Saturday, June 28, 2014

Head Protection

Overview
You may be exposed to the hazards of falling objects at work and need to protect yourself from the risk of head injuries. Construction workers, loggers, tree trimmers, shipbuilders, miners, and electrical utility workers all are required to wear protective headgear.

Types and classes of protective headgear

There are two types of headgear:
•   Type 1 — full brim at least 1.25 inches wide. 
•   Type 2 — no brim but may include a peak extending forward from the crown. 

There are three classes of headgear:

•   Class A — general service with limited voltage protection. 
•   Class B — utility service with high voltage protection. 
•   Class C — special service with no voltage protection. 
When choosing hard hats, look for ones that meet ANSI Z89.1-Safety
Requirements for Industrial Workers

What must my employer do?
Your employer must train you on the need for and use of head protection. Training should include:
•   Information on when PPE is needed. 
•   An explanation on what protective headgear is required, and where to obtain it. 
•   How to put on, take off, adjust, and wear protective headgear. 
•   The limitations of the PPE. 
•   The proper care, maintenance, useful life, and disposal of the PPE. 

What must I do?

Keep your hard hat in good condition.
Inspect your hard hat every day for:
•   Cracks, dents, and wear — discard hats that are damaged or chalky looking. 
•   The condition of the suspension system — look for torn straps, broken sewing lines, loose rivets, defective lugs, and other defects. 
•   Wash your hard hat monthly in warm, soapy water, and rinse thoroughly. 
•   Never paint your helmet or get solvents on it — this can weaken it.

Download the full article

This information provided by: Assurance Agency
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Sunday, June 22, 2014

Falls: General Protection and Awareness

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This information provided by: CPWR

Falls are the leading cause of injuries at work sites. Falls can occur from ladders, scaffolding, vehicles, heavy equipment, aerial lifts, openings, platforms, and roofs.

Guardrails are required on work surfaces when workers are exposed to falls over 6 feet.

Guardrail must be 42 inches high. A mid-rail is required.

The fall protection training program must cover the recognition of potential fall hazards at the workplace for the employee.

Body harness with lanyards and secure attachment points are used when guardrails cannot be provided.

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Sunday, June 15, 2014

Occupational Noise



Every year, approximately 30 million workers are exposed to hazardous noise that is often ignored because the harmful effects of overexposure are typically not visible and develop over an extended period of time (chronic health hazard). Damage to the ear could also occur from a single impact noise (explosion), this is an example of an acute hearing loss. Workers exposed to high noise levels can develop elevated blood pressure, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and temporary and/or permanent hearing loss.


Hearing loss is often a chronic, long-term health effect that is caused by prolonged exposure to loud noise.
 


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Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Workplace Stress - On the job Tool Box Talks

This Tool Box Talk provided by: CPWR, The Center for Construction Research and Training.

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Each toolbox talk should be printed as a two-sided document so the crew can look at the bold graphic while the foreman/discussion leader uses the text to ask questions and read the facts. Later, the graphic side can be used as a poster in the job trailer or announcement board.


Job stress is the physical and emotional harm that occurs when the requirements of a job do not match the capabilities, resources, or needs of the worker. Job stress can lead to poor health and even injury.

Here is an Example
In 1990, a local court upheld a compensation claim by a construction worker who had difficulty keeping up with the pressures of the job site. To avoid falling behind, he tried to take on more tasks and often got parts mixed up. As a result, he was repeatedly yelled at by the foreman. He suffered a psychological breakdown.

1. Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the amount of work you have?

2. How do you handle the pressure? (For example,do you talk with other workers, keep to yourself, or discuss it with your supervisor?)