Month: January 2021

Toolbox Talk: Hazardous Chemicals – Four Routes of Entry

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Toolbox Talk: Hazardous Chemicals - Four Routes of Entry

January 26, 2021

Hazardous Chemical Signs

Chemicals exist on virtually every single worksite. Many chemicals used on the job are hazardous to humans depending on how an individual comes into contact with them as well as the amount of the chemical they are exposed to. Employees need to understand the chemicals they are exposed to and the possible routes of entry. There are four ways a chemical or substance can enter the human body. These four routes of exposure include: inhalation, absorption, ingestion, and injection.

The Four Routes of Entry

  1. Inhalation – Inhalation is the most common route of entry a person comes into contact with a chemical. Once inhaled, chemicals are either exhaled or deposited in the respiratory tract. Upon contact with tissue in the upper respiratory tract or lungs, chemicals may cause health effects ranging from simple irritation to severe tissue destruction. The chemical can also go onto affecting organs that are sensitive to the chemical.
  2. Absorption – Getting chemicals onto the skin or eyes can result in redness and irritation all the way to severe destruction of tissue or blindness. The eyes are especially sensitive to chemicals. Some chemicals have the ability to pass through the skin and get into the blood stream of a victim. This can lead to systemic problems in the organs.
  3. Ingestion – Chemicals that inadvertently get into the mouth and are swallowed do not generally harm the gastrointestinal tract itself unless they are irritating or corrosive. Some chemicals can be absorbed through the gastrointestinal track where they enter the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream they can cause damage to the organs.
  4. Injection – Though not common, injection of chemicals into the body can occur. A sharp object can be contaminated with a chemical or substance and penetrate the skin. The chemical is then in the body and can make its way into the bloodstream where it can damage organs or other tissue.

 

Safe Work Practices When Working with Chemicals

  • Know the chemicals you are working with. Read the SDS to understand the safe handling procedures and what to do if you come into contact with the chemical.
  • Eliminate chemical hazards where possible. Do not use extremely hazardous chemicals unless absolutely necessary. Substitute a less hazardous chemical in place of a more hazardous chemical.
  • Engineer chemical hazards out of the workplace. Engineering controls include ventilation such as fans, barriers to create distance or a shield from chemicals, filters, etc.
  • Wear the correct PPE to protect yourself from the chemical. PPE such as respirators, goggles, a face shield, chemical gloves, and a lab coat are some examples to create barriers between your body and a chemical.

Source: https://www.safetytalkideas.com/safetytalks/hazardous-chemicals/

Toolbox Talk: The “Fatal Four” Hazards in the Construction Industry

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Toolbox Talk: The “Fatal Four” Hazards in the Construction Industry

January 18, 2020

Construction Accident Graph

There is inherent risk construction workers face every day at work. Construction is a dangerous field full of hazards. Despite the wide ranging hazards construction workers face, there are four types of hazards that are responsible for the majority of fatalities in the construction industry. These four types of hazards are falls, struck-by, caught-in between, and electrocution.

Falls

In 2014, falls accounted for about 40% of all fatalities in the construction industry. OSHA requires employees to be tied off during work at six foot of height or greater if fall prevention measures are not present, but there are many companies that do not protect their workers from falls. The majority of employees who died due to a fall did not have any fall protection on or the fall protection was inadequate.

Electrocutions

Electrocutions followed falls in cause of fatalities with 8.2% of all fatalities in the construction industry in 2014. There are multiple causes of electrocution fatalities. The common types of electrocution fatalities include direct contact with an energized powerline, direct contact with energized equipment, contact between a boom and energized powerline, damaged equipment, and indirect contact with an energized powerline.

Struck-By

Struck-by incidents were responsible for 8.1% of all fatalities in the construction industry in 2014. There are many struck-by hazards on every construction site that can severely injure or kill workers on any given day. Common struck-by incidents include struck-by moving equipment, struck-by falling objects, and struck-by flying debris.

Caught-In/Between

The last of the fatal four hazards in the construction industry is caught-in/between incidents. These incidents caused 4.3% of all fatalities in the construction industry in 2014. OSHA defines caught-in/between hazards as: Injuries resulting from a person being squeezed, caught, crushed, pinched, or compressed between two or more objects, or between parts of an object. Two examples of caught-in/between incidents include excavation cave-ins and being pulled into moving equipment such as a conveyor.

Summary

This was just a quick overview and examples of the fatal four hazards in the construction industry. It is important that construction workers understand that these types of hazards are responsible for the majority of injuries and fatalities in their field of work. In your work today evaluate your work tasks and work area for these hazards.

Discussion Points

 

  • What are some safety measures we can take to eliminate or reduce the chance of injury related to the hazard?

Source: https://www.safetytalkideas.com/safetytalks/fatal-four-hazards-construction/

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Toolbox Talk: Cold Temperature Safety

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Toolbox Talk: Cold Temperature Safety

January 8, 2021

Thermometer

Cold weather and environments pose many hazards to employees who work in these conditions. A cold environment forces the body to work harder to maintain its temperature. An environment that is considered “cold” depends on the region of the country and the individual. Each unique situation needs to be analyzed and addressed individually to keep employees safe.

Cold Stress Health Hazards: (source: www.cdc.gov)

Frostbite is an injury to the body that is caused by freezing. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and color in the affected areas. It most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes. Frostbite can lead to permanent damage or amputation of the affected areas. First aid for frostbite: Get the victim into a warm area immediately. Do not walk on frostbitten toes or feet. This will cause more damage. Use warm water to warm the affected areas up. Hot water can burn the affected area.

Trench foot also known as immersion foot, is an injury of the feet resulting from prolonged exposure to wet and cold conditions. Trench foot can occur at temperatures as high as 60 degrees F if the feet are constantly wet. Wet feet lose heat 25 times faster than dry feet. To prevent heat loss, the body constricts blood vessels to shut down circulation in the feet. Skin tissue begins to die because of lack of oxygen and nutrients and due to the buildup of toxic products. First aid for trench foot: Remove any wet socks or boots. Dry feet and do not walk on them as this can cause more damage if already affected.

Hypothermia– When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced. Prolonged exposure to cold will eventually use up your body’s stored energy. The result is hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature. A body temperature that is too low affects the brain, making the victim unable to think clearly or move well. First aid for hypothermia: Alert a supervisor and get medical help on the way. Move the victim into a warm area. Warm the center of their body first-chest, neck, head, and groin area-using an electric blanket, if available; or use skin-to-skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets, clothing, towels, or sheets. If the victim is not breathing begin CPR until the paramedics arrive on scene.

Safe Work Practices for Cold Environments

  • Eliminate or limit work as much as possible when extremely cold temperatures are present. 
  • Allow for acclimatization to cold environments or weather. If the weather is extremely cold for the area or time of year, you will not yet be used to it and are more susceptible to succumb to a cold related illness.
  • Layer up on clothing and keep clothes dry. It is important to remove any wet clothing or boots and put on dry items when working in a cold environment.
  • Take breaks in warm areas or vehicles as needed.
  • Drink warm beverages to help warm up your core temperature.
  • Monitor the condition of other workers around you. If you notice something could be wrong get them into a warm area and notify a supervisor.

Preventing Slips on Snow and Ice

To prevent slips, trips, and falls, employers should clear snow and ice from walking surfaces, and spread deicer, as quickly as possible after a winter storm. When walking on snow or ice is unavoidable workers should be trained to:

  • Wear footwear that has good traction and insulation (e.g. insulated and water resistant boots or rubber over-shoes with good rubber treads)
  • Take short steps and walk at a slower pace to react quickly to changes in traction

Preventing Falls When Removing Snow from Rooftops and Other Elevated Surfaces

OSHA’s Hazard Alert, Snow Removal: Know the Hazards Pamplet, and winter weather webpages provide guidance to employers on how to prevent serious injuries and fatalities. Employers should consider options to avoid working on roofs or elevated heights, plan ahead for safe snow removal and must:

  • Provide required fall protection and training when working on the roof or elevated heights
  • Ensure ladders are used safely (e.g. clearing snow and ice from surfaces)
  • Use extreme caution when working near power lines
  • Prevent harmful exposure to cold temperatures and physical exertion

Sources: https://www.safetytalkideas.com/safetytalks/cold-stress/

                https://www.osha.gov/winter-weather

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