Industrial Hygiene News - January/February 2012

The Industry Leader Award recognizes outstanding safety achievements of National Safety Council members and represents the top 5 percent of member companies that have qualified for the National Safety Council 2011 Occupational Excellence Achievement Award. has execut- ed more than 13 million man-hours of work without a lost- time injury
URS also received the Corporate Culture of Safety Award for demonstrating a corporate-wide commitment to work- place safety and health. This prestigious award was given to only eight companies. Randall A. Wotring, President of Federal Services for URS, accepting the award on behalf of URS, commented: This is a great honor. The consistent daily performance of URS in safely operating its projects continues to be a hallmark of excellence that URS takes pride in delivering to our customers.
NIOSH NPPTL announced that the 2012 Personal Protective Equipment Selection, Use, and Expectations: PPT Stakeholder Meeting and Workshop will be held on March 20 and 21, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency Pittsburgh Airport. Information is available at https://www.team- psa.com/niosh/Stakeholders/2012/home.asp
The mission of the NIOSH Personal Protective Technology (PPT) Program and the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) is to prevent work-related injury, illness, and death by advancing the state of knowledge and application of PPT, defined as the technical methods, processes, techniques, tools, and mate- rials that support the development and use of personal protective equipment worn by individuals to reduce the effects of their exposure to a hazard.
OSHA aims to protect workers during winter storms the U.S. Department of Labor’s OSHA has created a web page to help protect workers from hazards they may face during winter storm response and recovery operations. The web page provides guidance on how employers and workers involved in cleanup and recovery operations can recog- nize snow storm-related hazards and the necessary steps that employers must take to keep workers safe while working in these conditions. The page includes guidance for workers clearing heavy snow in front of workplaces and from rooftops, workers encountering downed power lines or traveling on icy roads, and utility workers restor- ing power after winter storms.
Hazards associated with working in winter storms include: • being struck by falling objects such as icicles, tree limbs, and utility poles • driving accidents due to slippery roadways • carbon monoxide poisoning • dehydration, hypothermia and frostbite • exhaustion from strenuous activity • back injuries or heart attack while removing snow • slips and falls due to slippery walkways • electrocution from downed power lines and downed objects in contact with power lines • burns from fires caused by energized line contact or equipment failure • falls from snow removal on roofs or while working in aerial lifts or on ladders • roof collapse under weight of snow (or melting snow if drains are clogged) • lacerations or amputations from unguarded or improper- ly operated chain saws and power tools, and improperly attempting to clear jams in snow blowers Effective means of addressing winter storm hazards include: • assume all power lines are energized and stay well clear of any downed or damaged power lines • make certain all powered equipment is properly guarded and disconnected from power sources before cleaning or performing maintenance • use caution around surfaces weighed down by large amounts snow or of ice • scooping small amounts of snow and using proper lift- ing form to avoid over-exertion or injuries • clear walking surfaces of snow and ice and use salt or its equivalent where appropriate • employers should provide and ensure the use of fall pro- tection and provide and maintain ladders • stay in the vehicle – do not leave the vehicle unless help is visible within 100 yards • wear reflective clothing, and eye, face and body protec- tion • establish and clearly mark work zones