tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59315799945958291262024-03-13T06:14:26.991-05:00Horse Sense SafetyCommentaries on Construction Safety Incidents and the lack of the use of common (horse) sense that cause injuries and/or fatalities on construction sites all over the country.
Also, we look at various OSHA regulations and the Horse Sense and Donkey views on compliance with these standards.Jim Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15312065061803181458noreply@blogger.comBlogger123125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931579994595829126.post-68122192008069484262010-05-26T11:51:00.003-05:002010-05-26T12:01:45.228-05:00Drivers beware - Construction Zone<h3 style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 255, 255);"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Road Work Safety</span></span></h3><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 255, 255);"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:130%;">The article below by Joe Gorman of the Tribune Chronicle relates to the death in a vehicle collision in a Road Work Construction Zone.<br /><br />This incident didn't directly involve Construction Workers, but did not harm any of the workers on this section of roadway. This involved three vehicles in a "sandwich" incident caused by the third vehicle not anticipating and obeying posted save speed in that zone.<br /><br />It is VERY IMPORTANT that ALL vehicles obey posted speed limits in areas of long term construction zones as well as to slow down in temporary work zones with only signs and cones.<br /><br />Come on folks. Slow it down!</span><br /></span></span><br /><h3 style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);"><span style="font-size:180%;">Officer: Drivers beware</span></h3> <span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);" class="headlineNewsPubDate">By JOE GORMAN Tribune Chronicle</span> <div style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 255, 255);" class="articleLinksTop"> <div style="float: left;"> <span style="font-size:100%;"><em><br /></em><span style="font-size:130%;">Construction zone accidents are all too common, the head of the Trumbull Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol said in the aftermath of a triple fatality on Interstate 80.</span></span></div></div><div style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 255, 255);"><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Monday's accident in which an SUV was crushed between two tractor-trailers was unusual in that three people were killed, but the crashes themselves are not uncommon, patrol Lt. Michael Orosz said.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Drivers have to be extra alert for sudden stops when they are in a construction zone, he said.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">''Be as cautious as you can be,'' Orosz said. ''Sometimes backups happen very abruptly. You just have to be very careful.''</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">The eastbound lanes of I-80 were closed for about six hours after the accident, which happened about 1:50 p.m. when a FedEx tractor was stopped in front of a Ford Explorer in the right lane not far from a construction site in which traffic lanes had merged. A third vehicle, a tractor-trailer driven by Eugene R. White, 62, of Shiloh, failed to stop and rammed into the Explorer, pushing it into the FedEx trailer.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">The driver of the Explorer, Shirley Gilmore, 66, of Warren, was killed, along with her brother and sister, David Westenfelder, 56, and Wendy Frost, 59, both of Surprise, Ariz.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Gilmore and her husband, Larry, own Larry's Super Pawn in Warren. Westenfelder and Frost were in town to help the Gilmores celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Employees at the pawn shop declined to comment Tuesday.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Gilmore's daughter is Warren police Capt. Janice Gilmore, a third-generation city police officer. Police Chief Timothy Bowers said he was fielding calls Tuesday from colleagues in law enforcement asking what they can do to help.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">''It's a horrible tragedy,'' Bowers said. ''The entire law enforcement community has reached out to her. Anything that we can do for the family, we'll do.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">''She always seemed like a sweet person,'' Bowers said of Shirley Gilmore.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Statistics by the Ohio Department of Public Safety show that from 2005 to 2008, 67 people were killed in work zone traffic crashes, with a high of 20 in 2005 and a low of 13 in 2007. Statistics for 2009 have not yet been completed.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Orosz said troopers are investigating and that toxicology tests will be done on White, and his truck also will be examined for any mechanical deficiencies, which is normal in any accident involving a commercial vehicle.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">For her part, there was not much Gilmore could have done, Orosz said. Drivers need to be looking in their mirrors for vehicles coming from behind, but there was no place for her to go in the stalled traffic, he said.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">There was no special detail to enforce safety regulations at the construction site, but a trooper was working a side job Monday for the construction company, Orosz said. The company was performing resurfacing work and bridge repair on I-80, which goes from Mount Everett Road to the Pennsylvania state line.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Shortly after the crash, the Ohio Department of Transportation detoured vehicles from the site, ODOT District 4 spokesman Justin Chesnic said. However, vehicles caught past an exit ramp were stuck the entire time.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Chesnic said trying to get traffic turned around is often done on a case-by-case basis, and sometimes local emergency management agencies assist, but that was not done Monday.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Monday's accident is the second triple fatality this year in Trumbull County in which a semi was involved.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">On March 31, three U.S. Marine recruits were killed at state Route 82 and Burnett Road in Warren Township after a semi driven by Donald Williams of Austintown plowed into the back of the car in which they were traveling.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">No charges have been filed yet in the accident that killed Joshua Sherbourne, 21, of Southington, Michael Theodore, 19, of Howland, and Zach Nolen, 19, of Newton Falls, although Trumbull County prosecutors have reviewed the crash report and charges are expected.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">The three were heading to Cleveland in a car driven by Marine Sgt. Charles Keene to sign final enlistment papers. Also injured in the accident was Carl McDermott III, 18, of Masury, who suffered two broken bones in his neck.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">In that accident, state troopers have said Williams' semi struck the rear of the car carrying the Marines just after a red light changed to green and pushed it through the intersection into the path of several other cars.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="mailto:jgorman@tribtoday.com">jgorman@tribtoday.com</a></span></p> </div> <div style="clear: both; height: 10px;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 255, 255);font-size:130%;" ><br /><br /><br /></span><br /></div>Jim Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15312065061803181458noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931579994595829126.post-15537143988757349112010-05-05T09:38:00.008-05:002010-05-05T10:25:01.883-05:00Oil Clean Up<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">OSHA Warns About Oil Spill Cleanup</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span></span><div style="text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">The following article was posted in the May 4th issue of the Mobile Press-Register. It was written by Jeff Amy, Business Reporter.</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></div><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 51);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;">It kinda took m</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">e by surprise<span style="font-style: italic;"> when I noted that OSHA has</span> </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">warned workers of dangers in the Gulf Oil Spill cleanup. However, in thinking about it, it just makes Horse Sense for them to do what they were organized to do - Help Keep Workers Safe On The Jobsite. This is truly a HUGE worksite.<br /><br />I appreciate the Press-Register passing this warning for all and any persons being cautioned about the perils dealing with the oil.<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style="font-size:180%;">OSHA - Cleanup Workers Warned<br /><span style="font-size:100%;">By Jeff Amy<br />Business Reporter<br /><br />As temporary labor firms began to recruit workers for oil spill cleanup, the head of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration said the workplace safety agency wants to make sure workers aren't harmed by the oil.<br /><br />"Our objective is make sure that the cleanup is safe," said David Michaels, the assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health.<br /><br />Michaels visited Louisiana on Monday, along with other health and safety agencies, to consult with well owner BP PLC about training. BP's Deepwater Horizon well has been leaking for some two weeks since the rig involved exploded and sank.<br /><br />OSHA warns thta cleanup workers could face hazards from oil byproducts, dispersants, detergents and degreasers, as well as drowning, heat, falls, insects and snakes.<br /><br />OSHA requires a four-hour training class before people can clean up oil. That class is not required for people who are helping to set floating booms, although BP has been requiring a separate safety class for them.<br /><br />Although BP is offering to pay all cleanup workers, Michaels said that if volunteers are used, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires volunteers to receive this same training that OSHA requires.<br /><br />Michael's visit came as recruitment of workers geared up.<br /><br />In Alabama, Houston-based Advanced Industrial Services was trying to hire general laborers with port security identification at hourly rates of $10 to $12. The company was also looking for supervisors and safety representatives.<br /><br />Construct Corps LLC, a construction labor temporary firm, was advertising for general labor in Pascagoula and Gulfport, paying $9 to $10 an hour. The firm, based in Tampa, Fla., also was seeking 200 people with OSHA hazardous waste and emergency response certification.<br />___________________________________________________<br />ON THE NET<br />OSHA oil spill cleanup safety: www.osha.gov/oilspills/index.html<br /><br /><br /><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></div><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></span></span></div>Jim Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15312065061803181458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931579994595829126.post-90549874927706540612010-04-20T15:02:00.002-05:002010-04-20T15:16:33.679-05:00More Work Zone Safety Tips<h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">Do's and Don'ts In Roadway<br /></span></h1><h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">Work Zones</span></h1><div style="text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The article below from EHS Today by Laura Walter emphasizes some safety "Do's and Don'ts while driving through roadway work zone. This article is based on American Society of Safety</span></span> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Engineers (ASSE).<br /><br />Please read this article closely and put these tips into practice when you enter these zones.<br /></span></span></span></div><br /><h1 style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">Work Zone Safety Tips</h1> <p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);" class="byline"><span style="font-size:130%;">Apr 19, 2010 3:45 PM, By Laura Walter </span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);" class="deck"><span style="font-size:130%;">For many workers, such as police officers, sales personnel, utility workers, truck drivers, construction workers, fire fighters and emergency personnel, the “office” is actually a vehicle. To keep these workers and others safe, American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) members have developed safety tips for drivers passing through work zones.</span></p><p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;">According to ASSE, transportation accidents have been the leading cause of on-the-job deaths in the United States every year since 1992. In 2007 alone, 835 deaths resulted from motor vehicle crashes in U.S. road construction work zones.</span></p><!--end paragraph--> <!--begin paragraph--><p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;">Everyone plays a role in maintaining a safe work zone area during roadway construction. To play your part, follow these tips while driving through a work site:</span></p><!--end paragraph--> <!--begin paragraph--><p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>DO…</strong></span></p> <ul style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);" type="disc"><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Pay attention to the orange diamond-shaped warning signs or electronic message boards posted in advance of a road construction project.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Stay alert. Dedicate your full attention to driving.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Minimize distractions. Avoid changing radio stations, using a cell phone, etc. while driving in a work zone.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Drive carefully and slowly through the construction site; always obey the posted speed limits in the work zone area.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Pay close attention and heed directions on work zone warning signs. Signs and work zone flaggers save lives.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Watch for stopped or slowing traffic. <em>Do not tailgate</em>.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Expect the unexpected. Anticipate potential dangers.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Watch how the traffic ahead is flowing.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Keep an eye out for construction workers, their equipment and vehicles, as well as the vehicles around you.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Use extra caution when driving through a site at night.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Watch for detours and lane diversions.</span></li></ul><!--end paragraph--> <!--begin paragraph--><p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>DO NOT…</strong></span></p> <ul style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);" type="disc"><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Speed up or slow down significantly while going through a work zone.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Slow down to look at the construction work being done.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Resume normal speed until after you emerge completely out of the work zone area.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Tailgate. Most of the accidents within a work zone are rear-end collisions.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Change lanes within a work zone.</span></li></ul><!--end paragraph--> <!--begin paragraph--><p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;">Most states have instituted new laws regarding work zones; penalties for speeding in these areas are double that of the normal penalties for speeding in a non-work zone stretch of road.</span></p><!--end paragraph--> <!--begin paragraph--><p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;">ASSE recently released its “Work Zone Safety for Highway Construction” standard, A10.47-2009. According to the standard Committee Chair Scott Schneider, “Each year, many construction workers are killed in work zones. Their deaths could have been prevented. They were run over by motorists, backed over by construction vehicles and electrocuted by overhead power lines.”</span></p><!--end paragraph--> <!--begin paragraph--><p style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">For more information, download ASSE’s </span><a href="http://www.asse.org/newsroom/presskit/docs/409349_DriveSafetyBrochure.pdf" target="_blank">“Prevent Roadway Crashes” brochure</a>.</span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>Jim Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15312065061803181458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931579994595829126.post-5645883945503646822010-04-16T16:04:00.003-05:002010-04-16T16:23:21.245-05:00Road Construction Safety - 1<h1 style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span style="font-style: italic;">Road Construction Safety</span></h1><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">The article below by Misty Maynard of the </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:130%;" >The Ledger Independent<span style="font-style: italic;"> tells of a Safety campaign in Kentucky that makes the average motorists to pay close attention to the warning signs where new roadway work or existing roadway maintenance and repair work is on going.<br /><br />The week of April 19-23 is </span>"Roadway Safety Emphasis Week" <span style="font-style: italic;">all over the country. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I commend Ms Maynard on this very informative article. As a Safety Professional, as well as a normal driver that drives the roads of southwest Alabama where quite a number of construction and repaving work is on going, I make it a special emphasis to slow down to below the posted "Safe Speed Limit" in these areas. I urge all readers to adhere to these speed limits no matter how irritated the drivers following you get. I really like the signs spelled out like they are from a child saying, "My Daddy works here, Please Slow Down."<br /><br />Come on drivers, slow it down in these work areas. Many workers are only protected by safety cones, not heavy concrete barricades. </span>Those will not keep a vehicle from striking a roadway worker.<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span><br /><h1 style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">Safety campaign looks to curb construction accidents</h1> <p style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);" class="byline">By MISTY MAYNARD, Staff Writer | Posted: Monday, April 12, 2010 9:20 pm | <a id="comment_fe04d1aa-46a9-11df-8644-001cc4c002e0" class="tn-comment" href="http://www.maysville-online.com/news/local/article_fe04d1aa-46a9-11df-8644-001cc4c002e0.html?mode=comments">(0) Comments</a> </p> <div style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);" id="blox-story-media"> <div id="blox-story-photo-container"> <span id="pictopiaURL" title="http://pictopia.com/perl/ptp/SITENAME"></span> <span id="siteHost" title="http://www.maysville-online.com"></span> <div id="blox-large-photo-page"> <a name="photos"></a> <a href="http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/maysville-online.com/content/tncms/assets/editorial/c/be/8f7/cbe8f7ee-46ab-11df-8d11-001cc4c002e0.image.jpg?_dc=1271128952" rel="facebox"> <img id="img-holder" src="http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/maysville-online.com/content/tncms/assets/editorial/c/be/8f7/cbe8f7ee-46ab-11df-8d11-001cc4c002e0.preview-300.jpg?_dc=1271128952" alt=" " width="300px" /> </a> <p class="photo-cutline"> <a id="gallery-buy" class="hide" href="http://pictopia.com/perl/ptp/SITENAME?photo_name=fe04d1aa-46a9-11df-8644-001cc4c002e0&title=&t_url=http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/maysville-online.com/content/tncms/assets/editorial/c/be/8f7/cbe8f7ee-46ab-11df-8d11-001cc4c002e0.image.jpg?_dc=1271128952&fs_url=&pps=buynow" rel="external"><img src="http://www.maysville-online.com/content/tncms/live/global/resources/images/buy-photo.gif" alt="buy this photo" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span id="gallery-byline">Terry Prather/Staff</span> <span id="gallery-cutline">Workers from the Kentucky Department of Highways had a safety zone set up along Kentucky 11, south of Maysville Monday so that falling rocks and debris could be removed from a ditch line along the roadway. Motorists are urged to use caution while traveling through work zones.</span><span class="clear"></span></span> </p> </div> </div> </div> <!--<div id="story-skyscraper"><img src="global/resources/images/160_600.gif" alt="" /></div>--> <div id="blox-story-text"> <p style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;">As Michael Hickerson stood in the curve of Kentucky 324 near Wedonia directing traffic through a construction zone recently, he became concerned when an approaching driver did not seem to notice the stop sign on display.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;">There was oncoming traffic in the open lane and Hickerson feared an accident if he couldn't catch the driver's attention. He pushed the sign out farther and motioned for the driver to stop.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;">"She finally realized what I was trying to do," Hickerson said. "It could've been very, very bad."</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;">Hickerson, a highway equipment operator with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Mason County maintenance crews. said he sees incidences like these far too often. Driver inattention is a major factor in accidents in work zones and puts Hickerson and all other employees of the KYTC at risk.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;">In 2009, nine people died and 140 were injured in highway construction and maintenance work zones in Kentucky.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;">Nationally, in 2008 there were 720 work zone fatalities nationwide and more than 40,000 people injured. In the U.S., there is on work zone fatality every 10 hours and one work zone injury every 13 minutes. Eighty-five percent of the fatalities are motorists.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;">Those statistics are the reason why KYTC designates one week every April to a work zone safety campaign. KYTC is hosting events across the state this week to highlight the safety message.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;">"Springtime is construction time," said KYTC District 9 spokesman Allen Blair, making April a perfect time for the safety campaign.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;">Blair said accidents in work zones are easily prevented, if drivers pay attention and proceed cautiously through the zones.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;">"Minimize your distractions, slow down, expect the unexpected," Blair said.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;">Hickerson said cell phones in particular are a major distraction. However, crews are at risk by people eating while driving, reading the newspaper, putting on makeup, or any other activity that diverts their attention from the roadway.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;">District 9, which covers 10 counties including Mason County, has been fortunate, Blair said, with few accidents occurring.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;">"We've had a lot of close calls," Blair said.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;">Maintenance crews abide by strict federal guidelines for establishing a work zone and notifying approaching drivers of the work ahead.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;">Beginning Monday on Kentucky 11, a crew of seven plus a contractor worked to clean a ditch and free loose debris in Maysville. Though the crew only had to close the shoulder, cones were set up at intervals of 20 feet beginning 190 feet before the actual work site to alert drivers of the maintenance.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;">Blair said projects that close a lane have guidelines for how much advance warning and space is needed to allow drivers to merge into another lane.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;">In addition to the cones, signs announcing the work site are displayed, there are flashing lights on vehicles and employees wear bright vests, t-shirts, jackets and hats for easy visibility.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;">The guidelines used for work zones are designed for maximum efficiency and safety, Blair said.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;">District 9 has several upcoming projects in the area. Time lines for the projects depend on weather.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;">Included in the projects are:</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;">-- Bridge repairs on Kentucky 111 and Kentucky 3302 in Fleming County, and Kentucky 57 in Lewis County.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;">-- Safety improvements along 12 miles of U.S. 62 in Mason County including drainage and guardrail repairs.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;">-- Resurfacing of about 2.7 miles of Kentucky 111 near Grange City in Fleming County and more than 2 miles of Kentucky 8 and Kentucky 2515 in Mason County.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;">Contact Misty Maynard at <a href="mailto:misty.maynard@lee.net">misty.maynard@lee.net</a> or call 606-564-9091, ext. 272.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;">For more area news, visit <a href="http://www.maysville-online.com/">www.maysville-online.com</a>.</span></p><p style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p> </div>Jim Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15312065061803181458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931579994595829126.post-88260218708954320022009-12-20T15:57:00.006-06:002009-12-20T17:16:37.862-06:00HOSPITAL FALL PROTECTION<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Patient and Family Fall Prevention<br /><span style="font-size:130%;">by Providence Hospital - Mobile, AL<br /></span></span></span></span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 51);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Recently, I spent several days in Providence Hospital. In the info package that is issued to all patients was a brochure titled "Patient and Family Fall Prevention."</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">After reading this publication I feel like this is an item that is appropriate for any hospital, anywhere for Patients, Staff Personnel and Family Members as it just makes Horse Sense.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Personnel at Providence Hospital has graciously agreed with me to post the information in this blog site as it is so applicable to so many people in so many different ways to prevent falls in hospitals.</span><br /><br /></span></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);font-size:180%;" >Providence Hospital<br /><br />Patient and Family Fall Protection</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="font-weight: bold;"><li><span style="font-size:130%;">At Providence Hospital We are committed to Providing Education to Our Patients and Family Members to Ensure Safety for All. Thank you for choosing Providence Hospital</span><span style="font-size:130%;">.</span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;"><span>FALL FACTS</span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span>The danger of falling is very real for hospitalized patients. There are several factors that increase this risk;</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);font-size:130%;" > </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >*</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span>Current Illness</span> </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" > </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);font-size:130%;" > * New and</span> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);font-size:130%;" >unfamiliar surroundings </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" > * </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 153); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Certain medications, such as sleeping aids, pain relievers, water pills, and laxatives * Previous fall history *Shortness of breath, stroke, muscle weakness, unsteady gait (walking), fever, urgent need to use the restroom * New confusion or disorientation from your current illness * Dementia, depression, or psychosis * Sensory impairments, such as numbness in feet; vision or hearing problems * </span><span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Post treatment procedure/surgery *Medical devices in use.</span><br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left; font-weight: bold;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">YOUR FAMILY AND VISITORS CAN HELP PREVENT FALLS BY:</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;">*Staying with you if necessary *Informing the nurse of any changes they see in your behavior or thinking. *Informing the nurse if you have a history of falls. *Keeping the room free from clutter. *Leaving the bed in lowest position and notify the nurse upon leaving your room.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);font-size:130%;" >WHAT CAN I DO TO PREVENT FALLS?</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Tell your nurse if you feel you are at risk to fall due to: *Recent falls. *Periods of dizziness or blurred vision. * Weakness or loss of balance. *Require a walker, crutches, or cane when walking. *Have trouble feeling your feet on the ground. *You just "feel different."</span><br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left; font-weight: bold;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span>Follow the following guidelines to help prevent falls:</span><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span>*Refrain from walking without assistance when you must take equipment such as IV poles with you. *Follow the red, yellow, and green precaution signs (posted in your room). *Do not attempt to get up without the nurses assistance.</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);font-size:130%;" ><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span>HOW WILL THE STAFF KNOW THAT I AM AT RISK TO FALL?<br /></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);font-size:130%;" >*Having</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" > </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);font-size:130%;" >a higher risk to fall may occur at different times throughout your hospital stay. Your nurse will be accessing your risk to fall each shift. *If a nurse determines that you are at risk to fall or if you or your family feel that you are at risk, we provide a special plan of care to address safety issues and reduce the danger of an accidental fall and injury.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);font-size:130%;" >WHAT ARE THE COMMON PRACTICES THAT THE STAFF WILL FOLLOW IF I AM AT RISK TO FALL?<br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 153);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102); font-weight: bold;">The nurses and nursing assistants develop fall prevention practices based on your individual risk factors. Some of the most common fall prevention practices used at Providence Hospital include; *A fall logo may be placed on your door and on your medical chart to alert other health care workers of your risk to fall. Fall leaves are used in this logo. *A yellow armband may be used to ensure that other health care workers are aware of your risk to fall in case you leave your room. *We may ask you to wear our yellow non-skid slippers when you are out of the bed. *Hourly rounding may be done by staff. This means the staff will come to your room hourly to see if you need any help. If you are sleeping, the staff will be careful not to wake you. This frequent rounding allows us to help you meet your needs. *You will be instructed to use the call light for help getting into and out of your bed or chair to use the urinal or bedpan, walk to the bathroom, or retrieve something out of your reach. *A bed alarm may be used to alert the nurses that you need to get out of bed. *Signs will be used to inform you of how much assistance you need to get out of bed.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:180%;" ><br /></span></span></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >Fall Prevention Instructions For Our Patients<br />*Don't walk with equipment<br />*Call for nurse assistance when getting up from the bed, chair or bathroom.<br />*Follow precaution signs:<br />RED - Don't get up without assistance. YELLOW - Don't get up without a nurse or family member assisting you. GREEN - You may get up without assistance.<br /></span><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">While our program is very beneficial in preventing falls, its success depends entirely upon staff, patients, and visitors participating completely in the program</span></span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);font-size:180%;" >.</span><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></div></div></div></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span></span></div></div></div></div><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></div>Jim Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15312065061803181458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931579994595829126.post-66596119751467780122009-12-03T11:18:00.004-06:002009-12-03T11:43:44.412-06:00Gas Line Explosion<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;">High Fines For Explosion<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></span></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 51);font-size:130%;" >The post below from The Houston Business Journal and </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><em style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">denvernews@bizjournals.com</em></span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" > shows that some Federal Agencies take incidents that cause fatalities and/or catastrophies are fined with enough impact to let huge corporations do what they wish with disregard to safety procedures spelled out by these Programs.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Most of my posts are referred to OSHA incidents, but other Agencies have rules and seem to be not ashamed to place heavy fines for such incidents. </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >In reference to OSHA, I have noted in past posts that I feel that their fines are inadequate to cover make a difference to Large Corporations that just pay a small fine and continue to operate unsafely. </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >It seems that The Department of Transportation has no qualms about issuing penalties that get the attention FINANCIALLY of these large corporations. </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >The fatality in this incident was only one person. However, this could have easily caused multiple fatalities and huge monetary costs. This person, apparently, had not been advised of the location of the pipe line and while grading for a right of way struck the existing line with his dozer.</span><br /></span><h1 style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);" class="headline">El Paso Corp. hit with $2.3M safety penalty</h1> <h3 style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">Houston Business Journal</h3> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">The U.S. Department of Transportation has levied what it calls a record penalty of $2.3 million against gas-pipeline company </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" class="story_clink" href="http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/gen/El_Paso_Corp._32FA2CB90A914DADA91550638B50408D.html"><strong>El Paso Corp.</strong></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> and its subsidiary, </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" class="story_clink" href="http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/gen/Colorado_Interstate_Gas_Co._517568F953AA417BB8B832E6BBC4D5DF.html"><strong>Colorado Interstate Gas Co.</strong></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">, in connection with a fatal 2006 pipeline explosion in Wyoming.</span></span><div style="font-weight: bold;" id="storycontent"> <p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style="font-size:130%;">The civil penalty, for alleged violations of federal pipeline safety regulations, is the largest DOT has ever levied against a pipeline company under its oversight, the agency said.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style="font-size:130%;">The penalty is in connection with an explosion in Laramie County, Wyo., in which the Rockies Express Pipeline, a gas pipeline owned by <a class="story_clink" href="http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/related_content.html?topic=Wyoming%20Interstate%20Co">Wyoming Interstate Co.</a> Ltd. and operated by Colorado Interstate Gas Co., both subsidiaries of Houston-based El Paso Corp. (NYSE: EP), was struck by a bulldozer, resulting in the release of natural gas, a subsequent explosion and fire, and the death of the bulldozer’s driver.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style="font-size:130%;">The operator was Bobby Ray Owens Jr., 52, of Louisiana, according to news reports. He worked for a construction company, not El Paso.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style="font-size:130%;">“At the time of the accident, the bulldozer operator was attempting to grade nearby land to build a right of way for the Rockies Express Pipeline,” DOT said in a statement.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style="font-size:130%;">DOT’s <a class="story_clink" href="http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/related_content.html?topic=Pipeline%20and%20Hazardous%20Materials%20Safety%20Administration">Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration</a>, which investigated the incident, “discovered the companies did not comply with federal regulations covering the locating and marking of buried pipeline facilities,” the agency said.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style="font-size:130%;">“Federal requirements are in place to provide protections for America’s most important assets, its citizens,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in the statement. “The department will hold pipeline operators accountable for the safety of those who live and work in the vicinity of their systems and negligence will not be tolerated.”</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style="font-size:130%;">El Paso Corp. and Colorado Springs-based Colorado Interstate Gas also were ordered to take various actions “to ensure compliance with federal pipeline safety regulations.” They include revising corporate procedures for making construction records, maps, and operating history available to operating personnel, and having supervisors to conduct unannounced reviews of work performed by El Paso line locators to ensure applicable procedures are being followed.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style="font-size:130%;">In a statement to The Associated Press, an El Paso Corp. spokesman said that the company has improved its procedures, but he also said federal officials should have taken into account what he called errors by the construction company working at the site as well as the complexity of the situation.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>denvernews@bizjournals.com</em></span></p><p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><em></em></span></p><p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><em></em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><br /></em></span></p> </div><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></div><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span></span></span></div>Jim Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15312065061803181458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931579994595829126.post-52352245224426967892009-10-29T10:13:00.005-05:002009-10-29T10:41:56.360-05:002009 Top Ten Violations<div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 255, 51);"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Top Ten Violations - 2009<br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">The article below from Injury Board.com, National News Desk featuring Jane Akre lists the top ten Violations for 2009 to date.</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">See if you, your company or anyone to whom these violations apply</span></span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">are guilty, you should take immediate action to correct the causes of these basic items for Safe Work on your job sites.</span></span></span><br /></div></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 255, 51);font-size:180%;" >Top 10 Safety Violations for 2009</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">Posted by Chrissie Cole</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">Tuesday, October 27, 2009 10:24 PM EST</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">Category: </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 255, 51);font-size:180%;" >In The Workplace</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">Tags: </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 255, 51);font-size:180%;" >OSHA, Safety Violations, Workplace Safety, Construction Safety, Falls</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">LEARN MORE</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);"> *</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);font-size:180%;" > InjuryBoard Workplace Injury Help Center</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);"> * NSC.org</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);"> * NSC’s Safety+Health Magazine</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">IMAGE SOURCE: © Wikimedia Commons</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 255, 51);font-size:130%;" >The Top 10 workplace violations for 2009 has been released by the U.S. Department of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).<br /><br />The number of top-10 violations have increased nearly 30 percent during the same period since 2008.<br /><br />Workplace Violations:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">10. Machine Guarding - 2,364 violations</span><br /><br />Any machine part, function or process that has the ability to cause injury must be safeguarded.<br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><br />9. Electrical - 2,556 violations</span><br /><br />Working with electricity can be particularly dangerous. Engineers, electricians and others work directly with electricity (i.e. circuit assemblies). While others (i.e. sales people) indirectly work with it but may also be exposed to electrical hazards.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">8. Powered Industrial Trucks - 2,993 violations</span><br /><br />Thousands of injuries occur each year in the US workplace, related to powered industrial trucks or forklifts. Employees can suffer injury when lift trucks drive off loading docks, when they are struck by a lift truck or when they fall while on elevated pallets.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">7. Ladders – 3,072 violations</span><br /><br />Stairways and ladders are a major source of injuries and fatalities among construction workers.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">6. Electrical (Wiring) – 3,079 violations</span><br /><br />See electrical above.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">5. Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) – 3,321 violations</span><br /><br />“Lockout/Tagout” refers to specific practices and procedures to safeguard employees from the unexpected startup of machinery and equipment, or the release of hazardous energy. An estimated 3 million workers service equipment and face the risk of injury if lockout/tagout is not properly im<span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-size:130%;">plemented.</span><br /><br />4. Respiratory Protection – 3,803 violations</span><br /><br />Respirators protect workers from insufficient oxygen environments, harmful sprays, gases, vapors, smokes, dusts and fogs. These hazards can cause cancer and other diseases or death.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">3. Hazard Communication - 6,378 violations</span><br /><br />A written hazard communication program is an essential element for every company. Chemical importers and manufacturers are required to evaluate the hazards of the chemicals they import or produce, and prepare labels and safety data sheets to convey the hazard information to their customers.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">2. Fall Protection – 6,771 violations</span><br /><br />The majority of falls are from ladders and roofs. Protection must be provided to workers at four feet in general industry, five feet in maritime and six feet in construction.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">1. Scaffolding – 9,093 violations</span><br /><br />Scaffold accidents are most often attributed to the planking or support giving way, or from the employee slipping or being struck by a falling object.<br /><br />The findings were presented this week at the NCS’s Annual Congress & Expo. A final report will be published in the December issue of the NSC’s Safety+Health Magazine. #<br /><br />Read more: http://www.injuryboard.com/national-news/top-10-safety-violations-for-2009-.aspx?googleid=273474#ixzz0VL2Kwn21<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span>Jim Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15312065061803181458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931579994595829126.post-11675994166516830912009-10-14T10:39:00.004-05:002009-10-14T11:18:00.752-05:00Confined Space Requirements<span style="font-style:italic;">T<span style="font-weight:bold;">he article below shows the necessity of proper training of workers, particularly while working in confined spaces. There are several Safety Training Specialty facilities in the Mobile area that can perform on-site safety analysis, provide safety programs and training for the employees of companies such as the one in the article below.
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<br />I can see no excuse for incidents like the ones listed below.</span>
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<br />From the Mobile Press-Register, by Connie Baggett, staff reporter, on Thursday, October 8, 2009
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<br />OSHA INVESTIGATION
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<br />Brewton Railcar Repair is Cited</span>
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<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Brewton – A railcar repair company could face some $360,000 in fines after a federal probe into an April incident that left four workers injured, two of them seriously.
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<br />Frit Car Inc. spokeswoman Carla Carpenter said the company addressed many of the issues immediately after the accident, and all of the problems are under review.
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<br />Carpenter said the company’s employees are its “most valuable asset,” and improvements in safety are ongoing.
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<br />A news release from the U.S. Dept. of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration released this week said Frit Car failed to adequately train workers regarding confined space procedures.
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<br />The investigation found Frit Car had no training for workers or rescuers on site, as is required.
<br />Workers who can be exposed to potentially deadly gases in confined spaces, such as railcars, are protected by strict guidelines, according to OSHA rules.
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<br />Several serious infractions were cited, as well as numerous others, such as the lack of guardrails and adequate shower facilities as well as noise exposure, bad housekeeping and bad record keeping.
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<br />The investigation followed an incident April 3 in which two employees were overcome by potentially deadly fumes inside a railcar and had to be taken by helicopter to area hospitals.
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<br />Another employee was taken to a hospital by ambulance and a fourth went home to recover.
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<br /></span></span>Jim Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15312065061803181458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931579994595829126.post-67128180719349168982009-09-25T16:22:00.005-05:002009-09-25T16:40:14.545-05:00Farm Incidents Cause High Fatalities<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rIdou5k2nIY/Sr030nGG_PI/AAAAAAAAAf0/fip1OJ9K2B0/s1600-h/Farm+5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 122px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rIdou5k2nIY/Sr030nGG_PI/AAAAAAAAAf0/fip1OJ9K2B0/s200/Farm+5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385522106392313074" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rIdou5k2nIY/Sr03jpVSCYI/AAAAAAAAAfs/_IZ7qsf1_EE/s1600-h/Farm+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rIdou5k2nIY/Sr03jpVSCYI/AAAAAAAAAfs/_IZ7qsf1_EE/s200/Farm+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385521814935046530" border="0" /></a>
<br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 255, 153);"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Farm Accidents One of the Most
<br />Dangerous Occupations</span></span></span>
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<br />The article below from Indiana Prairie Farmer notes that Farming is one of the most dangerous occupations, especially in incidents caused by Tractor Overturns.</span>
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<br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);">Overturns of farm equipment causes many fatalities, however about any type incident that can be thought possible and many thought to be impossible, or at least impractical, causes numerous serious and dismemberment injuries than any other known occupation.</span>
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<br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);">Farms utilize family members in most farm related tasks, many of whom are family members that are not allowable in off the farm industries due to age.</span>
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<br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);">I posted a couple of photos of actual Farm Equipment incidents that can only show a photo of what the result of an incident, but not show where any Horse Sense should have been used to prevent these incidents.</span>
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<br /></span></span></span><table class="standardTable" width="600"><tbody><tr style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153);"><td align="left"><div id="titleDiv" style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b>Tractor Overturns Still Lead Farm Fatality Causes</b></span></div> <div id="summaryDiv" style="margin-bottom: 10px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><i>Fatalities higher again in 2008. </i></span></div> <div id="authorDiv" style="margin-bottom: 10px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><i>Tom Bechman</i></span> </div> <div id="publishedDiv" style="margin-bottom: 10px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Published: Sep 24, 2009</span></div> <link rel="File-List"> <link rel="themeData"> <link rel="colorSchemeMapping"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> </xml><![endif]--> <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1107304683 0 0 159 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-size:10.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--><span style="font-size:130%;">The bad news from Bill field, Purdue University safety specialist, is that farm fatalities in Indiana crept back up again in '08, after bottoming at 8 fatalities in '06. It's the second straight year fatalities have been on the increase. Field released official numbers during a press conference at the Indiana Farm Bureau state headquarters in Indianapolis last week; </span><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Last week marked the official observance of National Farm Safety Week. And the Indiana data shows, however, it's important to practice safety every day, not just during one week of the year.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">National fatality statistics are based on estimates. Field says the numbers are a guess at best. The Indiana numbers, however, are firm. Field and his staff compile them based upon reports from clipping services and other information. They also cross-check them with information collected at the state level.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">"The latest information at the national level says that fatalities in farming are 10 times more common than in industry as a whole," says Gail Deboy, also of Purdue. "For last year the national report listed agriculture as the number one most dangerous occupation in America, ahead of mining and construction."</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">The best news, perhaps, is that the 30-year trend is still toward far fewer farm fatalities than in the past, especially amongst children. "In 1977 a third of all deaths were children, many of them young children. Riding with dad on the tractor and becoming involved in some sort of accident was a major cause.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">While there was no particular pattern to what caused an increase in fatalities last year, Field says tractor overturns remain the single most deadly action on the farm. About 25% of the deaths were due to overturns. Deboy says many times these were people riding older tractors that did not have Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS) installed.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">Combine extra riders on tractors with tractor overturns, other tractor-related deaths and entanglements, and it accounts for about 75% of last year's farm fatalities, Field says. Grain bin entrapments get a lot of publicity because they nearly always result in death, but the number of people who die in grain bins each year is still far fewer than the number who die in tractor or implement-related mishaps. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">Tractor roadway crash fatalities are also included in the newly-released data, as long as a tractor or farm implement was involved, Field notes. There was a trend toward increasing numbers of farmers dieing in these types of accidents, but it didn't really show up last year, he notes.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">Indiana Farm Bureau stepped to the plate and campaigned hard to raise awareness for farmers traveling on roadways with equipment, and also started campaigns to educate the public about the hazards of traveling rule roads. A video was produced with Purdue, that has been widely shown to all types of audiences. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">Through August of this year, the unofficial farm fatality total is 10 in Indiana. Deboy hope that number stays lower than the '08 number, That means people must be very attentive during harvest, An unusually high number of fatalities occurred in the fall last year. </span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></p> </td></tr> <tr><td align="left">
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<br />Jim Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15312065061803181458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931579994595829126.post-39721714940191778742009-09-10T09:32:00.006-05:002009-09-10T09:53:02.582-05:00Get Away From Unloading/Loading<div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Stay Well Away From Truck<br />Loading/Unloading</span></span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The article below from 6 WLNS<span style="font-size:130%;">.com points out some of the dangers that occur</span></span></span> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">during loading and unloading, specifically tractor/trailer loads.<br /><br />However, it holds true for drivers and any other persons in a Non-essential position to clear themselves away from loading and unloading situations whether it be on a construction job site or, in fact at any location.<br /><br />Many is the time that I've seen drivers stand beside their rigs while their truck is being loaded by heavy equipment such as dirt/rock hauling operations. Several times I've had to seek medical attention to one of these persons. I've also seen drivers hop up on their rigs and loosen the binding chains without assuring that the loads are secured from falling on the person releasing the bindings. Trained professional riggers should be the ones to handle these operations. The driver can go back and stow their rigging and bindins after the load is removed.<br /><br />Failure to adhere to this simple and safe practice procedure just plain DOES NOT adhere to Horse Sense methods of Safety.<br /><br /></span></span></span></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 204); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" >Man Crushed In Construction Accident</span><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div><p style="margin: 5px 0pt; color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><br /></p><table style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 51);" id="wnStoryBox" name="D20" bg="" align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="3" width="180"><tbody><tr><td colspan="2" align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2" align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img src="http://wlns.images.worldnow.com/images/static/gfx/pxl_trans.gif" height="14" width="1" /></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td><!--NEWS HEADLINE BOX--> <div> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr> <td bgcolor="#dbd8d8"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="1" width="100%"> <tbody><tr> <td valign="top"> <table background="http://wlns.images.worldnow.com/images/static/gfx/bg_co_ribbon.gif" bgcolor="#27498f" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr> <td align="left" valign="top"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></td> <td valign="middle" width="100%"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td bg="" valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr> <td valign="top" width="100%"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=2224004&nav=0RbQ"><span style="color: rgb(25, 80, 162);font-size:12;" ><br /></span></a></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="100%"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><!--absimg1--></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="100%"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><!--absimg1--></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="100%"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><!--absimg1--></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="100%"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><!--absimg1--></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="100%"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><!--absimg1--></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="100%"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><!--absimg1--></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="100%"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><!--absimg1--></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="100%"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><!--absimg1--></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <div><span style="font-size:130%;"><img src="http://wlns.images.worldnow.com/images/static/gfx/pxl_trans.gif" height="14" width="1" /></span></div> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> </div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td><!--NEWS HEADLINE BOX--> <div> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr> <td bgcolor="#dbd8d8"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="1" width="100%"> <tbody><tr> <td valign="top"> <table background="http://wlns.images.worldnow.com/images/static/gfx/bg_co_ribbon.gif" bgcolor="#27498f" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr> <td align="left" valign="top"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img src="http://wlns.images.worldnow.com/images/static/gfx/c_hb_tl.gif" /></span></td> <td valign="middle" width="100%"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td bg="" valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr> <td valign="top" width="100%"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="100%"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><!--absimg1--></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="100%"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><!--absimg1--></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="100%"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><!--absimg1--></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="100%"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><!--absimg1--></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <div><span style="font-size:130%;"><img src="http://wlns.images.worldnow.com/images/static/gfx/pxl_trans.gif" height="14" width="1" /></span></div> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> </div> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 51);font-size:130%;" > <div id="storyBody" name="storyBody" style="display: inline;"><p>A freak accident took the life of a truck driver. Livingston County officials say falling concrete killed a truck driver in Howell Township on East M-59 near Grand River. Construction of a concrete wall came to a crashing halt. That crash killed Richard Browand, a 61-year-old truck driver for Mack Transport. Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte calls it a tragic accident. </p> <p>Bob Bezotte, Livingston County Sheriff: "He was in the wrong place at the wrong time when they were unloading the cement blocks. He was on the opposite side of the truck and when they took it off, the truck shifted." </p> <p>A 3,500 pound slab of concrete fell off the truck and crushed him. </p> <p>Bob Bezotte: "It crushed him in the chest area. He was alive at the scene, and then we got him to the hospital, the internal bleeding and the crush took his life." </p> <p>Bezotte says construction accidents happen from time to time, but the saddest thing about this one is that it was avoidable. </p> <p>Bob Bezotte: "When you're unloading a semi, ya know, people standing around a semi need to be back and the truck drivers and anyone else who's not involved with the unloading of the trucks." </p> <p>It's advice that's too late for Browand. Bezotte says this accident should serve as a wakeup call for all construction workers to put safety first. The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating.<br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div> </span><p style="margin: 5px 0pt; font-weight: bold;"> </p>Jim Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15312065061803181458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931579994595829126.post-1305306429149250612009-09-04T18:57:00.004-05:002009-09-04T19:10:20.357-05:00Million Dollar + Fines<div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Million Dollar Plus Fines by OSHA<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >The items below were emailed to me by a friend and fellow Safety Professional.</span> <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >It shows that OSHA CAN issue high enough fines to get some of the larger corporatons' attention.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div></div><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><table style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top"> <div><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>Nutrition Products Co. Facing $1M Plus in OSHA Fines.</strong></span> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">The fines came after the Wisconsin plant was inspected as a result of a complaint alleging numerous hazards. Among other violations, OSHA issued willful citations for failure t</span>o<span style="font-size:130%;"> comply with confined space and lockout/tagout regulations.</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div> <div><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>Chem Company Cited Heavily for Exposing Employees to Poison.</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >The </span><span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" id="lw_1252010237_12" class="yshortcuts" >St. Louis</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >–based company was inspected after OSHA learned that employees had been admitted to local hospitals after being contaminated with an unknown powder. Investigators determined that employees were exposed to paranitroaniline (PNA), a chemical that reduces the ability of the blood to transport oxygen. OSHA issued 21 willful citations, 20 of </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >which were cited on a per-instance basis and assessed fines totaling $1.2 millio</span><span style="font-size:130%;">n.</span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></div> <div><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>Poultry Company Pleads Guilty in Employee Exposure Case.</strong><br /></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Following the death of an employee at an Arkansas plant, the company was charged with criminal violations and ordered by a federal court to pay a $500,000 penalty.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>Sugar Company Warned Long Before Accident Occurred.</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >The </span><span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" id="lw_1252010237_13" class="yshortcuts" >Georgia</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" > refinery was cited and fined following an accident associated with sugar dust that killed 14 people. OSHA assessed fines of $8.7 million, the third largest in OSHA history.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></div></td></tr></tbody></table>Jim Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15312065061803181458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931579994595829126.post-12789636136307897872009-08-26T06:50:00.003-05:002009-08-26T07:08:38.055-05:00Prevention of Falls on Construction Sites<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Much More Related to Falls<br /><br /></span></span></span><div style="text-align: left; color: rgb(51, 255, 255); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span>The article below, posted in the Daily Community News and Construction Record points out several results of Fall Protection on construction sites. </span></span></span><span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:130%;">However, there are several things that can be critical and probably are a major cause of injuries when workers seem to be PROBABLY a major cause of injuries.<br /><br />The Number One item I'd like to point out is the PROPER TRAINING in the use of body harnesses. On most jobsites that I've been on, the contractor hands their workers working more than 6 feet above ground or floor levels "a harness" to use while working at those levels.<br /><br />I have found that VERY FEW workers are trained in the ways to inspect all the components, how to assure that there ia a proper fit of the harness how to properly adjust the harness to fit that individual's body, what to do if the worker does fall, what is the site Rescue Plan if someone falls, how long the worker can remain hanging in a harness before passing out, and many more critical items that is a must know related to fall protection.<br /><br />Folks, this is 'CRITICAL PERSONAL PROTECTION" that ALL workers using harnesses MUST be aware of and PROPERLY trained in their use and being recovered in case of an incident. This is just plain HORSE SENSE.</span><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 255, 255);"><span style="font-size:180%;">Accidents spur Pennsylvania fall safety push</span></div><p style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255); font-weight: bold;" class="head"> </p><p style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255); font-weight: bold;" class="wire_placeline">PITTSBURGH </p><p style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255); font-weight: bold;" class="Body"><span style="font-size:130%;">Following four recent fatal construction fall accidents in a week in southwestern Pennsylvania, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has called on construction companies to ensure employees working above six feet have the proper equipment to protect themselves from falls on the job. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255); font-weight: bold;" class="Body"><span style="font-size:130%;">The first of the fatal falls happened on Friday, Aug. 15 and they ranged in heights from two to 13 storeys. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255); font-weight: bold;" class="Body"><span style="font-size:130%;">“Falls are the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry,” said Robert Szymanski, director of the Pittsburgh OSHA office, in a statement. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255); font-weight: bold;" class="Body"><span style="font-size:130%;">“These recent accidents are tragic reminders of the dangers posed to workers when adequate protection is not provided.” </span></p><p style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255); font-weight: bold;" class="Body"><span style="font-size:130%;">There are a number of ways to protect workers from falls including guardrail systems, safety net systems and personal fall arrest systems, including properly anchored body harnesses and lanyards, as well as through the use of safe work practices and training. OSHA conducted almost 39,000 inspections and found nearly 88,000 violations of its standards and regulations in fiscal year 2008. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255); font-weight: bold;" class="Wire_credit_line"><span style="font-size:130%;">-DCN News Services<br /></span></p><p style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255); font-weight: bold;" class="Wire_credit_line"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255); font-weight: bold;" class="Wire_credit_line"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255); font-weight: bold;" class="Wire_credit_line"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255); font-weight: bold;" class="Wire_credit_line"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span></span></span></div>Jim Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15312065061803181458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931579994595829126.post-38367901171323354782009-08-20T05:47:00.003-05:002009-08-20T06:00:32.976-05:00Fatal Falls<div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size:180%;">OSHA and Fall Protection<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span></span></div><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 0); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span>In the article below from the Pittsburg Post-Gazette, by Kaitlynn Riely, regarding fall protection from falling off buildings and/or scaffolding, an Area Director for OSHA states that contractors should reassess their fall protection methods following four recent fatalities in southwestern Pennsylvania.<br /><br />This article addresses the one relatively small area of this country compared to the Nationwide incidents that prove fatal to workers that are not properly equipped and properly trained in the safe, Horse Sense ways to use this type lifesaving equipment.<br /><br />In many of these fatal incidents, it has been proved that contractors are not training their supervisors in the use of these preventive measures, therefore they are not passing down these measures to their workers that are put in to perilous situations.<br /><br />I feel that there are five words that could be used to correct this: TRAINING, ATTITUDE, TRAINING, ATTITUDE AND TRAINING WITH ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENTS to the program.<br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);" class="story_headline"><span style="font-size:180%;">Four deaths shed light on falling hazards<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span></div> <div style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);" class="story_subheadline"><span style="font-size:130%;">OSHA director says construction sites should reassess prevention measures</span></div> <div style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);" class="story_lastupdate"><span style="font-size:130%;">Thursday, August 20, 2009</span></div> <div style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);" class="story_byline"><span style="font-size:130%;">By Kaitlynn Riely, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette</span></div> <div style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);" class="story_body"> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">Construction sites should reassess their fall prevention methods following the four recent fatalities resulting from people falling off buildings or scaffolding in southwestern Pennsylvania, a director for the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration said yesterday.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">"One worker fall accident is unacceptable, but four falls within a few days' time is completely incomprehensible," said Robert Szymanski, the area director for OSHA's Pittsburgh office.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">The most recent accident was Tuesday, when Roy Pfoertner, 53, of New Kensington, was working on the roof of the Pennsylvanian apartment building Downtown. He fell 13 stories to the sidewalk. He was part of a crew doing masonry work on the roof for the contractor, Mariani and Richards.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">Three more construction-related deaths from falling have occurred within the past week. Carl Beck, 29, of Butler, fell 42 feet from a roof in North Strabane, Washington County, on Saturday morning. On Friday morning, Gary E. Dwire, 56, fell from a house in New Kensington, and Michael Grinder, 40, fell two stories at a site in Monessen.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">Historically, fatalities in the workplace have been on the decline in recent years, and Mr. Szymanski said last week his office was projecting that they might achieve a single-digit record low for fatalities for the fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30. But the four fatalities since Friday bring the total to 11 workplace fatalities for this year.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">In the construction industry nationally, falls account for nearly 50 percent of all fatalities, Mr. Szymanski said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">"If you eliminate fall hazards in construction, you would eliminate 50 percent of fatalities right off the bat," he said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">Of course, the goal is to have zero fatalities in the workplace every year, he said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">To achieve this goal, OSHA mandates safety requirements that protect against hazards like falling. Employers are required to protect their workers from falls when they are working six feet or higher above an adjacent surface by one of three methods -- a guardrail system, a personal fall arrest system like a body harness and line or a safety net.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">There is an entire book of OSHA standards related to construction, but Mr. Szymanski emphasized these three methods of fall protection as imperative.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">"I'm asking that employers take time to pause and assess their work sites immediately for appropriate fall protection systems," he said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">OSHA conducts regular inspections of workplaces to verify they are complying with the standards. The agency investigates all workplace deaths, and have started investigations for the four fatalities, including the one that occurred Tuesday.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">If violations of OSHA standards are identified through the investigations, penalties may be assessed according to the circumstances, Mr. Szymanski said. These can include fines and recommendations to minimize risk.</span></p> <div class="story_end_field"><span style="font-size:130%;">Kaitlynn Riely can be reached at <a href="mailto:kriely@post-gazette.com">kriely@post-gazette.com</a> or 412-263-1478.</span></div> <div class="story_first_published"><span style="font-size:130%;">First published on August 20, 2009 at 12:31 am</span></div> </div><div id="TixyyLink" style="border: medium none ; overflow: hidden; color: rgb(255, 255, 0); background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Read more: <a href="http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09232/992116-455.stm#ixzz0OidnT4Uu">http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09232/992116-455.stm#ixzz0OidnT4Uu</a><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><br /></div>Jim Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15312065061803181458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931579994595829126.post-91476920000151990222009-08-19T09:32:00.003-05:002009-08-19T09:51:12.038-05:00Too Many Scaffold Colapses<div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 255, 153);"><ins style="border: medium none ; margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt; display: inline-table; height: 90px; position: relative; visibility: visible; width: 728px;"><ins style="border: medium none ; margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt; display: block; height: 90px; position: relative; visibility: visible; width: 728px;"><iframe allowtransparency="true" hspace="0" id="google_ads_frame1" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_frame" src="http://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/ads?client=ca-nytimes_display_block&format=728x90_pas_abgc&output=html&h=90&w=728&lmt=1250692325&channel=leaderboard&ad_type=image%2Cflash&alternate_ad_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nytimes.com%2Fads%2Fremnant%2Fnetworkredirect-leaderboard.html&oe=utf8&flash=10.0.22&hints=Accidents%2Band%2BSafety%2CBuilding%2B%28Construction%29%2CPark%2BSlope%2B%28NYC%29&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nytimes.com%2F2009%2F08%2F19%2Fnyregion%2F19scaffold.html%3F_r%3D1&adsafe=high&targeting=site&dt=1250692325661&correlator=1250692325662&frm=0&ga_vid=1396490734.1250692326&ga_sid=1250692326&ga_hid=515098925&ga_fc=0&u_tz=-300&u_his=1&u_java=1&u_h=1024&u_w=1280&u_ah=994&u_aw=1280&u_cd=32&u_nplug=27&u_nmime=103&biw=1280&bih=836&eid=36814002&fu=0&ifi=1&dtd=97&xpc=e9jbKwdPBk&p=http%3A//www.nytimes.com" style="left: 0pt; position: absolute; top: 0pt;" vspace="0" scrolling="no" width="728" frameborder="0" height="90"></iframe></ins></ins> <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><span>How Many More Deaths Due To<br />Improper Scaffolding????<br /><br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><span>The article below from the New York Times by Anahad O'Conner and Colin Moynihan relates to another Fatality to a worker on a stage scaffold. Proper Safety equipment either was not available or the workers on these scaffolds were not properly trained in Fall Protection when working from scaffolding.<br /><br />In this case, the workers on the stage scaffold should have </span></span><noscript style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"></noscript><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><a name="articleBodyLink"></a></span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">been anchored so that if and when the stage fell, the workers would have been saved by Personal Protection Fall Equipment.<br /><br />There is no excuse for situations like and the contractors should have to pay LARGE fines for the lack of proper safety equipment and safe use training for each jobsite or each time the scaffold is relocated.<br /><br />The use of a Job Safety Analysis should have been completed and reviewed and signed off by the workers before any work was started. This applies to work EACH DAY or when the scaffolding is relocated.<br /><br />Come on People. Lets wake up and quit killing workers working from scaffolding. Use some Horse Sense and quit doing it the Donkey Way and protect your employees.</span></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span></span></div></div><h1 style="color: rgb(255, 255, 153);"> <nyt_headline version="1.0" type=" "> Worker Falls Four Stories to His Death When a Scaffold Collapses in Brooklyn </nyt_headline> </h1> <div style="color: rgb(255, 255, 153);" class="image" id="wideImage"> <img src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2009/08/19/nyregion/19scaffold.600.jpg" alt="" border="0" width="600" height="356" /> <p class="caption"> T<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >wo workers left dangling when a scaffold gave way were pulled into a fourth-floor window by firefighters. The accident happened at the Ansonia on 12th Street in Park Slope. </span></p> </div><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><nyt_byline style="color: rgb(255, 255, 153);" version="1.0" type=" "> </nyt_byline></span><div class="byline"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >By <a href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/o/anahad_oconnor/index.html?inline=nyt-per" title="More Articles by Anahad O’Connor">ANAHAD O’CONNOR</a> and <a href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/m/colin_moynihan/index.html?inline=nyt-per" title="More Articles by Colin Moynihan">COLIN MOYNIHAN</a></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" > </span> <div style="color: rgb(255, 255, 153); font-weight: bold;" class="timestamp"><span style="font-size:130%;">Published: August 18, 2009 </span></div> <!--NYT_INLINE_IMAGE_POSITION1 --> <p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 153); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">A 42-year-old construction worker at a luxury apartment building in Brooklyn plunged four stories to his death Tuesday evening when he stepped onto a scaffold that suddenly gave way, the authorities and witnesses said. Two co-workers tethered to harnesses were left dangling in the air, and were rescued by firefighters who arrived moments later as anxious neighbors witnessed the drama.</span></p> <div style="color: rgb(255, 255, 153); font-weight: bold;" id="articleInline" class="inlineLeft"> <div id="inlineBox"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/19/nyregion/19scaffold.html#secondParagraph" class="jumpLink">Skip to next paragraph</a></span> <div class="image"> <span style="font-size:130%;"><img src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2009/08/19/nyregion/19scaffold.inline.190.jpg" alt="" border="0" width="190" height="265" /></span> <p class="caption"><span style="font-size:130%;"> Henryk Siebor </span></p> </div> </div> </div><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 153); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><a name="secondParagraph"></a></span> <p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 153); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">“It was this terrible, ripping, tearing sound,” said Ilene Rosen, who was down the block when the scaffold gave way. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 153); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Ms. Rosen and other area residents said they looked up to see the two workers who had been on the scaffold now dangling in the air, and a fourth worker standing on a second scaffold. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 153); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">“He’s dead, he’s dead,” one of the workers shouted of the man below.</span></p><p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 153); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">The cause was being investigated, the authorities said, but it appeared that both mechanical failure and human error played some role in the collapse, which occurred about 5:30 p.m. at the Ansonia, a former clock factory that was converted to residential apartments over the years by various developers. The accident took place at one of the buildings, a six-story prewar at 438 12th Street in Park Slope.</span></p><p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 153); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Workers had been replacing bricks on the building’s facade for the past three months, and residents who saw them there on an almost daily basis said they virtually always appeared to be wearing safety harnesses. Investigators said Tuesday night that the worker who died — Henryk Siebor of 100 Diamond Street in Brooklyn — was wearing his harness at the time of the accident, but it may not have been secured, as required by state law. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 153); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Witnesses said that four men had been working throughout the day on two separate scaffolds placed side by side — two men to a scaffold — on the fifth floor of the building. They were nearing the end of the day’s work when the men on one scaffold told their superior, Mr. Siebor, on the adjacent scaffold that there was a problem with the way the rig was “tied off,” said Robert D. LiMandri, the commissioner of the Buildings Department. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 153); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">“They were concerned,” he said. “They looked to their colleague who was senior on the job, and asked him to come over and investigate. He did that.”</span></p><p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 153); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">But as Mr. Siebor stepped onto the scaffold, one of the lines holding it to the building gave way, sending the scaffold swinging against the building as he plunged to his death, landing on a first-floor terrace below. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 153); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Secured by their harnesses, the two men dangling in the air clung to the building for several minutes as firefighters from a department about a block away raced to the building.</span></p><p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 153); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">When firefighters arrived, they smashed through a fourth-floor apartment door to reach the two men. A fire truck on the ground erected a ladder to help in the rescue, and the two men were pulled through a window. The fourth man, who was on the scaffold that remained intact, was helped off by other firefighters. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 153); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Donna Mitchell, who works in a building across the street, said she was outside when she heard a commotion and looked up.</span></p><p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 153); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">“I saw fire trucks, and I see these two construction workers hanging on by the harness,” she said. “They still had their harness attached to them and they were hanging on.”</span></p><p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 153); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Ms. Mitchell said that to get to the men, firefighters smashed through a children’s safety guard and yelled for the men to reach for the window. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 153); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">“The guys were close enough to the window, so they all reached out their hands,” she said. “It was like four firemen in the window, and one held him and the rest inside supported him and pulled him in.”</span></p><p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 153); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">“It really looked scary,” she added.</span></p><p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 153); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Mr. Siebor came to New York four years ago from Rzeszow, a city of about 170,000 in southeastern Poland, and would regularly send money to his family back home, said a relative, who spoke Polish through a neighbor who interpreted. The relative, who would not give her name, said Mr. Siebor was married with three children: 20-year-old and 16-year-old daughters and a son, Robert, 16, who was visiting New York and apparently was at the Ansonia when his father died.</span></p><p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 153); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">According to the <a href="http://a810-bisweb.nyc.gov/bisweb/bsqpm01.jsp" title="The department’s database.">Buildings Department’s online database</a>, the Ansonia building received permits in March for masonry reconstruction and in April for the erection of a heavy-duty sidewalk shed. A spokeswoman from the Buildings Department said late Tuesday night that a stop-work order had been issued for the site, and that citations for violations were expected pending the outcome of the investigation. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 153); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">There was no response to calls for comment made to the company responsible for the scaffold, Nova Restoration, which has offices in Brooklyn. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 153); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">The Ansonia complex was once one of the largest clock factories in the world before it was converted to residential apartments, some selling for more than a million dollars. </span></p><p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 153); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Mr. LiMandri of the Buildings Department said that the agency would continue investigating why one of the lines that secured the scaffold gave way.</span></p><p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 153); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">“We have two people who are lucky,” he said. “They are lucky to be alive.”</span></p><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 153);">Reporting was contributed by Sewell Chan, Kareem Fahim, Christine Hauser, Jennifer 8. Lee and James Oberman.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;"><span></span></span></span><br /></div>Jim Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15312065061803181458noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931579994595829126.post-6764412257027658082009-08-16T17:20:00.010-05:002009-08-16T17:34:02.205-05:00Call Before Digging<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">I received the following as an email from a friend. It really makes you think before you undertake a job whether it be in an inner city or out in rural roads!</span><br /></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51); font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><span><span><span style="font-size:180%;">CALL BEFORE YOU DIG!!!</span></span></span></span><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;"><span><br /></span></span></span><div style="text-align: left; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:130%;">`</span><span style="font-weight: normal;font-size:130%;" >You may or may not know about the law in the USA requiring you call for utility locating before you do any excavation. The pictures below are a result of a farmer using a post hole digger without calling for "locates," and he hit an underground, high-pressure cross-country gas pipe.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span>They never did find the guy……….took out 2 homes.</span></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rIdou5k2nIY/SoiHiEAx3TI/AAAAAAAAAfc/R3Ka3KqI4so/s1600-h/gas+6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rIdou5k2nIY/SoiHiEAx3TI/AAAAAAAAAfc/R3Ka3KqI4so/s400/gas+6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370691574901628210" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rIdou5k2nIY/SoiHUX6F4uI/AAAAAAAAAfU/tw93-wUZ_Pk/s1600-h/gas+8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rIdou5k2nIY/SoiHUX6F4uI/AAAAAAAAAfU/tw93-wUZ_Pk/s400/gas+8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370691339724120802" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rIdou5k2nIY/SoiHJdJpdkI/AAAAAAAAAfM/902JNNzauMU/s1600-h/gas+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rIdou5k2nIY/SoiHJdJpdkI/AAAAAAAAAfM/902JNNzauMU/s400/gas+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370691152152983106" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rIdou5k2nIY/SoiG8GSUThI/AAAAAAAAAfE/HnyGjoRq_Nk/s1600-h/gas+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rIdou5k2nIY/SoiG8GSUThI/AAAAAAAAAfE/HnyGjoRq_Nk/s400/gas+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370690922677030418" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Hope it makes you think before you dig..... </span><br /></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></span></span></span><div style="text-align: right;"><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span></span></span></span></div>Jim Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15312065061803181458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931579994595829126.post-54072992583013034352009-08-14T09:41:00.003-05:002009-08-14T10:09:33.014-05:00Oregon's OSHA Has The Right Idea<div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 255, 51);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Oregon's OSHA Looks at Bigger Fine</span>s</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">
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<br /><span style="font-size:130%;">The article below from Daily Journal of Commerce by Justin Carinci, brings up two of my Pet Peeves regarding incentives toward constructions companies that are performing Unsafe Operations on their jobsites that cause fatalities and/or serious and willful safety violations.
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<br />These two items that I have touted are the ATTITUDE of, especially the larger, more affluent companies that they have so much money that they don't care to pay a "slap on the wrist" monetary fine to willful or fatal incidents on their jobsites. The other is the fact the these fines are not financially significient to "Get their Attention."
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<br />The company official in this article seems to have this "I'm a big boy and I have plenty of money to pay for incidents and continue to keep my bigger than thou and too rich for a little $65,000 fine to make me Safety Conscious on my jobsites." These are the ones that should have their willful and fatal fines multiplied by at least 10 times the $65,000. A few these should make significient Attitude Adjustments to these type companies.
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<br />I have corresponded with Mr. Wood of the Oregon OSHA in the past and am in full agreement with him that SOMETHING needs to be done about these type companies. I fully agree that the 2 or 3 small companies would be immediately put out of business for a fine of $65,000. However, does that tiny company get a free ride and stay in business if they have one fatal incident and kills 1/3 of their employees?
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<br />There are a large number of approaches to these delimas that a Oregon OSHA will have to delve into. I just want to encourage Mr. Wood and his group to continue to iron out some of these approaches and come up with solutions that can, not only make Oregon OSHA's jobsites a safer place to work.</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">
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<br /><h1 style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);">OSHA eyes bigger fines for safety violations</h1> <em> <span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);">POSTED: Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at 04:06 PM CDT</span>
<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);"> BY: </span><a style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);" href="http://djcoregon.com/news/author/justin.carinci">Justin Carinci</a>
<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);">Tags: </span><a style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);" href="http://djcoregon.com/news/tag/oregon-osha/" rel="tag">Oregon OSHA</a><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);">, </span><a style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);" href="http://djcoregon.com/news/tag/turner-construction/" rel="tag">Turner Construction</a> </em> <div style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);" class="singlepg"><link rel="stylesheet" href="http://djcoregon.com/wp-content/plugins/dmc_sociable_toolbar/css/plain-buttons.css" type="text/css" media="screen"><div id="attachment_40143" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 210px;"><a href="http://djcoregon.com/files/2009/08/0813_osha_safety_turner_solar_world_11.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-40143" src="http://djcoregon.com/files/2009/08/0813_osha_safety_turner_solar_world_11.jpg" alt="Dan Carter/DJC" width="200" height="140" /></a><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="wp-caption-text">Dan Carter/DJC</p></div> <p style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Oregon OSHA</strong> officials are considering raising the fines for serious workplace safety violations and making bigger employers pay more. In the construction industry, however, the largest general contractors say bigger fines won’t make them any safer.</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">The commitment to safety should come from the companies themselves, said Dan Kavanaugh, vice president and general manager with <strong>Turner Construction Co</strong>.</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">“From our philosophy, money is not the motivator,” he said “A fine doesn’t mean anything to us.”</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Right now, Oregon OSHA calculates fines based on two factors: the probability that an accident will occur and the severity of that accident. The most severe accident – one that causes a death – carries a maximum fine of $5,000.</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">That isn’t much of a financial hit for huge companies, said Michael Wood, Oregon OSHA administrator. Wood has the authority, at his discretion, to add up to $2,000 to each penalty in egregious cases.</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Wood said he’s considering issuing fines on a sliding scale, based on the company’s size, and setting the new cap at $7,000, the highest Oregon OSHA can go under state law. “It’s certainly one of the things we’re looking at,” he said.</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Smaller companies now can get a break of up to 30 percent on fines, Wood said. But that’s a smaller break than other states offer, and the issue probably will come up when Oregon OSHA starts talking, later this month, about updating its rules.</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Safety violations made news last week, when Oregon OSHA announced penalties totaling $90,000 stemming from a February accident in which a welder was killed in a Boardman potato processing plant owned by <strong>ConAgra Foods</strong>. ConAgra received 13 fines totaling $65,000; NW Metal Fabricators, the company performing the repairs at the plant, received five fines totaling $25,000.</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Wood acknowledged that a $65,000 fine wouldn’t have a great effect on a giant company such as ConAgra, which had $12.7 billion in sales for the fiscal year that ended in May. But he said Oregon OSHA’s main role is to push employers to keep workplaces safe, not to penalize them.</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">“It isn’t about an appropriate punishment,” Wood said. “This is about being a motivation to the employers.
<br />“What motivates Fred’s Roofing, (which) has two employees, is going to be different than what motivates ConAgra.”</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">That’s especially true in construction, a field that has grown safer and more professional thanks in part to high-profile efforts by the largest companies. These companies generally don’t flout safety laws, Kavanaugh said.</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">An “absolutely, unequivocally fundamental commitment” to creating the safest environment on job sites is what drives Turner, he said. Raising fines wouldn’t change that.</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Higher fines could be big hits for small and mid-sized construction companies, but they wouldn’t affect the biggest players, said Dan Johnson, vice president of operations for Skanska USA.</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">“If they raised fines, would that become a motivation?” Johnson said. “I’m thinking ‘no.’ ”</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Johnson has called for the entire industry to take a zero-tolerance approach to job-site accidents. Oregon OSHA shouldn’t need to get involved at all, he said.</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">“Our mission is never to be fined by OSHA,” Johnson said. “To receive an OSHA citation, that is a strike against everything we stand for in safety.”</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Johnson said he sees more problems at companies much smaller than Skanska. “It’s the house builders, the small contractors – you can see from the street the goofy things they’re doing.”</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">For those contractors, a bigger fine might make a difference.</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">“At the lower level of construction, they’ll get (the job) done and try to survive,” Johnson said. “If being fined is their only m</span><span style="font-size:130%;">otivation (to be safer), maybe that’s enough.”</span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">
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<br />Jim Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15312065061803181458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931579994595829126.post-47986792021092260942009-08-11T09:33:00.003-05:002009-08-11T10:07:26.900-05:00Attitude Adjustments Needed<div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 204, 204);"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Safe Work Attitude Adjustment Needed<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span>In the article below from the Sun Journal apparently published on December 15, 2007</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">, </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span><span style="font-style: italic;">it reeks from one of the most frequent cause for Incidents that occur on construction sites all over the country: "Safe Work Attitude" concerning excuses for fatal and serious injuries to workers in the work site area.<br /><br />This article blames who knows whom or what caused a nylon sling to snap without any notation as to the condition of this sling. Was any "red string" showing in the stitching</span></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> ? </span></span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Was the sling inspected for frayed </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:130%;">? Was only one sling adequate for the safe handling of the load to keep it stable during the lift?<br />Were the riggers trained in the proper use of rigging materials and equipment for this particular lift? Was there a Lift Supervisor overseeing the lift operation? Did anyone really care about this particular lift or was it just part of a daily, boring day on the job?<br /><br />All the above questions contribute to the cited violations "Unsafe hoist operations and failure to safeguard the public during construction.<br /><br />Also, at the time of this incident (not an accident), it seem as the city had about the same attitude towards safe work sites and the proper use of cranes and rigging as well as proper erection and use of scaffolding and "Struck By" indident where a worker was crushed by equipment.<br /><br />Another item of what seems "Willful" to me is the lack of safeguards to prevent falling from open sided elevated floors.<br /><br />"Material Failure" CAN be foreseen if there is a "Donkey" attitude as material failure CAN be detected if proper "Horse Sense" inspection of the rigging equipment and proper safe rigging of the load.<br /><br />It doesn't seem to be such a "Paramount Importance" factor when these type incidents occur on a jobsite.<br /><br />I don't know the status of this project at the current time, but hopefully adjustments were made in the attitude of Providing a Safe Place to Work by the company on this project.</span><br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></div></div> <!-- story page includes sidebar elements comments are on comment.tpl --><span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);font-size:180%;" > <span style="font-weight: bold;">Crane drops steel on architect near WTC</span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);" class="story_meta"> <div class="submitted byline"> <br /> Published: Dec 15, 2007 5:00 am </div> <div class="share_this"> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=2911dffe-96fc-4425-ad8b-92b471ccfbfa&type=website&buttonText=E-mail%20and%20share&style=rotate&post_services=facebook%2Ctwitter%2Cdigg%2Cdelicious%2Creddit%2Cmyspace%2Cybuzz%2Cstumbleupon%2Ctechnorati%2Cblogger%2Cwordpress%2Ctypepad%2Cgoogle_bmarks%2Cwindows_live%2Cfark%2Cbus_exchange%2Cpropeller%2Cnewsvine%2Clinkedin"></script><span id="sharethis_0"><a st_page="home" href="javascript:void(0)" title="ShareThis via email, AIM, social bookmarking and networking sites, etc." class="stbutton stico_rotate"><span st_page="home" class="stbuttontext"><br /></span></a></span> </div> </div><!-- end story_meta (was end content) --> <div class="story_text_element"><p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 204, 204);" class="StoryText12"><span style="font-size:130%;">NEW YORK (AP) - A crane dropped seven tons of steel from a skyscraper onto a construction trailer Friday, seriously injuring an architect at the site just across from ground zero.<br /><br />The builder of a new corporate headquarters for investment banking giant Goldman Sachs Group Inc. was cited for four violations, including unsafe hoist operations and failure to safeguard the public during construction, after the crane's nylon sling snapped and dropped its load of 25- to 30-foot-long pieces of galvanized steel.<br /><br />The crane was lifting the metal studs, being used to support shaft walls at the skyscraper's core - to the 13th floor of the 30-story building before the accident, said Richard Kielar, spokesman for the tower's builder, Tishman Construction Corp.<br /><br />The accident, which left architect Robert Wood hospitalized in stable condition, is one of a string of recent serious construction accidents in the city.<br /><br />A window washer was killed and his brother critically injured when a scaffold plummeted more than 40 stories off a building a week ago. A worker was killed the same day in the Bronx after heavy equipment pinned him while he was digging a hole to lay connecting pipe to a city water main, officials said.<br /><br />The city Buildings Department on Friday issued a stop-work order for the crane at the site and cited Tishman Construction Corp. and the contractor leasing the crane, DCM Erectors Inc., for unsafe hoisting operations.<br /><br />Tishman - the builder of Goldman Sachs - was also issued violations for failing to safeguard the public, failing to provide toe boards that prevent construction workers from accidentally falling off and failing to maintain netting along the sides of the building.<br /><br />The sling was carrying a 14,000-pound load and is designed to carry 19,000 pounds, the department said.<br /><br />Kielar said in a statement that a "material failure that ... could not have been foreseen" may have caused the incident.<br /><br />"Our safety record on this project, in general, is excellent by industry standards," he said. "The on-going safety of the community and of personnel on this site and on all Tishman sites is of paramount importance to us."<br /><br />The $2 billion tower, just across the street from the signature Freedom Tower being built to replace the World Trade Center, was considered a crucial anchor to the redevelopment of downtown Manhattan after the 2001 terrorist attacks.</span></p><p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 204, 204);" class="StoryText12"><span style="font-size:130%;">After agreeing to become the first major firm to relocate its world headquarters near the site, the bank changed its mind, saying it had security concerns about a tunnel that was to be built at ground zero which would face it.<br /><br />In 2005, state and city officials agreed to pay Goldman Sachs $1.65 billion in tax-exempt Liberty Bonds and offered millions in other incentives for the firm's commitment to move downtown. Politicians later said they would never offer as lucrative a deal again for companies seeking to move downtown, but that the Goldman Sachs deal was warranted because the company inspired confidence in the area.<br /><br />The planned 43-story tower is expected to house 9,000 of the company's employees when it opens in 2009.</span></p><p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 204, 204);" class="StoryText12"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 204, 204);" class="StoryText12"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 204, 204);" class="StoryText12"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="StoryText12"><br /></p></div></div>Jim Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15312065061803181458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931579994595829126.post-17206091372671947842009-08-04T10:28:00.007-05:002009-08-04T11:54:14.756-05:00Work Platform on a Skid Loader<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 204, 204);"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;">WORK PLATFORM ON A SKID LOADER<span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 204, 204);"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >The article below from O H & S (OSHA Healh and Safety) states that OSHA has cited the contractor is being fined $13,300 for the fatal fatality of one of their workers when he fell from a makeshift work platform mounted on a skid steer loader. </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><br /><br />The key word here is SKID STEER </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /><br /></span></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 204, 204);"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;">LOADER<span style="font-size:100%;">. </span></span></span></span><br /></div><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 204, 204);"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />This type machine is to be used ONLY for loader type operations using a bucket, back hoe or other types of attachments that NO WORKER SHALL be on it except the machine's operator. The Operator must be anchored while in the seat by use of a seat belt and/or a rigid bar that prevents the engine to run if it is not connected properly.<br /><br />All portable elevated work platforms must have controls that they may be operated in emergency operations from the platform. Also, the platform must be constructed with fall protection rails with provisions for the worker to anchor to.<br /><br />Rules for Aerial Work Platforms DO apply to this type operation and is clearly spelled out in the OSHA 1926, Construction Manual. This operation is strictly a Donkey operation and makes no Horse Sense.<br /><br />Is $13,300 sufficient for a WILLFUL, "get by as cheap as you can" short cut? I don't think so. It is almost a standard operation for OSHA to cut the already insufficient fines that will get the contractors' attention will be chopped down to an insignificant amount after an informal conference.<br /><br />This fatality is totally uncalled for and the fines should be multiplied several times, not cut to a mere tap on the wrist conference.<br /></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 204, 204);font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><h3 style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204); font-weight: normal;" id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder_ctl03_MainHeading" class="title"><span style="font-size:180%;">Kansas Construction Firm Fined $13,300 Following Fatality</span></h3> <ul style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 204, 204);" id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder_ctl03_ByAuthor" class="byline"><li class="nodate"><span style="font-size:130%;">Aug 03, 2009</span></li></ul> <p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 204, 204);"><span style="font-size:130%;">OSHA has cited Diamond Sawing and Coring LLC of Summerfield, Kan., for alleged violations of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act.</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 204, 204);"><span style="font-size:130%;">OSHA cited the company following an investigation into a fatal accident in Lincoln, Neb., where a worker fell from an elevated platform that was affixed to a skid steer loader to the concrete below. OSHA inspectors found two alleged serious violations of the OSH Act.</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 204, 204);"><span style="font-size:130%;">"This accident was preventable. Employers cannot allow employees to be exposed to fall hazards," said Charles Adkins, OSHA's regional administrator in Kansas City, Mo. "It is imperative that employers eliminate hazards and provide a safe work environment to prevent accidents from occurring."</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 204, 204);"><span style="font-size:130%;">The alleged serious violations stem from a lack of employee training and the employer altering equipment to accommodate personnel lifting without evaluating the equipment's ability to support the alteration. OSHA issues a serious citation when death or serious physical harm is likely to result from a hazard that an employer knew or should have known about.</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 204, 204);"><span style="font-size:130%;">The violations carry $13,300 in proposed penalties against the company. Diamond Sawing and Coring has 15 business days from receipt of these citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director in Omaha or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.</span></p> <span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></div><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span></span></span></div>Jim Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15312065061803181458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931579994595829126.post-39044028663967288902009-07-18T09:14:00.015-05:002009-07-31T09:38:10.589-05:00Will Fines Hold Up After Appeal?<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 255, 255);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Will Fines Hold Up After Appeal?<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">Here comes the Appeal!<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 255, 255);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span style="font-size:100%;">Here is the notice that the sub-contractor plans to file an appeal fines to Georgia DOL I'm interested in this incident and if and when a result of the appeal is posted I will update this Blog Entry.</span></span></span></span></span><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(102, 255, 255);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span><span class="yahooBuzzBadge-form" id="yahooBuzzBadge-form"><a href="http://buzz.yahoo.com/buzz?publisherurn=the_telegraph448&guid=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macon.com%2F197%2Fstory%2F794659.html"><span style="cursor: pointer; position: relative; padding-left: 20px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="background: transparent url(http://l.yimg.com/ds/orion/1.0.8/img/badge-logo.png) no-repeat scroll left top; cursor: pointer; display: block; position: absolute; top: 0pt; left: 0pt; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 16px; width: 16px;"></span></span></a></span> <h4 style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153); font-weight: bold; text-align: left;" class="date">Friday, Jul. 31, 2009</h4><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><h1 style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153); font-weight: bold; text-align: left;" id="story_headline">Subcontractor will appeal fines from fatal Robins accident<a href="http://www.macon.com/197/story/794659.html" name="story" storyid="794659"></a></h1><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153); font-weight: bold; text-align: left;" id="story_bycredit"> <span class="byline">By Thomas L. Day</span> - <span class="creditline">tday@macon.com</span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /> <!-- CLOSE: #mi_story_detail_top --> </div><div style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153); font-weight: bold; text-align: left;" id="story_text_top"> <p> ASM-Sanders Inc. notified the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Health and Safety Administration earlier this week that it will appeal the nearly $80,000 in fines levied by the Georgia Department of Labor in connection with a March 5 fatal accident at Robins Air Force Base. Jacky S. Brown, an ASM-Sanders subcontractor, died when a water pipe exploded while he was working on a construction project on the base.</p><p>The company was notified of OHSA’s decision July 16. It had 15 days to appeal the fines before the judgment became final. </p> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(102, 255, 153); font-weight: bold;" id="story_text_remaining"><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p style="text-align: left;"> Phone calls Thursday to ASM-Sanders regarding the accident were not returned.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The company is accused of allowing employees to work in a nearly six-foot deep trench without any reinforcement to keep the ditch from caving in, as well as three other minor safety violations. The citation that noted the lack of a ditch reinforcement was labeled a willful violation by OSHA and it alone carried a $63,000 fine.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The appeals process now goes to OHSA’s solicitor’s office, who will then file a formal complaint against the company. ASM-Sanders, if it follows form, will formally respond to the complaint. “Most of the time, the parties are trying to settle,” said G.T. Breezley, spokesman for the OHSA Atlanta-East Area office.</p><p style="text-align: left;">If no settlement is reached, the case will be adjudicated by the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.</p><p style="text-align: left;">“About 95 percent of them are settled out of court,” Breezley said.</p><p style="text-align: left;">To contact military writer Thomas L. Day, call 744-4489. </p> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(102, 255, 255);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><br /></span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-size:100%;">Will Company Officials be penalized for Directives to Safety Inspector?<br /><br /></span></span></span></span><div style="text-align: left; color: rgb(102, 255, 255);"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span>The article below from The Sun Times by Thomas L. Day indicates a closer to the proper fines for the violations than the usual rates that typically reduce fines after an Informal Appeal by a company guilty of violations related to trenching safety.<br /><br />There is a worse violation that is noted in this article. That being the instructions of Company Management to the Safety Inspector to KEEP QUIET and/or FALSIFY SAFETY Reports. That is just plain Perjury on the Company's Management's instructions.<br /><br />Not only are these Management personnel violating Federal Law, this type personnel are a major cause of Donkey and Management attitudes to try to "get around" OSHA regulations to save a penny at the fatal cost of their workers. This company should be prosecuted to the full extent of the Law. There is NO Horse Sense in this type management.</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><h1 style="color: rgb(102, 255, 255);" id="story_headline"><span style="font-size:100%;">Robins contractor cited for safety violations; fined nearly $80,000</span><a href="http://www.macon.com/197/story/780478.html" name="story" storyid="780478"></a></h1> <div style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 255, 255);" id="story_bycredit"> <span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="byline">By Thomas L. Day</span> - <span class="creditline">tday@macon.com</span></span> </div><br /><div style="text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 255, 255);"><p> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The U.S. Department of Labor cited ASM-Sanders Inc., an Alabama-based contractor that provides construction support for Robins Air Force Base, for worker safety violations after a March accident killed one worker. Jacky S. Brown died March 5 from a severe blow to the head after a chilled water pipe exploded. </span></span></p><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">According to the Department of Labor, Brown and his co-workers were testing a water pipe by filling it with compressed air, disregarding the manufacturer’s recommendation that the pipe instead be tested with liquids.</span><br /></span><p style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:130%;"> The company also was cited for employing workers in a 5-foot-6-inch trench without means of egression and without protection from a possible cave-in. </span></p><p style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:130%;">The latter was cited as a “willful violation” of employee safety and carried with it a $63,000 fine. </span></p><p style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:130%;">In total, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) hit ASM-Sanders with four safety violations and nearly $80,000 in fines.</span></p><p style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:130%;">A spokeswoman from ASM-Sanders refused to comment on the citation. </span></p><p style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:130%;">The company may appeal the fines to OSHA within 15 business days, though the company is ordered to correct the violations by today.</span></p><p style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:130%;">After Brown’s death, a former ASM-Sanders safety inspector told OSHA that he was ordered by his superiors to falsify safety reports. “I was told to keep quiet and that was the way we would handle all accidents,” Mike Hill said in the letter dated May 5, 2009. </span></p><p style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Hill claims he was fired the day he faxed his letter to OSHA.</span></p><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The company also was cited for employing workers in a 5-foot-6-inch trench without means of egression and without protection from a possible cave-in. </span></span></div><p style="text-align: left; color: rgb(102, 255, 255);"><span style="font-size:130%;">The latter was cited as a “willful violation” of employee safety and carried with it a $63,000 fine. </span></p><p style="text-align: left; color: rgb(102, 255, 255);"><span style="font-size:130%;">In total, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) hit ASM-Sanders with four safety violations and nearly $80,000 in fines.</span></p><p style="text-align: left; color: rgb(102, 255, 255);"><span style="font-size:130%;">A spokeswoman from ASM-Sanders refused to comment on the citation. </span></p><p style="text-align: left; color: rgb(102, 255, 255);"><span style="font-size:130%;">The company may appeal the fines to OSHA within 15 business days, though the company is ordered to correct the violations by today.</span></p><p style="text-align: left; color: rgb(102, 255, 255);"><span style="font-size:130%;">After Brown’s death, a former ASM-Sanders safety inspector told OSHA that he was ordered by his superiors to falsify safety reports. “I was told to keep quiet and that was the way we would handle all accidents,” Mike Hill said in the letter dated May 5, 2009. </span></p><p style="text-align: left; color: rgb(102, 255, 255);"><span style="font-size:130%;">Hill claims he was fired the day he faxed his letter to OSHA.</span></p><p style="text-align: left; color: rgb(102, 255, 255);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left; color: rgb(102, 255, 255);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left; color: rgb(102, 255, 255);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left; color: rgb(102, 255, 255);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><br /></div>Jim Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15312065061803181458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931579994595829126.post-24517561029007158312009-07-01T08:27:00.005-05:002009-07-01T08:48:49.519-05:00More OSHA Needed<div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Texans Say, "More OSHA Needed"</span></span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span><span style="font-style: italic;">The article below from The Statesman.com by Juan Castillo makes good points about the lack of enough OSHA inspectors available to investigate incidents on construction job sites, but surely not enough to make Routine, unannounced work site</span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" > </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;">inspections</span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;">While OSHA</span></span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 0); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span> officials state that ALL of their inspections are unannounced, that is not wholly true. Incident or complaint calls for inspections are not unannounced, but requested by </span></span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">owners or contractors.</span></span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 0); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">.</span><br /><br />As long as OSHA investigates incidents "after the facts," issues a fairly sizable fine, then has an informal review and cuts the fine amounts down to a slight touch on the wrist, they will never get the attention of the guilty companies. If these sizable fines are upheld OSHA could use fine funds to increase the number of inspectors available. In other words, "Let the guilty parties pay for their shortcomings."<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><h2 style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/somosaustin/entries/2009/06/30/construction_safety_crackdown.html">Construction safety crackdown not enough, Austin group says</a></span></h2><br /><h2 style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/somosaustin/entries/2009/06/30/construction_safety_crackdown.html">Construction safety crackdown not enough, Austin group says</a></h2> <p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);font-family:arial;" class="byline"><span style="font-size:130%;">By <a href="http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/somosaustin/entries/2009/06/30/construction_safety_crackdown.html#postcomment">Juan Castillo</a> | Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 05:28 PM </span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;">An Austin-based workers advocacy group is calling for a permanent increase in the number of federal inspectors who enforce safety standards at construction sites in Texas.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;">The Workers Defense Project said Monday’s announcement that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration will temporarily increase the number of its inspectors in Texas is “a good first step,” but not enough.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;">A report released this month by the workers group depicted rampant dangerous conditions in Austin’s commercial and residential construction industry. The study, “Building Austin, Building Injustice,” said that OSHA is ill-equipped to investigate safety violations. It also noted that Texas led the nation with 142 construction-related deaths in 2007.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;">In announcing the Texas enforcement initiative Monday, the Department of Labor said the state had 67 construction-related deaths in 2008; 33 so far this year.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;">On June 10, three construction workers died in a scaffolding collapse at a high-rise apartment construction project near the University of Texas. OSHA is investigating.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Citing Department of Labor data, “Building Austin, Building Injustice” said OSHA had a total of 77 inspectors in Texas in 2008, when the state had 10.2 million workers. That represented the fourth worst investigators-to-workforce ratio in the country.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;">A Department of Labor spokeswoman would not say Monday how many investigators will descend on Texas from other states for the construction industry safety enforcement blitz which begins tomorrow and continues through August. OSHA could decide to increase or repeat the initiative after evaluating results.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;">“We’re glad to see there is going to be more inspections and hopefully this will prevent a lot of needless deaths,” said <strong>Mike Cunningham</strong>, executive director of the Texas Building and Construction Trades Council of the AFL-CIO. “Workers should be able to put a day’s work and go home safely every day.”</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Workers Defense Project director Cristina Tzintzùn also called for OSHA to conduct more unannounced inspections at construction sites, explaining that workers have said employers often know when inspectors are coming.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;">A Labor Department spokeswoman, however, said all of OSHA’s inspections at construction sites are unannounced.</span></p> <p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Cunningham said that in his 38 years in the business he did not recall OSHA inspecting a site unless it was in response to a death, accident or worker-generated complaint.</span></p><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0); font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span></span></span><br /></span></p>Jim Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15312065061803181458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931579994595829126.post-25504631349003990632009-06-26T10:21:00.004-05:002009-06-26T10:41:02.542-05:00Unsecured Lifted Load Fatality<div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;">All Lifted Materials MUST Be Secured<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The </span></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">article below from</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Observer by Sue Buck notes that a worker was killed by falling roofing materials being lifted by a crane in Ann Arbor.<br /><br />While Sue's article states that, according to the Police, there was no crime. This may be true as far as the Police are concerned, but in reality, THERE WAS A CRIME COMMITTED.<br /><br />The laws that were broken pertained to OSHA Regulations. These regulations make statements that all loads lifted must be secured to prevent them from falling. Also, no workers are to be exposed to materials being lifted over their work area. This area should have been cleared of workers within the lift area.<br /><br />There was absolutely no reason for this incident, not an accident, should have occured. In accordance of the new crane standards, the Operator, Rigger(s) and the Lift Supervisor must be trained and certified in the proper safe methods of making ALL lifts. The apparent lack of this procedure makes no Horse Sense and makes Donkeys out of a situation that should not have happened.<br /></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></div><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span></span></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Construction site accident claims life of GC man</span></span> <span id="gslshowAuthImg" class="gslAutUserPhoto"></span></div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 204, 0);" class="ratingbyline"> By Sue Buck • OBSERVER STAFF WRITER • June 25, 2009 </p> <script type="text/javascript"> <!-- function trackLink4Accounts(linkAccountString, prop41String) { var s=s_gi(linkAccountString); s.linkTrackVars='prop41,events'; s.linkTrackEvents='event1'; s.prop41=prop41String; s.events='event1'; s.tl(this,'o','Link Name'); } //--> </script> <div style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);" class="article-tools"> <ul><li class="share"><div id="bookmark-tools" style="visibility: hidden;"><ul><li class="delicious"><a href="http://del.icio.us/post?v=2" onclick="trackLink4Accounts(s_account, 'share:delicious'); return snl_click('delicious')" onmouseout="hideSrchOptions('bookmark-tools',350);" onmouseover="clearTime();" target="_blank">9Del.icio.us</a></li><li class="facebook"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/share.php" onclick="trackLink4Accounts(s_account, 'share:facebook'); return snl_click('facebook')" onmouseout="hideSrchOptions('bookmark-tools',350);" onmouseover="clearTime();" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.hometownlife.com/gcicommonfiles/sr/graphics/common/bookmarks/facebook.gif" />Facebook</a></li><li class="digg"><a href="http://digg.com/submit?phase=2" onclick="trackLink4Accounts(s_account, 'share:digg'); return snl_click('digg')" onmouseout="hideSrchOptions('bookmark-tools',350);" onmouseover="clearTime();" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.hometownlife.com/gcicommonfiles/sr/graphics/common/bookmarks/digg.gif" />Digg</a></li><li class="reddit"><a href="http://reddit.com/submit" onclick="trackLink4Accounts(s_account, 'share:reddit'); return snl_click('reddit')" onmouseout="hideSrchOptions('bookmark-tools',350);" onmouseover="clearTime();" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.hometownlife.com/gcicommonfiles/sr/graphics/common/bookmarks/reddit.gif" />Reddit</a></li><li class="newsvine"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.newsvine.com/_tools/seed" onclick="trackLink4Accounts(s_account, 'share:newsvine'); return snl_click('newsvine')" onmouseout="hideSrchOptions('bookmark-tools',350);" onmouseover="clearTime();" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.hometownlife.com/gcicommonfiles/sr/graphics/common/bookmarks/newsvine.gif" />Newsvine</a></span></li><li class="YahooBuzz" onclick="trackLink4Accounts(s_account, 'share:yahoobuzz');" onmouseout="hideSrchOptions('bookmark-tools',350);" onmouseover="clearTime();"> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://d.yimg.com/ds/badge2.js" badgetype="text"> http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090625/NEWS08/906250515 </script><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="yahooBuzzBadge yahooBuzzBadge-text" id="yahooBuzzBadge-30587662521246029676022"><a title="Vote for your favorite stories on Yahoo! Buzz" href="http://buzz.yahoo.com/buzz?targetUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hometownlife.com%2Fapps%2Fpbcs.dll%2Farticle%3FAID%3D%2F20090625%2FNEWS08%2F906250515"><span style="cursor: pointer; position: relative; padding-left: 20px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="background: transparent url(http://l.yimg.com/ds/orion/1.0.5/img/badge-logo.png) no-repeat scroll left top; cursor: pointer; display: block; position: absolute; top: 0pt; left: 0pt; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 16px; width: 16px;"></span>Buzz up!</span></a></span></span> </li><li class="twitter"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.hometownlife.com/article/20090625/NEWS08/906250515#" onclick="trackLink4Accounts(s_account, 'share:twitter'); return snl_click('twitter')" onmouseout="hideSrchOptions('bookmark-tools',350);" onmouseover="clearTime();" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.hometownlife.com/gcicommonfiles/sr/graphics/common/bookmarks/twitter.gif" />Twitter</a>Services will be held tomorrow for a Garden City man who died Monday of injuries he sustained in an accident at a construction site in Ann Arbor.<span class="aa"></span><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://active.macromedia.com/flash2/cabs/swflash.cab#version=5,0,0,0" id="AT_FLASHO221247" name="AT_FLASHO221247" width="160" height="600"><param name="movie" value="http://aka-cdn-ns.adtechus.com/apps/309/Ad283445St3Sz154Sq620047V0Id1/HTL_GarageSales160.swf?targetTAG=_blank&clickTarget=_blank&pathTAG=http%3A//aka-cdn-ns.adtechus.com/apps/309/Ad283445St3Sz154Sq620047V0Id1/&closeTAG=javascript%3AcloseAdLayer221247%28%29&openTAG=javascript%3AopenAdLayer221247%28%29&expandTAG=javascript%3Aexpand221247%28%29&collapseTAG=javascript%3Acollapse221247%28%29&clicktarget=_blank&clickTarget=_blank&clickTARGET=_blank&CURRENTDOMAIN=www.hometownlife.com"><param name="quality" value="autohigh"><param name="base" value="http://aka-cdn-ns.adtechus.com/apps/309/Ad283445St3Sz154Sq620047V0Id1/"><param name="flashvars" value="clickTAG=http%3A//gannett.gcion.com/adlink/5111/221247/0/154/AdId%3D283445%3BBnId%3D1%3Bitime%3D29662947%3Bnodecode%3Dyes%3Blink%3Dhttp%3A//www.866-818-sold.com/"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="swLiveConnect" value="true"><param name="wmode" value="opaque"><embed src="http://aka-cdn-ns.adtechus.com/apps/309/Ad283445St3Sz154Sq620047V0Id1/HTL_GarageSales160.swf?targetTAG=_blank&clickTarget=_blank&pathTAG=http%3A//aka-cdn-ns.adtechus.com/apps/309/Ad283445St3Sz154Sq620047V0Id1/&closeTAG=javascript%3AcloseAdLayer221247%28%29&openTAG=javascript%3AopenAdLayer221247%28%29&expandTAG=javascript%3Aexpand221247%28%29&collapseTAG=javascript%3Acollapse221247%28%29&clicktarget=_blank&clickTarget=_blank&clickTARGET=_blank&CURRENTDOMAIN=www.hometownlife.com" id="AT_FLASHO221247" name="AT_FLASHO221247" base="http://aka-cdn-ns.adtechus.com/apps/309/Ad283445St3Sz154Sq620047V0Id1/" quality="autohigh" flashvars="clickTAG=http%3A//gannett.gcion.com/adlink/5111/221247/0/154/AdId%3D283445%3BBnId%3D1%3Bitime%3D29662947%3Bnodecode%3Dyes%3Blink%3Dhttp%3A//www.866-818-sold.com/" allowscriptaccess="always" swliveconnect="true" wmode="opaque" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash" width="160" height="600"></embed></object></span> <script language="JavaScript">triggerAd(1,PaginationPage,10);</script><script language="javascript1.1" src="http://gannett.gcion.com/addyn/3.0/5111.1/133600/0/0/ADTECH;alias=mi-gardencity.hometownlife.com/news/article.htm_ArticleFlex_1;cookie=info;loc=100;target=_blank;grp=614081;misc=1246029676241"></script> </li></ul> </div> </li></ul> </div> <!--<b>individual</b>: 8 numChar :2220<br />--><!-- TOTAL ELEMENTS IN ARRAY: 10 TOTAL CHARACTERS IN ARRAY: 2303 TOTAL CHARACTERS IN PAGES: 2220 LAST PAGE CONTAINS: 83 --><script type="text/javascript" language="Javascript">var numDivs ="1";if (GDN.Cookie.Exists("GCIONSN") ) { var GPCookie = GDN.Cookie.Get('GCIONSN'); var GPvalueEncData= GDN.Base64.Decode(GPCookie); var GPvalueDecData= GPvalueEncData.match(/GPvalue:([\w\@\.\-\%\|]+)/i); if(PaginationArticleCookie != PaginationArticleUrl || GPvalueDecData == null || GPvalueDecData[1] == 'undefined' || typeof(GPvalueDecData[0]) == 'undefined') { var saxoNextPage = "906250515%7C2%7C1"; var saxoPreviousPage = "906250515%7C1%7C1"; } } else { var saxoNextPage = "906250515%7C2%7C1"; var saxoPreviousPage = "906250515%7C1%7C1"; } </script><!--Saxotech Paragraph Count: 10 --><p style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="pp"></span>The service for Gary Winisky Jr., 48, will be at 1 p.m. at R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Home, 31551 Ford. Garden City. Mr. Winisky was struck by roofing material that fell from a crane while he was working at the site of the new C.S. Mott Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor. He died in the emergency room at the university's medical center.<span class="aa"></span></span></p><p style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="pp"></span>According to Diane Brown, the public information officer for the University of Michigan Police Department, the incident occurred at 9:52 a.m. when a large, heavy load of roofing material fell off a crane and landed on the man. He died at 10:38 a.m.<span class="aa"></span></span></p><p style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="pp"></span>“He was crushed,” Brown said.<span class="aa"></span></span></p><p style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="pp"></span>Autopsy results are pending, and there has been a determination that no crime occurred. The incident is being handled as an accident by the police. However, the state OSHA investigation will look into whether or not equipment failed, safety precautions were or weren't followed and whether there was any “fault” for the accident. The report could take several few weeks.<span class="aa"></span></span></p><p style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="pp"></span>Mr. Winisky worked for Schreiber Roofing in Detroit, a subcontractor of Barton Malow. The person answering the phone at Schreiber said that she wasn't at liberty to make any comments, and the manager did not return a call to the Observer.<span class="aa"></span></span></p><p style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="pp"></span>Mott Children's Hospital, which is under construction, is the “replacement” hospital for the current facility. It's located on East Medical Center Drive in Ann Arbor and south of University Hospital.<span class="aa"></span></span></p><p style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="pp"></span>There have been no other accidents at that construction site. However, this is the third construction death on campus in less than two years. A masonry worker fell 38 feet from scaffolding and was killed at the site of Michigan's Museum of Art in February 2008. In August 2008, a man fell five stories down an elevator shaft at the business school.<span class="aa"></span></span></p><p style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="pp"></span>Visitation for Mr. Winisky is 3-9 p.m. today, June 25. He is survived by his wife, Charlotte, daughters Krystal Marie and Tiffany Ann, granddaughter Destanie Jasmin Salas, father Gary Winisky Sr., siblings Michelle Winisky and Reed Chambers and many nieces and a nephew.<span class="aa"></span></span></p><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span class="pp"></span><a href="mailto:sbuck@hometownlife.com">sbuck@hometownlife.com</a> | (734) 953-2014</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></span></span></span><br /></div>Jim Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15312065061803181458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931579994595829126.post-77960605297868849062009-06-20T07:45:00.003-05:002009-06-20T08:16:02.872-05:00Aerial Lift Incident Takes Another Life<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Aerial Lifts Dangerous<br /><br /></span></span></span></span><div style="text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 204, 0);"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The article below by Kevin O'Neal of the Call Star, addresses the fact that Aerial Work Platforms can be deceivingly dangerous on work sites, especially in rough terrain sites.<br /><br />How and why did this worker manage to be thrown from the basket of this machine? While these machines can be an excellent means of accessing elevated work locations, the travel movements across rough terrain while the boom is extended can accelerate the motion of the basket if and when the wheels cross a hole or over objects on the ground causing the basked to act like a catapult, thus throwing any occupant in the basket out.<br /><br />This is the primary cause for injuries and death of workers who are not properly anchored to the anchor points in the basket's framework.<br /><br />If the worker in this incident was trained in the use of these type machines, the first thing he should have been instructed in should have been how to, where to and why anchoring is critical. Failure to do this just accentuates the use of Donkey Sense.<br /><br />Another possible cause for this type incident could be found in the type lanyard hooks being used. Some of the very large lanyard hooks similar to ones used by scaffold builders have weak or easy to "roll out" when used in aerial lifts.<br /><br />Contractors should assure that ALL workers that use this type equipment are properly trained and constant visual observations as to how they are being used. </span></span></span></span></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 204, 0);" id="clear" class="clear"><div class="t0 r15 b0 l0" id="article"><div class="red"><br /><div style="font-weight: bold;" class="t10"> <h1>Convention work stopped until Monday; Labor committee may look at safety concerns</h1> <h2>Officials continue to investigate fatal accident; labor committee likely to look at safety issues</h2> </div> <div style="font-weight: bold;" id="byline"> <div id="art_menu" class="art_menu_width"> <div id="author_date"> <div id="art_author"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="mailto:kevin.oneal@indystar.com">By Kevin O'Neal</a></span></div> <div id="art_date"><span style="font-size:100%;">Posted: June 19, 2009</span></div> </div> <div class="article-tools clear"> <div id="font_sizer"> <span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div> <script type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8"> //<!-- var default_font = 1; var font_var = default_font; var font_max = 3; function fontSize(dir) { var old_font_var = font_var; switch(dir) { case 'up': if(font_var == font_max) { return; } font_var++; break; case 'down': if(font_var == 0) { return; } font_var--; break; default: if(dir <= font_max && dir >= 0) { font_var = dir; } break; } $$('#article p').each(function(e) { e.removeClassName("font_class_"+old_font_var); if(font_var!=default_font) { e.addClassName("font_class_"+font_var) } }); $$('#font_sizer a.current')[0].removeClassName('current'); $$('#font_sizer #bars a')[font_var].addClassName('current'); } $$('#font_sizer #bars a')[font_var].addClassName('current'); //--> </script> </div> </div> </div> <!--TOTAL ELEMENTS IN ARRAY: 14 TOTAL CHARACTERS IN ARRAY: 2369 TOTAL CHARACTERS IN PAGES: 2056 LAST PAGE CONTAINS: 313 --><script type="text/javascript" language="Javascript">var numDivs ="1";if (GDN.Cookie.Exists("GCIONSN") ) { var GPCookie = GDN.Cookie.Get('GCIONSN'); var GPvalueEncData= GDN.Base64.Decode(GPCookie); var GPvalueDecData= GPvalueEncData.match(/GPvalue:([\w\@\.\-\%\|]+)/i); if(PaginationArticleCookie != PaginationArticleUrl || GPvalueDecData == null || GPvalueDecData[1] == 'undefined' || typeof(GPvalueDecData[0]) == 'undefined') { var saxoNextPage = "906190339%7C2%7C1"; var saxoPreviousPage = "906190339%7C1%7C1"; } } else { var saxoNextPage = "906190339%7C2%7C1"; var saxoPreviousPage = "906190339%7C1%7C1"; } </script><!--Saxotech Paragraph Count: 14 --><p style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="pp"></span>Work at the Indiana Convention Center construction site Downtown was suspended until Monday as investigators probe a worker's deadly fall from an elevated lift.<span class="aa"></span></span></p><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span class="pp"></span>"Our hearts go out to the (family of Stanley) Roberts," said John P. Klipsch, director of the Indiana Stadium and Convention Building Authority. "We want to do a good job in investigating the accident."<br /><br />Investigators have concluded that Roberts' safety harness was not properly attached to the device when it tipped and threw him 50 feet to the ground about 3:20 p.m. Wednesday.<span class="aa"></span></span><p style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="pp"></span>Indiana Department of Labor investigators will try to determine why Roberts' safety gear was not connected. The investigation could take months.<span class="aa"></span></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="pp"></span>The convention center expansion, on the site of the former RCA Dome, is a $275 million project that will nearly double the facility's size. The expected completion date is late 2010.<span class="aa"></span></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="pp"></span>Shiel Sexton, the general contractor on the project, has a policy that any worker elevated more than 6 feet must be connected to a harness and safety line to prevent falls, said Sean M. Keefer, deputy commissioner for the Indiana Department of Labor.<span class="aa"></span></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="pp"></span>The state will look into several aspects of the accident, including the lift's movements when the fall took place.<span class="aa"></span></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="pp"></span>The lifts, once called cherry pickers, typically have controls on their platforms that let the operator move them while the platform is elevated.<span class="aa"></span></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="pp"></span>Roberts, 55, worked for Harmon Steel of Indianapolis. He had been trained to operate the lift and had experience in using the device on job sites, Klipsch said.<span class="aa"></span></span></p><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span class="pp"></span>The Center for Construction Research and Training<br /><br />reported that an average of 26 construction workers die each year from using aerial lifts.<span class="aa"></span></span><p style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="pp"></span>There were 35 fatal boom lift falls in the U.S. construction industry from 1992 to 1999. Roberts' death renewed concerns about safety regulations for operating boom lifts, tall cranes and other elevated equipment.<span class="aa"></span></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="pp"></span>Rep. David Niezgodski, D-South Bend, said this accident likely will prompt a further examination from his office of whether changes in state safety regulations are needed.<span class="aa"></span></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="pp"></span>He said he wants to talk to officials and engineers on the site from the Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration.<span class="aa"></span></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="pp"></span>"We want to ensure that every precaution is being taken and all of the safety standards are being applied," said Niezgodski, chairman of the Indiana House Labor and Employment Committee.<span class="aa"></span></span></p><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><br /><br /></span><div style="display: none;" id="article-pagination"><div id="saxo-right-pagination"><a onclick="GDN.Cookies.Session.SetValue('GPvalue',saxoNextPage);" href="http://www.indystar.com/article/20090619/LOCAL18/906190339/Convention+center+work+halted+unitl+Monday">Next Page<img title="Next" alt="Next" src="http://www.indystar.com/gcicommonfiles/sr/graphics/palette6/carousel_next.gif" align="top" /></a></div><div id="article-pagination-list">undefined</div><div id="saxo-left-pagination"><a onclick="GDN.Cookies.Session.SetValue('GPvalue',saxoPreviousPage);" href="http://www.indystar.com/article/20090619/LOCAL18/906190339/Convention+center+work+halted+unitl+Monday"><img title="Previous" alt="Previous" src="http://www.indystar.com/gcicommonfiles/sr/graphics/palette6/carousel_back.gif" align="top" />Previous Page</a></div></div> <div class="red"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">• Star reporter Vic Ryckaert contributed to this story. Call Star reporter Kevin O'Neal at (317) 444-6304.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></div> </div> </div><br /></div>Jim Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15312065061803181458noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931579994595829126.post-39715309766321675982009-06-14T15:29:00.003-05:002009-06-14T15:47:08.841-05:00Low Fines by OSHA<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">GOVERNMENT WATCH<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:130%;">The article below was posted in the Parade Magazine on Sunday, June 14, 2009. This article reflects something that I have advocated quite a number of times regarding the "slap on the wrist" fines after announcing a sizable fine for violations, especially related to fatalities.<br /><br />The reduction of fines at an informal appeal by the violating organization just does not make Horse Sense. For example these reductions from maybe $65,000 may be reduced to $12,000.<br /></span><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"><span style="font-size:180%;">New Efforts To Keep Workers Safe</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Nearly 40 years after the Occupational Safety and Health Act was enacted to protect workers, organized labor and some members of Congress say the government's regulations are in need of an overhaul.<br /><br />According to the Bureau of Labor Stastics, some 6,000 Americans are killed annyally in workplace accidents--more than 15 a day--and millions more are injured. But a study conducted by the AFL-CIO, using date from the Occupaitonal Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), found that the average fine for deadly violations is only $11,300. Ped Seminario, the union's director of safety and health, says that under current law, "fish, horses, and wild burros have stronger protections from harm than workers. That's an outrage, and it needs to change."<br /><br />OSHA's records show that workplace violations increased 6.4%, to 89,000, from 2003 through 2007. Serious violations were up 12%--to67,000--during that same period.<br /><br />Rp. Lynn Woolsey (D-Calif.) says penalties are "shockingly low," amounting to a "slap on the wrist for killing or injuring a worker." Even in the most egregious cases, employers rarely face criminal prosecution, she adds.<br /><br />Woolsey, who chairs the House Subcommittee on workforce protections, has introduced legislation that would greatly increase both civil and criminal penalties for vilations of OSHA rules. The maximum fine for willful and repeated violations, including those causing death, would increase from $70,000 to $250,000. Maximum jail time for willful violations that result in death would go from two years to 20 years.<br /><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span></span></span></span></div>Jim Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15312065061803181458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931579994595829126.post-86509012546141994132009-06-12T08:49:00.004-05:002009-06-12T09:06:39.467-05:00Scaffolding Collapse<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 255, 255);"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">SCAFFOLDING FAILURE<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Project On Hold<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 255, 255);font-size:130%;" >The article below from the American Statesman by Juana Summers and Patrick George notes that three workers were killed in a collapse of scaffolding on a multi-story Condominium project in Texas.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 255, 255);"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Failure to following applicable standards for the proper set up of scaffolding AND the proper use of these scaffolds by workers while on them on commercial and industrial construction projects have been the cause of numerous fatalities over recent months.<br /><br />The primary failure cause is the lack of training for the scaffold erectors and in the majority of cases, the lack of proper training of the workers that use them. So many times, the workers see a scaffold that has been erected for them to use, climb up to the work space then make minor alterations to the scaffolds to ease access to specific work spots causing a weakening of the system. Or they may fail to use proper care while working from the scaffold system.<br /><br />After all, there are some unsafe aspects of most any scaffolding system that these workers have to be familiar with and shown the dangers associated with the system.<br /><br />I urge ALL contractors to take the proper erection, setup, and continued checks of all scaffolding systems by following the OSHA standards and the scaffolding manufacturers instruction for these systems. This is a plain and simple use of Horse Sense as it pertains to this large part of multi-story construction, both in Commercial and Industrial projects.<br /></span><br /></span></span><h1 style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);">Condo project put on hold</h1> <h2 style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);">Three men killed while after falling from side of West Campus tower.</h2> <p style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255);"><span class="byline">By <a href="mailto:jsummers@statesman.com">Juana Summers</a></span><span class="byline">, <a href="mailto:pgeorge@statesman.com">Patrick George</a></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><span class="source">AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF</span><br /><span class="date"> Friday, June 12, 2009 </span></span> </p> <p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 255, 255);"><span style="font-size:130%;">Construction on a high-rise condominium near the University of Texas has been put on hold indefinitely while officials investigate the deaths of three men Wednesday in a scaffolding collapse, the project's developer said. </span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 255, 255);"><span style="font-size:130%;">The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Austin police are investigating the incident. </span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 255, 255);"><span style="font-size:130%;">Gary Perkins, the developer of the 21 Rio project, called the collapse an "unfortunate accident" and offered condolences to the families of the workers who were killed. </span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 255, 255);"><span style="font-size:130%;">"It's so upsetting because we're getting so close to opening the building. Everything has been clicking," he said. "This unfortunate accident takes our breath away." </span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 255, 255);"><span style="font-size:130%;">The project's Web site says the 21-story condo tower was expected to be open this month. </span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 255, 255);"><span style="font-size:130%;">Perkins said that up to 200 people have worked at the site on some days. </span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 255, 255);"><span style="font-size:130%;">Police have not released the workers' names because their families have not been notified, officials said. </span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 255, 255);"><span style="font-size:130%;">Four construction workers were on the scaffold outside the building at 21st and Rio Grande streets when part of it collapsed for unknown reasons about 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, said Harry Evans, a battalion chief with the Fire Department. </span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 255, 255);"><span style="font-size:130%;">Two men in their late 20s fell 11 to 13 stories to the ground, Evans said. They were pronounced dead soon after. </span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 255, 255);"><span style="font-size:130%;">A third man, who was about 40, fell a few stories onto the roof of a seven-story parking garage, Evans said. The man died a few hours later at University Medical Center Brackenridge. </span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 255, 255);"><span style="font-size:130%;">The fourth man did not fall and received only minor injuries, Evans said. </span></p><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></span></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></span></span></span></span></div>Jim Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15312065061803181458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931579994595829126.post-6415242791034289322009-05-19T19:12:00.006-05:002009-05-19T19:30:51.039-05:00Incident Caused By Human Error!!!!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;">HUMAN ERROR CAUSED ACCIDENT?!?!?</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">The following post from BUSINESS FIRST by John R. Karman III, Staff Writer indicates that the incident at Louisville Arena Construction Site was caused by "HUMAN ERROR!"<br /><br />My first question about this HUMAN ERROR causing a so called ACCIDENT is: "What Incident that causes injury to a person or property is NOT caused by HUMAN ERROR?"<br /><br />This assessment DOES NOT MAKE HORSE SENSE. In a round about manner it seems that the three workers that were injured may be the ones that are to blame for the incident. My interpretation of this incident should go back to the engineering company responsible for the re-shoring requirements for elevated concrete slabs until the concrete meets it's full strength to stand unsupported. Also, it would ultimately be the responsibility of the Contractor's management personnel to assure that these requirements are met before the removal of adequate shoring, not the laborers on the job.</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span></span></span><div style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255); font-weight: bold;" class="storydate"><span style="font-size:100%;">Monday, May 18, 2009, 1:23pm EDT | Modified: Monday, May 18, 2009, 5:13pm </span></div> <h1 style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255); font-weight: bold;" class="headline"><span style="font-size:100%;">Investigation points to human error, blames subcontractor for accident at arena site</span></h1> <h3 style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Business First of Louisville - by <a id="byline" href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/imp;v7;j;213950569;0-0;0;17653628;0/0;31055321/31073197/1;;%7Eaopt=2/0/be/0;%7Eokv=;beh=;pos=t1;vs=sports_business;sz=728x90;tile=1;kw=louisville;dcopt=ist;%7Ecs=k%3fhttp://m1.2mdn.net/1460409/mastercard3.htm?t=10&cT=http%3A//ad.doubleclick.net/click%253Bh%3Dv8/3833/2/0/%252a/o%253B213950569%253B0-0%253B0%253B17653628%253B255-0/0%253B31055321/31073197/1%253B%253B%257Eaopt%253D2/0/be/0%253B%257Esscs%253D%253f&l=http%3A//www.bizjournals.com/search/results.html%3FNtt%3D%2522John%2520R.%2520Karman%2520III%2522%26Ntk%3DAll%26Ntx%3Dmode%2520matchallpartial">John R. Karman III</a> Staff Writer</span></h3><!-- Related Articles Box --> <!-- begin storycontent --> <div style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255); font-weight: bold;" id="storycontent"> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">An accident last month on the construction site of Louisville’s coming downtown arena is being blamed on “human error” by workers associated with Indianapolis-based subcontractor <a class="story_clink" href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/imp;v7;j;213950569;0-0;0;17653628;0/0;31055321/31073197/1;;%7Eaopt=2/0/be/0;%7Eokv=;beh=;pos=t1;vs=sports_business;sz=728x90;tile=1;kw=louisville;dcopt=ist;%7Ecs=k%3fhttp://m1.2mdn.net/1460409/mastercard3.htm?t=10&cT=http%3A//ad.doubleclick.net/click%253Bh%3Dv8/3833/2/0/%252a/o%253B213950569%253B0-0%253B0%253B17653628%253B255-0/0%253B31055321/31073197/1%253B%253B%257Eaopt%253D2/0/be/0%253B%257Esscs%253D%253f&l=http%3A//www.bizjournals.com/louisville/gen/F.A._Wilhelm_Construction_Co._79108F20FFF94B3FA1C0089811AD9B3D.html"><strong>F.A. Wilhelm Construction Co.</strong></a> Inc.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">A section of concrete flooring on the arena’s main concourse collapsed in the April 27 incident, injuring three workers.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">Two of the three workers were treated for minor injuries and returned to work the next day, according to officials with Minneapolis-based <a class="story_clink" href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/imp;v7;j;213950569;0-0;0;17653628;0/0;31055321/31073197/1;;%7Eaopt=2/0/be/0;%7Eokv=;beh=;pos=t1;vs=sports_business;sz=728x90;tile=1;kw=louisville;dcopt=ist;%7Ecs=k%3fhttp://m1.2mdn.net/1460409/mastercard3.htm?t=10&cT=http%3A//ad.doubleclick.net/click%253Bh%3Dv8/3833/2/0/%252a/o%253B213950569%253B0-0%253B0%253B17653628%253B255-0/0%253B31055321/31073197/1%253B%253B%257Eaopt%253D2/0/be/0%253B%257Esscs%253D%253f&l=http%3A//www.bizjournals.com/louisville/gen/M.A._Mortenson_Co._06529CBE8C98406AB994659E4E86DE8D.html"><strong>M.A. Mortenson Co.</strong></a>, the construction manager for the arena project. The other worker suffered a puncture wound to his arm and has not yet returned.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">Mortenson released findings from its investigation of the accident during this morning’s regular monthly meeting of the <a class="story_clink" href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/imp;v7;j;213950569;0-0;0;17653628;0/0;31055321/31073197/1;;%7Eaopt=2/0/be/0;%7Eokv=;beh=;pos=t1;vs=sports_business;sz=728x90;tile=1;kw=louisville;dcopt=ist;%7Ecs=k%3fhttp://m1.2mdn.net/1460409/mastercard3.htm?t=10&cT=http%3A//ad.doubleclick.net/click%253Bh%3Dv8/3833/2/0/%252a/o%253B213950569%253B0-0%253B0%253B17653628%253B255-0/0%253B31055321/31073197/1%253B%253B%257Eaopt%253D2/0/be/0%253B%257Esscs%253D%253f&l=http%3A//www.bizjournals.com/louisville/related_content.html%3Ftopic%3DLouisville%2520Arena%2520Authority%2520Inc">Louisville Arena Authority Inc.</a> at the <a class="story_clink" href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/imp;v7;j;213950569;0-0;0;17653628;0/0;31055321/31073197/1;;%7Eaopt=2/0/be/0;%7Eokv=;beh=;pos=t1;vs=sports_business;sz=728x90;tile=1;kw=louisville;dcopt=ist;%7Ecs=k%3fhttp://m1.2mdn.net/1460409/mastercard3.htm?t=10&cT=http%3A//ad.doubleclick.net/click%253Bh%3Dv8/3833/2/0/%252a/o%253B213950569%253B0-0%253B0%253B17653628%253B255-0/0%253B31055321/31073197/1%253B%253B%257Eaopt%253D2/0/be/0%253B%257Esscs%253D%253f&l=http%3A//www.bizjournals.com/louisville/gen/Kentucky_International_Convention_Center_7897AB59E3244B7F847BA32D174577A8.html"><strong>Kentucky International Convention Center</strong></a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">The company hired Suffern, N.Y.-based <a class="story_clink" href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/imp;v7;j;213950569;0-0;0;17653628;0/0;31055321/31073197/1;;%7Eaopt=2/0/be/0;%7Eokv=;beh=;pos=t1;vs=sports_business;sz=728x90;tile=1;kw=louisville;dcopt=ist;%7Ecs=k%3fhttp://m1.2mdn.net/1460409/mastercard3.htm?t=10&cT=http%3A//ad.doubleclick.net/click%253Bh%3Dv8/3833/2/0/%252a/o%253B213950569%253B0-0%253B0%253B17653628%253B255-0/0%253B31055321/31073197/1%253B%253B%257Eaopt%253D2/0/be/0%253B%257Esscs%253D%253f&l=http%3A//www.bizjournals.com/louisville/gen/Geiger_Engineers_7FAE03A87ED349E497C573EBADDF3102.html"><strong>Geiger Engineers</strong></a> to conduct the investigation. It determined that the collapse occurred because Wilhelm failed to install more than 20 shoring posts to support the concrete section, which is located on the northernmost edge of the project site, near River Road. Other posts were incorrectly installed.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">Wilhelm employees on site also failed to detect the error, according to the investigation.</span></p> <h5><span style="font-size:130%;">Accident ‘shouldn’t have happened’</span></h5> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">John Wood, a Mortenson principal and senior vice president, called the incident “very serious” and “unacceptable.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">It resulted in the first lost-time accident for Mortenson since 2003.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">“It could have been prevented,” Wood said. “It shouldn’t have happened.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">Officials with Wilhelm did not attend today’s arena authority meeting.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">Guthrie/Mayes Public Relations has been hired to represent the firm in its dealings with the media.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">Dan Hartlage, a principal with the company, said Wilhelm officials don’t usually attend the meetings and were not asked to do so this month.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">Hartlage said he was unsure if anyone was fired over last month’s incident.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">Wilhelm released a statement later in the day, which said that the “safety of our people is the first priority” for any of the company’s projects.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">“We take with the utmost seriousness any issue which may involve safety or quality on our projects. … No accident or injury is acceptable on a Wilhelm project, and Wilhelm deeply regrets that this incident occurred,” the statement said.</span></p> <h5><span style="font-size:130%;">Authority review found no unsafe conditions</span></h5> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">Separate investigations into the accident have been conducted by the state <a class="story_clink" href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/imp;v7;j;213950569;0-0;0;17653628;0/0;31055321/31073197/1;;%7Eaopt=2/0/be/0;%7Eokv=;beh=;pos=t1;vs=sports_business;sz=728x90;tile=1;kw=louisville;dcopt=ist;%7Ecs=k%3fhttp://m1.2mdn.net/1460409/mastercard3.htm?t=10&cT=http%3A//ad.doubleclick.net/click%253Bh%3Dv8/3833/2/0/%252a/o%253B213950569%253B0-0%253B0%253B17653628%253B255-0/0%253B31055321/31073197/1%253B%253B%257Eaopt%253D2/0/be/0%253B%257Esscs%253D%253f&l=http%3A//www.bizjournals.com/louisville/gen/Occupational_Safety_and_Health_Administration_EB682C44B8BE43C99CE168B13565A055.html"><strong>Occupational Safety and Health Administration</strong></a> and by the arena authority.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">The OSHA report is expected by the end of the month.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">Findings from the arena authority’s investigation were released at today’s meeting. The review was prompted by a WHAS-TV report that included a Wilhelm employee’s assertions that safety was being comprised and complaints ignored at the arena site, according to arena authority chairman Jim Host.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">The $238 million, 22,000-seat arena is being built at Second and Main streets. Its primary tenants will be the <a class="story_clink" href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/imp;v7;j;213950569;0-0;0;17653628;0/0;31055321/31073197/1;;%7Eaopt=2/0/be/0;%7Eokv=;beh=;pos=t1;vs=sports_business;sz=728x90;tile=1;kw=louisville;dcopt=ist;%7Ecs=k%3fhttp://m1.2mdn.net/1460409/mastercard3.htm?t=10&cT=http%3A//ad.doubleclick.net/click%253Bh%3Dv8/3833/2/0/%252a/o%253B213950569%253B0-0%253B0%253B17653628%253B255-0/0%253B31055321/31073197/1%253B%253B%257Eaopt%253D2/0/be/0%253B%257Esscs%253D%253f&l=http%3A//www.bizjournals.com/louisville/gen/University_of_Louisville_FBD6D3F4664044CE968515B5D56FBC73.html"><strong>University of Louisville</strong></a>’s men’s and women’s basketball teams.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:130%;">The arena authority asked attorneys with its legal counsel, Frost Brown Todd LLC, to look into the allegations, Host said.</span></p> </div> <!-- end storycontent --><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div>Jim Woodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15312065061803181458noreply@blogger.com0