Author: renewcomer

Measuring Light Levels

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luxmeterIn my MSHA Refresher classes this year we’re doing an activity measuring the light levels in and out of the classroom. It’s a good opportunity to become familiar with how greatly they can vary and how they can actually be measured easily. I found an online resource that goes into detail about levels of light and the three different measurements dealing with the same light source. For everyone interested in going more in depth into this subject I provide the link here.

The MSHA Rule says:

30 CFR § 56/57.17001 

Illumination of surface working areas.
Illumination sufficient to provide safe working conditions shall be provided in and on all surface structures, paths, walkways, stairways, switch panels, loading and dumping sites, and work areas.

So while there’s no definite requirement to measure, measuring can give you an idea if you are meeting the standard or not, or at least give you a better understanding of what is sufficient or not.

Transitioning to Safer Chemicals Tool

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transitioning to safer chemicalsAmerican workers use tens of thousands of chemicals every day. While many of these chemicals are suspected of being harmful, only a small number are regulated in the workplace.

As a result, workers suffer more than 190,000 illnesses and 50,000 deaths annually related to chemical exposures. Workplace chemical exposures have been linked to cancers, and other lung, kidney, skin, heart, stomach, brain, nerve, and reproductive diseases.

OSHA has an online tool that is handy for helping you examine the chemicals you use. You can find it here.

Fatality #1 for Coal Mining 2014

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ftl2014c01On Friday, January 16, 2014, a 20-year-old general inside laborer with 2 years of mining experience was killed when he was struck by a feeder. The victim was standing between the coal rib and the feeder when the securing post dislodged, allowing the tailpiece unit to shift and pin him between the rib and the frame of the feeder. The victim had just finished connecting a chain between the feeder and the tailpiece when the accident occurred.

Best Practices
  • De-energize and lock out the conveyor belt before repositioning the tailpiece.
  • Establish and discuss safe work procedures before beginning work. Identify and control all hazards associated with the work to be performed and the methods to properly protect persons.
  • Use equipment or material capable of supporting the tailpiece.
  • Ensure any bracing, such as a post, is hitched into the rib properly.
  • Ensure the tailpiece is anchored securely before re-energizing the conveyor.
  • Operate the belt before allowing miners around the repositioned tailpiece. Keep miners at a safe distance and avoid pinch points until it is determined that the tailpiece is secure.

Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf), MSHA Investigation Report (pdf).

Household Products Database

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c542990_sWe all should be concerned about knowing more about the chemicals used in the workplace, but just because we buy products for home use doesn’t alone mean they are any safer. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has a very helpful Household Products Database online. You’ll even find many of the chemicals you may use at work that can be purchased at the local hardware or department store. Check it out here.

October & November 2013 Impact Inspections

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MSHA-logoThe U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration announced that federal inspectors issued 174 citations, 11 orders and two safeguards during special impact inspections conducted at 12 coal mines in November. In October, MSHA conducted impact inspections at six coal mines and three metal and nonmetal mines, where inspectors issued 120 citations and 10 orders. Impact inspections were curtailed during part of October due to the government shutdown.

Click here for: MSHA report with spreadsheet (pdf).

Fatality #22 for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 2013

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ftl2013m22On December 10, 2013, a 27-year old deck hand with 4 years and 8 months of experience drowned at a dredge operation. He was working on a dredge that had a barge attached to it. The victim stepped on the barge and fell into the water.

Best Practices

  • Task train all persons to recognize all potential hazardous conditions and ensure they understand safe job procedures for elimination of the hazards before beginning work.
  • Always wear a life jacket where there is a danger of falling into the water.
  • Remove snow and ice from work areas.
  • Ensure safe access is provided where persons are required to work or travel. Maintain three points of contact.
  • Install and use lifeline tie-off runs and fall protection.
  • Provide communication devices and establish procedures requiring persons to alert coworkers when they are outside the dredge’s handrails.

Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf), MSHA Investigation Report (pdf), Overview (powerpoint), Overview (pdf).

Fatality #21 for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 2013

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ftl2013m21On December 13, 2013, a 53-year old utility worker with 19 years of experience was killed at a sand mine. The victim was standing near the edge of a bank when it collapsed engulfing him.

Best Practices

  • Establish and discuss safe work procedures before beginning work. Identify and control all hazards associated with the work to be performed and the methods to properly protect persons.
  • Task train all persons to recognize all potential hazardous conditions that can decrease bank or slope stability and ensure they understand safe job procedures for elimination of the hazards.
  • Evaluate all pit, highwall, slope, and bank conditions daily. Be especially vigilant for these conditions after each rain, freeze, or thaw.
  • Slope trenches back at a stable angle or install shoring when working in and around trenches.
  • Correct hazardous conditions by working from a safe location.

Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf), MSHA Investigation Report (pdf), Overview (powerpoint), Overview (pdf).

Fatality #20 for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 2013

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ftl2013m20On December 6, 2013, a 61-year old reagent handler with 39 years of experience was killed at an iron ore mine. The victim was working on top of a snow and ice covered railroad tanker car when he fell to a concrete floor approximately 12 feet below.

Best Practices

  • Establish and discuss safe work procedures. Identify and control all hazards associated with the work to be performed and the methods to properly protect persons.
  • Task train all persons to recognize all potential hazardous conditions and ensure they understand safe job procedures for elimination of the hazards before beginning work.
  • Remove snow and ice from work areas.
  • Always use fall protection with a lanyard anchored securely when working where there is a danger of falling.

Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf)