Spring 2005       

 

 

 

NEWSLETTER

 

 

Safety Professionals

Helping You Manage an Effective Loss Control Program

State Fund's Safety Professionals will assist you in analyzing the hazards and needs of your company and help you develop, implement, and promote an effective loss control program. Some available services include:

·              Safety Surveys - analysis of accident history and inspections for current hazards.

·              CAL-OSHA Counseling - interpretation of safety rules and regulations.

·              Loss Analysis Reports - summary of your workplace accidents and their costs.

·              Ergonomics Services - to address costly cumulative trauma disorders and strains/sprains. (Written reports of findings with possible recommended control measures are provided.)

·              Back Program - analysis of specific work activities to limit back injuries and reduce their associated costs.

Some services are subject to qualifying criteria. Contact your local State Fund office for more information.

Certified Safety Professionals

State Fund has a large number of Certified Safety Professionals (CSPs) on staff. The CSP is awarded to safety professionals by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals.
CSPs have the following qualifications:

·              A bachelor's degree in safety from an accredited safety program, or equivalent experience, or a combination of experience and education.

·              A minimum of 4 years of professional safety experience.

·              Successful completion of 2 full days of written examinations.

·              Required ongoing professional education and experience.

Reminder-  California's Ergonomics Standard

California is the first state in the nation to have a legally enforceable repetitive motion injury standard, which can be found in Title 8, California Code of Regulations (CCRs), Section 5110. The standard became effective July 3, 1997.

Text of the California Ergonomics Standard, §5110

 

Subchapter 7. General Industry Safety Orders
Group 15. Occupational Noise
Article 106. Ergonomics

§5110. Repetitive Motion Injuries.

(a) Scope and application. This section shall apply to a job, process, operation where a repetitive motion injury (RMI) has occurred to more than one employee under the following conditions:
      (1) Work related causation. The repetitive motion injuries (RMIs) were predominantly caused (i.e. 50% or more) by a repetitive job, process, or operation;
      (2) Relationship between RMIs at the workplace. The employees incurring the RMIs were performing a job process, or operation of identical work activity. Identical work activity means that the employees were performing the same repetitive motion task, such as but not limited to word processing, assembly or, loading;
      (3) Medical requirements. The RMIs were musculoskeletal injuries that a licensed physician objectively identified and diagnosed; and
      (4) Time requirements. The RMIs were reported by the employees to the employer in the last 12 months, but not before July 3, 1997.

 (b) Program designed to minimize RMIs. Every employer subject to this section shall establish and implement a program designed to minimize RMIs. The program shall include a worksite evaluation, control of exposures which have caused RMIs, and training of employees.
      (1) Worksite evaluation. Each job, process, or operation of identical work activity covered by this section or a representative number of such jobs, processes, or operations of identical work activities shall be evaluated for exposures which have caused RMIs.
      (2) Control of exposures which have caused RMIs. Any exposures that have caused RMIs shall, in a timely manner, be corrected or if not capable of being corrected have the exposures minimized to the extent feasible. The employer shall consider engineering controls, such as workstation redesign, adjustable fixtures or tool redesign, and administrative controls, such as job rotation, work pacing or work breaks.

      (3) Training. Employees shall be provided training that includes an explanation of:
            (A) The employer's program;
            (B) The exposures which have been associated with RMIs;
            (C) The symptoms and consequences of injuries caused by repetitive motion;
            (D) The importance of reporting symptoms and injuries to the employer; and,
            (E) Methods used by the employer to minimize RMIs.

(c) Satisfaction of an employer's obligation. Measures implemented by an employer under subsection (b)(1), (b)(2), or (b)(3) shall satisfy the employer's obligations under that respective subsection, unless it is shown that a measure known to but not taken by the employer is substantially certain to cause a greater reduction in such injuries and that this alternative measure would not impose additional unreasonable costs.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 142.3 and 6357. Labor Code. Reference: Sections 142.3 and 6357.

The above information is provided by the Department of Industrial Relations from its Web site at www.dir.ca.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.       What does "within the last 12-months" mean?
The phrase "within the last 12-months" does not refer to a calendar or fiscal year, but rather, 12 consecutive months from the date of the reported injury. If an employee reports an RMI on April 1st, the 12 months following would be considered a reporting period. If a second employee performing similar work also reports an RMI between April 1st of that year and March 31st of the next year, the standard is triggered. If a second claim within that year should occur in a separate department where the work activities are different, a new 12-month period begins, making it critical to prevent further injuries before the standard is triggered.

2.       What does the term "representative number" mean?
The regulation does not define the term "representative number" so therefore it is a subjective determination. "A representative number" will vary depending on the variety of furniture, equipment, processes, and tasks within the workplace. For example, in a large office area with fifty customer service reps, where the furniture, chairs, computer systems, and tasks are similar, a sampling can often effectively identify problem areas. In contrast, in a smaller office that has diverse jobs such as accounting, order taking, payroll, etc., where employees are using a variety of furniture, chairs, and computer systems, a prudent employer may want to consider looking at each individual’s workstation or work area.

3.       Does my program have to be written?
Although the standard does not require the ergonomics program to be in writing, it is more likely to be effective if it is, and made part of the company Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), Title 8, CCR, Section 3203.

 

4.       What does "controlling the hazard" mean?
Once the hazard has been identified, the employer must either eliminate it or minimize the exposure through either engineering or administrative controls. Engineering controls are defined as the physical modifications or redesigning jobs, work stations, and tools. While this may require an initial capital outlay, it is the most effective and preferred method of risk control. Administrative controls are methods that focus on limiting exposure. Examples include job rotation, job enlargement, rest breaks, adjustment of work pacing, redesign of work methods, alternate work, worker training, and system flow improvements.

5.       Who is trained, who does the training, and are there qualifications for a trainer?
Training is required once the standard has been triggered. The training shall include the five elements listed in the standard. The standard does not specifically state who the trainer shall be or what qualifications a trainer must have. The standard also does not define who the "employees" are that should be trained. It is inferred that only those employees in the area that triggered the standard must be trained. The prudent employer should include all levels of personnel including managers and supervisors responsible for that area.

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The information herein is for reference only and State Fund does not warranty its accuracy or fitness for a particular purpose. Any products, references, or links to Web sites are not an endorsement by State Fund or its employees, but serve only as examples to assist you with your workplace design changes. State Fund cannot be held liable or accountable for content on linked Web sites.

Bungee Cords - More Than Meets The Eye

They’re a common, everyday device, inexpensive and easy to use. They’re used in businesses, homes, and leisure activities, but they possess an inherent danger, one that has caused injury, and in some cases, permanent vision loss. What is this seemingly harmless device with a potential to cause lasting damage in the blink of an eye? It’s a bungee cord!

Bungee cords are made of elastic material with metal J-shaped or S-shaped hooks on each end. They’re used to tie down or secure equipment, restrain cargo, act as barriers, hold items in place, and can be conveniently locked or fastened to another structure. Bungee cord use is particularly attractive since the hooks are versatile connectors that can be easily applied with one hand. The usefulness of bungee cords is well known, but their potential for injury is not.

One of the characteristics of a bungee cord is its stored energy which can be suddenly released. The heavy elastic cords from which bungees are made contain tremendous force when they recoil, particularly when they’re stretched beyond their recommended limits. This sudden release of stored energy results in a high speed flailing hazard when:

·              the hook pulls out of the user’s hand as it’s being stretched into place

·              the hook disengages from the attachment point

·              the attachment structure fails

·              the hook straightens out

·              the cord breaks

·              the hook detaches from the cord

In each of these situations, the free end of the bungee cord can recoil at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour and produce significant injury or damage upon impact. The American Medical Association has called for warning labels to be placed on bungee cords, including information about the deterioration of the cords, which can cause them to snap unexpectedly. Cracks in the cords significantly increase the failure risks of the bungee.

The majority of bungee cord accidents involve the eye and are becoming an increasingly common cause of both severe and penetrating eye injuries. In one hospital study, more than half the patients seen in the emergency room for bungee cord-sustained eye injuries required hospitalization for treatment of their injury. Injuries included bleeding within the eye, lacerations to the eye, traumatic cataracts, and tearing or detachment of the retina from the back of the eye. Most victims with damaged eyes had a mild-to-serious loss of vision, some had no useful vision, and some had injuries that were so severe that their eye had to be surgically removed.

How can bungee cord injuries be prevented? Eye doctors who treat people with eye injuries recommend replacing bungee cords with less volatile devices. Possible alternatives to secure equipment are ropes, buckled nylon bands or industrial plastic shrink-wrap. If bungee cord replacement is not possible, then employers should INSIST that their workers use appropriate, certified face or eye protection, even for the few seconds it may take to attach a bungee cord.

 

If workers will be allowed to use bungee cords in the course of their job, they should first receive instruction in the safe use, and the consequences of misuse, of bungee cords. They should be trained to use bungees with caution, including:

·              using extreme caution when stretching the cord over a load

·              securing hook ends carefully

·              never extending the cord beyond its capacity of length or load

·              keeping the face and other vulnerable body parts away from the cord's rebound path

·              never using bungee cords to hold a surface which reacts to wind or air movement

Bungee cord safety procedures should be strictly enforced or, in the blink of an eye, an individual could loose an eye. If a bungee cord accident does results in an eye injury, make sure the victim is seen by an eye care specialist or medical professional.

"Information or recommendations contained in these articles 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."

The above evaluations and/or recommendations are for general guidance only and should not be relied upon for legal compliance purposes. They are based solely on the information provided to us and relate only to those conditions specifically discussed. We do not make any warranty, expressed or implied, that your workplace is safe or healthful or that it complies with all laws, regulations or standards.

Required Employer Responsibilities

California law requires that:

“Every employer…shall post and keep posted in a conspicuous location frequented by employees and where (it) may be easily read by employees during the hours of the workday, a notice which shall state the name of (the) current compensation insurance carrier…”

The notice must also contain information regarding employee rights and responsibilities and must”…be posted in both English and Spanish where there are Spanish-speaking employees.”

Additionally, the law requires employers to provide a form on which employees may indicate the name of their personal physician or personal chiropractor.  The form must be provided to new hires either at the time the employee is hired or by the end of the first pay period.

If you would like free copies, in English or Spanish, of the required posting notice, the brochure explaining an employee’s workers’ compensation rights or the physician predesignation form, call State Fund’s toll-free customer service number at 1-877-405-4545.

Reporting Work-Related Injuries

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.

* Some or all articles were reprinted by permission from State Compensation Insurance Fund.