National Lightning Safety Awareness Week was started in 2001 to draw attention to one of the deadliest weather systems in our country. Prior to 2001 there were on average 50 lightning fatalities a year, however that has dropped to about 30 since National Lightning Safety Awareness week has been observed.

Since lighting can strike from over 15 miles away there really is no safe place to be when you're outdoors during a thunderstorm. "When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!" - If you can hear the thunder you are within striking distance so seek shelter immediately, delayed actions have led to many of the lightning injuries and deaths.

To minimize your risk of being struck plan ahead! Consider postponing any activities if a thunderstorm is predicted or have a plan in place to get to safety quickly. Sheds, tents, soft-top vehicles, dugouts, open sided shelters, etc are not safe from lighting strikes. Hard-topped vehicles or a substantial building are the only safe places. Make sure to wait about 30 minutes after the last strike or thunder before going outdoors, as you are still at risk until then.

If someone is struck they may require immediate medical attention. Call 911, monitor the victim, and if needed start CPR. Lightning victims are safe to touch as they do not carry electrical charges.

Here are some facts about Lightning Strikes
-About 25 million cloud-to-ground lightning strikes occur in the US each year.
-Only about 10% of those struck by lightning are killed, but the other 90% often have varying degrees of discomfort and disability, sometimes permanently. 
-Vast majority of victims each year are male.
-Typical lightning flashes are about 300 million volts and 30,000 Amps compared to a household current which is 120 Volts and 15 Amps.
-Contrary to the myth lightning does strike the same place repeatedly. The Empire State Building is hit an average of 23 times a year.
​-Odds of being struck by lightning in a given year are 1/1,222,000. Odds of being struck by lightning in your lifetime are 1/15,300.
-Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela receives the most lightning strikes. Massive thunderstorms occur on about 150 nights per year with an average of 28 lightning strikes per minute lasting up to 10 hours at a time. That's as many as 40,000 lightning strikes in one night!
-Earth is hit by lightning an average of 1.4 billion times a year!

​For More Information
Check out www.weather.gov or go to www.lightning.org for more information on how to protect yourself.

Protect your home from winter weatherGet your home ready for freezing weather hazards with these simple tips
​Ice, snow and wind can have devastating consequences to your home—and to your household budget. Fortunately, there are precautions you can take to avoid the expense and inconvenience of winter damage—and even help you save on heating costs. Get started when the leaves begin to turn so your home is well prepared when the cold, harsh weather hits.

Winter weather prep for the outside of your homeWhen temperatures drop dramatically and the snow flies, you'll be glad to have taken these measures to safeguard your house.

• Clean out the gutters. Remove leaves, sticks and other debris from gutters, so melting snow and ice can flow freely. This can prevent ice damming, which is what happens when water is unable to drain through the gutters and instead seeps into the house causing water to drip from the ceiling and walls.
• Install gutter guards. Gutter guards prevent debris from entering the gutter and interfering with the flow of water away from the house and into the ground.
• Trim trees and remove dead branches. Ice, snow and, wind could cause weak trees or branches to break free and damage your home or car, or injure someone walking by your property.
• Repair steps and handrails. Broken stairs and banisters can become lethal when covered with snow and ice.
•  Use caulking to seal cracks and wall openings to prevent cold air and moisture from entering your home. Caulk and install weather stripping around windows and doors to prevent warm air from leaking out and cold air from blowing in.

Winter weather prep for the inside of your homeFrigid temperatures, snow and ice can wreak havoc on water pipes and tax heating systems. Ensure all your home's internal systems are "go" for winter safety and efficiency.

• Add extra insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. If too much heat escapes through the attic, it can cause snow or ice to melt on the roof. Water then can refreeze, leading to more ice build-up—and may even lead to ice dams that can damage your roof. Well-insulated basements and crawl spaces will also help protect pipes. Consider insulating garages and other unfinished areas to keep pipes from freezing.
• Provide a reliable back-up power source. In the event of a power outage, continuous power will keep you warm and help to prevent frozen pipes, or a frozen battery operated sump-pump. Consider purchasing a portable power generator to ensure safety—and be sure to follow all guidelines for safe operation.
• Have your heating system serviced. Furnaces, boilers and chimneys should be serviced at least once a year to prevent fire and smoke damage.
• Check pipes closely for the presence of cracks and leaks. Have any compromised pipe repaired immediately.
• Protect pipes in attics and crawl spaces with insulation or plug-in heating cable. Be sure to purchase UL®-listed models of heating cables with built-in thermostats; these will turn on the heat on when it is needed. When using the cables, always follow manufacturers instructions closely.
• Install an emergency pressure release valve in your plumbing system. This will protect the system against increased pressure caused by freezing pipes and can help prevent your pipes from bursting.
• Move combustible items away from near any heat sources that you'll likely be using. This includes fireplaces, wood stoves and space heaters.
• Install or check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Not only do residential fires increase in the winter, but so does carbon monoxide poisoning—so regularly check that your detectors are in working condition.
• Know where your pipes are located and learn how to shut the water off. If your pipes freeze, speed is critical. The quicker you shut off water or direct your plumber to the problem, the better your chance of preventing major damage.
• Hire a licensed contractor to look for structural damage. If damage is found, have all necessary repairs performed as soon as possible.
• Take steps to prevent flooding. Your licensed contractor can also advise you about measures to prevent flooding from melted snow and ice runoff. Plastic coatings for internal basement walls, sump pumps and other improvements can prevent water damage to your home and belongings.
• Consider insuring yourself for a sewer backup. Flooding related to melting snow can overburden sewer systems. Raw sewage backed up into the drains in your home can cause thousands of dollars in damage to floors, walls, furniture and electrical systems. Sewer backup is not covered under standard homeowners insurance or renters insurance policies, nor is it covered by flood insurance but can be purchased as either a separate product, or an endorsement.

Seat belts
Do you use your seat belt on every ride? Buckling up on every ride is the single most important thing a family can do to stay safe in the car. Here are a few tips to make buckling up a part of every car ride.
Hard Facts about Not Wearing Seat Belts More than half of teens (ages 13-19) and adults (ages 20-44) who died in crashes in 2015 were not wearing a seat belt. (NHTSA)
Top Tips about Wearing Seat Belts

1. Don’t be in a hurry to move your child out of the belt positioning booster seat. The adult seat belt usually does not fit well until sometime between the ages of 8 and 12, depending on the size of your child.
2. Find out if your child is ready for the seat belt alone by doing the Safety Belt Fit Test:
   • Check knees and feet. Your child’s knees should bend at the edge of the seat when her back and bottom are against the vehicle seat back. Her feet should touch the floor for comfort and stability.
   • Check the lap belt. The vehicle lap belt must fit snugly across the hips or upper thighs.
   • Check the shoulder belt. The shoulder belt must fit across the shoulder and chest, NOT across the face or neck.
3. If your child doesn’t pass the test, keep him in a booster seat until he does.
4. Remember, just because the seat belt fits your child in one car doesn’t mean the seat belt will fit in all cars. Do the Seat Belt Fit Test in every car before permanently moving from the booster seat to seat belt alone.
5. Be a good example. We know that when adults wear seat belts, kids wear seat belts. So be a good example and buckle up for every ride. Be sure everyone in the vehicle buckles up, too.

Learn More
Learn more about other areas of safety in and around cars, including car seat safety and booster seat safety; how to protect your kids from heatstroke in cars; driveway safety; how to avoid getting trapped in the trunk; and how to prepare teens and preteens for driving before they get behind the wheel.  

​The National Weather Service along with Nebraska Emergency Management and the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Division have declared March 26 through March 30 as Severe Weather Awareness Week.  
Knowing when severe weather is possible will give you time to prepare!
You can always find the latest forecasts and hazardous weather conditions at weather.gov. If you’re not on your computer, you can access the same information via your mobile device at https://mobile.weather.gov. Wireless Emergency Alerts are life saving messages that will pop up on your mobile phone when you are in a geographic area that is under a Warning. Visit www.weather.gov/wirelessalerts for more information!
Each day during Severe Weather Awareness Week…the National Weather Service in Omaha will cover severe weather topics and have this information available on our webpage as well as on NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards.
Topics which will be covered include…
Monday...Severe Weather Terminology
Tuesday...Thunderstorms
Wednesday...Tornadoes
Thursday...Lightning
Friday...Flooding
Saturday...How to Report Severe Weather
The National Weather Service will conduct a Tornado Drill on WEDNESDAY, March 28th, at 10 a.m. with the TEST Tornado Warning drill at 1015 a.m. CDT. Please note the data change!  The purpose of this drill is to ensure that Nebraskans and Iowans can adequately receive a Tornado Warning and can practice any actions that would be taken in the event of a real tornado. The test warning will be sent through all communication channels normally used for severe weather dissemination.

​Driving at night can be challenging, and many drivers don’t realize they must adjust their daytime driving styles. Read on for some common roadway risks and how to mitigate them.
1. Nocturnal animals, especially deer. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety estimates that there are more than 1.5 million deer-vehicle collisions each year.
What you can do:

• Watch for animal eyes shining along the road
• Remain alert in areas where deer are likely, especially if you see road signs that indicate animals are in the area
• Be cautious when deer are on the move (between late October and early December in most areas, and generally early in the morning and early evening)
• Schedule out-of-town meetings to avoid prime deer movement times, especially if you’ll be driving through a rural or wooded area to get to your destination

2. Your vehicle’s features. Darkness can amplify problems with your vehicle’s lights, windows and mirrors.
What you can do:

• If you drive a vehicle without automatic lights, get in the habit of driving with your lights on
• Check headlights’ aim, alignment and cleanliness to make sure you can see the road and other drivers can see you
• Keep lights inside the vehicle off to avoid distracting the driver
• Keep a microfiber cloth or old newspapers to clean the inside of your windows
• Clean and adjust exterior mirrors before you begin driving and again after each stop or driver change
• Adjust the inside rear-view mirror for nighttime driving by flipping the tab at the bottom

3. Daylight saving time. Many experts suggest that when we “fall back” in October or November, drivers are at greater risk for accidents as it darkens. However, research conducted at the University of Colorado showed that the springtime shift is even more deadly, with the first six days of daylight saving time resulting in hundreds of deaths.
What you can do:

• Drive with extreme caution during the first few days of daylight saving time, both in the spring and in the fall, postponing any long-haul trips if possible
• Ensure you are getting enough sleep

4. Body rhythms. Even night owls are sleepier and less alert after dark. Highway hypnosis caused by the darkness and the lights from oncoming cars can lead to accidents at night.
What you can do:

• Pull off the road if you catch yourself dozing off
• Keep the vehicle on the cool side
• Listen to music, and turn it up a bit louder than normal
• Take frequent breaks, as moving around can help perk you up
• Keep your eyes intent and your brain alert by watching your surroundings as closely as possible

Remember that the driving dangers you face during the daytime are still present and often more dangerous after dark. These include:

• Driving too fast for conditions
• Tailgating
• Distracted driving
• Wet or icy conditions, especially black ice, which is difficult to see even in the daytime

            PVC cement (glue) and primer is used to soften pipes and weld pieces of plumbing together. Polyvinyl chloride secures pieces of pipe quickly in a process called solvent welding. First the primer is applied and then the cement to join the pipes. Although the glue dries quickly and forms a strong bond, it can be hazardous to your health if it comes in contact with skin or is inhaled.
            PVC glue or cement can and will cause damage to your lungs if inhaled too often. When using this glue, do not directly inhale.  Ways to help keep PVC glue away from your face include wearing a mask when dealing with this material.  One can also keep cans and containers in a specific location labeled to remind the one using it that it is not to be taken lightly.
            Another danger that PVC glue has a reputation of is eye contact.  According to ”eHow, the Hazards of PVC glue and Primer,” if this material comes in contact with your eyes it can cause burning, stinging, severe watering and inflamed conjunctiva (http://www.ehow.com/list_7635699_hazards-pvc-glue-primer.html).  To prevent eye contact with this glue or cement, wear eye goggles when working with PVC materials to avoid injury to the eyes. If somehow you have contact with the glue, rinse your eyes for five minutes (or longer, if necessary) with a constant stream of water.  According to OSHA.gov, a company must have an eye wash station for situations such as this.  Providing a wash station will ensure the best possible treatment for any PVC glue contact.  When a wash station is not available, like at a job site, use bottles of water continuously for at least five minutes.  (https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=INTERPRETATIONS&p_id=24886 ). 
            Learning how to safely use PVC glue or cement is key to a safe installation and work environment.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQF_XDISuSw is a link to a video that shows how to properly use PVC glue. 

Agri-City Insurance is Farm Certified and we are committed to protecting the farmers and ranchers in our communities.  You can count on us for all of your agricultural insurance needs both now and in the future.

Whether you're hosting a Super Bowl party for 50 or greeting the New Year with a few friends, if you're planning to serve alcohol at your home take steps to limit your liquor liability and make sure you have the proper insurance.

Social host liability is the legal term for the criminal and civil responsibility of a person who furnishes liquor to a guest. Social host liability can have serious consequences for party throwers.

Social host liability law
Also known as “Dram Shop Liability,” social host liability laws vary widely from state to state, but 43 states have them on the books. Most of these laws also offer an injured person, such as the victim of a drunk driver, a method to sue the person who served the alcohol. There are circumstances under these laws where criminal charges may also apply.

While a social host is not liable for injuries sustained by a drunken guest (as the guest is also negligent), the host can be held liable for harm to third parties, and even for passengers of the guest who have been injured in their car.

Social host liability—insurance considerations
Homeowners insurance usually provides some liquor liability coverage, but limits are typically $100,000 to $300,000, which, depending on your assets, might not be enough. Before planning a party in your home, speak to your insurance professional to review your homeowners coverage for any exclusions, conditions or limitations your policy might have that would affect your social liability risk.
​
Protect yourself and your guestsRemember that a good host is a responsible host. If you plan to serve alcohol at a party, promote safe alcohol consumption and take these steps to reduce your social host liability exposure:

• Make sure you understand your state laws. These laws vary widely from state to state (see final chart). Some states do not impose any liability on social hosts. Others limit liability to injuries that occur on the host’s premises. Some extend the host’s liability to injuries that occur anywhere a guest who has consumed alcohol goes. Many states have laws that pertain specifically to furnishing alcohol to minors.
• Consider venues other than your home for the party. Hosting your party at a restaurant or bar with a liquor license, rather than at your home, will help minimize liquor liability risks. 
• Hire a professional bartender. Most bartenders are trained to recognize signs of intoxication and are better able to limit consumption by partygoers.
• Encourage guests to pick a designated driver who will refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages so that he or she can drive other guests home. 
• Limit your own alcohol intake as a responsible host/hostess, so that you will be better able to judge your guests’ sobriety. 
• Offer non-alcoholic beverages and always serve food. Eating and drinking plenty of water, or other non-alcoholic beverages, can help counter the effects of alcohol. 
• Do not pressure guests to drink or rush to refill their glasses when empty. And never serve alcohol to guests who are visibly intoxicated. 
• Stop serving liquor toward the end of the evening. Switch to coffee, tea and soft drinks. 
• If guests drink too much or seem too tired to drive home, call a cab, arrange a ride with a sober guest or have them sleep at your home. 
• Encourage all your guests to wear seatbelts as they drive home. Studies show that seatbelts save lives.

Courtesy: Insurance Institute Information

Ryan Batenhorst

It’s that time of year again and winter is knocking at our door. It is important to remember to bundle up if you plan on working out in the cold this winter. As an employer it is also a good idea on very cold days to schedule periodic times to come inside and warm up if possible. Cold weather is no joke and should not be taken lightly.  People have lost toes and fingers due to working in in the cold for long.
Hypothermia occurs when the core temperature of your body falls below the normal level. If your body becomes too cold, your organs stop functioning properly. If left unrecognized in the early stages, hypothermia can eventually result in death. Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, chattering teeth, confusion, slurred speech, lack of coordination and eventually unconsciousness. Frostbite is when your flesh actually freezes. It can occur even without the symptoms of hypothermia. Your extremities, such as your ears, feet, fingers and cheeks, are prone to frostbite in extremely cold weather. Symptoms of frostbite are quite different from hypothermia. The exposed skin will first appear reddish, and then a greyish-white color. You’ve probably seen on movies where mountain climbers have been rescued and their noses or fingers are jet black. It is because the skin has died.
So it is very important to remember to remember to plan the day before and find all of your winter weather gear such as hats, gloves, insulated boots, coveralls etc. It’s also important to keep in mind, 0 degrees Fahrenheit and a wind speed of 15 mph creates a wind chill temperature of -19 degrees Fahrenheit. Under these conditions frost bite can occur in just 30 minutes. If you have become too cold here is what you are to do
-Get into a warm room as soon as possible.
-Unless absolutely necessary, do not walk on frostbitten feet or toes—this increases the damage.
-Immerse the affected area in warm—not hot—water (the temperature should be comfortable to the touch for unaffected parts of the body).
-Or, warm the affected area using body heat. For example, the heat of an armpit can be used to warm frostbitten fingers.
-Do not rub the frostbitten area with snow or massage it at all. This can cause more damage.
-Don’t use a heating pad, heat lamp, or the heat of a stove, fireplace, or radiator for warming. Affected areas are numb and can be easily burned.
 
                All in All, cold weather is nothing to be taking soft, many people have died and also lost feeling in their extremities from working in cold weather. Remember to pack as many winter clothes the night before, you can always take layers off, but you can put layers on.  As an employer as remember to schedule breaks to warm up on extremely cold days.  Stay Safe, Stay Warm!
 

THE SAFETY HAZARDS OF BELLY DUMP TRAILERS
Kristina Goldman
 
 
Belly dump trailers are used for transporting certain materials from places like sand and gravel pits and asphalt plants to job sites or other sand and gravel pits. These materials are usually sand, gravel, dirt, rock and asphalt. But, you have to be careful when cleaning them. 

Belly dump trailers have their gates on the underside of the trailer. These gates open to unload the trailer. The gates are controlled by air. There are open and close buttons and an on/off switch in the cab of the semi. There are open and close buttons on the trailer as well. In order for any of these buttons to work, the switch in the cab of a semi needs to be on. and air in the tank needs to be full. Hitchcox, A. 1999, April 1. Air Valve Commands Bottom-dump Trailer. And here is a video showing how to unload asphalt from the back of a belly dump trailer from the outside buttons.  YouTube, 2011, June 5. Dumping Asphalt.

The trailer needs to be checked for safety issues before use. The doors and the rest of the trailer needs to be greased. The air lines need to be checked for leaks and they need to make sure the connections are good going to the cab so that the air can build in the tanks. Once the air is built, you can turn the switch on in the cab and open the gates to see that they are working properly, assuming that the trailer is empty.
With belly dump trailers, there is the possibility that the gates can shut without warning. There can be times when a person is standing inside these gates for spraying, maintenance, or to clean. Before he stands inside these gates, all safety bars have to be in place. He then needs to disconnect the power and release the air. He is now safe to properly enter the inside of the trailer.

There have been injuries and fatalities with belly dump gates. There was an OSHA investigated accident in 2008 that resulted in a fatality. This was found in OSHA’s website as a publication dated 12/09/2008. This employee was cleaning dirt on the inside of his trailer when the gates suddenly shut and he was then crushed. This fatality happened due to not following procedures for entering and cleaning the trailer. He did not lock the gates in the open position like he should have. To sum it all up, knowledge of safety procedures of any equipment should be followed.
 

Trench Safety: Retaining Walls
Background Information
            Excavation and trenching are among the most hazardous operations in the construction industry. In fact, cave-ins pose the greatest risk among excavation-related incidents that result in employee fatalities. For this reason, it is important that employers only allow their employees to enter a trench with necessary safe guards in place.
Retaining walls
            Any excavation or trench that is greater than 5 feet deep must use a cave-in protection system. Cave-ins can be prevented with the use of retaining walls. Retaining walls are built to retain or support the lateral or horizontal pressure caused by the soil. Retaining walls can be constructed concrete, steel, or other approved materials. Supporting the sides of the excavation and shielding the work area from the excavation can be done with a simple protective design or a more complex design, depending on the employer’s needs. Even though the employer has some influence on the design of retaining walls, the wall must meet or exceed OSHA specifications. These specifications can vary based on different environmental factors.
            There are many factors that can influence the protective system design. For example, traffic, soil classification, moisture, weather, overhead and underground utilities, and the proximity and physical condition of nearby structures can all affect the design of a retaining wall. Another important factor in the design process is proper use and installation. The structural members of the support system must be securely fastened to prevent unwanted movement or failure.
 
 
Sources:
http://www.blslawyers.com/retaining-wall-and-trench-collapses.html
https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha2226.pdf
http://www2.iccsafe.org/states/Florida2001/FL_Building1/PDFs/Chapter%2018_Foundations%20and%20Retaining%20Walls.pdf

Drywall Stilt Safety
 
 
When drywalling using drywall stilts can be very helpful. They can be adjusted to help you reach higher ceilings, walls, ceiling corners and etc. When the stilts have been raised higher they can be a bit harder to keep your balance. Make sure you are able to walk safely on however high you have made your drywall stilts. If you are unable to walk safely talk to your boss or coworkers to see what other way you can get the job done.
 
Before getting on your drywall stilts make sure the work area is cleaned and everything is ready for you to walk on the stilts. Make sure all open areas in the floor are covered and there are no slippery surfaces. If you need a light to help you see the drywall better make sure you put it on an elevated surface before getting on your stilts, so you do not have to get off of the drywall stilts to pick it up. Make sure all extension cords are picked up off the floor so there are no trip hazards.
 
OSHA does not plan on banning use of drywall stilts, but do stress that where standard guardrails are used to protect employees working near an edge, the height of the guardrails may have to be raised if stilts are to be used.
 
When using drywall stilts there are some do’s and do not’s. They also have a load limit on them so make sure to check the limit before use.
 
Do’s…

• Inspect stilts thoroughly before use, making sure that the stilts are free from damage and hazards, that there is no excessive wear at the connection points, and that all bolts are tight. Special attention should be given to the entire strut tube assemblies and wing bolts in this respect.
• Walk only on suitable hard surface which is level.
• Fasten the upper leg strap first when putting on stilts.
• Disconnect upper leg straps last when removing stilts.
• Replace any damaged or excessively worn stilt components before use.
• Remove stilts to adjust them unless assisted by another person.
• Remove stilts when moving up and down stairs.
• Cover any floor openings.
• Get help when retrieving objects from the floor. If no one is around remove them completely.
• Keep all straps tightly fastened and secured.
• Take short steps, making sure that the stilts are raised well clear of the floor with each step.
• Adjust stilts whenever necessary to ensure it is safe.
• Always watch where you are walking.
   
   
   
  Do not’s…
   
• Wear stilts without having the proper instruction.
• Wear stilts that are uncomfortable or not adjusted properly.
• Wear stilts without having first inspected them for obvious hazards.
• Wear stilts that have clearly been misused damaged or modified.
• Walk on slippery surfaces.
• Work around uncovered floor openings, stairwells, etc.
• Carry heavy loads while walking on stilts.
• Run or walk fast on stilts.
• Pick up objects which are lower than foot level.
• Wear stilts that are taller than necessary.
• Lean over desks, files, boxes, or other objects while on stilts.
• Be irresponsible on stilts.
• Take steps so large that the action springs fall out.This can cause serious Injury.
• Modify this product in anyway.
• Walk on secondary scaffolding, benches, planks etc.
   
   
   
   
   
  https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=INTERPRETATIONS&p_id=19094
   
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Szj_zyEPRg8
   
  http://www.findarticleonline.com/drywall-stilts-what-you-must-know.html
  

Backup Alarm Safety
Overview
            Beep, beep, beep! Do you recognize that sound? It’s a sound of a forklift on a job site backing up. Many forklifts today are installed with an alarm to alert nearby employees that the forklift is backing up. Too often an employee working in the area will be backed over by the forklift because the operator was unaware of the employee in the danger area, and the employee was unaware of the forklift operator backing up. There were 194 fatalities caused by back over vehicle accidents between 2005 and 2010. Alternative methods to alarms are using spotters and workstation isolation for forklifts, but these methods are very costly and inefficient to the company. OSHA does not require forklifts to have a backup alarm system installed in the forklift. Although, OSHA does strongly encourage the use of a backup alarm on forklifts, and many manufacturers have been installing backup alarms in more of their forklift products.
            Alarm systems have been proven to prevent back over accidents, but there is still controversy on the subject. Some manufacturers and companies believe that backup alarms on forklifts do not make them safer. They claim that excessive noise exposure to the backup alarms cause the operator annoyance, fatigue, and hearing loss. The operator starts to assume employees clear the area of travel when the alarm goes off instead of looking in the direction of travel. The employees working in the same area with the forklifts become used to the alarm and start ignoring the sound putting them at risk.  
Regulations
            OSHA regulations for general industry under electric power generation, transmission, and distribution 29 CFR 1910.269(p)(1)(ii) says that a motor vehicles or earthmoving or compacting equipment with an obstructed rear view must have a reverse signal alarm audible above the surrounding noise level, or the vehicle should have a spotter to safely signal the vehicle to move backwards. Other, OSHA standards do not specifically require powered industrial trucks, for example a forklift, to have backup alarm systems installed for when the vehicle is moving backwards. Although, in OSHA standards for the maritime industry 29 CFR 1917.43(c)(5) and 29 CFR 1917.65(f)(1) it says that removing the manufacturer’s safety devices from industrial vehicle is prohibited. These safety devices would include back alarms.
Research
            There is a lot of research being done on backup alarms. Most of the research focuses on the sound level of the backup alarm. Research has been done to measure the sound level needed in different situations. Each job site is different and creates a different level of sound. The backup alarm needs to be heard by employees around the forklift but does not necessarily need to be heard by everyone on the job site. The alarm must be about 10dBA higher than the ambient sound level around the forklift at the job site. They also focus on the direction the sound moves. The sound waves only need to move in the direction the forklift is going to move. Manufacturers have been researching technology to allow the sound level of the backup alarms to be self-adjusting. The alarm will be able to sense the ambient noise in the area and adjust the volume of the alarm according to the noise level of the area. There has also been research into a backup alarm system that only goes off if there is an employee nearby. It will be able to sense if someone is in the danger the zone.
Here are a couple videos on backup safety and forklift safety:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_o0T9G40Ehc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdDu59cFUjM
 
Sources:
https://www.osha.gov/doc/topics/backover/regulation.html
https://ohsonline.com/Articles/2003/09/Getting-the-Most-Out-of-Forklift-Alarms.aspx

Skid Loader Safety Training
            Skid steer loaders can be dangerous if you do not observe certain safety precautions. Injuries and death are preventable. The most commonly reported causes of serious injury and death using skid steer loaders are: crushed by moving parts and rollover accidents. Never leave the operator’s station when the engine is running or the lift arms are raised. When operated improperly, skid steer loaders can overturn, especially handling heavy loads or operating on uneven ground.
Safe work habits are important. Here are three actions you can take to be safe on the job site.
1. Learn all you can.  To prevent accidents with skid steer loaders, read and follow directions in the equipment operator’s manual. Pay attention to safety instructions in the manual and to warning labels you see on the equipment. If you have questions, stop and ask your supervisor before you continue.
2. Concentrate on working safely.  Sometimes you may be tempted to take risky shortcuts. Remember that an accident can leave you permanently injured or cut your life short. For your safety and the safety of those around you, do not take unnecessary risks. No deadline is so pressing you can’t take the time to do your work safely.
3. Additional Precautions.  Do not operate machinery if you are tired or have taken drugs or alcohol. If you are on medication, discuss with your doctor or pharmacist if you are capable of safely operating machinery.
Neither OSHA or ANSI have released a set of skid loader specific standards or rules. Since skid loaders are able to accept forks then they do not fall under OSHA’s standards for earth moving vehicles.
https://www.osha.gov/dte/grant_materials/fy09/sh-19503-09/skid_steer_loader_safety.pdf
http://hardhattraining.com/skid-steer-safety-training/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1n4415Dp1g

What are the proper ways to handle lead based paint?
 
Lead paint is very hazardous, especially for young kids. It can cause nervous system damage, stunted growth, kidney damage, and delayed development. It is dangerous to children because it tastes sweet, and can encourage children to put these lead based paint chips and toys in their mouths. Lead paint can also be dangerous to adults, and can cause reproductive problems in men and women. Lead is considered to be a carcinogen, high levels may result in death.
 
Regulations?
 
The EPA signed a new regulation called Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) regarding the renovation of residential housing and child-occupied buildings built before 1978. The rule became effective April 22, 2010. Under the rule, contractors performing renovation, repair and/or painting projects that disturb lead based coatings in child-occupied facilities built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.
 
Lead Paint Removal Options?
 
If you have lead-based paint, you have several options for removal. Although some states allow you to do the work yourself, a contractor who is certified in lead paint removal is trained to do the job safely and will determine the best abatement strategy. Here are some options you can discuss with your contractor.
 
First we have encapsulation, which is typically the least complicated and most affordable method. Encapsulation involves brushing or rolling on a specially made paint coating. Doing so creates a watertight bond and seals in the lead based paint. However, opening and closing your doors and windows eventually may wear off the coating.

A guest blog from Wayne State College Student Ryan Messerschmidt

Lifting and the welfare of the Body
 
General information
Is the welfare of your body important to you? If so you need to be aware and use proper techniques when lifting heavy objects. Almost every jobsite today will have work done by carrying objects from one point to another. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has stated that overexertion was the nation’s leading event or exposure leading to an injury or illness in the workplace, also BLS has stated that the back was the leading body part affected. Although no strategy has completely eliminated back injuries, a significant percentage could be minimized by incorporating a training program along with an ergonomics analysis.

Regulatory Information
 The body is a very important to keep healthy when in this line of work. Lifting heavy items is one of the leading causes of injury in the workplace, overexertion and strain were the major factors in these injuries. According to OSHA “When employees use smart lifting practices and work in their "power zone," they are less likely to suffer from back sprains, muscle pulls, wrist injuries, elbow injuries, spinal injuries, and other injuries caused by lifting heavy objects.”

There are many possible solutions according to www.OSHA.gov that can be used to prevent someone from having these types of injuries occur to their body while in certain situations including awkward positions, holding materials for a long period of time, and outside conditions. Locate materials in a central area where machine-driven lifts such as forklifts, pallet jacks, and trucks can be used. Try to transport smaller products to the site where you limit weight you lift to no more than 50 pounds, but in the case where lifting loads heavier than 50 pounds, use two or more people to help lift the load.

When lifting these are some steps to follow according to grainger.com.
1. Stand close to the load with your feet spread shoulder width apart. One foot should be slightly in front of the other for balance.
2. Squat down, bending at the knees (not your waist). Tuck your chin while keeping your back as vertical as possible.
3. Get a firm grasp of the object before beginning the lift.
4. Slowly begin straightening your legs, lifting slowly. Never twist your body during this step.
5. Once the lift is complete, keep the object as close to the body as possible. If the load’s center of gravity moves away from your body, there is a dramatic increase in stress to the lumbar region of the back.
 
Safety Training Materials /Videos          
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zss9jRW4oWw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=901uQgfiuVk

Sources                               
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/electricalcontractors/materials/heavy.html
https://www.grainger.com/content/qt-proper-lifting-techniques-221
http://ergo-plus.com/wp-content/uploads/WA-Handout-Proper-Lifting-Techniques.pdf
 
 

A Guest post by Wayne State Student: Samuel Dalton
Wait, that’s my truck!!!!

General Information:
A wheel chock, this simple item that is often overlooked. Nearly every commercial vehicle has a wheel chock designed for it, and though it might not be the best tool it is the most common and one of the least expensive. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set guidelines for the use of wheel chocks when loading and unloading vehicle, but OSHA only has jurisdiction over all intrastate motor vehicles. Commercial vehicles in general fall under the jurisdiction of The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Regulations:

OSHA:              In its simplest form CFR 1910.178(k)(1) states that wheel chocks must be placed under the rear wheels of a trailer to keep the vehicle from rolling while being boarded with industrial trucks to off load materials and merchandise. Now CFR 1910.178(m)(7) much like the other standard sited states wheel chocks must be placed in a manner to prevent rolling properly but the brakes should also be engaged and before loading anything onto a vehicle the flooring should be checked for weakness and any breaks.

FMCSA:               The FMCSA rules are different than OSHA’s when it comes to requiring wheel chocks. CFR 393.41 states in its simplest form that air-braked power units (made on or before March of 1975) are enough to keep a commercial motor vehicles from moving during the loading and unloading process. The FMCSA does however require wheel chocks for all agricultural commodity trailers, plywood trailers, and heavy haulers.

Sample Procedure/Policy

• Make sure you have chocks that are specifically designed for the type of vehicle you are driving, especially paying attention to size.
• Never use a make-shift chock. (rocks, pieces of lumber, or bricks)
• Make sure to keep sets of chocks in the truck or trailer, do not rely on the docking facilities to always have them.
• When the vehicle arrives at its destination set the brakes, and if at a docking facility activate the locking mechanism included on the dock. Engage the chocks on both the left and right wheels that are closest to the loading dock or if in the field set the wheel chocks to counter act the terrains grading.

Resources:
https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=DIRECTIVES&p_id=1533
https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/49/393.41
http://blog.uscargocontrol.com/wheel-chock-regulations-whats-required-and-whats-just-common-sense/ 
http://blog.uscargocontrol.com/basic-wheel-chock-use-and-safety-tips/

Visual Reason to Use Wheel Chocks:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IduTy9INMnw
 

A guest post from Wayne State College Student Tony Gibilisco
Storage and Handling of Compressed Gas Cylinders
 
How do I properly store compressed gas cylinders?
Cylinders should be stored in clearly identified locations, as well as in dry, well ventilated areas that aren’t exposed to heat or the sun. These areas should be out of the way of doorways, aisles, elevators, and stairs. There should be “NO SMOKING” signs in the areas. Cylinders should always be stored upright, no matter if they are full or empty, and they should be secured with a chain or non-conductive belt. The protective caps should always be on when in storage and the valves should always be closed. Oxygen and Fuel gas cylinders should be stored separately and should have a wall or barrier that has a minimum of a half-hour fire rating.
What not to do.
Cylinders should never be used as an electrical ground connection. Cylinders shouldn’t be fastened to a work table as they could become part of an electrical circuit. Do not strike an arc on a cylinder. Never use flames or boiling water to thaw a frozen valve, warm water is acceptable. Cylinders should never be placed or stored in unventilated enclosures such as lockers or cupboards. Cylinders should never be used as rollers or supports for anything. Never tamper with the safety devices. Cylinders should only be used to contain gas that the cylinder was designed to hold. Acetylene cylinders can never be in a horizontal position. Never accept a cylinder that is not properly labeled or marked. Do not angle the cylinder and roll to move them. Do not lift a cylinder by the valve cap, nor use rope or chains or lift with electromagnets. Never drag, slide, or drop a cylinder as it could become a missile. A cylinder should never strike another cylinder violently. Never try to refill a cylinder or try to mix gases in the cylinder.
What do I do with empty or unusable cylinders?
The cylinders should be marked empty or unusable. Return empty cylinders to the supplier. When a cylinder is not in use the regulators should be removed and the protective cap should be put on the cylinder. Keep cylinders and fittings from becoming contaminated with oil, grease or dust. A cylinder should always be labeled, and if it is not properly labeled, the cylinder should never be used.
How do I properly move the cylinders?
Always close cylinder valves. Remove regulators and always tighten the cap on the cylinder before moving. When moving a cylinder, always use a trolley and the cylinder should be chained to the trolley before moving the trolley.  If there is a leaky cylinder, call the supplier immediately and have them remove the cylinder. When cylinders are being transported by vehicle, they should be secured in an upright position.
When do I “crack” the cylinder?
Before attaching the regulator, clean the valve with a clean cloth. “Cracking” a cylinder refers to opening the valve slightly and closing it quickly to blow out dust or dirt from the valve outlet. Always use two hands when doing this and always stand to the side of the valve. Never stand over, in front, or behind the valve outlet. Never “crack” Fuel gas cylinders as it could ignite from friction, heating, or other ignition sources. Never “crack” hydrogen cylinders since the release of compressed hydrogen may ignite by itself.
 

A Guest Post from Wayne State College Student Travis Eller

Caution: Missing Fingers
 
 
            Quick, think of somebody who has lost a finger or was injured due to a table saw.  Many of those injuries are the result of misuse of the machine, or unsafe practices involved while using the machine.  There are many practices and procedures that can be implemented into a safety program to allow for safer use of table saws and, therefore, fewer injuries and lost time from work.  In addition to these practices, new technology has been invented and applied which has resulted in fewer injuries and lost fingers.

            An estimated 10 amputations happen each day from the use of table saws.  In addition, there are more than 40,000 table saw injuries every year.  These numbers can be reduced and even eliminated through the proper use and maintenance of these machines.  Table saws have guards in place to protect extremities and the face from accidental cuts or splinters flying around.  Before and after each use, a worker should check all guards to ensure they are in their proper place and working as designed.  By using another piece of wood or a molded plastic piece, an operator can safely move the wood through the cut while keeping his or her fingers away from the blade.  Wood that is being cut spins up saw dust and splinters, which can cause injury if correct personal protective equipment is not worn.  Safety glasses or a safety shield should be worn at all times to prevent facial and eye injuries.  Wood can also “kickback”, which means the blade catches the wood and flings it back at the worker.  Spectators should also keep at least three feet away on all sides of the machine.

            Advancements in technology have allowed for fewer potential injuries.  A company called Saw Stop has created technology that does not allow a blade to cut through a finger or other soft fleshy skin.  The blade on the machine detects if electricity can be conducted by the material it is cutting through, and if it senses a current, a trigger is applied resulting in the blade to fall into the table leaving the skin uncut and the finger fully functional.  Although slightly more expensive, the blade will not cut through an extremity and reduce blade injuries to zero. This advancement in table saw safety technology can help eliminate the amputation statistics caused by table saws.

            Table saws are effective tools that can be used to help create great projects.  By implementing new practices and safety programs, as well as investing in newer safety technology, businesses and people can work to eliminate injuries on the job site.
Websites for further information:
 
Table saw safety: https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/woodworking/table_saws.html
 
Table saw safety: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSzOc6-UQEk&feature=youtu.be
 
Saw Stop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiYoBbEZwlk
 
Table saw safety tips:
            http://woodworking.about.com/od/safetyfirst/p/TwelveTableSawSafetyTips.htm

Guest Post from Wayne State College Student Tyler Holton -
 
Man Cage for Forklift Safety.
We will be focusing on what qualifies as a safe man cage and what precautions to look out for when raising it in the air. This can be a very safe process if done correctly. At all times, there should be at least two people present always in the proper PPE. One to be in the cage and one operating the machinery. The cage itself must have a railing all the way around it. This means a kick plate at least 3 inches tall at the bottom, a bar at 42 inches plus or minus 3, and a middle bar for a proper railing. This allows the worker to be safe inside the cage along with not being able to kick anything over the side at personnel below. The cage also should have a locking gate, this is a gate that will allow the worker to enter and exit only when they are safely on the ground. This allow for no accidental falls from high heights. The person also should wear a harness and strap himself off to the cage. The cage also should be attached and latched to the forklift so that in an event of tilting the forks, the cage does not fall off.

This brings me up to raising and lowering the cage. The cage should only be moved when both personnel are fully aware of the movement and all other personnel are a safe minimum distance of 20 feet. The basket should be raised when the forklift is level along with the forks being level. This helps prevent the forklift tipping along with dumping the personnel at the top. The driver of the forklift should keep eye contact on the worker in the cage and around the area to maximize safety. When the work is done then the personnel in the cage will signal the driver to lower him down. All movements are done slowly and carefully. If job requires the fork lift to move, there should be no personnel in the basket at any time during the movement process.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KV87_bL4kKk
 
http://www.nsc.org/learn/Safety-Training/Pages/Courses/forklift-training.aspx?gclid=COqbtIbv0NACFUs6gQodtUgOLQ
 
https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=9733