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OSHA Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Shae Meehan - noemail@safetyunited.com — Tue, 17 May 2005 22:00:00 GMT

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is considered by a majority of the laboring workforce as a necessity or tools of their trade. Although PPE is worn frequently, common mistakes, misuse, and mishaps are still present. Take for instance, just the other day I drove past one of many construction sites within the City of Houston and everyone had on their hard hats, goggles, work boots, reflective vest (for those directing traffic), and gloves. However, it dawned on me as it has in every 10-Hour course that I have taught: individuals do not typically know why they use specific PPE, how to use it appropriately, or when to throw it away. I will begin to answer these basic questions for you today.

First, PPE is used as a last resort. PPE should not be used as a substitute to engineering controls, administrative controls, or work practice controls. Simply try to eliminate the hazard and if it still exists use PPE for protection against the recognizable hazards. With that being said, a hazard assessment must be completed in order to determine the “recognizable hazards” and what PPE should be use for that identified hazard. Once these steps have been followed select the best PPE to use, not necessarily the least expensive or the newest/coolest design.

Second, train every employee on the use of the PPE. For instance, if our hazard assessment reflects that employees are around potential falling objects then we would choose to eliminate that hazard. If it still exists then we would have every employee wear a hard hat. But it does not stop there; we have to train each employee on the hard hat. Topics that should be included at a minimum:

Evaluation of equipment
Selecting appropriate equipment
Use of the equipment
Maintenance of the equipment
And limitations of the equipment

I know what you are thinking: what can I say about a hard hat that everyone does not know already? My advice is to be creative, touch the basics, and always add an interesting tidbit. For example, did you know that hard hats expire? According to ANSI Z89.1 hard hats must be marked appropriately and should meet this standard. Because OSHA incorporates the ANSI standard by reference, employers must follow its recommendations. Due to the fact that hard hats break down over time, once that date has expired, replace the hard hat. Expiration dates are located on the underside of your hard hat. OSHA states that the hard hat must meet manufactures’ recommendations and most manufacturers state in the original wrapper of the hat that the hat will expire in four to five years.

I have briefly explained why employees need to wear personal protective equipment so my challenge to you is to ensure that you convey this message down to the laborer. Information is only beneficial when it reaches the hands and minds that need the information. If you still feel behind the curve, the safety consultants at Safety United, Inc. will be enthusiastic to help you with your safety problems, or just to chat. Call us!!

17-May-05 5:00 PM

American Society of Safety Engineers Safety 2005 Annual Conference and Exposition

noemail@safetyunited.com — Mon, 13 Jun 2005 15:00:00 GMT

Jonathan L. Snare American Society of Safety Engineers New Orleans, LA June 13, 2005 Good afternoon. My thanks to Gene Barfield (President of ASSE) for the opportunity to talk with you this morning about where OSHA is heading in 2005 and beyond as well as updating you on several programs and activities. As some of you may know, I joined the agency in December as Deputy Assistant Secretary and was asked by Secretary Chao to head up the agency as Acting Assistant Secretary in January. By way of background, before I joined OSHA, I was a senior advisor to the Solicitor of Labor. Prior to joining the Department of Labor two years ago, I was in private law practice in Texas. I want to make very clear that OSHA will continue with the successful approach established by this Administration and the leadership at DOL and OSHA. At the same time, I look forward to using what we have learned from our successes the past four years. I intend to manage all of OSHA's resources to...

OSHA Offers Tips for Working in Hot Weather

noemail@safetyunited.com — Fri, 10 Jun 2005 14:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON - The sun brings special hazards for those working outdoors. To help employers and workers stay safe throughout the summer months, OSHA offers tips that can help prevent heat-related deaths, illnesses, and injuries. The combination of heat, humidity and physical labor can lead to fatalities. The two most serious forms of heat related illnesses are heat exhaustion (primarily from dehydration) and heat stroke, which could be fatal. Signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke need immediate attention. Recognizing those warning signs and taking quick action can make a difference in preventing a fatality. Working Outdoors is an OSHA fact sheet that offers advice on ways to protect against exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV), precautions to take if working in extreme heat, and how to protect against Lyme Disease and the West Nile Virus. The fact sheet also offers information links for teenagers working at summer jobs. OSHA's Heat Stress Card lists tips and precautions to...

Worker Injuries/Illnesses/Fatalities Statistics

noemail@safetyunited.com — Wed, 08 Jun 2005 00:00:00 GMT

OSHA Facts -- December 2004 OSHA Statistics Worker Injuries/Illnesses/Fatalities for 2003 In 2003, occupational injury and illness rates declined again to 5.0 cases per 100 workers, with 4.4 million injuries and illnesses among private sector firms. About 32 percent of work-related injuries occurred in goods-producing industries and 68 percent in services. There were 5,559 worker deaths in 2003, a slight increase from 2002, accounted for by 114 additional deaths among self-employed workers and 61 more through workplace violence. The fatality rate of 4.0 deaths per 100,000 workers remained the same. Fatalities related to highway incidents, falls and electrocutions declined while homicides and deaths related to fires and explosions and contact with objects or equipment increased. Federal Inspections - Fiscal Year 2004 39,167 Inspections Number Percent Reason for Inspection 9,176 (23.4%) Complaint/accident related 21,576 (55.1%) High hazard targeted 8,415 (21.5%)...

OSHA SEEKS COMMENTS ON LEAD IN CONSTRUCTION STANDARD

noemail@safetyunited.com — Tue, 07 Jun 2005 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON

- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration today called for comments on its lead in construction standard that requires testing for lead exposures, provisions to protect workers from exposure where lead is present, and medical monitoring of exposed workers.

OSHA is conducting its regulatory review of the lead in construction standard under Section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act and Section 5 of Executive Order 12866 to determine if the standard is needed and if it should be amended.

"It is important that we regularly review our standards," said Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Jonathan L. Snare. "In this case, the review requests comments as to the necessity for the Agency to modify this standard to make implementation more practical, reduce the regulatory burden on small business, and improve its effectiveness, while still protecting worker health."

The construction industry employs millions of workers in jobs where lead exposures are most likely to occur, like paint removal, building and bridge renovation, plumbing, and water system repair and replacement. Overexposure to lead can cause serious damage to the body's blood-forming, nervous, urinary and reproductive systems. OSHA's lead in construction standard establishes procedures for minimizing the level of exposure to lead for all workers covered.

Public comments are welcome and must be sent in triplicate by Sept. 6, 2005, to Docket Office, Docket No. H023, Technical Data Center, Room N-2625, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210. Comments may also be faxed to (202) 693-1648, or submitted online at http://www.regulations.gov or http://ecomments.osha.gov.

Today's Federal Register has details on the lead in construction standard's regulatory review.

Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

Safety United Staff - Principal Consultant

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 20:48:53 GMT

Edward R. Ziegler, P.E., C.S.P. 1964 West Gray Suite 201 Houston, TX 77019 T: 713.439.1241 F: 713.850.1235 C: 713.816.1652 info@safetyunited.com Education: B.S. Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering (1972) Pennsylvania State University Juris Doctor (1979) University of Pittsburgh (Two Years) / South Texas College of Law (Degree) M.S.- level Safety Engineering Courses (1994-2003) Experience: Ziegler-Peru, Inc. 1993- Present Operate wells and own drilling rigs. Drilled wells in Texas, Pennsylvania, and Peru. Drilled 100 wells 500 feet to 2450 feet depth in years 2008...

Company

Fri, 08 May 2009 14:45:17 GMT

A Historically Underutilized (HUB) and Woman-Owned Business

Safety United, Inc.

Our company provides solutions and assistance in safety and technical areas - safety saves money and is good business. Our areas of specialization and expertise include oil and gas, pipeline, construction, and general industry - we work in all safety disciplines. We identify and work with industry-specific safety, regulatory, and training issues, environmental assessment and compliance, and litigation support and expert witness services. We are experts in such regulations as OSHA and DOT, and in specialized areas such as EPA, process safety, and various operator and competent person training.

Rini W. Ziegler
President / CEO

Our Policy

We take pride in our company policy of understanding the scope of the project and client needs. Clients can be confident that Safety United will recommend a scope of services, and then develop, implement, and follow through with competent, effective service - every time and on time. This company policy promotes the principles that our personnel champion after years of effective and recognized safety, technical, and consulting experience.

Our Mission

Safety United strives to provide solutions to make your operations or project safer and more successful. Safety United provides cost effective services that preserve client resources and promote client goals and plans. We will transfer our knowledge into sound and safe results for your business - safety goes to the bottom line.

Staff

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 18:21:31 GMT

Our staff and resources include safety professionals, technicians, and consultants with a diverse background, broad skills, and the experience to analyze, understand, and improve your safety program.

Examples of our people include:

Edward R. Ziegler, PE, C.S.P.

Principal Consultant

A safety, engineering, and oil and gas background with over thirty years of experience.

Résumé

Clients

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 18:18:53 GMT

Safety United serves clients in all industry and business segments, and government. Our representative clients during our consulting business and experience includes:

Halliburton KBR Government Services
BJ Services
The City of Mont Belvieu (Texas)
American Flange, Inc.
Mt. Hawley Insurance Company
Factory Mutual Insurance
U.S. Environmental
U.S. Zinc Corporation
International Trucks
Laredo (Texas) Independent School District
Wilson Supply Corporation
Helmerich & Payne Drilling
Shell Pipeline Company
Essex Crane Rental
Mustang Equipment Corporation
Cheramie Marine Service
Falcon Gas Storage
Key Well Service

Expert Witness

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 13:47:56 GMT

Safety United provides litigation support and expert witness services in the areas covered by our safety practice. We have staff and other consultants and resources with broad experience in and understanding of the litigation process. We have expertise and experience in the practical aspects of work and projects, in accident investigation, as well as with safety regulations and industry standards and practice.

Safety Training Courses

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 13:47:34 GMT

Safety United develops and provides OSHA training and training materials in the areas covered by our safety practice. We have the training you need, whether through our standard course inventory or through custom training tailored for your business and operations. Our training courses include the OSHA 10-hour course and 30-hour course for general industry and construction training, materials handling, and HAZMAT training and refreshers. Other courses can be developed for training in the classroom, at worksites, or in-house to meet your needs.

Safety Programs

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 13:46:59 GMT

Safety United develops, writes, evaluates, and audits safety programs and operating documents. We can perform a broad range of services to help your business implement safety programs to meet regulations and to follow industry standards and best practice. Our safety programs include materials to comply with OSHA, MSHA, DOT, environmental areas, process safety, and operator qualification for various equipment and regulations.

Safety United - Implementing Work Place Safety

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 13:46:15 GMT

Safety United believes that workplace safety and industrial hygiene are important aspects of all business. Our services will make your business safer and more productive. We are experienced, knowledgeable, and specialize in health and safety programs, safety training, and work safety services and expert witness services to implement and improve your operation. Once you have a good written program, implementation through training, and then monitoring and improving the program is the key to a safer workplace.

Safety Programs and Safety Services

Thu, 16 Jun 2005 22:14:35 GMT

Policies and Codes of Conduct

Management policy is the basis of every safety program and for guidance in development and implementation of the program. We will provide experienced and knowledgeable insight in policy and philosophy development, as well as guidance such as a Code of Conduct. Such materials may also be necessary for Sarbanes-Oxley management oversight and similar developments in overall corporate governance, including for safety, health, and environmental issues.

Manuals and Procedures

Safety United will review your written safety materials, and help you determine what additions or updates are needed. New safety regulations and standards, best practice development, and changes in your operation or business will often require new safety materials and programs.

Site Inspections

Safety United will analyze, audit, inspect and monitor your workplace or projects to help determine compliance and safety and health needs for your business. Our experienced personnel will be able to quickly and efficiently help determine your needs and improvement that might be needed.

Basic and Custom Training

Safety United provides OSHA and other basic training programs, as well as industry-specific and custom programs. We provide training from basic office and hazard communication programs, to specific procedures for such work areas and equipment as oilfield, material handling and rigging, HAZMAT, lockout/tagout, confined space, transportation, pipeline compliance, and process safety and turn-arounds.

Expert Witnesses and Litigation Support

Safety United provides litigation support and expert witness services in the areas covered by our safety practice. We have staff and other consultants and resources with broad experience in and understanding of the litigation process. We have expertise and experience in the practical aspects of work and projects, as well as with safety regulations and industry standards and practice.

Safety Training

Thu, 16 Jun 2005 22:08:46 GMT

Safety United provides all types and levels of safety and health training. Areas and some of our training programs include the following. Custom training can be developed and cost-effective for your exact needs.

Our course catalog contains the descriptions of our most frequently requested courses. Feel free to download and view the Safety United course catalog and call us if you have questions regarding a topic or class availability.

Safety United Course Catalog.pdf