Prevent Leadership ADD

"Most leaders talk about the importance of engaging workers, and recognize the connection between employee morale and performance," writes Robert Pater in "Overcoming Leadership ADD," his November 2013 Leading Thoughts column in the November 2013 issue of Professional Safety. Yet, Pater explains, many leaders are themselves disengaged, which puts in play a negative tone that affects frontline supervisors, workers and clients. In fact, as Pater notes that many leaders make no effort to change what they do but instead expect everyone to shape up.

What causes leaders to opt out on leading? Pater suggests that it's a leadership ADD, an affliction characterized by arrogance, distraction and disconnection.

Arrogance

According to Pater, arrogance shuts out alternative voices and differing opinions, making it the most dangerous flaw. It leads to finger pointing, yes-managers and what Pater terms not-me thinking. To prevent arrogance, "Leaders must monitor themselves for the creep of self-satisfaction. They must listen to their internal dialogue as well as to words spoken by others . . . and recognize that others have areas of experience and expertise that augment their own."

Distraction

Pater notes that distracted leaders often become myopic, often focusing on activities that deliver little value and sap creativity and commitment. "The business world is filled with potential distractions," Pater warns. "Leaders must have the self-discipline to steadfastly steer toward the lands of opportunities while avoiding the shoals, dead-end tributaries and collisions with other obstacles."

Disconnection

Becoming disconnected from workers, customers and the company's real work is a significant problem that leaders must battle. "Disengaged leaders beget disengaged workers," Pater says. "Leaders must truly lead the way by finding significance, importance, meaning and enjoyment in their own mission and what they do each day." 

Read the complete column here.

Space Heater Safety Tips

While electric space heaters offer users a convenient source of supplemental heat, they can pose significant fire and electric shock risks. In fact, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fires in the United States, nearly 32% of all which are caused from portable electric space heaters.  

With temperatures continuing to plummet throughout the country, the ESIF offers these tips to keep you safe when using space heaters:

• Read the manufacturer’s instructions. Before using any space heater read all instructions and warning labels carefully
   
• Check for damage. Always check heaters for cracked or broken plugs, loose connections and worn or damaged cords before use.
   
• Never leave a space heater unattended. Always unplug and store when the heater is not in use. Remember to turn it off when you leave the room and keep small children and animals from playing to closely to a space heater.
• Proper placement of space heaters is critical. Heaters must be kept at least three feet away from anything that can burn. They should also be located away from high traffic areas and placed on level, flat surfaces.
• Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord or power strip, which could overheat and result in a fire. Do not plug any other electrical devices into the same outlet as the heater.

Click here for more information.

New Fact Sheet on Abrasive Blasting

OSHA has released a new fact sheet highlighting the hazards associated with abrasive blasting materials. Abrasive blasting is a process in which compressed air or water is used to direct a high velocity stream of an abrasive material. Health hazards of abrasive blasting have gained attention in recent years as many clothing brands have joined bans against sandblasting jeans for a faded or worn look. However, abrasive blasting is also used for cleaning surfaces, removing burrs, applying texture and preparing surfaces for paint application, many of which are necessary processes that are difficult to accomplish without the use of abrasive blasting.

The fact sheet provides an overview of abrasive blasting materials and health hazards and gives several suggestions for reducing exposure, including the following:

• Substitute harmful materials with less toxic abrasive materials.
• Use abrasives that can be delivered with water (slurry) to reduce dust.
• Isolate blasting operations using barriers and curtain walls, or use blast rooms for smaller operations.
• For non-enclosed blasting operations, use restricted areas.
• Keep coworkers away from blasters.
• Use exhaust ventilation systems in containment structures to capture dust.

View the fact sheet here.

NASA's Online Tool Eases Licensing Process for New Technologies, Products

NASA's online tool, the QuickLaunch licensing tool, eases the licensing process for those interested in using NASA research to develop new technologies and products. The tool provides access to more than 30 NASA technologies for the purpose of licensing and commercial development. Featuring preapproved terms and conditions, the tool will speed up the approval process.

"NASA develops hundreds of technologies each year in support of its aeronautics and space exploration missions," says NASA's Daniel Lockney. "This new tool ensures that the American taxpayer will receive a second benefit from its investment in NASA through the creation of new products, new markets and new jobs."

The QuickLaunch tool allows users to ask questions of NASA licensing managers, file applications online, and search by NASA center or technology category.

Engage the Supplemental Workforce

The safety of supplemental and temporary workers in safety has gained much attention lately, largely due to OSHA's renewed focus on this worker population. In his Best Practices article in the November 2013 issue of Professional Safety, Thomas Bayer shares some advice on engaging the supplemental workforce. The keys, he explains, are getting workers to own their safety, improving the existing safety culture and engaging people.

Here are some steps Bayer recommends for enlisting craft workers in safety:

1. Develop training and programs specific to site needs.
2. Utilize supplemental workers as safety observers.
3. Conduct specialty training to identify required behavior, such as company-specific job safety analysis training or behavior observation training. For example, the author worked with his team to develop a training program entitled, "The Way That It's Always Been—Why It Can't Be."
4. Develop a safety champion, safety scout or similar program to get employees involved in the safety process.
5. Develop a recognition and reward program to identify those groups or individuals who choose safe behaviors rather than a safety incentive program based on reporting or recordkeeping criteria.
6. Establish minimum standards and enforce them consistently and constantly.

Ultimately, success will depend on the partnering relationship built between the contractor and customer. "Customer and contractor SH&E personnel must work together for the common good, be seen by workers interacting in the field, and collaborate to identify gaps and implement long-term training and process improvements that provide for craft involvement in the safety process," Bayer concludes.

Read Bayer's complete article here. Be sure to also check out the PS Asks interview with Duane Grange in the November 2013 issue of PS. Duane talks about specific steps both temporary agencies and hiring employers can take to protect workers.

Align Safety With CSR

In their Best Practices article, "Aligning SH&E With Core Business Initiatives," in the November 2013 issue of Professional Safety, Kim Weiss and Bill Gonser, encourage SH&E professionals to consider how they can align their efforts with their organizations' corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. "Social media and technology have driven a steadily increasing transparency of corporate function, providing insight that consumers and investors use to make decisions," Weiss and Gonser say. "Brand perception is influenced by whether a company prioritizes safety."

To help executives understand how SH&E aligns with CSR, Weiss and Gonser recommend these four action steps:

1. Research. Know your company's most important business initiatives and work to align with those specifically.
2. Be at the table. SH&E leaders must be part of the CSR and productivity conversation and strategy. Having a voice on the corporate steering committee is an effective way to identify opportunities to partner on and contribute to initiatives.
3. Compromise. Not all safety ideas are realistic in the face of competing requirements from other functions. Willingness to compromise is key to making incremental progress.
4. Focus on numbers. In today's corporate world, numbers speak louder than words and concepts. This is true for productivity and CSR, both metric-driven efforts. Illustrate the full value of efforts, inclusive of their impact on other functions. Support any initiative with data and metrics that clearly quantify the corporate benefits of your efforts. Illustrate measurements that include, but also move beyond, regulatory compliance, improved safety performance and reduced injury costs.

Read the complete article here.

NHTSA to Require Seat Belts on Motorcoaches

Every year, an average of 21 passengers of motorcoaches and other large buses are killed in vehicle crashes, and another 7,934 passengers are injured in such incidents.

In an effort to reduce these injuries and fatalities, the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released a final rule requiring lap and shoulder seat belts for all driver and passenger seats on new motorcoaches and other large buses. NHTSA estimates that requiring seat belts could reduce fatalities by as much as 44%, especially during frontal crashes and rollover incidents in which there is a significant risk of occupant ejection.

Beginning in November 2016, all newly manufactured buses exceeding 26,000 lb. (11,793 kg.) will be required to have lap and shoulder belts for every seat. The rule amends Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208 and can be found here.

Contribute to the "Books That Shaped Work in America" Initiative

To help celebrate its 100th anniversary, U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) created an initiative geared toward literature and the workforce. Partnering with Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, the Books That Shaped Work in America project aims to "spark a national conversation about the impact of books on overall American life and culture."

DOL asked a diverse group of individuals to get the list started, including former secretaries of labor, author Daniel Pink, Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez and other DOL employees. Visit the site to read recommendations and learn more about the initiative. DOL encourages the public to submit recommendations and help grow this initiative.

Participate in Upcoming Twitter Q&A on Holiday Fire Safety

Save the date Dec. 11, 2013, for a Twitter Q&A with NFPA and U.S. Fire Administration. Scheduled for 2 p.m. (ET), the discussion will focus on holiday fire safety. To participate, follow @NFPA and @USFire on Twitter and use #HolidaySafety to submit questions pertaining to holiday fire safety. Experts from both agencies will be on hand to answer. Questions can also be submitted ahead of time.

In addition, the agencies have teamed up for the Put a Freeze on Winter Fires campaign, which provides safety information on cooking, heating, holiday decorations, candles and much more.

NHTSA Announces Initiative to Improve Highway Safety Through Technology

The U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced its newest initiative to reduce the number of deaths and injuries on the nation's roads. The Significant and Seamless Initiative aims to accelerate technological development in three key areas of highway safety, including failure to use seat belts, drunk driving and driver error.

The initiative has highlighted three promising areas of technological advancement and challenges both the agency and the automotive industry to determine the scope of safety potential in these areas. 

The three technologies are:

• Seatbelt Interlocks – This technology could prevent a vehicle from being driven if the driver and/or passenger are not properly buckled. NHTSA is conducting research to ensure that such interlocks systems would be both highly reliable and tamper-proof.
• Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS) – This technology could prevent a vehicle from being driven by a drunk driver. The ideal system will be able to accurately  detect when a driver is above the legal alcohol limit every time the car is started, without posing an inconvenience to the non-intoxicated driver. NHTSA has partnered with the automotive industry to advance the long-term research in this area and is working on the legal, public policy and consumer acceptance issues.
• Forward Collision Avoidance and Mitigation (FCAM) – This sensor-based technology has the potential to detect a forward crash before it occurs. In addition to alerting the driver, this technology has the ability to automatically apply the brakes to assist in preventing or reducing the severity a crash. NHTSA is conducting research on the reliability of this technology and has collected enough data to make an agency decision this year as to pathways to advance market penetration into the rest of the fleet.
  

"In addition to our ongoing work with states and the automotive industry, we need a new vision, and a new blend of technological research to address some of the most significant and persistent threats to American motorists," said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. "We must look to technological intervention to make the next great leap, and get them poised for fleet adoption as soon as possible."

Visit the NHTSA homepage to learn more.

CPSC Urges Public to "Stand By Your Pan" on Thanksgiving

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging the public to stay safe on Thanksgiving and to "stand by your pan" while cooking. The agency says that the possibility of fires triples on Thanksgiving Day. "If you are frying, grilling or broiling food, stay in the kitchen." says CPSC Chair Inez Tenenbaum. "Not following this advice can be a recipe for disaster on Thanksgiving and throughout the year." Tenenbaum says that fires in the home caused by cooking accounted for more than 40% of all annual unintentional residential fires each year from 2009 to 2011.

In addition to monitoring cooking food, CPSC suggests these tips to help prevent home fires while cooking:

• Avoid wearing loose-fitting clothes and long sleeves near ranges or ovens.
• Turn pan handles toward the back of the stove.
• Monitor children closely so they don't come into contact with cooking food.
• In the event of flames while cooking, cover the pan with a lid to smother the flames. Never pour water or flour on a fire.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. 

For more fire safety tips, visit CPSC's website or NFPA's video on Thanksgiving Day safety.

New Fall Fatality Infographic

This new infographic from the Laborers Health and Safety Fund of North America reveals that approximately half of all fall fatalities are from 20 ft. or less. Don't forget to register for ASSE's upcoming webinar on using Prevention Through Design strategies to mitigate hazards that commonly cause slips, trips and falls.

Public Meeting on OSHA Recordkeeping Proposal

OSHA will host a public meeting on its proposal to add requirements for the electronic submission of injury and illness information that employers currently document under existing standards. The meeting will be held Jan. 9, 2014, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, DC. 

Submit requests to attend or speak at http://www.regulations.gov by Friday, Dec. 13, 2013. See the Federal Register notice for more details.

OSHA Offers Safety Guidelines for Retailers

In 2008, a Wal-Mart employee was trampled to death when holiday shoppers rushed through the store’s entrance to take advantage of some after-Thanksgiving Day sales. Five years later, these crowd-related injuries are still a major concern, especially during special sales events, and with the holiday shopping season right around the corner, OSHA is encouraging retail employers to take precautionary measures to prevent these injuries.

In a letter sent to major retailers nationwide, OSHA urges employers to adopt effective safety and health management systems to reduce work-related hazards, including those caused by large crowds. “Crowd Management Safety Guidelines for Retailers,” an OSHA fact sheet, provides retailers a guide for strengthening their current procedures and reducing the risk of injury through a series of planning strategies. OSHA recommends that employers planning a large shopping event adopt a plan that encompasses crowd management planning, pre-event setup and emergency situation management.

Crowd management plans should include:

• Additional staff, on-site trained security personnel and/or police officers where large crowds are expected. 
• Barricades or rope lines that do not start right in front of the store's entrance. 
• Pre-event planning and implementation of crowd control measures. 
• Emergency procedures in place to address potential dangers. 
• Proper management of occupancy levels. 
• No restricting, locking or otherwise blocking exit doors 

Click here to see the full list of recommendations.

States With Highest Workplace Injury & Illness Rates

The 2012 Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses from BLS shows that 24 states exhibited nonfatal injury and illness incidence rates that exceeded the national average of 3.4 nonfatal injuries and illnesses per 100 full-time workers. Those states (ranked highest to lowest) are:

1. Maine (5.6)
2. Montana and Vermont (5.0)
3. Washington (4.8)
4. Alaska (4.6)
5. Iowa (4.5)
6. Kentucky, Nevada and West Virginia (4.1)
7. Michigan and Wisconsin (4.0)
8. Connecticut, Indiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oregon and Pennsylvania (3.9)
9. Hawaii and Minnesota (3.8)
10. Kansas and Oklahoma (3.6)
11. California, Tennessee and Wyoming (3.5)

Seventeen states (ranked lowest to highest) showed occupational injury and illness rates that were lower than the national average:

1. Louisiana (2.3)
2. New York (2.5)
3. Texas and Virginia (2.7)
4. Delaware and Georgia (2.8)
5. North Carolina (2.9)
6. South Carolina (3.0)
7. Maryland, Massachusetts and New Jersey (3.1)
8. Arizona, Arkansas, Illinois and Ohio (3.2)
9. Alabama and Missouri (3.3)

Ohio’s incidence rate was identical to the national average of 3.4. Washington D.C. reported a considerably low rate with only 1.6 injuries and illnesses per 100 full-time workers.

Data were not available for Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Rhode Island and South Dakota.

Ergonomic Risk Assessment Tools: 4 Considerations

If you are looking for an ergonomic risk assessment tool, you might be interested in Humantech's latest e-book, “4 Things to Consider When Selecting an Ergonomics Risk Assessment Tool.” According to the company, "a successful process is measured and managed by numbers," so the e-book focuses on factors to consider when selecting quantitative ergonomics risk assessment tools:

• Understanding the difference between qualitative and quantitative tools 
• Evaluating a tool's quality 
• Capturing essential measurements 
• Considering a tool's limitations 

Download the free resource here.

OSHA Holds Stand Down to Raise Safety & Health Awareness in Oil & Gas Industry

OSHA, in partnership with NIOSH and the National Service, Transmission, Exploration & Production Safety Network (STEPS), sponsored a national stand down to raise awareness and to promote safety and health practices at U.S. oil and gas exploration and production sites. The event at the Humble Civic Center in Humble, TX, was webcast nationwide to regional STEPS network locations.

The event featured remarks from Ryan Hill, program manager for NIOSH's Western States Office, and included industry association roundtables and case study presentations. Participants also viewed a new video on respirable silica, and OSHA featured an informative video on incident statistics.

Following the stand down, participants were asked to share safety and health information with workers and contractors by devoting a minimum of 1 hour to the task, in 15-minute increments at their worksites, until Jan. 30, 2014. To participate and record results, companies must register online at http://www.oshastanddown.org. 

Click here for more information on the stand down or click here to read an interview ASSE's Oil & Gas Practice Specialty conducted with Rick Ingram of STEPS.

Nov. 19 Twitter Chat on Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

NIOSH is hosting a Twitter chat on noise-induced hearing loss  Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013, from 2 to 3 p.m. (ET). NIOSH Hearing Loss Prevention Team member Rick Davis will contribute to the chat and gear the conversation toward a general audience. The agency hopes the discussion will increase awareness about noise-induced hearing loss, preventive measures people and companies can take and provide insight into related research. You can follow the conversation at #NIDCDchat.

NHTSA Data Confirms Increase in Traffic Fatalities for 2012

After 6 consecutive years of declining fatalities on national highways, data from the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicate a 3.3% increase in highway deaths in 2012. Most of these deaths, 72%, occurred in the first quarter of the year, most of which involving motorcyclists and pedestrians.

The 2012 Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) data show an in increased in fatalities from 32,479 recorded in 2011 to 33,561 in 2012, marking the first increase since 2005. Despite this increase, however, highway deaths over the past 5 years continue to remain historically low. Fatalities in 2011 were at the lowest level since 1949 and despite this slight increase in 2012, data still met the same level of fatalities as 1950.

"Highway deaths claim more than 30,000 lives each year and while we've made substantial progress over the past 50 years, it's clear that we have much more work to do," says U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. "As we look to the future, we must focus our efforts to tackle persistent and emerging issues that threaten the safety of motorists, cyclists and pedestrians across the nation."

Other key statistics from the 2012 report:

• Pedestrians fatalities increased for the third consecutive year (6.4% increase over 2011). Data indicate most of these deaths occurred in urban areas, at non intersections and at night, and many involved alcohol.
• Motorcyclist fatalities increased for the third consecutive year (7.1% increase over 2011). Data show that 10 times as many riders died not wearing a helmet in states without a universal helmet law than in states with such laws.
• Large-truck occupant fatalities increased for the third consecutive year (8.9% increase over 2011).
• Deaths in crashes involving drunk drivers increased 4.6% in 2012. Data show most of these crashes involved drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .15 or higher.
• The number of people killed in distracted-driving crashes decreased slightly from 2011 to 2012, but an estimated 421,000 people were injured, marking a 9% increase from those injured in 2011.
• Seat belt use continues to be an issue at night. According to data, almost two-thirds of those who died in nighttime crashes in 2012 were unrestrained.

View the full report.

CSB Releases Safety Video on Fatal NDK Crystal Explosion

In conjunction with its investigation report on the 2009 fatal explosion at NDK Crystal in Belvidere, IL, CSB has released a safety video that depicts the incident. CSB says the video, "Falling Through the Cracks," illustrates "the stress corrosion that accumulated over time in the walls of the vessel where synthetic quartz crystals were manufactured under extremely high pressures and temperatures."

CSB Chair Rafael Moure-Eraso says the video illustrates the agency's findings that despite the facility's pressure vessels not meeting code requirements, it was granted an exemption; that internal corrosion inspections were recommended but never performed; and that specific warning was made to the company by its insurer. "But at every level, the risk of catastrophic vessel failure was overlooked and public safety, literally and figuratively, fell through the cracks," he says.

The video details the agency's main discoveries, and recommendations to prevent future incidents and to improve pressure vessel codes and standards throughout the U.S. For more information and to view the video, visit the CSB website.

Construction Fatalities Linked to Lack of Training

A new Public Citizen report reveals that in New York City, most construction fatalities occur at sites where state-approved training programs are not required. In 2011 and 2012, 36 construction workers died on the job in New York City, and 72% of those fatalities occurred on sites where workers did not participate in state-approved training and apprenticeship programs.

Existing laws set training requirements for construction contractors under city contract, and the city also funds construction projects through “public benefit corporation” entities that publicly finance projects through tax incentive financing. However, these projects lack the same worker training requirements as projects under city contractors.

The Safe Jobs Act, which is pending in the New York City Council, aims to ensure training for all construction workers on taxpayer-funded projects, not just those working under city contracts. Other elements of the bill include requiring construction companies to disclose violations of labor, tax, or safety and health laws, and requiring companies working on projects larger than $1 million that are taxpayer-supported to run apprenticeship programs.

Professional Safety Friday Flashback: Safety in Performance Reviews

Today's Friday Flashback is "Safety in the Supervisor’s Salary Review: A Formal Approach," from the May 1991 issue of Professional Safety. The article was written by George Swartz, who was corporate safety director at Midas International when the article was published. His ASSE activities including serving as a member and chair of ASSE’s Editorial Board, and administrator of the Society's Management Division. Swartz was a professional member of the Greater Chicago Chapter, and he was honored as an ASSE Fellow in 1992.

"Supervisors should be held accountable for preventing and reducing injuries in their departments. They should also be held accountable for compliance with prescribed company safety programs. By requiring the supervisor to achieve specific projects or tasks that improve departmental safety, injury reduction should logically follow."--George Swartz, 1991

Drive Safely This Winter

Winter came a little early this year. Snowfall in some parts of the country earlier this week reminds us that along with chilly temperatures, winter weather brings slippery roads, snow and more traffic. Although it is not officially winter for another month, Illinois Department of Transportation, along with other agencies across the nation, are reminding motorists to start taking extra precaution. These tips will help drivers familiarize themselves with how to drive more safely this winter season:

Slow down. Reduce your driving speed and increase your following distance. Remember to plan for longer commute times. 

Maintain your vehicle. Cold weather can cause tires to deflate. Make sure to keep your tires in good condition and properly inflated. In addition, check for broken taillights and headlights, as these things may make you less visible to other commuters. 

Clean off your car completely. Ice and snow interfere with your vision. Take the time to make sure your windshield, windows and headlights are free of snow, dirt and grime. This not only helps you see others, but cleaning your headlights also helps others see you.

Know how to recover from skids. If you find yourself skidding, do not brake. Instead, steer your vehicle gently in the direction of the skid.

Follow the weatherman. Check the traffic and know current weather conditions in advance. These things will help you prepare before you get behind the wheel. 

Practice safe driving all winter long. You never know when you may encounter wet or icy roads, don’t be caught off guard.

Keep an emergency kit your vehicle. The kit should include an ice scraper and snow brush, a first-aid kit, battery starter cables, food and water, a blanket, a flashlight, warning devices such as flares or triangles, a small bag of salt or cat litter (for use as a traction aid), and a cell phone. Should you get stuck, stay in your vehicle, stay warm and wait for assistance.

Safety Tips for Holiday Decorations

As the holiday season quickly approaches, you may find yourself spending a weekend replacing burnt-out strings of lights or looking for new ways to brighten your front yard during winter's darkest months. Before making that trip to the store, be sure to review these tips from the Electrical Safety Foundation International on how to select the safest possible decorations:

• Always buy electrical equipment that displays a label indicating it has undergone independent testing by a recognized testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Intertek (ETL) or Canadian Standards Association (CSA). 
• Only buy from trusted retailers to avoid the risk of purchasing counterfeit products.
• Buy decorations according to your intended outdoor or indoor use.
• Send warranty and product registration forms to manufacturers in order to be alerted to any product recalls.
• When buying a natural tree, look for a well-hydrated one that has sap on its trunk and vibrant green needles that are hard to pluck and don't break away easily from branches.
• If you have a natural tree, make sure the stand holds enough water to keep it thoroughly hydrated.
• If you use an artificial tree, choose one that is tested and labeled as fire resistant.
• Keep in mind that LED lights generate less heat, are more durable and last longer than incandescent lights.

Electrical Safety Foundation International offers other holiday safety resources, including fact sheets on holiday lighting safety, electrical cord safety, ensuring safety for kids during the holidays and cleaning up safely after the holiday season is over.