In June 2006, The Climate Project (TCP) began operations based in Nashville, Tennessee, as non-profit organization with the mission of increasing public awareness of the climate crisis at a grassroots level throughout the United States and abroad.  By April 2007, a diverse group of 1000 volunteers from every corner of the USA had been trained to present a version of the slide show on which the Academy Award-winning film, “An Inconvenient Truth” is based. More Nashville trainings are planned for later in 2007, focusing on specific sector groups.

Want to do something to help stop global warming?
Here are 10 simple things you can do and how much carbon dioxide you’ll save doing them.

• Change a light
  Replacing one regular light bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb will save 150 pounds of carbon dioxide a year.
• Drive less
  Walk, bike, carpool or take mass transit more often.  You’ll save one pound of carbon dioxide for every mile you don’t drive!
• Recycle more
  You can save 2.400 pounds of carbon dioxide per year by recycling just half of your household waste.
• Check your tires
  Keeping your tires inflated properly can improve gas mileage by more than 3%.
  Every gallon of gasoline saved keeps 20 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere!
• Use less hot water
  It takes a lot of energy to heat water.  Use less hot water by installing a low flow showerhead (350 pounds of CO2 saved per year) and washing your clothes in cold or warm water (500 pounds saved per year).
• Avoid products with a lot of packaging
  You can save 1,200 pounds of carbon dioxide if you cut down your garbage by 10%.
• Adjust your thermostat
  Moving your thermostat just 2 degrees in winter and up 2 degrees in summer you could save about 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide a year with this simple adjustment.
• Plant a tree
  A single tree will absorb one ton of carbon dioxide over its lifetime.
• Turn off electronic devices
  Simply turning off your television, DVD player, stereo, and computer when you’re not using them will save you thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide a year.

Spread the word!

I have frequently been asked about ANSI and ANSI standards.  New people in safety want to know what is ANSI, and experienced safety people ask about certain standards and where can they get the standard. 

ANSI is the American National Standards Institute.  The Institute oversees the creation, promulgation and use of thousands of norms and guidelines that directly impact businesses in nearly every sector: from acoustical devices to construction equipment, from dairy and livestock production to energy distribution, and many more. ANSI is also actively engaged in accrediting programs that assess conformance to standards – including globally-recognized cross-sector programs such as the ISO 9000 (quality) and ISO 14000 (environmental) management systems.

ASSE will often partner with ANSI to help develop safety standards such as ANSI/ASSE Z359, Fall Protection Code.  Organizations such as ANSI, ASSE, and other for-profit companies sell ANSI standards.  So now you know what ANSI is and where to find any standard you are looking for.  Have a safe day!

Whenever I talk about safety with management or a supervisor, I always talk about the “Near Miss Factor.”  Today as the safety departments gets leaner we tend to think less about near misses and more about incidents and lost workdays.  But reporting, tracking and analyzing a near miss can have a dramatic effect on reducing lost workdays and serve incidents. 
 

What is a Near Miss?

A near miss is an unplanned event that did not result in injury, illness, or damage - but had the potential to do so. Only a fortunate break in the chain of events prevented an injury, fatality or damage. Although human error is commonly an initiating event, a faulty process or system invariably permits or compounds the harm, and is the focus of improvement. Other familiar terms for these events is a “close call”, or in the case of moving objects, “near collision”.

Reporting, Analysis and Prevention
An ideal near miss event report system includes both mandatory (for incidents with high loss potential) and voluntary, non-punitive reporting by witnesses.  A key to any near miss report is the “lesson learned”.  Near miss reporters are in a position to describe what observe about genesis of the event, and the factors that prevented loss from occurring.

The events that caused the near miss are subjected to root cause analysis to identify the defect in the system that resulted in the error and factors that may either amplify or ameliorate the result.

To prevent the near miss from happening again, the organization must institute teamwork training, feedback on performance and a commitment to continued data collection and analysis, a process call continuous improvement.
In 1932 Heineich issued what is known in the industry as the accident triangle.

1 Major Injury, 29 Minor Injuries, 300 No Inury Accidents
__________________________________________________

 In 1969 Bird revised the triangle to look like this.

1 serious or disabling injury, 10 minor injury, 30 property damage,
600 accidents with not visible injury of damage
Understanding the “Near Miss” and what it signifies can help safety managers and safety teams to lower the more serious incidents.  Identifying the “Near Miss” also makes everyone more aware of safety.  Being aware of safety and best practices will help make the workplace a safer environment

WASHINGTON — Some areas of the nation have already experienced the harsh, sometimes damaging effects of winter. With the cold weather upon us, OSHA is encouraging employers and employees to take necessary precautions to prevent and treat cold-related health problems. Employees who work outside – such as in construction, commercial fishing, maritime and agriculture – are especially vulnerable.

Exposure to freezing and cold temperatures for extended periods of time may cause serious health problems such as trench foot, frostbite and hypothermia. In extreme cases, including cold water submersion, exposure can lead to death. Danger signs include uncontrolled shivering, slurred speech, clumsy movements, fatigue and confused behavior. If these signs are observed, call immediately for emergency help.

OSHA’s Cold Stress Card provides a reference guide and recommendations to combat and prevent many cold weather-related illnesses and injuries. Available in English and Spanish, this laminated card is free to employers, employees and the public. Tips on how to protect employees include:

• Recognize the environmental and workplace conditions that may be dangerous.
• Learn the signs and symptoms of cold-induced illnesses and injuries and what to do to help employees.
• Train employees about cold-induced illnesses and injuries.
• Encourage employees to wear proper clothing for cold, wet and windy conditions, including layers that can be adjusted to changing conditions.
• Be sure that employees in extremely cold conditions take frequent, short breaks in warm dry shelters to allow their bodies to warm up.
• Try to schedule work for the warmest part of the day.
• Avoid exhaustion or fatigue because energy is needed to keep muscles warm.
• Use the buddy system: Work in pairs so that one employee can recognize danger signs.
• Drink warm, sweet beverages (sugar water, sports-type drinks) and avoid drinks with caffeine (coffee, tea, sodas or hot chocolate) or alcohol.
• Eat warm, high-calorie foods such as hot pasta dishes.
• Remember that employees increase their risks when they take certain medications, are in poor physical condition or suffer from illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension or cardiovascular disease.

For free copies of OSHA’s Cold Stress Card in English or Spanish, go to OSHA’s website, www.osha.gov, or call 202-693-1888.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA’s role is to assure the safety and health of America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov/

Effective January 1, 2008, the Department of Transportation (DOT) through the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) will no longer allow loose lithium batteries in checked baggage. These batteries may continue to be packed in carry-on baggage.
Under the new DOT rule, lithium batteries are allowed in checked baggage under one of the following conditions:
* The batteries must be in their original containers.

* The battery terminals must not exposed (for example placing tape over the ends of the batteries).

* The batteries are installed in a device.

* The batteries are enclosed by themselves in a plastic bag.
Loose lithium batteries found in checked baggage may be removed.
You can learn more at http://Safetravel.dot.gov
Some Tips for Safe Travel With Batteries
* Keep batteries and equipment with you, or in carry-on baggage - not in your checked baggage! In the cabin, flight crew can better monitor conditions, and have access to the batteries or device if a fire does occur.

* Buy batteries from reputable sources and only use batteries approved for your device – avoid counterfeits! A counterfeit battery is more likely to cause a fire in your equipment – costing you more in the long run, and compromising safety.

* Look for the mark of an independent testing or standards organization, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

* Do not carry recalled or damaged batteries on aircraft. Check battery recall information at the manufacturer’s website, or at the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

* Only charge batteries which you are sure are rechargeable! Non-rechargeable batteries are not designed for recharging, and become hazardous if placed in a battery charger. A non-rechargeable battery placed in a charger may overheat or cause damage later.

* Only use a charger compatible with your rechargeable battery – don’t mix and match!

* If original packaging is not available for spare batteries, effectively insulate battery terminals by isolating the batteries from contact with other batteries and metal. Do not permit a loose battery to come in contact with metal objects, such as coins, keys, or jewelry.

* Place each battery in its own protective case, plastic bag, or package, or place tape across the battery’s contacts to isolate terminals. Isolating terminals prevents short-circuiting.

* Take steps to prevent crushing, puncturing, or putting a high degree of pressure on the battery, as this can cause an internal short-circuit, resulting in overheating.

* If you must carry a battery-powered device in any baggage, package it to prevent inadvertent activation. For instance, you should pack a cordless power tool in a protective case, with a trigger lock engaged. If there is an on-off switch or a safety switch, tape it in the “off” position.
Lithium Batteries: Safety and Security
Image of a lithium ion battery.Lithium-ion batteries, often found in laptop computers, differ from primary lithium batteries, which are often used in cameras. Some newer AA-size batteries are also primary lithium.
While there is no explosion hazard associated with either kind of battery, the Federal Aviation Administration has studied fire hazards associated with both primary and lithium-ion cells, and their extensive research is publicly available. As a result of this research, the FAA no longer allows large, palletized shipments of these batteries to be transported as cargo on passenger aircraft.
The research also shows that an explosion will not result from shorting or damaging either lithium-ion or primary lithium batteries. Both are, however, extremely flammable. Primary lithium batteries cannot be extinguished with firefighting agents normally carried on aircraft, whereas lithium-ion batteries are easily extinguished by most common extinguishing agents, including those carried on board commercial aircraft.
TSA has and will continue to work closely with the FAA on potential aviation safety and security issues, and TSA security officers are thoroughly and continually trained to find explosive threats. TSA does not have plans to change security regulations for electronic devices powered by lithium batteries.

January 2, 2008
In FY 2007, the OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Centers trained more than 27,000 people and set an all-time record for the OTI Education Centers program created in 1992 to reach private sector and non-OSHA federal personnel with training on agency standards and occupational safety and health issues. With the expectation of even more numbers for FY 2008, OSHA on Dec. 31 announced eight new OTI Education Centers and two renewals. These new centers, made up of non-profit organizations, will further increase OSHA’s reach throughout the country to provide safety and health training, the agency says.

“We are pleased to add the new OSHA Training Institute Education Centers in our continuing effort to promote employee safety and health through training,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. “These centers will extend access to a greater number of individuals who seek to incorporate OSHA safety and health practices into their workplaces.”

The new centers were selected through a national competition announced last July. Applicant organizations were evaluated based on occupational safety and health experience, continuing education training background, classroom and laboratory availability, and the ability to provide training throughout the region. OSHA provides no funding to the education centers. They support their OSHA training through their normal tuition and fee structures. The newly selected OTI Education Centers are:

Region III: A consortium comprised of the ECRI Institute - Plymouth Meeting, Pa. (lead organization); Chesapeake Region Safety Council - Baltimore; Johns Hopkins University and Health System – Baltimore; and Mid-Atlantic Construction Safety Council – Philadelphia. Region IV: University of Alabama – Tuscaloosa, Ala. and a consortium comprised of North Carolina State University – Raleigh, N.C. (lead organization); and University of Tennessee – Knoxville, Tenn. Region V: Heartland Safety and Health Education Center, a consortium comprised of Indiana University – Bloomington, Ind. (lead organization); and University of Wisconsin, Whitewater – Whitewater, Wis. Region VI: The University of Texas at Arlington – Houston. Region VII: Metropolitan Community Colleges Business & Technology Center - Kansas City, Mo. Region VIII: Mountain West OSHA Education Center, a consortium comprised of University of Utah - Salt Lake City (lead organization); Salt Lake Community College – Salt Lake City; and Uintah Basin Applied Technology College – Vernal, Utah (new consortium member). Region IX: California State University, Dominguez Hills – Carson, Calif.; Chabot-Las Positas Community College District – Pleasanton, Calif.; and College of Southern Nevada – Las Vegas.

Happy New to all.  The Compliance Resource Center hopes you all had a wonderful and SAFE holiday season.   And now it is time to get back to work.
The beginning of a new year is a great time to do an annual assessment of your facility.  I always consider 4 parts to an assessment;

• Observation
• Conversation
• Compliance
• Evaluation 

OBSERVATION
I always to target 5 major areas that I am evaluating, during an assessment.  I start by looking and making notes with particular regards to these areas, but also notice if there are any other major concerns.  If time permits, I walk through the facility watching employee’s work and the equipment they are using.  I will often bring a camera and take pictures to support my findings.
CONVERSATION
Part of the assessment process should be talking with some of the employees.  This can give you a better understanding of employee’s opinion and understanding of the safety policies/procedures and their training.  Often the employees will tell a consultant some thing they would not tell their supervisor.
COMPLIANCE
My assessment is always based on compliance with OSHA regulations found in 49CFR.  If you are the safety person at your company, you should have a current 49CFR on your shelf.  This book is your bible for OSHA regulations and compliance.  Any assessment should follow these standards with regards to this manual.  Remember that OSHA standards are written for many industries.  You can also look at best practices to achieve a higher standard.  This is up to the individual company and location.
EVALUATION
After I stop, look and listen, I fill out an assessment tool that rates each area I observe.  This helps me keep my focus on facility and the good things they do and where they need improvement.  The final report is sent to my contact.  I follow-up in a few weeks to help the safety person develop a plan of action using the assessment made.  Finally, I check back every couple of months to see what progress is being made on the action plan.
So now you know some of the tricks of the trade; observe, converse, compliance and evaluate.  Have A SAFE NEW YEAR!