OSHA

According to OSHA, thousands of workers become sick each year from heat-related illnesses, which, if untreated, can result in death. However, the risk of heat illness is not isolated to those who work in outdoor occupations.

June 21 kicks off the official start of summer. As the sun becomes more intense, both outside workers and recreationists need to pay closer attention to the risk of dehydration.

Dehydration

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends the following, daily water intake for men and women:

• Men: 3.7 liters (125 oz.)
• Women: 2.7 liters (91 oz.)

This recommendation is higher than the “8 oz. 8 times a day” maxim most of us have heard, which translates into approximately 1.9 liters.

Another suggestion is to drink half your body weight in ounces each day. Visit Livestrong.com for step-by-step directions to determine if you are drinking enough according to this formula.

Whichever set of guidelines you decide to follow, keep in mind that a person’s daily activity and outdoor exposure play a factor into how much water intake is needed. A person who is more active and spends more time in the sun should consume more liquids than someone who works a desk job in air conditioning.

The Mayo Clinic recommends that individuals determine their water intake needs based on the following factors:

• Exercise: The duration and intensity of your workouts, including how much you sweat, will determine how much you should drink.
• Environment: Heat, humidity and altitude can all affect the amount of water you need.
• Illness: Health conditions can require you to either increase or reduce your fluid intake.
• Pregnancy: Women who are pregnant or nursing need additional fluids to stay hydrated.

There is no “one size fits all” rule. Everyone’s body is unique, and each of us faces different environments on a daily basis.

Before you head outdoors, fill your Nalgene bottle or a cooler. Whatever you do, be intentional about staying hydrated this summer.

About Accuform Signs

Accuform Signs, located in Brooksville, FL, is the leading manufacturer of facility safety identification products. Founded in 1976, Accuform Signs sells products to a network of distributors throughout North America, South America and Asia. From personalized safety signs, safety tags and labels, to traffic safety and lockout/tag out products, Accuform Signs provides the products and sales support for the distributors that define the safety industry.

Last month, we talked about the need to guard against sun exposure and the threat of skin cancer as part of National Skin Cancer Awareness Month.

Summer safety is also a theme of the NSC’s National Safety Month, so today, we want to look at another health concern that summer presents.

Heat Stress

Heat stress can take several forms, including heat stroke, heat exhaustion and heat cramps. The combination of physical exertion and hot environments can be the formula for heat-related illness.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) offers the following recommendations for protecting yourself:

• When possible, avoid hard exertion and exposure to heat, sun and high humidity.
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that is breathable, like cotton.
• Plan your hardest tasks for early in the day.
• Pace yourself.
• Take breaks in shady areas, and take more breaks during strenuous tasks.
• Drink water often. Don’t let yourself feel thirsty.
• Remember that protective clothing can increase your risk of heat stress.

Who’s at risk?

No one is immune to the dangers of overheating, but especially vulnerable are children, the elderly – and pets.

According to NOAA, one of the biggest risks comes to people and animals left unattended in parked vehicles. Important to understand is that cracking the windows does not significantly reduce the danger of leaving someone alone in a car. In just over two minutes, the temperature inside a car can increase to unsafe levels.

NOAA offers these car safety reminders:

• Check that child seats and belt buckles aren’t too hot before using them to secure children.
• Never leave someone alone in a vehicle – even if the windows are down.
• Make sure you lock your vehicle so that children can’t climb inside.
• Warn children not to play in, on or around vehicles.

In 2011, OSHA launched its Heat Illness Prevention Campaign underscoring the need for water, rest and shade in the summer months. OSHA’s web page includes additional links to resources as well as a Heat Index, Heat Fatalities Map and Training section for more information.

This summer, take the threat of heat stress seriously by putting safeguards in place for yourself, your families and your workforce.

About Accuform Signs

Accuform Signs, located in Brooksville, FL, is the leading manufacturer of facility safety identification products. Founded in 1976, Accuform Signs sells products to a network of distributors throughout North America, South America and Asia. From personalized safety signs, safety tags and labels, to traffic safety and lockout/tag out products, Accuform Signs provides the products and sales support for the distributors that define the safety industry.

June is National Safety Month, and the National Safety Council (NSC) provides a wealth of information to encourage workplaces to participate in raising awareness for safety. This year’s theme is “Safety Starts with Me,” underscoring responsibility at the individual level.

The NSC organizes the month into weekly themes by topic, and a quick glance at this list made me realize we’ve talked about many of these issues at some point in the AccuBlog.

Week 1: Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls

In March, we discussed Steps to Prevent Slips, Trips and Falls. The most common culprits to avoid are everyday hazards we might easily overlook – like an electrical cord or clutter in the walkways.

Week 2: Employee Wellness

Our WorkHealthy blogger Samantha talks about employee wellness on a regular basis. Her recent post on Summer fruits and vegetables reminds us to eat healthy, while many of her posts also provide practical advice on exercise and health.

Week 3: Emergency Preparedness

Last month, we looked at Tornado Safety tips. Ashley’s earlier post Don’t Let An Emergency Catch You Without A Plan outlines the elements OSHA requires for a workplace’s emergency action plan.

Week 4: Ergonomics

OSHA defines Ergonomics as “the science of fitting workplace conditions and job demands to the capabilities of the working population.”

Posture is one factor that contributes to proper or poor ergonomics, and Samantha’s two-part series on Take a Stand Against the Sitting Disease offers one possible solution to combat the posture problem in the workplace.

Bonus Topics

The NSC also includes bonus topics in their list of themes. We’ve started discussing these issues as well and will continue to do so in the weeks and months ahead.

• Driving Safety: During the first week of May, we learned how texting and driving is a symptom of a larger problem. We also provided links to resources so you can stay current on the different distracted driving rules by state.
• Summer Safety: Last month, we started talking about summer safety with a blog on Skin Cancer Awareness and what you can do to help reduce your risk.

Next time, we’ll look at some more issues related to summer safety.

About Accuform Signs

Accuform Signs, located in Brooksville, FL, is the leading manufacturer of facility safety identification products. Founded in 1976, Accuform Signs sells products to a network of distributors throughout North America, South America and Asia. From personalized safety signs, safety tags and labels, to traffic safety and lockout/tag out products, Accuform Signs provides the products and sales support for the distributors that define the safety industry.

The footage and aftermath of the tornado that ripped through Moore, Okla. on May 20 has stunned and saddened the nation. The E5 tornado with winds over 200 mph devastated more than 17 miles of community, according to The Weather Channel.  

Although tornadoes of this magnitude are rare, this tragedy has left many people asking what steps they can take to prepare for a tornado situation.

Have a communications plan

Depending on when disaster strikes, family members may not be together. FEMA recommends having a communications plan so that each family member knows how to reach the other.

• Identify a friend or relative who lives out-of-state that all family members can contact to notify they are safe.
• Ensure everyone knows the emergency contact's phone number and has a phone, pre-paid card or coins available to make the call.
• Program the ICE (In Case of Emergency) number in your phone. If you are unable to make the call yourself, emergency personnel often check ICE listings in your phone.
• Teach all family members how to text. During network disruptions, texts have a better chance of getting through than a phone call.

To get started, use the FEMA Family Emergency Plan template, a free tool to help you organize your information.

Secure your home

Whether you live in tornado alley or simply want to know how to prepare in case of an extreme weather situation in your area, the American Red Cross offers several suggestions for preparing your residence for a tornado. These include:

• During storms, stay tuned into local news or radio for tornado watches and warnings.
• Have a safe room or gathering area. If there is not a basement or storm cellar, choose an interior room free of windows on the lowest floor.
• Practice tornado drills periodically.
• Trim back branches and remove damaged tree limbs.
• Secure any lawn furniture or objects – such as trash cans or potted plants – that could become projectiles.

For more information, visit OSHA’s Tornado Preparedness and Response page. Listed there are resources ranging from basic supply kit lists and safety checklists to additional links for more reading.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Moore, Okla. residents as they begin the difficult task of picking up the pieces and rebuilding their community.

About Accuform Signs

 Accuform Signs, located in Brooksville, FL, is the leading manufacturer of facility safety identification products. Founded in 1976, Accuform Signs sells products to a network of distributors throughout North America, South America and Asia. From personalized safety signs, safety tags and labels, to traffic safety and lockout/tag out products, Accuform Signs provides the products and sales support for the distributors that define the safety industry.

On April 23, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued the final rule requiring demolition and underground construction to follow the same requirements established by the final rule for Cranes and Derricks in Construction, published in August 2010.

Previously, OSHA had separate standards for underground and demolition work involving cranes and derricks.

Now, those standards have been eliminated, and the same rules applying to other crane and derrick construction sectors are now the same for underground construction and demolition.

Common Hazards and Signage Solutions

The hazards associated with cranes and derricks in construction can range from tipping caused by unstable loads to encountering buried electrical cables. Both the operators as well as the ground workers nearby can be affected by these risks.

• For ground workers, Crane Overhead and Swing Radius signs can help remind them to stay clear and be alert that cranes and derricks are operating nearby.
• For operators, High Voltage signs and markings alerting them to stay at least 20 feet away from power lines can help them adhere to regulations and operate at a safe working distance.
• For both ground workers and operators, Crane Hand Signal wallet cards can provide immediate reminders for standard communication signals.

For More Information

If you want to learn more about cranes and derricks, associated hazards and solutions, and OSHA regulations, please visit the following:

• OSHA's web page on Crane, Derrick, and Hoist Safety
• The OSHA Construction eTool on Cranes and Derricks
• The August 2010 Final Rule for Cranes and Derricks in Construction
• The OSHA news release announcing the latest ruling
• The final rule for Cranes and Derricks in Construction: Underground Construction and Demolition

The final rule takes effect May 23, 2013.

About Accuform Signs

 Accuform Signs, located in Brooksville, FL, is the leading manufacturer of facility safety identification products. Founded in 1976, Accuform Signs sells products to a network of distributors throughout North America, South America and Asia. From personalized safety signs, safety tags and labels, to traffic safety and lockout/tag out products, Accuform Signs provides the products and sales support for the distributors that define the safety industry.

Twenty-five percent of forklift-related deaths result from forklift overturns, according to OSHA. Other forklift injuries occur when:

1. Operators inadvertently drive forklifts off loading docks
2. Lifts fall between docks and unsecured trailers
3. Lift trucks strike pedestrians
4. Workers fall from elevated pallets and tines

So what are some procedures and housekeeping rules employers can implement to create a safer workplace?

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) published an alert on Preventing Injuries and Deaths of Workers Who Operate or Work Near Forklifts. In it, NIOSH offers some suggestions for controlling this occupational hazard from several angles which include the following.

For the work environment:

• Do regular safety inspections to identify potential hazards
• Distance workstations and equipment as far away from aisles as possible, and keep aisles clear
• Enforce safe facility traffic rules, such as speed limits and stop signs
• Keep loading docks, aisles and operating surfaces well maintained

For workers on foot:

• Where possible, keep forklift traffic and foot workers separate
• Designate some aisles for foot workers or forklifts only
• Keep employee high traffic areas – such as time clocks and break rooms – off limits to forklifts
• Identify blind corners and intersections where mirrors might improve visibility
• Use horns, alarms and flashing lights to alert workers when forklifts are present

For forklift operators:

• Only operate a forklift if you are trained and licensed to do so
• Use your seatbelt if available
• If your forklift is damaged, report it immediately
• Never jump from an overturning forklift, but hold on firmly, leaning in the opposite direction of the overturn
• Always use extreme caution on ramps and inclines
• Visit NIOSH’s website for more information

More resources are also available on OSHA’s Powered Industrial Trucks page. In conjunction with the Industrial Trucking Association (ITA), OSHA has published Sample Daily Checklists for Powered Industrial Trucks to help with training and maintenance.

What are some ways your facility promotes forklift safety?

About Accuform Signs

Accuform Signs, located in Brooksville, FL, is the leading manufacturer of facility safety identification products. Founded in 1976, Accuform Signs sells products to a network of distributors throughout North America, South America and Asia. From personalized safety signs, safety tags and labels, to traffic safety and lockout/tag out products, Accuform Signs provides the products and sales support for the distributors that define the safety industry.

Step into most industrial facilities, and you will see signage, floor signs and even banners that alert you to the presence of forklift traffic. Additional warnings are posted for forklift operators to be on the alert for pedestrian traffic.

Why is this signage so important? Surely pedestrians will see – or at least hear – when forklifts are coming. And surely forklift drivers will know pedestrians are present, right?

Not necessarily.

OSHA has published case studies that report on fatal occupational injuries associated with forklifts. A few are listed below.

• Fatal Accident Summary Report: Struck and Crushed By a Backing Forklift…
• Press Operator Dies After Forklift Rams Scrap Bin…
• Supply Motorman Killed by Load Falling from a Forklift

Clearly, forklift operation demands safe work practices. In 29 CFR 1910.178, OSHA outlines general requirements for powered industrial trucks. Additional standards by industry group are listed in Frequently Cited OSHA Standards.

OSHA has also published a Safety and Health Information Bulletin that discusses the issue of young workers and forklift operation. Protecting Young Workers: Prohibition Against Young Workers Operating Forklifts is designed to help employers ensure a safe workplace. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, employees under 18 years of age are prohibited from operating forklifts in most circumstances. For more information, review the Department of Labor’s Fact Sheet #43 which outlines youth employment provisions.

Regardless of age, workers must be trained and certified. 29 CFR 1910.178(I)1)(i) states:

“The employer shall ensure that each powered industrial truck operator is competent to operate a powered industrial truck safely, as demonstrated by the successful completion of the training and evaluation…”

The right people with the right training make the difference in busy industrial facilities where pedestrians move about and forklifts operate.

When you see forklift or pedestrian signage in your facility, pay attention. It’s there for a reason, and that reason may be you.

Next time, we’ll look into the potential hazards associated with forklifts in work environments and what employers and employees can do to help ensure a safe workplace.

About Accuform Signs

Accuform Signs, located in Brooksville, FL, is the leading manufacturer of facility safety identification products. Founded in 1976, Accuform Signs sells products to a network of distributors throughout North America, South America and Asia. From personalized safety signs, safety tags and labels, to traffic safety and lockout/tag out products, Accuform Signs provides the products and sales support for the distributors that define the safety industry.

According to OSHA, 15% of all accidental deaths and the majority of general industry accidents result from slips, trips and falls. In fact, OSHA describes slips, trips and falls as the leading cause of fatalities, “second only to motor vehicles.”

Putting one foot in front of the other does not seem like a dangerous process; but in busy industrial settings, sometimes crowded workspaces and cluttered aisles, the reality is that it can be.

Be aware of common hazards

The causes of slips, trips and falls are so basic that employees might be tempted to ignore them. However, employers should train employees on common pitfalls and enforce housekeeping protocols to prevent unnecessary injuries.

OSHA identifies several common culprits that contribute to slips, trips and falls:

• Ice and wet spots
• Grease
• Polished floors
• Loose flooring or carpeting
• Uneven walking surfaces
• Clutter
• Electrical cords
• Open desk drawers and filing cabinets
• Damaged ladder steps

Read that list again, and realize just how little “common sense” is needed to avoid these hazards.

As OSHA states:

“The controls needed to prevent these hazards are usually obvious, but too often ignored, such as keeping walkways and stairs clear of scrap and debris; coiling up extension cords, lines, and hoses when not in use; keeping electrical and other wires out of the way; wearing lug soles in icy weather; clearing parking lots, stairs, and walkways in snowy weather; and using salt/sand as needed.”

29 CFR 1910.21 to 1910.30 address Walking/Working Surfaces, and OSHA even offers a 10-hour training outreach for workers. For more information, visit OSHA’s safety and health topics page on Walking/Working Surfaces.

Identify floor marking solutions

Employers and supervisors should recognize hazards in their workplaces and determine what best practices to apply and what product solutions to use.

Some popular floor marking solutions include:

• Fold-Ups® Signs: Portable, free-standing signs identify temporary hazardous conditions and display messages quickly and easily. High-impact plastic signs feature the same message on both sides for maximum visibility.
• Slip-Gard™ Floor Signs: Non-slip, vinyl floor signs apply directly to the floor and feature a pebble-textured surface for slip resistance. Bold, graphic messages alert of specific hazards, provide safety reminders or identify equipment and locations in your facility.
• Floor Marking Tapes: Accuform Signs offer a variety of floor marking tapes – from Slip-Gard™ textured marking tapes to grit tapes to message tapes and more. Contact us to find a solution for your unique environment.

 Which floor marking products do you use at your facility?

About Accuform Signs

Accuform Signs, located in Brooksville, FL, is the leading manufacturer of facility safety identification products. Founded in 1976, Accuform Signs sells products to a network of distributors throughout North America, South America and Asia. From personalized safety signs, safety tags and labels, to traffic safety and lockout/tag out products, Accuform Signs provides the products and sales support for the distributors that define the safety industry.

Thank you to those who responded to the post A Sound Partnership: Facility Identification and PPE.

One of the comments I received introduced me to the 85-3 Campaign that launched at the 2012 National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA) Conference. The purpose of this campaign is to raise the standard for hearing protection and ultimately help protect workers from the “silent epidemic” caused by occupational hearing loss.

The NHCA states the 85-3 mission this way:

"Our mission is to recognize organizations and employers that have adopted 85 dBA for an 8-hour noise exposure limit measured with a 3-dB exchange rate for their hearing loss prevention programs, and to encourage others to adopt this same hearing protective strategy."

How does this campaign differ from OSHA’s requirements, and how widespread is its reach?

Stricter requirements

According to the Occupational Noise Exposure page, OSHA currently allows a permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 90 dBA (decibel). The 85-3 Campaign requires a lower decibel level, 85 dBA, as required by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). 

The “3” in 85-3 refers to a 3-dB exchange rate (as opposed to OSHA’s 5-dB exchange rate), meaning that the PEL may be raised by only 3 dB when exposure time is cut in half. For example, if exposure time is reduced from 8 hours to 4 hours, the PEL may increase up to 88 dBA.

In other words, the 85-3 Campaign calls for more stringent standards than OSHA dictates.

Global reach

Several prominent United States agencies, including the Department of Defense (DoD) and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), participate in this campaign. But the influence of this program extends beyond America’s shores to the worldwide level – including dozens of countries.

Participating companies, agencies and nations are called “85-3 Pioneers” for their progressive stand on noise exposure.

To learn more or become a member, visit the NHCA’s web page on the 85-3 Campaign.

About Accuform Signs

Accuform Signs, located in Brooksville, FL, is the leading manufacturer of facility safety identification products. Founded in 1976, Accuform Signs sells products to a network of distributors throughout North America, South America and Asia. From personalized safety signs, safety tags and labels, to traffic safety and lockout/tag out products, Accuform Signs provides the products and sales support for the distributors that define the safety industry.

Facility and workplace safety signs help prevent injuries on a daily basis, and safety signs are often your last line of defense. Accuform Signs is the leading manufacturer of ANSI and OSHA safety signs, OSHA safety tags, OSHA safety labels, motivational banners and other facility safety identification products.

We have danger signs, caution signs, notice signs, warning signs, admittance signs, exit signs, directional signs, glow in the dark signs, photo-luminescent signs, surveillance signs, floor signs, no trespassing signs, traffic signs, chemical and corrosive safety signs, fire extinguisher signs, projection signs, equipment and pinch point signs, arc flash signs and labels, bilingual signs, hot work signs, PPE signs, fuel and petroleum signs, flammable signs, hazardous material signs, door signs, restricted area signs, authorized personnel only signs, think signs and safety first signs.

Over the last few months the following question has come up repeatedly; “How does a customer document GHS Training?” Well, quite simply, or not so simply, GHS Training just like many other training documentation required by OSHA. Documentation may not be required.

Essentially the company would keep a record of employee training sessions, either electronically or on paper, which shows that on X day those employees attended a particular training. Part of almost any OSHA inspection is a records review.

There is no one OSHA requirement for training records that applies in all situations. Recordkeeping requirements for training sessions vary from regulation to regulation. In some cases, OSHA sets a record retention time or specifies requirements for the contents of training records, but this is not always the case. The HazCom standard does not specify how training records are to be maintained or for how long.

Deliverables on things like our GHS Training DVD Program, or GHS Webinar, would be minimal in terms of documentation for recordkeeping purposes, but in this specific instance, there’s not much more you need.

Documentation, or certification of training, is required on these standards:

• Lockout/Tagout, 29 CFR 1910.147(c)(7)(iv)
• Process Safety Management, 29 CFR 1910.119(g)(3)
• Hazardous Waste Operations (HAZWOPER), 29 CFR 1910.120(p)(8)(iii)(C)
• Personal Protective Equipment, 29 CFR 1910.132(f)(4)
• Respiratory Protection, 29 CFR 1910.134(m), which does not specifically use the word "training," but refers to "written information regarding medical evaluations, fit testing, and the respirator program."
• Permit-Required Confined Spaces, 29 CFR 1910.146(g)(4)
• Powered Industrial Trucks, 29 CFR 1910.178(l)(6)

By far, the best policy is to document all formal safety training for each of your employees, regardless of whether or not it’s required, it’s just good practice. You can also document additional information not required by OSHA. For example, it might be useful to keep track of the following safety training data:

• Past training on the same safety topic
• Content summary
• Safety orientation dates for new employees and orientation program content
• Future training schedule

For additional information, contact your Accuform Signs Regional Sales Manager or call 1.800.237.1001. You can also find other materials on our GHS web page.

About Accuform Signs

Accuform Signs, located in Brooksville, FL, is the leading manufacturer of facility safety identification products. Founded in 1976, Accuform Signs sells products to a network of distributors throughout North America, South America and Asia. From personalized safety signs, safety tags and safety labels, to traffic safety and lockout/tag out products, Accuform Signs provides the products and sales support for the distributors that define the safety industry.

Here at Accuform Signs, we partner with industry-leading distributors who supply safety products that work hand in hand with our facility identification solutions.

Why is this so important? Let's discuss an example. Many of our safety distributors offer PPE (personal protective equipment) such as earmuffs and earplugs to protect workers from noise exposure, while Accuform provides the warning signage to identify and alert employees of high noise environments where PPE is required.

You can’t have one without the other.

OSHA on Hearing PPE

Noise, or unwanted sound, is a pervasive occupational health problem, a by-product of many industrial processes. According to OSHA, hazardous noise affects 30 million people each year.

Exposure to high levels of noise causes hearing loss and may cause other harmful health effects as well. The extent of damage depends primarily on the intensity of the noise and the duration of the exposure.

OSHA 29 § 1910.95 requires employers to have a hearing conservation program and provide hearing protectors to employees when noise hazards are present.

“The employer shall administer a continuing, effective hearing conservation program … whenever employee noise exposures equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average sound level (TWA) of 85 decibels measured on the A scale (slow response) or, equivalently, a dose of fifty percent.”

For more information, visit www.osha.gov and the page on Occupational Noise Exposure.

Through hearing conservation programs, employers provide the training and tools to help create safe workplaces. Not surprisingly, these programs include provisions for the identification of noise sources.

OSHA on Warning Signage

Everyone needs reminders. The best-trained worker may be running late and leave behind his earmuffs. The work environment may be hot and stuffy, and a worker may be tempted to remove hearing protection.

In these situations, what provides the reminder to retrieve - or the warning not to remove - hearing protection?

The answer is facility signage.

OSHA provides a Sample Hearing Conservation Program that includes “Identification of Noise Sources” as part of the plan. The sample program states:

“Equipment or areas with noise levels equal to or exceeding 85 dBA will be identified with labels or signs, which will be posted on the individual pieces of equipment (whether owned and leased) or at the entrance to noisy areas.

“The sign or label will state either “Hearing Protection Is Required While the Equipment Is Operating” or “Hearing Protection Is Required While Working in the Area” or similar wording, as appropriate.”

Noise-induced hearing loss can be temporary or permanent. Temporary hearing loss results from short-term exposures to noise, with normal hearing returning after period of rest. Generally, prolonged exposure to high noise levels over a period of time gradually causes permanent damage.

Together, Accuform Signs and our distributor partners provide the PPE and signage to help employers inform and protect workers - and comply with regulations.

GHS (Globally Harmonized System) is a worldwide program developed by the United Nations which strives to provide a consistent, globally harmonized system of classifying chemical hazards on labels and safety data sheets through standardizing:

• How hazards are classified
• Hazard statements
• Hazard symbols
• Hazard signal words

GHS is important because a consistent system for classifying chemicals in the workplace promotes worker safety and understanding. The shift toward standardized classification, labeling and safety data sheets provides a more uniform, user-friendly approach to hazard communication. In addition, a worldwide, harmonized system helps promote safe and efficient chemical handling and trade on a global level.

The UN’s GHS lays out the standardization practices for participating countries but does not enforce compliance. Each country is responsible for adopting and implementing the GHS through their enforcement agencies, like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). On March 26, 2012, OSHA published the final rule to revise the Hazard Communication                       UN Purple Book           Standard §1910.1200 to align with the GHS.

The first step towards compliance with the revised Hazard Communication Standard is to educate and train employees on new GHS label elements and safety data sheet (SDS) format. Now is the time to start preparing for new requirements. The compliance date to have all employees trained is December 1, 2013.

GHS has been a super-hot topic for more than a year now, and Accuform Signs has a wealth of information and educational material including downloadable PDF's, OSHA SDS resource (quick card), a Key Points slide presentation, whitepaper and even product videos to help you stay on track with the timeline.

Contact your regional sales manager or customer service representative today to find out how Accuform can further help you stay in compliance with OSHA concerning the GHS.

Recently, I received this question from a customer, asking if our STOPOUT® products are “OSHA approved.” Perhaps there are others who are also confused about OSHA’s role in relation to lockout devices. My hope is that this explanation will be helpful in setting the record straight.

OSHA’s Lockout/Tagout standard 29 CFR §1910.147 states, “This section requires employers to establish a program and utilize procedures for affixing appropriate lockout devices or tagout devices to energy isolating devices, and to otherwise disable machines or equipment to prevent unexpected energization, start up or release of stored energy in order to prevent injury to employees.”

In other words, OSHA requires employers to have a lockout/tagout program that includes the use of lockout devices to prevent unexpected start-up during service or repair operations; however, OSHA does not set “standards” that devices have to meet.

OSHA provides the following definitions:

• Lockout Device – “A device that utilizes a positive means such as a lock, either key or combination type, to hold an energy isolating device in the safe position and prevent the energizing of a machine or equipment.”
• Energy Isolating Device – “A mechanical device that physically prevents the transmission or release of energy, including but not limited to the following: A manually operated electrical circuit breaker; a disconnect switch; a manually operated switch by which the conductors of a circuit can be disconnected from all ungrounded supply conductors, and, in addition, no pole can be operated independently; a line valve; a block; and any similar device used to block or isolate energy. Push buttons, selector switches and other control circuit type devices are not energy isolating devices.”

Again, OSHA does not dictate “specs” on lockout products but rather defines what a lockout device is and what it must accomplish. Our STOPOUT® lockout devices are designed to provide the deterrence of removal – to prevent unauthorized access to equipment and machinery that is locked out for service or maintenance.

For more information, visit OSHA’s Lockout/Tagout page and download the Lockout/Tagout Fact Sheet.

Visit our website to learn more about STOPOUT®, or contact our sales team for details.

The information provided is for general purposes only, and not to be relied upon as legal advice, legal opinion, and absolute and complete for the specific facts or circumstances.

The holidays have come and gone, and I find myself reminiscing about that joyful time when everyone is focused on family and the promise of the new year and new possibilities. It was refreshing; a good time to unplug, unwind, fuel the soul and especially leave my work at the office. But looking back, maybe we shouldn’t leave everything at the office.

On a productive Saturday morning a few weeks ago I decided to put up my Christmas lights. I pulled out the 12 foot folding ladder and started lining the roof with twinkling red lights. As I moved across the face of the house, I had to put the ladder half in the flower bed and half in the yard. The unleveled ground left me teetering back and forth precariously as I moved further up the rungs. As I got to the highest point of the roof, I stepped up to the highest rung of the ladder still barely reaching my hook. A vehicle in the driveway blocked me from moving the ladder into a better position, so I craned backwards and reached desperately over my head, getting a little dizzy, to get just one more light up.

In the short hour it took me to hang those lights, I broke multiple ladder safety rules and could have taken a serious fall. And that would be the end of the holiday merriment. But I'm lucky; I’m familiar with proper ladder safety; I work for a safety company; I’ve written articles on ladder regulations and helped develop products to aid in compliance and prevent accidents. Still, I failed to implement my knowledge at home. I should have taken the time to level the ladder. I should have gotten my taller ladder to reach the highest eaves. I should have had someone holding the bottom of the ladder.

When we're at home, we tend to take more risks. Perhaps we're comfortable at home and have false sense of security; perhaps we're in a hurry or lazy; perhaps we're just less focused on these things when we're away from the workplace. It’s a frightening moment when you feel dizzy at the top of a ladder. You can be sure I remembered proper ladder safety when the lights came down.

We should all start bringing work home when it comes to safety. So throughout the New Year, while building swing sets and playhouses, frying turkeys and igniting every candle in your home, (or when you bring down the lights and decorations next Christmas), please make sure to climb safely, wear eye protection and safety gloves, and read up on how to safely fry that turkey. And don’t leave candles unattended!

Safety shouldn’t just be part of our work culture but a way of life. Leave the spreadsheets and reports at work, but always bring home the workplace commitment to safety!

How will you work safely at home?

Check out these informative safety articles!

Fire Safety Tips - Part One

Fire Safety for the Holidays - Part Two

How to Properly Deep Fry a Turkey

OSHA Portable Ladder Safety

Accuform Signs Recognized for Exemplary Safety by OSHA, USF SafetyFlorida

Brooksville, FL – January 15, 2013 -- OSHA and USF SafetyFlorida officially recognize Accuform Signs as a leader in workplace safety. 

Accuform Signs, itself a supplier of workplace safety solutions, received OSHA's SHARP (Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program) award, which is given to private sector, small businesses with exemplary safety and health management programs. Fewer than 100 companies in Florida are SHARP-certified. 

Wayne Johnson, CEO of Accuform Signs stated that “we are extremely honored to have successfully achieved our SHARP certification. I would strongly recommend participation in the SHARP program to other businesses because the process really helped to strengthen our internal health and safety program, and it is great to receive recognition for our continued effort. As a manufacturer of safety solutions this also uniquely identifies Accuform as being serious about safety.”

Charlene Sitterly, program director of USF SafetyFlorida, says that earning a SHARP award is a badge of honor. “Businesses dedicated to workplace safety and health that earn this award work tremendously hard every day to keep their people safe. I commend Accuform Signs for its commitment to their employees’ safety and well-being.”

USF SafetyFlorida recommends employers to OSHA for a SHARP award. To qualify, an employer must request a consultation from USF Safety Florida that involves a complete hazard identification assessment and engages employees in the consultation process. The company agrees to correct hazards identified during the consultation, implement and maintain a safety and health management system that addresses OSHA’s Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines, reduce its Days Away, Restricted or Transferred (DART) rate and Total Recordable Case (TRC) rate below national average, and agree to notify its state Consultation Project Office prior to making changes to working conditions or introducing new hazards into the workplace. 

To learn more about the SHARP Program, leave me a comment or call 800.237.1001.

We’ve ushered in the New Year, and on the forefront of most people’s minds are new resolutions, new goals and new plans for a fresh year. Individuals and companies alike are evaluating budgets, preparing for tax season, and planning out the year’s calendar.

Somewhere in that busy list, facilities need to make room for annual maintenance checks on portable fire extinguishers.

OSHA 29 CFR §1910.157(e) spells out this requirement.

1. The employer shall be responsible for the inspection, maintenance and testing of all portable fire extinguishers in the workplace.
2. Portable extinguishers or hose used in lieu thereof under paragraph (d)(3) of this section shall be visually inspected monthly.
3. The employer shall assure that portable fire extinguishers are subjected to an annual maintenance check. Stored pressure extinguishers do not require an internal examination. The employer shall record the annual maintenance date and retain this record for one year after the last entry or the life of the shell, whichever is less. The record shall be available to the Assistant Secretary upon request.

OSHA states that the maintenance record should be “securely fixed to each extinguisher.” Tagging the fire extinguisher is the easiest way to attach a record that maintenance has been performed.

What recordkeeping information must be included on this tag? OSHA provides the following list:

• The name of the person or agency who performed the last hydrostatic test and the test date
• The signature of the person who performed the test
• The serial number or other identifier of the fire extinguisher that was tested

For more information on portable fire extinguishers, visit OSHA’s Evacuation Plans and Procedures eTool web page.

Each morning, we enter our place of business, walk the familiar hallways, and then settle into our work routine. Yet if I asked you where the nearest fire extinguisher is to your workstation, would you be able to tell me?

Portable fire extinguishers should be an integral part of your facility’s fire safety program, because they can be an effective tool for immediately responding to and suppressing small fires. Oftentimes, a trained employee will be your first line of defense to quench a small fire before it burns out of control.

OSHA makes clear that employers are responsible for placing portable fire extinguishers where employees can easily access and identify them.

29 CFR §1910.157(c)(1) – “The employer shall provide portable fire extinguishers and shall mount, locate and identify them so that they are readily accessible to employees without subjecting the employees to possible injury.”

Accuform Signs offers several product solutions designed specifically to help increase the visibility of portable fire extinguishers located throughout your facility.

• Fire & Emergency Projection™ Signs – Available in 3D, 90D and 180D styles, Projection™ signs “project” outward from the wall to draw attention to the location of portable fire extinguishers.
• Fire Extinguisher Cover – Available in bilingual Spanish or French, this cover not only protects the extinguisher from dust, corrosion and sunlight; but its bright orange color provides high visibility. The cover also includes basic instructions for extinguisher use and space to check off the type of fire extinguisher (learn more about this product by watching the video).

For specific guidance on selection and placement of portable fire extinguishers, visit OSHA’s web page on Extinguisher Placement and Spacing.

Next time, we’ll look at OSHA’s requirements on proper maintenance and recordkeeping for portable fire extinguishers.

It’s that time of year when Santa holds everyone’s hopes and dreams in the palm of his fluffy mitten-covered hands. He’s making a list and checking it twice. But are you going to end up on the naughty list?

If you don’t have an effective lockout/tagout program in place, your name could be crossed off the nice list and all that will turn up in your stocking is a dirty lump of coal. So take a cue from Santa, make a list and get to checking it twice.

1. Know the Regs – 29 CFR 1910.147, the control of hazardous energy, requires employers to have a lockout/tagout program in place and establish procedures to prevent unexpected start-ups.

2. Identify Machinery & Equipment – make a list of all equipment around your facility that may require a lockout procedure.

3. Mark Energy Sources – on each piece of equipment, identify and document all energy sources. (Note to self: Add Energy Source ID Tags to my holiday wish list!)

4. Determine Lockout Controls – gather, document, and standardize the required lockout devices to properly isolate and lockout each energy source. (Santa says: StopOut® devices from Accuform Signs make the best stocking stuffers!)

5. Develop Procedures and Training – ensure that all affected employees are properly trained and standardized procedures for each lockout have been developed and documented.

6. Implement Plan – all of the preparations are done, now just start following the plan you’ve laid out.

7. Review Plan - continue to test, add to, and adjust the plan on a regular basis. Be certain to train newly affected employees on proper lockout procedures and retrain even experienced workers at planned intervals. 

OSHA provides a wealth of information, including an online interactive tutorial to help you understand the lockout/tagout regulation and start or improve your own lockout/tagout program. And here at Accuform Signs, we have all of the lockout/tagout solutions to support your program.

This year, be sure to give the gift of safety your entire workforce…and end up on the Nice List!

Excerpts from Safety & Health Magazine

More than two years ago, the agency replaced its program targeting chronic violators of OSHA standards with one officials hoped would lead more employers to take steps that go beyond simple hazard abatement. The agency has increased the number of press releases publicizing hefty fines or violations of less-common standards. And during the past couple of years, OSHA has been transitioning to a newer data collection system that officials believe will allow for better tracking and evaluation of data.

The Top 10
 

1. Fall Protection (1926.501)

Total Violations: 7,250

            Click Here for Accuform Solutions

2. Hazard Communication (1910.1200)

Total Violations: 4,696

Click Here for Accuform Solutions

3. Scaffolding (1926.451)

Total Violations: 3,814

Click Here for Accuform Solutions

4. Respiratory Protection (1910.134)

           Total Violations: 2,371

Click Here for Accuform Solutions

5. Ladders (1926.1053)

           Total Violations: 2,310

           Click Here for Accuform Solutions

6. Machinery and Machine Guarding (1910.212)

           Total Violations: 2,097

           Click Here for Accuform Solutions

7. Powered Industrial Trucks (1910.178)

           Total Violations: 1,993

           Click Here for Accuform Solutions

8. Electrical - Wiring Methods (1910.305)

           Total Violations: 1,744

           Click Here for Accuform Solutions

9. Lockout/Tagout (1910.147)

           Total Violations: 1,572

Click Here for Accuform Solutions

10. Electrical - General Requirements (1910.303)

           Total Violations: 1,332

           Click Here for Accuform Solutions

This new system – the OSHA Information System – supplied the data for this year’s list of the Top 10 most frequently cited OSHA violations. Because the agency is still in transition with the system, the data presented in this year’s annual Top 10 article should be considered preliminary, as it does not reflect all the violations issued during fiscal year 2012, which covers the period of Oct. 1, 2011, through Sept. 30, 2012.

However, not everything OSHA does can be summed up by what is presented in the Top 10 list. In an interview with Safety+Health, Patrick Kapust – deputy director of OSHA’s Directorate of Enforcement Programs – explains how other changes at the agency are hopefully improving safety across the country. “Our emphasis is for employers to correct hazards,” Kapust said.