Industrial Safety & Hygiene News articles from December 2005

Industrial Safety & Hygiene News archives from December 2005

Be careful what you ask for ... a national safety scoring system could trigger hard questions.(occupational safety)
December 1, 2005... It's January 1, 2010. President Mark Warner (the former Democratic governor of Virginia),is set to sign The Workplace Full Disclosure for Safety s Sake Act. It's a voluntary reporting system for employers to submit on an annual basis...

High court sides with workers in pay dispute.(rules & REGS)
December 1, 2005... The Supreme Court ruled early last month that companies must pay plant workers for the time it takes to change into protective clothing and safety gear and walk to their work stations, according to the Associated Press. The issue was...

State rules on crane operators found invalid.(rules for Hoisting Machine Operators )
December 1, 2005... A two-year-old Hawaii state law that requires the certification of construction crane operators is invalid, and the state board set up to regulate operators has no legal standing, reports Pacific Business News. A finding by the state...

OSHA reduces company's fine due to employee misconduct.(rules & REGS)
December 1, 2005... OSHA agreed last month to withdraw all citations classified as "willful" levied against Cotton Construction, Inc., of Waller, Texas, and reclassified them as only "serious" violations, and the agency reduced the penalty by more than $45,000...

New OSHA alliance to promote young worker safety.(rules & REGS)
December 1, 2005... Young workers should benefit from a new alliance signed in October between OSHA and SkillsUSA, a national organization serving more than 279,000 high school and college students and professional members enrolled in training programs in...

Storage rack manufacturer racks up heavy fines for safety violations.(rules & REGS)
December 1, 2005... Midwest Racking Manufacturing, Inc., Madison, Ill., has racked up fines in excess of $400,000 for failing to protect workers from numerous workplace hazards identified in a recent OSHA inspection and eight previous inspections. The...

Office ergonomics: stretch it out.(news SCAN)
December 1, 2005... How comfy is your chair at work? Sixty percent of workers report being planted in their chairs for more than six hours a day, says a recent study by WorkRite Ergonomics. The study also stated that nine out of ten workers report end-of-workday...

Unscheduled absenteeism on the rise.(news SCAN)
December 1, 2005... According to a survey from CCH, Inc., unscheduled absences were at a five-year high of 2.4 percent in 2004, up from 1.9 percent in 2003. And with only 38 percent of these absences being attributed to personal illness, and 23 percent being...

Aging workforce: requires increased safety efforts, says ASSE.(news SCAN)
December 1, 2005... As the large "baby boomer" generation--those born between 1946 and 1964--ages so too does the nation's workforce, while the labor pool shrinks. And while workplace injury rates for older workers are the lowest of any age group, their fatality...

Study finds lax safety standards at construction sites.(news SCAN)
December 1, 2005... A study by the New York State Trial Lawyers Association, released in October, reveals inadequate supervision of city construction sites, and low penalties imposed on violators make it easy for builders to ignore safety rules, according to The...

Avian flu emerges as a top concern this year.(survey on bird flu)(Brief article)
December 1, 2005... More than half the people in a new survey about the upcoming cold and flu season say they are concerned about the possibility of a flu strain jumping from animals to humans. The results represent a big shift from a year ago when only one...

Money makes the culture go 'round: how much safety can you have without a healthy bottom line?(organizational culture)
December 1, 2005... Google the term "safety culture" and you'll quickly turn up about 61,500,000 references. In safety and health circles culture is on everyone's mind these days. And there's no lack of opinions about what makes for a healthy and effective one. It...

When will we ever learn? Six lessons from Hurricane Katrina.(aftermath of hurricanes)
December 1, 2005... It seems fitting to end the year with some reflections on this past hurricane season. Why? First, we just witnessed the most severe environmental devastation and human suffering the U.S. has ever endured from a series of hurricanes. Since last...

Timely control of hazards: eight steps for assessing and reducing risks.(managing health hazards)
December 1, 2005... OK, you're ready to implement an occupational safety and health management system, say OSHA's Voluntary Protection Program or the new ANSI/AIHA Z10 standard. Element 6.4.C of the Z10 standard requires organizations to "expedite action on...

Developing team players: crew resource management training comes to industry.(POSITIVE SAFETY cultures)
December 1, 2005... Three days after Christmas in 1972, Eastern Airlines flight 401 nose-dived into the Florida everglades, killing 99 passengers and crewmembers. The wide-body L-1011 jet had developed a mechanical problem--a burned-out landing gear indicator...

FR apparel.(ppe PRODUCT UPDATE)
December 1, 2005... Circle 264 Bulwark's new EXCEL-FR[R] line of durable flame-resistant cotton and cotton-blend apparel meets or exceeds industry standards for flame resistance, electric arc protection and flash fire protection. A vertically integrated...

Palm-coated.(ppe PRODUCT UPDATE)
December 1, 2005... Circle 263 All-Grip[TM] gloves from Banom provide users with a good grip whether in oily, wet or dry conditions. Knit with abrasion-resistant Duralon[R], All-Grip gloves offer high dexterity and durability in a wide range of assembly...

FP harness.
December 1, 2005... Circle 265 The new ExoFit XP harness from DBI/SALA & PROTECTA includes features such as lightweight 3-D mesh padding; removable back and leg pads to allow for washing; and a spring-loaded "stand-up" back D-ring for easy connections. Impact...

FR vest.
December 1, 2005... Circle 266 A new flame-resistant brown duck vest from Carhartt features premium details such as an inside patch pocket with hook-and-loop closure, brass zipper and hidden snap closure for electric arc protection. Construction of the vest...

Hazmat suit.(ppe PRODUCT UPDATE)
December 1, 2005... Circle 267 DuPont's Tychem[R] ThermoPro single-layer suit provides protection from both flash fire and chemicals. Ideal for emergency responders, the lightweight garment features a respirator fit hood and permanent thermal protection. The...

Nascar series eyewear.(ppe PRODUCT UPDATE)
December 1, 2005... Circle 268 Encon's NASCAR[R] licensed safety glasses now include drivers Jeff Gordon (#24) and Jimmie Johnson (#48). The stylish, lightweight eyewear incorporates a frameless, translucent, wrap-around protective lens, comfortable soft...

Mechanics style glove.
December 1, 2005... Circle 269 The HexArmor[R] HiDex[TM] CPR FX mechanics style glove offers excellent fit and feel while incorporating a significant amount of cut and puncture resistance to the palm, fingers and thumb area. The durable protective glove...

SAFETY goggle.(ppe PRODUCT UPDATE)
December 1, 2005... Circle 270 Utilizing a cylindrical lens and anti-fog optics, the Monogoggle[TM] XTR[TM] goggle from Jackson Products provides extreme visual clarity in virtually all conditions. The lightweight, stylish goggle protects against chemical...

Safety boot.(ppe PRODUCT UPDATE)
December 1, 2005... Circle 276 Red Wing's 2226 mens 6" boot features full-grain leather, oil-resistant/slip-resistant Horizon super sole, and Supersole welt construction. Safety features of the 2226 include ANSI Z41/ASTM F2413-05 ratings; steel toe...

Form-fitting glove.(ppe PRODUCT UPDATE)
December 1, 2005... Circle 272 MCR Safety's new Mako[TM] is a sleek, form-fitting glove that retains its grip even when wet. The textured, dexterous latex style glove is available in a 12" gauntlet; component materials comply with all relevant federal...

Insulated work boot.
December 1, 2005... Circle 273 The XPX662 from Michelin is a 6" waterproof, insulated, steel toe utility boot that combines function and comfort for both indoor and outdoor work. The all-weather boot features the exclusive and versatile Michelin Pilot Exalto...

Full-body harness.(ppe PRODUCT UPDATE)
December 1, 2005... Circle 274 The Miller Revolution[TM] Harness features PivotLink[TM] connection--a unique rotary design that provides improved bending/mobility and an attachment point for belts/tools/accessories. The full-body harness also features:...

Escape respirator.(ppe PRODUCT UPDATE)
December 1, 2005... Circle 275 MSA's new Safe Escape Respirator is a practical solution to escaping quickly and easily from threatening situations. Featuring a canister containing a CBRN high-efficiency particulate filter and activated carbon, the respirator...

Nitrile gloves.(ppe PRODUCT UPDATE)
December 1, 2005... Circle 271 KRONIT[R] 386 & 387 heavy-duty Kevlar[R]-lined nitrile gloves from MAPA offer reinforcement in hand areas that are consistently exposed to mechanical cut hazards. Kronit 386 achieved Level 3, and Kronit 387 Level 4 cut-resistant...

Arc flash protection.(ppe PRODUCT UPDATE)
December 1, 2005... Circle 277 PRO-WEAR[TM] from Salisbury offers users a full range of arc flash protection. The PRO-WEAR line includes arc flash personal protective equipment, accessories, insulated tools and clothing ranging from 8 cal/[cm.sup.2] to 100...

Protective reader.(ppe PRODUCT UPDATE)
December 1, 2005... Circle 278 Sellstrom's new protective reader eyewear amplifies user's vision while providing excellent protection and clarity. The Sebring 600 Mag Series meets ANSI Z87.1 standards, is CUL certified and is available in three diopter...

Lightweight work boot.(ppe PRODUCT UPDATE)
December 1, 2005... Circle 279 The TITAN[TM] 6" work boot from Timberland PRO employs the company's proprietary PowerFit[TM] comfort system, which features premium upper leather and flex grooves that provide forefoot flexibility. The lightweight boot...

Leather palm glove.(ppe PRODUCT UPDATE)
December 1, 2005... Circle 280 Wells Lamont offers a leather palm on its MetalGuard glove for added protection. MetalGuard is comprised of Kevlar[R], Vectran[R], stainless steel and polyester for cut resistance. The leather palm adds puncture resistance and...

Flame-resistant fabric.(ppe PRODUCT UPDATE)
December 1, 2005... Circle 281 Westex offers a new brochure titled "INDURA[R] Ultra Soft[R] Flame Resistant Fabrics; The NFPA 70E HRC 2 Daily Wear Solution!" The brochure provides information on how to analyze electric arc flash hazards and includes INDURA...

Safety footwear.(ppe PRODUCT UPDATE)
December 1, 2005... Circle 282 Opanka footwear from HyTest features durable hand-sewn construction that provides superior comfort and flexibility. All safety-toed HyTest Opanka styles meet ASTM F2413-05 safety standards for impact, compression, electrical...

NFPA 70E garments.(ppe PRODUCT UPDATE)
December 1, 2005... Circle 283 Workrite[R] offers flame-resistant workwear and specialty garments that meet or exceed all NFPA 70E Hazard/Risk Categories. NFPA 70E is designed to protect workers who work around devices capable of generating an arc flash. With...

High NRR earplugs.(ppe PRODUCT UPDATE)
December 1, 2005... Circle 284 Moldex's SparkPlugs[R], Pura-Fit[R], Camo Plugs[R] and Softies[R] brand foam earplugs offer an NRR 33. The independently tested NRR 33 is the result of a new softer foam that adds even more comfort to the earplugs. The four...

Protective eyewear.(ppe PRODUCT UPDATE)
December 1, 2005... Circle 285 PIP eyewear includes more than 12 styles available in several different frame and lens color combinations. The Pirana features stylish, short vertical lenses along with air channels for reduced fogging and increased ventilation....

Hand and arm protection.(ppe PRODUCT UPDATE)
December 1, 2005... Circle 286 The T-Flex[R] Sleeve from Best is a 15-gauge seamless knit glove offering high cut-resistant hand and arm protection. Made with Dyneema[R]-Spectra[TM] engineered fibers, the lightweight T-Flex Sleeve offers breathable Level 4...

Earplug dispenser.(ppe PRODUCT UPDATE)
December 1, 2005... Circle 287 The LS-400 Leight[R] Source earplug dispenser provides an easy, convenient way for workers to access hearing protectors. The LS-400 is built of durable plastic and designed for wall mounting or tabletop use. Earplugs dispense...

Polarized eyewear.(ppe PRODUCT UPDATE)
December 1, 2005... Circle 288 A new line of Polarized Safety Eyewear from Uvex[R] is designed for outdoor work environments. The polarized lenses reduce glare and improve visual acuity, allowing workers to more easily see fine details and deep colors. The...

Cut-resistant glove.(ppe PRODUCT UPDATE)
December 1, 2005... Circle 289 The Pure Fit[TM] 555 glove from Perfect Fit[R] combines Dyneema[R] fiber and fiberglass to offer advanced cut resistance (ANSI Level 4) and increased comfort without sacrificing tactile sensitivity. Polyurethane coating provides...

Sporty eyewear.(ppe PRODUCT UPDATE)
December 1, 2005... Circle 290 The Vapor[TM] II from Willson offers eye protection with sports styling at an economical price. The 9-base wrap-around lenses and sport temples give the wearer a comfortable and compliant fit. Lenses are optical grade, durable...

Three-season jacket.(ppe PRODUCT UPDATE)
December 1, 2005... Circle 291 Aramark's Men's Three-Season Jacket (Style 401) is designed for the workplace, featuring a wind- and water-resistant WearTex[TM]-coated 100% Taslan[R] nylon outershell and pill-resistant 16.5-oz. 100% polyester WearTec[TM]...

Two-way radio headset.(ppe PRODUCT UPDATE)
December 1, 2005... Circle 292 Peltor[R] new PowerConLPLUS I.S. is a self-contained, intrinsically safe two-way radio headset specifically designed for hazardous environments requiring explosion-proof radio transmitters. The versatile headset comes with 22...

SCBA.(ppe PRODUCT UPDATE)
December 1, 2005... Circle 293 ISI's Frontier SCBA offers first-breath activation for easier use. Optional ISI AirHood also is first-breath activated and offers the protection of a facemask. Frontier's high flow rate exceeds NIOSH requirements. Economically...

Filter respirator.(ppe PRODUCT UPDATE)
December 1, 2005... Circle 295 AOSafety offers the new Singular Half Mask Filter Respirator in man-made rubber and three sizes and with a single replaceable filter (N95 or P100) instead of two. The NIOSH-approved respirator features a flexible facepiece and...

Waterproof outerwear.(ppe PRODUCT UPDATE)
December 1, 2005... Circle 297 The new MP3[TM], Multi-Performance Trilaminate, from NASCO is a breathable, flash fire, electric arc and chemical splash protective Nomex[R] outerwear system. Available with a fleece lining, the versatile waterproof, lightweight...

7" lace-up boot.(ppe PRODUCT UPDATE)
December 1, 2005... Circle 299 Wolverine's 7" Harrison work boot provides comfort and support throughout the workday, and its Wolverine[R] Rubber Lug outsole is resistant to oil, water, abrasion, chemical, heat and slips for sturdy traction on almost any...

Liquid-proof coveralls.(ppe PRODUCT UPDATE)
December 1, 2005... Circle 300 Utilizing patented technology, Gen-Nex[TM] coveralls from SAS provide true aerosol and liquid-proof protection. Gen-Nex protects against such chemicals as Diazinon, Sodium Hydroxide and even Isocyanate-based paints. Coveralls...

Foam nitrile gloves.(ppe PRODUCT UPDATE)
December 1, 2005... Circle 294 New HyFlex[R] Foam Gray 11-801 gloves from Ansell offer outstanding oil grip with excellent comfort provided by Knitted Variable Stitch Design (KVSD), Ansell's patent-pending knitting technology. KVSD technology increases...

Wrap-around glasses.(ppe PRODUCT UPDATE)
December 1, 2005... Circle 296 Elvex UniWraps wrap-style safety glasses look and feel like sports glasses but feature an ANSI tested safety glass. UniWraps have angle and length adjustable temples for optimal fit. The polycarbonate lens curves around the face...

Blasting helmet.(ppe PRODUCT UPDATE)
December 1, 2005... Circle 298 The Allegro Nova 2000[TM] blasting helmet offers workers increased comfort, less fatigue and improved productivity. Made of U.V. stabilized and abrasion-resistant high-density polyethylene, the tough helmet shell meets...

Latex gloves.(ppe PRODUCT UPDATE)
December 1, 2005... Circle 301 Sempermed's new SemperGuard HD is a heavy-duty latex industrial glove offering users a high degree of strength and protection. The powder-free gloves are thicker and longer than standard industrial latex gloves providing...

Protective eyewear.(ppe PRODUCT UPDATE)
December 1, 2005... Circle 302 The 180 Slimline from North Safety is economical protective eyewear featuring a low-profile shape and a high 9-base curve for increased coverage and a wide field of view. The 180 Slimline is made of lightweight non-conductive...

Ergonomic matting.(ERGONOMICS)
December 1, 2005... 1 ERGONOMIC MATTING CIRCLE 255 Wearwell[R] ErgOasis[TM] ergonomic matting offers the look and beauty of natural wood while providing superb comfort to standing workers. The woodgrain finish matches most decors in work areas ranging from...

Lift & tilt machine.(ERGONOMICS)
December 1, 2005... 2 LIFT & TILT MACHINE CIRCLE 252 Designed to position a container to the most convenient working height and angle, the Z-Lift Tilter[R] from Southworth simplifies machine feeding applications. Lift and tilt are achieved independently but...

Adjustable height workstation.(ERGONOMICS)
December 1, 2005... 3 ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT WORKSTATION CIRCLE 253 The Align[TM] Adjustable Height Workstation from Lista offers users ergonomic comfort, flexible functionality and enhanced productivity. The workstation can be easily adjusted to accommodate a...

Fatigue relief mat.(ERGONOMICS)
December 1, 2005... 4 FATIGUE RELIEF MAT CIRCLE 256 Ergo Mat[TM] from Superior features a corrugated top surface design that offers excellent directional traction to reduce slips. Rubber top surface is bonded to a dense sponge base to provide superb fatigue...

Adjustable chairs.
December 1, 2005... 5 ADJUSTABLE CHAIRS CIRCLE 251 BioFit[R]'s EEC Series ergonomic chairs provide adjustability for both a workbench and a desk. Chair users can adjust seat and backrest height and tilt for comfort at desk-to-bench heights. Fourway contouring...

Back supports.
December 1, 2005... 6 BACK SUPPORTS CIRCLE 250 Allegro offers a wide range of back support products as part of its extensive ergonomics product line. Among the back support products are: the Liftbak, a 5" belt of rigid loam that supports the back during...

Workplace ergonomics: just a fancy term for making life easier.(occupational safety and health)
December 1, 2005... When I was a boy there was no such thing as ergonomics, or if there was we sure hadn't heard of it in Lowell, Indiana, in the 1950s. That doesn't mean that ergonomics wasn't a problem. My dad had told me to cut up some tree limbs and stack...

Bioterrorism response: what PPE will you need to stay safe?(personal protective equipment)
December 1, 2005... The threat of bioterrorism is all too close to home. Are we prepared, and if so, for what exactly should we be preparing? Bioterrorism is defined as the deliberate or threatened use of bacteria, viruses or toxins to cause disease, death,...

Cutting down on cuts--and costs: new glove fibers & coatings are improving hand protection.(protective gloves)
December 1, 2005... Today's glove suppliers are faced with a paradox: supply high levels of protection with comfort while keeping costs as low as possible. This is especially true in a segment like the automotive industry, where the pressure to control costs...

The "evolution" of compliance management software: capabilities are creating opportunities for EHS pros.(environmental health and safety professionals)
December 1, 2005... The regulated community knows all about the serious consequences of noncompliance. The players understand that noncompliance can have a much greater impact than the fines and criminal penalties they often carry. News reports about...

Confined space safety: what can we learn from aircraft fuel tank applications?
December 1, 2005... In July of 1996, TWA Flight 800 exploded in midair soon after leaving New York's JFK International Airport. After an enormous salvage and reconstruction effort and years of investigation, the National Transportation Safety Board determined that...

Protective clothing.(personal protective environment)
December 1, 2005... Q What are some tips for selecting the proper protective garments or fabrics for the hazards specific to our workplace? A While much attention is rightfully placed on chemical compatibility, it is equally important that protective garments...

Accident reporting/analysis.
December 1, 2005... 1 ACCIDENT REPORTING/ ANALYSIS CIRCLE 262 AIRSWEB[TM] is a complete health and safety management tool for accident and incident reporting and analysis. AIRSWEB[TM] software is designed to save organizations valuable time recording,...

Recordkeeping software.(PRODUCT UPDATE)
December 1, 2005... 2 RECORDINGKEEPING SOFTWARE CIRCLE 257 Keller-Soft[R] OSHA 300 Recordkeeper easily walks users through the process of filling out Forms 300, 301 and 300A to maintain compliance with OSHA's recordkeeping requirements. Now available with...

EHS software suite.
December 1, 2005... 3 EHS SOFTWARE SUITE CIRCLE 261 Occupational Health Manager (OHM) EHS software suite covers a wide range of topics, including: absentee tracking, case management, drug/alcohol testing, medical surveillance, wellness, hearing...

Safety software.(PRODUCT UPDATE)
December 1, 2005... 4 SAFETY SOFTWARE CIRCLE 259 PerDatum's Prognos software is a highly reliable, easy-to-use solution for managing safety, workers' compensation and disability programs. The software's modular design enables it to accommodate incident...

Safety management.(PRODUCT UPDATE)
December 1, 2005... 5 SAFETY MANAGEMENT CIRCLE 258 Developed with software producer CompliPOINT, MySafetyManager is a suite of powerful new applications added to BLR's safety training and compliance Web site, Safety.BLR.com. Featuring an "Illness and...

Injury/illness tracking.(PRODUCT UPDATE)
December 1, 2005... 6 INJURY/ILLNESS TRACKING CIRCLE 260 Compliance Suite[TM] Safety Management Software tracks injuries, illnesses, first-aid and near-miss incidents, helping users meet OSHA recordkeeping and reporting requirements. The safety management...

Formaldehyde monitor.(product NEWS)
December 1, 2005... Circle 304 ENMET's Formaldemeter htV is a direct-reading portable formaldehyde monitor that incorporates humidity compensation for improved performance at low concentrations and when taking formaldehyde readings in different environments....

EHS auditing.(product NEWS)
December 1, 2005... Circle 303 Designed for EHS auditing, Dakota's new automated and hyperlinked Abridged Protocols reveal just the right amount of regulatory detail appropriate for the scope of the audit and the user's level of expertise. The Abridged...

Evacuation systems design.(product NEWS)
December 1, 2005... Circle 308 Wheelock's computer-based tools assist in the design and installation of fire alarm, voice evacuation and facility communications systems. Tools include: NACTool, for building NAC circuits using Wheelock's notification...

Hot hydration beverage.(product NEWS)
December 1, 2005... Circle 306 Sqwincher PLUS Hot Stik is a new electrolyte replacement beverage that is served hot, helping to keep workers hydrated in winter. An 8-oz. serving provides essential electrolytes, minerals and vitamins that help stimulate the...

Sound level meter.(product NEWS)
December 1, 2005... Circle 305 SoundTrack LxT[TM] Sound Level and Octave Band Meter from Larson Davis provides sound measurement for compliance and exposure monitoring. Available in Type 1 or Type 2 versions, the SoundTrack[TM] makes it easy to manage route-...

Hazmat containment.(product NEWS)
December 1, 2005... Circle 307 Securall safety storage buildings ensure safe and compliant storage of hazardous materials. Standard models are available in 2-drum to 80-drum capacities. Lighting, heating, A/C or other accessories can be added to meet specific...

Best Manufacturing.(MOVES)(Best Manufacturing appoints Brad Cisco, David Crooks, Chris Schuit )(Brief article)
December 1, 2005... Glove maker Best Manufacturing has made several new additions to its sales management team. Brad Cisco joins as territory manager for Indiana and Kentucky, while David Crooks will cover Michigan and northwest Ohio. Chris Schuit will serve as...

Accuform Signs.(MOVES)
December 1, 2005... Accuform Signs, a leading industrial safety sign manufacturer in North America, has added Andy Montgomery as regional sales manager covering the Northeast portion of the United States. Montgomery has more than 18 years of experience in the...

GBI Protection Group.(MOVES)
December 1, 2005... GBI Protection Group Vice President Brian Lyons has been selected as chairman of the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) Product Group category for Protective Apparel.

Pelican[TM] Products.(appointment of regional sales manager)(Wade Kosakowski )(Brief article)
December 1, 2005... Pelican[TM] Products has hired Wade Kosakowski as regional sales manager, along with Chris Hobbs and David Gillaspy as salesmen for various parts of the U.S. Kosakowski, who brings with him nearly 20 years of sales and management experience in...

MCR Safety.(AWARDS)
December 1, 2005... MCR Safety's Mexico manufacturing facility was recently awarded the "International Quality Crown Award" by the International Business Initiative Directions (B.I.D.) committee. The award recognizes companies worldwide that exemplify the highest...