Falling, impact, acceleration, lifting, and vision hazards

1
Chapter 15

• Falling, impact, acceleration, lifting, and
  vision hazards

2
Major Topics

• Causes of falls
• Slip and fall prevention program
• OSHA fall prevention standards
• Ladder safety
• Lifting hazards
• Personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Forklift safety

3
Primary causes of falls

• More than 16 percent of all disabling work
  related injuries are the result of falls.
• The primary causes of falls are
• A foreign object on the walking surface.
• A design flaw in the walking surface.
• Slippery surfaces.
• An individuals impaired physical condition.

4
Most Common Kinds of Falls

• Trip and fall accidents occur when worker
  encounters an unseen foreign object in their
  path.
• Stump and fall accidents occur when a workers
  foot suddenly meets a sticky surface or a defect
  in the walking surface.
• Step and fall accidents occur when a worker
  encounters an unexpected step down.
• Slip and fall accidents occur when the workers
  center of gravity is suddenly thrown out of
  balance (oily spot). This is the most common type
  of fall.
• (Falling from ladders is covered later)

5
How surface traction is measured

• Use the coefficient of friction which is a
  numerical comparison of the resistance of one
  surface (shoe or boot) against another surface
  (the floor).
• Surfaces with a coefficient of friction of 0.2 or
  less are very slippery and very hazardous. e.g.
  ice is 0.1
• Surfaces with a coefficient of friction of 0.4 or
  higher have a good traction. e.g. concrete is 0.43

6
Strategies for preventing slips

• Choose the right material from the outset For
  walking surfaces, select surface material that
  has the highest coefficient of friction.
• Retrofit an existing surface Retrofit existing
  surfaces with friction enhancement devices such
  as runners, skid strips, carpet, grooves,
  abrasive coatings, grills, and textured
  coverings.
• Practice good housekeeping Regardless of the
  type of surface, keep it clean and dry. Spilled
  water, grease, oil, solvents should be removed
  immediately. When cleaning or mopping rope off
  area and erect warning signs.
• Require nonskid footwear Employees who work in
  areas where slipping is likely to be a problem
  should be required to wear shoes with special
  nonskid soles.
• Inspect surfaces frequently Safety and health
  professionals should conduct frequent inspections
  and act immediately when a hazard is identified.

7
Slip and Fall Prevention Programs

• Every year slips, trips, and falls cause more
  than one million workplace injuries and
  approximately 16,000 deaths.
• A policy statement/commitment Statement to
  convey managements commitment to safety to
  include - intent, scope of activity,
  responsibility, accountability, the safety
  professionals role, authority, and standards.
• Review and acceptance of walkways Contain the
  criteria that will be used for reviewing all
  walkway surfaces and determining if they are
  acceptable.
• Reconditioning and retrofitting include
  recommendations and timetables for reconditioning
  or retrofitting existing walkways that do not
  meet review and acceptance criteria.
• Maintenance standards and procedures How often
  surfaces should be cleaned, resurfaced, replaced
  and procedures for meeting maintenance standards.
• Inspections, audits, tests and records List of
  inspections, audits and tests that will be done,
  how frequently and where. Record of results.
• Employee footwear program Specify type of
  footwear for employees who work on different
  types of surfaces.
• Defense methods for legal claims Outline of
  companys legal defense to show that the company
  was not negligent (slip and fall prevention
  program).
• Measurement of results Explain how the program
  will be evaluated, and how often. Record of
  results of evaluations.

8
Trigger Height Controversy over OSHAs Fall
Protection Standards for Construction

• OSHAs current Fall Protection Standard sets the
  trigger height at 6 feet. This means that any
  construction employee working higher than 6 feet
  off the ground must use a fall protection device
  such as a safety harness and line.
• The trigger height means that virtually every
  small residential builder and roofing contractor
  is subject to the standard. Because most
  residential builders and roofing contractors are
  small, subpart M of 29 CFR 1926 is a source of
  much controversy.

9
Requirements for personal fall arrest system in
OSHA 1926.451d16

• Personal fall arresting systems, when stopping a
  fall shall
• Limit maximum arresting force on an employee to
  900 pounds when used with a body belt.
• Limit maximum arresting force on an employee to
  1800 pounds when used with a body harness.
• Be rigged such that employee can neither
  free-fall more than 6 feet nor contact any lower
  level.
• Bring an employee to a complete stop and limit
  maximum deceleration distance an employee travels
  to 3.5 feet.
• Have sufficient strength to withstand twice the
  potential impact energy of an employee
  free-falling a distance of 6 feet or the free
  fall distance permitted by the system, whichever
  is less.

10
What is a Lanyard

• A lanyard is a flexible line of rope, wire rope,
  or strap that generally has a connector at each
  end for connecting the body belt or harness to a
  deceleration device, lifeline or anchorage.

11
OSHAs recommendation for effective fall
protection

• Slip and fall injuries account for approximately
  one million workplace injuries every year.
• Have a plan An organization should develop a
  written fall protection plan that contains a
  statement of commitment from both management and
  employees, rules and regulations relating to fall
  protection, and explanation of the training
  programs and training requirements.
• Establish proper fall protection requirements
  Require the use of fall protection equipment
  anytime an employee works more than 4 feet above
  the floor in general industry, 6 feet or more in
  construction, and 10 feet or more when on a
  scaffolding.
• Provide proper fall protection equipment and
  procedures and require their use Might include
  personal fall arrest systems, guardrails, safety
  nets, positioning devices, warning lines,
  controlled access zones, and safety monitoring.
• Ensure proper use and type of equipment Proper
  type for the situation, employees inspect it
  before putting it on, fits properly, and is
  properly attached to anchor points.
• Provide Training Fall protection training for
  supervisors and employees including how to
  recognize fall hazards and how to properly use
  all equipment.

12
Assessing workplace for eye hazards

• Do employees perform tasks that may produce
  airborne dust or flying particles?
• Do employees work near others who perform tasks
  that may produce airborne dust or flying
  particles?
• Do employees handle hazardous liquid chemicals or
  blood?
• Do employees work near others who handle
  hazardous liquid chemicals or blood?
• Do employees work in situations that may expose
  their eyes to chemical or physical irritants?
• Do employees work in situations that might expose
  their eyes to intense light or lasers?
• Based on the answers to these questions, the
  vision protection program can be developed.

13
Eye protection training

• Ensures that eye protection devices are used
  properly. Shows employees that they have a
  critical role to play in protecting their eyes.
  OSHA recommend the following topics
• Why is it important to use the eye protection
  devices
• How the devices protect the eyes
• Limitations of the devices
• When the devices should be used
• How the devices are properly worn
• How straps are adjusted for both comfort and
  effectiveness
• How employee can identify signs of wear that may
  lessen the effectiveness of the devices
• How the devices are cleaned and disinfected and
  how often

14
Inspecting ladders

• The National Safety Council recommends the
  following
• See if the ladder has the manufacturers
  instruction label on it.
• Determine whether the ladder is strong enough.
• Read the label specifications about weight
  capacity and applications.
• Look for the following conditions cracks on side
  rails loose rungs, rails or braces or damaged
  connections between rungs and rails.
• Check for heat damage and corrosion.
• Check wooden ladders for moisture that may cause
  them to conduct electricity.
• Check metal ladders for burrs and sharp edges.
• Check fiberglass ladders for signs of blooming
  deterioration of exposed fiberglass.

15
Evolution of Hard Hats

• Originally introduced in 1919, the hard hats
  first introduced for head protection in an
  industrial setting were inspired by the helmets
  worn by soldiers in World War I. They were made
  of varnished resin impregnated canvas.
• Todays hard hats are made from the thermoplastic
  material polyethylene using injection molding
  process.
• They are designed to provide limited protection
  from impact primarily to the top of the head and
  thereby reduce the amount of impact transmitted
  to the head, neck and spine.
• Hard hats are tested for a 40 foot pound impact,
  which is equivalent to a two pound hammer falling
  about 20 feet.
• OSHA standard 29 CFR 1010.135 requires hard hats
  since 1971 in an industrial setting in which
  falling objects are likely.

16
Kinds of Injuries to Foot and Toes

• OSHA regulations for foot protection are found in
  29 CFR 1910.132 and 126
• Foot and toe injuries account for almost 20 of
  all disabling work place injuries in the United
  States. There are over 180,000 foot and toe
  injuries in the workplace each year. Major
  injuries are
• Falls and impacts from sharp or heavy objects
  (accounts for 60 of all injuries).
• Compression when rolled over or pressed between
  heavy objects.
• Punctures through the sole of the foot.
• Conductivity of electricity or heat.
• Electrocution from contact with an energized
  conducting material.
• Slips on unstable walking surfaces.
• Hot liquid or metal splashed into shoes or boots.
• Temperature extremes.

17
Typical Causes of Back Injuries

• Back injuries account for approximately 12
  billion in workers compensation costs annually.
• Lower back injuries account for 20 to 25 of all
  workers compensation claims.
• 33 to 40 of all workers compensation costs are
  related to lower back injuries.
• Each year there are approximately 46,000 back
  injuries in the workplace.
• Back injuries cause 100 million lost workdays
  each year.
• Approximately 80 of the population will
  experience lower back pain at some point in their
  lives.
• Back injuries are typically caused by improper
  lifting, reaching, sitting, and bending.
• Lifting hazards such as poor posture, ergonomic
  factors and personal lifestyles also contribute
  to back problems.
• Companys overall safety and health program
  should have a back/safety lifting component.

18
Six Step Back Safety Lifting Program

• 1. Display Poster Illustrations Proper lifting,
  reaching, sitting, and bending techniques
  strategically throughout the workplace.
• 2. Pre-employment Screening Identify people who
  have back problems.
• 3. Regular Safety Inspections So corrective
  action can be taken immediately.
• 4. Education and Training To help employees
  understand how to lift, bend, reach, stand, walk,
  and sit safely.
• 5. Use external services Identify local health
  care providing agencies and organizations.
• 6. Map out the prevention program First five
  steps should be incorporated into companys
  overall safety and health program. Reviewed
  periodically and updated as needed.

19
Ways to Minimize Standing Hazards

• Anti-Fatigue Mats provide cushioning between
  feet and hard working surfaces. Reduce muscle
  fatigue and lower back pain.
• Shoe inserts For employees on the move. Reduce
  lower back, foot and leg pain.
• Foot Rails allow employees to raise one foot at
  a time four or five inches. Relieves pressure on
  spinal column.
• Workplace Design Adjust height of workstation to
  match physical needs.
• Sit/Stand Chairs Give feet, legs and back
  occasional rest.
• Proper Footwear Well fitting comfortable shoes
  for employees who stand prolonged periods of time.

20
Strategies for proper lifting

• Plan ahead
• Determine if you can lift the load.
• Decide if you need assistance.
• Check your route to see whether it has
  obstructions or slippery surfaces.
• Lift with your legs, not your back
• Bend your knees, keeping your back straight.
• Position your feet close to the object.
• Center your body over the load.
• Lift straight up do not jerk.
• Keep your torso straight do not twist while
  lifting or after the load is lifted.
• Set the load down slowly and smoothly with
  straight back and bent knees do not let go until
  the object is on the floor.
• Push do not pull
• Pushing puts less strain on your back.
• Use rollers under the object whenever possible.

21
Critical Factors when selecting Gloves

• Choose depending on type of hazard
• Leather offers comfort, excellent abrasion
  resistance, and minimum cut resistance.
• Cotton offers comfort, minimal abrasion
  resistance and minimum cut resistance.
• Aramids offer comfort. Good abrasion resistance,
  excellent cut resistance, and excellent heat
  resistance.
• Polyethylene offer comfort, excellent abrasion
  resistance, minimal cut resistance. Should not be
  subjected to high temperatures.
• Stainless steel cord (wrapped in synthetic
  fiber) offer comfort, good abrasion resistance
  and optimal cut resistance.
• Chain link or metal mesh offer very little
  comfort, bit maximum abrasion and cut resistance.
• Butyl rubber offer little comfort, but has
  excellent resistance to heat, ozone, tearing, and
  certain chemicals.
• Viton rubber offer little comfort, but perform
  well with chemicals that butyl rubber cannot
  protect against.

22
Getting employees comfortable when wearing PPE

• Personal protective equipment (PPE) is critical
  in head, hand, back, eye, face, foot, skin and
  breathing protection.
• Make maximum use of engineering and
  administrative controls PPE should be the last
  line of defense.
• Ensure optimum choice of PPE by using risk
  assessment employees who know that the PPE
  provides adequate protection from hazards will be
  more likely to use it.
• Involve employees in all aspects of PPE program
  may provide valuable input, and are more likely
  to buy into support and use.
• Provide comprehensive education and training
  programs employees need to understand why PPE is
  important and how to use it.
• Reinforce proper use and challenge improper use
  Compliments should be given publicly, corrections
  should be done in private.
• Be sensitive to fit, comfort and style issues
  ill fitting PPE may not provide proper
  protection, and make employees reluctant to wear
  it.
• Work to make PPE a normal part of the uniform
  using PPE will become standard operating
  procedure and its proper use will cease to be an
  issue.

23
Training equipment contained in OSHA 29 CFR
1910.178 (powered industrial trucks)

• Before operating industrial truck (forklift)
  employees are required to complete OSHA CFR
  1910.178 initial training
• 1. Operating instructions, warnings, and
  precautions.
• 2. Differences between truck and automobile.
• 3. Truck controls and instrumentation where they
  are located and how to use them.
• 4. Engine or motor operation.
• 5. Steering and maneuvering.
• 6. Visibility (including restrictions due to
  loading).
• 7. Fork and attachment adaptation, operation and
  use limitations.
• 8. Vehicle capacity.
• 9. Vehicle stability.
• 10. Vehicle inspection and maintenance.
• 11. Refueling and charging/recharging the
  batteries.
• 12. Operating limitations.
• 13. Other operating instructions, warnings,
  precautions listed in operators manual.
• 14. Work place related topics including surface
  conditions where vehicle will be operated,
  composition of loads, stability, load
  manipulation, stacking, unstacking, pedestrian
  traffic, etc.

24
Summary

• The primary causes of falls are a foreign object
  on the walking surface, a design flaw in the
  walking surface, a slippery surface, and a
  persons impaired physical working condition.
• Strategies for preventing slips include the
  following choose the right material from the
  outset, retrofit an existing surface, practice
  good housekeeping, require nonskid footwear, and
  inspect surfaces frequently.
• OSHAs requirements for fall protection include
  the following have a plan, establish
  requirements, provide equipment and procedures,
  ensure proper use and type of equipment, and
  provide training.

25
Summary

• Dos and do nots of ladder safety include
  checking for slipperiness, allowing only one
  person on the ladder at a time, securing the base
  and top on a level surface, facing the ladder
  while climbing, avoiding leaning, and always
  holding with one hand.
• Protection from impact injuries from falling
  objects include PPE to protect the head (hard
  hats), eyes and face (goggles or shields), and
  feet (footwear).
• Before using PPE, every feasible engineering and
  administrative control should be employed.

26
Home work

• Answer questions 1, 4, 5, 7, 9, 18, and 21 on
  page 354.
• 1. List the primary causes of falls.
• 4. List and briefly explain 5 strategies for
  preventing slips.
• 5. Describe the various components of a slip and
  fall prevention program.
• 7. What are the requirements of personal fall
  arrest systems in OSHA regulation
  1926.451(d)(16).
• 9. Explain OSHAs recommendations for effective
  fall protection, and what action to take when a
  worker is dangling from his fall arrest gear.
• 18. Explain the strategies for proper lifting
  that should be taught as part of the safety
  program.
• 21. Explain the training requirements contained
  in OSHAs standard 29 CFR 1910.178 (powered
  industrial trucks).