OSHA Weekly: November 2013

Here is a Powerpoint on National Electrical Code 2014 updates that I made. I find that people charge to learn the updates. I just read the code and pick the changes that I thought would affect safety in the workplace. Let me know if you think there are other code updates that are important for safety. You can view the code free atwww.nfpa.org

I am noticing many companies not having the correct PPE for electric work not even AC Voltage detectors. A portable GFCI extension cord cost $23, Class 0 gloves cost $70 and an AC voltage tester $20. These three items would prevent many electrical fatalities.

I recommend also the OSHA Harwood grant product on electrical safety too. It is at https://www.osha.gov/dte/grant_materials/fy10/sh-20999-10/electrical_safety_manual.pdf

I have been teaching at a record pace in October. Confined space safety, electrical hazard awareness, crane signaling, trenching safety and, rigging awareness are the hot topics this month.

John

Here is the news for October

1) The Construction Safety Council is starting their annual 145 Hour class for safety. Many safety professionals and superintendents have taken this in the last few years. Many go on to get the CHST certification. http://www.richblackwell.com/CCSC/Events/131210-145.pdf

2) Spoil pile at the edge is is considered to be added to the trench depth. If you dig a 3.5 feet deep trench and put the spoil 3 feet at the edge. OSHA will say you are in a 6.5 feet trench.

3) I am still seeing employees lower meters into confined spaces vs. using the test hose supplied by the tester manufacturer.

4) Congrats to Elia Zabaneh who retired from the Chicago North Area Office as the Assistant Area Director. Claudia Irizarry will fill his shoes. She recently was the OSHA Harwood Grant Administrator for the Chicago Region and was the IL Consultation supervisor before joining OSHA. Diane Turek will retire at the end of the year so say hello to her before then.

5) I learned today that you can link a confined space gas meter to wireless email so it sends the readings remotely to the corporate office. It also sends an email to the safety director if turned off when alarming.

6) Can a webinar satisfy GHS training for employees? Maybe. Thanks Mark.

Here are the quotes that stand out from the Federal Register. .

"However, OSHA believes that additional training would be necessary to ensure that employees understand some elements of the new system."

"GHS will require more training in their programs to ensure people understand the information."

"For example, ANSI Z535.3, the American National Standard that addresses criteria for safety symbols, contains a test method for determining the effectiveness of a pictogram."

"Training is designed to ensure that employees understand the chemical hazards in their workplace and are aware of protective measures to follow."

Webinar training usually does not meet this criteria. I would want to see a test given after the webinar with plenty of time for interactive questions otherwise the "understood the training" is going to be an issue for OSHA. The weakness is that people does not know how to read their own chemcial's SDS. I am seeing trainers cover pictograms and the new label elements, but no one is digging out the SDS and reviewing the hazards with the workers. It has been quite the shock for companies to read these new SDS. Chlorine cleaners often require eye washes now. Solvent ones say use supplied air.

https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=FEDERAL_REGISTER&p_id=21110

7) Jail time for executive who plead guilty to OSHA violations. http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2013/10/28/ex-chemical-firm-exec-gets-prison-for-worker-death/

8) NIOSH is campaigning against having kids ride in a parent’s lap. This 5 year old was another victim. http://www.ccenterdispatch.com/police/article_f2bb7a76-3d9d-11e3-aa6f-0019bb30f31a.html

Some good Ag Safety posters showing the NIOSH campaign. I like "Bury a Tradition" http://www.childagsafety.org/TractorCampaign.htm

9) ILFA has a good ammonia training online for farmers. Take the assessment and see if you can pass. http://www.ifca.com You must register and allow popups.

10 ) I still get employers think they are exempt from OSHA if they have ten or less employees. That is mainly for the recordkeeping rules. If you have one employee, you probably are under OSHA.

11) Black Friday is always problem. I urge retailers to review guidelines at https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=NEWS_RELEASES&p_id=23259

12) CPWR did a great set of new Tool Box Talks.

http://www.cpwr.com/publications/handouts-toolbox-talks

Significant OSHA Enforcement Action

October 2013

Penalty State Major Issues

1) $280,880 NH Respirators, scaffold, Power Plant Construction

2) $90,900 NJ Confined Space, respirators, silica, Concrete

3) $56,000 NY Hearing Conservation, hexchome, flammables. Metal Hatch mfr.

4) $115,400 NJ Lockout, fire, Aerial lifts, Steel mfr

5) $707.000 WY PSM, Refinery

6) $140,000 WI Willful confined space, Lockout, fatality, ethanol mfr