strategicsafety

Safety Rigging

matt@strategicsafety.net (Matt Moltane) — Thu, 02 Nov 2017 14:20:10 GMT

Check out this rigging safety resource, which is a fantastic way to further your team’s safety education:

Rigging Safety Webinars from Columbus McKinnon Corporation (USA-made rigging equipment supplier):

https://www.cmworks.com/Rigging/Shackles?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-I2mr_Cd1wIVC2SGCh0gWQ5REAAYAiAAEgIrhvD_BwE

You’ll find immediate access to these three safety webinars:

Rigging Part 1: Chain Sling Inspection
Rigging Part 2: Proper Use of Shackles
Rigging Part 3: Rigging with Lever Tools

You may also want to sign up to receive Alerts for their monthly safety webinars.

Safety the Strategic Safety Way!

matt@strategicsafety.net (Matt Moltane) — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 13:59:21 GMT

Dear Readers,

This is the start of a new series of blog posts for our website.

In this series, we will discuss safety programing, best practices in order to help organizations of all sizes prevent accidents and injuries in their workplaces, and help risk consultants help their clients in a better manner.

The advice that will follow comes from our experience in the safety and risk control consulting fields. Look for more to follow!

Preventing Back Pain & Injury

chelsea@behindyourdesign.com (Chelsea Mills) — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 18:34:19 GMT

Heavy lifting, repetitive movements or sitting at a desk all day can take a toll on your back. Get the facts about back pain and how to prevent it.

Whether it's dull and achy or sharp and stabbing, back pain can make it hard to concentrate on your job. Unfortunately, many occupations can place significant demands on your back. Even routine office work can cause or worsen back pain and result in injury. Understand what causes back pain and what you can do to prevent it.

What are the common causes of back pain at work?

A number of factors can contribute to back pain at work:

Force. Exerting too much force on your back, such as by lifting or moving heavy objects like hot water heaters, can cause injury.

Repetition. Repeating certain movements can lead to muscle fatigue or injury, particularly if you're stretching to the limit of your range of motion or using awkward body positioning.

Posture. Slouching exaggerates your back's natural curves, which can lead to muscle fatigue and injury.

Stress. Pressure at work can increase your stress level and lead to muscle tension and tightness, which can contribute to or worsen back pain.

What can I do to avoid back pain at work?

You can take these steps to prevent back pain and injuries at work:

Include physical activity in your daily routine. Maintaining a healthy weight minimizes stress on your back. For most healthy adults, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic activity, preferably spread throughout the week, and strength training exercises at least twice a week. Combine aerobic exercise, such as swimming or walking, with exercises that strengthen and stretch your back muscles and abdomen.

Pay attention to posture. If you stand for long periods at work, occasionally rest one foot on a stool or small box. While you stand, hold reading material at eye level. To promote good posture when sitting, choose a chair that allows you to rest both feet flat on the floor while keeping your knees level with your hips. If necessary, prop your feet with a foot stool or other support. If the chair doesn't support your lower back's curve, place a rolled towel or small pillow behind your lower back. Remove your wallet or cell phone from your back pocket when sitting, to prevent putting pressure on your buttocks or lower back.

Lift properly. When lifting and carrying a heavy object, lift with your knees and tighten your core muscles. Hold the object close to your body and lift it between your legs. Maintain the natural curve of your back. If an object is too heavy to lift safely, find someone to help you. If you cannot move the item with your foot, then you need help. You can also use an appliance dolly with a ratchet strap for moving items such as hot water heaters, etc.

Modify repetitive tasks. Think about how you can modify repetitive tasks at work to reduce physical demands on your body. Use lifting devices or adjustable equipment to help you lift loads. If you're on the phone most of the day, try a headset. If you work at a computer, make sure that your monitor and chair are positioned properly. Avoid unnecessary bending, twisting and reaching.

Listen to your body. If you must sit or stand for a prolonged period, change your position often. Try taking a 30-second break every 15 minutes to stretch, move or relax. Or, stand up, stretch and change positions each time you answer the phone, make a call or do another routine task.

Minimize hazards. Falls can seriously injure your back. Remove anything from your work space that might cause you to trip. Consider wearing low-heeled shoes with nonslip soles.

Address stress. Stress can make you tense and prone to injury. Use positive coping mechanisms, such as deep-breathing exercises, taking a walk around the block or talking about your frustrations with a trusted friend, to handle stress in a healthy way.

Back pain can plague your workdays and free time. You're not stuck with it, though. Take time to examine your work environment and address the situations that might aggravate your back. Even simple steps to ease back pain are steps in the right direction.

References

Mayo Clinic – Back Pain: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/back-pain/DS00171
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) - ERGONOMICS AND MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS : http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ergonomics/

Safe Use of Pool Chemicals

chelsea@behindyourdesign.com (Chelsea Mills) — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 18:29:20 GMT

Proper Training Makes All the Difference!

Swimming pools require frequent application of disinfectants and other pool chemicals, and exposure to these chemicals can cause illness and injury.

During 2002-2008, an estimated 28,071 cases of illness or injury associated with pool disinfectants and other pool chemicals occurred nationally (an average of 4,010 cases per year). Most cases occurred at private residences. In the six states (California, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, North Carolina, and Texas) participating in the Sentinel Event Notification System for Occupational Risk (SENSOR) Program, 40% of cases were work-related, 9% of which involved loss of 1 or more days from work 1 . The most frequently identified causes of illness or injury were mixing incompatible chemicals, spills and splashes of pool chemicals, lack of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) use, lack of proper training and supervision, and dust clouds or fumes generated by opening a pool chemical container.

In order to prevent these injuries and illnesses, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) makes the following training recommendations:

Train all staff in pool chemical safety basics.
Provide additional training to staff working with pool chemicals.
Include at least the following topics in pool operator training/certification to decrease the likelihood of pool chemical–associated injuries in aquatic–facility staff and patrons:

Impact of each pool chemical on the water’s chemistry and the monitoring systems

If the test kit’s limit is exceeded, how to measure higher chlorine levels (for example, using dilution or higher range test strips).

Layout of a safe chemical storage area and pump room
Calculation of pool volume
Calculation of appropriate amount of pool chemicals needed
Safe chemical storage and handling practices

For example: 1) protect individual pool chemicals from mixing together or with other substances and 2) use PPE while handling chemicals.
Check out Federal and Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Michigan OSHA resources.

Basics of preventive and safe maintenance of equipment

For example: 1) close pool to swimmers if recirculation system not running and 2) use PPE when working on equipment that contains or circulates pool chemicals.

First aid for pool chemical exposures
Develop an emergency response plan which includes:

Spill-cleanup procedure
Chemical accident and exposure response
Clear chain of command and alternates with contact information
Evacuation plan
Communication plan for alerting patrons, staff, and emergency responders

Train the staff on the procedures in the emergency response plan.

Keep a copy of the emergency response plan near the chemical storage area, pump room, and pool area, and ensure that another copy is also available at a remote location in case of an evacuation.
Ensure up-to-date MSDSs are easily accessible to first responders in case of evacuation.
Have a phone with updated emergency numbers in case of an evacuation.
Practice emergency response with first responders.

In order to ensure that your staff receives proper training and maintains competency, it is recommended that they obtain the Certified Pool/Spa Operator® (CPO®) certification offered by National Swimming Pool Foundation 2 certified instructors. The CPO® certification course is designed to provide the basic knowledge, techniques, and skills of pool and spa operations including safe storage and use of chemicals.

References:

CDC. Acute Illness and Injury from Swimming Pool Disinfectants and Other Chemicals --- United States, 2002—2008. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2011; 60(39):1343-7.
National Swimming Pool Foundation at www.nspf.org

Hazard Communication Aligns with GHS

chelsea@behindyourdesign.com (Chelsea Mills) — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 18:20:14 GMT

In 2012, federal OSHA amended the Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200); and effective December 21, 2012, Michigan adopted the amended federal standard by reference.

The amendments essentially modify the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to closely align with the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS).

OSHA has concluded this improved information will enhance the effectiveness of the HCS in ensuring that employees are apprised of the chemical hazards to which they may be exposed, and in reducing the incidence of chemical-related occupational illnesses and injuries.

The modifications to the standard include:

Revised criteria for classification of chemical hazards.
Revised labeling provisions that include requirements for use of standardized signal words, pictograms, hazard statements, and precautionary statements. A specified format for safety data sheets (SDSs).
Related revisions to definitions of terms used in the standard.
Requirements for employee training on labels and safety data sheets (SDSs).

OSHA and MIOSHA are also modifying provisions of other standards, including standards for flammable and combustible liquids, process safety management, and most substance-specific health standards, to ensure consistency with the modified HCS requirements. The consequences of these modifications will be to improve safety and to facilitate global harmonization of standards. The MIOSHA standards may be found at www.michigan.gov/mioshastandards .

Additionally, OSHA and MIOSHA are requiring that employees are trained on the new label elements (i.e., pictograms, hazard statements, precautionary statements, and signal words) and SDS format by December 1, 2013 , while full compliance with the final rule will begin in 2015. American workplaces will soon begin to receive labels and SDSs that are consistent with the GHS, since many American and foreign chemical manufacturers have already begun to produce HazCom 2012/GHS-compliant labels and SDSs. It is important to ensure that when employees begin to see the new labels and SDSs in their workplaces they will be familiar with them, understand how to use them, and access the information effectively.

Various free resources are available from MIOSHA’s website:

Hazard Communication Employee Training Power Point Program (including GHS revisions)
Hazard Communication Sample Plan
Hazard Communication - Aligning with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS)
MIOSHA Standards Affected by the New GHS/Hazard Communication Standard
MIOSHA Regulated Area Signs Affected by the New GHS/Hazard Communication Standard
Right To Know Hazard Communication Compliance Guide
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Location Poster
New/Revised Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Poster
LESS DVD/Video Lending Library currently has two DVD's on GHS that you can request on loan:

GHS Globalize Your Communication #1072
HazCom And The Global Harmonizing System: Employee Training #1068

Preventing “Falls from Elevations” in Your Workplace

chelsea@behindyourdesign.com (Chelsea Mills) — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 18:16:54 GMT

Do employees or contractors you hire perform work at elevations using ladders, scaffolds or lifts? Do they clean gutters, trim trees, perform minor roofing repairs, change lighting, paint at heights, etc.? If so, then the preventive measures taken can greatly reduce their chance of a fatal injury.

Background

Before discussing methods of preventing “falls from elevations,” let us put the issue into context with a focus on the revised 2011 workplace fatality data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which report that 4,609 workers were killed on the job.

Fatal falls, slips, or trips took the lives of 666 workers in 2011, or about 14% of all fatal work injuries. Falls to “lower level” accounted for 541 of those fatalities.
The height of the fall was reported in 451 of the 541 fatal falls from elevation. Of those 451 fatal cases:

115 occurred after a fall of 10 feet or less .
118 occurred from a fall of over 30 feet .
38 occurred after fall from collapsing structure or equipment.
Fall through surface or existing opening (e.g., skylights, hatches, etc.) totaled 60.

In the state of Michigan during a five year period from 2006 to 2010, falls accounted for 22% of the more than 181 workplace fatalities investigated by MIOSHA. In construction, the number is even higher at 29% of fatalities investigated.

Additionally, within the last 3 years, MIOSHA and OSHA have reported that fall protection and scaffolding violations are the top 2 cited standards. Ladder violations range from #5 to #9 within the ranking of most cited violations. Both agencies continue to dedicate a greater degree of enforcement and training focus in these areas.

Real-Life Examples

Let’s look at some real-life examples of fatal falls:

A 43-year-old Carpenter was working on a ladder that barely reached the roof edge. The base of the ladder slipped away in the ice and snow, causing the employee to fall 8 feet.
A 33-year-old Laborer was working near the edge of a roof. When he pulled on an electrical cord to power a screw gun, he lost his balance and fell off the roof 28 feet to the ground below.
A 56-year-old Laborer was climbing the corner suspension portion of a scaffold not designed for climbing and fell 8 feet to the ground. The appropriate access ladder was brought to the site the next day.
A 31-year-old Service Technician was repairing telephone strand from a 28-foot portable ladder. The ladder hooks were not fully engaged on the wire terminal. He fell off the ladder to the ground.
A 46-year-old Landscaping Employee stringing decorative lights climbed a tree to about 30 feet above the ground. The employee fell from the tree and died 18 days later from multiple injuries.

Preventing Falls

The following preventive practices, while not exhaustive, provide the fundamental basis for an effective program:

Understand if the work being performed is considered construction or service, and which safety standards apply. See below the list of safety standards that will likely apply.
Conduct a job hazard analysis (JHA) to determine the safest way to do the job and select the right tools and equipment.
Conduct safety training.
Use guardrail systems, safety net systems, personal fall arrest systems, or appropriate restraints when exposed to a fall hazard.
Place guardrails around skylights and place solid covers on roof openings.
Cover or guard floor holes or openings immediately.
Survey existing structures to ensure surfaces are safe to walk on.
Ensure ladders are appropriate and long enough to do the job. Secure ladders at the top whenever possible. Do not stand on the top two steps.
Inspect equipment before use and do not use when damaged or defective.
Follow safety rules and instructions.
Look out for co-workers and tell them when you see something unsafe.
Select qualified contractors and vendors that ensure their employees work safely.

MIOSHA Standards That Apply to Fall Prevention: www.michigan.gov/mioshastandards

Construction

Part 6, Personal Protective Equipment
Part 12, Scaffolds & Scaffold Platforms
Part 21, Guarding of Walking & Working Surfaces
Part 26 , Steel Erection
Part 32, Aerial Work Platforms
Part 45 , Fall Protection

General Industry

Part 2, Floor & Wall Openings, Stairways & Skylights
Part 5, Scaffolding
Part 33, Personal Protective Equipment
Part 53, Tree Trimming & Removal
Part 58, Vehicle Mounted Elevating Platforms

Eliminating Slip/Trip & Fall Hazards in Parking Lots

chelsea@behindyourdesign.com (Chelsea Mills) — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 18:12:45 GMT

Each year, a large number of slip/trip and fall incidents occur in parking lots and adjacent walking surfaces that result in serious and, in some cases, fatal injuries.

Consider these statistics:

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over one million Americans suffer a slip/trip and fall injury and over 17,000 people die in the U.S. annually because of these injuries.
Slip/trip and falls make up 15% of all work related injuries, which account for between 12% and 15% of all Workers' Compensation expenses.
The CDC estimates that 20% to 30% of people who experience a slip and fall will suffer moderate to severe injuries such as bruises, hip fractures, or head injuries.
Slip and fall accidents are the common cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and these account for 46% of fatal falls among older Americans.
Accident studies indicate that almost 80% of slips and falls due to snow and ice occur in parking lots or on sidewalks; more than 50% occur in the morning between 6:00 a.m. and noon.

In this article, we will review how parking lot/walking surface maintenance and response to weather conditions can prevent slip/trip and fall injuries in your workplace.

Parking Lot/Walking Surface Maintenance

Establish a formal inspection program to identify current hazards and to plan for necessary maintenance, which should include at least the following:

Check regularly for cracks, depressions and uneven surfaces especially at the transition between asphalt and concrete walkways. Sealing cracks can reduce frost heaves and extend the life of your lot. Hazards such as potholes and broken walking surfaces are readily identifiable and should be corrected as quickly as possible before an incident occurs.
Inspect light bulbs and replacement, if necessary. It may often be dark when employees arrive and leave during the winter, and reduced visibility can increase risk.
Paint curbs, islands, ramps, wheel stops and other elevation changes a contrasting color with slip resistant paint. If at all possible, Do Not use wheel stops.
Provide curb cutouts that are slip resistant and meet ADA guidelines.
Ensure drain covers and utility grates are flush with walking surfaces with no openings in the grate greater than one inch.
Ensure that roof drains do not discharge across sidewalks or into parking areas.
Maintain awnings or canopies over stairs and entranceways.
Conduct thorough incident investigations and review of loss trends to discover the underlying causes of your slip/trip and falls in your workplace. Eliminating the root causes will prevent recurrence.

Response to Weather Conditions

Slip/trip and falls can occur in parking lots at any time of year, but the winter months tend to have the highest frequency of these injuries because of rain, ice, and snow. An effective response is removal of ice and snow completely before employees arrive for work and continued removal throughout the day. A Snow and Ice Removal Program is the best way to achieve this objective. Be sure that your program, at a minimum, allows for the following:

Assigning a Program Coordinator. Ensure this person clearly understands all the responsibilities of the role.
Clear parking lots of snow and ice before employees arrive.
Push snow in parking lots when it reaches a depth of 3 inches. Push it to the low end of the lot or as close to drains as possible to reduce drainage, which can refreeze. Keep piles away from exits, which can obscure a driver’s view entering and exiting the lot.
Walkways, stairways and ramps should be completely cleared of snow and ice.
Entranceways need special attention because moisture can be tracked into facilities where tile and other surfaces can get slippery. Provide extra walk-off mats during heavy snows. Install wet floor signs to warn employees and visitors about the increased slip hazard.
Use deicers to treat icy pavements. Salts, such as sodium chloride and calcium chloride, are the most common.
Use abrasives, such as sand, to provide traction for pedestrians and vehicles.
Pay particular attention to north facing sides of buildings, which receive less sunlight and tend to stay frozen much longer.
If outside contractors are used, the contract should be explicit about responsibilities, timing and priorities.
Require employees to wear slip resistant footwear. Rubber soled shoes or boots are less likely to slip on icy surfaces than leather soled shoes or high heels. Worn soles increase the likelihood of slipping. Also, wide arrays of ice traction devices are available from suppliers, which are highly effective.

Preventing the Flu in Your Workplace

chelsea@behindyourdesign.com (Chelsea Mills) — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 16:16:48 GMT

On average, 13% of the U.S. population gets the flu every year, with active flu seasons seeing closer to 20%, or more than 62 million Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In addition to the 100 million work days lost due to flu-related illness last season, more than one-third of those days would have been uncompensated with the costs borne by the employee, resulting in $6.8 billion in lost wages.

When it comes to sick time and employers' costs, nearly two-thirds of total missed work days would have been employer-paid, resulting in a cost of more than $10 billion to companies' bottom lines due to lost productivity. In addition to missed work days, nearly 2 million business trips were canceled last season, based on survey projections.

So, how can the effects of the 2013-2014 influenza season be mitigated in your workplace? In large part, by making use of the following three (3) methods:

Vaccination - CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease. While there are many different flu viruses, the flu vaccine is designed to protect against the three main flu strains that research indicates will cause the most illness during the flu season.

Getting the flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available each year is always a good idea, and the protection you get from vaccination will last throughout the flu season. The timing of flu is very unpredictable and can vary from season to season. Flu activity most commonly peaks in the U.S. in January or February. However, seasonal flu activity can begin as early as October and continue to occur as late as May.

Flu vaccines are designed to protect against three influenza viruses that experts predict will be the most common during the upcoming season. Three kinds of influenza viruses commonly circulate among people today: Influenza A (H1N1) viruses, influenza A (H3N2) viruses, and influenza B viruses. Each year, one flu virus of each kind is used to produce seasonal influenza vaccine.

Everyday preventive steps will help to reduce the spread of germs:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
Clean your hands to help protect from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
Practice other good health habits. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat and prevent the flu. If you get sick, there are drugs that can treat flu illness. They are called antiviral drugs and they can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They also can prevent serious flu-related complications, like pneumonia.

As an employer, consider implementing these specific CDC-recommended strategies this flu season.

Strategy 1: Host a flu vaccination clinic in the workplace.

To minimize absenteeism, employers frequently offer onsite seasonal flu vaccination to employees at no or low cost to their employees. This option can work well if the employer has an on-site occupational health clinic. If you don’t have a clinic, pharmacies and community vaccinators can be contracted to provide seasonal flu vaccination services on-site.

Strategy 2: Promote flu vaccination in the community.

Make sure your employees know where they and their family can get seasonal flu vaccination in the community. Find out about health providers, pharmacies or clinics that offer seasonal flu vaccinations in your community. Partner with a pharmacy or provider to get your employees vaccinated.

Visit www.flu.gov for additional resources on preventing influenza.

Natural Gas Safety

chelsea@behindyourdesign.com (Chelsea Mills) — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 15:01:31 GMT

Natural gas is one of the safest energy sources available to homeowners and businesses alike. By itself, natural gas will not ignite. For ignition to occur, a mixture of gas between four and 14 percent must combine with air. Also, gas must have an ignition source with a temperature of 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit or more before it will ignite.

Natural gas has no odor. We add a harmless chemical with a distinctive, rotten egg odor to gas to make it easily identifiable. Sure, it smells bad! But in case of a leak, you'll know to call MichCon for service. Our response time to gas leaks is among the best in the industry.

While natural gas is not toxic (like any other fossil fuel), it can produce carbon monoxide (CO) if it does not burn completely. That's why all flues and chimneys should be clear of debris and all natural gas appliances should be in good operating condition. We recommend an annual appliance inspection and installing at least one CO detector in the home.

Every year, MichCon personnel survey 12, 800 miles of distribution pipeline - about two-thirds of the entire system. In addition to verifying overall system integrity these surveys help us identify small leaks so we can assess their potential impact and take appropriate measures to manage, repair or eliminate them as necessary. All mains and service lines are surveyed at least every three years. Cast iron mains and all lines in areas classified as business districts are surveyed once every year.

Natural gas service lines which supply gas to homes and businesses are often buried in easements and on private property. The use of sharp tools can damage these lines, causing injury or loss of service. Before doing any digging, call MISS DIG at 811.

Your safety is our priority. We operate and maintain more than 2,400 miles of high-pressure natural gas transmission lines in Michigan. Read our brochure, Sharing Responsibility for Natural Gas Pipeline Safety *, for tips on identifying a natural gas pipeline and what to do if a pipeline is damaged, a leak occurs or if you must dig in the vicinity of a gas line

Safety Rules

Here are a few rules to follow to help keep you and your employees safe:

Follow manufacturer's instructions in the care and operation of gas-fired equipment.
Have qualified contractors handle natural gas-related repair and installation jobs.
Keep all combustible materials away from the flame of your gas equipment. Keep burners and surrounding surfaces clean.
Make sure the flues of automatically controlled equipment are corrosion-free, securely attached, and correctly vented.
Don't block air vents. Gas equipment requires air to burn fuel completely and operate efficiently. A yellowish flame can signal improper operation..
Do not operate gas-fueled equipment in an unventilated space.

Gas Leak Safety

If you smell gas...

Gas leaks are dangerous. It's important that you know how to recognize and report a gas emergency.

Natural gas is odorless and colorless, so we add a harmless substance to it to make it smell like rotten eggs. Why? So you can easily detect a gas leak.

If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak:

A note about our gas leak emergency service

MichCon's special gas leak hotline is 800.947.5000. This number is designated for gas leak reporting only. Operators can not take or transfer calls relating to other topics. Customers can also dial 800.477.4747 and follow the automated prompts to report a gas leak. MichCon has emergency service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

MichCon is recognized as a nationwide industry leader for its quick response to reported gas leaks by the American Gas Association. MichCon strives to provide exceptional and safe service to our customers.

Before you Dig, Call MISS Dig

Annually there are about 10,000 dig-in damages to underground utility lines in Michigan. If you dig up underground utilities, you could disrupt service to your home or your neighbors' homes. You could be fined for the damages. Most importantly of all, you could be putting your safety at risk.

If you plan to use power equipment to dig foundations or post holes, install an in-ground pool or sprinkler system, or plant landscaping, it's important you follow these four steps to Raise the Flags and dig safely.

Call MISS DIG at 811 or 800.482.7171

It's fast, it's free, it's the law. Calling MISS DIG before every job that involves excavating is your first step toward finishing the job safely!

Wait until the flags are raised

Wait at least three business days after calling MISS DIG for local utilities to locate and raise flags over their underground lines.

Expose utility lines by hand digging

Don't make assumptions about the depth and location of utility lines. Dig by hand to expose the lines before using power equipment. Be sure to dig carefully; a sharp shovel can do a lot of unintentional damage.

Respect the flags

Leave the flags in place until your underground work is complete. Make sure children and neighbors know not to remove the flags until the work is done. Avoid driving or parking heavy vehicles or storing construction materials over utility lines when possible.

Keep your work crews safe, keep the public safe and help protect our underground lines. Raise the Flags before you dig!

Pilot Light Safety

chelsea@behindyourdesign.com (Chelsea Mills) — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 14:46:59 GMT

According to the American Gas Association (AGA), more than 60 million customers use natural gas in homes and businesses in the United States. Current estimates indicate that natural gas provides about 24 percent of all the energy that is used across the nation.

Along with the AGA, DTE Energy describes natural gas as one of the safest energy sources available to homeowners and businesses alike for these reasons:

Natural gas will not ignite by itself. For ignition to occur, a mixture of gas between 4 and 14 percent must combine with air. Also, gas must have an ignition source with a temperature of 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit or more before it will ignite.

Natural gas is lighter than air, so it usually will safely rise and disperse into the air if it is allowed to vent freely.

While natural gas is odorless, colorless and tasteless, it is combined with a chemical called mercaptan to help you detect even the smallest amount of gas leaking into the air. The odor of mercaptan is similar to rotten eggs.

But, even with this in mind, it is very important to understand natural gas and to be aware of safety tips concerning its use. Most accidents occur because of lack of knowledge that leads to unsafe equipment/appliances and work practices, not because natural gas itself is unsafe.

So, let’s focus on gas pilot lights and some important safety tips.

As many know, a pilot light is a small flame that is kept alight constantly in order to serve as an ignition source for a gas burner. They are used on many gas appliances, such as water heaters, clothes dryers, central heating systems, fireplaces and stoves. When the appliance is turned on, a valve releases more gas, which is ignited by the pilot light.

A pilot light may need to be re-lit from time to time after being extinguished on purpose or by accident. If it is accidentally extinguished, there exists a danger that the gas used to keep the flame lit will continue to vent, possibly into the living space. If this leak continues, its concentration may reach a point where a spark – such as that from a cigarette lighter, static electricity, or even the pilot light itself as it is re-lit – will cause a fire or even an explosion.

Numerous injuries have been reported when people have tried to re-light a pilot light after the appliance’s malfunctioning sensor failed to stop the flow of gas into the room. For example, thermocouples are degraded by continued exposure to the pilot light’s flame, which increases their electrical resistance and reduces their effectiveness as flame sensors.

These important safety tips can be followed in both our workplaces and homes:

If the pilot light of an appliance goes out, turn off the gas at the appliance for several minutes before attempting to re-light it. Instructions should be attached to the appliance.

Pilot lights and main burners on gas appliances should always produce a blue flame. If the flame is yellow or red, service is required as soon as possible.

Use a gas appliance only for its intended purpose. An oven, for example, should not be used to heat a room.

Never store or use flammable liquids (e.g., gasoline, paint, paint thinner, cleaning fluids, aerosols, etc.) in the same room with any gas appliance, or near a flue outlet.

Never store combustibles near an appliance with a pilot light or open flame.

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the installation and operation of each appliance.

Have qualified service personnel install and maintain all gas appliances. Periodic testing and replacement of devices such as thermocouples will mitigate the hazards posed by pilot light-equipped appliances.

Lastly, be aware of the danger from insecticide “bug bombs” and foggers. A number of residences and businesses are destroyed every year when a pilot light ignites the explosive gasses released from these devices:

A fire erupted at an Ohio residence after a man placed a roach fumigator under his kitchen sink and the fumes reached his oven’s pilot light.
A residence in San Diego was filled with so much gas from 19 foggers that the pilot light destroyed the home and launched shrapnel into the street.
A Thai restaurant in Australia released 36 foggers creating enough gas to blow the roof off the building in a massive explosion that hospitalized three men and caused $500,000 in damages when an oven's pilot light ignited the gas released from the foggers.

Sources:

American Gas Association (AGA) at www.aga.org ;
DTE Energy at www2.dteenergy.com
International Association of Certified Home Inspectors at www.nachi.org/pilot-lights.htm

Power Tool Safety

chelsea@behindyourdesign.com (Chelsea Mills) — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 14:43:59 GMT

Tips to Avoid Workplace Injuries

Did you know that power tools have been around since 1895? In fact, C. & E. Fein GmbH was the first when it invented the world’s first electric hand drill, which was a bit awkward to use by today’s standards. Later in 1916, Mr. Black and Mr. Decker improved the electric hand drill design with a trigger-styled handle inspired by Colt’s .45 caliber pistol. Ever since, countless others have brought new power tools and design innovations to market. All this has made our work easier and faster, but has also brought about a significant potential for injury.

In a Forbes magazine article titled, The 10 Most Dangerous Power Tools , by William Baldwin, dated December 21, 2009, common power tools were ranked according to their number of respective injuries resulting from use. The top 3 common power tools responsible for the largest number of emergency room visits were:

Power nailers at 37,000 ER visits/year
Chain saws at 36,000 ER visits/year
Table saws at 29,000 ER visits/year

One government survey in 2003 blamed workshop and indoor power tools for an average of 400,000 emergency room visits a year.

Workers operating power tools face a wide range of potential hazards throughout any given day. Without the proper training and maintenance, they are at risk of injuries resulting from lacerations, flying objects, harmful dusts, electrical accidents and more. Understanding the role of prevention and making a commitment power tool safety can go a long way toward decreasing exposure to hazards and eliminating workplace incidents altogether.

So, how do we ensure the proper and safe use of power tools to prevent workplace injuries? Follow these four tips:

Tip #1 – Select the right tool and use it the right way. Easier said than done, right? This implies not only knowledge and understanding, but also the discipline to avoid short-cuts and jury rigging. Improvising with the wrong tool often results in not only damage, but injury. When there is any doubt about the right tool for the job, seek professional advice. True professionals, almost without exception, are willing to share years of experience and knowledge with anyone sincerely seeking their advice.

Tip #2 – Provide quality education and training to your workers. Unless you have provided training in the recent past, avoid making the dangerous assumption that your workers are adequately trained! While reading the Owner’s Manual is a good start, classroom education and hands-on training is even better. Tool manufacturers often times provide product safety material free of charge or for a nominal fee. For example, see the Stihl Chain Saw videos at http://www.stihlusa.com/information/videos/ . Also, many manufacturers upon request will send representatives into the field to provide end user training. Additionally, the Power Tool Institute ( www.powertoolinstitute.com ) provides FREE tool specific materials and videos. Any individual or business may access these materials at their website or request the desired materials to be shipped free of charge. Take advantage of these resources!

Tip #3 – Clean, inspect and service your power tools after each use. Defective parts are harder to spot when the tool is covered with dirt and grease. Also, the time to get a tool fixed is not when you next need it! Avoid procrastination and get repairs done right away. Develop and use an inspection checklist for power tools in your workplace. Routine attention given to tool condition helps to promote the identification of deficient (e.g. guard removed) or defective (e.g., broken part) tools and facilitate their repair.

Tip #4 – Know and understand your regulatory obligations. Employers and employees have specific responsibilities listed within the federal and Michigan OSHA safety standards applicable to tool design, use and maintenance. Also, both agencies have published educational materials for safe power tool use. A few of these resources are listed below:

MIOSHA General Industry Safety Standard - Part 38. Hand and Portable Power Tools http://www.michigan.gov/documents/CIS_WSH_part38_51256_7.pdf

MIOSHA Construction Safety Standard – Part 19. Tools http://www.michigan.gov/documents/CIS_WSH_part19cRev_42231_7.pdf

Federal OSHA – Hand and Power Tools

https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/handpowertools/index.html

https://www.osha.gov/doc/outreachtraining/htmlfiles/tools.html

Taking Care of Your Eyesight

chelsea@behindyourdesign.com (Chelsea Mills) — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 14:33:23 GMT

Eye injuries are far too common in the workplace. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports about 2,000 U.S. workers sustain job-related eye injuries that require medical treatment each day. The majority of these injuries result from small particles or objects striking or abrading the eye. Examples include metal slivers, wood chips, dust, and cement chips that are ejected by tools, wind-blown, or fall from above a worker. Some of these objects, such as nails, staples, or slivers of wood or metal penetrate the eyeball and result in a permanent loss of vision. Large objects may also strike the eye/face, or a worker may run into an object causing blunt force trauma to the eyeball or eye socket. Chemical burns to one or both eyes from splashes of industrial chemicals or cleaning products are common. Thermal burns to the eye occur as well. Among welders, their assistants, and nearby workers, UV radiation burns (welder’s flash) routinely damage workers’ eyes and surrounding tissue.

In addition to common eye injuries, health care workers, janitorial workers, and other workers may be at risk of acquiring infectious diseases via ocular exposure. Infectious diseases can be transmitted through the mucous membranes of the eye as a result of direct exposure or from touching the eyes with contaminated fingers or other objects.

Fortunately, we can protect against these hazards by using the appropriate protective eyewear for our jobs.

A survey by the Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reveals how and why many on-the-job accidents occur:

Not wearing eye protection. Nearly three out of every five workers injured were not wearing eye protection at the time of the accident.
Wearing the wrong kind of eye protection for the job. About 40 of the injured workers were wearing some form of eye protection when the accident occurred. These workers were most likely to be wearing eyeglasses with no side shields, though injuries among employees wearing full-cup or flat-fold side shields occurred, as well.

What Causes Eye Injuries?

Flying particles. Almost 70% of the accidents studied resulted from flying or falling objects or sparks striking the eye. Injured workers estimated that nearly three-fifths of the objects were smaller than a pin head. Most of the particles were said to be traveling faster than a hand-thrown object when the accident occurred.
Contact with chemicals caused one-fifth of the injuries.
Other accidents were caused by objects swinging from a fixed or attached position, like tree limbs, ropes, chains, or tools which were pulled into the eye while the worker was using them.

The BLS reported that more than 50% of workers injured while wearing eye protection thought the eyewear had minimized their injuries. Further, it is estimated that 90% of eye injuries can be prevented through the use of proper protective eyewear. There are several types of eye protection and it’s important you wear the right protection for the task.

Safety Glasses

Safety glasses with side shields are a good form of eye protection for general use to prevent flying debris and or objects from coming into contact with your eyes.

Safety Goggles

Goggles offer superior protection from small flying debris and particles as well as chemical splashes.

Face Shields

When grinding, changing propane or changing batteries, a face shield along with our safety glasses or goggles give additional protection during these types of tasks.

Make wearing protective eyewear a safety habit in your workplace! Take care of your eyesight!

Resources:

CDC/NIOSH Workplace Safety & Health Topics at www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/eye/
Preventing Blindness America at www.preventblindness.org
Personal stories at www.oakley.com/community/news/bloody-eye/

Smart Practices for Small Vehicle Fleet Safety

chelsea@behindyourdesign.com (Chelsea Mills) — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 14:28:58 GMT

Is the exposure to your organization from employees driving on company business significant? You bet it is! In this article you will learn why and what you can do to minimize that exposure.

First, motor vehicle-related incidents are consistently the leading cause of work-related fatalities in the United States. Of the occupational fatalities reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 35% are associated with motor vehicle collisions. Between 2003 and 2009, on average:

1308 workers died each year from crashes on public highways

316 workers died each year in crashes that occurred off the highway or on industrial premises

347 pedestrian workers died each year as a result of being struck by a motor vehicle

Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics

Even more alarming are the traffic collision statistics reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In 2010 in the United States, there were a total of:

32,885 deaths
2,243,000 injuries
5,419,000 total collisions
9,566,928 vehicles involved

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that the average American has a 30 percent chance of being involved in a serious automobile accident in their lifetime. Further, according to the National Safety Council, the average cost of injury in a car accident is $61,600.

Second, in light of those statistics, two objectives become critical for organizations: 1.) to prevent traffic collisions from happening and 2.) to mitigate the losses should traffic collisions occur. In order to do that, follow these smart safety practice tips:

Safe Driving Policy - Develop and implement a safe driving policy, which establishes the expectations for employees operating company vehicles or personal vehicles while on company business. For example, if wearing a seat belt is considered safe behavior by your organization (which, of course, it is), then state so in writing. Unfortunately, if you do not “put it in writing,” it is often times successfully argued that it was not clear enough and/or the organization did not deem it important enough. So be clear and specific.

Driving Record Review Criteria - Establish driving record review criteria that are consistent with your organization’s current auto liability insurance carrier. In most cases, the Carrier will share these objective criteria with you. In turn, will be able to effectively and efficiently evaluate a candidate’s driving record on the spot.

Monitor and Evaluate Driving Records - Conduct driving record checks at time of hire, before reassignment to duties that will involve driving, and, at least, annually. This helps to ensure that employees with acceptable records are driving on company business and, in the event of a traffic collision, minimizes the possibility of a negligent entrustment case.

For candidates/employees residing in Michigan, the best way to monitor their driving record is to use the Michigan Secretary of State’s Driving Record Subscription Service . This service provides organizations with the driving records of their employees on an annual basis; or whenever there are any violations, restrictions, suspensions, or revocations posted to the record.

For candidates/employees whom recently moved to Michigan or currently live in another state, you may not get a complete driving record unless you use a service that pulls from the database in the other state(s). In these cases, you may have the candidate/employee provide you with an original and current driving record for review OR you may contract with a service (e.g., online service or your insurance agent/broker) to gain access to driving records.

Vehicle Use Policy – Develop and implement a vehicle use policy that details how a company vehicle may be used at work and home (if you allow vehicle to be taken home), who is allowed to drive/ride in company vehicles, acceptable limits of insurance for personal auto policies for those employees driving their personal vehicle while on company business, etc.

Defensive Driver Training – Many effective defensive driver training programs, for example, the National Safety Council, Smith System, and insurance carrier-based, exist today. The key is to select one that fits your needs, balancing cost and effectiveness, in order to proactively educate and train your employees. Do not just assume that your employees know and use defensive driving skills. While experience is a great teacher, it is far too costly to be relied upon in this case. For every $1 spent on defensive driver training, you can quite literally expect to save $10,000 down the road.

Monitor On-road Performance – Use some means to monitor on-road driving behaviors so that you receive feedback on employees’ driving. The key is to catch unsafe driving behaviors and intervene before citations are issued or collisions occur.

Too Hot for Your Health!

chelsea@behindyourdesign.com (Chelsea Mills) — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 19:07:21 GMT

At times, especially during summer months, workers may be required to work in hot environments that adversely affect their health.

When the human body is unable to maintain a normal temperature, heat-related illnesses can occur. Heat-related deaths and illness are preventable yet annually many people succumb to extreme heat. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, from 1979-2003, excessive heat exposure caused 8,015 deaths in the United States. During this period, more people in this country died from extreme heat than from hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes combined! In order to reduce the risk, both employers and workers need to be well-educated on prevention measures.

So, as a start, let’s focus on the most important facts.

What is Hyper thermia?

Hyper thermia is an abnormally high body temperature caused by a failure of the heat-regulating mechanisms of the body to deal with the heat coming from the environment. Heat rash, heat fatigue, heat syncope (sudden dizziness after prolonged exposure to the heat), heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are commonly known forms of hyperthermia.

What are the Factors that Increase Risk to Workers?

High temperature and humidity
Direct sun exposure (with no shade)
Indoor exposure to other sources of radiant heat (e.g., furnaces)
Limited air movement (no breeze)
Low fluid consumption
Physical exertion
Heavy personal protective clothing and equipment
Poor physical condition or health problems
Some medications (e.g., different kinds of blood pressure pills or antihistamines)
Pregnancy
Lack of recent exposure to hot working conditions
Previous heat-related illness
Advanced age (65+)

What is the Most Serious Form of Hyperthermia?

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related health problem. It occurs when the body’s temperature regulating system fails and body temperature rises to critical levels. Symptoms of heat stroke include confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures, very high body temperature, hot and dry skin, or profuse sweating.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency that may rapidly result in death! Call 911 and get emergency medical help. Make sure that someone stays with the worker until help arrives. Move the worker to a shaded, cool area and remove outer clothing. Wet the worker with cool water and circulate the air to speed cooling. Place cold wet clothes or ice all over the body or soak the worker’s clothing with cold water.

What is the Most Common Form of Hyperthermia?

Heat rash is the most common problem in hot work environments. Heat rash is caused by sweating and looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters. Heat rash usually appears on the neck, upper chest, in the groin, under the breasts and in elbow creases. If a worker shows signs of possible heat rash, the best treatment is to provide a cooler, less humid work environment. The rash area should be kept dry. Powder may be applied to increase comfort. Ointments and creams should not be used on a heat rash. Anything that makes the skin warm or moist may make the rash worse.

What are some of the Most Effective Prevention Measures?

• Train workers and supervisors about the hazards leading to heat illness, how to recognize symptoms in themselves and others, and ways to prevent them.

• Train and encourage workers to immediately report symptoms in themselves and others.

• Provide workers with plenty of cool water in locations close to work areas.

• Remind workers to frequently drink small amounts of water before they become thirsty to maintain good hydration. During moderate activity, in moderately hot conditions, workers should drink about 1 cup every 15 to 20 minutes. Make workers aware that it is harmful to drink extreme amounts of water. Workers should generally not drink more than 12 quarts (48 cups) in a 24 hour period. Instruct workers that urine should be clear or lightly colored.

• Workers should eat regular meals and snacks as they provide enough salt and electrolytes to replace those lost through sweating as long as enough water is consumed. Electrolyte drinks are usually not necessary.

• If heavy job tasks cannot be avoided, change work/rest cycles to increase the amount of rest time.

• Schedule frequent rest periods with water breaks in shaded or air-conditioned recovery areas.

Note that air conditioning will NOT result in loss of heat tolerance and is recommended for rest breaks.

• Monitor weather reports daily and reschedule jobs with high heat exposure to cooler times of the day. Be extra vigilant during heat waves when air temperatures rise above normal.

When possible, routine maintenance and repair projects should be scheduled for the cooler seasons of the year.

Resources:

For more information about protecting workers from heat-related illnesses visit:

• OSHA online at www.osha.gov

• NIOSH online at www.cdc.gov

NIH News online at www.nih.gov

Cold Stress Injuries – An Effective Strategy for Prevention

chelsea@behindyourdesign.com (Chelsea Mills) — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 18:13:25 GMT

As colder weather returns, it becomes important to implement an effective strategy to prevent cold stress injuries. Workers completing tasks in cold weather, and sometimes for extended periods, are vulnerable to the range of cold stresses. These injuries are preventable by being informed and prepared. An effective strategy will encourage safe practices at both work and home.

So, let’s help workers understand what cold stress is, how it may affect their health and safety, and how it can be prevented.

How cold is too cold?
When the body is unable to warm itself, cold related stress may result. This may include tissue damage and possibly death. Four factors contribute to cold stress:

Cold air temperatures
High velocity air movement
Dampness of the air
Contact with cold water or surfaces.

A cold environment forces the body to work harder to maintain its temperature. Cold air, water, and snow all draw heat from the body. Wind chill is the combination of air temperature and wind speed. For example, when the air temperature is 40°F, and the wind speed is 35 mph, your exposed skin receives conditions equivalent to the air temperature being 11°F. While it is obvious that below freezing conditions combined with inadequate clothing could bring about cold stress, it is also important to understand that it can also be brought about by temperatures in the 50°F's coupled with some rain and wind.

How does the body react to cold conditions?
When in a cold environment, most of the body's energy is used to keep its internal temperature warm. Over time, the body will begin to shift blood flow from its extremities (hands, feet, arms, and legs) and outer skin to the core (chest and abdomen). This allows exposed skin and the extremities to cool rapidly and increases the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.

What is Hypothermia?
Hypothermia which means "low heat , " is a potentially serious health condition. This occurs when body heat is lost faster than it can be replaced. When the core body temperature drops below the normal 98.6°F to around 95°F, the onset of symptoms normally begins. The person may begin to shiver and stomp their feet in order to generate heat. Workers may lose coordination, have slurred speech, and fumble with items in the hand. The skin will likely be pale and cold. As the body temperature continues to fall these symptoms will worsen and shivering will stop. Workers may be unable to walk or stand. Once the body temperature falls to around 85°F severe hypothermia will develop and the person may become unconscious, and at 78°F, the person could die.

What is Frostbite?
Frostbite occurs when the skin actually freezes and loses water. In severe cases, amputation of the frostbitten area may be required. While frostbite usually occurs when the temperatures are 30°F or lower, wind chill factors can allow frostbite to occur in above freezing temperatures. Frostbite typically affects the extremities, particularly the feet and hands. The affected body part will be cold, tingling, stinging or aching followed by numbness. Skin color turns red, then purple, then white, and is cold to the touch.

What preventive measures should I take?
Wearing appropriate clothing and being aware of how the body is reacting to the cold are important to preventing cold stress. Avoiding alcohol, certain medications and smoking can also help to minimize the risk.

Protective Clothing is the most important way to avoid cold stress. The type of fabric makes a difference. Cotton loses its insulation value when it becomes wet. Wool, silk and most synthetics, on the other hand, retain their insulation even when wet. The following are recommendations for working in cold environments:

Wear at least three layers of clothing. An inner layer of wool, silk or synthetic to wick moisture away from the body. A middle layer of wool or synthetic to provide insulation even when wet. An outer wind and rain protection layer that allows some ventilation to prevent overheating.
Wear a hat or hood. Up to 40% of body heat can be lost when the head is left exposed.
Wear insulated boots or other footwear.
Keep a change of dry clothing available in case work clothes become wet.
With the exception of the wicking layer do not wear tight clothing. Loose clothing allows better ventilation of heat away from the body.
Do not underestimate the wetting effects of perspiration. Oftentimes wicking and venting of the body’s sweat and heat are more important than protecting from rain or snow.

Engineering controls can be effective in reducing the risk of cold stress. Radiant heaters may be used to warm workers. Shielding work areas from drafts or wind will reduce wind chill. Use insulating material on equipment handles, especially metal handles, when temperatures drop below 30°F.

Training in recognition and treatment is important. Supervisors, workers and coworkers should watch for signs of cold stress. Work schedules should allow appropriate rest periods and liquids should be available.

See additional online resources:

CDC at www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/coldstress/
OSHA at www.osha.gov/SLTC/emergencypreparedness/guides/cold.html