USF SafetyFlorida On Site Magazine

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The New SafetyWriter 2.0

The truth about safety culturesWhat to expect when OSHA knocks at your door?

Spotlight on Raydon Corporation for a job well done!

1 U S F S a f e t y F l o r i d a O n - S i t e

P r o g r a m D i r e c t o r s ' C o l u m n s

Dr. Yehia HammadProfessor, USF College of Public Health

Program Director

USF SafetyFlorida Consultation Program

Charlene Sitterly

Program Manager

USF SafetyFlorida Consultation Program

o job is a good job unless it's a safe job. That is the basic belief of the USF SafetyFlorida Consultation Program. We firmly believe that workers should not have to risk their lives or their health while working to provide for their families.

Last year we conducted over 747 free on-site consultation visits to small and medium-sized businesses to help protect more than 40,710 workers. We also conducted training sessions, and through on-site program assistance, outreach and education, we helped Florida businesses implement effective safety and health management systems. The latter is especially critical to driving down injury, illness, and fatality rates. Our employers in the Federal SHARP and Sunshine State Safety Award recognition programs know that safety is good for business. We encourage them to share best practices with other Florida employers.

According to 2012 data from the Bureau of labor and statistics, fatal work injuries totaled 209 in Florida. This averages to 17 Florida workers dying each month. And every year, thousands of Floridians suffer a serious workplace injury. Tragically, these deaths and injuries are preventable - preventable by basic safety precautions such as providing a safety harness and line to prevent workers from falling off a roof; shoring up a trench to make sure it doesn't collapse; or guarding a machine so a worker doesn't get his hand cut off.

At USF SafetyFlorida, our mission is to protect workers from injuries and illnesses on the job. We also protect Florida’s small business economy by keeping dollars in employers’ pockets instead of being paid out in through higher workers’ compensation premiums, hospital or urgent care bills, and lost time production.

If your company needs assistance with workplace safety and health, let us help. We will perform a free, confidential and comprehensive analysis of your worksite to assess how your safety and health management system can be improved. Furthermore, if your worksite has hazards or potential hazards, we will help you address those areas, understand how to correct them, and provide recommendations and guidance to prevent the hazards from occurring in the future.

You have nothing to lose and everything to gain from on-site consultation. If we can help prevent an OSHA citation and penalty, your consultation’s return on investment will be worth it, in the short- and long-term. Request yours today at www.safetyflorida.usf.edu.

ou may recall that in the past, safety and health programs did not exist, or if they did exist, they were in name only. Also, you may remember when a worker would walk on rooftops without any fall protection or when workers inhaled asbestos fibers or when little or no personal protection was used in the workplace. Everyone acknowledges that workplace safety and

health is important, yet it is sometimes unintentionally overlooked, leaving workers and others at a worksite exposed to risk. That is why well implemented safety and health programs which include policies and work practices designed specifically for every workplace are important.

An effective safety and health program should not only implement the OSHA regulations to reduce the exposure to hazards in the workplace, but also should include detailed procedures to integrate safety and health related decisions and precautions into the design of jobs and work processes. Also, in order for a program to work, it is essential that proper safety and health training is included because it provides the tools that workers need to understand and keep their own work areas safe.

I am very pleased to share that USF SafetyFlorida’s home page (www.safetyflorida.usf.edu) has a new and improved web-based tool geared towards preventing workplace injuries and illnesses. The SafetyWriter 2.0 was re-designed to assist small business employers in creating tailored, industry-specific illness and injury protection plans. This web-based tool enables employers to easily assemble and customize a protection plan in a few easy steps. Implementing an effective safety and health program using this e-tool is a cost effective way for employers to lower injury and illness rates leading to higher profit margins. Safety is not expensive; it is priceless and tomorrow is a precious reward for working safely today.

(USF SafetyFlorida is the state of Florida’s official small business safety and health consultation program. The program, funded by OSHA and the state of Florida, provides free and confidential

occupational safety and health services to small businesses throughout Florida. For more information or to request a complimentary consultation, visit www.safetyflorida.usf.edu or call toll-free 1-866-273-1105).

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Cover photo: Raydon Corporation employees

receiving their SHARP Award.

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P r o g r a m M a n a g e r

Charlene Sitterly

USF SafetyFlorida

College of Public Health

13201 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, MDC 56

Tampa, FL 33612-3805

1-866-273-1105

www.safetyflorida.usf.edu

[email protected]

D e s i g n e r

Martin Young

[email protected]

e d i t o r

Thalia Barber

[email protected]

On-Site magazine is published annually by USF SafetyFlorida, a small business safety and health consultation program funded by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Florida Department of Financial Services’ Division of Workers’ Compensation. The University of South Florida College of Public Health is the academic home for USF SafetyFlorida.

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Reading this code with your smartphone, using QR code scanning software such as http://web.scanlife.com/en/download-application, will enable you to go directly to the USF SafetyFlorida website.

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U S F S a f e t y F l o r i d a N e w s

Florida’s newly certified SHARP companies received recognition letters from Florida Governor Rick Scott in May. See page 8 for complete list of Florida SHARP companies.

Webinar promotes safe practices against fall preventionThis year, USF SafetyFlorida Consultation Program and the USF OSHA Training Institute Education Center hosted a free fall protection webinar geared towards the construction industry, in an effort to promote better and safer practices against fall prevention, create safety awareness through training and applicable standards, and to ultimately decrease worksite fatalities.

Topics discussed included OSHA regulatory update on fall prevention in construction, fall protection hazards on construction sites, solutions and training for prevention of accidents and fatalities, and implementing injury prevention plans and safety management systems for fall protection.

The webinar was in direct response to OSHA’s nationwide outreach campaign that targets fall prevention in the construction industry.

More than 300 General Contractors, Sub-Contractors and Construction workers attended this webinar.

The University of South Florida College of Public Health is the academic home for USF SafetyFlorida Consultation Program and the USF OSHA Training Institute Education Center. They are based in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health.

USF SafetyFlorida continues presence at Florida Division of Workers' Compensation's Workplace Safety seminars USF SafetyFlorida partnered for the fifth year with the Florida Division of Workers' Compensation at its workplace safety seminars. Held throughout the state, the free and educational seminars provide attendees with important information about workers' compensation laws as well as workplace safety. In 2013, 26 seminars were held with 311 attendees, ranging from business owners, licensed contractors and other employers.

Sheryle Birdsong with the Division's Compliance Bureau says the partnership is a win-win. "The (consultation) program is an integral part of the educational program. Having USF SafetyFlorida’s presence at the seminars really does round out our discussion of what the law’s requirements are and what resources are available," says Birdsong.

The Division of Workers' Compensation is part of Florida's Department of Financial Services and handles workers' compensation claims for employees who are injured or killed on the job. For the past four years, total health care provider payments have exceeded $500 million annually due to workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities.

Note: The Division’s trust fund adds a 10 percent matching grant to the federal government’s funding of the USF SafetyFlorida consultation program.

Governor Rick Scott recognizes Florida's new SHARP employersGovernor Rick Scott recognized seventeen new Florida SHARP employers for exemplary workplace safety practices with a letter he sent to each of the companies. OSHA's Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program award is the highest safety honor for small businesses and granted to employers nominated by USF SafetyFlorida. SHARP certified companies are exempt from OSHA inspections for a period up to two years, with the exception of a serious accident, fatality or employee complaint.

In his letter to the employers, Scott wrote, "Your commitment to a safe work environment for Floridians is to be commended. We are fortunate to have companies like yours in the Sunshine State who provide a safe place to work each and every day."

There are currently 51 SHARP-certified businesses in the state of Florida. To qualify, a firm must:

• Request and undergo a consultation visit from USF SafetyFlorida• Involve all employees in the consultation process• Correct hazards identified during the on-site consultation• Implement and maintain a safety and health management system

that, at a minimum, addresses OSHA's 1989 Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines

• Reduce their Lost Workday Injury and Illness Rate and Total Recordable Case Rate below the national average for their industry

• Agree to notify USF SafetyFlorida prior to making changes to working conditions or introducing new hazards into the workplace

SHARP Webinar offered to existing SHARP Award recipientsUSF SafetyFlorida Consultation Program, along with the USF OSHA Training Institute Education Center and Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation joined forces to host a Safety & Health Awareness Recognition Program (SHARP) webinar. This webinar was created solely for qualifying employers, who are operating exemplary safety and health management systems, and whom already are in receipt of the SHARP award.

This purpose of this webinar was to discuss the following topics:• New OSHA updates

o Temporary Workerso Hospital Safetyo Whistleblower Guidelineso Crystalline Silica PEL Update

• Safety Incentive programs • Florida SHARP Associations• How to stay SHARP after receiving the initial award• Rules and Responsibilities to maintain SHARP status• Testimonials – How has the SHARP program benefited your company?

Florida Governor, Richard (Rick) L. Scott

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The SHARP webinar was attended by approximately 33 SHARP award recipients. This 1-hour webinar was very informative and well received by the attendees based on the results obtained from the Customer Satisfaction Surveys.In conjunction with the USF SafetyFlorida Consultation Program, the USF OSHA Training Institute Education Center offers free resources and inexpensive training and education. USF OTIEC is a non-profit organization, authorized by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to teach OSHA approved numbered courses offered in a variety of settings, (i.e. – Online and In-class). For more information email: [email protected].

Fall protection leads OSHA top 10 most-cited and highest penalties listsThe Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released its Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards list for 2013.

The cited standards for fiscal year 2013 (October 1, 2012 through September 30, 2013) included (standard numbers are in parentheses below) the following:

1. Fall protection, construction (29 CFR 1926.501)2. Hazard communication standard, general industry (29 CFR 1910.1200)3. Scaffolding, general requirements, construction (29 CFR 1926.451)4. Respiratory protection, general industry (29 CFR 1910.134)5. Electrical, wiring methods, components and equipment, general industry (29 CFR 1910.305)6. Powered industrial trucks, general industry (29 CFR 1910.178)7. Ladders, construction (29 CFR 1926.1053)8. Control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout), general industry (29 CFR 1910.147)9. Electrical systems design, general requirements, general industry (29 CFR 1910.303)10. Machinery and Machine Guarding, general requirements (29 CFR 1910.212)

OSHA, USF SafetyFlorida and Barton Malow Company Strategic PartnershipOn April 4, 2014, the Daytona International Speedway Front Stretch Redevelopment Project Strategic Partnership (referred to as the DIS Partnership) between the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Jacksonville Area Office, the University of South Florida SafetyFlorida Consultation Program and Barton Malow Company was signed.

The Partnership which was developed jointly by the three partners covers the construction of the Daytona International Speedway (DIS) Front Stretch Redevelopment Project, which is located in Daytona Beach, FL.

Common objectives and goals of the Partnership include the following: 1. Reduce injuries and illnesses2. Increase safety and health training 3. Share of best work practices

4. Ensure employers have appropriate safety and health management systems

This Partnership is consistent with OSHA’s long-range efforts to develop a contractor/ government partnership approach to safety management. It allows for better use of OSHA resources and innovation in safety management and encourages more participation in the safety process from the construction community.

The purpose of this partnership is to create a working relationship that focuses on preventing work-related fatalities, controlling or eliminating serious workplace hazards, and establishing a foundation for the development of an effective safety and health program.

To facilitate the goal of reducing occupational related fatalities and serious injuries within the construction industry, OSHA, USF SafetyFlorida Consultation and Barton Malow Company will implement this agreement under the OSHA Strategic Partnership Program (OSPP). By combining their efforts, skills, knowledge and resources, OSHA, Barton Malow Company and USF SafetyFlorida Consultation Program expect to reduce exposure to hazards and thereby decrease the possibility of serious injuries and fatalities during all phases of construction at the DIS Partnership site.

Occupational health nursing students experience workplace safety firsthandStudents enrolled in the University of South Florida’s Occupational Health Nursing Program were able to experience firsthand, issues involving safety and health in the field and the ability to apply learned applications in the classroom, to real, live jobsites in the field. This was especially a great learning experience for USF Nursing student, Lynn Henderson. Ms. Henderson was able to don Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and observe USF SafetyFlorida Consultant, Jim Ulseth, interact with small business owners. Ms. Henderson was also able to see the correlation between applications learned in class, and how they are applied to the field, such as the evaluation of a Safety & Health Program, actual workplace violations, and suggested recommendations on how to correct and prevent certain hazards from reoccurring. “She believes that it is the desire of most employers to keep their employees safe, and that the USF SafetyFlorida Consultation Program can be beneficial to those employers who wish to take advantage of it.” This is the fifth year that students from the graduate certificate program have participated in the shadowing experience.


The USF OSHA Training Institute Education Center: Florida's Workplace Safety Training and Continuing Education Resource

he USF OSHA Training Institute Education Center is happy to report

another successful year of teaching and educating students and

employers on Occupational Safety and Health topics. This year, our

program trained over 4,500 students via online and in a classroom

setting. Furthermore, our OSHA authorized trainers have delivered

safety training courses to more than 23,700 student’s to-date. The USF

OSHA Training Institute Education Center currently has 2,300 active OSHA

authorized outreach trainers.

It is our goal to teach employees in the construction, general and maritime

industries how to recognize and correct hazards within the workplace to

create a safe and healthful work environment for all employees.

U S F O S H A T r a i n i n g I n s t i t u t e E d u c a t i o n C e n t e r N e w s

T

Bob Nesbit

Program Manager

USF OSHA Training Institute

Education Center

Recently, Temporary Workers have been making headlines due to countless

reports of serious and fatal injuries. The Occupational Safety and Health

Administration (OSHA) has therefore launched a Temporary Worker Initiative

and made a concerted effort to provide enforcement, outreach and training

to protect temporary workers, and ensure that they are afforded the same

training and education opportunities as permanent workers.

This initiative was created on April 29, 2013 to ensure that both host

employers and staffing agencies alike, are knowledgeable about their

individual roles and responsibilities as it relates to temporary workers.

Staffing agencies and host employers are jointly responsible for defining

duties and scope of work in the temporary workers contract, providing

adequate training, ensuring hazard communication and recordkeeping

requirements are being met, and for maintaining a safe work environment.

OSHA has also implemented a new educational tool, now readily accessible

at https://www.osha.gov/temp_workers/ that will better identify who is

responsible for recording injuries and illnesses for temporary workers. The

tool further explains the reporting requirements for staffing agencies and

host employers.

Under the OSHA Recordkeeping regulation 29CFR 1904, covered employers

are required to prepare and maintain records of serious occupational injuries

and illnesses.

Need help completing the OSHA 300 log? Consider these classes: OSHA

9073 – 1 hour General Industry Recordkeeping course or OSHA 9043 – 1

hour Construction Recordkeeping course. Contact the USF OSHA Training

Institute Education Center for scheduling and course availability.

USF OSHA Training Institute Education Center located in Wesley Chapel, FL.

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For more information about the USF OTI

Education Center and to register for classes, visit

us on the web at www.usfoticenter.org or call

813-994-1195.

USF OSHA Training Institute Education Center

2612 Cypress Ridge Boulevard, Suite 101, Wesley Chapel, FL 33544

[email protected] • www.usfoticenter.org.

Private Safety TrainingBringing safety training directly to a company

saves clients money in travel-related costs.

Moreover, we can create customized courses

to meet an employer’s education needs. We

send an instructor to a facility at a time that

works best for them, and the course is tailored

to meet its specific training needs.

Regularly Offered Courses

The center's catalog of courses includes the

following classes:

Online

• Certified Aggression Control Manager

• 24-hour HAZWOPER

• 8-hour HAZWOPER

• 4-hour Recordkeeping

• Fleet Driver Program

• Safe Teen Jobs Awareness Training

Specialty 1-hour Online Courses

• Fall Protection

• Blood Borne Pathogens

• Scaffold

• Stairways and Ladders

• Introduction to OSHA

• OSHA Standards and Inspection Procedures

• Personal Protective Equipment

• Recordkeeping

• Safety Programs

• Rigging and Material Handling

General Industry

• OTI 501 Trainer Course in Occupational

Safety and Health Standards for the General

Industry

• OTI 503 Update for General Industry

Outreach Trainers

• OTI 511 Occupational Safety and Health

Standards for General Industry

• OTI 521 Guide to Industrial Hygiene

• OTI 2015 Hazardous Materials

• OTI 2045 Machinery and Machine Guarding

Standards

• OTI 2225 Respiratory Protection

• OTI 2255 Principles of Ergonomics

• OTI 2264 Permit Required Confined Space

Entry

• OTI 3015 Excavation, Trenching and Soil

Mechanics

• OTI 3095 Electrical Standards

• OTI 6000 Collateral Duty Course for Other

Federal Agencies


Course for Other Federal Agencies

• OTI 7000 OSHA Training Guidelines for Safe

Patient Handling

• OTI 7100 Introduction to Machinery and

Machine Safeguarding (8 Hour)

• OTI 7105 Introduction to Evacuation and

Emergency Planning

• OTI 7115 Lock out/Tag Out Controlling

Hazardous Energy to Prevent Workplace

Injury

• OTI 7120 Introduction to Combustible Dust

Hazards

• OTI 7200 Blood Borne Pathogens Exposure

Control for Healthcare Facilities

• OTI 7205 Health Hazard Awareness

• OTI 7300 Understanding OSHA's Permit

Required Confined Space Standards

• OTI 7410 Managing Excavation Hazards

• OTI 7500 Introduction to Safety and Health

Management

• OTI 7505 Introduction to Accident

Investigation

• OTI 7510 Introduction to OSHA for Small

Business

• OTI 7845 Recordkeeping Rule Seminar

Construction


Safety and Health Standards for the

Construction Industry

• OTI 502 Update for Construction Industry

Outreach Trainers


Standards for the Construction Industry

• OTI 3015 Excavation, Trenching and Soil

Mechanics

• OTI 3115 Fall Protection

• OTI 7400 Trainer Course in Construction

Noise

• OTI 7405 Fall Hazard Awareness for the

Construction Industry

• OTI 7415 OSHA Construction Industry

Requirements: Awareness of Major Hazards

and Prevention Strategies

• Scaffolding Qualified Person Training

• Fall Protection Qualified Person Training

• USF 9001 Sub Part R Steel Erection Safety

Standards

Maritime


Safety and Health Standards for Maritime

Industry

• OTI 5402 Up-Date for Maritime Outreach

Instructors


Standards for the Maritime Industry

We offer “contract” classes for 10 and 30 hour

maritime outreach courses. Please send us an

email at [email protected] if you

have any questions.

Disaster

• OTI 5600 Disaster Site Worker Train-the-

Trainer Course

• OTI 5602 Update for Disaster Site Worker

Trainer Course

• OTI 7105 Evacuation and Emergency

Planning

• OTI 7600 Disaster Site Worker Course

Professional certificates in General Industry,

Construction and Maritime are now offered

through the USF OSHA Training Institute

Education Center. Contact us for more

information.


What is SHARP?

SHA created the Safety and Health

Achievement Recognition Program award

to recognize small business owners who

operate an exemplary safety and health

management system (SHMS). Once

SHARP certified, employers are exempt from OSHA

inspections for a period up to two years, with the

exception of a serious accident, fatality or employee

complaint. Firms throughout the U.S. can earn a

SHARP award, and for a Florida company the

approval process begins with a recommendation

to OSHA from USF SafetyFlorida.

How Can Your Company Become SHARP?

Companies interested in pursuing SHARP status

must first request a safety and health consultation

from USF SafetyFlorida. The on-site consultation

involves a comprehensive safety and health hazard

survey of the worksite(s) involved, including

equipment and work processes. Other qualifying

requirements for the SHARP program include:

• Have at least one year of operating history

at the company or worksite;

• Implement, demonstrate and maintain a

safety and health management system

(SHMS) that, at a minimum, addresses the

major elements of OSHA’s 1989 Safety and

Health Program Management Guidelines;

• Lower the company’s Days Away, Restricted

or Transferred (DART) rate and Total

Recordable Case (TRC) rate below industry

national average;

• Correct all hazards identified by the

consultant;

• Agree to notify the USF SafetyFlorida

Consultation Program prior to making

changes in working conditions or work

processes that may introduce new hazards

into the workplace.

First-Time SHARP Certification and Exemption

Once a business satisfies all SHARP requirements,

a USF SafetyFlorida consultant may recommend it

for SHARP approval and certification. If approved

by OSHA, the company will receive formal SHARP

recognition from OSHA and USF SafetyFlorida

during an award ceremony. The company will

also be exempt from OSHA inspections for a

period up to two years.

SHARP Renewal

If a company wishes to renew its SHARP

certification, the application process must begin

during the last six months of its exemption period.

The company must also undergo a comprehensive

visit by a USF SafetyFlorida consultant to ensure its

SHMS has improved or maintained. Furthermore,

the employer must meet all SHARP eligibility

requirements, agree to conduct self-evaluations

and provide a written report based on the elements

of OSHA 1989 Safety and Health Program

Management Guidelines and OSHA’s required

injury and illness logs.

SHARP Deferral

If a business meets most but not all of OSHA’s

SHARP eligibility requirements, a USF SafetyFlorida

consultant may recommend a business for an

inspection deferral up to 18 months, provided

the company has:

• Completed a hazard identification survey

with a USF SafetyFlorida consultant and

corrected all identified hazards;

• Implemented, demonstrated and maintained

a SHMS that, at a minimum, addresses the

major elements of OSHA’s 1989 Safety and

Health Program Management Guidelines;

• Implemented an action plan with established

abatement dates that completes the

necessary items that prevented the company

from reaching SHARP status during the

original survey.

Exemplary Safety and Health Equates to Prestigious SHARP Certification

Why SHARP?

Many small businesses who have received the SHARP award view it as a way to take their pre-existing safety and health management system to a higher level, as well as a means of demonstrating their businesses pride and commitment to ensuring a safe and healthful work environment for their employees.

“Our desire is to improve our safety and health culture among all employees”, states Tammy Wainright, President of Main Metal Recycling of Jacksonville. “USF SafetyFlorida Consultation provides the information and services needed to create and maintain a safe work environment, and the high standard that the SHARP program sets, challenges us to continue to pursue the award and the safety culture recognition”, she adds.

Ms. Karen Preusz, Director of Nursing for Quality Health Care Center says, “When top management really cares, it speaks volumes. It sends a direct message to front line employees that they care about me. USF SafetyFlorida Consultation has been a very valuable resource for information. The SHARP award has empowered our staff to take pride in their workplace and allows them to truly experience the fact that safety is everyone’s responsibility,” continues Preusz.

Other companies that earn SHARP status report lower operating costs and recordable incidents, which result in higher profit margins. Alti-2, an altimeter manufacturer for the sport and military parachuting industry, has been working with USF SafetyFlorida since 2006. In 2008, Alti-2 had a zero Total Recordable Case (TRC) and Days, Away, Restricted or Transferred (DART) rate. The company’s owner, Kathy Grix, believes that “Implementing safety and health takes much time and effort, but pays handsomely in the long run with a sustained excellent safety record.”

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S a f e t y & H e a l t h A c h i e v e m e n t R e c o g n i t i o n P r o g r a m A w a r d

Ready to become SHARP? Contact USF SafetyFlorida at

1-866-273-1105 or visit us online at www.safetyflorida.usf.edu

to request a free on-site consultation.

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(R) Main Metal Recycling, Jacksonville

(N) Southeast Wood Treating, Rockledge

(R) Ajax building Corp, Midway

(R) Romac Lumber, Leesburg

(N) Cast Crete Corp, Seffner

(N) Metal Industries, Bushnell

(R) Phoenix Wood Products, Ocala

(N) Accuform Signs, Brooksville

(R) Moss & Associates, FT. Lauderdale

(N) Seaonus Stevedoring, Jacksonville

(R) Southern Manufacturing

Technologies, Tampa

(N) Cypress Cove Centre, Crystal River

(R) Sypris Electronics, Tampa

(R) MI Metals, Oldsmar

(N) Charlotte Harbor Health Care,

Charlotte Harbor

(N) Portus Services, Jacksonville

(N) King Plastic Corp, North Port

(N) Eastern Metal Supply, Lakeland

(N) Trumeter, Deerfield Beach

(N) Palm Garden of Largo, Largo

(N) Suncoast Beverage Sales, Ft Myers

(R) Cable USA, Naples

(R) Trusswood, Inc., Titusville

(R) Ayers Health & Rehab Center,

Trenton

(R) Gate Precast – Jacksonville

(R) Great Southern Wood of Florida,

Lake Panasoffkee

(R) BAE Aerospace Solutions, Crestview

(R) Associated Grocers of FL, Pompano

Beach

(R) Daws Manufacturing, Pensacola

(N) Precision Econowind, Ft Myers

(R) Raydon Corporation, Port Orange

(R) Alti-2, Deland

(N) Neptune Research, Lake Park

(N) American Thermoplastic Extrusion

Co, Miami

(R) American Compliance Technologies,

Bartow

(R) Florida Presbyterian Homes,

Lakeland

(R) Aluma Tower Co. – 1639 Old Dixie

Hwy, Vero Beach

(N) Aluma Tower Co – 926 Old Dixie

Hwy, Vero Beach

(R) Bealls 810 (distribution &

transportation center), Bradenton

(R) Bealls 817 (distribution &

transportation center), Bradenton

(R) Trucks and parts of Tampa, Tampa

(R) Technology Conservation Group,

Lecanto

(N) Portus Stevedoring, Jacksonville

(R) Cox Seafood, Tampa

(N) Kauff’s Transportation, West Palm

Beach

(R) New Limeco, Princeton

(N) Control Micro Systems, Winter Park

(R) Probuild # 82, Milton

(N) ClassB, Inc.

(N) Canterbury Tower

(N) Quality Health Care Center

Quality Health Care Center of North Port

Raydon Corporation of Port Orange

Main Metal Recycling of Jacksonville

Alti-2, inc. of Deland

ClassB, inc. of Zephyrhills

Florida’s SHARP CompaniesThis year 51 Florida companies qualified for

OSHA’s SHARP award and two qualified for a

SHARP deferral.

SHARP Key:

(N) = new (R) = renewal (D) = deferral


S u n s h i n e S t a t e S a f e t y R e c o g n i t i o n A w a r d

sk any successful owner of a high-risk

industry business their advice on keeping

incident levels low, and their answer will

most likely be staff working together

to keep a job site safe. This employer-

employee safety commitment is the reason USF

SafetyFlorida created the Sunshine State Safety

Recognition Award.

Since 2006, USF SafetyFlorida has bestowed the

Sunshine State Safety Recognition Award on small

businesses in all industries that proactively and

routinely engage in job safety. Approximately 40

firms earn this honor annually, and it recognizes

firms that have implemented good safety

initiatives to better protect employees on the job.

According to Keith Brown, a USF SafetyFlorida

safety and health supervisor, “Team work is

essential in accident prevention, and when

there are open lines of communication between

workers and management, it speaks volumes

about a company’s commitment to safety.”

To qualify, a business should request and receive

a complete on-site consultation survey and

employ at least one person at the worksite to

be evaluated. Additionally, the business should

have no willful, repeat or willful-repeat citations

within 24 months of the consultation and no

serious citations related to injury or exposure

within 12 months of the consultation.

During the consultation, a safety consultant will

perform a comprehensive on-site evaluation of

all written accident prevention management

programs. The consultant will also speak with

workers and conduct an evaluation of the work

area. The safety consultant will review:

• Administration and oversight of safety

management programs

• Safety and health management

practices

• Safety training and instruction

• Employee safety rules

Commitment to Safety and Teamwork Make the Difference

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USF SafetyFlorida developed the Sunshine State Safety Recognition Award to motivate and support employers who demonstrate a commitment to continuously improve their workplace safety and health management system.

• Internal safety inspection routines for

new and existing substances, processes

and equipment

If hazards are identified during the visit, an

abatement of those specific hazards must take

place before recognition is granted. Once initial

and final consultations are complete, a safety

consultant may decide to formally recommend

the firm for a Sunshine State Safety Recognition

Award, which is approved by USF SafetyFlorida

management. A formal letter of commendation is

sent to the company, recognizing the employers’

and employees’ efforts in implementing and

maintaining an effective injury and illness

prevention program. “Working together towards

maintaining safety is something everyone can

take pride in,” adds Brown.

Oil Spill Response USA, inc., of Ft. Lauderdale

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CHeP Aerospace Solutions of Miami

Landmark Aviation of North County Airport

The Protective Group of Miami Lakes

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CHEP Aerospace Solutions

Landmark Aviation – North County

Airport

Landmark Aviation - Miami Airport

Oil Spill Response USA Inc.

The Protective Group

EMJ Hospitality – Marriott Hotel

Moss & Associates – Flagler Village

Munilla Construction Management

The Health Center of Coconut Creek

Locus Traxx of Jupiter

MCM Miramar Readiness Center

of Miramar

MCM Ravenswood Bus Maintenance

Facility of Ft. Lauderdale

The 2014 Sunshine State Safety Recognition Award recipients include:


F e a t u r e s

am asked this question repeatedly:

“What will OSHA look for if I get

inspected?’” Honestly, there’s no simple

answer. The hazards inside your facility

or jobsite are as unique as you, your

company, and the product or service you provide.

A good starting point to determine where OSHA

enforcement will focus its efforts when it comes

to your location can be found online via www.

OSHA.gov, or on (page 4 – The top 10 cited

standards.)

As you will observe from the list,

there is a good mix of citations

related to construction, general

industry and standards that

apply to both, such as Hazard

Communication.

Now compare the OSHA’s Top

10 Cited Hazards list to those

frequently identified by our

USF SafetyFlorida consultants,

and it is quite obvious which

hazards are the most commonly seen at a jobsite

or facility.

Hazards identified by USF SafetyFlorida

Consultants 2013-2014

1. Walking Working Surfaces

2. Hazard communication standard

3. Forklifts

4. Respiratory protection

5. Electrical systems design, general

requirements

6. Personal protective

7. Fire Protection

8. Control of hazardous energy

(lockout/tagout)

9. Recordkeeping

10. Machine Guarding

Whether your company falls under general

industry, construction or both, it would be best

to focus on those areas that have been noted

on both lists.

IThinking like a Compliance Officer

From my experience in speaking with employers

whose businesses have been inspected, most

compliance officers will take the path of least

resistance. If an officer is noting obvious hazards

throughout the facility/worksite, there is a

good chance that is where they will focus their

inspection. For example, if many unlabeled or

incorrectly labeled containers are found, more

than likely the inspector will focus on your hazard

communication program and training.

Therefore, some of the first

steps you can take in an effort

to eliminate hazards within

the workplace are training and

inspections. However, before

effective inspections can be

performed, you must f irst

gain the knowledge of hazard

recognition. This can be acquired

through training that can be

provided by our consultants or

the USF OSHA Training Institute

Education Center (http://usfoticenter.org/.)

Inspections should be performed on a regularly

scheduled basis. How often really depends on the

work being performed and the environment. If

you are a small manufacturer, monthly would be

acceptable; however, a construction site should

be inspected daily since the work environment

is in a constant state of change. If possible,

inspections should be performed by more

than one individual, in an effort to eliminate

complacency or “pencil whipping” the forms.

Fresh eyes normally notice items that are being

taken for granted on a daily basis.

Navigating Standards

Another common question I am asked by many

employers is “How do I know which standards

apply to me?” Some standards are easier to

pinpoint than others. For example, if you use

forklifts and chemicals at your location, then

the powered industrial trucks and hazard

communication standards will apply to your

establishment. However, as the employer,

you must know what is associated with each

standard, which could include a written program,

training, etc.

For other standards it can be much more

complicated in not just determining if the

standard applies, but which parts of the standard.

Your best bet in determining which standard,

training and/or written programs apply would

be to schedule a free consultation with USF

SafetyFlorida. Not only will our consultants assist

you with understanding and interpreting the

standards, they can also help you in identifying

hazards in your workplace, reviewing your

injuries for trends, developing a safety culture,

and possibly assist you in lowering your workers’

compensation cost.

What to expect when OSHA knocks at your door?

David AshmanSafety and Health Consultant

12

What is a safety culture? Merriam-Webster

defines culture as “a way of thinking, behaving

or working that exists in a place or organization,

such as a business.”

Tack safety in front of the word

culture, and it becomes the

way we think, behave or work

as it pertains to safety within

our place or organization.

For example, we wear safety

glasses to protect our eyes from

potential occupational injuries.

But delve a little deeper into the

why we wear safety glasses, and

it becomes more significant. We

wear safety glasses to protect

our eyes, so we can see our

kids grow up.

No Excuses

Over the years, I’ve heard supervisors make

excuses why certain hazards are present or certain

unsafe acts are performed. It’s always because

he or she was on vacation, and the employees

were at fault. Sorry, but not true. Effective safety

cultures are self-sustaining and exist whether the

supervisor is there or not. It is less about you and

more about employees’ choices.

Safety cultures thrive when there is management

commitment, supervisory commitment,

established safety rules and safety procedures,

communication, training, and thorough

inspection processes, hazard controls by virtue

of effective design, an effective reporting system,

and above all – employee involvement in every

aspect of getting their job done safely. Instead

of focusing on compliance, set the bar higher

by having employees focus on getting everyone

safely home to their family in the same condition

that they came to work. Rather than because the

supervisor said so or because

that’s the way we do it, do

it to return home safely to

your family.

I hear owners and managers

say that the reason the shop

or the jobsite is in such a

mess or the reason that

people aren’t working safely

is “because the company

safety director is out sick or

took another job.” A safety

director does not make

an effective safety culture

(although they can be a significant factor in the

process). People who look out for their fellow

employees make an effective safety culture. It

is a learned belief or an attitude that employees

share in their relationship to safety.

Study and Analyze

Instead of allowing little things to slide by and

habits to fester, take a different approach.

Establish a company goal to study and learn

from every injury as well as near-miss incidents

and work diligently to prevent each one from

recurring. How many near-miss incidents does

it take before we have an injury and perhaps a

significant injury? Ask yourself:

• Could we do the task differently?

• Could we do the job safety training differently?

• Could we establish a different inspection or

observation process?

• Did we involve the worker doing the job in his

perception of what could change to make the

process safer, and above all, did we listen?

Before most injuries occur there are definite

warning signs. After an injury while you’re

doing your accident investigation, don’t throw

your employees under the bus. Instead of

simply saying the employee was at fault, ask

these questions:

• What did I miss?

• Was he doing it unsafely yesterday or last week

and I missed the opportunity to correct it?

• Was my training for that employee weak or

flawed?

• Was my discipline technique lame?

• Do I need to do the training better or differently?

• Did my behavior allow him to get hurt?

• Did I let my employee down?

Blow the dust off your written safety program.

You likely have very good written programs and

inspection checklists, but are they being read and

are they being applied? Like any good tool, if it

isn’t used – what good is it really?

Some workers refuse to get involved or cooperate

with accident investigations because they

mistakenly believe that its purpose is to place

blame on someone else. However, without

full cooperation from everyone, inaccurate

conclusions may be reached as to the cause of

the incident, and proper measures may not be

taken to prevent a reoccurrence. In an effective

safety culture, employees cooperate, employees

pay attention during training and ask questions

in an effort to raise the bar and work diligently to

get everyone safely back home to their families.

What kind of safety culture do your employees

have …when you are not around?

What Kind of Safety Culture Do Your Employees Follow…When You Are Not Around?

Jim Ulseth

Safety and Health Consultant

To learn more about safety culture, visit https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/safetyhealth/mod4_factsheets_culture.html.

If you would like to request a free and confidential on-site safety consultation, visit www.usfsafetyflorida.usf.edu.

L ast year, I discussed how to effectively

manage heat stress in Florida. One

premise was that work outside in the

summer is likely to be above normally

accepted occupational exposure limits. So

it would be appropriate to institute at least basic

heat stress management practices.

To evaluate the level of heat stress, it is

important to consider the environmental

conditions, the work demands and the clothing

requirements. Humidity plays the largest role in

the contributions to heat stress. This is the reason

that air temperature alone does

not provide much insight to

the level of heat stress. Work

demands indicate how much

heat is being generated inside

the body that must be removed

through sweat evaporation

to the environment. For this

article, we assume clothing will

be ordinary woven clothing

that includes pants and a shirt

with long sleeves. With respect

to heat stress evaluation, the greater the work

demands the dry and cooler the environment

must be to remove the heat generated by the

body.

Wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) is the most

common index of the environment used to

assess occupational exposures to heat stress. The

threshold WBGT is adjusted depending on the

work demands. Because the National Oceanic and

Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Heat Index is

roughly related to WBGT, this article provides some

guidance on when the heat stress exposure limit

might be exceeded based on Heat Index. We chose

the Heat Index because it is widely recognized and

reported through the National Weather Service.

The guidance is provided in Table 1. To compute an

accurate Heat Index, air temperature and humidity

must be measured concurrently.

Because WBGT is the reference index for

occupational exposures, it is worthwhile

mentioning how well Heat Index is related to

WBGT. For Heat Index values less than 100 °F,

the table overstates the level of heat stress for

conditions at 20% relative humidity and to a

lesser extent for 40% Relative humidity. The

problem of overprotection is small above a Heat

Index of 100 °F.

The Heat Index does not account for radiant

heat. As the Heat Index increases, the effect

of radiant heat on the index increases. For

practical purposes, work in the

sun between 10 AM and 3 PM

can be accounted for by adding

10 °F to the Heat Index. This

again is protective below 100 °F.

The heat stress level also depends

on the work demands. The

three work demand levels are

described in Table 2. There is

a column in Table 1 for each

work demand level. As can

be seen, the heat stress level designation (see

Table 3) indicates higher heat stress for the same

Heat Index as the work demands level increases.

Examples for the ISO are offered for the types of

work in each category. Over the course of an hour,

Heavy work is seldom observed. That is, most work

can be described as Light or Moderate.

The Heat Stress levels in Table 1. are described

in Table 3. Alert/Action Limit (AL) is the point at

which heat stress may affect those who are not

acclimatized to the heat. Thus a combination of

Heat Index and Work Demand below the AL is not

associated with heat stress. Once somebody has

worked for 2 or more hours in a hot environment

for 5 of the last 7 days, they can be considered

acclimatized. The Exposure Limit (EL) marks the

point at which they would be considered exposed

to heat stress. As the heat stress level increases,

Using Heat Index to Manage Heat Stressthen the amount of work time should be balanced

by the recovery time in the same environment.

These proportions of work/recovery are specified

on a 60-minute basis in Table 1. Once the trade-

off between work and recovery becomes limited,

Table 1. indicates Caution. At this point, the heat

stress can be substantial and extra care should be

taken in the management of heat stress.


F e a t u r e s

If you are interested in discussing your situation,

please contact a USF SafetyFlorida consultant at

www.usfsafetyflorida.com or Thomas Bernard at

[email protected].

Bernard, T.E. & Iheanacho, I. (2014)

Thomas E. Bernard College of Public Health, University of South Florida

14

Table 1. Heat stress level for three work demands based on Heat Index. Add 10°F to Heat Index if the work is in direct sunlight. The work demands are expressed as Light, Moderate and Heavy (see Table 2). Exposure levels are based on an Alert/Action Limit (AL), Exposure Limit (EL), a Work/Rest allocation in minutes (Work/Rest), and Caution (see Table 3).

Table 2. Description of work demands in Table 1.

Level Description

Light(180 W)

Moderate(300 W)

Heavy(415 W)

Light manual work; such as, hand and arm work; arm and leg work (driving vehicle in

normal conditions, operating foot switch or pedal). Standing and using powered tools

or machine tending. Casual walking.

Light work can be sustained for two or more hours

Sustained hand and arm work; arm and leg work; arm and trunk work; such as,

plastering, intermittent handling of moderately heavy material, weeding, hoeing, picking

fruits or vegetables, pushing or pulling lightweight carts or wheelbarrows, walking.

In a cool environment, moderate work can be sustained by most people with a break

every two hours. Heat stress can reduce the amount of time between breaks.

Intense arm and trunk work; carrying heavy material; shovelling; sledgehammer work;

sawing; planning or chiselling hard wood; hand mowing; digging; fast walking. Pushing

or pulling heavily loaded hand carts or wheelbarrows; chipping castings; concrete

block laying.

Heavy work cannot be sustained by most people without breaks within an hour. For

this reason, it should not be considered as continuous work for an hour.

Table 3. Heat stress levels in Table 1. and appropriate actions.

Below the AL, the heat stress exposure is minimal. At and above the

AL, the heat stress may be significant for unacclimatized workers.

Above the EL, the heat stress is above the occupational exposure limit

and heat stress controls should be considered.

Among the controls above the EL is work/recovery cycles. As the

work period decreases (and the recovery period increases), the heat

stress level is increasing.

Once the heat stress cannot be reduced through work/recovery cycles,

then other precautions are necessary to manage the heat stress.

Level

Alert/Action Limit (AL)

Exposure Limit(EL)

Work/Recovery(e.g., 45/15)

Caution

Description

Heat Light Moderate HeavyIndex [°F] † 180 W 300 W 415 W

77 <AL <AL <AL78 <AL <AL <AL79 <AL <AL <EL80 <AL <AL <EL81 <AL <AL <EL82 <AL <AL <EL83 <AL <AL <EL84 <AL <AL <EL85 <AL <AL <EL86 <AL <AL <EL87 <AL <EL <EL88 <AL <EL <EL89 <AL <EL <EL90 <AL <EL <EL91 <AL <EL <EL92 <AL <EL <EL93 <AL <EL 45/1594 <AL <EL 45/1595 <AL <EL 45/1596 <AL <EL 45/1597 <AL <EL 40/2098 <AL <EL 40/2099 <AL <EL 35/25100 <EL 45/15 35/25101 <EL 45/15 30/30102 <EL 45/15 30/30103 <EL 45/15 25/35104 <EL 40/20 25/35105 <EL 35/25 20/40106 <EL 35/25 20/40107 <EL 30/30 20/40108 <EL 30/30 15/45109 <EL 25/35 15/45110 <EL 25/35 15/45111 <EL 20/40 15/45112 <EL 20/40 Caution113 45/15 20/40 Caution114 45/15 15/45 Caution115 45/15 15/45 Caution116 40/20 15/45 Caution117 35/25 Caution Caution118 30/30 Caution Caution119 30/30 Caution Caution120 25/35 Caution Caution121 20/40 Caution Caution122 15/45 Caution Caution123 15/45 Caution Caution124 Caution Caution Caution125 Caution Caution Caution>125 Caution Caution Caution

† Add 10°F to Heat Index if the work is in direct sunlight.


F e a t u r e s

English-speaking workers have the benefit of

learning from each other (informal training)

on the jobsite. Traditional safety training is not

effective for immigrants who do not speak

English or speak a little English, especially when

it is delivered by a trainer who expects the

worker to receive it, understand it and use it.

Furthermore, safety meetings, tool box talks

and briefings are not as productive when the

knowledgeable trainer, supervisor or employer

only speaks English. When workers cannot

communicate effectively to perform work duties,

co-workers also can become impacted resulting

in low morale, low production and profit and

potentially increased accidents.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act

of 1970, employers are responsible for providing

a safe and healthy workplace for all employees.

Collaborative efforts with government, trade

associations, alliances, educational institutions,

labor unions and employee representatives

are essential to bridge the language gap in

workplaces small and large across America with

the ultimate goal of aggressively eliminating

injuries, illnesses and fatalities for all workers.

Closing the Gap

OSHA has initiated alliances and public-sector

outreach initiatives for Latino and Hispanic

workers as well as other non-English speaking

groups. Many OSHA publications and safety

training materials are available in multiple

languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Creole,

Korean, Russian and Vietnamese.

Efficient communication with non-English-

speaking employees results in fewer workplace

injuries, illnesses and fatalities. Some companies

use innovative methods to bridge the language

gap and improve communication, such as:

• Seek out bilingual employees in your firm.

These workers can relate to and can help non-

English speaking workers or trainees relax and

get comfortable in both a formal and informal

training session. They translate and enable clearer

communication between English-speaking and

non-English speaking employees, which can

foster participation in training by asking questions

and sharing past experiences, ultimately leading

to safe performance on the job.

• Offer hands-on training that requires demonstration

of understanding. This can be an effective method to

overcome literacy and language barriers. Hands-on

training, with positive reinforcement, is a powerful

way to reduce workplace accidents and increase

safety understanding.

• Consider offering English as a Second

Language courses, with monetary incentives

upon completion. Companies are using various

initiatives to improve safety and health among

non-English speaking workers.

OSHA Training Institute Education Centers also

offer Spanish-language courses, both live and

online. The USF OTI Education Center can deliver

Spanish-language safety and health courses

upon request.

Bridging The Language Barrier In SafetyBridging the language gap is

critical to maintaining a safe

and healthful workplace.

Over the past decade,

remarkable gains have been

achieved in occupational safety and health.

Although general industry and construction injury

and illness incidence rates have dropped, similar

improvements have not occurred for non-English

speaking workers such as Hispanics or Latinos.

Fatal work injuries among Hispanic or Latino

workers rose to 54 fatalities in 2012, up from

53 in 2011.

Ned FaysonSafety and Health Consultant

Diversity on the Rise

The number of workers for whom English is

a second language is expected to continue

to increase in the future; therefore, taking a

proactive initiative is critical to ensuring worker

safety. It is imperative to remember inclusivity in

safety training versus exclusivity. Furthermore,

literacy and cultural differences may prevent

workers from reporting or questioning potential

hazards, conditions or work practices present to

their employer, supervisor or co-workers.

Knowledge is power. Learn more about the ethnic

backgrounds of your workers, their languages,

customs and traditions. This will help you bridge

the gap to better worker safety, productivity and

employee morale.

First Annual SHARP & SSSRA WebinarUSF SafetyFlorida Consultation Program partnered

with the Division of Workers’ Compensation to

host their first annual SHARP – Safety & Health

Awareness Recognition Program & SSSRA

– Sunshine State Safety Recognition Award

webinar to feature model employers, and

commend them for effectively implementing

best safety and health management practices

and systems and for maintaining worksite injury

and illness rates below the national average for

their industry.

Topics discussed during this webinar included:

• The importance of workers’ compensation

coverage

• An introduction to Secretary of Labor,

Thomas E. Perez

• OSHA’s proposed rule to amend On-site

consultation programs

• Current OSHA issues and initiatives

• OSHA NEP’s - National Emphasis Program

and regulation updates

• Benefits of becoming SHARP and SSSRA certified

• How to maintain SHARP and SSSRA status

• A reflection on SHARP recipients

Over 20 SHARP and SSSRA recipients participated

in the webinar. This 1.5 hour webinar was very

informative and well received by the attendees.

Injuries and Illnesses

2012 Fatal Occupational Injuries – Florida, by ethnic group:

White: 121Hispanic/Latino: 54

Black/African American: 38Asian: 4

*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

2011 Fatal Occupational Injuries – Florida, by ethnic group:

White: 133Hispanic/Latino: 53

Black/African American: 32Asian: 6

*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

16

Raydon Corporation, a manufacturer of simulation

training products for the U.S. military, received its

first SHARP renewal award in January 2014. Based

in Port Orange, the company employs a staff of

220 in an 112,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art

purpose built facility that is situated on 15 acres.

The company has been one of the world's leading

developers of simulation training products and

solutions over the last twenty years. In fact,

selected members of the United States Armed

Services have long depended on Raydon to provide

an extensive range of trainers including embedded

trainers, tabletops trainers, appended trainers

and institutional Trainers. Raydon specializes

in developing new simulation and training

technologies for gunnery training, maneuver

training and critical task training.

Working safely is Raydon’s first priority. The

company learned about OSHA’s On-site

Consultation Program during an industrial hygiene

course that was given by the USF OTI Education

Center. Eager to continue in the SHARP program,

Michael Sallese, Safety and Corporate Training

Coordinator for Raydon Corporation, says he

contacted USF SafetyFlorida’s Mylene Kellerman

to renew the SHARP certificate.

Being very progressive and environmentally

conscious, Raydon Corporation has instituted

many environmental conservation programs

including recycling and energy conservation. Also,

following its initial SHARP certification in December

2011, the company proudly implemented the

6S lean manufacturing technique which is a

methodical method to improve housekeeping

and standardize work processes making them

more efficient and less stressful for employees.

“6S benefits are many, higher efficiencies, less

stress, fewer accidents, higher levels of quality,

fewer breakdowns and so on” says Mr. Sallese,

“with safety, the 6th S being an integral part of

the process”. “The focus on safety can ensure

that we do not overlook potentially hazardous

conditions which may have escaped our attention

while implementing changes that have made our

work environment more efficient and easier to

operate” continues, Mr. Sallese.

“Raydon Corporation has deep cultural values

that frame who we are as a company. Our core

values of being family oriented, customer focused

and goal driven lead the way to our other values

of integrity, competence, teamwork, innovation

and mutual respect. We have operated with the

intention of having the safest possible workplace.

We have made every attempt to operate in

a proactive manner and have a team of first

responders located throughout the facility” says,

Raydon CEO, Mike Vollmar. “In receiving the

SHARP award and the follow on, organizational

behavior has taken our positive re-enforcement

philosophy to another level. Pride and recognition

have made us more diligent”.

In pursuing the SHARP certificate renewal and

in subsequent follow-up reviews with USF

SafetyFlorida’s Pat Stark and Mylene Kellerman,

Raydon Corporation was made aware of additional

proactive measures and process adjustments that

they readily incorporated in their safe work practices.

Raydon continues working safely having a zero DART

and TRC rate for 2013, in comparison to that of 2.0

and 4.1 for companies in the same NAICS code per

BLS data of 2012. The SHARP award validates the

company’s exemplary safety efforts and culture.

Raydon Corporation receives its first SHARP Renewal

USF SafetyFlorida Consultation Program and USF OSHA Training Institute Education Center to support the National Safety Stand-Down: Falls in Construction IndustryFalls are the leading cause of death in the

construction industry, and they accounted for 12

percent of all occupational injuries in 2012. In an

effort to prevent these injuries and fatalities through

education and outreach, the Occupational Safety

and Health Administration launched the 2014 Fall

Safety Stand-Down, which was held from June

2-6. An estimated 1 million workers and 25,000

businesses, including construction industry leaders,

stopped their work for one hour during that week

to discuss the importance of recognizing fall hazards

and implementing fall safety measures.

The USF SafetyFlorida Consultation program and USF

OSHA Training Institute Education Center partnered

to participate in the nationwide effort. Nearly 300

workers attended the events in Wesley Chapel,

Orlando, Palm Beach Gardens, Fort Lauderdale

and Miami, Florida. Topics covered included OSHA

regulatory updates on fall prevention in construction;

solutions and training for prevention of accidents

and fatalities; implementing injury prevention plans

and safety management systems; and fall hazards

on construction sites.

“Falls account for more than a third of all deaths in

the construction industry,” said Dr. David Michaels,

assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and

health. “One fall can cost an employer their business

and a worker their life. Every person participating

in these events is showing their commitment to

preventing a senseless loss of life and livelihood.”

The stand-down was part of OSHA’s ongoing

Fall Prevention Campaign, which was started

in 2012 and was developed in partnership with

the National Institute for Occupational Safety

and Health and NIOSH’s National Occupational

Research Agenda Program.


S a f e t y M a n a g e m e n t T o o l

U

USF SafetyFlorida Consultation released a new injury and illness prevention tool to the public – SafetyWriter 2.0.

SF SafetyFlorida Consultation Program released a new and improved

web-based tool geared towards preventing workplace injuries and

illnesses. The SafetyWriter 2.0 was re-designed to assist Florida’s small

business employers in creating tailored, industry-specific illness and

injury protection plans. The web-based tool enables employers to

easily assemble a protection plan in as little as 6 easy steps.

1. Choose a safety plan language

2. Select industry type (i.e. – General, Construction, Maritime industry)

3. Choose applicable plan

4. Select work area

5. Add-on to plan by selecting safety guidelines from a checklist

6. Preview and/or save safety plan

The plan is downloadable as a word document so that employers can add

details specific to their company and save it to their desktop or upload the

tailored plan back into the system where it may be accessed at any time,

from any location. In addition to the plan, you will receive free self-inspection

checklists, the ability to create multiple plans, and the freedom to adapt a

plan to your specific industry.

According to Dr. David Michaels, Assistant Secretary of Labor, "The Bureau

of Labor Statistics estimates that approximately 3.3 million serious work-

related injuries and about 4,300 fatalities occurred in 2009. The human

cost of preventable workplace injuries and deaths is incalculable. However,

according to the 2010 Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index, the direct cost

of the most disabling workplace injuries and illnesses in 2008 amounted to

$53.42 billion in U.S. workers compensation costs, more than one billion

dollars per week. This money would be better spent on job creation and

innovation. Injury and illness prevention programs are good for workers,

good for business and good for America."

The consultation programs goal is to protect workers and help employers

profit from a safer workplace. The mission is to save lives by reducing

workplace injuries and illnesses and assist Florida’s small businesses in

profiting from safety.

USF SafetyFlorida Consultation Program, funded by OSHA and the state of

Florida provides free and confidential services to small businesses.

For more information or the request a complimentary consultation, visit

www.usfsafetyflorida.com or call toll-free 1-866-273-1105.

USF SF: What is the difference between the SafetyWriter 1.0 and SafetyWriter 2.0?

GG: The main differences that you will notice, is the sleek, new design, ease

of use and time to complete. The SafetyWriter 2.0 (SW 2.0) is very simple

and easy to use. And what’s more, it’s faster! This new and improved injury

and illness prevention program can be completed in as little as 6 easy steps.

With the reduced amount of time that it takes to complete, you can get

back to what’s really important, protecting your workers!

USF SF: How will this new version of SafetyWriter benefit the employer?

GG: SW 2.0 provides employers with a comprehensive Safety & Health

Training Program that is customizable. This new package also includes a

safety checklist and guidelines. Employers will certainly benefit from the

following:

• Save time! In as little as 6 easy steps, the plan is complete and ready

for use.

• Save money! Paying a contractor to complete your injury and illness

prevention program can be costly

• Improve your company’s “bottom line.” An effective injury and

illness prevention program can reduce injury, illness and fatality

incidences, decrease workers’ compensation costs, reduce indirect

cost’s to employers, decrease loss of human capital assets,

reduce loss of productivity, increase workplace morale, and most

importantly, save lives!

• Improve workplace environment

• Improve compliance with regulatory requirements

USF SF: How can employers apply this written program?

GG: SW 2.0 can be applied to all industries; including General, Construction

and Maritime. The plan is generic; however, employers have the opportunity

to curtail the safety and health plan to meet their jobsite’s size and the

nature of work. Employers will need to periodically review their plan to

ensure accuracy and make improvements as needed.

USF SF: What part of the standard(s) requires employers to have a Safety

and Health program in place?

GG: Only specific standards require an employer to have a written plan.

Adopting a written plan, whether required or not will set forth company

policies and guidelines.

USF SF: How much work is required to develop an injury and illness prevention

program?

GG: Putting together a comprehensive safety and health program can take

hours and in some cases, even days to complete. The process can be tedious

and very time consuming. Outsourcing this job can also get quite expensive,

well into the hundreds. The SW 2.0 would eliminate both time and expense.

Exclusive Interview!Consultant, Gabe Garcia shares

his expertise regarding the new

& improved SafetyWriter 2.0. Gabe GarciaSafety and Health Consultant

18

I s s u e S p o t l i g h t

Are your employees safe from Laser exposure? Know the danger associated with use of lasers, and what an OSHA inspector will look for.On February 3, 2014, the USF OSHA Training Institute Education Center

(USF OTIEC) and USF SafetyFlorida Consultation Program co-hosted a

Laser Safety Seminar, as part of the alliance between OSHA and the Laser

Institute of America (LIA). The LIA gave a presentation that focused on

protecting workers safety and health, with an emphasis on reducing and

preventing laser beam and non-beam hazards. LIA also covered applicable

USA Laser Standards. Answers to your most frequently asked questions!

Who is at risk of exposure?

Any industry that works around lasers are at risk of exposure. The most

common subjects exposed to laser hazards include:

• Patients

• Technicians

• Physicians

• Scientists

• Students

What hazards can be associated with lasers?

There are two types of hazards associated with laser usage. They are as follows:

Laser Beam Hazards:

When a laser beam is directed, reflected or focused, it can alter or deform

materials. Exposure to laser beams can also cause tissue damage to

humans, and can damage the eye and skin.

Non-Beam Hazards:

Non-laser beams pose additional hazards that can be life threatening,

such as noise damage, x-radiation, fire, explosion, electrical damage,

plasma radiation, and Laser Generated Air Contaminants (LGAC) to name

a few besides the obvious skin and eye damage.

What can employers do to mitigate risk?

Employers can provide Laser Safety Training and implement laser safety

programs. Employers should also ensure proper engineering controls to

include protective housing and interlocks, protective filter installations,

key-controls, installation based on manufacturer’s instructions, system

interlocks, and emergency shut-off systems. Likewise, employers should

ensure proper use of administrative controls to include standard operating

procedures and personal protective equipment. Following the ANSI

Z136.1 Safe Use of Lasers standards can also protect workers against

potential accidents.

A Laser Safety Officer (LSO) should be used in organizations where class 3B or

class 4 lasers are used. The LSO has the authority and responsibility to monitor

and enforce the control of lasers hazards. The LSO is also accountable for

evaluating laser hazards and creating appropriate control measures.

Although the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

does not currently have a comprehensive laser standard, OSHA citations

have been issued under the General Duty Clause of Public Law 91-596.

An OSHA inspector visiting you site, may be looking for a plethora of

hazards. Prepare ahead of time! Familiarize yourself and workers with

equipment and proper use of the equipment. Provide adequate training

and safety precaution measures.

Do you know what an OSHA inspector would say if they made a visit to

your facility today? If not, then ask yourself these 13 questions that an

OSHA inspector will most likely ask.

Question 1: What class of laser(s) are used?

Question 2: Do you have a copy of ANSI Z136.1 Safe Use of Lasers standard?

Question 3: Who is the Laser Safety Officer (LSO)?

Question 4: Do you have a Laser Safety Program in place? Can you show me?

Question 5: What types of lasers do you have and what are they used for?

Question 6: Do you know where all the lasers are? Do you have an

inventory list?

Question 7: Is laser eyewear required and used?

Question 8: Are access control measures in place such as interlocks or

visual indicators?

Question 9: Ask to see laser warning signs. Are they accurate and ANSI

compliant? Are they posted correctly?

Question 10: Do you have a procedure in place for responding to laser

accidents?

Question 11: Are all the lasers in use certified?

Question 12: Have employees been given training? Ask to see the records?

Question 13: If running more than one shift, how are laser safety

concerns dealt with?

If you can answer these questions, then you are off to a great start! If not,

perhaps you should consider contacting a USF SafetyFlorida Consultant

to ensure that you are in compliance. Consultation visits are free and

confidential. Consultants will help employers recognize hazards in the

workplace, assist employers in developing or maintaining effective safety

and health management programs, suggest general approaches or options

for solving a safety or health problem, identify resources available if an

employer needs further assistance, provide employers with a written report

summarizing findings and provide safety and health training. Consultants

will not issue citations or propose penalties for violations of OSHA standards.

For more information about the USF SafetyFlorida Consultation Program

or to request a free consultation, visit www.usfsafetyflorida.com or call

toll-free 1-866-273-1105.

Laser Pointer Safety Tips:

Never shine a laser pointer at anyone. Laser pointers

are designed to illustrate inanimate objects.

Do not allow minors to use a pointer unsupervised.

Laser pointers are not toys.

Do not point a laser pointer at mirror-like surfaces.

A reflected beam can act like a direct beam on the eye.

Be aware of irresponsible uses of pointers so the

psychological effect will be minimized if you are

illuminated by one.

Do not purchase a laser pointer if it does not have a

caution or danger sticker on it identifying its class.

Report suspicious devices to the FDA.

Source: https://www.lia.org/subscriptions/safety_bulletin/laser_pointer/


W h a t W e S e e

OSHA Construction Industry regulation states that, when guardrail systems are used around holes which are used as points of access, they shall be provided with a gate, or be so offset that a person cannot walk directly into the hole. This situation can easily lead to broken bones, sprains, contusions, cuts and in some cases death from falling through the guardrail.

Cylinders should be properly stored to avoid potential hazards, injuries or death.

Numerous reinforcing bars exposing employees to impalement hazards were not protected. Unguarded protruding steel reinforcing bars are hazardous. Even if you just stumble onto an unguarded rebar you can impale yourself, resulting in serious internal injuries or death.

Employees are exposed to pinch points between material hold-downs and bed of shear due to guard not being properly adjusted to prevent access to the pinch point. Also, potential exposure to the point of operation (shearing point) exists due to the guard not being properly adjusted.

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E ach day, our consultants are out in the field visiting small employers

in high-hazard industries. From a hazard standpoint, we see it all. On

this page are photos of hazards we have identified this year. More

importantly, our consultants assisted these companies with correcting

the hazards so their employees can work safely.

20

Employees walking by this wall opening or an employee opening the case stored at the edge could fall through the doorway to the floor below and suffer broken bones or, in the extreme, death from trauma.

Listed or labeled equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling. Unused openings in cabinets, boxes, and fittings shall be effectively closed. Flexible cords and cables shall be connected to devices and fittings so that strain relief is provided that will prevent pull from being directly transmitted to joints or terminal screws. Fire, electrocution, electrical buns, electric shock, and arc flash can result from the three hazards shown.

The OSHA Construction Industry standard for ladders states that, “the top or top step of a step ladder shall not be used as a step.” Step ladders become unstable when a person stands on the top step. This can cause a person to lose their balance and fall to the ground, drop tools, or fall onto other objects.

Unguarded window openings on 2nd and 3rd level of this multi-family new-construction could lead to fatal or severe/serious fall-related injuries. Ensure that all window openings that have a fall potential to lower level of 6’ or more to lower level, and inside edge is less than 39” are properly guarded.

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Pat Stark


U S F S A F E T Y F L O R I D A A c h i e v e m e n t s a n d A c c o l a d e s

A u g u s t 2 0 1 3• Noel McCatty attended the 40-hour Hazardous Waste Operations

and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) course in Wesley Chapel, FL.

• USF SafetyFlorida and USF OSHA Training Institute Education Center provided a 10-hour general industry class at the Annual Florida Workers’ Compensation Convention in Orlando, FL.

• USF SafetyFlorida Staff attended the 68th Annual Workers’ Compensation Educational Conference in Orlando, FL. Consultants and trainers taught the OSHA 10-hour General Industry course for the 5th year.

N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 3• Pat Stark attended the Update for Construction Industry Outreach

Trainers course (OTI 502) in Wesley Chapel, FL.

D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 3• Michael Tartal participated in the OSHA Machinery and Machine

Guarding Standards course (OSHA 2040) at the OSHA Training Institute in Chicago, IL.

• Ned Fayson participated in the Industrial Noise course (OSHA 2200) at the OSHA Training Institute in Chicago, IL.

• Daniela Sloan attended the Hazardous Materials course (OTI 2015) in Wesley Chapel, FL.

22 22

J a n u a r y 2 0 1 4• Melvin Nia attended the Occupational Safety and Health Standards

for the Construction Industry (OTI 510) in Wesley Chapel, FL.

• Melvin Nia attended the Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the General Industry (OTI 511) in Wesley Chapel, FL.

F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 4• Mylene Kellerman attended the Update for General Industry Outreach Trainers

course (OTI 503) in Wesley Chapel.

• William Tomlin attended the Update for Construction Industry Outreach Trainers course (OTI 502) in Wesley Chapel, FL.

• Gabe Garcia presented a seminar about General Industry, Construction and Maritime Industry updates in Naples, FL.

M a r c h 2 0 1 4• Daniela Sloan attended the Evaluation of Safety and Health Management

Systems (OTI 2450) in Chicago, IL.

• William Tomlin attended the Update for General Industry Outreach Trainers course (OTI 503) in Wesley Chapel, FL.

• Pat Stark presented at Turner Construction School of Management meeting in Orlando, FL.

A p r i l 2 0 1 4• David Ashman attended the Cranes in Construction course (OSHA

2055) in Chicago, IL.

• David Ashman attended the Permit-Required Confined Space Entry course (OSHA 2260) in Chicago, IL.

• Keith Brown represented the USF SafetyFlorida at the IEC-FWCC Showcase held at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, FL.

• Gabe Garcia provided a presentation to Wilson, Washburn & Forster Insurance Company to promote USF SafetyFlorida and USF OSHA Training Institute Education Center products and services.

J u n e 2 0 1 4• Pat Stark supported the National Safety Stand-Down: Fall Protection

in Construction iniative by providing 5 presentations throughout various regions in Florida.

• Thalia Barber received a professional certificate in Marketing and Public Relations from the USF Continuing Education Center.

J u l y 2 0 1 4• Michael Tartal attended the OSHA Training Institute’s Concrete and

Shoring course (OTI 3030) in Wilmington, IL.

• USF SafetyFlorida and USF OSHA Training Institute Education Center presented a presentation on Residential Fall Protection at the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Association Convention.


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USF SafetyFlorida

HEALTH

13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. MDC 56

Tampa, FL 33612

Toll-free: 1-866-273-1105

Phone: 813-974-9962

Fax: 813-974-8270

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[email protected]

U S F S a f e t y F l o r i d a C o n s u l t a t i o n S t a f f

Reading this code with your smartphone, using QR code scanning software such as http://web.scanlife.com/en/download-application, will enable you to go directly to the USF SafetyFlorida website.

USF SafetyFlorida safety consultants and administrative staff are located throughout the state of Florida. The program is operated in Tampa from the University of South Florida College of Public Health.

USF SafetyFlorida On Site Magazine

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Transcript of USF SafetyFlorida On Site Magazine