2015 4 Common HazCom mistakes and 4 effective tips Health & Safety Made Simple Workplace Safety: Is it just a matter of common $ense? Safety Culture in your workplace – Do you know what it is? Top 10 most cited violations
Program Directors' Columns
Dr. Yehia Hammad
Charlene Sitterly
Professor, USF College of Public Health
Program Director,
Director, USF SafetyFlorida Consultation Program
USF SafetyFlorida Consultation Program
'Helping Employers Profit from a Safer Workplace.’
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his is the motto of the USF SafetyFlorida Consultation Program.
Workplace fatalities, injuries, and illnesses cost Florida businesses millions of dollars every year – costs that come direct out of company profits. According to OSHA, employers that establish and implement effective safety and health management systems can expect to significantly reduce injuries and illnesses thereby reducing the costs associated with injuries and illnesses by almost 20 to 40 percent. In addition, employers often find that improving workplace safety and health through investing in worker training and education and safer materials, equipment and work processes often results in significant improvements to their organization's productivity and profitability. Safe workplaces provide the consistency and reliability needed to establish a community and grow a business. Workplaces with proactive safety and health management commitment and employee involvement have fewer injuries, are often rated “better places to work,” and have more satisfied, more productive employees. These employees also return to work more quickly after an injury or illness and produce higher-quality products and services. Last fiscal year, USF SafetyFlorida conducted 664 visits to Florida worksites, identified 2,590 potential hazards and protected 43,655 workers from potential safety and health risk. We thereby continue to help Florida’s small businesses create better workplaces through worksite hazard assessments, education and implementation of effective safety and health management systems. USF SafetyFlorida helps take the guesswork out of workplace safety and health by providing information and expertise to help businesses tailor solutions to meet their specific needs. The USF SafetyFlorida team who have years of training and experience with OSHA regulations and occupational safety and health issues in general industry, construction and maritime, help reduce workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities through on-site consultation, outreach and education thereby adding value to Florida’s business, workplace, and life at no cost to the employers. (USF SafetyFlorida is the state of Florida’s official small business safety and health consultation program. The program, funded by OSHA and the state of Florida, provides free and confidential occupational safety and health services to small businesses throughout Florida. For more information or to request a complimentary consultation, visit www.safetyflorida.usf. edu or call toll-free 1-866-273-1105). Cover photo: FY 2014-2015 Companies that received SHARP Award status.
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USF SafetyFlorida ON-SITE
'Protecting our most valued assets – our workers.’
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here are approximately 7.8 million persons employed in the state of Florida. Florida’s small businesses have employed over two-fifths (3 million) of the state’s private work force. Data shows that the average retirement age for men is 63.9, and for women, 61.9, and that workers of both genders have retired later over the past 20 years. Later retirements mean an increasing amount of Americans are taking seriously their efforts to live longer, healthy and happy lives. At USF SafetyFlorida, we are dedicated to our mission of increasing the number of safe workplaces by continuing to protect workers from injuries and illnesses on the job. We also protect Florida’s small business economy by keeping dollars in employers’ pockets instead of being paid out through higher workers’ compensations premiums, hospital or urgent care bills, and lost time production. According to the most recent available data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, fatal work injuries totaled 209 in Florida. This is an average of 17 deaths of workers each month. Every year, thousands of Floridians suffer a serious workplace injury. These tragic deaths and injuries are preventable – preventable by basic safety precautions such as providing a safety harness and line to prevent workers from falling off of a roof; shoring up a trench to make sure it doesn’t collapse; or guarding a machine so a worker doesn’t lose a limb. It is crucial to USF SafetyFlorida to continue to take a leadership role in partnering with our small business communities and educational institutions in achieving our safety goal and assisting small businesses profit from safety, at no cost to the small business owner. I am extremely proud of the hard work, dedication and the strides that the USF SafetyFlorida team has made in impacting small businesses in Florida. They have continued to make employers aware of the potential dangers within their businesses, and prevented many potential workplace injuries with the education they have provided during on-site visits. If your company needs assistance with workplace safety and health, let us help. We will perform a free, confidential and comprehensive analysis of your worksite to assess how your safety and health management system can be improved. Furthermore, we help identify hazards, and offer corrective solutions accordingly, to prevent injuries and illnesses in the workplace. We will help you address those areas, and provide recommendations and guidance to prevent the hazards from occurring in the future. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain from an on-site consultation. If we can help prevent an OSHA citation and penalty, your consultation’s return on investment will be worth it, in the shortand-long-term. Request yours today at www.safetyflorida.usf.edu.
table of contents
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VOL.
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PROGRAM DIRECTORS' COLUMNS USF SAFETYFLORIDA NEWS USF OSHA TRAINING INSTITUTE EDUCATION CENTER NEWS THINK SHARP SUNSHINE STATE SAFETY RECOGNITION AWARD FEATURES SPOTLIGHT USF SAFETYFLORIDA MANAGEMENT TOOL 19 SAFETYWRITER
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USF SAFETYFLORIDA ACHIEVEMENTS AND ACCOLADES WHAT WE SEE
Program Manager
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Charlene Sitterly USF SafetyFlorida College of Public Health 13201 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, MDC 56 Tampa, FL 33612-3805 1-866-273-1105 www.safetyflorida.usf.edu Reading this code with your smartphone, using QR code scanning software such as http://web.scanlife.com/en/ download-application, will enable you to go directly to the USF SafetyFlorida website.
csitterl@health.usf.edu
Designer
Martin Young martin@youngdesign.us
Editor
Thalia Barber tbarber@health.usf.edu
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On-Site magazine is published annually by USF SafetyFlorida, a small business safety and health consultation program funded by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Florida Department of Financial Services’ Division of Workers’ Compensation. The University of South Florida College of Public Health is the academic home for USF SafetyFlorida.
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USF SafetyFlorida News
Second Annual Stand-Down Targets Construction Industry Workers Falls in construction continue to take the lead as the most common cause of death, and accounts for 294 out of 796 or 36.9% of total deaths in the construction industry. While lack of proper fall protection may not be the sole cause leading to this increase in fall-related deaths, it certainly is a contributing factor according to the 2014 most frequently cited OSHA standard violations list. In observance of the 2nd Annual Construction Fall Safety Stand-Down, the USF SafetyFlorida Consultation Program and USF OSHA Training Institute Education Center once again joined forces to support this national movement by offering innovative training, education and resources to affected employers and employees. Through this joint effort, we were successfully able to reach approximately 273 people through a week of presentations, webinars and classes. This year’s Fall Safety Stand-Down event was observed from May 4-15, 2015. Events took place in Tampa, Winter Park, Ft. Lauderdale, Jacksonville and Miami, Florida. Several topics discussed included but are not limited to OSHA regulatory updates on fall prevention in construction; solutions and training for prevention of accidents and fatalities; implementing injury prevention plans and safety management systems; and fall hazards on construction sites. “Fatal falls and injuries touch workers in all kinds of jobs across the country; it’s a broad problem that has terrible impact on workers and their families,” said Dr. David Michaels, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health. The stand-down is part of OSHA’s ongoing Fall Prevention Campaign, started in 2012 and was developed in partnership with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) programs.
USF SafetyFlorida continues presence at Florida Division of Workers' Compensation's Workplace Safety seminars USF SafetyFlorida partnered for the sixth year with the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation at its workplace safety seminars. Held throughout the state, the free and educational seminars provide attendees with important information about workers’ compensation laws as well as workplace safety. In 2014, 22 seminars were held with 192 attendees, ranging from business owners, licensed contractors and other employers. Sheryle Birdsong with the Division’s Compliance Bureau says the partnership is a win-win. “The (consultation) program is an integral part of the educational program. Having USF SafetyFlorida’s presence at the seminars really does round out our discussion of what the law’s requirements are and what resources are available,” says Birdsong. The Division of Workers’ Compensation is part of Florida’s Department of Financial Services and handles workers’ compensation claims for employees who are injured or killed on the job. In fiscal year 2013-2014, there were 51,696 claims filed for lost –time injuries. To be considered a lost-time case, the injured workers disability must result in a benefit payment(s) for lost wages, a permanent impairment, or a settlement. Furthermore, medical, indemnity and settlements for lost-time claims totaled $863.6 million. Note: The Division’s trust fund adds a 10 percent matching grant to the federal government’s funding of the USF SafetyFlorida consultation program.
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USF SafetyFlorida ON-SITE
Governor Rick Scott recognizes Florida's new SHARP employers
Florida Governor, Richard (Rick) L. Scott
Governor Rick Scott recognized twenty new Florida SHARP employers for exemplary workplace safety practices with a letter he sent to each of the companies. OSHA’s Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program award is the highest safety honor for small businesses and granted to employers nominated by USF SafetyFlorida. SHARP certified companies are exempt from OSHA inspections for a period up to two years, with the exception of a serious accident, fatality or employee complaint. In his letter to the employers, Scott wrote, “You are to be commended for your exemplary safety and health management practices. Floridians like you are helping make our state the best place in the world to raise a family and have a great career.”
Florida's newly certified SHARP companies received recognition letters from Florida Governor Rick Scott in April. See page _11_ for complete list of Florida SHARP companies.
There are currently 44 SHARP-certified businesses in the state of Florida. To qualify, a firm must: • Request and undergo a consultation visit from USF SafetyFlorida • Involve all employees in the consultation process • Correct hazards identified during the on-site consultation • Implement and maintain a safety and health management system that, at a minimum, addresses OSHA’s 1989 Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines • Reduce their Lost Workday Injury and Illness Rate and Total Recordable Case Rate below the national average for their industry • Agree to notify USF SafetyFlorida prior to making changes to working conditions or introducing new hazards into the workplace
Giving back to the community: Free Heat Illness Prevention Webinar offered to all trade workers USF SafetyFlorida Consultation Program, along with the USF OSHA Training Institute Education Center partnered to host a free webinar on Heat Illness Prevention. The webinar was aimed at those who are exposed to hot working conditions, and are at high risk of heat-related illnesses. The purpose of this webinar was to increase workers awareness of the dangers of being exposed to hot, humid conditions for prolonged periods of time, causes and effects of heat-related illnesses, and solutions on mitigating risk to workers. Subject matter experts provided excellent tips and valuable resources during the 1.5 hour webinar. The heat illness prevention webinar primarily focused on the following issues: • Why is heat a hazard to workers? • Understanding the definition of heat illness • How to recognize heat illness causes and symptoms • Who could be affected by heat? • Heat illness risks in indoor and outdoor work environments as well as personal risk factors. • Steps to take to prevent heat-related illness • Heat illness and temporary workers
The Heat Illness Prevention webinar was attended by 163 participants. “We received great feedback and participation in this heat illness prevention campaign, and therefore, plan to host additional webinars of this nature.… Heat-related illness claims the lives of many unsuspecting workers every year. We hope that by hosting free webinars, we can raise awareness of the injuries and illnesses that affect many while preventing them from occurring,” stated USF SafetyFlorida’s Assistant Director, Mylene Kellerman. For more information and training resources, contact the USF SafetyFlorida Consultation Program or USF OSHA Training Institute Education Center. These OSHA authorized centers offer free resources and inexpensive training and education programs. To reach the USF SafetyFlorida Consultation Program, email: admin@ usfsafetyflorida.com. To reach the USF OSHA Training Institute Education Center, send an email to: usfotioutreach@health.usf.edu.
Fall protection continues to lead the OSHA top 10 most-cited list The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released its Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards list for 2014. The cited standards for fiscal year 2014 (October 1, 2013 through September 30, 2014) included (standard numbers are in parentheses below) the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Fall protection, construction (29 CFR 1926.501) Hazard communication standard, general industry (29 CFR 1910.1200) Scaffolding, general requirements, construction (29 CFR 1926.451) Respiratory protection, general industry (29 CFR 1910.134) Powered industrial trucks, general industry (29 CFR 1910.178) Control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout), general industry (29 CFR 1910.147) Ladders, construction (29 CFR 1926.1053) Electrical, wiring methods, components and equipment, general industry (29 CFR 1910.305) Machinery and Machine Guarding, general requirements (29 CFR 1910.212) Electrical systems design, general requirements, general industry (29 CFR 1910.303)
Recordkeeping events offered to support OSHA’s injury and illness prevention campaign Interesting fact! Did you know that if you have 11 or more employees and fall under certain industry classification codes, you are required to maintain and post an OSHA Form 300A? Failure to maintain the OSHA Form 300A or doing so incorrectly can lead to hefty fines. Some companies have been fined thousands of dollars on recordkeeping citations alone! USF SafetyFlorida Consultation Program and USF OSHA Training Institute Education Center offered a Recordkeeping webinar and OSHA # 7845 Recordkeeping Rules Seminar in support of recent changes made by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Previously, employers were
required to report all work-related fatalities and work-related hospitalizations of three or more employees. Changes to the rule now include all workrelated inpatient hospitalizations of one or more employees, all work-related fatalities that have occurred within 8 hours of the incident happening, all work-related amputations, and all work-related losses of an eye within 24 hours of finding out about the incident. It is imperative that proper steps be taken by employers to ensure compliance for your company. Topics addressed in both the webinar and seminar included: • Purpose of the rule • Recording criteria • Multiple business establishments • Recordkeeping and temporary workers • OSHA’s new updates to the standard Do you have an event to report to OSHA? Employers have two options to file a report. Option 1: Contact the nearest OSHA Area Office via telephone, during normal business hours. Option 2: Via telephone to the 24-hour OSHA hotline at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742). Coming soon! A new electronic reporting method is underway. Soon, employers will be able to report a work-related incident via www.osha.gov. Stayed tuned for more information. Not sure how to complete your OSHA 300 Log? Contact the USF OSHA Training Institute Education Center to attend the OSHA # 7845 Recordkeeping Rule Seminar for a nominal fee. Upon course completion, you will possess the ability to identify OSHA requirements for recordkeeping. Moreover, you will know how to post, report and complete the OSHA Form 300, 300A, and 301.
Occupational health nursing students receive the ultimate OJT from USF Safety and Health Consultants Every year since 2009, a small group of students from the USF Occupational Health Nursing Program (OHNP) are selected to attend a full-service on-site visit with one of the USF SafetyFlorida consultants. This visit exposes the nursing student’s to various work industries and job functions, as well as safety and health issues. OHNP Graduate students receive a vast amount of knowledge in their educational curriculum; however, the USF SafetyFlorida Consultation Program is able to further expand on that knowledge by introducing the students to real live job-sites and allowing the student to fully apply all of the concepts learned in class to real world applications. This was an especially great learning experience for OHNP Graduate students, Shieloh Stephens Holland and Hanna Moore. As Ms. Holland exclaimed “there is an obvious need for the presence of occupational safety and health professionals in general industry regardless of the company’s size. Safety Professionals assist in promoting wellness and protecting the health and safety of workers.” Ms. Moore further added, “I learned that the consultation program is not just about pointing out what poses a safety or health risk, but it’s also about encouraging dialogue with upper management to critically think of other alternatives to increase safety.” The USF SafetyFlorida Consultation Program nursing student shadowing experience has been conducted for the past six years. We hope to continue to do so, taking an active role in the community by mentoring students.
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U S F O S H A Tr a i n i n g I n s t i t u t e E d u c a t i o n C e n t e r N e w s
Bob Nesbit Program Manager USF OSHA Training Institute Education Center
The USF OSHA Training Institute Education Center: Florida's Workplace Safety Training and Continuing Education Resource
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he USF OSHA Training Institute Education Center (USF OTIEC) is having another successful year of teaching and educating students and employers on various safety and health topics. This year, the USF OTIEC has processed over 24,000 10 and 30 hour DOL cards. The USF OTIEC has also performed numerous observation and record audits in order to support OSHA’s effort to provide quality training and to ensure program guidelines are met. Our main goal is to teach employees how to recognize, avoid and abate workplace hazards, creating a safe and healthful work environment. In an effort to support this goal, the USF OTIEC kicked-off its Safety and Health Awareness Campaign by offering several OSHA 7000 series courses to employers, managers, employees, and other safety professionals. Safety topics included fall hazard awareness, accident investigation, recordkeeping, and logout/tagout. Also this year, the USF OTIEC partnered with Weitz Academy of Construction at Seminole Ridge Community High School to offer free training opportunities
and resources. Besides assisting the students with obtaining their OSHA 10-Hour and 30-hour Department of Labor cards, students completing the entire series of classes will be eligible for an official certificate provided by USF OTIEC. According to Mr. Rick Terkovich, the Construction Academy Teacher, “The OSHA curriculum benefits my students in numerous ways. This program teaches teenagers how to work safely. I have had many employers tell me that one of the reasons they hire my kids is because they have OSHA training.” “It is a known fact that young workers are especially at risk of becoming injured while on the job, primarily due to lack of training and knowledge. Safety begins with our youth. The USF OTIEC recognizes the importance of keeping the youth safe, by providing them with the resources, skills, knowledge, and education necessary to avoid workplace hazards, while also preparing them for the workforce,” stated USF OTIEC Assistant Director Keila Ashman. “This is a new project and we have selected Seminole Ridge based on their commendable efforts to train the Academy students in how to safely work in construction. We are looking forward to this exciting partnership.” This partnership is only the beginning. USF OTIEC is taking the OSHA training experience to the next level and will continue to build partnerships with the goal of promoting safety and health training where it is most needed. USF OTIEC is a non-profit organization authorized by OSHA to deliver occupational safety and health training to public and private sector workers, supervisors, and employers on behalf of the OSHA. For more information regarding the partnership or USF OTIEC training course offerings, visit www. usfoticenter.org or call 813-994-1195.
USF OTIEC Instructor Larry Anderson teaches Weitz Academy students about the importance of machine guarding and hazards associated with various types of machinery.
Weitz Academy Students receive instructions from USF OTIEC Instructor, Patricia Damas.
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USF SafetyFlorida ON-SITE
PARTNERSHIPS THAT INSPIRE Exclusive Interview! Full exclusive interview with Weitz Academy Instructor, Frederick (Rick) Terkovich. When was the program started? The Weitz Academy of Construction program began in 2005. The same year that the Seminole Ridge Community High School opened. What criteria must the potential home owner meet to obtain a home built by your students in the program? The criteria for each home owner is determined solely by the Habitat for Humanity. The Weitz Academy of Construction does not make any determination in this process. Generally speaking however, the students do get the opportunity to meet with the selected home owner to learn more about their personal story. What is the criteria for students entering the program? Student entry into the program is based on the student’s grade point average (GPA). Waivers are available to students with below average GPA’s, but they must be able to demonstrate a willingness to participate in the program and show academic improvement to remain in the program. Students generally enter the Construction Academy as freshman; however, all levels are accepted. How does this program impact the students? What do they learn from their participation in the program? The benefits for our students are enormous! Student participation and level of motivation is through the roof (no pun intended). The [student’s] can’t wait to see the finished product that they have spent countless hours working on. The students sometimes need a reason to show up to school. In other words, some type of motivation that drives them. This program does just that for many of the students enrolled. This program contributes to many going to school, those staying in school and the drive to do well. Due in large part to the program, the class participation rate has increased by 5% in four years – the highest rate within the school. Likewise, we have seen an increase in the student graduation rate as well.
The academy equips the students with a variety of skills – Concepts such as Geometry, Trigonometry and Calculus to Basic Physics and beyond are taught in our program. The students are able to apply the techniques learned in other classes to activities performed in the construction academy. What is the length of the program? The Weitz Academy of Construction at Seminole Ridge Community High School is a 4 year program. In a previous interview, you stated that the county inspects the students work to ensure certain requirements have been met. Training and education is everything! How do students demonstrate their knowledge to County Building Inspectors? And how does the USF OSHA Training Institute Education Center fit into the equation? At first, the County Building Inspectors were hesitant about a bunch of kids building and assembling a house. Therefore, the inspectors came to our campus for a closer look, and realized that the students were indeed well supervised and thoroughly trained. The inspectors were pleased with what they saw. They would even assist students with team building skills and helping them to understand building codes, with emphasis on the inspection process, as well as how to correct hazards on-site. Students of the construction academy earn the 10 and 30-hour in Construction training provided by an OSHA authorized trainer, of the USF OSHA Training Institute Education Center (USF OTIEC). Several training program reduce the length of their program by one year and many companies increase the wage per hour based on the training and education received from both the Weitz Academy of Construction and the USF OSHA Training Institute Education Center. Companies know that if they hire our students, they have been well trained and educated. That speaks volumes! What are the benefits or partnering with the USF OSHA Training Institute Education Center? The benefits are numerous. Having partnered with the USF OTIEC allows us to help the kids in so many ways. They receive more in-depth training and hands-on experience. They are also taught how to work safely. What certificates are available to students in this program? Certifications include the OSHA 10 hour and 30-
Frederick (Rick) Terkovich, Weitz Academy of Construction Director and Instructor
hour in Construction industry, The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), First-Aid, CPR, and Carpentry level 1 and Carpentry level 2 (for some). The OSHA # 7400 and #7405 training certificates will soon be available as well. Do the certifications that the USF OSHA Training Institute Education Center offer assist students with employment after leaving the program? It most certainly does! In the last ten years, I can’t tell you how many employers have told me that one of the reasons why they hire our students, is because they have OSHA Training. It’s a huge advantage that they have over their competition. Do you have a system in place to measure if the high school students are hired once they receive OSHA authorized training? Currently, there is not a system in place. However, we do conduct an ‘exit’ survey with the students to try and ascertain this information. What trades are available to students upon completion of your construction program? Trades such as plumbing, carpentry, painting, and electrical to name a few are available to students post-graduation. Some students continue on to seek post-secondary degrees in construction related fields. What are some of your future goals for this program? Some of the Construction academy’s future goals consist of continuation of program growth, the ability to offer additional certifications, and engage more students. How can the community participate in this program? The community has been a tremendous help in this effort. Different members, organizations and small business owners have donated a vast majority of building materials to our program. The project did not cost us anything. We are thankful to the community for their efforts, and hope that they will continue to do so.
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U S F O S H A Tr a i n i n g I n s t i t u t e E d u c a t i o n C e n t e r N e w s
Private Safety Training Bringing safety training directly to a company saves clients money in travel-related costs. Moreover, we can create customized courses to meet an employer’s education needs. We send an instructor to a facility at a time that works best for them, and the course is tailored to meet its specific training needs.
• 9049 – Safety Programs and Subpart C • 9050 – Rigging and Material Handling • 9051 – Cranes, Derricks, Hoists, Elevators, and Conveyors • 9052 – Electrical • 9053 – Excavations • 9054 – Fire Prevention • 9055 – Scaffolds • 9056 – Personal Protective Equipment • 9057 – Fall Protection • 9058 – Stairways and Ladders • 9060 – Concrete and Masonry • 9059 – OSHA GHS & Hazard Communication Course
Regularly Offered Courses The center's catalog of courses includes the following classes:
General Industry
Online • • • •
9031 – 8 Hour Hazwoper 9032 – 24 Hour Hazwoper 9092 – 4 Hour Recordkeeping Safe Teen Jobs Awareness Training
Additional Safety and Health online courses are available. Specialty 1-hour Online Courses General Industry • • • • • • • • • • • •
9070 – Introduction to OSHA 9073 – Recordkeeping 9074 – Bloodborne Pathogens 9075 – Confined Space Entry 9077 – Ergonomics 9079 – Safety and Health Programs 9081 – Machine Guarding 9083 – Lockout and Tagout 9085 – Walking and Working Surfaces 9086 – Personal Protective Equipment 9087 – Fire Detection and Protection 9089 – OSHA GHS & Hazard Communication Course
Construction Industry • 9040 – Introduction to OSHA • 9041 – OSHA Standards and Inspection Procedures • 9043 – Recordkeeping • 9044 – Health Hazards in Construction • 9048 – Welding and Cutting
• OSHA 501 – Trainer Course in Occupational Safety and Health Standards for General Industry • OSHA 503 – Update for General Industry Outreach Trainers • OSHA 511 – Occupational Safety and Health Standards for General Industry • OSHA 521 – OSHA Guide to Industrial Hygiene • OSHA 2015 – Hazardous Materials • OSHA 2045 – Machinery and Machine Guarding Standards • OSHA 2225 – Respiratory Protection • OSHA 2255 – Principles of Ergonomics • OSHA 2264 -Permit-Required Confined Space Entry • OSHA 3015 -Excavation, Trenching, and Soil Mechanics • OSHA 3095 – Electrical Standards • OSHA 6000 – Collateral Duty Course For Other Federal Agencies • OSHA 6010 – Occupational Safety and Health Course for Other Federal Agencies • OSHA 7000 – OSHA Training Guidelines for Safe Patient Handling • OSHA 7100 – Introduction to Machinery and Machine Safeguarding (8 Hour) • OSHA 7115 – Lockout/Tagout – Controlling Hazardous Energy to Prevent Workplace Injury • OSHA 7120 – Introduction to Combustible Dust Hazards • OSHA 7200 – Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control for Healthcare Facilities • OSHA 7205 – Health Hazards Awareness • OSHA 7300 – 8 Hour Permit-Required Confined Space Standards
• OSHA 7410 – Managing Excavation Hazards • OSHA 7500 – Introduction to Safety and Health Management • OSHA 7505 – Introduction to Accident Investigation • OSHA 7510 – Introduction to OSHA for Small Business • OSHA 7845 – Recordkeeping Rule Seminar Construction • OSHA 500 – Trainer Course in Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry • OSHA 502 – Update for Construction Industry Outreach Trainers • OSHA 510 – Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry • OSHA 3115 – Fall Protection • OSHA 3015 -Excavation, Trenching, and Soil Mechanics • OSHA 7400 – Noise in the Construction Industry • OSHA 7405 – Fall Hazard Awareness for the Construction Industry • OSHA 7415 – Construction Industry Hazards and Prevention Strategies Maritime • OSHA 5400 -Trainer Course in Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Maritime Industry • OSHA 5402 – Up-Date for Maritime Outreach Instructors • OSHA 5410 – OSHA Standards for the Maritime Industry Contract courses are available for the General, Construction and Maritime Industry. To schedule a contract course, please email usfotioutreach@ health.usf.edu. Disaster • OSHA 5600 - Disaster Site Worker Train the Trainer Course • OSHA 5602 – Update Course for Disaster Site Worker Train the Trainer Course • OSHA 7105 – Evacuation and Emergency Planning • OSHA 7600 – Disaster Site Worker Course
The USF OSHA Training Institute Education Center offers a wide array of courses to satisfy most industries. If you do not see a particular course listed above, please visit www.usfoticenter.org to view additional course offerings, or call (813) 994-1195.
USF OSHA Training Institute Education Center 2612 Cypress Ridge Boulevard, Suite 101, Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 usfotioutreach@health.usf.edu • www.usfoticenter.org. 7
USF SafetyFlorida ON-SITE
For more information about the USF OTI Education Center and to register for classes, visit us on the web at www.usfoticenter.org or call 813-994-1195.
OSHA Training Institute Education Center The USF OSHA Training Institute Education Center is headquartered in Wesley Chapel, Fla., just north of Tampa Bay. As part of OSHA Region IV – comprised of Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee – we serve the Southeast and beyond to support the overall mission of reducing workplace accidents and injuries by training workers, employers and safety professionals on hazard recognition and avoidance. Take a look at some of the courses we recently offered! •
• • • • •
OSHA 500 – Trainer course in OSHA Standards for the Construction Industry OSHA 2055 – Cranes in Construction OSHA 7405 – Fall Hazard Awareness for the Construction Industry OSHA 7505 – Introduction to Incident Investigation OSHA 7845 – Recordkeeping Rule Seminar 40-Hour HAZWOPER
We invite you to experience firsthand what sets us apart from other training providers and to join us in keeping workers safe!
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Think SHARP
Exemplary Safety and Health Equates to Prestigious SHARP Certification What is SHARP?
O
SHA created the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program award to recognize small business owners who operate an exemplary safety and health management system (SHMS). Once SHARP certified, employers are exempt from OSHA inspections for a period up to two years, with the exception of a serious accident, fatality or employee complaint. Firms throughout the U.S. can earn a SHARP award, and for a Florida company the approval process begins with a recommendation to OSHA from USF SafetyFlorida.
How Can Your Company Become SHARP? Companies interested in pursuing SHARP status must first request a safety and health consultation from USF SafetyFlorida. The on-site consultation involves a comprehensive safety and health hazard survey of the worksite(s) involved, including equipment and work processes. Other qualifying requirements for the SHARP program include: • Have at least one year of operating history at the company or worksite; • Implement, demonstrate and maintain a safety and health management system (SHMS) that, at a minimum, addresses the major elements of OSHA’s 1989 Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines; • Lower the company’s Days Away, Restricted or Transferred (DART) rate and Total Recordable Case (TRC) rate below industry national average; • Correct all hazards identified by the consultant; • Agree to notify the USF SafetyFlorida Consultation Program prior to making changes in working conditions or work processes that may introduce new hazards into the workplace.
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USF SafetyFlorida ON-SITE
First-Time SHARP Certification and Exemption Once a business satisfies all SHARP requirements, a USF SafetyFlorida consultant may recommend it for SHARP approval and certification. If approved by OSHA, the company will receive formal SHARP recognition from OSHA and USF SafetyFlorida during an award ceremony. The company will also be exempt from OSHA inspections for a period up to two years.
To achieve SHARP status is an honor. This means that you have officially been inducted into an elite group of small businesses that maintain exemplary injury and illness prevention programs.
SHARP Renewal
Here’s what our companies had to say about what achieving SHARP status means to them.
If a company wishes to renew its SHARP certification, the application process must begin during the last six months of its exemption period. The company must also undergo a comprehensive visit by a USF SafetyFlorida consultant to ensure its SHMS has improved or maintained. Furthermore, the employer must meet all SHARP eligibility requirements, agree to conduct self-evaluations and provide a written report based on the elements of OSHA 1989 Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines and OSHA’s required injury and illness logs.
“To accomplish such an award was not an individual effort,” said Odell. “It took the entire team to attain this. And our team is a big one.” “A company can come up with an endless number of rules for employees when it comes to safety regulations, but those safety regulations are much more effective when employees make a concerted effort to commit to creating a safe work environment,” continues Odell. Employees at the Great Southern Wood plant in Bushnell continue with such a commitment and now have another renewal award to prove it.
SHARP Deferral If a business meets most but not all of OSHA’s SHARP eligibility requirements, a USF SafetyFlorida consultant may recommend a business for an inspection deferral up to 18 months, provided the company has: • Completed a hazard identification survey with a USF SafetyFlorida consultant and corrected all identified hazards; • Implemented, demonstrated and maintained a SHMS that, at a minimum, addresses the major elements of OSHA’s 1989 Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines; • Implemented an action plan with established abatement dates that completes the necessary items that prevented the company from reaching SHARP status during the original survey.
What does SHARP mean to you?
The benefits are plenty. Some benefits include the ability to provide protection for your workers, create a better safety culture, build a positive reputation and save money.
“Implementing an effective safety and health management system, encouraging greater employee participation in the safety process and providing more site specific training resulted in a dramatic drop in DART rate, cost savings with insurance, and we looked good to clients”, says Mr. Mathew Hansen, corporate safety director. “We addressed all hazards and potential hazards though critical thought and root cause analysis”, continues Hansen. “We are extremely pleased to have received this award and have begun the preparation necessary to obtain the same designation at one of our Massachusetts facilities in the near future” says Nate Clinard, Vice President, Corporate Safety. Other companies that earn SHARP status report lower worker compensation premiums, improved worker retention, and reduce worker days away from work. NEFCO, a leading provider of biosolids thermal drying design, build and operations services for the Water and Wastewater Treatment industry, that has been working with the USF SafetyFlorida on-site consultation team, has achieved over 800 days without an OSHA recordable injury and over 1,050 days without a lost time injury.
Florida’s SHARP Companies This year 44 Florida companies qualified for OSHA’s SHARP award and one qualified for a SHARP deferral.
SHARP Key: (N) = new (R) = renewal
(D) = deferral
LifeSpan Recycling Company, Inc. of Tampa
(R)
Main Metal Recycling, Jacksonville
(N)
Tintometer, Inc., Sarasota
(R)
Ajax building Corp, Midway
(N)
Lifespan Recycling Company, Inc.
(R)
Romac Lumber, Leesburg
Tampa
(R)
Metal Industries, Inc. Bushnell
(N)
(R)
Phoenix Wood Products, Ocala
Lakeland
(R)
Moss & Associates, Ft. Lauderdale
(R)
Great Southern Wood of Florida,
(N)
Seaonus Stevedoring, Jacksonville
Lake Panasoffkee
(N)
Big Top Manufacturing, Inc., Perry
(R)
Aluma Tower Co – 926 Old Dixie
(R)
Southern Manufacturing
Hwy, Vero Beach
Technologies, Tampa
(R)
Bealls 810 (distribution &
(R)
Cypress Cove Care Centre,
transportation center), Bradenton
Crystal River
(R)
Bealls 817 (distribution &
(R)
Sypris Electronics, Tampa
transportation center), Bradenton
(R)
MI Metals, Oldsmar
(R)
Technology Conservation Group,
(N)
Trumeter, Deerfield Beach
Lecanto
(N)
Palm Garden of Largo, Largo
(R)
Portus Stevedoring, Jacksonville
(N)
Suncoast Beverage Sales, Ft Myers
(R)
Cox Seafood, Tampa
(R)
Cable USA, Naples
(N)
The Protective Group, Miami
(R)
Trusswood, Inc., Titusville
(R)
New Limeco, Princeton
(R)
Ayers Health & Rehab Center,
(N)
ClassB, Inc., Tampa
Trenton
(N)
Canterbury Tower, Tampa
(R)
Daws Manufacturing, Pensacola
(N)
Quality Health Care Center,
(N)
Standard Precast, Inc., Jacksonville
North Port
(R)
Accuform Manufacturing, Inc.,
(N)
Brooksville Healthcare Center,
Allied Scrap Processors, Inc.,
Brooksville
Brooksville
(N)
Precision Econowind, Ft Myers
(N)
(R)
Raydon Corporation, Port Orange
Hudson
(R)
Alti-2, Deland
(N)
Chapman Partnership, Homestead
(N)
American Thermoplastic Extrusion
(N)
NEFCO, West Palm Beach
Co, Miami
(D)
Chapman Partnership, Miami
Allied Scrap Processors, Inc. of Lakeland
Bayonet Point Health & Rehab of Hudson
Bayonet Point Health & Rehab,
Brooksville Healthcare Center of Brooksville
Ready to become SHARP? Contact USF SafetyFlorida at
1-866-273-1105 or visit us online at www.safetyflorida.usf.edu to request a free on-site consultation. 10
Sunshine State Safety Recognition Award
Commitment to Safety and Teamwork Make the Difference
A
sk any successful business owner involved in high-risk industries their advice on keeping incident levels low, and their answer will most likely be employers and employees working together to keep a job site safe. This employer-employee safety commitment is the reason USF SafetyFlorida Consultation Program developed the Sunshine State Safety Recognition Award. Created in 2006, the Sunshine State Safety Recognition Award commends employers and employees in all industries who proactively and routinely engage in job safety. Approximately 40 firms earn this honor annually, and it recognizes companies that have implemented good safety initiatives to better protect employees on the job. According to Keith Brown, a USF SafetyFlorida safety and health supervisor, “Commitment to safety is best demonstrated by teamwork between workers and managers in resolving workplace safety and health issues. Teamwork includes maintaining open and effective means of communication to not only identify problems, but also to achieve solutions.”
To qualify, a business should request and receive a complete on-site consultation survey and employ at least one person at the worksite to be evaluated. Additionally, the business should have no willful, repeat or willful-repeat citations within 24 months of the consultation and no serious citations related to injury or exposure within 12 months of the consultation. During the consultation, a safety consultant will perform comprehensive on-site evaluation of all written programs. The consultant will also speak with workers and conduct an evaluation of the work area. The safety consultant will review: • Administration and oversight of safety management programs • Safety and health management practices • Safety training and instruction • Employee safety rules • Internal safety inspection routines for new and existing substances, processes and equipment
USF SafetyFlorida developed the Sunshine State Safety Recognition Award to motivate and support employers who demonstrate a commitment to continuously improve their workplace safety and health management system. First Florida of Miami – Pearl Apartments Project.
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If hazards are identified during the visit, an abatement of those specific hazards must take place before recognition is granted. Once initial and final consultations are complete, a safety consultant may decide to formally recommend the firm for a Sunshine State Safety Recognition Award, which is approved by USF SafetyFlorida management. A formal letter of commendation is sent to the company, recognizing the employers’ and employees’ efforts in implementing and maintaining an effective injury and illness prevention program. “Working together towards maintaining workplace safety and health is something everyone can take benefit from,” adds Brown.
The 2015 Sunshine State Safety Recognition Award recipients include: • Lemartec – LAN Cargo Maintenance Hanger • Munilla Construction Management of Miami • Satterfield & Pontikes Construction, Inc. – All Care Medical Center • EMJ Corporation of Orlando • Ajax Building Corporation – Largo High School • Archer Western Contractors (a DeMaria Joint Venture)
Satterfield and Pontikes Construction, Inc. – All Care Medical Center.
– Bay Pines VA Medical Center • Roofing by Curry – Venice City Hall • First Florida Building Corporation – Palm Ranch Apartments • Coastal Construction – City Place Convention Center Hotel • Coastal Construction – The Porsche Building • Coastal Construction – The Surfside Project • Coastal Construction - The Bond Project • Coastal Construction – The Saxony Project • Coastal Construction – 42 La Gorce Residence • Aria Energy EMJ Corporation of Orlando
Coastal Construction – City Place Convention Center Hotel
12 12
Feature
Heat Stress in Florida – Something Else to Think About Thomas E. Bernard, Ph.D. College of Public Health, University of South Florida
I
t is no surprise that heat stress is a common occurrence for agriculture and construction workers, and really to anybody who works outside or in buildings with no air conditioning. (Please see my 2013 article for more information on the causes and mitigation strategies.) http://issuu.com/usfsafetyflorida/docs/2013_ on-site_low_res/13?e=0http://issuu.com/ usfsafetyflorida/docs/2013_on-site_low_ res/13?e=0 and the 2014 article on using Heat Index as a metric for heat stress. http://issuu.com/usfsafetyflorida/docs/on-site_ web/15?e=4907434/9019496 Not mentioned in these previous articles are the effects of protective clothing. Protective clothing will add to the heat burden because it reduces the ability to cool by sweat evaporation. The following table provides some guidance for the effective increase in Heat Index due to protective clothing that can be used with the information in the 2014 article. Clothing ∆HI°F Regular work clothes Particle-barrier coveralls Microporous coveralls Rain suit (one or two piece) Vapor-barrier coveralls with hood
0 2 (0-4) 10-25 40 44
Short sleeve shirts reduce the heat stress a little but it is difficult to assign a value to the effect. Loose fitting clothing is important. Some hot weather clothing now includes synthetic fabrics designed to wick the sweat out to the outside layer so that it can evaporate more freely. There is no evidence that these improve cooling. Although it is counterintuitive, a respirator does not add to the
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USF SafetyFlorida ON-SITE
level of heat stress, although it adds considerably to discomfort and a risk for non-compliance. Please contact me if you have questions about the effects of other kinds of clothing. The occupational exposure limits are designed to reduce the risk of heat stroke and to a lesser extent other heat-related disorders. As a general rule, all employers should consider the actions in the table at the end of this article as the absolute minimum requirements to protect their employees. This year I would like to talk about work capability and accidents as they relate to heat stress. And this would include the effects of protective clothing. First, work capacity and heat stress. The traditional way to consider work demands is to note that as the work demands increase, the index of the thermal environment must decrease to maintain risk control. In practice, people will lower their work demands as heat stress increases. This occurs because heat stress diminishes work capacity. Take for example workers who are paid by how much they produce, which provides a great deal of motivation to work. As the environmental conditions become hotter, their productivity decreases. In other words, their capacity for work decreases and they cannot do any more. It is also worth noting that for the same environmental conditions, workers on a piece rate will be able to work more in the first hour than the fifth hour. That is, their capacity for work also decreases with the amount of time that they work under conditions of heat stress. Under these conditions, workers will also work above the occupational exposure limit and thus at a higher risk for heatrelated disorders. As an employer, you should be aware of the changes in work capacity that is normal with heat stress. Where workers are able to have discretion over their work demands, the better they are at reducing the overall heat stress burden (although they may still have some increased risk). More importantly, it is imperative for you to plan for reduced capacity by changing expectations of what can be accomplished as the air temperature
increases and the humidity gets higher; for instance, as the Heat Index increases. Expecting and demanding same level of productivity regardless of the ambient conditions will lead to higher heat stress exposures and risk of heatrelated disorders. The second issue is accidents. The increased risk of heat-related disorders with heat stress is accepted. For many years, we have known that unsafe behaviors also increase with the level of heat stress. In fact, for many workplaces, the increase in frequency of unsafe behaviors is almost double at the occupational exposure limit compared to a condition that would be described as comfortable. And with the increase in unsafe behaviors, there is an increase in acute injuries. These acute injuries are non-specific and not obviously related to heat stress. They would include the outcomes of trips and falls, cuts and contusions from contact with equipment, and failures of personal protection. There are also increases in the risk for sprains and strains. All of these may have associated worker compensation costs. Not included in the analysis of acute injuries are accidents that result in loss of equipment or damage to the environment. There is no reason to believe that does not occur with greater frequency during periods of heat stress. Also notable about the increased risk for acute injury due to accidents is that the risk increases once the environment becomes warmer than comfortable, which is well below the exposure limit. Wrapping up, heat stress increases the obvious risk of heat-related disorders as well as the risk for accidents, acute injury and property damage. It will also have an effect on productivity. If you are interested in discussing your situation, please contact a USF SafetyFlorida consultant or Dr. Thomas Bernard at tbernard@health.usf.edu.
Table 1. Minimum requirements to protect employees from heat stress Training • Use training materials from a recognized authority, including OSHA, NIOSH, professional organizations and training vendors • Include the causes of heat stress • Include the body’s responses to heat stress • Include the signs, symptoms, and first aid for major heatrelated disorders (especially, heat exhaustion and heat stroke) • Include any measures that the employer provides to minimize heat stress • Include a description of heat stress hygiene practices (see immediately below) Heat Stress Hygiene Practices • Self-directed work patterns and self-limitation of exposure • Adequate hydration • Healthy lifestyle including diet and sleep • Understand the risks of acute and chronic illness • Adjust expectations if there is no recent history of heat exposures Monitoring • Monitor environmental conditions and anticipate heat waves • Monitor employee performance and incidents of heat-related problems Emergency Response Plan • Work within eye sight of another person (never alone) • All employees able to recognize the signs of heat-related disorders; especially heat stroke • Take immediate action with any suspicion that a person is experiencing a heat stroke. These actions include immediate and aggressive cooling and calling for emergency services with adequate directions to find the work location
The ‘Common Sense’ of Workplace Safety Keith Brown
Safety Team Leader and Supervisor
W
hen evaluating the effectiveness of an employer’s workplace safety and health management system, I’ll occasionally ask, “What’s your approach to managing safety in your establishment?”
Often the response is something along the line of, “We take the ‘common sense’ approach to managing workplace safety.” Then, we get into a discussion of the incidents that have occurred over the previous 2-3 years. Some establishments have only a few, while many other establishments have significant numbers of incidents which betray the effectiveness of their ‘common sense’ approach to safety and health management. It quickly becomes apparent that while it may work for some employers, it can be devastating for others. I have found that a majority of those employers who take the common sense approach do not have a formal safety management plan in place, and are
more reactive than proactive when it comes to addressing workplace safety and health issues. Additionally, they give the impression that merely being in compliance with the OSHA standards is all they really need to do. A closer look at those cases where the ‘common sense’ approach does not seem to work very well reveals two more significant deficiencies: Knowledge – The results of using common sense “technology” is limited by one’s knowledge and understanding of a system or piece of equipment and the manner in which it is being used, as well as its operating environment. If not properly and fully evaluated, serious hazards may be overlooked. This can be overcome by having a trained and experienced industrial safety and health professional conduct a baseline hazard survey at least every five years or so, or when major changes in equipment and/or processes occur. While it is fine to have baseline hazard surveys conducted by in-house personnel, it is often more advantageous to have them performed by an independent third party such as a loss control representative from the workers compensation insurance provider, a private industrial safety and health consultant, or even the USF SafetyFlorida Consultation Program. These “outside sets of eyes” will often identify issues which may be inadvertently and routinely overlooked by in-house personnel, thus increasing the knowledge of the establishment’s staff and management. Priority – By waiting for a safety or health related item to become an issue before action is taken, indicates workplace safety and health is not a major priority. Companies which have been recognized as being exemplary in managing workplace safety and health, and therefore experience incident rates below that of their industry peers, actively try to prevent incidents from occurring by vigilantly looking for potential issues. Furthermore, they monitor trends not only within their establishments but within their industry as well, which allows them to take more practical measures in preventing injuries and illnesses. In other words, they recognize the importance and value of managing safety as intensely as any other aspects of the business, and it pays off for them! These same companies typically have formal and documented production, quality control, financial, and SAFETY PLANS. While I recognize common sense is important, it really should not be relied upon to be the foundation of a management system. Knowledge and information are critical to successfully managing everything in today’s business world, where financial profit could disappear with the occurrence of a single incident. The bottom line is workplace safety and health is best managed with the development and implementation of a plan, where safety and health have been placed at the top of the company’s list of priorities for success. The plan should focus on a proactive approach to the prevention and control of hazards, as well as injuries and illnesses through management commitment and employee participation, through workplace hazard analysis, and through training of managers and employees in their respective responsibilities. If your company currently does not have a plan, it is strongly recommended that you take a look at the SafetyWriter tool on the USF SafetyFlorida web page (www.safetyflorida.usf.edu) where in a few relatively simple steps a basic safety plan for your company can be created. The plan can be easily modified to reflect your company’s specific operations and needs, and can serve as a starting point for the implementation of an effective safety and health management system for your company.
14
Feature
Safety Culture in the workplace – Do you know what it is? Does it exist in your workplace? What can you do to improve it? Mylene Kellerman Assistant Director and Safety and Health Supervisor
"S
afety culture’ has increasingly become part of the everyday
Listed below are key tips OSHA offers –
jargon in the occupational safety and health business, a popular catch phrase, and the desire of top management to
Obtain Top Management "Buy-in" - This is the very first step that needs to
implement in their workplace. Often though, management
be accomplished. Top managers must be on board. If they are not, safety
does not realize that they likely already have a safety culture at
and health will compete against core business issues such as production
their workplace….maybe just not the one they prefer. It is often said, “A
and profitability, a battle that will almost always be lost.
culture is why we do what we do.” Safety has played an important role since the beginning of documented human existence and is a part of every
Continue Building "Buy-in" for the needed changes by building an alliance or
culture and all of us to some extent have, or are influenced by more than
partnership between management, the union (if one exists), and employees.
one safety culture. So the question managers should ask themselves – “Is
A compelling reason for the change must be spelled out to everyone. People
the safety culture as effective as it could be for my workplace?”
have to understand WHY they are being asked to change what they normally do and what it will look like if they are successful. This needs to be done up
To answer that question, it may be helpful to understand ‘what is culture’?
front. If people get wind that something "is going down" and haven't been
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA),
formally told anything, they naturally tend to resist and opt out.
“Culture is a combination of an organization's attitudes, behaviors, beliefs, values, ways of doing things, and other shared characteristics of a particular
Build Trust - Trusting is a critical part of accepting change and management
group of people”.
Culture can socialize newcomers, define influence
needs to know that this is the bigger picture, outside of all the details. Trust
and determine values. To transform an organization into one capable of
will occur as different levels within the organization work together and
sustaining excellent performance in safety, quality and other operational
begin to see success.
areas, it is ideal to begin by assessing the current climate and culture. Conduct Self Assessments/Bench Marking - To get where you want to go, you A strong safety and health culture is the result of:
must know where you are starting from. A variety of self-audit mechanisms
Positive workplace attitudes – from the president to the newest hire.
can be employed to compare your site processes with other recognized
Involvement and buy-in of all members of the workforce.
models of excellence such as Star VPP sites (SHARP sites included). Visiting
Mutual, meaningful, and measurable safety and health improvement goals.
other sites to gain firsthand information is also invaluable.
Policies and procedures that serve as reference tools, rather than obscure rules.
Initial Training of Management-Supervisory staff, Union Leadership (if
Personnel training at all levels within the organization.
present), and safety and health committee members, and a representative
Responsibility and accountability throughout the organization.
number of hourly employees. This may include both safety and health training and any needed management, team building, hazard recognition, or
Keep in mind that safety culture is not a ‘program, policy or procedure’;
communication training, etc. This gives you a core group of people to draw
however, it is one of the main contributing factors as to why workplace
upon as resources and also gets key personnel onboard with needed changes.
safety and health initiatives fail or succeed and why employers achieve basic compliance or continue to struggle with employee non-conformance with
Establish a Steering Committee comprised of management, employees,
safety rules, policies, and procedures. So what can you do to improve and
union (if one exists), and safety staff. The purpose of this group is to facilitate,
strengthen the safety culture that exists in your workplace?
support, and direct the change processes. This will provide overall guidance and direction and avoid duplication of efforts. To be effective, the group must have the authority to get things done.
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USF SafetyFlorida ON-SITE
Develop Site Safety Vision, key policies, goals, measures, and strategic and
the upstream activities. Continually reevaluate these policies to ensure their
operational plans. These policies provide guidance and serve as a check-in
effectiveness and to ensure that they do not become entitlement programs.
that can be used to ask yourself if the decision you're about to make supports or detracts from your intended safety and health improvement process.
Awareness Training and Kick-off for all employees. It's not enough for a part of the organization to be involved and know about the change effort
Align the Organization by establishing a shared vision of safety and health
- the entire site needs to know and be involved in some manner. A kick-off
goals and objectives vs. production. Upper management must be willing to
celebration can be used to announce it's a "new day" and seek buy-in for
support by providing resources (time) and holding managers and supervisors
any new procedures and programs.
accountable for doing the same. The entire management and supervisory staff need to set the example and lead the change. It's more about leadership
Implement Process Changes via involvement of management, union (if
than management.
one is present), and employees using a "Plan to Act" process Total Quality Management (TQM).
Define Specific Roles and responsibilities for safety and health at all levels of the organization. Safety and health must be viewed as everyone's
Continually Measure performance, Communicate Results, and Celebrate
responsibility. How the organization is to deal with competing pressures
Successes. Publicizing results is very important to sustaining efforts and
and priorities, i.e., production, versus safety and health, needs to be clearly
keeping everyone motivated. Everyone needs to be updated throughout
spelled out.
the process. Progress reports during normal shift meetings allowing time for comments back to the steering committee opens communications, but
Develop a System of Accountability for all levels of the organization.
also allows for input. Everyone needs to have a voice; otherwise, they will
Everyone must play by the same rules and be held accountable for their
be reluctant to buy-in. A system can be as simple as using current meetings,
areas of responsibility. Signs of a strong culture are when the individuals
a bulletin board, and a comment box.
hold themselves accountable. On-going Support - Reinforcement, feedback, reassessment, mid-course Develop Measures and an ongoing measurement and feedback system.
corrections, and on-going training is vital to sustaining continuous
Drive the system with upstream activity measures that encourages positive
improvement.
change. Examples include the number of hazards reported or corrected, numbers of inspections, number of equipment checks, JSA's, pre-start-up
When the above recommendations are consistently and effectively aimed at
reviews conducted, etc.
accident reduction, a positive safety and health culture is created.
When
employers create a positive safety culture, workplace safety and health While it is always nice to know what the bottom line performance is, i.e.,
improve, as do employee morale and workplace productivity. As Sir Brian
accident rates, overemphasis on these and using them to drive the system
Appleton stated, “Safety is not an intellectual exercise to keep us in work.
typically only drives accident reporting under the table. It is all too easy to
It is a matter of life and death. It is the sum of our contributions to safety
manipulate accident rates which will only result in risk issues remaining
management that determines whether the people we work with live or die.�
unresolved and a probability for more serious events to occur in the future. For more information please access this link: https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/ Develop Policies for Recognition, rewards, incentives, and ceremonies. Again,
etools/safetyhealth/mod4_factsheets_culture.html
reward employees for doing the right things and encourage participation in
16
Feature
The Hazard Communication Standard Mistakes and Tips for Compliance Description of the methods an employer will
the label shipped with the chemical container or
use to inform employees of the hazards of non-
a product identifier and combination of words,
routine tasks and hazards associated with chemicals
pictures, and/or symbols that provides information
contained in unlabeled pipes in work areas;
about the physical and health hazards of a chemical.
•
Designation of the person(s) responsible for
There are several alternatives to these labeling
he Hazard Communication Standard
ensuring proper labeling and description of the
procedures, but it’s important to remember that
(HCS) is now aligned with the Globally
labeling system;
an SDS is not an acceptable substitute for a label.
Harmonized System of Classification
•
and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). The
obtaining and maintaining SDSs, procedures for
Lack of SDSs:
Hazard Communication Standard (HCS)
employee access to SDSs, and description of the
Employees must be able to immediately access
will provide a common and coherent approach to
SDS management system;
an SDS for every hazardous chemical present in
classifying chemicals and communicating hazard
•
Designation of person(s) responsible for
the workplace at all times, without a supervisor’s
information on labels and safety data sheets. Once
employee training, description of the training
permission or other barrier. Employees must be
implemented, the revised standard will improve
program, and procedures for training new
trained on how and where to access SDSs, as well as
the quality and consistency of hazard information
employees and employees who become exposed
how to interpret the information contained there.
in the workplace, making it safer for workers by
to a new hazard, and
providing easy-to-understand information on
• A list of all hazardous chemicals present in the
If you use an electronic SDS management system,
appropriate handling and safe use of hazardous
workplace or jobsite.
make sure it is reliable, and have a backup system
• Noel McCatty Safety and Health Consultant
T
Designation of the person(s) responsible for
chemicals (osha.gov).
in place for emergencies and other occasions where
Inadequate Training:
the electronic system does not function properly.
Per 29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(1), employers shall
Employees must be trained on hazard
develop, implement, and maintain at each
communication when they are initially assigned to
For mobile operations and multiemployer worksites,
workplace, a written hazard communication
a work area or duty in which they could be exposed
the SDS collection can be kept at the primary
program.
to a hazardous chemical and whenever a new
workplace facility (instead of having a separate
chemical hazard is introduced into the work area.
copy at each individual jobsite), as long as the SDSs
OSHA’s hazard communication standard requires
Training must include information about the
can be accessed immediately in case of emergency.
that employers train workers who may be exposed
specific chemical hazards the employee could
to hazardous chemicals in the workplace on the
encounter and the appropriate personal protection
The USF OSHA Training Institute Education Center
dangers these chemicals may pose and how to
equipment (PPE), control measures, and procedures
is offering a GHS & Hazard Communication
protect themselves.
for working safely with these chemicals. Employees
Certificate Course. With this certificate program,
should also be trained to read and interpret new
students will learn important information about
The most common HAZCOM mistake is
Global Harmonizing System (GHS)-compliant
the changes to hazard classification, labels,
not having a written plan. Other common
chemical labels and the 16-section SDS.
safety data sheets, as well as employee training
mistakes include:
requirements. In addition, students will learn
• Inadequate employee training;
Inadequate Labeling:
about written hazard communication programs,
• Improper labels on chemical containers;
Each container of hazardous chemicals must be
various trade secrets, and employee information
• Lack of or lack of access to, safety data sheets (SDSs).
labeled, tagged, or marked. The only exceptions are
and training. Completion of this 1-hour certificate
pipes and piping systems and portable containers
program will provide students with an official OSHA
for immediate use. The labels must be in English,
Training Institute Education Center Certificate of
During an inspection, the written plan is often the
legible, and prominently displayed on the container
Completion.
first piece of your hazard communication system an
or readily available throughout the work area. Other
inspector will ask to see. Key elements of a written
languages may be present on the label in addition
For more information, visit the website at http://
HAZCOM plan include the following:
to (not instead of) English if necessary.
usfoticenter.org/hazcom/.
• Identification of key personnel;
Hazardous chemical containers must include either
Not Having a Plan:
17
USF SafetyFlorida ON-SITE
Spotlight
Ned Fayson retires after 35 years of service Ned Fayson, former Safety and Health Consultant with the USF SafetyFlorida Consultation Program, worked the sprawling Jacksonville region of Florida providing consultation and Industrial Hygiene services to many. Mr. Fayson’s base of expertise was in industrial hygiene. With over 32 years of state service, he covered both manufacturing and construction companies. Ned’s clients praised his quiet, personable style and appreciated his diligent attention to their safety concerns. Some of Ned’s training and certifications include Hazardous Materials, Ergonomics Applied to MSDs and Nerve Disorder, Maritime Safety, and Construction Standards.
Ned Fayson, Former Safety and Health Consultant
During his work with the USF SafetyFlorida Consultation Program, Ned was an authorized OSHA outreach trainer for the General, Construction and Maritime industries. Mr. Fayson also served as an instructor for the USF OTI Education Center. Have a safe journey Ned! We wish you all the best in your retirement.
Rest in Peace
Joseph (Joe) Cundiff 1941 - 2014
Joseph (Joe) Cundiff began working for the Consultation Program as a Safety and Health Consultant in 1982, when the program was part of the Florida Department of Labor. In August 2000 when the 21(d) Consultation Program became part of the University of South Florida, Mr. Cundiff joined the ranks as a Safety Supervisor.
Mr. Cundiff had extensive knowledge in the Occupational Safety & Health field and assisted many employers with the development and implementation of workplace safety management programs. His leadership in strengthening the continuity of the consultation program has been successful in improving the overall effectiveness of the services provided to the employers and employees of Florida. His extensive knowledge and experience in the industrial safety field was beneficial for the private industry throughout the State of Florida. Mr. Cundiff was an asset to the USF SafetyFlorida Consultation Program and will be sorely missed.
On Monday, December 15, 2014, Dennis O’Brien, Senior USF OSHA Training Institute Education Center Instructor passed away. Dennis O’Brien has had extensive management experience across multiple industries in Florida and Ohio. After serving as a lineman for Florida Power and Light Company in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., O’Brien ascended to Foreman and later Supervisor. He Dennis O’Brien later went on to work for 1945 – 2014 companies such as ENSR Operations in Canton, Ohio and MasTec in Florida, where he worked as Safety/ Loss Control Manager and later as Regional Operations Manager. O’Brien was owner and president of Utility Safety Consultants LLC, which specializes in site auditing, crew audits/inspections and competent person training. During his time as a USF OSHA Training Institute Education Center Senior Instructor, O’Brien has used his expertise to bring an unprecedented level of interactivity and hands-on training to the center’s Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) course, among others. O’Brien delivered OSHA training for the Construction Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1926, General Industry CFR 1910, and Maritime CFR 1915, 1917, and 1918. He was also an OSHA Authorized Disaster Site Worker Outreach Trainer. Dennis was a perpetually happy man. We will truly miss you and your bright laughter around the office. 18
S a f e t y M a n a g e m e n t To o l
Health and Safety Made Simple
W
ho has time to research and write the necessary safety plan? We, at the USF SafetyFlorida Consultation Program are here to the rescue. To save you time, energy and money, we have released a free web-based tool geared towards preventing workplace injuries and illnesses. The SafetyWriter 2.0 was designed to assist Florida’s small business employers in creating tailored, industryspecific illness and injury protection plans.
Step One
The plan is downloadable as a word document so that employers can add details specific to their company and save it to their desktop or upload the tailored plan back into the system where it may be accessed at any time, from any location. In addition to the plan, you will receive free selfinspection checklists, the ability to create multiple plans, and the freedom to adapt a plan to your specific industry.
Choose applicable plan
Choose a safety plan language
Step Two Select industry type (i.e. – General, Construction, Maritime industry)
Step Three
Step Four Select work area
Step Five Add-on to plan by selecting safety guidelines from a checklist
The consultation programs goal is to protect workers and help employers profit from a safer workplace. The mission is to save lives by reducing workplace injuries and illnesses and assist Florida’s small businesses in profiting from safety.
Step Six Preview and/or save safety plan
With the reduced amount of time that it takes to complete, you can get back to what’s really important, protecting your workers!
For more information or to request a complimentary consultation, visit www.safetyflorida.usf.edu or call toll-free 1-866-273-1105. 19
USF SafetyFlorida ON-SITE
USF SAFETYFLORIDA Achievements and Accolades
FY2014 ( Qua r t e r 3 ): • William Tomlin attended the OSHA 2070 Fire Protection and Life Safety course in Chicago, IL. • Gabriel Garcia attended the OSHA 2220 Respiratory Protection course in Chicago, IL. • David Ashman attended the OSHA 2260 Permit Required Confined Space Entry Course in Chicago, IL. • Mylene Kellerman attended the OSHA 502 Update for construction industry outreach trainer course in Wesley Chapel, FL. • Gabriel Garcia attended the OSHA 503 Update for general industry outreach trainer course in Wesley Chapel, FL. • Daniela Sloan and Jim Ulseth attended the OSHA 2045 Machinery and Machine Guarding Standards course in Wesley Chapel, FL. • Daniela Sloan attended the OSHA 2264 Permit Required Confined Space Entry course in Wesley Chapel, FL. USF SafetyFlorida consultants provided instructions to students at the USF OTI Education Center in Wesley Chapel, FL for the following courses: • 521 – OSHA Guide to Industrial Hygiene • 2225 – Respiratory Protection • 2255 – Principles of Ergonomics Applied to MSDs and Nerve Disorders
FY2014 ( Qua r t e r 4 ): • David Ashman attended the OSHA 3500 Demolition course in Arlington Heights, IL. • Noel McCatty attended the OSHA 2200 Industrial Noise course in Arlington Heights, IL. • Noel McCatty and Jim Ulseth attended the OSHA 1080 Health Hazard Awareness for Safety Officers course in Arlington Heights, IL. • Melvin Nia attended the OSHA 1500 Basic Onsite Consultation Program course in Arlington Heights, IL. • Daniela Sloan attended the OSHA 2200 Industrial Noise course in Arlington Heights, IL. • Michael Tartal attended the OSHA 3030 Concrete, Forms and Shoring course in Arlington Heights, IL. • David Ashman attended the OSHA 502 Update for Construction Industry Outreach Trainers course in Wesley Chapel, FL. • David Ashman attended the OSHA 503 Update for General Industry Outreach Trainers course in Wesley Chapel, FL. • Adam Marty attended the OSHA 510 Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry course in Wesley Chapel, FL. • Daniela Sloan attended the OSHA 3095 Electrical Standards course in Wesley Chapel, FL. • James Ulseth attended the OSHA 3110 Fall Arrest Systems course in Wesley Chapel, FL.
FY2015 ( Quarter 1) : • Adam Marty attended the OSHA 1250 Introduction to Health Standards for Industrial Hygienists course in Chicago, IL. • Pat Stark attended the OSHA 503 Update for General Industry Outreach Trainer course in Wesley Chapel, FL. • Michael Tartal attended the OSHA 502 Update for Construction Industry Outreach Trainer course in Wesley Chapel, FL. USF SafetyFlorida consultants provided instructions to students at the USF OTI Education Center in Wesley Chapel, FL for the following courses: • OSHA 521 - OSHA Guide to Industrial Hygiene • OSHA 511 – Occupational safety and health standards for general industry • OSHA 3015 – Excavation, Trenching & Soil Mechanics • OSHA 2015 – Hazardous Materials • OSHA 5600 – Disaster Site worker train the trainer • OSHA 5602 – Update for Disaster Site Worker trainer course
FY2015 ( Quarter 2) : • Adam Marty attended the OSHA 3300 Safety & Heath in the Chemical Processing Industries course in Chicago, IL. • Adam Marty attended the OSHA 3400 Hazard Analysis in the Chemical Processing Industries course in Chicago, IL. • Adam Marty attended the OSHA 3430 Advanced PSM in the Chemical Industries course in Chicago, IL. • Louis Silva, Mylene Kellerman, Thalia Barber, Dr. Adam Marty, William Tomlin, Pat Stark, Jim Ulseth, Keila Ashman, Noel McCatty, William Tomlin, and Melvin Nia participated in the OSHA 2255 Cranes in Construction course in Wesley Chapel, FL. • Mylene Kellerman, Keith Brown, William Tomlin, David Ashman, Pat Stark, Michael Tartal, Jim Ulseth, Keila Ashman, Melvin Nia, Louis Silva and Thalia Barber participated in the OSHA 7845 Recordkeeping Rule Seminar in Wesley Chapel, FL. • Keila Ashman, David Ashman, Thalia Barber and Jim Ulseth participated in the OSHA 7405 Fall Hazard Awareness for the Construction Industry course in Wesley Chapel, FL. • Adam Marty attended the OSHA 7500 Introduction to Safety and Health Management course in Wesley Chapel, FL. • Keila Ashman, David Ashman and Thalia Barber participated in the OSHA 7505 Introduction to Accident Investigation course in Wesley Chapel, FL.
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What We See
Daniela Sloan
Gabe Garcia
E
ach day, our consultants are out in the field visiting small employers in high-hazard industries. From a hazard standpoint, we see it all. On this page are photos of hazards we have identified this year. More importantly, our consultants assisted these companies with correcting the hazards so their employees can work safely.
Where single service cups (to be used but once) are supplied, both a sanitary container for the unused cups and a receptacle for disposing of the used cups shall be provided. This may seem as an insignificant hazard but it’s one of the quickest ways to spread the cold and flu and many other communicable diseases. Construction work is already hard enough; working while ill can make you prone to other serious hazards.
Pat Stark
This circuit box is on the floor, instead of being mounted on a wall, post, or etc. Improper mounting exposes employees to come into contact with live wires. It is also a tripping hazard and the box itself can be accidentally damaged or run over during work activities.
Michael Tartal
This non-NIOSH certified respiratory device used during concrete-type work could lead to fatal or serious hazards such as, breathing problems, heart illness, heat illness, and inhalation of harmful particulates or vapors. Appropriate respirators need to be provided in accordance with OSHA standards.
Unsafe flexible cord that includes missing or damaged outer insulation, improper splicing of flexible cords, and incorrect mounting exposes employees to come into contact with live wires.
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USF SafetyFlorida ON-SITE
David Ashman
Keith Brown Employers shall ensure that sprinklers are spaced to provide a maximum protection area per sprinkler. Workers exposed to fire and smoke inhalation due to effectiveness of fire suppression system being hindered by the storage of material within 18� vertically of the plane of the sprinkler.
Noel McCatty
Hose connections shall comply with the Standard Hose Connection Specifications, 1957, Compressed Gas Association. Improper hose connections can lead to a fire, explosion, burns, lacerations, and/or death.
Adam Marty
Every open-sided floor or platform 4 feet or more above adjacent floor or ground level shall be guarded by a standard railing on all open sides except where there is entrance to a ramp, stairway, or fixed ladder. The railing shall be provided with a toe board wherever, beneath the open sides where a person can pass, there is moving machinery or there is equipment with which falling materials could create a hazard. Employees are susceptible to sprains, strains, contusions and fractures from falls, head and other injuries, especially bruises, gashes, and punctures from falling tools or materials.
Cylinders should be properly stored to avoid potential hazards, injuries or death. 22
USF SafetyFlorida HEALTH
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Toll-free: 1-866-273-1105 Phone: 813-974-9962 Fax: 813-974-8270 www.safetyflorida.usf.edu info@safetyflorida.usf.edu
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USF SafetyFlorida Consultation Staff USF SafetyFlorida safety consultants and administrative staff are located throughout the state of Florida. The program is operated in Tampa from the University of South Florida College of Public Health.
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Ashman, David Ashman, Keila Barber, Thalia Brown, Keith Garcia, Gabe Hammad, Yehia
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