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Public Works has many different hazards workers need to be aware of and the municipality must have procedures to insure workers are protected. One issue to consider is Excavation. Print the brochure below to share with your employees who may need to know about this hazard.
In route to repair a water main leak, a newly hired backhoe operator drifts to the edge of the road and slams into the back of a car, injuring a mother waiting for her kids to get out of school.
The young operator is near tears, the supervisor overflows with accusations, another worker slams their hand in a door. Everything is confusion.
Eventually, when the mess is sorted out, the safety coordinator will investigate the accident. He learns the steering and brakes on the backhoe were bad. Someone will get blamed, and the equipment issues will be repaired. The safety coordinator, overwhelmed by the demands on his time, will go off to fight the next fire.
This is not an extreme case. Accidents are handled like this every day. At best, this type of approach deals with symptoms and not the actual or root cause. In a few days, another piece of equipment, perhaps a manifold at the water plant, will fail. Someone else will be injured or maybe killed. The plant will shut down for a while and the damage will be repaired, but the risks will remain.
To identify and control risk, an accident investigation must get to root causes. Why was a new employee operating the backhoe? How much training had they received? Why wasn’t the faulty equipment taken out of service immediately? Why wasn’t it clearly tagged out of service? Reported? Was the equipment regularly inspected? Is there a preventative maintenance program? What must be changed in maintenance, training or safety to keep this from happening again?
Accident investigation should be a critical part of overall safety program strategy. Done correctly, it can enhance safety and reduce costs. All accident investigations should be conducted in a professional manner and should always focus on causes: the why's. Using the 5 “Why’s” of a typical Root Cause Analysis allows the employer to discover the underlying or systemic, rather than the generalized or immediate, causes of an accident. Correcting only immediate cause may eliminate a symptom of the problem, but not the problem itself. The more incidents that are reported, the more problems can be investigated and resolved. The more problems solved, the safer and more cost effective the operation will be.
The fact is that the only difference between a near miss and a catastrophe may be chance. That's why every potential problem should be resolved.
For more information on conducting accident investigations, and developing a Root Cause Analysis please view “Incident [Accident] Investigations: A Guide for Employers” https://www.osha.gov/dte/IncInvGuide4Empl_Dec2015.pdf
Accidents and injuries are not a cost of doing business; all are preventable!
By 2020, one in four American workers will be over 55, according the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). To raise awareness of the health and safety issues affecting older workers, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) developed a web page with information to help employers match the needs of an aging workforce (https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/productiveaging/).
According to NIOSH, older workers tend to experience fewer workplace injuries than their younger colleagues, perhaps due to their experience and their lowered likelihood to take risks. However, when older workers are injured the health care costs are higher and the recuperation period is longer. In addition, statistically there has been a dramatic jump in fatalities around age 60.
The following are some of NIOSH’s tips for keeping older workers safe:
Match Tasks to Abilities: Everyone benefits when workers are able to perform their jobs well. If older workers have physical limitations, assign them to tasks that do not require them to strain beyond their ability. Consider using self-paced work and splitting physically strenuous work up with self-directed rest breaks.
Manage Hazards: When assessing hazards in the workplace, make sure to consider whether conditions that might not be hazardous for younger employees could pose a problem for older workers. For example, a noisy work environment might not bother a 25-year-old (though you should still assess noise levels and provide hearing protection if necessary), but an older worker in the same environment might have difficulty hearing coworkers to communicate about important safety issues.
Consider Ergonomics: Provide and design work environments that address ergonomic concerns. Examples include better illumination, screens and surfaces with a minimum amount of glare and ergonomic sit/stand workstations. In addition, the use of ergonomically designed tools for high frequency task should also be taken into account.
Invest in Training: It should be a priority to build work skills at all age levels. Older and younger workers can learn from each other, with older works serving as mentors and sharing their experience, and younger workers helping older workers adapt to new technologies.
Manage Return to Work Process: Statistics and anecdotal evidence have shown that employees recover more quickly from injury and illness when they’re at work. Proactively managing reasonable accommodations and the return-to-work process, is a win-win situation.
Train Supervisors: Train specifically on the issues associated with an aging workforce and the best way to address them.
“Blindness separates us from things but deafness separates us from people.” – Helen Keller
Human beings are social creatures: we drive in packs on the highway, we constantly use social media and we enjoy family and friend get-togethers. A major part of our ability to socialize involves our ability to hear and communicate. We all have someone in our family, or know of someone, that has difficulty hearing or diagnosed hearing loss. We start a conversation with them but soon tire of repeating ourselves and eventually we avoid speaking to them altogether.
Approximately 15% of Americans between the ages of 20 and 69, or 26 million Americans, have hearing loss that may have been caused by exposure to noise at work or in leisure activities. The best prevention approaches for high noise levels are: remove the noise, remove the worker and then protect the worker by using Hearing Protection Devices (HPD). HPD are a type of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) worn to reduce (not eliminate) the level of sound entering the ear. PPE is the last line of prevention for a hazard; however, for most situations, HPD are the main defense against Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL).
When should you wear HPD:
If the noise is measured at 85dB and above
If you must raise your voice for a person 2-3 feet away to hear you
If, after leaving the noise area, sounds are “dull, flat or muffled”
If your ears “ring” after exposure to noise
It’s a good idea to wear HPD with these types of equipment:
Lawn Mowers and Weedeaters
Gas Powered Demolition Saws
Pneumatic Impact Tools
Noise Reduction Ratings (NRR) are required to be printed on all HPD, to aid the wearer in selecting the correct protection for a situation. The NRR value provides information on the measured reduction of noise in a laboratory setting. In real world protection, NRR values are overestimated; as such, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends derating HPDs to provide the user a more accurate NRR value in real world situations. NIOSH suggests derating ear muffs by 25%, foam plugs by 50% and molded flanged plugs by 70%. For example, if you have a pair of foam ear plugs with a NRR=30dB, derating by 50% results in an estimated noise reduction of 15dB. It should be noted that derating is still only a rough guide and actual protection can vary.
Noise Induced Hearing Loss can be prevented by using the correct hearing protection for your situation and wearing it properly. Failing to use HPD or using it incorrectly, even during short exposures, can have negative consequences; and once noise-induced hearing loss occurs, it cannot be cured or reversed.
The decisions we make today will affect our quality of life on down the line. It may be easy to convince yourself that everything is okay: “I will only be using the equipment for an hour,” “My ears only ring for a little while after work,” and “It’s part of the job.” This kind of shortcut is a bad idea in the long run. Make the right choice and wear your hearing protection.
For more information on Noise Induced Hearing Loss or Proper Use of Hearing Protection Devices please check out OSHA.gov, use the OSHA quick-card at https://www.osha.gov/Publications/3498noise-in-construction-pocket-guide.pdf
Stay tuned to OMAG’s YouTube channel for a video on Hearing Protection soon.
As a service to our members, OMAG’s Risk Management Services Department has developed a series of articles addressing various challenges and issues municipal cemetery caretakers might face. Although tort claims generated from cemeteries aren’t at the top of the frequency or severity list, these types of claims don’t bode well for our public image and are most certainly preventable.
To our citizens, or customers, a cemetery serves two purposes, (1) the burial of loved ones and (2) a place where the living memorialize the dead. Cemeteries are scattered across the landscape and are found in almost all communities. In addition, many of our cemeteries predate statehood. Cemeteries and their symbols guide us into the past. Markers tell us not only about the individual who died, but the marker’s appearance and placement provides information about the society from which the individual departed. The symbols and text inscribed on markers contain important information for understanding the past. Consequently, cemeteries and markers are studied by art historians, folklorists, cultural geographers, archaeologists, anthropologists, genealogists, and historians. When cemeteries are ignored and allowed to deteriorate, and markers are damaged or destroyed, society loses important information about the past. Ultimately, an important part of ourselves is lost.
Maintenance and preservation of our cemeteries go hand in hand and are performed out of respect for those who are buried. Maintenance is simple, but may not be easy. Keeping the grass mowed, trees trimmed, and good lighting not only enhances the overall look of the cemetery to the general public but also discourages vandalism. Proper use of tools to keep cemeteries free of grass and limbs must be observed diligently in cemetery maintenance. Power mowers and weed eaters, when carelessly used, have and can still scar and break tombstones, especially old ones since they are usually made of softer stone. So, to minimize damage to old stones, grass near these stones should be pulled by hand. When power mowers and weed eaters are used guards should be in place to deflect any debris that is being thrown that may cause damage to the stones. When mowing, it is best to use a mulching mower when possible since there is not an outward discarding of debris. Any cracked or broken stone should be addressed immediately so to minimize further damage to the stone.
Lighting is also essential to maintain security in a cemetery. Lights should be checked regularly
and changed if needed. Good lighting reduces the chance of vandalism. It is cheaper to change a
bulb than repair vandalized stones. A well-lit cemetery draws the public to keep an eye on the
cemetery which deters vandalism. A regular check of the cemetery is also essential. Look for stones that have cracked, been damaged or destroyed, and address the defects as soon as possible. Also, check fences for needed repairs and vandalism.
Day-to-day, periodic, and long-term maintenance are essential components of a long-term plan to ensure the continued preservation of any cemetery. The establishment of a continuous maintenance program is the most effective preservation activity that can be performed by a municipality. A well-kept cemetery will discourage unwanted behavior within your site. A plan that includes maintenance, landscaping, training, and funding of a permanent work force will help preserve your cemetery.
Look for future articles, publications, and training events that will assist you in maintaining and managing your municipal cemetery.
Public Works has many different hazards workers need to be aware of and the municipality must have procedures in place to insure workers are protected. One issue to consider is Fall Hazards. Print the brochure below to share with your employees who may work around these hazards.
Learning from practical, real-world experience often requires learning from our own mistakes. In many cases, this can be an effective way of developing greater levels of competence and understanding in a given subject. Unfortunately, when mistakes are made in confined space monitoring, the cost of this education if often measured in the number of lives lost (see 2016 Falls Creek Baptist Assembly Wastewater stories on the internet - KP).
The deadly nature of confined spaces leaves little room for error and even less opportunity to “learn as you go”. Learning about some common mistakes before entering a confined space will go a long way toward establishing a workplace air monitoring program based on industry best practices. (If your municipality does not have a gas monitoring detector and calibration kit and you can’t afford one, look into OMAG’s Public Works Safety Enhancement Grant Program on our website www.omag.org/getfreestuff -KP).
Mistake #1 – Not knowing OSHA standards and recommendations
Winter is coming, and prepping workers for cold temperatures should start well before the first snowflakes and ice storms occur. Proper PPE should include multiple layers of protection, both moisture wicking and wind resistant, as well as gloves and hard hat liners.
Dressing improperly, wetness/dampness and preexisting conditions can contribute to cold stress, hypothermia, and frostbite - conditions that occur when the body’s temperature begins to fall to dangerous levels (below 95 degrees F), resulting in tissue damage and even death.
Humidity, wind speed, and air temperature should all be taken into account. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), when air temperature is 40 degrees F, the wind speed is 35 mph, and humidity levels are above 50%, the effect on exposed skin is as if the air temperature were in the 20s.
If a worker is showing signs of hypothermia, the CDC recommends the following steps:
As Seasons Change, Beware the Invisible Killer
More than 400 Americans die from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Carbon monoxide is produced when fuel is burned in vehicles, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, furnaces and the like.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that often goes undetected, and as the weather turns colder in many parts of the country, it is important to be aware of the risks. Carbon monoxide becomes deadly when it builds up in enclosed spaces - and anyone can be affected.
At Work
Workers in certain professions, including welders, mechanics, firefighters and toll booth attendants are particularly at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning, according to OSHA.
To reduce the chances of carbon monoxide poisoning in the workplace:
• Install proper ventilation systems
• Keep equipment in good working order
• Consider switching from gas to electrical or battery operated equipment
• Prohibit use of gas-powered engines in poorly ventilated areas
• Provide personal, audible alarms
• Educate workers about carbon monoxide poisoning
At Home
About 170 people die each year from carbon monoxide exposure produced by room heaters and home generators, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The National Safety Council recommends installing a battery-operated or battery back-up carbon monoxide detector.
The CDC offers these and other tips:
• Professionally service your furnace, water heater and any other fuel-burning devices every year
• Never use a generator indoors or less than 20 feet from any window, door or vent
• Have your chimney checked and cleaned every year
• Make sure gas appliances are vented properly
• Never ignore a carbon monoxide alarm; immediately move outside, call 911 and make sure everyone is accounted for
Symptoms of CO Poisoning
If you see someone with the following symptoms who may have been poisoned,move the victim outside immediately and call 911. If he or she is not breathing, begin CPR. Low to Moderate CO Poisoning - headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness. High-level CO Poisoning - mental confusion, vomiting, loss of muscle coordination and loss of consciousness.
This article is shared from the National Safety Council’s Safety Spotlight.
Contact OMAG Risk Management Services department if you have questions about this or any other workplace safety topic. Gary Cauthen can be reached at (800) 234-9461 or gcauthen@omag.org.
Every year, OMAG receives 1,000 (+/-) tort claims that are filed against municipalities that participate in the Municipal Liability Protection Plan (MLPP). Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs) are one of the most frequently filed claims we receive. In the past 10 years OMAG has paid over 6 million dollars in damages due to SSOs. In a recent interview with Todd Lansdown, Wastewater Maintenance Supervisor with the City of Bartlesville since 1981, Todd recommended these “BEST PRACTICES” to assist in SSO prevention and dealing with customers who have had one of these unfortunate events. He noted that these policies and procedures are not all his own ideas—they’ve been passed down and refined over the years.
