Industrial Safety & Hygiene News articles from February 2007

Industrial Safety & Hygiene News archives from February 2007

Safety incentives: what rewards work best?
February 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] How do you motivate workers to follow company policy, whether it is for safety and health, or just simply to attend the company holiday party? It seems like there should be an easy solution to this vexing...

Searching for courage: what role does it play in near-misses and preventing fatalities?(EDITORIAL comments)
February 1, 2007... Maybe it's the balmy winter weather up north that has softened New York City's cold edge. First, a 50-year-old construction worker leaves his two young daughters on a subway platform and dives in front of a train to rescue a stranger who...

CDC praises decline in workplace deaths.(REPORT)
February 1, 2007... The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the nation's top public-health authority, is calling the long-term trend of declining workplace deaths one of the greatest health achievements in the 20th century, according to a report by...

A year later: Sago legacy continues.(news SCAN)
February 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Last month marked one year since the Sago Mine disaster killed 12 workers and caused the nation to reassess mine safety. As families and mine safety advocates marked the anniversary, federal and state officials...

China's coal mine safety shows improvement.(news SCAN)
February 1, 2007... As of late December, the number of miners killed in Chinese coal mines dropped by 21 percent compared to the same period in 2005, according to a report by Xinhua news agency. However, the situation is "still grave," said a work safety official....

The most risky businesses.(news SCAN)(Brief article)(Statistical data)
February 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average U.S. worker faced a 4-in-100,000 risk of being killed on the job in 2005. The most dangerous jobs: * Commercial fishing and related work--fatality rate...

ASSE looks to stem injuries with new ergo branch.(news SCAN)
February 1, 2007... The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) recently formed a new ergonomics branch to address the rising number of injuries due improper ergonomic behavior. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Co-sponsored by the ASSE Industrial Hygiene and...

Masonry contractor fined heavily for fall hazards.(rules & REGS)
February 1, 2007... OSHA has cited a Connecticut masonry contractor for 15 alleged willful, repeat and serious violations of safety standards during construction of a pharmacy in Enfield, Conn. Dab Masonry LLC, of Plainville, Conn., was hit with $220,000 of...

Company faces criminal charges in construction worker's death.(rules & REGS)
February 1, 2007... A concrete company in Michigan was criminally charged in December in the death of a worker who suffocated in a trench that collapsed at a worksite. Maco Concrete Inc. willfully violated the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act in...

OSHA standards update.(rules & REGS)
February 1, 2007... Here's the latest rundown of some key OSHA standards-setting activity, from the semiannual regulatory agenda published in the Federal Register Dec. 11: Final Rule Stage Electric Power Transmission and Distribution; Electrical...

Labor groups sue OSHA to adopt employer-pays rule.(rules & REGS)
February 1, 2007... The AFL-CIO joined with the United Food and Commercial Workers in January in suing the Labor Department to force adoption of a rule requiring employers to pay for personal safety equipment for workers. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The OSHA...

Litigation on OSHA's use of TLVs poses safety risks, ASSE says.(rules & REGS)
February 1, 2007... The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) has expressed concern over the recent lawsuit filed by industry groups challenging OSHA's use of threshold limit values (TLVs) used to communicate the risk of exposure limits to chemical hazards...

How are we doing? Handle data with care when using it to motivate.(PSYCHOLOGY of safety)(Column)
February 1, 2007... The "D" of the LEAD acronym I introduced in my ISHN column this past December stands for "Data" (see sidebar). Data both directs and motivates behavior. By observing the results of our actions, we learn how well we completed a task and what we...

Package & market your message: nonverbal communication cues are critical.(POSITIVE SAFETY cultures)
February 1, 2007... What's the biggest daily problem in organizations? Communication. What could have prevented many of the recordable incidents that occurred last year at your facility? Better communication. Communication makes the world go 'round. When we...

The corporate ethics eruption: a career opportunity for EHS pros.(MANAGING BEST practices)
February 1, 2007... New and expanded requirements found in laws such as the federal False Claims Act, the Deficit Reduction Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines are pushing companies, both public and private, to build and enforce...

Listen up! How to combat workers' objections to wearing hearing protection.
February 1, 2007... Keeping workers properly protected from hazardous noise and motivated to wear their hearing protectors is a challenge for any safety manager. With proper training and ongoing encouragement, most workers do wear their earplugs or earmuffs on the...

Onsite sign & label making: safety signage when you need it.
February 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Companies face an ever-increasing demand for fast, clear communications within their facilities. Whether the need is simple warehouse labeling or a complicated lockout/ tagout procedure, accurate, location-specific...

IGA 2007 Glove Symposium & Expo: all gloves, new initiatives, new conference, complete industry focus.(convention COMPANION)
February 1, 2007... The IGA invites you to attend the all new, all gloves conference, at a new time of the year, located at an exceptional resort! The International Glove Association is pleased to announce and host the premier IGA Glove Symposium and Expo,...

ISEA 2007 Annual Meeting: safety equipment manufacturers gather in Texas.(convention COMPANION)(Conference notes)
February 1, 2007... ISEA's 2007 Annual Meeting will be held at Barton Creek Resort, in Austin, Texas, May 6-8 (Sunday, Monday and Tuesday). Personal protective equipment industry leaders will gather to discuss accelerators and impediments to growth, and...

AIHce 2007: see the latest OEHS products, services and technologies.(convention COMPANION)(Conference notes)
February 1, 2007... Co-sponsored by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH[R]) the 2007 American Industrial Hygiene Conference & Expo (AIHce) will be held at the Pennsylvania...

2007 Safety Leadership Forum and Conference: SEDA brings leaders of safety industry to Lake Tahoe resort.(convention COMPANION)
February 1, 2007... Every business is looking for new ways to connect their great ideas and products with the great people in their industry. The Safety Equipment Distributors Association's (SEDA) new Safety Leadership Forum to be held June 10-12, 2007, at the...

Safety 2007: ASSE's Professional Development Conference & Expo.(convention COMPANION)(Conference news)
February 1, 2007... The future of workplace safety, occupational leadership challenges, corporate safety perspectives, key issues and more will be featured at the ASSE's Professional Development Conference and Exposition, Safety 2007, to be held June 24-27 in...

National VPPPA Conference: 23rd annual expo brings together OS&H experts.(convention COMPANION)(Conference news)
February 1, 2007... The National Voluntary Protection Program Participants Association (VPPPA) Conference is a forum for more than 1,900 occupational, environmental, safety and health professionals, hourly workers and managers. Conference participants represent a...

A+A 2007: International Trade Fair with Congress and Special Events.(convention COMPANION)
February 1, 2007... Every other year, Dusseldorf, Germany, plays host to A+A, a massive European meeting consisting of four parts: an international trade show, an international congress, a safety meeting point and the A+A Forum. The show's main target groups...

National Safety Council Congress & Expo: NSC's 95th Congress & Expo hits second city.(convention COMPANION)
February 1, 2007... Conducted annually since 1912, the NSC Congress & Expo is ranked among the top 200 tradeshows in the nation by Tradeshow Week. It's a forum where manufacturers and buyers of safety and health products and services can meet and gain knowledge....

1 EMS case.(PRODUCT UPDATE: first responders)
February 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] CIRCLE 261 The new EMS Case from Pelican helps first responders be organized and well prepared for response. The case features a medical supply organization system that includes a lid organizer with clear pockets...

2 Fire safety.(PRODUCT UPDATE: first responders)
February 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] CIRCLE 257 The HotShot[TM] from BullEx employs digital flame technology and Bullex's SmartExtinguishers[TM] to allow users to dynamically interact with digital fire. The self-contained HotShot fire safety system...

3 CPR/AED training.(PRODUCT UPDATE: first responders)
February 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] CIRCLE 262 The Philips Heartsaver AED Anytime program, which offers CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) training, is part of a suite of self-directed learning products created by the American Heart...

4 Biosecurity kits.(PRODUCT UPDATE: first responders)
February 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] CIRCLE 258 DuPont[TM] Biosecurity Kits are designed to reduce the spread of viruses or bacteria, helping employers maintain a preparedness plan and business continuity in the event of a disease outbreak....

5 Emergency oxygen.(PRODUCT UPDATE: first responders)
February 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] CIRCLE 259 The LIFE[R] 02 SoftPac[TM] is a lightweight emergency oxygen unit that provides supplemental oxygen to a breathing victim or oxygen-enriched CPR to a non-breathing victim. Weighing only six pounds,...

6 Radiation software.(PRODUCT UPDATE: first responders)
February 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] CIRCLE 263 RAE Systems offers new software for the GammaRAE II, NeutronRAE II and GammaRAE II Responder personal radiation detectors. With new ProRAE Studio, stored readings from GammaRAE II units with firmware...

7 CBRN facepiece.(PRODUCT UPDATE: first responders)
February 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] CIRCLE 264 Scott's M120 CBRN facepiece, used in conjunction with the Scott CBRN canister, protects first responders. The air-purifying respirator can also be used with Scott's 40mm cartridges for everyday use....

8 Biohazard PPE kit.(PRODUCT UPDATE: first responders)
February 1, 2007... CIRCLE 260 North's Biohazard Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Kit reduces potential worker exposure against a broad range of pathogens and other threats from influenza or occupational exposures to microorganisms. North PPE items...

The heat's on ... or is it? Industry struggles to meet tepid flushing temperatures.
February 1, 2007... To the credit of industry, there are literally hundreds of thousands of emergency drench shower and eyewash installations throughout the U.S. During the past 40 years or so, senior business managers have increasingly embraced the principles of...

Seeing is believing with arc flash safety: test demonstrates PPE protection against severe burns.
February 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I have been working with electrical power systems at a multinational Fortune 500 consumer goods manufacturing company for more than 40 years, and have the responsibility of establishing an NFPA 70E Electrical Safety...

Not too hot, not too cold: TMVs keep tepid water flowing to emergency fixtures.
February 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] How long would you shower in 40 or 50 degree water? A minute would feel like an eternity. Even if our health depended on it, most of us would stop well before rinsing for a full 15 minutes. Before the revised...

Protecting workers' hands when facing multiple hazards.
February 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Workers face many kinds of workplace hazards, and glove manufacturers have designed literally thousands of styles of gloves to protect workers' hands against those hazards. The five most common threats to hands are:...

Bird control.(product NEWS)
February 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Circle 265 Ideal for facilitating building maintenance and safety, Bird Spike 2007 is an economical, permanent solution for bird control. Featuring stainless-steel spikes, Bird Spike 2007 prevents birds from...

Fall protection training.(product NEWS)
February 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Circle 266 Coastal's new Fall Protection: The Right Connection program features dramatic falls and rescues that stress the importance of proper fall protection and training. Available on DVD or video, the...

Cold-weather apparel.(product NEWS)
February 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Circle 267 The new line of Dickies[R] Arctic Shield[R] work-wear features patented RE-tain[TM] technology to provide workers cold-weather apparel that captures and returns up to 97 percent of the body's heat. The...

Protective eyewear.(product NEWS)
February 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Circle 268 Protective eyewear from Klein Tools features three new lens colors--dark gray, amber and SCT[R] gray. Designed for all-day comfort, the stylish, wraparound eyewear meets ANSI and OSHA requirements and...

Sound level meter.(product NEWS)
February 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Circle 269 Quest's SoundPro[R] SE/DL Series analyzes and detects dangerous sound levels. Products include advanced handheld sound level meters and real-time frequency analyzers. When used with QuestSuite[R]...

General utility gloves.(product NEWS)
February 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Circle 270 New Remington Work Performance Gloves from Radians are durable general utility gloves for handling materials, gears, equipment and machinery. Four models--RG-10, RG-11, RG-12 and RG-13--offer a variety...

Safety glasses.(product NEWS)
February 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Circle 271 Crews[R] Mossy Oak[R] protective eyewear from MCR Safety offers users a choice of three styles of camouflage frames or a sleek hingeless frame system that protects from major impact. Polycarbonate...

Safety enclosure.(product NEWS)
February 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Circle 272 The Frommelt[R] Enviro Saf-T-Cell[TM] is a standardized safety cell enclosure with an integral air filtration system designed for a wide range of potential occupationally hazardous processes such as...

High-viz clothing.(product NEWS)
February 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Circle 273 New Reflect-a-Gard[TM] high-visibility clothing from Saf-T-Gard meets Class 2 or Class 3 performance requirements of ANSI/ISEA 107-2004. Featuring nine styles of garments, the safety apparel is ideal...

Safety interlock system.(product NEWS)
February 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Circle 274 Omron Scientific's new MA-S Series magnetically actuated safety interlock switches and actuators feature stainless-steel housings for robust, corrosion-resistant operation in harsh environments. The...

Kneeling mat.(product NEWS)
February 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Circle 275 The Knee RX Kneeling Mat from SMG provides ergonomic support for workers whose jobs require them to frequently kneel. Made from a nitrile/PVC foam blend for resistance to oils and greases, the mat...

Nitrile-coated glove.(product NEWS)
February 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Circle 276 Ideal for light assembly applications, Wells Lamont's Flextech[TM] Y9249 glove has a black nylon shell with a black foam nitrile palm, offering a high degree of flexibility and comfort. Non-slip...

Eyewash safety quiz: how well do you know the standards, and are you in compliance?
February 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Non-compliance with emergency eyewash safety standards is a serious issue in today's workplace. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), this lack of compliance contributes to a...

1 Comfortable hardhat.(PRODUCT UPDATE: head protection)
February 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] CIRCLE 256 Featuring snap-lock or ratchet-lock suspension, the Series 756 hardhat from U.S. Safety offers a low-profile design for maximum comfort. Six-point woven nylon suspension improves balance and absorbs...

2 Bump caps.(PRODUCT UPDATE: head protection)
February 1, 2007... CIRCLE 253 Offering protection from minor bumps, bruises and lacerations, bump caps from Aearo feature perforated vents to keep heads cool. The bump caps are available in white and yellow, and incorporate a 4-point washable suspension...

3 Safety caps.(PRODUCT UPDATE: head protection)
February 1, 2007... CIRCLE 250 Jackson's Head-Turners[TM] are part of a complete line of head protection, from safety caps and hats to bump caps in a wide selection of colors, slotted and non-slotted designs, and suspension options. Available in an American...

4 Slotted cap.(PRODUCT UPDATE: head protection)
February 1, 2007... CIRCLE 252 Compatible with most welding helmet shells, MSA's new SmoothDome Slotted Cap is a durable, lightweight, polyethylene helmet with Fas-Trac[R] Suspension. Providing superb comfort, the hardhat accepts a full line of attachable...

5 Full-graphic hardhat.(PRODUCT UPDATE: head protection)
February 1, 2007... CIRCLE 251 Fibre-Metal's SUPEREIGHT[R] E-2 series "Spirit of America" hardhat from North provides workers with attractive head protection they will enjoy wearing. A full-graphic process is applied to high-performance SUPEREIGHT hats and...

6 Hardhat customization.(PRODUCT UPDATE: head protection)
February 1, 2007... CIRCLE 254 Bullard pad-prints logos on customer hardhats and caps using the latest technology to print clear, crisp logos in up to six different colors per logo and up to eight different locations around the cap. Pad-printed logos are...

7 Full-brim hardhats.(PRODUCT UPDATE: head protection)
February 1, 2007... CIRCLE 255 Pyramex offers a range of hardhats including a full-brim style with 4- or 6-point ratchet suspension. The low-profile HDPE helmets feature a rain trough to channel moisture away and a soft, washable brow pad. Universal accessory...

Keys to compliance training: quality materials plus the right instructors will equal success.(training STRATEGIES)
February 1, 2007... When it comes to training, employees want to know, "What's in it for me?" Making incentives available to students is the best way to get them excited about new training options. However, contrary to what you might think, studies show that...

Keeping skin healthy: prevent irritation through proper use of skin creams.
February 1, 2007... Here's the skinny on worker skin safety: According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH), one out of every four workers is exposed to some form of skin irritant in the workplace. Whether it's a maintenance...

How do you influence behavior? To motivate workers, appreciate them.
February 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It's almost lunchtime and the behavioral safety class has been discussing employee motivation, incentives and positive reinforcement for most of the morning. The last comment comes from the least participating class...

Horton Inc.(MOVES)
February 1, 2007... Horton Inc., a provider of fan drives, fans, suspension products and wire form products, has named Jeff Wood manager of sales/application engineering for Paccar and General Motors.

North Safety Products.(MOVES)
February 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] North Safety Products has appointed Jackee Shepherd as senior vice president, global supply chain management, and Sonny Hayes as senior vice president, global manufacturing. Shepherd's new responsibilities include:...

American Red Cross.(AWARDS)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The American Red Cross Ready-To-Go Emergency Preparedness Kit has been named one of Quick and Simple Magazine's best "Quick Fixes" for 2007. During the inaugural awards ceremony, the Red Cross kit won top prize in...

In memoriam.(industry BRIEFS)(In memoriam)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... Dan Petersen, Ph.D., CSP, P.E., died last month at age 75 after complications of a stroke he suffered in June. As one of the most influential safety innovators of the 20th century, the award-winning author helped educate countless safety...

Events.(Calendar)
February 1, 2007... february ASSE Executive Program, Delivering a High-Performance Safety Management System, Feb. 19-20; Reducing Losses from Occupational Health Risks and Environmental Exposures, Feb. 21-22, Portland, OR, American Society of Safety...

"I recall one time ...": relaxed employees can relay critical safety information.(petersen's page)
February 1, 2007... Sadly, I preface this month's column with word that Dan Petersen passed on January 10, 2007. Rare is a true giant in a field. That's what Dan was to safety. A compassionate man with class, Dan started in safety full-time in 1954. For the next...