Hazards in the Wastewater Treatment IndustryYour job in wastewater treatment is

im rm water e the water on and la is not wi er plants nt tanks, and chemicals to clean the water.

Slips, trips, and falls are the primary hazard. Practice good housekeeping by sweeping up or squeegeeing water puddles. Areas more prone to puddling should be marked. Leaks should be repaired quickly. Wear shoes that have a non-slip sole.

Confined spaces are a serious concern at water treatment facilities. Exposure to a low–oxygen environment or high levels of hydrogen sulfide, methane gas, or ammonia can cause serious illness or death. Survey the areas for explosion potential from flammable gas and water engulfment in times such as heavy rain and flooding. Survey the entire facility for areas with limited egress. Use proper confined space procedures, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and ambient air and personal monitoring to ensure your safety.

Engulfment and drowning in treatment tanks are risks at the plants. Add guard rails around all open sources of water. Keep rescue equipment such as floats and hooks close. If you will be doing work at a height over an unguarded tank, consider fall protection gear and keep a coworker nearby to monitor you. When you lift grates over waterways and tanks for access,

cordon off the area and place hazard warning signs to prevent accidental falls.

Moving parts such as screens, belt presses, and conveyors can cause caught/crush hazards if you place a hand, arm, or foot too near the moving part. Guard all moving machinery. Operating this equipment in a wet environment requires maintenance and repair work, so use safe work practices. Electrical safety is vital when working in a wet environment. Follow lockout/blockout procedures to guard against accidental equipment startup while you are working on it.

Use Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to understand the properties, exposure limits, PPE, and emergency actions for your treatment chemicals. Wear gloves and wash your hands frequently. Decontaminate your clothing or change before you go home from work. Speak to your doctor and consider vaccinations for diphtheria and tetanus (Td), Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B as these will immunize you against some of the hazards that you may encounter.

Plants usually operate continuously, so shift work and emergency work are typical. Working long hours wearing PPE can be tiring. Make sure to get the rest you need to help you stay in good mental and physical health.

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PDermatitis

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Reporting Work–Related Injuries

Issue One 2012

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 P U B L I C A G E N C I E S

In This Issue

Feature ArticlesHazards in the Wastewater

reatment Industry

MT Safety–First n the Scene

id You Know?

he Trouble withrendy Diets

rom Our Expert

reventing Contact

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portant work; treating sewer and sto remove impurities and then releaso rivers, oceans, or recycled irrigatiscaping networks. However the jobout hazards. Operators in wastewate mechanical equipment, treatme

tointndth us

“If you suspect waste is hazardous, do not pick it up

or disturb it.”

Safety NewsSafety NewsMaking California Workplaces SaferMaking California Workplaces Safer

Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) work as a part of fire departments, ulance services, and medical facilitieamb s.

EMTs handle medical transports and respond to emergencies such as fires, accidents, traumas, and psychiatric/drug crises. The urgency and variety of tasks executed under extreme circumstances require that EMTs work deliberately and safely.

Driving to an emergency can be your most dangerous job task. Dedicate one person to drive and other personnel to handle patientneeds. Wear your seatbelt and practice defensive driving by scanning the road ahead for the unexpected.

Wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to guard yourself while helping others. Wear long sleeves and pantsto protect your skin, and gloves to protect

your hands. Safety goggles and a face shield prevent the splash of blood to the eyes, nose or mouth. Cover open wounds and sores while at work. Wash your hands

frequently and before you eat, drink or smoke. Decontaminate work surfaces and tools after each response and/or transport.

Providing basic and advanced life support services exposes you to patient risks such as blood and bodily fluids; bloodborne diseases such as Hepatitis B or, HIV. If you are exposed, flush the area, report the incident to your supervisor, and get medical treatment immediately.

Extricating and accessing patients in emergency situations is strenuous work that takes planning and preparation to avoid sustaining a strain or sprain injury. Use backboards, team-lifting techniques, and mechanical lift equipment when

available. Keep the supply kit close to you to avoid twisting between medical supplies and the patient.

Working long and irregular hours, and witnessing life and death situations and human suffering can take a toll mentally. In addition, potential violence from psychiatric, criminal, and drugged patients may add to the stress. Wearing heavy safety equipment can also take a physical toll. Prepare your body and mind for this work by maintaining a healthy lifestyle with proper rest, diet, and exercise. Schedule sleep and nap periods around your shifts. Get counseling for ongoing stress and after large-scale or difficult responses.

Medical emergencies call for quick action, but take the time to size up the situation before you respond. Look for and remove hazards before you respond. Do not enter an area without the proper safety equipment. Failure to heed your own safety may prevent you from providing life-saving support to the patient.

EMT Safety–First On the Scene

Did You Know?

The Trouble with Trendy DietsEvery day it seems a new diet fad

becomes the rage.

se trendy diets often place an emphasisThe oy y h

The key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle is balance—from the foods you eat, to the beverages you consume and your amount of daily physical activity.

For health conscious eating, consider including a variety of nutritional foods that include:

• Fruitsandvegetables

• Wholegrains

• Lowfatorfatfreemilkproducts

• Leanmeatssuchaspoultryandfish

• Beans,eggsandnuts

• Foodslowinsaturatedfats,trans-fats,cholesterol,salt,andaddedsugars

The amount of physical activity needed varies from person to person. Here are some general guidelines:

To maintain weight: Work your way up to 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, or an equivalent mix of the two each week.

To lose weight: A high amount of physical activity is necessary unless you adjust your diet and reduce the amount of calories you’re eating and drinking. The total number of calories burned varies depending on your age, gender, height, weight, and level of physical activity. For estimated

calorie needs, refer to table 2–3 from the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans:

http://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2010/DietaryGuidelines2010.pdf

Keeping fit involves healthy eating coupled with regular physical activity.

For more information, refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/index.html

Safety NewsSafety NewsS 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 O n e 2 0 1 2

n certain food types and as a result limit our nutritional intake. Not to mention theave a tendency to fail over the long term.

Contact dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin, and a common occupational disease that affects workers across

a wide range of occupations and industries. Cases of contact dermatitis can vary from mild to severe and result in lost time or even disability. Symptoms may include:

• Itching

• Pain

• Redness

• Swelling

• Blistering

• Dry,flakingandcrackingskin

From Our ExpertPreventing Contact Dermatitis

Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) is the result of contact with substances irritating to the skin. Particularly irritating substances may have an immediate effect. Other substances may have an effect only after repeated or prolonged exposures. ICD can result from exposure to chemicals, weak cleaning agents, detergents, and even water.

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) occurs when a sensitized individual has dermal contact with a skin allergen. A worker may not be allergic to the substance initially, but over time, repeated exposures can cause sensitization. Once sensitized, even a small exposure can cause a reaction.

Contact dermatitis can result from immersing hands in chemicals, splashes to the skin, touching contaminated surfaces or rags, and skin contact with mists or dusts. Contact with certain plants, food substances, and woods can cause dermatitis.

Identifying a problem is the first step towards prevention. Employers should conduct a job hazard analysis and review Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to determine where skin contact with potentially irritating and sensitizing agents may occur. Once a hazard is identified, control measures need to be implemented.

Eliminating contact with skin damaging agents is the most effective way to prevent contact dermatitis. Whenever possible, use less hazardous substances, make changes to a process or procedure to eliminate or minimize contact, and implement engineering controls, such as ventilation.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may be necessary. PPE may include gloves and other protective clothing, safety glasses or goggles, and face shields. Be sure to select the proper PPE. Gloves, for example, must be resistant to the substance(s) of concern and not introduce a hazard themselves. Some chemicals used in glove manufacturing can cause ACD, and latex glove use can result in latex allergy. Gloves are available that reduce these risks.

As part of an employer’s Hazard Communication Program, employees must be trained in the dermal hazards of the substances they work with and steps the employer has implemented to protect workers. Employees must also be trained in the proper use and care of PPE.

Employees experiencing symptoms of occupational dermatitis should inform their employer and seek the advice of a medical professional. For a list of some occupations at risk and substances that can cause ICD and ACD, visit http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/diseases/.

Beth Mohr, Ph.D., CIH is a Certified Industrial Hygienist at State Fund.

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Topic Review

Waste Worker SafetyWorkers in the refuse and recycling

industries work hard to keep our homes and streets clear of the debris created from every day living. These workerup the garbage for disposal, green waste for composting, and “blue stream” waste for recycle and reuse. While the industry has more automated equipment in use than ever before, the hazards such as ergonomic injuries, hazardous wastes, and vehicle

s pick

accidents remain.

Get driver safety and defensive driving training to protect yourself on the road. Refuse and recycle workers are listed in the top ten most hazardous occupations because they are often struck by vehicles, impatient to pass a slow moving waste truck, or because workers fall underneath their own moving trucks. The safest way to ride in a waste truck is to be seat–belted into the cab.

Stand on the dedicated riding platforms and grip the hand holds firmly if it is necessary to ride on the waste truck. Never lean out from the vehicle and stay in the truck until it comes to a complete stop. Do not ride the vehicle if it is backing, exceeds 10 miles per hour, or travels more than 1000 feet. Never ride on a truck loading sill or in its hoppers. Ideally, waste trucks with a foot crew should

have back-up beepers, plenty of mirrors, and technology such as cameras, sensors, or two-way radios to promote communication and visibility between the driver and the workers on foot.

Wear the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the jobsite and tasks. Also, wearing highly visible clothing makes you more noticeable to coworkers and other drivers so you are less likely to be struck by a vehicle. Safety footwear with wide cleats and a slip-resistant sole prevents you from falling off of riding platforms and slipping underneath a moving vehicle. Sturdy work gloves protect your hands from the materials you handle.

Chemical safety training is also necessary to help understand the dangers of the materials you come across in your day-to-day duties. Wastes such as explosives, chemicals, aerosol cans, and compressed gas tanks can be hazardous when they are disturbed, mixed, punctured, or compressed. If you suspect waste is hazardous, do not pick it up or disturb it.

Sharp waste includes hypodermic needles, broken glass, and metal shards. Report medical waste that has improperly entered the waste stream and ensure that it gets correct pickup and handling. Never tamp garbage down with your feet or your hands to avoid cuts, scrapes, and puncture wounds.

Protect your back and muscles at work. Lift with your legs and NOT your back. Maintain neutral postures by keeping your back straight, your head forward, and your arms and legs close to your body. Avoid awkward postures and know your lifting limits. Take a short rest break every 20–30 minutes and rotate tasks throughout the day to avoid repetition and overuse injuries.

Reporting Work–Related Injuries

Instructor ___

ate _______

ocation ____

ttended by

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State Fund’s Customer Service Center 888-STATEFUND (888-782-8338) is available Agents will do the necessary paperwork to get the claim started and refer the inju

24 hours a day, 7 days a week for policyholders to report injuries as soon as they occur. red worker to the designated physician or provider.

Within eight hours of any serious illness or injury (requiring hospitalization over 24 hours, other than for medical observation or where there is permanent employee must report the incident to the Division of Occupational Safety and Health. disfiguration) or death occurring in the workplace or in connection with employment, employers

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Los trabajadores de los sectores de recolección de basura y reciclaje trabajan

arduamente para ayudarnos a mantener nuestras viviendas y calles sin los desperdicios creados en el curso de la vida cotidiana. Estos trabajadores recogen la basura para su eliminación, los desechos del jardín para el compostaje, y los desechos “Blue Stream” para reciclaje y reutilización. No obstante que ahora el sector cuenta con más equipo automatizado

nunca antes, los riesgos taque les como lesiones ergonómicas, desechos peligrosos y los accidentes de vehículos aún están presentes.

Obtenga capacitación en seguridad del conductor y en manejo defensivo para protegerse en el camino. Los trabajadores de recolección de basura y reciclaje realizan una de las diez ocupaciones más peligrosas, porque a menudo son atropellados por vehículos impacientes que rebasan a un camión recolector de basura que avanza lentamente, o porque los trabajadores caen debajo de sus propios camiones en movimiento. La manera más segura de viajar en un camión de basura es en un asiento con cinturón en la cabina.

Párese en las plataformas de montar destinadas para eso y sujétese firmemente de los pasamanos cuando sea necesario montar en el camión recolector de basura. Nunca se incline hacia afuera del vehículo y permanezca en el camión hasta que éste se detenga por completo. No se monte en el vehículo si éste está retrocediendo, viaja a más de 10 millas por hora, o se desplaza más de 1000 pies. Nunca se monte en la plataforma de carga de un camión ni en sus tolvas. Idealmente, los camiones recolectores de basura con cuadrillas a pie deberían tener alarmas de retroceso,

suficientes espejos y tecnología como cámaras, sensores, o radios de dos vías para lograr buena comunicación y visibilidad entre el conductor y los trabajadores a pie.

Use el Equipo de Protección Personal (PPE) apropiado para el sitio de trabajo y las tareas. Además, el uso de ropa de alta visibilidad permite que otros trabajadores y otros conductores le vean con más facilidad y así tendrá menos probabilidades de ser golpeado por un vehículo. El calzado de seguridad con tacos anchos y suela antideslizante evita que usted se caiga de las plataformas del camión o se resbale debajo de un vehículo en movimiento. Los guantes de trabajo resistentes le protegen las manos contra los materiales que manipule.

Además, la capacitación de seguridad en el manejo de productos químicos es necesaria para ayudarle a entender los peligros que presentan los materiales que encontrará en sus actividades cotidianas. Los desechos tales como explosivos, productos químicos, latas de aerosol, y tanques de gas comprimido pueden ser peligrosos cuando se tocan, mezclan, perforan o comprimen. Si usted sospecha que un residuo es peligroso, no lo levante ni lo toque.

Entre los residuos cortopunzantes se incluyen agujas hipodérmicas, vidrios rotos y fragmentos de metal. Reporte los desechos médicos que hayan ingresado indebidamente en la corriente de residuos para garantizar que estos sean recolectados y manipulados correctamente. Nunca apisone la basura con los pies ni con las manos ya que puede sufrir cortaduras, raspones y heridas punzantes.

Protéjase la espalda y los músculos en el trabajo. Levante objetos con las piernas y NO con su espalda. Mantenga posturas neutrales, manteniendo la espalda recta, la cabeza hacia adelante, y los brazos y piernas cerca de su cuerpo. Evite las posturas incómodas y conozca sus límites de alzado. Tome un descanso breve cada 20-30 minutos y rote las tareas durante el día para evitar las lesiones por repetición y uso excesivo.

Instructor _Fecha ______

Ubicación __

This Public Agencies Safety News is produced by the Corporate Communications Departmethis publication were obtained from sources believed to be reliable at the date of publicatio

nt of State Fund to assist clients in their loss control efforts. Information or recommendations contained in n. Information is only advisory and does not presume to be exhaustive or inclusive of all workplace hazards

Compensation Insurance Fund.

Published by State Compensation Insurance Fund’s Corporate Communications Department. © State Compensation Insurance Fund 2012

Seguridad de los Trabajadores Recolectores de Basura

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or situations. Permission to reprint articles subject to approval by State