U.S. Labor Department Kicks Off OSHA's National 2008 Teen Summer Job Safety Campaign
     OSHA launched the fourth year of its youth public awareness campaign recently with a demonstration by teens from SkillsUSA showing safe work practices for some of the most common tasks that teens are likely to encounter in summer jobs. SkillsUSA, an OSHA national Alliance Program participant, is a nonprofit organization serving teachers and high school and college students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations.
     OSHA will host and participate in local events and activities around the country to help keep teenagers safe and healthy on the job. Activities include career fairs, youth programs, expos, career days and training seminars. OSHA and its regional partners are striving to reduce work-related injuries among teens by teaching them on-the-job safety and integration of principles into their work tasks from this early age. Through working with many strong national and regional Alliance Program participants and other cooperative programs, OSHA plans to reach more than three million teens.
     The campaign is part of OSHA's Young Worker Initiative, which provides information and resources to teenagers, parents, educators and employers to ensure safe and rewarding work experiences for these summer employees. More information about workplace safety for teens is available at www.osha.gov/teens.

May 4-10 Marks Observance of North American Occupational Safety and Health Week
     Through the OSHA and the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) alliance, both organizations and the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE) will kick off a week highlighting how developing and implementing effective safety systems is good for business and for life. The North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week is May 4-10, and is a joint venture between the United States, Canada and Mexico to raise awareness of occupational safety, health and environmental programs among employers, employees and the public. Winners of the ASSE kids' "Safety-on-the-Job" poster contest, their families, along with partners representing all industries and close to 150,000 businesses, will celebrate during NAOSH kickoff events Monday, May 5, in Washington, D.C., at the U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. Capitol. Through OSHA's alliance program, more than 40 alliance program participants, including the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association and the National Safety Council, are supporting the event through numerous NAOSH Week-related activities, including dissemination of safety and health outreach materials to employers and employees.

Click here for more information.

NIOSH Hearing Loss Simulator Instruction and Training Guide
     The NIOSH Hearing Loss Simulator is a software training and communication tool for promoting hearing loss prevention. It allows a user or trainer to demonstrate the effects of noise exposure on hearing without experiencing an actual noise-induced hearing loss. Estimates of the effects of different levels of noise exposure are based on the American National Standard Determination of Occupational Noise Exposure and Estimation of Noise-Induced Hearing Impairment, otherwise known as ANSI S3.44. This standard specifies the predicted hearing loss for noise-exposed populations of individuals based on risk factors that include gender, age, sound levels (in A-weighted decibels or dBA), and years of exposure. Algorithms specified in the standard were derived from empirical studies of populations that had no exposure to loud noise and other populations that had experienced various levels and durations of noise exposure. This manual explains the major objectives that can be addressed with the simulator and training scenarios that can be applied to real-life, real worker scenarios. The majority of this guide explains the simulator's functions in detail. Simulator users are encouraged to read this manual while learning how to run the software.

Click here for the training guide.

Click here to download the software.

OSHA Accepting Applications for $6.7 Million in New Safety and Health Training Grants
     Applications are being accepted for Susan Harwood Training Grants. This year, approximately $6.7 million is available for training on topics including combustible dust; falls from scaffolds, ladders and roofs in construction; and food processing health hazards such as diacetyl exposures in popcorn and other food flavoring manufacturing facilities. These grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations to provide training and education programs for employers and employees on OSHA-selected safety and health topics. Applications must be submitted no later than May 23, 2008, using the government-wide http://www.grants.gov Web site.
 

May is Healthy Vision Month
     Healthy Vision Month is an annual observance coordinated by the National Eye Institute of the National Institutes of Health each May to encourage Americans to make vision a health priority even in the workplace. Potential eye hazards can be found in nearly every industry. That is why OSHA is reminding employers and employees about the importance of eye protection on the job. Here are some ways to avoid occupational eye injuries.

• Choose effective protective eyewear designed for a particular duty or hazard. Protective eyewear must be properly fitted.
• Best protection is afforded when goggles are worn with face shields.
• Be educated on where and what type of eyewear should be used.
• Eye protection devices must be properly maintained.

Click here for more information.

Click here for OSHA's eTool on Eye and Face Protection.

Click here for more information or to order.

News You Can Use

Industrial Warehouse Safety Seminar Slated for Illinois
     Employers and employees involved with material movement, warehousing or storage, and distribution of products or materials will benefit from attending the OSHA #7005 Industrial Warehouse Safety Seminar from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on June 12, 2008, in the Engineering Building at Northern Illinois University (NIU) in DeKalb, Ill. Officials from OSHA's Chicago region will share their expertise on the hazards and ways to avoid the hazards associated with moving and warehousing materials and products. To register, call 1-800-656-5317 or visit the NIU-National Safety Education Center Web site at www.earnyourcard.com. Space is limited.

Click here for more information.
 

New Drug-Free Workplace Kit for Employers
     SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, has developed a new Drug-Free Workplace Kit to provide public and private workplaces, from small to large and from local to global, with credible, authoritative, evidence-based information, resources, and tools for producing and maintaining drug-free workplace policies and programs. The Kit was assembled by the Division of Workplace Programs (DWP), in the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (often simply SAMHSA elsewhere in the Kit), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
     DWP has unique and nationally important regulatory, knowledge development, and technical assistance roles and responsibilities for Federal and non-Federal workplaces, with respect to their drug-free workplace policies and programs. For example, DWP is responsible for two principal activities mandated by Executive Order and Public Law: 1) oversight of the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Program, which aims to eliminate illicit drug use in the Federal workplace; and 2) oversight of the National Laboratory Certification Program, which certifies laboratories to conduct forensic drug testing for Federal agencies and federally regulated industries.
     To help it meet these two responsibilities, DWP has developed a variety of resources and techniques for addressing substance abuse in workplaces, in part through the provision of primary substance abuse–prevention, early identification, and intervention services for adult and youthful employees, and for their families and communities. DWP has assembled this Kit from the most promising methods, techniques, and approaches that have been and are being developed and supported by practitioners, researchers, and evaluators in the field, including those that are included in SAMHSA’s National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices. Throughout the Kit there are many citations that have been included for further reading.

Click here for more information and to access the program.

Spring Tips from

• Spring floods can be a reality in many areas at this time of the year. Be safety smart and be sure to have all appliances and tools that have been in the water checked out before using them again. Remember water and electricity do not mix.
• Always consider a downed power line to be live. Be safety smart and stay away from downed power lines.
• When using power tools in a wet area always be safety smart and keep the plug out of any standing water and use a GFCI outlet to protect against electric shock.

Source: Underwriters Laboratories

Special Report on Depression in the Workplace
     Depression affects more than six percent of the working population. When people with bipolar disorder and other forms of depression are included, the true rate is even higher. But only half of workers suffering from depression receive any form of treatment, and less than half of these receive care consistent with current treatment guidelines according to new studies released by the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) in its April Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. This special issue of JOEM, the official publication of ACOEM, presents an update on workplace depression, highlighting the need for an integrated, evidence-based approach to managing this common, chronic, and often recurrent disorder.
     Having defined the scope of the problem, the new papers discuss some promising approaches to improving the management of workplace depression. For example, programs to improve coping and stress management skills, identify employees at risk, and promote early treatment may help to prevent or lessen the severity of depression. New approaches will be needed to manage persistent gaps in treatment for depression. Although antidepressant medications are effective, they do not eliminate symptoms in all patients. Specific types of psychotherapy have proven beneficial, but appear to be underused.
     Newer "collaborative care" approaches show promise in improving the outcomes of depression treatment. Although initial costs are higher, these intensive approaches make good business sense – more effective treatment leads to better employee retention and increased hours worked. For employers, for whom depression is linked to increased unemployment, increased absenteeism, and decreased productivity — not to mention disruptive effects on work organization and increased health care and disability costs – such enhanced depression care programs should be viewed not as an added cost, but as a "human capital investment opportunity."

Click here for more information.

Source: American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Schedule Changes Could Improve Shift Worker Health
     Simple work schedule adjustments might promote health and help shift workers strike a better balance between work and personal life, according to a new review of evidence. Every workplace has its own definition of shift work, but it generally includes nighttime employees as well as anyone who works outside the traditional 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. workday.
     Previous research has established that shift workers are vulnerable to certain health and social problems including substance abuse, sleep disturbances, absenteeism, injuries and accidents, the researchers said. Many shift workers have frequently changing schedules. Instead of a permanent night shift, for instance, some workers clock in -- or log on -- at night for several days and then rotate to afternoons for several days. According to the review, forward-rotating shifts that follow the logical order of the day seem to be less damaging to health and easier on the body.

Click here for the full report.

Source: Occupational Health & Safety Magazine

Workers Motivated by Wellness Program Incentives
     A new survey from the Guardian Life Insurance Company of America revealed that 68 percent of U.S. workers believe that cash, gifts, extra vacation days and other incentives can help them make healthier long-term lifestyle choices, such as eating properly, exercising and quitting smoking. The survey, which was conducted via telephone in October 2007, revealed that two-thirds of all respondents believe wellness programs effectively promote good health, whether or not they ever participated in such programs. In fact, only 35 percent of respondents reportedly had access to workplace wellness programs, and of that number, about half are currently enrolled. Of the survey respondents who are currently enrolled or have participated in a wellness program in the past 3 years, 85 percent say that these programs are very effective in promoting good health.

Click here for the full report.

Source: Occupational Hazards Magazine

Visit MySafeHome
     The Home Safety Council has launched its new, interactive home injury prevention teaching tool. The Site invites visitors into a virtual home, identifying major risk areas, room-by-room, indoors and out, and presents key safety devices and preparedness plans.

Click here to visit MySafeHome

Focus on Disaster Preparedness

In the Event of Emergency People With Disabilities Have Special Needs

• Create a support network to help in an emergency.
• Tell these people where you keep your emergency supplies.
• Give one member of your support network a key to your house or apartment.
• Contact your city or county government's emergency information management office. Many local offices keep lists of people with disabilities so they can be located quickly in a sudden emergency.
• Wear medical alert tags or bracelets to help identify your disability.
• If you are dependent on dialysis or other life sustaining treatment, know the location and availability of more than one facility.
• Show others how to operate your wheelchair.
• Know the size and weight of your wheelchair, in addition to whether or not it is collapsible, in case it has to be transported.
• Additional Supplies for People with Disabilities:
  • Prescription medicines, list of medications including dosage, list of any allergies.
  • Extra eyeglasses and hearing-aid batteries.
  • Extra wheelchair batteries, oxygen.
  • Keep a list of the style and serial number of medical devices.
  • Medical insurance and Medicare cards.
  • List of doctors, relatives or friends who should be notified if you are hurt.

Click here for more information.

Key Products You Need Weather-Proof First Aid Kits  New weather-proof Redi-Care Kits in zip-tight nylon bags are convenient, lightweight, portable, and cost-effective. Click here for kit specifications and ordering details

BE Prepared Informed Safe Visit www.saftgard.com/2besafe

1. BULK BUYING BEGETS BARGAINS -  Disposable earplugs are available in convenient bulk dispensers that can be placed virtually anywhere hearing protection is needed.
2. BREATHING BUDDIES - Ambient air pumps, filtration panels, and air purification systems are available in models that can support up to 8 workers on supplied-air respirators.
3. WHO'S BEHIND THOSE COOL-LOOKING SHADES -- Safety glasses don't have to look like they were designed by nerds and geeks!  Check out the cool looking ZED.  Click here
4. GET YOUR KICKS WITH THIS - Protective footwear is available in a wide variety of materials and slip-resistant outsoles to meet workplace hazards head-on (and steel toe first).
5. CAN IT - Satisfy OSHA, FM, insurance companies, and just plain common sense by using approved safety cans for the transfer and containment of hazardous chemicals.

Want more information on any of this month's Saf-T-Tips?  E-mail us for a prompt reply.

BEAT THE HEAT THE WAY THE ATHLETES DO

Did you know - dehydration is the leading cause of heat-related injuries.  The body absorbs electrolyte fluid replacement beverages several times faster than water alone, allowing quick, effective replenishment and rehydration.

Fluid Guidelines:

• Before work - drink at least 16 ounces

• During work - drink at least 5-10 ounces every 15-20 minutes

• After work - drink 24 ounces for every pound of weight loss

Order 4 cases of Gatorade Instant Powder or 8 cases of Gatorade Liquid Concentrate in your favorite flavor - get a free cooler.

Click here for ordering details.