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CONN-OSHA Quarterly
May, 2011
Volume No. 64
May 2011
Train Workers in a Language They Understand ...
Anne Bracker, MPH,CIH
iFeliz Cinco de Mayo! Es un dia muy importante e
historico para los immigrantes mejicanos. "Los
trabajadores Latinos trabajan en las condiciones mas
peligrosas y con muy pocas protecciones."'
For many of you, the beginning sentences of this article are meaningless because
they are written in Spanish.
Imagine the frustration of a worker who attends a health
and safety training program that is presented in a
language that he or she doesn't understand. All workers,
including those for whom English may not be a first
language, need to understand the hazards they face and
what their OSHA rights are.
Among the most vulnerable workers
in America are those who
work in high-hazard industries.
Many of the workers who do the
hardest and most dangerous
jobs in our country are native
and foreign-born Hispanic or
Latino workers. Immigrant
Latino workers die on the job at
a rate that is 50 percent higher
than other workers2.
About 14
Latino workers die on the job
every week3.
Because of language barriers or
low literacy skills, many
vulnerable workers cannot be
trained
effectively with an English-only training
program. For this reason, OSHA
requires employers to present health
and safety training materials in a
language that their workers can
understand. The training materials
should be appropriate in content and
vocabulary to the educational level,
literacy, and language of the
employees.
Health and safety training and outreach materials in
Spanish and other languages are available on OSHA's
website:
http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/compliance_assistance/
1Happy Cinco de Mayo. This is an important and
historic day for Mexican immigrants. “Latino workers face the most dangerous
working conditions and the fewest protections.” (David Michaels-Assistant
Secretary of Labor - National Action Summit for Latino Workers Health and Safety
(April 14-15, 2010).
2OSHA Update for Associated General Contractors of America (July 24, 2010)
Jordan Barab, OSHA Deputy Assistant Secretary.
3U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor 2010.
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Welcome to Commissioner Glenn Marshall and
Deputy Commissioner Dennis Murphy
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Governor Dannel P. Malloy has tapped Glenn Marshall to
serve as the new commissioner of the Department of Labor, and has chosen
Dennis Murphy as the agency's new deputy commissioner.
Marshall, of Milford, is currently the president of
Carpenters Union Local 210, where he led advocacy efforts on behalf of a
construction labor force, including working closely on state legislative
and administrative matters that impact the construction industry and the
economy of Connecticut. In this position, he gained recognized respect
as a leader who has worked well with both organized labor and
Connecticut businesses.
Murphy, of Bridgeport, is a Neutral Labor Arbitrator
with the American Arbitration Association, FINRA and the ADR Center,
Inc. He previously served as the Director of Human Resources for the
City of Stamford from 2004-2008, and was the Chief Administrative
Officer for the City of Bridgeport from 1994-2002. |
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"In order to run the Labor
Department, it is important to have someone who can work effectively as
a consensus builder,” Governor Malloy said. “I strongly reject the
premise that you have to be either pro-labor or pro-business – you have
to be both. There is no doubt that in these tough economic times we need
to have a responsible approach to decision making and an ability to work
with broad-based coalitions. Glenn and Dennis – both of whom I have
known for years – will take their respective experiences and put them to
work at the Department of Labor, finding new and unique ways to ensure
our state’s labor force is protected, and our state’s business community
thrives." “This
is a tremendous honor and I’d like to thank Governor Malloy for this
opportunity,” said Marshall. “I’ve respected Governor Malloy for
speaking frankly and honestly about the unique ways in which we need to
get the labor and business communities around the same table on behalf
of the people of Connecticut. That will be my guiding principle as I
begin this next phase in my career.” |
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“Having worked with Governor Malloy while he was the Mayor of
Stamford, I’m looking forward to working with him once again,” said Murphy. “In
this economy, we can’t afford to label ourselves pro-labor or pro-business.
Governor Malloy expects all of us to be pro-Connecticut, and to find ways to
create new jobs and get people back to work. I’m looking forward to the
challenge.”
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Got Mold?
When the heavy snow melted, water made its way into buildings.
If ignored, that water can lead to mold growth, especially on porous materials
such as carpet, sheetrock, ceiling tiles, and insulation. When mold spores
become airborne, exposure to them can cause various health effects including
allergic reactions, asthma, and serious complications for those with impaired
immune systems.
Ideally, wetted materials should be removed or dried as soon as
possible so that mold growth does not occur. Maintaining relative humidity
inside a building below 60% may also help prevent mold growth. If not addressed
immediately, occupants may begin complaining about allergic reactions or moldy
or musty odors. These are signs that mold growth may be present and remediation
may be necessary. Remediation includes identifying the source and eliminating
it. Keep the following in mind:
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The extent of water damage and mold growth should be
assessed. This should include identifying the types and amounts of materials
that have been affected.
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If the area is less that 10 feet square you may clear it
yourself. If the area is larger, has been contaminated by sewage, or is in a
hidden place, hire a professional.
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Once identified, materials with potential mold growth should
be cleaned or removed, depending on the material. Always ensure that
building materials are tested for asbestos and lead before being disturbed.
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Cleaning or removing of materials should take place with
barriers set up to prevent dust and other airborne contaminants generated
during the work from entering the occupied spaces.
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Anyone performing remediation work should wear appropriate
personal protective equipment.
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Active water intrusion should be investigated and repaired.
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Once remediation has occurred, check regularly to insure
mold has not returned.
For more information refer to the following OSHA documents:
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Cranes and Derricks in Construction - Final
Rule
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) released a historic new standard in August 2010,
addressing the use of cranes and derricks in construction and replacing a
decades old standard. The significant number of fatalities associated with the
use of cranes and derricks in construction and the considerable technological
advances in equipment since the publication of the old rule, issued in 1971, led
the Labor Department to undertake this rulemaking.
The rule became effective November 8, 2010. Certain provisions
have delayed effective dates ranging from 1 to 4 years. The final rule was
published on August 9, 2010 by the Federal Register, and can be found at
http://www.osha.gov/FedReg_osha_pdf/FED20100809.pdf . A copy of the
regulatory text is available at:
http://www.osha.gov/doc/cranesreg.pdf
This new standard will comprehensively address key hazards
related to cranes and derricks on construction worksites, including the four
main causes of worker death and injury: electrocution, crushed by parts of the
equipment, struck-by the equipment/load, and falls.
Significant requirements in this new rule include: a
pre-erection inspection of tower crane parts; use of synthetic slings in
accordance with the manufacturer's instructions during assembly/disassembly
work; assessment of ground conditions; qualification or certification of crane
operators; and procedures for working in the vicinity of power lines.
A “Small Entity Compliance Guide For Final Rule For Cranes and
Derricks in Construction” has been released, and can be found at:
http://www.osha.gov/cranes-derricks/small_entity.html
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Fall Protection in Residential Construction
New OSHA document describes methods to help prevent injuries, deaths
among residential construction workers
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued a
guidance document on Fall Protection in Residential Construction to help
employers prevent fall-related injuries and deaths among residential
construction workers. Data shows that falls are the leading cause of death for
workers involved in residential construction. The guidance document can be found
at:
http://www.osha.gov/doc/guidance.pdf
OSHA has also issued STD 03-11-002, Compliance Guidance for
Residential Construction, which rescinds STD 03-00-001, Interim Fall Protection
Compliance Guidance for Residential Construction, and provides that OSHA will be
enforcing 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(13) for all residential construction work,
effective June 16, 2011. This directive can be found at:
http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=DIRECTIVES&p_id=4755
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Hazard Corner ...
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In 2005, a 40-year-old construction laborer lost his life to a crane
accident.
A truck driver was transporting concrete forming panels. Despite being
properly restrained, the straps loosened during transport and the panels
fell off the truck and into the roadway. The driver called the company
and two employees were dispatched to help clear the debris.
The employees arrived with a boom truck to clear the roadway and re-load
the truck. The operator used the hydraulic crane on the back of the
truck to lift steel cages while a laborer loaded wooden forms onto the
truck.
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The boom came in contact with overhead power lines and the laborer was
electrocuted. Neither the driver nor the other employee outside the
truck was injured. The laborer was an eight-month employee of the
company. Nearly 30% of the approximately 350
electrical-related fatalities that occur each year involve cranes and
overhead power lines. To avoid such a tragedy, employers should ensure
that workers assigned to operate cranes and other boomed vehicles are
specifically trained in safe operating procedures. This training should
include: |
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The proper techniques for rescuing coworkers or recovering
equipment when working around power lines.
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Understanding the limitations of such devices as boom
guards, insulated lines, ground rods, nonconductive links, and proximity
warning devices and recognizing that these devices are not substitutes for
de-energizing and grounding lines or maintaining safe clearance.
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The danger posed by overhead power lines is often compounded
by other factors, such as uneven ground that could cause the crane to weave
or bob into power lines, and windy conditions that can make the power lines
sway, reducing clearance. Cranes should be operated at a slower-than-normal
speed in the vicinity of power lines.
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Where it is difficult for the crane operator to maintain
safe clearance by visual means, designate a person to observe the clearance
and to give immediate warning when the crane approaches the limits of safe
clearance [29 CFR 1926.550(a) (15)(iv)]. Safe minimum clearance is as
follows:
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Training Update ...
At this workshop, you will learn how to
fill out the OSHA 300 Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses accurately
and correctly.
Work Zone Safety. May 24,
2011, from 10:00 to noon
Basic guidelines for work zone traffic control
and the requirements of Part VI of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control
Devices (MUTCD) with particular emphasis on short term work sites on roads
and streets in rural and small urban areas will be presented.
Construction Site Safety.
June 7, 2011, from 9:00 a.m. to noon
Construction managers, first line
supervisors, and construction employees will be provided with an overview of
four areas of concern on the construction site. Program contents include:
fall protection, scaffolding and ladders, electrical hazards, and trenching
safety.
Trenching & Excavation.
June 28, 2011, from 10:00 a.m. to noon
This workshop will provide an
overview of 29 CFR 1926.650-652 excavations, including the role of the
competent person. The session is designed to assist participants in
identifying hazards associated with excavations and related activities.
Safe Driving. July 26,
2011, from 10:00 a.m. to noon
The goal of this session is to increase
awareness of the need for and the benefits of safe driving. The focus of
this session will be the four skills that have the most promise of
preventing crashes.
Breakfast Roundtable.
This discussion group meets
the third Tuesday of every month from 8:15 am to 9:45 am. Pre-registration
is required. To be placed on the e-mail distribution list, contact John Able
at
able.john@dol.gov
Classes are free and held at 200 Folly Brook Boulevard,
Wethersfield, CT in Conference Room A/B. To register, contact John Able at
able.john@dol.gov
or Catherine Zinsser at
zinsser.catherine@dol.gov.
Pre-registration is required. A Photo I.D. is required to allow entry into a
public building. For more training information, visit the CONN-OSHA web site
www.ctdol.state.ct.us/osha/osha.htm
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Fatality & Casualty
Reporting:
Connecticut Department of Labor - OSHA
38 Wolcott Hill Road
Wethersfield, CT 06109 |
To receive the Quarterly electronically,
contact gregory.grayson@dol.gov.
In the subject line type “subscribe” and provide your e-mail address.
You may also reach us by phone at (860) 263-6900 or visit our website at
www.ctdol.state.ct.us/osha/osha.htm. |
CONN-OSHA-Quarterly
Index
Last
Updated:
April 17, 2018
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