OSHA makes technical amendment to Bloodborne Pathogens Standard

Thursday, April 12th, 2012

Effective date is April 3, 2012

Posted April 5, 2012

OSHA is making a technical amendment to its Bloodborne Pathogens Standard by moving the rule’s paragraph on sharps injury log requirements from paragraph (i), entitled “Dates,” to paragraph (h), entitled “Recordkeeping.” The effective date for the corrections and technical amendment to the standard was April 3, 2012.

On January 18, 2001, OSHA revised the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard at 29 CFR 1910.1030 to include requirements of the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act. These revisions included adding a fifth subparagraph, entitled “Sharps injury log,” to paragraph (h) of the standard. However, in the July 1, 2001, publication of the CFR, subparagraph (5) was under paragraph (i) (“Dates”). These corrections and technical amendment relocate subparagraph (5) under paragraph (h) (“Recordkeeping”).

Categories : Compliance, Health and Safety, Training

U.S. Department of Transportation Releases New “Faces of Distracted Driving” Video Gina Harris of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Remembers Her 19-Year-Old Daughter, Brittanie

Thursday, January 19th, 2012

WASHINGTON – U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today released the latest video in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s “Faces of Distracted Driving” series, featuring the story of Brittanie Montgomery, from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

WATCH: “Brittanie Montgomery, 19” – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUWs1jGcpMo

At 19 years old, Brittanie Montgomery was a member of the Hornets Honeybees dance team and studied childhood development as a sophomore at the University of Central Oklahoma. On December 21, 2006, she was killed when she lost control of her vehicle, crossed four lanes of traffic, and was struck by an oncoming car. She was talking on her cell phone with a friend at the time of the crash.

“Brittanie Montgomery was a talented young woman who was beloved by her family and community. Her story proves that even a single phone call from behind the wheel can have devastating consequences,” said Secretary LaHood. “I hope all drivers will remember to keep their eyes on the road, their hands on the wheel, and their cell phones in the glove compartment.”

“Everyone who had a chance to meet Brittanie knew about her dreams for the future and knew she’d accomplish every one of them. But just one phone call ended her life,” said her mother, Gina Harris. “I hope that sharing my daughter’s story will help open drivers’ eyes to the dangers of cell phone use behind the wheel.”

“Faces of Distracted Driving” is a video series that raises awareness about the potentially tragic consequences of texting and cell phone use while driving by sharing the stories of families who have been affected by this deadly epidemic. In 2010, over 3,000 people died in crashes related to distracted driving. The series is part of Secretary LaHood’s ongoing efforts to raise greater awareness about the dangers of distracted driving.

WATCH: “Faces of Distracted Driving” – www.distraction.gov/faces

The U.S. Department of Transportation encourages anyone who would like to share their distracted driving experiences to email: faces@distraction.gov.

To learn more about USDOT’s efforts to stop distracted driving, please visit www.distraction.gov.

Categories : Health and Safety, Professional Driver Development

U.S. Department of Transportation Takes Action to Ensure Truck Driver Rest Time and Improve Safety Behind the Wheel

Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012

WASHINGTON – U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced a final rule that employs the latest research in driver fatigue to make sure truck drivers can get the rest they need to operate safely when on the road.  The new rule by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) revises the hours-of-service (HOS) safety requirements for commercial truck drivers.

“Trucking is a difficult job, and a big rig can be deadly when a driver is tired and overworked,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “This final rule will help prevent fatigue-related truck crashes and save lives. Truck drivers deserve a work environment that allows them to perform their jobs safely.”

As part of the HOS rulemaking process, FMCSA held six public listening sessions across the country and encouraged safety advocates, drivers, truck company owners, law enforcement and the public to share their input on HOS requirements. The listening sessions were live webcast on the FMCSA Web site, allowing a broad cross-section of individuals to participate in the development of this safety-critical rule.

“This final rule is the culmination of the most extensive and transparent public outreach effort in our agency’s history,” said FMCSA Administrator Anne S. Ferro.  “With robust input from all areas of the trucking community, coupled with the latest scientific research, we carefully crafted a rule acknowledging that when truckers are rested, alert and focused on safety, it makes our roadways safer.”

FMCSA’s new HOS final rule reduces by 12 hours the maximum number of hours a truck driver can work within a week. Under the old rule, truck drivers could work on average up to 82 hours within a seven-day period. The new HOS final rule limits a driver’s work week to 70 hours.

In addition, truck drivers cannot drive after working eight hours without first taking a break of at least 30 minutes. Drivers can take the 30-minute break whenever they need rest during the eight-hour window.

The final rule retains the current 11-hour daily driving limit.  FMCSA will continue to conduct data analysis and research to further examine any risks associated with the 11 hours of driving time.

The rule requires truck drivers who maximize their weekly work hours to take at least two nights’ rest when their 24-hour body clock demands sleep the most – from 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. This rest requirement is part of the rule’s “34-hour restart” provision that allows drivers to restart the clock on their work week by taking at least 34 consecutive hours off-duty. The final rule allows drivers to use the restart provision only once during a seven-day period

Companies and drivers that commit egregious violations of the rule could face the maximum penalties for each offense. Trucking companies that allow drivers to exceed the 11-hour driving limit by 3 or more hours could be fined $11,000 per offense, and the drivers themselves could face civil penalties of up to $2,750 for each offense.

Commercial truck drivers and companies must comply with the HOS final rule by July 1, 2013. The rule is being sent to the Federal Register today and is currently available on FMCSA’s Web site at http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/HOSFinalRule

Categories : Compliance, Professional Driver Development, Training

U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood Announces Final Rule That Bans Hand-Held Cell Phone Use by Drivers of Buses and Large Trucks Today’s Action is the Latest by the Department to End Distracted Driving

Thursday, December 8th, 2011

WASHINGTON – U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced a final rule specifically prohibiting interstate truck and bus drivers from using hand-held cell phones while operating their vehicles. The joint rule from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is the latest action by the U.S. Department of Transportation to end distracted driving.
“When drivers of large trucks, buses and hazardous materials take their eyes off the road for even a few seconds, the outcome can be deadly,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “I hope that this rule will save lives by helping commercial drivers stay laser-focused on safety at all times while behind the wheel.”
The final rule prohibits commercial drivers from using a hand-held mobile telephone while operating a commercial truck or bus. Drivers who violate the restriction will face federal civil penalties of up to $2,750 for each offense and disqualification from operating a commercial motor vehicle for multiple offenses. Additionally, states will suspend a driver’s commercial driver’s license (CDL) after two or more serious traffic violations. Commercial truck and bus companies that allow their drivers to use hand-held cell phones while driving will face a maximum penalty of $11,000. Approximately four million commercial drivers would be affected by this final rule.

“This final rule represents a giant leap for safety,” said FMCSA Administrator Anne S. Ferro. “It’s just too dangerous for drivers to use a hand-held cell phone while operating a commercial vehicle. Drivers must keep their eyes on the road, hands on the wheel and head in the game when operating on our roads. Lives are at stake.”

While driver distraction studies have produced mixed results, FMCSA research shows that using a hand-held cell phone while driving requires a commercial driver to take several risky steps beyond what is required for using a hands-free mobile phone, including searching and reaching for the phone. Commercial drivers reaching for an object, such as a cell phone, are three times more likely to be involved in a crash or other safety-critical event. Dialing a hand-held cell phone makes it six times more likely that commercial drivers will be involved in a crash or other safety-critical event.

In September 2010, FMCSA issued a regulation banning text messaging while operating a commercial truck or bus and PHMSA followed with a companion regulation in February 2011, banning texting by intrastate hazardous materials drivers.

“Needless injuries and deaths happen when people are distracted behind the wheel,” said PHMSA Administrator Cynthia Quarterman. “Our final rule would improve safety and reduce risks of hazmat in transportation.”
Nearly 5474 people died and half a million were injured in crashes involving a distracted driver in 2009. Distraction-related fatalities represented 16 percent of overall traffic fatalities in 2009, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) research.
Many of the largest truck and bus companies, such as UPS, Covenant Transport, Wal-Mart, Peter Pan and Greyhound already have company policies in place banning their drivers from using hand-held phones.
The final hand-held cell phone ban rule can be accessed here.
To learn more about the U.S. Department of Transportation’s efforts to stop distracted driving, please visithttp://www.distraction.gov

Categories : Compliance, Health and Safety, Professional Driver Development

Today’s Safety Daily Advisor Tip: How to Engage Reluctant Learners

Friday, November 11th, 2011
When it comes to safety training, you can’t afford to leave any trainees behind. Reluctant learners can be difficult to engage, but you have to succeed. Here are some suggestions.
“There are a myriad of reasons why learners don’t want to attend or participate in training,” says Jill Greenbaum, Ed.D., a coach, instructional designer, and trainer (www.takeastep.us).Trainees may view workplace training as:

  • A punishment (i.e., they have to learn new skills because they’re lacking)
  • A waste of time
  • Irrelevant to their jobs

There are several things you can do to engage these reluctant learners.

  • Trainers who are involved in program design can make sure that the training meets the needs of the target audience by including some participants in a focus group.
  • Trainers who conduct training sessions can send a welcome memo or e-mail to their trainees in advance to introduce themselves and explain the “WIIFM” (i.e., what’s in it for me?).
  • Providing food during training sessions also helps create an environment that is conducive to learning, says Greenbaum. “Having food really makes a difference. People feel more cared for.”
    • Trainers should explain their objectives within the first 15 minutes and ask learners to identify theirs as well.
    • Breaking the training group into smaller groups also helps engage reluctant learners. “There’s less propensity for being difficult when you’re part of a smaller group,” she points out.
    • Walking toward an unengaged learner in an unthreatening manner is another technique. This puts the person in other learners’ line of sight, which will likely prompt the person to pay attention. “It’s subtle, but very effective.”
    • Trainers should try talking to trainees who seem uninterested. During a break in the session, trainers should talk to reluctant learners and ask how the training is going for them. Demonstrating a personal interest, says Greenbaum, is a much better approach than being confrontational.
Categories : Training

Snoring—No Laughing Matter

Friday, November 11th, 2011

Loud snoring on a nightly basis is nothing to joke about. Chances are snoring frequently disturbs your sleep as well as the sleep of others in the household, who, because of their interrupted sleep, may be prone to feeling sleepy during the day. But more importantly, while most snoring is harmless, loud and continuous snoring may be a warning sign for a serious and even life-threatening sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnea, particularly when accompanied by noticeable daytime sleepiness or waking up feeling unrefreshed. One of the most disturbing symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea is excessive sleepiness while driving, which is particularly dangerous for commercial drivers.

According to the National Sleep Foundation’s (NSF) 2005 Sleep in America poll, about one-third (32 percent) of America’s adults report snoring at least a few nights a week, with about one fourth (24 percent) indicating they snore almost every night. For commercial drivers, if their snoring is a symptom of sleep apnea, treatment can be a life-saver.

It is estimated that as many as 18 million Americans have sleep apnea. It appears that commercial truck and motorcoach drivers might be at higher risk of having this disorder. A study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania and sponsored by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the American Transportation Research Institute of the American Trucking Associations found that almost one-third (28 percent) of commercial truck drivers had some degree of sleep apnea.1 The study found that the risk of having sleep apnea depended on two major factors, age and degree of obesity, with prevalence increasing with both.

Sleep apnea is characterized by pauses in breathing that prevent air from flowing into or out of a sleeping person’s airways. Obesity and a large neck can contribute to the sleep disorder. People with sleep apnea awaken frequently during the night gasping for breath. The breathing pauses reduce blood oxygen levels, can strain the heart and cardiovascular system, and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. While those who snore may not be aware of their awakenings, the resulting interrupted sleep can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness. This, in turn, can cause symptoms of depression, irritability, learning and memory difficulties, and falling asleep in situations demanding alertness, such as while driving.

Reference

1. Pack AI, Dinges DF, & Maislin G. (2002). A study of prevalence of sleep apnea among commercial truck drivers. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (Publication No. DOT-RT-02-030). Washington DC: U.S. Department of Transportation, FMCSA.

 

To learn more visit:  http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov

 

Categories : Health and Safety, Professional Driver Development, Training

Accident Cost Table – REVENUE NECESSARY TO PAY FOR ACCIDENT LOSSES

Friday, November 11th, 2011

THIS TABLE SHOWS THE DOLLARS OF REVENUE REQUIRED TO PAY FOR DIFFERENT AMOUNTS OF COSTS FOR ACCIDENTS

It is necessary for a motor carrier to generate an additional $1,250,000 revenue to pay the cost of a $25,000 accident, assuming an average profit of 2%. The amount of revenue required to pay for losses will vary with the profit margin.
YEARLY ACCIDENT COSTS PROFIT MARGIN
1% 2% 3% 4% 5%
$1,000
5,000
10,000
25,000
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000		 100,000
500,000
1,000,000
2,500,000
5,000,000
10,000,000
15,000,000
20,000,000		 50,000
250,000
500,000
1,250,000
2,500,000
5,000,000
7,500,000
10,000,000		 33,000
167,000
333,000
833,000
1,667,000
3,333,000
5,000,000
6,666,000		 25,000
125,000
250,000
625,000
1,250,000
2,500,000
3,750,000
5,000,000		 20,000
100,000
200,000
500,000
1,000,000
2,000,000
3,000,000
4,000,000
REVENUE REQUIRED TO COVER LOSSES

Accident costs (direct + indirect) consist of any or all of the following:

Direct Costs:

  • Cargo Damage
  • Vehicle Damage
  • Injury(s) Costs
  • Medical Costs
  • Loss of Revenue
  • Administrative Costs
  • Police Report
  • Possible Effect on Cost of Insurance
  • Possible Effect on Cost of Workmen’s Compensation Insurance
  • Towing Costs
  • Storage of Damaged Vehicle

Indirect (Hidden) Costs:

  • Lost Clients/Customers
  • Lost Sales
  • Meetings Missed
  • Salaries Paid to Employees in Accident
  • Lost Time at Work
  • Cost to Hire/Train Replacement Employees
  • Supervisor’s Time
  • Loss of Personal Property
  • Replacement Vehicle Rental
  • Damaged Equipment Downtime
  • Accelerated Depreciation of Equipment
  • Accident Reporting
  • Medical Costs Paid by Company
  • Poor Public Relations/Publicity
  • Increased Public Relations Costs
  • Government Agency Costs
Categories : Compliance, Professional Driver Development, Training

US Department of Labor’s OSHA cites Big Spring, Texas, drilling company following the death of 2 workers at work site near Lamesa, Texas

Friday, November 11th, 2011

LAMESA, Texas – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Robinson Drilling of Texas Ltd. for eight serious, four repeat and 11 other-than-serious safety and health violations following the death of two workers at the company’s work site near Lamesa at Truitt Woods Field, Well No. 1, Rig No. 3.

OSHA’s Lubbock District Office began its investigation of the incident on June 11. About five employees were performing drilling operations in the area when the kelly bushing, a device that when fitted into the master bushing transmits torque and simultaneously permits vertical movement to make a hole, came apart and fatally struck two employees working on the drill floor.

One serious violation related to the incident was cited for failing to prevent “struck-by” injuries, which could have been prevented had the employer adhered to industry practices as enforced by OSHA under the general duty clause. The remaining serious violations include failing to provide covers on floor holes to prevent trip hazards, ensure that self-contained breathing apparatus are fully charged, ensure that work surfaces are clean and dry, ensure that stacked materials are blocked to prevent materials from moving when placed on a rack and ensure that flexible cords are used properly. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

The repeat violations include failing to complete the OSHA 301 form; failing to establish a written respiratory protection program and failing to provide strain relief for flexible cords. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years. OSHA cited the company for similar violations in 2007 and 2011.

The other-than-serious violations involve failing to properly complete the OSHA 300 logs for recording injuries and illnesses. An other-than-serious violation is one that has a direct relationship to job safety and health but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm.

“Two workers lost their lives because Robinson Drilling allowed serious hazards to exist in the workplace,” said Joann Figueroa, OSHA’s area director in El Paso. “It is the employer’s responsibility to follow OSHA standards and ensure that work environments free from all unnecessary hazards.”

Proposed penalties total $93,700. Big Spring, Texas-based Robinson Drilling, which employs about 500 workers nationwide, has 15 business days from receipt of these citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director in El Paso or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Citations can be viewed at http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/RobinsonDrillingofTexas315277541_1108_11.pdf*.

To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint, or report workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA’s toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742), the agency’s Lubbock District Office at 806-472-7681 or its El Paso Area Office at 915-534-6251.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

Categories : Compliance, Health and Safety

US Department of Labor’s OSHA cites Sneed Shipbuilding in Channelview, Texas, for exposing workers to safety hazards

Friday, November 11th, 2011

CHANNELVIEW, Texas – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Sneed Shipbuilding Inc. for 14 serious, seven repeat and four other-than-serious violations for exposing workers to multiple safety hazards at the company’s facility in Channelview. Proposed penalties total $150,700.

OSHA’s Houston North Area Office began its investigation on June 7 at the Market Street shipyard where workers perform electrical, plumbing, welding and maintenance work.

Some of the serious violations include failing to repair a defective hook latch on a crane, ensure the appropriate use of lockout equipment for energy sources, provide training on confined spaces, repair damaged welding cables and provide the required fall protection for employees working on scaffolds. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

Repeat violations include failing to conduct crane inspections on a periodic basis, properly maintain flexible cords and cables, repair damaged electrical outlets and welding cables, and provide fire extinguishers. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years. Similar violations were cited in June 2010.

The other-than-serious violations involve failing to provide the required testing in confined spaces for safe atmospheric conditions and failing to provide lavatory hand soap. An other-than-serious violation is one that has a direct relationship to job safety and health but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm.

“This company has once again put the safety of its workers at risk by not adhering to OSHA standards,” said David Doucet, director of OSHA’s Houston North Area Office. “Employers will be held accountable for repeatedly jeopardizing the safety of employees.”

Sneed Shipbuilding, which employs approximately 150 workers, has 15 business days from receipt of citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director in Houston, or contest the citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

The citations can be viewed at http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/Sneed_Shipbuilding_Inc_315610055_1104_11.pdf*

To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint, or report workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA’s toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742), the agency’s Houston North office at 281-591-2438 or Houston South office at 281-286-0583.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

Categories : Compliance, Health and Safety

Nov. 28 is Deadline to Apply for 2012 EPA Brownfields Funding

Friday, November 11th, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Kansas City, Kan., Oct. 5, 2011) – EPA is encouraging eligible entities to apply now through Nov. 28, 2011, for 2012 Brownfields funding. These grant funds can be used to address sites contaminated by petroleum and hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants, including hazardous substances comingled with petroleum.

Available grants from EPA’s Brownfields Program include assessment grants (each funded up to $200,000 over three years; coalitions are funded up to $1 million over three years); cleanup grants (each funded up to $200,000 over three years); and revolving loan funds (each funded up to $1 million over five years).

WHO SHOULD APPLY? Individuals from eligible local, state, and tribal governments; non-profits; coalitions; land clearance authorities; and quasi-governmental entities interested in a brownfields assessment, cleanup, or revolving loan fund grant.

WHY APPLY? EPA’s Brownfields Program encourages the redevelopment of America’s estimated 450,000 abandoned and contaminated waste sites. Brownfield sites include all real property, including residential, commercial and industrial properties. Cleaning up and reinvesting in these properties increases local tax bases, facilitates job growth, utilizes existing infrastructure, takes development pressures off undeveloped, open land, and improves and protects the environment. Brownfields redevelopments have included the conversion of industrial waterfronts to riverfront parks, landfills to golf courses, rail corridors to recreational trails, and gas stations to housing.

EPA’s investment in the Brownfields Program has leveraged more than $6.5 billion in brownfields cleanup and redevelopment funding from the private and public sectors, and has created approximately 25,000 new jobs.

For more information on the EPA Brownfields grant application guidelines go to:www.epa.gov/brownfields/applicat.htm.

Categories : HAZWOPER
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