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Newsletter 40th Edition
Good morning! Here’s a little Safety Poem we wanted to share with you:
In the land of Workville, where tasks never end, There's a rulebook to follow, my dear working friend. With helmets and goggles and gloves in bright hue, It's a health and safety party, just for you!
Oh, the places you'll go and the things you will do, But keep these rules close, and you'll always pull through. When you climb up a ladder, or lift up a box, Remember your posture, and sturdy work socks!
Slip, trip, and fall—oh, we must beware, Of spills on the floor, and hazards in the air. With signs that shout "Caution!" and "Wet floor, stay clear!" We'll dance through our workday with nothing to fear.
In Workville's workshops and offices wide, We stretch before working, keep our muscles supplied. Ergonomic chairs for our backs' delight, And desks set just so, all day and all night.
The drills, they come quick, with a beep and a chime, We practice our exits, one step at a time. "Stay calm, don't push," the instructor will shout, And we all follow suit, marching orderly out.
Bright vests and hard hats, what a colorful crew, Reflecting our dedication in every hue. With every new task and each duty we share, We think of our safety, and show that we care.
So here’s to the rules that keep danger at bay, In our wonderful land where we work and we play. With health and with safety as our guiding star, We'll conquer our work, no matter how far.
THIS WEEK’S TIPS
This week’s safety upgrades:
N95 vs. KN95
OSHA’s Emergency Response Standard Overview
Chemical Safety Report
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
This Weeks Professional Development Tip
WORKPLACE INJURIES
Prime Day Comes with 45% Injury Rate.
Amazon’s annual Prime Day sales event significantly contributes to workplace injuries among its warehouse workers, according to a year-long Senate committee investigation into the e-commerce giant's safety practices. The committee's report reveals that during the 2019 Prime Day event, Amazon's rate of recordable injuries was over 10 per 100 workers, more than double the industry average. Including injuries not required to be disclosed to OSHA, the total injury rate was just under 45 per 100 workers.
The investigation relied on injury data from 2019 and 2020, provided by Amazon, and highlighted that understaffing, high productivity demands, and ignored safety protocols during sales events are key factors driving these higher injury rates. Although Amazon's spokesperson Kelly Nantel claims the company’s injury rates have improved, with a decrease from 8.7 injuries per 200,000 hours in 2019 to 6.3 in 2023, she criticized the Senate report for being based on unverified anecdotes and for drawing inaccurate conclusions.
The Prime Day sale is expected to generate $14 billion this year, a 10.5% increase from the previous year. Despite Amazon’s rebuttals, the company has a history of allegations concerning unsafe warehouse conditions, with OSHA investigations and fines highlighting ongoing safety issues. The Senate HELP committee’s investigation was prompted by labor unions' reports indicating that Amazon's injury rates were systematically underreported.
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OSHA
Firefighters looking to “Put out OSHA Fire”.
Firefighters are voicing strong opposition to OSHA’s proposed Emergency Response Standard, which they believe will add unnecessary complications to their already challenging work. This new rule aims to update the outdated fire brigade standard, known as 29 CFR 1910.156, to align with best practices established by FEMA and include protections for EMS personnel and volunteers.
Key Aspects of the Proposed Standard:
1. Emergency Response Program:
Employers must develop and implement a comprehensive written Emergency Response Program covering risk management, medical evaluations, training, and equipment.
2. Risk Management Plan:
A detailed plan to identify, evaluate, and mitigate hazards associated with emergency response activities is required.
3. Medical Evaluations and Surveillance:
Mandatory medical evaluations and health surveillance to ensure responders' fitness for duty and to address health risks associated with their work.
4. Health and Fitness Programs:
Programs to help emergency workers maintain physical fitness must be established.
5. Training Requirements:
Extensive training requirements, including initial, ongoing, refresher, and vocational training, along with annual skills checks.
Uproar and Extension of Public Comment Period:
The proposed regulation, published in the Federal Register, has been met with widespread criticism from those it aims to protect. The public comment period, originally set to end on May 6, has been extended multiple times, now running until July 22, due to numerous extension requests from stakeholders needing more time to review the proposal and gather data.
Impact on Volunteer Fire Departments:
Training Burden:
OSHA estimates it will take 355 hours of additional training per firefighter to comply with the new standards, with fewer hours required for smaller departments.
Financial Strain:
Compliance costs are estimated at about $26,000 annually for departments with fewer than 25 firefighters, $37,000 for those with 25-49, and $48,000 for departments with 50-99 responders.
Some departments, like those in Guilderland, predict needing to hire full-time resources to manage compliance, potentially costing $100,000 annually for salary and benefits.
Local Responses:
Guilderland Fire Chiefs Association:
Expressed that the new requirements would necessitate hiring full-time staff for compliance, resulting in significant financial strain.
Highlighted that existing training programs already maximize limited volunteer time and talent through specialized and mutual aid training.
Voorheesville Fire Department:
Warned that property taxes could increase by nearly 47% to cover the costs of compliance.
Financial Impact on Other Departments:
North Canton United Fire Department (NC):
Estimated $3 million in compliance costs, including PPE, training, vehicle replacement, and medical evaluations.
Williamsburg Volunteer Fire Department (NC):
Projected $4.7 million in compliance costs, covering similar areas as North Canton.
Conclusion:
While the proposed Emergency Response Standard aims to enhance safety, the significant training and financial burdens have led to widespread opposition from fire departments across the country. Firefighters are calling for more time and consideration before such extensive regulations are enacted, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that ensures safety without overwhelming resources and finances.
PPE
Are your masks counterfeit?
Since the pandemic began, our lives have changed, but some things remain constant—like the importance of wearing face masks in crowded places when the virus is surging. When choosing between KN95 and N95 masks, it’s crucial to understand that KN95 masks meet China's standards and can be FDA-approved, while N95 masks are rigorously tested by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
The CDC warns that 60% of respirator masks sold in the U.S. are counterfeit and don’t meet NIOSH requirements. To ensure your masks are effective, make sure they have the proper approvals. NIOSH-approved masks will have a certification number (e.g., TC 84A-XXXX) printed on them. There’s also a list of counterfeit masks on the market, so be cautious.
Dr. Caudle emphasizes, "Non-NIOSH-approved masks may not be as effective because we don’t know how they are made or what materials are used." To verify NIOSH approval, search the NIOSH Certified Equipment List.
Here are five masks that have been approved by either NIOSH or the FDA:
1. Powecom KN95 Mask: Features latex-free ear loops, an adjustable nose piece, and multiple breathable layers. Authenticity can be verified with an anti-fake sticker.
2. NIOSH-Approved N95 Foldable Mask: Comes with head and neck loops and a foldable design. Includes a NIOSH approval number linked to the CDC’s list.
3. KN95 Protective Face Mask: Available in a box of 20 with ear loops, a nose wire, and five layers of fabric. Certified by the FDA.
4. WellBefore KN95 Medical Respirator Mask: Individually wrapped and listed in the FDA’s Establishment Registration.
5. ALG Health N95 Soft Shell Mask: NIOSH-approved with a two-strap design and adjustable nose wire. Includes multiple NIOSH documents for verification.
More info with links to these masks can be found here.
CHEMICAL SAFETY
Chemical Safety Board Findings.
The Chemical Safety Board (CSB) recommends that chemical facilities clearly mark pressure-retaining components of plug valves and ensure new valves are designed to prevent their inadvertent removal. These recommendations follow a fatal acetic acid release at the LyondellBasell facility in La Porte, TX, in July 2021, which resulted in two worker deaths, one serious injury, and 29 other medical treatments.
In a nine-minute video, CSB outlines findings from their May 2023 report, which revealed that contract workers mistakenly removed fasteners from a pressure-retaining valve cover while attempting to repair a leaking pipe near an acetic acid reactor. This incident occurred due to the lack of detailed procedures and insufficient worker training on valve actuator removal.
CSB investigator Benjamin Schrader emphasizes the importance of applying Prevention through Design principles for new valves and using color-coded paint and warning signs for existing valves to improve identification. The CSB also stresses the need for thorough worker training and risk assessments to determine if equipment needs to be depressurized before maintenance.
CSB member Sylvia Johnson concludes that these vital steps are crucial for injury prevention and saving lives.
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