Work Safely in Cold Conditions

Safety News
Making California Workplaces Safer
N e w s
A b o u t
O c c u p a t i o n a l
S a f e t y
a n d
H e a l t h
Work Safely in Cold Conditions
D
uring the winter months, working in
cold and wet environments outdoors can
increase the dangers of hypothermia. It is
important to remember that it doesn’t take ice cold
temperatures to cause hypothermia; just prolonged
exposure to temperatures of 30 – 50 degrees can
produce the same effects. Hypothermia doesn’t happen immediately. How long it takes to set in depends
on the type of exposure and your physical condition.
Prevention is the best way to avoid hypothermia;
keep the following in mind if you work in conditions
that get cold and wet.
• Dress appropriately; this is the most effective
protection against hypothermia. The greatest loss
of body heat occurs through the head, so wear
a cap and several layers of loose-fitting clothing
along with boots, or warm socks and shoes.
• Keep dry. Clothing loses 90% percent of its
insulating value when it gets wet. So put on rain
gear before you get wet and wool clothing before
you start shivering.
• Be aware of changes in weather, stay alert for
cold and wind – even a slight breeze carries heat
away from the body.
PUBLIC AGENCIES
The Significance
of Site Inspections
Safety inspections in the workplace that use
site-specific checklists help to keep workers
protected by identifying and correcting potential injury-causing hazards. Even though
the regularity of inspections may vary - each
shift, daily, quarterly or annually depending
on the type or degree of workplace hazards,
all observations, identified hazards, and corrective actions must be documented.
The major factors of hypothermia are cold, wind,
and water as they all draw heat from the body.
There are also additional factors that put you at risk,
including age, poor physical condition, illness, use
of alcohol or certain medicines, and fatigue. The
effects of hypothermia can range from mild to
severe. In severe cases it can cause permanent
damage to your heart and other vital organs and
can result in death.
i n
• Stop the exposure if you are unable to stay
warm or dry, leave the cold or wet environment.
Recognize the early signs of hypothermia by looking
for the “umbles” – stumbles, mumbles, fumbles,
and grumbles. Look for any change in motor coordination and levels of consciousness; look for skin
and lips turning blue-gray or if your fingers, ears,
and other extremities turn white.
Other symptoms to watch out for are uncontrollable
shivering, confusion, weakness, drowsiness, pain in
your extremities, weak pulse, or shallow breathing.
If left untreated, your muscles become rigid, your
heartbeat becomes irregular, and you could lose
consciousness. Eventual coronary or respiratory failure can result in death. If hypothermia does occur,
get to a warm, dry shelter, remove wet clothing (replacing it with warm dry clothing), and keep warm
with blankets. Get medical help as soon as possible.
Hypothermia is a life-threatening consequence of
inadequate preparation for cold weather conditions.
But it doesn’t have to happen to you if you dress
properly and watch for early warning signs. q
A general inspection should note housekeeping practices such as items and debris on
floors and walkways. Areas under desks and
tables should allow for proper ergonomic
seating and access for emergency protection.
Stored items should be properly stacked on
shelving units firmly attached to walls with
heavier items on bottom shelves and lighter
items on top. Tops shelf items require 18”
clearance from fire sprinkler systems and
unsecured stacked floor items should not
exceed 72” in height.
Site inspections should check that floor
surfaces are clean and free of slip hazards.
Wet surfaces should be covered with slip
resistant materials and any holes in floors,
sidewalks, carpets or other walking surfaces
should be repaired, covered or marked as a
hazard. Extension cords should be used only
temporarily and not cross walkways without
Continued on next page
ISSUE FOUR, 2011
Feature Articles
Work Safely in Cold Conditions
The Significance of Site Inspections
From Our Expert – Integrating Employee
Health and Wellness
Safety Topic – Choosing and Using the
Right Ladder
Listeria Outbreak in the United States
In Each Issue
Employer Education Series
Reporting Injuries
S a f e t y
N e w s S t a t e
C o m p e n s a t i o n
I n s u r a n c e
F u n d I s s u e
F o u r ,
2 0 1 1
FROM OUR EXPERT
Integrating Employee Health and Wellness
T
he National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends integrating wellness with safety
to protect, preserve, and improve the health
and well-being of workers. This approach
has been shown to reduce healthcare insurance costs, lower workers’ compensation
premiums by reducing injuries, and increase
productivity for businesses, while improving
quality of life for workers.
Wellness programs are necessary to educate
and engage the workforce. Rates of obesity,
arthritis, stress, and other chronic health
conditions are at all time highs in the
working population. While these conditions may result from factors outside of the
workplace, they have a detrimental effect
on business outcomes. Since employees
spend a significant portion of their lives in
the workplace, it seems like the optimal
place to introduce wellness and lifestyle
topics. The workplace provides opportunities for education on a variety of topics
including healthy eating, the importance of
physical activity, and the benefits of smoking
cessation, as well as a built-in peer support
possibly integrate nutrition is to peform a
“walkability” audit of the area surrounding
a business. While the main focus is to
identify safe and attractive walking routes
around the worksite and surrounding
neighbor-hood to introduce physical activity
during breaks, an additional benefit is the
ability to highlight healthy eating options
within walking distance.
structure from other program participants.
As recently as 1996, obesity rates in the
adult population nationwide were below
20%. In 2010, no state had a prevalence of
obesity less than 20%. In California, 24% of
the adult population is obese. (Data from
Centers for Disease Control – Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System)
Individual choices drive this epidemic, but
it is exacerbated by the sedentary nature of
the knowledge-based, service economy. The
introduction of nutritional education and
physical activity through health promotion
programs has been shown to have a positive
effect at individual workplaces.
One way to introduce physical activity and
An intervention at the Koger Center Rhodes
Building in Atlanta including painting, carpeting, framed artwork, motivational signs,
and music, showed increased stairwell
use by building occupants. Information
on this study and implementing a stairwell
improvement project can be found at http://
www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/hwi/toolkits/
stairwell/index.htm.
A variety of toolkits and resources for starting a successful health promotion program
can be found online at the NIOSH Total
Worker Health website. http://www.cdc.gov/
niosh/twh/. q
Ryan Horton is an Associate Ergonomics
Professional based in Southern California.
The Significance of Site Inspections continued from page 1
hazard notification signs. Additional power outlets
should be installed if extension cords are necessary on a permanent basis or there are “daisy
chained” power strips.
Examine all equipment, tools, and power cords to
make sure they are in good operating condition
with protective guards and coverings in place. Any
defective items should be tagged and taken out of
service. Electric panels should be checked to have
36” clearance in front. The inspection should
also assure that chemicals are properly stored in
compatible classes.
Notices of hazards and requirements should be
clearly posted in affected areas anytime personal
protective equipment (PPE) is necessary. The
PPE must be readily available, clean, and in good
condition. Restricted areas should also be marked
as such.
Emergency exits and eyewash stations should be
clearly identifiable from any point in the work
area and clear from debris or other access
impediments. Doors that are not exits should be
labeled to avoid confusion. And, fire doors should
not be propped open. The inspection should
include annual fire alarm and sprinkler system
testing with monthly testing of fire extinguisher
for charge and annually checking for recharge.
And, first aid kits should be periodically inspected
to assure supplies have been replenished or
replaced. q
S a f e t y
N e w s
S t a t e
C o m p e n s a t i o n
I n s u r a n c e
F u n d
I s s u e
F o u r ,
2 0 1 1
Safety Topic / Temas de Seguridad
Topic Review/
Revisión Del Tema
Choosing and Using the Right Ladder
Instructor _________________________
A
ccidents and injuries involving ladders used or
placed incorrectly are prevalent in the workplace.
Before the use of any ladder, make sure there are
no broken, cracked, or missing rails and that rungs are
not slippery from grease or oil. Examine the ladder for
any damage or corrosion on metal ladders. If a ladder is
in poor condition, don’t use it. A competent person should
periodically inspect all ladders and remove damaged
ladders from use until they are repaired.
• Be sure straight ladders are long enough so that the
side rails extend above the top support point by at least
36 inches.
Keep the following tips in mind when choosing and
using a ladder.
• Climb the ladder carefully, facing it and using both
hands. Use a tool belt or hand line to carry materials.
• Choose the appropriate type and size ladder for the
job, including correct fittings, and safety feet.
• Ladders are rated for weight capacity. Keep in mind
that includes your weight and the weight of tools and
other material on the ladder.
• Near electrical conductors or equipment, use only
ladders with non-conductive side rails.
• Set the ladder on solid footing, against a solid support.
• Place the base of a straight ladder out away from the
wall or edge of the upper level about one foot for every
four feet of vertical height.
• Never try to increase the height of a ladder by standing
it on other objects, such as boxes or barrels.
• Portable straight ladders should be tied, blocked or
otherwise secured against movement.
• To avoid slipping on a ladder, check your shoes for oil,
grease, or mud, and wipe it off before climbing.
• Don’t lean out to the side when you’re on a ladder.
If something is out of reach, get down and move
the ladder.
• An A-frame ladder should never be used as a
lean-to ladder. q
Selección y uso de la escalera adecuada
Los accidentes y las lesiones que involucran escaleras
utilizadas o colocadas erróneamente son frecuentes en
el sitio de trabajo. Antes de utilizar cualquier escalera,
asegúrese de que no haya rieles quebrados, agrietados
o faltantes y que los escalones no estén resbaladizos por
causa de grasa o aceite. Examine la escalera para determinar que no tenga daños y verifique que no haya corrosión
en las escaleras metálicas. Si una escalera se encuentra en
condición deficiente, no la use. Una persona competente
deberá inspeccionar periódicamente todas las escaleras y
eliminar las escaleras dañadas para que no se usen hasta
que ya estén reparadas.
Tenga en mente los siguientes consejos útiles al seleccionar y utilizar una escalera.
• Seleccione el tipo y tamaño de escalera apropiados
para el trabajo, incluyendo los accesorios correctos, y
patas de seguridad.
• Cerca de conductores eléctricos o equipos,
use solamente escaleras con rieles laterales no
conductores.
• Coloque la escalera sobre una base firme, apoyada
contra un apoyo macizo.
• Coloque la base de una escalera recta alejada de
la pared o borde midiendo desde el nivel superior
aproximadamente un pie por cada cuatro pies de
altura vertical.
• Asegúrese de que las escaleras rectas tengan suficiente
longitud de manera que los rieles laterales se
extiendan sobre el punto de apoyo superior al menos
36 pulgadas.
Date / Fecha_______________________
Location / Ubicación_________________
Attended by / Asistente(s)
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
Safety Recommendations /
Recomendaciones de seguridad
• Nunca trate de aumentar la altura de una escalera
colocándola sobre otros objetos, tales como cajas o
barriles.
__________________________________
• Las escaleras rectas portátiles deberán amarrarse,
bloquearse o de otra manera sujetarse contra el
movimiento.
__________________________________
• Para evitar deslizarse en una escalera, verifique que
sus zapatos no tengan aceite, grasa o lodo y límpielos
antes de trepar por una escalera.
__________________________________
• Trepe por la escalera cuidadosamente, de frente hacia
ésta y utilice ambas manos. Utilice un cinturón de
herramientas o una cuerda manual para transportar
materiales.
__________________________________
• Las escaleras se clasifican según su capacidad para
soportar peso. Tenga presente que esto incluye su peso
corporal y el peso de las herramientas y cualquier otro
material en las escaleras.
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
• No se incline hacia los lados cuando usted se
encuentre sobre una escalera. Si algo está fuera de su
alcance, bájese y mueva la escalera.
__________________________________
• Las escaleras con marco en A no deben utilizarse
nunca como escaleras apoyadas en un punto. q
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
Safety News
News About Occupational Safety and Health in
ISSUE FOUR
2011
PUBLIC AGENCIES
Prsrt Std
US Postage Paid
Permit 803
Zip Code 92887
Loss Control Services
P.O. BOX 420807
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94142-0807
Please forward to the person responsible for your safety program
Listeria Outbreak in
the United States
The United States has been experiencing an outbreak of
Listeriosis, an infection caused by the bacterium Listeria
monocytogenes. Sources of the contamination have been traced
to contaminated melons originating in Colorado, and bags of romaine lettuce originating in California. At the time of this writing,
the infection has been linked to 28 deaths and 133 infections.
We would like to remind our policyholders that prevention
is always the best defense against infection. Wash your hands
thoroughly with soap and warm water when cooking and before
consumption of food. Wash raw vegetables, cook raw food
thoroughly, and avoid unpasteurized foods.
Symptoms start as flu-like – diarrhea, cramping pain, headaches
and fever in children, the elderly, and anyone suffering from an
immune-compromising illness. Pregnant women are especially
at risk as the infection could lead to premature delivery, stillbirth, or miscarriage.
If you suspect that you may be infected, visit your healthcare
provider who will determine if further testing is necessary based
on symptoms. Testing is done with stool and blood cultures.
Treatment is given through aggressive antibiotics.
Health officials recommend disposing of any produce suspected
of carrying the bacterium.
For further information, refer to: http://www.cdc.gov/listeria/ q
Employer Education Series
We at State Fund take pride in our mission to help make California workplaces safer. Our Employer
Education Series seminars are just one of the ways that we partner with employers and the public
to help businesses reduce the frequency and severity of workplace injuries, and facilitate regulatory
compliance.
Our seminar program is designed to provide information and ideas to help employers comply with
regulations, maintain safe worksites, and protect employees. Our convenient half-day seminars are
located in State Fund regional offices, and your workplace safety questions will be answered by
industry experts.
We offer more than 100 workers’ compensation and health and safety seminars to employers and the
public throughout California every year, and these seminars are provided at no cost to you.
Visit http://www.statefundca.com/safety/SafetyAndSeminars.asp to see what new seminar topics are
being offered in your area. Seating is limited so, register early! q
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Reporting Work-Related Injuries
State Fund’s Claims Reporting Center (1-888-222-3211) is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
for policyholders to report injuries as soon as they occur. Agents will do the necessary paperwork to
get the claim started and refer the injured to the designated physician or provider.
Within 8 hours of any serious illness or injury (requiring hospitalization over 24 hours, other than for
medical observation or where there is permanent employee disfiguration) or death occurring in the
workplace or in connection with employment, employers must report the incident to the Division of
Occupational Safety and Health. q
This Public Agency Safety News is produced by the Corporate Communications Department of State Fund to assist clients in their loss control
efforts. Information or recommendations contained in this publication were obtained from sources believed to be reliable at the date of publication.
Information is only advisory and does not presume to be exhaustive or inclusive of all workplace hazards or situations. Permission to reprint articles
subject to approval by State Compensation Insurance Fund.
Published by State Compensation Insurance Fund’s Corporate Communications Department.
Editor: Sunil Sharma; Managing Editor: Gennenia Gordon. © State Compensation Insurance Fund 2011