Industrial Safety & Hygiene News articles from December 2004

Industrial Safety & Hygiene News archives from December 2004

Polishing the crystal ball: three predictions for 2005.(Editorial comments)(Environmental Health and Safety)(Occupational Safety and Health Administration)(Editorial)
December 1, 2004... Q.1 What does "four more years" mean to EHS? OSHA chief John Henshaw summed it up the day after President Bush's reelection in a speech in his hometown of St. Louis: You can expect more "strong, fair and effective enforcement," more...

Expert advice.
December 1, 2004... VPP (Q) Our facility is considering going for OSHA Voluntary Protection Program status. Why have so many companies joined VPP in recent years? (A) It's like the guy who had sticker shock at the Lexus dealership. Those who go to the...

Chicago firm flunks OSHA audit again.(rules & Regs)(Occupational Safety and Health Administration penalizes Appetizers And Inc.)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... Appetizers And, Inc. of Chicago was slapped with $172,350 in penalties by OSHA following an April inspection into workplace safety and health practices at the facility. Three previous OSHA inspections had resulted in citations for...

OSHA hooks up with Army.(rules & Regs)(United States. Occupational Safety and Health Administration partners with Department of the Army)(United States. Department of the Army)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... A new OSHA partnership with the U.S. Department of the Army is designed to improve safety and health for the Army's civilian workforce at 21 military installations across the country. The partnership agreement, announced in October,...

OSHA wallops plastics maker with $361,500 in penalties.(rules & Regs)(Occupational safety and health)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... Formosa Plastics Corp. of Illiopolis, Ill., was walloped with $361,500 in penalties following an investigation into an April 23 explosion that took the lives of five workers, seriously injured three others and destroyed much of the facility....

Public complaint leads to fines for six Texas contractors.(rules & Regs)(Occupational safety and health)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... OSHA has issued penalties to six contractors totaling $151,200 for allegedly failing to provide adequate fall protection for workers at a Denton, Texas, apartment construction site. OSHA's Fort Worth area office began its investigation in...

Drug-free workplace agreement: DOL, labor unions sign.(rules & Regs)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... The U.S. Department of Labor and four international labor unions have formed an alliance to improve worker health and safety through drug-free workplace programs. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao signed the alliance agreement with the...

Georgia-Pacific becomes first VPP Corporate participant.(rules & Regs)
December 1, 2004... OSHA has formally approved Georgia-Pacific Corp. as the first company in the agency's VPP Corporate Pilot program, A leading manufacturer and marketer of tissue, packaging, paper, building products and related chemicals, Georgia-Pacific was...

SoCal Edison admits award-winning safety data was flawed.(rules & Regs)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... Southern California Edison Company has underreported on-the-job injuries for the last seven years and as a result won millions of dollars in performance-related bonuses from the state, the Associated Press reports. The company told the...

NASA's safety culture still broken?(news Scan)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... A draft space policy paper provides insight into what some space experts--and NASA employees--think NASA should be doing about the risks inherent in NASA's current human space flight systems. The paper is part of a two-year study by George...

Off-duty accidents costly to employers.(news Scan)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... A study published recently in Injury Prevention found that drivers and passengers involved in motor vehicle crashes in the U.S. lost 60.8 million days of work between 1993 and 2001. The study showed that more than 30 percent of drivers and...

Support programs help MSD sufferers return to work sooner.(news Scan)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... A recent study suggests that the best way to get a worker with a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) back to work is through a support return-to-work (RTW) program. The study, which looked at 122 carpal tunnel cases, found that workers who were...

China mine explosion death toll reaches 141.(news Scan)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... The death toll from a devastating coal mine blast in central China jumped to 141 as of press time, and the chances that seven missing miners survived were slim, the government said. A total of 446 workers were underground when the Daping...

Many emotionally taxing jobs go unrewarded.(news Scan)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... Emotionally draining jobs--such as rescue workers, firefighters or child-care workers bring few monetary rewards, a new University of Florida study finds. But the pay scale inflates dramatically if stressful jobs also require high...

Fight the flu with education.(Flu Season)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... With flu vaccine in significantly short supply, the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (AAOHN) encourages employers to educate employees about smart and healthy behaviors that could help them avoid the flu this season: ...

Survey: employers canceling flu shots.(Flu Season)
December 1, 2004... More than one-third of survey participators say the shortage of flu vaccine has led their companies to cancel their flu shot programs this year, according to an online poll at HR.BLR.com, a Web site for human resources professionals. This...

If at first you don't succeed ...: try these suggestions for getting safety support.(Psychology of safety)
December 1, 2004... Most of us don't ask enough questions in the course of our conversations. Yet, asking is the key to learning. By asking for feedback we strengthen relationships by building trust. By asking for someone's opinion, we show caring and respect....

Diploma mill denial? EHS community silent on bogus degrees.(Managing Best practices)
December 1, 2004... You should know that several government investigations into the educational qualifications of individuals in safety-sensitive jobs could affect the credibility of our profession. The U.S. General Accounting Office began investigating...

Entering a confined space? Your employees need training to recognize unseen hazards.
December 1, 2004... Confined space entry is one of the most hazardous tasks a worker can encounter. What makes it so difficult is that workers often fail to recognize potential hazards. Fatalities associated with confined space entry are most commonly the...

Choose the correct chemical-resistant gloves: Consider it an "experiment".
December 1, 2004... As a technical support specialist for a safety supply company, I'm daily assisting our customers with determining which chemical-resistant gloves are appropriate for a given work application. Sounds simple enough... don't you just pull out the...

Take your seat: tips on selecting ergonomic chairs for the workplace.
December 1, 2004... For many people, chairs and stools are merely things to sit on. In the world of safety and health, however, they can be tools for reducing occupational injuries, reducing lost work time and lowering costs. Seating can affect operating...

Emphasizing ergonomics: how being proactive proves good for business.(Dauterive Hospital)
December 1, 2004... OSHA may have put ergonomics regulation on the back burner, but the issue is still simmering for employers who continue to develop programs to protect workers and save money. The strong business case for ergonomics continues to motivate...

ISHN's 21st annual white paper "state of EHS" survey: best-in-class.(world-class safety and health program )
December 1, 2004... As part of this year's survey, we asked readers: "Name the organization with a world-class safety and health program that first comes to your mind." Here are the top ten, along with details culled from each company's Web site: 1 DuPont ...

What on earth is an "Etool"? Compliance assistance is just a keystroke away.
December 1, 2004... How many hats do you wear at work? Safety supervisors can also serve as human resource directors, maintenance managers, shop foremen, or who knows what else. You might be squeezed for time and money when it comes to implementing an effective...

Software.(Product Update)
December 1, 2004... 1 SAFETY MANAGEMENT CIRCLE 294 OSHALOG[R] 300 Plus Version 4.0 from Safety Software is a relational database software that assists companies in reporting and managing on-the-job injuries and illnesses, a government requirement that is...

Simplify your selection of flame-resistant clothing.
December 1, 2004... If you are involved in electrical safety then NFPA 70E "Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace" may be a standard you often hear about. But many businesses ask, "How do I know if it applies to my company?" This standard virtually...

Tinted safety readers.(Product Update)
December 1, 2004... Olympic Safety Readers are now available in yellow tint lenses with +1.5, +2.0 and +2.5 powers. The stylish protective eyewear is ideal for workers requiring enhanced contrast and Z87+ protection in low light conditions. Soft rubber nose pad...

Fall protection.(Product Update)
December 1, 2004... Pelsue's '04 Product Catalog includes a wide range of fall protection and other equipment designed to improve safety conditions in various underground, confined and outdoor areas. Rescue and retrieval products include rope rescue equipment,...

Heavy-duty rubber gloves.(Product Update)
December 1, 2004... HARPON[TM]/321 gloves from Mapa offer freedom of movement with a comfortable knit lining that has no seams on working surfaces. Extended 12.5-in. length provides added forearm protection. Heavyweight natural rubber polymer provides abrasion and...

Durable respirator.(Product Update)
December 1, 2004... Moldex's Special Ops[TM] Series N95 respirators are designed for tough working conditions, featuring a solid black color to stay cleaner-looking longer. The Dura-Mesh[R] shell resists collapsing in heat and humidity, and the HandyStrap[R]...

Welding glove.(Product Update)
December 1, 2004... Perfect Fit's new Carbtex glove line is designed for welders and workers in environments such as electrical utilities, petrochemical and oil and gas operations, auto manufacturing and racing, and more. Carbtex incorporates a revolutionary new...

Sport-style eyewear.(Product Update)
December 1, 2004... Uvex Pilot protective eyewear combines two-tone sport-style frames and multi-layer mirrored lens options to create a premium look for workers. The use of Uvex's patented MMT--Multi-Material Technology[R]--provides soft, cushioned comfort for...

Insulated gloves.(Product Update)
December 1, 2004... Featuring Thinsulate[R] lining, the Artic Jack glove from MCR is naturally suited for wet or insulated conditions as well as general-purpose applications that require abrasion protection and the breathability of leather and cotton. The pigskin...

Comfortable work boots.(Product Update)
December 1, 2004... Wolverine's new MultiShox[TM] Individual Comfort System provides all-day comfort in work footwear. Multiple compression pads in the heel and forefoot absorb shock and return energy, in response to the way each person moves. A removable comfort...

FR Vest/Jacket Liner.(Product Update)
December 1, 2004... Cintas provides managed programs for flame-resistant clothing, offering all fabrics and options including rental, lease and direct purchase. The Nomex[R] Ilia Vest/Jacket Liner--80309 gives users an added layer of warmth and protection,...

Cleanroom gloves.(Product Update)
December 1, 2004... AciTek[TM] cleanroom acid gloves from Ansell protect hands from a wide range of acids, etchants and solvents. The 100% natural latex polymer gloves feature an aggressive grip pattern that assures a strong hold on glassware and other smooth...

Sleek eye protection.(Product Update)
December 1, 2004... Odyssey[TM] Protective Eyewear from Gateway Safety offers patented comfort features and a patent-pending sleek, lightweight design. The SoftFlex[TM] nosepiece pivots on a hinge to offer excellent conformity to the bridge of the wearer's nose....

Lightweight work boot.(Product Update)
December 1, 2004... CAT Footwear's iTechnologyTM shoe system integrates a welted forepart and molded EVA heel cradle to provide a patent-pending combination of comfort and durability, iTechnology work boots are considerably lighter than traditional welted work...

Dexterous glove.(Product Update)
December 1, 2004... G-Tek[TM] Maxifoam[TM] from PIP features a seamless knit nylon shell with gray nitrile foam-coated palm and finger tips to provide excellent fit and feel. This protective glove is ideal for applications requiring dexterity, sensitivity and...

Harness Back Pad.(Product Update)
December 1, 2004... The new Delta Comfort Back Pad from DBI/SALA & Protecta can be easily added to a harness to provide increased comfort and no-tangle donning. The accessory pad can be attached to Delta No-Tangle[R] harnesses and most other harness brands. The...

Flame-resistant jacket.(Product Update)
December 1, 2004... Carhartt's FR, USA-made all-season bomber jacket is constructed with 13-oz. INDURA[R] Ultra Soft[R] and has a 5.5-oz. twill cloth lining. Features include brass front zipper with Nomex[R] zipper tape, triple-stitched main seams, and an optional...

Full-facepiece respirator.(Product Update)
December 1, 2004... AOSafety's new QuickFit[TM] air-purifying full-facepiece respirator features an exclusive twist and seal harness system that eliminates straps and buckles. By twisting the QuickDial the mask seals to the wearer's face. Easy to put on and take...

Puncture protection.(Product Update)
December 1, 2004... New TurtleSkin Insider Plus Gloves offer superb dexterity and tear resistance, while providing puncture, cut and abrasion resistance. The protective glove is made using a soft cotton jersey knit with a liner of patented TurtleSkin material on...

FR clothing fabric.(Product Update)
December 1, 2004... Westex's INDURA[R] Ultra Soft[R] flame-resistant fabric is available with EPIC[TM] by Nextec. The "soft shell" cotton/high-tenacity nylon FR clothing material is functional in virtually all weather conditions. Patented EPIC[TM} technology...

Nitrile gloves.(Product Update)
December 1, 2004... The NightHawk[TM] from Best is a black disposable nitrile glove with textured fingertips that provides excellent ESD and static-dissipative properties. Part of the company's N-DEX[R] family, NightHawk is ideal for workers in automotive,...

Universal harness.(Product Update)
December 1, 2004... The RITE-ON harness from North Safety is constructed to shape around the user with ease, offering workers simplicity and comfort. The universally sized harness features a comfortable one-piece back and shoulder pad, which retains the shape of...

NFL logo hardhats.(Product Update)
December 1, 2004... To help promote wearer acceptance of hardhats, MSA offers a line of V-Gard[R] Caps emblazoned with officially licensed NFL logos. Ideal for construction and industrial workers, the lightweight, durable sports-team-logoed helmets meet or exceed...

Safety goggle.(Product Update)
December 1, 2004... Revolution[TM] safety goggles from American Allsafe protect against chemical splashes, dust and impact while providing excellent visual clarity utilizing VisiClear[TM] anti-fog, anti-scratch coating. Proprietary CrossVent[TM] technology employs...

Versatile faceshield.(Product Update)
December 1, 2004... Sellstrom's new DP4 Faceshield consists of a clear window with a flip-down Shade 5 IR window and is able to provide uninterrupted protection for grinding, cutting and brazing. Also available: clear window for grinding, Shade 3 IR for cutting...

Latex hand protection.(Product Update)
December 1, 2004... Sempermed's next generation SemperGuard[TM] Industrial Latex Powdered Glove provides optimal barrier protection, is easy to don and offers superior tactile sensitivity in both wet and dry environments. The protective glove is pH balanced,...

Wrap-around eyewear.(Product Update)
December 1, 2004... The Veratti[R] 2000 safety eyewear from Encon features wrap-around comfort, a sleek weightless design and new temples to provide the maximum in fit and function. Offering advanced optics, the protective glasses are made of flexible...

Bacou-Dalloz.(Businesses)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... Bacou-Dalloz has announced plans to relocate its U.S. Protective Apparel operation from Grand Junction, Colo., to Franklin, Pa. The move is expected to be completed by the end of December 2004. Bacou-Dalloz Protective Apparel manufactures and...

Behrman Capital, a private equity investment firm based in New York and San Francisco, has acquired privately held Pelican[TM] Products, Inc., a global designer, developer and manufacturer of protective cases and professional flashlights.(Businesses)
December 1, 2004... Behrman Capital, a private equity investment firm based in New York and San Francisco, has acquired privately held Pelican[TM] Products, Inc., a global designer, developer and manufacturer of protective cases and professional flashlights. The...

ESS.(Businesses)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... ESS, a leading provider of EHS and crisis management software and services, is donating $3.5 million in free training courses to members of the National Registry of Environmental Professionals (NREP). ESS and the NREP have been collaborative...

Steril-Aire, Inc.(Businesses)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... Steril-Aire, Inc. has moved to an expanded corporate headquarters facility in Burbank, Calif.. tripling its manufacturing capacity and its sales and administrative office space. The new headquarters also features a fully equipped research...

Sorbent Products Company (SPC).(Businesses)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... Sorbent Products Company (SPC), a producer of industrial and environmental polypropylene absorbents, has launched a new sales and distribution hub in Hong Kong. SPC Asia Limited began operations in November.

RAE Systems, Inc.(Businesses)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... RAE Systems, Inc. has been awarded a $1.3 million contract from the United States Department of Justice. The Department purchased RAE Systems' MultiRAE Plus. which combines a photoionization detector (PID) for VOC detection with the standard...

American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE).(Associations)(appointment)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) has appointed Randall Wingfield as Chair of the Z359 Accredited Standards Committee on Fall Protection and Related Systems. The committee is currently revising the American National Standards...

Industrial Scientific Corp.(Awards)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... The Pittsburgh Technology Council recognized Industrial Scientific Corp. as one of Southwestern Pennsylvania's top ten companies for achievements in advanced manufacturing. The council honors the region's leading technology-oriented companies,...

Medtronic.(Awards)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... Medtronic received a leadership award from Frost & Sullivan for its external defibrillator product line for demonstrating the most insight into customer needs and product demands. The award stems from analysis performed during the writing of...

Bacou-Dalloz Hearing Safety Group.(Moves)(appointment)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... Brad K. Witt has joined the Bacou-Dalloz Hearing Safety Group as Audiology and Regulatory Affairs Manager. An experienced audiologist, Witt will manage the NVLAP-accredited Howard Leight Acoustical Testing Laboratory in San Diego and serve...

OccuNomix International LLC.(Moves)(appointment)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... OccuNomix International LLC, a supplier of personal protective products, has named Robert L. Plummer, 45, as the company chief executive officer. Plummer, who succeeds Douglas S. Rose, OccuNomix' interim chief executive officer and managing...

Best Manufacturing.(Moves)(appointment)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... Dave Thomas: has been named manager of research and development for Best Manufacturing, a leading industrial and medical glove maker. In addition, Best has reassigned Tom Clark to manage its business development initiatives.

NIOSH.(Moves)(National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)(appointment)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... Mary Lynn Woebkenberg has been named director of the NIOSH Division of Applied Research and Technology (DART), effective November 1. Also, James Stephens has been newly appointed as the NIOSH Associate Director for Science.

Events.(industry Briefs)(Brief Article)(Calendar)
December 1, 2004... january ASSE Safety Workshops--Math Review, ASP and CSP Workshops, Safety Management Parts I and II, Jan. 9-15, Nashville, TN, ASSE, (847) 699-2929, www.asse.org Forklift Technician Maintenance & Training Program, Jan. 14,...