Reinstatement of Fall Protection Requirements!

Confessions of a SAFE-AHOLIC By: Stephanie Zizzo, ASHM

While reading the Professional Safety Journal I came across an article titled “OSHA Rescinds Residential Fall Protection Exemption”...try and say that 10 times fast... Within this article was information concerning the commercial and residential construction industry and their fall protection rules. After hearing bits and pieces about the reinstatement and finally getting a grasp on what exactly is happening, this is my take on the issue:

1. As of June16, 2011 OSHA will start to actively enforce of the new rule
2. What is the new rule? The new rule will cancel out the old STD 3.1/ STD 3-000-001. These were used as an exemption for residential and light commercial contractors from the CFR 1926 Fall Protection standard.
3. Again... so what is the new rule...!? Well it seems there really isn't a new rule. Whats happening is OSHA has reinstated the CFR 1926 Subpart M Fall Protection requirements that was created 16 years ago. So now everyone has to play by the same rules.
4. There is a 3 month phase happening from June 16, 2011 to September 15, 2011. During this time as long as you are following the STD 3-000-001, you will only be given a hazard that states what you need to do to become compliant.
5. Is it possible to be exempt? Well...Yes it is if you can meet these two requirements than you can put the safety nets and guardrails away:

• the end-use of the structure being built must be as a home (dwelling)(OSHA, 2010)
• the structure being built must be constructed using traditional wood-frame construction materials and methods. The limited use of structural steel in a predominately wood-framed home, such as a steal I-beam to help support wood framing, does not disqualify a structure from being considered residential construction (OSHA, 2010)

If I was a residential and commercial construction worker I would be quite grateful that this took effect. According to the Census of Fatal Occupational statistics about 45% of fatalities in residential construction are from falls, it is the leading cause of death in construction (Bethancourt 69). For more info check out OSHA's site, Click here!

-Steph

Sources:

Bethancourt, Jeremy. “OSHA Rescinds Residential Fall Protection Exemption”. Professional Safety. June 2011. 66-71.

New DVD Training program Crane operations: Hand Signals from Summit Training Source

Grand Rapids, MI: Between 80,000 and 100,000 cranes are being used in general industries; leaving approximately 250,000 crane operators and industry workers who are at risk of suffering serious injury or death in crane accidents each year. Crane operation is a serious responsibility, and OSHA requires proper training for a signal person to be qualified. Summit’s comprehensive new DVD training program, Crane Operations: Hand Signals teaches employees the role of the signal person, and comprehensively leads viewers through each of the hand signals used for all types of cranes. This easy to understand presentation.

Summit’s program is filmed in multiple settings including construction sites, building maintenance, and other areas that may present a hazard where crane operators rely on effective communication with a signal person to operate their equipment safely. Train your crane operators as well as workers around the jobsite to operate around the machinery properly to help reduce the number of injuries and accidents. This program covers:

o The Signal Person’s Roles
o Best Work Practices
o Standard Hand Signals

Free previews of this training program are available by contacting Summit Training Source at 800.842.0466 or visiting www.safetyontheweb.com

Sustainability & Safety as ONE

Confessions of a SAFE-AHOLIC By: Stephanie Zizzo, ASHM
Sustainability is a hot topic right now in the US and the world. We are always trying to find new ways to conserve our planets natural resources and make sure that we exist here meeting all our needs but still be able to provide a functioning home for our future generations.

With 60% of the Earth's ecosystem services being degraded in the past 50 years it is important that as safety professionals we make sure we can incorporate ourselves into various issues such as sustainability... but how?

To understand this we must look at it from a business stand point. Corporate Social Responsibility or CSR is the idea that companies can conduct business with ethics, keeping their communities, their employees, and their customers well being in mind. This idea is growing like wild fire among various companies such as General Electric, Kraft, NIKE, and Ford. It is easy to say you're a company maintaining its CSR... but what policies does that include? Here are a couple topics that are important to a company practicing CSR:

• Ethics
• Responsible Purchasing
• Environmental Impact
• Green Technologies
• Employee Training and Opportunity
• Resource Productivity
• Efficient Energy Use

Within these topics there is a strong focus to maintain environmental and economic sustainability.

So how does the safety professional help? In business there is always a bottom line and even with corporate social responsibility there is one as well. As I have learned while reading an article by Darryl Hill, it is a triple profit bottom line including people, profit, and planet. And one third of that bottom line is people. As a safety professional providing safety audits, training, loss control, HazCom and many other programs can help protect the people and the environment.

An example of this would be spending extra attention on all the new “green” projects that companies are working on. A lot of the time they spend so much time focusing on how to be sustainable and Eco-friendly that they loose sight of implementing extra safety audits to make sure that injury rates don't rise, because a “green” project isn't green if people are getting hurt. After all people are 33% of the CSR plan.

Sustainability creates a new workforce of green collar workers which is anyone employed in environmental sections of the economy. This is including environmental specialists which is a large population of safety professionals. With that said, Sustainability is a great opportunity for safety professionals to get their foot in another door and show just how important we all are!

Stay green and safe!

Let's Try NOT to Lose Our Fingers or Eyebrows this 4th Of July!

Confessions of a SAFE-AHOLIC! By: Stephanie Zizzo, ASHM

Oh the 4^th of July... how we love you (sigh and smile)... We love the cookouts and BBQ's, the fun in the neighborhood pool, the fruity drinks being served to cool us down, the hot sun that gives us a nice summer glow, and of course the town firework display! The 4^th of July is cherished among many families as quality time spent together and of course is our Nation's celebration of Independence!

Amid the activities and festivities that we spend our time doing on this lovely holiday though exciting and fun can pose significant risk to the health and safety of our friends and family. According to the National Safety Council, within the year of 2006 there were 629 motor vehicle deaths on the weekend of the 4^th of July, of those 629, 37% of them were attributed to alcohol impairment. This is about 6% higher than the national average of drunk driving fatal accidents. Take some time this holiday weekend to educate yourself and your family on safe practices for the 4^th of July! I have listed a couple below!

• Lets not Singe our Eyebrows: The HASS/LASS states that there are about 1,400 BBQ accidents each year, a majority of them happening at home. TIP: Never pour petrol or meths on to a barbecue. This is exactly how-to end your day without any eyebrows and not even be able to look surprised after it happens.
• Another Strawberry Daiquiri Please!: A great way to cool down but watch the intake. If you are going to drink give your keys to the designated driver. Too many drinks and you could become 1 of the 629 motor vehicle deaths this 4^th of July. Alcohol can also lesson your inhibitions when working the BBQ (see point #1), lighting fireworks (see point #6), or a number of other holiday activities that deserve your full attention.
• Getting Ready for Traffic: It is inevitable if you are in transit this holiday weekend, you will hit crowded roads. Remember to keep your cool and drive defensively there are a lot more “uneducated” (to say it nicely) drivers out there than you think.
• Skip out on the Tan: Spending the day outside celebrating the 4^th is definitely time well spent but, be smart. Put on some sunscreen of at least SPF 30. You are not an exception to the 3.5 million skin cancer diagnosis' that happen every year.
• Make a SPLASH Safely!: Cool down in the pool this holiday with family and friends but, don't hire the pool as your babysitter. Between May 31^st and September 6^th 2010, 172 children drowned according to the CPSC...and don't let that number fool you...5,000 children are hospitalized from non-fatal drowning incidents each year with 20% suffering a permanent neurological disability (NSC). Watch your kids and make sure they wear proper lifesaving devises when swimming and boating.
• 10 Fingers are Better than 9 or 8 or 7...: Fireworks are awesome! I will admit this. But as awesome as they are, they are EXTREMELY dangerous. Some Fast Facts:
• According to the CPSC, there were 8,600 hospital emergencies in 2010 due to fireworks.
• They can heat up to 2,000 degrees! This is enough to melt some metals.
• Don't let your kids light them, EVER
• Keep a bucket of water close by to put them in after they are done.
• And lastly, make sure you are using them LEGALLY. Nobody wants a fine.

Play it safe and keep your awareness up, after all, a trip to the emergency room is much more of a buzz kill than being proactive. There is no reason why we all can't have an amazing holiday weekend without Uncle Jim singeing his eyebrows off and Aunt Susie having a little too much “liquid courage”...

Have a safe and happy July 4^th holiday!

Educate Yourself This Summer Before You Sit Behind the Wheel

Confessions of a SAFE-AHOLIC! By: Stephanie Zizzo, ASHM

The greatest risk each of us take everyday is getting behind the wheel of our motor vehicles. They are one of the biggest dangers to people everywhere killing thousands!

I was doing a project the other day and I came across some information in the National Safety Council Injury Facts 2010 Edition that really surprised me! If you asked yourself what month might the highest fatality rate for motor vehicles be in right now, what would your answer be? My first thought is... SNOW... the thing that makes all drivers act like they have never been behind a wheel! With that said we can assume I am talking about the months of December, January, and February, sometimes even March if you are a lucky resident of Michigan and the other Midwest states.

But, what is shocking to me is that August has the highest level for fatalities with motor vehicles. In 2008 there were 2,940 deaths in January on the road. In August there were 3,740 deaths. This quite significant, and not something I would have ever considered but, the question is WHY? Why is August the most dangerous time to be driving?

Here are my suggestions!

• Warm Weather = Road Trips!: Families and friends across the U.S love to spend the weekends away enjoying the weather which increases the amount of vehicles on the road.
• Road Trips = Fatigue: Watch the hours your spend driving. No one should be pulling all nighters while behind the wheel. Utilize rest stops. The best way to to recover is with a 20 to 30 minute nap!
• Crowded Traffic = Road Rage: Can't stand the feeling of being in stuck in traffic? We are all familiar with it. Try and stay calm and “make time good” rather than “make good time”!
• Holidays = Busy Roads: The summer is a great holiday season Grad parties and family reunions, and of course the 4^th of July! Make sure while traveling from point A to B you drive defensively just because you drive safely doesn't mean others are!
• Celebrations = Booze: Alcohol impairment on the road accounts for 31% of deaths by motor vehicles. Watch your neighbors, family, and friends and make sure they don't exceed their limit. In 2006, 4^th of July weekend alone killed 629 people, 37% of those deaths involved alcohol impairment.

Remember these tips this Summer on those trips to the lake or the weekend at Grandma and Grandpas! These tips can help keep your awareness up and your risk down!

Prepare all of your employees before they hit the road – whether for work or play – with these effective training programs from Summit!

Check it out here! 

-Stephanie

Summit Training Source President & CEO Receives 2011 ASSE Foundation Distinguished Service Award

The American Society of Safety Engineers’ Foundation (ASSEF) recently announced Valerie Overheul, President, CEO and Founder of Summit Training Source Inc. of Grand Rapids, MI, as the recipient of this year’s Distinguished Service Award.  Overheul’s leadership, dedication and commitment to the safety profession have been a winning combination for the profession and the Foundation.

Summit CEO & President Valerie Overheul with her ASSE Foundation award.

Overheul is the President, CEO and Founder of Summit Training Source, Inc.  Founded in 1981, Summit Training Source Inc. is the premier resource for safety, health and environmental (SH&E) training programs for more than 35,000 organizations worldwide.  With more than 30 years of experience, Overheul is skilled in safety and program production, as well as regulatory compliance training.  For the past 30 years, she has produced more than 300 comprehensive training programs on safety, health and environmental (SH&E) compliance topics, available to clients in the form of video and online training mediums.

Overheul served on the ASSE Foundation Board from 2003 to 2008 and was instrumental in building its corporate donor program. Since 2003, Summit Training Source, Inc. has donated more than $50,000 through direct donations and support of the ASSE Foundation’s annual golf outing.  Overheul and Summit Training Source, Inc.  continue to support the Foundation with donations and promote the value of the Foundation’s mission. During her six-year tenure as a Foundation trustee, she actively participated in, and contributed to, the formulation of the Foundation’s strategy, the evolution of its mission and the development of a sound investment policy.  Overheul has gone above and beyond in her service and support of the ASSE Foundation and continues to be a key participant in Foundation activities.

“Thank you for this gracious and unexpected recognition.   Serving on the ASSE Foundation Trustee Board has been incredibly rewarding for me.   I am privileged and proud to be part of this elite group of ASSE members, safety professionals, and ASSE staff members,” comments Overheul.

The ASSE Foundation Distinguished Service Award presented to Valerie Overheul of Summit Training Source.

For more information about the ASSE Foundation please go to www.asse.org/foundation.

 www.safetyontheweb.com

Summit Training Source Tees it Up with ASSE

The ASSE has gotten Summit out on the links a couple of times in June.  First up was the ASSE Foundation golf outing in conjunction with the ASSE Safety 2011 conference in Chicago IL June 12 -14.  The outing took place at the Willow Crest Golf Club at the Oak Brook Hills Marriott Resort, Oak Brook, IL on June 12th.  Almost 70 golfers teamed up to swing their clubs and raise money for the Foundation.   Bryan Hornik, Summit General Manager, and Sara Wesche, Summit Markeitng Director represented Summit on the course.  We were honored to play with Dave Silva of the Hawaii ASSE Chapter, Mr. Silva is an enlisted member of the Navy and will be deployed in the coming weeks to server our country for 10 months in Afganistan.  We wish him well and thank him for his service and dedication to our safety.

Summit proudly supports the Foundation golf outing and sponsored the beverage cart at this year's event.

Summit sponsors the beverage cart.

Sunny day, great golf course.

Team Summit (From Left to Right) Bryan Hornik - Summit General Manager, Sara Wesche - Summit Marketing Director, Dean - Friend of ASSE, Dave Silva - US Navy

Crazy outfits are acceptable.

Eddie Greer, ASSE Foundation Board of Trustees Chairman, gives the opening remarks.

Sara wins at the raffle!

Bryan wins at the raffle!

Lunch time.

Lots of great prizes were donated for the raffle.

On June 15th, Summit tee'd it up with the West Michigan ASSE chapter at their golf outing.  Summit was a title sponsor of the event, held at LE Kaufman golf course in Grand Rapids, MI.  Over 50 safety pros came out to raise money for the chapter and the ASSE Foundation. 

Summit was a hole sponsor and title sponsor of the ASSE West Michigan golf outing.

Team Summit!  (From Left to Right) Ken Nelson, Kevin Quigley - Accident Fund, Sara Wesche - Summit Markeitng Director, Bryan Hornik - Summit General Manager.

Thanks ASSE!