FAA Proposal to Improve Flight Attendant Workplace Safety

A proposed policy from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) would allow OSHA to enforce occupational safety and health standards that are currently not covered by FAA oversight. "Under this proposal, flight attendants would, for the first time, be able to report workplace injury and illness complaints to OSHA for response and investigation," says Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. FAA reports that flight attendant workplace issues might include noise exposure, bloodborne pathogen exposure or access to hazardous chemical information.

Winter Weather & Safe Driving

Winter is looming which means icy roads, snowfall and more commuters. Motorists should take extra precaution when driving by slowing down when roads are icy or snowy, allowing extra travel time and keeping distance from other vehicles. Follow these tips to stay safe on the road this winter season:

• Pack a winter travel safety kit. Kit should include an ice scraper and brush, a tow rope, cat litter (for use as a traction aid), blankets, a good flashlight, a candle, matches, a portable weather radio, lock de-icer and a cell phone.  
• Keep your tires in good condition and properly inflated. Cold weather reduces tire pressure so check and adjust frequently.
• Know how to recover from skids. When skidding, steer the vehicle gently in the direction of the skid and don’t touch the brakes.
• Know the route and current weather conditions in advance. Check road conditions by calling the state's Department of Transportation or checking online.
• If you get stuck, stay in your vehicle. Stay warm and wait for assistance. Make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of any obstructions.
• Drink plenty of water. As little as a 1% percent loss of body weight can lead to fatigue and reduced alertness, both of which can be deadly when driving in icy conditions.

It is crucial to always be prepared when traveling in the winter months.

FDA Safety Tips Help Prevent Food-Related Illness

In the midst of holiday season, families may find their refrigerators and kitchens packed full with food,   some fresh and some leftover. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) urges the public to be aware of food safety and offers tips to help prevent food-borne illnesses. The FDA website lists helpful tips for refrigerator strategies, keeping food at the proper temperature, types of food-related illnesses and how to be keep your food usable in the event of a disaster. Here are some tips provided in the refrigerator strategies topic:

• Avoid overpacking because cold air must circulate around food to keep them properly chilled.
• Keep food in covered containers or sealed storage bags.
• Wipe up any spills immediately to reduce bacteria growth.

Construction Injuries & Fatalities Raise Costs in California

Construction injuries and fatalities cost California residents $2.9 billion from 2008-10, a new Public Citizen report states. “The Price of Inaction: A Comprehensive Look at the Costs of Injuries and Fatalities in California’s Construction Industry” reports that in the 3-year time frame, there were 50,700 ccupational injuries and illnesses in the construction industry and 168 deaths. 

“The economic picture is quite staggering,” says Keith Wrightson, worker safety and health advocate for Public Citizen’s Congress Watch division. “We now know that construction accidents impose huge economic costs in addition to tremendous pain for individual victims.”

To help alleviate the number of injuries and fatalities, the report suggests California pass a law requiring companies to demonstrate obedience to safety standards in order to be eligible to bid for state contracts. This not only would ensure that public-sector projects are fulfilled by responsible contractors but also would provide incentives for companies to maintain clean records while working on private-sector sites.

“Implementing a stricter prequalification process for public construction projects would not address all of the industry’s safety problems,” Wrightson says. “However, such a step would help further protect workers while also yielding significant gains to the economy for minimal costs.”

For more information, click here. 

ASSE NYC Hosts Hurricane Sandy Relief Event

Tomorrow the ASSE NYC Chapter will be hosting a Hurricane Sandy fundraising event, with proceeds going towards the purchase of PPE for distribution to cleanup workers. The cost of the event is $20 and includes free appetizers and a cash bar. The full admission price will be donated to Hurricane Sandy relief, and additional donations are encouraged. ASSE NYC will match up to $2,500 in donations. The event takes place tomorrow at 5:00 p.m., at Draught 55 (245 East 55th Street, New York, NY). 

If unable to attend, people can directly donate here and write in “Sandy PPE Fund.”