OSHA Conducts Lookback Review of Methylene Chloride Standard
     The Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced they are accepting public comments on the review of its Methylene Chloride (MC) Standard 29 CFR §1910.1052 (62 FR 1494). In 1997, OSHA promulgated the Standard to protect employees from occupational exposure to MC. The notice asks the public to suggest how the Standard's applicability or requirements could be changed or tailored to reduce the burden on employers while maintaining employee protection. OSHA is accepting comments until Oct. 9, 2007.
     "This is a major health Standard that affects many small businesses. Overexposure to Methylene Chloride can cause respiratory or central nervous system failure, and poses an increased risk of cancer to exposed employees," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. "We are seeking information that will help the Standard's economic impact on small businesses while maintaining protections for all employees who work with this chemical."
     Methylene chloride has a number of uses such as metal degreasing and aircraft paint removal. It is also used to strip finishes from furniture prior to refinishing as well as in the manufacture of other chemicals.
     Public comments must be submitted no later than Oct. 9, 2007 and can be sent by regular mail, express, hand delivery, or by courier service. Comments should be sent to the OSHA Docket Office, Docket No. OSHA-2007-0024, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave., N.W., Room N2625, Washington, DC 20210. Comments are also accepted electronically at www.regulations.gov, which is the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Comments may be sent by FAX to (202) 693-1648.

OSHA Introduces Enhanced Compliance Assistance Specialist Directory
     An enhanced Compliance Assistance Specialist (CAS) Directory is now available on OSHA's Web site. This new directory allows users to find their local CAS by directing them to the nearest OSHA Area Office. Users in states which operate their own OSHA-approved safety and health programs are provided with contact information for their state agency.

Click here for more information.
 

OSHA "Heads Up" On Ladder Safety
     While using a ladder might seem simple enough, it is easy to take some aspects of ladder safety for granted in the workplace. In fact, falls from movable ladders represent one of the leading causes of occupational injuries. Here are a few recommendations for handling ladders properly:

• Look out for overhead hazards like power lines when placing or climbing a ladder.
• Do not use a self-supporting ladder, such as a stepladder, in a partially closed position. All locks on a ladder must be fastened properly.
• Always maintain a "three-point" (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand) contact on a ladder when climbing.
• Do not try to obtain additional height by placing a ladder on unstable bases, such as boxes or barrels.

Click here for more information on ladder safety.
 

OSHA Debuts Hurricane eMatrix Tool
     OSHA's new Hurricane eMatrix is a tool that incorporates occupational hazards, information, observations, recommendations and data that OSHA gathered and distributed during its response to Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma. The eMatrix offers users access to general recommendations, provides sampling and monitoring data, and outlines employer and employee responsibilities for conducting response and recovery operations after a disaster. It also features 29 operation-specific activity sheets that help employers reduce the risk of hazard exposure during various cleanup tasks.

Click here for more information.
 

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About VPP
     The Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) promote effective worksite-based safety and health. In the VPP, management, labor, and OSHA establish cooperative relationships at workplaces that have implemented a comprehensive safety and health management system. Approval into VPP is OSHA’s official recognition of the outstanding efforts of employers and employees who have achieved exemplary occupational safety and health.

Click here for more information.
 

NIOSH Focus on Workers With Developmental Disabilities
     Approximately 4.5 million individuals in the United States have developmental disabilities such as mental retardation, autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, and epilepsy. An estimated 30 percent of working-age adults in this population are employed, either in facility-based settings ("sheltered workshops") or in the conventional labor market. The number of those employed has increased steadily since the 1990s and this growth is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.
     Like all other workers, workers with developmental disabilities (WDD) are at risk of experiencing a work-related injury or illness. Some research has indicated that WDD may be at increased risk on the job due to characteristics of their disabilities such as poor judgment, lack of awareness of danger, impulsivity and restlessness, and difficulties communicating. However, since there is no national data source that specifically tracks work-related illness and injury among WDD, the true illness and injury risk is unknown.

Click here for more information.
 

Hi-Visibility Tri-Color Safety Vests Rated ANSI/ISEA-107 Class 2

High-visibility tri-color safety vest features 2 inch wide reflective stripes are combined with a 3 3/4 inch wide orange contrasting base stripe.  Hook/loop closure on front.  1 outer pocket at right waist and 1 inner pocket at left chest. 

Available with polyester knit, cool polyester mesh, or flame-retardant fabric. Stock sizes M  L  XL  2XL  3XL  4XL

Custom logo printing available

News You Can Use

Hand Tool Safety Checklist
     Review this 12-point checklist with all workers who use hand tools - and with their supervisors.  How does your facility rate?

• Are all tools and equipment (both company and employee-owned) used by employees at their workplace in good condition?
• Are hand tools such as chisels, punches, etc. which develop mushroomed heads during use, reconditioned or replaced as necessary?
• Are broken or fractured handles on hammers, axes and similar equipment replaced promptly?
• Are worn or bent wrenches replaced regularly?
• Are appropriate handles used on files and similar tools?
• Are employees made aware of the hazards caused by faulty or improperly used hand tools?
• Are appropriate safety glasses, face shields, etc. used while using hand tools or equipment which might produce flying materials or be subject to breakage?
• Are jacks checked periodically to assure they are in good operating condition?
• Are tool handles wedged tightly in the head or all tools?
• Are tool cutting edges kept sharp so the tool will move smoothly without binding or skipping?
• Are tools stored in dry, secure location where they won't be tampered with?
• Is eye and face protection used when driving hardened or tempered spuds or nails?

Source: Compliance Magazine

New Fall Protection Program Standard Receives Final ANSI Approval
     ANSI/ASSE Z359.2-2007, "Minimum Requirements for a Comprehensive Managed Fall Protection Program", has received final ANSI approval. This standard establishes guidelines and requirements for employers' managed fall protection programs and addresses:

• Policies, duties and training
• Fall protection procedures
• Elimination and control of fall hazards
• Rescue procedures
• Incident investigations
• Evaluation of program effectiveness

     The Z359.2-2007 standard is available in both print and electronic format.

Click here to order the standard from ASSE.

Fall Electrical Safety Tips
     Electrical distribution systems are the third leading cause of home structure fires. These fires caused the most property damage, are the second leading cause of death, and the third leading cause of home fire injuries, according to statistics from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) recommends that homeowners to have their homes electrically inspected, particularly if they fall into one of the following categories:

• Owner of a home 40 or more years old;
• Owner of a home 10 or more years old that has had major renovation, addition or major new appliance; or
• New owner of a previously owned home.

Click here for the full report.

Cultural Diversity: Working with the Hispanic Population and Making It Work for You/ La Diversidad Cultural: Cómo Maximizar su Programa de Seguridad Industrial Trabajando con Empleados Hispanos
     Take a good look around your plant or facility. If yours is like most American workplaces these days, you’re looking at a mini United Nations - people from vastly different cultures, though mostly from Latin American countries. You can observe the same phenomenon if you walk into your children’s schools, or look around the waiting room at your doctor’s office.
     It’s an exciting development. New people bring new ideas, new sounds, new friendships, new beliefs and even new tastes (have you noticed the many Latin foods on your grocery store shelves lately?). But as you strive to develop and implement a strong health, safety and environmental program, the differences among these employees sometimes can be daunting. These differences can bring a range of attitudes, beliefs and values that challenge, or even impede your HSE efforts. In our experience, we’ve found that quite the opposite can be true: The diversity within your workforce can be harnessed to your advantage, with a stronger safety process, and a more unified workforce to show for it.

Click here for the full report.

Source: Occupational Hazards Magazine
 

High Rate of Health Concerns among Iraq and Afghanistan War Veterans
     Veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan have a wide range of health concerns, including a 55 percent prevalence of mental health issues, reports a study in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.  Dr. Drew A. Helmer and colleagues analyzed the health concerns of 56 veterans, 45 men and 11 women of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Each veteran underwent a comprehensive health evaluation at the War-Related Illness and Injury Study Center, located at the VA New Jersey Health Care System in East Orange, N.J. Of the 56 participants, 17 were active-duty veterans, average age 28 years, and 39 were reservists, average age 36 years. Average length and time of deployment was eight months and fifteen months respectively.
     The evaluations turned up many and varied issues, including an average of four physical health concerns per veteran. Musculoskeletal problems were the most common, followed by ear, nose, and throat (ENT) problems, and gastrointestinal issues. Reservists had more physical health concerns than active-duty personnel - 4.4 versus 3.1. Fifty-five percent of the veterans had one or more mental health concerns, most commonly posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Reservists had a somewhat higher rate of PTSD than active-duty personnel—48.7 versus 35.3 percent—although the difference was not significant.

Click here for the full report.

Source: American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Chicago Metro Area and Northern Illinois Safety Management - Visit the 19th Annual Chicagoland Safety and Health Conference
     OSHA's Chicago region is sponsoring the 19th annual Chicagoland Safety and Health Conference Sept. 24-28 at Northern Illinois University (NIU) in Naperville, Ill. The conference features more than 45 sessions focusing on workplace safety and health, environmental safety and emergency preparedness, just to name a few. OSHA's Columbus, Ohio, Area Office Director Deborah J. Zubaty is one of the keynote speakers at this event also being sponsored by local chapters of the American Society of Safety Engineers and the American Industrial Hygiene Association, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs, the On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program, NIU and the National Safety Education Center. CEUs will be applied for CSPs and CIHs.

Click here for more information.

Focus on Disaster Preparedness including Homeland Security

Home Safety Council Launches New Initiatives Encouraging Kids and Families to Better Prepare for Emergencies Situations
     National Preparedness Month is a nationwide effort held each September to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools. National Preparedness Month 2007 is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The goal of the month is to increase public awareness about the importance of preparing for emergencies and to encourage individuals to take action.
     In September, the Home Safety Council is launching the Kids Prepare America Contest and calling on third and fourth grade students across America to take the lead in driving family readiness efforts at home. By showing the Home Safety Council what they have done to help prepare their families and communities, students can become eligible to win a trip to Washington, D.C. next summer. Ten Grand Prize Student Winners from across the country will be selected to visit the nation’s capital with an adult family member, teacher and safety partner from the community to attend an awards dinner on June 5, 2008 in their honor.

Visit www.kidsprepareamerica.org for contest entry forms and rules.

Source: The Home Safety Council

Key Products You Need Emergency Preparedness First Aid Kit Now Available - Click Here

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

1. FASHIONABLE PROTECTIVE CLOTHING - Enviro-Gard (R) polypropylene coveralls and garments provide low cost disposable protection for non-hazardous but dirty work environments.
2. FASHIONABLE PROTECTIVE CLOTHING - Green flame resistant Proban (R) coveralls are ideal for mill, foundry, or welding applications.
3. FASHIONABLE PROTECTIVE CLOTHING - Fight foul weather with rainsuits made from PVC-reinforced fabric or single-ply PVC splash suits.
4. FASHIONABLE PROTECTIVE CLOTHING -  Outdoor workers need high-visibility protective apparel that meets new ANSI/ISEA 107-2004 requirements - traffic vests, rainwear, etc.
5. FASHIONABLE PROTECTIVE CLOTHING - Level A suits provide total encapsulation in a vapor tight chemical suit with self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or supplied air and appropriate accessories

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

Padlock Lockout Stations

	Safety lockout covered padlock station with red XENOY padlocks, keyed different.  XENOY padlocks are non-conductive, lightweight locks with permanent write-on labels.
	Integrated one-piece molded construction eliminates loose parts.
	Includes safety hasps and tags.
	Exclusive translucent cover protects contents - lockable to prevent loss of valuable safety lockout padlocks.
	Resilient polycarbonate material provides twice the heat resistance and quadruple the impact strength of typical stations.
	Reinforced snap-lock clips provide easy padlock and hasp storage and removal.
	Includes Safety Lockout Padlock Key Charting System.
	Key registration included help ensure compliance with OSHA directive "One Employee, One lock, One Key".
	Select from 2 stock sizes - 4-lock station and 10-lock station.

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 (special cooler offer expires September 30, 2007).

Click here for ordering details.