Sassy Safety Queen's Tri Training Favorite

My fruit basket is full of safety glasses. Really. It makes sense when you know that my writing station is located close to the double decker fruit basket where I hang safety glasses after trying them out. I decided to go through and share my favorites.

I have a couple of favorites I use for biking or if I have to do yard work. I go for fit, style and comfort. My husband, aka Mellon head, also has some favorites but basically, if they fit his mellon head, he’s happy.

Top Safety Glasses Choices at a Low Cost:
-Cute, comfy and cheap. What can be better than that? Elvex’s Chica is perfect for females or males with narrow faces. They’re snug without being too tight.
-I’m a big fan of indoor/outdoor safety glasses and that’s why the Avion and Fuel are perfect. I love that they’re multi-purpose.
-Got the mellon head thing going on? Finding safety glasses that have flexible temples is a must for you. Try the Elvex’s Trix and you’ll notice you can’t beat the price.

Technorati Tags: Safety Glasses

The top three causes of death for tree trimmers is electrocution, falls and being hit by parts of the tree.

Some important safety equipment when cutting down trees: safety glasses, ear protection, gloves, boots and chainsaw chaps. Also the appropriate ropes and harnesses if applicable. Remember to be prepared for the unexpected and properly educate yourself before attempting any DIY tree projects. OHSA has some great etool resources that are very helpful in better understanding hazards & solutions to them.

Thanks to my neighbors for allowing me take and post these photos.

Technorati Tags: chainsaw prote, safety don'ts

Here’s a great story that emphasizes the need for chainsaw chaps.

“Chaps actually saved my life once (I’m convinced, anyway). I was working for a builder in Michigan, clearing out some of his land for new houses. The lots were heavily wooded and his method was to push the trees over with the backhoe and we would buck them up on the ground, and sometimes this resulted in fairly large piles of trees.

I was working on one of the piles, cutting upwards from underneath the bottom of a limb that was lying more or less horizontally, when the balance of the pile shifted and the upper tip of the blade hit something where I couldn’t see it, and the whole blade kicked back across my upper leg. The chainsaw was running at full speed but the threads in the chainsaw chaps stopped the thing cold.

At first I didn’t even realize what had happened – I thought the saw had bound in the branches or something, and even gave the trigger a few kicks to try and loosen it again. That was when I felt it trying to tug at my pants and realized what had happened. We were miles away from nowhere; I am sure I would have bled to death in minutes if that thing had gone through my leg. So yeah, I’m a big believer in chaps.”

Thanks Joel for your story. The photo used is from another person’s chain saw injury (ugh – blood).  Joel’s leg is just fine.

Be safe working on your Spring Projects outside!

Technorati Tags: chainsaw chaps, chainsaw protection

Age Restrictions (Laws that protect teens from doing dangerous work)

No Worker Under 18 May:
-Drive a motor vehicle as a regular part of the job or operate a forklift at anytime.
-Operate many types of powered equipment (like meat slicer, circular saw, bakery machine)
-Work in wrecking, demolition, excavation or roofing.
-Work in mining, logging or a sawmill.
-Work in meat packing or slaughtering.
-Work where there is exposure to radiation.
-Work where explosives are manufactured or stored.

No Worker 14 or 15 Years May:
-Bake or cook on the job (except at a serving counter)
-Operate power-driven machinery, except certain types which pose little hazard such those used in offices.
-Work on a ladder or scaffold.
-Work in warehouses.
-Work in construction, building or manufacturing.
-Load or unload a truck, railroad car or conveyor.

Resources: NIOSH & OSHA

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/adoldoc.html

http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/teenworkers/teenworkers.html

http://www2.worksafebc.com/Topics/YoungWorker/Home.asp

Technorati Tags: workplace safety, workplace safety for youth

Here are some things you CAN do:

1. Use a carrying case when not in use.
2. Buy scratch resistant lenses (NOT the same as scratch proof!) We have noticed a difference in the coating helping decrease the amount of scratching, but it’s not a perfect world.
3. We’ve noticed that mid-to-higher end safety glasses are less likely to get scratched- the $2 pair is more likely to get scratched.
4. Don’t clean them with paper towels! Use a clothe instead.

I wish I had better news for you. Here, let me make you feel better. You could have bought the $15 Liquid Scratch Removal kit that is worthless to get rid of the scratches in your $7 safety glasses.

If you have some kind of miracle solution, we would love to hear about it. Send us a note.

Technorati Tags: Safety Glasses

• What can the agency do to enhance and encourage the efforts of employers, workers and unions to identify and address workplace hazards?

• What are the most important emerging or unaddressed health and safety issues in the workplace, and what can OSHA do to address these?

• How can the agency improve its efforts to engage stakeholders in programs and initiatives?

• What specific actions can the agency take to enhance the voice of workers in the workplace, particularly workers who are hard to reach, do not have ready access to information about hazards or their rights, or are afraid to exercise their rights?

• Are there additional measures to improve the effectiveness of the agency’s current compliance assistance efforts and the on site consultation program, to ensure that small businesses have the information needed to provide safe workplaces?

• Given the length and difficulty of the current OSHA rule making process, and given the need for new standards that will protect workers from unaddressed, inadequately addressed and emerging hazards, are there policies and procedures that will decrease the time to issue final standards so that OSHA may implement needed protections in a timely manner?

• As we continue to progress through a new information age vastly different from the environment in which OSHA was created, what new mechanisms or tools can the agency use to more effectively reach high risk employees and employers with training, education and outreach? What is OSHA doing now that may no longer be necessary?

• Are there indicators, other than work site injuries and illness logs, that OSHA can use to enhance resource targeting?

• In the late 1980s, OSHA and its stakeholders worked together to update the Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs) (exposure limits for hazardous substances; most adopted in 1971), but the effort was unsuccessful. Should updating the PELs be a priority for the agency? Are there suggestions for ways to update the PELs, or other ways to control workplace chemical exposures?

There was some great discussions out in the blog & twitter world in response. You still can watch the different panels via webcast or get a written transcript and comments of the meeting here. What would your advice to OSHA be?

Technorati Tags: osha

“Today I’m glad I had my safety glasses on. The group decided to clean up the lab so we organized, swept and mopped the garage. I was refilling the water/cleaning solution and a good few drops splashed up right on the lens of my glasses. Close call, because we use this industrial strength cleaner and degreaser which probably would have done some serious ocular damage.”

Close call stories are a good reminder on why we need to use preventative measures at work and at home. I’ve waded through many photos of eye injuries -they all look painful. There really is no excuse for not wearing eye protection – stylish, bifocals, anti-fog, over-specs, inexpensive, padded,  shaded, small, melon-head size, etc.. there really is something for everyone.

Technorati Tags: close calls, ppe

The same day in Florida, construction worker Daniel Caldwell, 40, died after a 25 ft fall off a roof.

Two weeks ago construction worker David Pink, 25, was injured in a 60 ft construction fall. Pink was taking plywood off the top floor of a building when the wind caught him and he went off the edge head first.

Most recent sources say that Pink’s 30 ft retractable did not engage and when he hit the end of the retractable he flipped and the cable snapped. After the cable snapped he continued to fall another 30 ft, shattering his hip and the side of his face. What saved his life was that he was working across the street from a hospital and the ambulance, as well as a doctor, arrived in minutes. He was able to get to the UW Trauma center immediately.

Most retractables need to be re-certified every 2 years and it was believed this retractable was closer to 3 years. OSHA is investigating this accident.

Most people don’t get do overs. Stay safe! 100% tie-off, check your equipment, keep up to date, train your workers properly! DO what you need to do for everyone to stay safe and alive.

Technorati Tags: fall protection, workplace accidents, workplace safety

Wearing his harness. Safe - right?

Hmmmm, lets see where the anchor point is....

I have been going through photos people have sent in to me or great photos that photographers have allowed me to share on this site. I am re-posting my favorites over the next couple months.

The ones I am sharing today are from Kevin (an Aussie transplant working in China) who took these photos of the ac repair men. Notice from the first photo how high up they are and then check out the other photo. Notice any problems?

Secure anchor points are the most critical component when using fall arrest equipment.

Technorati Tags: fall harness equipment, workplace safety

Today OSHA has proposed $70,000 in fines (for one willful violation), citing a failure to protect workers from falls. The company was also cited for the same violation in 2007 but failed to remedy the situation. OSHA defines a willful violation as, “one committed with plain indifference to or intentional disregard for employee safety and health.” and gives the company, “15 days to comply, request a conference with OSHA officials, or contest the ruling and fine.”

Detailed information about fall hazards and safeguards is available on OSHA’s Web site at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/fallprotection/construction.html.

Technorati Tags: fall protection harnesses, workplace accidents, workplace safety

Photo by NIOSH

One workplace safety hazard I never considered until recently was the weather, specifically cold weather. I live in frick’n cold Wisconsin. A good friend (who lives in frick’n cold Minnesota) shared about his new job where he works outside installing satellite dishes. I asked if work was ever canceled because of the weather conditions – he said never. I found that concerning. Working on a slippery roof, below freezing weather, and installing stuff… sounds like a recipe for disaster.

I asked around one of the safety groups I belong to and one of the NIOSH guys sent me a great link that discussed the dangers of cold weather:  http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/coldstress/

If you read through the whole article there are recommendations for employers and workers. I am sorry to say that my friend’s employer does very little to protect the workers. Seems like it takes an injury or death for something to change.

“Employers should take the following steps to protect workers from cold stress:

• Schedule maintenance and repair jobs in cold areas for warmer months.
• Schedule cold jobs for the warmer part of the day.
• Reduce the physical demands of workers.
• Use relief workers or assign extra workers for long, demanding jobs.
• Provide warm liquids to workers.
• Provide warm areas for use during break periods.
• Monitor workers who are at risk of cold stress.

Provide cold stress training that includes information about:

• Worker risk
• Prevention
• Symptoms
• The importance of monitoring yourself and coworkers for symptoms
• Treatment
• Personal protective equipment”

Stay warm and stay safe.

Technorati Tags: cold weather work, workplace safety

Think about what goes into our landfills. At the end of a product’s life cycle it’s going to end up in the garbage and then a landfill. Lead-free products won’t contaminate a landfill which is a win-win for green-conscious businesses and individuals. Choosing products, like True Grip Traction tapes, that are Lead Free and RoHS Compliant is a great idea. To be considered RoHS Compliant, products must follow the regulations of RoHS which looks at equipment/products containing lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, PBB, & PBDE flame retardants.

Technorati Tags: safety tapes, safety tips

This weeks tip: Acrylic adhesives vs rubber adhesives for anti-slip tape.

If you have the choice, go with the acrylic adhesives. It’s going to save you time and money in the long run when you eventually go to remove the safety tape. (The tape has to be replaced sometime!) When pulled up, the acrylic adhesives leaves behind no residue (yeah!) but if it’s a rubber based safety tape you’re going to need some acetate and some good old fashion elbow grease to rub away the residue. From a maintenance standpoint, the choice is clear -save your knees and time.

Technorati Tags: safety tapes, safety tips

This months winners are:

*Brian, Florida (He picked the Harley Davidson 500 series silver mirror safety glasses. Looking good!)

*Still waiting to hear back from our second winner. If I haven’t heard back by the end of the week I will pick someone new.

Technorati Tags: freebies, safefy glasses

The America’s Safest Companies Award was founded in 2002. It honors companies that achieve specific criterias in safety. This year the criteria got even harder, where the selection team picked companies that demonstrated “Visionary thinking… were practically perfect…and over the top” in safety.

EHS Today, sponsors of this award, wrote that these companies, “provide a safe working environment for tens of thousands of employees, protect the environment and act as advocates for health and safety.”
The criteria:

• Support from management and employee involvement.
• Innovative solutions to safety challenges.
• Injury and illness rates lower than average for their industries.
• Comprehensive training programs.
• Evidence that prevention of incidents is the cornerstone of the safety process.
• Good communication about the value of safety.
• Way to substantiate the benefits of the safety process.

This years winners:

AMEC Earth & Environmental Inc.,The Concrete Pipe Div. of CEMEX, Medtronic Inc., Morin Actuator, RQ Construction Inc., Trendmaker Homes, Trihydro Corp., and Wood Group Power Plant Services.

Source: http://ehstoday.com/safety/asc/

Technorati Tags: Safety award, workplace safety

There are costs (fines, injuries, lives) to not following rules. Interestingly, the blogger chat about this company was mostly about short cuts. Shorts cuts in building and short cuts in protecting employees. It will be interesting to see what happens.**

**All companies, after receiving a citation and proposed penalties, have 15 business days to either comply, meet with OSHA or contest the findings.

Technorati Tags: osha fines, osha violations

OSHA is currently listing individuals who have had their status as a OSHA outreach trained suspend or revoked. Trainers who are falsifying information are subject to criminal prosecution. Complaints about training fraud and abuse? Complaints about program fraud abuse? The new outreach fraud hotline is (847)0297-4810.

Technorati Tags: osha, osha violations

Let us know if it’s useful or about your favorite free resources. We like to pass them on.
Be Safe!

Technorati Tags: workplace safety, workplace safety resources, workplace training resources

Chain saw injury. Logging can be dangerous!

Is your job on “The List”? Last month I noticed a flurry of “Ten Most Dangerous Jobs” lists floating around. From year to year when the list is reissued I notice the order changes a little but the same jobs are on the list.

For me, the list puts life into perspective when the most dangerous thing I face in my job is a sore butt from being at my computer too long or wanting to smash my laptop when I see the blue screen of death.

Here’s the most recent list I have seen. I wonder what kind of life insurance rates they get?

1. Logger

2. Pilot

3. Fishermen

4. Iron/Steel Worker

5. Garbage Collector

6. Farmer/Rancher

7. Roofer

8. Electrical Power Installer/Repairer

9. Sales, Delivery, and Other Truck Driver

10. Taxi Driver/Chauffeur

Technorati Tags: workplace safety

Each month we pick someone who has signed up for our email subscription or RSS feed.  Safety Glasses Inc provides a pair of Harley Davidson safety glasses to each months winner (winner picks out their favorite pair).

This months winner:  Roger from Victoria, Australia

Technorati Tags: Safety Glasses

1.The CDC is encouraging people to get the seasonal flu vaccine along with the novel H1N1 vaccine. They are meant to be used together – the regular flu vaccine isn’t going to protect you against H1N1 and vice versa. The CDC site states the novel H1N1 vaccine is still in production and may not be available in the fall to everyone. Most likely specific groups recommended to receive the novel H1N1 vaccine – pregnant women, young children (for full list click here) will be first to get the novel H1N1 vaccine.

2. A recent Hong Kong Study, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, gave advice that was to “help reduce the transmission of influenza within the household if the measures are implemented in good time.”  So, frequent hand washing and the use of face masks, if used early (within 36 hours of earliest symptoms), can reduce transmission of the illness. Using one or the other is not as effective, they must be used together.

No need to panic. Just be safe and aware.

Technorati Tags: flu, H1N1 Flu

Eric’s picture captured my attention immediately since I like to “spiff up” my own safety glasses. Eric’s glasses are bedazzled – gotta love a little bling!

My favorite pair has flowers and butterflies. It’s a great way to keep my husband’s hands of my safety glasses when he misplaces his own. I would think it would be great at the workplace to make it clear which pair is yours.

Have you personalized your safety glasses? Send me a picture!*

*Safety Reminder for the Oblivious: It’s important to make sure that designs don’t inhibit your eye sight. You don’t want to cause an accident because you can’t see.

Technorati Tags: Safety Glasses

Photo provided by Ricecracker on FlickR

As I was checking out the “What’s New” section at NIOSH for the month of July, the topic Jackhammers caught my attention. NIOSH was specifically addressing hazardous dusts workers are exposed to when breaking concrete pavement and some safety precautions.

That started me thinking about all the hazards construction workers using jackhammers have to be aware of and protective steps they need to take. Noise is often one of the most common safety hazards that’s forgotten when working with power tools. Damage to the ears isn’t as obvious and can develop over time. Considering all the proper PPE required is important!

Ladies want to see that amazing upper body you developed from working that jackhammer – not the injuries.

Technorati Tags: ear protection, eye protection, workplace safety

Larry B. who is a fellow Wisconsinite!

And thanks to www.safetyglassesinc.com who provides us Harley Davidson safety glasses every month to one lucky winner.

I took the excerpt below from Tim Garnder’s post (with his kind permission). Although I usually read his posts on the safety community we both belong to, he also writes a personal blog, Safety By Choice.

“For the next several years we used his [the safety manager's] expertise to create an environment where everyone was their own safety manager, teams cultivated experts in safety systems and investigation processes, and we experienced the best performance for similar facilities in our company….Everyone has to accept the fact that ultimately, they are their own safety manager. You [the safety manager] are just there to help them be the best safety manager they can be.”

I was intrigued by the positive results Tim and his team got at the company he worked for by upholding to the philosophy that EVERYONE is a safety manager and the actual safety manager – they were there just to help out. He said it took a lot of work upfront, but eventually people got it and it made a huge difference.

How are you being your own safety manager? How can your safety manager better support you?

Technorati Tags: ppe, workplace safety

Sassy Safety Queen's Tri Training Favorite

I have to share about my new favorite, multi-purpose safety glasses – Elvex Avion Indoor/Outdoor Safety Glasses. They are great for many reasons but I LOVE Indoor/Outdoor safety glasses because I don’t need to have tons of pairs lying around to meet different needs.

Besides being great for yard projects where I am going in and out of sunny areas or in and outside, I have also been using them for biking! I am training for a triathlon and I am riding outside regularly. I need to keep the wind, sun and bugs out of my eyes (especially important for contact wearers like me). The Indoor/Oudoor Safety Glasses have enough sun reflection to keep the sun off my eyes but are clear enough to keep wearing when the sun goes behind the cloud so that I don’t have to worry about them being too dark. Who wants to lug around extra stuff like another pair of glasses? I don’t like really dark sun glasses for biking anyway – I save those for boating.  Also, Elvex’s Avion has a snug fit that’s not too tight.

(check out http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/smallbusiness/sbrefa.html if you need more info about OSHA consults)

Today was beautiful and I started itching to work on projects.

You know what kind of projects I mean – the DIY house and yard projects which lead us to need PPE (personal protection equipment). Eye protection, hand protection, ear protection, feet protection…okay you get the idea.

The weather’s too nice to be cooped up in an Urgent Care room. Take care of yourself!  Now is a great time to update your supplies. Scratched safety glasses? Update with a great looking pair of Safety Glasses you can work in or wear on the road. Need some ear protection? Why not have some music to go with it and check out the Elvex ComMuff Ear Muffs? They plug into CD players, MP3 players and standard radios. Listen to your favorite tunes as you mow or work power tools. Music can make any project go faster.

Be Safe!

Technorati Tags: ear protection, elvex commuff, eye protection, occ safety glasses

The most recently released Top Ten list of “Most Disabling Workplace Injuries” from Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index are as follows:

1.      Overexertion
2.      Fall On Same Level
3.      Fall To Lower Level
4.      Bodily Reaction
5.      Struck by Object
6.      Struck Against Object
7.      Highway Incident
8.      Caught In/Compressed By
9.      Repetitive Motion
10.  Assaults/Violent Acts

What preventative measures are you taking? Do you have safety plans in place? Do you follow them?

Technorati Tags: disabling injuries, workplace accidents, workplace injures

If you’re interested in details then check out the link (see below)and read the synopsis or watch short clips of the videos. To get the safety training video from their library there is a contact number where you order what you want.

Snug Harness, a fall protection safety company, also offers safety training videos for free. You only pay for shipping (under $4.00 I believe) and they will send you a DVD that you can keep. Currently they have two training videos listed, Rescue and Retrieval and ABC’s of Fall Protection. And as always, they add their own brand of spice to their videos.

If you could request a certain type of training video, what would it be?

MSHA resources: www.msha.gov/Streaming/SafetyHealthClips.asp

Technorati Tags: fall protection DVDs, fall protection training, MSHA, workplace safety training

Congrats to our May winner:  Sandra T, California

And thanks also to Safety Glasses Inc for providing us with Harley Davidson Safety Glasses every month.

Technorati Tags: harley davidson safety glasses

Just by signing up to receive Safety Brief’s workplace safety tips you are automatically entered to win a pair of Harley Davidson Safety Glasses, courtesy of Safety Glasses Inc.

Our thanks to this month’s winner for signing up for our tips and to Safety Glasses Inc who graciously is providing us a pair every month.

April’s winner is Dale from Pennsylvania.  

Technorati Tags: free safety glasses, workplace safety tips

The number of U.S. human cases of Swine Flu Infection (this is lab confirmed results) is highest in New York City (51 cases) and second highest in Texas (16) as of late this morning. On the pandemic scale the Swine Flu is now at phase 4 (out of 6). The CDC web site said, “During a flu pandemic, people should consider wearing a face mask if they are sick with the flu, live with someone who has the flu or need to be in a crowded place.” The site also says, “… more recent illnesses and the reported death suggest that a pattern of more severe illness associated with the virus may be emerging in the U.S.”

The CDC’s SNS (Division of the Strategic National Stockpile) has been sending antiviral drugs, personal protective equipment and respiratory protection devices to all 50 states to help them respond to the outbreak.

N95 Respirators provide a minimum 95% efficiency against non-oil particulates and are approved by NIOSH. They are one way to protect yourself if you’re in a higher risk situation or to protect others if you are ill.

For more information of what you can do to stay healthy, visit the CDC website.

Allegedly, workers were exposed to a 50 ft fall while working without fall protection on a building’s roof. Workers are required to use fall protection when working at heights of 6 ft or greater.

$70,000 is a pretty steep fine until one ponders the consequences of an injury or death from a fall – workman’s comp, insurance or lawsuits. Yep, that gets pricy. And when one considers that falls are the number one cause of death in construction work, well, put the pieces together -spend the time and money on fall protection.

Technorati Tags: fall protection, osha, osha fines

So you’re 300 ft up from the ground working on a wind turbine. You may be up for 30 minutes or up for 8 hours. You would be crazy not to have a fall harness that is comfortable. (Okay –if you’re 300 ft in the air you already are a little crazy –right?)

So I asked Larry Board, Wind Technology Boot Camp Instructor, about the type of protection he used and recommended. He prefers and uses DBI-Sala ExoFit Harness. The ExoFit harness is more expensive than many harnesses on the market but you’re investing in comfort and fit. He thinks it’s worth it to spend more.

I liken it to buying $20 high heels or the $50 pair of heels. Any women knows that if you plan on wearing heels more than 30 minutes you buy the higher quality pair. They both may get the job done, but only one makes it much easier to focus on the job itself.  A day in cheap heals will make you cranky.

Other comfy harnesses for those up in the air regularly:

• Ultra Safe’s Ultra Pillow Harness
• Guardian’s Vest Harnesses
• DBI-Sala Exofit harness
• Guardian Monster Edge Harness (won design award!)

Technorati Tags: fall harness, fall protection comfort, wind industry safety

Is the slowing economy causing more companies to cut corners on safety, creating a more dangerous work environment? Some analyst and labor officials think so. Recent headlines shout, “Bad Economy Leads to More Work Place Fatalities” and “Workplace Litigation Risk Heats Up as Economy Cools.”

Tough times are here and we don’t know when things are going to turn around. Until they do, here are some smart things to remember about safety in the workplace. Heck – it’s good stuff to remember even when the economy is great.

·   Doctor bills, workman’s compensation, and the like are much more expensive than Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). Spending the money on PPE can keep your costs down in the long run.

·   Don’t skimp on safety training. More companies are hiring newbies right now (cheaper, but less experienced employees). Safety training is even more important than ever when you have less experienced people on your payroll. We are researching safety consultants to give our readers better resources. If you can recommend anyone, please let us know!

·   Save money by checking out clearance and overstock items to keep your costs down. Let someone’s ordering error be to your advantage.

·   Consider case pricing – if case pricing isn’t listed, be bold and ask! Many companies will bend over backward to do this for you.

Do you have any “workplace safety advice during hard economic times” that you want to share? The best advice is from those in the trenches – like you!

Technorati Tags: case pricing, ppe, safety advice, workplace safety

The indoor/outdoor lens is actually a clear lens with a mirrored coating.  The mirrored coating reflects sunlight and glare, which cuts down on eye fatigue and strain.  It provides protection in the sun, but because of its clear lens and the high amount of visible light that passes through, this lens is effective inside as well. 

The unique nature of this lens helps your eyes adjust when moving from a shaded area to a bright area and vice versa.  Without these this lens it’s like a punch in the face every time you go in and out. This lens is ideal for individuals that work outside, but take a large number unnecessary breaks inside.  Indoor/Outdoor lenses allows individuals to wear the same pair of safety glasses for indoor and outdoor applications.  The most important thing to remember is to make sure that the door is shut when the air conditioner is on.

The indoor/outdoor lens can be used for most applications, whether they’re inside or out. They work best for individuals moving from shade to direct sunlight and back again.  You know… people who have trouble making up their mind.

A recent discussion group on an online safety site was discussing passive and active fall protection. Safety experts weighed in on their preferences between the two.

First of all, for those of you who need a quick 101 in fall protection, follow along. An example of Passive Fall Protection Systems would be guardrail safety rails, netting or warning lines. It doesn’t require active participation from workers. Active fall protection would be fall harnesses, lanyards, horizontal lifelines, trolley systems and fixed point anchors.

The overwhelming majority of these safety professionals preferred passive systems when it was cost efficient (and you were able to do so) because the less one has to rely on operator, the better. There are so many more opportunities to screw things up when you throw a human into the mix.

Technorati Tags: active fall protection, fall protection systems, guardrails, horizontal lifelines

Through Skanska’s Top 40 competition they hope to “leverage the best leadership of the subcontractor organizations to eliminate all on-the-job falls…Skanska’s Top 40 subcontractors have successfully worked together to create ways to eliminate falls, lacerations and flexibility-related injuries.”

I wish more companies thought big picture and displayed this kind of leadership. I’m thankful for the ones that do. What does your company do that makes a difference?

Technorati Tags: construction related falls, contruction fall protection, eliminate falls

It’s easy to blow off PPE until you see the cold hard facts.

Be Smart and Safe. And if you’re not, please email me your “I’m An Idiot” story. I really love hearing those. Even the gross pictures. Just warn me ahead of time so I don’t open it too close to lunch.

Technorati Tags: chainsaw chaps, chainsaw safety, ppe

So we are looking for people and businesses that have actually used different online training sites. We want to know about the good, the bad and the ugly. If you have had good experiences, we want to know!

I do think it’s relevant to point out that it’s not just online businesses that we need to research, there are trainers that do onsite OSHA training that are bogus. Currently, that is an issue coming up in New York. After the high number of construction deaths this past year (19) and injuries (181), the city has started requiring anyone working 15 stories or higher on a building to take the OSHA 10 training course by July 2009. However, reporters have discovered this “training” has been less than stellar. One class they infiltrated had a little over 2 hours of actual teaching time once “beer breaks” were factored in. Some industry experts say, “…classes are often a joke… insiders have noted a rise in bogus training.”

What are you noticing out there?

Technorati Tags: health and safety training, osha training, safety training

In case you’re wondering, I do realize that I have picture of NASCAR rookie Joey Logano.  I was looking for cools photos of Matt wearing Wiley X and Joey popped up looking so fine.  Joey has just been added to Wiley X’s growing list of NASCAR drivers.

Wiley X Eyewear has quickly become a top choice for drivers because of the superior visual performance and High-Velocity Protection technology.  And they just look so darn good when you’re wearing them.

Technorati Tags: eye protection, Safety Glasses, Wiley X eyewear

For some of us, we can get a little trigger happy with the chainsaw.  I have certainly seen the end results of that – not that I am naming any names, cough*Tony* cough.

It’s important to make sure you have the qualifications and proper equipment (chainsaw chaps, boots, face/head protection, ear protection, and gloves) to safely take care of the job.  Please prove to your wife (or husband) that you’re not an idiot.

Some tips for DIY (Do-It-Yourselfers):
·         DO make sure it’s a job you can handle. (Don’t be afraid to call in the pro!)
·         DO cut through one log at a time.
·         DO read your owner’s manual on how to prevent kickbacks.
·         DO use extreme caution when working on partially fallen trees.
·         DO work with a partner.
·         DON’T start a chain saw while the blade is pinched in a log.
·         DON’T stand on the log you are cutting.
·         DON’T ever turn the chain saw upside down to cut.
·         DON’T cut trees in a cluttered area.
·         DON’T ever cut with the saw’s tip. (Kickback is a b’otch)

Not sure if you’re up for the job? Check out Missouri’s Department of Conservation, Tree Care After the Storm, for more information.  http://mdc4.mdc.mo.gov/Documents/10133.pdf

Technorati Tags: chainsaw chaps, chainsaw safety, hearing protection

My husband, who willingly watches cars go ‘round and ‘round in circles, was thrilled. (He has even taken our 2 & 3 year olds to the Matt Kenseth Museum in Cambridge, WI). Now my husband has another reason to celebrate with Kenseth’s win at the Auto Club 500 on Sunday following his Daytona 500 Champion performance.

If you’re like my husband, you’re checking out Matt Kenseth apparel. So while you’re ordering the authentic Daytona Champion Matt Kenseth T-shirt or Hat, you might as well pick up the authentic Wiley X glasses that Matt wears.

GO Matt!

Technorati Tags: matt kenseth, Safety Glasses, wiley x

“Chaps actually saved my life once (I’m convinced, anyway). I was working for a builder in Michigan, clearing out some of his land for new houses. The lots were heavily wooded and his method was to push the trees over with the backhoe and we would buck them up on the ground, and sometimes this resulted in fairly large piles of trees.

I was working on one of the piles, cutting upwards from underneath the bottom of a limb that was lying more or less horizontally, when the balance of the pile shifted and the upper tip of the blade hit something where I couldn’t see it, and the whole blade kicked back across my upper leg. The chainsaw was running at full speed but the threads in the chainsaw chaps stopped the thing cold.

At first I didn’t even realize what had happened – I thought the saw had bound in the branches or something, and even gave the trigger a few kicks to try and loosen it again. That was when I felt it trying to tug at my pants and realized what had happened. We were miles away from nowhere; I am sure I would have bled to death in minutes if that thing had gone through my leg. So yeah, I’m a big believer in chaps.”

Thanks Joel for your story! And thanks for your amusing picture wearing cowboy chaps. We are happy to say that Joel, despite his appearance in the photo, does indeed own chainsaw chaps (real ones), a chainsaw helmet/mask and steel-toed boots.

Technorati Tags: chainsaw chaps, chaps for logging, forrest safety

Here we go, ways to keep your eyes healthy:

• Schedule regular eye examinations.
• Wear protective eyewear when doing any activity in which objects may be flung toward your eye, such as mowing the lawn or working with power tools.  Don’t forget eye protection during sports too.
• Wear sunglasses that block out ultraviolet light when you are in the sun.
• If you are diabetic, take all your medications and follow your physician’s dietary advice.
• Eat carotenoid-rich foods which can be found in leafy green foods like broccoli or spinach.
• If you stare at a computer for long periods of time, take regular breaks to minimize fatigue.  (I need to do that right now!)

Technorati Tags: eye protection, protective eyewear, Safety Glasses

Here are some “rules” for finding glasses that best fit your face shape.

• Contrast your glasses with your face shape.
• Glasses should be on scale with size of your face.

Square Faces: Find frames that are round or curved ovals which will help soften a square face.  Rimless frames are also a good choice. Try something similar to Harley Davidson 100 Series.

Round Faces: To better balance your face, choose straight or angular frames. Rectangular frames will help balance the roundness.  Also, try to find glasses that have a high temple to help lengthen the face. Good choices are Wiley X’s Lacey or Drapht, and AO Safety Privo.

Oval: Lucky you – you can wear almost any kind of frame! Just keep in mind that the glasses should be on scale with the rest of your face. Some popular styles are OCC 300 Series, Harley Davidson Series, Radians Prestige or AO Safety Fuel.

Heart shape: Semi-rimless frames and frames wider at the bottom are good choices (AO Safety Refine Teal, Smith & Wesson Phantom).  Stay away from glasses that are wider on top.

Oblong: Go for wider shaped glasses and avoid the smaller styles. Frames should cover as much of the center of the face as possible to give better overall balance. (Wiley X’s Delila, Radians Illusion)

Now go out and look great!

Technorati Tags: Safety Glasses, safety glasses for women, women's safety glasses

It didn’t matter that I had a life jacket on or that I was a great swimmer (at the time I was swimming for a University). Sometimes, no matter how you prepare, stuff happens. I was lucky that day.

That’s why it’s important to have a Rescue Plan in place so “near misses” don’t turn into something worse. Be it a fall protection rescue ladder, a controlled descent device or another choice – Having a plan in place can make all the difference.

Technorati Tags: controlled descent, fall protection, rescue plan

The average chainsaw injury requires 120 stitches. That’s an even bigger problem.

Think about this – the cost of one stitch is about the same as a pair of chaps. Since the majority of injuries occur on the upper and lower leg, it makes sense to wear protection on this area.

As one logger recently posted “You will feel so much better about spending money on chaps when you go to buy your second pair of chaps that are replacing the ones that saved your leg.” Can I hear an “Amen” Bro’tha?

Photo Credit: chubfisherman

Technorati Tags: chainsaw chaps, chainsaw protection, chaps for logging, preventing chainsaw injuries

Here are some ideas to help energize safety meetings.

1. Plan meetings around a specific objective.
2. Determine what’s most valuable, relevant and interesting to your group. (Not sure? Ask.)
3. Limit your points (3-5 main points).
4. Make it Interactive. Can you get people talking?
5. Vary the format. (i.e. use outside experts).
6. Discuss ‘near miss’ situations as a means to constructively learn.
7. All meetings are better with food. That’s just my personal philosophy.

Resource: Dr John Kello, Professor of Industrial -Organizational Psychology.

Technorati Tags: safety, safety coordinators, safety meetings

They drink beer, smoke stogies (ugh!), shoot guns, eat unhealthy food and come home unshaven. Thankfully not in that order since beer and guns don’t mix.

During their shooting time the guys tried out the Radians Rad-Infinity Amber SafetyGlasses . The amber lenses are popular for shooting and hunting because they provide better clarity and contrast. They are also the best for overcast days or indoor ranges. The guys were impressed by how the Rad-Infinity fit. There is a hidden flexible hinge to fit even the bigger faces.

The only regular gun toter of the bunch (a SWAT team member) goes the higher end with Wily X Changeables. They come with clear, amber and smoke lenses that switch out for the different conditions. If you and your gun are regular buddies then this is the smart choice.

Technorati Tags: amber safety glasses, hunting eye protection, Radians Rad-Infinity safety glasses, shooting safety glasses

That brings me to Marcia from Lazy MJ Ranch. She bought her first safety harness, SafeWaze SafeLight, at the age of 60. She liked it so much she bought another one. Said that the “good quality and reasonable price was a great combination for a do-it-yourselfer” like her.

That’s Marcia in the picture on top of the dome hut she and her husband are building on their ranch. They also built a Quonset hut shop but regretted the less than stellar harnesses they had for that project.

I want to be Marcia when I grow up – a fearless adventuress who is smart about safety.

Technorati Tags: fall protection, safewaze safelight, women fall protection

Number six on Top 10 Safety Stories was OSHA’s requirement of Employer’s to pay for their employee’s  PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). This went into effect this past May. In a nutshell, if OSHA standards require you to wear PPE – then your employer needs to pay for it. Safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, goggles, safety shoes, welding helmets and, faceshields, chemical protective equipment, and fall protection equipment are some examples of PPE.

Exceptions to this OSHA ruling are as follows, “…specialty safety-toe protective footwear, boots with built-in metatarsal protection, logging boots and everyday work clothes used solely for protection from weather.”

We are curious on how many of you benefited directly by OSHA’s ruling this past year? How many already had employers providing your PPE?

Technorati Tags: fall protection, osha, Safety Glasses

All noise-reducing products are required to have a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). The NRR formula is complicated and annoying to write about succinctly – if you can write about it clearly in three sentences or less I will buy you a beer. Just know that higher the number, the better the product.

You also should know:

• Always use hearing protection when exposed to 100dB or more, even if the exposure is short.
• Regular exposure to noise above 85 dB will cause a gradual hearing loss in a significant number of individuals. Louder noises will accelerate this damage.
• When noise measurements indicate that hearing protectors are needed, the employer must offer at least one type of earplug and one type of earmuff without cost to employees.
• Snoring husbands are the number 67th cause of divorce in Wisconsin.
• Sassy’s Favorites: DeWalt Interceptor Ear Muff (light weight, foldable & inexpensive without being cheap); Radians Maximus Electronic Earmuffs (if you want to spoil yourself); Elvex Uni-Fit Foam Ear Plugs.

Resource:  American Academy of Otolaryngology

Technorati Tags: ear protection, earmuffs, hearing protection

•90% of eye injuries could have been avoided. (Hello!)

•The average time off work for an eye injury is 2 days.

•Men make up over 80% of all eye injuries.
(This one I found extremely interesting! Especially since a good friend (who’s a woodworker) informed me that he uses his regular eye glasses as safety glasses. You would think he would know better. If you don’t like taking off your glasses then invest in some Over Specs safety glasses. Regular eye glasses still can let in debris and don’t meet ANSI standards.)

•Across the U.S. there are 2000 eye injuries each day that require medical attention.

Ladies, there is a good chance your hubby is NOT wearing his safety glasses. My solution was to buy a hot looking pair of safety glasses (I prefer OCC and Wiley X safety glasses) and told my husband how good he looked wearing them. You better believe he wears them all the time. If only getting him to unload the dishwasher was that easy.

Technorati Tags: occ safety glasses, Safety Glasses, wiley x

It means you’ll have more freedom of movement and feel less restricted – two really great things.  And not having to deal with slack (when close to your anchor point) getting caught in your bolt bags is awesome too.

Check it out HERE or talk to Luke to see if being a Super Hero will work for you!

**Eliminates slack the regular 6’ lanyards have.

Disclaimer: If, for any reason, you feel the need to leap tall buildings or web climb walls, we are not responsible.

Technorati Tags: fall protection, miller fall protection, miller twin tubo system

Kevin, an Aussie who currently lives in China, took these compelling photos. He took the photos when workmen came to re-gas his air conditioner (outside the window of his 15th floor apartment).

Kevin was impressed when one of the workers pulled out a safety harness to wear. Then he wondered where would they tie-off the rope? That question was answered when the other end of the rope was wrapped securely to his workmate’s arm.

Crazy, huh?

Thanks to Kevin for sharing his photos and story.

Technorati Tags: chinese fall protection

Most frequently viewed OSHA publications:

• It’s the Law – Job Safety and Health Poster - PDF
• Fall Protection Tip QuickCard® – PDF
• Construction – Pocket Guide – PDF

You can find more at… http://www.osha.gov/pls/publications/publication.html

Technorati Tags: job safety, osha, safety

Anyway, I am now “in love” with the new Rad-Light™ Clip-On LED Light. It was all I could do not to sneak them home with me. What sold me was that I can put it on most any of my safety glasses (it has a spring clip) AND it has a 360? rotation. That way you can adjust the light beam and not move your head in a weird uncomfortable angle to get the light beam in the right place. How cool is that? Besides that, it has a power switch and super bright LED bulb.

The more I think about it. I need to stop being selfish. All the guys in my family are going to want one so I better make sure they have their own. This one is definitely going to be a popular stocking stuffer in my family this year!

Technorati Tags: led light, rad light, Safety Glasses

Solutions:

• Consider using aerial lifts or elevated platforms to provide safer elevated working surfaces;
• Erect guardrail systems with toeboards and warning lines or install control line systems to protect workers near the edges of floors and roofs;
• Cover floor holes; and/or
• Use safety net systems or personal fall arrest systems (body harnesses).

Resource:
OSHA’s Worker Safety Series, Construction – Pocket Guide

Technorati Tags: fall protection, harnesses, warning lines

Go-Specs were field tested by our personal Grumpy Old Man! My back door neighbor is a Harley riding, wood working, blue collar guy who calls it like he sees it. He’s a grumpy old man who will tell me a product is crap and doesn’t sugar coat anything. Think Walter Matthau with more muscle and body hair – or maybe don’t… that image isn’t too pretty.

He was very suspicious of the new Elvex safety glasses I gave him to try. He told me what he likes to wear (Harley Davidson safety glasses – hey, we love the Harley’s too), but he was willing to try them out. He wore them on his motorcycle and at his job. Conclusion? They passed the test. They are priced right, fit well, and don’t piss him off.

Technorati Tags: elvex, harley davidson safety glasses, Safety Glasses

Okay, let’s start with the bad news and end with the good.

The bad news?  Vest harnesses don’t come in pink. Sorry, but no. So you ladies and metrosexuals out there, it’s not going to happen.

The good news? Where do I begin!?

The vest harnesses are so convenient and comfortable. With the added bonus that they don’t make you swear like a sailor when you try to put them on. You know what I am talking about Mr. Potty Mouth – where did you learn words like that?  Seriously, regular harnesses can annoy the hell out of anyone. But these vest harnesses? Well it’s a whole new level of satisfaction. Some of them even have multiple pockets. For tools, snacks, cell phones and lip gloss. Who can resist this kind of satisfaction?

This week I decided to model some samples and I was thrilled by the fit and feel. And just between you and me, they are much more attractive to wear than regular harnesses.

There are so many styles to choose from – vest or jacket, camo, flotation, high visibility and an assortment of colors. My personal favorites are the Guardian Jacket Tux Harness and the Guardian Green Mesh TuxVest Harness .  I like the green one for the superficial reason that I look good in green. So sue me. Nothing wrong with looking good, feeling comfortable, and being safe.

Can you handle more good news? Your wife is going to love this! (I guess that’s a little sexist to say – sorry) They’re washable! Yep, throw them in the washer. Really, you don’t have to disassemble anything. The WHOLE thing can go in the wash. I asked numerous times and they kept giving me the same answer. YES! Your stinky- I mean, manly smell is gone.

Technorati Tags: fall protection, tux harnesses, vest harnesses

Reminders are good – they keep us from becoming complacent. So with that in mind, the following is an excerpt of a posting from Tower Times that shares an older-timer’s mistake that he lived to warn others about.

“I had the good fortune to visit with a retired professional climber in 1994…  He was an older guy who quit his career after a fall. [He] spotted us at work and stopped by to see what we were doing (can’t get it out of our blood, I guess).We talked for a while.  I ALWAYS  try and learn from other peoples’ mistakes, here was his mistake…

As we all know, on a tower, you have to disconnect and reconnect your main lanyard time after time after time.  This fellow was in a hurry, and when he re-attached, it was mistakenly to the shank of a large tool, and not the big belt ring as he thought.  He leaned back and they were calling the ambulance. We should all be glad he lived to tell this story.

Anyway, whenever I reattach, before I unattached the above mentioned double protection, I visually inspect my main lanyard to assure it is attached to my belt on both ends. Thank God I got smarter as I got older.”

Technorati Tags: dual leg lanyards, fall protection, lanyards

Construction worker falls 40 stories
Sept 4th, NY, NY — A subcontracted construction worker fell 40 stories after he lost his footing. The safety harness he was wearing was not attached to anything.

Fall Claims Silo Builder
Sept 10th, Minneola, KS – Silo builder killed while working on grain silo. He fell 120 ft from the scaffolding.

Construction Worker Killed in Fall
Sept 16th, Mooresville, NC – Construction worker killed in fall. Lost balance on scaffolding and fell 20 ft.

Worker Killed in Fall
Sept 14, Los Angelos, CA – A worker died from injuries after attempting to replacing a skylight and falling through chute.  He had been wearing a safety harness but unhooked it.

Construction Worker Dies After 6-foot Fall in Morton Grove
Sept 12, Chicago, IL – Further investigation is needed to show what caused the death of a Chicago construction worker who fell 6 feet from scaffolding outside a home in Morton Grove Thursday.

Cell Tower Technician Falls to Death
Sept 12, Port Angeles, WA – An employee of Emerald Wireless died from injuries from falling 40 feet from a cell-phone tower. He was not wearing safety equipment when he fell.

Technorati Tags: fall protection, safety, safety tips

The number one complaint we hear about safety glasses?  Scratches.  What can one do about it?  Research shows not much. There are many different products that claim to remove scratches, but most reviews are negative.  Just search “Liquid Scratch Removal Kit” if you want to get an earful.  Brusso, Armor etch, and Glass Etching Cream are just a few of the suggestions out there.  Many of these are actually removing the anti-reflective coating where the scratches were located, not removing the scratches from the plastic.

Here are some things you CAN do:

1. Use a carrying case when not in use.
2. Buy scratch resistant lenses (NOT the same as scratch proof!) We have noticed a difference in the coating helping decrease the amount of scratching, but it’s not a perfect world.
3. We’ve noticed that mid-to-higher end safety glasses are less likely to get scratched- the $2 pair is more likely to get scratched.
4. Don’t clean them with paper towels! Use a clothe instead.

I wish I had better news for you. Here, let me make you feel better. You could have bought the $15 Liquid Scratch Removal kit that is worthless to get rid of the scratches in your $7 safety glasses.

If you have some kind of miracle solution, we would love to hear about it. Send us a note.

Technorati Tags: Safety Glasses, scratched safety glasses

Then as I was searching on FlickR I found a picture of someone’s bedazzled safety glasses.

These two events prompted me to “pimp” my own safety glasses. I took my safety glasses (Don’t worry boss, I didn’t use the awesome Wiley X’s you gave me!) and put butterflies, hearts and diamonds on them. These are my subtle garden/yard pair.

Benefits: it’s obvious which ones are yours & reflects a little bit of you. Now I need to plan a wild pair for my sassy days. Any of you “pimp” out your safety glasses? Send me a picture and I will get the Big D to post it for me.

Disclaimer:  When “pimping your safety glasses” make sure that you do not obstruct the visibility of your safety glasses or compromise the structural integrity.

Technorati Tags: bedazzle, Safety Glasses

(Wiley X’s  Climate Control is intended to keep out things out – they have a removable Facial Cavity Seal that locks in the ANSI certified frames, to seal your eyes from anything the weather or road throws at people. Usually people who suffer from dry eyes or wear contacts love these safety glasses).

Back to John. He was doing yard work and decided to move one of his drainage hoses. To make the hose less conspicuous, he decided to put it under an evergreen. Apparently a bee hive also decided to be inconspicuous under the evergreen too and didn’t appreciate John disturbing them. They swarmed his head, stinging him at least 18-20 times around his face. He was so thankful for the Facial Cavity Seal that protected his eyes from getting stung. He was stung around his glasses but nothing near his eyes.

In October we are presenting a similar “climate control” offered by Elvex.  It’s a lower cost solution.  They were marketed for wood workers but really are ideal for anyone who wants that extra protection.

Last I heard, we can offer them starting October 6th. I have a pair in my office right now sitting in my fruit bowl. (I work at my kitchen island, a perk of having great bosses). They are comfy and perfect for people like me who deal with dry eyes.

Technorati Tags: eye protection, Safety Glasses, wiley x

I just read that, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 532,000 people in the USA were injured in falls from ladders last year.

With Fall upon us (pun intended!), it’s prime time for ladder injuries since many of us will be cleaning gutters, washing windows and doing other autumn chores – maybe adjusting your cable dish for football?

Up here in Wisconsin, roofing companies are squeezing in as many jobs as possible. Thank goodness for the unusual 70 degree weather. Wisconsin can be a fickle in the weather department, but right now it’s giving us lots of love.

Be careful out there! -Especially getting on and off your roof! That’s where 80% of ladder falls happen. Need ladder dollies or ladder extensions? We have ‘em for you. Even dollies for those monster ladders.

The Home Safety Council offers many home safety tips that you might want to check out: http://www.homesafetycouncil.org/safety_guide/safetyguide.aspx

Technorati Tags: ladder safety, safety

Last week we had the lawn chairs out on the sidewalk, popcorn in our bowls, and Sippy cups out as we watched a roofing company roof the house across the street. The team of 15+men tore off shingles and put on new ones in one day!

But one thing that concerned me was one man with a rope around his stomach, bouncing on the roof like a rock climber. I can’t imagine what a fall would do to his internal organs. I wanted to take a picture to show you all, but my camera doesn’t have a good enough zoom.  A bucket of safety would’ve easily (and inexpensively) taken care of this accident waiting to happen. I just don’t get if -they can buy the pricy, pretty trucks & matching work shirts – why can’t they buy some safety equipment?

Technorati Tags: construction, fall protection, roofing

• The Pump Handle (http://www.thepumphandle.wordpress.com) Check out the Sept 8th post, “This Happens. We Live With That.”
• OSHA Underground (http://oshaunderground.blogspot.com/) They have something to say about everything. They are a little mysterious to me – where did they come from? What do they want? Who do they think they are? Why won’t they answer my emails?
• Confined Space (http://spewingforth.blogspot.com/) No longer an active blog, but has more than 2,800 posts with commentary on workplace health and safety.

Tell me what you think. Helpful?  Interesting? Feel free to share articles or blogs that would be relevant. Of course, we do lean towards topical irrelevance too so feel free to share that too.

Technorati Tags: osha, safety, safety blogs

NATE (National Association of Tower Erectors*) issued an open letter with their concerns to Dateline. Most recently they posted the following in their Tower Times newsletter. We thought some of you might be interested in this-

Please Give Us Your Two Cents!
What do you think of the NBC Dateline Tower Dogs episode?  Let us know your input.

Visit the NATE website at www.natehome.com and submit your company as a case study today! Are there media relations efforts that you feel should be made that you haven’t seen put into action yet?  We would love to hear your from you.

Send an email to industryrelations@natehome.com with your opinions and recommendations.
The results will be posted in future issues of Tower Times, and we will use the information when
targeting various media, speaking and organizational opportunities for the coming year.

IT’S UP TO YOU!

Technorati Tags: fall protection, tower dogs, tower erectors

Badour was applying caulking to the window when the window broke and he fell through. His harness kept him from a close encounter with tile flooring below.

Although firefighters arrived to rescue him, they were not sure of the best way to do it. His quickly thinking co-workers were able to pull him up safely by bringing in a crane lift to bring him back onto the roof outside. Perhaps this is a timely reminder to have your own retrieval plan and learn about suspension trauma?

Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported.  Badour suffered some minor cuts requiring stitches and is now back to work.

Technorati Tags: fall protection, safety harness, suspension trauma

British Royal Erectors, Jacko and Fish, on contract to the British Antarctic Survey check and raise masts for communication and scientific experiments.
Photographer: Miriam Iorwerth

Technorati Tags: antarctica, fall protection

Henry, a FlickR contributor, generously shared his safety glasses photos with our blog along with these poignant words of wisdom:

“Kids, here’s a tip from me to you: don’t try to scratch your nose with the same hand that’s currently holding a lighted oxy-acetylene welding torch. Not if you want to keep both your eyebrows, all of your hair, and the safety glasses perched on top of your head.”

Henry generously allowed me to use his photos of the torched safety glasses.  Henry’s torched safety glasses inspired many writing ideas, but I kept coming back to his original words. And, well, I thought he said it best so I set aside my original post.

Accidents happen. They can happen to anyone. The best we can do is to be prepared and take precautions. Are you prepared? Are you safe? Think about it. I sure do. The last time I wasn’t prepared I had my bonus baby nine months later. Not all surprises or “accidents” turn out to be that cool.

Technorati Tags: eye protection, eye safety, Safety Glasses

“The incident happened back in 2001 or 2002. Oddly enough, I was wearing my big black rimmed glasses, which some people would consider to be ‘safety’ glasses. Yet, somehow this spiraled, tiny piece of steel that looked like macaroni got flung into my eyeball.

It didn’t hurt until noon on the next day. It burned and/or felt sort of like having sand in your eye. I looked at myself in the mirror and saw a little rust colored dot. I bounced around to a couple of doctors and wound up at the eye clinic in town.

The procedure went without incident. They put a Novocaine style eye drop in there to numb everything.  The doc had me stick my head in a machine to stabilize everything and he dug out the metal with long pointy tweezers. He showed me the piece of metal and it surprised me. It was about a 3/8″ piece of corkscrewed metal. It was that deep into my eye and I didn’t feel it until about 12 hours after it found its way into there.

Fortunately, I have my sight and nothing bad happened. Two years after my event, a close friend had a freak accident with needle nose pliers and almost lost his eye. Having accidents like this happen close to you is the best motivator to practice safety. A million stories usually are met with, ‘It won’t happen to me.’ Until it does ”    -Luke H

Technorati Tags: eye protection, eye safety, Safety Glasses

Our dear Dwight from The Office – surprisingly we all could learn something from him. The following businesses OSHA fined recently certainly could have too.

Here are our top two favorite fines from the past week:

1. Samscreen Inc. in Conklin, NY was again hit with fines. This time more than $100,000 in fines by OSHA adding to the $75,000 in fines from the previous April for similar safety failures of not providing employees with required training. Samcreen Inc is contesting the OSHA findings and said that OSHA is being overzealous.

Christopher Adams, OSHA’s area director in Syracuse said (in regards to the fines in April), ”These sizable fines reflect breadth, severity and recurring nature of these hazards, which expose employees to crushing, laceration, amputation and burns.”

What makes a company ignore OSHA – is it arrogance, incompetence, or something else? Are we missing something here? They had to know that OSHA was going to follow up after the first visit.

2. Imperial Sugar (IPSU) had 8.7 million in total fines for safety violations. That’s the third highest amount in OSHA history. You may remember IPSU’s Port Wentworth refinery being in the news after they had an explosion this past February, killing 13 people and injuring 40. Highly flammable dust is produced in the process of making sugar and that is what led to the explosion.

Imperial Sugar’s VP of Operations testified, “I was surprised that we hadn’t killed anybody already because the plant was so dangerous.” He said he had been told to “back off” after he warned other officials about the dangerous conditions.

Interestingly, five weeks after the February explosion, OSHA inspectors found the same conditions at IPSU’s other sugar processing plant in Louisiana.

This is a photo OSHA inspectors took.  Notice the layer of white stuff, which is combustible dust. OSHA took the unusual step of posting an “imminent danger” notice and issued more fines. This photo is a copy from the report that OSHA published online.

One would think after similar conditions caused an explosion and the death of 13 people that they would made immediate changes at their other plants.

If you have any comments about these recent OSHA fines OR have any good Dwight quotes, share it with us.

Technorati Tags: osha, osha fines, safety

Yep, we’re under the word “expedite” in the dictionary. Yep, we’re that good.  That fast. Your problem is our problem.  Well, the safety and delivery problem/solution.  We can’t help you with your tub grout or coffee addiction, although I could help out with potty training or raisins up the nose, but that’s most likely not why you’re here. You know I like tangents… but let’s stick to what we do best.

“It’s a bird, it’s a plane, no, it’s Super Luke!” Luke is our Fall Protection expert.  He’s smart, fun to tease and puts up with slightly off-centered humor. Like the time I discussed his Care Bear tattoos in product listings (he was okay with that). Or when I salted his coffee… maybe he doesn’t know about that one …yet.

When I am in the office, I get to hear Luke talk on the phone, and he makes things happen.  He knows our manufacturers and he knows which manufacturers are behind, where everyone’s warehouses are located, who’s pokey and who will get it out fast. If he can’t do it, I don’t know who can.

“I might be able to do something, but I can’t promise it.”  Translation:  I am going to call my contacts, the warehouse and kick some *** to see if I can get you what you need faster than fast. Yeah, he’s that good. His calm demure on the phone is just a cover for his fast and furious work.  It’s pretty cool.

Sorry ladies, Luke is taken by a very nice girl who helps me out by changing .tif documents to .jpeg documents. They better not break up.  I foresee a wedding with Johnny Cash’s “Burning Ring of Fire” during the processional. What do ya think?

Technorati Tags: fall protection, snug harness

This makes me rethink my outlook when I get a dropped cell phone call.

Recent figures show that the deadliest job in America now goes to people who construct, upgrade, and repair cell phone towers. Who are these people? Are they daredevils? How’s the pay? What training do they have? What’s the appeal? I want to know.

But for now let me share with you some statistics.  According to a story in last week’s RCR Wireless News …”building and climbing towers (which can be hundreds of feet tall) is more dangerous than ranching, fishing, logging, and even ironworking. The fatality rate is currently 183.6 deaths per 100,000 workers: Five tower workers died during one 12-day span earlier this year alone. 18 tower workers died on the job in 2006.

The cause for the run up in tower worker deaths isn’t completely clear, but it’s likely a combination of careless working practices (workers not using safety gear 100 % of the time, or not using it correctly) and network operators pushing to build out and upgrade their networks too quickly. Hard to blame carriers for wanting to get faster networks up and running, but not at the cost of human life. (RCR is careful to note that the investigation into the rise in fatalities is too early to attribute to any specific source.)”

There is a bunch of oversight in this industry. The person waxing my eyebrows has to follow more state regulations than a cell tower repair person. And because the towers are built and repaired by private contractors (the carriers and tower owners themselves are not involved directly and do not face fines) it makes it more difficult and slow for safety changes to happen.  However, some experts say to look for change in federal legislation as workers themselves push for change. A partnership was recently created between the NATE (National Association of Tower Erectors) and OSHA.

I have included a picture the NATE/OSHA partnership have available for job sites to post. It’s a reminder to tie-off when working.

You can download the SAFETY POSTER HERE

Technorati Tags: cell phone repair, dangerous job, safety gear

Do you feel lucky? Well do ya? My dear testosterone pumped reader, sometimes it’s better not to rely on luck. It’s better to assume Murphy’s Law and plan for contingencies.

Think, “Hmmm, although I have never fallen, maybe I should get a Res-Q Step.” Or,”Hmmm, maybe I should wear safety glasses when mowing the lawn.” Or “Who knows when Mr OSHA man (or women) might plan a visit to your work site? Those fines are quite inconvenient.”

As I read my weekly OSHA updates I wonder what people were thinking. And I can only come to one conclusion: plan ahead or else like Dierk Bentley sings,  you’ll be saying “What was I thinkin’?” And that’s really something you should reserve for your love life not for work.

*Thanks goes out to Dirty Harry for his great line.

Technorati Tags: osha, Safety Glasses, u-res-q

There was excitement today in the office!  At least for me… but I love Extreme Make Over: Home Edition! I love the story, the tears, the giving… so inspirational.  And I love a good cry.  I can’t say the same for the guys in the office (The crying part I mean).

So here’s the 411:  The Madison Electricians who are preparing to work through next Thursday (July 31st) non-stop for Extreme Make Over: Home Edition popped in this afternoon to get safety glasses for their team.

We have a nice stash in our warehouse, and they took an assortment of everything.  What I found interesting is that the electricians said the safety glasses had to look good or else their team wouldn’t wear them.  That’s exactly why I bought my husband a rocking pair of safety glasses.

They don’t protect your eyes unless you’re wearing them.  Now, he has no excuse not to wear them since they’re comfortable and look great.  But that’s a tangent for another day…

I had to restrain myself from asking the electricians a million questions since they were on a mission to prepare for tomorrow’s big event which starts bright and early.  Our local newspaper said over 2000 people volunteered for the project located in Richmond Center, WI.

Veridian Homes, a local builder, will demolish and rebuild the home of Rochelle Anders.  Sadly, this past winter Ander’s four children had to stay at a relative’s home due to the condition of the home and a lack of heating. Rochelle used space heaters in her deteriorating home to stay warm, a difficult feat during a Wisconsin winter.

Update: Ty Pennington spotting! My neighbors went to Sundara Inn and Spa, one of the Top 10 Spas in the US which is located in Wisconsin Dells, and ran into Ty Pennington in the hot tub. They said he was just like his persona on TV.  He was having some down time before he headed to Richmond Center for the Extreme Make Over: Home Edition this past week.  Oh, the questions I could ask him!

Technorati Tags: extreme makeover home edition, eye protection, Safety Glasses