HARDHAT EXEMPTION PROGRAM

The first article below is a teaser posting. Second half followed that posting.... NO DOUBT getting allot of attention!

HARD HAT EXEMPTION PROGRAM !

In A continuing effort to encourage a progressive safety program,

I am announcing a unique policy benefiting everyone. It is a hardhat

exemption program. If you are one of those hard-headed individuals

that want to let your hair blow in the breeze, who feels a hardhat

shortens his/her neck, and that in general it is just a pain in the you-

know-what, this program is for you.

CURRENTLY, Every employee is required to wear a hardhat on the job !

But, if you earn a certificate of exemption, you will be excused from this

requirement.

Details to follow, as the program is nearing completion.

For more information you may contact Butch Getz

HARDHAT EXEMPTION PROGRAM

In our continuing efforts to encourage a progressive safety program, we announce a unique policy benefiting everyone. It is a hardhat exemption program. If you are one of those hard-headed individuals that wants to let your hair blow in the breeze, who feels a hardhat shortens his/her neck, and that in general it is just a pain in the you-know-what, this program is for you. Every employee is required to wear a hardhat on the job. But, if you earn a certificate of exemption, you will be excused from this requirement.

The program works like this. If your head meets the standards for head protection, you don't need a hardhat. Contact the safety department to be scheduled for the testing at the earliest possible date. Upon successful completion of testing, you will receive a beautiful embossed certificate, suitable for framing, identifying your head as conforming to American National Standards Institute requirements (ANSI Z89.1 and Z89.2 classes A, B, C and D). You will also receive a wallet sized card that you must carry at all times. The tests include the following:

You will undergo a 24-hour water immersion test. A maximum of permitted absorption is 0.5% by weight. Air will be provided for the 24 hours at no charge.

Next, an impact test will be conducted. While lying horizontally, with your head resting on a steel plate, an 8-lb. steel ball will be dropped on it several times from a height of 5 feet. If your head is not damaged, you pass.

Next, your head will be subjected to the application of a variety of acids, solvents, oils, and industrial gasses. It must pass with no damage or deficiencies.

A propane torch will be used to determine if your head is fire resistant. If slow burning, you may only achieve a Class A or B rating. If there are any holes in your head, it will restrict you from a Class A rating.

On the final test, you must sustain 2200 volts AC, 60 Hz, for three minutes with leakage currents not exceeding 9 milli-amperes. Breakdown threshold has been established at 30,000 volts.

All tests must be conducted at a variety of temperatures ranging from -20 degrees to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you don't feel you can qualify, don't despair. Although not as pretty as your hairdo, your hardhat does provide protection for your head from all the above. Remember that unless you receive an exemption certificate, you must continue wearing your hardhat. Not wearing one is a privilege that will be granted only to those with proper certification and designated as genuine HARD HEADS.

Grinder jpeg

I choose to look the other way POEM

I CHOSE TO LOOK THE OTHER WAY . . .
I could have saved a life that day,
But I chose to look the other way.
It wasn’t that I didn’t care,
I had the time, and I was there.
But I didn’t want to seem a fool,
Or argue over a safety rule.
I knew he’d done the job before,
If I called it wrong he might get sore.
The chances didn’t seem that bad,
I’ve done the same, he knew I had.
So I shook my head and walked on by,
He knew the risks as well as I.
He took a chance, I closed an eye,
And with that act, I let him die.
I could have saved a life that day,
But I chose to look the other way.
Now every time I see his wife,
I’ll know I should have saved his life.
That guilt is something I must bear,
But isn’t something you need to share.
If you see a risk that others take,
That puts their life or health at stake,
The question asked, or the thing you say,
Could help them live another day.
IF YOU SEE A RISK AND WALK AWAY!

Defensive Driving

We always hear mention of defensive driving, but do we really know what defensive driving means? Do we realize the commitment that we have to make to become a defensive driver?
Defensive driving means driving so as to prevent accidents in spite of the actions of others or the presence of adverse driving conditions. Simply stated, defensive driving means no surprises.
Now let's talk about the commitment required to become a defensive driver. To illustrate this commitment let's look at the detailed requirements of the National Safety Council's defensive driving program.
The object of defensive driving is to drive without having a preventable accident.
Defensive driving requires the knowledge and strict observance of all traffic rules and regulations applicable to the area in which the vehicle is being operated.
Defensive driving requires a constant alertness for the illegal acts and driving errors of other drivers, and a willingness to make timely adjustments in your own driving so that these illegal acts and errors will not involve you in an accident.
Defensive driving requires a knowledge of all the adjustments required in your driving for the special hazards presented by abnormal, unusual or changing conditions—in the mechanical functioning of your vehicle, type of road surface, weather, degree of light, kind of traffic, and your physical condition and state of mind.
Defensive driving requires a thorough knowledge of the rules of right of way and the willingness to yield the right of way to the other driver whenever necessary to avoid an accident.
Defensive driving requires an attitude of confidence that you can drive without ever having a preventable accident.
There is no doubt that a professional code for defensive drivers is not easy to follow. As professionals, however, you must show the way for other drivers and do your best to drive defensively.
Let's take a brief look at how we can accomplish all that is expected by the code. Basically, you must follow three basic steps.—
See the hazard—when driving, think about what is going to happen or what might happen as far ahead of encountering a situation as possible. You should never assume everything will be "all right."
Understand the defense—specific situations require specific ways of handling. Become familiar with the unusual conditions which you may face and learn them well so that you can apply them when the need arises.
Act in time—once you've noted a hazard and understand the defense against it, act! Never take a "wait and see" attitude.
Taking these three steps and keeping good driving techniques in mind, you'll learn to "give in" a little; to tailor your driving behavior to the unexpected actions of other drivers and pedestrians; to the unpredictable and ever changing factors of light, weather, road and traffic conditions; to the mechanical condition of your vehicle; and even to how to feel.

Accident Defination

An accident is any unforeseen or unexpected event that may or may not result in injury or damage to property or equipment.

The ultimate goal in accident prevention is "zero" disabling injuries and no lost work-time. However, there are many barriers to achieving this goal, the most important of which is the human attitude. Most people feel that "it won't happen to me" or "it couldn't happen here." You can do more to protect yourself and your fellow worker by constantly thinking and practicing accident prevention than you can by memorizing all of the rules, regulations, and safeguards ever written or invented. You must THINK before you act.
This manual contains some practical and useful safety guidelines to serve as habits and rules that will help you to achieve a safer attitude and a safer work environment

AFTERTHOUGHTS AND REGRETS….

How often have you said or done something and then later, reflecting on your action, thought to yourself, "How could I have done that?"
Here are some afterthoughts which, unfortunately, too many of us have experienced:
• "That's how we've always done it before." (…before the accident occurred anyway.)
• "I never thought that a little bolt dropped from that distance would cause so much bleeding." ( I should have worn a hard hat, I guess.)
• "If I had taken that first-aid/CPR course, I probably could have helped him." (…and chances are, he would still be here.)
• "I should have taken care of that board with the projecting rusty nails earlier." (Now, I have to take off work to get a tetanus shot.)
• "Wow, I never realized that a fire could get out of control so fast." ( If I'd called the fire department before trying to put it out myself, I might still have a place to work tomorrow.)
• " I know they were always preaching that we should lift with the leg muscles instead of the back muscles." (What the heck is a herniated disk?)
• "For few more dollars, I could have bought safety shoes." (That deep cut in the toe section ruined my new work boots, and this broken toe still hurts.)
• "My safety glasses were in the tool box, but I was just going to grind off this one little piece…." ( I wonder if they'll still let me drive with only one eye?)
• "We were only going to use the scaffold for one day. I never thought a hammer would fall off the plank and strike someone." (I had a hunch I should have taken the time to install the toe boards.)
• "They always insisted that the tool rest should be no more than one-eighth inch from the grinding wheel. What difference does another quarter inch make?" (I was lucky not to go blind when the chisel got wedged and the wheel exploded into a thousand pieces.)
Any of this sound familiar?? They say hindsight is the only perfect science-but foresight could have avoided these incidents, misfortunes and regrets.
Do you have any suggestions of your own to add to this list?
Learn from others' mistakes and you'll have no regrets!

ALCOHOL & THE JOB - A SAFETY ISSUE

Working under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited. This means more than just not drinking on the job. Tests have shown that alcohol can still have an effect on your body up to 18 hours after you have stopped drinking. Alcohol use is a legitimate on-the-job safety issue - and not just an attempt to control off-the-clock lifestyles.
Alcohol is a sedative. Drinking any quantity of alcohol impairs a person's judgment, thinking ability, and coordination to some degree. Some people can "handle" alcohol better than others, but it is a fact that any alcohol consumed has some effect. Other factors which influence your body's ability to metabolize alcohol include your weight, medications, and previous medical conditions. You may not feel it right away, but remember, alcohol affects judgment.
After drinking, you are no longer in a position to assess your own capabilities. You don't have to be drunk to have some impairment. If you can't make it through the day without a drink, you could have a problem and should seek professional help.
What should you do about a co-worker who is drinking on the job? Should you ignore the situation or report it? Most people would ignore the situation because they do not want to cause problems on the job or do not want to get involved. People would prefer to avoid conflict at almost any cost. But look at it this way -- the drinker, no matter how nice a co-worker, is not doing you any favors. It's a fact that the drinker is less productive. Who has to pick up the slack? You do. It is a fact that the drinker is more 1ikely to be involved in accidents. Who else is he or she placing at risk? You!
Are you allowing the drinking to continue?
You are - if you cover for the drinker's poor productivity
You are - if you cover their mistakes.
You are - if you make excuses to others for them.
Take control of the situation.
Don't allow the situation to continue. Stop covering for the drinker.
Talk to your supervisor. It is your responsibility to talk to your supervisor whenever any performance or safety issues affect your job. A drinking worker could be just as dangerous as a defective saw. You wouldn't hesitate to bring the saw to your supervisor's attention, would you?
If you are uncomfortable, suggest to your supervisor that there may be a problem. A good supervisor will take the initiative and pick up the issue from there.
Whatever you do, make sure you do something. Watch out for your co-worker as they may need help.
If you don't, you may pay dearly for someone else's mistake. OR, will you be able to look their loved ones in the eye…. Knowing you could have prevented a tragic accident by reporting this person for help.
YOU need to make the decision!

GMAW Safety and Arc Rays Hazards

As with most common welding processes, GMAW can produce an intense welding arc resulting in infrared and ultraviolet rays. The GMAW process can provide a higher arc energy than the Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) process, commonly referred to as the “stick welding” process.
When using GMAW and when welding reflective metals such as stainless and aluminum, the arc intensity is usually further enhanced. The resulting intense weld light and rays can easily burn exposed skin or create unacceptable ozone levels.
When welding, all parts of the body should be protected from the effects of the arc.
A welding flash is a common occurrence in the welding industry. A weld flash usually occurs when a welder looks at the welding arc. The weld flash symptoms usually occurs 4 to 8 hours after the flash has occurred. The flash and it’s side effects may last from 5 to 30 hours. If the welder receives a flash, the welders eyes will feel as if they are burnt, profuse tears are normal. Two things that may provide relief from a weld flash are a cold wet cloth placed over the eyes and sleep.
Wearing recommended welding safety glasses with side shields will reduce the effects of the arc radiation. The glasses also provide protection from the typical hazards of a weld shop environment. The welding shield is designed to protect the welders face and neck. The arc filter lens should let enough light in to make the weld joint clearly visible. The higher the lens filter numbers the higher the current used. For example, a low current short circuit transfer application using 100 to 220 amps may use filter shade numbers of 8 to 9. For high current spray transfer applications 220 to 300 amps, consider a shade number 10. When using GREATER than 300 amps consider a 10 or 11 shadeIn the case of dark filter cracks or the filter is damaged from weld spatter, a recommended clear plastic or glass cover over the filter lens is required for additional eye protection.
Welders have a responsibility not only to protect themselves from arc rays, but also to protect their fellow workers. Each welder should ensure that their weld area is provided with the recommended weld screens that protect the other employees. Management should be aware that bright colors on the walls can reflect the arc rays adding to the flash potential.
GMAW Safety Clothing
Weld spatter can cause skin burns, holes in clothing can easily ignite. Dark clothes reduce arc reflection, leather or fire proof jackets are recommended. Cotton clothes can be affected by arc ultraviolet radiation. Keep work clothes free of grease oil and paint. Do not use oxygen to blow debris from work clothes as oxygen supports combustion. Pant cuff are NOT permitted. Protect feet with steel toed metatarsal protection. Use recommended leather welding gloves. For high amp applications, give consideration to additional hand protection. At the completion of a weld the welder may have to replace the nozzle or tip. Be sure welding gloves are worn when handling hot gun items or the welded parts. Be sure to keep hands and fingers away from the tip prior to pulling the trigger. It is possible to run the wire thru you fingers / hands.
GMAW Safety Test
Why protect your arms and neck from the arc rays that occur in GMAW welding?
a. The rays will cause flash ______
b. The rays can burn the skin ______
c. The rays will help hair grow ______
What causes weld flash?
The metal you weld causes the flash ______
The welder exposes his eyes to infrared / ultraviolet arc rays ______
The welder sees the weld voltage ______
What 2 items protect the welder from flash?
Exhaust equipment ______
Insulation ______
Protective glasses and lens ______
Avoiding unprotected eye contact with the arc ______
Why use dark clothing for welding?
They are more difficult to burn ______
They increase arc reflection ______
They decrease arc reflection ______
I want to look pretty cool ______
I don’t need to wear safety glasses under my weld shield
True _____
False _____

BACK INJURY PREVENTION TIPS

Most of you have probably heard that in order to lift safely, you must lift properly. You're told to "bend your knees not your back," and "don't twist as you lift." This is good advice but sometimes seems to go against human nature. Yet, there are actions you can take to help you lift properly.
1. Get as close to the load as possible. The further the load is from the center line of your body, the greater the strain imposed on your back. If need be, squat down to lift the load and pull it between your legs. This gets it closer to the center of your body and helps prevent the need to bend at the waist. However, since your leg muscles are the largest muscles in your body, they are the biggest energy consumers. Repeated squatting can be very fatiguing, and reduces a person's ability to lift in this manner for any length of time. In addition to lifting the load, you are also hoisting the majority of your body weight. For repeated lifting, other strategies must be used such as overhead cranes, lift tables or another person.
2. Avoid picking up heavy objects placed below your knees. Try to see that heavy objects are placed and stored above knee level and below shoulder level. If you suspect the load is too heavy to be lifted comfortably, do not chance it. Use a mechanical aid, break the load down into its component parts, or get help. The most common cause of back injury is overloading.
3. Keep your back straight. This means don't bend at the waist when reaching to lift an object. Keep the natural arch in your lower back, which distributes the load evenly over the surface of spinal disks, and is less stressful than if the disk is pinched between vertebras. Bending principally from the hips is acceptable if you maintain the arch in your back, rather than bending at the waist.
4. Glue your hand to your thigh. If you carry a load in one hand, such as when carrying a tool box, place your free hand on the outside of your thigh and mentally "glue" it into position. This will help you maintain correct back alignment rather than lifting and tilting to one side. When carrying a heavy load, side bending can be just as stressful to the spine as bending forward.
5. Tighten your stomach muscles. This technique helps prevent your spine from twisting. If you lift a load and need to place it off to one side, turn by moving your feet. After repeated lifts you might find yourself getting a bit sloppy and forgetting to move your feet. You can overcome this tendency if the place you set the load down is at least one step away from where it is lifted. ALWAYS avoid twisting.
6. Stay in good physical condition. A protruding stomach (beer belly) is an extra load carried away from the center line of the body, and prevents you from keeping a lifted object close-the number one rule for back care. When you bend at the waist to lift, due to the leverage principal, the load is up to 10 times heavier than its actual weight. A "pot belly" puts extra, stressful weight on the spine.
7. Stretch and loosen up before work. Research has shown that trunk flexibility and mobility is significantly lower in the morning than later in the day, increasing the number and severity of back strains at this time. A few minutes of stretching can warm up cold stiff muscles and tendons and help you avoid an injury. All professional athletes know this-"industrial athletes" should too! Warm up those muscles before putting them to work!

Bricklayers Accident

Dear Sir: I am writing in response to your request for additional information. In block no. 3 of the accident reporting form, I put "poor planning" as the cause of my accident. You said in your letter that I should explain more fully, and I trust the following details will be sufficient. I was a bricklayer by trade. On the day of the accident, I was working along on the roof of a new six-story building. When I completed my work, I discovered that I had about 500 pounds of brick left over. Rather than carry the bricks down by hand, I decided to lower them in a barrel by using a pulley which fortunately was attached to the side of the building, at the sixth floor. Securing the rope at ground level, I went up to the roof, swung the barrel out, and loaded the brick into it. Then I went back to the ground and untied the rope, holding it tightly to insure a slow decent of the 500 pounds of bricks. You will note in block no. 11 of the accident reporting form that I weigh 135 pounds. Due to my surprise at being jerked off the ground so suddenly, I lost my presence of mind and forgot to let go of the rope. Needless to say, I proceeded at a rather rapid rate up the side of the building. In the vicinity of the third floor, I met the barrel coming down. This explains the fractured skull and broken collarbone. Slowed only slightly, I continued my rapid ascent, not stopping until the fingers of my right hand were two knuckles deep into the pulley. Fortunately, by this time I had regained my presence of mind and was able to hold tightly to the rope in spite of my pain. AT approximately the same time, however, the barrel of bricks hit the ground, and the bottom fell out of the barrel. Devoid of the weight of the bricks, the barrel now weighed approximately 50 pounds. I refer you again to my weight in block No. 11. As you might imagine, I began a rapid decent down the side of the building. In the vicinity of the third floor, I met the barrel coming up. This accounts for the two fractured ankles, and the lacerations of my legs and lower body. The encounter with the barrel slowed my enough to lessen my injuries when I fell into the pile of bricks and, fortunately, only three vertebrae were cracked. I am sorry to report, however, that as I lay there on the bricks - in pain, unable to stand, and watching the empty barrel six stories above me - I again lost my presence of mind - I LET GO OF THE ROPE......"

COMMON SENSE AND ACCIDENT PREVENTION

This article is from http://www.bragg.army.mil/ and can be downloaded as a PDF from http://www.bragg.army.mil/psbc-bm/PubsAndForms/SSS/SSS001/SSS016.pdf

COMMON SENSE AND ACCIDENT PREVENTION
Generally speaking, we are not born with common sense, we acquire it throughout life. Actually, common sense is really common experience--we learn about life from others' experiences as well as our own. Awareness of your environment, self-preservation and concern for your fellow workers are all factors in good common sense. Contrary to popular opinion, all workers can prevent themselves from getting hurt. The easy way to avoid pain is to observe how others have taken risks and been injured, rather than learning the hard way--from your own injury.
That's common sense!

The experts say at least 80% of industrial accidents are caused by unsafe acts on the part of employees--and not by unsafe conditions. Although employers are required by law to provide a safe and healthful workplace, it is up to you to be aware of your work environment and follow safe work practices. By avoiding unsafe acts and practicing common sense, your work will go smoother, with less chance for accidents.
Statistically, most accidents are caused by unsafe acts, including:
Being In A Hurry - Sometimes there is more concern for completing a job quickly instead of safely. Take time to do a good job and a safe job.
Taking Chances - Daring behavior or blatant disregard for safe work practices can put the whole work team at risk. Follow all company safety rules and watch out for your fellow employees. Horseplay is never appropriate on the job and can lead to disciplinary action.
Being Preoccupied - Daydreaming, drifting off at work, thinking about the weekend and not paying attention to your work can get you seriously hurt or even killed. Focus on the work you are paid to do. If your mind is troubled or distracted, you're at risk for an accident.
Having A Negative Attitude - Being angry or in a bad mood can lead to severe accidents because anger nearly always rules over caution. Flying off the handle at work is potentially dangerous. Keep your bad moods in check, or more than one person may be hurt. Remember to stay cool and in charge of your emotions.
Failing To Look For Hidden Hazards - At many jobsites, work conditions are constantly changing. Sometimes new, unexpected hazards develop. Always be alert for changes in the environment. Hidden hazards include spilled liquids that could cause slips and falls; out-of-place objects that can be tripped over; unmarked floor openings one could step into; low overhead pipes that could mean a head injury; and other workers who don't see you enter their hazardous work area.Remember to stay alert for hazards, so you won't become one more accident statistic: You can do a quality job without rushing. Maintain a positive attitude and keep your mind on your work. This is just common sense--something smart workers use!