Industrial Safety & Hygiene News articles from June 2005

Industrial Safety & Hygiene News archives from June 2005

Calling Dr. Geller ... reflections on 150+ columns for ISHN.(E. Scott Geller)(Industrial Safety and Hygiene News)(Editorial)
June 1, 2005... Dr. E Scott Geller, our "Psychology of Safety" columnist since 1990, is not a morning person. Phone his Williams Hall office in the heart of Virginia Tech's campus before noon and you're likely to hear this rapid-fire greeting: "Hello I'm...

Stealth Bush campaign against workplace safety's "worst actors".(rules & REGS)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... A quiet partnership between OSHA, the EPA and a select group of Justice Department prosecutors has been formed to target for criminal prosecution employers who operate the nation's most dangerous workplaces, reports The New York Times. No...

Jury awards man $1 million for machine accident.(rules & REGS)
June 1, 2005... A civil jury has awarded $1 million to a Long Beach, Calif., man who lost two fingers in a workplace accident five years ago, reports the Long Beach Press-Telegram. The 22-year-old man won his lawsuit against his former employer, D&G...

Democrats aim to put more bite into OSHA enforcement.(rules & REGS)
June 1, 2005... Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Congressman Major Owens (D-N.Y.) have introduced legislation that they claim will strengthen provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Features of the "Protecting America's Workers Act"...

AFL-CIO takes aim at OSHA.(rules & REGS)
June 1, 2005... The AFL-CIO in late April released its annual state of U.S. workplace safety and health report, providing what OSHA blogger Jordan Barab (http://spewingforthblogspot.com) describes as "every bit of data you'll ever need to back up your health...

NRC seeks $5.45 million fine.(rules & REGS)(Nuclear Regulatory Commission)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission seeks to fine FirstEnergy Corp. $5.45 million for not catching an unprecedented problem at its Davis-Besse nuclear plant in Ohio and for giving the agency bad information regarding the problem component,...

Ax falls on AFL-CIO safety & health department.(news SCAN)
June 1, 2005... The AFL-CIO has taken a page from the corporate giants it often opposes, announcing a sweeping restructuring of the organization, cutting 167 jobs and eliminating the national safety and health department, among other moves. The...

Survey: rewards won't motivate under-performers.(news SCAN)
June 1, 2005... Almost half of human resource (HR) professionals say that monetary rewards programs are very effective at motivating top-performing employees, according to the 2005 Rewards Programs and Incentive Compensation Survey released by the Society for...

Lack of ZZZs "creating safety crisis".(news SCAN)(Sleep deprivation )(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Sleep deprivation is wreaking havoc with people's lives and raising safety risks at work, according to the National Sleep Foundation's eighth annual survey, "Sleep in America." Researchers claim the frequent absence of a good night's sleep...

Safety worries delay shuttle launch.(news SCAN)(National Aeronautics & Space Administration)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... NASA pushed back the lift-off of the space shuttle Discovery from late May to mid-July due to concerns about ice buildup on the giant external fuel tank, which occurs even in hot weather because supercold liquid hydrogen and oxygen powers the...

Murders more likely in workplaces allowing weapons.(news SCAN)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Murders are three times more likely to occur in workplaces that permit employees to carry weapons than in workplaces that prohibit all weapons, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Public Health. And that risk...

Survey says: coordinate your EHS expertise.(STRATEGIES)(Environmental health and safety)
June 1, 2005... A recent benchmark survey by Best Practices, LLC identifies these tactics embedded in companies' winning health and safety management strategies: [thumbs up] Coordinated strategies and processes--Best-practices companies seek to create...

Gap widens between safe and unsafe hospitals, study reports.(news SCAN)
June 1, 2005... Patient safety incidents at America's hospitals increased slightly between 2001-2003, but the nation's safest hospitals grew even safer, widening the gap in patient safety incident rates among the nation's best and worst hospitals, according to...

Rise in meth lab blasts puts first responders at risk.(news SCAN)(Methamphetamine)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Hazardous events resulting from methamphetamine production, including explosions and environmental damage, are increasing, according to two new reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Metharnphetamine-related...

Colorado employers reap rewards of fewer comp claims.(news SCAN)
June 1, 2005... Citing improved workplace safety records, Colorado's leading provider of workers' compensation insurance will refund $55 million to employers statewide, reports the Denver Post. Policyholders with Pinnacol Assurance will receive checks...

Seven basics of People-Based Safety[TM]: embracing empowerment, ownership, & trust.(PSYCHOLOGY of safety)
June 1, 2005... Behavior modification... safety management.... attitude adjustment... behavior-based safety... culture change... cognitive alignment... person-based safety... human engineering... social influence. These are all terms used to address the...

My day in court: are you prepared for legal scrutiny?(MANAGING BEST practices)
June 1, 2005... If you stay in the EHS profession long enough there's a good chance you'll be involved in a legal process--answering interrogatories, being deposed, cross-examined, or serving as an expert witness. Regardless if you're on the defense or...

Where the rubber meets the road: how to coach your supervisors.(POSITIVE SAFETY cultures)
June 1, 2005... Who influences productivity, quality, safety, motivation, and morale as much as--or more--than anyone else? With all due respect to the CEO (especially if any are reading this), I personally nominate the first-line supervisor. As a...

Contemporary earmuff & plugs.(asse expo)
June 1, 2005... CIRCLE 275 Three new hearing protection products from Peltor[R] Next[TM] are designed to appeal to young workers, featuring contemporary styling, unique design and excellent comfort. The neon green Tattoo Plug provides an NRR of 32 dB;...

Confined space entry system.(asse expo)
June 1, 2005... CIRCLE 272 The new Multi-Purpose Tank Support structure from DBI/SALA and PROTECTA is a confined space system for use when entering multi-purpose tanks for cleaning, inspection and maintenance activities. The portable structure mounts to...

Calibration & bump test.(asse expo)
June 1, 2005... CIRCLE 271 Crowcon's CheckBox IMH calibrates and bump tests up to ten portable gas detectors at once. The unit supports up to eight gas inlets--one inlet provides air for zeroing; the remaining inlets allow up to seven different...

Exam gloves with vitamin E.(asse expo)
June 1, 2005... CIRCLE 278 Sempermed's new POLYMED TLC latex examination gloves feature the addition of vitamin E, a known source of antioxidants, which are vital to healthy skin. POLYMED TLC gloves are also low in protein and powder-free to reduce the...

Hard-hat suspension.(asse expo)
June 1, 2005... CIRCLE 276 MSA's 1-Touch[TM] Suspension for hard hats quickly adjusts to fit, utilizing an easy-open, easy-close mechanism. Features include simple one-hand squeeze opening, one-hand slide adjustment and snap closure, and adjustable dual...

Faceshield.(asse expo)
June 1, 2005... CIRCLE 279 Salisbury's AS1000HAT PRO-SHIELD[TM] protects users from arc flash with an ATPV rating of 15 cal/[cm.sup.2] while maintaining high visibility. The anti-fog, lightweight faceshield has a thickness of .06" and a large viewing area...

Non-Metallic Uniform shoe.(asse expo)
June 1, 2005... CIRCLE 277 Specifically designed for workers in the delivery industry, the 5366 Non Metallic Uniform shoe from WORX/Red Wing features full-grain leather and 400-gram Thinsulate Ultra insulation. A non-metallic toe cap/safety toe will not...

Emergency eyewash.(asse expo)
June 1, 2005... CIRCLE 273 Using self-evacuating, disposable cartridges, the new Aquarion[TM] eyewash from Encon offers a two-year shelf-life, is comfortable to use and easily installed on a wall, shelf, cart or vertical support beam by any individual....

FR fabric.(asse expo)
June 1, 2005... CIRCLE 269 INDURA[R] Ultra Soft[R] from Westex is an ideal fabric for use in an NFPA 70E-compliant FR clothing program. Flame resistance is guaranteed for the life of the garment while the clothing maintains the soft, breathable comfort of...

Full-body harness.(asse expo)
June 1, 2005... CIRCLE 274 The new 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:...

Safety 2005: "meeting the needs of today's safety professional".
June 1, 2005... The American Society of Safety Engineers' Professional Development Conference & Expo * New Orleans, June 12-15 SAFETY 2005 is a full 3-day conference featuring more than 200 sessions, an exposition with 300 exhibitors, special pre- and...

Measure your safety performance: do your metrics tell you the full story?(Smart SAFETY)
June 1, 2005... Safety hasn't traditionally been measured in a comprehensive manner. Instead, the focus has been on a few select metrics, such as incidence rates and workers' compensation expenses. For safety metrics to truly drive performance, the big...

The business case for safety: your employees & managers must buy it.(Smart SAFETY)
June 1, 2005... Have you been beating your head against the wall trying to sell safety to your workforce as well as the boardroom? Made presentations pleading for more money, better staffing levels, and visible buy-in from upper management? Try...

How NASA is rolling out culture-enhancement initiatives: part two: implementation.(Smart SAFETY)(National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
June 1, 2005... In the first installment of this series, the initial assessment of NASA's culture and safety climate was described and the agency-wide results presented (see ISHN May 2005). In general, the assessment found a strong culture present at NASA,...

Raise your safety performance: keep it simple with 3 basic steps.(Smart SAFETY)(managing occupational safety and health )
June 1, 2005... Have you hit a plateau in safety? Looking for ways to improve the safe performance of your people? Follow the "KISS" principle. Here are three preventive measures covering the three basics of proactive "Performance Safety": your people,...

Talking about "what happened": part 2: post-event risk communication.(Smart SAFETY)
June 1, 2005... Many organizations make serious errors talking about the past--in the aftermath of an accident, say, or a near-miss, or an OSHA decision to impose a fine. Last month, I offered five recommendations for a post-event communication protocol,...

Solve the "accident repeater" puzzle: what to do--and what to avoid.(Smart SAFETY)
June 1, 2005... A pattern of repeat accidents or injuries by a small but statistically significant group of workers is frustrating to everyone--managers, safety pros and the employees involved. Reducing accident repetition is especially critical for...

Profile your global risks: gaining site access is key.(Smart SAFETY)
June 1, 2005... I was working with a multinational pharmaceutical company when an FDA audit at one of the company's main facilities resulted in a production shutdown of a major product. The CEO, fending off upset customers, regulators and stockholders, as well...

OSHA'S at the door: how to prepare for an inspection.(Occupational Safety & Health Administration (US government))
June 1, 2005... Every year OSHA inspects thousands of workplaces from coast to coast. Of course, with so many businesses operating in each OSHA region and so few inspectors, the odds of being visited by OSHA are quite small for most employers. But since you...

Safety incentives: there are right ways and wrong ways to recognize safe behavior.
June 1, 2005... The subject of safety recognition--more commonly known as safety incentives--always seems to raise considerable debate. Both believers and non-believers of safety incentives have expressed good points for both sides. Those companies that do not...

"People-Based Safety[TM]".(training)
June 1, 2005... CIRCLE 266 Coastal and Dr. E. Scott Geller have pioneered a revolutionary new approach to promoting safety. People-Based Safety[TM] integrates the latest findings of behavioral research with a person-focused approach, resulting in workers...

Hazcom training DVD.(training)
June 1, 2005... CIRCLE 259 J.J. Keller's Hazard Communication For Employees training program is available in a DVD version, giving trainers versatility for either individual or group training. Aimed at helping companies comply with OSHA's Hazard...

OHSA compliance.(training)
June 1, 2005... CIRCLE 265 ITC offers OSHA-compliant safety training for general industry, featuring interactive computer/Web-based lessons designed to reduce training time and associated costs. All training lessons can be customized and are...

E-learning.(training)
June 1, 2005... CIRCLE 267 Coastal's e-learning solutions help organizations reduce accidents, lost workdays and workers' comp payouts. Customizable, interactive ClarityNet[R] courseware makes a positive impact on the safety of your employees and on your...

7-Minute Safety training.(training)
June 1, 2005... CIRCLE 260 BLR's 7-Minute Safety Trainer enables companies to deliver effective safety meetings in just seven minutes. The program features more than 50 different safety meetings on key OSHA training topics and includes comprehensive...

Online EHS courses.(training)
June 1, 2005... CIRCLE 261 PureSafety offers an extensive and ever-expanding library of online courses designed to meet users' compliance-based training needs, including more than 250 topics addressing EHS and human resources. Most are available in both...

Online 10 & 30 Hour course.(training)
June 1, 2005... CIRCLE 263 Through its Trainingweb[R] Online 10 & 30 Hour course curriculums, Summit offers both general industry and construction certification in either 10- or 30-hour accreditation. Upon completion, students receive a course completion...

Online safety training.(training)
June 1, 2005... CIRCLE 264 Online training available from CLMI offers users the benefits of award-winning videos and the fully interactive features of CD-ROM training, combined in a Web-based format. Featuring full-screen video, the browser-based online...

Interactive training program.(training)
June 1, 2005... CIRCLE 262 The new enhanced, streamlined edition of STOP[TM] for Supervision (Safety Training Observation Program) training program from DuPont aims at building a strong safety culture at the workplace. Featuring enhanced interactivity,...

Seeing the light: protect your workers from the dangers of sun glare.
June 1, 2005... Sure, workers may want to wear sunglasses for comfort, but they may need them for protection. The eyes are susceptible to being burned by the sun(1). The cornea, lens and retina are all vulnerable to overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays....

Evaluate your emergency equipment maintenance: familiarity breeds invisibility.
June 1, 2005... Ever notice how we tend to sense when something in our environment is moved or is out of place? It's human nature. We're conditioned to scan for "out-of-place" situations. This scanning allows us to move on if all seems right. But our...

Soft Brow spectacle.(eye protection)
June 1, 2005... CIRCLE 257 Features of the new 6800 Soft Brow safety spectacle from H.L. Bouton include a cushioned brow for added comfort, a padded mastoid temple for secure fit, an anti-slip adjustable nosepiece and integrated sideshields. Polycarbonate...

Safety glasses for women.(eye protection)
June 1, 2005... CIRCLE 256 Elvex now offers four safety glass models designed specifically for women. Lighter and smaller than conventional safety glasses, the Elite[TM] Wrap Style Safety Glasses address the problem of protective glasses always seeming to...

Adjustable sideshields.(eye protection)
June 1, 2005... CIRCLE 253 Safety Optical's new B26+[TM] and B52+[TM] Universal Sidewear[TM] is specifically designed to meet the Z87.1-2003 high-impact standards for sideshields. The stylish lines blend perfectly with most safety frames, offering...

Versatile eyewear.(eye protection)
June 1, 2005... MCR Safety's Klondike Plus[TM] features a five-position ratchet temple to ensure a comfortable fit. Eight lens options, stylish matte finish and gel nosepieces are included in an assortment of fashionable and functional styles. Styles include:...

Protective reader.(eye protection)(Sellstrom Manufacturing Co.)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... 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 readings. Wide,...

Comfortable eye protection.(eye protection)
June 1, 2005... CIRCLE 251 The fashionable Rendezvous(r) from Pyramex employs a soft, adjustable nose pad, adjustable temples and adjustable lens pitch, making the protective eyewear comfortable for a broad range of facial sizes. A ventilation system,...

Prescription frames.(eye protection)
June 1, 2005... Titmus Optical's 2005 frame catalog features prescription frames, fog eliminator cloths and accessories. The catalog displays more than 65 new and existing frame styles in seven fashion collections. Each Titmus fashion collection is color coded...

Sleek eyewear.(eye protection)
June 1, 2005... CIRCLE 252 Featuring a classic, sleek design, Solaris eyewear from U.S. Safety is molded from impact-resistant nylon and incorporates a cushion brow pad, soft PVC nose pads and rubberized bayonet temples. Solaris lenses provide 99.9% UV...

Wrap-around glasses.(eye protection)
June 1, 2005... CIRCLE 250 New Rad-Infinity[TM] safety glasses from Radians[R] feature a lightweight, sporty, wrap-around frame with cushioned, non-slip rubber temple pads and a gel nosepiece for superb comfort. Clip-on neck cord is included. Available in...

Safety management systems: the next big thing?
June 1, 2005... The latest, and some would say greatest, "new" approach to ensuring successful safety performance might come in the concept of safety management systems and associated standards. As an example, the Occupational Health and Safety Assessment...

Get to know the new standard for electric arc testing of fall arrest harnesses.
June 1, 2005... Last year, workers who do a lot of climbing in high-voltage electrical surroundings got a lift with the release of a new standard for electric arc testing of fall arrest harnesses. The scope of ASTM F887-04, "Standard Specifications for...

MSDS compliance.(QUESTIONS & ANSWERS)
June 1, 2005... Q Employers are required to provide and maintain material safety data sheets (MSDSs) for any hazardous chemical used in the workplace. What are some tips for efficiently keeping MSDSs current and accessible? A There are three steps to...

Safety training: 5 strategies for getting your people involved.
June 1, 2005... Safety training differs from many forms of education because it requires more than just information. Data and facts about regulations, requirements and work procedures are important, but workers also need to be able to do the things they are...

Madison Avenue visits the work site: build loyal safety "customers".
June 1, 2005... Cheeky safety stuffers sent with weekly paychecks to construction workers of contractors belonging to the Mechanical Contractors Association of Chicago remind us how much Madison Avenue and workplace safety have in common. Front of safety...

A case study: use technology to improve safety performance.
June 1, 2005... You're walking back to your office having just completed a safety update. You tell yourself, "That wasn't my finest hour." No movement on action items from recent audits. Participation in observations has declined. Incidents are trending...

Safety signs.(EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHTS)
June 1, 2005... SignPad[TM] offers the convenience of having commonly used signs on-hand for multiple uses in multiple locations. Economical and ideal for temporary work locations or job sites; just tear and go. Each pad features 25 signs that can be easily...

Safety training.(EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHTS)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2005... Thousands of safety managers have discovered how to make safety training and compliance easier. How... with Safety.BLR.com, the online health and safety resource that gives you instant, 24/7 access to hundreds of training meetings and...

Gas monitor.(EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHTS)
June 1, 2005... BW Technologies announces the GasAlertMicro5 PID, a rugged, water-resistant instrument capable of simultaneously monitoring up to five gases including combustible and toxic gases, and Volatile Organic Compounds. Choose from optional data...

Dungaree.(EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHTS)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2005... Carhartt's flame-resistant dungaree has an ATPV rating of 13.7 and is made in the U.S.A. Constructed with signature Carhartt brown duck fabric, the dungaree's premium features include: brass zipper fly, left leg hammer loop and right leg tool...

Steel toe athletic shoe.(EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHTS)
June 1, 2005... WORX by Red Wing Shoes adds the 5361 Steel Toe Athletic (Men's) Shoe. Featuring Oil Sizzler Suede with yellow nylon mesh, superior slip/oil resistant SSRT PU Sole, and lightweight construction, the 5361 is designed to perform and retain the...

DVD library.(EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHTS)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2005... A global leader in flexible learning, Coastal Training Technologies offers a comprehensive DVD library consisting of over 160 safety training programs. Each Coastal DVD includes Spanish and English on the same disc, a customizable PowerPoint[R]...

Fall protection.(EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHTS)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2005... DBI/SALA[R] and PROTECTA[R] have joined forces, resulting in the most complete line of fall protection products manufactured anywhere. Visit us at the ASSE show (Booth #201) and check out our new ExoFit XP, which is the world's most comfortable...

Nitrile glove.(EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHTS)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2005... The NSK-24[TM] is a flexible, solvent-resistant knit-lined nitrile glove. Its rough-finish texture provides excellent protection from a wide array of solvents, oils and acids, and delivers a sure grip in even the slickest applications. The...

Sound level meter.(EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHTS)
June 1, 2005... The CEL-430 features an ultra-wide 120 dB measurement range. All noise levels from 20 to 1140 dB are covered in a single span. Preprogrammed setups are provided for OSHA measurements ideal for IH measurements. All digital circuitry design...

Earplugs.(EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHTS)
June 1, 2005... Moldex[R] SparkPlugs[R] and Pura-Fit[R] earplugs are the highest independently tested NRR 33 in the industry! And thanks to the new softer foam, these already soft earplugs are even more comfortable. To give you the confidence you need, these...

Safety management software.(EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHTS)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2005... ESS' Compliance Suite[TM] Safety Management Software tracks injury, illness, first aid and near miss incidents to meet OSHA recordkeeping and reporting requirements. This software contains more than 30 pro-loaded reports and graphs, including...

Fit tester.(EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHTS)
June 1, 2005... The OHD FitTester 3000 is the fastest and most accurate respirator fit tester available. Using the patented controlled negative pressure technology, a single respirator fit test can be completed in two to three minutes. The OHD FitTester 3000...

Calibration system.(EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHTS)
June 1, 2005... AutoRAE is an auto-calibration, bump test and charging system for RAE Systems gas monitors. Supported monitors include EntryRAE, MultiRAE Plus, ppbRAE Plus, MiniRAE 2000, and QRAE Plus. With AutoRAE, your gas detectors are always calibrated and...

Outdoor measurement conversion kit.(EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHTS)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2005... Quest Technologies releases the SoundPro DLX Outdoor Measurement System Conversion Kit as a tool for substantially reducing or eliminating the risks for disruption or damage to noise measurement studies and instrumentation. The weatherproof...

Emergency eyewash.(EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHTS)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Using self-evacuating, disposable cartridges, the Aquarion[TM] has a two-year shelf life. The cartridges achieve a non-injurious velocity for 15 minutes as per ANSI Z358.1 The Aquarion[TM] is comfortable to use and easily installed on a wall,...

Utility bag[TM].(EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHTS)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2005... Glove Guard LP has introduced their newest product, Utility Bag[TM] in two styles & three sizes: Open weave mesh bag and the soft pouch bag. Great for gas monitors, goggles, glasses and water bottles. Both use either the G love Guard[R] or...

Safety Training Customizer[R].(EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHTS)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2005... Over 125 ready-to-present training programs on topics like bloodborne pathogens, lockout/ragout, hazard communication and more! Each customizable program equips you with a topic introduction, outline, PowerPoint[TM] presentation and employee...

Custom labels.(EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHTS)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2005... Masterprint by Labelmaster[R] allows you to design your own custom labels, signs, tags, pipe markers and placards. It provides 1500 template designs and 500 vector clip art images to choose from. These templates and images provide the basis for...

Vibration monitor.(EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHTS)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2005... Exposure to high levels of Hand-Arm and Whole-Body Vibration can cause irreversible injury and decreased worker performance. The IHVM-100 by Larson Davis is designed to simplify exposure monitoring of adverse vibration levels. Supplied with...

Padlock wall station.(EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHTS)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2005... Master Lock offers a single-piece, covered padlock wall station that is virtually indestructible and offers the ability to limit access to authorized users The wall stations feature a hinge that allows the cover to be held in the "open"...