Industrial Safety & Hygiene News articles from September 2006

Industrial Safety & Hygiene News archives from September 2006

Hazard analysis: how vulnerable are your workers?(operational errors)(Cover story)
September 1, 2006... We all know that neither people nor management systems are ever perfect. Organizations nevertheless depend upon supervisors and managers to eliminate or control unplanned, undesirable events. When these events do occur, since they were not...

Want to change your culture? Keep your eyes wide open.(EDITORIAL comments)
September 1, 2006... Once I had the chance to create a mini work culture. I was to lead a small editorial team out of corporate cubicleland and set up shop in a small suite of offices nearby. The winds of change seemed favorable. HQ was 700 miles away, so...

Blast at Chinese chemical plant kills 22.(news SCAN)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... China's industrial safety troubles continue as an explosion at a chemical plant in the eastern part of the country killed at least 22 people July 28, the Associated Press reported. The incident prompted the evacuation of 7,000 others, and 28...

Workplace violence avoidable--if employer knows what to look for.(news SCAN)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... More than 20,000 incidents of workplace violence are reported each year, but such trauma can be prevented, a panel of experts stated at a recent seminar on workplace violence, the Providence Journal reported. The key to prevention, they said,...

Report: Exercise better than ergo devices?(news SCAN)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... According to a recent study by Dutch researchers, regular exercise might be even more important than ergonomic devices in treating work-related upper body complaints and repetitive stress injuries. Researcher Arianne Verhagen, Ph.D., MSc, a...

Teenage boy falls on first day at work.(news SCAN)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... On his first day working as a laborer, an Australian teenager was airlifted from a work site after falling more than nine feet from scaffolding onto rocky ground, according to police, the Sydney Morning Herald reported. The 17-year-old was...

Clarification.(Correction notice)
September 1, 2006... In the article "4 steps to medical waste management for non-healthcare facilities" published on p.32 of the August issue of ISHN, a clarification is needed. Regarding the disposal of sharps and other medical waste, "Option 3" should read as...

WTC dust cuts lung function capability.(STUDY)(World Trade Center)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... New York City firemen and emergency personnel exposed to dust from the collapse of the World Trade Center buildings experienced a decrease in lung function capability equal to 12 years of age-related decline, reports a new study published by...

OSHA marked its 35th anniversary with a celebration July 28.(news SCAN)
September 1, 2006... OSHA marked its 35th anniversary with a celebration July 28. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao noted that since 1971 OSHA has helped to cut occupational injury and illness rates by 40 percent. And, she added, this was accomplished while U.S....

Popcorn flavoring agent destroys lungs, report says', OSHA urged to respond.(rules REGS)(Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
September 1, 2006... The Department of Labor and OSHA have been petitioned to immediately issue an emergency temporary standard to protect workers who are exposed to diacetyl, a common ingredient in popcorn butter flavoring. Representatives from two major...

OSHA extends VPP to mobile workforces in construction.(rules REGS)
September 1, 2006... OSHA's new Mobile Workforce VPP Demonstration for Construction, unveiled July 21, is a nationwide Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) initiative aimed at meeting the unique needs and characteristics of the construction industry. The...

Book wholesaler must reinstate whistleblower, OSHA rules.(rules REGS)
September 1, 2006... A Brooklyn, N.Y., book wholesaler must offer reinstatement and pay more than $18,000 to an employee who was fired for filing a safety complaint with OSHA. An OSHA whistleblower investigation found that Books for Less LLC had fired the...

Senate panel approves funding cuts for workplace health and safety.(rules REGS)
September 1, 2006... The Senate Appropriations Committee in late July approved most of the Bush administration's budget proposals that would freeze or eliminate funding for several health, education and worker safety programs. The cuts prompted a top Republican...

Foundry fined $144,750 for safety & health hazards.(rules REGS)
September 1, 2006... OSHA has fined a Brooklyn, N.Y., foundry $144,750 for a litany of safety and health violations, including unguarded machinery, inadequate hearing protection, lead overexposures and a steam explosion hazard. J&J Bronze & Aluminum Casting...

Academics vs. consultants: can awareness of distinctions enable synergy?(PSYCHOLOGY of safety)
September 1, 2006... Five years ago a major consulting firm sent its clients an e-mail in an attempt to dissuade them from attending the annual Behavior Safety Now (BSN) conference. The e-mail stated disappointment in the quality of the conference presentations,...

Protecting pregnant employees: how to communicate risks.(MANAGING BEST practices)
September 1, 2006... Note: This is the third in a three-part series. In ISHN's July and August 2006 "Managing Best Practices" columns, we discussed two challenges to protecting pregnant employees from workplace hazards in the U.S. The first challenge is...

Choose the right lens tint for the job: lens colors enhance workplace performance & protect against harmful ultraviolet and infrared radiation.
September 1, 2006... For many people, wearing sunglasses serves a basic purpose--shielding our eyes from the bright light of the sun and the uncomfortable glare that causes us to squint and strain. What we likely fail to consider, however, is that which we cannot...

The gloves they are a changin'.(Hand protection update)
September 1, 2006... In today's age of computer chips and nanotechnology, gloves seem to be "old school." Well, guess what! Gloves are going through an evolution, mirroring our economy. The United States is no longer a country of steel mills, foundries and other...

Optimizing glove performance during a pandemic event caused by influenza A.
September 1, 2006... Influenza pandemics can be expected to occur, on average, three to four times each century when new virus subtypes emerge and are readily transmitted from person to person. In the 20th century, the great influenza pandemic of 1918-1919,...

Don't get burned with the wrong: flame-resistant clothing: safety starts with a quality fabric.
September 1, 2006... As more and more companies have recognized the impact flame-resistant (FR) clothing can have on reducing burn injury and increasing survivability in electric arc flash, flash fire and molten metal splash accidents, the FR clothing market in the...

1 FR garments.(PRODUCT UPDATE: protective clothing)
September 1, 2006... 1 FR GARMENTS CIRCLE 258 Workrite FR garments are designed for NFPA 70E Categories 2, 3 and 4 compliance. The garments are ideal for meeting the single layer and multi-layer options allowed for all risk categories. Apparel includes...

2 FR coat.(PRODUCT UPDATE: protective clothing)
September 1, 2006... 2 FR COAT CIRCLE 256 Made from CarbonX[R] materials, the Torch Wear[R] X-Coat features a reinforced action back for flexible movement, gusset sleeves, X-wristlets and a mock neck with velcro strap. CarbonX[R] yarns and fabrics will not...

3 High-visibility vests.(PRODUCT UPDATE: protective clothing)
September 1, 2006... 3 HIGH-VISIBILITY VESTS CIRCLE 255 Ideal for day and night use, safety vests from MCR Safety can be worn for any application where high visibility is a priority, including construction, emergency response, utilities, survey crews, railroad...

4 Controlled environment apparel.(PRODUCT UPDATE: protective clothing)
September 1, 2006... 4 CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT APPAREL CIRCLE 252 New DuPont[TM] Suprel[R] LS is a controlled environment apparel line for use in the life science, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, electronics, food processing and medical device manufacturing...

5 Outerwear fabrics.(PRODUCT UPDATE: protective clothing)
September 1, 2006... 5 OUTERWEAR FABRICS CIRCLE 253 GlenGuard[R] FR fleece and outerwear apparel fabrics from Glen Raven protect workers from burn hazards as well as cold temperatures. The fleece is a soft pile fabric ideal for vests and jacket linings, while...

6 FR Knit Henley.(PRODUCT UPDATE: protective clothing)
September 1, 2006... 6 FR KNIT HENLEY CIRCLE 251 Carhartt's Textured Knit Henley, style # K200, offers flame resistance in a comfortable 8-oz., 100% cotton textured knit shirt. Garment-washed for a soft finish, the FR shirt features a rib-knit collar and...

7 Protective coveralls.(PRODUCT UPDATE: protective clothing)
September 1, 2006... 7 PROTECTIVE COVERALLS CIRCLE 254 KLEENGUARD * A40 Coveralls from Kimberly-Clark provide excellent liquid barrier and particulate barrier. The low-lint coveralls meet the ANSI/ISEA 101-1996 sizing standard, pass NFPA 99 for antistatic...

8 Protective fabrics.(PRODUCT UPDATE: protective clothing)
September 1, 2006... 8 PROTECTIVE FABRICS CIRCLE 257 Engineered to offer protection to workers in the aluminum industry, Vinex fabrics are inherently flame-resistant and retain their FR properties throughout the service life of the garment. The protective...

Recordkeeping: more than a number game: maximize health & safety performance without under-reporting.
September 1, 2006... In a study published in the April issue of the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, the authors cited a gross underestimation of safety performance data. The data was collected from four workers' compensation, occupational...

Injury & illness records: accurate recordkeeping can provide keys to improving safety.
September 1, 2006... Is it the same thing every year? Your incident rates are up there above the national average and your MOD rates just won't come down. You've got all your OSHA-required programs in order, everyone's training is up to date, and you inspect and...

Defibrillators: what to consider when choosing--and placing--them.
September 1, 2006... In the March issue of Industrial Safety and Hygiene News we discussed automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and the key components in building a successful AED program. A leading cause of death in this country, sudden cardiac arrest (SCA)...

Dis-incentives: 8 ways to make sure your incentive program fails.
September 1, 2006... Companies have incentive programs for everything from attendance to weight loss--and, of course, workplace safety. Some employers reward employees and departments for working accident-free for a period of time. Some reward them for reducing...

Driving safety incentives: tracking trends that shape today's incentive programs.
September 1, 2006... Enterprises are constantly finding new and better ways to motivate and reward workers, without breaking the bank or hindering worker productivity. But incentives providers are starting to disagree as to whether the times call for entirely new...

High-visibility PPE: improve safety by ensuring your workers are seen.
September 1, 2006... One of the easiest ways to improve safety is to make workers easily visible. Low visibility is one of the most serious dangers on a jobsite, with workers sometimes standing less than ten feet away from high-speed traffic and other workers...

Going beyond OSHA compliance to prevent hearing loss in the workplace.
September 1, 2006... After 20 years of having hearing conservation standards in industry, noise-induced loss continues to be one of the common workplace injuries. Why does hearing loss still occur when an OSHA-standard program is in place? What can be done beyond...

Moderate output water temperatures to encourage emergency equipment use.
September 1, 2006... Did you ever get accidentally sprayed with water while washing the car? The shock of being doused with cold water is usually uncomfortable and the resulting involuntary recoil can add a dangerous dimension to a rather mundane Saturday chore. In...

Fall protection training: Falls can occur in many ways; ensure safety by teaching the basics.
September 1, 2006... Fall protection... a topic that can include everything from handrails to fall arrest systems. Taking that into consideration, you can see the challenges of performing effective fall protection training. What is the last injury at your...

10 leadership tips for engaging employees in the safety process.
September 1, 2006... Training class is into its third day and we have broken into teams to begin identifying all the safe practices and conditions required within each team's assigned work area. One group is having difficulty determining the safest way to perform a...

Dial the right safety channel: You need to plan, assess, concentrate & evaluate to tune out dangerous distractions.(incentives & RECOGNITION)
September 1, 2006... I don't want to write about Willie and Joe in this article, but I do want to write about Joe Montana, high school teammate of mine. As an athlete, Joe was really good at paying attention to the right kinds of things. There's little wonder why...

An interview with Dr. Tom Krause: Surveying the safety landscape.(Interview)
September 1, 2006... The professional safety landscape is always shifting, in terms of hot-button issues. Many of you have seen the years of heavy OSHA standards-setting in the 1970s and '80s, the boom in behavior-based safety in the 1990s, and now the focus on...

Safety training.
September 1, 2006... Circle 260 Arc Flash Safety Awareness from Coastal provides essential safety awareness to prevent arc flash accidents and explosions. The safety training program draws its information from NFPA 70E, which OSHA has begun to enforce....

Metatarsal protection.
September 1, 2006... Circle 261 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....

FR apparel.
September 1, 2006... Circle 262 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...

Multiple-use earplugs.
September 1, 2006... Circle 264 Howard Leight's AirSoft[R] multiple-use earplugs are redesigned to now offer easier insertion, better fit and improved comfort. The new AirSofts incorporate a series of patented, noise-blocking fins within an internal air...

Tactical lights.
September 1, 2006... Circle 268 Pelican Products' new PM6 3330 LED and PM6 3320 Incandescent tactical lights are constructed of nearly indestructible, engineering-grade polymer, and weigh just 3.45 ounces. The PM6 LED uses high-output batteries to drive an...

Composite toe footwear.
September 1, 2006... Circle 275 The Meridian Hiker boot from Wolverine is constructed without the use of any metal components, allowing workers to more easily travel through high security areas. Ideal for use where non-metallic footwear is required, the...

Utility cutter.(product NEWS)
September 1, 2006... Circle 267 The EZ3 Safety Utility Cutter from Pacific Handy Cutter is a self-retracting safety knife featuring an innovative three-button design at the front of the knife to reduce repetitive-motion injuries caused by thumb travel to...

Two-channel controller.(product NEWS)
September 1, 2006... Circle 270 Sensidyne offers the low-cost Model 9000 Controller for smaller, two-point fixed gas detection systems. Designed for use with Sensidyne's toxic and combustible gas sensors, as well as the company's infrared and universal...

High NRR earmuff.(product NEWS)
September 1, 2006... Circle 271 TASCO's new Nextera[R] (#3006) 30 NRR earmuff features a contemporary design with a four-point articulating ear cup, hand-sewn pillow headband and TASCO's next-generation foam technology. Offering superb comfort, Nextera[R] was...

Heavy-Duty workboot.(product NEWS)
September 1, 2006... Circle 272 Offering lightweight comfort and durability, the TITAN[R] Heavy Duty (HD) workboots from Timberland PRO utilize such innovations as the PowerFit[TM] Comfort System and Cast-Bond[TM] welt technology. Ideal for use in construction...

Fog Eliminator Cloths.(product NEWS)
September 1, 2006... Circle 273 New Uvex Fog Eliminator Cloths help workers who wear safety eyewear, goggles or faceshields see more clearly and stay safer on the job. For use on all lenses and lens coatings, the reusable cloths are formulated to effectively...

Portable gas monitor.(product NEWS)
September 1, 2006... Circle 276 Designed for industrial confined space environments, Crowcon's Tetra:3 portable gas monitor combines ruggedness with small size, single-button operation and long-lasting sensors. The unit monitors oxygen and toxic and flammable...

Protective eyewear.(product NEWS)
September 1, 2006... Circle 274 The new Willson A800 Series of eyewear offers lightweight comfort in a stylish wrap-around, 9-base lens for unobstructed vision and high-impact protection. Temples feature sports styling, padded inserts and built-in flex for...

Emergency device.(product NEWS)
September 1, 2006... Circle 266 The SafetyMate emergency instruction device (EID) verbally coaches users step-by-step during a medical or other type of emergency. The portable unit is interactive--the user follows simple instructions or responds to questions...

ARC flash protection.(product NEWS)
September 1, 2006... Circle 265 Magid's new A.R.C.[TM] (Arc Resistant Clothing) Line provides workers are flash protection. A.R.C. garments are available in 100% cotton or 88% cotton/l 2% nylon; both are chemically treated to resist high temperatures and...

Custom-fit eyewear.(product NEWS)
September 1, 2006... Circle 269 Rendezvous[R] protective eyewear from Pyramex Safety features the Rendezvous@ ventilation system, which reduces the risk of fogging while providing excellent brow protection. Ratcheting temples adjust to four lengths, and nose...

Ladder attachment.(product NEWS)
September 1, 2006... Circle 277 Designed for use by professionals, the Ladder-Max[R] stand-off stabilizer is a universal ladder attachment that creates a safer, more convenient workspace at the top of a ladder while maintaining stability. Weighing just over...

Ergonomic lifting.(product NEWS)
September 1, 2006... Circle 263 Handi-Straps allows workers to increase lifting capacity while decreasing the threat of injury. From shoveling to picking up objects to dragging or pulling objects, Handi-Straps will adapt to virtually any exercise of lifting or...

Online Safety Forum.(product NEWS)
September 1, 2006... Circle 278 BLR's new Safety Forum (Safety.BLR. com) allows safety professionals to post questions, ask for advice and chat with professional colleagues. The Safety Forum features four major topic areas where safety pros can post their...

Winter liners.(product NEWS)
September 1, 2006... Circle 279 Allegro offers a comprehensive line of economically priced winter safety products, including winter liners, knitted tubes, mouth/chin covers and warming packs to protect outdoor workers from extreme cold and wind. The winter...

CWA detection.(product NEWS)
September 1, 2006... Circle 280 ChemRAE from RAE Systems is a portable chemical warfare agent (CWA) detector available as a stand-alone instrument or as a wireless component of the AreaRAE rapid deployment hazardous environment detection platform. ChemRAE is...

Monitoring system.(product NEWS)
September 1, 2006... Circle 281 The HazardWatch[TM] Integrated Fire & Gas Detection System from General Monitors offers intelligent safety monitoring solutions designed to protect operations, equipment and staff from life and combustible gases. The system's...

What, me worry? Many American don't know dangerous work when they see it.(tropical storms)
September 1, 2006... Gee, who'd a thunk it? This probably comes as no surprise to you--that many employees have blinders on in terms of hazard recognition. After all, it's human nature we're talking about. The National Safety Council's recent survey asking...

3E Company[R].(MOVES)
September 1, 2006... 3E Company[R], a leading provider of EHS compliance and information management services, has appointed Steven Wolkenstein as chief financial officer. In his new role, Wolkenstein will manage all elements of 3E Company's finances and implement...

Larson Davis.(MOVES)(named Gregg Novak as North American sales manager)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Larson Davis, a division of PCB Piezotronics (PCB[R]), has named Gregg Novak as North American sales manager. In this position, Novak will be responsible for all Larson Davis sales activities in the United States, Canada and Latin America,...

"Wellness Program Management Yearbook".(REFERENCES)
September 1, 2006... The "Wellness Program Management Yearbook" contains key ingredients for successful wellness programs, comparative statistics, best practices, ways to motivate employees, management methods, trends in health promotion and disease prevention, and...

Comprehensive Health Services (CHS).(RESEARCH)(new research with Georgia Institute of Technology)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Comprehensive Health Services (CHS), a nationwide occupational health and wellness services company, recently announced the sponsorship of new research with Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University that will develop a workforce...

Archetype and Quake Global have announced a strategic alliance to develop a new family of mobile wireless data modems utilizing both satellite and cellular phone networks for GPS-based vehicle tracking.(mobile wireless data modems)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Archetype and Quake Global have announced a strategic alliance to develop a new family of mobile wireless data modems utilizing both satellite and cellular phone networks for GPS-based vehicle tracking. Archetype will integrate Quake Global's...

United Sales Associates has joined the Wells Lamont Industry Group's U.S. sales force.(BUSINESSES)
September 1, 2006... United Sales Associates has joined the Wells Lamont Industry Group's U.S. sales force. United Sales Associates has dedicated sales resources that will provide support to Wells Lament customers addressing hand and arm protection issues.

American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA).(ASSOCIATIONS)(occupational and environmental health)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) offers the Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene road course, designed for occupational and environmental health and safety professionals new to industrial hygiene or who have newly acquired...

American Society of Safety Engineers' (ASSE).(ASSOCIATIONS)
September 1, 2006... The American Society of Safety Engineers' (ASSE) "Solutions in Safety Through Technology" symposium and mini-expo will address the issue of finding, using and adapting emerging technology in the workplace to increase safety and health for...

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).(ASSOCIATIONS)(International Code Council)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has announced that NFPA and the International Code Council (ICC) have settled several disputes relating to copyright and trademark issues. The settlement protects NFPA's right to continue to...

Events.(Industry BRIEFS)(American Society of Safety Engineers)(Calendar)
September 1, 2006... october ASSE Continuing Education--Math Review, Oct. 8; ASP Workshop, Oct. 9-11; Safety Management I, Oct. 9-11; Safety Management II, Oct. 12-13; CSP Workshop, Oct. 12-14, Atlanta, GA, American Society of Safety Engineers, (847) 699-2929,...

What should be in safety training? Start by identifying your needs.(petersen's page)
September 1, 2006... I became acquainted with safety many years ago. My first acquaintance was on my first introduction to industry--an aircraft manufacturer upon my graduation in industrial engineering in 1952. That job didn't last long because in September of '52...