Employees at Mountaire Farms chicken processing plant in Millsboro, DE, filed a lawsuit to be paid for the time spent donning and doffing protective gear during the workday.

All production employees are required to wear ear plugs, bump caps, smocks, hair and beard nets, and steel-toed rubber boots. Some production employees are also required to wear gloves, aprons and safety glasses. These are requirements of the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture and OSHA.

Employees also take off their protective gear for their unpaid lunch break and then have to put it back on to return to work. The employees and the company each provided their own witnesses to show how long it takes for the employees to put on and take off their PPE each day. The two times; about 21 minutes a day vs the companies 10 minutes.

In this case the court noted that previous federal decisions said employees must be paid for their time spent performing a “principal activity” for their jobs if the task it required by law, company policy or by the nature of the work performed. With this in mind employees should be paid for their time at the start or end of shifts. However, federal courts had ruled previously that workers don’t have to be paid for this time before and after a lunch break. This case will follow that pattern.

(Perez v. Mountaire Farms, U.S. Circuit Crt. 4, No. 09-1917, 6/7/2011)

“Safety is our top priority, and this rule would help cut the safety risks to workers loading and unloading hazardous materials and to people living near those facilities,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

The notice proposes to add requirements including:

• Developing inspection and maintenance programs to ensure the safety of hoses, valves and other equipment used in loading and unloading.
• Practice drills and  classroom training of truck drivers and other workers who unload or load hazardous material;
• Training on automatic valve shut down to ensure the systems are in place and that employees know how to use the systems; and
• Developing inspection and maintenance programs to ensure the safety of hoses, valves and other equipment used in loading and unloading.

“Between October and December 2010, five of the six incidents involving death or major injury were related to the loading and unloading of hazardous materials. We believe these proposed changes will increase safety and ultimately reduce the likelihood of catastrophic hazardous material incidents during loading and unloading,” said PHMSA Administrator Cynthia Quarterman.

National Poison Prevention Week will be held March 20-26, 2011.

More than 2 million poisonings are reported each year to the 61 Poison Control Centers (PCCs) across the United States. More than 90 percent of these poisonings occur in the home. The majority of non-fatal poisonings occur in children younger than six years old. And, poisonings are one of the leading causes of death among adults.

The U.S. Congress established National Poison Prevention Week on September 16, 1961 (P.L. 87-319). Shortly thereafter, the Poison Prevention Week Council was organized to coordinate this annual event and promote poison prevention.

National Poison Prevention Week, the third week in March each year, is a week nationally designated to highlight the dangers of poisonings and how to prevent them. However, every day people can and do prevent poisonings. We invite you to review the information on this site and become actively involved in helping ensure the safety of children and adults in your home and your community.

If you are are interested in participating in a poison prevention event, contact your local poison control center by calling the nationwide toll-free number, 800-222-1222, and asking to speak with a poison prevention educator.

If you are interested in hosting a poison prevention event, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has a National Poison Prevention Week Event Planner available at http://poisonhelp.hrsa.gov/resourcesppw.htm.

“Deep frying a turkey in hot oil is dangerous, risky business no matter what you do and accounts for the high number of house and garage fires reported each year,” said Farr. “That doesn’t mean you need to give it up completely. Several manufacturers have new units available – oil-less electric or infrared models that are much safer provided that instructions are followed carefully.”

The popular cooking method which some believe delivers better taste and cuts down on cooking time, requires placing the turkey in three gallons or more of oil, heated by propane. Tests have shown that the fryers have a high risk of tipping over, overheating, or spilling hot oil, leading to fires, burns or other injuries. Farr’s concern is that when the oil meets the fire the fryers instantly become a “vertical flame thrower” turning into a volcano of smoke and fire within seconds.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) continues to believe that turkey fryers that use oil, as currently designed, are not suitable for acceptably safe use by even well-informed and careful consumers. Even though manufacturers have added product features in an attempt to make turkey fryers safer for consumers (including non-heat conducting handles and sturdier stands), they still pose a considerable risk and are not safe to use due to the amount of oil and high temperatures used to cook a turkey. So much so, that Underwriter’s Laboratories, Inc., (UL) remains firm in its decision not to certify any turkey fryers with its trusted UL mark. The NFPA believes the new outdoor turkey cooking appliances that do not use oil should be considered as an alternative.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission says the majority of reported turkey fryer incidents occur while the oil is being heated. The units can easily tip over, spilling hot, scalding oil onto anyone or anything nearby. Since most units do not have automatic thermostat controls, oil may heat until it catches fire. The sides, lids, and handles get extremely hot and may cause burns.

“Unattended cooking is the primary cause of residential fires,” said Farr, referring to the U.S. Fire Administration statistics that report approximately 2,000 Thanksgiving Day fires occur in U.S. homes each year resulting in five deaths, 25 injuries and $21 million in property loss.

“Keep it safe and simple and reduce the chance for serious burns and injuries by simply oven-roasting a turkey the traditional way, or ordering a fried turkey from a grocery store or caterer who is experienced in deep frying food,” said Farr.

For those planning to use a turkey fryer anyway, here are additional tips for safer use:

• Only use turkey fryers outdoors, away from any buildings, materials or anything flammable; keep it in full view.
• Never use turkey fryers on wooden decks, in garages, carports, or breezeways.
• Allow at least two feet of space between the liquid propane tank and the fryer burner.
• Use the fryers on a flat surface to avoid accidental tipping.
• Keep children and pets well away from the fryer when in use and for several hours after cooking.
• The oil inside the cooking pot can remain dangerously hot, hours after use.
• Read and follow the manufacturer’s user guide.
• Carefully measure oil; do not overfill the fryer that can result in overflow and fire when the turkey is added.
• Use extreme caution placing the turkey in the hot oil; oil may spill onto the burner, creating a fire.
• Never leave the fryer unattended. Monitor the temperature closely; most units do not have thermostat controls.
• Cover bare skin and use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts; wear safety goggles to protect eyes from oil splatter.
• Thaw the turkey completely before cooking — allow approximately 24 hours for every five pounds of bird thawed – preferably thawed in the refrigerator.
• Be careful with marinades. Oil and water do not mix, and water causes oil to spill over, causing a fire or even an explosion hazard.
• If oil begins to smoke, immediately turn gas supply OFF.
• Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby and use it, if the fire is manageable.
• Never use water to extinguish a grease fire.
  If the fire increases, immediately call 9-1-1 for help.

The Bureau of Fire Services wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday. Visit the Bureau of Fire Services website at  www.michigan.gov/bfs for more fire safety information.

New OSHA training emphasizes workers’ rights

WASHINGTON – “Introduction to OSHA,” a new training component emphasizing workers’ rights, is required content in every OSHA 10- and 30-hour Outreach Training Program class. OSHA developed the information in support of the Secretary of Labor’s goal of strengthening the voice of workers.

This information affects hundreds of thousands of workers who complete Outreach Training Program classes each year, and more than 50,000 authorized OSHA Outreach Trainers. It focuses on the importance of workers’ rights and advises them of their right to

• safe and healthful workplaces
• know about the presence and effects of hazardous chemicals
• review information about injuries and illnesses in their workplaces
• receive training
• request/file for an OSHA inspection and participate in the inspection
• be free from retaliation for exercising their safety and health rights

“For too long workers have avoided making claims of unsafe work conditions out of fear of losing their jobs,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA David Michaels. “We are confident that this new training will embolden workers to speak up when they find work practices that endanger their lives and the lives of their co-workers.”

During the 10- and 30-hour outreach training program classes, OSHA trainers will cover topics on whistleblower rights and filing a complaint, and will provide samples of a weekly fatality and catastrophe report, material data safety sheet and the OSHA Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses. Trainers can obtain test and answer sheets from their authorizing training organization.

The OSHA Outreach Training Program is a voluntary program that seeks to teach workers about their rights and how to identify, reduce, avoid and prevent job-related hazards. The program includes 10- and 30-hour courses in construction, general or maritime industry safety and health hazard recognition and prevention that is taught through a network of OSHA-authorized trainers. Over the past three years, nearly two million students have received training through this program.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to assure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

To reduce your risk of getting too much exposure to potentially harmful UV rays slip, slop, slap, wrap, and seek shade:
· slip on a shirt,
· slop on sunscreen (SPF 15+)
· slap on a wide-brimmed hat
· wrap on sunglasses
· and seek shade during midday hours.

To download the EPA’s UV Index application for smartphones, go to: www.epa.gov/enviro/mobile

For more information on EPA’s sun safety program called SunWise see: www.epa.gov/sunwise

Yet for most of America we take the complacent approach and don’t do very much to improve the safety of our most valued
environment. This failure in knowledge and will has and will continue to expose to many individuals to safety issues. The good news is that most home injuries are avoidable with a few simple modifications, ranging in price from free to $40. So why not take the time to invest in not becoming another statistic?

Falls

Each year 5.1 million Americans are injured by falls that occur in and around the home. Falls are the leading cause of home injuries and account for one-third of unintentional home injury deaths.

Recommended actions:

• Put a nonslip mat or safety treads on the tub floor and use grab bars when you get out of the shower: $4-$10.
• Turn on area lights when using stairs, steps, and landings: $0.  If you have a set of poorly lit stair many stores sell LED light rope very cheaply and this can be enough to illuminate your path. $9 -$15.
• Keep a hand on the handrails (both sides are best) of stairs and steps, and shoo pets away from your path (I know, easier said than done): $0.
• Use a proper ladder for climbing instead of a stool or furniture: $0-$30. (Remember don’t use metal or other conductive materials if your going to be touching electrical elements. )

Poisonings

The second leading cause of home injuries, more than 2 million poisonings are reported to the Poison Control Center each year, yet only 1% of respondents in the HSC survey considered it a top concern.

Recommended actions:

• Lock poisons, cleaners, medications, and other dangerous substances away from a child’s reach: $0.
• Keep all cleaners in their original containers, and do not mix them. Even better? Buy non-toxic all-purpose cleaners from brands like Method or Seventh Generation, or make your own: $2-$6 for 32 ounces of self-made or purchased cleaner solution.
• Use medications carefully, following the directions. Use child-resistant bottles, but don’t rely on them: $0.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors in bedrooms: $20-$30 per detector.*
• If someone is unconscious, is having trouble breathing, or is having seizures, call 911, but if someone seems okay and you think they may have ingested poison or you have a question, call the National Poison Control Hotline. Put the number in your phone’s address book or near the home phone (only one-fifth of polled Americans reported doing so) — it’s 1-800-222-1222: $0.
• Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas that you can’t see, smell, or taste. The Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second only to smoking as the leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Test your home at least every two years or when living patterns change: $15 (or free — some state programs offer low-cost or free kits, contact your state radon contact for more information).

Fires and Burns

Of all fire- and burn-related injuries, 90% occur in the home. We know we should have a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors in the home (93% of the people polled did have smoke detectors installed), but most of us slack off on other precautions such as fire escape ladders (only 6% reported having one) and a family escape plan (just 26% had one).

Recommended actions:

• Have working smoke alarms: about $3 to replace batteries, $20 per smoke detector.*
• Create a family fire escape plan: $0.
• Two story home? Keep a fire escape ladder near each upstairs bedroom window: $35+ per ladder.
• Don’t leave the stove when cooking, especially when frying food, and consider keeping an easy-to-use fire extinguisher near the range: $0-$12.
• Space heaters should be three or more feet away from anything flammable and turned off when you leave the room or go to sleep: $0.
• If you smoke, smoke outside and put water in ashtrays before emptying. Lock matches and lighters away from a child’s reach: $0.
• Blow out candles before leaving the room or going to sleep, or replace real candles with flameless ones — new battery-operated candles are made with scented wax and create a flickering glow: $0, or $10 for a 6-inch flameless candle.
• Set the hot water heater at or below 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent burns, and test bathwater temperature before children climb in: $0.

Choking and suffocation
The easiest way to prevent most choking-related deaths? Sit, and require children to sit, while eating. Only 39% of adults require children to do so.

Recommended actions:

• If an item can fit through a toilet paper tube, it can cause a young child to choke. Keep small items out of children’s reach: $0.
• Don’t put pillows, comforters, or toys in a child’s crib: $0.
• Tie or clip the loops in window cords up high where children can’t reach them: $0.
• Read the labels on all toys, especially the recommended age: $0.
• Cut food into small bites for kids, and both kids and adults should sit down when they eat and chew slowly: $0.

Drowning

Most drowning deaths at home are related to swimming pools and spa tubs, but there are easy ways to keep everyone safe this summer.

Recommended actions:

• Sounds obvious, but stay within arm’s reach of children in and around water. This includes bathtubs, toilets, pools, and spas (more than half of the HSC survey respondents failed to do so): $0.
• Keep the gate around your pool closed and locked: $0.
• Empty large buckets and wading pools after use and store upside-down: $0.
• To avoid suction entrapment, don’t use a pool or spa if there are broken or missing drain covers: $0, or $15+ for a drain cover replacement.
• Research the safest pool cover for your type of pool: price varies.
• *Rather than buying separate carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms, install a single unit that does both: $40-$50.

Remember June is Home Safety Month, so it’s the perfect time to check risks off your list!

“Traditionally, footwear has been engineered to provide maximum support and comfort for the foot, with little attention paid to the biomechanical effects on the rest of the leg,” said Dr. Najia Shakoor, a rheumatologist at Rush and the primary author of the study. “But the shoes we wear have a substantial impact on the load on the knee joints, particularly when we walk.”

“Our study demonstrated that flat, flexible footwear significantly reduces the load on the knee joints compared with supportive, stable shoes with less flexible soles.”

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and a significant source of disability and impaired quality of life. A higher-than-normal load on the knees during walking is a hallmark of the disease, associated with both the severity of osteoarthritis and its progression.

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