Industrial Safety & Hygiene News articles from January 2004

Industrial Safety & Hygiene News archives from January 2004

The messy side of business: why many execs keep safety at a safe distance.(Editorial comments)
January 1, 2004... I'll try to make this as painless as possible." Sounds like a dentist firing up the drill, right? But no, it's the annual performance review. "So let's see... This year you're getting a 6." "What's that mean, boss?" "6? That's a...

Reader response.(Editorial comments)
January 1, 2004... In reading "Sending A Message Using Signs & Symbols To Communicate Safely from the November issue of ISHN, the author, Marcia Wagshol, could have expanded on the available resources and solutions for safety signage to meet today's multi-lingual...

Mold bills keep sprouting.(rules & Regs)(states enacted legislation)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Three states enacted legislation in 2003 that would require licensing of individuals involved with mold, according to the American Industrial Hygiene Association. Texas legislation would require licensing of individuals involved in mold...

ASSE to develop mold standard.(rules & Regs)(American Society of Safety Engineers)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) announced in November that it will develop a standard to protect workers dealing with mold remediation. The standard aims to set minimum requirements and recommended procedures to be implemented...

American Heart Association & OSHA target heart disease and strokes.(rules & Regs)(Occupational Safety and Health Administration)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... The American Heart Association has joined with OSHA to reduce death and disability from heart disease and stroke in the workplace. The formal alliance, announced in November, calls for both organizations to share best practices and...

Standard Industrial Classification system.(OSHA to drop)(Occupational Safety and Health Administration)(SIC replaced with North American Industry Classification System)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... For more than 60 years, the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) System has been used to gather data in order to determine industry-specific injury and illness rates. That's about to change, as OSHA adopts a new method this year to reflect...

Controversy over EPA mercury restrictions brewing.(rules & Regs)(Environmental Protection Agency)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... EPA was planning to issue new rules in December requiring the nation's 1,100 coal-and oil-fired power plants to install equipment to achieve the maximum possible reductions in mercury and nickel emissions. But the plan drew heavy opposition...

OSHA's egregious penalty policy under fire.(rules & Regs)
January 1, 2004... American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) President James 'Skipper' Kendrick applauds the recent move by OSHA chief John Henshaw to appeal the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission's decision in Secretary of Labor v. Ho. If allowed...

OSHA inspections increased in fiscal '03.(rules & Regs)(Occupational Safety and Health Administration of USA)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao in November released the Department of Labor's annual enforcement statistics, making the case that workers are safer thanks to strong enforcement and compliance assistance activities of OSHA and MHSA. In...

Flash flood claims three workers' lives.(news scan)(construction workers of Concrete General, Inc.)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Three Maryland construction workers drowned in a flash flood in late November while repairing a culvert running beneath an interstate highway, according to an article in the Baltimore Sun. Their employer, Concrete General, Inc., had a...

Motor muscle + speed = highway hazard.(news scan, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety survey of 6 US states)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Highways are more hazardous today, with drivers barreling down the road in larger vehicles at faster speeds, according to a new study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Driving habits were studied in six states: Colorado,...

Researcher aim to link: health and productivity.(news scan, cost of absenteeism, medical conditions to businesses)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... How much does your company lose when employees are out sick or working at less than full strength due to sickness or disability? If you think lost productivity is a "soft cost" that can't be quantified, think again, says Bill Molmen of the...

Only 1 in 10 firms are serious about wellness.(news scan)(Wellness Councils of America report analyze health costs)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Wellness Councils of America, a nonprofit organization that promotes workplace wellness programs, reports healthcare expenses are the single biggest portion of the U.S. economy--$1.4 trillion spent in 2002. Of that amount, companies and...

Most workers don't see violence coming.(Study, American Assoc of Occupational Health Nurses study on workplace violence )(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Most workers cannot recognize the potential warning signs of on-the-job violence, according to a new study commissioned by the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (AAOHN). "Nearly 20 percent of the entire workforce...

Counseling the cure for stress?(news scan, University of Abertay, UK research on workplace counseling)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Targeted workplace counseling is one of the most effective remedies for workplace stress, according to research by Professor John McLeod of the University of Abertay in the UK. His research shows: * Overall, counseling can reduce levels of...

Who needs flu shots?(news scan)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... * Doctors, nurses and other employees in hospitals and doctors' offices, including emergency response workers; * Employees of nursing homes and long-term care facilities; * Employees of assisted living and other residences for people in...

"But it's not my job!": let's resolve to stop passing the buck.(taking personal steps to ensure workplace safety)
January 1, 2004... Returning to her office after a field safety inspection, Joanne noticed packaging littered all about her building's man entrance. Without hesitating, Joanne collected the litter and disposed of it in a trash receptacle. Entering the office, a...

We can't do it all.(taking on workplace safety issues)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Joanne's personal action was sufficient to resolve the litter problem. Similarly, many of our own actively-caring behaviors can provide quick-fix solutions to relatively minor problems. But often we find ourselves in the midst of a...

Getting particular about particulates: exposure sampling can be complicated.(Managing Best practices)
January 1, 2004... The air we breathe is filled with a variety of particles that vary in shape, size, structure, composition, solubility and other parameters. Particles are formed from solids and may be generically called dust, mist, smoke or fume. Illness or...

Euro chemical proposal hits home: when will REACH reach us?(Issues & trends: forecast)
January 1, 2004... REACH stands for Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals. It's shorthand for a new system of regulation of chemicals now winding its way through the complicated legislative process of the European Union (EU). If adopted in...

White paper 2004 survey: our 20th annual state of the EHS nation report.(ISHN's exclusive)
January 1, 2004... male professionals A profile of 399 male readers Who's hot? Jobs with best potential: 1 Homeland security 2 EHS consultants 3 Construction Staffs in 2004 Increase--8% Decrease--15% Remain same--76% Budgets in...

What to do about mold.
January 1, 2004... When is mold a concern? If mold can be seen or smelled, it is a concern. However, every school contains some mold. So do our homes, offices and the outdoor air. When live mold spores encounter moisture from building problems such as...

Cosmetics maker reaches for the "stars": French giant L'Oreal commits to VPP status.
January 1, 2004... L'Oreal, USA, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the world's largest beauty company, announced last November its commitment to gain "Star" status for all nine of its U.S. manufacturing sites in OSHA's Voluntary Protection Program in the next five...

Questions & answer: in this new department for 2004, ISHN each month asks protective products experts to comment on issues in workplace safety and health.
January 1, 2004... respirators Q NIOSH recently estimated that in nearly half of the 600,000+ work sites where respirators are used, they are used by employees on a voluntary basis. What are some of the reasons why respirators are used so widely when usage...

Monitoring tight spaces: is your crew properly set up to check for atmospheric hazards?
January 1, 2004... Atmospheric hazards are the number one killers in confined spaces. To identify these hazards, effective atmospheric monitoring is needed. Once you've identified potential hazards with a thorough hazard assessment, it is time to select the...

On the vapor trail: tips for detecting rare and uncommon toxic gases.
January 1, 2004... Toxic hazards commonly encountered in industry, such as hydrogen sulfide and carbon monoxide, can be tracked using a wide choice of portable and fixed detector products. However, certain, more rare, substances require specialized detection...

1 four-gas detector.(gas detection/air monitoring)
January 1, 2004... CIRCLE 255 The Orion[TM] Multigas Detector from MSA features one-button calibration, rugged construction, dust and water resistance, and a 16--to 20-hour run time. Designed for detecting 02, H2S, CO and combustible gas for confined space...

2 water-resistant detector.(gas detection/air monitoring)
January 1, 2004... CIRCLE 252 Providing two years of protection from H2S, SO2, CO or 02, the water-resistant GasAlertClip Extreme from BW Technologies is ideal for amphibious operations and high-moisture environments. Features include: two alarm levels,...

3 multi-gas monitor.(gas detection/air monitoring)
January 1, 2004... CIRCLE 253 The SCOUT[R] Multigas Personal Monitor is ergonomically designed to act as an engineered housing that optimizes its speed of response to a hazardous gas. Features include no internal tubing, a wind tested sensor port, and...

4 five-gas capacity.(gas detection air/monitoring)
January 1, 2004... CIRCLE 256 When equipped with sensors for 02, H2S, CO and combustible gases, the IST-Aim Commander offers a high-powered confined space tool for maintaining safe environments. Commander Know Your Air [TM] PC software provides user-friendly...

5 personal monitor.(gas detection air/monitoring)
January 1, 2004... CIRCLE 254 RKI Instruments' GX-2001, the smallest four-gas personal monitor in the world according to the company, weighs only six ounces and is about the size of a pager. The GX-2001 simultaneously monitors combustibles, oxygen, carbon...

6 multi-gas detector.(gas detection air/monitoring)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... CIRCLE 251 Industrial Scientific's new M40 multi-gas detector is capable of measuring carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, oxygen and combustible gases for a wide variety of confined space and personal monitoring applications. The durable,...

Fall protection training: is your "competent person" truly competent?
January 1, 2004... The subject of fall protection is complex and comprises both knowledge and experience. The more knowledge or training employees have, the more readily they will be able to integrate that knowledge into their work practices. A "competent...

1 self-retracting lanyard.(fall protection)
January 1, 2004... CIRCLE 257 The new Aptura[TM] LT12 Self-Retracting Lanyard from MSA features a field replaceable lifeline option, which allows the user to replace the web lifeline in the field if necessary. Weighing as little as 2.4 pounds, the SRL offers...

2 vacuum pad fall restraint.(fall protection)
January 1, 2004... CIRCLE 260 Changes to the WinGrip Pad improve the overall shape of the sealing ring, which, along with a softer compound, allows easier use on smaller regional aircraft. The new integral shock absorber combined with the seal improvements...

3 fall Protection Booklet.(fall protection)
January 1, 2004... CIRCLE 261 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...

4 full-body harnesses.(fall protection)
January 1, 2004... CIRCLE 258 The new generation full body DuraFlex Ultra and DuraFlex Python[TM] Ultra harnesses from Miller offer increased comfort and mobility. New quick-connect buckles have been added to the chest and leg straps, and a dual-tab release...

5 rope grab.(fall protection)
January 1, 2004... CIRCLE 259 DBI/SALA's new rope 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 lock-ups to help improve productivity. The mobile device...

OSHA's plan for improving MSDSs: new guidance documents are coming.(Occupational health and safety)
January 1, 2004... Responding to criticism about the quality of many material safety data sheets (MSDS) circulating in workplaces, OSHA is preparing three guidance documents to improve the quality of chemical hazard information provided to workers. "Guidance...

Ergo Analysis Software.(product News)
January 1, 2004... Circle 262 Designed especially for health and safety pros, ergonomics teams and industrial engineers, new ErgoTEAM Analysis Software helps users find ergonomic solutions and justify improvements. Ergonomic analysis includes: energy...

Anti-reflective lens.(product News)
January 1, 2004... Circle 265 Essilor's new anti-reflective (AR) lens, Crizal[R] Alize[TM], eliminates cleaning issues commonly associated with AR lenses. Offering superb clarity and scratch resistance, the lens is produced using a process where a thin layer...

Tempered Water System.(product News)
January 1, 2004... Circle 266 Haws' new Tempered Water Blending System (TWBS) is an integrated system of valves and redundancies aimed at ensuring maximum security, providing consistent temperature water throughout a full duty cycle. The system offers a...

Emergency oxygen.(product News)
January 1, 2004... Circle 267 LIFE[R] OxygenPac serves as an inhalator for a breathing victim and a CPR resuscitator adjunct for a non-breathing victim--oxygen-enriched mouth-to-mask resuscitation with hygienic one-way valve on LIFE[R] mask, which fits adult...

Stylish eyewear.(product News)
January 1, 2004... Circle 263 Chase Ergonomics' new line of Body Glove Safety[TM] eyewear products is available in four lens and frame color combinations. The stylish polycarbonate eyewear meets ANSI Z87.1 2003 and provides total protection from UVA and UVB...

Flat attenuation muff.(Product News)
January 1, 2004... Circle 264 Addressing the issue of "overprotection," Elvex's Flat-Liner earmuff provides flat attenuation--most frequencies from 500 Hz and above are attenuated at a similar degree, in the low-to mid-30 dB range. This allows user to hear...

Right-angle flashlight.(Product News, Pelican Products' Little Ed flashlight)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Circle 268 Pelican Products has developed Little Ed[TM], a light-weight right-angle flashlight. Based on the top selling Stealth Lite[TM] 4 AA body and lamp assembly, Little Ed features a housing that redirects the lens 90 degrees to the...

Gas detection.(product News)
January 1, 2004... Circle 269 Thermo Electron's enhanced GT-Innova Series offers a 20 percent increase in pump flow rate, auto-calibration and the powerful Innova View[TM] data-log and configuration package. The five-gas detector features three-button...

Emergency use PAPR.(product News)
January 1, 2004... Circle 270 Ideal for first responders, Neoterik's new NIOSH-approved battery-powered Level-C respirator can be used with a choice of Tychem hood, Butyl rubber hood or Neoprene full facepiece. The low-cost PAPR is effective against...

A V Systems, Inc.(white paper Sponsors)
January 1, 2004... A V Systems, Inc. is the developer of MIRS[TM], which combines all of an organization's environmental and safety issues into one easy-to-use system, to reduce the time and money spent on EPA and OSHA compliance. Integrated modules cover SARA,...

Keller.(white paper Sponsors)
January 1, 2004... Since 1953, Keller has been helping companies comply with OSHA, EPA, DOT, FDA, and USDA regulations. The company's product line includes regulatory compliance manuals, employee handbooks, training programs, software, online tools, newsletters,...

The Bill Sims Company.(white paper Sponsors)
January 1, 2004... For over 25 years The Bill Sims Company has helped forward-thinking managers increase bottom-line profits through the power of employee recognition. Bill Sims helps companies implement simple, proven methods of positive recognition tailored for...

MCR Safety.(white paper Sponsors)
January 1, 2004... MEMPHIS GLOVE Beginning January 2004, three industrial safety companies have consolidated into MCR Safety. Memphis Glove, specializing in manufacturing quality hand protection; Crews, makers of quality eye and face protection; and River City,...

BW Technologies.(white paper Sponsors)
January 1, 2004... BW Technologies has set a new industry benchmark for a rugged, weatherproof single-gas monitor in the new GasAlert Extreme. Starting at $395, the detector provides protection from [H.sub.2]S, [S0.sub.2], [CI.sub.2],CO, HCN, [NO.sub.2],...

Moldex.(white paper Sponsors)
January 1, 2004... Moldex manufactures and markets respirators and hearing protectors for the safety and personal protection of workers in industry and healthcare. Our products provide comfort and style for wearers and cost savings for employers. Moldex has over...

ENMET.(white paper Sponsors)
January 1, 2004... ENMET is a leading manufacturer of hazardous gas and vapor detection systems for industrial health and safety applications and portable instruments for confined space entry. ENMET manufactures toxic, combustible and oxygen detectors, compressed...

MSA.(white paper Sponsors)
January 1, 2004... MSA (Mine Safety Appliances Company) strives to be the world's leading manufacturer of top-quality safety and instrument products that protect and improve the lives of millions of workers in every industry. MSA puts an industry-leading...

Industrial Data Systems, Inc.(white paper Sponsors)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Formed in 1993, Industrial Data Systems, Inc. helps organizations develop and maintain efficient and effective MSDS and chemical safety compliance programs. IDS is a leader in Web-based MSDS and chemical information management software and...

North Safety Products.(white paper Sponsors)
January 1, 2004... North Safety Products is a global manufacturer of personal protection equipment such as: head protection (hard hats), eye & face protection (goggles, glasses, face shields), hearing protection (muffs & plugs), respiratory protection...

Industrial Scientific.(white paper Sponsors)
January 1, 2004... Industrial Scientific designs, manufactures and markets portable and fixed instruments and services for detecting, measuring and monitoring hazardous gases to protect and preserve life and property. Headquartered in an advanced ISO...

Red Wing Shoe Company.(white paper Sponsors)
January 1, 2004... Red Wing Shoe Company (RWSC) is a privately held corporation that manufactures premium brands of footwear and apparel solutions for men and women. Red Wing Brands offer a wide range of sizes/widths for personalized fit for consumers within...

International Safety Instruments.(white paper Sponsors)
January 1, 2004... We're International Safety Instruments, a leading designer and manufacturer of quality respiratory protection equipment. Our technologically advanced, easy-to-use devices save critical time for taw enforcement, firefighting, and industrial...

S.O.S. Safety Optical Service.(white paper Sponsors)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... S.O.S. (Safety Optical Service) was incorporated in 1963 and has been under the same ownership and management for 41 years. The mission of S.O.S. then and now is devoted to the development of innovative new products that encourage employee...

IST-Aim.(white paper Sponsors)
January 1, 2004... Headquartered in New York, IST-Aim is a division of Imaging and Sensing Technology Corporation lIST), a broad-based technology company. IST-Aim manufactures and markets leading-edge environmental monitoring systems for instant, accurate...

Standard Safety Equipment Company.(white paper Sponsors)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Since 1921, Standard Safety Equipment Company has been meeting the personal protection needs of its worldwide customers. The StaSafe product line includes a wide range of safety equipment, but is known primarily for its chemical resistant...

3E Company[TM].(Businesses, partner program for hazmat data services)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... 3E Company[TM] has launched the first-ever partner program designed to help EH&S service providers leverage the benefits of 3E's compliance information management solutions. Named 3E Network[TM], the program will enable organizations to expand...

Best Manufacturing.(Businesses, new appointments)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Best Manufacturing announced several key sales and product development management moves. The glove maker named Steve Zaugg as eastern regional sales manager, and Charles Miller will lead the company's central region. Current Best regional...

Dow Chemical.(Businesses)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Dow Chemical's Louisiana Operations site in Plaquemine, La., has been re-certified as an OSHA Voluntary Protection Program Star site and awarded the Star of Excellence, an honor going to sites that have achieved a safety performance 90 percent...

The American Society of Safety Engineers' (ASSE).(Education)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... The American Society of Safety Engineers' (ASSE) Achieving World-Class Safety Symposium will take place March 25-26 at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans. The symposium will feature 20 concurrent sessions by leading occupational safety, health and...

Ironclad Performance Wear.(Awards, glove maker ranked 3rd fastest growing private company by Los Angeles Business Journal)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Ironclad Performance Wear, a manufacturer of a full line of task-specific gloves, was named by the Los Angeles Business Journal as one of the fastest growing private companies in Los Angeles. Winners were based upon the percentage of growth...

Mike Kalbaugh EHS Manager for Avery Dennison, won the 2003 Safety Professional of the Year Award, underwritten by the Internet safety management tool KellerOnline[R], Neenah, Wisc.(Awards)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Mike Kalbaugh, EHS Manager for Avery Dennison, won the 2003 Safety Professional of the Year Award, underwritten by the Internet safety management tool KellerOnline[R], Neenah, Wisc. Kalbaugh was selected by a panel of judges over 150 other...

Drop that "accident-prone" tag: look for causes beyond personal issues.(your turn)
January 1, 2004... The problem of "accident repeaters" is costly and common to many organizations. It's also aught with misconceptions and hidden causes. We've worked successfully with many companies to help with what we call "accident repetition" and here are...