How to Overcome Engulfment Hazards

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N e w s A b o u t O c c u p a t i o n a l S a f e t y a n d H e a l t h i n A G R I C U L T U R E

Issue Two 2012

In This Issue

Feature ArticlesHow to Overcome Engulfment Hazards

Cold Stress

Did You Know?

The Dangers of Tick-borne Diseases

From Our Expert

Natural Rubber Latex

Safety Meeting Topic

Spray Safely

Reporting Work–Related Injuries

ngulfment hazards are prevalent on many jobsites. Engulfment occurs when a worker

s surrounded and overcome by a granular ubstance such as soil, sand, gravel, sawdust, eed, grain, flour, or submerged in a liquid such

issas water or a chemical.

Engulfment is caused by:

• Physicalhazardswhenmaterialhasenoughforceonthebodytocauseinjuryordeathbyconstriction,crushing,orstrangulation.

• Respiratoryhazardssuchassuffocationfrombreathinginafinesubstancethatfillsthelungsorfromdrowninginaliquid.

On the construction site, engulfment hazards may occur in trenches or excavation pits when a cave-in or soil collapse engulfs a worker. Trenches or open pits should have an adequate number of exit ladders, daily safety inspections, and should include safety engineering such as proper shoring and sloping.

them. They should also be instructed on safety protocols, rescue operations, and the use of life safety equipment.

Workers should not stand, climb or walk on piles of materials without safety equipment like a hoist or a body harness. The hoist operator should pay out and retrieve excess line to maintain reasonable tautness. The hoist should be able to stop and hold any expected load, including the possible impact of a fall.

Containers can be dangerous if workers need to enter them for maintenance or repair, or if they need to work over them to load or unclog materials. Containers include storage bins, silos, vats, tanks, bunkers, and hoppers. The dangers involved include entering or falling into a confined space, a hazardous atmosphere, and engulfment by the materials.

Workers should be instructed on the hazards of over-sized containers and storage bins at the work site as well as the materials kept in

Each container type at a site should be evaluated to determine if it is a confined space.

Workers should not enter a container unless they are wearing a retrieval harness. They should have a buddy on the outside of the container and a reliable form of communication between them. Use of lock out, tag out protocols should be enforced to ensure that mechanical moving parts do not activate and materials do not shift underneath the workers.

Open containers should have a railing and toe board around them. If there is no railing, there should be a grate or walkway with railings. If work is necessary over an open container without railings or a grate, workers should wear safety harnesses with retrieval lines.

“Workers should not stand, climb or walk on piles of materials

without safety equipment like a hoist or a body harness.”

Safety NewsSafety NewsMaking California Workplaces SaferMaking California Workplaces Safer

Did You Know?

The Dangers of Tick-borne DiseasesT

S t a t e C o m p e n s a t i o n I n s u r a n c e F u n d

Working in cold conditions can lead to a potentially dangerous condition

called cold stress. You can get cold stress when working outdoors on a cold day; in a refrigerated room; in an unheated building; in cold water, rain, or snow; or

Cold, wind, and water are the three major factors of hypothermia because they all draw heat from the body. Other factors that make you susceptible to hypothermia include age, poor physical condition, illness, the use of alcohol or certain medications, and fatigue. The effects of hypothermia range from mild to severe. A severe case of hypothermia can cause permanent damage to your heart and other vital organs, or can result in death.

If you work where conditions can get cold or wet, remember these tips:

• Dressproperly-Clothingisyourbestprotectionagainstcoldstressorhypothermia.Thegreatestlossofbodyheatoccursthroughthehead,sowearahatorcapandseverallayersofloose-fittingclothingaswellasbootsorwarmshoeswithsocks.

• Drinkfluidsandeathigh-energysnacks-Snacksprovidecaloriestoproducebodyheatandliquidshelpregulatebodytemperatures.

• Endexposure-Ifyoucan’tstaywarmanddry,getoutofthecoldorwetenvironment.

By recognizing early symptoms and taking suggested precautions, you can minimize the potential for cold stress.

icks are commonly found in worksites with woods, bushes, high grass, or leaf litter; ticks are a carrier of a number of

serious diseases, such as Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness (STARI), Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), Ehrlichiosis, Tularemia and most commonly Lyme disease with more than 22,500 confirmed and 7,500 probable cases in 2010 alone.

Outdoor workers at risk include those in construction, landscaping, forestry, land surveying, farming, railroads, utility line work, park and wildlife management, and other outdoor work.

Tick-borne diseases are diagnosed based on symptoms that are commonly associated with a tick-borne illness, such as:

• Body/muscleaches

• Fever

• Headaches

• Fatigue

• Jointpain

• Rash

• Stiffneck

• Facialparalysis

Employers should educate their workers on:

• Howtick-bornediseasesarespread.

• Therisksofexposureandinfection.

• Theimportanceofthetimelyreportingofworkplaceillnessesandinjuriesrightaway.

• Wearinglight-coloredlong-sleevedshirts,longpants,socks,andhats.

• Insectrepellents(containing20%to30%DEET)touseontheirskinandclothingforprotection.

For further information, refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website on tick-borne diseases: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/tick-borne/

Cold Stress

while handling cold objects or materials. When your body loses the ability to maintain its normal temperature, your body temperature lowers and hazardous effects of cold on the body could result in dehydration, numbness, shivering, frostbite, immersion foot (trench foot), and hypothermia.

How can you recognize cold stress? Shivering is your body’s response to cold stress and serves as a protection mechanism by increasing the rate of metabolism. Constant shivering, lethargy and confusion are initial signs of hypothermia. If you notice a drop in your manual dexterity, local cold stress may be occurring which could result in safety hazards to you and coworkers.

• Staydry-Putonraingearbeforeyougetwetandwoolclothingbeforeyoustartshivering.Also,sweatingfromoverexertioncancauseyoutolosebodyheatmorequickly.

• Beawareofthecoldandthewind-Prepareforsuddenweatherchangeswithwoolens,raingear,ortarps.

Safety NewsSafety News I s s u e T w o 2 0 1 2

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S t a t e C o m p e n s a t i o n I n s u r a n c e F u n d

atural rubber latex is found in a wide variety of products such as balloons, rubber bands, and bandages. In the

workplace, it is most commonly found in latex gloves. Many medical devices also contain latex.

The proteins in latex are allergens. Most people who encounter latex in consumer products do not develop an allergy to latex, but some workers are at risk. Those with regular exposure to latex gloves and other products containing latex may develop an allergic reaction. The more frequent the exposure, the greater the risk. Workers with other allergic conditions (such as hay fever) are at increased risk. Likewise people with dry, broken, or abraded skin are at increased risk. Latex allergy can be associated with allergies to certain foods, such as avocados, potatoes, bananas, tomatoes, chestnuts, kiwi fruits, and papayas.

Symptoms of latex allergy include:

• Skinrashes,hives,flushing,anditching

• Nasal,eye,orsinusirritation

• Shortnessofbreath,wheezing,orasthma

• Shock(rarely)

Symptoms can begin within minutes of exposure, or they can be substantially delayed. These symptoms can be serious, even life-threatening.

Routes of exposure include skin contact and inhalation. Inhalation occurs when latex proteins attach themselves to the powder used in some gloves and become airborne. This is especially a problem when changing gloves.

From Our ExpertNatural Rubber Latex

Dermatitis can also occur in latex glove wearers. Irritant contact dermatitis is a nonallergic reaction to the gloves or powder. Chemical sensitivity dermatitis is a reaction to one or more of the many chemicals added to latex during processing and manufacturing.

To prevent latex allergy, use latex-free gloves. If this is not possible, choose powder-free latex gloves with reduced-protein content. Wash hands with mild soap and water and dry thoroughly after removing gloves. Keep hands moisturized to minimize cracks and irritation. Once a worker becomes allergic to latex, special precautions are needed to prevent exposures during work as well as during medical or dental care.

For more information on latex allergy and its prevention, visit the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) website at www.cdc.gov.

State Fund Industrial Hygiene Unit

“Those with regular exposure to latex gloves and other products containing

latex may develop an allergic reaction…”

Safety NewsSafety News I s s u e T w o 2 0 1 2

S a f e t y N e w s

Pesticide use is common in the agricultural industry. However, misuse or improper

handling can cause serious health problems or result in fires, explosions, or contamination of the environment. Due to the hazards involved with the use of pesticides, all

The most important factor in the safe handling of pesticides is to read, understand, and follow the pesticide label directions exactly. This label describes how to safely handle, transport, store, mix, and apply the pesticide. It also describes appropriate first

requires the employer to teach workers about the hazards of pesticides and to train them in pesticide safety procedures, before any pesticide container is opened

Personal hygiene is vital and workers must become well aware of the hazards involved with eating, drinking, and smoking when working with pesticides. Workers who handle or apply pesticides are required to have a clean change of outer clothing each day.

Workers must also become familiar with the first aid procedures for specific pesticides and know when and where to seek emergency medical treatment. They should also know how to respond to a pesticide-related accident, spill, or fire. It is crucial for telephone numbers and addresses of medical facilities, physicians, and fire departments to be posted where they can be readily accessed in an emergency.

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Safety Recommendations

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Topic Review

Reporting Work–Related InjuriesState Fund’s Customer Service Center 888-STATEFUND (888-782-8338) is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for policyholders to report injuries as soon as they occur. Agents will do the necessary paperwork to get the claim started and refer the injured worker to the designated physician or provider.

Within eight hours of any serious illness or injury (requiring hospitalization over 24 hours, other than for medical observation or where there is permanent employee disfiguration) or death occurring in the workplace or in connection with employment, employers must report the incident to the Division of Occupational Safety and Health.

Spray Safely

workers who handle pesticides must be supervised to ensure that the required personal protection equipment is worn and that pesticide application equipment is used correctly.

aid procedures. Workers must pay special attention to labels with signal words such as DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION.

The CA Department of Pesticide Regulation

or any pesticide is loaded, mixed, or used (http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/legbills/calcode/030302.htm). Training should include what personal protective equipment (PPE)

should be worn and how the PPE should be maintained. Training must also include how to properly maintain and inspect the application equipment to ensure that there are no leaks or malfunctions.

They should not be allowed to go home in contaminated clothing, and contaminated clothing should be washed separately from the family laundry.

“The most important factor in the safe handling of pesticides

is to read, understand, and follow the pesticide label

directions exactly.”

Safety Meeting TopicSafety Meeting Topic S t a t e C o m p e n s a t i o n I n s u r a n c e F u n d I s s u e T w o 2 0 1 2

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Recomendaciones de seguridad

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Revisión Del Tema

This Agriculture Safety News is produced by the Corporate Communications Department of State Fund to assist clients in their loss control efforts. Information or recommendations contained in this publication were obtained from sources b elieved to be reliable at the date of publication. Information is only advisory and does not presume to be exhaustive or inclusive of all workplace hazards or situations. Permission to reprint articles subject to approval by State Compensation Insurance Fund.

Published by State Compensation Insurance Fund’s Corporate Communications Department. © State Compensation Insurance Fund 2012

Fumigado de manera seguraEl uso de pesticidas es común en la

industria agrícola. Sin embargo, el uso indebido o la manipulación errónea pueden causar problemas de salud graves o provocar incendios, explosiones o la contaminación del ambiente. Debido a los peligros implicados con el uso de pesticidas, todos los trabajadores que manipulan pesticidas deben ser supervisados para verificar que se use el equipo de protección personal requerido y que el equipo de aplicación del pesticida se esté utilizando correctamente.

El factor más importante en la manipulación segura de pesticidas consiste en leer, entender y seguir al pie de la letra las instrucciones en la etiqueta del pesticida. Esta etiqueta describe cómo manipular, transportar, almacenar, mezclar y aplicar de manera segura el pesticida. Además describe procedimientos apropiados para primeros auxilios. Los trabajadores deben prestar atención especial a las etiquetas con palabras indicativas como PELIGRO, ADVERTENCIA o PRECAUCIÓN.

Protección Personal (PPE) deberá usarse y cómo debe dársele mantenimiento a dicho PPE. La capacitación deberá incluir también cómo dar mantenimiento e inspeccionar correctamente el equipo de aplicación para asegurarse de que no haya derrames ni desperfectos.

La higiene personal es vital y los trabajadores deben estar bien enterados de los peligros relacionados con ingerir alimentos, beber y fumar mientras se trabaja con pesticidas. Los trabajadores que manipulen o apliquen pesticidas deben tener un cambio de ropa exterior limpio cada día. No se les debe permitir irse a sus casas con ropa contaminada, y la ropa contaminada se debe lavar separadamente de la ropa del resto de la familia.

Los trabajadores deben también familiarizarse con los procedimientos de primeros auxilios para pesticidas específicos y saber cuándo y dónde obtener tratamiento médico de emergencia. Además, deben saber cómo responder ante accidentes, derrames o incendios relacionados con el uso de pesticidas. Es crucial que los números de teléfonos y las direcciones de los centros médicos, consultorios de médicos y departamentos de bomberos se coloquen a la vista donde puedan ser fácilmente obtenidos en una emergencia.

El Departamento de Reglamentación de Pesticidas de CA estipula que el empleador instruya a los trabajadores sobre los peligros de los pesticidas y los capacite en procedimientos de seguridad con pesticidas, antes de que se abra algún envase de pesticidas o se cargue, se mezcle o se utilice pesticida alguno (http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/legbills/ calcode/030302.htm). La capacitación debe incluir qué Equipo de

“El factor más importante en la manipulación segura de pesticidas consiste en leer,

entender y seguir al pie de la letra las instrucciones en la

etiqueta del pesticida.”

Temas de SeguridadTemas de SeguridadS a f e t y N e w s S t a t e C o m p e n s a t i o n I n s u r a n c e F u n d I s s u e T w o 2 0 1 2

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