Canadian Transportation Safety Board Looks at Risks to Small Fishing Vessel Fishermen Citing an "unacceptable" loss of life, the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) launched an in-depth investigation into the safety of small fishing vessels across Canada. The study will look at the risks and challenges experienced by members of the fishing community when they set out for a day's work and will be released to the public and industry stakeholders when completed. To help with this, historical data and case studies of selected accidents in Canada will be analyzed, as will occurrences from other nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom and several Nordic countries. "The grim reality is the fishing industry is averaging one death per month," said Marcel Ayeko, TSB's Director of Marine Investigations. "Sixty people have died in accidents over the past five years, and we need to find out why. "We already know there are systemic issues," he said, noting that small fishing vessels have the highest rate of marine accidents in Canada, with over 200 incidents reported to the TSB annually. "These issues need to be formally identified – to the regulators, the industry, and the fishermen themselves – so we can improve safety and reverse this tragic trend. The further in-depth we go, the more solid facts we'll uncover to help make the fishing industry safer." Since 1992, the TSB has made 42 recommendations aimed at improving fishing vessel safety, and has repeatedly drawn attention to critical safety issues contributing to accidents. These include vessel stability, structural integrity, unsafe operating procedures, the use of lifesaving equipment, and the impact of fishery resource management plans and practices on the overall safety of fishing vessels. (workersxzcompxzkit) "Sure, fishing can sometimes be risky," acknowledged Ayeko. "Canadians know this; they've been doing it for generations. But more needs to be done – and more can be done – to bring down the accident rate."
The ultimate goal? "It's simple. Improve safety for all the workers who earn their living from the sea."
Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers' Compensation costs, including airlines, health care, manufacturing, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. He can be contacted at: Robert_Elliott@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com or 860-786-8286.
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Family of Employee Killed on the Job Sues Minnesota City’s Insurer
The family of a Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, a maintenance worker who fatally injured after being struck by a car while emerging from a manhole, sued the city’s insurance provider.
According to a report from the St. Cloud Times, the city employee was killed on June 19, 2006, while employed by the city.
The lawsuit filed in Benton County District Court alleges the insurance provider for Sauk Rapids is breaching its contract by not compensating the family underinsured motorist benefits. The case is scheduled to go to a pretrial hearing in January.
According to the lawsuit, the driver was an underinsured motorist, and her insurer already has paid its policy limit of $100,000 to finalize a wrongful death claim filed by the victim’s family. The driver also pled guilty to inattentive driving.
The decedant’s family has been seeking underinsured motorist benefits from the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust, the defendant in the lawsuit and the city’s insurer, but their application was denied. (workersxzcompxzkit)
The accident led to a $25,000 fine against the city from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
According to OSHA, the work area was not properly marked by traffic signs, barricades or other devices.
Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers’ Compensation costs, including airlines, health care, manufacturing, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. He can be contacted at: Robert_Elliott@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com or 860-786-8286.
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©2008 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com
OSHA Urges Action for Southwestern Pennsylvania Construction Employers
Workers must be protected from falls – Implement these tips.
1. Guardrail systems
2. Safety net systems
3. Personal fall arrest systems
4. Properly anchored body harnesses and lanyards
5. Use of safe work practices and training
“Falls are the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry,” said Robert Szymanski, director of the Pittsburgh OSHA office. “These recent accidents in Allegheny and Washington counties are tragic reminders of the dangers posed to workers when adequate protection is not provided.”
Following four recent fatal construction accidents in southwestern Pennsylvania, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is calling on construction employers to ensure that employees working above six feet have the proper equipment to protect themselves from falls on the job. Every employer needs to be very familiar with information on fall protection. (workersxzcompxzkit)
Visit OSHA’s Web site at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/fallprotection/index.html
Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers’ Compensation costs, including airlines, health care, manufacturing, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. He can be contacted at: Robert_Elliott@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com or 860-786-8286.
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©2008 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com
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Indiana Sees Reduction in Workplace Deaths
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) (2008), as reported by the Indiana Department of Labor (IDOL) has released workplace fatality statistics. While we primarily focus on post-loss management, eliminating injuries is always better than trying to reduce costs after an incident.
The 2008 total was 11% below the ten-year average, even though a total of 132 Hoosiers suffered a fatal injury while working, an increase of five fatalities over 2007. This figure represents the second lowest number since CFOI began releasing data in 1992.
Commissioner of Labor, Lori Torres said, “Although the news of overall improvements or general trending downward is positive, each fatality affects, in a profound way, the family of each victim.” IDOL has greatly increased its enforcement and consultation efforts over the past few years with the explicit goal of lowering the number of workplace fatalities, injuries, and illnesses. In 2008 IOSHA conducted just under 2000 inspections-this is a nearly 70% increase over the number of inspections in 2007.
INSafe, the training arm of the IDOL, conducted over 500 consultations in 2008 representing a 25% increase over 2007. In addition, IOSHA collected 8% more money in fines over 2007 from out of compliance. IDOL also entered into partnerships and awarded recognition to those companies with superior safety records.
The top three industries with occupational fatalities in 2008 are agriculture (22), construction (19) and manufacturing (18).
Nineteen of the 22 agricultural-related fatalities were in crop production, with one-third of the fatalities resulting from overturned farm equipment.
Manufacturing industry fatalities saw an increase from the record-low, seven fatalities, as reported in 2007.
Although Indiana’s construction industry has a comparatively high number of fatalities to other industries, it continues on a three-year downward trend. An industry high was reported in construction in 1992 with 32 fatalities versus 19 in 2008.
The transportation and warehousing sector, usually leading the industry count in occupational fatalities, had the lowest number on record in Indiana with 16 in 2008. This represents a 48% decrease from the 2007. The 10-year average for this industry is 28 deaths.
When combining all industries together, transportation accidents lead as the primary cause of work-related fatalities. In 2008, Indiana reported 61 work-related fatal transportation incidents. This count includes 27 highway accidents and 14 workers struck by vehicles. The industry in Indiana with the highest number of transportation-related fatalities was agriculture. (workersxzcompxzkit)
The next most common event resulting in work-related death is categorized as contact with objects, in which 34 workers were killed. This is the highest number of incidents on record and includes 14 workers struck by a falling object, as well as 11 workers caught in or compressed by equipment or objects.
Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers’ Compensation costs, including airlines, health care, manufacturing, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. He can be contacted at: Robert_Elliott@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com or 860-786-8286.
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“Notifying employees about potentially harmful pesticide exposure is not just a good idea, it’s the law,” said Katherine Taylor, the EPA’s Communities and Ecosystems Division associate director for the Pacific Southwest region. “Employers of agricultural workers must ensure their employees are provided with information and protections that minimize the risk of potential exposure to pesticides-failure to do so is a serious violation.”
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has fined a Minden, Nevada ornamental tree nursery for allegedly misusing pesticides contrary to labeling requirements and failing to comply with federal pesticide worker safety laws, discovered during a routine inspection.
The nursery reportedly misused the pesticides Round-Up Pro, Lontrel, and Amine 4 2,4 Weedkiller during applications in May and June 2008.
The company, fined $5,400 for three violations, reportedly failed to comply with label directions requiring it to minimize the risk of exposure by notifying workers and handlers of recent pesticide applications on particular fields, and failed to provide workers with information on the nearest emergency medical care facility in case of exposure. (workersxzcompxzkit)
Author Robert Elliott, senior vice president, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers’ Compensation costs, including airlines, health care, manufacturing, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. He can be contacted at: Robert_Elliott@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com or 860-786-8286.
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©2008 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com
Preventing a HEAT Related Injury or Illness
Extended exposure to heat (inside or out) taxes the body beyond its ability to cool. The effects of heat are magnified in the very young, elderly and those with medical conditions. Employers and employees must become familiar with the signs of heat distress and what actions to take.
LOOK for these Signs and Symptoms
Heat Cramps
Caused by: Excessive sweating and loss of salt due to over activity.
You may experience:
- Muscle spasms of the legs, arms and/or abdomen
Heat Exhaustion
Caused by: Loss of large amounts of fluid and/or salt by sweating
You may experience:
- Clammy and moist skin
- Extreme weakness or fatigue
- Giddiness
- Nausea
- Headache
- Fainting
Heat Stroke (Very Serious)
You may experience:
- Extremely high body temperature (above 103°, orally)
- Red hot and dry skin (no sweating)
- Rapid, strong, pulse
- Throbbing headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Unconsciousness
Prompt assessment of employees experiencing any of these symptoms, and the delivery of appropriate first aid or emergency medical care are advised.
Exposure to environmental heat is also a factor work-related, nonfatal injuries or illnesses requiring days away from work.
Prevention is the best defense against heat-related illnesses. The following tips can aid in protecting employees from extreme heat and health related injuries.
12 Tips to protect employees from extreme heat conditions.
- Drink 16-32 ounces of cool fluids each hour when working outdoors.
- Replace salt and minerals with electrolyte drinks.
- Do not rush. A slower but steady pace reduces stress on the body.
- Avoid working in direct sunlight whenever possible, and take frequent breaks.
- Protect the face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
- Wear UV-absorbent sunglasses to protect the eyes.
- Perform most strenuous outdoor tasks during the morning, if possible.
- Wear loose-fitting, light weight, light-colored clothing.
- Use a buddy system and check on employees often; monitoring for heat-related symptoms increases the chances of avoiding illness.
- Avoid hot foods and heavy meals, since they add heat to the body.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol, due to their dehydrating properties.
- AND, if an employee has a known at-risk health condition (ASK for Pete’s Sake!) like a heart problem, allergies or bee/wasp sting reactions CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY! DON’T WAIT!
Author: Robert Elliott, J.D.
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Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws are different so do not implement any cost containment procedures until you have discussed them with your corporate counsel. Your individual doctor must treat medical issues. We are not giving medical advice; this is an overview of wellness topics, not medical advice.
©2008 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com
Focusing primarily on cost containment, Workers' Comp Kit® presents a broad array of topics useful to employers in the United States and Canada. However, since workers' compensation is worldwide we like to include workers' comp issues in other countries. And, since prevention is always the best way to reduce workers' comp costs, we want to provide some education to our clients. New South Wales Focusing on Worker Safety New South Wales (Australia) SW Finance Minister Joe Tripodi said 42 of the State's largest employers will assist 100 small businesses improve safety and productivity in the 2009 WorkCover Mentor Program. Now in its third year, the Safe Business is Good Business Mentor Program allows small businesses to gain industry-specific advice from large employers on how to meet their workplace safety, injury management and workers' compensation obligations. "More than 260 small businesses have taken part in the mentor program since 2006. We have seen a 20% increase in participation this year," Tripodi said. "The program has been expanded to include retail, consumer services, community services, transport and agriculture industries as well as the successful construction and manufacturing industries. Around 70 percent of mentee businesses in the current intake are from regional areas across New South Wales, with the remainder from across the Sydney metropolitan area." (workersxzcompxzkit) Tripodi indicated workplace injuries in New South Wales are at their lowest levels in two decades, commending the 42 mentor organizations for their commitment to passing on their expertise to enable small businesses to develop greater capacity to further reduce the risk of injury. Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers' Compensation costs, including airlines, health care, manufacturing, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. He can be contacted at: Robert_Elliott@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com or 860-786-8286.
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©2008 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com
Newfoundland And Labrador Provinces Unveil New Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (OHS) Regulations
New OHA regulations recently unveiled are reported to improve the regulatory conditions under which employers and employees work. The new regulations replace 30-year-old regulations and take effect on September 1, 2009, according to the Provincial Government.
“This is an important day for workplaces in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said the Kevin O’Brien, minister of Government Services. “These new regulations will support the safety culture in all workplaces and will reflect and, in fact, complement the safe work practices that many safety-minded employers already have in place. We wanted to ensure that we have the best possible set of regulations that meet the needs of both employers and employees of the province. I think we have achieved that and have produced a first-rate set of regulations.”
In drafting these new regulations, the department consulted with industry, labor, employers, Provincial Government departments and anyone interested in safe work procedures. The feedback received was positive with all groups agreeing the current regulations were outdated and did not reflect current safety practices. The consultations also highlighted the need to improve regulations related to high-risk activities. The department engaged the Occupational Health and Safety Advisory Council during the consultation process on issues where new policy is being set.
Regulations Highlights
1. Recent Codes and Standards - Requirements to comply with the most recent version of a named code or standard as opposed to a specific version of that code or standard which could be outdated;
2. Confined Space Entry - Procedures to enter an enclosed or partially enclosed space having restricted access and egress;
3. Fall Protection - Addition of general requirements as well as identification of fall arrest systems and construction of guardrails;
4. De-energization and lockout - Proper procedures for de-energizing and locking out equipment prior to performing work on that equipment;
5. Noise Hazards – Requirements to establish and maintain a hearing conservation program where noise exposures exceed permissible levels;
6. Blasting – Clarification of blaster responsibilities and industry-accepted safe blasting practices;
7. Ergonomic Requirements – Requirements to identify and assess risks and provide education and training to workers who may be exposed to musculoskeletal injuries;
8. Working Alone – Requirements to develop a written procedure for checking the well-being of employees who work alone;
9. Crane Operators - New requirements to certify operators who must have the appropriate trade qualification as determined by the Department of Education;
10. Violence Prevention - New requirements to have employers conduct a risk assessment, establish procedures to control the risk and communicate those procedures to the workers.
“The NL Employers’ Council organized a committee of safety professionals that consulted on the development of these regulations,” said NL Employers’ Council Executive Director Richard Alexander. “A number of concerns put forward by the committee were addressed and the position of employers was well represented and well considered. Overall we are pleased with these new OH&S regulations and believe they are a step in the right direction, clarifying a number of grey areas in the previous regulations.” (workersxzcompxzkit)
It is important to note workers’ compensation costs are obviously reduced when employers, employees and government protection agencies work together to design and implement the best possible workplace safety standards.
Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers’ Compensation costs, including airlines, health care, manufacturing, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. He can be contacted at: Robert_Elliott@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com or 860-786-8286.
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©2008 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com
American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) Offers New Fall Workplace Standards
As slips, trips and falls continue to represent significant exposures and hazards driving costs up in the workplace, the ASSE announced the approval of three new fall protection standards by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), aimed at preventing these workplace hazards.
Of the 5,657 fatal on-the-job injuries occurring in 2007, 847 were attributed to falls according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The ASSE standards (effective November 16, 2009) aimed at preventing injuries and death due to falls are:
1. “Specification and Design Requirements for Active Fall Protection Systems” (ANSI/ASSE Z359.6-2009).
Specifies requirements for the design and performance of complete active fall-protection systems, including travel-restraint and vertical horizontal fall-arrest systems.
2. “Connecting Components for Personal Fall Arrest Systems” (ANSI/ASSE Z359.12-2009).
Establishes requirements for the performance, design, marking, qualification, test methods and removal from service connectors.
3. “Personal Energy Absorbers and Energy Absorbing Lanyards” (ANSI/ASSE Z359.13-2009).
Requires all energy-absorbing lanyards and personal energy absorbers to reduce the forces implied on the user to less than 10 times the normal gravitational pull of the earth. In addition, users of energy absorbing lanyards must weigh within the range of 130 to 310 pounds (59 – 140 kg).
”I applaud the ASSE and the devoted group of professionals on the ANSI Z359 Accredited Standards Committee for their dedication to the development of these ground-breaking standards,” said Randall Wingfield, the ANSI/ASSE Z359 Accredited Standards Committee (ASC) chair and president and CEO of Gravitec Systems Inc.
“Because falls from heights make up a significant portion of workplace fatalities and injuries, the creation of authoritative documents for workers at height and their employers is essential. Years in the making, Z359.12 and Z359.13 expand on existing standards in which connecting devices and personal energy absorbers were initially addressed,” Wingfield added. “Standards devoted solely to these components were necessary because new research and testing have provided us with a better understanding of how these products are used.”
“The new Z359.6 standard tackles fall protection systems design for the first time and is intended for engineers with expertise in this area. The release of these standards marks considerable progress toward the completion of the Z359 Fall Protection Code, a living document that will continue to grow as ten additional standards are drafted and adopted,” he said. (workersxzcompxzkit)
The ASSE Fall Protection Code currently includes six standards:
1. “Definitions and Nomenclature Used for Fall Protection and Fall Arrest (Z359.0-2007).
2. “Safety Requirements for Personal Fall Arrest Systems, Subsystems and Components” (Z359.1-2007)
3. “Minimum Requirements for a Comprehensive Managed Fall Protection Program;” Z359.2-2007
4. “Safety Requirements for Positioning and Travel Restraint Systems” (Z359.3-2007)
5. “Safety Requirements for Assisted-Rescue and Self-Rescue Systems, Subsystems and Components” (Z359.4-2007)
6. Historical ANSI/ASSE Z359.1-1992 (R1999).
The ANSI/ASSE Z359 ASC for Fall Arrest/Protection is working on 10 additional Z359 standards projects aimed at protecting workers from falls.
Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers’ Compensation costs, including airlines, health care, manufacturing, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. He can be contacted at: Robert_Elliott@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com or 860-786-8286.
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Do not use this information without independent verification.
All state laws vary.
©2008 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com
In a recent Tweet it was noted the only game in town when it comes to workers’ compensation is cost containment. Cost containment arises out of the many and diverse ways an employer maintains a safe work environment. A safe work environment is the jumping off point for reducing the overall costs of injuries in the workplace, resulting in lower work comp costs. It’s like a mantra:
Implement a superior WC plan » Practice “Safe” work environment techniques » Workplace injuries drop » the COST of WC drops!
Awards Prove Safety Works in Cost Containment and Workers Comp Programs
Tennessee Company Wins Workplace Safety Award
McKenzie Valve & Machining Company Inc. received the SHARP (Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program) award from the Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development, according to Commissioner James Neeley.
One of the state’s highest honors for workplace safety and health, the SHARP award is designed for employers with fewer than 250 workers in high-hazard industrial classifications. The main incentive for participation in the SHARP award program is the desire by employers to promote a safe and healthy workplace. The program also allows employers to be removed from programmed compliance inspection lists for a period of 12 months. (workersxzcompxzkit)
Or, you can be this employer
CANADA: How Workplace Safety Violations Raise Work Comp Costs
A provincial safety inspection of some 20 Calgary high-rise building sites discovered a number of violations–including workers improperly securing materials — in a review ordered following the death of a three-year-old girl by heavy steel roofing that blew off a building, also injuring the girl’s father and brother according to the Calgary Herald.
While the final numbers are not in, an Occupational Health and Safety spokesperson said inspectors discovered few safety threats with the exception of a few orders to secure materials and improve protection to keep employees from falling. OSHA did not issue a stop-work order. (workersxzcompxzkit)
Although the article didn’t say, here’s a lawsuit in the making, because it doesn’t matter what OSHA didn’t find, a child was killed and someone must pay and most likely that someone will be the employer.
Author Robert Elliott, senior vice president, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers’ Compensation costs, including airlines, health care, manufacturing, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. He can be contacted at: Robert_Elliott@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com or 860-786-8286.
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Do not use this information without independent verification.
All state laws vary.
©2008 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com
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