FREE SAFETY SEMINARS FROM MOSH FOR 2006

http://www.dllr.state.md.us/labor/seminars.htm

OSHA Offers New Construction Compliance Assistance Module
from www.osha.gov

Trade News Release
December 8, 2005
Contact: Elaine FraserPhone: (202) 693-1999
OSHA Offers New Construction Compliance Assistance Module

WASHINGTON -- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration today debuted a new Construction Module for its Compliance Assistance Quick Start Web tool, the agency's Web-based tool that introduces employers and employees, especially those at new or small businesses, to the compliance assistance resources on OSHA's Web site.The Construction Module provides a step-by-step guide to help employers and workers in the construction industry comply with OSHA's construction standards. Visitors to the page can generate a set of compliance assistance materials tailored to their jobsites."This new Compliance Assistance Quick Start module is another example of how OSHA is making valuable information immediately and easily accessible to employers, employees and businesses so they can build and sustain safe and healthy work environments," said Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jonathan L. Snare. "It's important we make every effort to help put this kind of material in the hands of those who need it."The Construction Module introduces users to the OSHA standards addressing the leading hazards at construction sites, such as falls and electrical hazards, and provides links to the relevant OSHA compliance assistance resources, including OSHA quick cards, fact sheets, booklets, posters and Web pages. The Module also includes information on training, recordkeeping and developing a worksite safety and health program. In addition, it features a collection of OSHA's Spanish-language materials for the construction industry.Compliance Assistance Quick Start is on OSHA's Compliance Assistance Web page and provides step-by-step guidance on how to identify OSHA requirements and guidance materials that may apply to specific workplaces. In addition to the new Construction Module, Compliance Assistance Quick Start has modules for general industry workplaces and Hispanic outreach.Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov/index.html.

The Application of HAZWOPER to Worksite Response and Cleanup Activities

New OSHA document on HAZWOPER 12/14/05


http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/hazardouswaste/application_worksiteresponse.html

Company fined $21,000 after trench cave-in

By ALEX LEARY, Times Staff WriterPublished December 14, 2005

Federal officials have fined a Clearwater company $21,000 for failing to prevent a trench cave-in that killed an employee installing sewer lines.
B&B Professional Plumbing was cited for five "serious" violations by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, among them failing to inspect the trench beforehand and not securing it properly.
"The excavation had nearly vertical walls, and no protective system (shoring, sloping or shielding) was provided," according to an OSHA report provided to the Times on Tuesday.
The incident occurred May 12 behind Intrepid Powerboats Inc. on Belcher Road in Pinellas Park. Charles "Mike" Morrison, 48, of St. Petersburg, died when the walls of the 9-foot trench collapsed.
The force broke Morrison's ribs and pelvis, setting the stage for the cardiac arrest he suffered as other workers tried to free him.
Under OSHA standards, special precautions are required for trenches deeper than 5 feet. Walls must be sloped for stability, or a trench box or other bracing must be used to prevent cave-ins. Removed soil must be kept at least 2 feet from the edge of the hole. Also, the trench must be inspected daily by a "competent person" for evidence of problems.
None of those steps was taken by B&B Professional Plumbing, according to OSHA. The case was finalized last month but just recently became public on the agency's Web site.
In a letter to OSHA dated Nov. 16, company vice president Robert J. Jernigan stated, "the trench was not in accordance with OSHA standards, and Mr. Morrison should not have entered it."
Jernigan wrote another letter the following day, saying the company agreed not to do excavation work deeper than 5 feet, that employees were sent to an OSHA safety course and that a safety consultant had been hired.
Phone calls seeking comment from company officials Tuesday were not returned.
Morrison's family could not be reached, though his stepdaughter previously blamed the accident on "other people's negligence."

This goes to show you how important HAZCOM training is!

Three Hurt In Blast At Perdue Farms Poultry Plant In U.S.

SALISBURY, Md. (AP)--A truck driver's error is being blamed for a pre-dawn explosion at a Perdue Farms Inc. (PDU.xx) poultry processing plant that injured three workers.

The explosion, which happened at about 5:20 a.m. EST at a wastewater treatment building across the street from where chickens are prepared, occurred when a worker delivering sodium chlorite mistakenly pumped the liquid into a tank containing 2,000 gallons of ferric chlorite. Fire officials compared the result to mixing vinegar and baking soda.

"The two are not compatible," said Salisbury assistant fire chief Bryan Records. The reaction caused the tank to explode, throwing out a steel roll-up door and causing parts of the roof to collapse, he said.

"It blew (the door) out in the shape of a C, just blew it out and made a horseshoe shape out of it," Records said. Another truck driver was trapped in his truck until fire rescuers arrived, he said.

The chemical reaction could have been much worse except the force ruptured a water line in the wastewater building, which caused water to spew and dilute the two chemicals, Records said. It was also fortunate that the explosion occurred before more workers arrived.

"If that had been another period of the day, there would've been a lot more people there. There very easily could've been someone killed," he said.

Two of the three injured men complained of irritated eyes and throats and were treated and released at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury. The third worker, a truck driver, was being held at the same hospital for X-rays and a longer exam, although his injuries didn't appear life-threatening, Records said. None of the workers was named, although Records said the errant pumper was not a Perdue employee and apparently didn't know his truck was not supposed to be parked alongside the building because of the chemicals his tanker was carrying.

Perdue Farms spokeswoman Julie DeYoung said the plant was closed Tuesday. It was too early to tell how long until the processing plant could resume work, though Records said the wastewater building would likely be condemned.

It was the first industrial accident at the Salisbury Perdue plant since late 2002, when an anhydrous ammonia leak caused workers to complain of irritation, Records said. No one was seriously injured in that accident, and that problem has been fixed, he said.

More than 80 firefighters and environmental cleanup experts were called to Tuesday's explosion, Records said. Sodium chlorite, also known as sodium salt, is a type of bleaching agent used in the processing plant to kill germs on the equipment.

Homes are located near the explosion, but nobody was evacuated, Records said. The spill was stopped before the chemicals reached the nearby Wiconmico River.

Perdue Farms, headquartered in Salisbury, is the nations' third-leading producer of chicken.

ABC Baltimore to offer course in "Spanish for Safety"

Are you a safety manager who is interested in reducing the number of accidents on your job?
Our eight week intensive program features a bi-lingual instructor who teaches in the construction industry using real world terminology with an "accent" on safety. You will learn how to talk about safety and health in Spanish as well as how to make cultural differences work for you. The basic class is open to individuals with little prior knowledge of Spanish who will learn how to give safety warnings, refer to safety equipment, give safety commands, and refer to frequently used safety items. The curriculum has been compiled by on the job experiences as well as participation in a MOSH workshop "Seguridad en la Construccion". Everyone must bring a toolbox talk to the first class! Our goal is for you to be able to give a toolbox talk in SPANISH.
This 16 hour class will cover many of your safety specific requests as well as:
- How to give safety warnings in Spanish
- Safety Equipment
- Safety Commands
- Safety Items

The cost is $275.00 for members and $475.00 for non-members

For more information, please contact Mike Barton at 410-821-0351 or mbarton@abcbaltimore.org

Drive to Survive in Winter Weather
from the Maryland State Highway Administration Website


Drive To Survive In Winter WeatherThe State Highway Administration (SHA) realizes the difficulty of driving during the harsh conditions of winter weather. SHA's skilled drivers have years of training and experience in dealing with snow and icy conditions. Here are some tips to help you on your way this season
Be sure to buckle up and require your passengers to do the same.
When a snow emergency is declared, make every effort to avoid driving or allow extra time to get where you are going. Keep in mind that when roadways are icy or snow covered, you should never expect to drive as you would during clear weather or on dry road surfaces
Should your car begin to skid, remember not to panic or slam on your brakes. Take your foot off the gas pedal and immediately steer in the direction of the skid.
Increase following distance between your vehicle and others on the road, especially snowplows. Packed snow and ice may create a smooth, glass-like surface beneath your tires making it difficult to control your vehicle.
Remember bridges and ramps freeze first and may be especially difficult to navigate.
Never pass a snow plow or salt truck especially a plow train! Plow trains are groups of trucks which form a line across the lanes to clear snow. Operators may not see you or your car may get caught on a snow-covered plow edge. In addition, driving will be much easier if you stay at least 25 feet, or three car lengths, behind the snow emergency vehicle.
Do not abandon your vehicle. The safest place to wait for help is in your car. If your car breaks down, move your vehicle as far off the roadway as possible and lift the hood. Try to leave a distress signal, such as a scarf, hanging from the window. Please remember, when you abandon your vehicle, it may be subject to towing, ticketing and a fine.
Remember, when shoveling snow from your driveway, create a pile away from the roadway. A good rule is to shovel to the right when facing the street. However, keep in mind that the important thing is not to shovel the snow onto an area that will simply be plowed back onto the driveway when the state, county or city snowplows come through.
Remember!
Things To Check Before Taking The Wheel:Check your car's antifreeze, oil, battery, defroster, heater, wipers, washer fluid and level.
Inspect the tires to be sure there is adequate tread, check air pressure to ensure proper inflation. Use radials or chains during snow emergencies.
If you must travel, prepare to leave early and allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
And Finally.Take time to remove all ice and snow from your car, concentrating on the windows, wipers, mirrors and lights. To reduce the chance of snow flying off your vehicle while driving, remove snow and ice from the front grill, hood and roof. Good visibility is essential for a safe journey. You need to see and be seen by others.
County Roads/Public Works Telephone Numbers
Allegany County
(301) 777-5955
Anne Arundel County
(410) 222-7349
Baltimore County
(410) 887-3560
Calvert County
(410) 535-0905
Caroline County
(410) 479-0520
Carroll County
(410) 848-6717
Cecil County
(410) 996-6270
Charles County
(301)932-3450 or (888) 460-7669
Dorchester County
(301) 228-2920
Frederick County
(301) 694-1564
Garrett County
(310) 334-3988
Harford County
(410) 638-3532
Howard County
(410) 313-7450
Kent County
(410) 778-4252
Montgomery County
(310) 217-2150
Prince George's County
(310) 499-8600
Queen Anne's County
(410) 758-0920
St. Mary's County
(301) 863-8400
Somerset County
(410) 651-1930
Talbot County
(410) 822-5446
Washington County
(301) 791-3140
Wicomico County
(410) 548-4874
Worcester County
(410) 632-2244
and

Baltimore City
(410) 396-7669
For Conditions On Numbered Maryland, U.S. And Interstate Routes,Call 1-800-323-6742 From 8 A.M. to 5 P.M.
For Highway Conditions During Winter Storms, Call Sha's 24-Hour Hotline At 1-800-327-3125.