Safety Matters

Bechtel Funds STEM-Focused School

Bechtel Corp. continues its tradition of inspiring the next generation of engineers by donating $250,000 to fund a new public high school in Washington focused on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The gift was made to Washington State STEM Education Foundation, which is leading the effort to build the new school.

"Bechtel knows the immeasurable value of STEM education and the need to keep the talent pipeline strong," says Bechtel's Frank Russo. "STEM gives engineers the tools to solve some of the world's most complex challenges, which is why this gift is so gratifying." Russo is project director for the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) in Washington state, which Bechtel is currently designing and building.

"This donation is important to everyone who works at WTP," Russo continues. "They have served as mentors, tutors, guest speakers, provided hands-on learning activities, led student STEM conference sessions, served as judges in local science fairs and resources for local teachers. This is a gift from them." Learn more at www.bechtel.com.

Societal Cost of Injury & Fatal Traffic Collisions Rising

Traffic crashes kill tens of thousands of people and injure millions more every year in the U.S. These events exact substantial financial costs on families as well as on businesses, governments and insurers. Although the economic impact of an injury or fatal crash cannot compare to the human grief involved, it is useful to measure how one collision financially affects an entire community. Used by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the societal perspective captures the full scope of collision costs.

According to National Coalition for Safer Roadways (NCSR), the cost of a fatal traffic incident to the community is on the rise. Following an 87% increase from $3.2 million in 2005 to $6 million in 2009, the cost of just one incident continues to climb, reaching an estimated $6.4 million in 2012. When adjusted for inflation, this results in a 100% increase from 2005, NCSR says.

Injury crash costs are also trending upward. The community's cost of an injury crash is up 85% from $68,170 in 2005 to $126,000 in 2009. Factoring for inflation, the cost rises to $134,555 in 2012, a 97% increase from 2005.

"It is important to note that costs resulting from a collision are rising at a time when the number of fatal and injury crashes are on the decline," NCSR reports. "Costs would have been much higher had fatal crashes not declined 24% from 2005 to 2010, or had injury crashes not decreased 17% over the same time."

Based on the most recent crash data available, here's a look at what NCSR says about traffic crashes' cost to society and insurers in 2010:

• 2.24 million injury crashes were reported in 2010 for a societal cost of $286 billion.
• 32,885 traffic fatalities were reported in 2010 for a societal cost of $200 billion.
• Each day, traffic crashes injured 6,136 people on average and cost communities $785 million.
• On average, 90 traffic fatalities occurred each day at a daily cost of $548 million.
• Insurers paid $392 million each day for traffic crash injuries and $274 million each day for traffic fatalities.

Learn more about these statistics and how safety measures can help reverse this trend, visit www.ncsrsafety.org.

ASSE Revises A10.32 Standard

ASSE's revised A10.32-2012 standard is available. Revisions to ANSI/ASSE A10.32, Personal Fall Protection for Use in Construction and Demolition Operations, provide guidelines for all protection equipment, establish performance criteria for such equipment in construction and demolition, and provide recommendations for use and inspection. A10 Committee Chair Richard King says, "The revisions will further enhance our ability to provide a safe workplace for those employed on construction and demolition sites."

The release of the standard comes in the midst of an ongoing fall prevention campaign by OSHA and NIOSH that focuses on providing prevention information and training materials on three major types of falls: from roofs, from ladders and from scaffolds. ASSE also supports this campaign.

To further protect the users of fall protection systems, the standard permits:

• Only full body harnesses shall be used for fall arrest. The fall arrest attachment point of the body harness shall be at the center of the user's back near shoulder level.
• Maximum arresting force imposed on the user's body shall not exceed 1,800 lb.
• All equipment used in a fall protection system shall be compatible to limit force levels, maintain system strength and prevent accidental disengagement.
• Equipment serviced by the manufacturer or their authorized representative shall be capable of meeting all performance requirements of this standard.

For more information, visit www.asse.org/publications or www.asse.org/newsroom/fall-protection.php.

MSHA Sees Second-Lowest Fatality Rate in 2012

MSHA's preliminary data show that 36 fatalities occurred in 2012, which is the second-lowest annual fatality total on record (one more than the historic low set in 2009). The rate is calculated on the number of mining fatalities per 200,000 hours worked. MSHA Administrator Joseph Main credits the efforts of those in the mining industry for the second-lowest record. But, he urges that more actions must be taken to continue to prevent mining injuries, illnesses and deaths.

Of the 36 fatalities, 19 occurred in coal mines and 17 in metal/nonmetal mines. The leading cause was from powered haulage, and others included machinery incidents, slips or falls, and rib falls. "These numbers underscore that effective and appropriate training particularly task training needs to be provided to miners before they perform a new task," says Main. For an analysis and information on best practices for mining operations, visit www.msha.gov/fatals/summaries/summaries.asp.

DOT App Delivers HazMat Safety to Emergency Responders

DOT's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has created a mobile web app of its Emergency Response Guidebook 2012 (ERG). According to DOT, firefighters, police and other first responders can use the app to quickly locate information, including new evacuation tables for large toxic gas spills and standard response procedures for gas and liquid pipeline incidents.

"The first 30 minutes are the most crucial when it comes to responding to a HazMat situation," says Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "The new app is both mobile and flexible, and gives first responders the knowledge they need to protect themselves and their communities in an emergency."

The ERG 2012 app can be downloaded from iTunes or Google Play. In addition, a version of is available in National Library of Medicine's Wireless Information System for Emergency Responders application. PHMSA's website also hosts an instructional video for learning how to use the ER G2012. View it at http://goo.gl/jsGRq.

Coalition Focuses on Stroke Awareness

A stroke occurs in the U.S. every 40 seconds. According to research by the Ad Council, 28% of Americans wouldn't recognize the signs. When it comes to a stroke, speed is key. That's why American Heart Association and American Stroke Association have partnered with the Ad Council to launch a campaign to raise awareness about F.A.S.T., an acronym to help people identify and respond to warning signs of a stroke.

F.A.S.T. is:

• Face drooping. Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile.
• Arm weakness. Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• Speech difficulty. Is speech slurred? Is s/he unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, such as, "The sky is blue." Is the sentence repeated correctly?
• Time to call 9-1-1. If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms subside, call 9-1-1 and get him/her to the hospital immediately.

Learn more at www.strokeassociation.org.

IPAF Database Reports Aerial Platform Fatalities Worldwide

International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) has released the preliminary results of its incident database. In 2012, 31 fatalities were reported worldwide involving mobile elevating work platforms, also known as aerial work platforms (AWPs).

IPAF launched its database in January 2012, with the goal of building a comprehensive, concise record of incidents. The data are based on incidents reported directly to IPAF and information collected from various news media. While data accuracy cannot be guaranteed, IPAF is using the information to analyze and identify trends, and propose possible actions to improve and promote the safe use of AWPs.

"The first year of the accident reporting project is producing significant results and is allowing us to both improve our training programs and focus our safety campaigns to make this safe industry even safer," says IPAF's Tim Whiteman.

According to the data, about two-thirds of the fatalities occurred in the U.S. The main causes of these fatalities include falls from platform, electrocution, overturn, entrapment and mechanical-/technical-related deaths. Additionally, almost half of the reported fatalities involved booms, while 11 fatalities involved vehicle mounts and four involved scissor lifts.

Whiteman remains optimistic, however. "There are over 1.5 million AWPs in use around the world, and while every death is a tragedy, powered access is still a very safe way to work at height."

For more information or to report an AWP incident, visit www.ipaf.org/accident.

NTSB Hosts Forum on Positive Train Control

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recently hosted a forum, Positive Train Control: Is It On Track? Panelists representing government, industry, academia and labor discussed safety, regulatory and technology issues surrounding positive train control (PTC), technology designed to keep trains separated and prevent collisions. NTSB has sought implementation of PTC for many years, and the issue is on the agency's most wanted list of transportation safety priorities.

"Over 40 years since the NTSB issued its first recommendation addressing collision avoidance technologies on the railroad and after years of dialogue with industry officials, we continue to investigate accidents where PTC could have prevented the accident and saved lives" says NTSB Chair Deborah A.P. Hersman. "As the industry prepares to make substantial infrastructure investments, this is a timely opportunity to engage in the dialogue and advocate for this important safety enhancement."

Panelists explored:

• how the current implementation of PTC compares to the way it was envisioned by regulators, industry and others;
• regulatory and implementation status and challenges of PTC;
• status and challenges to technical implementation of PTC.

For information, visit www.ntsb.gov/news/events/2013/ptc/index.html, or view the archived webcast at www.capitolconnection.net/capcon/ntsb/ntsb.htm.

PSAs Encourage Safe Driving Among Teens

Bridgestone Americas, along with DOT, has released safe driving PSAs created through the 2012 Teens Drive Smart Video Contest. Aimed at influencing teenagers to make smart and responsible driving decisions, the ads will be distributed to TV stations nationwide.

"These PSAs created for teens, by teens are a terrific reminder of the importance of putting safety first each and every time you get behind the wheel, says Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood"

For more information about the Teens Drive Smart program and to view the PSAs, visit www.teensdrivesmart.com. For more information about what DOT is doing to eliminate distracted driving, visit www.distraction.gov.

ASTM Publishes New Resources

ASTM Standards for Accident and Disaster Control, a compilation from ASTM International, is now available on CD-ROM. The compilation includes 185 standards for accident and emergency management from ASTM Committees E54 on Homeland Security; F12 on Security Systems; F32 on Search and Rescue; and F30 on Emergency Medical Services. Topics include:

• management and operations;
• decontamination;
• operational equipment;
• training and education;
• security and locking devices;
• emergency response and warning systems;
• fire, chemical, biological and radiological incidents.

In addition, Performance of Protective Clothing and Equipment: 9th Volume, Emerging Issues and Technologies (STP 1544) is a new compilation available from ASTM International. The book contains 22 peer-reviewed papers that cover the latest information on the performance of protective clothing for government and industrial workers, first responders and civilians.

Topics include evaluating fire-resistant clothing using an instrumented mannequin; assessing user needs and perceptions of firefighter PPE; ASTM F2731, Standard Test Method for Measuring the Transmitted and Stored Energy of Firefighter Protective Clothing Systems; methods to assess the level of damage to firefighters' protective clothing; protective clothing for pesticide operators; and puncture resistance of protective gloves to needles. For more information, visit www.astm.org.

MSA Publishes Respiratory PPE White Paper

The "Respiratory PPE for Wet Well Applications" white paper from MSA presents an overview of wet well types and related hazards. Topics include site assessment, regulatory requirements, respirator types and recommended respiratory PPE. To view the white paper, visit http://goo.gl/TvfPt.

Why U.S. Businesses Urgently Need to Develop Global Leadership Skills: 5 Critical Areas to Begin Focusing on Now

Globalization has been the buzzword of the decade yet many U.S. business managers are still unaware of the skill sets they urgently need to compete in a global market, says business consultant Kathleen Brush.

"The most attractive business opportunities in this century will be outside the U.S., but identifying the best bets and tapping into them requires new and augmented skills," says Brush, a 25-year veteran of international business and author of The Power of One: You're the Boss (www.kathleenbrush.com).

There are 32 developed countries with 1 billion potential customers, and 162 developing nations with 6 billion people, many heading into the middle class for the first time, with all the attendant needs and desires, Brush says.

The International Monetary Fund has forecast $27.3 trillion in economic growth between 2011 and 2016. Eighty-seven percent will occur outside the U.S., most of it in developing countries. The forecasted growth for developing China, India, Africa and Latin America is 2 to 4 times that of the U.S. and the European Union.

"In 2013 and moving forward, U.S. business leaders will not come out on top without developing new skills to navigate the global opportunities," Brush says. "Managers need to increase their understanding of how other countries operate."

Brush offers five areas of critical importance to American business leaders:

• How to develop strategies that can't lose. Being able to evaluate opportunities and threats around the world has to be a fundamental skill and one that is exercised regularly. This is because political, economic and social issues are different and they change. How different are they? How about new regulations that appear without notice; judicial systems that do not administer justice; economic systems that cannot support the needs of operations, workers or goods; and social cultural systems that condone corruption?
• Managing and motivating employees from different backgrounds. It is likely that Employee A from Country A will not be motivated by the same things as Employee B from Country B. In part, this can be cultural, for example, pitting employee against employee may inspire the competitive spirit in Americans, but contests for individual supremacy can be culturally offensive for others. Or, it may be regulatory. In the U.S., it is relatively simple to terminate an underperforming employee. In other countries, it will cost a fortune and may require external approvals.
• Traditional decisions on the 4Ps are being turned on their head. American managers have always preferred to build innovative/different products over products that are the lowest cost. But, this option will often be unavailable in the newest attractive markets. Besides competing on cost, there is the challenge of getting paid without credit. How do you promote products to people who read at a basic level, or in countries with many official languages? How can products be delivered on time when roads are primitive and airports inadequate?
• Reading financial statements. What if financial data are unreliable due to cultural inclinations, political machinations or manual reporting systems? Gone are the days of blindly valuing what comes in black and white.
• A strong moral compass. Operating within unfamiliar, unpredictable places can make it challenging to distinguish the gold mines from the land mines. Some cultures will see bribery, the concealment of data and quality shortcuts as business as usual. Today's leaders know that a strong moral compass is the only reliable navigator of behaviors and decisions.

Kathleen Brush has more than 20 years' experience as a senior executive with global business responsibilities. She holds a Ph.D. in Management and International Studies. Brush has been teaching, writing and consulting on international business and leadership for companies of all sizes, including those that are public, private, foreign and domestic.

Study Addresses Window Cord Safety Awareness

The latest information compiled for the Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) shows that 85% of Americans surveyed are aware that the pull-cords on certain drapes and window blinds can pose a strangulation hazard to infants and young children. In addition, 76% of Americans surveyed are aware of the potential strangulation hazard associated with the interior cords running through the slats of some window blinds.

WCSC notes that window coverings are one of the top five hidden hazards in American homes, with infants and children dying each year from accidentally strangling in window cords, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

To maximize window cord safety when young children are present, consumers are urged to follow these safety guidelines:

• Move all furniture, cribs, beds and climbable surfaces away from windows.
• Keep all window cords out of the reach of children.
• Install only cordless window coverings in homes with young children.
• Make sure tasseled pull cords are as short as possible.
• Continuous-loop pull cords on draperies and vertical blinds should be pulled tight and anchored to the floor or wall.
• Be sure cord stops are properly installed and adjusted to limit inner-cord movement.

To learn more about window cord safety or to order free retrofit kits, visit www.windowcoverings.org.

Cintas Lists the Seven Most Hazardous Driving Habits

To help commuter drivers stay safe on the road and maintain safe driving practices, Cintas Corp. reminds the public to avoid hazardous behaviors. Cintas encourages defensive driving techniques to ensure that drivers will keep their eyes and minds on the road and their hands on the wheel. "Many drivers on our nation's roads and highways pose a safety threat to themselves and others," says Cintas's Nancy Petersen. "Learning the dangers of bad driving habits is the first step in breaking drivers of risky behaviors."

Cintas has released its list of the seven most hazardous driving offenders and their bad driving habits.

1. The Beauty Queen: Some drivers have been known to apply makeup (e.g., lipstick, mascara) while driving. But, it is very easy to lose control of a vehicle if both hands are not on the steering wheel and eyes are not on the road. Drivers should put away all makeup products and keep them out of reach while driving.
2. The Hungry Commuter: Eating while driving is another habit that results in driving without both hands on the wheel. Drivers who are eating cannot react as quickly to sharp curves or properly handle lane changes because their hands are full. Drivers should take extra time to eat before they leave or plan a roadside stop to eat.
3. The Tech-Obsessed: Even with state laws that prohibit sending text messages or talking on cell phones while driving, people still use their technology gadgets while driving. Cintas says, "CDC reports that 25% of drivers in the U.S. admitted to regularly or fairly often talking on cell phones while behind the wheel." Drivers should refrain from this, as it slows down reflexes and takes attention off the road.
4. The Sleepy Traveler: Commuters sometimes refuse to pull over when they feel tired. An AAA Foundation poll found nearly a third of people admitted to driving when they had trouble keeping their eyes open. Sleepy drivers should find a rest stop and pull over if they feel unable to keep their eyes open and concentrate.
5. The Daydreamer: These drivers get lost in their thoughts and do not think about what they are doing while driving. Drivers should focus on the road, rather than personal problems or to-do lists.
6. The Road Rager: These drivers tailgate, cut off other drivers and anger easily while driving. Those prone to such behaviors should plan for sufficient time to reach a destination and work on having patience. If driving is too stressful, consider alternative modes of transportation.
7. The Rule Breaker: Speeding, not wearing a seat belt, and disregarding traffic signs and signals are habits of rule breakers. Drivers must take proper precautions and obey the rules of the road to ensure safety and to avoid costly tickets.

For more information, visit www.cintas.com/firstaidsafety.

New Documentary on 2003 Tragedy Raises Awareness of Fire Safety

On Feb. 20, 2002, 100 people lost their lives in a fire at a Rhode Island nightclub called The Station. Many more were injured from severe burns, smoke inhalation and being trampled. The nightclub had no fire sprinkler system, and it was over capacity that night.

"Learn. Remember. Heal." is the tagline, and purpose, for The Station, a seven-part video documentary about the fatal fire. On the 10th anniversary of the incident, the documentary premiered its first episode. Director David Bettencourt says that one episode will be released per week, for 7 weeks.

The Station shares stories from different individuals directly affected by the tragedy, which includes survivors, family members of those who perished in the fire, first responders and hospitals specialists who treated burn victims.

Bettencourt partnered with Tyco, a fire protection and security company, to produce the videos. "This project is an effort to raise awareness, promote education and change the way people think about fire safety," Bettencourt says. "The collection of stories will celebrate the lives of those who were lost and preserves the legacy of this catastrophic and preventable event."

To view the documentary, visit www.youtube.com/TheStationWebSeries.

Retail Association Launches Safety Data Sheet Program

Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) has implemented a process to help streamline the practice of using safety data sheets (SDS) provided by suppliers then given to retailers. To enhance efficiency when retailers request SDS, the agency has created a template that reportedly aligns with the 16-section format required by OSHA's HazCom Standard.

"The recent changes to the HazCom Standard provide an opportunity for the retail industry to upgrade requests for chemical information since chemical manufacturers must rewrite their SDS based on the global harmonization criteria," says RILA's Lisa LaBruno. "Consistent retailer requests will enhance supply chain efficiency and communication regarding chemical information, as well as assist retailers in properly handling chemical products for the benefit of customers, workers, communities and the environment."

Visit www.rila.org/about/leadership/committees/lpcommittees/sdswg/Pages/default.aspx for more information.

JSR Special Issue on Occupational Injury Research

NIOSH has partnered with Journal of Safety Research (JSR) to release a special issue highlighting research projects presented at the 2011 National Occupational Injury Research Symposium (NOIRS). The issue provides a broad spectrum of the projects presented during the symposium, ranging from surveillance work to intervention evaluation projects.

Sponsored by NIOSH, National Safety Council and Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety, the symposium highlighted significant advances in the field of occupational safety and health. The 15 research projects highlighted in JSR represent the full scope of the research projects presented at the symposium.

"The special issue of the journal provides an opportunity to highlight research from the latest symposium to a larger audience," says NIOSH's Dawn Castillo. "As we look ahead to addressing the persistent and the evolving challenges of occupational injury, it is important to continue to share the knowledge being generated and pursue partnerships to tackle these problems together."

Access the special issue at www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/00224375/44. To access all of the oral and poster presentation abstracts from the symposium, visit www.cdc.gov/niosh/noirs/2011.

Oldcastle Precast Facility Achieves Safety Milestone

The Vander, NC, facility of Oldcastle Precast (www.oldcastleprecast.com), precast and polymer concrete products manufacturer, recently surpassed 5 years without a recordable incident. The facility credits the achievement to its strong commitment to employee safety.

Over the past 5 years, with roughly 13 employees running the manufacturing operations, the company has worked more than 100,000 work hours designing and manufacturing precast concrete pipe products. According to the firm, employees constantly demonstrate their commitment to safety and continue to explore opportunities to improve the safety systems.