Lori Elder

Good to ANSI Class 2 Self-Retracting Lifelines (SRLs) for Safety When Working at Heights** The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has enhanced its fall protection standards through ANSI Z359.14-2021, effective from August 1, 2023. These revisions particularly emphasize the introduction and specific requirements of Class 2 Self-Retracting Lifelines (SRLs), critical for height safety. Key Features of Class 2 SRLs - **Flexible Anchorage Options:** Unlike Class 1 SRLs, which must anchor at or above the dorsal D-ring, Class 2 SRLs can also anchor up to 5 feet below it. - **Leading Edge Use:** Class 2 SRLs are suitable for environments with edge hazards, tested to withstand falls along sharp edges as thin as 0.005 inches, akin to the thickness of a standard razor blade. Applications and Compliance - **Varied Anchorage Needs:** Class 2 SRLs are essential for situations requiring anchorage below the dorsal D-ring, adhering to the latest ANSI standards. - **Edge Exposure:** Mandatory for work where there is a risk of encountering edge hazards, ensuring worker safety through rigorous testing. Identification and Compliance - **Clear Labeling:** Each Class 2 SRL features a distinct label and a diagram that outlines the minimum required fall clearance, simplifying compliance checks. - **Upgrading Old Equipment:** Due to the stringent new standards, existing SRLs cannot simply be grandfathered into Class 2 status. Contact manufacturers for potential upgrade options to comply with current standards. For those working at heights, the adoption of ANSI Z359.14-2021 standards, particularly the use of Class 2 SRLs, is crucial. These devices provide broader anchorage flexibility and are designed to handle the additional risks presented by edge work. Ensuring all

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OSHA publishes establishment and case detail work-related injury and illness data from its electronic injury reporting application. It’s a great data-set for trending. #safety #safetymanagement

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Is your workplace ready for the new Haz Com standards change? DEPARTMENT OF LABOR ANNOUNCES FINAL RULE UPDATING THE HAZARD COMMUNICATION STANDARD TO BETTER PROTECT WORKERS, FIRST RESPONDERS Revisions improve quality of information on labels and safety data sheets and takes effect July 19, 2024 The Department of Labor announced a final rule from its Occupational Safety and Health Administration that will update the current Hazard Communication Standard to better protect workers by improving the amount and quality of information on labels and safety data sheets and allow workers and first responders to react more quickly in an emergency. The updates take effect on July 19, 2024. Aligned with the seventh revision of the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, the updated standard will require labels on small packaging to be more comprehensive and readable and makes changes to help ensure trade secrets no longer prevent workers and first responders from receiving critical hazard information on safety data sheets. Looks like it’s time for that annual review of your hazard communication program and operational practices. Make it a great holiday weeekend!

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Breaking America’s top tier retailer dollar general agreed to pay 12M $ penalty for OSHA violations. Under the settlement agreement Dollar General agrees to: ✅ Post job advertisements for more safety managers ✅ Reduce inventory to prevent blocked exits and unsafe storage ✅ Give safety and health training to managers and workers ✅ Report on its progress and compliance to OSHA These changes help give peace of mind to thousands of workers, knowing that they are not risking their safety in their workplaces and that they will come home healthy at the end of each day. Need help in OSHA compliance? DM me with your business datails. I offer OSHA compliance & training services across USA.

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This post is for future safety professionals and those just starting out in their careers. These are some of the things that you likely aren't taught as you began your journey in this career field. Here are some of the things you are likely to experience in your career. 1. Workers will complain that you are spending too much time observing their work. 2. Staff will complain that you are not in the field enough. 3. Staff and workers will blame you for poor safety performance after an incident. 4. You will get berated and demeaned for delaying work because the safety requirements have not yet been met. 5. You will get berated and demeaned when work happens without all of the safety requirements being met that results in an incident. 6. Workers will think you're paid more than they are. 7. Executives will think you're overpaid and an unnecessary cost rather than a cost saving asset. 8. People will complain your safety orientation takes too long 9. People will complain that safety orientation is not thorough enough. These are just some of the things you will likely experience in your careers, but once you get through that it can be a great career indeed. You can have special moments and make meaningful changes in the lives of companies and people. The question is, can you make it through the BS at the beginning? What other experiences can new safety professionals expect to experience that they aren't taught? Don't be gentle though, this is intended to help them prepare for impact.

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So many junior safety professionals want to be “ thought leader” bypassing experience using AI. Leveraging technology is lovely but you have to go through the process. Human mind + AI is dangerous combo & that human mind must be filled with real life exposure, talent & creativity. By just using AI, you can not become thought leader in any profession. What’s your take?

Good morning team, This week's safety message focuses on the use of non-sparking tools and understanding lower explosive limits (LELs). Both of these concepts are crucial for maintaining safety in environments where flammable gases, vapors, or dusts are present. Non-Sparking Tools: Misconceptions and Safety Non-sparking tools, often made from materials such as brass, bronze, or aluminum-bronze, are designed to minimize the risk of sparks that could ignite flammable substances. However, it's important to note that "non-sparking" does not mean "spark-free." These tools can still produce sparks if they strike or rub against hard surfaces with enough force. The key safety feature of these tools is that any sparks produced are typically lower in temperature and less likely to ignite flammable substances compared to sparks from steel tools. Key Safety Tips: Inspect Regularly: Regularly inspect non-sparking tools for wear and damage. Deformed tools can increase the risk of sparking. Proper Use: Use non-sparking tools only for their intended purposes. Misusing these tools can increase the likelihood of sparks. Clean Work Area: Ensure your work area is free from any flammable substances that could be ignited by a spark. Lower Explosive Limits (LELs): Understanding and Monitoring The Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) is the lowest concentration of a gas or vapor that can explode if an ignition source is present. Working in environments where flammable substances are present requires careful monitoring of LEL levels to prevent accidental ignitions. Key Safety Tips: LEL Monitoring: Use appropriate detection equipment to monitor the concentration of flammable gases or vapors in the air. Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in areas where flammable substances are used or stored to keep concentrations below the LEL. Training: Ensure all personnel are trained to understand LELs and the importance of maintaining safe levels. The Connection: Safe Practices When using non-sparking tools in environments with potential explosive hazards, it's essential to maintain a comprehensive safety approach: Combine Safety Measures: While non-sparking tools reduce the risk of ignition, they must be used alongside continuous monitoring of LELs to ensure a safe working environment. Prevent Ignition: Even with non-sparking tools, always assume that sparks can occur and take steps to control the atmosphere around you. Emergency Preparedness: Have an emergency response plan in place in case LELs are exceeded and an ignition source is present. By understanding the limitations of non-sparking tools and the critical importance of LELs, we can significantly reduce the risk of accidental explosions and ensure a safer workplace. I care about your safety, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact me. “Safety Takes Time, so Take the Time for Safety”

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How many issues can you find in this picture? Are you looking to improve your fall protection awareness in your operation? I often find peoples misunderstanding of fall hazards are usually caused by: 1) Employees have never been formally trained by a qualified instructor. 2) There is a misunderstanding about the severity of risk for improper fall protection. 3) The company's safety culture does not reinforce the needs/benefits for safe behaviors. If you're looking to improve your companies safety performance, lets talk! I've got several opportunities you can take advantage of to make your goals attainable. #fortifiedsafetyconsulting. #greentrainingservices

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https://lnkd.in/gn4aeiBw 2024 OSHA News Release. There are significant civil penalties specific to workers being exposed to energized component's. Remember folks, just because nobody was injured, that does not mean a violation did not occur. If there was or is an "exposure", OSHA can, and will impose civil penalties/fines. In some severe cases, managers and supervisors can be charged with manslaughter in involuntary manslaughter. Get quality training for your workforce. And if your not trained to perform a specific task, DONT DO IT! Its just not worth it. Stay frosty, and don't make any bad decisions... https://epsco.co/

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🚧 Understanding Fall Protection: Arrest vs. Restraint Systems 🚧 In workplace safety, particularly in industries where working at heights is commonplace, understanding the distinction between Fall Arrest Systems and Fall Restraint Systems is not just important—it's potentially life-saving. What’s the Difference? Fall Arrest Systems are designed to stop a fall that's already occurring. They’re your safety net, featuring components like body harnesses, lanyards, anchor points, and deceleration devices that activate in the event of a fall, safely stopping the worker before they hit the ground. Fall Restraint Systems, on the other hand, prevent falls from happening. These systems involve tying a worker to a secure anchor point with equipment such as a tether or body belt that physically prevents them from reaching a point where they could fall. Why Does It Matter? The key to choosing between a fall arrest and fall restraint system lies in understanding the specific task and environment: - Fall Restraint is ideal where the risk can be completely controlled, and the worker can be prevented from reaching the fall hazard. - Fall Arrest is necessary where exposure to a fall cannot be prevented, making it crucial to have a system that can safely stop a fall after it begins. Both systems are critical in protecting workers, but the application of each depends on a thorough risk assessment and understanding of the environment. Implementing the correct system complies with safety regulations like OSHA and significantly reduces the risk of fatal accidents. EPRO® Robert Kronberger Aldo Mendez David Mendez Ruben Larez - CESCP, CSHO, Master Electrician Lulú A.

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OSHA Binds Organizations to give 15 minutes Rest after 2 Hrs if Temperature is over 32.5 degree Celsius, if they cannot provide managed / control temperature work environments - 2nd Jul 2024 Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings Rulemaking Heat is the leading cause of death among all hazardous weather conditions in the United States. Excessive heat in the workplace can cause a number of adverse health effects, including heat stroke and even death, if not treated properly. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 479 workers in the U.S. died from exposure to environmental heat from 2011-2022, an average of 40 fatalities per year in that time period, there were 33,890 estimated work-related heat injuries and illnesses that resulted in days away from work. However, these statistics for occupational heat-related illnesses, injuries, and fatalities are likely vast underestimates. Workers in outdoor and indoor work settings without adequate climate controls are at risk of hazardous heat exposure. Certain heat-generating processes, machinery, and equipment (e.g., hot tar ovens, furnaces, etc.) can also cause hazardous heat when cooling measures are not in place. Some groups may be more likely to experience adverse health effects from heat, such as pregnant workers, while others are disproportionately exposed to hazardous levels of heat, such as workers of color in essential jobs who are more often employed in work settings with high risk of hazardous heat exposure. Current Status OSHA is issuing a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings. This is a significant step toward a federal heat standard to protect workers. The proposed standard would apply to all employers conducting outdoor and indoor work in all general industry, construction, maritime, and agriculture sectors where OSHA has jurisdiction. The standard would require employers to create a plan to evaluate and control heat hazards in their workplace. It would clarify employer obligations and the steps necessary to effectively protect employees from hazardous heat. The ultimate goal is to prevent and reduce the number of occupational injuries, illnesses, and fatalities caused by exposure to hazardous heat. OSHA encourages the public to participate by submitting comments when the proposed standard is officially published in the Federal Register. Your input will help us develop a final rule that adequately protects workers, is feasible for employers, and is based on the best available evidence.

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The ONLY way to improve your safety performance is to be robust in your root cause of ALL injuries, not just the OSHA recordables. How robust is your root cause program? https://buff.ly/4bm9Jbr #safetyprofessional here are three tips for better root cause analysis: Use Structured Problem-Solving Techniques: Fishbone Diagram (Ishikawa): This tool helps in visualizing the potential causes of a problem, categorizing them into groups such as People, Processes, Equipment, Materials, Environment, and Management. By brainstorming and identifying possible causes within each category, teams can systematically investigate the root cause. 5 Whys: This iterative questioning technique involves asking "why" repeatedly (typically five times) to drill down into the cause of a problem. Each answer forms the basis of the next question, helping to uncover deeper issues. Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA): This method evaluates the potential failure modes within a system, process, or product to identify and prioritize the potential root causes based on their impact and likelihood. Gather Comprehensive Data: Fact-Based Analysis: Ensure the investigation is based on factual data rather than assumptions or anecdotal evidence. Collect data from various sources such as operational logs, interviews with personnel, physical inspections, and process documentation. Data Visualization: Utilize charts, graphs, and other visual tools to identify patterns, trends, and anomalies in the data. Visual representations can help in pinpointing the exact conditions or actions that led to the problem. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Involve team members from different departments and levels of the organization to provide diverse perspectives and insights. This can help in uncovering causes that might be overlooked by a single team or individual. Implement and Verify Solutions: Action Plans: Develop clear, actionable steps to address the identified root cause(s). Ensure the plan is detailed, with specific tasks, responsible parties, and timelines for completion. Pilot Testing: Before full-scale implementation, test the proposed solution on a smaller scale to verify its effectiveness. This can help in identifying potential issues and making necessary adjustments. Continuous Monitoring: After implementing the solution, continuously monitor the process to ensure the problem does not recur. Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to track the effectiveness of the solution and make adjustments as needed.

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Most people in EHS have no genuine idea what “cultural safety” is. Safety Culture is just a buzz phrase (the latest of many.) Put simply, cultural safety is about caring, first and foremost. If being a stickler for OSHA regs is your best idea, you have NO idea. The first thing in a safety professionals’ job is to protect people.  Thinking that being a safety cop is the way to accomplish that means you are out in left field. I’ve taken a company that was being cancelled by their work comp carrier because of out-of-control injuries and sky-high incidence rates down to one that was solicited by carriers with a consistent, near average incident rate. And that company grew 3-fold during that period. I took two departments (650 employees) in a huge plant with already low incidence rates down to 30% of their previous rates. Top management of this Fortune 500 company didn’t know what to think! How did I do it? Real cultural safety. It's caring and a whole lot of other ways of doing things to build a "safety family." REAL cultural safety.

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ELIMINATING INJURIES FROM FALLS FROM A LADDER.  PART 2 ·        It isn’t how high you are on a ladder that causes falls, it is how you are using it. o  Climbing the rungs causes ladder feet and rails to shift side to side under the weight of the climber. Especially if the ladder is a lighter duty, less rigid ladder for use under lower weight load. o  Struggling with a vent, PRV, light fixture or ballast, hose, cord, or a box of ingredients shifts weight on a ladder more dramatically. ·        Tie off the top and bottom of your ladder. o  This keeps the ladder from sliding out from under the person climbing it. Loop rope around something in front of the ladder, and again at the top of the ladder. o  While you tie off the top of the ladder, have someone hold it steady so it doesn’t move around while you struggle with the rope. o  Or just have someone steady the ladder while you are on it. ·        Carrying something up keeps the climber from grasping the ladder at all times. o  An acquaintance is living the rest of their life in a wheel chair because they get to the top while carrying a bucket and missed grabbing the second last rung. In all these risky actions, there is one most common reason that can cause any of them to go bad. “It will only take a second to do this.” And it only takes a second for it to go wrong. May 6 to 10 is Preventing Falls and Ladder Safety week. Information is available from OSHA.gov, Laddersafetytraining.org, Laddersafetyinstitue.org and others. If you want examples and statistics that apply to the different work tasks you perform, I can provide examples to help improve your recognition of the dangers you face. Last week was Worker’s Memorial Day to remember workers who died while trying to make their lives and those of their families better. Use the tips above to make work safer, so that next year we won’t be remembering you or one of your fellow employees at 2025 Workers Memorial Day.

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OSHA recently issued new guidance on when Active Release Techniques (ART) and stretching exercises, commonly used to prevent or alleviate musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), are considered recordable under its injury and illness recordkeeping regulation. Employers recommending these techniques to reduce discomfort must be aware of OSHA’s stance on recordability. MSDs are the most prevalent workplace injuries, and employers often use ART and suggested exercises to mitigate these issues. On May 2, 2024, OSHA's memorandum provided enforcement guidance to its inspectors on determining whether MSDs are recordable when first aid, ART, or exercises and stretching are recommended. OSHA's focus on these programs during inspections aims to ensure compliance with the Recordkeeping Regulation. Employers are required to keep records of injuries and illnesses resulting in death, days away from work, restricted work, job transfer, loss of consciousness, or medical treatment beyond first aid. An abnormal condition, which can be identified by subjective signs like employee statements of pain, is sufficient for recordability. Distinguishing between stretching for general discomfort (not recordable) and stretching for an abnormal condition (recordable) can be challenging. The new guidance clarifies the current administration's position on "medical treatment beyond first aid." It instructs compliance safety and health officers (CSHOs) to scrutinize repeated first aid applications to ensure they do not mask the need for medical treatment. First aid treatments, such as nonprescription medication, hot or cold therapy, and massage, are not recordable even with multiple applications. However, repeated applications of first aid for the same concern may prompt further investigation by CSHOs, potentially leading to citations if further medical treatment is necessary but not provided. OSHA’s guidance from 2006 and 2019 classified ART as first aid, while distinguishing it from recordable treatments like chiropractic manipulation or physical therapy. The new guidance reinforces this distinction and advises CSHOs to verify that no other forms of therapy are provided alongside ART. For exercises and stretching, if prescribed to treat a work-related injury or illness, they are considered medical treatment and thus recordable. General exercise and stretching recommendations as part of safe work practices remain non-recordable, provided they are not specifically altered to address an employee’s injury or illness. Key takeaways for employers include monitoring first aid treatments and ensuring employees receive necessary medical care. Recommendations for stretching should focus on precautionary measures, avoiding repeated first aid applications that suggest further medical care is needed. This approach helps maintain compliance with OSHA’s regulations and avoids potential citations. #safetyknights

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End the week with a focus on #WorkplaceSafety. Take time to assess your safety culture by evaluating your strengths and identifying areas for improvement. Understanding what works well and recognizing areas that need enhancement are crucial steps towards maintaining an outstanding safety culture. Continuous assessment and proactive measures ensure a safer workplace for everyone. #SafetyFirst #safetyprofessional

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There’s still time to sign up! Curious about where you can go in the EHS field? Come connect and listen to some seasoned EHS professionals who can give you some guidance into all the possibilities.

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