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Preventing injuries is a major workplace safety challenge. More than one million workers suffer back injuries each year, and back injuries account for one in five workplace injuries or illnesses.

One-fourth of all compensation indemnity claims involve back injuries, costing industry billions of dollars -- not to mention the pain and suffering borne by employees.

Although lifting, placing, carrying, holding, and lowering are involved in manual materials handling (the principal cause of compensable work injuries), a Bureau of Labor Statistics survey shows that four in five of these injuries were to the lower back, and that three in four occurred while the employee was lifting. No approach has been found for totally eliminating back injuries caused by lifting, but a substantial portion can be prevented by an effective control program and ergonomic design of work tasks.

Administrative Controls:

• Strength testing of existing workers; one study showed that discouraging the assign- ment of workers to jobs that exceed their strength capabilities can prevent up to one-third of work-related injuries
• Training employees to employ lifting techniques that place minimum stress on the lower back
• Physical conditioning or stretching programs to reduce the risk of muscle strain

Engineering Controls:

Reduction in the size or weight of the object lifted. The parameters include maximum allowable weights for a given set of task requirements, the compactness of a package, the presence of handles, and the stability of the package being handled.

• Adjusting the height of a pallet or shelf. Lifting that occurs below knee level or above shoulder level is more strenuous than lifting between these limits.
• Obstructions that prevent an employee's body contact with the object being lifted also generally increase the risk of injury.
• Installation of mechanical aids such as pneumatic lifts, conveyors, or automated materials-handling equipment.

In a recent study it was determined that up to one-third of compensable back injuries could be prevented through better job design (ergonomics). Other factors include frequency of lifting, duration of lifting activities, and type of lifting, as well as individual variables such as age, sex, body size, state of health, and general physical fitness.

Rules for Lifting

1. Size up the load; observe the position of the load.
2. Carefully look around for any surrounding hazards.
3. If you need help, GET IT.
4. Stand as close to the load as possible.
5. Grip the load securely. Injuries often occur when loads slip or fall because of an inadequate grip.
6. Face in the direction of the lift with knees and hips bent. Tighten abdominal muscles, take a deep breath, and lift.
7. Keep the weight as close to the body as possible. Hold elbows in close to the body.
8. Use leg and hip muscles, not your back, to lift.
9. Bend hips and knees while lifting, keeping your back straight.
10. If it is necessary to turn while lifting, move your feet instead of twisting the trunk of your body.
11. Watch for protruding nails, sharp edges, and other dangerous surfaces of the object being lifted.
12. Keep fingers away from pinch points.
13. Wear protective gloves.
14. Use hand trucks and other appropriate equipment to help lift.
15. If the object is overhead, grip it with your palms up. Lower the object slowly. Keep the object as close to your body as possible. Watch out for any protrusions.

Rules for Carrying

1. Keep your back as straight as possible.
2. Keep the load as close to your body as possible.
3. Center the load over your pelvis.
4. Put the load down by bending at the hips and knees with your back straight.
5. If the load is too heavy, GET HELP.
6. If more than one person is carrying the load, allow one person to be the leader. The leader should coordinate carrying and timing of movements.

Rules for Using Ladders

1. Make sure safety feet are in good condition.
2. Make sure rungs are unpainted and clean.
3. Do not use metal or aluminum ladders in electrical areas.
4. Only one person should stand on a ladder at a time.
5. Make sure the ladder is tied at top and properly positioned.
6. Keep hands free, use belt attachments for carrying tools, etc.
7. Never overreach.
8. Keep danger tags available, and use them to mark defective ladders.
9. Never use stools, chairs, boxes, etc. in place of a ladder.

Preventing Slips, Falls, and Other Accidents

1. Make sure lighting is adequate.
2. Avoid congestion and overcrowding in a work area.
3. Make sure all materials and equipment are properly stacked and stored.
4. Make sure exits are adequate. Check daily to ensure that exits are never blocked.
5. Keep hands free especially on ladders and scaffolding. Use equipment belts and safety tie-downs as appropriate.
6. Report any unsafe condition caused by non-employees, such as contractors.
7. Keep all aisles and stairways clear.
8. Maintain a safe clearance for equipment through aisles and doorways.
9. Walk only in approved walkways.
10. Be especially careful in strange environments -- such as a manufacturing plant would be to an office worker.

Fire safety is important business. National Fire Prevention Week in October focuses on the importance of fire safety in the home, in schools, and at work. But fire safety in the workplace is the principal focus of the Occupational Safety and Health Administrat-ion (OSHA) -- and saving lives and preventing injuries due to fire is a key concern.

According to National Safety Council figures, losses due to workplace fires exceed $3 billion. Workplace fires result in an estimated 360 deaths every year.

There is a long and tragic history of workplace fires in this country. One of the most notable was the 1911 fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York City, in which nearly 150 women and young girls died because of locked fire exits and an inadequate fire extinguishing system. History has repeated itself in the Hamlet, NC fire, where 25 workers died in a poultry-processing plant. There, too, problems involved the fire exits and extinguishing systems.

In its workplace inspections, OSHA checks to see whether employers are complying with its standards for fire safety.

TYPES OF FIRES

• Class A - Ordinary combustible materials, wood, paper, etc. Treat with water (cooling) or dry chemicals (coating).
• Class B - Flammable liquids, gases, and greases. Treat by excluding air with carbon dioxide, etc. Respirators may be required if the firefighters' fresh air supply is threatened.
• Class C - Electrical fires. Treat with nonconductive extinguishing agent.
• Class D - Combustible and reactive metals such as magnesium. Treat with non-reactive heat-absorbing extinguishing medium.

Maine 200

In 1993, OSHA instituted the Maine 200 program. About 200 companies worked with OSHA to improve safety. Employers received federal assistance in developing health and safety programs and were assured that inspections had a low priority. According to a White House press release, employers identified more than 14 times as many hazards as could have been cited by OSHA inspectors. Approximately 60% of the participating businesses reduced injury and illness rates.

OSHA looks for the following:

1. Management commitment
2. Employee participation
3. Hazard identification effort
4. Correction and documentation
5. Training for employees and supervisors
6. Reduction of illness and injury

The Maine 200 approach has proved cost effective in reducing workplace injury and illness. The program is being expanded by OSHA.

Fire Causes:

The main hazards that result in fire are:

• Smoking
• Electrical
• Poor Housekeeping
• Grease (cooking, industrial, etc.)
• Spontaneous combustion
• Friction -- for example, overheating bearings
• Explosion of vapors, dust, atomized liquids or gases
• Chemical reactions

Fire requires three things: fuel, heat, and oxygen. Removal of any of these will prevent or stop a fire. There are five steps in fire prevention and protection: engineering; planning; training; inspection; and follow-up.

ENGINEERING

The first step in fire prevention is to engineer the site for fire prevention and protection. This includes attention to layout, design, construction, and materials. Automatic and manually operated fixed-sprinkler or extinguisher systems may be installed. Process and work flow should be analyzed for contribution to fire hazard or inhibition of effective response.

PLANNING

The second step is development, documentation, and communication of emergency response plans. Plans should include:

• Responsibilities of management, supervisors, employees, public
• Response resources, including sprinklers and extinguishers, by-pass, shutdown, and reservoir systems
• Response personnel duties, training, and tools
• Coordination with public resources such as fire departments and their equipment and facilities such as fire hydrants
• Means of sounding alarm and communication with affected persons
• Isolation and containment planning
• Planning and resources for disabled and others
• Evacuation -- locally, horizontally (nearby areas), and globally
• Shut-down procedures and back-up systems
• Emergency communication systems
• First aid provisions and training
• Provision of water, food, clothing, and shelter as needed

TRAINING

The third step is employee and public training:

• Are postings appropriate, understandable, and adequate?
• Are employees trained to identify and respond to emergency situations?
• Are designated employees trained to participate in response to fire emergencies?
• Are reviews and drills conducted as appropriate?

INSPECTION

The fourth step is regular inspection to:

• Ensure compliance with plans
• Test systems and extinguishers
• Verify adequacy of postings
• Review response capability and training
• Identify new or existing hazards
• Effect and verify improvements

FOLLOW-UP

The fifth step includes:

• Maintain watch after fire is extinguished
• Account for all personnel and public
• Secure the site, facilities, equipment, and materials
• Search affected areas for hazards (plumbing, electrical, structural, hazardous material or fire by-products) and report findings
• Identify causes and effect changes to prevent recurrence
• Report as appropriate to management, government, and public

OSHA FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

OSHA standards require employers to develop evacuation and prevention plans.

Employers must provide proper exits, employee training, and fire-fighting equipment.

Emergency Evacuation Planning

Each employer needs to have a written emergency action plan for evacuating employees. This would describe the routes to use and procedures to be followed by employees, as well as procedures for accounting for all the evacuees.

When appropriate, special procedures for helping physically impaired employees must also be addressed, and the plan must include procedures for the employees who temporarily remain behind to shut down critical plant equipment.

Means of alerting employees to a fire emergency must be part of the plan. An employee alarm system -- voice communication or sound signals such as bells, whistles, or horns --must be available throughout the workplace complex for use in an evacuation. Employees must know the evacuation signal. The written plan must be available for employee review.

Fire Prevention Plan

Employers need to implement a written fire prevention plan to complement the fire evacuation plan. After all, heading off the occurrence of fires is the most efficient way to handle them. Make the written plan available for employee review.

Housekeeping procedures for storage and cleanup of flammable materials and waste must be included in the plan. The recycling of flammable waste such as paper is encouraged; however, handling and packaging procedures must be included in the plan.

Procedures for controlling workplace ignition sources such as smoking, welding, and burning must be addressed in the plan. Heat-producing equipment such as burners, heat exchangers, boilers, ovens stoves, fryers, and so on must be properly maintained and kept clear of accumulations of flammable residue; flammable should never be stored close to these pieces of equipment.

Building Fire Exits

Each workplace building should have at least two means of escape to be used in a fire emergency, and they should be remote from each other. Fire doors must not be blocked or locked when employees are within the building. A delayed opening of fire doors is permitted when an approved alarm system is integrated into the door design.

Exit routes from buildings must be clear and free of obstructions and properly marked with exit signs.

Employee Training

All employees should be apprised of the potential fire hazards of their job and trained in what to do in an emergency. Employers must review the fire prevention and evacua­tion plans with newly assigned employees -- and with all employees when the plan is changed.

Portable Fire Extinguishers

Each workplace building must have a full complement of proper fire extinguishers. Employees intended to use fire extinguishers must be instructed on the hazards of fighting fire, how to operate the available fire extinguishers properly, and the procedures to follow in alerting others to an emergency.

Only approved fire extinguishers are permitted for workplace use, and they must be kept in good operating condition. Proper maintenance and inspection of this equipment are required. When the employer wishes to evacuate employees instead of having them fight small fires, there must be written emergency plans and employee training for proper evacuation.

Fire-Suppression System

Properly designed and installed fixed fire-suppression systems enhance fire safety in the workplace. Automatic sprinkler systems throughout the workplace are among the most reliable of these. The fire sprinkler system detects the fire, sounds an alarm, and sprays water at the fire's location.

Automatic fire-suppression systems require proper maintenance to keep them in serviceable condition. When it's necessary to take a fire-suppression system out of service while business continues, the employer must temporarily substitute a fire watch of trained employees standing by to respond quickly to any fire emergency in the area. The fire watch must correlate to the employer's fire prevention plan and emergency action plan.

Signs must be posted about areas protected by total-flooding fire-suppression systems. These use agents that are a serious health hazard, such as carbon dioxide, Halon 1211, etc. Such automatic systems must be equipped with pre-discharge alarm systems in the area to warn employees of the impending discharge and allow time for evacuation.

An emergency action plan should provide for the safe evacuation of employees from the protected area. Such plans are to be part of the facility's overall evacuation plan.

FIRE SAFETY RULES ... A-C-T, DON'T PANIC!

A - ASSESS THE SITUATION

• Identify the hazards: nature, degree, and auxiliary hazards
• Determine who is threatened: co-workers, other employees, the public

C - CHOOSE YOUR RESPONSE

• Select action level
• Individual action: extinguish a small contained fire
• Limited response involving others
• Major response with fire and rescue department

T - TAKE ACTION

• SOUND THE ALARM
  • Warn co-workers and public
  • Call, meet, and direct fire department
  • Report to management
• EVACUATE
  • Evacuation rules: maintain order
  • Do not use elevators; help others
  • If caught in smoke: breathe through nose in quick short breaths and crawl along floor
  • Move to inside handrail of stairways, move in single file
  • Do not impede firefighters and other responders
  • Do not block stairways, exits, etc.
  • Do not reenter until told to do so
  • Move threatened vehicles
• RESPONDING TO A FIRE
  • Isolate the area as much as possible by closing doors, etc.
  • Shut off required machinery, power, and gas
  • Activate automatic and/or manual fire extinguishers
  • Attempt to extinguish fire if it can be done without risk to your safety
  • Use extinguishers, hoses and equipment only if you are trained to operate them safely and effectively
  • Use respirators as needed after receiving proper training

GENERAL FIRE PREVENTION RULES

• Smoking should be limited to certain areas, and the limitations should be enforced.
• Use only the ashtrays and containers provided in smoking areas.
• All electrical cords should be inspected regularly.
• Do not overload electrical circuits.
• If an electrical cord becomes warm, disconnect any attached appliances and report it immediately.
• Keep the environment clean. Don't allow paper to pile up.
• Don't allow boxes or furniture to lie in aisles or at exits.
• Don't block self-closing doors.

Vehicle accidents are one of the major causes of workplace injury. They include traffic accidents and in-house accidents involving forklifts.

Vehicle Safety Guidelines

All company vehicles and equipment should be operated in a safe manner, and drivers should adhere to all applicable laws. The driver is totally responsible for safe operation of the equipment. Accidents or damage must be reported to the supervisor by the vehicle's driver.

Safety depends on the cooperation between each employee who has been entrusted with the responsibility of driving a company vehicle or their own vehicle while conducting company business.

To reduce vehicle accidents and limit your liability resulting from driver negligence, you may want to adopt a driver safety program.

Use of Personal Vehicles

Before employees can use their personal vehicles for company business, they should provide proof that they own the vehicle or have authorization from the registered owner to drive it for their work. Make sure a copy of the vehicle's registration, a letter, or similar document has been supplied to the employee's supervisor and kept on file.

When using their own personal vehicles for company business, employees must show proof that they have Auto insurance as required by law in their state. A copy of the employee's current policy must be given to his or her supervisor and kept in the personnel files. When an insurance policy expires, a copy of the renewal must be supplied.

Transporting Employees

When several employees are transported in a van, bus, or truck, the operator must have a license appropriate for the class of vehicle being driven, and the vehicle must be equipped with adequate seats. Lamps, brakes, horns, windshields, mirrors, and turn signals should be in good repair. The vehicles must also be provided with handrails, steps, stirrups, or similar devices for mounting or dismounting.

Employees are prohibited from riding on top of any load that can shift, topple, or otherwise become unstable.

When tools with sharp edges are carried in passenger compartments, they must be placed in closed boxes or containers that cannot shift or topple.

Employee-transport vehicles must carry at least two reflective-type flares. A fully charged fire extinguisher in good condition should also be kept.

Vehicle Safety Rules

1. Only authorized individuals are allowed to operate company vehicles. Operators are required to have a proper drivers license for the class of vehicle they are operating.
2. Do not operate any vehicle that you do not feel comfortable handling in both routine and emergency situations. Get training if needed.
3. Do not operate any vehicle if your ability is impaired by medication, alcohol, or drugs.
4. Before using a vehicle, go over the Vehicle Safety Checklist. Do not operate any vehicle with a mechanical problem or that is defective in any way.
5. Inspect brakes, horn, steering, tires, and lights daily. Adjust seat, mirrors, and so forth before operating a vehicle.
6. Carry a first aid kit and fire extinguisher in the vehicle at all times.
7. Always wear seat belts and make sure all passengers are wearing them.
8. Never carry passengers on the outside of a vehicle. No one should ever ride in the beds of trucks.
9. Secure all tools and equipment. Set the brake and remove key when leaving vehicle.
10. Drive courteously and defensively. Pay attention to your driving. Take a break if you feel at all tired or drowsy. STAY ALERT.
11. Obey all safety rules. OBEY SPEED RULES.
12. Always check mirrors and turn around and look before backing up.

Report all accidents immediately but do not discuss responsibility until you have talked to your supervisor.

TRUCK, TRACTOR AND FORKLIFT RULES

General Rules

• All operators must be trained and certified at least annually.
• Plant conditions and operator duties should be reviewed at least annually and when any changes occur.
• All rules must be enforced.
• Safety and training records should be maintained.

Operating Rules

• Only authorized, trained, licensed drivers are permitted to operate equipment.
• There should be no stunt driving or horseplay.
• No one should ride on the forks of lift trucks.
• No part of the body should be outside running lines or other areas where shear or crushing hazards exist.
• No one is permitted to pass or work under elevated portion.
• Vehicles should be checked at least once per shift for horn, lights, tires, battery, controller brakes, steering, cooling, and lift system.
• Immediately tag any unsafe vehicle and remove it from service.
• Drivers should not exceed authorized or safe speed.
• Drivers should not pass at blind spots or in dangerous locations.
• Where vision is obstructed at cross aisles, drivers should sound the horn.
• Loads shall be carried behind the vehicles if they obstruct the front view.
• Drivers should look ahead and not move until certain that all persons are clear of the vehicle.
• Operators must not drive up to anyone standing in front of a fixed object.
• Drivers should ascend and descend grades slowly. If the grade exceeds 10%, keep the load upgrade.
• Carry the fork as low as possible.
• When leaving a vehicle unattended, the operator should shut off power, remove the key, set the brake, bring the mast to vertical, and bring forks to the down position.
• During dismount of a load, engaging means should be lowered, controls neutralized, and brakes set.
• Vehicles should not be used on elevators without authorization. Make sure the elevator capacity is not exceeded. Set the brake and shut off power.
• Driving should be done only on floors or platforms that will safely support both vehicle and load.
• Check the flooring of trucks, trailers, and railroad cars for brakes or other structural weakness before driving them.
• Smaller vehicles should be driven in or out of trucks or trailers only when the latter are securely blocked or the brakes set.
• Follow PUC guidelines with respect to railroad cars.
• Vehicles should be kept at least one tire width from the edge of any elevated dock, platform, freight car, or truck.
• Railroad tracks should be crossed diagonally whenever possible.
• Loads should not exceed rated capacity.
• No load should be moved until it is safely secured. Care should be taken when tilting loads.
• Place any load-engaging device in a manner such that the load is securely held and supported.
• Special precautions should be taken by trucks with attachments when securing and handling loads and during operation after the loads have been removed.

If you are using forklifts and don't have a training program, Safety Information Currents offers a FORKLIFT CERTIFICATION BOOK (developed by Safety Compliance) for $59.95. Call Sylvia, (310) 454-2100, for details or to order this manual.

C - A - R - S
Employee Safe Driving Agreement

I hereby agree to abide by the following driving guidelines:

C - CERTIFICATION

• Operate only those vehicles I am trained and licensed to operate. Operate only those vehicles I am approved by my supervisor to operate.

A - ANTICIPATION

• Always check vehicle for defects and adjust safety devices such as seat belts and mirrors before operating.
• Never operate any vehicle when impaired by fatigue, medication, drugs, or alcohol or vehicles that I do not feel capable of handling in both normal and emergency situations.

R - RESPONSIBILITY

• Obey all laws, rules, regulations, and company policies. Use common sense and adjust speed and operation to conditions and possible hazards or dangers.

S - SAFETY

• Operate vehicles in a courteous manner, irrespective of behavior of others. Drive defensively anticipating possible dangers or hazards.

Hard hats, goggles, face shields, earplugs, steel-toed shoes, respirators. What do all these items have in common? They are all various forms of personal protective equipment. Important safety devices—and yet data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that most injured workers were not wearing appropriate protective equipment when they were injured.

Studies show that:

• Less than one-fourth of the workers with foot injuries wore safety shoes or boots
• Most of the workers with eye injuries wore no eye-protection equipment
• A majority of these workers were injured while performing their normal jobs at regular worksites.

HEAD PROTECTION

Cuts or bruises to the scalp and forehead occurred in 85% of head injury cases, and concussions in 26%. Over a third of the cases resulted from falling objects striking the head.

To work, protective hats must be able to withstand penetration and absorb the shock of a blow. In some cases, hats should also protect against electrical shock. Recognized standards for hats have been established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

FOOT AND LEG PROTECTION

Sixty-six percent of workers with injured feet were wearing safety shoes, protective footwear, heavy-duty shoes or boots; 33% wore regular street shoes. Of those wearing safety shoes, 85% were injured because the object hit an unprotected part of the shoe or boot.

For protection against falling or rolling objects, sharp objects, molten metal, hot surfaces and wet, slippery surfaces, workers should use appropriate footguards, safety shoes or boots, and leggings. Safety shoes should be sturdy and have an impact-resistant toe. Shoes must meet ANSI standards.

EYE AND FACE PROTECTION

Injured workers who were surveyed indicated that eye and face protection was not normally used or practiced in their work areas, or that it was not required for the type of work performed at the time of the accident. Almost one-third of face injuries were caused by metal objects, most often blunt and weighing one pound or more. Accidents resulted in cuts, lacerations, or punctures in 48% of the total, and fractures (including broken or lost teeth) in 27%.

Protection should be based on the kind and degree of hazard present and should:

1. be reasonably comfortable
2. fit properly
3. be durable
4. be cleanable
5. be sanitary
6. be in good condition

   More information on eye protection can be found later in this article.

   EAR PROTECTION

   Exposure to loud noise can cause irreversible hearing loss or impairment. It can also create physical and psychological stress, to say nothing of making you nuts. Preformed or molded ear plugs should be individually fitted by a professional. Waxed cotton, foam, or Fiberglas wool earplugs are self-forming. Disposable earplugs should be used once and thrown away; non-disposable ones should be cleaned after each use or they'll become what scientists call “very yucky.”

   The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has promulgated a final rule on requirements for a hearing conservation program. Information on the program is available from the closest OSHA office.

   ARM AND HAND PROTECTION

   Burns, cuts, electrical shock, amputation, and absorption of chemicals are not fun. They are also examples of hazards associated with arm and hand injuries. A wide assortment of gloves, hand pads, sleeves, and wristlets is available for protection from these hazards.

   The devices should be selected to fit the specific task. Rubber is considered the best material for insulating gloves and sleeves, and must conform to ANSI standards (copies of which are available from ANSI, 1430 Broadway, New York, NY 10018).

   TORSO PROTECTION

   There's no part of your anatomy you want to protect more than the torso, because without it, you're nothing. Many hazards can threaten the torso: heat, splashes from hot metals and liquids, impacts, cuts, acids, and radiation. A variety of protective clothing is available: vests, jackets, aprons, coveralls, and full body suits.

   Fire-retardant wool and specially treated cotton clothing items are comfortable, and they adapt well to a variety of workplace temperatures. Other types of protection include leather, rubberized fabrics, and disposable suits.

   RESPIRATOR PROTECTION

   OSHA has requirements for respirators to control occupational diseases caused by breathing air contaminated with harmful dusts, fogs, fumes, mists, gases, smokes, sprays, and vapors. Information is available under the title of Respirator Protection (29 CFR 1910.134). Proper selection of respirators should be made according to the guidance of ANSI Practices for Respiratory Protection.

   WARNING

   Remember: Using personal protective equipment requires hazard awareness and training on the part of the user. Employees must be aware that the equipment alone does not eliminate the hazard. If the equipment fails, exposure will occur.

   OSHA standards require employers to furnish and require employees to use suitable protective equipment where there is a “reasonable probability” that injury can be prevented by such equipment. The standards also set provisions for specific equipment.

   While use of personal protective equipment is important, it is only a supplementary form of protection, necessary when not all hazards have been controlled through other means such as engineering controls. Engineering controls are especially important in hearing and respiratory protection, and specific standards call for employers to take all feasible steps to control the hazards.

   EYE PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE

   Every day, an estimated 1,000 eye injuries occur in American workplaces. The financial cost of these injuries is enormous—more than $300 million per year in lost production time, medical expenses, and Workers' Compensation. No dollar figure can adequately reflect the personal toll these accidents take on the injured workers.

   OSHA and the 25 states and territories operating their own job safety and health programs are determined to help reduce eye injuries. In concert with efforts by concerned voluntary groups, OSHA has begun a nationwide information campaign to improve workplace eye protection.

   Take a moment to think about the possible eye hazards at your workplace. A 1980 survey by the Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) of about 1,000 minor eye injuries reveals how and why many on-the-job accidents occur.

   What contributes to eye injuries at work? Not wearing eye protection. BLS reports that nearly three out of every five workers injured were not wearing eye protection at the time of the accident or were wearing the wrong kind of eye protection for the job. About 40 of the injured workers were wearing some form of eye protection when the accident occurred. These workers were most likely to be wearing eyeglasses with no side shields, though injuries among employees wearing full-cup or flat-fold side shields occurred as well.

   WHAT CAUSES EYE INJURIES?

   • Flying particles. BLS found that almost 70% of the accidents studied resulted from flying or falling objects or sparks striking the eye. Injured workers estimated that nearly three-fifths of the objects were smaller than a pin head. Most of the particles were said to be traveling faster than a hand-thrown object when the accident occurred.
   • Contact with chemicals. The survey showed that contact with chemicals caused one-fifth of the injuries.
   • Other accidents were caused by objects swinging from a fixed or attached position, such as tree limbs, ropes, chains, or tools which were pulled into the eye while the worker was using them.

   WHERE DO ACCIDENTS OCCUR MOST OFTEN?

   During craft work and operation of industrial equipment. Potential eye hazards can be found in nearly every industry, but BLS reported that more than 40% of injuries studied occurred among craft workers such as mechanics, repair persons, carpenters, and plumbers. Over a third of the injured workers were operatives, such as assemblers, sanders, and grinding machine operators.

   Laborers suffered about one-fifth of the eye injuries. Almost half the injured workers were employed in manufacturing; slightly more than 20% were in construction.

   HOW CAN EYE INJURIES BE PREVENTED?

   Always wear effective eye protection. OSHA standards require employers to provide workers with suitable eye protection. To be effective, the eyewear must be of the appropriate type for the hazard encountered and properly fitted. For example, the BLS survey showed that 94% of the injuries to workers wearing eye protection resulted from objects or chemicals going around or under the protector. Eye protective devices should allow for air to circulate between the eye and the lens. Only 13 workers injured while wearing eye protection reported breakage.

   Nearly one-fifth of the injured workers with eye protection wore face shields or welding helmets. However, only six percent of the workers were injured while wearing eye protection wore goggles, which generally offer better protection for the eyes. The best protection is afforded when goggles are worn with face shields.

   Better training and education. Workers injured while not wearing protective eyewear most often said they believed it was not required by the situation. Even though the vast majority of employers furnished eye protection at no cost to employees, about 40% of the workers received no information on where and what kind of eyewear should be used.

   Maintenance. Eye protection devices must be properly maintained. Scratched and dirty devices reduce vision, cause glare, and may contribute to accidents.

   WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?

   The National Society to Prevent Blindness, a voluntary health organization, is dedicated to preserving sight and has developed excellent information and training materials for preventing eye injuries at work. Its 26 affiliates nationwide may also provide consultation in developing effective eye safety programs. For more information and a publications catalog, write the National Society to Prevent Blindness, 79 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016-7896.

   EYE PROTECTION WORKS!

   Sure, safety goggles are dumb looking, but they're still the smart thing to wear. BLS reported that more than 50% of workers injured while wearing eye protection thought the eyewear had minimized their injuries. But nearly half the workers also felt that another type of protection could have better prevented or reduced the injuries they suffered. And of course, the best goggles in the world won't save you from an eye injury if you leave them in your locker.

   It is estimated that 90% of eye injuries can be prevented through the use of proper protective eyewear. By working together, OSHA, employers, workers, and health organizations can make it happen.

   WORKERS' COMPENSATION COSTS

   While we're on the subject of workplace injuries, you should know that Workers' Compensation costs are increasing. Today the average is $25,000 for every injury. This is triple the cost 10 years ago. Additionally, much of this increasing cost is going to the therapists, doctors, and lawyers rather than the workers. In some areas, more than half of the cases end up attached to a lawsuit. Rather than a mechanism to take care of injured workers, it has become a $70 billion-per-year problem for American businesses.

   WHAT TO DO?

   A proactive program should be set up to identify and correct hazards. Employees should be trained and encouraged to give suggestions. And follow up on all potential or actual safety problems. Taken together, these measures can reduce Workers' Compensation costs.

   Injured employees should be treated immediately, and a program of frequent, regular checkups and therapy should be designed and instituted. Daily contact should be maintained and employees returned to work as soon as possible. This may mean temporary reassignment to light-duty jobs.

   Hazard communication is important in multi-employer workplaces. All workers need training and access to MSDSs.

   Hazard training can be specific to materials (chemicals) or broken down into categories. Retraining is required when a new hazard is introduced into the workplace. If category training has been provided, retraining is not required when a new chemical is introduced. For example, if employees have been trained in flammable chemicals and a new flammable material is introduced, retraining is not required. But if a new chemical is a carcinogen and training in carcinogens has not been given, retraining is required. You can order a booklet from OSHA (OSHA 3222) called “Hazard Communication Guidelines for Compliance” by calling the OSHA publications office at (202) 219-4667.

   EMERGENCY RESPONSE

   In case of emergency, the first question is, “What should I do?” SIC's 140-page EMERGENCY RESPONSE HANDBOOK answers that question and many more, so you don't have to worry.

   The Handbook indexes more than 2,000 hazardous materials and provides concise guides to isolation requirements, potential hazards (fire or explosion, health hazards), emergency action (fire or spills), and first aid. The contents include:

   • Emergency Action
   • Selecting the Best Response
   • First Aid Guides
   • ID Number Index
   • Emergency Guides
   • Chemical Names Index

   Many organizations are placing a copy in every vehicle in their fleet, in all receiving and storage areas, and every place where hazardous materials may be found. If you need a copy, call the SIC at (310) 454-2100.