Safety News Making California Workplaces Safer ® N e w s A b o u t O c c u p a t i o n a l S a f e t y a n d H e a l t h i n A G R I C U L T U R E Stay Alert To Remain Safe Around Livestock No Strain– All Gain Each year, on farms and ranches, injuries and deaths occurs to those who work around livestock. Injuries and illnesses also involve the facilities, tools, and supplies used in livestock care. If workers are trained to recognize hazards, wear proper protective equipment, follow safe handling techniques, and practice good housekeeping, they may prevent painful incidents which result in lost time, money, and productivity. Strains and sprains are serious business. They account for a major share of injuries and resulting costs in agricultural activities. These injuries are often caused by lifting, pushing, twisting, prolonged bending or overreaching and usually affect the back, shoulders, and arms. Although it may only take a moment to cause a strain or sprain injury, it can take many painful days or months – and costly dollars – to heal. One way to prevent or reduce these injuries is through worker education and training. Although there are special handling and safety considerations for different livestock, most animals have common instinctive behaviors. Respect those instincts by announcing your presence when approaching an animal. Most livestock are large enough to cause serious injury if provoked or handled improperly. Many animals are comfortable with routine, but can be dangerous and unpredictable if startled or spooked by loud noises or quick movements. Livestock are not generally violent but they are territorial with a natural tendency to protect their young or become aggressive in mating seasons. Keep that in mind and always leave yourself an escape route when working with livestock, especially in close quarters. Make sure to wear the proper personal protective equipment when working with or around livestock. Good safety shoes or boots protect your feet from powerful hooves and equipment. Skid resistant soles provide better footing to prevent slips and falls on wet, muddy or manure-covered surfaces. Sturdy leather gloves protect hands against cuts and scrapes, but disposable rubber gloves are best for treating or birthing animals. And, safety goggles protect eyes from dust, chaff, chemicals or flying particles common in livestock operations. Many livestock handling injuries are directly related to equipment or building structures. So, flooring should be roughened, impervious concrete that is slanted or grooved for drainage and regularly cleaned. Lighting in livestock areas should be evenly diffused; shadows and light changes can excite or spook animals, particularly in crowded loading areas. When moving cattle into a constrained space, give them time to adjust to the lighting and new environment. Proper ventilation is imperative for the health of animal handlers. Livestock can generate airborne contaminants, including gases, odor, dust, and microbes. Appropriate respirators should be worn when cleaning livestock facilities, handling hay or feed, and when working in confined spaces such as manure pits (which should be secured against unauthorized entry) or in silos. Make sure that all your workers are trained in any hazards they may encounter in livestock operations and that they always treat animals with cautious respect. q Training workers in proper lifting techniques and working postures should be an important component of the Injury and Illness and Prevention Program. From the first day on the job, instruct workers to practice proper lifting techniques. Poor material handling methods, such as lifting things that weigh too much or lifting incorrectly, account for many strains and sprains. Before lifting, workers need to consider the weight, size, and shape of the load. Even with proper lifting techniques there are limits to the weight and amount of materials that a person can safely carry. If they’re not sure they can handle the load, they should know to get help from another worker or break it down into smaller parts. If they can’t break it down, have mechanical assist devices available for use. Continued on next page ISSUE TWO, 2010 Feature Articles Stay Alert To Remain Safe Around Livestock No Strain – All Gain From Our Expert – Drink…Drink…Drink…Water, That Is In Each Issue Safety Topic – Prevent Heat Illness Reporting Injuries Stay Alert To Fatigue Employer Education Series S a f e t y N e w s S t a t e C o m p e n s a t i o n I n s u r a n c e F u n d I s s u e T w o, 2 0 1 0 FROM OUR EXPERT Drink… Drink… Drink… Water, That Is loss occurs in all environments – cold, mild, and hot. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day, even when there is a lack of thirst, replaces lost fluids. The body is designed to maintain an internal temperature of approximately 98.6°F. The body releases excessive heat by circulating blood to the capillaries in the upper layers of the skin thus increasing heat transfer and perspiration. When the body heats up faster than it can cool itself down, mild to severe heat-related illnesses may develop. N o matter what the time of year; no matter what the temperature; no matter where you live or work – indoors or outdoors – staying hydrated is important to overall health and performance. Dehydration occurs when the body takes in substantially less fluid than what is lost through its normal body processes. The body is nearly 60% water by weight; the loss of just 2.5 liters (0.66 gallons) per day can adversely affect it, if not replaced. This natural process of fluid Heat stress occurs when the body is unable to release heat and cool itself. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), when air temperature is equal to or warmer than the skin, blood brought to the skin’s surface cannot efficiently release heat. The body’s main cooling mechanism is the evaporation of perspiration (or sweat) and if evaporation cannot occur, the body is unable to rid itself of excess heat and this natural cooling process becomes impaired. If the body cannot release excess heat, it stores it and this increases the body’s core temperature and heart rate. Prolonged heat stress can lead to death. Increased air temperature, high humidity, radiant heat, and minimal air circulation can increase the risk of developing heat-related illnesses. Other risk factors include: increased age; body weight/body build; level of physical fitness; lack of acclimatization; poor nutrition; fatigue; alcohol or drug use; certain medical conditions, such as diabetes; wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), such as nonbreathable protective clothing, hoods, and/or respirators, as they can increase workload and/or restrict movement; and, inadequate water/fluid replacement. For more information on preventing heat stress, go to http://www.dir.ca.gov/DOSH/ HeatIllnessInfo.html. ❑ R.J. Banks, MS, CIE is the Senior Ergonomist for State Fund. No Strain – All Gain continued from page 1 Make sure workers know how to carry the load correctly. Strains and sprains can occur from even moderate loads if they’re handled in awkward positions. Train workers to carry a load close to their bodies. When carrying a load, they should know to avoid bending or twisting. You also want your workers to avoid awkward positions and overreaching. Working for long periods of time in an awkward, bent-over or twisted position can strain or sprain body parts. Because strain increases in proportion to the distance of the work from the body, workers should try to keep as close to the work area as possible. There’s less strain on the body if the work is positioned between the shoulders and waist, with a waist high level being the most neutral and comfortable. Workers may need to raise or lower the work or themselves for better positioning. Finally, let workers know that they have a personal responsibility to follow all safety guidelines and to keep themselves physically fit. Remind them to take care of their bodies by exercising and eating well. If their muscles or ligaments have weakened over time from lack of exercise or age, they’re more likely to get a strain or sprain than if they’re physically fit. If workers understand why it’s in their best interest to practice correct lifting techniques and working postures and how an injury can negatively impact their quality of life, they may become more conscious of practicing those techniques and postures to avoid needless injuries. ❑ S a f e t y N e w s S t a t e C o m p e n s a t i o n I n s u r a n c e F u n d Safety Topic / Temas de Seguridad Prevent Heat Illness Exposure to high temperatures for long periods of time can increase the chance of illnesses such as sunburn, heat exhaustion, heat stroke or heat cramps. These illnesses can range from mild to severe and sometimes can result in death. Workers who are obese, pregnant, older or on certain medications are at greater risk for heat-related illness. Knowing what to do to prepare for and prevent these heat-related illnesses is better than having to treat them. To work comfortably and avoid getting overheated, make sure you’re dressed for the warm outdoor weather. Wear a hat, appropriate loose-weave cotton clothing, and other lightweight protective gear. Protect your skin and eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays by using sunscreen and wearing sunglasses. Know where drinking water or other cool drinks are located. Drink about two glasses of water before beginning work and continue to drink water during and afterward work to replace fluids you’ll lose through I s s u e T w o, 2 0 1 0 Topic Review/ Revisión Del Tema Instructor _________________________ sweating. Increase your intake of fluids (one to two quarts per hour) during high temperatures, especially when temperatures are above 100 degrees Fahrenheit and during periods of unusually high humidity. Drinking alcohol only adds to dehydration and increases your risk of a heat-related illness. Stay alert for early symptoms of excessive exposure to heat and let your supervisor know if you’re feeling ill, weak or faint. Make sure there are other qualified persons available who can recognize and give you first aid if you do become ill. Know how to respond or quickly contact medical help if you notice coworkers showing signs of heat illness. Check the day’s temperatures and manage your work activities accordingly – take your rest breaks in shaded areas, rotate tasks, do your heavy work in cooler hours, and postpone non-essential tasks during heat spells. ❑ Date / Fecha_______________________ Location / Ubicación_________________ Attended by / Asistente(s) __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ Prevención de enfermedades causadas con el calor La exposición a altas temperaturas durante períodos largos de tiempo puede aumentar la probabilidad de contraer enfermedades tales como quemaduras de la piel por el sol, agotamiento por el calor, insolación o calambres causados por el calor. Estas enfermedades pueden abarcar desde menores hasta graves y en ciertos casos pueden resultar en la muerte. Los trabajadores que estén obesos, embarazadas, de mayor edad o tomando ciertos medicamentos corren mayores riesgos de contraer enfermedades relacionadas con el calor. El conocer lo que se debe hacer para prepararse y prevenir estas enfermedades relacionadas con el calor es mejor que el tener que tratarlas. Para trabajar cómodamente y evitar el exceso de calor en el cuerpo, asegúrese de vestirse correctamente para el calor a la intemperie. Use un sombrero, ropa ligera de algodón apropiada y otros equipos de protección de peso ligero. Protéjase la piel y los ojos contra los rayos ultravioleta del sol usando lociones contra el sol y anteojos para el sol. Sepa dónde están el agua potable y otras bebidas frías. Beba aproximadamente dos vasos de agua antes de comenzar el trabajo y continúe bebiendo agua durante su trabajo y después de terminarlo para reemplazar los fluidos que se pierden al sudar. Aumente su consumo de líquidos (uno a dos litros por hora) en temperaturas altas, especialmente cuando la temperatura exceda los 100 grados Fahrenheit y durante períodos de muy alta humedad. El beber alcohol sólo contribuye a la deshidratación y aumenta el riesgo de contraer enfermedades causadas por el calor. Manténgase alerta a los síntomas iniciales de exposición excesiva al calor y avísele a su supervisor si se siente enfermo, débil o se desmaya. Asegúrese de que haya otras personas calificadas que puedan reconocer y brindarle primeros auxilios si usted se enferma. Sepa cómo responder u obtener rápidamente asistencia médica si usted observa indicios de enfermedad por el calor en algún compañero de trabajo. Revise la temperatura del día y administre las actividades de trabajo según la temperatura – teniendo períodos de descanso en áreas sombreadas; alternando las tareas; programando los trabajos pesados en las horas más frescas y posponiendo las tareas no esenciales durante las temperaturas pico. ❑ ❑ __________________________________ Safety Recommendations / Recomendaciones de seguridad __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ Safety News News About Occupational Safety and Health in ISSUE TWO 2010 A G R I C U LT U R E Prsrt Std US Postage Paid Permit 803 Zip Code 92887 Loss Control Services P.O. BOX 420807 SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94142-0807 Please forward to the person responsible for your safety program Remember To Recycle This Newsletter Stay Alert To Fatigue Employer Education Series Fatigue is a contributing factor in many on-the-job accidents and injuries. It can impair concentration, alertness, judgment, work performance and affect reaction time, manual dexterity, and decision-making. Stay alert to mental and physical fatigue on the job. Take action to prevent fatigue from interfering with your job performance and your safety. State Fund continues to promote community educational outreach by increasing the quantity and frequency of employer seminars. These seminars are produced and sponsored by State Fund and are open to State Fund policyholders. The seminar topics cover all aspects of worker’s compensation and are offered statewide. Fatigue is primarily the result of inadequate sleep or insufficient rest, but other factors include individual fitness; repeated or cumulative stress (mental burnout); environmental conditions such as heat, cold, vibration, or altitude; task endurance or monotony; and the time of day or night the activity takes place. The goal of State Fund’s Employer Education Series is to present valuable information from recognized safety and health experts to enable employers to reduce the frequency and severity of workplace injuries, facilitate regulatory compliance, and increase business profits. The most important factor in preventing fatigue is to get adequate sleep and sufficient rest. Reporting Work-Related Injuries Make sure you’ve had adequate sleep and rest before you make critical decisions, drive vehicles, operate machinery, or manipulate controls. Stay alert and recognize early signs of fatigue such as a lapse in concentration or focus or slowed reaction times and movements. Since dehydration increases the effect of fatigue, drink plenty of non-caffeinated liquids throughout your work shift and take scheduled rest breaks. q As part of State Fund’s Employer Education Series, the local State Fund Loss Control departments offer safety seminars dedicated to loss prevention. They feature safety training targeted to specific industries and safety topics of interest to California employers. Various programs in the series are developed in conjunction with State Fund insured GroupPrograms and external affiliates and partners. Some of these partners are occupational safety and health providers such as Cal/OSHA Consultation Service, the Department of Health Services, and the University of California. The program venues provide the opportunity for attendees to have their workplace safety questions immediately and personally answered by industry experts. The typically half-day seminars are usually held at regional State Fund offices. To learn what programs are scheduled in your area, visit www.scif.com and click on Seminars. q State Fund’s Claims Reporting Center (1-888-222-3211) is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for policyholders to report injuries as soon as they occur. Agents will do the necessary paperwork to get the claim started and refer the injured to the designated physician or provider. Within 8 hours of any serious illness or injury (requiring hospitalization over 24 hours, other than for medical observation or where there is permanent employee disfiguration) or death occurring in the workplace or in connection with employment, employers must report the incident to the Division of Occupational Safety and Health. q This Agricultural Safety News is produced by the Safety and Health Services Department of State Fund to assist clients in their loss control efforts. Information or recommendations contained in this publication were obtained from sources believed to be reliable at the date of publication. Information is only advisory and does not presume to be exhaustive or inclusive of all workplace hazards or situations. Permission to reprint articles subject to approval by State Compensation Insurance Fund. Published by State Compensation Insurance Fund’s Safety and Health Services Department. Editor: Judy Kerry © State Compensation Insurance Fund 2010 PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER