Industrial Safety & Hygiene News articles from October 2006

Industrial Safety & Hygiene News archives from October 2006

Experts cite 8 trends that will shape your job.(EHS world: The incredibly shrinking)(safety and health programs)
October 1, 2006... At about 1:20 p.m. on March 23, 2005, a series of incredibly powerful blasts at BP's Texas City refinery, ignited during the restarting of a hydrocarbon isomerization unit, killed 15 workers and injured approximately 170. Many victims were in...

"Still more work to do ..." one hundred years after "The Jungle".(EDITORIAL comments)(occupational safety and security for immigrant workers)(Editorial)
October 1, 2006... A hundred years ago "The Jungle" was self-published by 27-year-old Upton Sinclair, after rejections from publishers uninterested in a grim novel dedicated to "the workingmen of America." To research his expose of squalid working conditions in...

Survey: employers unprepared for blogging.(news SCAN)
October 1, 2006... A recent survey conducted by the Employment Law Alliance reported that while millions of workers--about 5 percent of the American workforce--are maintaining online personal diaries, only about 15 percent of employers have specific policies...

BLS 2005 findings: sharp rise in danger: deaths of young workers.(news SCAN)
October 1, 2006... Key findings of the 2005 Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, released in August by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, included the following: * Fatal work injuries among workers under 20 years of age were up about 18 percent from the...

Protect your business in case of emergency.(requirements for an emergency action plan by OSHA)(United States. Occupational Safety and Health Administration)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... The best way to protect yourself, those you work with, or your business, in case of an emergency--be it the result of man-made or natural causes--is to expect the unexpected and develop an emergency action plan to guide you when immediate...

Lack of sleep a danger for truck drivers.(news SCAN)(drivers had severe sleep apnea)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... A study of over 1,300 truck drivers conducted at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that 13 percent of drivers got fewer than five hours of sleep on a regular basis, Circadian Technologies reports. The study also found that...

China to spend US$60 billion on safely.(reduce workers fatalities and accidents)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... Workplace safety in China has been given a major boost with the central government announcing plans to spend 467.4 billion yuan (US$60 billion) over the next five years to reduce fatalities and accidents, according to China Daily. The...

With high workplace death rate, Canada pushes for new voluntary safety standard.(news SCAN)
October 1, 2006... Workers in Canada are among the most at risk of dying or being injured on the job, the Canadian Standards Association said Sept. 6 as it unveiled a new voluntary standard to keep employees safe. The standards association recommends...

Hazcom changes: loom on the horizon.(rules & REGS)
October 1, 2006... OSHA in mid-September published in the Federal Register an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking asking for public comments on how best to modify the hazard communication standard (HCS) to be consistent with the Globally Harmonized System of...

BP fined for safety violations--again.(rules & REGS)
October 1, 2006... OSHA has fined BP Plc for a second time in five months for safety violations at its Toledo, Ohio, refinery, according to Reuters. BP was cited seven times for deficient safety procedures and equipment for handling propylene at the refinery...

Metal forger fined $235,000 for range of violations.(rules & REGS)
October 1, 2006... OSHA levied $235,000 in fines against a Chicago metal forger last month for a range of alleged willful and serious violations of workplace safety and health standards. The agency opened an inspection at A. Finkl & Sons Company, a specialty...

Roofing firm cited in worker's electrocution death.(rules & REGS)(company faces workplace safety fines)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... A Pennsylvania roofing company faces workplace safety fines of $102,000 following the death of an employee who was electrocuted when his scaffold came into contact with a power line, the Associated Press reports. Zeke & Son Roofing and...

OSHA issues new APFs.(rules & REGS)
October 1, 2006... New assigned protection factors, or APFs, for respiratory protection programs are being incorporated into OSHA's respiratory protection standard, the agency announced in late August. The final rule completes the revision of the reserve sections...

The power of a "guilt trip": one road to increasing personal responsibility for safety.(PSYCHOLOGY of safety)
October 1, 2006... I bet most of you have used the term guilt trip when explaining personal feelings or when attempting to understand the behavior of others. What do we mean? Can we use this metaphor to improve safety? Yes. I think we can put people...

Global harmonization headaches: employers will wrestle with OSHA hazcom changes.(Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
October 1, 2006... According to OSHA administrator, Edwin Foulke Jr., OSHA's current "big issues" are: #1 hexchrome, #2 pandemic flu preparedness, #3 global harmonization, and #4 permissible exposure limits (PELs). Among these big issues, global harmonization is...

Is stress a friend or foe? Zero stress shouldn't be your goal.(POSITIVE SAFETY cultures)
October 1, 2006... The answer to the question in the title is "yes." When we perceive an event as a challenge or potential threat, a physical and psychological response is triggered by the autonomic nervous system. Whether the stressor is external (an oncoming...

1 Protective apparel.(NSC PREVIEW: National Safety Congress & Expo, November 6-8, San Diego, CA)
October 1, 2006... CIRCLE 250 Kimberly-Clark has introduced a new "chemical resistance bundle" of KleenGuard* protective apparel and gloves for the industrial safety market. Three new PPE products include: KleenGuard* A70 Chemical Spray Protection Apparel;...

2 Escape respirator.(NSC PREVIEW: National Safety Congress & Expo, November 6-8, San Diego, CA)
October 1, 2006... CIRCLE 257 The ER2000CBRN Emergency Escape Respirator from North is NIOSH approved capacity 2, 30-minute rated for protection from non-immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) atmospheres containing chemical, biological,...

3 Radiation detection.(NSC PREVIEW: National Safety Congress & Expo, November 6-8, San Diego, CA)
October 1, 2006... CIRCLE 253 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 version 2.0 or greater, all...

4 Safety goggle.(NSC PREVIEW: National Safety Congress & Expo, November 6-8, San Diego, CA)
October 1, 2006... CIRCLE 255 The new Uvex[R] Strategy[TM] Goggle fits over most prescription eyewear for protection in harsh environments. The over-the-glass (OTG) goggle meets both ANSI and CSA standards. Lightweight body features soft, flexible thermopoly...

5 Portable gas detector.(NSC PREVIEW: National Safety Congress & Expo, November 6-8, San Diego, CA)
October 1, 2006... CIRCLE 256 Honeywell Analytics now offers a new Real Time Display version of the Lumidor MiniMAX XT portable gas detector. A simple single-press self-test button allows the user to view the gas concentration throughout operation of the...

6 Disposable PPE.(NSC PREVIEW: National Safety Congress & Expo, November 6-8, San Diego, CA)
October 1, 2006... CIRCLE 254 MCR's new CovTech[TM] premium disposable protective clothing series is manufactured from soft, breathable fabric with excellent tensile strength and tear resistance. The lightweight, antistatic material offers barrier protection...

7 Gas detector calibration.(NSC PREVIEW: National Safety Congress & Expo, November 6-8, San Diego, CA)
October 1, 2006... CIRCLE 251 BW Technologies' GasAlertMicroClip multi-gas (H2S, CO, 02, LEL) detector is now available in a module that is compatible with BW's expandable MicroDock II automatic test and calibration station. Offering additional cost and time...

8 Multiple-use earplugs.(NSC PREVIEW: National Safety Congress & Expo, November 6-8, San Diego, CA)
October 1, 2006... CIRCLE 252 Howard Leight's AirSoft[R] multiple-use earplugs are redesigned to now offer easier insertion, better fit and improved comfort. New AirSofts incorporate a series of patented, noise-blocking fins within an internal air pocket. As...

Saint-Gobain's global health & safety day: how you get the attention of 200,000 workers?
October 1, 2006... Directing the attention and energy of 200,000 people working in 50 countries around the world at one time on the topic of industrial health and safety is no easy task. It takes planning, coordination and, most importantly, the initiative and...

Sacked for safety's sake: "I'm glad his children won't become fatherless".(veteran employee terminated due to oversights in industrial safety arrangements)(Narrative biography)
October 1, 2006... I remember a number of announcements, all separated by as much as a year, all announcing the arrival of "good news," when he and I were co-workers. The most notable being news of his engagement and subsequent marriage, later followed by the...

A blue-collar band of brothers: construction workers speak up for safety.
October 1, 2006... Being in the field provides me with the perfect opportunity to find out what construction workers have to say about safety. We can understand what people are about if we probe a little and then take time to listen. At the end of a recent...

When hazards seem obvious: do we need to protect our workers?(Safety and security measures of workers)
October 1, 2006... When a hazard seems obvious, there is a strong incentive not to worry about it. After all, our workers are smart enough to see it and avoid it. From a practical point of view, our resources can be better spent elsewhere. A good example is...

Effective hazcom training: OSHA manual can be a valuable resource.(training STRATEGIES)
October 1, 2006... Hazard communication (hazcom) training problems continue to stymie many employers and keep OSHA inspectors busy. The hazcom rule has been around for more than a decade, but it still leads all other general industry safety regulations in the...

Proactive reward programs: recognize safe actions, not outcomes.(incentives & RECOGNITION)
October 1, 2006... Another safety incident! Simon, the safety manager at a small manufacturing company, felt the pressure from upper management to figure out some way to get employees to buy into the company's safety culture. He felt like he had tried everything,...

Emergency eyewash stations: use best practices to meet ANSI compliance.
October 1, 2006... When it comes to emergency eyewash stations, installation is only the first step in meeting compliance standards. Employers who have installed eyewash stations have taken a responsible first step, however those efforts are wasted if the eyewash...

Take control of noise exposure: isolate sources & use proper equipment to stop noise where it starts.
October 1, 2006... Noise control is the basis for effective heating loss prevention; reducing or eliminating the hazard is the best way to control exposure. An effective noise control plan reduces liability and hearing conservation costs by controlling noise...

What about injuries after hours? Four tips for tackling "low-tech" hazards.
October 1, 2006... Ask employees, "How many of you have been to a funeral for someone who was killed in a motor vehicle accident?" About 80 percent to 90 percent usually will put up their hands. Now ask, "How many of you know someone personally who's been killed...

What to consider when monitoring for air duct hazards.
October 1, 2006... When monitoring in a duct for gas hazards, several factors should be considered, including the sampling conditions, gas characteristics and flow dimensions, in order to obtain a meaningful gas measurement. You must ensure, of course, that the...

What's new in portable gas detection?(IH INSTRUMENTATION)
October 1, 2006... Workers once relied on canaries, mice and rats to warn them of toxic gas in the atmosphere. Inefficient and ineffective methods of gas detection are now a thing of the past. Now workers rely on microprocessors and gas sensors to...

How PID technology is improving instrumentation performance in high-humidity environments.(photoionization detector)
October 1, 2006... Early photoionization detector (PID) development is credited to research done in the U.K. in the mid 1960s. An open cell PID for gas chromatography (GC) was invented by Professor Lovelock at Cambridge University. It provided improved...

Breathe life into you incentives program with new ideas and goals with new ideas and goals.
October 1, 2006... You buy a new car. You probably wash and wax it quite religiously for the first month or so. Then something happens--the new car smell wears oft, you get your first scratch, you start making car payments--and no longer does washing and waxing...

Zero on the top ten sign and label violations.(Best OSHA to the punch)
October 1, 2006... If you compiled an annual list of the top OSHA sign, label, tag and marking violations, you would quickly discover that the same violations keep popping up. If this trend holds, then a list of the top marking violations may give you a good...

Safety software: evaluate your needs before making your selection.
October 1, 2006... So you're considering buying software to help you manage your health and safety programs, and OH&S management system. Good idea... but where do you start? For many safety practitioners, the daily demand of managing many different types of...

Create a culture for increasing employee commitment to safety.
October 1, 2006... A PPE program can only be as effective as an organization's overall safety culture. However, getting employees to participate in safety cultures can be difficult. Motivation techniques for encouraging employee participation can have both...

Leading with courage: conquer fear to be an agent for change.
October 1, 2006... Safety professionals are change agents. We attempt to help others adjust how they work, the equipment they use, how they perceive their environment, the decisions they make and their willingness to act in a more considered manner. Change means...

1 Online MSDS management.(msds)
October 1, 2006... CIRCLE 259 The new 3E Online--MSDS Expert Edition is an enhanced version of the 3E Online Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) management system. Featuring improved search capabilities, Expert Edition includes new regulatory reporting and...

2 MSDS Management Software.(msds)
October 1, 2006... CIRCLE 262 ESS Compliance Suite[TM] MSDS Management Software allows for electronic management of MSDS processes for OSHA compliance. EHS managers can scan or import MSDSs into one central database eliminating paper storage, allowing easy...

3 MSDS software system.(msds)
October 1, 2006... CIRCLE 261 Based on the Comply Plus platform, Dolphin's MSDS software system provides a rich information resource for hazcom and chemical management activities. Comply Plus is a customized chemical management solution for companies with...

4 Management solution.(msds)
October 1, 2006... CIRCLE 264 Providing company-wide MSDS management, MSDSpro Enterprise allows multiple MSDS data entry points for one or more locations to enter, store and distribute MSDSs. Each location shares a central database of MSDSs, eliminating...

5 Web-based MSDS hub.(msds)
October 1, 2006... CIRCLE 260 Actio's MSDS Vault is a tailored material safety data sheet management solution utilizing only client-specific MSDS information, sourced directly from the chemical manufacturer or distributor. Offered as an ASP (application...

6 Tracking software package.(msds)
October 1, 2006... CIRCLE 258 Occupational Health Manager[R] is an all-in-one EHS tracking software package that integrates a wide range of topics, including MSDS, into a single software product to save time verifying information from department to...

7 Electronic MSDS system.(msds)
October 1, 2006... CIRCLE 263 MSDSadvantage from MSDSonline provides all components needed to build and manage an electronic library of MSDS documents. Combining Internet service and desktop software, MSDSadvantage gives users unlimited access to a database...

1 Safety inspection.(handheld safety devices)
October 1, 2006... CIRCLE 265 PDAge's Pocket Jobsite Inspector PRO enables organizations with multiple inspectors to perform tasks in the field using PocketPCs, and synchronize their results to a central database. Data import tools enable integration with...

2 Odor detection.(handheld safety devices)
October 1, 2006... CIRCLE 266 ScenTraK from CogniScent is a lightweight, handheld, opto-electronic platform that models the way biological noses work to detect, identify and discriminate many different airborne compounds in real time (approximately 2 see.)....

3 Mobile data collection.(handheld safety devices)
October 1, 2006... CIRCLE 268 Part of the Steton Quality Suite, Mobile AUDITOR simplifies the data collection process with the option of combining the latest in handheld computer technology with software customized to your organization. Questions on...

4 IR thermometer.(handheld safety devices)
October 1, 2006... CIRCLE 267 Extech's new 42515 Wide Range InfraRed Thermometer with Type K input stores up to 20 readings and is capable of measuring both non-contact and contact temperature, making the unit ideal for industrial applications. Available...

5 Safety management.(handheld safety devices)
October 1, 2006... CIRCLE 269 IndustrySafe safety management software from TRA enables organizations to proactively improve safety and achieve regulatory compliance through the reporting, tracking and analyzing of safety and security activities. Users...

6 Safety data analysis.(handheld safety devices)
October 1, 2006... CIRCLE 270 [DBO.sup.2] SafetyNet simplifies the collection, analysis and dissemination of job site safety information, enabling users to take action before at-risk behaviors or conditions become incidents. Observations are captured on a...

Air purifying respirators.(NSC PREVIEW)
October 1, 2006... Circle 271 AOSafety offers two new innovative air purifying respirators: QuickFit is a full facemask respirator that goes on and off with a turn or pull of the QuickDial; and QuickLatch Flex allows quick breaks with the flip of a latch....

FR apparel.(NSC PREVIEW)
October 1, 2006... Circle 272 Bulwark's EXCEL-FR[R] line of durable flame-resistant cotton and cotton-blend apparel meets or exceeds stringent industry standards for flame resistance, electric arc protection and flash fire protection. EXCEL-FR utilizes a...

Chemical-resistant gloves.(NSC PREVIEW)
October 1, 2006... Circle 273 Ansell's new chemical-resistant AlphaTEC gloves incorporate Ansell Grip Technology, requiting less force to grip oily or wet objects. The liquid-proof gloves integrate microscopic channels in a patented ultra-thin nitrile layer...

Heat-stress relief.(NSC PREVIEW)
October 1, 2006... Circle 274 CoreControl from AVAcore is a unique handheld, non-invasive method of cooling the body safely, from the inside out. Designed using Stanford University patents, CoreControl both prevents and treats heat-related illnesses in those...

Metatarsal protection.(NSC PREVIEW)
October 1, 2006... Circle 275 KangaTuff MetGuard is a practical, lightweight safety footwear attachment that provides metatarsal protection. The easy-to-fit device is attached to the top of steel cap footwear and secured with existing laces or straps....

Chemical protection.(NSC PREVIEW)
October 1, 2006... Circle 276 Nitri-Dex[TM] from Best is an ideal "hybrid" glove for applications that require chemical resistance along with the fit, feel and comfort provided by the low modulus, patented Best[R] N-DEX[R] gloves. This unique 9-mil, 12-inch...

Protective garments.(NSC PREVIEW)
October 1, 2006... Circle 278 DuPont[TM] Tyvek[R] Coveralls have been enhanced to include new features designed to provide workers a more comfortable fit and improved mobility, while still offering high levels of protection. The new design enables a greater...

Safety goggle.(NSC PREVIEW)
October 1, 2006... Circle 279 Elvex's Legionnaire[TM] goggle features an impact-resistant molded lens with SuperCoat[TM] anti-fog coating and 18 built-in, indirect ventilation slots for fog resistance. The economically priced goggle easily fits over...

Wrap-around eyewear.(NSC PREVIEW)
October 1, 2006... Circle 280 Encon's NASCAR[R] Team Series of protective eyewear feature a weightless durable frame; a translucent, 8.25 base wrap-around design; and soft-tip temple tips for excellent comfort. With the NASCAR logo and a driver number...

Multi-gas detector.(NSC PREVIEW)
October 1, 2006... Circle 281 Easy to operate, use and carry, GfG's G850 is well-suited for both confined space safety and for work in an open area. The portable gas monitor detects up to six gases simultaneously, protecting from hundreds of unknown toxic...

Plunger cans.(NSC PREVIEW)
October 1, 2006... Circle 282 Justrite's redesigned Blacktop Plunger Cans allow users to quickly and easily moisten cloths and wipes to clean parts and equipment. New "smart pump" mechanism helps streamline swabbing operations. With each "pump up" more...

Enhanced gas monitor.(NSC PREVIEW)
October 1, 2006... Circle 283 Industrial Scientific's GasBadge[R] Pro single-gas monitor now features a hydrogen cyanide (HCN) sensor option, making the unit suitable for the precious mining and recovery, gold plating, food and beverage, and hazardous...

Reusable earplugs.(NSC PREVIEW)
October 1, 2006... Circle 284 Comets[TM] from Moldex offer reusable, economically priced NRR 25 heating protection that is easy to insert. Available in corded or uncorded models, the earplug features a unique finger pocket that allows wearer to use the tip...

EMS Case.(NSC PREVIEW)
October 1, 2006... Circle 285 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 and a fully customizable,...

Cut-resistant glove.(NSC PREVIEW)
October 1, 2006... Circle 286 The Flx Cut[TM] glove from Perfect Fit is made of a Dyneema[R]/stainless steel blend to provide ANSI Cut Level 4 protection in a lightweight, flexible shell. Offering cut and abrasion resistance, the Fix Cut glove features a...

FR knits & fleece.(NSC PREVIEW)
October 1, 2006... Circle 287 Westex's INDURA[R] Ultra Soft[R] flame-resistant fabric is now available in a lightweight 6.25-oz. Interlock Knit for polo shirts, Henleys and T-shirts, and also heavyweight 11-oz. Fleece fabrics for sweatshirts. Offering...

Food handling gloves.(NSC PREVIEW)
October 1, 2006... Circle 288 Kut-Gard[R] Steel Core Gloves with SilaGrip[TM] from PIP meet FDA requirements for food contact and USDA food handling requirements. SilaGrip is a high-performance coating that is non-toxic and non-latex, has no proteins, no...

Hard hat.(NSC PREVIEW)
October 1, 2006... Circle 289 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 hard hat accepts a full line of attachable...

Coated grip glove.(NSC PREVIEW)
October 1, 2006... Circle 290 The Atlas Grip from Showa offers an ergonomic design that features a tough black palm coating for excellent grip, a seamless string knit liner that provides a snug fit, and an open back for perspiration-free wear. Ideal for a...

Label maker.(NSC PREVIEW)
October 1, 2006... Circle 277 The GlobalMark[TM] Industrial Label Maker from Brady creates professional, cost-effective custom signs and labels on-demand. Ideal for helping ensure worker safety and keeping companies compliant with safety regulations, the...

Heat-resistant glove.(NSC PREVIEW)
October 1, 2006... Circle 292 The new 2610 Series Heat-Resistant Glove from Wells Lamont can withstand temperatures up to 500[degrees]E The glove's excellent thermal properties are attributed to the combination of Kevlar[R] and Nomex materials. Cotton lining...

Haws Corp.(MOVES)(promoted Michael Markovsky and Casey Hayes)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... Emergency equipment provider Haws Corp. recently announced several new personnel moves. Michael Markovsky has been named vice president of marketing. Markovsky had been a senior partner in Haws' advertising agency, Fast Forward Strategies....

RidgeLine Inc.(MOVES)
October 1, 2006... RidgeLine Inc., maker of the Pro Ears line of electronic hearing protection/amplification products, recently added four new sales personnel: Rick Payne, national sales manager/sporting goods/law enforcement/military; Don Hardy, national sales...

Medic First Aid International Inc.(INTERNET)(launched website)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... MEDIC FIRST AID International Inc. has launched a new Web site designed to provide supplemental emergency care information for individuals who have completed a first-aid training class. At myMEDICFirstAid.com, visitors will find resources like...

Business.gov.(INTERNET)(United States. Small Business Administration)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... Set to re-launch in October, Business.gov helps businesses search for compliance news, information and federal forms from nearly 100 government Web sites, and compile government compliance contact information from throughout the federal...

VivoMetrics, developer of the LifeShirt[R], a real-time physiologic monitoring system, has partnered with RAE Systems to integrate the LifeShirt 300 with AreaRAE wireless networks.(BUSINESSES)
October 1, 2006... VivoMetrics, developer of the LifeShirt[R], a real-time physiologic monitoring system, has partnered with RAE Systems to integrate the LifeShirt 300 with AreaRAE wireless networks. The partnership brings together responder life-sign data and...

Bacou-Dalloz Hearing Safety Group.(REFERENCES)
October 1, 2006... A new Sound Source[TM] bulletin, "OSHA Hearing Conservation Violations," issued by the Bacou-Dalloz Hearing Safety Group, reports on a study the company recently conducted with the assistance of OSHA's Office of Information and Technology on...

UC Irvine Extension.(EDUCATION)
October 1, 2006... UC Irvine Extension is offering a five-session course entitled "Risk Management for the Safety and Health Professional" as a part of its Occupational Safety and Health certificate program. The course will provide an overview of safety practices...

Events.(Calendar)
October 1, 2006... november 2006 National Safety Congress & Expo, Nov. 3-10, San Diego, CA, National Safety Council, (800) 621-7619, www.nsc.org ASSE Continuing Education--Math Review, Nov. 12; ASP Workshop, Nov. 13-15, Scottsdale, AZ, American Society...

The problem with macro measures: you don't know what's working and what's not.(petersen's page)
October 1, 2006... For many years accident measures like the number of accidents, frequency rates, severity rates, and dollar costs were used to measure the progress of the organizational unit because practitioners felt comfortable using them. These results...