Health & Safety

In addition to using the new hazard classification system and developing SDSs, new labels will need to be developed and utilized that include the following:

• Product Identifier
• Signal Word
• Hazard Statement
• Pictograms
• Precautionary Statements
• Name, address, and telephone number of the chemical manufacturer, importer or other responsible party

The requirements of the revised HAZCOM standard include:

• A new hazard classification system
• Development of SDSs based on the new hazard classification system
• A new labeling system
• Training on the new label elements and SDS format
• Additional training on any newly identified physical or health hazards

Employers should train workers about fire hazards in the workplace and what to do in a fire emergency. This training should include how to properly evacuate the facility and if it is expected that employees will utilize firefighting equipment, proper training in this area is required as well. Depending upon the requirements affecting a facility, employers may need to develop written Emergency Action Plans and Fire Prevention Plans. The regulations required for these two plans can be found in 29...

As we end our historical safety milestone blog post series, here are several milestones that are fairly recent considering  when we first started this series we were discussing things from the late 1800's.

In 2007 OSHA requires employers to pay for safety equipment, including earplugs, respirators, and protective gloves.

Just last year, the National Safety Council launches the Campbell Institute to foster a healthy and high-performing workforce around the globe.

Seems just like yesterday but all of these safety milestones of the 1990's are well over ten years old with the Bloodborne Pathogens standard being introduced over 20 years.

1991 - OSHA creates the Bloodborne Pathogens standard to protect workers from HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B.

1993 - OSHA issues standards for confined spaces to reduce injuries for workers who enter confined spaces.

1996 - OSHA issues construction scaffold safety standards to protect construction workers.

1997 - OSHA strengthens...

In 1981 OSHA issues Hearing Conversation Standards to provide hearing protection.

In 1984 the Bhopal Disaster kills 3800 people, leads to Community Awareness and Emergency Response Program formation and new OSHA chemical plant guidelines.

In 1988 OSHA introduces safety guidelines for meatpacking workers.

We hope you had a safe New Year!

On April 28, 1971 the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is established. In 1972 OSHA issues the first asbestos standards. In 1977 the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act passed. In 1979 the 3-Mile Island Nuclear meltdown results in improved nuclear industry regulation but does dramatically cause a decline in new reactor construction.

Trying to work outside can introduce quite a few hazards to the person working.  With winter approaching, there can be additional risks involved when you consider how cold the weather can get.  The workers have to be mindful of things such as ice, snow, and plethora of other things.  It is important for outside workers to salt the area they will be working in to avoid slips and falls.  It is also important to clear away any snow that could accumulate in the area.  Lastly, dress correctly for the...

Safety milestones of the 1960's:

1964 - First disposable latex gloves manufactured.

1965 - Airborne lead exposure revealed, spurs new public awareness.

1967 - Child resistant locks for containers invented.

With the holiday season approaching, we will finish out our series of blog posts concerning historical safety milestones early in 2013. We hope you are enjoying this ongoing series of safety facts.

Here are some significant safety milestones of the 1950's:

1951 - The wetsuit is invented to provide thermal insulation, abrasion resistance and buoyancy needed for cold-water rescues.

1953 - Fhe Flammable Fabrics Act of 1953 creates regulations, including mandatory flame-retardant fabrics for children's sleepwear.

1954 - The Black Box flight data recorder is introduced.

1956 - The Refrigerator Safety Act is created requiring safety latches on refrigerator doors to end suffocations.

1959 - ASSE and...

In 1941 the Bureau of Mines granted inspection authority. Beginning in 1943, more than 80 Hollywood stars, including George Burns and Grace Kelly, record public service announcements (PSA) for the safety movement. These recordings continued through a number of years. In the 1950's James Dean recorded a PSA on safe driving. Very ironic considering James Dean's ultimate demise was due to a car accident. To see his PSA, click here.

In 1933 the Golden Gate Bridge construction site required workers to wear hard hats or risk being dismissed. Then in 1936, Congress approves the Public Contracts Act setting basic labor standards. In that same year, the Social Security Act passes and provides funds for Office of Industrial Hygiene and Sanitation to increase programs in state and local areas.

In 1924 the National Safety Council helps establish the Uniform Vehicle Code, a national manual for traffic laws and regulations. In 1927 the Bureau of Chemistry reorganized and was renamed the Food and Drug Admininstration (FDA). In 1928 emergency showers and eyewash fountains were introduced in U.S. factories. Stay tune for future historical safety milestones.

Several August Mack employees recently attended and presented at the National Safety Council Congress that took place in October 2012. One of the themes of the convention revolved around the Safety Trail which highlighted safey milestones over the last 100+ years.

In 1914, the first electric traffic signal erected in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1919, American National Standards Institute (ANSI) was established. Look for more historical milestones in future blog posts.

Several August Mack employees recently attended and presented at the National Safety Council Congress that took place in October 2012. One of the themes of the convention revolved around the Safety Trail which highlighted safey milestones over the last 100+ years.

In 1888, first aid kits were introduced. In 1896, the National Fire Protection Association formed dedicated to fire prevention and code development. Look for more historical milestones in upcoming blog posts.

According to the OSHA Standards, a confined space is considered large enough for an employee to enter and do work, but not made for continuous occupancy.  When work needs to be completed in any type of a confined space, it is the employer's responsibility to make sure the employee performing the work is trained correctly. There are hazards that go along with working in confined spaces (known as permit required confined spaces) so the employee must know the hazards to look out for, both chemical...

Flammable substances in the work place can be a serious hazard if not properly managed.  Both the employer and employess share in the responsibility to maintain a safe workplace.  As an employer, make sure that fire safety procedures are present, and that employees are trained in what to do in case of a fire. 

As the employer, it is your responsibilty to make sure all employees are properly trained.  Make sure to be aware of all the safety issues that may affect your employees and be sure they have been properly trained. AND DOCUMENT THIS TRAINING! 

No matter where you work, there will always be the possibility of injuries.  So as an the employer of these workers, have a plan in place of how to handle different types of injuries.  As an employee, always practice safe work practices to eliminate or minimize the risk of injury.

When getting ready to work on or start a major project, there are certain lines of communication that you must follow.  While going through the proper channels, one must at some point, gain permits to officially start working.  Without these permits, any construction or work needing a permission by such permits, would be illegal.  Make sure you follow procedure by filling out the proper paperwork, and get the permits needed in order to start your projects or jobs. 

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