OSHA - Introduction to Occupational Safety and Health
These __________ accident categories are responsible for nearly three out of five construction worker deaths.
"Fatal Four"
To combat these hazardous conditions and unsafe work practices, control strategies referred to as the __________ have been developed.
"Hierarchy of Controls"
ANSI Z10, Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems, encourages employers to employ the six hazard control strategies.
1. Elimination. Totally eliminates the hazard. No hazard: no exposure. 2. Substitution. Mitigates a hazard. Replaces toxics with non toxics. 3. Engineering controls. Isolates hazards through design. 4. Warnings. Alert employees to the hazard. 5. Administrative controls. Safe procedures and practices. 6. Personal protective equipment (PPE). Places a barrier between hazard and worker.
Most common workplace violations encountered by OSHA.
1. Fall protection, construction (1926.501) 2. Hazard communication standard, general industry (1910.1200) 3. Scaffolding, general requirements, construction (1926.451) 4. Respiratory protection, general industry (1910.134) 5. Control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout), general industry (1910.147) 6. Ladders, construction (1926.1053) 7. Powered industrial trucks, general industry (1910.178) 8. Fall Protection-Training Requirements (1926.503) 9. Machinery and Machine Guarding, general requirements (1910.212) 10. Electrical, wiring methods, components, equipment, general industry (1910.305)
The leading causes of worker deaths on construction sites are:
1. Falls - 381 out of 971 total deaths in construction in CY 2017 (39.2%), 2. Struck by Object - - 80 (8.2%), 3. Electrocutions - 71 (7.3%), and 4. Caught-in/between* - 50 (5.1%).
Ergonomics studies the various risk factors brought to a job. The three areas within which ergonomic risk factors exist are:
1. Risk factors inherent in the worker. 2. Risk factors inherent in the task. 3. Risk factors inherent in the environment.
There are five basic methods you can use to identify workplace hazards before an accident occurs:
1. informal observations, and formal observation programs, 2. comprehensive company-wide surveys, 3. individual interviews, 4. walk-around inspections, and 5. documentation review.
If you have __________ or fewer employees you may communicate the plan orally to employees.
10
Generally, one evacuation warden for every __________ employees should be adequate, and the appropriate number of wardens should be available at all times during working hours.
20
There may be potential exposure to workers during maintenance operations or if the enclosure system __________. In that case, what is done?
Breaks down; additional controls such as safe work practices or personal protective equipment (PPE) may be necessary to control exposure.
OSHA Signs
Danger Signs - Signs that alert people to specific and immediate dangers (including radiation hazards). Warning Signs - Signs that warn people of potential hazards that can lead to death. Caution Signs - Signs used to alert people to potential hazards. This class can also be used to caution people against certain unsafe practices. This class is for hazards that can result in minor (non-life threatening) accident or injury. Safety Instruction Signs - These signs offer instructions for how someone should act or perform to avoid possible hazards.
__________ is the most common and probably the most efficient method to determine employee knowledge and skills.
Demonstration
To ensure the fastest, most accurate accounting of employees, consider including these steps in the EAP:
Designate assembly areas or areas Assembly areas, both inside and outside the workplace, are the locations where employees gather after evacuating. Internal assembly areas within the building are often referred to as "areas of refuge." Make sure the assembly area has sufficient space to accommodate all employees. Exterior assembly areas, used when the building must be partially or completely evacuated, are typically located in parking lots or other open areas away from busy streets. Try and designate assembly areas so that employees will be up-wind of the building. Take a head count after the evacuation. Accounting for all employees following an evacuation is critical. Identify the names and last known locations of anyone not accounted for and pass them to the official in charge. Assembly area design. When designating an assembly area, consider (and try to minimize) the possibility of employees interfering with rescue operations. Account for others. Establish a method for accounting for non-employees such as suppliers and customers. Additional evacuation. Establish procedures for further evacuation in case the incident expands. This may consist of sending employees home by normal means or providing them with transportation to an offsite location.
Fire Extinguishing Systems components
Designed and approved for use on the specific fire hazards they are expected to control or extinguish. Protected against corrosion or either made or coated with a non-corrosive material if it may be exposed to a corrosive environment. Designed for the climate and temperature extremes to which they will be exposed.
You (do/don't) have to be standing in water to be electrocuted.
Don't; wet clothing, high humidity, and perspiration also increase your chances of being electrocuted.
OSHA's impact
Dramatic effect on workplace safety: • Worker deaths in America are down about 63 percent - from about 38 worker deaths a day in 1970 to 14 a day in 2017. • Worker injuries and illnesses are down around 75 percent - from 10.9 incidents per 100 workers in 1972 to 2.8 per 100 in 2017.
Hazards that cause fires
Electrical Hazards. Electrical system failures and the misuse of electrical equipment are leading causes of workplace fires. Fires can result from loose ground connections, wiring with frayed insulation, or overloaded fuses, circuits, motors, or outlets. Portable Heaters. All portable heaters should be approved by the plan administrator. Portable electric heaters should have tip-over protection that automatically shuts off the unit when it is tipped over. Office fires hazards. Fire risks are not limited to industrial facilities. Fires in offices have become more likely because of the increased use of electrical equipment, such as computers and fax machines. Welding, Cutting, and Open Flame Work. Welding and cutting and working with open flames are obvious fire hazards in the workplace, and in some cases fire watches need to be positioned close by, and barriers may need to be placed between welding and materials that might catch fire. Flammable and Combustible Materials. If your workplace contains flammable and combustible materials, the plan administrator should regularly evaluate the presence of those materials.
__________ is preferred over __________.
Elimination; substitution
__________ are required to determine if PPE should be used to protect their workers and have an obligation to provide PPE, including personal protective equipment for eyes, face, head, and extremities, and protective clothing and barriers.
Employers
__________ should train workers about fire hazards in the workplace and about what to do in a fire emergency.
Employers
__________ can be helpful in accounting for employees.
Evacuation wardens
__________ are typically used to identify the escape routes to be followed by employees from each specific facility location.
Exit diagrams
__________ represent the cause of most of these accidents.
Falls
Fixed Extinguishing Systems
Fixed fire extinguishing/suppression systems are commonly used to protect areas containing valuable or critical equipment such as data processing rooms, telecommunication switches, and process control rooms. Their main function is to quickly extinguish a developing fire and alert occupants before extensive damage occurs by filling the protected area with a gas or chemical extinguishing agent.
Evacuation Wardens
Individuals that help move employees from danger to safe areas during an emergency. They may be responsible for checking offices, bathrooms, and other spaces before being the last person to exit an area. They might also be tasked with ensuring that fire doors are closed when exiting.
FPP Responsibilities
Management. Management determines fire prevention and protection policies. They should do the following: • Managers should provide adequate hazard controls to provide a safe workplace. • Managers should also provide adequate resources and training to employees to encourage fire prevention and the safest possible response in the event of a fire emergency. Plan Administrator. This person maintains all records pertaining to the plan. The Plan Administrator should also: • Develop and administer the fire prevention training program. • Ensure that fire control equipment and systems are appropriate and properly maintained. • Control fuel source hazards in the workplace. • Conduct fire risk surveys and make recommendations for improvement. Supervisors. Supervisors ensure that employees receive appropriate fire safety training. • Supervisors should notify the plan administrator when changes in operation increase the risk of fire. • They are also responsible for enforcing fire prevention and protection policies. Employees. All employees should complete all required training before working without supervision. It's important that employees also: • Conduct operations safely to limit the risk of fire. •Report potential fire hazards to their supervisors. • Follow fire emergency procedures.
Natural consequences
Natural consequences include some form of resulting injury or illness to the employee that inevitably occurs. For instance, a natural consequence might be an eye injury as a result of not using eye protection.
There are two primary types of consequences:
Natural consequences; system consequences
State plans
OSHA-approved workplace safety and health programs operated by individual states or U.S. territories
OSHA
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Safety inspection
Purpose to identify hazardous conditions in addition to providing useful data for the purpose of effective analysis and evaluation of the safety management system.
__________ should always be one of the company's core values.
Safety
OSHA's administrator answers to the __________, who is a member of the cabinet of the President of the United States
Secretary of Labor
__________ may require designated employees remain behind briefly to operate fire extinguishers or shut down gas and/or electrical systems and other special equipment that could be damaged if left operating or create additional hazards to emergency responders
Smaller enterprises
System consequences
System consequences describe the discipline or recognition given by others in the company in response to the employee's performance. For example, an employee might be recognized for properly using PPE during a hazardous task.
OSHA jurisdiction
The OSH Act covers most private sector employers and their workers, in addition to some public sector employers and workers in the 50 states and certain territories and jurisdictions under federal authority.
Ergonomics
The study of the problems of people in adjusting to their environment; especially the science that seeks to adapt work or working conditions to suit the individual worker.
Class A Combustibles
These include common combustible materials (wood, paper, cloth, rubber, and plastics) that can act as fuel and are found in non-specialized areas such as offices.
Class B Combustibles
These include flammable and combustible liquids (oils, greases, tars, oil-based paints, and lacquers), flammable gases, and flammable aerosols.
OSHA is part of the __________
US Department of Labor
Willful violation
Violation of an OSHA standard that is considered intentional.
Serious violation
Violation of an OSHA standard that is likely to cause death or serious injury on the job.
Warnings can be:
Visual. Signs, labels, tags, and flashing/strobe lights. Audible. Alarms, bells, beepers, sirens, announcement system and horns. Tactile. Vibration devices or air fans.
Retraining occurs when?
When the employer has reason to believe any affected employee who has already been trained does not have the understanding and skill required by the PPE standard, the employer must retrain the employee.
Elimination
When using elimination, the hazard is completely removed, making it impossible for an accident to occur. The hazard is not simply reduced, but it is completely eliminated.
Substitution
When using substitution, the hazard is reduced or eliminated by using a less hazardous component. Although it is possible to eliminate the hazard, the substitution method does not necessarily eliminate the hazard.
Portable Extinguishing Systems
Workplace fires and explosions kill hundreds and injure thousands of workers each year. One way to limit the amount of damage due to such fires is to make portable fire extinguishers an important part of your FPP. When used properly, fire extinguishers can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or controlling a fire until additional help arrives.
Although an employer is responsible for identifying workplace hazards, __________ should be __________ about your safety and be __________ of your environment and potential hazards.
YOU; proactive; aware
Hazard
a danger which threatens physical harm to employees
A poorly prepared plan, will likely lead to...
a disorganized evacuation or emergency response, resulting in confusion, injury, and property damage.
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)
a group of conditions that involve the nerves, tendons, muscles, and supporting structures such as intervertebral discs
Forseeable hazard
a hazard that may be reasonably anticipated; something that alone isn't a hazard but can become hazardous
Emergency Action Plan (EAP)
a written document required by OSHA standards to facilitate and organize employer and employee actions during workplace emergencies.
Under the typical EAP, the employer will expect __________ employees to evacuate in an emergency.
all
OSHA oversees
all aspects of worker health and safety. This includes work-related injuries and illnesses.
Unsafe work practices include:
allowing untrained workers to perform hazardous tasks, taking unsafe shortcuts, horseplay, or long work schedules.
What is a fire extinguishing system?
an engineered set of components that work together to quickly detect a fire, alert occupants, and extinguish the fire before extensive damage can occur.
Fall hazard
anything in the workplace that could cause an unintended loss of balance or bodily support and result in a fall.
Evacuation procedures also often describe actions employees should take __________ and __________ evacuating such as shutting windows, turning off equipment, and closing doors behind them.
before; while
Examples of MSDs
carpal tunnel, tenosynovitis, tension neck syndrome, low back pain
The employer must verify each affected employee has received and understood the required training by a __________ person.
competent
PPE is used in __________ with other hazard controls.
conjunction
The final "why" training topic addresses the importance of using PPE and what the __________ of behavior (compliance and failure to comply) will be.
consequences
Consequently, OSHA is focusing on the following causes of private sector worker deaths (excluding highway collisions) in the __________ industry
construction
Out of 4,674 worker fatalities in private industry in calendar year 2017, 971 or 20.7% were in __________.
construction
To measure knowledge and skill, the instructor usually tests the employee by asking them to __________ using the PPE
demonstrate
When documenting safety training, and specifically PPE training, it's also important to formally certify employees have __________ (proved) to the trainer, adequate knowledge and skills with respect to safety training.
demonstrated
The most common method for reporting emergencies is...
dialing "911"
Guidelines
discretionary "guidelines" are voluntary.
The methods used to train the employee are primarily __________ and __________ demonstration.
discussion; hands-on
Be careful to __________ rules from guidelines when developing administrative controls.
distinguish
PPE training must be completed using a written certification __________ containing:
document; the name of each employee trained, the date(s) of training, and the subject of the certification.
It's always better to __________ the hazard so that you don't have to rely on administrative controls that tend to work only if employees behave.
eliminate
Fire Prevention Plan (FPP)
eliminate the causes of fire, prevent loss of life and property by fire, and to comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) standard on fire prevention
When a circuit is not grounded properly, a hazard exists because unwanted voltage cannot be safely __________.
eliminated
It is the duty of __________ to provide workplaces that are free of known dangers that could harm their employees.
employers
When you cannot remove a hazard or replace it with a less hazardous alternative, the next best control is __________.
enclosure
The basic concept behind __________ control strategies is that, to the extent possible, tools, equipment, machinery, and work environment should be designed to eliminate or reduce exposure to hazards.
engineering
Like administrative controls, the use of PPE does not control the hazard itself, but rather it merely controls __________ to the hazard by setting up a barrier between the employee and the hazard.
exposure
Make sure responders are __________ with the building and any dangerous locations within the building.
familiar
Well-developed emergency plans and proper employee training (such that employees understand their roles and responsibilities within the plan) will result in...
fewer and less severe employee injuries and less structural damage to the facility during emergencies.
Employers must __________ and __________ safety and health problems.
find; correct
Employers MUST provide their employees with a workplace that does not have serious hazards and must...
follow all OSHA safety and health standards.
Fall hazards are considered __________.
forseeable
The most common OSHA electrical violation is improper __________ of equipment and circuitry.
grounding
If employees are expected to use portable fire extinguishers, they must participate in "__________" exercises that help them understand the procedures.
hands-on
PPE training must include a __________ portion so employees can practice using the PPE.
hands-on
It takes a __________ and __________ before an accident can occur.
hazard; exposure
Administrative controls are needed when...
hazards can't be adequately eliminated or mitigated through elimination, substitution, and engineering controls.
It's very important workers and supervisors are knowledgeable to ensure workplace hazards are __________ and __________ as soon as possible.
identified; eliminated
The first step in controlling workplace hazards is to first __________ them to determine what hazards are present.
identify
There can be many hazards in the workplace, and being able to __________ these hazards can help prevent accidental injury or illness.
identify
No matter what system is used, it is imperative that emergency situations be __________ reported.
immediately
The metal parts of motors, appliances, or electronics that are plugged into __________ circuits may become energized, creating a serious hazard.
improperly grounded
A fire prevention plan must be...
in writing, be kept in the workplace, and be made available to employees for review.
Ergonomics may be thought of as the science of fitting the job to the ___________.
individual worker
Recognition of a hazard is established on the basis of __________ recognition, __________ recognition, or __________ recognition criteria.
industry; employer; "common sense"
When a hazard is recognized, the preferred correction or control cannot always be accomplished immediately. OSHA believes there is always some kind of __________ that can be used to temporarily abate a hazard.
interim measure
Teaching the "what, when, how, and limitations" of PPE increases __________ and __________.
knowledge; skill
Each year, most workers are injured when they fall from __________.
ladders
Rules
mandatory safety "rules" are required and must be followed.
OSHA states that an employer (may/may not) rely solely on the use of an online or video training program when training the use of PPE.
may not
One potential problem when using warnings is the __________ of the warning itself.
misinterpretation
Straight ladder
most common type of portable ladder
The goal of teaching the "why" is to increase employee __________ to use PPE.
motivation
OSHA requires the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce employee exposure to hazards when engineering and administrative controls are __________ or effective in reducing these exposures to acceptable levels.
not feasible
Never store materials and equipment under or near __________.
over-head power lines
PPE
personal protective equipment; Eye and Face Protection. Safety glasses or face shields are worn any time work operations can cause foreign objects to get in the eye. For example, during welding, cutting, grinding, nailing (or when working with concrete and/or harmful chemicals or when exposed to flying particles). Wear when exposed to any electrical hazards, including working on energized electrical systems. Eye and face protectors - select based on anticipated hazards. Foot Protection. Construction workers should wear work shoes or boots with slip-resistant and puncture-resistant soles. Safety-toed footwear is worn to prevent crushed toes when working around heavy equipment or falling objects. Hand Protection. Gloves should fit snugly. Workers should wear the right gloves for the job (examples: heavy-duty rubber gloves for concrete work; welding gloves for welding; insulated gloves and sleeves when exposed to electrical hazards). Head Protection. Wear hard hats where there is a potential for objects falling from above, bumps to the head from fixed objects, or of accidental head contact with electrical hazards. Hard hats - routinely inspect them for dents, cracks or deterioration; replace after a heavy blow or electrical shock; maintain in good condition. Hearing Protection. Use earplugs/earmuffs in high noise work areas where chainsaws or heavy equipment are used; clean or replace earplugs regularly.
Administrative controls are developed by management for the purpose of...
preventing or reducing exposure by controlling behaviors that may result in exposure to hazards.
In an effective FPP, smoking is __________ in all company buildings.
prohibited
Employees must know how to __________ emergencies.
report
Employers have the responsibility to provide a __________ workplace.
safe
The OSH Act gives employees the right to...
safe and healthful working conditions.
One way to identify hazards is to perform a __________.
safety inspection
Effective administrative controls are only as effective as the __________ that supports them.
safety management system
However, for __________, the plan does not need to be written and may be communicated orally.
smaller companies (10 employees or fewer)
OSHA uses the following criteria to determine the feasibility of hazard controls:
technical feasibility and economic feasibility
More than two exits are required, however, if...
the number of employees, size of the building, or arrangement of the workplace will not allow employees to evacuate safely.
Normally, a workplace must have at least __________ exit routes to permit prompt evacuation of employees and other building occupants during an emergency.
two
When employees __________ the consequences, they are more likely to use PPE properly and consistently.
understand
Many employers designate individuals as evacuation __________ to help move employees from danger to safe areas during an emergency.
wardens
Evacuation policies, procedures, and escape route assignments are put into place so that employees understand __________ is authorized to order an evacuation, under what __________ an evacuation would be necessary, __________ to evacuate, and what __________ to take.
who; conditions; how; routes
The most common reason employees don't follow rules in the workplace is because they don't know __________ the rules are important.
why
Emergency action plans must be __________.
written
It is the intent of most OSHA law that knowledge be measured by __________.
written exams
Although they are not specifically required by OSHA, employers may find it helpful to include the following in the EAP:
• A description of the alarm system to be used to notify employees (including disabled employees) to evacuate and/or take other actions. The alarms used for different actions should be distinctive and might include horn blasts, sirens, or even public address systems. • The site of an alternative communications center to be used in the event of a fire or explosion. • A secure on- or offsite location to store originals or duplicate copies of accounting records, legal documents, your employees' emergency contact lists, and other essential records.
Fire prevention plans must include:
• A list of all major fire hazards, proper handling and storage procedures for hazardous materials, potential ignition sources and their control, and the type of fire protection equipment necessary to control each major hazard; • Procedures to control accumulations of flammable and combustible waste materials; • Procedures for regular maintenance of safeguards installed on heat-producing equipment to prevent the accidental ignition of combustible materials; • The name or job title of employees responsible for maintaining equipment to prevent or control sources of ignition or fires; and • The name or job title of employees responsible for the control of fuel source hazards.
PPE training documentation will be strengthened when it contains the elements below:
• A statement by the employee that they have received training by the employer on the six subjects listed previously, and that the trainer has demonstrated proper use of the PPE and answered all employee questions about PPE use satisfactorily. • A statement by the trainer that, through an oral or written test, the employee has satisfactorily demonstrated an understanding of the subjects covered during training, and has, through practice, demonstrated the skills needed to properly don, doff, use, care for, and maintain the PPE.
If any employees will stay behind, the plan must describe in detail the procedures to be followed by these employees.
• All employees remaining behind must be capable of recognizing when to abandon the operation or task and evacuate themselves before their egress path is blocked. • In small establishments it is common to include in the plan locations where utilities (such as electrical and gas) can be shut down for all or part of the facility either by company employees or by emergency response personnel.
Management Training Responsibilities:
• All managers should be educated to understand their FPP responsibilities including inspection and drill procedures. • Managers should also make sure all employees who might be expected to use portable fire extinguishers are properly trained. • Supervisors should train employees about the fire hazards associated with the specific materials and processes to which they are exposed, and maintain written documentation of the training.
There are preferred procedures for reporting emergencies such as:
• Dialing "911" which is the most common method for reporting emergencies if external emergency personnel are used at your workplace. • Internal numbers may be used for reporting emergencies. If they are, they should be posted on, or near, each phone. Internal numbers sometimes are connected to intercom systems so that coded announcements may be made. • Employees may be requested to activate manual pull stations or other alarm systems.
Elements of a FPP
• It provides employees with information and guidelines that will assist them in recognizing, reporting, and controlling fire hazards. • It identifies materials that are potential fire hazards and their proper handling and storage procedures. • It distinguishes potential ignition sources and the proper control procedures of those materials. • The plan describes fire protection equipment and/or systems used to control fire hazards. • It identifies persons responsible for maintaining the equipment and systems installed to prevent or control ignition of fires. • The FPP identifies persons responsible for the control and accumulation of flammable or combustible material. • It describes good housekeeping procedures necessary to insure the control of accumulated flammable and combustible waste material and residues to avoid a fire emergency. • The plan provides training to employees with regard to fire hazards to which they may be exposed.
Elements of an EAP
• Means of reporting fires and other emergencies, • Evacuation procedures and emergency escape route assignments, • Procedures for employees who remain to operate critical plant operations before they evacuate, • Accounting for all employees after an emergency evacuation has been completed, • Rescue and medical duties for employees performing them, and • Names or job titles of persons who can be contacted.
FPP Best Practices
• Minimize the storage of combustible materials. • Make sure that doors, hallways, stairs, and other exit routes are kept free of obstructions. • Dispose of combustible waste in covered, airtight, metal containers. • Use and store flammable materials in well-ventilated areas away from ignition sources. • Use only nonflammable cleaning products. • Keep incompatible (i.e., chemically reactive) substances away from each other. • Perform "hot work" (i.e., welding or working with an open flame or other ignition sources) in controlled and well-ventilated areas. • Keep equipment in good working order (i.e., inspect electrical wiring and appliances regularly and keep motors and machine tools free of dust and grease. • Ensure that heating units are safeguarded. • Report all gas leaks immediately. A responsible person shall ensure that all gas leaks are repaired immediately upon notification. • Repair and clean up flammable liquid leaks immediately. • Keep work areas free of dust, lint, sawdust, scraps, and similar material. • Do not rely on extension cords if wiring improvements are needed, and take care not to overload circuits with multiple pieces of equipment. • Ensure that required hot work permits are obtained. • Turn off electrical equipment when not in use.
Administrative controls are policies, programs, processes, procedures, and practices that include the following examples:
• Providing training for all hazardous tasks, • Developing safety procedures for all hazardous tasks, • Developing safety rules and guidelines for all work, • Developing suitable work schedules to reduce stress and fatigue, and • Creating safe work procedures and practices using job hazard analyses.
Before an employee is allowed to do work requiring PPE, the employer must require each affected employee to demonstrate:
• an understanding of the training topics, and • the skills and ability to use PPE properly.
Employees designated to assist in emergency evacuation procedures should:
• be trained in the complete workplace layout and various alternative escape routes if the primary evacuation route becomes blocked, and • be made aware of employees with special needs (who may require extra assistance during an evacuation), how to use the buddy system, and any hazardous areas to avoid during an emergency evacuation.
Exit routes should be:
• clearly marked and well lit, • wide enough to accommodate the number of evacuating personnel, • unobstructed and clear of debris at all times, and • unlikely to expose evacuating personnel to additional hazards.
When developing the emergency action plan, it is important to determine the following:
• conditions under which an evacuation would be necessary. • conditions under which it may be better to shelter-in-place. • a clear chain of command and designation of the person in your business authorized to order an evacuation or shutdown. • specific evacuation procedures, including routes and exits. • specific evacuation procedures for high-rise buildings for employers and employees. • procedures for assisting visitors and employees to evacuate, particularly those with disabilities or who do not speak English. • designation of what, if any, employees will remain after the evacuation alarm to shut down critical operations or perform other duties before evacuating. • a means of accounting for employees after an evacuation. • special equipment for employees. • appropriate respirators.
When employees don't wear or use PPE correctly, it is usually because the employer:
• does not provide quality PPE, • does not properly supervise the use of PPE, • fails to enforce the use of PPE, or • does not properly train employees on the use of PPE.
Examples of safe work practices:
• removing tripping, blocking, and slipping hazards, • wetting down surfaces to keep toxic dust out of the air, • using safe lifting techniques, and • maintaining equipment and tools in good repair.
At a minimum, FPP Training should include all the following topics:
• review OSHA requirements contained in 29 CFR 1910.38, Emergency Action Plans, • review OSHA requirements contained in 29 CFR 1910.39, Fire Prevention Plans, • person(s) responsible for Control of Fuel Source Hazards, • the location of the company FPP and how it can be accessed, • good fire-prevention housekeeping practices and equipment maintenance, • alarm systems and evacuation routes, • proper response and notification in the event of a fire, • the use of portable fire extinguishers, and • recognition of potential fire hazards.
According to the standard, to meet the minimum training requirements, each employee receiving PPE training must be trained to know at least the following topics:
• when PPE is necessary, • what PPE is necessary, • how to properly don, doff, adjust, and wear PPE, • the limitations of the PPE, and • the proper care, maintenance, useful life, and disposal of the PPE.
Circumstances where retraining is required include, but are not limited to, situations where:
• when use of PPE is only required rarely; • changes in the workplace render previous training obsolete; • changes in the types of PPE to be used render previous training obsolete; or • deficiencies in an affected employee's knowledge or use of assigned PPE indicate that the employee has not retained the requisite understanding or skill
How to evaluate fall hazards?
1. Involve others 2. Identify tasks that could expose workers to falls 3. Identify hazards you can eliminate 4. Prevent fall hazards 5. Supported access
Contributing factors
aspects of work tasks that can lead to fatigue, MSD symptoms and injuries, or other types of problems.
The OSH Act also gives employees important rights to...
participate in activities to ensure their protection from job hazards.
Working in wet conditions is hazardous because you may become an easy __________ for electrical current.
path (For instance, if you touch a live wire while standing in even a puddle of water, you will probably receive a shock.)
More than half of all electrocutions are caused by direct worker contact with energized __________.
power lines
State Plans are monitored by OSHA and must be at least as effective as OSHA in...
protecting workers and in preventing work-related injuries, illnesses and deaths.
Warnings
provide a visual indicator to warn people of potential danger
grounding
providing a path for electric charges to flow safely into the ground (to 0)
Many workplace's contain hazardous materials including:
raw materials (wood, metal, plastic) to be manufactured into finished goods, and toxic chemicals (solvents, acids, bases, detergents) used at various stages of the process.
A proactive supervisor should encourage employees to __________ any potential hazards immediately.
report
A job must be _________ or it cannot be called a good job.
safe
To control falls...
use personal fall-arrest systems, positioning-device systems, and safety-net systems. Use these fall-protection systems only when you can't eliminate fall hazards or prevent falls from occurring.
With the release of ANSI Z10-2012, "__________" have been promoted to their own hierarchy level.
warnings
Ways to eliminate risk factors:
• Ask for assistance when you are assigned tasks that cannot be safely completed alone. The task assigned to the victim could not have been done safely by only one person. • Do not work overtime performing hazardous tasks that are not part of your normal assignments. • Employees should only be given tasks they are qualified to perform. • All employees below the journeyman level should be supervised.
The contributing factors you should be aware of include:
• Awkward postures, • Repetitive motions, • Forceful exertions, • Pressure points (e.g., local contact stress), • Vibration, and • The environment (e.g., light, noise, temperature extremes).
Examples of electrical hazards (could cause shock, injury or fatality)
• Inadequate electrical wiring, • Exposed electrical parts, • Overhead power lines, • Wires with bad insulation, • Improper grounding of electrical circuits, • Overloaded circuits, • Damaged power tools and equipment, • Using the wrong electrical protective equipment, • Using the wrong power tool, • Metal ladders, and • Wet conditions.
Employers MUST also:
• Prominently display the official OSHA poster that describes rights and responsibilities under the OSH Act. • Inform workers about hazards through training, labels, alarms, color-coded systems, chemical information sheets and other methods. • Train workers in a language and vocabulary they can understand. • Keep accurate records of work-related injuries and illnesses. • Perform tests in the workplace, such as air sampling, required by some OSHA standards. • Provide hearing exams or other medical tests required by OSHA standards. • Post OSHA citations and injury and illness data where workers can see them. • Notify OSHA within 8 hours of a workplace fatality or within 24 hours of any work-related inpatient hospitalization, amputation or loss of an eye. • Not retaliate against workers for using their rights under the law, including their right to report a work- related injury or illness.
Hazards you should be aware of:
• Stationary machinery and equipment may not be properly guarded, or in poor working order because of poor preventive/corrective maintenance. • Tools may not be properly maintained. • Saws may not be sharpened or safety harnesses may be old and in need of replacement. • The work environment might include extreme noise, flammable or combustible atmospheres, or poor workstation design. • Floors may be slippery and isles cluttered. • Guardrails, ladders, or floor-hole covers may be missing or damaged. • Employees might be fatigued, distracted in some way, or otherwise lack the mental or physical capacity to accomplish work safely.
Employee's basic rights under the OSH Act
• Work in a safe workplace. • Raise a safety or health concern with your employer or OSHA, or report a work-related injury or illness, without being retaliated against. • Receive information and training on job hazards, including all hazardous substances in your workplace. • Request an OSHA inspection of your workplace if you believe there are unsafe or unhealthy conditions. OSHA will keep your name confidential. You have the right to have a representative contact OSHA on your behalf. • Participate (or have your representative participate) in an OSHA inspection and speak in private to the inspector. • File a complaint with OSHA within 30 days (by phone, online or by mail) if you have been retaliated against for using your rights. • See any OSHA citations issued to your employer. • Request copies of your medical records, tests that measure hazards in the workplace, and the workplace injury and illness log.
A hazard may be an __________ (tools, equipment, machinery, materials) or a __________ (when distracted, mentally/physically incapable).
object; person
The minimum distance for voltages up to 50kV is _____ feet.
10
Eliminating the "Fatal Four" would save more than __________ workers' lives in America every year.
400
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), __________ workers died on the job in 2017
5,147 (99 a week or more than 14 deaths every day)
__________ a fall hazard is the most effective fall-protection strategy.
Eliminating
__________ and __________, while most effective at reducing hazards, also tend to be the most difficult to implement in an existing process.
Elimination; substitution
Enclosure
Enclosing a hazard usually means that there is no hazard exposure to workers during normal production operations.
Overhead power lines (are/are not) insulated.
are not
As an employee, being __________ of these hazards is important to ensuring your safety.
aware
When the potential hazard cannot be removed, replaced, or enclosed, the next best approach is a __________ to exposure or, in the case of air contaminants, local exhaust __________ to remove the contaminant from the workplace.
barrier; ventilation
A hazard is an "unsafe workplace condition or practice (__________) that could cause an injury or illnesses (__________) to the employee."
danger; harm
Most electrocutions involving overhead power lines are caused by failure to maintain proper work __________.
distances
Warnings (do/do not) prevent exposure to a hazard.
do not
The idea behind the hierarchy of controls is that the control methods at the top of the list are usually __________ than those at the bottom.
more effective and protective
The OSH Act covers who?
most private sector employers and their workers, and some public sector employers and workers in the 50 states and certain territories and jurisdictions under federal authority.
If you touch a live electrical component with a __________ hand tool, you are more likely to receive a shock when standing in water.
non-insulated
Hazard abatement (reduction) measures required to prevent a hazard should be __________ and __________ feasible (reasonable) for the employer.
technologically (possible given currently available technology); economically (financially reasonable)
The administrator for OSHA is...
the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health.
Both the use of barriers and ventilation may still potentially expose employees to hazard even in normal operations. Consequently...
these controls should be used only in conjunction with other types of controls, such as safe work practices designed specifically for the site condition and/or PPE.
OSHA's purpose
to assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance.
OSHA further requires that employers must __________ first by making feasible changes in working conditions - switching to safer chemicals, enclosing processes to trap harmful fumes, or using ventilation systems to clean the air are examples of effective ways to get rid of or minimize risks - rather than just relying on personal protective equipment such as masks, gloves, or earplugs.
try to eliminate or reduce hazards
OSHA strives to make sure that every employee in the nation goes home __________ at the end of the workday, the most important right of all.
unharmed
Hazardous conditions include
unsafe materials, equipment, the environment, and employees.
To prevent falls...
use covers, guardrails, handrails, perimeter safety cables, and personal fall-restraint systems.