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IN THIS ISSUE:
· Survey: Workplace Violence Hurts All
· Agency Settles Hex Chrom Suit
· Scott's Corner
· FHWA Proposes New Work Zone Rule
· New Hazard Communication Training
· Staying on Top of Safety
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November 15, 2006
Volume 4, Number 22 |
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SURVEY: WORKPLACE VIOLENCE HURTS ALL
Yet companies do little to improve
Despite the fact that workplace violence can have a negative impact on employees, few establishments strive to improve their workplace violence prevention procedures after an incident happens, according to a new survey conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
In the 12 months prior to taking the survey, which was conducted in September 2005, nearly 5 percent of the 7.1 million private industry businesses surveyed reported an incident of workplace violence. Of those, one-third said the incident was either detrimental to morale or heightened employee fears. Yet 80 percent of companies that experienced an incidence of workplace violence did not follow up with changes to their prevention policies or procedures, and almost 9 percent of these establishments had no program at all. |
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Click here to read more about the survey and view the accompanying charts. |
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AGENCY SETTLES HEX CHROM SUIT
Finishing operations receive alternate timetable
OSHA recently settled a challenge to its hexavalent chromium standard, issuing a minor amendment to the compliance date provision of the new rule.
The amendment creates an optional, alternative compliance timetable for metal- and surface-finishing operations at eligible facilities. Facilities that become parties to the agreement must implement engineering controls for electroplating operations on an expedited schedule, but will have relief from certain respirator requirements in the interim.
Published in the Oct. 30 Federal Register, the change resolves a legal challenge brought by Surface Finishing Industry Council, Public Citizen Health Research Group, and the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union.
Petitions for review of the hexavalent chromium standard filed by other petitioners remain pending in the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. |
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Click here for more information on who is eligible to become a party to this agreement, and what steps must be taken to do so. |
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SCOTT'S CORNER
A message from E. Scott Geller, Ph.D.
Stop Passing the Buck
"It's not my job." How many times have you heard that? This is probably the most common reason for not going beyond the call of duty to help another person. This rationale for "passing the buck" is actually supported by the typical questions we ask when noticing a problem.
Questions that begin with who, what and when avoid personal responsibility by putting accountability somewhere else. I'm not saying these are bad questions to ask. They represent the kind of questions needed to identify and solve problems related to occupational safety. But they do imply the problem is beyond the individual and a solution requires support and action from other people.
The big picture may seem overwhelming, and a solution to a certain safety problem may seem remote even with substantial support. But doing nothing at all helps nothing, and could be risky. So break it down. Find something small within your own domain of influence that relates to the problem and take personal responsibility to perform that action. |
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Click here or call
1-888-201-1150 to learn more about the next evolution in safety... People-Based Safety™.
Click here to visit the People-Based Safety™ blog!
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FHWA PROPOSES NEW WORK ZONE RULE
Agency wants to protect workers
The Federal Highway Administration wants to keep construction workers safe while working in highway traffic zones. In the Nov. 1 Federal Register, the agency published a proposed rule that would force state highway agencies to create and enforce policies for using positive protective measures between workers and motorized traffic in federally funded highway work zones.
Such measures might include full road closures, ramp closures, crossovers, detours and rolling road blocks during work zone setup and removal. The proposed rule would also require uniformed law enforcement officers under certain circumstances. |
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Click here to read the full proposal. |
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NEW HAZARD COMMUNICATION TRAINING
Coastal's newest release, Hazard Communication: Elements of Safety, will teach your employees about the physical and health hazards of various workplace chemicals. The program also discusses exposure limits and material safety data sheets as well as labels and warnings your employees must understand.
After viewing Hazard Communication: Elements of Safety, your employees will understand:
- The importance of hazard communication training.
- The physical and health hazards of workplace chemicals.
- The various ways chemicals can enter the body.
- What PPE is required for the job.
- Material safety data sheets.
- Warnings and labels on chemical containers.
Help ensure the safety and health of your employees with this vital training. Call 1-888-574-8531 to have a FREE 7-day preview of Hazard Communication: Elements of Safety shipped directly to your facility! |
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Click here to preview Hazard Communication: Elements of Safety online. |
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STAYING ON TOP OF SAFETY
OSHA QuickCard provides scaffolding tips
Safety standards addressing fall protection and scaffolding are among the most frequently cited by OSHA each year. Here are a few supported-scaffold inspection tips from a new agency QuickCard:
- Make sure that tools and materials are at least 10 feet away from energized power lines.
- Check for safe access. Do not use the crossbraces as a ladder for access or exit.
- Check to see if the planks are close together, with spaces no more than 1 inch around uprights.
- Check to see if the platform is 14 inches or more away from the wall or 18 inches or less away if plastering/stucco.
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Click here to download the card from OSHA's website, or call OSHA's publications office at (202) 693-1888 to order. |
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