State-Of-The Art Performing Arts Center Includes Fall Protection To Its Facility

The Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts is truly unique in that it offers a state-of-the-art flexible platform space with variable seating which can be arranged into six different stage configurations. The 6,000 sq. ft. space transforms through a series of moving seating towers and mobile seating wagons, multiple floor lifts and moving ceiling panels to offer different seating arrangements.

Why Fall Protection?

The towers, which hold the CCPA’s distinctive box seating are equipped with air casters and can be angled to face the stage in any one of a number of positions. There are a total of 6 towers - 4 of which hold spotlights. Each time the box seating arrangements shift, the spotights on the towers have to be adjusted in order to provide the correct lighting to reflect the stage configuration in place. The box seats are approximately 40 ft. high and the spotlights are directly above those seats.

The Performing Arts Center employs very strict safety guidelines and required fall protection in order to keep its lighting technicians safe while adjusting the spotlights. To address this fall hazard, Hy-Safe Technology installed four overhead horizontal cable lifeline systems at 13 ft. (per line). The systems were attached to the existing steel structure of the towers. The upright towers were thick and cylindrical in shape which made installation of the systems a little more complex. Each system was designed for one worker.

Once installation of the system was completed, a training session was held for workers who would be accessing the
system, in order to provide them with proper use and maintenance instructions.

-The above is an example of Hy-Safe's Horizon Newsletter. This newsletter gets sent out on a monthly basis. If you would like to be added to the mailing list email us at info@hysafetech.com

Senior management has to take control and act on worker safety

This is a prime example of a worker who assumes they're being safe just because they have a safety harness on. Perhaps this is due to the employer or lack of training? Either way, it's important to remember that fall protection goes beyond just wearing a harness. Fall protection systems requires a full assessment of the site to ensure worker safety.

OSHA has just reported (see previous post) the top ten violations of 2009. Fall protection ranked second on the list. These top ten violations have increased almost 30% over the same time period in 2008. The number of violations and worker deaths will only decrease once senior management has made a commitment to proceed with not only implementing a managed fall protection program but also a general safety program that prioritizes worker safety. Fall protection and safety awareness can lead management to recognize the need to provide tools that will lead towards sustainable long term results.

#2. Fall Protection– 6,771 violations
Any time a worker is at a height of four feet or more, the worker is at risk and needs to be protected. Fall protection must be provided at four feet in general industry, five feet in maritime and six feet in construction.

Company management must take responsibility, take control and ACT (A - assess the risks, C - consider the consequences, T - take action). It's not enough for management just to "consider" safety; they must act upon it and enforce it in their workplace in all facets of the business. Employees have to be aware of the safety program and be expected to follow all safety procedures.

For more information on fall protection contact us at 800-642-0775 - info@hysafetech.com

2009 Top Ten Violations- as Reported by OSHA

The U.S. Department of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has revealed the preliminary top 10 most-frequent workplace safety violations for 2009 as part of a presentation at the NSC’s annual Congress & Expo. The number of top 10 violations has increased almost 30 percent over the same time period in 2008.

The workplace violations are:

1. Scaffolding– 9,093 violations
Scaffold accidents most often result from the planking or support giving way, or to the employee slipping or being struck by a falling object.

2. Fall Protection– 6,771 violations
Any time a worker is at a height of four feet or more, the worker is at risk and needs to be protected. Fall protection must be provided at four feet in general industry, five feet in maritime and six feet in construction.

3. Hazard Communication– 6,378 violations
Chemical manufacturers and importers are required to evaluate the hazards of the chemicals they produce or import, and prepare labels and safety data sheets to convey the hazard information to their downstream customers.

4. Respiratory Protection– 3,803 violations
Respirators protect workers against insufficient oxygen environments, harmful dusts, fogs, smokes, mists, gases, vapors and sprays. These hazards may cause cancer, lung impairment, other diseases or death.

5. Lockout-Tag out– 3,321 violations
"Lockout-Tag out” refers to specific practices and procedures to safeguard employees from the unexpected start up of machinery and equipment, or the release of hazardous energy during service or maintenance activities.

6. Electrical (Wiring)– 3,079 violations
Working with electricity can be dangerous. Engineers, electricians and other professionals work with electricity directly, including working on overhead lines, cable harnesses, and circuit assemblies. Others, such as office workers and sales people, work with electricity indirectly and may also be exposed to electrical hazards.

7. Ladders– 3,072 violations
Occupational fatalities caused by falls remain a serious public health problem. The US Department of Labor (DOL) lists falls as one of the leading causes of traumatic occupational death, accounting for eight percent of all occupational fatalities from trauma.

8. Powered Industrial Trucks– 2,993 violations
Each year, tens of thousands of injuries related to powered industrial trucks (PIT), or forklifts, occur in US workplaces. Many employees are injured when lift trucks are inadvertently driven off loading docks, lifts fall between docks and an unsecured trailer, they are struck by a lift truck, or when they fall while on elevated pallets and tines.

9. Electrical– 2,556 violations
Working with electricity can be dangerous. Engineers, electricians, and other professionals work with electricity directly, including working on overhead lines, cable harnesses, and circuit assemblies. Others, such as office workers and sales people, work with electricity indirectly and may also be exposed to electrical hazards.

10. Machine Guarding – 2,364 violations
Any machine part, function, or process that may cause injury must be safeguarded. When the operation of a machine or accidental contact injures the operator or others in the vicinity, the hazards must be eliminated or controlled.

Source:
National Safety Council www.nsc.org
For further information on fall protectoin please contact us 800-642-0775 info@hysafetech.com

Pedestrian Safety in a Construction Zone- Important for a Successful Project

Although the importance of construction workers is very important in the industry, we can't forget about the safety of pedestrians and bystanders. Many construction sites happen to be located in high public areas. Pedestrian safety is just as important as the safety of the construction workers. Everything from heavy machinery, falling objects to uneven surfaces can put pedestrians in danger.

Quick Facts:
-From 1987 through 1990, 17% of all work zone fatalities were pedestrians.
-Over the last decade more than 1200 pedestrians and bicyclists died in work zones.
-Over 10,000 pedestrians and bicyclists were injured in work zone crashes during that same period.
-Non-motorist fatalities (workers, pedestrians, bicyclists) in work zone crashes increased more than 60 percent in the last 5 years.

"The need to accommodate pedestrians in work zones can be identified by observing existing pedestrian usage and accommodations prior to the start of work (US Dept. of Transportation)." The Department of Transportation website states that "providing safe, convenient passage to all pedestrians must be addressed in the planning, design, and operation of work zones." Construction crew must make sure that the construction zone is clearly marked. It is important that entrances to work construction zone sites display signs that indicate that the area after the entrance is a hard hat area, requiring the use of a safety construction hat at all times. Informing the public with signs will hopefully bring awareness, thus; leading to a safer work site. It's also important for construction workers to keep all construction work within the marked perimeters. Crane work for a construction site must also follow the same rules. Cranes should not move any material that is not within the perimeters. This will avoid any falling debris to land in pedestrian areas. If the traffic of pedestrians will be hindered, the construction crew must make sure there are temporary pedestrian sidewalks and facilities.

Although some of the responsibility lies in the construction crew, pedestrians must also bear some of it as well. It is important for pedestrians to be attentive and obey the signs around construction sites. Advanced information on construction sites can allow pedestrians to make timely decisions about routes through or around the work zone. It is also important that pedestrians don't linger around construction sites. The quicker the public is out of a construction zone, the less danger they pose themselves to.

Making safety for pedestrians and construction workers a priority will lead to a successful construction project.

Sources:
"Accommodating Pedestrians in Work Zones." FHWA Safety. US Department of Transportation- Federal Highway Administration. Web. 26 Oct. 2009.
"Everyone Is A Pedestrian." FHWA Safety. US Department of Transportation- Federal Highway Administration. Web. 26 Oct. 2009.
"Pedestrian And Public Safety At Construction Sites." Articlesbase. 27 Feb. 2009. Web. 26 Oct. 2009.

OSHA cites All-Feed Processing for $518K- president disagrees with claims

OSHA has fined All-Feed Processing and Packaging in Galva, Ill. in penalties totaling$518,520. OSHA first began their inspection when a fire in April sent three workers to the hospital. After their inspection, OSHA found nine alleged willful, four serious, two repeat and two failure-to-abate violations.

Willful violations were in regards to combustible dust- inadequate housekeeping where combustible dust could accumulate and lack of explosion prevention systems. Other willful violations included items such as lockout/tagout issues and lack of warning signs. The serious violations included items such as fall hazards to confined space issues. The repeat violations mostly included failures regarding hazardous chemicals and lack of proper employee training. In the past, the company had been cited for these and had agreed to correct them but never did.

All-Feed President Tim Anderson said he disagreed with much of OSHA’s claims, including how it could determine these were violations, given that the building was burned extensively. “We asked that question, and they would not respond,” said Anderson. In regards to the hazardous chemical violations Anderson said, " “We have no hazardous chemicals except in a new description of feed ingredients such as corn meal, oatmeal, potato meal, which OSHA now considers a hazardous chemical.” “We have not had a hazardous chemical program because, until this new OSHA interpretation, feed has never been a hazardous chemical.”

Anderson also added "“With or without OSHA, it’s clearly our desire to provide a safe employee environment for everybody, and that everyone goes home safely at the closing of every shift,” he added. “The safety improvements to the facility have been foremost in our plans and will continue to be, not because of OSHA, but in spite of OSHA. The punitive fines don’t help in this process.”

Since the business opened its doors in 1997, they have been inspected by OSHA on seven occasions since January 2000. These inspections have resulted in the issuance of 31 serious, nine willful, four repeat and seven other-than-serious citations.

Sources:
Boock, Doug. "Galva’s All-Feed faces $518,520 in OSHA fines." Galesburg.com. GateHouse News Service, 19 Oct. 2009. Web. 22 Oct. 2009.
RP news wires, "All-Feed Processing and Packaging faces $518K OSHA fine". Reliable Plant Magazine.

Madison named an International Safe Community- sixth community in the U.S. to receive this award

The following makes us very proud to be part of the Wisconsin community. The City of Madison, the capital of Wisconsin, has recently been named a designated International Safe Community for the community’s commitment to safety and injury prevention. Madison's award marks only the sixth time this award has been given out to a U.S. community and the first in Wisconsin. There are only 160 communities around the world to be recognized for local safety efforts.

“We have been very impressed with the way organizations and businesses in Madison are working together to protect residents. Because of this multifaceted effort, Madison is preventing injuries and saving lives,” said National Safety Council President and CEO Janet Froetscher. The National Safety Council is an Affiliate Safe Communities Support Center. The Safe Communities America network consists of communities that have demonstrated leadership in safety promotion and injury prevention. Each community has made an investment to ensure that their community is a safe place to live, work and visit.

The following U.S. communities have received this award:
Itasca, Illinois - 2009
Madison, Dane County, Wisconsin - 2009
Dallas, Texas - 2008
Anchorage, Alaska - 1998
Springfield, Missouri - 2007
Omaha, Nebraska - 2007

The Safe Community designation is awarded based upon six indicators:
-A cross-sectional partnership responsible for community safety promotion
-Long-term sustainable programs for all genders, ages, environments and situations
-Programs targeting high-risk groups and environments
-Programs that document the frequency and causes of injuries
-Evaluation measures to assess programs and the effects of change
-Ongoing participation in national and international Safe Communities networks

Sources:
www.safecommunitiesamerica.com
www.nsc.ogr

Recommended Read: Los Angeles Times- Worker safety appeals board rulings raise question

"The board often reduces or dismisses penalties against companies that Cal-OSHA has fined."

Link: www.bit.ly/1RR7qD

Directly from the article: A Times review found that the board has repeatedly reduced or dismissed penalties levied by Cal-OSHA over the last few years, even in situations in which workers have died or been seriously injured. The board's actions have done more than save companies money. They have undermined Cal-OSHA's efforts to prevent future accidents, according to labor advocates, inspectors and state documents. Earlier this year, 47 inspectors and district managers at Cal-OSHA, about a quarter of the staff, signed a letter to the board complaining that Cal-OSHA's "deterrent effect has been significantly undermined as employers learn they can 'game the system.' "

We find it astonishing that a board would overlook worker safety just to "clear their backlog." Candice Traeger, the chairwoman of the appeals board justifies this by stating "this gave us the flexibility [to] do what we are doing now, which is make and create a better appeals process." Penalties have been either been dramatically decreased or completely eliminated. This not only sends out the wrong message to employers but it also encourages them to appeal penalties given to them by Cal-OSHA. Is the board becoming a stumbling block for Cal-OSHA? Read the article and let us know what you think.

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Kudos to SafetyCare for the picture- Twitter name: Safetycares

OSHA releases report on Nevada's OSHA program

Like many states, the state of Nevada has their own enforcement program. Nevada OSHA conducts inspections to ensure that employers are complying with safety and health standards. In addition to their own construction requirements, Nevada also adopts all federal OSHA standards by reference and enforces OSHA standards throughout the state. The OSHA Act of 1970 encourages states to develop and operate their own job safety and health programs. How does it work? Federal OSHA approves and monitors the state plans and provides up to 50 percent of an approved plan's operating costs. Nevada, one of 27 states and American territories approved to operate its own safety and health enforcement program, has been a state plan state since December 1973.

Just today,OSHA released a report that reveals a number of serious concerns with the program's operation, including failing to issue appropriate willful and repeat violations, poorly trained inspectors, and lack of follow up to determine whether hazards were abated. OSHA's website states that twenty five workers were killed in construction accidents at sites along the Las Vegas strip from January 2008 through June 2009. Those deaths, in addition to extensive media coverage revealing Nevada OSHA's poor handling of the fatality investigations and several serious complaints filed with federal OSHA about Nevada's state plan administration compelled OSHA's investigation.

Between July and August 2009, OSHA monitors evaluated Nevada's workplace fatality investigations, as well as information from all Nevada OSHA inspections conducted from January 2008 through June 2009. OSHA identified a number of systemic issues that caused great concern: Identified hazards were not cited, families of deceased workers were not notified of the fatality investigation nor provided an opportunity to speak to investigators - though family members may provide information pertinent to the case, and Nevada OSHA investigators demonstrated limited knowledge of construction safety hazards.

"Evidence from OSHA's evaluation showed an urgent need for corrections in Nevada OSHA's program," said Jordan Barab, Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA. "Everything was open to our review and OSHA ultimately issued recommendations to Nevada OSHA program management for improved oversight and changes in all phases of its workplace safety and health program." Now that Nevada OSHA has new leadership. the situation will hopefully improve. After fully cooperating throughout the entire process, the new leadership has now pledged to take corrective action. Nevada OSHA's new leadership allowed the process to be completed quickly and efficiently.

The details of OSHA's Nevada report raised concerns about OSHA's monitoring of all state plan states. Barab said, "As a result of the deficiencies identified in Nevada OSHA's program and as a result of this Administration's goal to move from reaction to prevention, we will strengthen the oversight, monitoring and evaluation of all state programs." Although Federal OSHA does strongly support state's program, it is important for state's regulations to be as strict as those imposed federally. If this isn't done, inconsistencies might emerge.

Click here for a past post on state OSHA mandatory training: www.bit.ly/uN400

Sources:
www.osha.gov

The cold weather is here: Are your construction workers well equipped?

In a little over a week, we will officially be in the month of November. It is unbelievable how fast this year has flown by. Usually around the end of the year, many construction projects come to a halt due to cold weather. This year, some of these jobs have been be paused all year long due to the current economy. Although this is true, some construction jobs still continue through out the year.

Weather temperatures throughout many of the states will continue to drop as the year goes by. It is once again time to consider the safety of construction workers in cold weather. "Colder temperatures can have an impact on employees in ways that may not be immediately obvious (Osha Observer)." There have been many studies in the past that analyze the relationship between productivity and temperature. Workers don't tend to react as quickly as they do in room temperature. Regardless of a person’s experience and motivation, any manual work becomes extremely difficult below -40° F and construction equipment also is rarely operated (ENR.com). The effect of snowfall and wind velocity can greatly impact anyone that's working in cold weather. Manual tasks take 2.2 times longer than usual and equipment operations 1.3 times longer when the temperature is 20° F, the wind is 20 mph, and there is moderate snowfall.

These statistics can unfortunately increase the chances of work accidents involving power tools, electrical wiring or any other task that requires delicate and precise hand movements. Snow, ice and freezing temperatures can also increase the number of falls in the workplace. Construction workers must also bear some of the responsibility for their safety. Layers of clothing do add extra warmth but workers
must also make sure that their layers aren't hindering their mobility. Extra layers can also easily snag on scaffolding or other sharp and protruding surfaces. Employers should consider items such as specialty cold-weather gloves, work tents, work vests, and etc. Remember to keep your employees safe!

OSHA warns, "When the body is unable to warm itself, serious cold-related illnesses and injuries may occur and permanent tissue damage and death may result." OSHA recommends taking a number of precautions for workers who are working under cold-weather conditions. Some of them are:
-Recognize the environmental and workplace conditions that lead to potential cold-induced illnesses and injuries.
-Train your workforce about cold-induced illnesses and injuries.
-Take frequent short breaks in warm, dry shelters to allow the body to warm up.
-Perform work during the warmest part of the day.

Sources:
www.bit.ly/2MOyp5
www.bit.ly/3eeFPj
www.bit.ly/38F75U

OSHA H1N1-related Inspections

OSHA's website states that "to ensure the protection of frontline healthcare and emergency medical workers at high risk of infection with H1N1 virus, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration will soon issue a compliance directive to ensure uniform procedures when conducting inspections to identify and minimize or eliminate high to very high risk occupational exposures to the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus."

In response to complaints, OSHA inspectors will ensure that healthcare employers implement a hierarchy of controls, including source control, engineering, and administrative measures, encourage vaccination and other work practices recommended by the CDC. Where respirators are required to be used, the OSHA Respiratory Protection standard must be followed, including worker training and fit testing.

"Employers should do everything possible to protect their employees," Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor Jordan Barab said. Barab emphasized, however, that where respirators are not commercially available, an employer will be considered to be in compliance if the employer can show that a good faith effort has been made to acquire respirators. The employer will also need to implement a hierarchy of controls such as feasible engineering controls, administrative controls, and the use, as appropriate, of personal protective equipment, such as gloves and respirators to protect workers while providing close-contact care.

The CDC recommends the use of respiratory protection that is at least as protective as a fit tested disposable N95 respirator for healthcare personnel who are in close contact (within 6 feet) with patients with suspected or confirmed 2009 H1N1 influenza. Since a shortage of disposable N95 respirators is possible, employers are advised to monitor their supply, prioritize their use of disposable N95 respirators according to guidance provided by CDC, and to consider the use of elastomeric respirators and facemasks if severe shortages occur. Healthcare workers performing high hazard aerosol-generating procedures (e.g., bronchoscopy, open suctioning of airways, etc.) on a suspected or confirmed H1N1 patient must always use respirators at least as protective as a fit-tested N95, even where a respirator shortage exists.

Where OSHA inspectors determine that a facility has not violated any OSHA requirements but that additional measures could enhance the protection of employees, OSHA may provide the employer with a Hazard Alert Letter outlining suggested measures to further protect workers.

Source:
www.osha.gov

Confined Space: Do you recognize the dangers and hazards?

It is imperative that employers evaluate their work places to determine if confined space exists. Employees who work in confined space face significant health and safety hazards such as entrapment, engulfment and hazardous atmospheric conditions. Many workplaces contain spaces that are considered "confined" because their configurations hinder the activities of employees who must enter, work in, and exit them. OSHA defines a confined space as an area having a limited or restricted means for entry or exit, and a space that is not designed for continuous employee occupancy. OSHA states on their website that the most unfavorable situation exists in every confined space case and that the danger of explosion, poisoning, and asphyxiation will be present at the onset of entry. "A confined space can be more hazardous than regular work spaces for many reasons (CCOHS)."

Confined spaces include, but are not limited to underground vaults, tanks, storage bins, manholes, pits, silos, process vessels, and pipelines. OSHA uses the term "permit-required confined space" (permit space) to describe a confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics: contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere; contains a material that has the potential to engulf an entrant; has walls that converge inward or floors that slope downward and taper into a smaller area which could trap or asphyxiate an entrant; or contains any other recognized safety or health hazard, such as unguarded machinery, exposed live wires, or heat stress.

If a workplace contains confined space, it is the responsibility of the employer to inform the exposed employees of their existence, location and the hazards they pose. If employees are not to enter and work in permit space, employers must take effective measures to prevent them from entering these spaces. Recent U.S. Federal statistics show that there are 238,853 establishments containing more than 4.8 million Permit Required Confined Spaces in the United States. Employers must develop and effectively implement written programs for confined spaces. This number does not take into account the non-permit required confined spaces. Employers who allow worker to enter confined spaces must develop and implement a written program for the space. The program must take into consideration items such as: identifying and evaluating space hazards, test atmospheric conditions in the space, provide personal protective equipment for safe entry, require employees to use protective equipment, implement procedures for rescue and emergency services and much more.

Before entering a confined space, a trained worker must first evaluate the space and determine if it is safe to enter. It is important that they identify and evaluate all the potential hazards. One important step is testing the air quality inside the space. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety recommends that the testing should show: the oxygen content is within safe limits - not too little and not too much, a hazardous atmosphere (toxic gases, flammable atmosphere) is not present, and ventilation equipment is operating properly. If the trained employee identified hazardous conditions, they must immediately leave the space.

For confined space protection: http://www.hysafe.com/ 800-642-0775

Sources:
http://www.osha.gov/
"Confined Space - Introduction." Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. Web. 16 Oct. 2009.
"Confined Space Entry." Facility Safety Management July 2009: 20-23. Print.

Roofing contractor faces $91,000 for fall hazards

OSHA has proposed a total of $91,000 in fines against Summer and Winter Construction LLC, a Pittsfield, N.H., roofing contractor, for alleged fall hazards at worksites in Hanover and Manchester, N.H.

OSHA opened inspections at 80 Lyme Road in Hanover and 605 Front St. in Manchester after its inspectors observed Summer and Winter Construction employees performing roofing work without fall protection at both locations. The inspections found workers exposed to falls ranging from 16 feet at the Manchester site to three stories at the Hanover site. OSHA previously had cited the contractor in November 2006 for fall hazards at a Concord worksite.

"The sizable fines we've proposed reflect the serious and recurring nature of these fall hazards," said Rosemarie Ohar, OSHA's area director for New Hampshire. "Improperly utilized fall protection equipment is just as deadly as failing to use fall protection at all. Workers who lack adequate and effective fall protection are just one slip, trip or misstep away from a potentially fatal plunge."

As a result of its inspections, OSHA has issued Summer and Winter Construction one willful citation, with a proposed fine of $70,000, for allowing employees at the Hanover site to work atop a roof without fall protection and with improperly rigged lifelines and improper equipment; and two repeat citations, with $8,000 in fines, for lack of fall protection at the Manchester site and an extension ladder that did not provide safe access to the roof at the Hanover site.

The contractor also has been issued eight serious citations, with $13,000 in fines, for lack of fall protection training, improperly worn body harnesses, an ungrounded power saw, no safety glasses for employees using nail guns in Manchester, two employees tied off to a single anchorage point, a defective ladder, employees working beneath the suspended load of an unattended fork truck and riding without seatbelts in the back of a pickup truck in Hanover.

For information on fall protection call us! 800-642-0775 info@hysafetech.com

Sources:
www.osha.gov

Construction Worker Falls Into 8 Foot Deep Trench

A construction worker was rushed to a valley hospital after falling into a trench near 7th Avenue and Buckeye.

The worker was standing on top of a truck load of pipes. At some point, he lost his balance and fell into the 8 foot deep trench.

Directly from myFOXphoenix.com http://bit.ly/3fqkLf

Worker falls 130 feet in grain elevator accident

Grand Rapids, MI- On October 8, Jason Radke, 37, fell 130 feet while working on a grain elevator. Jason was standing on a platform, which is fastened to a metal “leg” structure that disperses grain into bins. While Radke was securing a spout to the leg, the V-shaped weld securing the spout to the crane broke and caused Radke to fall 130 feet. He landed in a pile of debris left behind from a demolition of nearby concrete silos. The collapse of the elevator also injured one other worker, Shawn Babbitt, 27. Both workers were immediately transported to the hospital by emergency crews. Radke is reportedly listed in critical condition, while Babbitt is listed in fair condition. OSHA is said to be investigating the incident.

Sources:
Justice News Flash- Construction Accidents

Following appeal, Sanderson Farms gets cited for 2007 fatal fire

Harvey McDonald, 52, died in a fire started by his blowtorch when a pallet of frozen chicken fell on him in a Sanderson Farms warehouse in Collins in April of 2007. He had worked in the maintenance department and had been employed by Sanderson Farms for 14 years. McDonald was in a freezer, at the chicken plant, working with welding equipment when the fire occurred.

Following the incident OSHA fined Sanderson Farms $6,300. OSHA's investigations revealed that the pallets weren't stored safely. The company then went and appealed OSHA's proposed penalities, in November of 2008, stating that the worker should have cleared the rack before starting work on it.

A three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday sided with OSHA and upheld the fine. "Sanderson focuses its argument on the policy McDonald violated by attempting to repair a rack without first clearing it of pallets. This argument is unavailing, however, because the OSHA citation was for unsafe storage, not for unsafe repair procedures; the storage violation would have existed even if McDonald had not worked on the racks improperly," said the panel.

Sources:
"Sanderson Farms cited in 2007 for fatal fire." HattiesburgAmerican.com. Associated Press. Web. 13 Oct. 2009.

Worker Falls 125 Feet in Crane Accident

Directly from: www.bit.ly/csMGU "Worker Falls 125 Feet in Crane Accident." Fox News.com. Associated Press, 12 Oct. 2009. Web. 13 Oct. 2009.

A man operating a construction lift to work on a church roof drove over a sidewalk grate, slowly toppling the crane-like machine and sending him 125 feet to the ground.

The worker and a woman were taken to a hospital, said a Philadelphia Fire Department supervisor who declined to give his name. A hospital spokesman would not release information on the patients' condition. The man was completing maintenance work to the church roof when the lift rode over a grate that slowly gave way, witnesses said. The lift slowly started to fall, grazing the top corner of a residential building, then knocking down a traffic light and light pole.

"It took forever for him to fall over," said Robert Lee, a construction worker on a nearby project. "He didn't scream. He was just trying to work the controls."

Lisa Callahan was in a neighboring building and said, the crash "sounded like an earthquake." "It was like a boom and then it sounded like a lot of things just dropping and breaking. And then we heard a woman screaming," said Gayle Sproul, an attorney whose office is across the street. A car parked on the street was hit by debris, breaking the windshield. Sproul said two people were in the car but she didn't know whether they were injured.

"It's really lucky that it's Columbus Day because the traffic is really limited," she said. "The angle of the way it came down it would have just flattened anything on the sidewalk." Sproul said she noticed the lift, with its arm extended, when she came to work. Two workers on the platform appeared to be cleaning the parapets on a church.

Construction worker caught in concrete mixer

Directly from www.bit.ly/4A7dL: Williams, Leslie. "Construction worker caught in concrete mixer rescued by New Orleans firefighters." Nola.com. 12 Oct. 2009. Web. 13 Oct. 2009.

New Orleans firefighters, after an hourlong effort using nearly a half-dozen tools, extricated a construction worker from a small cement mixer Monday afternoon at the B.W. Cooper public housing site on Earhart Boulevard.

The man, with blood smeared on both sides of his face, was loaded into an ambulance and taken to a local hospital. "He's in guarded condition," said Jeb Tate, a spokesman for New Orleans Emergency Medical Services. His right arm was "mangled" in the machinery, said Chris E. Mickal, New Orleans Fire Department 2nd District Chief. The construction worker, believed to be in his 20s, also was impaled in his cheek and the top of his head; his facial wounds were about a half-inch deep, Mickal said.

Willie Hollins said the work vest of his brother, Isaac Lee, got caught in the machinery and it pulled him in up to his waist. Hollins said he was working with Lee when the accident occurred."I cut the mixer off and pushed it over," said Hollins, then called for help. Officials have not released the injured man's identity.The injured man works for Boh Brothers, which is building roads through a razed part of the public housing complex near South Dorgenois and Erato streets, Mickal said.

A team of about 20 firefighters responded, said Mickal, who also served as the incident commander on the scene.Firefighters began trying to free the worker about 2:40 p.m."We got him free about 3:40 p.m.," Mickal said. "We used the Jaws of Life (to pry things open), a Saws All, a socket set, pry bars, cribbing to stabalize and other tools."

The danger of falling debris in the construction industry

Falling debris can cause severe injury or death to workers and pedestrians. Construction material such as tools or large pieces of scaffolding can sometime fall due to strong winds or simply due to carelessness. When falling objects fall from great heights, the consequences can be destructive. The impact of a falling object can cause severe head and brain injury and in some cases even death to innocent bystanders.

The developer and builders of a downtown Calgary highrise whose roofing material blew off and killed a girl on the street below have been charged with violating the Alberta Safety Codes Act. Michelle Krsek, 3, was killed instantly on Aug. 1 when she was struck by a piece of corrugated metal more than three metres long that strong winds blew from the top of an 18-storey building under construction in the City of Calgary in Canada.

You would think that an unfortunate accident like this would move the contractors in this area to add additional safety guards to prevent this from happening. Unfortunately this is not the case. In the last two months, there have a been a total of six incidents that debris has plummeted from a building under construction in Calgary. The city has issued a stop-work notice on the Ovation Tower project, where the most recent incident happend. The stop-work notice will stay in place until investigators have established it's safe to restart construction. Calgary's chief building official, Kevin Griffiths, has states that city officials have already initiated a number of efforts to increase awareness in the construction industry of their obligations to make a site safe.

The Calgary Herald lists the six incidents in the past two months:

1. Oct. 6: Several pieces of debris and plywood flew off the Ovation tower at 33 Spruce Place S. W.

2. Oct. 6: A large section of a plastic sign fell 12 storeys from a downtown building. The sign was on the west facade at 926 5th Ave. S. W.

3. Sept. 26: Scaffolding fell 19 storeys from the under-construction Homburg Harris Centre onto a parking garage at 215 9th Ave. S. W.

4. Sept. 26: A hoist failed and a crane, tethered to the Bow tower building, fell and smashed windows at Centre Street S. E. between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.

5. Aug. 29: Two panes of glass plummet from a high-rise under construction at palliser south tower on 10th Ave. S. E. to the street below.

6. Aug. 1: A steel bundle fell from the roof of the Le Germain hotel-condo project on 9th Avenue S. W., three-year-old Michelle Krsek.

In December of 2008, in a Manhattan construction site in Times Square four construction workers were hit by falling debris. One worker was in critical condition after he was buried from the waist down inside the 25-foot deep pit. The critically injured worker was partially buried by scaffolding and concrete that tumbled from a 35-story Times Square building. Three other workers, at the site, suffered minor injuries. At the time, the injured workers were working in an underground excavation pit for a new subway station entrance in Times Square.

Sources:
"Charges laid in case of deadly falling debris." Cbcnews.ca. 28 Sept. 2009. Web. 12 Oct. 2009.
"N.Y. Times Square construction worker escapes death from falling debris." Justice News Flash. 15 Dec. 2008. Web. 12 Oct. 2009.
Richards, Gwendolyn. "Sixth falling-debris incident in Calgary in two months." Calgary Herald. 6 Oct. 2009. Web. 12 Oct. 2009.

Should Imperial's injured employees, from the explosion, be able to sue the company?

Recently, we've been following the various media reports that have surfaced regarding the deadly explosion that took place at Imperial Sugar on February 7, 2008. Savannahnow.com (sponsored by the Savannah Morning News) just released an article titled "Blame for disaster might not determine outcome of Imperial Sugar lawsuits- Workers' compensation issues cloud dispute over 2008 refinery disaster." www.bit.ly/3iudfB The article states "Imperial Sugar Co. is trying to use a complex legal argument to duck lawsuits stemming from last year's inferno at its local plant. Imperial says workers' compensation law bars it from being sued by, or on behalf of, the workers killed or hurt Feb. 7, 2008." The article also states that two federal investigations have blamed Imperial for the disaster. Both found company officials long knew of the hazards that sparked the inferno, but didn't abate the risks.

Is just us or does it seem that this company is doing everything it can to avoid any type of additional payment? Yes, OSHA has proposed $8.7 million in proposed fines and they have not yet ruled out seeking criminal charges against the company or company officials and the company has received a large amount of negative media attention, but is this enough? Should the employees that were hurt be able to vent their anger out through various law suites? After all, many of them have not yet fully recuperated from the blast. Many of them have also undergone various surgeries due to extreme burns they suffered in the blast. If it does turn out that employees aren't "allowed" to sue Imperial due to the worker's compensation law, is it fair? Should Imperial's injured employees, from the explosion, be able to sue the company? Make sure to check out the article and let us know your thoughts.

Past Postings related to this:
We find this alarming: "No agency is checking on Imperial Sugar's rebuild" www.bit.ly/cQibd
Results of Imperial Sugar Dust Explosion: "Entirely preventable" www.bit.ly/b1Sri
Georgia senators call on OSHA regulations after Imperial Sugar explosion results are released www.bit.ly/Dgkcg

OSHA: FAA worker rigged stool, fell to his death at PBIA

Directly from the Palm Beach Post Staff Writer www.bit.ly/QDvts

A Federal Aviation Administration worker died in May at Palm Beach International Airport because he jury-rigged a stool to remove a light fixture, then tumbled over a rail and fell three stories, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has concluded.

No OSHA rules were violated, the agency said in a report dated Monday. But it recommended the FAA "establish a system whereby hazard assessment(s) must be performed prior to engaging in activities" such as the one that led to Ismael Octtaviani-Mercado's death.

According to the OSHA report and reports by the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, Octtaviani-Mercado, 59, of West Palm Beach, fell 31 feet on May 29. He worked for the FAA's local technical operations department. He apparently had positioned a foot stool to reach a lighting fixture, which placed him higher than the top rail.

Investigators said Octtaviani-Mercado then lost his footing and went over the rail. Octtaviani-Mercado was working on an air surveillance radar tower that had been decommissioned since it was heavily damaged by the 2004 hurricanes. He was conducting monthly maintenance on portable generators stored at the foot of the tower for use during hurricane season. FAA supervisors said Octtaviani-Mercado had been assigned to run the generators for about 10 minutes.

He then decided on his own to go to the third level with his tools to salvage light fixtures for use on an active tower in the Loxahatchee area that had been damaged by Hurricane Wilma in 2005. The fixtures are expensive and it's common for them to be "cannibalized" for use elsewhere, the reports said.

FAA co-workers told OSHA investigators Octtaviani-Mercado had never done such work in the past and was working alone. The supervisor said he'd told only one other co-worker his plans.

In a separate letter to Gonzalez, who's an administrative assistant at the same FAA office, OSHA said a similar incident could leave the FAA subject to enforcement under a federal "general duty" clause.

OSHA does not fine other federal agencies, including the FAA, but can order them to correct violations.

FAA spokeswoman Kathleen Bergen said today from Atlanta that the agency had not yet received the OSHA report. She said the FAA has an existing three-day training program in preventing falls and plans to enhance it later this year.

Just an opinion: Whether or not the FAA is a federal agency, they should have provided the worker with proper equipment to remove the light fixture. Any type of worker death is completely unacceptable. It is unbelievable to me that OSHA doesn't fine other federal agencies.

Inferno: Dust Explosion at Imperial Sugar

Past Postings related to this:
We find this alarming: "No agency is checking on Imperial Sugar's rebuild" www.bit.ly/cQibd
Results of Imperial Sugar Dust Explosion: "Entirely preventable" www.bit.ly/b1Sri
Georgia senators call on OSHA regulations after Imperial Sugar explosion results are released www.bit.ly/Dgkcg

Video done by the Chemical Safety Board

OSHA mandatory training in seven states- Is your state on the list?

To enhance safety in the construction workplace, various states have enacted various bills requiring OSHA training. The 2009 Nevada Legislature enacted Assembly Bill Number 148 that will go into effect January 1, 2010. This bill requires workers to complete an OSHA 10 Hour safety course and supervisors to complete a 30-Hour OSHA Training course no later than 15 days after being hired. Once the safety course is completed, the worker will receive a "completion card" that must be presented to the employer. In Nevada, the "completion card" verifying training will be valid for up to five years. Nevada is not the first state to make this mandatory. The states with an OSHA law already in effect are Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, New York, and Missouri (as of September 2).

Each of these states have "customized" the required training for their workers. For example in Nevada, the state is requiring all construction workers to complete the course. Whereas in the other states, some of them are only requiring training for those workers on publicly funded construction sites, such as public roads and bridge construction projects and public school buildings is restricted by most of the states. Curtis Chambers, Vice President of OSHA Pro’s, Inc., an OSHA training company with national coverage, states, “While all seven state laws require the same 10-hour training class, there are slight nuances from state to state.” He also added that, “There are also varying thresholds for the dollar amounts of the contracts that dictate when the states’ laws become effective. However,” he warns, “each of these state laws contain a provision that say failure to comply with their rule can result in fines and penalties being assessed, typically to the employer of the non-compliant workers. So affected workers are required to obtain the OSHA 10-hour construction training wallet card to prove they completed the course.”

The OSHA 10-hour training courses has to be conducted by an OSHA authorized trainer. See a previous post of ours that discusses the various options available www.bit.ly/er1lt ("OSHA offers first training course in Guam- Are you interested in OSHA training?")

OSHA first developed the construction outreach training course as a voluntary safety course to teach workers about the hazards of construction work and the regulations applicable to their work site. Voluntary has now evolved into mandatory due to states hoping that this will decrease the number of injuries and fatalities in the construction industry. Will this make a difference? Time will only tell if these construction workers will truly value and implement their safety training.

Sources:
Nevada's State Contractor's Board. Contractor's Alert OSHA-10 and 30 Training Classes. Web. 7 Oct. 2009.
"OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety Course Now Compulsory in Seven States." Compliance Home. 2 Sept. 2009. Web. 7 Oct. 2009.

Appleton boiler explosion injures two; one left in critical condition

A boiler explosion on Friday has left a man in critical condition in Appleton, WI. The Appleton Fire Department stated that a contractor was making a routine valve repair on the Medical Center’s 3-year-old boiler when a explosion occurred, which injured two workers– one of them being a AMC employee. One of the men was injured when a plate blew off the boiler and hit him. He suffered severe head and facial injuries in the explosion leaving him in critical condition. After the explosion, he was airlifted to Theda Clark Medical Center in Neenah. The second worker also received small injuries and was treated and released at Appleton Medical Center.

Dr. Dean Gruner, Theda Care CEO and president stated, “Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family at this trying time. We are hopeful Dan, given time, will have a full recovery." The explosion is said to have done little damage to the boiler room and operations at the hospital were unaffected. OSHA is said to be investigating the accident.

Sources:
JusticeNewsFlash.com
"Appleton Medical Center employee Dan Quaintance remains in critical condition at Theda Clark Medical Center in Neenah after boiler explosion." Postcrescent.com. 5 Oct. 2009. Web. 6 Oct. 2009.

We find this alarming: "No agency is checking on Imperial Sugar's rebuild"

After the Chemical Safety Board released their report on the deadly explosion at Imperial Sugar, various experts and the public expressed their frustration with current combustible dust regulations. The Georgia senators, Isakson, R-Ga., and Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga, even called on OSHA for regulations (www.bit.ly/Dgkcg ). Currently there are a number of OSHA standards that address aspects of combustible dust control, including those on housekeeping, emergency action plans, ventilation, spray finishing, permit required confined spaces and electric power generation (safetynewsalert.com). Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis has stated in the past that new combustible dust regulations are on her list of priorities.

The scene now at the Imperial Sugary Reginary in Port Wentworth is now quite the opposite of how it was the day after the explosion. New structures are replacing those destroyed in the Feb. 7, 2008, explosions and fires that killed 14 people and injured many more. The new refinery is said to reflect state-of-the art technology. "We'll have one of the most modern sugar packaging facilities anywhere in the country," President and CEO John Sheptor has said. "It certainly will be the safest."

After all the fuss, you would think that an agency would be checking up on this company...right? Wrong. It has just been reported by the Savannah Morning News that no agency is making sure the way the plant is being rebuilt minimizes combustible sugar dust buildups -- which investigators say fueled the inferno. This alarms U.S. Rep. John Barrow, who says legislation he is co-sponsoring might correct the problem. Is it wrong that we also find this alarming and unacceptable? After all, we are talking about a company that clearly disregarded worker's safety. As we had mentioned in our previous post (bit.ly/Imperial_Sugar_Results), it was reported that the plant's owner and manager knew for decades about the hazards of sugar dust but failed to take the necessary precautions.

Imperial has retained consultants it calls "the world's leading experts" on combustible dust fire prevention. In the process, Ralph Clements, vice president of manufacturing and engineering, also seems to agree with President and CEO John Sheptor. He added that Imperial will "meet or exceed" the board's recommendations.

Chemical Safety Board Chairman John Bresland says that the Board is advisory, not regulatory, and that it falls out of their authority. He said such follow-up is the job of the state or the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. But neither the state nor OSHA plans to inspect the refinery project.

Rep. John Barrow goes on saying "While I appreciate Imperial Sugar's promise to build the safest plants in the country that's just not good enough." "We're dealing with a known explosive, and we need to make sure that the plant is built to the highest safety standards possible." We couldn't have said it better ourselves Rep. Barrow.

Sources:
http://www.safetynewsalert.com/
"No agency's checking on Imperial Sugar's rebuild in Port Wentworth, Ga." Trading Markets.com. Savannah Morning News via Comtex, 5 Oct. 2009. Web. 6 Oct. 2009.

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OSHA revises enforcement policies for fall protection during steel erection

OSHA recently revised the steel erection compliance directive for the agency's Steel Erection Standard to change two enforcement policies related to tripping hazards and installation of nets or floors during steel erection.

One of the revised policies addresses the standard's requirement that employers install a floor or net within two stories or 30 feet, whichever is less. The other policy states that employers must comply with the requirement that steel studs, known as shear connectors, be installed at the worksite. Shear connectors bind concrete to the steel.

"Falls are the leading cause of death among construction workers," said acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jordan Barab. "We are intent on reducing the number of injuries and fatalities in the construction industry and believe these policy revisions will help us attain that goal."

Bureau of Labor Statistics 2007 data show that 1,204 fatalities occurred in the construction industry, 447 of which resulted from falls. The steel erection standard sets forth requirements to protect workers from the hazards associated with steel erection activities when constructing, altering, and repairing single and multi-story buildings, bridges, and other structures where steel erection occurs.

Update: After posting this,we realized that OSHA has just cited Quinco Steel Inc. of Chicago Heights, Ill., with proposed penalties totaling $111,100, for alleged willful, serious and repeat violations of federal workplace safety and health standards. OSHA cited Quinco Steel on Michigan Ave in Chicago while providing steel erection work. Quinco Steel has been cited with two willful violations, with proposed penalties of $70,000, for failure to use proper fall protection while conducting steel erection activities over 15 feet and while operating an aerial lift.

Sources:
osha.gov

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OSHA under Obama Administration: "Make no mistake about it- we're back and we're serious, very serious."-Secretary of Labor Solis

The Obama administration has one simple message for industries: Get ready for a more active and more aggressive OSHA. In Hilda Solis's own words, in a June 2009 speech at the American Society of Safety Engineers' annual conference, Solis said: "There is a new Sheriff in town.... Make no mistake about it, the Department of Labor is back in the enforcement business. We are serious, very serious." To demonstrate how serious she was, one of Solis's first move was ordering an enforcement blitz in Texas as that state has the "dubious distinction of having the most worker fatalities in the nation."

The ISHN website states that OSHA will be more aggressive with standards and policing / enforcement than at any time in the last 20 years, since the late 1980s - early 1990s regime of Labor Secretary Elizabeth Dole, OSHA chief Jerry Scannell, and OSHA deputy Alan McMillan. Annual inspections along with penalties are said to increase in this new administration. OSHA's new budget increase is said to hire up to 130 new inspector positions-with enforcement getting $25.5 million versus less than a $1 million increase for compliance assistance (ishn.com). New standards will be promulgated for diacetyl flavoring (popcorn lung), combustible dust exposure protection, cranes and derricks, confined space in construction, and rewriting the hazard communication standard in be consistent with new international MSDS laws, commonly called the Global Harmonization System (GHS). In her speech, Solis asserted, “As long as I am Secretary of Labor the department will go after anyone who puts worker lives needlessly at risk.” She also emphasized that construction industry fatalities will be "intolerable."

A new article on Industry Week (published Sept. 30)listed OSHA's top priorities that can be described in two words "strong enforcement." The top priorities consists of some of the following:
1. Implementing a "Severe Violators Inspection Program" that focuses on large employers whose histories of OSHA violations demonstrate, in OSHA's view, that they do not take their compliance obligations seriously and need to be targeted for very aggressive enforcement in order to get the message
2. Working more closely with the U.S. Department of Justice to increase the number of criminal prosecutions for workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses
3.Increasing the number of inspectors; the number of inspections conducted; the number of citations issued, particularly for serious, repeat and willful violations; and the amount of penalties proposed for violations-a more aggressive enforcement approach signaled by OSHA's June 22, 2009, proposal of $1,145, 200 in penalties against a company for combustible dust and other alleged safety violations
4.Decreasing what it believes was the Bush administration's over-reliance on partnerships, alliances and company participation in Voluntary Protection Programs

Sources:
Johnson, Dave. "The next new OSHA arrives (7/8)." ISHN.com. 8 July 2009. Web. 5 Oct. 2009.
Lastowka, James A., and McDermott, Will & Emery, LLP. "Viewpoint -- 'There Is a New Sheriff in Town' -- Get Ready for a More Aggressive OSHA -Some thoughts on getting your house in order for the new management." Industry Week. 30 Sept. 2009. Web. 5 Oct. 2009.

Cal/OSHA conducts 305 heat inspections- first state to develop heat regulation in '05

The Department of Industrial Relations’ Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) last week conducted their largest ever heat enforcement effort per Governor Schwarzenegger’s direction and in response to increased heat across all regions of the state. The inspections, which were conducted Monday through Saturday, involved up to as many as 43 teams a day statewide. Two farm operations were shut down for serious violations of the heat illness prevention standard that posed an imminent hazard to the employees working in excessive heat.

“Due to the extreme heat experienced last week we mobilized the largest ever enforcement action in Cal/OSHA history,” said DIR Director John C. Duncan. “Our effort to protect workers from the high temperatures and ensure compliance by employers was a success. As was evidenced by our results, the outreach and enforcement efforts conducted this year are paying off. We are seeing a higher level of compliance by employers which has been our goal from day one.”

The week long enforcement action resulted in a total of 305 inspections conducted statewide. Cal/OSHA investigators encountered heat related violations at 91 outdoor work sites. For those work sites with heat related violations, 50 were construction work sites, 39 were in the agricultural industry, one was a recycling business and one a car wash. A total of 119 heat related violations were observed.

“Gaining compliance from employers is the goal to successfully reducing the number of illnesses and fatalities for all outdoor workers,” added Duncan. “In 2006, employer compliance with this new regulation was at 32.5% and last year was at 65%. This year we are seeing employer compliance above 80% which we expect to increase next year due to education and enforcement efforts.”

Under Governor Schwarzenegger's leadership, California became the first state in the nation to develop a safety and health regulation addressing heat illness in 2005. Cal/OSHA issued permanent heat illness prevention regulations to protect outdoor workers in 2006.

Source:
California Department of Industrial Relations September 28

Miami worker's leg severed after explosion

In Miami,a 38-year-old worker’s left leg was severed below the knee after a spark from a saw ignited fumes in the air, and caused an explosion. Earlier in the week the crew had dug up three 3,000-gallon gasoline drums and were cleaning and dismantling the tanks. The gas drums hadn't been used in more than two decades. The men were cutting through the tanks when a spark from the saw ignited the explosion. Lt. Ignatius Carroll, a Miami Fire Rescue spokesman, said that the end of one of the tanks blew off, striking the man's leg. Fortunately for the second worker, he wasn't hurt.

The Sun Sentinel is reporting that inside the tank, fire crews found a few hundred empty beer bottles. "We believe vagrants might have been using the tank for garbage,'' Carroll said. Remnants from the gasoline that was siphoned out may have been lingering in those bottles.''

Firefighter brought the seriously injured worker and his severed leg to the hospital where doctors are attempting to reattach the worker's leg.

Sources:
Chapman, Tim, and Jennifer Lebovich. "Explosion severs worker's leg in Miami." SunSentinel.com. The Miami Herald, 29 Sept. 2009. Web. 2 Oct. 2009.
JusticeNewsFlash.com

Worker survives excavator rollover- Accidents are preventable!

NIOSH recommends that injuries and deaths be prevented through training, proper installation and maintenance, work practices, and personal protective equipment. The Bureau of Labor Statistics Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries data identified 346 deaths associated with excavators or backhoe loaders during 1992–2000. Review of this data suggests two common causes of injury: (1) being struck by the moving machine, swinging booms, or other machine components; or (2) being struck by quick-disconnect excavator buckets that unexpectedly detach from the excavator stick. Other leading causes of fatalities are rollovers, electrocutions, and slides into trenches after cave-ins. Site workers must be able to recognize and avoid unsafe conditions. They must also be able to follow required safe work practices that apply to their work environments.

Proper training and site set up is essential in preventing exacavator accidents. According to the NIOSH website proper site set up includes:
-Contact local utilities and other responsible parties to locate overhead and underground utility lines before beginning work. Avoid working near overhead power lines. If you must work near them, develop a plan to avoid contact and to follow OSHA regulations for minimum clearance.
-Do not permit hydraulic excavators or backhoes to be operated on grades steeper than those specified by the manufacturer.
-Make sure that workers position machinery at a safe distance from excavations such as trenches.



Kudos to www.WorkSafeBC.com for the video. Find them on twitter!
Hy-Safe Twitter Username: FallNoMore
Sources:
www.niosh.com