Driving

OSHA really says it best, "You are your employer's most valuable asset!" When it comes to driving, we need to understand that the way you drive says everything about you and your company.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), more than 1,766 deaths a year result from occupational transportation incidents. That number is more than 38 percent of the 4,547 annual number of fatalities from occupational injuries. While fatal highway incidents remained the most frequent type of fatal work-related event, transportation incidents accounted for nearly 2 out of every 5 fatal work injuries in 2010 and more than 2 out of every 5 fatal work injuries in 2011.

There were 152 multiple-fatality incidents in 2011 (incidents in which more than one worker was killed) in which 354 workers died.

So what do we do to address this?

Luckily, many of these incidents/injuries are preventable. As does anything else safety-related, it simply requires a bit of knowledge and making a positive statement by following some easy, but mindful guidelines. Luckily, OSHA has done some of the work for us! Here are some their work-related safe driving practices in a quick and easy format:

• Stay Safe!
• Use a seat belt at all times - driver and passenger(s).
• Be well-rested before driving.
• Avoid taking medications that make you drowsy.
• Set a realistic goal for the number of miles that you  can drive safely each day.
• If you are impaired by alcohol or any drug, do not drive.
• Stay Focused!
• Driving requires your full attention. Avoid distractions, such as adjusting the radio or other controls, eating or drinking, and talking on the phone.
• Continually search the roadway to be alert to situations requiring quick action.
• Stop about every two hours for a break. Get out of the vehicle to stretch, take a walk, and get refreshed.
• Avoid Aggressive Driving!
• Keep your cool in traffic!
• Be patient and courteous to other drivers.
• Do not take other drivers' actions personally.
• Reduce your stress by planning your route ahead of time, allowing plenty of travel time, and avoiding crowded roadways and busy driving times.

We all have someplace to be, let's make sure we all get there safely!

Why Recycle?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the cornerstones of any waste reduction program are waste prevention, recycling, and buying/manufacturing recycled-content products. Waste prevention is the process of preventing or reducing the generation of waste. If this is not achievable and when waste cannot be prevented, recycling is the next best option. It saves energy and helps keep valuable materials out of landfills and incinerators. 

• In 2008, the EPA estimated that of the 250 million tons of waste generated in the U.S., approximately one-third, or 83 million tons, was recycled or composted.
• Since 1985, the percentage of waste recycled in the U.S. has doubled, and the trend is likely to continue.

Recycling really deserves it own blog article, but for now, I want to hit on two main topics in an office setting-recycling paper and batteries.

Top 5 Reasons to Recycle Paper:

1. Economic Benefits - Creates new jobs, can make extra money for communities, you can re-sell the paper.
2. Preservation of Trees - Do we really still not know how much trees do for us? Here are 22 benefits of trees; need I say more?
3. Reduce Pollution - Air & water; these are necessities of life! Let's keep it clean, folks.
4. Health Benefits - Indirectly, but yes, less pollution=better air/water. Better air/water=better health. Healthy people don't have to go to the doctor as much and don't need as much medications. You like saving money, right?
5. Greater Sustainability - There's only one Earth that I know of, so we need it to last as long as possible. Recycling paper uses less natural resources and that equates to longer life on Earth. Unless, you're working on a plan for sustainability on other planets in your spare time, check out which bin you're tossing that paper into.

Bad, Bad, Batteries: The Facts

• Inside a battery, heavy metals react with chemical electrolyte to produce the battery’s power. 
• Batteries contain heavy metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium, and nickel, which can contaminate the environment when batteries are improperly disposed of.
• One way to reduce the number of batteries in the waste stream is to purchase rechargeable batteries.
• Recycling batteries is good for the environment. It keeps them out of landfill, where heavy metals may leak into the ground when the battery casing corrodes, causing soil and water pollution.
  
• When incinerated, certain metals might be released into the air or can concentrate in the ash produced by the combustion process.
  
• If you put your batteries into the normal garbage, they will be taken to landfill sites and the resources lost.
  

And for more general information on OSHA's Recycling Standards & Hazards, click here.

And, as always, contact Safety Training Services with any further questions, or simply leave it in our comments section below.