From the Staffing Experts

ResponsAble Safety Staffing From the Staffing Experts blog archives.

OSHA’s Focus Four: What They Are and How to Control Them

By

What is OSHA’s Focus Four and which controls can we implement to mitigate the risk?

In the world of safety and health management systems (SHMS), safety professionals control worker exposure to hazards using a systematic approach.

The old hierarchy approach was to start with implementing an engineering control, followed by an administrative control, and ending with what we call the last line of defense a personal protective equipment (PPE) control. In 2015, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) updated the hierarchy of controls. The model looks like the following image:

OSHA developed the Focus Four initiative in 1994 to target the top four safety hazards in construction:

  1. Falls from heights
  2. Struck by
  3. Caught in between
  4. Electrical shock

The source for this information was provided by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (bls.gov) which is tasked to collect workplace injury statistics. These four hazards produce the overwhelming number of construction fatalities and injuries.

Focus Four Number One: Falls to lower level

Falls are the leading cause of death in construction. In 2020, there were 351 fatal falls to a lower level out of 1,008 construction fatalities (BLS data).

Employers in construction are required to implement a fall hazard awareness training program. The program is required to train and educate workers who work at elevated heights of six feet or more below the lower level. And the training is required to be documented and certified. The trainer is also required to be qualified and competent in fall protection systems.

The OSHA standard requires the training include the following:

  • The nature of fall hazards in the work area
  • The correct procedures for erecting, maintaining, disassembling, and inspecting the fall protection systems to be used
  • The use and operation of guardrail systems, personal fall arrest systems, safety net systems, warning line systems, safety monitoring systems, controlled access zones, and other protection to be used
  • The role of each employee in the safety monitoring system when this system is used
  • The limitations on the use of mechanical equipment during the performance of roofing work on low-sloped roofs
  • The correct procedures for the handling and storage of equipment and materials and the erection of overhead protection
  • The role of employees in fall protection plans
  • The standards contained in 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M Fall Protection

The fall protection training includes engineering, administration and PPE controls. See OSHA’s Fall Prevention Campaign | Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Focus Four Number Two: Struck by

A struck-by hazard refers to an accident/incident in which a worker is hit and injured by an object, tool, or piece of equipment. Struck-by hazards are mostly related to improper material and equipment handling as well as poor housekeeping. Struck-by hazards originate from many sources. Struck by hazards on average produce the second most fatal outcomes. This hazard exposure is the leading cause of nonfatal injuries in the construction industry.

There are limited OSHA standards that address struck by hazards. In January of 2022 OSHA had investigated 15 struck by fatalities. The two leading causes for struck by fatalities were dropped objects and mobile equipment.

Controls for struck by exposures could include implementing a drop zone program (engineering and administrative control) and providing workers with reflective vests and hard hats (personal protective equipment).

In April of 2019, the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) created the National Stand Down To Prevent Struck By Incidents initiative to help bring awareness to this hazard. CPWR | Struck-By Hazards

Focus Four Number Three: Caught in between

This categorization includes construction workers who are killed when caught in or compressed by equipment or objects, as well as the hazards of being struck, caught, or crushed in a collapsing structure, equipment, or material. On average caught in between injuries are the third most common in construction.

The primary caught in between exposure in construction is a trench collapse. Dirt is heavy. A cubic yard of class C soil can weigh on average as much as a midsize car.

On July 14, 2022, OSHA issued a news release that stated the following:

”WASHINGTON – In 2022’s first six months, 22 workers have fallen victim to the deadly hazards present in trenching and excavation work – surpassing 15 in all of 2021 – and prompting the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration to launch enhanced enforcement initiatives to protect workers from known industry hazards.

To stress the dangers of disregarding federal workplace safety requirements for trenching and excavation work, OSHA enforcement staff will consider every available tool at the agency’s disposal. These actions will place additional emphasis on how agency officials evaluate penalties for trenching and excavation related incidents, including criminal referrals for federal or state prosecution to hold employers and others accountable when their actions or inactions kill workers or put their lives at risk.”

Employers are required to implement a cave in protective system (engineering control) in a trench which is deeper than it is wide and when the depth reaches five feet. OSHA also requires a competent person (administrative control) to manage a trench/excavation job site.

OSHA has had a National Emphasis Program (NEP) directive in place since 2018 which describes how the enforcement agency will address the hazards of a trench. See https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/enforcement/directives/CPL-02-00-161_0.pdf

Some additional caught in between hazards are:

  • Exposure to rotating equipment
  • Unguarded parts
  • Equipment rollovers
  • Caught between the counterweight of the crane and another structure

Focus Four Number Four: Electrical shock

Electrocutions are the fourth leading cause of death among construction workers in the United States. An average of 143 construction workers are killed each year by contact with electricity.

Electrical workers had the most electrocutions per year, followed by construction laborers, carpenters, supervisors of non-electrical workers, and roofers according to bls.gov.

Contact with overhead power lines or live circuits in panels, poorly maintained cords and tools, and lightning strikes are the main electrical hazard exposures. More than 70% of those killed were not electricians. Overhead power lines are the main killers.

You can be killed instantly if you are using the following equipment and it encounters an overhead power line:

  • Aluminum extension pole for paint rollers
  • Backhoes and cranes
  • Concrete pumpers
  • Long-handled cement finishing floats
  • Metal ladders
  • Raised dump truck beds
  • Scaffolding

Electrocution occurs when a person is exposed to a lethal amount of electrical energy. Electric shock occurs upon contact of a body part with any source of electricity that causes a flow of current through the skin, muscles, or hair. The resulting injuries could be heart attack, thermal burns, and amputation.

To avoid shocks and electrocution, workers must be mindful of hazards such as contact with power lines, contact with energized sources and improper use of extension and flexible cords.

Maintain a safe ten-foot minimum distance from overhead power lines (administrative control), use ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) (an engineering control), inspect portable tools and extension cords (administrative control), using power tools and equipment as designed, and follow lockout/tagout procedures (administrative control). There are a handful of OSHA standards that address the hazard of electricity.

For more information go to Electrical – Overview | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (osha.gov)

Safety managers, field supervisors, foremen, and other safety workers should be aware of the Focus Four on a daily basis and address those hazards in their pre job risk assessments.

For more information: Construction Focus Four Training | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (osha.gov)

Reducing Risk with Safety Professionals from ResponsAble

Struggling to find qualified safety professionals for a contracted or direct hire position? As expert safety recruiters, we help you get the job done. ResponsAble is the safety recruiting company that helps you find the right people with the necessary skills to effectively and safely complete the job. Big or small, temporary or permanent. For more information, please submit a contact form here.

Who should be your OSHA competent person?

By

As most of us know, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA, is the workplace governing body for the safety of workers in a variety of industries.

The thing that most of us do not know, is how to implement it. Most of the safety and health management systems do not know how that system works.

Why do workers get hurt?

We could agree on some of the following causes: uncontrolled hazard exposure, complacency, lack of knowledge, lack of leadership, and just doing stupid stuff.

Let us look at uncontrolled hazard exposure. A common lesson in safety and health management training is the concept of “what does it take to have an accident?” When a hazardous condition and an exposure exist without a barrier, we have a substantial risk of an injury.

Let’s look at an example

There is a construction site. The contractor is excavating the site to install an underground utility. The excavation is deeper than six feet. The excavation is a trench according to an OSHA definition. An OSHA Compliance Safety and Health Officer (CSHO) shows up unexpectedly to conduct a work site inspection. He names himself as an CSHO, shows his credentials and ask, “Who is in charge?” The contractor supervisor replies “I am.” The CSHO responds “I would like to go and see your trench?” The supervisor and CSHO walk toward the open trench. On the way the CSHO ask the following question: “What type of soil do you have?” The supervisor, in a noticeably confident tone, replies “Oh, that’s good soil!” Guess what? Wrong answer. The inaccurate reply gives the CSHO the evidence he needs to document a citation and notes it in is inspection file. The citation: no competent person on site.

The importance of having an OSHA competent person on site

Why is the soil analysis important? Soil is unpredictable and hazardous. Especially if a worker is in the deep trench without a suitable protective system. If there is no protective system, the worker is exposed to a cave in. A cubic yard of class C soil can weigh on average 2500 lb. Who is responsible under OSHA regulations for identifying the soil type and hazard it creates and implementing that protective system? The competent person.

The OSHA Excavation and Trenching construction standard requires that all excavations have a competent person assigned to it to find hazards that could harm a worker and have the authorization to take prompt corrective actions to control that hazard exposure. This is a management responsibility.

In fact, the OSHA library of workplace standards for employers contain over one hundred requirements for the presence of a competent person.

What is the definition of an OSHA competent person?

The term “Competent Person” is used in many OSHA standards and documents. An OSHA “competent person” is defined as “one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them” [29 CFR 1926.32(f)].

According to an OSHA directive, the CSHO will assess a competent person using an interview process. Questions the CSHO could use: What type of training and/or experience do they have, are they knowledgeable of applicable standards, are they capable of finding workplace hazards relating to the specific operation and finally do they have the authority to correct them. Some standards add more specific requirements which must be met.

The following is more information from a specific OSHA letter of interpretation:

“For the purposes of OSHA’s safety and health standards for the construction industry, “competent person” is defined in 29 CFR 1926.32(f) as “one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.” This definition is further clarified in the preamble for the rulemaking on excavations (FR 54 45909) issued on October 31, 1989. That preamble states that what constitutes a “competent person” depends on the context in which the term is used. In order to be a “competent person” for the purposes of the excavation standard, one must have specific training in, and be knowledgeable about, soils analysis, the use of protective systems, and the requirements of the excavation standard. One who does not have this training or knowledge is not considered by OSHA to be capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in excavation work nor capable of taking the necessary corrective measures. By contrast, a “qualified” person or engineer, as defined in 1926.32(l), might have more technical expertise, but would not necessarily have expertise in hazard recognition or the authority to correct identified hazards.”

A Safe Workplace is Sound Business

As an employer, you must ensure that you have a safe workplace for your workers. It is a moral and humanistic approach to business. To ensure your company is managing risk across the board, you need to make sure your workers are safe in every aspect of the workplace. Incidents can and do happen. The prevention of occupational injuries and illnesses is the mission of OSHA and should be one of the core values an organization respects.

You need to use a proactive approach to managing your workplace safety. Many times, it is not addressed until after the fact. Accidents on the job or in operating heavy equipment have caused injuries or fatalities.

One of the best ways to address issues before they escalate is to train and educate each worker to become a competent person according to the OSHA definition and on the specific OSHA regulations.

So, who will be your competent person?

For more information check out https://www.osha.gov/competent-person

Reducing Risk with Safety Professionals from ResponsAble

Struggling to find qualified safety professionals for a contracted or direct hire position? As expert safety recruiters, we help you get the job done. ResponsAble is the safety recruiting company that helps you find the right people with the necessary skills to effectively and safely complete the job. Big or small, temporary or permanent. For more information, please submit a contact form here.

4 Safety Professional Skills Critical for Project Success

By

As a business specializing in sourcing safety staff, we are pretty good at identifying a prospective employee’s hard skills, practical experience and formal education. A resume, a few interviews and some reference checks provide substantial insight into basic competency for a given safety professional.

The real challenge in sourcing employees who possess the total package of Safety Professional skills is evaluating their soft skills competencies.

89% of respondents to a 2019 LinkedIn Global Talent Trends survey reported that bad hires were a result of lacking soft skills.

Our experience in maintaining a high level of client satisfaction with safety staff echoes the LinkedIn survey results. Problems on projects regarding the Safety Professional’s skills are rarely related to a lack of core safety skills competency, but nearly always tied to a break down in the soft skill arena.

It is common for an industrial or commercial project requiring safety support to include a variety of trades and associated contractors working the job at the same time. The Safety Professional’s skills that have the greatest impact on project success are those that influence the many contractors in a positive way; effectively maintaining a safe workplace while minimizing conflicts and tension.

4 Safety Professional Skills Critical for Project Success

1. Communication

Communication skills lay the foundation for all the other soft skills. Active listening and the ability to articulate concepts clearly are critical to a Safety Professional’s success in effectively collaborating with other employees on a job site. We strongly recommend a substantial portion of the evaluation of prospective Safety Professionals for your project include both their ability to actively listen and their ability to verbalize abstract concepts.

2. Collaboration

Safety Professional Soft Skills must include the ability to effectively collaborate. Few things will turn a job south faster than a “lone wolf” Safety Professional who develops a combative relationship with your tradesman or supervision on site. Evaluating a candidate’s disposition for effective collaboration can be tricky as everyone is putting on their best face for an interview process. Role playing through example situations and looking for longevity in prior assignments are two helpful techniques.

3. Creativity

Creativity is necessary when it comes to effective problem solving. A deficiency of creativity in Safety Professional skills often results in rigidity; the stiff law enforcer rather than the security and safety consultant. All interviews should include specific questioning and role play to allow a candidate to demonstrate their ability to see obstacles and devise creative responses in real time.

4. Adaptability

For the sake of this post, adaptability is synonymous with flexibility. Adaptability and flexibility describe a Safety Professional’s skill with being able to effectively apply their knowledge through changing circumstances and remaining engaged. While creativity is more of an innate capability; adaptability is more of a “want to” criteria. An effective Safety Professional will have a service mentality that demonstrates that they want to provide quality support no matter the circumstances or challenges. Past performance is the best indicator of how flexible an employee is likely to be in the future so careful review of past work roles and feedback from references can be helpful assessing a candidates adaptability for your project.

Why Pay Attention to Soft Skills for Safety Professionals?

The 4 Safety Professional Skills Critical for Project Success described here often end up falling in priority as project start dates compress the hiring timeline. Hiring managers often feel they need the basic hard skills most so may be willing to make an offer to a candidate without thorough vetting for the soft skills.

Don’t do it…

The best way to evaluate a Safety Professional skill set is through personal experience on the job. The next best way is to include specific questioning, roles plays and criteria for measuring critical soft skills throughout your hiring process.

Elevate the priority of the soft skills described to improve your project safety and reduce turnover resulting from bad hires.

ResponsAble’s Safety Staffing Services

Struggling to find qualified safety professionals for a contracted or direct hire position? As expert safety recruiters, we help you get the job done. ResponsAble is the safety recruiting company that helps you find the right people with the necessary skills to effectively and safely complete the job. Big or small, temporary or permanent. For more information, please submit a contact form here.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Working in Confined Spaces

By

confined spaces

What is a Confined Space?

A confined work space is just large enough for an employee to enter and perform the assigned responsibilities. These areas usually have limited exit options. Thousands of workers safely perform critical tasks daily in confined spaces.  It’s important to have a full understanding of what this dangerous and crucial job entails. 

How to determine if a workspace is a confined space? 

In order for a work area to be defined as a confined space it must meet all three of the following criteria:

  • Limited Openings for Entry and Exit. 
    • An example would be a tank with a single opening. There is one way in and one way out. 
  • The Space is not Intended for Continuous Human Occupancy. 
    • For example, a tank, chimney, silos or manhole is not intended for a human to spend a continuous amount of time. 
  • The Space is Large Enough for You to Enter and Conduct Work.
    • If you can get in, you can get out. 

What are the risks of working in confined spaces?  

According to Amerisafe, 1.6 million Americans work in confined spaces each year. Individuals who work in confined spaces must be aware of risks involved and know how to prevent them. Potential risks include:

  • Explosions
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Drowning 
  • Asphyxiation 
  • Low oxygen levels

When possible, you should avoid entering or working in a confined space altogether. If entry is unavoidable, you must follow proper safety measures. 

What does OSHA say about Working in a Confined Space?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) uses the words “permit-required confined space” to describe a specific confined space meeting one or more of the following characteristics:

  • Hazardous (or potentially hazardous) atmosphere
  • Potential to engulf worker
  • Walls that converge inward
  • Floors that slope downward and taper into an area that could entrap or suffocate entrant
  • Contains any other recognized safety/health hazard (i.e. exposed live wires or heat stress)

Those of you a part of that 1.6 million mentioned at the beginning of this blog recognize that working in a confined space is not without risk.

Whether you’re working in a tank, vessel, tunnel or manhole, there are certain things to keep in mind.

Confined Spaces: What to Do

  • DO Know the Dangers – Make sure that you are well-informed of the specific risks with each confined space job. There are severe hazards to be aware of such as flooding, drowning, asphyxiation, toxic fumes, flammable air, lack of oxygen, etc. 
  • DO Ensure Capability – The person doing the job must be capable to complete it regarding health and training. If they are healthy and properly trained in both the work needed and the use of emergency equipment, they are qualified.
  • DO Have a Plan – For every risk involved, come up with a plan to control these risks for the specific confined workspace. For example, if there is a confined work space with reduced oxygen levels, make sure that your employer provides a breathing apparatus or has the space ventilated before entering.

Confined Spaces: What NOT to Do

  • DON’T Ignore the Hazards – Unfortunately, accidents do happen. Just because a confined space is safe one day doesn’t ensure it’s safe the following day. It’s imperative to be aware of the risks involved.
  • DON’T Enter the Space Until It’s Safe – Avoid rushing to complete a job before you can ensure safety. A confined space needs to be marked safe before a worker enters the work area.
  • DON’T Forget about Emergency Arrangements – If someone is working in a confined space, there needs to be a plan in place in order to know if they are safe. And, if they are not safe, how will you get them out of the situation?

Safety is imperative. Many job sites come with dangers or risks to be aware of. Do not take these lightly. Make sure that you are equipped with the proper gear, knowledge and training to complete the job effectively and safely.

If you are a confined space attendant looking for ongoing work opportunities in the United States, view our job board here and apply today! If you are an employer looking for quality safety professionals for your next job, learn more about our process here.

How ResponsAble Serves the Power and Utilities Industry

By

In 2022, the Power and Utilities Industry will continue to forge a path towards cleaner and more reliable energy sources. As in all business, many challenges are ahead for the this specific industry such as: 

  • Boosting Clean Energy 
  • Ensuring Reliability and Resiliency
  • Maintaining Security 
  • Keeping Costs down

One of the first steps to tackle any of these challenges is creating a culture of safety on jobsites for all tradesmen and crew. We thought it would be helpful to answer a few questions individuals may have about this ever advancing industry and how ResponsAble can ensure safety and success all year long. 

Within the power and utilities industry, what are some specific safety needs that are present on jobsites? 

Current needs on job sites are for Safety Technicians to provide safety oversight, observations and recommendations for field work. Field work includes construction projects and maintenance work. The majority of construction and maintenance work includes Transmission and Distribution facilities. The good news is ResponsAble also supports construction and maintenance of Power Generation facilities.

What is required to have a safe job site in the Power & Utilities Industry? 

Many factors go into creating a safe work environment. Here are a few key things to consider:

  • Management support of a safety culture.
  • Experienced field safety oversight of work environments.
  • Appropriate tools, personal protective equipment, PPE, and safe work conditions.
  • A well trained workforce. 

What jobs can ResponsAble supply for the Power and Utilities Industry? 

  • Safety Technicians
  • Safety Managers
  • Observers
  • Inspectors
  • Utility Locators

Do these positions require specific skills, experience, or certifications?

Yes. COSS, CSST, CUSP, OHST are certifications that may be required for various jobs plus 3 – 5 years of relevant work experience is a standard requirement. Occupational hygiene safety technician experience accompanied by an OHST certification is also a common requirement.

What is the future for safety and the Power and Utilities Industry?

Power and Utilities looks to be a promising industry for investment for years to come. Fossil fuels are under pressure to upgrade their infrastructure for environmental compliance.  Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind are emerging market segments. One thing is for sure, when it comes to finding qualified and certified employees for these jobs, ResponsAble is the answer.

How fast can ResponsAble fulfill the demand for safety jobs in the Power and Utilities Industry?

ResponsAble is a leader in sourcing and deploying experienced safety staff for the Power and Utility market. It is ResponsAble’s recruiting process coupled with our large database of pre-qualified staff that keep us as the most effective staffing resource for safety in the Power and Utilities industry.

Why should companies use ResponsAble for their safety staffing needs? 

ResponsAble is the leader in providing experienced safety personnel to industry. It is ResponsAble’s recruiting process coupled with our large database of pre-qualified staff that keep us as the most effective staffing resource for safety personnel.  

ResponsAble is distinct from typical staffing firms in that we specialize in safety-related positions and our entire staff is experienced with what the client needs from the employees we provide.  ResponsAble’s recruiting team is made up of experts in qualifying, assessing and maintaining top quality safety related employees. In addition to our team of recruiters, ResponsAble also employs dedicated project managers to provide point of contact and field coordination for the labor we provide on your job or project.  

ResponsAble Safety Staffing maintains a large pool of qualified safety professionals to support the needs of the Power Utilities Industry. From Safety Managers to Safety Technicians to General Labor, ResponsAble provides the qualified skills for successful and safe power industry jobs.  Our temp to hire solution has proven an effective way to recruit higher-level positions like Safety Managers and Directors.

Learn more here: https://responsablestaffing.com/power-utilities-safety-professionals/

Qualified Turnaround Safety Professionals – The Key to Success

By

Turnaround Safety Professionals

If you have ever staffed safety projects of any kind, then you are fully aware of the safety challenges that come with executing a turnaround. A turnaround of any scale will introduce a totally different dynamic into the workplace and many of the safety challenges accompanying a turnaround are unique. One of those challenges is staffing the turnaround itself.

Hiring Quality Turnaround Safety Professionals

Logistical issues aside, let us consider the human factors and challenges that come with a turnaround. If you choose to do your own staffing, in order to find quality people you would need to:

  • Run the employment ads
  • Staff the job fairs
  • Interview more people because you don’t have a database to pull from
  • Pay for the short-term administrative costs of adding all of the people as employees
  • Pay for the workman’s comp
  • Replace the employees that don’t work out
  • And more…

Not to mention that turnarounds inherently involve a long period of pre-planning. It can take months, even years, in the planning stage to assess every detail associated with a turnaround of any scale. So, how can you find quality safety professionals for your turnaround AND effectively manage the project at the same time? Outsource your turnaround crew from a safety staffing agency, like ResponsAble.

Outsourcing Your Turnaround Safety Staff

Using an outside safety staffing company can ultimately reduce your risk and costs. When you outsource your safety staff with ResponsAble, we will:

  • Give you access to our database of already interviewed and selected candidates.
  • Handle the payroll administration.
  • Provide the workman’s compensation insurance for these employees.
  • Handle any and all communication regarding logistics, hiring and termination.If someone isn’t working out, they will communicate for you, and also replace the position so you do not have an unfilled hole in your team.
  • Take care of all the details that come with the hiring process so you can focus on effectively planning and managing your turnaround.

At ResponsAble, our safety professionals stay consistently employed so they stay sharp in their training and skill level. We don’t supply you with just warm bodies; we have a ready pool of trained and reliable safety personnel that have years of experience.

ResponsAble Safety Staffing provides critical safety-related personnel across a broad range of industries including Oil & Gas, Chemical Processing, Construction, Power, Nuclear, and General Industries. Get connected with a project manager to explore solutions and options for your upcoming project or job. We exist to make things happen for your team. Let’s talk at (225) 753-1909.