Hidden Cost of Accidents.
Posted March 14, 2018
on:What is the hidden cost of accidents?
Just the cost of doing business?
Halloween Safety Tips
Posted October 28, 2009
on:FEOSH Moment…
Posted September 28, 2009
on:The holiday seasons are coming! Please think about food safety and you plan those special holidays!
Dave
Summer Safety: Lightning
Posted July 31, 2009
on:
When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!Lightning Safety Week: June 22-28, 2008
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Check this site for handouts, indoor safety and outdoor risk reduction tips, medical facts, history, survivor stories, photos, teacher tools and more. Our new kids page now includes a Leon the Lion Safety coloring sheet.
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Summer is the peak season for one of the nation’s deadliest weather phenomena— lightning. But don’t be fooled, lightning strikes yearround. The goal of this Website is to safeguard U.S. residents from lightning.
In the United States, an average of 62 people are killed each year by lightning. Already in 2008, 27 people have died due to lightning strikes. In 2007, 45 people were struck and killed by lightning in the U.S.; hundreds of others were injured. Of the victims who were killed by lightning in 2007:
The reported number of injuries is likely far lower than the actual total number because many people do not seek help or doctors do not record it as a lightning injury. People struck by lightning suffer from a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms, including memory loss, attention deficits, sleep disorders, numbness, dizziness, stiffness in joints, irritability, fatigue, weakness, muscle spasms, depression, and an inability to sit for long. Lightning is a serious danger. Through this site we hope you’ll learn more about lightning risks and how to protect yourself, your loved ones and your belongings. As a start, get an overview of Lightning Safety or stop by our comprehensive page of handouts, brochures, links and more. |
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Summer Safety: Heat stress
Posted June 1, 2009
on:
NIOSH Safety and Health Topic:Heat Stress |
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Overview
Workers who are exposed to extreme heat or work in hot environments may be at risk of heat stress. Exposure to extreme heat can result in occupational illnesses and injuries. Heat stress can result in heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, or heat rashes. Heat can also increase the risk of injuries in workers as it may result in sweaty palms, fogged-up safety glasses, and dizziness. Burns may also occur as a result of accidental contact with hot surfaces or steam.
Workers at risk of heat stress include outdoor workers and workers in hot environments such as firefighters, bakery workers, farmers, construction workers, miners, boiler room workers, factory workers, and others. Workers at greater risk of heat stress include those who are 65 years of age or older, are overweight, have heart disease or high blood pressure, or take medications that may be affected by extreme heat.
Prevention of heat stress in workers is important. Employers should provide training to workers so they understand what heat stress is, how it affects their health and safety, and how it can be prevented.
Types of Heat Stress
Heat Stroke | Heat Exhaustion | Heat Syncope | Heat Cramps | Heat Rash
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related disorder. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. When heat stroke occurs, the body temperature can rise to 106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given.
Symptoms
Symptoms of heat stroke include:
- Hot, dry skin (no sweating)
- Hallucinations
- Chills
- Throbbing headache
- High body temperature
- Confusion/dizziness
- Slurred speech
First Aid
Take the following steps to treat a worker with heat stroke:
- Call 911 and notify their supervisor.
- Move the sick worker to a cool shaded area.
- Cool the worker using methods such as:
- Soaking their clothes with water.
- Spraying, sponging, or showering them with water.
- Fanning their body.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to an excessive loss of the water and salt, usually through excessive sweating. Workers most prone to heat exhaustion are those that are elderly, have high blood pressure, and those working in a hot environment.
Symptoms
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Heavy sweating
- Extreme weakness or fatigue
- Dizziness, confusion
- Nausea
- Clammy, moist skin
- Pale or flushed complexion
- Muscle cramps
- Slightly elevated body temperature
- Fast and shallow breathing
First Aid
Treat a worker suffering from heat exhaustion with the following:
- Have them rest in a cool, shaded or air-conditioned area.
- Have them drink plenty of water or other cool, nonalcoholic beverages.
- Have them take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.
Heat Syncope
Heat syncope is a fainting (syncope) episode or dizziness that usually occurs with prolonged standing or sudden rising from a sitting or lying position. Factors that may contribute to heat syncope include dehydration and lack of acclimatization.
Symptoms
Symptoms of heat syncope include:
- Light-headedness
- Dizziness
- Fainting
First Aid
Workers with heat syncope should:
- Sit or lie down in a cool place when they begin to feel symptoms.
- Slowly drink water, clear juice, or a sports beverage.
Heat Cramps
Heat cramps usually affect workers who sweat a lot during strenuous activity. This sweating depletes the body’s salt and moisture levels. Low salt levels in muscles causes painful cramps. Heat cramps may also be a symptom of heat exhaustion.
Symptoms
Muscle pain or spasms usually in the abdomen, arms, or legs.
First Aid
Workers with heat cramps should:
- Stop all activity, and sit in a cool place.
- Drink clear juice or a sports beverage.
- Do not return to strenuous work for a few hours after the cramps subside because further exertion may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
- Seek medical attention if any of the following apply:
- The worker has heart problems.
- The worker is on a low-sodium diet.
- The cramps do not subside within one hour.
Heat Rash
Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather.
Symptoms
Symptoms of heat rash include:
- Heat rash looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters.
- It is more likely to occur on the neck and upper chest, in the groin, under the breasts, and in elbow creases.
First Aid
Workers experiencing heat rash should:
- Try to work in a cooler, less humid environment when possible.
- Keep the affected area dry.
- Dusting powder may be used to increase comfort.
Recommendations for Employers
Employers should take the following steps to protect workers from heat stress:
- Schedule maintenance and repair jobs in hot areas for cooler months.
- Schedule hot jobs for the cooler part of the day.
- Acclimatize workers by exposing them for progressively longer periods to hot work environments.
- Reduce the physical demands of workers.
- Use relief workers or assign extra workers for physically demanding jobs.
- Provide cool water or liquids to workers.
- Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar.
- Provide rest periods with water breaks.
- Provide cool areas for use during break periods.
- Monitor workers who are at risk of heat stress.
- Provide heat stress training that includes information about:
- Worker risk
- Prevention
- Symptoms
- The importance of monitoring yourself and coworkers for symptoms
- Treatment
- Personal protective equipment
Recommendations for Workers
Workers should avoid exposure to extreme heat, sun exposure, and high humidity when possible. When these exposures cannot be avoided, workers should take the following steps to prevent heat stress:
- Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing such as cotton.
- Avoid non-breathing synthetic clothing.
- Gradually build up to heavy work.
- Schedule heavy work during the coolest parts of day.
- Take more breaks in extreme heat and humidity.
- Take breaks in the shade or a cool area when possible.
- Drink water frequently. Drink enough water that you never become thirsty.
- Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol, and large amounts of sugar.
- Be aware that protective clothing or personal protective equipment may increase the risk of heat stress.
- Monitor your physical condition and that of your coworkers.
CDC Resources
MMWR: Heat-Related Deaths among Crop Workers, 1992-2006
CDC: Extreme Heat
Additional information on heat stress illnesses and prevention.
En Español
NIOSH: Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Exposure to Hot Environments (Revised Criteria 1986)
This document presents the criteria, techniques, and procedures for the assessment, evaluation, and control of occupational heat stress by engineering and preventive work practices. Included are ways of predicting health risks, procedures for control of heat stress, and techniques for prevention and treatment of heat-related illnesses.
NIOSH: Working in Hot Environments
Workers who are suddenly exposed to working in a hot environment face additional and generally avoidable hazards to their safety and health. This publication discusses the safety and health consequences of heat stress.
Health Hazard Evaluations
- Health Hazard Evaluation Report, HETA 2004-0334-3017, Transportation Security Administration, Palm Beach International Airport, West Palm Beach, Florida
- Health Hazard Evaluation Report, HETA 2003-0311-3052, Evaluation of Heat Stress at a Glass Bottle Manufacturer, Lapel, Indiana
- Health Hazard Evaluation Report, HETA 2000-0061-2885, United States Air Force, Seymour Johnson air Force Base, Goldsboro, North Carolina
Electrical Cord Safety
Posted March 19, 2009
on:Extension Cord Safety
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that each year, about 4,000 injuries associated with electric extension cords are treated in hospital emergency rooms. About half of the injuries involve fractures, lacerations, contusions or sprains from people tripping over extension cords. CPSC also estimates that about 3,300 residential fires originate in extension cords each year, killing 50 people and injuring about 270 others. The most frequent causes of such fires are short circuits, overloading, damage and/or misuse of extension cords.
Today we’ll look at some tips for use of extension cords
– Use extension cords only when necessary and only on a temporary basis. Do not use extension cords in place of permanent wiring.
– Do not remove the prongs of an electrical plug. If plug prongs are missing, loose, or bent, replace the entire plug.
– Do not use an adapter or extension cord to defeat a standard grounding device. (e.g., Only place three-prong plugs in three-prong outlets; do not alter them to fit in a two-prong outlet.)
– Use extension cords that are the correct size or rating for the equipment in use. The diameter of the extension cord should be the same or greater than the cord of the equipment in use.
– Only use cords rated for outdoor use when using a cord outside.
– Do not run cords above ceiling tiles or through walls.
– Keep electrical cords away from areas where they may be pinched and areas where they may pose a tripping or fire hazard (e.g., doorways, walkways, under carpet, etc.).
– Always inspect the cord prior to use to ensure the insulation isn’t cut or damaged. Discard damaged cords, cords that become hot, or cords with exposed wiring.
– Never unplug an extension cord by pulling on the cord; pull on the plug.
– In locations where equipment be pushed against an extension cord where the cord joins the plug, use a special “angle extension cord” specifically designed for use in these instances.
Your Exits!
Posted March 12, 2009
on:Do you know where your exits are in an Emergency?
FEOSH Guy!
Third Year!!!!
Posted February 8, 2009
on:- In: FEOSH
- Leave a Comment
The FEOSH Webpage has been in place for starting on 3 years now! So, is it working? What have you learned about FEOSH that you didn’t know. I’d love to hear the feedback!!!
FEOSH Guy.
Talk about FEOSH!
Posted January 17, 2009
on:Hey at the new office meeting we will talk about FEOSH. Do you know your rights under this important program?
Accidents and reporting
Posted January 10, 2009
on:- In: FEOSH
- Leave a Comment
Employees play an important role in investigations. Here’s what to tell your employees about how they can help in an accident investigation:
Report all accidents and near misses right away. Even if nobody was hurt, your supervisor needs to know what happened so steps can be taken to prevent future problems.
If you witness an accident, try to remember what happened. Write down what you saw as soon after the accident as possible-what, where, when, who, and why.
Don’t disturb the scene of the accident. You could destroy valuable evidence that could help investigators figure out exactly how the accident happened.
Provide any information you have about an accident. Come forward right away and tell what you know. Your cooperation is essential to the success of the investigation.
Lend your expertise to the investigation. If you have special knowledge about the equipment or procedures involved, the circumstances surrounding the accident, etc., tell what you know and offer your suggestions.
Encourage co-workers to cooperate in accident investigations. Remind them that the purpose of an accident investigation is to prevent future accidents—accidents that could involve any one of them.
Join with co-workers to implement any corrective measures that come out of an investigation. Be sure to follow any new safety rules that result from an accident investigation.