Industrial Safety & Hygiene News articles from December 2003

Industrial Safety & Hygiene News archives from December 2003

Setting the bar high: why safety job satisfaction can suffer.(Editorial comments)(Editorial)
December 1, 2003... Here we go, plunging headlong into the holidays once more. It should be one of our finest hours. Well, shouldn't it? Chestnuts roasting on the open fire. Hallmark Card moments. Visions of New England village greens. All that caring and sharing,...

Safety culture.(Questions & Answers)
December 1, 2003... Does a safety culture truly matter? Is there any evidence that CEOs and boardrooms are really interested? A safety culture is not a new concept. The term simply describes how an organization, family, race, company of other assembly of...

TRI reporting faces challenges.(rules & Regs)(Toxic Release Inventory Program )(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... EPA faces increased pressure to alter reporting requirements under the Toxic Release Inventory Program (TRI) for mining operations and facilities that manufacture of use lead. EPA is developing a rule that could change how mining companies...

Unions sue OSHA for tougher metalworking fluids standard.(rules & Regs)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... The United Auto Workers and United Steelworkers of America have filed a lawsuit seeking to force OSHA to set a new standard to reduce exposure to toxic metalworking fluids widely used in manufacturing automobiles, farm equipment, aircraft and...

Respirators neglected at ground zero.(rules & Regs)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Most ground zero workers still suffer from health problems two years after Sept. 11, and many do not have health insurance or job security, doctors told a congressional panel. Robin Herbert and Stephen Levin, the co-directors of a federal...

OSHA offers advice on mold protection.(rules & Regs)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... A new bulletin from OSHA gives recommendations on how to prevent mold growth and how to protect workers exposed to mold and in mold remediation jobs. The bulletin is aimed at building managers, custodians and others who handle building...

Senate committee OK's EPA 9/11 actions.(rules & Regs)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... A Senate Environment and Public Works Committee report released Sept. 23 claims the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the White House did not act inappropriately in addressing public health concerns in New York City after 9/11. The...

OSHA's VPP "Star" participation reaches 1,000 mark.(rules & Regs)(Acushnet Co.'s Titleist Ball Plant II in Voluntary Protection Program)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... The Titleist Ball Plant II in Dartmouth, Mass., is the 1,000th site to achieve "Star" status in OSHA's Voluntary Protection Program (VPP). "We are proud to welcome Titleist's Dartmouth plant into VPP and to celebrate OSHA's 1,000th VPP...

OSHA's strategy for reactive chemicals: no new standard.(rules & Regs)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... OSHA is doing everything short of setting a new standard in its new strategy to reduce the hazards posed by reactive chemicals. Last year, the U.S. Chemical Safety & Hazard Investigation Board called on OSHA to set tighter regulations on...

Injuries decline but costs keep climbing.(news Scan)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Employee injuries cost U.S. businesses nearly $1 billion per week in payments medical care providers, and the burden is growing faster than inflation, according to the findings of the Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index. The financial...

Hygienists roll out brand awareness campaign.(news Scan)(American Industrial Hygiene Association)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... The American Industrial Hygiene Association will launch a national PR campaign to stamp the brand of industrial hygiene and occupational and environmental health and safety professions on the national consciousness. "We need to tell the...

Construction collapse claims four lives.(news Scan)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Four workers were killed and 20 injured when a parking garage under construction collapsed at the Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City in late October. The collapse occurred while workmen poured concrete on the top floor of the...

Health effects of forest fires concern medical experts.(news Scan)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Doctors have suspected for years that forest tires aggravate heart and lung diseases. A 2001 study of Montana hospital admission records by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that wood fire smoke poses a "serious public health...

China concedes rising worker fatalities.(news Scan)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... China's Work Safety Administration said the number of work-related fatalities during the first nine months of this year jumped by nine percent compared with the same period last year. Officials said more than 11,000 people have died in...

International code to address workplace stress and violence.(news Scan)
December 1, 2003... The International Labor Organization is reviewing for adoption a draft code on workplace stress and violence, which it calls "a threat to productivity and decent work." The code would not replace any national regulations, standards of...

Are you feeling a chill?(Values)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... "The Naked Corporation--How the Age of Transparency Will Revolutionize Business," argues that there is no contradiction between good business and the values of honesty and openness, according to one reviewer. Are the days of opacity in...

"Hey you! pay attention!" if only it were that simple to get results ...(Psychology of safety)
December 1, 2003... I drafted this article on attention and safety while flying to Erie, Pa., to present an ASSE workshop. Little did I know it would underscore many of the points I wanted to make. After landing, I took a cab to my hotel. Along the way I called in...

Beware of the training trap: training is not always the cure-all employers expect.(Managing Best practices)
December 1, 2003... Check Figure 1 on this page. It shows the connection of a bonding strap to a transfer container of a flammable liquid. If the bonding strap is not properly attached, a static charge is possible that may ignite flammable vapors. [FIGURE 1...

Office ergo solutions: low-cost tactics to improve ergonomics on a tight budget.
December 1, 2003... Many managers may associate ergonomic improvements with expensive chairs or elaborate lift tables. In a poor economy many budgets for these types of "non-essentials" may be slashed or greatly reduced. Fortunately, with a little creativity and...

1 Vacuum lifter.(Ergonomics)
December 1, 2003... CIRCLE 256 The Anver VT Series vacuum lifter is Compatible with any overhead crane to enable one person to handle boxes and stack pallets without heavy lifting. Providing a 100-percent continuous duty cycle, the ergonomic vacuum lifter...

2 Knee pad.(Ergonomics)
December 1, 2003... CIRCLE 253 The Contour Knee Pad from Chase Ergonomics features a comfortable polyurethane foam and Gelpact[TM] interior and a tough, safely-orange polyurethane outer shell. A flat kneeling plane with rubbery gripper bumps ensures stability...

3 Computer mouse alternative.(Ergonomics)
December 1, 2003... CIRCLE 250 A simple alternative to a computer mouse, the RollerMouse[TM] from Contour Design, places mouse cursor control just below the spacebar of any keyboard, providing faster, safer and more comfortable working conditions for right-...

4 Carton grips.(Ergonomics)
December 1, 2003... CIRCLE 255 Lift Mates[TM] Carton Grips from Protectoseal reduce the chance of back injuries that can occur when lifting and carrying boxes. These patented devices grip corrugated cardboard surfaces with a series of small pins and hold...

5 Ergo industrial chairs.(Ergonomics)
December 1, 2003... CIRCLE 251 BioFi[R]'s new MM Series heavy-duty ergonomic upholstered chairs offer back support, seating comfort and durability for plants and other industrial settings. The taller, wider backrest conforms to the spine and provides lumbar...

6 Vibration monitor.(Ergonomics)
December 1, 2003... CIRCLE 254 The HAVPRO personal human vibration monitor from Quest enables IH and safety pros to monitor worker exposures associated with occupational vibration hazards and manage the data needed to develop solutions to protect from injury....

Paper trail: how to record injury/illness data & maintain it to your advantage.
December 1, 2003... As Brian was repairing a conveyor belt Monday morning, his hand slipped and hit the sharp edge of the steel support bar. resulting in a cut to the back of his hand. Brian was whisked to the clinic, received five stitches and instructed by the...

Reviewing OSHA's injury/illness recordkeeping rule: after two years of tinkering, no major changes are looming.
December 1, 2003... It's been two years since OSHA's revised rule for recording work related injuries and illnesses went into effect. Time enough to get used to the new system and let go of the old. With the latest round of revisions to be launched in January...

2003 most popular products: the following are ISHN's top 25 inquiry-producing "new product" items for 2003. The products are ranked by number of inquiries received by ISHN.
December 1, 2003... 1 FR GARMENTS Carhartt offers its line of flame-resistant garments manufactured with INDURA[R] Ultra Soft[R] fabrics. The line includes coats, jackets, bib overalls, a new FR denim five-pocket relaxed fit jean, and a 7-oz. and 5.5-oz....

Disposable respirators.(respiratory protection)
December 1, 2003... Circle 284 N95 disposable respirators from Moldex come in various styles and feature the Dura-Mesh[R] shell, which provides exceptional filler media protection and resists collapsing, even in heat and humidity. Available with the...

Compact PAPR.(respiratory protection)
December 1, 2003... Circle 285 MSA's lightweight OptimAir[R] MM 2K PAPR with Type HE OptiFilter[R] XL Cartridge is well suited for abatement, nuclear, lead and some mold remediation, and other hazardous particulate environments. The new plastic...

Mold respirator kit.(respiratory protection)
December 1, 2003... Circle 286 The 3M Mold Remediation Respirator Kit contains everything needed for MI-facepiece respiratory protection for mold remediation. The kit includes one 3M full-facepiece respirator 6000 series, two pairs of 2097 filters and ah...

Escape hood respirator.(respiratory protection)
December 1, 2003... Circle 287 North's new ER1000 hood-style escape respirator provides a minimum of 30 minutes of respiratory and face protection during emergency evacuations. The easy-to-don unit protects against nuclear, chemical and toxic industrial...

Ear cushions.(hearing protection)
December 1, 2003... Circle 319 Sellstrom's Tonedown[R] 200 hearing protection is designed to reduce harmful noise. The lightweight, comfortable polyfoam ear cushions produce an NRR of 26 and feature easily adjustable earcups, a comfortable tension band and...

Reusable earplug.(hearing protection)
December 1, 2003... Circle 320 The Howard Leight SmartFit[TM] reusable earplug uses Conforming Material Technology[TM] to adapt its original form to the unique shape of the individual's era: The result is exceptional comfort and a custom-like fit with ah...

Earplugs with case.(hearing protection)
December 1, 2003... Circle 321 Rockets[R] reusable earplugs from Moldex slip easily into the ear because the grip doesn't bend. An air pocket in the tip makes the earplugs easy to wear, providing cushioned comfort. Pocket-Pak[R] carrying case provides...

Voice Transmission System.(respiratory protection)
December 1, 2003... Circle 289 The AOSafety Voice Transmission System provides clear, on-the-job verbal communication when hall mask respirators are required. The NIOSH approved system features a Peltor[TM] noise-canceling microphone sealed to ah AOSafety...

PAPR series.(respiratory protection)
December 1, 2003... Circle 291 The PA30 Series Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) from Bullard offers up to ten hours of performance using NiMH batteries, and eliminates the "memory'" concern that reduces overall battery service life. Voltage regulation...

SCBA hood.(respiratory protection)
December 1, 2003... Circle 290 Survivair has upgraded its Puma SCBA hood to provide a better fit with improved chemical compatibility. Enhancements include a new 20-mil PVC lens for better clarity and chemical resistance, and the use of blue Responder@...

Full facepiece respirator.(respiratory protection)
December 1, 2003... Circle 292 The Promask 25 full facepiece APR from Scott offers extreme comfort via a wide sealing surface of the halo butyl facepiece and the adjustable five-point head harness. Available in two sizes, the twin-cartridge unit features a...

Push-in earplugs.(hearing protection)
December 1, 2003... Circle 322 New Push-Ins[TM] reusable earplugs from E-A-R[R] provide an NRR of 28 dB. and the push-in style eliminates the hassle of rolling down earplugs for fitting and also alleviates hand-to-ear contamination associated with roll-down...

Communications earmuffs.(hearing protection)
December 1, 2003... Circle 324 Elvex DeTune electronic earmuffs improve communications as the user can adjust the frequency range transmitted through the circuitry and speakers. The sound level inside the headset can be set up to 85 dB. Two control knobs are...

Adjustable earmuffs.(hearing protection)
December 1, 2003... Circle 323 SoundSeries[TM] Earmuffs from Gateway consist of three styles of earmuffs, each fully adjustable and versatile. A rotating headband allows them to be worn over or behind the head or under the chin, and with or without head...

Flame-resistant apparel.(protective clothing)
December 1, 2003... Circle 294 Cool, lightweight and soft, Workrite flame-resistant garments of CXPTM fabric, featuring Nomex[R]IIIA as its foundation, provide ideal arc and flash-tire protection with all-day comfort. The durable, smart looking CXP apparel...

High-visibility rainwear.(protective clothing)
December 1, 2003... Circle 295 Tingley Rubber's Comfort-Brite fluorescent yellow-green .35mm PVC-on-polyester suit with two inch reflective tape is an affordable solution for high-visibility rainwear that complies with the ANSI/ISEA 107-1999 standard....

All-weather FR fabric.(protective clothing)
December 1, 2003... Circle 296 No Photo Westex's INDURA[R] Ultra Soft[R] flame-resistant fabric is now available with EPIC[TM] by Nextec. The new "soft shell" cotton/ high-tenacity nylon FR clothing products are water- and wind-resistant, breathable, washable...

Polycoated garments.(protective clothing)
December 1, 2003... Circle 301 Tychem[R] QC polyethylene-coated garments from Lakeland provide lightweight splash protection from inorganic acids and other liquid chemicals. Combining Tyvek[R] fabric and a 1.25-mil PE coating, Tychem[R] QC is ah economical...

Self-Retracting Lifeline.(fall protection)
December 1, 2003... Circle 304 The new Miller Black Rhino Self-Retracting Lifeline (SRL) is said to be the smallest, lightest nine-foot cable lifeline available. Designed for harsh environments, the SRL employs a cable wire rope lifeline and stainless...

Rope grab.(fall protection)
December 1, 2003... Circle 305 DBI/SALA's new role grab connects to a 5/8-in. rope lifeline and works on "real-world" rope, which is often worn and swelled. This "unconfined" design eliminates nuisance lockups to help improve productivity. The mobile device...

Fall protection booklet.(fall protection)
December 1, 2003... Circle 306 Sellstrom RTC offers the "Fall Protection Tips Booklet," written by one of the foremost authorities on fall protection, Dr. J. Nigel Ellis. The booklet, which serves as a handy safety reference manual, provides practical advice...

Chemical protection.(protective clothing)
December 1, 2003... Circle 299 The HAZARD-GARD[R] line of protective apparel from Kimberly-Clark provides resistance to liquid and dry particulate chemicals. HAZARD-GARD[R] I garments are laminated with a 1.3-mil exterior polyethylene film, while HAZARD...

Thermal protection.(protective clothing)
December 1, 2003... Circle 298 No Photo New apparel from DuPont provides thermal protection against molten cryolite and aluminum splash. Pants and shirts made with Bodyshield[R] fabric from Cleyn & Tinker are designed to protect foundry workers exposed to...

Shirts & coverall line.(protective clothing)
December 1, 2003... Circle 300 Bulwark's Cool Touch[R] shirts and coverall are lightweight and airy with all the protection of ComfortBlend[TM] a 65-percent Nomex[R] / 35-percent Lenzing FR blended fabric and part of DuPont's Nomex ComfortWear collection....

FR denim jeans.(protective clothing)
December 1, 2003... Circle 297 Carhartt's new flame-resistant denim jeans meet ASTM, OSHA and NFPA 70E requirements. The FR jeans have an ATPV of 12.7 and are U.S.A. union-made with 14.75-oz. Indurar Ultra Soft[R]. Styled with a leg opening that fits over...

Confined space SRL.(fall protection)
December 1, 2003... Circle 307 The Fall Sale confined space Tripod, Pulley and 3-Way Self-Retracting Lifeline flora Hy-Safe offers a complete solution for confined space applications. The 3-Way SRL functions as a normal self-retracting lifeline yet can also...

Economical SRL.(fall protection)
December 1, 2003... Circle 308 Protecta's AD212AG self-retracting lifeline features a 10-meter (33-ft.) working length and utilizes a 3/16-in. galvanized cable. With its thermoplastic housing, the economically priced AD212AG is compact and lightweight. The...

Tie-Back Lanyard.(fall protection)
December 1, 2003... Circle 309 The new FP5K Tie-Back Lanyard from MSA offers various innovative features including a 5,000-pound gate strength in any direction, which allows the user to tie the lanyard back to itself. The tie back lanyard is available with...

Prescription eyewear.(eye protection)
December 1, 2003... Circle 260 Titmus has added the EXTS3 frame style to its Titanium Collection of prescription protective eyewear. Featuring a stainless steel "hidden rim" and sleek titanium chassis, the oval-shaped, lightweight eyewear provides nickel-free...

Enhanced eye coverage.(eye protection)
December 1, 2003... Circle 261 The new Uvex XC[TM] eyewear provides up to 20 percent greater eye coverage with lenses that extend further down the wearer's cheek and rearward for enhanced peripheral protection. Featuring the patented Multi-Material Molding...

Stylish eye safety.(eye protection)
December 1, 2003... Circle 262 NASCAR[R] GT protective eyewear from Encon combines aesthetics, comfort and protection for a stylish eye safety solution. Featuring a one-piece wrap-around design, a colorful NASCAR temple logo and ultra-soft temple tips, the...

Safety readers.(eye protection)
December 1, 2003... Circle 263 Remigton Safari[TM] industrial safety eyewear from Olympic Optical provides sleek styling while offering magnification. Safari is available with magnifying reader inserts of 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 powers, available in both clear and...

Safety shoes.(foot protection)
December 1, 2003... Circle 311 The Nautilus N1392 Steel Toe Hiker features water-resistant leather, rust-proof eyelets, an EVA midsole for maximum comfort, and a highly durable, non-marking, slip- and oil-resistant outsole. Available in dark moss/black, the...

PVC-coated boots.(foot protection)
December 1, 2003... Circle 10 West Chester's extra-rail 17-in. PVC-coated boot slides on easily over work shoes and features a comfortable nylon-knit lining, a rugged cleated sole for superior traction and an adjustable buckle strap. Ideal for industrial...

Work shoes & boots.(foot protection)
December 1, 2003... Circle 312 New styles in Wolverine's 2004 spring work line feature the company's All Weather Welt, which offers slip-resistance, durability and is waterproof. Wolverine DuraShocks[R] Comfort Technology system absorbs shock and returns...

Slip-resistant soles.(foot protection)
December 1, 2003... Circle 313 WORX[TM] By Red Wing's new Super Slip Resistant Tread Sole (SSRT) provides workers in uniform occupations the comfort of regular footwear while offering slips/falls protection. Lightweight cement construction is combined with a...

Precise-fit eyewear.(eye protection)
December 1, 2003... Circle 264 Nitrogen[TM] protective eyewear from Radians features a soft rubber nosepiece with self adjusting "fingers" to prevent slipping. The temple pieces extend for a precise fit, and the extended brow guard is molded into the top of...

Wrap-around eyewear.(eye protection)
December 1, 2003... Circle 265 Offering a distortion-free 9 base wrap-around lens, the Liberator[TM] from American Allsafe provides expand vision, protection and style. The lightweight, sporty eyewear features a soft, comfortable nosepiece that reduces...

Contoured eyewear.(eye protection)
December 1, 2003... Circle 266 MSA's new Sedona eyewear offers extreme comfort while meeting the new ANSI Z87.1-2003 standard. The stylish, contoured lens provides excellent eye protection, and the temples adjust both vertically and horizontally to fit most...

Designer glasses.(eye protection)
December 1, 2003... Circle 267 Crews[R]' stylish CK2[R] safety spectacle is equipped with a soft non-slip gel nosepiece and temple sleeves to ensure all-day comfort and a secure fit. The designer glasses provide a near total orbital seal with flexible bayonet...

Protective footwear.(foot protection)
December 1, 2003... Circle 314 A new product catalog from Weinbrenner depicts a wide range of occupational, tire and rescue, uniform and safety footwear, complete with color photographs and concise details of each shoe or boot's features. Weinbrenner produces...

Stylish work boot.(foot protection)
December 1, 2003... Circle 316 The Denali from CAT Footwear is a stylish 6-in. hiking boot featuring an ANSI Class 75 steel toe, premium soft leathers, and a padded collar that wraps all the way around to the back. The lightweight, comfortable boot is rugged,...

High-Traction Footwear.(foot protection)
December 1, 2003... Circle 315 ICEGRIPS[R] High Traction[TM] Footwear from Jordan David reduces slips and falls outdoors in harsh environments. ICEGRIPS fit conveniently over work shoes and boots utilizing 36 hex-head screws that bite into ice and snow to...

Heavy-duty waders.(foot protection)
December 1, 2003... Circle 317 LaCrosse offers three new styles of heavy duty rubber waders suitable for such industries as wastewater mining and commercial fishing. The Premium Chest Wader is available in steel toe/steel midsole of plain toe and is...

Fashionable eyewear.(head protection)
December 1, 2003... Circle 268 AOSafety[R]'s 2003 X-FACTOR[TM] Safety Sunwear Collection offers users five styles that combine fashion and eye protection. Featuring trendy unisex styles that are comfortable and light-Circle weight, the OSHA-compliant eyewear...

Spring-hinged spectacles.(head protection)
December 1, 2003... Circle 269 Bouton's 6600 Springer is part of the company's Shark Hunter Series safety spectacles. The contemporary eyewear features a unique spring-hinge hidden in the temple that provides added comfort and safety due to the snug fit it...

Wrap-around frame.(head protection)
December 1, 2003... Circle 270 Impact Products offers the Proguard Cerberus II protective eyewear. This ultra-lightweight wrap-around frame is designed for comfort and balance, featuring a soft PVC insert on the nose bridge and temples for added comfort and...

Universal sideshields.(head protection)
December 1, 2003... Circle 271 Aye Mate[TM] universal sideshields are quickly adaptable to a wide range of metal and plastic frames, and can be installed or removed quickly without the use of tools. The polycarbonate Aye Mates simplify replacement of lost or...

Ratchet alternative.(head protection)
December 1, 2003... Circle 327 The Quickslide[TM] helmet from American Allsafe provides users a cost-effective ratchet alternative. Regardless of the wearer's head size, Quickslide changes quickly and easily to provide the right fit. Made in the U.S., the...

Welding helmet.(head protection)
December 1, 2003... Circle 326 A new welding helmet/respirator system from Hornell, the Speedglas[R] FlexView with Adflo[R], combines a retractable auto-darkening Speedglas lens with an advanced powered air purifying respirator (PAPR). Full eye, face and...

Hard hat decoration.(head protection)
December 1, 2003... Circle 328 Bullard offers custom hard hat decoration through a program that is quick and easy. The custom decoration program requires no artwork charges and no set-up charges. In addition, proofs are provided free of charge for every new...

Safety caps.(head protection)
December 1, 2003... Circle 325 Advance[TM] Caps from MSA are now designed with and without cooling vents. The vented model features six large cooling vents for improved air circulation, and a new non-vented cap provides the Advance styling with--rain gutter...

Insulated earmuffs.(protective clothing)
December 1, 2003... Circle 302 Fashionable, comfortable, bandless Bar Mittsr earmuffs eliminate static and keep ears warm in cold conditions. Ear Mitts are made with fleece and lined with a Thinsulate[TM] Thermal Insulation interior that keeps warm air in and...

High-visibility material.(protective clothing)
December 1, 2003... Circle 303 The NASCO Arclite[TM] HiVis[TM] ProSeries[TM] is a fluorescent background material with 3M Scotchlite[R] reflective trim. The protective raingear features a three-piece hood in collar. "Breathable by Design" Nomex[R] mesh...

Nitrile-coated gloves.(hand protection)
December 1, 2003... Circle 272 Marigold[R]'s premium-quality, nitrile-coated Nitrotough[TM] glove range includes three gauntlet styles that protect against many physical and chemical hazards. Available in 12-, 14-and 24-in. lengths and two sizes, these tough,...

Warm work glove.(hand protection)
December 1, 2003... Circle 281 The Atlas Thermafit combines flexibility and dexterity with a thicker, warmer poly/cotton knit liner. Offering a sure grip, these protective gloves feature a uniquely formulated textured rubber coating on the palm and fingertips...