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Working Safely with Solvents
Source:
State Compensation Insurance Fund
 Solvents are so common in many work places that workers
forget how dangerous they are. Although solvents can be used
safely, health problems can result from skin contact with solvents or
from inhalation of their vapors. In addition to the health hazards,
many solvent vapors are flammable and explosive.
One of the most common
health hazards associated with exposure to solvents is dermatitis.
Contact dermatitis can develop from a single or from multiple
exposures. It can leave the skin susceptible to a short-term
infection or to a chronic condition. Exposure can also result in
sensitization to the solvent, which is a delayed allergic reaction
that often becomes more severe with subsequent exposures
One big danger with solvents is that they can cause trouble before
you realize what's happening. Depending on the type and concentration
of the solvent, exposure effects can range from mild respiratory
irritation to severe damage to body organs and systems. In extreme
cases, overexposure to solvent vapors can cause respiratory failure
and death.
When working with solvents, it's important to know what solvents are
being used and what steps should be taken to protect against harmful
or dangerous exposures. To optimize safety follow these suggestions:
- Know what solvents you're working with.
- Read the labels and the material safety data sheets of the
solvents. They list the hazards, health effects, and safe
handling procedures.
- Make sure the workspace is properly ventilated.
- Use recommended gloves, eye and face protection, boots, other
protective clothing, or barrier creams as required.
- If respiratory equipment is used, make sure it gives appropriate
protection for the exposure.
- Take care when pouring solvents from one container to another,
as fire or explosions can occur from static electricity
buildup.
- Clean up solvent spills promptly.
- Never wash your hands with solvents.
- Prohibit welding, cutting, soldering, and other sources of ignition
in areas where solvents are used.
- Store flammable solvents in well-ventilated areas constructed of
fire-resistant materials.
- Ground and bond all tanks and equipment for storage.
- Install readily accessible fire extinguishers in storage and work
areas.
As with other toxic substances in the workplace, the preferred
methods of hazard control are substitution of a less toxic substance
in an operation, local exhaust ventilation, and enclosure.
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Moving at the
Speed
of Safety By Judy Kerry, SCIF
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Moving vehicles and
equipment cause many injuries and fatalities in construction. Moving
equipment of any kind can be dangerous, including portable staging,
scaffolding, work platforms, hoists, cranes and dozers. But sometimes
machinery is essential to a job. Machine operators do their best to
keep from running into or over workers, but with all the activity and
noise at a construction site, an operator may not see a worker in the
line of danger.
All vehicle or equipment operators should be trained and competent.
Operators should arrive at a construction site prepared for a safe
day by getting enough rest and taking occasional breaks during the
day to reduce fatigue. Machine operation should be limited or
avoided if operators feel ill or take medication that may affect
their level of alertness.
Click here to read the entire
article and to learn more about equipment safety.
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Use Caution Near Overhead
Power Lines
Source:
State Compensation Insurance Fund
Each year construction workers are killed or disabled after accidentally
coming into contact with high voltage overhead power lines. It's
important for the safety and life of everyone who works around these
power lines, especially if operating machinery with cranes or booms,
to be fully aware of their electrocution hazards.
There are steps that employers and site supervisors can take to
optimize worker safety when working around overhead power lines.
First, train all workers to recognize the hazards associated with
power lines. Then, insure workers comply with OSHA regulations that
apply to their work situation.
Click here to read
the entire article and see more tips on how to ensure workers safety
around overhead power lines.
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Looking for information on the NECA West Package Insurance program?
If new to the program, please contact your Preferred Broker.
If renewing with the program through your existing agent, have your
agent contact:
NECA West
Package Program
Betsy Moore
WC Underwriting
General Agency
Services, Inc
(989)953-7421
bmoore@gasinsurance.net
Looking for information on Workers' Comp Insurance?
To apply for the
NECA West Workers' Compensation ADR program you may request a quote
from BOTH the
NECA West Captive
ADR program and the
NECA West State Fund
ADR program.
If new to the program, please contact your Preferred Broker.
If renewing with the program through your existing agent,
have your agent contact:
NECA West
Captive ADR Program
Betsy Moore
WC Underwriting
General Agency
Services, Inc
(989)953-7421
bmoore@gasinsurance.net
NECA West State Fund
ADR Program
Susan Venegas
WC Underwriting
(866)383-6920
svenegas@scif.com
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Objectives & Benefits of NECA ADR
Objectives
- Reduce Workers'
Comp claim costs
- Reduce employer costs
- Improve benefit delivery
- Promote safety
- Promote labor-
management cooperation
- Create more jobs for
union members
Benefits
- Reduce loss costs
- Reduced litigation
- Shorter claim cycle
times
- Better medical care
- Faster return to work
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