Wisconsin General Industry Safety Newsletter

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Safety Day On Thursday, June 12, 2008, the Milwaukee Area OSHA Office, in cooperation with Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) and the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Society of Safety

1 February 2008 Volume 2, Issue 1 U.S. Department of Labor Wisconsin General Industry Safety Newsletter Inside This Issue Safety Day Office of Small Business Assistance Blood Lead Laboratories Fatalities Top 10 Violations 5th Annual Safety Day On Thursday, June 12, 2008, the Milwaukee Area OSHA Office, in cooperation with Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) and the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), will present their fifth annual Safety Day for businesses in Southeastern Wisconsin at the Waukesha County Technical College in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. Past attendees will remember the OSHA Safety Day events were held at the University of Phoenix campus in Brookfield, WI. Our new location will allow more room for attendees and more choices in topics than in years past. The new location will also allow better interaction between the attendees and the vendors. Another positive addition to this year s Safety Day will be the inclusion of the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE). Founded in 1911, ASSE is the oldest professional safety organization. Its more than 30,000 members manage, supervise and consult on safety, health and environmental issues in industry, insurance, government and education. The ASSE Wisconsin Chapter, local OSHA Staff and Wisconsin Consultation Program will be presenting information on many topics affecting small to medium employers. For further information, or to put your name on our mailing list for a registration package call the Milwaukee Area OSHA Office at One of last years Safety Day sessions.

OSHA s Office of Small Business Assistance The Office of Small Business Assistance is a newly-created OSHA office that not only administers OSHA s nationwide On-Site Consultation Program, but also

2 OSHA s Office of Small Business Assistance The Office of Small Business Assistance is a newly-created OSHA office that not only administers OSHA s nationwide On-Site Consultation Program, but also serves as liaison and a point of contact within the agency for small businesses. OSHA offers many services designed to help small businesses and welcomes comments and suggestions from small business owners and their employees as to how OSHA can better serve their needs. Penalty Reductions OSHA considers the size of the employer, among other factors when determining the penalty to be proposed for any violation. The Agency has always had detailed procedures in place for making this determination; they are currently embodied in Chapter IV of the Field Inspection Reference Manual (FIRM; OSHA Instruction CPL 2.103), which is conveyed to and followed by all compliance staff. The FIRM provides that proposed penalties will be reduced by the following percentages in considering employer size: 60% penalty reduction may be applied if an employer has 25 employees or fewer; 40% if the employer has employees; and 20% if the employer has employees. Exemptions from Recordkeeping OSHA also has fewer recordkeeping requirements for very small business. Employers with 10 or fewer employees are exempt from most OSHA recordkeeping requirements for recording and reporting occupational injuries and illnesses. Consultation Consultation offers free help in identifying workplace hazards and establishing or improving safety and health management systems corporate-wide. Employers in high-hazard industries or involved in hazardous operations receive priority. Largely funded by OSHA, consultation programs are run by state agencies and offer an array of services. Key Services offered by Consultation: - Help in recognizing hazards in the workplace. - Suggested approaches or options for solving a safety or health problem. - Sources of help available to a company needing further assistance. - Written reports that summarize the findings of on-site reviews of safety and health. - Assistance in developing or maintaining an effective safety and health management system. - Training and education for a small business and its employees at the workplace and, in some cases, away from the worksite. - Recognition by OSHA's Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP). (Continued on page 3) This battery maintenance area has a portable eyewash mounted on the wall that complies with ANSI Z358.1

3 This plastic injection molding machine has a safety device (pressure mat) inside the machine door in compliance with ANSI B151.1 (Continued from page 2) Benefits from Consultation: (1) An effective workplace safety and health management system at a small business worksite(s) will enable the small employer to: - Recognize and remove hazards from the worksite. - Protect an employer s workers from injury and illness. - Prevent loss of life at an employer s worksite. - Cultivate informed and alert employees who take responsibility for their own and their coworkers safety and for worksite safety as a whole. - Improve employee morale. (2) An increased understanding of workplace hazards and remedies will put small business managers in a better position to: - Comply with federal and state safety and health requirements. - Become more effective at their jobs. Management experts believe that the company with a well-managed safety and health system enjoys better overall management. - Increase productivity rates and assure product quality. (3) An exemplary workplace safety and health management system is good business sense that also makes financial sense because it will allow a small business to: - Learn first-hand that the cost of accident prevention is far lower than the cost of accidents. - Improve the bottom line by: (a) Lowering injury and illness rates. (b) Decreasing workers compensation costs. (c) Reducing lost workdays. (d) Limiting equipment damage and product losses. Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) Though SHARP, the On-site Consultation Program recognizes exemplary employers who take special pride in providing a safe and healthful working environment for their employees and who meet specific program criteria. Employers who qualify receive a 1-year exemption from OSHA s general schedule in- (Continued on page 4)

(Continued from page 3) spections. After 1 year of certification, the small employer may request renewal for 1 or 2 years, provided the site meets specific program criteria.

4 (Continued from page 3) spections. After 1 year of certification, the small employer may request renewal for 1 or 2 years, provided the site meets specific program criteria. Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) The Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) promote effective worksite-based safety and health. In the VPP, management, labor, and OSHA establish cooperative relationships at workplaces that have implemented a comprehensive safety and health management system. Approval into VPP is OSHA's official recognition of the outstanding efforts of employers and employees who have achieved exemplary occupational safety and health. Compliance Assistance Specialists (CAS) Each OSHA Area Office in states under federal jurisdiction has a Compliance Assistance Specialist. These staffers respond to requests for help from a variety of groups, including small businesses. CAS s put on seminars and workshops for small businesses and other groups. They promote OSHA s cooperative programs, OSHA s training resources, and the OSHA web site. Alliance Program OSHA Alliances are the agency's newest form of cooperative programs. Alliances enable organizations committed to reducing workplace injuries and illnesses to collaborate with OSHA to reach out to, educate, and lead the nation's employers and their employees in improving and advancing workplace safety and health. Compliance assistance resources produced by various Alliances benefit small businesses. For example, OSHA s Alliance with the Tree Care Industry Association will produce training materials and promote OSHA s compliance assistance resources for tree care companies, many of which are small businesses. OSHA Small Business Handbook The OSHA Small Business Handbook is one of OSHA's most requested publications. The handbook assists small business employers in meeting the legal requirements imposed by the OSH Act of 1970 and in (Continued on page 5) The plastic covering on this plumbed eyewash will delay access to the eyewash.

5 (Continued from page 4) creating and maintaining effective safety and health management systems. Recent revisions to the handbook incorporated comments and suggestions from small business employers and small business trade organizations from across the country, and it now includes new and improved industry checklists. The updated handbook is available on the OSHA Web page at OSHA Small Business Handbook [PDF KB] or in hard copy from OSHA's Publications Office at OSHA. Training and Education Third-Party Training and Education -- OSHA gives training and education grants to various non-profit groups to develop programs to help small businesses establish safety and health programs and materials that they make available to small businesses OSHA s Training Institute (OTI) and OSHA s Training Education Centers across the country provide basic and advanced courses in safety and health. OSHA s area offices offer information services, such as audiovisual aids, technical advice, and speakers for special engagements. In addition, the Training Centers have begun offering one-day or one-half-day seminars to increase opportunities for small business employers to attend safety/health training. Susan Harwood Training Grants Program Training and educational programs for small businesses is a priority for the grants program. The program has funded Small Business Development Centers. Electronic Tools and Resources OSHA standards, interpretations, directives, interactive software, compliance assistance materials, e- Tools, and additional information are available or can be ordered online at OSHA s computer-based training software provides assistance to small employers through its Expert Advisors and etool software on topics such as hazard communication, asbestos, cadmium, confined spaces, fire safety, and lead in construction. etools are "stand-alone," interactive, Web-based training tools on occupational safety and health topics. They are highly illustrated and utilize graphical menus. Some also use expert system modules, which enable the user to answer questions, and receive reliable advice on how OSHA regulations apply to their work site. (Continued on page 6) This grinding wheel is so worn that the work rest is unable to be adjusted close to the wheel.

(Continued from page 5) Publications OSHA has many published materials, including specific topics for small businesses, that are available or can be ordered online at http://www.osha.

OSHA's Non-Retaliation Policy OSHA has a long-established policy that information inquiries received by the agency regarding safety and health regulations or other safety-related subjects shall not

Contacts for information initiated by employers or their representatives shall not trigger an inspection, nor shall such employer inquiries protect them against regular inspections conducted pursuant

6 (Continued from page 5) Publications OSHA has many published materials, including specific topics for small businesses, that are available or can be ordered online at OSHA's Non-Retaliation Policy OSHA has a long-established policy that information inquiries received by the agency regarding safety and health regulations or other safety-related subjects shall not trigger an inspection. The exact wording is: "Employer Contacts. Contacts for information initiated by employers or their representatives shall not trigger an inspection, nor shall such employer inquiries protect them against regular inspections conducted pursuant to guidelines established by the agency. Further, if an employer or its representatives indicates that an imminent danger exists or that a fatality or catastrophe has occurred, the Area Director shall act in accordance with established inspection priority procedures." There are a few rare exceptions to the policy, such as the employer notifying OSHA of the presence of an imminent danger or the occurrence of a fatality. However, OSHA policy is to provide assistance to help employers prevent and reduce workplace fatalities, illnesses and injuries. Please note: OSHA s non-retaliation policy is outlined in the OSHA Instruction CPL (CPL 2.103), Field Inspection Reference Manual, Section 5 - Chapter I, B.4.b. Per (f)(2)(ii) propane shall not be stored near exits.

Blood Lead Laboratories The OSHA Lead Standards for General Industry (29 CFR 1910.1025) and Construction (29 CFR 1926.

7 Blood Lead Laboratories The OSHA Lead Standards for General Industry (29 CFR ) and Construction (29 CFR ) require employers to provide biological monitoring for workers exposed to airborne lead above the action level. Monitoring must be provided for lead and zinc protoporphyrin (or free erythrocyte protoporphyrin) in blood. The employer is required to have these analyses performed by a laboratory that meets accuracy requirements specified by OSHA. The OSHA List of Laboratories Approved for Blood Lead Analysis is designed to provide a source for regulated employers to locate laboratories that OSHA has determined meet the requirements of the accuracy provisions of the Lead Standards. Laboratories voluntarily provide proficiency test data to OSHA for evaluation. The following chart illustrates the fact that not only has the number of participating labs increased, but that the rate of approval has also increased. This translates into better analytical service for regulated employers. OSHA will make every effort to include those laboratories that have provided proficiency testing data and that currently meet the accuracy provisions for occupational blood lead testing. The list of approved laboratories is updated 3 times per year (approximately January, June, and September).

OSHA is sampling for respirable silica (left shoulder) and the consultant is sampling respirable silica as well (right shoulder).

employee, cleaning oil tanks, was exposed to hydrogen sulfide while working on a cat walk between two tanks.

The employee was standing on the hopper waiting to grab the chain sling from the crane.

3799 Transportation Equipment, Not Elsewhere Classified An employee was repairing an overhead door and was standing on an 8-foot step ladder.

8 OSHA is sampling for respirable silica (left shoulder) and the consultant is sampling respirable silica as well (right shoulder). Region 5 General Industry Fatalities for November 2007 to February 2008 SIC code and accident description 1389 Oil and Gas Field Services, Not Elsewhere Classified An employee, cleaning oil tanks, was exposed to hydrogen sulfide while working on a cat walk between two tanks Construction Machinery and Equipment An employee was helping load concrete hoppers onto a truck in the parking lot. The employee was standing on the hopper waiting to grab the chain sling from the crane. The top of the crane had contacted overhead power lines and the employee was electrocuted when he grabbed the chain Transportation Equipment, Not Elsewhere Classified An employee was repairing an overhead door and was standing on an 8-foot step ladder. He fell off the ladder and struck his head on the floor Fabricated Structural Metal An employee was assigned to dump scrap metal into an outside dumpster. The forklift was found outside, with the forks in the raised position and in forward gear with the employee crushed between the front of the forklift and the dumpster Chocolate and Cocoa Products An employee was cleaning the enrober when his clothing was caught in a conveyor roller which caused crushing injuries. (Continued on page 9)

(Continued from page 8) 3321 Gray and Ductile Iron Foundries An employee was found in a cleaning mill.

3479 Coating, Engraving, and Allied Services, Not Elsewhere Classified When a bucket of solvent was knocked over the employees in the area attempted to spread the liquid out

4731 Arrangement of Transportation of Freight and Cargo The truck driver, removing the tarp from the material on his truck, fell to the pavement and struck his head, possibly

4911 Electric Services The employee was installing new electrical equipment when he contacted an energized line.

9 (Continued from page 8) 3321 Gray and Ductile Iron Foundries An employee was found in a cleaning mill Petroleum Refining An employee was working on the top of a fuel oil tank and was repairing the level indicator when the tank exploded Coating, Engraving, and Allied Services, Not Elsewhere Classified When a bucket of solvent was knocked over the employees in the area attempted to spread the liquid out to help it evaporate. Flammable vapors were ignited and caused a worker who had been splashed with the solvent to catch fire causing fatal burns Arrangement of Transportation of Freight and Cargo The truck driver, removing the tarp from the material on his truck, fell to the pavement and struck his head, possibly due to a heart attack Cable and Other Pay Television Services A field cable technician working at a roadside vault was struck by a passing car Electric Services The employee was installing new electrical equipment when he contacted an energized line Crude Petroleum Pipelines Two maintenance employees who were repairing a pinhole leak on a 34 inch crude oil pipeline were burned when vapors ignited. The United States Department of Transportation - Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration is also investigating. (Continued on page 10) This down draft grinding bench has a board placed on top that prevents it from capturing dust.

10 4932 Gas and Other Services Combined Two employees were working do to a service tap on an 8-inch steel gas main for a residential building. They had placed warning signs at both ends of the work zone and they were wearing high-visibility clothing. One employee was struck by a car when the driver fell asleep and drove into the work area Local Trucking Without Storage The garbage truck driver had arrived at the customers location to pick up and empty a 6-yard container. While operating the controls and proceeding to lift the container the T-bar on the container broke and caused the hoist cable to fly loose and strike the operator Retail Nurseries, Lawn and Garden Supply Stores Two employees were working to install a new conveyor line. The old conveyor line had an inclined section that went through the floor to the level below. With the conveyor removed the opening in the floor was about 27 feet by 44 inches and was covered by 1 5/8 inch foam board. The two employees were working around the floor opening when one of them stepped onto the foam board and fell to the floor below Building Cleaning and Maintenance Service, Not Elsewhere Classified An employee was clearing ice and snow from a tiered roof of a 51 story building when he fell 5 stories General Medical and Surgical Hospitals A medical records clerk was caught between the movable and fixed sections of an automatic file carriage machine. Objects stored in the parts washer can interfere with the proper closing of the fusibly-linked lid.

11 This down draft grinding bench has 300 feet per minute of capture velocity. Top Ten Violations Listed below are the top ten cited violations found during Federal OSHA general industry inspections from October 2006 through September Rank Standard Hazard CFR The Control of Hazardous Energy CFR Hazard Communication CFR General Requirements for All Machines CFR Respiratory Protection CFR Wiring Methods, Components, and Equipment for General Use CFR Powered Industrial Trucks CFR General Electrical Requirements CFR Mechanical Power-Transmission Apparatus CFR Abrasive Wheel Machinery CFR General Personal Protective Equipment Requirements

12 This newsletter provides an overview of OSHA standards and does not alter or determine compliance responsibilities, which are described in the OSHA standards and the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Because interpretations and enforcement policy may change over time, the best sources for additional guidance on OSHA compliance requirements are current administrative interpretations and decisions by the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission and the courts. An example of a well-organized lock out station. Wisconsin Contact Information Wisconsin OSHA Consultation Offices: Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, University of Wisconsin 2601 Agriculture Drive, Madison, WI (608) (Health) Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, University of Wisconsin 141 NW Barstow Street, Fourth Floor, Waukesha, Wisconsin (Safety) Wisconsin OSHA Enforcement Offices: Appleton Area Office, 1648 Tri Park Way, Appleton, Wisconsin 54914, (920) , (920) FAX Eau Claire Area Office, 1310 W. Clairemont Avenue, Eau Claire, Wisconsin (715) , (715) FAX Madison Area Office, 4802 E. Broadway, Madison, Wisconsin (608) , (608) FAX Milwaukee Area Office, Henry S. Reuss Building, Suite 1180, 310 West Wisconsin Avenue Milwaukee, Wisconsin (414) , (414) FAX Do you have comments or ideas for articles? them to the Wisconsin General Industry Safety Newsletter at Zortman.Chris@dol.gov Ideas for Articles for Upcoming Issues Do you have any ideas for articles that you want to see or topics that you think are important? Please let us know at the address listed just above.

Inside This Issue Temporary Wiring in Construction Update on Fall Protection Heat Stress Top 10 Construction Violations Fatalities

July 2011 Volume 9, Issue 4 U.S. Department of Labor Wisconsin Construction Safety Newsletter Inside This Issue Temporary Wiring in Construction Update on Fall Protection Heat Stress Top 10 Construction