Industrial Safety & Hygiene News articles from September 2007

Industrial Safety & Hygiene News archives from September 2007

Don't look back: raise the bar for your fall protection training.
September 1, 2007... [ILUSTRATION OMITTED] We don't learn to drive by reading manuals and watching videos. Granted, our classroom education begins this way, but very few of us would have passed our drivers test if the first time we attempted parallel parking...

Regulatory attention deficit disorder: forget about new standards; how about updating the old ones?(EDITORIAL comments)
September 1, 2007... Unless you've been hibernating in a cave for the past 15 years or so, it comes as no revelation that OSHA has largely shuttered down the standards-setting mill that hummed along in the 1970s and '80s. Look no further than how the agency...

Survey identifies safety measures for trucking companies.(news SCAN)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] According to results of the 2006 Liberty Mutual Trucker's Survey released last month, the median crash rate went down compared to the 2005 median crash rate. Overall driver quality was slightly better, measured by...

New BLS stats show lowest workplace fatality rate.(news SCAN)
September 1, 2007... New BLS stats released last month show that the overall fatal work injury rate for the U.S. in 2006 dropped to 3.9 per 100,000 workers, down from a rate of 4.0 per 100,000 in 2005. It's the lowest fatality rate level since BLS began collecting...

Report: motor vehicle fatalities, on the decline.(news SCAN)
September 1, 2007... Statistics released in late July by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicate that most Americans are driving safer these days. Preliminary results from the 2006 Annual Assessment of Motor Vehicle Traffic Crash Fatalities...

Utah mine collapse turns tragic.(news SCAN)
September 1, 2007... As of press time, the rescue effort to find six missing Utah miners was put on hold after a second cave-in Aug. 16 killed three rescue workers--one of whom was an MSHA inspector--and injured at least six others. While the investigation...

Chemical protective clothing standard ready for review.(DRAFT)
September 1, 2007... A new draft standard from the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) for chemical protective clothing began the consensus review process in late July, and is available for public review and comment, according to ISEA. Draft...

OSHA to rewrite explosives rule after opposition from NRA.(rules & REGS)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A proposed federal regulation opposed by gun buyers and vendors will be rewritten to address their concerns, according to the Billings (Mont.) Gazette. OSHA is updating its safety regulations on the handling and...

American Airlines cited for safety problems at O'Hare.(rules & REGS)
September 1, 2007... American Airlines faces potentially $231,000 in federal safety fines--the highest in its history--for alleged workplace safety problems at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. OSHA proposed penalties on July 25 for a variety of serious,...

Cintas to fight record OSHA fine.(rules & REGS)
September 1, 2007... Cintas Corp., the nation's largest uniform supplier, says it will formally contest the $2.78 million in fines it received from OSHA last month following inspections at its Tulsa, Okla., laundry facility, where a worker died in March when a...

Ruling: smelters caused ex-workers' lung cancer.(rules & REGS)
September 1, 2007... A Quebec commission has ruled that ten former Alcan employees developed cancer as a result of their work in smelters and, therefore, their families deserve to be compensated, according to Canadian HR Reporter. The employees were hired...

New bill would give tax credit for employee wellness.(rules & REGS)
September 1, 2007... New proposed legislation would create a tax credit for employers that offer comprehensive wellness programs. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Healthy Workforce Act, introduced by Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Gordon Smith (R-OR), would...

Roofer pleads guilty to willful violation in deadly fall.(rules & REGS)
September 1, 2007... A Pennsylvania roofing company pleaded guilty to violating a federal workplace safety regulation in the case of a worker who was fatally electrocuted as his scaffold came into contact with a power line, according to the Associated Press. The...

American Airlines Inc.(OSHA Penalty Box: a summary of recent fines/citations)
September 1, 2007... American Airlines Inc., Dallas, Texas Proposed penalties: $231,000 (issued 7/25/07) OSHA inspection of airline's ramp services, cargo building, automotive shops, ticket and gate services, tower, two hangars and baggage room at O'Hare...

A.E. New Jr. Inc.(OSHA Penalty Box: a summary of recent fines/citations)
September 1, 2007... A.E. New Jr. Inc., Gulf Breeze, Fla. Proposed penalties: $146,000 (issued 8/13/07) General contractor cited for eight safety violations found at a school construction site, including three willful violations. According to OSHA,...

Chemcentral Corp.(OSHA Penalty Box: a summary of recent fines/citations)
September 1, 2007... Chemcentral Corp., Kansas City, Mo. Proposed penalties: $126,500 (issued 7/20/07) A fire and multiple explosions at a chemical distribution plant in February resulted in two alleged willful and four alleged serious violations. Willful...

Town of Cazenovia.(OSHA Penalty Box: a summary of recent fines/citations)
September 1, 2007... Town of Cazenovia, N.Y. Proposed penalties: $100,000 (issued 8/2/07) Town paid damages and back wages to an employee injured while cutting trees during unsafe weather conditions. A whistleblower investigation found that the employee...

BP Products North America.(OSHA Penalty Box: a summary of recent fines/citations)
September 1, 2007... BP Products North America, Houston, Texas Proposed penalties: $92,000 (issued 7/20/07) OSHA issued one willful and four serious citations to the refinery for violations of the Process Safety Management and Hazardous Locations...

Southeast Independent Delivery Services.(OSHA Penalty Box: a summary of recent fines/citations)
September 1, 2007... Southeast Independent Delivery Services, Suwanee, Ga. Proposed penalties: $68,600 (issued 8/2/07) OSHA initiated an investigation in February after a fleet mechanic performing vehicle maintenance was killed when pinned between two...

W. Jackson & Sons Construction Co.(OSHA Penalty Box: a summary of recent fines/citations)
September 1, 2007... W. Jackson & Sons Construction Co., Fort Pierce, Fla. Proposed penalties: $60,000 (issued 8/3/07) Underground utilities contractor cited for two serious and two repeat violations after inspection of the company's Sebastian, Fla., job...

Autry Greer & Sons.(OSHA Penalty Box: a summary of recent fines/citations)
September 1, 2007... Autry Greer & Sons, Prichard, Ala. Proposed penalties: $56,250 (issued 7/31/07) Grocery store chain charged with 25 serious and five other safety violations at three stores and the company's corporate headquarters. OSHA investigation...

Mountain Marble and Granite.(OSHA Penalty Box: a summary of recent fines/citations)
September 1, 2007... Mountain Marble and Granite, North Attleboro, Mass. Proposed penalties: $39,200 (issued 7/31/07) Stone fabricator received additional penalty for allegedly failing to correct hazards cited in a previous OSHA inspection. OSHA fined the...

Denver Zoological Foundation Inc.(OSHA Penalty Box: a summary of recent fines/citations)
September 1, 2007... Denver Zoological Foundation Inc., Denver, Colo. Proposed penalties: $3,500 (issued 8/2/07) Foundation cited for unsafe working conditions after a Denver Zoo employee was fatally mauled by a jaguar in February. OSHA alleges one serious...

A matter of consequences: are you more influenced by the carrot or the hammer?(PSYCHOLOGY of safety)
September 1, 2007... My ISHN contributions for the previous two months covered the True Colors[R] approach to understanding four basic personality types, from assessment to practical application. This article targets yet another person factor relevant to the human...

Do you have an iPod policy? Should you ban or manage its use at work?(MANAGING BEST practices)
September 1, 2007... Is it OK to use an iPod at work? The debate grows with the growing popularity of iPod use. As of April 2007, more than 100 million iPods have been sold worldwide. Add to this number millions of other small portable listening devices such as MP3...

What's your approach to incentives? Some do's and don'ts for picking the right plan.(incentives & RECOGNITION)
September 1, 2007... When it comes to the subject of incentives, thoughts and opinions differ as widely as the names of the programs themselves--Incentives, Incentive Programs, Incentive Plans, Employee Incentives, Employee Motivation, Human Resource Impact, and so...

How to evaluate the impact resistance of your protective eyewear.
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Impact resistance has been regulated by agencies like FDA since the early 1970s for products furnished through medical and retail channels, such as sunglasses and prescription eyewear. It is determined by a simple...

Protecting the whole head: practice prevention to reduce head, eye & hearing injuries.
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A hit to the head can result in head traumas such as brain injuries, neck injuries and spinal cord damage. According to a National Institutes of Health (NIH) report, five million new head injuries occur in the U.S....

FR safety: utilize layering to improve hazard protection.
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When it comes to PPE, "layering" is not a fashion statement. It can be a cost-effective, practical way to clothe your workers as they move between tasks with different hazard ratings. The right combination of...

Evolving your safety culture ... three key dimensions that just may need your attention!(training STRATEGIES)
September 1, 2007... "Willie, I need to talk to you for a minute. I want to share some things that came out of our senior safety steering committee meeting this morning." "Yeah, I got some time, Joe--are you buyin' the coffee?" "Ahhh, here we go--I guess...

Partners in safety: how value-chain collaboration can lead to improved PPE.
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Ingenuity, innovation, inventiveness--these are all crucial to growth and survival in today's competitive technological world. Driving innovation is frequently a strategic imperative and a capital commitment, but...

National Safety Council Congress & Expo preview: NSC's 95th Congress & Expo hits Second City.
September 1, 2007... Conducted annually since 1912, the NSC Congress & Expo is ranked among the top 200 tradeshows in the nation by Tradeshow Week. The well-established event, this year to be held in Chicago in mid-October, includes the National Safety Council's...

1 Powder-free glove.(PRODUCT UPDATE: hand protection)
September 1, 2007... CIRCLE 255 Sempermed[R]'s new SemperGuard GripSafe Nitrile[TM] powder-free glove is an alternative to natural rubber latex. This glove combines fit, feel, tactile sensitivity and strength in a latex-free product. GripSafe is a general...

2 Lightweight cut protection.(PRODUCT UPDATE: hand protection)
September 1, 2007... CIRCLE 250 Ansell's Vantage[R] series gloves feature integrated cut protection technology and revolutionary engineered yarns for optimal cut protection, comfort and wear. The new lightweight gloves also offer abrasion resistance, grip and...

3 Nitrile palm glove.(PRODUCT UPDATE: hand protection)
September 1, 2007... CIRCLE 256 The Flextech[TM] Y9249 glove has a black nylon glove shell with a black foam nitrile palm. The glove's flexibility and comfort make it a great choice for applications requiring light assembly. Its dark color makes it easier to...

4 Cut-resistant gloves.(PRODUCT UPDATE: hand protection)
September 1, 2007... CIRCLE 251 Best Mfg. Co. and DuPont have teamed up to produce cut-resistant hand and arm protection with Kevlar[R] fiber. Best's cut-resistant Zorbit[R] Ultimate is among the products that now include Kevlar fiber. Best also manufactures...

5 Cold weather protection.(PRODUCT UPDATE: hand protection)
September 1, 2007... CIRCLE 253 Ugoria and Temp-Sea--Mapa's specially formulated, PVC-coated gloves--maintain flexibility and dexterity in very cold environments. They protect against liquids (resistant to oil, grease and hydrocarbon) and provide thermal...

6 Palm-coated glove.(PRODUCT UPDATE: hand protection)
September 1, 2007... CIRCLE 254 NorthFlex[TM] NF11 by North Safety Products is a new general purpose, palm-coated work glove. A form-fitting, seamless knit, red nylon shell coated with a flexible, black foamed PVC coating offers superior comfort, fit,...

7 Protective gloves.(PRODUCT UPDATE: hand protection)
September 1, 2007... CIRCLE 252 Kimberly-Clark offers two new protective gloves: KLEENGUARD G40 latex coated gloves have a high tear rating of 4 out of 4 (EN388) and are manufactured to reduce latex proteins; and KLEENGUARD G60 purple nitrile, cut-resistant...

Sizing up protective footwear: to buy the right boot, you need to know your options.
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] There are few hard and fast rules regarding protective footwear in the workplace, but enough potential liabilities exist to make research into the various types of safety footwear well worth the time and effort. ...

1 Flame-resistant outerwear.(PRODUCT UPDATE: protective clothing)
September 1, 2007... CIRCLE 257 ARAMARK's Indura[R] Ultra Soft[R] bomber jacket and optional liner provide an ideal FR solution for cooler weather. This jacket provides protection up to NFPA 70E HRC 2 when worn alone or up to HRC 4 when worn in tandem with...

2 FR fabrics.(PRODUCT UPDATE: protective clothing)
September 1, 2007... CIRCLE 260 GlenGuardFR fabrics are inherently flame-resistant, made from a blend of Kermel[R] aramid and modacrylic fibers that surpasses government safety standards while maintaining superb comfort. The lightweight NFPA 70E Class 2 fabric...

3 FR shirts.(PRODUCT UPDATE: protective clothing)
September 1, 2007... CIRCLE 263 Workrite[R] garments of DuPont[TM] Protera[TM] combine comfort with inherent flame-resistant protection that can't be washed or worn out. The fabric, which meets NFPA 70E Hazard Risk Category 2, blends Nomex[R] and Kevlar[R]...

4 High-visibility apparel.(PRODUCT UPDATE: protective clothing)
September 1, 2007... CIRCLE 262 Providing high visibility, MCR Safety's Luminator series of safety vests are ANSI/ISEA 107-2004 Class II, Level 2 reflective material compliant. The dielectric, mesh back Luminator vest CL2OC is ideal for utility contractors,...

5 ANSI fleece hooded jacket.(PRODUCT UPDATE: protective clothing)
September 1, 2007... CIRCLE 258 Dickies High Visibility fleece hooded jacket ensures that workers stay warm and are safely and easily visible while on the job. An ANSI 2004-107 Class 3 garment, the jacket utilizes 3M[TM] Scotchlite[TM] Reflective Material and...

6 Protective garment.(PRODUCT UPDATE: protective clothing)
September 1, 2007... CIRCLE 259 New DuPont[TM] ProShield[R] garments feature DuPont's proprietary Advanced Composite Technology (ACT), which enables a breathable lightweight fabric to provide a barrier against nonhazardous dry particles down to one micron in...

7 Limited-use garment.(PRODUCT UPDATE: protective clothing)
September 1, 2007... CIRCLE 261 Kappler's Zytron[R] 300 is a limited-use garment made from exclusively developed fabric, making it ideal for demanding applications where there is potential for chemical splash. The tough yet lightweight and comfortable garment...

Guarding against the "silent killer": keys to monitoring your work site's parking garage for carbon monoxide.
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Carbon monoxide (CO) is commonly referred to as the "silent killer." Colorless, odorless and tasteless, CO is extremely toxic and often affects victims in such a manner that they fail to recognize the danger until...

Cool it! Provide safe emergency shower feed water in hot environments.
September 1, 2007... How hot is too hot? As traditional manufacturing moves offshore, it's interesting that the geographic areas of focus seem to be mostly within warmer, if not downright hot, climates. Geographically warm areas are struggling to keep pace...

Surviving cardiac arrest: put AED technology to work for you.
September 1, 2007... Every minute of every day, sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) claims another victim, according to the American Red Cross. Are you prepared if an SCA occurs on your site? Statistics show that more than 200,000 Americans die of SCA every year, and...

Anti-microbial matting.(Product NEWS)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Circle 264 Wearwell[R]'s Tile-Top AM and UltraSoft Tile-Top AM matting is now 100% anti-microbial--ideal for use in areas where contamination control is important. The mats' anti-microbial surface is able to...

PPE storage.(Product NEWS)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Circle 265 Allegro offers a full line of storage bags for respirators, helmets and gloves. The Deluxe Full Mask Storage Bag features a durable polyester outer shell and fleece interior that protects the mask from...

Protective cases.(Product NEWS)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Circle 273 Pelican[TM] Products' newest Protector[TM] Case offerings have been awarded the NATO STANAG 4280 and DEF-STAN 81-41 certification, meaning they meet rigorous NATO/European standards. The cases met and...

Firefighter hazard awareness.(Product NEWS)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Circle 269 Industrial Scientific offers a new Firefighter Hazard Awareness training course in an online format, at http://www. indsci.com/serv_train_ffha_online.asp. Designed by fire service professionals, the...

Emergency showers.(product NEWS)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Circle 268 Specially designed for use in cold climates, Hughes' 1200 litre tank showers with integral eyebath/facewash units are supplied with "winterized" booths. The booth protects casualties while they are...

Bird deterent.(product NEWS)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Circle 266 Bird-B-Gone's new Repeller is a solar-powered unit that uses continuous motion to prevent large birds from landing. Rotating rods mounted on top of the unit sweep birds off of streetlights, balconies,...

Protective eyewear.(product NEWS)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Circle 267 The new 4x4[TM] brand of safety glasses from Gateway has a rugged, yet stylish design that's available in several different lens and frame options. A sturdy four-sided wrap-around frame provides...

Hi-vis particulate respirator.(product NEWS)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Circle 270 Designed to help increase compliance, the high-visibility Moldex 2200N95HV disposable respirator features Dura-Mesh[R] shell, which resists collapsing, and Softspun[R] lining for added comfort and...

Gas detection management.(product NEWS)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Circle 271 MSA's Galaxy Automated Test System offers versatility and ease of use, making it ideal for managing the Orion plus Multigas Detector and other MSA gas detection equipment. The unit operates...

Full brim hard hat.(product NEWS)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Circle 272 Fibre-Metal SUPEREIGHT[R] E1 Full Brim hard hats from North offer increased protection against rain, falling debris and the sun's harmful UV rays. Smooth crown design deflects falling objects while the...

Multi-gas detector.(product NEWS)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Circle 274 The SentryRAE Steel is a 5-gas multi-sensor toxic gas monitor intended for use in industrial or emergency response environments where flammable vapors are present. The instrument comes standard with a...

Eye protection.(product NEWS)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Circle 275 New Komodo safety glasses from Sexton feature a sleek 10-base polycarbonate wrap-around toric lens, extended side-shields and a form-fitting frame. Offering comfort and style, Komodo eyewear exceeds...

Fall protection.(product NEWS)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Circle 276 A new line of Miller Falcon[TM] Self-Retracting Web Lifelines (SRLs) feature 16-ft. (6.1m) and 20-ft. (4.9m) working capacities. The lightweight, compact web retractable lifeline incorporates durable...

UV/Germicidal lamps.(product NEWS)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Circle 278 Shat-R-Shield's new line of UV/Germicidal safety-coated fluorescent lamps emit specific high-output UV (ultraviolet) radiation that destroys bacteria, viruses, spores and molds. The lamps employ a...

Showa Glove of Japan has acquired all of Tillotson Corp.'s Best Glove operations and subsidiaries, creating one of the largest hand protection manufacturers in the world.(BUSINESSES)
September 1, 2007... Showa Glove of Japan has acquired all of Tillotson Corp.'s Best Glove operations and subsidiaries, creating one of the largest hand protection manufacturers in the world. Best will continue to operate as a stand-alone company and be...

3E Company[R], Carlsbad, Calif., a provider of EHS compliance and information management services, has acquired MSDS Solutions.(BUSINESSES)
September 1, 2007... 3E Company[R], Carlsbad, Calif., a provider of EHS compliance and information management services, has acquired MSDS Solutions. The combined company will offer a vast range of EHS management products and services, including a comprehensive...

Safety Marketing Services, Brooksville, Fla., has created the University of Safety Distribution (UoSD) to exclusively provide employee developmental training for members of the Safety Equipment Distributors Association (SEDA) and Safety Marketing Group (SMG).(BUSINESSES)
September 1, 2007... Safety Marketing Services, Brooksville, Fla., has created the University of Safety Distribution (UoSD) to exclusively provide employee developmental training for members of the Safety Equipment Distributors Association (SEDA) and Safety...

International Safety Equipment Association.(ASSOCIATIONS)
September 1, 2007... William M. Lambert, president and COO of MSA, has been elected chairman of the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) Board of Trustees. Charles S. "Sid" Ellis, president of North Safety Products, has been elected board vice...

The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) Foundation recently announced newly elected members of the foundation board.(ASSOCIATIONS)
September 1, 2007... The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) Foundation recently announced newly elected members of the foundation board. Cynthia L. Roth, COHN, is foundation chair, and Thomas F. Cecich, CSP, CIH, is vice chair. New trustees are Bradley D....

Events.(Conference news)(Calendar)
September 1, 2007... september Certificate in Safety Management Seminars and Certificate Preparation Workshops, Sept. 9-14, Phoenix, AZ, American Society of Safety Engineers, (847) 699-2929, www.asse.org Improving Fleet Safety, Transportation Symposium,...

An industrial hygienist goes to Congress: "I've now had my five (not even 15) minutes of fame!".(your turn)
September 1, 2007... In an email sent this July to colleagues, Mary DeVany wrote: "Post Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued over 200,000 families travel trailers as temporary living quarters. About 60,000 households...