US DOL NEWS RELEASE - 2021 Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries

 

U.S. Department of Labor  |  December 16, 2022 Statement by Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety, Health  on 2021 Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Doug Parker issued a statement regarding today’s release by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of its 2021 Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries: “Today’s announcement by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of a one-year increase of nearly 9 percent in fatal work injuries serves as call to action for OSHA, employers and other stakeholders to redouble our collective efforts to make our nation’s workplaces safer. “In 2021, 5,190 workers suffered fatal work injuries, equating to one worker death in the U.S. every 101 minutes, including 653 Black workers, whose fatality rate hit an all-time high. Black and Latino workers also had fatality rates disproportionately higher than their co-workers in 2021. These are deeply troubling facts. “Each of these deaths cruelly impacts these workers’ families, friends, co-workers and communities. They are clear reminders of the important work that must be done. OSHA and its thousands of professionals across the nation are determined to enforce the law while working with employers, workers, labor unions, trade associations and other stakeholders to ensure that every worker in the U.S. ends their workday safely.” ### Media Contacts: Amanda McClure, 202-693-4675, mcclure.amanda.c@dol.gov  Victoria Godinez, 202-693-4667,  godinez.victoria.c@dol.gov   Release Number: 22-2350-NAT

Office Ergonomics

Referenced Article:
https://ergonomictrends.com/creating-perfect-ergonomic-workspace-ultimate-guide/

Workplace ergonomics are responsible for many musculoskeletal injuries each year, many resulting in back problems.

So, what does an ergonomic workspace look like? Well, Ergonomic Trends did a nice job writing a guide on this very subject. It can be found at the link above and discusses some important variables to consider when setting up your office.

The article will walk you through how to choose the right chair and properly adjust it. It also discusses the proper desk height, monitor position, lighting, and ergonomic peripherals, such as keyboards and mice.

Another interesting topic this article addresses are "workstation zones" which contemplates where you should place certain items to avoid leaning and bending motions.

Adjusting your lifestyle to include exercise and stress reduction can also help improve your posture and help reduce ergonomic related injuries.

Safety Wars

There is a war on for your safety and you are on the front lines!

Giving a shout out to a friend a colleague in the safety industry, Jim Poesl, CSP, CHMM, CIE who runs the website SafetyWars.com which is a site for safety education for both the professionals and for the tradespeople. Its goal is to bring news, commentary, common sense, leadership training, and humor to the safety profession.

You can check them out on the web, or on the following platforms:

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

YouTube

and occasionally on the SafetyFM Podcast

Thanksgiving and Holiday Safety

Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday season and when family and friends gather to FEAST!

That's right, people around the world will be cooking, eating, and travelling to get together and break bread with their loved ones.

While everyone is hoping to have a season filled with joy, there are some tips to consider in helping to keep everyone in the spirit of the holidays!

Holiday Travel
This season sees a massive spike in travel, with the day before Thanksgiving being the most travelled time for those in the United States. This includes travel by air, by rail, by car, by ferry, and almost any other mode of transportation you can think of. During this busy season, remember the following tips:

1. Make sure your car is safe. Recent maintenance should be done, and all safety features should function. Check the air in your tires and ensure your loads are properly secured.

2. Plan your route and try to travel during the less busy times of day, such as early morning or late evening. Using a GPS can help you avoid traffic or find alternative routes.

3. Be extra alert of traffic and changing road conditions. This season offers us slippery leaves, snow, and ice. Coupled with a blinding sunrise/sunset (and deer in some areas) these conditions could be recipe for disaster. Leave earlier, pay attention, and put your distractions aside. 

4. Be aware of your surroundings in public areas. Keep your bags close and report anything suspicious to the authorities.

5. Avoid confrontation. Walking away and being the bigger person can be helpful in avoiding holiday stress and confrontation. Fights, especially in public, generally do not end well for anyone involved.

In the Kitchen
Everyone loves to gather around in the kitchen and at a table filled with seasonal menus and treats. Lots of hazards exist in these areas, including sharp knives, hot appliances and food, tripping hazards, electrical hazards, and more!

Before we get started, check the batteries in and test your smoke detectors!

1. Use a GFCI for any plug-in appliances. Most homes are equipped with these, but to be certain, you can test them with a simple GFCI tester that can be found in most hardware stores.

2. Have at least a 10lb Type ABC or Type K fire extinguisher readily available. Make sure it is charged (arrow should be in the green) and that you know how to use it. Remember the PASS method - Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep from side to side until the fire is out or the extinguisher is empty. Call 9-1-1 (or local emergency #) even if the fire is out.

3. Keep children out of the kitchen and away from hot appliances, food, and boiling water. If someone gets burned, immerse the burned area in cool water (not running water) or use a cool compress to cool the burn. Once cooled, cover with a light gauze dressing and seek medical attention, especially if there are blisters or broken skin.

4. Allow food to cool sufficiently before serving to prevent food/beverage burns to you or your guests. Use potholders to handle hot pots and pans and ensure your path of travel from the kitchen to the table is clear of tripping or slipping hazards, as well as little ones that may be running around. 

5. Have an emergency plan in case something goes wrong. How will you get out and where will everyone meet to do an accountability check? 

6. Double check that all appliances have been turned off when you are done cooking. Do not use your cooking appliances, especially your stove or oven, to heat your home; carbon monoxide poisoning, and fires could result.

Have a happy, healthy, and SAFE holiday season!

David