The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration recently announced it will continue to cite salon owners use products containing formaldehyde without protecting workers.

“The best way to control exposure to formaldehyde is to use products that do not contain formaldehyde. Salons should check the label or product information to make sure it does not list formaldehyde, formalin, methylene glycol or any of the other names for formaldehyde,” ,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Dr. David Michaels. “If salon owners decide to use products that contain or release formaldehyde, then they must follow a number of protective practices — including air monitoring, worker training and, if levels are over OSHA limits, good ventilation or respirators.”

Since November OSHA has issued citations to 23 salon owners and beauty schools in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Florida, Illinois, New York, New Jersey and Ohio, with fines ranging up to $17,500 for failing to protect workers from overexposure and potential exposure to formaldehyde.

According to OSHA in three of these salons workers were exposed to formaldehyde levels above the agency’s 15-minute short-term exposure limit, which is 2.0 parts of formaldehyde per million parts of air. In one case, OSHA said a hair stylist was exposed to more than five times the allowable amount.

“We want to make sure that salon owners are aware that if they use these products, they have to implement protective measures such as air monitoring and training,” said Michaels. “What is very troubling to the agency is that some of these products clearly expose workers to formaldehyde even when the label states they are ‘formaldehyde free.’”

To crack down on the mislabeling of products and failure to disclose actual ingredients to employers, OSHA is also focusing enforcement efforts on manufacturers and distributors of salon products.

As an example of this commitment the federal workplace safety organization recently cited two Florida manufacturers and distributors for failing to protect their own workers from possible formaldehyde exposure as well as to communicate the hazards of formaldehyde exposure to salons, stylists and consumers.

Formaldehyde can irritate the eyes and nose; can cause allergic reactions of the skin, eyes and lungs; and is a cancer hazard. Salon owners who decide to use products that may contain or release formaldehyde must follow the requirements of OSHA’s formaldehyde and hazard communication standards to keep workers safe.

Investment in workplace safety and health has a direct and measurable cost-benefit potential, according to a recently released study by the International Social Security Association (ISSA).

The study on the economic costs and benefits of prevention investments, coordinated by the ISSA, compared data on interventions and analysed practices in 300 companies in 15 countries.

The results of the study indicate companies witness more than a two and a half time return on the implementation of safety training.

“Promoting safety and health at work not only saves lives, but also makes sound economic sense,” stated Hans-Horst Konkolewsky, ISSA Secretary General. “The study demonstrates that prevention measures are a key contribution not only to the health and well-being of the workforce, but also to the economic performance of the enterprise and the sustainability of social security schemes.”

Vehicular accidents are the most common cause of workplace injury and death. Follow the bellow safety tips when navigating vehicles on company premises to help minimize accidents .

Before Entering Vehicle

• Check tires to make sure properly inflated
• Check to make sure any attachments of the vehicle are properly secure
• Check top ensure all lights work properly
• Check to ensure any vehicle equipment is in proper order
• Operate the forklift only if you’ve been trained

After Entering Vehicle

• Buckle you seat belt
• Adjust your mirrors
• Check the gas level
• Check to make sure all gauges are operating properly
• Check to ensure breaks are functional

While Driving

• Keeps your eyes focused on the workspace around you, be mindful of other vehicles and pedestrians.
• Avoid sharp turns.
• Keep your arms and legs inside the vehicle
• Follow our speed limit and other regulations
• Maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles – about three vehicle lengths.
• Raise and lower your load only when you are stopped
• Stop and sound the horn at intersections
• Use signals
• Note any road maintenance issues and report them to a supervisor

Eight mines were recently issued letters of notice from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration for a potential pattern of violations (PPOV) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977.

A PPOV is a precursor to the more serious ‘pattern of violations’ status. It is issued when MSHA through annual investigations finds a mining company having higher than industry average safety violations or S&S violations.

The eight mines receiving letters are:

1. Marfork Coal Co. Inc.’s Parker Peerless Mine in Raleigh County, W.Va.
2. Pay Car Mining Inc.’s No. 58 Mine in McDowell County, W.Va.
3. Pine Ridge Coal Co. LLC’s Big Mountain No. 16 in Boone County, W.Va. (previously received PPOV notice in October 2009)
4. Rio Group Inc.’s Coalburg No. 2 Mine in Logan County, W.Va.
5. Nine Mile Mining Inc.’s No. 3 Mine in Wise County, Va.
6. Manalapan Mining Co. Inc.’s RB No. 12 in Harlan County, Ky.
7. Big Ridge Inc.’s Willow Lake Portal in Saline County, Ill. (previously received PPOV notice in November 2010)
8. Queenstake Resources U.S.A. Inc.’s Jerritt Canyon Mill in Elko, Nev.

MSHA screens for PPOV mines at least once a year. Mines receiving PPOV notices have the opportunity to implement corrective action programs, and they must reduce their S&S rates to targets set by the agency. Mine operators not meeting these targets are subject to a notice for a pattern of violations and closure orders for all S&S violations under Section 104(e).

MSHA encourages mine operators to implement corrective action programs with long-term goals for reducing violations beyond the goals established by MSHA under the POV procedures.

In addition to the eight mines receiving PPOV notices, other mines are still under PPOV consideration. These include mines for which MSHA is verifying self-reported injury information to ensure that it is accurate and thereby confirm that the operators do not meet the PPOV screening criteria. Following the initial screening conducted in October 2010, MSHA issued PPOV notices at four additional mines after audits revealed those mines had not accurately reported injury data.

“In April, MSHA briefed stakeholders on a new and transparent online tool that allows mine operators to regularly monitor their compliance and injury records under the PPOV initial screening criteria and make adjustments to improve health and safety accordingly,” said Joseph A. Main, assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health. “Unfortunately, some operators either did not use this tool or did not respond with effective improvements.”

The U.S. Department of Transportation has adopted a rule prohibiting interstate truck and bus drivers from using hand-held cell phones while operating their vehicles.

The joint rule from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is the latest action by the department to end distracted driving.
“When drivers of large trucks, buses and hazardous materials take their eyes off the road for even a few seconds, the outcome can be deadly,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “I hope that this rule will save lives by helping commercial drivers stay laser-focused on safety at all times while behind the wheel.”

The final rule prohibits commercial drivers from using a hand-held mobile telephone while operating a commercial truck or bus. Drivers who violate the restriction will face penalties of up to $2,750 for each offense. Additionally, states will suspend a driver’s commercial driver’s license (CDL) after two or more serious traffic violations.

Companies that do not have in place a policy banning cell phone use or encourage cell phone use by drivers could face penalties of up to $11,000.

“This final rule represents a giant leap for safety,” said FMCSA Administrator Anne S. Ferro. “It’s just too dangerous for drivers to use a hand-held cell phone while operating a commercial vehicle. Drivers must keep their eyes on the road, hands on the wheel and head in the game when operating on our roads. Lives are at stake.”

In 2009. Distraction-related fatalities represented 16 percent of overall traffic fatalities in 2009, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) research.

Many of the largest truck and bus companies, such as UPS, Covenant Transport, Wal-Mart, Peter Pan and Greyhound already have company policies in place banning their drivers from using hand-held phones.

If your company needs help crafting a driver safety program or a fleet monitoring program call 877-201-8923.

A lack of fall protection was the top violation of 2011 fiscal year, according to a recent statement by OSHA.

Fall protection with 7,139 violations took the top spot from last year’s number one violation scaffolding (29 CFR 1926.451).

This year OSHA issued 7,069 scaffolding violations, good enough for number two on the list.

The rest of the top 10 violations are as follows:

3. Hazard Communication (29 CFR 1910.1200)  – 6,538 violations

4. Respiratory Protection (1910.134) – 3,944 violations

5. Lockout/Tagout (1910.147)– 3,639 violations

6. Electrical (Wiring) (29 CFR 1910.305) – 3,584 violations

7. Powered Industrial Trucks (29 CFR 1910.178) – 3,432 violations

8. Ladders (1926.1053)– 3,244 violations

9. Electrical (29 CFR 1910.303)– 2,863 violations

10. Machine Guarding (29 CFR 1910.212) – 2,556 violations

In response to a massive increase in injury rates, OSHA is launching a National Emphasis Program on the healthcare industry.

Through this initiative, the government agency will focusing on back injuries from resident handling or lifting patients; exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other infectious diseases; workplace violence; and slips, trips and falls.

Nonfatal injuries amongst health care workers are higher than any other industry, according to data recently released by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The injury rate for healthcare workers is almost 2 1/2 times the rate for all private and public sector workers at 118 cases per 10,000 full-time workers.

From fiscal year 2010 to fiscal year 2011 the amount of nonfatal injuries amounts healthcare increased by more than 6 percent.

The rate among nursing aides, orderlies and attendants rose 7 percent, to 489 per 10,000 workers.
Additionally, the rate of musculoskeletal disorder cases with days away from work for nursing aides, orderlies and attendants increased 10 percent to a rate of 249 cases per 10,000 workers.

“It is unacceptable that the workers who have dedicated their lives to caring for our loved ones when they are sick are the very same workers who face the highest risk of work-related injury and illness,” said Assistant Secretary for the department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration Dr. David Michaels.

“These injuries can end up destroying a family’s emotional and financial security. While workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities take an enormous toll on this nation’s economy – the toll on injured workers and their families is intolerable.”

To help the healthcare industry remain safe and compliant Safety Services Company offers a full line of products. Call 866-478-6980 for more info.

New Labrador company Lighting & Traffic Systems Ltd. and its director were sentenced in St. John’s Provincial Court upon pleading guilty to violations of the Smoke Free Environment Act.

The charges arose from inspections conducted at the workplace in Mount Pearl by the Occupational Health and Safety Branch in December 2010.

Lighting & Traffic Systems Ltd. of Mount Pearl had been charged with failing to ensure that a person refrains from smoking in a commercial establishment open to the public.

The company director had been charged with smoking in that workplace.

The pleas and sentencing took place on November 14.

The company must pay a fine of $500, while the director is to pay a fine of $200.

If you need no smoking signage for your company please call 866-478-6980.

Preventing back injuries is a vital aspect of protecting the probability and productivity of a workplace.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), estimates more than one million workers suffer back injuries each year, accounting for one of every five workplace injuries or illnesses.

These back injuries are estimated to consume 25 percent of all workmen’s compensation claims, costing employers billions of dollars each year.

Of these injuries four out of five were to the lower back, and three out of four occurred while the employee was lifting.

According to the BLS more than one-third of these injuries could be prevented through better job design.

While no approach has been found for totally eliminating back injuries caused by lifting, here are six quick tips that can limit the probability of injury.

Strength testing: Employers should be aware of the strength of their employees. Do not ask the smallest person on the staff to lift the heaviest boxes.

Stretching: We all remember for our elementary P.E. classes and the importance of stretching. As we age it is important to do some light stretches before performing heavy lifts. These stretches could be a quick couple toe touches and twist at the waist.

Limit Size of Loads: It is important whenever possible to limit the size of a load the employee is carrying. A simple way of doing this is to not allow employees to carry more than two boxes at a time. It might necessitate a few more trips, but the cost far outweighs the risk.

Adjusting the height heaviest objects:  The most dangerous lifts are those that occur below knee level or above shoulder level. For this reason you should consider reorganizing your shelves so the heaviest objects are located on the middle shelving units, medium weight on lower shelves and lightest items on top shelves.

Training on Proper Lifting Techniques: It is important that your employees practice safe lifting techniques to avoid injury. A safe lift involves keeping the object as close to the body as possible, lifting with the legs and not twisting the body during the lift.  To further ensure safe lift employees should always look forward when performing the lift. This will help to maintain proper form.

Siting/Standing: Employees who constantly sit should keep station at proper height and stand up to stretch every couple hours. Employees constantly on their feet should have proper footwear and there should be mats or floor padding in place to prevent back strain.

If you are looking for a comprehensive back safety program call 866-478-6980.

Canada fares well compared with other countries for low smoking rates, but has some of the highest healthcare wait times, according to a report from the Canadian Institute for Health Information

The report, “Learning From the Best: Benchmarking Canada’s Health System,” looks at the latest statistics and indicators comparing health systems on quality of care and access to care in 34 countries.

According to the report wait times were highest in Canada. Nearly 60 per cent of respondents said they had to wait four weeks or more to see a specialist and 25 per cent said they waited four months or more for elective surgery.

Canada is among five OECD countries that decreased smoking rates by more than 30 percent since 1999. The country is virtually tied with the U.S. for the lowest rate of adult smokers among G7 countries at 16.2 per cent, compared with 16.1 per cent in the U.S.

More than a quarter of Canadian boys and girls are overweight. Canada is one of only three G7 countries (along with Italy and the U.S.) where the prevalence of overweight is above 25 per cent for both groups

In contrast, for measures of quality of care, such as hospital admissions for chronic conditions that

The OECD report said Canada spent 11.4 per cent of its gross domestic product on health in 2009, more than the OECD average of 9.6 per cent.

The United States spent the most, at 17.4 per cent of GDP, with the Netherlands, France and Germany spending slightly more than Canada.