Introduction:

We have come a long way in the development, education, and implementation of Fall Prevention & Fall Protection. Even with the progress that has been made, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2021 Fatal Workplace Incidents rose 8.9% from 2020 and accounted for 5,190 deaths.  What contributes to workplace injuries/fatalities? Below is a list of contributing factors as it relates to the occurrence of workplace injuries/fatalities.

• Identification and mitigation of hazards
• Selection of Personal Protective Equipment
• Employee Training
• Failure in Equipment
• Human Nature

Identification of Fall Hazards

As you evaluate your workplace/job site, identify the potential fall hazards that could result in an injury or incident. Common fall hazards can include:

• Working from ladders/temporary work platforms such as aerial lifts and man lifts
• Leading edges
• Uneven work surfaces
• Rooftops
• Open holes/trenches/excavations
• Catwalks
• Slippery surfaces
• etc

After identifying all fall hazards the next step is to prevent falls by eliminating the fall hazards or making it less likely a fall will occur (through mitigation methods). Understanding your obligations as a Safety Professional/Employer, there are different requirements set forth by OSHA that dictate how fall hazards are addressed. It is equally important to understand what working heights employees must be protected at for elevated work. Employers in General Industry (where CFR 1910 applies), must protect employees from all fall hazards and institute fall protection when working at heights 4ft or greater where fall hazards are present. In Construction (where CFR 1926 applies), employees must be protected at working heights of 6ft or greater.  

Prevention of Fall Hazards

Following the Hierarchy of Controls, the best way to prevent falls, is to eliminate the fall hazard all together. Falls hazards can be eliminated through the implementation of guard rails, fall restraint systems, hole covers and other passive fall protection controls. It is important to remember, that not all fall hazards can be eliminated. Some workplaces conditions will necessitate that certain conditions are left unchanged, for work to be performed. 

Administrative Controls

If employers are unable to eliminate fall hazards through the use of engineering controls, administrative controls must be implemented. Administrative controls bring awareness to hazards and can include safety signage, safety training, company operating procedures, use of permits and by creating work plans such as phasing the order in which work will be completed. Keep in mind, these administrative controls must be implemented before the use of Personal Protective Equipment.  

Personal Protective Equipment PPE

If fall hazards cannot be eliminated, and administrative controls still do not reasonably prevent falls from occurring, personal protective equipment must be utilized. The most common form of PPE for fall protection is the use of Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS).

Personal Fall Arrest Systems are designed to arrest the worker in the event of a fall, and minimize the impact force that is placed on the worker. Personal Fall arrest systems include: anchorage points (existing or engineered), body harnesses, a connecting device, and a deceleration device.  

Selection of Personal Fall Arrest Systems

The market is full of different styles and components that can be used to design your personal fall arrest system. So where do you start? You need to ensure that the systems you have in place will engage during a fall before the worker hits the ground. OSHA specifically has guidelines that state the system needs to engage within 3ft after a fall occurs. The anchorage point needs to be able to withstand 5,000lbs of free fall force. Body harnesses need to be fitted to the worker, fit comfortable, and displace the force in a manner that reduces impact on the worker.

Fall Protection Assessment

B42L offers free fall protection assessments. Our partnership with Gallaway Safety & Supply, allows us to come to your workplace, evaluate what you have in place, and provide options for you that best protect your workers. Our assessment will give you options for assigning fall protection, tracking it in the field, and how to properly inspect it for proper function. 

Training on Fall Protection

After you have your fall protection selected and assigned, B42L will train your staff on the proper use, inspection, and storage of fall protection. Training on Fall Protection is an OSHA Top 10 Violation annually. Simply providing it does not meet the mark of compliance, and it does not ensure your staff will use it safely. 

If you are interested in a fall protection assessment or fall protection demonstrations/training:

Call 412-216-9427 or email info@b42l.com

Introduction:

If you are starting a job as a Safety Professional at a new workplace, or building a safety program for the first time there are a series of actions that need to be taken in order to keep people safe. The phrase “Risk Mitigation” can be thrown around with obvious action items that should be completed, but how do you prioritize what should be done vs. what needs to be done first. In this post we’ll discuss one strategy that can help you make decisions when assessing and mitigating risk.

Three Bucket Approach

When you arrive at the workplace or the jobsite it is important to conduct a Hazard Assessment. A hazard assessment is an evaluation of the workplace that aims to identify different workplace hazards, the sources of the hazards, and the potential severity of those hazards if left unaddressed. 

As you conduct your hazard assessment and begin to identify hazards in your workplace, ask yourself these questions. They will help prioritize the order in which you should address the hazards in the workplace.

1. “Is this going to hurt or kill someone if it is left unaddressed?”

2. “Is this out of compliance?”

3. “What’s left?”

B42L utilizes this approach when conducting Risk Assessments for the simple reason that it is tempting to solve “low hanging fruit” items to showcase that you have accomplished something as a safety professional and are earning your keep. 

Remember, your primary job as a EHS Professional is to eliminate/mitigate hazards in the workplace. Your second job is to communicate those remaining hazards and introduce injury/illness prevention methods according to all OSHA Standards.

Your To Do List after a Hazard Assessment

Bucket 1: If there are obvious hazards that could immediatly hurt or kill someone those need to be prioritized at the top of your “to do” list.

Bucket 2: If there are hazards that have that are technically OSHA compliant, but still have some level of risk, they need to be addressed next.

Bucket 3: There are hazards that don’t appear to pose immediate risk, you are compliant with all regulatory bodies, but you have a better solution to solve the problem. These items will make the workplace more apealing to workers, however they need to be prioritized after immediatly dangerous conditions and compliance items are addressed.

After you have your to do list, what next?

Eliminating & Mitigating Hazards

When attempting to eliminate & mitigate hazards employers have the duty and obligation to follow a series of steps to protect workers. Hazards must be attempted to be eliminated / mitigated according to the following practices:

1. Through the use of engineering controls
2. Through the use of administrative controls
3. Through Personal Protective Equipment

This process of eliminating/mitigating hazards can be lengthy, costly, and frankly a headache. However dealing with workplace injuires/illnesses is more expensive and a bigger problem at the end of the day. Take time to introduce temporary solutions that will keep workers safe, while you work on instituting long term solutions. 

Solicit your employees potential solutions to the inherint problems. More often than not, the people who are faced with the problem every day can provide the best solution to the problem.

Benifits of Third Party Risk Assessments

Bringing in a third party to conduct a Risk Assessment can provide a pluthera of benifits. The third party is unbiased, and can normally recognize hazards that otherwise could blend into the background. Think about how many times you travel your daily route to work. How many buildings, road signs, “disapear” into the background? Do you know every color of the house on your street? When you bring a third party consultant in to complete a Risk Assessment, their sole focus is to identify hazards in the area. They are unaffected from other distractions such as production, internal relationships, and company agendas that may take place on any given day. Additionally, this Risk Assessment can be done without increasing your premiums that many insurance companies may impose during their own Risk Assessment Inspections. Most importantly, when you bring in a third party to conduct a Risk Assessment, you are preventing potential incidents before they occur and impact your workers. There is no incentive for the third party to not address potential concerns. You recieve an honest evaluation and information that you can then act on.

Intrested in B42L Conducting a Risk Assessment for you?

We have worked in various industries and conducted risk assessments for unique partner work settings. If you are interested in learning more about B42L Risk Management Plans, reach out to info@b42l.com or call 412-443-7866 today!

Introduction:

Electricity is a powerful and essential source of energy that we rely on for various tasks. However, it can also pose significant risks if not handled properly. By understanding electrical hazards, implementing mitigation techniques, and utilizing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), we can prevent accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. In this toolbox talk, we will highlight key points of electrical safety, including hazards, mitigation techniques, and the importance of using PPE to promote a safe working environment.

Electrical Hazards

Electrical hazards can be present in various forms in the workplace. It is important to be aware of these hazards to prevent accidents and injuries. Some common electrical hazards include:

• Exposed Wires: Exposed electrical wires pose a risk of electrical shock and should be reported immediately.
• Faulty Equipment: Equipment with damaged cords, plugs, or switches can cause electrical hazards and should be repaired or replaced promptly.
• Overloaded Circuits: Overloading circuits with excessive electrical load can lead to overheating and fires.
• Wet Conditions: Working with electricity in wet conditions increases the risk of electrical shock.  Mitigation Techniques

• To mitigate electrical hazards and promote safety, it is important to implement the following techniques:

• Lockout/Tagout (LOTO): LOTO procedures should be followed when working on electrical equipment. LOTO involves de-energizing and isolating equipment from its power source to prevent accidental energization during maintenance or repairs.
• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs): GFCIs help protect against electrical shock by monitoring the flow of electricity and quickly shutting off power if a ground fault is detected.
• Insulation and Grounding: Ensuring proper insulation of wires and equipment helps prevent electrical shock. Proper grounding reduces the risk of electrical faults and provides a safe pathway for electrical curand Installationrents.
• Proper Wiring : Electrical wiring and equipment should be installed by qualified professionals following appropriate codes and standards. Regular inspections and maintenance are essential to identify and rectify any issues promptly.

 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial when working with electricity. Some commonly used PPE includes:

• Rubber Gloves: Insulating rubber gloves provide protection against electrical shock when working with energized equipment or electrical systems.
• Rubber Matting: Rubber mats or insulating floor coverings can be used to create an electrically safe work area, reducing the risk of electrical shock.
• Insulated Tools: Insulated tools have non-conductive handles and provide an extra layer of protection when working on or near live electrical parts.
• Flame-Resistant Clothing: In situations where arc flash or fire hazards are present, flame-resistant clothing helps protect against burns and injuries.

Safe Work Practices

In addition to PPE, following safe work practices is essential for electrical safety:

• Never work on live electrical parts unless it is absolutely necessary and all appropriate precautions have been taken.
• Conduct regular inspections of electrical cords, plugs, and equipment for any damage or signs of wear.
• Keep work areas clean and free of clutter to reduce the risk of trips and falls.
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines for the proper use and maintenance of electrical equipment.
• Never use metal objects, such as screwdrivers or knives, to remove fuses or reset breakers.
• If you do plan on working on Energized Parts and Equipment, ensure you have proper NFPA 70E Arc Flash Training.  B42L Training conducts regular NFPA 70E Arc Flash Training at its Training center or at your facility. Inquire for more information today!

Conclusion:

Electrical safety is of utmost importance in the workplace. By recognizing electrical hazards, implementing mitigation techniques, and utilizing appropriate PPE such as rubber gloves, rubber matting, and insulated tools, we can protect ourselves and others from electrical accidents and injuries. Remember to follow safe work practices, report any electrical hazards promptly, and prioritize safety at all times. Together, we can create a safe working environment where electrical incidents are prevented, and everyone can go home safely at the end of the day.

DOT Drivers are required to ensure their vehicles are in top working order every day of the year by completing pre- and post-trip inspections and reporting any concerns to their management for remediation. But from Tuesday, May 16 – Thursday, May 18, 2023, drivers should take extra precautions.

Those are the dates for this year’s Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) International Roadcheck. Over the course of 72 hours, law enforcement officials will conduct more than 50,000 commercial motor vehicle inspections (CMV) in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Items that will be checked

• Anti-lock Break System
• Inspectors will determine whether a vehicle requires ABS or not 
• Ensure the ABS lamp cycles on and off
• Check for signs of an ABS malfunction, such as:
• Lamps that don’t light up
• Lamps that remain on during transit

An ABS malfunction is not an out-of-service (OOS) vehicle violation. However, other braking system infractions accounted for over 25% of all OOS vehicle violations written during the 2022 International Road Check. A properly functioning ABS prevents wheels from locking up or skidding. This allows a driver to maintain control of their CMV while performing a hard braking maneuver and can reduce the risk of collisions.

To check for cargo securement violations, inspectors will:

• Ensure spare tires, loads, cargo and dunnage can’t fall, blow, spill, leak, roll or shift
• Confirm you have enough tie-downs for the weight and length of items you’re transporting. (The general rule: One tie-down for every 10 feet of cargo.)
• Check for loose, torn, damaged, bent or knotted tie-downs
• Inspect anchor points and structures for damage
• Verify commodity-specific cargo is secured in accordance with regulations
• Improper or inadequate cargo accounted for almost 11% of all vehicle OOS violations during last year’s International Road Check. Drivers should check load securement as often as possible and at a minimum every time they exit the cab.

Three quick tips to help you pass an inspection:

1. Perform thorough pre- and post-trip inspections. Make sure everything inside and outside your truck is in optimum working order. If you notice any defects, let dispatch know immediately so they can be fixed.
2. Follow all best practices for CMV drivers. If you get selected for a North American Standard Level I Inspection, you will undergo a vehicle and driver safety check. Make sure your license and hours-of-service paperwork are up to date. Know where to find vehicle insurance and the location of your annual inspection sticker. Wear your seatbelt. Drive sober.
3. Leave nothing to chance. Pack extra tie-downs. Secure every item in the cab (blocks, shovels, fire extinguishers, etc.). Make sure the doors to the cab and trailer, tailgates, stakes and locks close properly.

Introduction:

Hands and fingers are the most commonly injured body parts in the workplace. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 30% of all workplace injuries involve hand and finger injuries. Therefore, it is important to take hand and finger protection seriously in the workplace. In this toolbox talk, we will discuss the types of hand and finger injuries, engineering and administrative controls to prevent them, and styles of gloves that offer different degrees of protection.

Types of Hand and Finger Injuries:

Hand and finger injuries can range from minor cuts and abrasions to more serious injuries such as fractures, amputations, and nerve damage. Some common types of hand and finger injuries are:

Cuts and Lacerations: Cuts and lacerations are the most common type of hand and finger injuries in the workplace. They can be caused by sharp objects like knives, broken glass, or metal edges.

Burns: Burns can be caused by heat, chemicals, or electrical sources. Burns can range from minor to severe, and can cause permanent damage to the skin and tissues.

Fractures: Fractures are breaks in bones and can be caused by impact or crushing forces. They can be very painful and require a long time to heal.

Amputations: Amputations are the most severe type of hand and finger injury. They can be caused by machinery or other equipment that crushes or cuts off a body part. Amputations require immediate medical attention and can result in permanent disability.

Engineering Controls:

Engineering controls involve designing the workplace to eliminate or reduce hazards. Some engineering controls that can be used to prevent hand and finger injuries are:

Machine Guarding: Machine guarding is a physical barrier that prevents workers from coming into contact with hazardous machine parts. Machine guarding should be installed on all machinery with moving parts that can cause injury.

Ergonomic Design: Ergonomic design involves designing workstations and tools to reduce the risk of injury. For example, using tools with padded handles can reduce the risk of hand fatigue and injury.

Automation: Automation can be used to eliminate the need for workers to perform hazardous tasks. For example, using robots to perform tasks that require manual dexterity can reduce the risk of hand and finger injuries.

Administrative Controls:

Administrative controls involve changing work practices and policies to reduce the risk of injury. Some administrative controls that can be used to prevent hand and finger injuries are:

Training: Workers should receive training on the proper use of tools and equipment, as well as the hazards associated with their job.

Hazard Communication: Employers should communicate the hazards associated with each job and provide workers with the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect against those hazards.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

There are many different styles of gloves that offer different degrees of protection. Some common styles of gloves are:

Cut-Resistant Gloves: Cut-resistant gloves are designed to protect against cuts and lacerations. They are made of materials like Kevlar, steel mesh, or high-performance polyethylene.

Impact-Resistant Gloves: Impact-resistant gloves are designed to protect against impact and crushing forces. They are typically made of materials like leather or synthetic materials with added padding.

Hi-Viz Gloves: Hi-Viz gloves are designed to improve visibility in low light conditions. They are typically made of bright, fluorescent materials and can help prevent accidents by making workers more visible.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, hand and finger injuries are a common hazard in the workplace. It is important to take hand and finger protection seriously by using engineering and administrative controls, providing appropriate training, and using the proper PPE. By implementing