michigan occupational safety and health administration ...sage that strong protections can help...
TRANSCRIPT
Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA)Vol. 10, No. 2 Spring 2006
Cont. on Page 18
Construction Forum In This IssueDirector’s Column 2
MIOSHA Walkthrough CD 3
Steel Industries SHARP 4
Northern Coatings SHARP 5
Confined Spaces Monitoring 6
Power Transmission Towers 7
Trenching Violations 8
Asbestos Inspections 9
Right Rail Sentencing 9
MIOSHA Alliances 10
Hurricane Katrina Volunteers 11
CET Awards 12
Education & Training Calendar 13
Standards Update 14
Variances 16
Young Worker Initiative 16
MIOSHA News Quiz 17
Michigan Leaders Shared Strategies and Resources atthe Governor’s Construction Safety and Health Forum
Robert W. Swanson, Odell Jones III, Patrick Devlin, Henry L. Green,Doug Roggenbaum, and John Doherty, discussed the vital importanceof the construction industry to Michigan’s economic well-being.
On MARCH 6th, Robert W. Swanson,Acting Director, Michigan Department of Laborand Economic Growth (DLEG), welcomed morethan 270 construction employers from across thestate to the Governor’s Construction Safety andHealth Forum.
“We convened this forum to share the mes-sage that strong protections can help companiessignificantly increase their competitiveness,”said Governor Granholm. “The constructionindustry is vital to our economy. We share a com-mon vision–to make Michigan an economic pow-erhouse with safe and healthy workers.”
The construction industry is one of the mosthazardous industries in Michigan. Only aboutfour percent of Michigan’s workforce is em-ployed in construction–however, constructionfatalities account for nearly 50 percent of all fa-tal workplace accidents!Building a Strong Michigan
“Every speaker on our agenda today hasworked to form collaborative partnerships to builda stronger Michigan,” said Swanson. “Business,
labor and government are coming together in un-precedented ways to create an economic approachwhose foundation is workplace safety and health.”
Top executives from Michigan’s “Best ofthe Best” construction companies shared theirstories of business successes, while creating asafe and healthful work environment for theiremployees. Representing a wide range of con-struction environments, all shared a message ofincreasing competitiveness through strongworker safety and health efforts.
“Construction is a major part of oureconomy and a significant source of jobs andincome–with continued growth expected over thenext ten years,” said Odell Jones III, Presidentand CEO, JOMAR Building Company, Inc., andDetroit AGC Chairman. “Knowledgeable con-struction professionals have long understood thatsafe worksites are a prerequisite to profitablejobs, and understand that a project must be ex-ecuted safely in order to truly be successful.”
“Through MiTAPS, we’re making Michi-gan a better place to do business by reducing
the time it takes to obtain per-mits and licenses,” said HenryL. Green, Executive Director,Bureau of Construction Codes& Fire Safety. “Critical infor-mation shared at the forum willhelp all of us work towardbuilding a stronger foundationfor the construction industryand for the safety of the work-ers on these jobs.”Protecting Workers AddsValue
MIOSHA is partneringwith construction companiesand organizations across thestate to spread the word that
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From theMIOSHA
Director’sDesk
By: Douglas J. Kalinowski
ReducingConstructionInjuries, Illnessesand Fatalities
In 1997, there were 34 construction-related, workplace fatalities inMichigan–significantly more than there had been for many years.
To help address this issue, the MIOSHA Program assembled a “Con-struction Summit” in early 1998. It was attended by more than 100contactors, and building trades and association representatives.
Feedback and ideas to help improve everyone’s efforts in address-ing the tragic number were elicited and shared. While many new ap-proaches came out of this meeting, a certain level of apprehension andcaution in working with MIOSHA was evident for some participants.
New Collaborative ApproachesSince that time, MIOSHA has implemented a number of ways to
share information and facilitate collaboration with the construction in-dustry. Some of these include the following:
Increased the number of construction safety consultants.Worked with the communication tower industry to develop pro-
cedures to more safely erect communication towers.Worked with various construction contractors and employers to
develop a rough-terrain forklift standard.Increased the number of industrial hygienists specializing in con-
struction.Co-sponsored statewide seminars on key issues such as asbes-
tos, trenching and fall protection.Prepared significantly more written rule interpretation/guidance
documents.Increased information on the MIOSHA website to share educa-
tional and key interpretive information.MIOSHA also developed collaborative alliances and partnerships
with key businesses and organizations to work together to create anenvironment where workplace safety and health is a basic foundationfor doing business.
Formal alliances enable organizations committed to workplace safetyand health to collaborate with MIOSHA to prevent workplace injuriesand illnesses. A formal alliance offers groups and associations a rela-tionship built on trust that can leverage resources to maximize workersafety and health protection. Our construction alliances include:
Associated General Contractors (AGC), Michigan Chapter,Associated General Contractors (AGC), Greater Detroit Chapter,Construction Association of Michigan,Great Lakes Fabricators and Erectors,Masonry Institute of Michigan, andThe former Michigan Road Builders Association.
On January 12, 2005, Walbridge Aldinger, the Greater DetroitBuilding and Trades Council, and MIOSHA signed a historic part-nership to ensure the safety and health of workers on a complex con-struction project. The City of Dearborn contracted with WalbridgeAldinger to construct a $34 million Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO)project. On the 30-month project, Walbridge Aldinger will coordinatethe work of 21 subcontractors and 20 building trades unions, involving
more than 500 trades workers. All parties have pledged to work to-ward the ultimate goal of zero injuries!
Overall, the number of construction-related fatalities in the state ofMichigan has declined since that time, with 16 reported in 2005. Whilethis is a “good thing,” we all recognize that we will never be acceptingof any workplace deaths.
Governor’s Construction Safety & Health ForumOn March 6th of this year, MIOSHA hosted the first Governor’s
Construction Safety and Health Forum. This full-day event was at-tended by more 270 contractors, construction workers and associationrepresentatives and government officials. Speakers represented manyof the large contractors, small contractors, building trades and construc-tion associations that have a strong commitment to workplace safetyand health. These are the people who are making changes in their com-panies a reality – those who know that helping prevent construction-related injuries and illnesses is not a “cost of doing business” but animportant part of having a successful business.
The feedback that we received on the Governor’s Forum has beenvery positive. Attendees commented on various ideas, concepts and so-lutions that they took away to use. The majority of the attendees ratedthe various categories (knowledgeable presenters, meet expectations,facilities, quality, future impact) and the overall forum as “Excellent.”More than 90 percent of the participants rated the forum “Above Aver-age” to “Excellent.”
The speakers, leaders in their companies, associations and organi-zations, freely and candidly shared their thoughts, ideas and solutionsto making Michigan’s construction sites safer places to work. None ofthe apprehension and concerns that were evident at the 1998 Summitwere apparent at the Governor’s Forum.
Having the knowledge and commitment–and working together toshare that knowledge and commitment–is one of the most importantareas necessary to see long-term improvements in the safety and healthof Michigan’s construction workforce. This strong collaboration wasclearly evident in the speakers and the attendees. I think that it is re-flective of the changing mindset of Michigan’s employers, workers andgovernment officials. The desire and willingness to share ideas andsuccesses continues to grow.
On behalf of MIOSHA, I would like to thank and salute all of theparticipants at the Governor’s Forum. While our staff can talk aboutthe importance of safety and health (and we do), the greatest impact ispossible when the leaders within the construction industry talk abouttheir commitment and solutions.
We expect to hold more Governor’s Construction Safety and HealthForums in the future. We will adjust the issues and format based on yourfeedback and input. It is collaborative efforts like this that will help ussee continuing successes and improvements. Together we can Make aDifference for Michigan’s working men and women.
Spring 2006
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LEARN WITH S.A.M.–A SAFETY ANIMATED MACHINE
WHEN WORKERS ARE ENGAGED–WORKERS LEARN!
MIOSHA announced the distribution of interactive safety training CDs atLansing Community College’s West Campus.
By: Connie O’Neill, DirectorConsultation Education and Training Division
S.A.M. Invites YouS.A.M. plays the leading role in the
safety and health training CD-ROM entitled“MIOSHA Walkthrough for Manufactur-ers,” mailed out free of charge to 30,000Michigan manufacturers, on February 10th.
S.A.M is an animated character that con-tributes both humor and wisdom during 22safety and health training modules. He fallsfrom ladders, reattaches his robotic arm af-ter an accident, and sparks a compelling in-terest and curiosity to learn with his ques-tions and comments on safety and health.
A team of educators and a creative staffdrawn from the entertainment business de-veloped the CD-ROM and utilized MIOSHAstaff to review content. The CD was producedby e-Media Solutions, a training technolo-gies firm, at Disney’s Universal Studios uti-lizing their professional production team. TwoMichigan companies participated in the film-ing, E & E Manufacturing and BlissfieldManufacturing.Unique Training Tool
Department of Labor & EconomicGrowth Acting Director Robert W. Swansonannounced the distribution of the safety train-ing CDs at Lansing Community College’sWest Campus. “In today’s economic climate,government must leverage our resources tohelp Michigan’s hard-pressed manufacturingsector,” said Swanson. “This unique trainingtool will help Michigan companies provide
safety and health training with significant costsavings.”
The CD is a high-end interactive train-ing tool that makes safety and health train-ing interesting and engaging. The modulescover a wide range of topics including someof the most important for Michigan manufac-turers such as: Lockout/Tagout, Hazard Com-munication, Welding & Cutting, ConfinedSpaces, Personal Protective Equipment, andMachinery Safety.
Trainees progress at their own pacethrough the modules. Quizzes along the wayallow the trainees to measure their progressand go back to lessons if they feel they needextra help. Additionally, the flexibility of theCD format allows participants to start andstop training sessions to fit their schedules.Each module takes approximately 10-15 min-utes to complete. At the end of each quiz, thelearner can print out documentation showingthat they have completed a module with theirscore.Private Sector Collaboration
The “MIOSHA Walkthrough for Manu-facturers” was made possible through a busi-ness model that relied upon a partnering ofpublic and private sector funding fromMIOSHA, the Michigan Economic Devel-opment Corporation (MEDC), and the Lan-sing Area Safety Council. The Lansing AreaSafety Council spearheaded the private-sec-tor donor program for the CD production.
Premier Tab Sponsors include: DanaRisk Management, DTE Energy, FabEncCo,Master Lock, RoboVent, and Scientific
Technologies, Ind. (STI).Resource Directory sponsorsinclude: Accident Fund ,Alro Steel, American Lock,Confined Space and Emer-gency Spill Response, FirstAid Only, Inland WatersPollution Control, Michi-gan Safety Conference ,Midwest Gas, InstrumentService, and North Ameri-can Safety Products.
Governor Jennifer M.Granholm provides openingcomments on the CD ac-knowledging the fact thatsuccessful employers knowthat protecting workers en-
hances their bot-tom line. Shestates. “This inter-active CD canhelp all Michiganmanufacturers be-come safer andmore competitive in today’s global economy.”For a Free Copy
To obtain a free copy of the CD, con-tact the Consultation, Education andTraining (CET) Division at 517.322.1809,visit our website at www.michigan.gov/miosha, or e-mai l your request [email protected].
TemporaryMIOSHA
RelocationEffective April 10, 2006
During our remodeling project, theMIOSHA Lansing offices will movetemporarily to the address below.
Physical LocationHollister Building
106 West Allegan StreetLansing MI 48933
For all correspondence–pleasecontinue to use our post office boxes.Mailing addresses for all MIOSHAprograms will remain the same.
During the temporary move–allphone numbers will remain thesame. (Please see back cover.)
For map and directions to theHollister Building, please visit ourwebsite, www.michigan.gov/miosha.
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Congratulations Steel Industries!SHARP Award for Safety and Health Excellence Presented to Steel Industries Inc.
Martha Yoder, MIOSHA Deputy Director; Tom Drake, SafetyCoordinator, Steel Industries; Keith Woodland, President, SteelIndustries; and Bob Swanson, DLEG Deputy Director.
All Steel Industries employees were on hand to celebrate the safety andhealth achievements of the Forging Specialties Division.
On January 20th, the Forging SpecialtiesDivision of Steel Industries Inc., an Ameri-ForgeGroup Company, became the fourth facility inthe state to receive the prestigious SHARP Awardfor an exemplary safety and health system.
MIOSHA established the Michigan Safetyand Health Achievement Recognition Program(SHARP) Award to recognize employers thathave achieved safety and health excellence farbeyond their peers.
DLEG Deputy Director Bob Swanson andMIOSHA Deputy Director Martha Yoder pre-sented the SHARP Award to Tom Drake, SafetyCoordinator, and Keith Woodland, President,Steel Industries. All Steel Industries employeeswere on hand to celebrate their achievement.
“I am proud to present this prestigious awardto the employees and management of Steel In-dustries, particularly in connection with your $8million expansion,” said Swanson. “Your out-standing safety and health record demonstratesthat a strong safety and health program goes handin hand with increased production and profits.”
The following public officials recognizedtheir achievement: Thaddeus McCotter, (R)U.S. House of Representatives, District 11;Laura Toy, (R) Michigan Senate, District 6;Andy Dillon, (D) Michigan House of Represen-tatives, District 17; Larry Cesar Arreguin,Governor’s Southeastern Michigan Office; andR. Miles Handy, Supervisor, Redford Township.Building Strong Relationships
David Heminger, President and CEO ofAmeri-Forge Group Inc., Steel Industries’ par-ent company, had high praise for Michigan’sstrong working relationship with Steel Industries,resulting in a safer workplace and culminating
with the presentation of the SHARPAward. He emphasized that, “A safeworking environment is essential toa successful company. The SHARPAward is a significant achievementfor the people of Steel Industries anda key indicator that they are focus-ing on what is really important.”
The MIOSHA Onsite Con-sultation Program within theCET Division operates the Michi-gan SHARP Program. Onsite con-sultants help employers to becomeself-sufficient in managing work-place safety and health. SHARPworksites earn an exemption from“programmed” MIOSHA inspec-tions on a yearly basis.
Keith Woodland, President of Steel Indus-tries Inc., remarked that, “The assistance, sup-port and encouragement of several key MIOSHApersonnel have been instrumental in our achiev-ing this recognition. This has been a very posi-tive experience for our company.”Achieving Safety Excellence
The North American Industry Classifica-tion System (NAICS) Code for the Forging Spe-cialties Division is 332111 – Iron and SteelForging, which is classified as a high-hazardindustry. The Division employs 57 workers, andtheir incidence rates are well below the nationalaverage for their NAICS code. Their Total CaseIncidence Rate was 1.8 in 2004-compared to14.7 for the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)industry average. Their Total Days Away/Re-stricted Cases (DART) was 1.8 in 2004-com-pared to 6.4 for the BLS industry average.
“The Michigan SHARPProgram requires a compre-hensive consultation visit,and the correction of all se-rious workplace safety andhealth hazards,” said Yoder.“The Forging SpecialtiesDivision has developed asafety and health system thatprovides outstanding protec-tion for their workers.”
The Division’s safetyand health system incorpo-rates each of the seven re-quired elements: HazardAnticipation and Detection;Hazard Prevention and Con-trol; Planning and Evalua-
tion; Administration and Supervision; Safety andHealth Training; Management Leadership; andEmployee Participation. The MIOSHA evalua-tion team consisted of William Griffie, OnsiteSafety Consultant, and Fred Hawkins, OnsiteHealth Consultant.
Some of their best practices include:Weekly Safety Inspections;Management of Change, as evidenced
in a recent change in Powered Industrial Trucklift capacity;
Root Cause Investigation of all Incidents,whether it triggers a recordable injury or not;
Excellent Housekeeping, for this type ofindustry; and
Top Management and Employee In-volvement on the Safety Committee.Providing Superior Products
With nearly a century of forging excellence,Steel Industries Inc. is a full service open dieforging and seamless rolled ring manufacturer.The company is comprised of the three operat-ing facilities with offices, manufacturing andwarehousing facilities located in Redford Town-ship, and employs a total of 141 workers.
Steel Industries is ISO 9001-2000 certified,and provides products for the power generation,industrial machinery, mining, construction, andtransportation industries. This fall they announcedan $8 million expansion project to upgrade theirproduct offering. They will purchase land and build-ings to add a heat-treating complex, additional CNCequipment and other processing equipment.
Founded in 1985, Ameri-Forge GroupCompany is one of the largest and most tech-nologically advanced suppliers of forgings andmachined products.
Spring 2006
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Congratulations Northern Coatings!Northern Coatings Inc. Receives SHARP Award for Safety and Health Excellence
Congressman Bart Stupak; Eugene Lemery, NCC Production Spvr.& Maintenance Dir.; Dan Jones, NCC Plant & QA Mngr.; LarryMelgary, NCC President; Doug Kalinowski, MIOSHA Director.
Northern Coatings became the first company in the Upper Peninsula toreceive the SHARP Award and all employees participated in the celebration.
On February 10th, Northern Coatings andChemical Company, Inc., became the fifth facil-ity in the state, and the first in the Upper Penin-sula, to receive the prestigious Michigan SHARPAward for an exemplary safety and health man-agement system.
“As one of only five companies to receiveMIOSHA’s prestigious SHARP Award, I’m proudto present this great honor to Menominee’sNorthern Coatings and Chemical Company,” saidCongressman Bart Stupak. “This award isbestowed only to companies that exemplify su-perior health and safety standards, which in turnpromotes a safe work environment for their em-ployees. Northern Coatings is certainly deserv-ing of this recognition.”
MIOSHA Director Doug Kalinowski andRep. Stupak presented the SHARP Award toDan Jones, Plant Manager; Gene Lemery, Pro-duction Supervisor & Maintenance Director; andLarry Melgary, President. Menominee MayorGeorge Krah and other elected officials con-gratulated the company on their achievement.Becoming an Industry Leader
“Northern Coatings is an outstanding com-pany! You are on the cutting edge of research inyour field, you produce a high-quality product,and you have an exemplary safety and healthprogram,” said Kalinowski. “It is an honor topresent the first SHARP Award in the UpperPeninsula to the employees and management ofNorthern Coatings and Chemical Company.”
“Northern Coatings is an industry leaderthroughout the world because every worker takesgreat pride in their work–they work safe and theymanufacture an incredibly high-quality product,”said Melgary. “We are particularly proud of our
employees for this outstandingachievement, given the challengesencountered in our industry.”
“This recognition is based ondedication and hard work from ev-eryone in our plant. As a companywe have a strong commitment to thehealth and safety of all our employ-ees,” said Jones. “We are proud tobe a partner with MIOSHA, havingworked with their consultation pro-gram since 1996.”Building a Safe Environment
The North American IndustryClassification System (NAICS)Code for Northern Coatings is325510 – Paint and Coating Manu-facturing. They employ 34 workers,and the three-year average of their incidencerates is well below the national average for theirNAICS code. Northern Coatings’ Total Case In-cidence Rate was 3.8 in 2003-compared to 5.1for the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indus-try average. The Total Days Away/RestrictedCases (DART) for the company was 2.5 in 2003-compared to 2.8 for the BLS industry average.
“The Michigan SHARP Program requiresa comprehensive consultation visit, and the cor-rection of all serious workplace safety and healthhazards,” said Kalinowski. “Northern Coatingshas developed a safety and health system thatprovides first-rate protection for their workers.”
Northern Coatings’ safety and health man-agement system incorporates each of the sevenrequired elements: Hazard Anticipation andDetection; Hazard Prevention and Control; Plan-ning and Evaluation; Administration and Super-
vision; Safety and HealthTraining; ManagementLeadership; and EmployeeParticipation. The MIOSHAevaluation team consisted ofBob Dayringer, Onsite Se-nior Health Consultant, andBill Shane, Onsite SeniorSafety Consultant.
Some of Northern Coat-ings’ best practices include:
Excellent prepara-tion for emergencies, in-cluding homeland securityissues;
An effective hazardtracking procedure to ad-dress work safety orders,
with reports to the Safety Committee;New material handling equipment to
minimize ergonomic injuries;Effective exhaust ventilation controls for
dusts and vapors;Various rewards for safe actions and best
ideas; andTop Management and employee involve-
ment on the Safety Committee.Creating a Safety Team
“Employees take an active roll in spottingand reporting safety issues and concerns. Amonthly safety walk through is done by plantpersonnel on a rotating basis,” said Lemery.“Management and employees work together asa team to implement safety and health practicesthat protect all workers.”
The Safety Committee–which includesHerb Kaufman (CEO), Larry Melgary (Presi-dent), Rich Ulrich (R & D and Chairman of thecommittee), Sue Ellie (Financial & H.R. Man-ager), Gene Lemery (Production Supervisor &Maintenance Director), Mike Shaffer (Purchas-ing), Tracy Chaltry (Quality Control), MikeRettke (Maintenance/Shipping & Receiving),Dan Jones (Plant Manager) and one other em-ployee representative who changes monthly–takesan active roll in employee training, safety andhealth activities, and safety and health outcomes.
Northern Coatings employs 34 workers andmanufactures specialty coatings for fuel cells,medical equipment, engines and automotiveequipment, and many other commercial prod-ucts. They are ISO 9001:2000 certified, and formore than 35 years have been an industry leaderin developing and producing high-quality, envi-ronmentally compliant coatings.
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Cont. on Page 19
Confined Spaces MonitoringMonitoring for Air Contaminants in Permit Required Confined SpacesBy: Bob Dayringer, CIHSenior Onsite Health ConsultantConsultation Education & Training Division
Confined spaces should be monitored frequently because theiratmosphere can be oxygen deficient or toxic.
Many spaces in the workplace can feelquite confining. However, to be classified as aconfined space under the MIOSHA Permit Re-quired Confined Space standard for generalindustry, a space must be:
Large enough and so configured that anemployee can bodily enter and perform assignedwork; and
Have limited or restricted means for en-try or exit (usually taken to mean having to useyour hands to exit); and
Not designed for continuous employeeoccupancy.
General industry employers must becomefamiliar with their workplace by proactively as-sessing the building, equipment, andprocesses. Typical examples of confined spacesfound in workplaces include boilers, ductwork,plating/rinse tanks, storage tanks, vaults, wells,sewers, tunnels, dust collectors, furnaces, pits,silos and process equipment, scrubbers, and stor-age tanks, to name some common examples.
Employers must also determine whether itis necessary for their employees or outside con-tractors to enter the spaces.
When confined spaces are identified, thespace must be further evaluated to determinewhether the space is a permit-required confinedspace (PRCS). To be classified as a PRCS, thespace must:
Contain, or have the potential to con-tain, a hazardous atmosphere that is oxygen de-ficient or enriched, explosive or combustible,and/or toxic in nature; or
Have the potential to entrap an entrantdue to inwardly converging walls; or
Have the potential to engulf the entrantin a liquid or particulate substance; or
Present any other recognized serioussafety or health hazards.
Monitoring in Confined SpacesSince deaths in confined spaces often oc-
cur because the atmosphere is oxygen deficientor toxic, confined spaces should be monitoredfrequently. Normally the reasons for monitoringair contaminants in a confined space are to de-termine:
If the space has a respirable atmosphereand is safe to enter, and
If the internal atmosphere continues tobe respirable while employees are in the spaceperforming their work activity.
The most common method of obtaining aircontaminant information about a confined spaceis use of a multi-gas meter. These meters are avail-able from a variety of manufacturers and normallycome equipped to test for three or four items. Theusual items include: oxygen; combustibles (flam-mable or explosive vapors); carbon monoxide; andother toxics, such as hydrogen sulfide. However,there are a variety of sensors available that canoften be substituted or ordered separately formonitoring special conditions. Monitoring forharmful levels of hydrocarbon solvents (toluene,acetone, MEK, etc.) may require more sensitiveand specific equipment.
Monitoring from Outside the SpaceWhen conducting monitoring in a confined
space it is extremely important that all monitor-ing be performed from outside the space. Themeter (if intrinsically safe, equipped with infor-mation logging and/or an alarm, and if a large
enough hole is already open) can belowered into the space. A better sam-pling practice is using a probe at-tached to the meter and extendedinto the space. When using a probe,significant time must be allowed forthe meter ’s pump to pull thesampled air through the length of theprobe. Monitoring should be donethrough a small sampling probe port-hole (like the small hole in mostmanhole covers).
This is for two reasons:In an atmosphere where the
concentration of combustibles isabove the upper explosive limit(UEL), opening a larger hole couldallow enough oxygen into the con-
fined space to move the combustible concentra-tion into the explosive range. Note that in anatmosphere above the UEL you might see a quickspike in the combustible reading and then thecombustible level fall, possibly to near zero. Thisis because the meter has to have sufficient oxy-gen to be able to accurately detect combustibles.In this case, if we switch to the oxygen scale,the oxygen reading would be low and the com-bustibles reading cannot be trusted. This is whyyou are required to monitor for oxygen first.
In an atmosphere which is in an explo-sive range–above the Lower Explosive Limit(LEL), and below the UEL–a spark could begenerated causing an explosion.
The oxygen probe is a maintenance itemon most meters and has to be replaced every yearor two. It will need to be replaced whether ornot it is used.Monitoring Combustibles
The combustibles probe measures all com-bustibles. It must be calibrated before use andnormally is calibrated using methane gas. If thecombustible is some gas or vapor other thanmethane, the meter readings will not be correct.There are two choices here. The meter can becalibrated for the correct gas or vapor if a cali-bration gas is available, or a conversion chartcomparing the methane reading to the actual gas/vapor reading can be used. It is important thatthe methane reading not be automatically used.When calibrated for methane, a false low read-ing will be achieved for many gases/vapors.
Another problem with combustible readingsis the false sense of security an incorrectly in-terpreted low reading can give. Typically thecombustible gas monitor reading is providing areading in percent (or parts per hundred) of theLEL, and the top of the scale equals 100 percentof the LEL. This is much different than the scaleused to measure most toxics which is parts permillion. To assume that a low part per hundredis the same as low parts per million could be afatal assumption. For example, two parts perhundred equals 20,000 parts per million.
Let’s look at another example where wemonitor a confined space containing toluene andget a one percent LEL reading on the combus-tible sensor, but we had calibrated that sensorfor methane. The LEL for toluene is 1.25 per-cent, or 12,500 parts of toluene per million partsof air (ppm). So, only one percent of the LELwould seem low, but is still 125 ppm of toluene.If our monitor was calibrated for methane, thereading on the sensor would indicate only about
Spring 2006
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Power Transmission TowersWorkers are Exposed to Fall Protection and Electrical Hazards
Workers painting power transmission towers are exposed to both fall andelectrical hazards.
By: Richard GrafmillerSenior Safety OfficerConstruction Safety and Health Division
Cont. on Page 19
The MIOSHA Construction Safety andHealth Division received a referral regardingemployee exposure to serious hazards whilepainting power transmission towers along theI-96 freeway, east of Beck Road. This is a highlyvisible area along a busy freeway between met-ropolitan Detroit and Lansing.
The towers are part of the distribution sys-tem owned by International TransmissionCompany (ITC). An inspection of the jobsiterevealed an ongoing painting operation with fourmen climbing aloft on a 132-foot tall latticeframe tower. The safety officer identified haz-ards related to both fall protection and exposureto electrical hazards.
The towers support high voltage lines car-rying 345,000 volts three phase, supported bythree cross arms extending north and south oneach side of the tower, approximately 20 feetapart. The tower was in the process of beingpainted by Morris Painting Company, whichspecializes in painting power transmissiontowers.
There are 12,000 towers to be painted aspart of this $18.3 million dollar project. It takesfour employees working eight hours to paint onetower, which equates to 384,000 work-hours ofexposure to fall and electrical hazards to com-plete the project.Fall Protection Hazards
Morris Painting Company experienceda fatality when an employee fell from a simi-lar tower in May 2004, while painting on thissame project.
Falls are one of the leading causes of fa-talities in the construction industry. An averageof 362 fatal falls occurred each year nationwidefrom 1995 to 1999. MIOSHA has investigated44 fatalities over the 5-year period of 2001through 2005 related to falls at constructionworksites. Almost all construction worksiteshave employees exposed to fall hazards at somepoint during the project.
If proper fall protection is not provided,injuries from falls may result, ranging fromsprains and contusions to broken bones anddeath. MIOSHA Part 1, General Rules, Rule 114requires an Accident Prevention Program at ev-ery construction worksite which must addressfall hazards. MIOSHA, Part 45, Fall Protection,addresses minimum requirements and criteriafor fall protection at construction workplaces.
To address these seriousissues, MIOSHA initiated acampaign to help ensure thatemployers are aware of theneed to adequately train theiremployees and provide oppor-tunity for their employees toattend training on fall protec-tion. In the late summer 2005,a mass mailing was sent tomore than 5,800 Michigan con-struction employers identifiedas having work activities thatmay expose employees to fallhazards.
The mailing encouragedemployers to contact theMIOSHA Consultation Educa-tion and Training (CET) Divi-sion, if they have employees who need training.Workshops continue to be scheduled and areposted on the CET Calendar on the MIOSHAwebsite at www.michigan.gov/miosha. Employ-ers can also contact their trade association, asafety training or educational consultant, or othertraining center.Electrical Hazards
Electricity is an essential part of modernlife. Because it is such a familiar part of oursurroundings, it often is not treated with the re-spect it deserves. Electrocution is one of the lead-ing causes of fatalities in the construction in-dustry. MIOSHA has investigated 21 fatal elec-trocutions in construction in the 5-year periodof 2001 through 2005.
The Accident Prevention Program re-quired by MIOSHA Part 1, must also addresselectrical hazards and the variety of ways elec-tricity becomes a hazard. In addition, MIOSHAPart 1, Rule 115; Part 8, Handling and Stor-age of Materials; Part 11, Fixed and PortableLadders; and Part 32, Aerial Work Platforms,also have language that addresses maintaininga minimum of 10 feet from energized electri-cal parts.
The distance increases by 0.4 inches perkilovolt over 50 kilovolts, so the minimum re-quired distance can be greater than 10 feet. Theminimum distance from a 345,000-volt (345-kilovolt) source is 19 feet 8 inches. Also,MIOSHA Part 17, Electrical Installations,Rule 1724 requires that employees not worknear any part of an electrical power circuit un-less protected. A specific electrical hazard thatis addressed by MIOSHA standards is contactwith power lines.
Investigation SummaryOn the I-96 power transmission project, the
safety officer brought to the attention of MorrisPainting Company and International Transmis-sion Company (ITC) that there were a numberof hazards that need to be addressed before theproject should proceed.
ITC, who owns the towers and holds thecontract for Morris Painting, agreed to stop thework until the safety issues could be reviewed.Because it was the fall of the year, the workwould have been stopped shortly because thepainting cannot be conducted unless the tempera-ture is above 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
The hazards discussed with Morris and ITCincluded:
1. Free climbing the step bolt ladder.2. Uniformity of the step bolts.3. An offset in the fixed ladder with no
platform.4. Employees were not using 100 percent
fall protection while on the tower.5. Double lanyard hooks were used on one
D-ring on the body harness.6. No shock absorber on the lanyards used
to tie off.7. Working above energized lines, fall pro-
tection would allow employees to fall into the“HOT ZONE.”
8. No readily available means of rescueshould a fall occur.
9. No rating for the ladder rungs used astie off points for fall protection on the poletowers.
10. Workers were allowed to work withinthe required safe minimum clearance (19’8”) to
8
West Dig Contractors, Inc.MIOSHA Cites Company for Willful and Serious Trenching Violations and Proposes $194,000 in Penalties
West Dig Contractors’ employees were working in a trench nine feet deep, withnear vertical sides and no traffic protection.
Michigan Department of Labor & Eco-nomic Growth (DLEG) Director David C.Hollister announced on January 31st, theMichigan Occupational Safety and HealthAdministration (MIOSHA) had cited WestDig Contractors, Inc., of Kalamazoo, with$194,000 in proposed penalties for alleg-edly failing to adequately protect employ-ees from trenching and excavation hazardsat two locations in Marquette.
“Trenching accidents are a majorcause of serious job-related injuries andfatalities in Michigan,” said Hollister. “Itis critical for this employer, and all con-struction employers, to protect their work-ers form the risks of cave-ins and otherexcavation hazards.”
Excavation protection is essential ,since the sides of a trench can collapse withgreat force and without warning, buryingworkers beneath tons of soil before theyhave a chance to react or escape. To en-sure worker safety at excavations morethan five feet deep, walls must be slopedor shored, or trench shields or boxes mustbe used, to prevent serious injuries or fa-talities.
Cave-ins however, are not the onlythreat to these construction workers. Theyalso face hazards associated with:
Underground utilities,Working with heavy machinery,Manual handling of materials,Working in proximity to traffic, andElectrical hazards, such as overhead
power lines.
MIOSHA InspectionsOn September 26, 2005, West Dig Con-
tractors employees were installing 12-inchwater main pipe along the north side ofGrove St., west of Vandenboom Rd., inMarquette. Employees were working in atrench nine feet deep, with near verticalsides and no traffic protection. MIOSHAreceived a complaint that employees at thissite were in danger, and conducted an in-spection from Sept. 26, to Oct. 11, 2005,(Inspection #307795138).
MIOSHA received information fromagencies and officials associated with thisproject that West Dig’s excavations and op-erations were not consistently safe. Em-ployers in the excavation business have aduty to know and abide by all legal require-ments involving excavating and trenching.
A subsequent inspection from Nov. 3to 7, 2005, at the company’s continuingwater main installation on Grove St., inMarquette, revealed similar conditions (In-spection #307794511). The MIOSHA com-pliance officer again found excavation sitesthat were not properly sloped or supported,with a lack of traffic control close to a verybusy roadway; similar to conditions docu-mented at previous inspections
During the course of the compliance in-spections, earlier trench collapses were re-ported. On Aug. 23, 2005, an employee waspartially buried while attempting to locateutilities in an excavation on Grove St. Theemployee suffered a closed fracture of hislower left leg, resulting in two days of lost
work time. On Oct. 26,2005, employees wereinstalling water pipe onCounty Rd. 492, nearGrove St. The trenchwas e ight fee t deep,wi th near ve r t i ca lsides. An employee wasbur ied to h i s kneeswhen the side of thetrench collapsed, butwas able to dig himselfout.
Trench sloping andsupport systems are re-quired by the MIOSHACons t ruc t ion Safe tyStandard, Part 9, Exca-vation, Trenching, andShoring. This standard
covers the digging of excavations andtrenches that an employee is required toenter, and the supporting systems used onconstruction operations. Part 9 also re-quires a trained and experienced “quali-f i e d p e r s o n ” t o e v a l u a t e e x c a v a t i o nhazards .Summary of Violations
The company received a combined to-tal of five alleged willful violations witha proposed penalty of $182,000; three al-leged serious violations with a proposedpenalty of $12,000; and three al legedother-than-serious violations with no mon-etary penalty, for a combined total pro-posed penalty of $194,000.
The Willfull Serious violations in-cluded:
No Inspection by Qualified Person;Excavation Not Properly Sloped/
Shored (both sites);Failure to Use Proper Traffic Con-
trol (both sites).The Serious violations included:
Non-operator Riding Front EndLoader;
Failure to Store Spoils Properly;No Traff ic Ves t wi th Ref lec tor
Material .A willful violation represents an in-
tentional disregard of the requirements ofMIOSHA regulations, or plain indifferenceto employee safety and health. A seriousviolation exists where there is a substan-tial probability that serious physical harmor death can result to an employee. Thecompany has appealed the citations andpenalties.Trenching Awareness Campaign
Because of the recognized higher haz-ards in excavation and trenching, thesework operations are a focus in the MIOSHAfive-year strategic plan. MIOSHA is coor-dinating an awareness campaign to remindemployers that employee training is re-quired–and to provide training opportuni-ties through the Consultation Education &Training (CET) Division.
Companies can contact the CET Di-vision at 517.322.1809 for constructionconsultation, education and training ser-vices. For more information on MIOSHAstandards and excavation and trenchinghazards, companies can contact the Con-struction Safety and Health (CSH) Di-vision at 517.322.1856.
Spring 2006
9
Right RailCompany Convicted andSentenced for Worker Fatality
On February 24th, Attorney GeneralMike Cox announced the conviction and sen-tencing of Right Rail, Inc., on one count of aMichigan Occupational Safety and Heath Ad-ministration (MIOSHA) felony violation. RightRail, a Mio guardrail installation company, plednolle contendre in January in the Iosco CountyCircuit Court. Judge Ronald M. Bergeron sen-tenced Right Rail to the maximum fine of$10,000.00 and placed the company on proba-tion for two years.
“Michigan workers must be able to knowthat their workplace is as safe as possible,” saidCox. “Michigan’s employers are responsible forprotecting their workers, and the willful viola-tion of the law will not be condoned.”
Richard Green of Mio, a Right Rail em-ployee, was killed while installing guardrailalong M-65 south of Hale in November 2002.A boom truck operated by Green came in con-tact with an energized electric line, electrocut-ing Green.
Green had a nearly identical event happento him in September 2002, when his boom trucktouched an electric line, resulting in a shockthat required hospitalization. Following the firstepisode, Right Rail failed to develop, maintain,and coordinate with its employees an accidentprevention program before Green’s tragic death.
In addition to the criminal fine, Right Railhas agreed to pay $32,480.00 in penalties forMIOSHA citations arising from the same tragicepisode. The company further agreed to pro-vide training for its employees and to strictmonitoring by MIOSHA.
The conviction of Right Rail marks thefifth criminal conviction for a workplace fatal-ity. The four other convictions are: Lanzo Con-struction Company, January 2005; J.A.Morrin Concrete Construction Company andJames Morrin, Jr., Foreman, October 2002;Midland Environmental Services, Inc., andEdmond Woods, Owner, November 2000;American Bumper and Manufacturing Com-pany, January 1996.
Section 35(5) of in the MIOSH Act pro-vides for criminal sanctions if an employer’swillful violation of MIOSHA causes thedeath of an employee. Based on this provi-sion, every willful violation, which is con-nected to a fatality, is referred to the Attor-ney General’s office for criminal investiga-tion and/or prosecution.
ASBESTOS INSPECT IONSBy: Susan BaldwinIndustrial Hygienist SpecialistAsbestos Program Training Coordinator
A Demolition in Progress – Inspecting for asbestos containing materialprior to a demolition helps ensure workers are not exposed to asbestos.
Did You Know?Did you know that MIOSHA Standards,
Part 602, Asbestos Standards for Construction,(29 CFR 1926.1101), and Part 305, Asbestos forGeneral Industry, (29 CFR 1910.1001), requirethat all building facilities (excluding residen-tial owner occupied homes) constructed prior to1981, where employees may enter, work, or con-tact building materials must be inspected forasbestos-containing building materials(ACBM)? Also, all such vacant buildings sched-uled for renovation or demolition must have anasbestos building survey completed prior to thestart of the renovation or demolition.
Part 305, Section (j)(2)(i)states, “Building and facilityowners shall determine thepresence, location, and quan-tity of ACM (asbestos-contain-ing material) or PACM (pre-sumed asbestos-containingmaterial) at the work site. Em-ployers and building and facil-ity owners shall exercise duediligence in complying withthese requirements to informemployers and employeesabout the presence and locationof ACM and PACM.”
Part 602, Section (k)(2)(i)reads, “Before work subject tothis standard is begun, build-ing and facility owners shall determine the pres-ence, location and quantity of ACM and/orPACM at the work site pursuant to paragraph(k)(1) of this section.”
The survey/inspection must adhere to theAsbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act(AHERA) inspection protocol and be performedby a Michigan accredited asbestos building inspec-tor or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH). Thebuilding survey must also include the presence,location, and quantity of all ‘suspect’ ACBM. Ad-ditionally, laboratory analysis information shouldbe a part of the building survey document.Are You Providing Training?
Once an asbestos building survey has con-firmed or assumed the presence of ACBM, allemployees who work around and may contactbut not disturb ACBM (i.e. persons conductingjanitorial, building maintenance, and/or house-keeping activities) must receive, at minimum,asbestos awareness training.
The training must be at least two hours in
length and must be conducted annually by aqualified individual. The training must cover therecognition of all building materials that maycontain asbestos, the health hazards associatedwith asbestos exposure, and the MIOSHA regu-lations that must be followed if the work involvesasbestos removal or disturbance activities.
Additionally, employees who may disturbACBM (i.e. persons working with any of the me-chanical systems that have asbestos-containingmaterials) must have additional asbestos-relatedtraining that satisfies the class of work activity thatthey are involved with (i.e., Class I, II, or III).
Construction trades routinely renovate anddemolish buildings and, consequently, asbestosmay be touch or disturbed. Not only does thisexpose construction employees and the generalpublic to significant health hazards, but it also
potentially exposes the companies involved tosubstantial legal liabilities. Past experience in-dicates that much of the exposure is linked toworkers who unknowingly remove or disturbasbestos-containing materials.
If construction contractors would ask for, re-ceive, and review an asbestos building survey be-fore initiating construction activities, many asbes-tos-related exposure incidences could be avoided.Where Can You Get Information?
The primary function of the MIOSHA As-bestos Program is to ensure that people work-ing with asbestos are properly trained and thatworkers performing asbestos disturbance and/or removal activities comply with rules govern-ing the work activity.
These rules are designed to protect not onlythe employee performing asbestos abatementwork, but also the general public that occupiesthe areas or buildings where the work occurs
For additional information, please contactthe Asbestos Program at 517.322.1320.
10
MTA Workers’ Compensation Fund Alliance
Masonry Institute of Michigan Alliance
Patty Meyer, CSHD Mngr.; Bob Pawlowski, CSHD Dir.; Doug Kalinowski,MIOSHA Dir.; John Robovitsky, MIM President; Ed Davenport, DavenportMasonry; Kyle Lochonoic, Davenport Masonry; Daniel Zechmeister, MIMEx. Dir.; Larry Durkin, Durkin & Company Contractors.
Doug Mack, Grosse Tool; Gary Wood, MTA WCF Fund Administrator;Bobby Cox, Acorn Stamping; Connie O’Neill, CET Director; KurtHeuser, Bokum Tool; Brad Lawton, Star Cutter; and Jack Accardo,GHB Company.
MIOSHA and the Masonry Institute ofMichigan, Inc., signed a formal alliance on Feb-ruary 22nd to protect the safety and health ofMichigan’s masonry industry workers.
John Robovitsky, President, Masonry In-stitute of Michigan; and Doug Kalinowski, Di-rector, MIOSHA Program; signed the alliance.Also participating in the signing were severalmembers of the Institute’s Board of Trustees: Ed
Davenport, 1st Vice-President, Davenport Ma-sonry; Larry Durkin, Treasurer, Durkin & Com-pany Contractors; Kyle Lochonoic, Wall Brac-ing Committee Chairperson, Davenport Ma-sonry; and Daniel Zechmeister, Executive Di-rector, Masonry Institute of Michigan.
“We are proud to sign this alliance, whichmakes worker safety priority number one in themasonry industry,” said Kalinowski. “This pro-
active partnership between la-bor, industry and government,provides us with the unique op-portunity to foster safe andhealthy workplaces with Insti-tute members.”
“The signing of the alli-ance today is a significant movefor all of us in setting a stan-dard for safety in the masonryindustry. Working together willallow for easier and quickerstrides to creating a safer work-place for all,“ said Robovitsky.
The goals of this allianceinclude, but are not limited to:
Promote life safety asthe principal goal in providinga high level of protection to
masonry industry personnel and other construc-tion employees.
Promote the latest Standard Practice forBracing Masonry Walls Under Construction andMasonry Wallbracing Design Handbook pub-lished by the Mason Contractors Association ofAmerica, as an industry standard and accept itas in compliance with the MIOSHA Construc-tion Safety Standards, Part 2.
Train and educate the workforce andMIOSHA on temporarily bracing masonry wallsunder construction safely above grade.
Provide assistance and expertise to theMIOSHA Construction Safety Standards Com-mission for updating and improving Part 2. Ma-sonry Wall Bracing.
Use various outreach tools to share safetyand health information and the goals of the alli-ance with mason contractors.
Since its inception in 1958, the MasonryInstitute of Michigan, Inc. has been dedicated tothe promotion and advancement of the masonryindustry. The Institute provides information tothe industry and to the public. The Institute’sgoal is to promote quality masonry, quality ma-sonry units and materials, functional and effi-cient designs, and quality workmanship. The In-stitute has 210 active member companies.
On January 19th, MIOSHA and the Michi-gan Tooling Association Workers’ Compen-sation Fund (MTA WCF) signed a formal alli-ance to protect the safety and health ofMichigan’s metalworking industry workers.
Gary Wood, Fund Administrator, MTAWCF; and Connie O’Neill, Director, Consulta-tion Education and Training (CET) Division,MIOSHA; signed the alliance. Also participatingin the signing was the Fund Board of Trustees,which is composed of active MTA members.
“We are proud to sign this alliance, whichmakes worker safety a top priority for the tool-ing industry,” said O’Neill. “This proactive part-nership between labor, industry and government,can save lives by ensuring that worker safetyand health plays an integral role in MTAmember’s workplaces.”
“The Trustees of the Michigan Tooling As-sociation Workers’ Compensation Fund look for-ward to the opportunity presented by this alli-ance,” said Wood. “One of the primary focusesof the MTA WCF is improving shop safetythrough education and training; this joint effortwill increase awareness and promote safe actswhich should result in reduced incidences ofinjury in the members’ shops.”
The goals of this alliance include, but
are not limited to:Promoting and improving shop safety by
providing safety awareness and other outreachactivities across the state;
Providing training and education activi-ties and encouraging member participation;
Sponsoring seminars with the CET Di-vision on power press safety, safety and healthmanagement systems, and lockout/tagout; and
Including articles inthe MTA Newsletter on the al-liance, on the seminars, andother safety issues.
For over 70 years, theMichigan Tooling Association(MTA) has been the voice ofthe tooling industry, offeringmeaningful assistance and costsaving programs and services.The MTA is made up of busi-nesses in the metalworking in-dustry located throughout thestate, including tooling shops,design and engineering facili-ties, metal goods fabrications,fabrication shops, mold andpattern design and builders,and foundries.
With nearly 500 members, the MTA Work-ers’ Compensation Fund is a non-profit groupself-insurance fund. The Fund helps control theworkers’ compensation environment of its mem-bers through effective cost control, improvedsafety and vigilance against fraudulent claims.
For information about forming an allianceor partnership with MIOSHA, please check ourwebsite at www.michigan.gov/miosha.
Spring 2006
11
MIOSHA staff helped protect the safety and health of recovery andcleanup workers following Hurricane Katrina.
MIOSHA Hurricane Katrina VolunteersImmediately following the landfall of Hur-
ricane Katrina, federal OSHA offered the fullresources of the agency to help protect the safetyand health of workers responding to the devas-tation along the Gulf Coast.
Many states, including Michigan, sent pro-fessionals to help ensure the safety and health ofrecovery workers. Starting in November, nineMIOSHA staff volunteered to work a two-weekshift in Louisiana to assist the federal teams.
Recovery and cleanup work is hazardousand deadly. Early on, OSHA encouraged work-ers to take proper safety and health precautionsto avoid serious injuries from falls, downed elec-trical wires, chain saws, flooding, mold, andother hazards.
The safety and health professionals thatwere deployed provided technical assistance torecovery workers in their ongoing cleanup ac-tivities. The teams focused on safety and healthissues for workers involved in debris removaland a variety of construction projects, as well asutility workers performing power and telecom-munications restoration.MIOSHA Volunteers
DeWayne Cord, Construction Safety andHealth Division;
Sharman Cross, General Industry Safetyand Health Division;
Bob Dayringer, Consultation Education &Training Division;
James Kivell, General Industry Safety andHealth Division;
Keith Langworthy, MIOSHA AsbestosProgram;
Matt Macomber, General Industry Safetyand Health Division;
Jim Pike, Construction Safety and HealthDivision;
Barry Simmonds, Consultation Education& Training Division; and
Cindy Zastrow, Consultation Education &Training Division.
Below some of the MIOSHA volunteersshared their comments on the recovery work.By: Keith Langworthy
We arrived at the New Orleans, Louisiana,(NOLA) operations center, located in theSuperdome Holiday Inn, on November 27, 2005.During the operational briefing, we were chargedto seek and identify work areas and work opera-tions of federal sub-contractors and to performhazard assessments of the work activities.
The processes we reviewed are best char-acterized as, collection, handling, and reductionof construction and vegetative debris (emergencyclean up). We also observed several residentialand commercial construction and demolition ac-
tivities. The hazards we observed were varied,but consisted primarily of traffic control issues,potential electrocution from contact with ener-gized lines, and asbestos hazards from roofingand siding debris.
Our observations ranged from imminentdanger situations to providing compliments onwell-made traffic control zones. The employeeswe interviewed understood that our interest wastheir welfare. The employers we advised rangedfrom unwilling and obstinate to caring and com-passionate.
Through the performance of our duties wealso spoke with many local residents, and ob-served the battered remains of a strong localculture. The people we engaged were eager tolearn from our observations in their neighbor-hoods and glad that we were there to help. Forus the experience offered insight and understand-ing of the desire of the New Orleans communi-ties to rebuild and revive their city and region.By: Sharman Cross
I was assigned to the NOLA (New Orleans,Louisiana) Branch Operation. OSHA’s missionwas to provide technical assistance and supportunder the scope of the National Response Planand OSHA’s National Emergency ManagementPlan. All team members received 12 hours oftraining prior to assignment.
As an industrial hygienist I was assignedto conduct health evaluations including samplingfor asbestos, silica, respirable dust, freon, car-bon monoxide, and noise. Samples and inter-vention forms were processed daily at the NOLABranch office. We were sent to some of the hard-est hit areas, including the Orleans Parish andthe Plaquemines Parish.By: Barry Simmonds
Each day started with safety reminders andany specific new hazards encountered during theprevious operational period.Daily assignments might in-clude working with tree trim-mers, or roofers. Sometimes wewatched dumpsites to ensurethe vehicle flagging operationswere set up correctly and thateveryone wore PPE.
Each day officially started7:00 a.m. and ended at 7:00p.m. At the end of the shift, wewere asked if we’d encounteredany specific problems or seenanything that was out of theordinary. (Keeping in mind thatalmost everything was out ofthe ordinary!) The teams thensigned out, grabbed a bite to eat
and collapsed in the hotel to get some muchneeded sleep--so they could do it all again thenext day.
Working seven days a week, and 12-houroperational periods, the “humor” element wasquickly tested by being exposed to the exten-sive destruction and working long days with notime off. However, as we were all volunteers,and there for a short time, people generally madea great effort to keep up morale.By: DeWayne Cord
Our first assignment in NOLA was inter-vention with contractors, doing debris clean up,and FEMA roofs in residential area. We also didtraffic control along right-of-way city streets andfall protection issues during roofing work.
When the levee breeched at the LondonCanal, it wiped out everything in its path. Thefolks that lived in the 9th ward lost everything.Many were old and poor people with no meansto leave their homes. Some stayed and hopedfor the best. Many of the one-story homes hadholes cut in the roofs where the residents climbedthrough or were rescued.
One day our assignment was to locate veg-etation burn sites west of NOLA. Our days were12 hours long with a lot of driving, which wasthe hardest part of the assignment. Spending 12to 14 hours a day with the same person in a ve-hicle was like “Ground Hog Day.”
It was a privilege to do a small part for thehealth and safety of New Orleans residents.By: James Kivell
Nearly everywhere we went we observeddamage of some type or another, smelled uniquearomas from buildings and debris piles, and sawpeople trying to restore some sense of normalityamongst less than adequate conditions.
Some areas looked fairly normal until youCont. on Page 19
12
CET Awards MIOSHA recognizes the safety and healthachievements of Michigan employers and employeesthrough CET Awards, which are based on excellentsafety and health performance.
Diversified Machine - DetroitOn December 2nd, the Diversified Machine, Inc., Detroit facility re-
ceived the Bronze Award, which recognizes leadership and commitmentto workplace safety and health.
MIOSHA Deputy Director Martha Yoder presented the award toPlant Manager Frank Colarossi. “This award is a testament to the dili-gent efforts of Diversified Machine’s Detroit team. It is a privilege toreceive this award on behalf of all employees,” said Colarossi.
The entire Detroit Plant Management Team was recognized foraddressing safety related issues promptly. The steady decline in injurieshas been the result of hard work and cooperation from employees, bayleaders and supervisors, working with the Safety Committee.
Diversified Machine, Inc. (formerly known as Uni Boring Company)iemploys approximately 100 workers and conducts precision machiningon a variety of automotive parts and power train components.
Daniel C. Waligora, Safety Manger; Martha Yoder, MIOSHADeputy Director; Frank Colarossi, Plant Manager; Jennifer Clark-Denson, CET Consultant; and Karina Gutierrez,HR Manager.
Northern Concrete Pipe - Charlotte
Scott Lakari, Vice President of Operations; Tom Paine,President; Janet Bulger; Sidney Shaw, EHS Manager; RussFolland; Greg Soper; Jeff Carlson; Bob Carroll; and LaudeHartrum (retired).
On December 9th, Northern Concrete Pipe Inc. of Charlotte received theSilver Award for an outstanding safety and health record.
MIOSHA Director Doug Kalinowski presented the award to WilliamWashabaugh Sr., president, and Tim Phillips, director of safety. NorthernConcrete has two Michigan facilities, in Bay City and Charlotte. The BayCity facility received the Silver Award on July 13, 2004. All employees werepresent for the award presentation and luncheon.
“We work in an industry that is very hazardous due to the size of ourequipment and products. Our company is committed to safety and will con-tinue to make it our number-one proiority,” Washabaugh said.
Northern Concrete Pipe’s outstanding safety and health record came fromseveral areas, including significant employer commitment, an active safetyand health committee, job safety analysis (JSA) to identify hazards, near-miss hazard reports, and regular safety and health training.
Tim Phillips, Director of Safety; Bob Washabaugh, Vice President;Bill Washbaugh Jr., Vice President; Doug Kalinowski, MIOSHADirector; and Bill Washabaugh Sr., President.
Metalworks Inc. - LudingtonOn February 14th, Metalworks Inc., a manufacturer of metal filing and
storage systems in Ludington, received the Ergonomic Innovation Award.MIOSHA Director Doug Kalinowski presented the award to Scott Lakari,
Vice President of Operations; and Sidney Shaw, EHS Manager; and SafetyCommittee members. All employees were on hand for the presentation.
The Ergonomic Innovation Award is issued to employers for creative andeffective ideas that have been implemented to reduce worker strain. Ergo-nomic improvements help employees work safely without needing to over-lift, over-reach, sit or stand too long, or use awkward postures.
“Creating a safe work environment for our people here is always ourprimary concern,” said Lakari. “Many people contributed to these accom-plishments and I am very pleased to accept this award for everyone atMetalworks.”
Metalworks also received the Michigan Shingo Prize at the Bronze Levelfor manufacturing excellence from The Right Place, Inc., of Grand Rapids.
Spring 2006
13
Education & Training CalendarDate Course MIOSHA Trainer
Location Contact Phone
Co-sponsors of CET seminars may charge a nominal fee to cover the costs of equipment rental, room rental, and lunch/refreshment charges. Forthe latest seminar information check our website, which is updated the first of every month: www.michigan.gov/miosha.
May3 Fall Protection for Residential Construction Patrick Sullivan
Warren Lisa Spagnuolo 586.498.41213, 10, 17 MIOSHA Fundamentals of Safety and Health Micshall Patrick
Grand Rapids Penny Mollica 616.698.11674 Powered Industrial Truck Train-the-Trainer Jennifer Clark-Denson
Livonia Arlene Cook 734.487.69914 Fireworks Safety for Fire Departments Lee Jay Kueppers
Bay City Dee Prieur 989.892.86014, 11, 18 MIOSHA Fundamentals of Safety and Health Quenten Yoder
Jackson Bill Rayl 517.782.82689 MSHARP/MVPP Workshop Doug Kimmel
Auburn Hills Pete Panourgias 248.322.74439, 16, 23 MIOSHA Fundamentals of Safety and Health Lee Jay Kueppers
Warren Holger Ekanger 586.498.410810 Dealing with Workplace Violence Linda Long
Dearborn Heights Joyce Deaton 313.317.150516 Self Inspection to Identify Hazards Debra Gundry
Muskegon Brian Cole 616.331.718023 & 24 Two Day Mechanical Power Press Richard Zdeb
Clarkston Peggy DesRosier 248.625.561124 & 25 Industrial Hygiene for the Safety Professional To Be Determined
Gaylord Mark McCully 989.705.363125 Supervisor’s Role in Safety & Health Jennifer Clark-Denson
Monroe Barry Kinsey 734.384.412725 Confined Space Entry Anthony Neroni
Manistee Shelly Hyatt 231.546.7264June6 Ergonomic Principles Richard Zdeb
Clarkston Peggy DesRosier 248.625.56116 Health Care Issues: Is Your Office MIOSHA Compliant? Dave Humenick
Holland Brian Cole 616.331.71806 & 8 MIOSHA Fundamentals of Safety and Health Barry Simmonds
Houghton Phillip B. Musser 906.482.68177 Confined Space Awareness Lee Jay Kueppers
Clinton Township Greer Rizor 586.498.40567, 14, 21 MIOSHA Fundamentals of Safety and Health Micshall Patrick
Kalamazoo Lisa Boreham 269.342.013913 Fall Protection for Residential Construction Tom Swindlehurst
Saginaw Carole Hemminger 989.793.112014 Excavations: The Grave Danger and Mobile Equipment Hazards Patrick Sullivan
Warren Lisa Spagnuolo 586.498.412120 Asbestos Awareness Training Sherry Scott
Livonia Arlene Cook 734.487.6991
Construction SafetyStandards Commission
LaborMr. D. Lynn Coleman
Patrick “Shorty” GleasonMr. Gregg A. NewsomMr. Larry Redfearn**
ManagementMr. Donald V. StaleyMr. Peter Strazdas
Ms. Valerie J. WarrenMr. Timothy B. Wise*
General PublicDr. Ram Gunabalan
General Industry SafetyStandards Commission
LaborMr. James Baker*
Dr. Tycho FredericksMr. Jeffrey Radjewski
VacantManagement
Mr. Michael L. Eckert**Mr. Dennis M. EmeryMr. Thomas J. Pytlik
Mr. George A. ReamerGeneral Public
Ms. Geri Johnson
Occupational HealthStandards Commission
LaborDr. G. Robert DeYoung*
Ms. Margaret Robinson FavilleMr. Ricardo L. LongoriaMs. Margaret Vissman**
ManagementMr. David L. GlynnMr. John E. Miller
Mr. Gary R. NovakMr. Ronald J. Torbert
General PublicMr. Satyam R. Talati
*Chair **Vice Chair To contact any of the Commissioners or the Standards Section, please call 517.322.1845.
Standards Update
Construction Safety Standards Commission
Governor Appoints New Commissioners
General Industry Safety Standards Commission
Aerial Platforms Advisory Committee
December 29th, Governor Granholm appointed two new members to the GeneralIndustry Safety Standards Commission. MIOSHA welcomed them to their first publicmeeting February 8th in Lansing. On February 7, the Governor appointed one newmember to the Construction Safety Standards Commission. Each commission consistsof nine members and provides rules that establish workplace standards to protect thelife and health of workers in Michigan.
Dennis M. Emery of Metamora, is Safety Coordinator and Director for PioneerCabinetry, Inc. Mr. Emery is appointed to represent the management of principal in-dustries of this state with 200 or fewer employees for a term expiring March 26, 2008.He succeeds Timothy J. Koury whose term has expired and had served for 12 years.
Jeffrey Radjewski of Chesterfield, is Business and Finance Manager of Interna-tional Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 58. Mr. Radjewski is appointedto represent labor for a term expiring March 26, 2008. He succeeds John Pettingawhose term has expired and had served for six years.
Thomas J. Pytlik of Bay City, is Environmental Health and Safety Delivery Spe-cialist for The Dow Chemical Company. Mr. Pytlik is reappointed to represent themanagement of principal industries of this state for a term expiring March 26, 2008.Pytlik was Commission Chair for 2005 and has served for five years.
Patrick F. “Shorty” Gleason of Davison and The Michigan State Building andConstruction Trades Council will represent individuals actively engaged in construc-tion operations on the employee level for a term commencing February 7, 2006, andexpiring March 18, 2007. Gleason has many years with the Michigan Ironworkers andthe construction industry. He will succeed Tom Boensch who has resigned and hadserved for three years.
Directed by the General Industry Safety Standards Commission and the Construc-tion Safety Standards Commission, a joint Aerial Platforms Advisory Committee hasbeen reviewing Construction Standard Part 32, Aerial Work Platforms, and GeneralIndustry Standard Part 58, Vehicle Mounted Elevating & Rotating Platforms. Thisnine-person group has been meeting monthly since July 2005, and is making steadyprogress on recommendations to be presented to the commissions to establish greaterconsistency and to address concerns regarding roadway emergency response work.
Labor RepresentativesHomer Sterner (GI-58)*International Union of Operating EngineersRonald Niblock (GI-58)UAW, General MotorsD. Lynn Coleman (CS-32)Michigan Laborers Training InstituteDurnell Stephens (CS-32)Local Union #17 I.B.E.WDennis Gillow (GI-58)International Union of Operating Engineers
Management RepresentativesKathleen Dobson (CS-32)**Alberici ConstructorsRodney Turman (CS-32)DTE EnergyKen Sullivan (CS-32)OEMC RentalsLarry Shields (CS-32 & GI-58)Lansing Board of Water & Light
*Chair **Vice Chair
Occupational Safety StandardsGeneral Industry
Part 08. Portable Fire Extinguishers .................................................................... Submitted for formal approvalPart 17. Refuse Packer Units ................................................................................. Approved by Commission for reviewPart 19. Crawler, Locomotive, & Truck Cranes ................................................. Approved by Commission for reviewPart 20. Underhung Cranes & Monorail Systems ............................................... Approved by Commission for reviewPart 50. Telecommunications (Joint) .................................................................... Final, effective 10/11/05Part 58. Vehicle Mounted Elevating & Rotating Platforms (Joint w/CS 32) ...... At Advisory CommitteePart 62. Plastic Molding ......................................................................................... Approved by Commission for reviewPart 79. Diving Operations .................................................................................... Approved by Commission for reviewPending Ergonomics (Joint) ................................................................................... At Advisory Committee
ConstructionPart 01. General Rules ........................................................................................... Approved by Commission for reviewPart 02. Masonry Wall Bracing ............................................................................ Approved by Commission for reviewPart 12. Scaffolds & Scaffold Platforms ............................................................... Approved by Commission for reviewPart 16. Power Transmission & Distribution ....................................................... Final, effective 8/22/05Part 22. Signs and Signals ...................................................................................... Submitted to SOAHR for reviewPart 26. Steel Erection ............................................................................................ Public Hearing 11/29/05Part 30. Telecommunications (Joint) .................................................................... Final, effective 10/11/05Part 31. Diving Operations .................................................................................... Approved by Commission for reviewPart 32. Aerial Work Platforms (Joint w/GI 58) ................................................. At Advisory CommitteePending Communication Tower Erection ............................................................. At Advisory Committee
Occupational Health StandardsGeneral Industry
Part 301. Air Contaminants ..................................................................................... Approved by Commission for reviewPart 504. Diving Operations .................................................................................... Approved by Commission for reviewPart 526. Open Surface Tanks ................................................................................. Reviewed by internal staffPart 528. Spray Finishing Operations .................................................................... Reviewed by internal staffPart 529. Welding, Cutting & Brazing ................................................................... Approved by Commission for reviewPending Diisocyanates ............................................................................................. Draft to Commission for reviewPending Ergonomics (Joint) ................................................................................... At Advisory CommitteePending Latex .......................................................................................................... Approved by Commission for review
ConstructionPart 681. Radiation in Construction - Ionizing and Nonionizing ......................... Final, effective 10/10/05
Status of Michigan Standards Promulgation(As of March 7, 2006)
The MIOSHA Standards Section assists in the promulgation of Michigan occupationalsafety and health standards. To receive a copy of the MIOSHA Standards Index (updatedMarch 2006) or for single copies and sets of safety and health standards, please contact theStandards Section at 517.322.1845, or at www.michigan.gov/mioshastandards.
RFR Request for RulemakingSOAHR State Office of Admn. Hearings and RulesLSB Legislative Services BureauJCAR Joint Committee on Administrative Rules
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V a r i a n c e sFollowing are requests for variances andvariances granted from occupationalsafety standards in accordance withrules of the Department of Labor & Eco-nomic Growth, Part 12, Variances(R408.22201 to 408.22251).
Published April 17, 2006
Variances Granted Construction
Variances Requested Construction
Part and rule number from which variance is requestedPart 10 - Lifting & Digging Equipment: RuleR408.41015, Rule 1015a (2) (d)(g) (3) (4)Summary of employer’s request for varianceTo allow the use of a work platform mounted on the boomof a Krupp Crane & Tadano Crane for unscheduled emer-gency power outage restoration work provided certainrequirements are met.Name and address of employerHi-Ball Co., Inc.Location for which variance is requestedAs reported in Item #1 in Terms of Temporary Variance
Part and rule number from which variance is requestedPart 32 - Aerial Lift Platforms: Rule R408.43209, Rule3209; R408.43209, Rule 3209 (8); R408.43209, Rule3209 (8) (b); & R408.43209, Rule 3209 (9)Summary of employer’s request for varianceTo allow employer to firmly secure scaffold planks to the topof the intermediate rail of the guardrail system for use as awork platform provided certain stipulations are adhered to.Name and address of employerBristol Steel & Conveyor Corp.Location for which variance is requestedGM Powertrain, PontiacName and address of employerDe-Cal, Inc.Location for which variance is requestedGM Powertrain North Lab Expansion, PontiacName and address of employerW. J. O’Neil CompanyLocation for which variance is requestedPfizer Building 36, Ann Arbor
Part and rule number from which variance is requestedPart 10 - Lifting & Digging Equipment: RuleR408.41005 a(2), Rule 1005 a(2); Reference ANSI Stan-dard B30.5 “Mobile and Locomotive Cranes”. 1994Edition; Section 5-3.2.1.2bSummary of employer’s request for varianceTo allow employer to rig certain loads to the load line ofa crane above the overhaul weight in accordance withcertain stipulations.Name and address of employerJohn E. Green CompanyLocation for which variance is requestedGM Lansing Grand River Facility, Lansing, MIName and address of employerJohn E. Green CompanyLocation for which variance is requestedLittle River Casino, Manistee
Part and rule number from which variance is requestedPart 10 - Lifting & Digging Equipment: RuleR408.41015a (2) (d)(g) (3) (4)Summary of employer’s request for varianceTo allow the use of a work platform mounted on the boomof a Krupp Crane to access the underside of the coal con-veyor to replace rollers, provided all the requirements ofConstruction Safety Standard, Part 10, Lifting and Dig-ging Equipment, except Rule 1015a (2) (g)(h)(l) are metaccording to certain stipulations.Name and address of employerHi-Ball Co., Inc.Location for which variance is requestedErickson Powerhouse, LansingName and address of employerLansing Board of Water & Light.Location for which variance is requestedErickson Station, Lansing
Part and rule number from which variance is requestedPart 10 - Lifting & Digging Equipment: Rule
R408.41015a (2) (d)(g) (3) (4)Summary of employer’s request for varianceTo allow the use of a work platform mounted on the boomof a Krupp Crane & Tadano Crane for unscheduled emer-gency power outage restoration work provided certainrequirements are met.Name and address of employerLansing Board of Water & LightLocation for which variance is requestedAs reported in Item #1 in Terms of Temporary Variance
Part and rule number from which variance is requestedPart 32 - Aerial Work Platforms: R408.43209, Rule3209; R408.43209, Rule 3209 (8)(b) and 3209 (9); andR408.43209, Rule 3209 (8) (c)Summary of employer’s request for varianceTo allow employer to firmly secure scaffold planks to the topof the intermediate rail of the guardrail system for use as awork platform provided certain stipulations are adhered to.Name and address of employerBristol Steel & Conveyor Corp..Location for which variance is requestedGM Lansing LGR Body Shop, LansingName and address of employerCommercial Contracting Corp.Location for which variance is requestedGeneral Motors Lansing Grand River Plant, LansingName and address of employerComunale Co. Inc.Location for which variance is requestedGM Powertrain Lab Expansion, PontiacName and address of employerDe-Cal Mechanical Inc.Location for which variance is requestedDTE Energy Zug Island, DetroitName and address of employerJohn E. Green CompanyLocation for which variance is requestedGeneral Motors Lansing Grand River, LansingName and address of employerJ C Jimenez ConstructionLocation for which variance is requestedDetroit Institute of Arts, DetroitName and address of employerLimbach Company LLCLocation for which variance is requestedPfizer Building 36, Ann Arbor
Name and address of employerMidwest Steel, Inc.Location for which variance is requestedT.R.E. MGM Detroit Grand Casino, DetroitName and address of employerPontiac Ceiling & Partition Co., LLCLocation for which variance is requestedGM Powertrain, PontiacName and address of employerPower Process Piping, Inc.Location for which variance is requestedGeneral Motors Powertrain Facility, Pontiac
MIOSHA Announces New Initiative to Protect Working TeensDuring late spring and early summer, MIOSHA is rolling outnew strategies to provide information on workplace safety andhealth to working teens in Michigan.
The goal of the initiative is to seek new avenues to reach teensbefore they begin work or early in their working careers toprovide basic workplace safety and health information. Thisinformation includes common safe work practices and theirrights and responsibilities under MIOSHA.
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safetyand Health (NIOSH), approximately 70 teens die every year
in the United States from work-related injuries. An estimated230,000 working teens may be injured each year. About 77,000teens are injured severely enough to warrant a hospitalemergency room visit.
Further information on initiative activities will be posted on theMIOSHA website. MIOSHA also welcomes interestedorganizations or groups who work with teen workers to joinin this new initiative.
If you would like to be a partner in this initiative, please contactSherry Scott in the CET Division at 517.322.1809.
Spring 2006
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Questions
MIOSHA News QuizTopic: Asbestos Program Information
1. Which of these are types of asbestos?A. Chrysotile, Crystalite, AmotileB. Crystal, Chrysotile, AmositeC. Chrysotile, Crocidolite, Amosite
2. The Asbestos Program accredits:A. Investigators, Management Planners, andAbatement WorkersB. Investigators, Management Planners,Project Designers, Boilermakers, and Abatement WorkersC. Building Inspectors, Management Planners, Project Designers, Contractor/Supervisors, and Abatement Workers
3. Which of these are types of diseases associ-ated with asbestos?
A. Silicosis, Lung Cancer, MesotheliomaB. Asbestosis, Lung Cancer, MesotheliomaC. Asbestosis, Silicosis, Mesothelioma
4. Which is the term given to asbestos when it isdry and easily crumbled by hand pressure?
A. Power PowderB. FriableC. Unstable
5. True or False – Asbestos is used in over 3,000different products.6. True or False – Once diagnosed, most adverseasbestos-related health effects are treatable andreversible.7. What do the letters PACM stand for?
A. Presumed asbestos-containing materialB. Probable asbestos-containing materialC. Possible asbestos-containing material
8. In Part 602, the MIOSHA Standard for Con-struction, what are the Classes of asbestos work?
A. I, II, III, IVB. A, B, C, DC. Friable and Non-friableD. 5, 6, 7, 8
9. True or False – The safest method of dealingwith asbestos-containing material (ACM) is toquickly remove it from the building at night whenno one is around.10. True or False – The Asbestos Program is re-sponsible for asbestos activity statewide.11. What is the number of current MichiganAHERA school management plans?
A. 1,250B. 3,500C. Over 5,000
12. ACM can be found in what materials?A. Floor Tile and Ceiling TileB. Insulation, Plaster Walls and Drywall/Joint
CompoundC. All of the aboveD. None of the above
13. Exempt Trade Groups are:A. Plumbers and ElectriciansB. Mechanical Contractors and ResidentialBuilders/Residential Maintenance and Alteration ContractorsC. All of the aboveD. None of the above
14. Which is NOT a standard or act governingasbestos?
A. Act 135 – Asbestos Abatement Contractors Licensing ActB. Act 440 – Asbestos Workers AccreditationActC. 29 CFR 1926.1101 – Asbestos Standardsfor ConstructionD. 29 CFR 1910.1001 – Asbestos Standardsfor General IndustryE. 29 CFR 1926.62 – Lead Exposure Construction Standard
15. Asbestos abatement contractors must notifythe Asbestos Program of any friable asbestosprojects exceeding either or both of the follow-ing values:
A. 10 linear feet or 15 square feetB. 5 linear feet or 10 square feetC. 2 linear feet or 5 square feetD. Any amount
16. Approximately how many asbestos abatementcontractors are licensed to work in Michigan?
A. 10B. 2,000C. 150D. 75
17. When an asbestos abatement contractor iscontracted to perform asbestos abatement, whatmust they do before work begins?
A. Make sure no one is looking.B. File a ten-day notification with theMIOSHA - Asbestos ProgramC. File a ten-day notification with the DEQ-Air Quality DivisionD. Both B and C
1. C is correct.2. C is correct.3. B is correct.4. B is correct.5. True.6. False - asbestos-related diseases are not eas-ily treatable and are usually fatal.7. A is correct.8. A is correct. Class I – Removal of TSI and
Answers
surfacing ACM or PACM; Class II – ACM thatis not Class I such as ACM Wallboard floor tile,roofing, siding, mastic, etc.; Class III – ACMrepair and maintenance operations; Class IV –ACM Maintenance and custodial operationswhere material may be contacted but not dis-turbed, and clean up activities resulting fromClass I, II, and III work.9. False - the condition of material will dictate ifit should be removed. If removal is recom-mended, a licensed asbestos abatement contrac-tor that has trained and accredited workers shouldabate the material.10. True - the Asbestos Program has four staffmembers that are required to do investigationsin the entire state of Michigan (upper and lower).11. C is correct.12. C is correct.13. C is correct. Exempt Trade Groups can per-form asbestos abatement projects incidental to theirprimary license trade and are exempt from hav-ing to have an asbestos abatement contractor li-cense. However, they must have the required train-ing and accreditation to perform asbestos relatedwork. They also must notify of any project that isgreater than 10 linear feet or 15 square feet offriable ACM and must not perform a projectgreater than 160 square feet or 260 linear feet ofACM.14. E is correct, it doesn’t govern asbestos, althoughit does regulate lead-related work activities.15. A is correct.16. C is correct.17. C is correct. A licensed asbestos abatementcontractor must file a ten-day notification with theMIOSHA - Asbestos Program prior to removingmore than 10 linear or 15 square feet of friableACM. They also have to file a ten-business daynotification with the DEQ if the amount removedexceeds 160 square feet or 260 linear feet.By: George Howard, Asbestos Program Manager
Susan Baldwin, Industrial Hygienist SpecialistKimberly Weaver, Secretary
On November 18, 2005, thedebarment of Lanzo ConstructionCompany, which prohibited thecompany from participating in anystate contracts for eight years, wasreversed in Macomb County CircuitCourt due to procedural issues withthe adoption and implementation ofthe debarment process.
Lanzo Construction CompanyDebarment Reversed
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protecting workers must be a priority for em-ployers. Employers with an integrated safety andhealth culture report not only reductions in in-juries and illnesses, but also positive bottom linebenefits, including:
Lower workers’ compensation costs,Increased productivity,Increased employee morale,Lower absenteeism and turnover.
“Walbridge is excited about our partner-ship with MIOSHA, our contractors, and theDetroit Building Trades,” said Vince DeAngelis,Group Vice President/CFO, Walbridge AldingerCompany. “This marks a fundamental shift inproject safety–we are formally entering into part-nerships to proactively prevent unsafe conditionsinstead of reacting after they arise.”
“Safety is a direct result of a conscious de-cision of the CEO to have, or not have, a safecompany,” said Chuck Clark, CEO, Clark Con-struction. “We have achieved 1.5 million workhours without a lost-time accident because theentire Clark team takes pride in our safety recordand works hard to achieve our goals.”
“Christman uses a proactive leadershipapproach, which combines knowledge of safetyregulations with a number of industry ‘best prac-tices’ which we have targeted as goals,” saidJay Smith, Christman Senior Vice President &Safety Officer. “Our top priority is our employ-ees, whose dedication to these goals are respon-sible for achieving 2.2 million hours without alost-time accident.”Focusing on Prevention
Construction jobsites are constantly chang-ing–and bring with them inherent dangers in-cluding falls, electrocutions, cave-ins, and be-ing struck by heavy equipment. Constructionemployers and employees must view their dailytasks with a heightened awareness that an acci-
Jay H. Smith and Don Staley, The Christman Company; CharlesClark, Clark Construction Company; and Vincent J. DeAngelis andDennis G. Jones, Walbridge Aldinger Company.
More than 270 construction employers from across the stateattended the Governor’s Construction Forum.
Cont. from Page 1Governor’s Construction Forum dent could happen on their project.
The MIOSHA program monitorsconstruction fatalities, injuries andillnesses, to help employers identifyhazards facing construction workersand to focus prevention efforts.
Construction employees must beable to recognize hazardous conditionsbefore an accident occurs. It is anemployer’s responsibility to ensurethat their employees possess, at aminimum, adequate training as re-quired by MIOSHA standards specificto the work operation or exposure.
“Protecting workers must be apriority for employers! MIOSHArules require construction employ-ers to implement accident preven-tion programs that address the haz-ards they face,” said Doug Kalinowski,MIOSHA Director. “We encourage constructionemployers to use all available resources, includ-ing MIOSHA outreach services, to provide a safeand healthy work environment.”
MIOSHA hosted this forum to share themessage that protecting workers just makes goodbusiness sense–and to ensure that workplacesafety and health plays an integral role in con-struction projects. The following speakers sharedtheir vision and commitment, best practices, les-sons learned, and how-to strategies.Michigan Leaders Speak Out!
Robert W. Swanson, Acting Director, De-partment of Labor & Economic Growth;
Odell Jones III, Chairman, AssociatedGeneral Contractors, Greater Detroit Chapter;and President & CEO, JOMAR Building Co.;
Patrick Devlin, Secretary-Treasurer,Michigan State Building and ConstructionTrades Council;
Henry L. Green, Executive Director, Bu-reau of Construction Codes and Fire Safety;
Doug Roggenbaum, Regional Vice Presi-dent-Michigan Region, Amerisure;
John Doherty, President/CEO, As-sociated Builders and Contractors, Inc.,Western Michigan Chapter;
Douglas J. Kalinowski, Director,Michigan Occupational Safety andHealth Administration (MIOSHA).MIOSHA Award Winners & Partners
Jay H. Smith, Senior Vice Presi-dent, and Don Staley, Safety Manager,The Christman Company;
Charles Clark, CEO, Clark Con-struction Company;
Vincent J. DeAngelis, HCS GroupVice President/CFO, and Dennis G.Jones, Group Safety Supervisor,Walbridge Aldinger.Sharpen the Competitive Edge
Dave Heinz, Safety Director,Birchwood Construction Company;
Patricia Lee, Human Resources
Administrator, Dan’s Excavating Company;Robert C. Sherriff, President, Sherriff-
Goslin Company.Control That Site!
Douglas L. Maibach, PE, Vice Presidentof Corporate Affairs, Barton Malow Company;
John Wheeler, CEO, Rockford Construc-tion Company, Inc.;
Scott N. Dahl, Senior Construction Spe-cialist, The Dow Chemical Company.Smart Workers Are Safe Workers
Daniel L. Kozakiewicz, President, ThreeRivers Corporation;
Gregg A. Newsom, Training Director, Op-erating Engineers Local 324 JATF, Inc., “Rais-ing Gang Program” Joint Training in Howell;
Brian Berryman, President, SuperiorRent-All & Sales.If It’s in the Work We Do-It’s in the Air We Breathe
Raymond Passeno, CIH, Vice President,Bierlein Companies, Inc.;
John Krieger, President, MIS Corporation-Michigan;
William J. O’Neil (John), President, W.J. O’Neil Company;
Martha Yoder, MIOSHA Deputy Director,and Bob Pawlowski, Construction Safety &Health Division Director, Moderators.
The MIOSHA Program has formal allianceswith the following construction organizations,who also participated in the forum: AssociatedGeneral Contractors (AGC), Greater DetroitChapter; Associated General Contractors (AGC),Michigan Chapter; Construction Association ofMichigan (CAM); Great Lakes Fabricators andErectors Association (GLFEA); Masonry Insti-tute of Michigan; and the former Michigan RoadBuilders Association.
“For over 30 years MIOSHA has recognizedemployers who do the right thing and makeworker protection a part of their company cul-ture,” said Kalinowski. “Every company partici-pating in today’s forum has a proven track recordof exemplary safety and health achievements.They are Michigan’s ‘Best of the Best!’”
Spring 2006
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Cont. from Page 6 Cont. from Page 7 Cont. from Page 11Confined Spaces Monitoring Hurricane Katrina VolunteersPower Transmission Towers
40 percent of the toluene actually present.Thus, 125 ppm X 100 percent / 40 percent
= over 300 ppm toluene. The Immediately Dan-gerous to Life and Health (IDLH) concentrationfor toluene is 500 ppm. Thus, our one percentreading was approaching an IDLH atmosphere,and was twice the toluene 150 ppm short-termexposure limit (STEL). Please remember thatthese numbers are ball-park, but show that a lowLEL reading could actually be a significantlytoxic atmosphere.
If there is a mixture of several differentcombustible gases in a confined space, we sug-gest that the combustible gas reading is onlyevidence of the presence of combustibles, butnot enough information to quantitatively deter-mine an accurate percent of the LEL in the mix-ture. If that meter was calibrated for methanegas, the actual level of combustibles may be sig-nificantly higher than indicated.Monitoring Top to Bottom
Another important point is that when moni-toring the atmosphere of a confined space, theatmosphere must be monitored top to bottom. Ina tank or vessel, there are very limited air cur-rents, and gases can separate and stratify due todifferent densities. Thus, at the top of our ex-ample tank, oxygen levels could be normal andno toxic or combustible gases/vapors present.Heavier than air gases may have settled near thebottom of this tank, and formed an oxygen-defi-cient atmosphere.
This is not a hypothetical case. One suchtank was at a construction project, brand newand never used. The safety personnel had testedthe tank near the top and no unusual readingswere noted in this area of the tank. Lying at thebottom of the tank was an undetected pool ofasphyxiating gas (argon). During tank fabrica-tion, stainless steel pipes leading to the tank werenot blocked, allowing welding shielding gas totravel the pipes into the tank. An entry was con-ducted and one worker fatality resulted.Help is Available
MIOSHA General Industry Standard Part90 and Occupational Health Standard Part 490,Permit Required Confined Spaces, providesrequirements for confined space classification,programs, training, and entry procedures. MIOSHA Instruction STD 05-1, Application ofPermit-Required Confined Spaces, providesagency interpretation, guidelines, and frequentlyasked questions.
This information is available on theMIOSHA website, www.michigan.gov/miosha,under the “Standards” and “Agency Instruction”headings. For assistance with questions regard-ing air monitoring techniques, contact the Con-sultation Education and Training (CET) Di-vision at 517.322.1809 to speak with an indus-trial hygiene consultant.
the energized lines (345,000 volts), in accor-dance with Part 1 General Rules, Rule 115 (4).
Citations were issued against Morris Paint-ing for violations of the following rules:
Part 1, General Rules;Part 6, Personal Protective Equipment;Part 11, Fixed and Portable Ladders;Part 45, Fall Protection.
The penalty assessed for the 10 citationitems classified as serious and the four citationitems classified as other-than-serious was$15,000. The company has appealed the cita-tions and penalties.Alternative Employee Protections
The investigation determined that it was notpractical to shut the power lines down (the pre-ferred method of addressing exposure to the elec-trical hazard), due to the densely populated areasupplied, and the inability to impose the capac-ity of the lines on a by-pass system. Most con-struction projects inspected by MIOSHA maystop for a brief time while hazards are corrected,but generally continue fairly quickly when prob-lems are resolved.
MIOSHA has ongoing discussions withMorris Painting, International TransmissionCompany (ITC), Consumers Energy and DTEEnergy, to determine if there is a satisfactorymethod of painting these towers while they re-main energized. ITC has agreed to submit vari-ance requests on several issues discussed.
MIOSHA will continue to work with all theinvolved parties to ensure that the project is com-pleted in the safest possible manner. The pri-mary goal of MIOSHA is to protect the safetyand health of Michigan workers by reducing oreliminating hazards in the workplace. To achievethis goal, it is MIOSHA policy to work withemployers so that workplace hazards can be cor-rected at the earliest possible opportunity.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) introduced a new online tool to easily generatetables of nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses data:
By industry,By the demographic characteristics of the worker, andBy the characteristics surrounding the incident.
The queries can be performed on Michigan-specific data, as well as national data.There is also a tool that will calculate a firm’s incidence rate and will generate theaverage incidence rate specific to that industry. These tables can be generated ineither HTML or Excel format.
There are many options available when performing these queries. At this time,only 2003 data is available, but additional years’ data will be added in the future, aswell as Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI). This is an online version ofthe Profiles system that had previously been available only on CD-ROM.
The BLS website is: www.dol.gov/bls.
New Bureau of Labor Statistics Online Tool
noticed watermarks on walls from just aboveground level to eight feet up the walls. Otherareas were filled with sludge, debris, downedtrees, crushed cars, and “blue” roofs.
Unfortunately, we encountered folks thatdidn’t use PPE, didn’t guard equipment, failedto establish safe work conditions, exposed them-selves to traffic, and disregarded fall protection.
And we saw folks doing the jobs cor-rectly–Red Cross trucks feeding people onstreet corners, sanitation stations with porta-potties, and-bottled water and hand cleaningmaterials in areas where debris was beinghandled.
That’s about all there is to say: we went,we worked, we returned, we did what we couldto help.By: Cindy Zastrow
I was deployed November 11, as a memberof the DMORT (Disaster Mortuary OperationalResponse Team) Region V Team to the St.Gabriel Base Camp/Morgue in St. Gabriel, Loui-siana. DMORT is designed to provide mortuaryassistance in the case of a mass fatality incidentor cemetery-related incident. We work under thelocal jurisdictional authorities such as coroners/medical examiners, law enforcement and emer-gency managers. Work hours were 7:00 a.m. –7:00 p.m., seven-days per week, with additionalhours when necessary. Our physical and mentalhealth needs were of the utmost importance, withdaily medical monitoring and on-site counsel-ing services.
The personnel I worked with were theepitome of professionalism. Dealing with somevery physically and emotionally trying circum-stances, they gave their all, never complained,and treated each victim with the respect and dig-nity that they deserve. As always, it was an honorto serve with them.
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Michigan Occupational Safetyand Health AdministrationDirector: Douglas J. Kalinowski
The MIOSHA News is aquarterly publication of theMichigan Occupational Safetyand Health Administration(MIOSHA), which is responsiblefor the enforcement of theMichigan Occupational Safetyand Health (MIOSH) Act.
The purpose is to educateMich igan employers andemployees about workplacesafety and health. This documentis in the public domain and weencourage reprinting.
Printed under authority of theMichigan Occupational Safetyand Health Act, PA 154 of 1974, asamended. Paid for with the state“Safety Education and TrainingFund” and federal OSHA funds.
Editor: Judith M. Shane
Michigan Department ofLabor & Economic GrowthDirector: Paula D. Cunningham
Michigan Department of Labor & Economic GrowthMichigan Occupational Safety and Health AdministrationP.O. Box 306437150 Harris DriveLansing, Michigan 48909-8143
(25,000 copies printed at a cost of $10,595 or $0.42 per copy.)
Website: www.michigan.gov/miosha
How To Contact MIOSHA
If you would like to subscribe to the MIOSHA News, please contact us at 517.322.1809 andprovide us with your mailing address. Also if you are currently a subscriber, please take thetime to review your mailing label for errors. If any portion of your address is incorrect, pleasecontact us at the above number.
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