2012 - Issue 1

Making California Workplaces Safer
Safety News
News About Occupational Safety and Health in
MANUFACTURING
Issue One 2012
Food and Beverage Manufacturing
In This Issue
T
Feature Articles
Food and Beverage
Manufacturing
Post–Traumatic
Stress Disorder
Did You Know?
The Trouble with
Trendy Diets
From Our Expert
Preventing Contact
Dermatitis
Safety Meeting
Topic
Don’t Slip Up!
Reporting
Work–Related
Injuries
he food and beverage manufacturing
industries have some of the highest rates
of worker injuries and illness. Become aware
of workplace hazards through safe work
practice trainings.
Constant lifting of heavy items and repetitive
motions can contribute to an ergonomic injury.
Proper ergonomic training can help you to
understand proper movement and neutral
postures. Heavy items such as raw ingredients
and finished products can lead to sprains and
strains while lifting. Practice proper lifting
techniques by lifting using the strength of your
legs (not your back), keeping your back straight
and upright, tightening your stomach muscles
during the lift, and keeping your head facing
forward. Make use of mechanical lifts, carts and
dollies when available.
“When working with moving
machinery you risk being
caught or crushed in
the equipment.”
The risk of repetitive motion injuries is increased
when moving, washing, sorting, cutting, and
trimming raw materials. Remember to take your
rest and meal breaks regularly to give yourself
a chance to recover from fatigue. Take microbreaks frequently (30 seconds every 20–30
minutes) to help rest and relax your muscles.
If possible, rotate tasks to prevent overuse of
the same muscle groups. If you stand for long
periods of time, wear comfortable shoes. A foot
rest allows you to change positions at your post.
Anti-fatigue mats cushion your legs and joints
from hard floor surfaces.
When working with moving machinery, you risk
being caught or crushed in the equipment. Be
careful around rotating shafts for mixers, as they
can pull your clothing or you into the machine.
Wear close-fitting clothing and avoid long, loose
hair and jewelry. Never reach into or around
moving parts. Make sure powered equipment
is turned off. Use lockout/blockout before you
clear a jam, service or perform maintenance
on equipment. Slicing, chopping and cutting
machines pose a risk of cuts and amputations.
Maintain this equipment properly, use blade
guards and watch where your hands are at all
times when the machine is active.
Burns are a danger when working with hot
water and steam used for food safety and
cleanliness. Labeling water and steam lines
prevents you from coming into contact or
working on them until they are drained. The
water required to wash, process and sterilize
foods can build up on the facility floor and pose
slip hazards. Wear non-slip footwear, and keep
wet floors to a minimum by installing floor
drains and mopping floors frequently. Non-slip
floor coatings and rubber matting will also help
to reduce water accumulation and increase
traction.
Work environments for food and beverage
manufacturing can vary in temperature
extremes. Steam processes can be warm and
humid. Refrigeration and freezers expose you to
the cold. Working around baking ovens exposes
you to the heat. Protect yourself by wearing
layers of clothing whether you are working in
the heat, cold or in between.
Safety News
State Compensation Insurance Fund
Post­–Traumatic Stress Disorder
I
magine you are a warehouse worker
returning to work after witnessing a
worker being run over by a forklift just a few
days prior. Or that you are a farm worker
who witnessed a close coworker being
crushed when his tractor overturned.
Whenever an accident occurs on the job,
there is the potential for a serious injury–
not just physically, but also mentally.
Witnessing a coworker’s serious workplace
injury such as a fall, burn, or fatality can
cause the effects of traumatic stress.
Typically symptoms associated with
traumatic stress involve irritability, difficulty
in concentrating, or constantly feeling
on edge.
These symptoms may be a normal response
to someone who has witnessed a traumatic
event. However, if they continue beyond 30
days, they may become a condition known
as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Workers afflicted from this disorder may
experience difficulty readjusting to their
personal and work lives. They may even
lose their jobs as a result, or have trouble
adjusting to new jobs.
Most people are not aware that Post–
Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can
happen to anyone. According to the
American Psychiatric Association, about 8
percent of the general population suffers
from PTSD in their lifetime. Women are
twice as likely to be victims as men. Workers
who suffer from PTSD may relive the
traumatic event in the form of flashbacks
or intrusive recollections. The trigger could
be a sight, sound, smell, voice, or even a
sudden movement.
Feelings of numbness and isolation may
be displayed by people who suffer from
PTSD. They may avoid seeking the help they
need to be able to continue their everyday
activities. Employers and employees alike
must understand the necessity of offering
support to someone who is suffering from
PTSD. Early intervention is important.
Having a plan in place should a traumatic
event occur can help mitigate or even
prevent PTSD. Employers should partner
with an organization that provides crisis
intervention services. These organizations
can dispatch trained professionals to help
employers restore health and productivity
to their workforce after a traumatic event.
Supervisors should review company policies
and know how to deal with employees who
have had a traumatic experience on the job.
Issue One 2012
Special
considerations
can be made by
an employer if
an employee is
having a hard
time working. If
a farm worker
is having
difficulties
working around
livestock after
witnessing
a colleague sustain an injury involving
livestock, they could be shifted to work in
planting and harvesting operations, after
being properly trained of course.
Employers should also get in contact
with organizations that provide crisis
intervention services. These organizations
can provide qualified professionals to
assist employers in restoring wellbeing and
productivity to the workforce.
For more information on PTSD, including a
list of trauma support groups, refer to:
http://www.nsc.org/safetyhealth/
Pages/1211Easingtheburden.aspx
Did You Know?
The Trouble with Trendy Diets
E
very day it seems a new diet fad
becomes the rage.
These trendy diets often place an emphasis
on certain food types and as a result limit
your nutritional intake. Not to mention they
have a tendency to fail over the long term.
The key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle
is balance—from the foods you eat, to the
beverages you consume and your amount
of daily physical activity.
For health conscious eating, consider
including a variety of nutritional foods that
include:
• Fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains
• Low fat or fat free milk products
• Lean meats such as poultry and fish
• Beans, eggs and nuts
• Foods low in saturated fats, trans-fats,
cholesterol, salt, and added sugars
The amount of physical activity needed
varies from person to person. Here are some
general guidelines:
To maintain weight: Work your way up to
150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic
activity, 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity
aerobic activity, or an equivalent mix of the
two each week.
To lose weight: A high amount of physical
activity is necessary unless you adjust your
diet and reduce the amount of calories
you’re eating and drinking. The total
number of calories burned varies depending
on your age, gender, height, weight, and
level of physical activity. For estimated
calorie needs, refer to table 2–3 from the
2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
http://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/
dga2010/DietaryGuidelines2010.pdf
Keeping fit involves healthy eating coupled
with regular physical activity.
For more information, refer to the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/index.html
Safety News
State Compensation Insurance Fund
Issue One
2012
From Our Expert
Preventing Contact Dermatitis
C
ontact dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin, and a
common occupational disease that affects workers across
a wide range of occupations and industries. Cases of contact
dermatitis can vary from mild to severe and result in lost time or
even disability. Symptoms may include:
• Itching
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blistering
Identifying a problem is the first step towards prevention.
Employers should conduct a job hazard analysis and review
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to determine where skin
contact with potentially irritating and sensitizing agents may
occur. Once a hazard is identified, control measures need to be
implemented.
Eliminating contact with skin damaging agents is the most
effective way to prevent contact dermatitis. Whenever possible,
use less hazardous substances, make changes to a process or
procedure to eliminate or minimize contact, and implement
engineering controls, such as ventilation.
• Dry, flaking and cracking skin
Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) is the result of contact with
substances irritating to the skin. Particularly irritating substances
may have an immediate effect. Other substances may have an
effect only after repeated or prolonged exposures. ICD can result
from exposure to chemicals, weak cleaning agents, detergents, and
even water.
Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) occurs when a sensitized
individual has dermal contact with a skin allergen. A worker may
not be allergic to the substance initially, but over time, repeated
exposures can cause sensitization. Once sensitized, even a small
exposure can cause a reaction.
Contact dermatitis can result from immersing hands in chemicals,
splashes to the skin, touching contaminated surfaces or rags, and
skin contact with mists or dusts. Contact with certain plants, food
substances, and woods can cause dermatitis.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may be necessary. PPE may
include gloves and other protective clothing, safety glasses or
goggles, and face shields. Be sure to select the proper PPE. Gloves,
for example, must be resistant to the substance(s) of concern and
not introduce a hazard themselves. Some chemicals used in glove
manufacturing can cause ACD, and latex glove use can result in
latex allergy. Gloves are available that reduce these risks.
As part of an employer’s Hazard Communication Program,
employees must be trained in the dermal hazards of the
substances they work with and steps the employer has
implemented to protect workers. Employees must also be trained
in the proper use and care of PPE.
Employees experiencing symptoms of occupational dermatitis
should inform their employer and seek the advice of a medical
professional. For a list of some occupations at risk and substances
that can cause ICD and ACD, visit http://www.ccohs.ca/
oshanswers/diseases/.
Beth Mohr, Ph.D., CIH is a Certified Industrial Hygienist at State Fund.
Safety News
State Compensation Insurance Fund
Safety Meeting Topic
Don’t Slip Up!
A
workplace spill can cause hazards from
slips and falls, contact with the spilled
material, and unintentional releases into the
environment. The potential for serious harm
and expensive liability from spills are why
it is important to know the proper storage
methods, handling, use and spill response for
the materials in your workplace.
Read the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
that explain correct spill response techniques,
cleanup methods, and disposal. Know when it
is safe for you to clean up a spill yourself and
when to call your supervisor, the company
spill response team, or an outside resource
for assistance. Use appropriate Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE) for spill response
such as gloves, safety glasses, coveralls, and/
or respirators.
“Use appropriate Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE) for
spill response such as gloves,
safety glasses, coveralls,
and/or respirators. “
Materials should be placed in appropriate
storage containers and only chemicals from
the same category stored together. If you’re
not sure what category a chemical belongs
to, refer to the label, or to its MSDS.
If a spill occurs, immediately notify your
supervisor and workers in the area. If the
spilled material is flammable or volatile,
shut off flame sources and air the area out
if it is safe to do so. Cordon off the spill area
to prevent further access and potential
exposures. If you or a coworker were
exposed to the spilled material, use
emergency eye washes or showers for at least
15 minutes, get to a well-ventilated area,
and seek medical attention.
Issue One 2012
Topic Review
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Date ________________________________
Location ____________________________
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You may be able to clean up the spill yourself
if it is small enough and depending on the
type. Spills of one cup or less can be wiped
up with paper toweling or absorbent spill kit
materials. Spills of approximately one gallon
can be cleaned up with spill kit materials
such as spill socks, pads, or absorbents. If you
use loose absorbent materials, spread them
around the spill and work toward the inside
to reduce splashing or spreading the spill.
Use a brush or broom and a scoop or dustpan
to gather spill absorbents and soaked towels,
socks or pillows. Decontaminate surfaces
that were exposed to the spill. Place used
spill response materials in a double plastic
bag and then place the bag inside a plastic
or metal drum. Label these materials as
hazardous waste along with the date and
the materials that were spilled. Arrange
for proper storage and disposal of all
spill materials.
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Safety Recommendations
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Reporting Work–Related Injuries
State Fund’s Customer Service Center 888-STATEFUND (888-782-8338) 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 worker to the designated physician or provider.
Within eight 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.
Safety News
State Compensation Insurance Fund
Temas de Seguridad
¡No se resbale!
Un derrame en el lugar de trabajo puede causar
riesgos de resbalones y caídas, de contacto
con el material derramado y liberaciones no
intencionales al medio ambiente. La posibilidad
de daños graves y la costosa responsabilidad
de los derrames son algunas de las razones
importantes para conocer los métodos
correctos de almacenamiento, manejo, uso y
respuesta ante derrames de los materiales en su
lugar de trabajo.
Lea las Hojas de Datos de Seguridad del Material
(MSDS) que explican las técnicas correctas
de respuesta ante derrames, los métodos de
limpieza y la eliminación de los materiales.
Sepa cuándo es seguro limpiar un derrame uno
mismo y cuándo debe llamar a su supervisor,
al equipo de respuesta ante derrames de la
empresa, o a recursos externos para obtener
ayuda. Para las acciones de respuesta ante los
derrames, utilice Equipo de Protección Personal
(PPE) como guantes, gafas de seguridad,
overoles y/o respiradores.
“Para las acciones de
respuesta ante los derrames,
utilice Equipo de Protección
Personal (PPE) como guantes,
gafas de seguridad, overoles
y/o respiradores”.
Los materiales deben ser colocados en envases
o contenedores de almacenamiento apropiados
y sólo productos químicos de la misma
categoría deben ser almacenados juntos. Si no
está seguro de la categoría a la que pertenece
un producto químico, consulte la etiqueta,
o su MSDS.
Si ocurre un derrame, notifíquelo
inmediatamente a su supervisor y a los
trabajadores en la zona. Si el material
derramado es inflamable o volátil, apague las
fuentes de llamas y ventile la zona si es seguro
hacerlo. Acordone la zona del derrame para
evitar el acceso de otros y las exposiciones
potenciales. Si usted o un compañero de
trabajo resulta expuesto al material derramado,
use las fuentes para lavado de ojos o las duchas
de emergencia durante al menos 15 minutos,
trasládese a un área bien ventilada, y busque
atención médica.
Issue One 2012
Revisión Del Tema
Instructor __________________________
Fecha ______________________________
Ubicación __________________________
Asistente(s)
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Si el derrame es lo suficientemente pequeño
y dependiendo del tipo de derrame, puede
intentar limpiarlo usted mismo. Los derrames
de una taza (250 ml) o menos se pueden
limpiar con una toalla de papel o con materiales
absorbentes de kits contra derrames. Se puede
limpiar los derrames de aproximadamente un
galón (1000 ml) con los materiales del kit contra
derrames tales como paños, almohadillas o
absorbentes. Si utiliza materiales absorbentes
sueltos, extiéndalos en todo el derrame y
avance hacia el centro para evitar salpicaduras o
esparcir más el derrame.
Utilice un cepillo o escoba y una pala
o recogedor de desechos para recoger
absorbentes de derrames y las toallas,
almohadillas o paños empapados.
Descontamine las superficies que se expusieron
al derrame. Coloque los materiales usados de
respuesta ante derrames en una bolsa doble de
plástico y después coloque la bolsa en un barril
plástico o metálico. Rotule estos materiales
como residuos peligrosos, anote la fecha e
identifique los materiales que se derramaron.
Organice el almacenamiento y eliminación
adecuados de todos los materiales derramados.
Recomendaciones de seguridad
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This Manufacturing 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. © State Compensation Insurance Fund 2012