Industrial Safety & Hygiene News articles from November 2003

Industrial Safety & Hygiene News archives from November 2003

Fall protection: why some workers tempt the fates.(Column)
November 1, 2003... Risks from falls surround us. When you think about it, so much work is done off the ground--on ladders, stairs, silos, scaffolds, towers, poles, aerial platforms and other lift devices. In some industries, like construction, falls make up a...

Safety first ... or family first? Tough times make for tough choices.(Editorial comments)(Editorial)
November 1, 2003... I don't like what's going on out there," a 48-year-old safety vet protests. "Last time I left a job (and he's left a few), I had another one in ten days. I always wanted to have the upper hand with my boss. Then I could speak my mind. If they...

Safety perception survey.(Questions & Answers)
November 1, 2003... Q Safety perception surveys do not seem to be used in industry as much as they could. Why? A In many cases, the answers will show a significant gap in perception between line workers and management, and that can be very threatening to...

OSHA partners with key organizations.(rules & Regs)(Occupational Safety and Health Administration)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Since early September, OSHA has partnered with several key industry organizations for the advancement of occupational safety and health. Here's a summary of recent alliances: * National Safety Council--OSHA and NSC will work together on...

New Jersey law targets sleepy drivers.(rules & Regs)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... New Jersey has become the first state to pass a law against driving while drowsy. Under Maggie's Law, police will not pull over drivers falling asleep at the wheel. But the law allows prosecutors to charge a motorist with vehicular homicide,...

Longshoring lift standard proposed.(rules & Regs)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... OSHA has proposed a rule relating to longshoring and marine terminals to permit the lifting of two containers stacked vertically together with a combined weight of containers and cargo up to 20 tons. OSHA's final Longshoring Standard and...

New initiatives will expand VPP benefits.(rules & Regs)(Voluntary Protection Program)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... A new lineup of program initiatives will greatly expand the benefits of the Voluntary Protection Program, according to Assistant Secretary of Labor John L. Henshaw. "Expanding VPP allows us to reach out to more employers across the...

Cave-in threat: triggers $500,000+ fine from OSHA.(rules & Regs)(Occupational Safety and Health Administration)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... An Ohio construction firm faces a proposed fine of $510,750 after OSHA inspections along a 150-mile petroleum pipeline in Ohio found inadequate cave-in protection inside trenches. H.L. Crouse Construction, a pipeline contractor based in...

67 nonprofits receive OSHA training grants.(rules & Regs)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... OSHA has awarded more than $11.2 million in Susan HarwoodTraining Grants to 67 nonprofit organizations for safety and health training and educational programs. Fifty of these grantees are first-time recipients. Grants will support classroom...

Dust & fumes cause millions of chronic breathing problems.(news.Scan)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Smoking accounts for most of the 16 million cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but workplace exposure to dust or fumes might account for as many as five million cases of the disease, according to a new study from the...

Fewer died on the job in 2002.(news.Scan)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Fatalities in U.S. workplaces dropped 6.6 percent to a total of 5,524 in 2002, according to data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Overall, the fatality rate reached a record low of 4.0 per 100,000 workers in 2002, BLS reported....

Silo blast kills two firefighters.(news.Scan)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Two firefighters were killed and an unknown number of firefighters and employees were injured when a silo at a lumber company in western Ohio exploded in early October, authorities told The Associated Press. The blast came about two hours...

Healthcare costs: hurting employees and employers.(news.Scan)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... The number of Americans without health insurance in 2002 rose to 43.6 million, or about 15 percent of the population, as an additional 2.4 million people lost coverage due to unemployment and employer cutbacks in coverage. The percentage of the...

Employee genes to determine risk assignments?(news.Scan)(GeneWatch)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Employee selection based on genetic test results is a real and dangerous threat, according to a new report from GeneWatch. The report, Genetic Testing in the Workplace, found that: ** Genetic tests that predict future disability or...

HR pros shake heads over stress.(news.Scan)(Human Resource Professionals )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Most human resources professionals in the United Kingdom give their own organization poor marks when it comes to dealing with staff stress, according to a new poll by Web service HR Gateway. Nearly six in ten (58 percent) respondents said...

Worldly coaching lessons: sustaining your observation & feedback process.(Psychology of safety)
November 1, 2003... Let's consider five behavior-based guidelines for optimizing interpersonal coaching to benefit not only safety, but customer service, product quality, or productivity. These guidelines, and the five provided last month (Oct. issue), were...

Crack down on bogus credentials: a new ISO standard sets requirements.(Managing Best practices)(International Organization of Standardization)
November 1, 2003... Many of the nearly 300 certifications available to environmental health and safety personnel can be purchased without clearly demonstrating proficiency in the subject area. The system of credentialing in the EHS field is so confusing few people...

ISHN's 20th annual White Paper report.(What's Hot--What's Not?)
November 1, 2003... What's the state of mind of safety and health pros heading into 2004? How are safety and health programs faring in this sluggish economy and era of de-emphasized OSHA standards-setting? To find out, we surveyed nearly 2,000 ISHN subscribers...

British inspectors fault fall protection.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... The United Kingdom's Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recently reported that one in ten London workplaces failed to prevent falls from height, during a two-week inspection initiative conducted by the HSE in September 2003. Falls from...

Fall protection.(Product Update)
November 1, 2003... 1 GUARD RAIL SYSTEM CIRCLE 261 RAILGUARD 200[TM] from Garlock sets up in minutes without the need for drilling holes and without tools. Ideal for use on loading docks, mezzanines and roof edges, the portable system meets or exceeds all OSHA...

Air monitoring: made easy with passive dosimeters.(Column)
November 1, 2003... It was more than a few years ago when I first learned how to sample for air pollutants in the workplace. I had to assemble my own filters after I weighted the filter media, buy my pumps, calibrate them, and try and find an analytical method...

Industrial hygiene.(Product Update)
November 1, 2003... 1 CONFINED SPACE GAS DETECTOR CIRCLE 250 Biosystems' new MultiVision gas detector uses tour independent sensors to detect oxygen, combustible gases and vapors, carbon monoxide mid hydrogen sulfide in confined spaces. The economical...

National Ergonomics Conference & Expo.(ergo update)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Conference: Dec. 8-11 * Expo: Dec. 9-11 * Caesars Palace, Las Vegas * For info: www.ergoexpo.com * (212) 370-5005 Many businesses today "do more with less," and must develop new ways to gain a competitive edge. Learn the best way to bring...

OSHA reaches out.(ergo update)(Occupational Safety and Health Administration)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Ergonomics is currently the focus of 13 strategic partnerships and 16 alliances between OSHA and professional societies, trade organizations, and private corporations. One effort zeroEs in on defining upper extremity ergonomics injuries, and is...

Bad office ergonomics killing your game?(ergo update)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Any sport, whether it's golf swing or your running stride, requires freedom of motion, and your office space may be killing your sport. If you work long hours at a computer, here are some tips for getting hack on your game: * Be aware...

Tips for lifting safely.(ergo update)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... * Pre-plan Know where you are going before you lift. Choose a clear path. * Increase balance by keeping your feet shoulder-width apart. One foot should be slightly forward. * Take a deep breath, and tighten your stomach muscles before...

What's the link? Computer use and CTS.(Carpal tunnel syndrome)
November 1, 2003... According to media reports of recent research studies by researchers in Denmark and those at the Mayo clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., there is no association between computer use and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This apparently contradicts widely...

Retail grocery guidelines.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... On October 2, OSHA held a public stakeholder meeting on its draft retail grocery guidelines. This meeting had been rescheduled from an earlier date and has forced the agency to reschedule its public meeting on the draft poultry processing...

Easy on your eyes.(ergo update)
November 1, 2003... Computer workstations present complex visual needs. Challenges can include uneven lighting, reflections and glare, and prolonged use of the eyes. Here are some guidelines to follow to reduce visual discomfort: Keep lighting levels as even...

Ergo research symposium: set for January 27, 2004.(ergo update)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... In September, the National Advisory Committee on Ergonomics (NACE) held its third meeting. The committee decided to move ahead with an ergonomics symposium aimed at filling in research gaps related to ergonomics. The symposium will be held in...

Five targets for guidelines.(ergo update)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... OSHA's ergo advisory committee has recommended five industries as targets for future ergonomics guidelines: * Air transport * Hospitals * Trucking and courier services * Grocery wholesale products * Motor vehicle...

Watch those Backpacks.(ergo update)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Two new studies showing that heavy backpacks can lead to both back pain and poor posture in schoolchildren underscore the need for parents to educate their children on the proper use of backpacks, according to the American Chiropractic...

Get this straight.(ergo update)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... At the September ergo advisory committee meeting, OSHA chief John Henshaw made it perfectly clear that the agency's inspectors are not using ergo guidelines in enforcement cases.

Ergo factors into wellness equation.(ergo update)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Dr. David Hunnicutt, president of the Wellness Councils of America, says there are four things businesses should consider in maintaining a healthier workforce: ergonomics, or preventing injuries related to repetitive motion; fatigue; physical...

Resources guide.
November 1, 2003... Thanks to the Internet, vitual libraries of safety and health information are at your fingertips. Here are some Web sites to bookmark: American Academy of Occupational & Environmental Medicine http://www.acoem.org/ Content includes...

GAS sensors.(product News)
November 1, 2003... Circle 268 The new CEA 420 Series remote gas monitoring transmitters use patented sensors that are highly specific, poison resistant, fast and unaffected by moisture or temperature changes. These stand-alone sensors are available for a...

Full facepiece respirator.(product News)
November 1, 2003... Circle 271 The Promask 25 full facepiece air purifying respirator from Scott offers extreme comfort via a wide sealing surface of the halo butyl facepiece and adjustable five point head harness. Available in two sizes, the twin-cartridge...

Lockout Hasp.(product News)
November 1, 2003... Circle 270 Master Lock's easy to-apply Snap-On Lockout Hasp (No. 427) fits a wider range of lockout points and features a spring-loaded locking arm that gives it "snap-on" simplicity. These corrosion-resistant hasps, part of the company's...

Non-slip materials.(product News)
November 1, 2003... Circle 269 No Photo Hyline Safety introduces ZORB-GRIP[TM] non-skid, non-slip materials, which use an exclusive design to deliver superior gripping characteristics (greater friction and cohesion) as well as the ability to return energy to...

Entrance mat.(product News)
November 1, 2003... Circle 272 The NOTRAX[R] Intermission mat is ideal for foyers and entranceways, offering both scraping and drying functions while being very attractive. Polypropylene ribbon fibers scrape off tough dirt and debris, and the Decalon carpet...

Personal sampling pumps.(product News)
November 1, 2003... Circle 273 TSI's new SIDEPAK SP330 and SP350 Personal Sampling Pumps are described in literature available in printed form and at www.tsi.com. Pan of a complete line of personal sampling pumps, these three- and five-liter models offer a...

Using signs & symbols to communicate safety.(Sending A Message)
November 1, 2003... Larry Bishop of the Zenith Co. in San Diego had a problem. How was he supposed to communicate important safety information through signs and posters to his largely Vietnamese workforce who knew little, if any, English? Although there was a...

Self-closing gate.(Literature Spotlights)
November 1, 2003... The FabEnCo Self-Closing Safety Gate is an adjustable swinging gate for fall protection at your ladder, platform and stair opening as required by OSHA. Shipped complete with all hardware for mounting to existing walls or handrails, the Safety...

Exit sign.(Literature Spotlights)
November 1, 2003... The Fail-Safe EverGlowHi[R] EASY EXIT sign is easy to install, easy to own, and pays for itself in less than a year. Aluminum EverGlowHi signs feature a unitized single layer construction, are plastic free, and significantly less costly to...

Personal gas detector.(Literature Spotlights)
November 1, 2003... New 4-color literature on the SPECTRUM SERIES gas detector is now available from ENMET. It includes the recently developed motorized Sample Draw Pump and specialized Sampling Adapter that maximizes performance when monitoring ppb levels of...

Sampling pumps.(Literature Spotlights)
November 1, 2003... Meeting OSHA and AHERA standards, Allegro Industries has a complete line of mold sampling pumps. This broad selection delivers dependable area monitoring of mold, lead, asbestos and other dangerous particulates. Models include: the air-driven...

Emergency oxygen in wall case.(Literature Spotlights)
November 1, 2003... This simple and easy to use LIFE[R] OxygenPac gives crucial lifesaving oxygen until medical help arrives. Portable with handle in durable case with clear cover, the unit hangs on the wall with your first aid supplies. It is an Inhalator for a...

Ladder dolly.(Literature Spotlights)
November 1, 2003... Available in three models, Buddy's Ladder Dolly easily attaches to most any heavy ladder reducing carrying weight by up to 90 percent, thereby reducing back and shoulder injuries. By freeing your other hand, Buddy's Ladder Dolly allows higher...

"Safety with style" catalog.(Literature Spotlights)
November 1, 2003... Elvex's 32-page safety catalog contains four product categories: safety glasses, face and hearing protection, as well as grounds maintenance safety products. Workers love the style and lightweight designs, while these functional products are...

Gas detection.(Literature Spotlights)
November 1, 2003... CEA Instruments has been a leading supplier of gas detection equipment with pocket-size, portable, and wall-mounted instrumentation available in single and multichannel configurations since 1972. Numerous monitors, analyzers, and sensors are...

Protective clothing.(Literature Spotlights)
November 1, 2003... Bulwark's Cool Touch[R] shirts and coverall are lightweight and airy with all the protection of ComfortBlend[TM], a 65 percent NOMEX[R] / 35 percent Lenzing FR blended fabric and part of DuPont's Nomex ComfortWear collection. Cool Touch shirts...

Plastic bowl cover for eye/facewash stations.(Literature Spotlights)
November 1, 2003... Encon Safety Products constructed its corrosion-resistant yellow ABS bowl cover to promote visibility and protection of eye/facewash stations. Encon's bowl cover shields the eye/facewash from airborne contaminants and offers the benefit of...

Kuri Tec[R] catalog.(Literature Spotlights)
November 1, 2003... The Kuri Tec[R] PVC Hose & Tubing Catalog features nontoxic PVC products to handle industrial hygiene and air breathing line applications. Available are clear, non-reinforced tubing, clear yarn reinforced PVC hoses and clear wire reinforced...

Eye care products.(Literature Spotlights)
November 1, 2003... Bausch & Lomb offers a complete line of Eye Care products including EyeWash, Collyrium, and Eye drops. This flip-top bottle of sterile eye wash solution can be used to refresh, irrigate and cleanse the eye. It removes foreign particles or...

New eyewear.(Literature Spotlights)
November 1, 2003... FLYWEAR protective eyewear uses dual-lens, "fly eye" styling that is popular in today's street-wear products. Patented, dual-aspheric lenses provide prescription-quality optics for less eye strain. With the new DX[TM] anti-fog hard coat,...

Safe chemical storage.(Literature Spotlights)
November 1, 2003... Hazmat Storage Buildings provide safe chemical storage and secondary spill containment. Available in a variety of sizes and configurations. Non-rated, insulated and fire rated models are available in 5 to 96 drum capacities. The buildings meet...

Table quick-ship program.(Literature Spotlights)
November 1, 2003... Need cafeteria tables immediately? BioFit[R] Engineered Products will now quick-ship its patented oval table within ten working days (after credit approval). This super-strong table has attached seating for ten, is tops in the industry, and is...

Gas detector.(Literature Spotlights)
November 1, 2003... The GasAlertMax is an internally pump-equipped, four-channel gas detector designed to continuously monitor for the presence of H2S, CO, LEL combustible gas and oxygen. With optional datalogging that can store over a year of continuous...

Rescue pants.(Literature Spotlights)
November 1, 2003... Ensuring excellent durability and protection, Workrite Rescue Pants of Nomex[R] IIIA are autoclaved to enhance their permanent-press characteristics and appearance after laundering. These 7.5 oz. garments are certified to NFPA 1975 station...

Protective jacket.(Literature Spotlights)
November 1, 2003... Carhartt's U.S.A., union-made FR Bomber style jacket is NFPA-70E compliant. Made with 13 oz. INDURA Ultra Soft brown duck fabric, the jacket remains flame-resistant for the life of the garment and has an ATPV rating of 50.4. An optional FR hood...

Safety frame.(Literature Spotlights)
November 1, 2003... The Klondike[R] Series from CREWS[R] features safety and style at an affordable price to separate you from the pack. Whether on the slopes or in the workplace, Klondike's matte black frame finish, adjustable temples, 11 degree base curve lens...

Personal gas monitor.(Literature Spotlights)
November 1, 2003... Crowcon has designed a completely new personal gas monitor for simple use in demanding conditions. Monitoring up to four gases, Tetra has a single button to control all functions, and a backlit "at-a-glance" display giving simultaneous viewing...

Ergonomic lift.(Literature Spotlights)
November 1, 2003... The S.E.E.L (Spring Enclosed Ergonomic Lift) incorporates weight-sensitive springs from 100 to 1,200 lbs. that support a "false-floor." When weight is added/removed to this "floor," it lowers/raises. The S.E.E.L. line is comprised of four...

Butyl and neoprene gloves.(Literature Spotlights)
November 1, 2003... Chemical protective gloves to meet the challenges of industrial, laboratory, first response or chemical production exposure. Maximum protection from challenges such as acetone, alcohols, MIBK, MEK, aldehydes and esters. Guardian butyl and...

NFPA 70E compliance.(Literature Spotlights)
November 1, 2003... INDURA Ultra Soft[c] has already proven itself as the fabric of choice for NFPA 70E compliance. INDURA Ultra Soft provides protection from electric are flash with flame resistance that is guaranteed for the life of the fabric while still...

Full-face respirator.(Literature Spotlights)
November 1, 2003... MSA's Advantage[R] 3000 Full-Face Respirator is high-performance protective equipment. Its fit starts with a face seal based on MSA's proven Ultra Elite[R] Facepiece, even lower breathing resistance, and a nose cup that reduces fogging. The...

Eyewash station.(Literature Spotlights)
November 1, 2003... Encon offers its gravity fed, self-contained eyewash station (model # 01104050). The eyewash station is easily maintained and has a low-profile when wall-mounted. This product is made of high-visibility yellow ABS plastic. Optional cart...

Coaching training.(Literature Spotlights)
November 1, 2003... New from DNV Training Solutions, C.O.A.C.H. (Constructive Observation And Coaching Habits) is a set of tools to deal with the behaviors that comprise job performance and, perhaps, be your best means of maintaining vital employee contacts and...

Polarized eye protection.(Literature Spotlights)
November 1, 2003... This technological breakthrough from Smith & Wesson finally offers the industrial worker protection from reflected glare in an ANSI-compliant safety glass--certified compliant by a respected, independent testing laboratory. The enhanced vision...

Concrete anchor.(Literature Spotlights)
November 1, 2003... DBI/SALA's Concrete Bolt Anchor is a simple, versatile and safe anchorage system specifically designed for concrete applications. The concrete D-ring anchor contains no fragile parts and is extremely rugged. It can be used for both permanent...

Portable shower.(Literature Spotlights)
November 1, 2003... The hazmatshower.com high-performance Pro 70-T Shower delivers portable, endless hot water anywhere, anytime.The Pro 70 shower is ideal for providing instant hot water for meth, chemical and WMD decon. Easy to use--just connect to water source,...

Safety signs.(Literature Spotlights)
November 1, 2003... Power outages and fires occur--Preparedness is the key to safety. Our PL signs offer complete, foolproof emergency exit/way finding direction systems, enhancing public safety. Our photoluminescent products make significant improvements to...

Multi-gas monitor.(Literature Spotlights)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... The M40, Industrial Scientific's newest multi-gas monitor, is designed to continuously detect any combination of up to four gases, including combustible gas, oxygen, carbon monoxide or hydrogen sulfide. Housed in a rugged, compact package, the...

OSHA 300 recordkeeper.(Literature Spotlights)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... This software program includes the most recent 300, 300A and 301 forms required by OSHA. Users can complete the forms; determine whether an illness/injury is recordable; calculate rates of recordable incidents; sort data/generate reports; and...

Single-gas detector.(Literature Spotlights)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... IST-Aim's newest single gas detector, the Shield, protects against hazardous levels of gases in even the most extreme conditions. The CSA-approved Shield comes with a maintenance-free, two-year guarantee. It is equipped to display actual...

Flame-resistant coveralls.(Literature Spotlights)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Lakeland's flame-resistant coveralls manufactured with FR Cotton have built-in toughness. Whether you are clothing pipeline workers or linemen, these coveralls offer amazing protection and value. From our reinforced stitching to our covered...

MSDS management.(Literature Spotlights)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... MSDSonline[TM] provides Web-enabled services for cost-effective MSDS management and compliance. MSDSadvantage[TM] combines online access to more than 1 million indexed and searchable MSDS documents with desktop storage and management tools....

Calibration gases.(Literature Spotlights)(NorLab gas)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... NorLab has been creating a wide variety of calibration gases in portable, cost-efficient, non-refillable cylinders for over 15 years. Our ISO-9002 facility produces and inventories gas mixtures for industrial hygiene, environmental,...

Cube case.(Literature Spotlights)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Pelican's new 20-in. Cube Case is extra deep, so you can layer divider sets or foam and still have plenty of room in the lid. Optional casters snap on to the base plate for secure rolling and easy transportation. Slots in the lid lock another...

Group lockout box.(Literature Spotlights)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... This portable group lockout box is made of acrylic material, which is corrosion resistant, it has a clear acrylic window for viewing all the keys from each lockout point. The key slot makes it easy to add keys even after padlocks are attached....

Photo-ionization detector.(Literature Spotlights)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... The MuItiRAE Plus combines a PID with the standard four gases (02, LEL, and two toxic gas sensors) in one compact monitor. Its new and improved case allows quick and easy access to both the battery and sensors simply by using a coin. With ATEX...

Universal sideshields.(Literature Spotlights)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... The Aye-Mate[TM] B-52+ and Wing-Mate[TM] B-26+ universal sideshields are quickly adapted to a wide range of metal and plastic frames. Can be installed or removed quickly without tools. Eliminates guesswork, time and effort required to replace...

5-in-1 gas monitor.(Literature Spotlights)
November 1, 2003... 5-in-1-gas monitor with a built-in sample pump weighs 11 ounces and measures 100 percent volume combustibles, in addition to LEL, 02, CO, and H2S. LCD display shows all gas readings, battery level, current time, and automatically backlights in...

Shock-absorbing lanyard.(Literature Spotlights)
November 1, 2003... The FP5K tie-back lanyard uses the FP5K carabiner, a new tie-back lanyard connector. With 5,000 lb. gate strength in any direction, the FP5K carabiner can be tied back directly to the lanyard. Available in web or cable version--the cable...