Silent and Deadly

Deaths and poisoning from this silent but deadly hazard increase over the winter months as the air turns cold and snow blankets the landscape.  We shut our insulated doors, close our double glazed windows, use our furnaces, heaters and generators. 

            Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless and non-irritating gas formed as a by-product of the incomplete combustion of carbonaceous materials in oxygen, when carbon is in excess.  Carbon monoxide is a commercially import chemical.  It is also formed in many chemical reactions and in the thermal or incomplete decomposition of many organic materials.[i]

            In a report covering 10 years, by the Centers for Disease Control, CO poisoning contributed to an average of 1,091 unintentional deaths and 2,385 suicidal deaths per year in the United States.  In addition, 40,000 emergency room visits were attributed to accident CO poisoning in the U.S.[ii]

            During 2001-2003 the CDC estimates that approximately 480 U.S. residents died from non-fire related carbon monoxide poisoning.    Most deaths occur during the month of December with an annual average of 56 deaths and 2,157 non-fatal exposures.  In January, the average is around 69 deaths and 2,511 non-fatal exposures.[iii]

            Because of its high inherent toxicity and extensive exposure potential, CO has historically been considered not only the most widespread poison known, but also the most significant toxic gas in the workplace.  OSHA has reported that CO is the most common cause of occupational poisoning.[iv]

            Carbon monoxide can be a hazard to us and our families in the home and in the workplace. 

            Occupations involving exposure to carbon monoxide can include personnel that work as police personnel, vehicle operators, taxi drivers, ambulance personnel, bus and truck drivers, mechanics, toll takers, garage attendants to name a few.

            Workers can be exposed when operating gas powered equipment, such as:  pressure washers, concrete cutters, water pumps, air compressors and generators at the worksite and home.  Co is also produced from kerosene space heaters, natural gas cooking units and from propane-powered floor polishers.  Outdoor use of this equipment is not usually hazardous, but in buildings or enclosed spaces, carbon monoxide can quickly build up to dangerous and even deadly amounts. 

            Carbon monoxide poisoning and death have occurred in housing when using indoor fuel-burning cooking and heating appliances that are un-vented, inadequately vented, or improperly functioning due to poor maintenance.

            At low levels of exposure to carbon monoxide can be mistaken for the flu.  People with heart or lung conditions, heavy smokers,  or other health problems can be more sensitive to the effects.  The fetus of a pregnant woman can be adverse affected by carbon monoxide exposures to the mother.  It takes very little carbon monoxide exposure to create problems.

            Some of the symptoms of exposure are:  slight headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, errors in judgment, nausea, dizziness, confusion, collapse and death if exposure is prolonged.

            Massive over exposure can cause permanent damage that is most likely in the nervous system.  These effects can be:  memory loss, increased irritability, impulsiveness, mood changes, violent behavior, verbal aggression, personality changes, learning disabilities, mental deterioration and/or instability when walking.[v]

The following are ways to prevent carbon monoxide exposure at home are:

• Have heating system, water heater, and any other gas, oil-or coal-burning appliance serviced by a qualified technician every year.
• Install a batter-operated CO detector in your home – replace battery in the spring and fall
• If your CO detector sounds, evacuate your home immediately and telephone 911
• Sep prompt medical attention if you suspect CO poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed, or nauseated.
• Do not use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline-or charcoal-burning device inside your home, basement, or garage or near a window.
• Do not run a car or truck inside a garage attached to your house, even if you leave the door open
• Do not burn anything in a stove or fireplace that is not vented
• Do not heat your house with a gas oven[vi]

The following are ways to prevent carbon monoxide exposure at work:

• Do not operate internal combustion engines in an enclosed space or indoors
• Frequent maintenance on propane-powered forklifts to keep emissions low.
• Use electric floor polishers instead of propane powered floor polishers inside buildings
• Extreme caution must be taken in confined spaces such as tanks, manholes, vaults or pipes.
• Internal combustion engines should never be used in a confined space unless there is absolutely no alternative.  In that case, the only protection for workers is supplied air respirators. 
• Welding in confined spaces where carbon dioxide shielding gas is used can generate enough carbon monoxide to reach dangerous levels.  Shielded gas welding should not be done in confined spaces.
• When providing ventilation to confined spaces, locate the fresh air intake away from operating internal combustion engines, or move the engines moved away from ventilation fans.[vii]

If you suspect you, a family member or co-worker is being exposed to carbon monoxide take the following corrective actions:

• Move the affected person to fresh air.  Administer oxygen , if available
• Contact medical help
• If the person is not breathing, perform artificial respiration as taught in CPR training until medical help arrives
• Ventilate the area
• Investigate the source of Carbon Monoxide and make repairs (Seek advice if needed)[viii]

Delta Air Lines ESSC Safety Report

Driving Procedures And First-Aid Kits

by Brian Doyle, Union Safety Specialist, Delta Air Lines
It's been a long hot summer. The Safety Committee would like to thank all of you for the hard work and safe practices. We would like to again stress the driving procedures. Please don't use the t-belts as a cut through, and stay off the inner zipper road unless you business in the bag room.

We have recently posted the dangerous driving call list. Please use the numbers provided to call the vendors when you see someone driving unsafe. Get the truck number, and a description of the driver, to help identify the individual involved.

All First Aid Kits will now be located in the performance leads pickup trucks. We will still try to fill the area kits with the essentials, but please call a performance lead for any injury that needs more than just a "Band Aid". Thanks again for all your help, and together let's make this a safe place.

Whistleblowers.gov offers quick worker access

“OSHA doesn’t work unless workers feel secure in exercising their rights,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA David Michaels. “This Web page is part of OSHA’s promise to stand by those workers who have the courage to come forward when they know their employer is cutting corners on safety and health.” 

Workers who “blow the whistle” on prohibited or unlawful practices in the workplace as well as safety and health discrimination play an important role in assuring compliance with federal laws. OSHA has launched a dedicated Web address for its whistleblower protection program – www.whistleblowers.gov. 

Under Section 11(c) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (the OSH Act), workers may file discrimination complaints with OSHA if they believe their employer has retaliated against them for exercising a broad range of rights protected by the OSH Act. These rights include filing safety or health complaints with OSHA and seeking an OSHA inspection, participating in an OSHA inspection, participating or testifying in any proceeding related to occupational safety or health, or reporting an injury or illness to their employer.   

Workers may also file whistleblower complaints with OSHA if they believe their employer has retaliated against them for engaging in protected activities related to air carrier safety, asbestos in schools, commercial motor carrier safety or security, corporate fraud, environmental, nuclear safety, pipeline safety, public transportation agency, rail safety or security, and several other statutes. For each of the statutes covered by OSHA, the Web page will provide workers with information on timeframes for filing, the complaint investigation process, case settlement, reinstatement, pay back wages, restoration of benefits, and other possible remedies to ensure justice for the worker. 

For more information or assistance you may contact your local union representative or get assistance form the IAM Safety and Health Department

IAM Safety and Health Mission

Over the last few years the Occupational Safety and Health Department has become more proactive to meet the needs of our members. The department continues to react to accidents when they occur as well as respond to pending OSHA inspections and citations when called upon. However, the Executive Council's philosophy, carried out by the department staff, is that through worker education and training, accidents are prevented, lives are saved and workplace safety and health is enhanced.

The Grand Lodge has been involved in federally funded worker training programs since 1991. These programs have trained thousands of our members in chemical awareness, emergency response and general safety processes and regulations. The adult education concept used in our grant-funded programs was so successful and popular with our members that we developed other training programs. These include setting up safety and health commitees, accident investigation, workplace inspection,ergonomics and OSHA Outreach as joint labor and management training programs which we deliver to our locals, districts and employers where we have contracts as well as membership and safety representative training.

To administer these training programs, the IAM Corporation for Re-Employment and Safety Training (IAM CREST) was established as a non-profit corporation. IAM CREST also provides the services of Vocational Rehabilitative Counselors to our members at Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems who have been injured on the job. These professionals directly assist the injured worker in returning to work, with accommodation if necessary.

Legislation as it relates to occupational safety is always of concern to the IAM. We work closely with our Legislative Department, the AFL-CIO, CLC and other North American unions on tracking proposed bills. Our efforts are coordinated to defeat the adverse bills along with providing our support for the progressive efforts being made in behalf of worker safety.

The availability of information through the Internet and various electronic medians is being utilized to better arm our members against unsafe work processes, unhealthy products and illegal practices in the work place. Our goal is to identify the most useful information and have that easily accessible to our representatives and members through the use of new technologies.

Keeping Employees Informed

Employers are responsible for keeping employees informed about OSHA and about the various safety and health matters with which they are involved.

Federal OSHA and States with their own occupational safety and health programs require that each employer post certain materials at a prominent location in the workplace. These include the following:

• Job Safety and Health Protection workplace poster (OSHA 2203 or State equivalent) informing employees of their rights and responsibilities under the Act. Besides displaying the workplace poster, the employer must make available to employees, upon request, copies of the Act and copies of relevant OSHA rules and regulations. Any official edition of the poster is acceptable.
• Summaries of petitions for variances from standards or record keeping procedures.
• Copies of all OSHA citations for violations of standards. These must remain posted at or near the location of alleged violations for three days, or until the violations are corrected, whichever is longer.

All employees have the right to examine any records kept by their employers regarding their exposure to hazardous materials, or the results of medical surveillance.

Occasionally, OSHA standards or NIOSH research activities will require an employer to measure and record employee exposure to potentially harmful substances. Employees have the right (in person or through their authorized representative) to be present during the measuring as well as to examine records of the results.

Under these substance-specific requirements, each employee or former employee has the right to see his or her examination records, and must be told by the employer if exposure has exceeded the levels set by standards. The employee must also be told what corrective measures are being taken.

In addition to having access to records, employees in manufacturing facilities must be provided information about all of the hazardous chemicals in their work areas. Employers are to provide this information by means of labels on containers, material safety data sheets and training programs.

It is in the best interest of all workers and their families to promote workplace health and safety practices on the job. The IAM continues to urge our lawmakers to enact stronger, enforceable laws to protect workers.

OSHA

The IAMAW, along with the other affiliated unions of the AFL-CIO, has historically promoted workplace safety and health laws. The Occupational Safety and Health ACT was enacted in 1970 as a direct result of organized labor’s support and efforts. These laws have helped not only union workers but all the workers who come under the ACT.

Protecting lives and making a healthier workplace is just one of the many benefits provided by the Machinists' Union. The following information is furnished to educate those workers interested in promoting safety in their workplaces.

OSHA Rights Information

You have a right to a safe and healthful workplace.

That's why Congress passed the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, requiring employers to provide workplaces free from serious recognized hazards and to comply with occupational safety and health standards. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) wants every worker to go home whole and healthy every day. The agency was created by Congress to help protect workers by setting and enforcing workplace safety and health standards and by providing safety and health information, training and assistance to workers and employers.

Are you covered by OSHA?

If you work in the private sector, you are covered by an OSHA regional office under federal OSHA or an OSHA program operated by your state government. Public sector workers in states that run their own OSHA programs are covered by those states. Public sector workers are not covered in states under federal OSHA jurisdiction.

State OSHA Programs

The Occupational Safety and Health Act authorizes states to establish their own safety and health programs with OSHA approval. Twenty-three states operate state OSHA programs covering private sector workers as well as state and local government employees. (In addition, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey cover state and local government employees only). State OSHA programs must be at least as effective as the federal program and provide similar protections for workers. Some states set their own standards; others adopt federal rules. All state programs conduct inspections and respond to worker complaints. All states also provide other safety and health services, such as on-site consultation for small businesses.

Federal Employees

Federal workers are covered by their agencies. By Presidential Executive Order, federal agencies must maintain an effective safety and health program that meets the same standard as private employers. But federal agencies cannot be fined for violating health and safety standards, except for the U.S. Postal Service, which now falls directly under OSHA's jurisdiction and is treated as a private employer.

What are your rights under OSHA?

The OSH Act grants workers important rights. Workers have a vital role to play in identifying and correcting problems in their workplaces, working with their employers whenever possible. Often, employers will promptly correct hazardous conditions called to their attention. But workers also can complain to OSHA about workplace conditions threatening their health or safety. They can file complaints   in person, by telephone, by fax, by mail or electronically through this website.

What are workers' responsibilities?

OSHA requires workers to comply with all safety and health standards that apply to their actions on the job. Employees should:

• Read the OSHA poster.
• Follow the employer's safety and health rules and wear or use all required gear and equipment.
• Follow safe work practices for your job, as directed by your employer.
• Report hazardous conditions to a supervisor or safety committee.
• Report hazardous conditions to OSHA, if employers do not fix them.

What are employer's responsibilities?

The Occupational Safety and Health Act requires employers to provide a safe and healthful workplace free of recognized hazards and to follow OSHA standards. Employer's responsibilities   also include providing training, medical examinations and recordkeeping.

What is an OSHA standard?

OSHA issues standards or rules to protect workers against many hazards on the job. These standards limit the amount of hazardous chemicals workers can be exposed to, require the use of certain safety practices and equipment, and require employers to monitor hazards and maintain records of workplace injuries and illnesses. Employers can be cited and fined if they do not comply with OSHA standards. It is also possible for an employer to be cited under  OSHA's General Duty Clause, which requires employers to keep their workplaces free of serious recognized hazards. This clause is generally cited when no OSHA standard applies to the hazard.

What can you do if you think your workplace is unsafe?

If you believe working conditions are unsafe or unhealthy, we recommend that you bring the conditions to your employer's attention, if possible. Your employer may want to contact OSHA or your state consultation service  in order to gather information about how to improve working conditions.

You may file a complaint with OSHA concerning a hazardous working condition at any time. However, you should not leave the worksite merely because you have filed a complaint. If the condition clearly presents a risk of death or serious physical harm, there is not sufficient time for OSHA to inspect, and, where possible, you have brought the condition to the attention of your employer, you may have a legal right to refuse to work in a situation in which you would be exposed to the hazard.

You may file a complaint with OSHA if you believe there may be a violation of an OSHA standard or a serious safety or health hazard at work. You may request that your name not be revealed to your employer. You can file a complaint on this web site, in writing or by telephone to the nearest OSHA area office. You may also call the office and speak with an OSHA compliance officer about a hazard, violation, or the process for filing a complaint.

Since 1970, workplace fatalities have been reduced by half. Occupational injury and illness rates have been declining for the past six years, dropping in 1998 to the lowest level on record. But there is much more to do. Nearly 50 American workers are injured every minute of the 40-hour work week and almost 17 die each day. Federal and state OSHA programs have only about 2,500 inspectors to cover 100 million workers at six million worksites. Workers must play an active role in spotting workplace hazards and asking their employers to correct them.

Can you be punished or discriminated against for exercising your rights?

The OSH Act and other laws protect workers who complain to their employer, union, OSHA or other government agencies about unsafe or unhealthy conditions in the workplace or environmental problems. You cannot be transferred, denied a raise, have your hours reduced, be fired, or punished in any other way because you have exercised any right afforded to you under the OSH Act. Help is available from OSHA for whistleblowers. But, complaints about discrimination must be filed as soon as possible–within 30 days of the alleged reprisal for most complaints.

Has your employer ever been inspected by OSHA?

You can research your employer's inspection history through OSHA's Establishment Search. Type in the name of your company and choose the dates you want to cover.

What is the most commonly cited hazard in your industry?

You'll need to know your employer's Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Code. Once you know your four-digit code, visit OSHA's Frequently Cited OSHA Standards  page, enter your SIC code and view the information for last year.

Does OSHA provide technical information on hazards?

OSHA provides technical information to assist workers, employers, and safety and health professionals in reducing occupational injuries and illnesses. Find information on blood borne pathogens, machine guarding, ergonomics or fall protection, for example.

What materials does OSHA have of interest to workers?

OSHA publishes a variety of publications on a range of subjects. The agency also offers free software advisors  to help employers comply with OSHA standards. Some of the most useful publications for workers are listed below. See OSHA Publications  for a complete listing of agency printed materials or to order publications online.

All About OSHA
Chemical Hazard Communication 
Employee Workplace Rights 
Guidelines For Preventing Workplace Violence For Health Care and Social Service Workers
Hearing Conservation
Heat Stress Card
English / Spanish 
How To Prepare For Workplace Emergencies
Job Safety & Health Protection Poster 
OSHA Fact Sheets
OSHA Inspections
Personal Protective Equipment 
Recommendations for Workplace Violence Prevention Programs in Late-Night Retail Establishments

What other rights do workers have?

Other federal agencies protect worker's rights also. Visit the websites at the National Labor Relations Board, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor, or the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission to learn more about other protections for workers.

Chemical Safety and HAZMAT

It is the goal of the IAM&AW and the IAM Safety and Health Department to provide members, representatives and all workers with accurate up-to-date information. We believe all workers are entitled to a safe and healthy workplace. Without access to the latest information, workers and their families could be at risk to injury and chemical exposure. Making this information available on our web page is just one way the IAMAW is working toward this goal. More information may be available through your District or Local Lodge representative.

Please note that addresses on the internet change frequently. Try the indexes, if they change or are no longer active, please notify the IAMAW Safety and Health Department at (301) 967-4704 or e-mail to jabshire@iamaw.org 

The following are web sites relating to Occupational Safety and Health. The IAM&AW Safety and Health Department has found these to be helpful in research. These may also assist you in obtaining and providing valuable information to members in workplace safety.

Chemical Information and HAZMAT links

Chemical Information	Ergonomics
Health Organizations	Labor Information
Legal	University Labor Occupational Health Programs
U.S. Government Departments and Agencies	Air Transportation Safety Links
Workers Compensation	Canada
Miscellaneous	International
Committees for Occupational Safety and Health Groups (COSH)	Spanish Language Resources

 

 

 

Last Updated: September 19, 2009

Chemical Information

Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry
Environmental Protection Agency Safe Drinking Water
Canadian Centre for Occupational Safety and Health
Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board
Cornell University MSDS
MSDS Xchange
MSDS-Search
New Jersey Hazardous Substance Fact Sheets
NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Operation Safe Site an online booklet on
Personal Protective Equipment
Right To Know Network
Society of Toxicology
Vermont MSDS Collection
Environmental Defense Fund's Chemical "Scorecard"
Environmental Health Center/National Safety Council
Chemical Substance Data & Fact Sheets
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

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Ergonomics

Ergoweb (information on ergonomics)
RSI Information-England

 

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Health Organizations

American Industrial Hygiene Association
American Society of Safety Engineers
Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics
Canadian Centre for Occupational
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC
National Safety Council
NIOSH - National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
The Ramazzini Institute for Occupational and
Environmental Health Research
Society for Women's Health Research
University of California San Diego
Women's Health Issues
World Health Organization

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Labor Information

National AFL-CIO
Canadian Labour CongressCenter to Protect Workers'' Rights
UAW
USWA
Laborstart
National Labor College

 

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Legal

American Civil Liberties Union
Legal Information Institute

 

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University Labor Occupational Health Programs

University of California Berkeley
University California Los Angeles

 

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U.S. Government Departments and Agencies

Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry
Access to 120 government agencies
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC
Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board
Code of Federal Regulations or From OSHA's Home Page Standards
DOE Worker Health and Safety Site
EEOC/ADA
Environmental Protection Agency
Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Federal Register
Federal OSHA
Maritime Safety
Shipyard Employment eTool
Mine Safety Administration
National Institute of Health
NIOSH - National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
National Labor Relations Board
Nuclear Regulatory Agency
National Toxicology Program Center
NSSN A National Resource for Global Standards
OSHA Home Page
OSHA Regulations and Compliance Links
OSHA Logging Advisor
OSHA Statistics and Data
State and Local Governments
U.S. Department of Labor
U.S. Department of Labor-Bureau of Labor Statistics
BLS Case and Demograhics Data
U.S. DOL Women''s Bureau
U.S. Department of Energy - Office of Environmental Safety and Health
U.S. National Library of Medicine
OSH Net

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Air Transportation Safety Links

GSE Today information service for
aviation ground support industry
Australasian Aviation Ground Safety Council

 

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Workers Compensation

Workers Compensation Addresses (Yahoo Search)

 

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Canadian Safety and Health Links
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) - Provincial and Territorial Governments
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS)
E-news from Canada's National Occupational Safety and Health Resource
http://www.ccohs.ca/newsletters/hsreport/issues/2009/03/ezine.html

Alberta: Alberta Department of Human Resources and Employment

British Columbia: Workers' Compensation Board of British Columbia 

Manitoba: Manitoba Labour and Immigration 

New Brunswick: Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission 

Newfoundland and Labrador: Occupational Health and Safety Department 

Northwest Territories and Nunavut: Workers' Compensation Board 

Nova Scotia: Department of Environment and Labour 

Ontario:
Ontario Ministry of Labour
Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board
Office of the Worker Advisor

Prince Edward Island
Workers' Compensation Board 

Quebec
Commission de la sante st de la securite du travail du Quebec (french only)

Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan Department of Labour 

Yukon
Yukon Workers' Compensation Health and Safety Board

CCOSH Canadian Center for Occupational Safety and Health

Canada's National Occupational Health and Safety Site

Canadian Standards Association www.CSA.CA

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Miscellaneous
American National Standards (ANSI)
American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and
Air Conditioning Engineer (ASHRAE)
Consumer Product Safety Commission
CorporateWatch
Firenet
National Fire Protection Association
National Safety Council
National Technical Information Sys.
Safety Research and Related Resource Information

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International
International Labor Organization
European Agency for Safety and Health at Work

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Committees for Occupational Safety and Health Groups (COSH)
Canosh
National COSH Network
New York COSH
Ohio COSH
Chicago CASOSH
Wisconsin WISCOSH

National COSH Network
National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health
Occpational Safety and Health Administration - OSHA

 

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Spanish Language Resources
National COSH Network
National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health
Occpational Safety and Health Administration - OSHA