Safety Net | January 2024

THE SAFETY NET L O C A T I O N C O NCSO U LNTSI NUGL T

JANUARY 2024

D• ESIGN D & EESNIGGI NNE E R I N•G

E SGI GI N N -EBEURI L D ED N

IT’S ALWAYS SAFETY FIRST. R UNCSTTI R OU NC & TC O N T R A C T I N G • C O N SCTO

VOLUME 18 ISSUE 1

Workplace Safety Tips for 2024 12.13.23 | FIELDA by Ankita D

SAFETY FIRST. In environments where job hazards are heightened, every individual within a company must be mindful and actively engaged in promoting workplace safety. Employees navigating these high-risk settings face an increased likelihood of accidents and injuries, emphasizing the critical need to identify and address existing and potential hazards.

Austin employees have worked 6,008,057 hours without a Lost Time Accident through 12/2023.

list of key websites serves as vital references for safety professionals. These resources enhance safety discussions, toolbox presentations, and training initiatives, providing a wealth of information. By leveraging these diverse resources, organizations can stay informed and proactive, continuously improving safety practices and ensuring the well-being of their workforce.

4. OSHA: A REGULATORY ANCHOR FOR WORKPLACE SAFETY The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) serves as a regulatory anchor, offering standards, information, and resources to enhance workplace safety.

The official website, www.osha.gov, is a cornerstone for Reflecting current industry trends and best practices, I’ve

safety professionals seeking regulatory guidance and

outlined a collection of the “Top 10” safety topics that, in my

compliance information. OSHA’s contributions play a

view, should be a key focus in 2024. This underscores your

pivotal role in establishing and maintaining a safe working

commitment to instilling awareness and making safety a

environment, ensuring that organizations adhere to industry

paramount concern within your organizations.

standards and legal requirements.

1. ENSURING WORKPLACE SAFETY: A PARAMOUNT RESPONSIBILITY

5. NIOSH: RESEARCH-BACKED INSIGHTS FOR OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY

Safeguarding the lives and well-being of employees is

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

paramount in high-risk industries. Proactively embracing

(NIOSH) is a vital resource providing research-backed

best practices is crucial to address dynamic challenges.

insights, publications, and tools to address workplace safety

Workplace safety, as a primary responsibility, demands a

concerns. www.cdc.gov/niosh/ is a valuable reference

comprehensive strategy involving robust safety discussions,

for safety professionals committed to proactive safety

effective toolbox presentations, and impactful training

measures. NIOSH’s emphasis on preventing occupational

materials. By prioritizing these elements, organizations

injuries and illnesses contributes significantly to informed

create a safer environment for their workforce, mitigating

decision-making and the development of effective safety

risks and fostering a culture of safety.

protocols within organizations.

2. WORKPLACE SAFETY CHALLENGES: A PROACTIVE EMBRACE OF BEST PRACTICES

6. SAFETY+HEALTH MAGAZINE: A COMPREHENSIVE ONLINE RESOURCE

In high-risk industries, navigating evolving challenges

Safety+Health Magazine, available at www.

requires a proactive approach. Organizations must adopt

safetyandhealthmagazine.com, stands as a

a comprehensive strategy, fostering safety discussions,

comprehensive online resource offering articles, news,

delivering toolbox presentations, and creating training

and expert insights on various workplace safety topics.

materials that resonate with employees. This proactive

This platform serves as a go-to destination for safety

stance ensures adaptability to multifaceted challenges,

professionals seeking the latest industry trends and

promoting a resilient safety culture. By embracing best

expert perspectives. By staying informed through this

practices, organizations not only address current concerns

valuable resource, safety professionals can enhance their

but also prepare for future challenges, creating a safer and

knowledge, share best practices, and contribute to the

more sustainable workplace.

continuous improvement of workplace safety.

3. DIVERSE RESOURCES FOR WORKPLACE SAFETY EMPOWERMENT

7. NSC: A PLATFORM FOR SAFETY PROFESSIONALS

Empowering organizations with invaluable resources is

The National Safety Council (NSC) provides a dedicated

essential for fortifying workplace safety. A comprehensive

platform for safety professionals, offering valuable resources,

training materials, and industry-specific insights to enhance

of challenges in these industries demands a proactive

workplace safety. The website, www.nsc.org, serves as

embrace of best practices, and the resources available are

a hub for safety professionals looking to stay informed

as diverse as they are invaluable.

and connected within the safety community. By actively

Fortunately, a plethora of invaluable resources stand ready

engaging with the NSC, safety professionals can access resources that foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the development of effective safety strategies tailored to their industries.

8. OSHRC: LEGAL RESOURCES FOR WORKPLACE SAFETY COMPLIANCE

to empower and guide us. Here’s a comprehensive list of key websites that can serve as essential references for building robust safety discussions, toolbox presentations, and effective training materials: 1.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

2.

Electronic Library of Construction Safety and Health (ELCOSH)

The Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (OSHRC) offers indispensable legal resources and decisions

3.

Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR)

4.

National Institute of Safety and Health (NIOSH)

valuable insights can be found at www.oshrc.gov. By

5.

American Ladder Institute (ALI)

leveraging the legal perspectives provided by OSHRC,

6.

WorkSafeBC

7.

Canadian Centre for Occupational Safety and

related to workplace safety. Understanding compliance and legal aspects is crucial for safety professionals, and

safety professionals enhance their approach to workplace safety, ensuring alignment with regulations and promoting

Health (CCOHS)

a culture of compliance within their organizations.

9. SAFETY TOOLBOX TALKS: PRACTICAL RESOURCES FOR ENGAGEMENT Safety Toolbox Talks, available at www.safetytoolboxtopics. com, serves as a practical and valuable resource for safety professionals facilitating discussions within organizations.

8.

Laborers’ Health and Safety Fund of North America (LHSFNA)

9.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services CHEMM Information Database (CHEMM)

10. Courses: [FEMA]

These ready-to-use toolbox talks promote engagement and

11. National Safety Council (NSC)

discussion on various workplace safety issues, making them

By integrating insights from these reputable sources into our

an asset for safety professionals. By utilizing these practical resources, organizations can enhance communication, raise awareness, and actively involve employees in fostering a culture of safety.

10. CDC WORKPLACE SAFETY SECTION: GUIDANCE ON HEALTH AND WELL-BEING The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) host a dedicated workplace safety section offering comprehensive guidance on preventing injuries and illnesses, with a focus on health and well-being. Safety professionals can access valuable information at www. cdc.gov, reinforcing their commitment to creating a safer and healthier work environment. By utilizing the CDC’s guidance, safety professionals contribute to the development of effective strategies, ensuring a holistic approach to workplace safety that prioritizes both physical and mental well-being.

A CALL TO SAFETY IN HIGH-HAZARD JOB SETTINGS

safety strategies, we not only shield our workers but also contribute to the creation of safer, more productive, and more sustainable workplaces. As we welcome the New Year, let our collective focus remain steadfast on preventing serious injuries and fatalities in our workplaces. Here’s to a safer and more secure future for all!

In the pursuit of safety excellence, let us leverage these abundant resources to craft compelling discussions, engaging toolbox presentations, and effective training materials. Case studies underscore the tangible benefits of proactive safety measures, demonstrating their impact in preventing accidents, injuries, and long-term health issues.

As we usher in the New Year, let our collective focus be on preventing serious injuries and fatalities in our workplaces.

By integrating these resources into our safety strategies, we not only protect our workers but also contribute to the creation of safer, more productive, and sustainable workplaces. Here’s to a safer and more secure future for all!

The imperative for workplace safety and the well-being of employees stands tall. The ever-evolving landscape

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Cold Stress Injuries and Illnesses 12.05.23 | WeeklySafety.com Cold stress isn’t just a hazard for outdoor workers. What are the best ways to prevent cold stress injuries and illnesses and what is the best clothing to wear in cold environments?

Anyone working in a cold environment may be at risk for cold stress. This could include an indoor workplace like cold storage or an outdoor job in construction or agriculture. Prolonged exposure to cold and/or freezing temperatures while on the job may cause serious health problems such as trench foot, frostbite, and hypothermia. In extreme cases, exposure to cold temperatures can be fatal.

Although OSHA does not have a specific standard that covers working in cold environments, under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) of 1970, employers have a duty to protect workers from recognized hazards, including cold stress hazards, that are causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm in the workplace.

RISK FACTORS FOR COLD STRESS INCLUDE: • Overexposure to cold temperatures • Increase wind speed, and the wind chill effect • Wet clothing and/or wet skin • Dressing improperly for the weather • Exhaustion • Health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes or asthma • Poor physical conditioning • Inadequate training on how to work safely in cold temperatures

IMPORTANT TIPS TO PREVENT COLD STRESS • Wear proper clothing for cold, wet and windy conditions • Take frequent, short breaks in warm, dry shelters • Schedule work for the warmest part of the day • Avoid exhaustion or fatigue • Keep extra clothing handy in case clothes get wet • Drink warm, sweet beverages and avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.

• Eat warm, high-calorie foods • Use the buddy-system and work in pairs so that one worker can recognize the danger signs • Stay dry in the cold because moisture or dampness, even from sweating, can increase the rate of heat loss from the body Dressing properly is extremely important to preventing cold stress. Wear at least three layers of loose-fitting clothing. Layers provides better insulation.

• An inner layer of thermal wear, wool, silk or synthetic (polypropylene) to keep moisture away from the body • A middle layer of wool or synthetic to provide insulation even when wet • An outer wind and rain protection layer that allows some ventilation to prevent overheating Tight clothing reduces blood circulation and warm blood needs to be circulated to the extremities.

OTHER IMPORTANT CLOTHING THAT CAN HELP PREVENT COLD STRESS: •

Insulated coat/jacket (water resistant if necessary)

•

Knit mask to cover face and mouth (if needed)

•

Hat that covers the ears

•

Insulated gloves (water resistant if necessary, to protect the hands)

•

Insulated and waterproof boots to protect the feet

If employees are working in cold environments, indoors or outdoors, then they should have access to cold stress prevention safety training and it’s also a great topic for a safety meeting.

5

OSHA’s Top 10 Workplace Safety Violations 11.28.2023 | WeeklySafety.com Every year OSHA releases the infamous Top 10 list and

standard is designed to prevent falls, which, according to

every year there is little change. Why is this list important

statistics, account for just about 40 percent of deaths in the

and why should top management quit ignoring it?

construction industry. Not surprisingly, most fall accidents

During the National Safety Council 2023 Congress & Expo,

happen on residential work sites where there is little

OSHA released the results of the Top 10 standards most

oversight given to fall protection requirements.

frequently cited for violations across all industries for which

To prevent fall injuries and fatalities, it is critical that

OSHA standards apply. OSHA issued over 29,000 citations in

employers supply their workers with guardrail systems,

its Top 10 categories during 2023.

safety net systems or personal fall arrest systems when

The results don’t change that much over the years. While it

working at heights is required. In addition to just providing

may feel like a broken record playing over and over again, it’s really an opportunity for employers to change their tune

proper fall protection, the employer is also responsible for ensuring that all employees are trained on how to properly

about workplace safety by proactively identifying hazards

use fall protection and know when to use it.

and training employees to work safely.

OSHA has set requirements for employers to provide fall

“Although incredible advancements are made in safety

protection for their workers that are working on unstable

each year, we continue to see many of the same types of violations appear on OSHA’s Top 10 list,” said Lorraine Martin, NSC President and CEO. “As a safety community, we must come together to acknowledge these persistent trends and identify solutions to better protect workers.”

Here are the top OSHA standards most often cited for violations for fiscal year 2023, which ended September 30. This list always includes both Construction (1926) and General Industry (1910) standards.

1. FALL PROTECTION 1926.501 Fall Protection has been the number one most cited violation for the past several years. The fall protection

surfaces or work sites that have unprotected sides and edges. Employers can provide fall prevention training by a competent person or they may prefer that their workers complete construction training courses that cover fall hazards and prevention at regional OSHA Training Institute Education Centers.

The sections of the Fall Protection standard that are most often cited for violations include residential construction, unprotected sides or edges, roofing work, and floor holes including skylights.

2. HAZARD COMMUNICATION 1910.1200 The Hazard Communication standard addresses chemical hazards produced or used in the workplace. OSHA’s

standard for hazard communication is in line with the

as well as refresher training and evaluation, inspections,

international standard but remains on the top 10 list year

and the requirement to remove trucks from service when

after year. The hazard communication rule has not been

they are found to be unsafe.

properly implemented by a large percentage of businesses and it’s clear that many workers are not being trained on

6. LOCKOUT/TAGOUT 1910.147

the new standards that went into effect in 2013.

Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) affects workers that service, repair

The sections of the Hazard Communication standard that are most often cited for violations by OSHA include implementation of the hazcom program, training on

and maintain equipment or machines. Hazards exist if the equipment being handled can suddenly become energized or started during work.

hazardous materials, and requirements to develop and

For companies that require LOTO procedures, these are the

maintain Safety Data Sheets.

sections of the LOTO standard that OSHA has cited most

3. LADDERS 1926.1053 Working with ladders on the job can be hazardous,

often for violations: general procedures, energy control program, periodic inspections, and training.

especially if the ladders are not functioning properly or not

7. RESPIRATORY PROTECTION 1910.134

used correctly. Many injuries caused by ladders are serious

OSHA’s Respiratory Protection standard directs employers

enough to require time off the job. OSHA rules apply to all

on establishing and maintaining a respiratory protection

ladders used in construction, alteration, repair, painting,

program in the workplace. All aspects of respiratory

decorating and demolition of worksites covered by OSHA’s

protection are covered in this standard including

construction safety and health standards.

procedures, administration, selection, training, fit testing,

The sections of the Ladder Safety standard that are most often cited for violations by OSHA include failure to extend an extension ladder at least 3 feet above the upper

evaluation, use, cleaning, maintenance and repair.

Employers should be familiar with OSHA’s requirements for voluntary use of respirator dust masks too!

landing surface, using ladders in an unsafe manner, and

The sections of the Respiratory Protection standard that

continuing to use ladders after they are broken or found to

are most often cited for violations by OSHA include

be defective.

medical evaluations, respiratory protection requirements,

4. SCAFFOLDING 1926.451

fit testing, failure to establish a necessary respiratory protection program and identifying respiratory hazards in

The OSHA Scaffolding standard covers safety requirements

the workplace.

for scaffolding, which should be designed by a qualified

To round out the Top 10 list, standards with the most cited

person and constructed exactly in accordance with that design. Employers are required to protect all workers that use scaffolding from falls and falling objects. In addition, all scaffolds should be inspected by a competent person before use by the workers. The workers affected the most by scaffolding hazards include those in charge of framing, roofing, siding, and masonry.

The sections of the Scaffolding standard that are most often cited for OSHA violations include fall protection including guardrail systems, use of cross-braces for access, and planking/decking.

OSHA violations in 2023 were:

8. EYE AND FACE PROTECTION 1926.102 9. POWERED INDUSTRIAL TRUCKS 1910.178 10. MACHINE GUARDING 1910.212 To quote Lorraine Martin, President and CEO of the National Safety Council, one more time, “With the best ideas, the right tools, and everyone showing up to redefine what’s possible, no safety challenge will be too big for us to overcome, from the workplace to anyplace.”

5. POWERED INDUSTRIAL TRUCKS 1910.178 OSHA’s powered industrial truck standard covers the design, maintenance, and operation of powered industrial trucks, including forklifts and motorized hand trucks. It also covers operator training requirements.

The sections of the powered industrial truck standard that are most often cited include safe operation, initial training 7

Reporting Heart Attacks and In-Patient Hospitalizations 09.25.2023 | JJ Keller Safety Management Suite At some point, your company might send an employee to the hospital due to a serious injury, chemical exposure, or even a heart attack. But do you have to report the incident to OSHA? First, keep in mind that OSHA defines an in-patient hospitalization as formal admission to the in-patient service for care or treatment. The hospital or clinic determines if the employee was formally admitted. Going to the emergency room for outpatient treatment (like sutures or even setting a broken bone) often doesn’t involve an in-patient hospitalization Similarly, employers do not need to report an in-patient hospitalization that involves only observation or diagnostic testing such as MRIs, x-rays, or CAT scans. Employers only need to report incidents that involve “care or treatment.”

However, any treatment provided (including first aid) following an in-patient hospitalization obligates the employer to report the event. OSHA posted a frequently asked question clarifying that the reference to “care or treatment” is not limited to “medical treatment beyond first aid.”

REPORTING HEART ATTACKS The regulation requires reporting “a work-related fatality or in-patient hospitalization caused by a heart attack.” Depending on the circumstances, OSHA will decide whether to investigate the event.

Now, employers know that heart attacks commonly result from personal medical conditions. The challenge is that employers may not know whether something at work contributed to a heart attack, at least not within OSHA’s required reporting periods (8 hours for a fatality or 24 hours for an in-patient hospitalization).

Some employers focus on the “work-related” provision and, if they feel confident that a heart attack was solely caused by non-work factors, they won’t report a hospitalization. Technically, OSHA does not require reporting non-work-related injuries or illnesses, but OSHA has yet to issue specific guidance on heart attacks.

Various job-related factors might trigger a heart attack, like physical exertion or exposure to electricity. Even if an employer cannot determine the exact trigger, reporting the incident to OSHA should be the best option. OSHA should understand that most heart attacks result from personal medical conditions and the agency won’t necessarily initiate an investigation following the report.

MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS Many employees travel and get involved in car accidents or even get struck as a pedestrian. Injuries that occur during travel are work-related if the employee was engaged in work activities in the interest of the employer. Examples include visiting customers, picking up supplies, or traveling between job sites. This raises the question of whether employers must report a hospitalization or death caused by a motor vehicle incident.

The regulation clarifies that employers do not need to report incidents that happened on public streets or highways, or accidents involving public transportation like a train or bus. Any resulting injuries could still be recordable on the 300 Log (they can be work-related), but need not be reported to OSHA. OSHA does, however, require employers to report fatalities or in-patient hospitalizations that occur in a construction work zone. OSHA does not have authority to investigate motor vehicle accidents on public roads, but does have authority to investigate job sites – and an active construction zone is a job site. A work zone extends from the first warning sign to the “end road work” sign or last traffic control device.

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Clear Vision: Safeguarding Construction Workers’ Eyes on the Job 12.06.2023 | EHS Today A third of occupational eye injuries require trips to the

tasks. Depending on the severity, eye injuries can result in

emergency room, and at least 100 results in one or more

total, partial or permanent vision loss. Accidents on the job

days away from work.

that result in damage to the eye are often caused by one

Each year, more than 2,000 workers suffer eye injuries in the

of the following:

workplace that require medical treatment, according to

• Scrape or strike

the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

• Impact or penetration

(NIOSH). A third of all reported occupational eye injuries require trips to the emergency room, and at least 100 of these incidents result in one or more days away from work.

One of the most at-risk groups of workers is those within the construction and labor trade industries. With this being a common and serious injury on construction sites, it’s important for both employers and workers to come together to mitigate risks and know what steps to take should an accident occur.

TYPES OF EYE INJURIES ON CONSTRUCTION SITES Workers in the construction industry, as well as other trades like electrical, welding, carpentry, and plumbing, are often at a heightened risk of injuries due to the nature of their job

• Chemical or thermal burns The majority of eye injuries are due to scrapes or strikes and can result from objects or debris coming in contact with the eye. This may include but is not limited to dust, cement chips, wood particles or wood slivers. These particles are often projected by tools, picked up by the wind or may fall on the worker from above. Impact and penetration injuries are serious and often require emergency medical intervention. Things like staples, nails, wood chips or pieces and metal slivers can pierce the eyeball.

On job sites, workers may be exposed to industrial chemicals or cleaning products that drip, squirt or splash into the eyes, causing burns. Laborers who work with tools

that emit heat, such as blowtorches, casters or furnaces, or hot surfaces, such as metal forks and rods, may be at risk of thermal burns. Welders also face the risk of burns from the arc welding process that emits UV rays, bright flashes and even sparks that can harm the skin and eyes.

SAFETY TIPS FOR EMPLOYERS, WORKERS Under Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) law, employers have a responsibility to provide a reasonably safe work environment and take steps to prevent accidents that cause injuries. For this reason, it’s important that employers and safety site managers take

STEPS TO TAKE FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT Should a worker suffer an eye-related injury while on the job, it’s important that they follow emergency procedures and protocol. If the worker has debris in their eye, it’s important to advise them not to rub, touch or put pressure on the eye as it could further damage its surface. If the debris is small, like sand or dust, and hasn’t caused severe damage to the eye, consider flushing the eye with sterile water or eye wash solution. If the debris cannot be removed by flushing out the eye, place a patch or lightly bandage the eye until the worker can see a doctor.

the lead in implementing awareness initiatives and risk

Some injuries should be considered medical emergencies.

mitigation tactics on job sites to keep workers safe.

One is if an object has penetrated or cut the eyeball.

ASSESS HAZARDS ON JOB SITES Employers and/or safety site managers should scan the work area for potential risks prior to workers performing job duties. This means taking regular walk-through audits of the site to help identify hazards and assessing tools to make sure they are functioning properly and being used correctly by workers.

PROPER USE OF PPE

Always advise the worker not to try to remove the object themselves. Another would be if an eye has had direct exposure to chemical solutions. If the worker gets chemicals in their eyes, have them use sterile water or an eye wash solution. Even if the worker initially says that they are okay after these incidents, consider that they may be in shock and unaware of how serious the damage is. If the injury is severe and emergency care is needed, do not hesitate to call 911.

The use of proper protective eyewear and safety gear while performing work tasks is key. In the construction industry, many workers are advised to use safety goggles or glasses while performing job tasks. Protective eyewear should cover the worker’s eyes without leaving gaps between the seal and their skin. The eyewear should be construction-grade material and able to withstand a blow or puncture. In addition, welders will need welding lenses and goggles specifically designed to safeguard them against sparks, heat, radiation and debris.

INVEST TIME AND RESOURCES INTO TRAINING Before beginning work tasks, it’s important that the employer or manager goes over the latest safety procedures, potential risk hazards and steps to take should an accident occur. Managers should discuss the tasks that need to be completed for the shift and what PPE is required to perform them. Workers should test their protective eyewear to ensure it fits snuggly to their face and against the skin with no gaps. All training guides and instructions should comply with local, state and federal safety regulations.

11

Safety in Plain Sight 11.27.2023 | EHS Today The best safety leaders can see what so many others

The threat from that ladder was very real, to those who

choose not to notice.

recognized the danger, but nobody thought to act on it.

The world is not a very safe place to live in right now. You

What about that worker that nobody ever talks to at lunch,

certainly don’t need me to point out that obvious-ism, but

but everybody seems to talk about him when he’s not

from all indications, the “unsureness” of it all has reached a

around? He made a few weird comments one day, the

new heightened threat level, all the more insidious because

kind that cause people’s eyes to dilate and their mouths

some of the threats are emerging fully formed from what

to drop open and wonder, “Did he really say that? There’s

seemingly had been dormant cocoons. We can stare at

something wrong with that guy!” Word is he was in the

something so long that we no longer “see” it anymore,

middle of some messy domestic stuff, but as long as he got

even though the threat is very real.

his work done, no need to get HR involved, right?

You can see a ladder lying horizontally in the back of a

What about that war that broke out overseas? The

warehouse. It’s been there for weeks… maybe months.

politicians and the talking heads on TV and radio get

Maybe a year, hard to say. Somebody put it there, some

their voters and audiences fired up to choose sides on

time ago, because it needed some repairs. One of

the debate as to which side are heroes and which side

the rungs, maybe, was cracked… something like that.

are villains. Your employees start looking at each other

Maintenance was going to fix it, or else order a new one.

differently as they realize they don’t all share the same

But nobody told the new hire that the ladder was out of

opinion as to who’s right, who’s wrong. Rather than taking

commission, and now she’s going to be out of work for

a stand to protect all of your employees from contentious

a while with a busted ankle and a couple cracked ribs.

rancor, your senior leadership chooses to say nothing at all.

OSHA was founded more than a half-century ago, and many significant improvements have been made in various areas of workplace safety and the technology to keep people safe is more advanced than ever. And yet, the number of workplace injuries in recent years have been increasing rather than declining. Non-fatal injuries were up 6.3% year-over-year in 2021, and then rose another 4.5% in 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

In real numbers, there were 2.3 million injuries on the job last year. So while the total number of injuries has declined significantly over the past 50 years, we’re left to wonder why so many workers are still getting hurt.

The answer, of course, is that even the best safety leaders can only do so much. At our recent Safety Leadership Conference in Orlando, attendees heard (from multiple sources) that the two hardest things a safety manager has to do (not necessarily in this order) are: 1.

Convince employees about the importance of workplace safety. Nobody ever really thinks something bad is going to happen to them.

2.

Convince senior management about the importance of workplace safety. For too many senior managers, safety is a cost, not an investment.

And yesterday, one of your own employees got beat up outside of work because his ethnic heritage comes from the “wrong” side of the debate.

All the evidence points to the conclusion that the bestrun companies, the most profitable companies, the most attractive companies to investors and prospective employees, are those that do the most to protect their

There are clear consequences to turning a blind eye

workers and their communities. Companies that set out

to unsafe situations, whether the situations are broken

to establish a culture of safety excellence are those that

equipment or broken spirits or an irrational belief that things

ultimately succeed. But getting to that point takes a special

will get better if you just wish them away. The year 2023 will

talent—an inner vision—and special people, the safety

be known for many things, and a lot of them aren’t good

leaders who come to work with their eyes wide open,

things: wars, atrocities, natural as well as human-made

insistent that “nobody is going to get hurt on the job today.

disasters exacerbated by negligence, corporate collapses

Not on my watch.”

brought on by greed and chicanery, and far too many serious injuries and fatalities in the workplace that could have been prevented.

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Staying Off OSHA’s SVL (Severe Violator List) 12.05.2021 | J.J. Keller Staying off of OSHA’s Severe Violator List is important for

4.

Promote a culture of safety: Employers should promote

any business to maintain a safe work environment and

a culture of safety within the workplace. This can

avoid costly penalties. The Severe Violator List (SVL) is

be accomplished by encouraging employees to

a program launched by the Occupational Safety and

report safety concerns and hazards, recognizing and

Health Administration (OSHA) to focus on employers

rewarding safe behavior, and making safety a top

who have committed severe or repeated violations of

priority in all aspects of the business.

workplace safety regulations. Being on the SVL can lead to increased scrutiny from OSHA, higher fines, and a

5.

concerns are identified, employers should respond

damaged reputation.

quickly to address them. This includes investigating the

HERE ARE SOME STEPS THAT BUSINESSES CAN TAKE TO STAY OFF OF OSHA’S SEVERE VIOLATOR LIST: 1.

Develop a comprehensive safety program: The first step

the results of the investigation to employees.

6.

Maintain accurate records: Accurate records are essential for demonstrating compliance with OSHA

a comprehensive safety program. This program

regulations. Employers should maintain accurate

should include policies, procedures, and training to

records of safety inspections, safety training, and

prevent accidents and injuries in the workplace. The

safety incidents.

updated to ensure that it remains effective.

7.

Respond to citations promptly: If OSHA issues citations, employers should respond promptly and take

Conduct regular safety audits: Regular safety audits

corrective action to address the violations. Employers

can help identify potential hazards and prevent

can also contest citations if they believe they are

accidents before they occur. Employers should

unwarranted or the penalties are excessive.

conduct regular safety audits and inspections to

Staying off of OSHA’s Severe Violator List is crucial for

identify potential hazards and take corrective action.

3.

concern, taking corrective action, and communicating

in staying off of OSHA’s Severe Violator List is to develop

safety program should also be regularly reviewed and 2.

Respond quickly to safety concerns: When safety

any business. By following the steps detailed above,

Provide adequate training: Adequate training is crucial

employers can ensure that they are in compliance with

to ensure that employees understand the potential

OSHA regulations and provide a safe workplace for their

hazards in the workplace and how to prevent them.

employees. For professional advice on how to implement

Employers should provide regular training to employees

any of the above steps or for tools that will help improve

on safety procedures, hazard recognition, and

your safety program and help you avoid the SVL, request a

emergency response.

consult with a Safety Plus safety expert at any time.

Humanizing Safety: The 7 Traits that Define Successful Safety Professionals 12.05.2023 | EHS Today By humanizing your safety program, workers will come to realize that safety isn’t just part of the job—it is the job.

1. BE AUTHENTIC. As you try to build your safety program, people will not

As safety professionals look to build or strengthen

believe in you or trust you if you are not authentic. They

safety cultures throughout their enterprises, drive

must believe in you before they believe in your message.

continuous improvement, improve productivity, and

Authenticity comes from within, so you literally have to walk

achieve operational excellence, they may benefit from

the talk.

learning seven traits shared by successful leaders who humanize safety.

Go on Gemba walks; get out onto the factory floor, the worksite, or wherever work is being performed and speak

While focusing on peer-to-peer safety practices that

with employees one-on-one. Listen intently to your people

predated the current focus on data and analytics,

and hear what they say. Ask the question: “If there’s one

safety leaders have been able to balance technology

thing that we could change to make your job safer, what

and information with worker engagement, motivation

would it be?”

and communication.

Keep track of how many times Gemba walks are done

Whether your immediate focus is to improve employee

by your safety team members and how often you’ve

engagement, introduce new processes, or completely

implemented change based upon the feedback you’ve

transform the safety culture of your organization,

received. Some words of wisdom: Talk with your team—and

embracing the following characteristics can help you

not down to them. Embrace empathy; put yourself in the

achieve results faster, easier and with the added benefit

workers’ shoes and make a genuine effort to understand

of sustainability.

what they’re experiencing. ...continued on next page 15

Traditional leadership typically focuses on strategy, goals, financial performance, and customer satisfaction as top priorities. While those standards are important, they are inherently limited; servant leaders go further, focusing on creating an environment where their teams can thrive and accomplish their highest-impact work.

This selfless leadership approach believes elevating the team will in turn raise the level of all aspects of the team’s performance. Re-imagine your self-image and embrace the concept: “I’m here to serve the greater good of this group of people whom I work with.”

Finally, to be a servant-leader, you really need to make

2. BECOME INFLUENTIAL.

it part of who you are; you can’t just try to project this

This goes hand in glove with authenticity. In effect, your

lead by example; bring influencers into the safety “tribe”;

authenticity will determine your ability to influence the

appreciate how critical they are to your safety initiative;

behavior of others. You can’t be influential over someone

and be honest and engaging so they continue to trust you

you don’t have a relationship with. So, drop the act:

and believe in you.

Don’t undermine your authenticity by trying to “act” like a

mindset when you’re out in the workplace. Be a mentor;

manager or a safety professional instead of just being who

4. FOCUS ON LONG-TERM RESULTS.

you are.

When you look at the “big picture” of your overall

Be present in the workforce and take advantage of

safety program, chart your progress along a continuum.

opportunities to engage workers individually in informal

Recognize that making a series of what might be

situations, such as the break room, to help remove the

considered small changes to achieve marginal gains

barriers your different roles place between you and

ultimately will add up to sustainable performance

other employees. Remember as well that safety can’t

improvement over the long run.

be a one-person show; it involves continually finding and

By keeping track of the face-to-face interactions that you

recruiting influencers at your jobsite, bringing them into

and your team have with individual workers along with any

your group and keeping them engaged. This enables

incremental gains that result from these dialogues, you’re

you to maintain and expand the influence of your safety

creating a sustainable pattern of continuous improvement

team on the workplace.

in safety performance that will lead to the achievement of

Keep these influential workers engaged by taking a

your long-term objectives for safety, incident reduction and

proactive and genuine interest in what they’re doing

productivity improvement.

and by finding out what’s important in their lives. Don’t

5. BE COURAGEOUS.

underestimate the power of rewards. Their significance is in recognizing an individual for an action or behavior

There’s a time when every safety leader must speak up in

and doesn’t need to have monetary value. For example,

their interactions with management and senior executives,

simple incentives, such as safety performance or leadership

explaining what’s needed from them to help improve

stickers (which construction workers often proudly display

safety and performance. Unfortunately, too often, we’re

on their helmets), help keep influencers motivated. They are

all guilty of not being courageous enough and fall short of

one of the keys to influencing behavior in the workplace

what we need to do—or ask for—to make sure leadership

when your safety team is not there.

provides the support or resources needed to advance the

3. BE A SERVANT LEADER.

safety initiative.

By recognizing our own shortcomings, we can try to

The concept of “servant leadership” is a non-traditional

avoid cascading a lack of courage within your team and

leadership philosophy, involving behaviors and practices

throughout the workforce. Encourage your team members

that emphasize the well-being of those being served (i.e.,

and workers to speak up. Strive to increase participation

employees and customers).

in your safety program. Keep track of how many people

individual worker rather than solely to support the

actively participate in your safety meetings. Instill courage

company’s profit objectives.

in your workers from top to bottom, bottom to top, and

For instance, tracking and using workers’ compensation

across the entire enterprise. Actively recruit volunteers to help with training, instruction, improved work processes and safety regimens.

6. BECOME A DATA ‘BEAST.’

costs are important, but they can be disassociated from the people on the work floor. Show workers data that are most important to them. Know what data to collect to influence what people focus on in their jobs.

Scrutinize available loss and incident data on a timely basis to find out what’s working and what’s not in your safety initiative. What’s being neglected? What doesn’t translate in your training to the performance on the work floor? Use data to help determine where you need to focus attention, not only with respect to business processes and operations but more importantly in identifying breakdowns with people, communications, coaching and training.

Review your leading indicators system with people who understand what are statistically significant contributors to safety improvement. Capture information from your coaching interactions. Track achievement and certification, and don’t overlook the need to constantly measure your human-to-human interactions.

7. TAKE ACTION.

Track leading indicators over lagging indicators.

The combination of all these traits enables and encourages

Recognize that incident rates, while important, are the result of many complex actions outside the control of the safety program and therefore are a poor indicator of safety performance. Leading indicators focused on the actions of your team are directly under the control of the team and thus are much more relevant indicators of your safety program’s effectiveness. Remember, what gets

workers to participate actively in your safety program.

It won’t happen overnight but will take time to breed consistency as more workers embrace your efforts and want to be part of your safety tribe. Giving reporters timely feedback and follow-up on how their suggestions resulted in actions (or were reviewed, considered, or discussed) will keep them motivated, encourage them to spread the

measured is what gets done.

word, and increase participation in safety programs.

At the same time, your safety team members, operational

By engaging in these dialogues, you give more people in

supervisors and workers need to be comfortable with leveraging technology; today, there’s still too much safetyrelated and incident data that’s paper-based. Collecting,

your organization the ability to be part of the process. As a result, you’ll see material changes in your safety program, including more robust and timely safety inspections and

recording and sharing information on paper delays the

investigations of incidents and near misses.

ability to act quickly.

By humanizing your safety program, listening to your

Understand what data you need to collect to drive where

people, getting their input and buy-in, and obtaining

you direct your team’s influence. Focusing only on the metrics can put blinders on the human element. Recognize that while policies, procedures and paper all contain a great deal of information, it’s people who are influential.

Use the data you get from hazard assessments, coaching interactions and follow-up to training. Across

their feedback, workers at every level will come to realize that safety isn’t just part of the job—it is the job. When that happens, you’ll see material changes in your safety program, including fewer incidents and near misses, better productivity, greater employee satisfaction, and continuous improvement in overall safety performance.

your operations, the comfort level with your safety program will increase when workers at all levels realize the focus on safety is primarily for the benefit of each

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Why You Need an Effective Ergonomics Program 12.05.2023 | EHS Today About 300,000 ergonomic injuries involve days away from work each year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

These injuries most commonly occur in transportation, retail, manufacturing, and healthcare. However, any job that requires lifting or repetitive motion could put employees at risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

ACCORDING TO BLS DATA: • In 2018, there were 272,780 MSD cases involving days away from work. In 2011, there were 311,840 cases with days away.

• The median days away from work in 2018 was 12 days.

• For all industries, the incidence rate of MSD cases was 27.2 per 10,000 full time workers in 2018. The transportation and warehousing industry had an incidence rate of 77.1 MSD cases in 2018.

• In 2019, ergonomic injuries accounted for 47,280 emergency room visits.

Poor ergonomics can cause a variety of injuries, depending on the cause. Common injuries include sprains and strains to the back, neck, or shoulder from lifting. In addition, poor ergonomics can result in hernias, tendinitis, tennis elbow, or carpal tunnel syndrome.

Preventing these injuries is essential because they take a long time to heal, and some workers never fully recover. The injured worker may require surgery or could end up with permanent restrictions.

PREVENTION REQUIRES EVALUATION There is no one-size-fits-all approach to preventing ergonomic injuries. The prevention strategies applied will depend on the particular risks posed by each job task. Of course, some individuals are more susceptible to these disorders. However, minimizing or eliminating hazards should help lower the risk for everyone.

The first step is to evaluate the job duties and tasks, identify risks, and decide how best to eliminate or minimize them. This sounds simple, but as noted, depends on the particular hazards. Mitigation measures might range from adding adjustable workstations, rotating workers through strenuous tasks, or even adopting a stretching program for employees performing certain duties. Consider bringing in a physical therapist or similar expert to assist with the evaluation.

Other important steps include training workers to use appropriate techniques (such as proper lifting, correct posture, or other movements) and raising awareness of risk factors. Since early intervention is key to preventing a condition from worsening, employees need to recognize warning signs and immediately report any problems.

Employees might ignore or fail to report soreness, tingling, or other discomfort, thinking they’ll just work through it. They need to understand that these warning signs may indicate a problem developing, and the condition could worsen.

Of course, employees who are new to a job or task might naturally feel sore after using new muscle groups. However, if a problem persists or new warning signs develop after weeks or months on the job, that should raise a red flag that something isn’t right.

Explain to employees that ergonomic conditions can become lifelong problems, affecting their ability to enjoy life outside of work, causing chronic pain or mobility limitations. Immediately reporting signs or symptoms of a potentially developing condition not only helps the company identify and address a problem to make the job easier, but helps ensure that employees can continue to enjoy a full life outside of work

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