Author: MN Occupational Health

OSHA and the ACC Create Alliance to Promote Awareness for Diisocyanates Exposure

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the American Chemistry Council (ACC) have formed a two-year partnership to bring awareness to diisocyante exposure in the workplace and promote safe methods for its utilization in the polyurethane industry.

Isocyanates are chemicals used to make adaptable and rigid foams, adhesives, fibers, coatings, and more. Human exposure to isocyanates can significantly irritate the skin and result in breathing problems.

OSHA and AAC are together recommending that an Internet-based training program be created to educate employers and staff on the safe use of chemicals and the possible ways in which exposure may occur. It will acquire information on medical surveillance and clinical evaluation strategies for employers and workers who use the chemicals.

The partnership will help guarantee that employers and employees in specific industries have a stronger understanding of the health risks associated with the identified chemicals. Ideally, the partnership will result in less cases of exposure.

The ACC includes the Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) and the Diisocyanates and Aliphatic Diisocyanates panels. Representatives of these groups are comprised of manufacturers and suppliers of chemicals and equipment used to create polyurethane.

References:

Stefanie Valentic 1 | Sep 18, 2017. (2017, September 18). OSHA, American Chemistry Council Establish Partnership. Retrieved October 02, 2017, from http://www.ehstoday.com/industrial-hygiene/osha-american-chemistry-council-establish-partnership

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Prevention of and Care for Common Work Injuries

The risk of work injury is present in all jobs, but in particular in construction, manufacturing and assembly type jobs. Each Minnesota Occupational Health (MOH) clinic is staffed and equipped to function as a full-service urgent care center just for work injuries.

MOH considers workers to be industrial athletes so particularly for muscle and joint injuries, the goal is always to maintain and improve mobility. Just as professional athletes are cared for, treatment often involves remaining as mobile and active as is safely possible, gradually increasing the workload until maximum medical improvement is reached. Reducing couch-time is critical to improving strength, flexibility and range of motion.

Repetitive Motion Injuries

Many jobs involve repeating the same movements which can contribute to soft tissue and muscle fatigue, aches and pain. Genetically, some people are more susceptible to repetitive motion injuries after performing the same motion in the same way over a long period of time. Whenever possible, change the side of the body that is being used, periodically stretch in the opposite direction and workplace accommodations such as job sharing and workstation rotations can all help to alleviate these types of conditions.

Hydration and Nutrition

Physically demanding jobs and jobs that are performed in environmental extremes such as heat, cold or humidity require special attention. Avoiding sugars and other simple carbohydrates can be helpful in maintaining both stamina and a high level of mental alertness. Drinking water before you are thirsty is essential in staying ahead of dehydration, while keeping your muscles and brain functioning at an optimal state.

Flexibility and Balance

As we age, workers can become more prone to injury because of our loss in flexibility and balance. Even sitting or standing for long periods causes muscles to tighten. Carrying, pushing or pushing objects require proper technique and balance. Even a small amount of weight can result in an injury if balance is even slightly out of whack. Exercise not only for strength and stamina but also for balance.

If you are a Minnesota worker who has been injured on the job, do not hesitate to contact Minnesota Occupational Health online, by phone or by visiting one of our Twin Cities locations. Our staff of physicians, many of whom are board certified in occupational medicine, offer years of experience and understanding in addressing work injuries.

What Are the Most Common Safety Hazards at a Construction Site?

Construction sites can be very dangerous. That is why they are often surrounded by signs saying “keep out” or other warning signs. However, they are not just dangerous for curious kids up to no good, they are dangerous for the people who work on those construction sites as well. Here are some of the top construction site hazards you should be concerned with.

Falls

Perhaps the most common hazard is falling. Working from ladders and scaffolding can be extremely dangerous, and slips and trips are always a concern. Employers have to have a safety program to prevent falls, and special training should be provided to workers who work from heights. Identifying potential hazards and controlling them should be major safety priorities.

Electricity

There are many electrical hazards on a construction site. All workers should be aware of where electrical hazards might be, and to stay a safe distance from those who are working on power lines. All vehicles should be properly insulated as well.

Scaffolding

We have already mentioned that falls from scaffolding and other high spots are dangerous. When it comes to scaffolding, it is important to remember several safety tips to prevent those falls. First off, the scaffolding should be set up properly by trained workers. There is a load limit for all scaffolding, so do not exceed that limit under any circumstances. Also, often times the work being done on the scaffolding involves dangerous elements like electricity, so all necessary precautions for those hazards should be taken as well.

Trenches and Excavation

Falling off of something is dangerous, but so is falling into something. Trenches and excavated areas can lead to trips and falls. As well, the equipment and machinery used to dig present unique safety issues. Only trained and certified workers should operate the equipment, and every effort should be made to have the area clearly marked so someone doesn’t fall in by accident.

Construction sites are dangerous. Safety should be a priority to keep both your workers and the public as safe as possible. Not only will an accident affect the health of your employees, but it can affect productivity. Make sure to take all safety precautions so that no one gets hurt on the job site.

Minnesota Occupational Health is the leading provider of occupational health services in the Upper Midwest. To learn more, please contact us.

OSHA Introduces Application To Transmit Injury And Illness Data Electronically

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has unveiled the Injury Tracking Application (ITA). The Internet-based form gives businesses the ability to electronically submit injury and illness data from their finalized 2016 OSHA Form 300A. The application can be found on the ITA website.

In mid-2017, OSHA made available a plan to extend the July deadline for companies submitting their 2016 Form 300A to December. This will provide businesses adequate time to become accustomed with the electronic reporting system and to give the new administration a chance to evaluate the new reporting requirements before they are put into practice.

The information submission method includes four stages: forming an establishment, adding the 300A summary data, submitting that information to OSHA, and looking over the confirmation email. The protected website provides three opportunities for data submission. One will allow users to manually enter data into an online form. Another will allow users to upload a CSV file to address single or multiple establishments simultaneously. A third option will enable users of automated documentation systems to transfer data electronically through an application programming interface.

The ITA website includes information that explains reporting obligations for establishments, a list of common questions and answers, and a way to request help with finalizing the form.

OSHA Has Updated its Regulations for Post-Accident Drug Testing

Late last year, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued new regulations relating to reporting and recording occupational illnesses and injuries. These regulations protect workers from creating disincentives to reporting an occupational injury or illness or from retaliation by an employer for a worker seeking treatment for an injury.

In a general sense, drug and alcohol testing after an accident is still permitted. That said, the employer must demonstrate a “reasonable possibility” that drugs or alcohol are fully or partially to blame for the accident, the injury, or the illness. This does not apply to situations where drug-testing is mandatory, such as for certain federal employees or workers subject to federal drug testing requirements.

OSHA still considers post-accident drug testing to be a reasonable strategy to assist with workplace safety. It is a way for employers to make sure that their workplaces are as safe as possible for everyone. However, employers need to be aware that they cannot have a blanket drug-testing policy for every workplace injury or illness. The situation must meet the requirement that there is a reasonable possibility that drugs or alcohol played a part. Supervisors and managers should be trained in what constitutes a reasonable possibility, and reporting processes should reflect this definition as well.

It is important to remember consider the following when determining whether a drug test has met the standard for a reasonable possibility.

How serious was the outcome of the accident? If a motor vehicle is involved, any commercial vehicle on a public roadway, resulting in the need for towing, a treatable injury or a fatality must always result in a drug and alcohol test.

For employers with a Reasonable Suspicion policy, drug and alcohol testing, is there reason to conclude that drugs or alcohol may have been a factor?

Common Workplace Eye Injuries and How to Prevent and Address Them

The eye is one of the most delicate parts of the human body, and eye injuries can be very serious. They can also cause a lot of missed work time and lost productivity. It is vital to make sure that employees are protected from eye injuries, and that they have the proper training to protect the eye.

Common Eye Injuries

Eye Scraping

There are a few common eye injuries that tend to happen at work. The most common is probably eye scraping. This is when something hits or scratches the eye. These can be small objects or particles. Dust, wood or cement chips, or metal slivers can all easily scrape the eye. As well, larger objects can come into contact with the face, causing trauma to the eye or the socket.

Penetration

Penetration is when an object pierces the eye. This can cause blindness or loss of vision. Nails and staples are often the culprits, but slivers and other metal objects can also be to blame.

Thermal and Chemical Burns

Cleaning products and industrial chemicals can cause major damage to the eye. Burns can cause permanent loss of vision and even damage the tissue surrounding the eye. Welders are often at the most risk for thermal burns because of the nature of their work.

Protection

Because the area is so sensitive, all precautions must be made to ensure proper eye safety and prevent eye injury. For starters, all employees must be made aware and reminded of the eye safety hazards that are present on the job site or in the workplace. Plus, these hazards should be neutralized if possible. That means using work screens, machine guards, or any other method to prevent objects and materials from getting to the eyes. Perhaps the most important step to take is for all employees to wear the right eye protection at all times. This means wearing certified safety goggles that are appropriate for the job being done.

Injuries to the eye and the surrounding tissue are not to be taken lightly. Not only can the result be a loss of productivity and work hours, but permanent loss of vision or complete blindness are real risks. Make sure your employees work safely to prevent eye injuries.

9 of the Most Common OSHA Fines

Many construction businesses make the choice to not have a dedicated safety initiative, since they feel that they are too small for one. However, no matter the size of the company, it can still be cited for safety violations, which can cost a pretty penny. Safety isn’t just about following the law, however. It is about protecting your employees. Here are the most common OSHA fines.

Training

All too often, employees are thrown into a position without the proper training. This happens especially in smaller companies where they may not have the personnel dedicated to training. It’s vital to allot time for safety training, no matter how large your company is. Spending time on training can save lost man-hours later.

Hazard Communications

All hazardous materials on site should be listed and displayed in a prominent spot. As well, all employees should be fully trained in how to use these materials, and data sheets on the material safety should be available as well.

Head Safety

Hard hats must be worn on a job site, as objects can easily fall from heights and cause serious injury. Workers are at risk for walking into support beams or other hazards.

Improperly Designed Wiring

Wiring that is installed or designed incorrectly can be a major cause of accidents. Make sure that all wiring is up to code, and that the proper equipment is used for handling electrical wiring.

Ladder Safety

Ladders must be in good working order, and not bent or missing rungs. Work should not be done while on a ladder. It should only be used for getting to certain heights.

Aerial Lifts

Only those who are properly trained and qualified should be using aerial lifts. As well, all equipment should be properly inspected. Before lifting, everyone involved should meet and discuss a “lift plan” for what is going to happen during the lift.

Fall Protection

When working at heights, all equipment should be installed and used correctly, and only properly trained employees should be doing it. All employees should be trained around the dangers of working at heights.

Excavation Requirements

Before performing an excavation, you should have the right permits, have a plan for egress, and plan to inspect the excavation site daily.

Ongoing Training

There should be regular safety meetings to provide extra training as well as to discuss safety issues. This can involve discussing new equipment, hazardous materials, or any other safety-related topic that needs discussing.

Construction job sites are dangerous places to be, and there are many ways to be found in violation of the OSHA. Make sure your site is up to code.

A Guide to the OSHA’s Health and Safety Standards

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) has the authority, under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, to regulate the health and safety of workplaces. This includes developing standards and rules, providing consultation and education to employers and the enforcement of those standards.

OSHA is responsible for occupational health and safety rules relate to injury prevention in many ways. Examples include personal protective equipment, machine safety guards, lock-out tag-out working, safety harnessing, etc. Other regulations seek to maintain safe and healthy work environments by the monitoring of factors such as noise, airborne particulate and chemical contact (silica, asbestos, solvents, pesticides, etc.). Virtually all industries are affected by OSHA rules and enforcement including the construction, manufacturing, maritime, and agriculture industries, among others.

OSHA standards are intended to help employers protect workers from a vast array of potential risks. Minnesota Occupational Health (MOH) develops, sponsors and hosts workshops on a variety of occupational health and safety topics.

Minnesota Occupational Health provides a wide array of preventative testing and medical surveillance to employers and their workers, in addition to non-life-threatening injury care for work-related injuries. Common utilized MOH services involve both baseline and periodic surveillance for respirator use, special color vision testing, audiograms for establishing baseline and comparative hearing thresholds, as well as blood levels of heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic and others. MOH’s Eagan clinic is NIOSH certified to perform Coal Worker X-ray surveillance.

In the event of a work injury, all three MOH clinics provide urgent care services including suturing of open wounds, sprains, strains, dislocations and fractures as well as chemical and thermal burns. Injured workers are treated promptly on a walk-in basis and employers receive prompt communications as to the expected course of treatment and any specific light duty restrictions that would help the workers remain safe and productive while recovering.

To learn more about these services please contact MOH at (651) 968-5300 or at contact@mohonline.com.

Stress Electrocardiogram (EKG) or CT HeartScan Tests for Firefighters

It is an unfortunate fact that heart disease causes a large number of firefighter deaths in the line of duty. It is important to identify firefighters who are at risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke before they are exposed to the harsh and challenging conditions of firefighting.

At Minnesota Occupational Health, our physicians may recommend a resting electrocardiogram (EKG), an Exercise Stress test or a CT Heartscan for a firefighter on a pre-employment and/or a periodic follow-up basis. These tests along with identifying other cardiac risk factors such as cholesterol, smoking, fitness, age, heredity and others, can offer insights into cardiovascular health and health conditions that could lead to a heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest.

An Exercise Stress Test may be able to identify:

  • The presence of significant coronary artery disease
  • Blood pressure response to exercise
  • Abnormalities with your heart’s electrical activity
  • Fitness level

A CT Heartscan uses computerized tomography to identify, measure and evaluate calcium within the coronary arteries that could lead to blockages.

Minnesota Occupational Health offers customized physical exams and medical surveillance tests and partners with key cardiology groups to perform and help evaluate heart disease in high risk professions such as firefighting.

Vijay Eyunni, M.D., M.P.H., Featured in The Star Tribune & St. Paul Pioneer Press

Dr. Vijay Eyunni, Minnesota Occupational Health’s medical director, was recently featured in both the Minneapolis Star Tribune and the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

Dr. Eyunni, who is also a team physician for the Minnesota Twins professional baseball team, identified Twins manager Ron Gardenhire’s prostate cancer during a health examination. Dr. Eyunni observed Gardenhire’s raised prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and performed additional tests. These tests came back positive for prostate cancer.

A member of the American Academy of Occupational and Environmental Medicine and the Board of Preventative and Occupational Medicine, Dr. Eyunni has worked with Minnesota Occupational Health since 1998.

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