Yorlanda on November 2nd, 2011

In light of the recent article release from NIOSH stating that there may be a shortage of occupational health and safety professionals in the near future. There are many programs out there bending or flying under the protocol radar just to get as much money as fast as they can while churning out under qualified safety professionals. Now we can not blame the eager to get to work students. Considering the economy today many are looking to switch careers quickly to begin supporting their families again. Fortunately there are organizations out there  like the ASSE and NASP that encourage continuous education and training as well as strict admission requirements. Now, granted the only way to gain experience is to have hands on training for those that have not completed degree programs and granted those without field experience but have degrees should have the opportunity to apply what they have learned. So I pose the question, how are we to assist the newly educated in gaining the experience necessary to assist those in the workplace in establishing a safe working environment?

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Yorlanda on October 30th, 2011
Jerry Grubbs Granddaughter demostrating workplace safety

Jerry Grubbs Granddaughter demonstrating workplace safety

I look at this adorable little one and I think; how young is too young to exercise safe work practices. Since there are many areas of safety that adults are concerned about when employing youth we will look at the resources that will assist us in being compliant. Of course OSHA has programs and resources in compliance for youth in the workplace.

Then there is the CDC that states that there are 17.5 million workers under the age of 24. Although some of these workers are considered adults, many of them are fresh out of college and new to the workforce.  Mentioning this fact brings a smile to my face, while I remember a young 20-something year old college graduate first entering the field of construction safety. We were conducting a crane inspection and with his most serious face he asks, ” Now, which is the boom and which is the ball?”  Moments like that is the reason we as Warriors 4 Safety, must assume the responsibility of mentoring and aiding the newbies of safety. Yes, I know that sometimes due to generational gaps, communication  can be a challenge utilizing non-profit organizations like Youthsafe can be a useful tool in making sure the lines of communication are open and clear to both parties. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety also has programs and resources to aid in communicating the importance of safety in the workplace. The Vocational Industrial Clubs of America aka VICA teaches secondary and post-secondary students technical/vocational skills and training. Part of the programs competitive aspect of the program is safety. I met a young welder that is kicking himself to this day because he chose to ignore the safety aspect of the competition and lost. Don’t worry, he is probably my future poster child for safety now. Thank you VICA. Do you have any ideas, referrals or suggestions to get the importance of workplace safety to our youth? Talk to us. As always, have a safe and productive day!

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Yorlanda on October 25th, 2011

Losi NiMH Battery Charger

NEWS from
CPSC and HC

U.S. Consumer Product
Safety Commission
www.cpsc.gov Health Canada
www.hc-sc.gc.ca

——————————————————————————–

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 20, 2011
Release #12-015 Firm’s Recall Hotline: (877) 504-0233
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
HC Media Contact: (613) 957-2983

Horizon Hobby Recalls Losi NiMH Battery Charger Due to Possible Burn and Fire Hazards
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Losi NiMH Start-Up Combo Charger

Units: About 975 in U.S. and 25 in Canada

Importer: Horizon Hobby Inc., of Champaign, Ill.

Hazard: The charger and battery can emit excessive heat, posing a burn and fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Horizon Hobby has received eight reports of the batteries emitting excessive heat. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The Losi NiMH Start-Up Combo Charger is black, measures 4” x 2” and has model number LOSB9904. The model number is printed on the back of the product’s packaging with the bar code. A Losi logo sticker is on the front of the charger, along with another sticker bearing the instruction: “Use only with 7.2V NiMH Batteries 1500mAh or higher.” On the back of the charger is a sticker with voltage and current ratings for input (100-240VAC, 1.0A) and output (8.5V, 3A) along with another Losi logo.

Sold at: Hobby stores nationwide gave the battery chargers away free or for a small charge with a purchase, depending on the retailer from January 2011 to March 2011.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using this product and contact Horizon Hobby for a refund of the retail value.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Horizon Hobby toll-free at (877) 504-0233 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Saturday and between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday or visit the website at www.horizonhobby.com/losicombo

Battery Charger

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about your experience with the product on www.saferproducts.gov

CPSC is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $900 billion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. CPSC’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products – such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals – contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

Under federal law, it is illegal to attempt to sell or resell this or any other recalled product.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, go online to: www.saferproducts.gov, call CPSC’s Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270 for the hearing impaired. Consumers can obtain this news release and product safety information at www.cpsc.gov. To join a free e-mail subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx.

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Yorlanda on October 23rd, 2011

If you type the words “Workplace Violence” in any search engine you are likely to find an enormous amount of information but in the world technology the list seems a bit dismal. One of Warriors 4 Safety’s favorite students is currently working on a paper discussing the previously covered topic of workplace violence.
Why is it necessary to discuss this subject? I mean, after all, we are all adults or at least responsible teenagers that are looking to be productive members of society. However, when we open newspapers, turn on the news or listen to radio news reports we hear of individuals being injured or killed in the one place other than church or school, that we feel the safest. I mean, what has the world come to when there is a demand for individuals like Larry J Chavez, B.A, M.P.A. of Workplace Violence 101?
What are we to do as safety professionals to prevent things like this from happening? How are we to recognize the signs of someone on the edge? How are we to know that someone in the workplace is interacting with someone that has the potential commit such a horrible act? Let’s face it; we do not hear that a gang banger or someone with a long criminal history commits these acts.
Should such an act happen in the workplace what are we to do to regain structure and stability in the workplace? Sure we act as counselors on the job all the time but most of us are not trained grief counselors to address something as traumatic as witnessing a co-worker(s) being injured or killed.
Does our government have the answers? There are many government agencies like the OPM, OSHA and The USDA (I know this leaves an opening for mad cow jokes, but this is a serious subject people), that discuss and offer training support on the subject.
I look forward to hearing from the students of safety. Hopefully, they will enlighten us about workplace violence prevention and recovery.

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Yorlanda on October 22nd, 2011

It is that time again Warriors 4 Safety! We have received word of at least 4 positions that will be revealed exclusively to profiled and contributing writers of Warriors 4 Safety. There is a rumor of more soon to come!

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Yorlanda on October 2nd, 2011

When I think of my hair stylist, I think of a miracle performing, free therapist, current event deliverer, and human time machine. Honestly my safety radar rarely goes off when in the presence of the ego boosters I have the pleasure of calling my friends. Thanks to my travels it is important that I find a stylist in every city/town I travel. So imagine my concern when I read the formaldehyde hazard alert on the OSHA website. Now, most men are likely not surprised by this revelation if they have ever had the misfortune of interrupting their favorite females “me time” moments by entering a hair salon and having their nasal cavities accosted by the chemical smell that has become an acquired smell for those that frequent these establishments.
I have spoken with my friend, Yalanda Shinette, Owner/ Instructor of Mainland Cosmetology Careers Academy and Owner of Hair Solutions; and according to her, a student’s curriculum includes chemistry and safety. The safety aspect of that curriculum includes but not limited to; proper chemical storage and handling as well as MSDS components.
So my questions are: how did manufacturers get away with this for so long? Secondly, how does this affect the hair care industry? Also, I notice that this alert does not say much about the customer’s safety; will the stylist be responsible for advising the customer of the possible exposure to formaldehyde?

Yorlanda on August 20th, 2011

REPORTS TO: PMAA Compliance Manager

DIVISION: North America Region

DEPARTMENT QHSE

LOCATION: Houston, Park 10 Office

BASIC FUNCTION: Provide advice, support, assistance and services in issues related to Risk Assessment, Incident Analysis, HSE, and the Safety Management System. Coordinate and assist in performing of risk analyses and incident analyses. Assist the QHSE Group in the day to day operations and function of the department where appropriate. Live the Core Values of the Company.

DUTIES:

AUTHORITY
HSE Cases and Major Hazard Risk Assessments (MHRAs)

1. Act as Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the HSE Cases and Major Hazard Risk Assessments (MHRAs) of the MODUs that make-up the NAM fleet.

2. Act as focal point for the facilitating and coordination of HSE Cases and MHRAs.

3. Provide instruction and guidance in the review and updating of HSE Cases and MHRAs for Installations

I

II

III

Risk Assessment

1. Organize and coordinate qualitative and quantitative risk analyses including Hazard Identification Studies (HAZIDs), Hazard and Operability Studies (HAZOPs), Failure Mode and Effects (and Criticality) Assessments (FME(C)As), etc. as required. Act as Chairman and/or Technical Recorder for and during these exercises. Produce reports detailing any findings.

2. Develop, promote, and assist in the use of Risk Assessment techniques and methodologies to II systematically and consistently identify, reduce, and mitigate the risk of major accidents and losses within the North American fleet.

I

II

Other

1. Work on special projects as directed by supervisors. III

III

QUALIFICATIONS:

DEFINITION OF AUTHORITY

Authority I To act.

Authority II To act but inform the person to whom he reports to and other interested parties.

Authority III To consult before acting.

EDUCATION:

Suitable technical training with emphasis on industrial risks, plus technical training.

EXPERIENCE:

Five (5) years in offshore industry or working for a company with business application to the offshore industry is desirable. Familiarization with Process Safety and Risk concepts.

SKILLS:

Knowledge of MS Windows, Database (preferable Microsoft Access), Word Processor (preferably Microsoft Word), Spreadsheet (preferably Microsoft Excel). Very good communication skills, both oral and written. Ability to lead group discussions and maintain focus of group. Excellent problem solving and organizational skills. Ability to work with a minimum of supervision. Familiarization with software such as BowTieXP and/or Microsoft Project required.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to work unsupervised, undertake tasks on own initiative. Make effective use of company’s equipment and resources. Use own judgment and initiative to determine the approach of action to take in non-routine situations. Ability to communicate with the end user in the field. Must be familiar with applicable codes, guidelines and standards recommended by the Organization, Administration, Classification Societies and Maritime Industries. Have a sound knowledge of drilling operations and its interrelations. Ability to handle situations concerning operations, personnel, and administration, local problems, and dealing with clients.

INGENUITY:

Must be able to use judgment to develop best methodology for each risk assessment and present findings in a manner understandable to both those who participate in exercises and any others that may be interested. Must use own judgment to ensure that findings of assessments reflect actual conditions and situations.

DECISION MAKING:

Must be able to determine which types of Risk Assessments are most appropriate for any particular project. Must be able to determine what time, resources, and expertise may be needed to successfully complete a risk assessment. During a group exercise, the incumbent must be able to decide which issues should be discussed to closure and which issues are best tabled for discussion outside the group.

Click Here to Apply!

Yorlanda on August 20th, 2011

HSE Risk Advisor III

REPORTS TO: PMAA Compliance Manager

DIVISION: North America Region

DEPARTMENT QHSE

LOCATION: Houston, Park 10 Office

BASIC FUNCTION: Provide advice, support, assistance and services in issues related to Risk Assessment, Incident Analysis, HSE, and the Safety Management System. Coordinate and assist in performing of risk analyses and incident analyses. Assist the QHSE Group in the day to day operations and function of the department where appropriate. Live the Core Values of the Company.

DUTIES:

AUTHORITY
HSE Cases and Major Hazard Risk Assessments (MHRAs)

1. Act as Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the HSE Cases and Major Hazard Risk Assessments (MHRAs) of the MODUs that make-up the NAM fleet.

2. Act as focal point for the facilitating and coordination of HSE Cases and MHRAs.

3. Provide instruction and guidance in the review and updating of HSE Cases and MHRAs for Installations

I

II

III

Risk Assessment

1. Organize and coordinate qualitative and quantitative risk analyses including Hazard Identification Studies (HAZIDs), Hazard and Operability Studies (HAZOPs), Failure Mode and Effects (and Criticality) Assessments (FME(C)As), etc. as required. Act as Chairman and/or Technical Recorder for and during these exercises. Produce reports detailing any findings.

2. Develop, promote, and assist in the use of Risk Assessment techniques and methodologies to II systematically and consistently identify, reduce, and mitigate the risk of major accidents and losses within the North American fleet.

I

II

Other

1. Work on special projects as directed by supervisors. III

III

QUALIFICATIONS:

DEFINITION OF AUTHORITY

Authority I To act.

Authority II To act but inform the person to whom he reports to and other interested parties.

Authority III To consult before acting.

EDUCATION:

Suitable technical training with emphasis on industrial risks, plus technical training.

EXPERIENCE:

Five (5) years in offshore industry or working for a company with business application to the offshore industry is desirable. Familiarization with Process Safety and Risk concepts.

SKILLS:

Knowledge of MS Windows, Database (preferable Microsoft Access), Word Processor (preferably Microsoft Word), Spreadsheet (preferably Microsoft Excel). Very good communication skills, both oral and written. Ability to lead group discussions and maintain focus of group. Excellent problem solving and organizational skills. Ability to work with a minimum of supervision. Familiarization with software such as BowTieXP and/or Microsoft Project required.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to work unsupervised, undertake tasks on own initiative. Make effective use of company’s equipment and resources. Use own judgment and initiative to determine the approach of action to take in non-routine situations. Ability to communicate with the end user in the field. Must be familiar with applicable codes, guidelines and standards recommended by the Organization, Administration, Classification Societies and Maritime Industries. Have a sound knowledge of drilling operations and its interrelations. Ability to handle situations concerning operations, personnel, and administration, local problems, and dealing with clients.

INGENUITY:

Must be able to use judgment to develop best methodology for each risk assessment and present findings in a manner understandable to both those who participate in exercises and any others that may be interested. Must use own judgment to ensure that findings of assessments reflect actual conditions and situations.

DECISION MAKING:

Must be able to determine which types of Risk Assessments are most appropriate for any particular project. Must be able to determine what time, resources, and expertise may be needed to successfully complete a risk assessment. During a group exercise, the incumbent must be able to decide which issues should be discussed to closure and which issues are best tabled for discussion outside the group.

Apply to this job now…

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Yorlanda on August 15th, 2011

Warriors 4 Safety be on the look out for an immediate job opportunity posting. The profiled Warriors 4 Safety have first shot and then the blog subscribers. Keep following us for an update!

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Yorlanda on July 17th, 2011

Hey! How are you all coping with the heat? Throughout the fantastic world of internet, there is an innumerable amount of articles and blogs about how to cope with working in the summertime heat and how to prevent heat related illnesses/injuries.
So I don’t want to talk about that, although it’s not rain that is currently filling my rubber boots. So much for being prepared for inclement weather, right? So, with that being said, I want to talk about ill fitting personal protective equipment. Do you realize the complex a girl could have realizing that her legs are bigger than her feet?! Now here I sit with Bozo the clown boots while my legs feel comfortably massaged because of the air that is forced out with every step I take by the oversize fit and pressure build up in the foot section of my boot. Yes, I know that I am a trip hazard waiting to happen but until the very intimidating clouds above my head make way for the natural sauna to dry out the swamp area I am working, the boots stay put. Well, the expediter does have some more appropriate fitting boots headed my way by Monday, so I am not as much of a rebel as I would like to pretend.
What do we as safety professionals do when we come across workers that are fortunate enough not to fit into the mold that all personal protective equipment comes from? From my own personal experiences, I have had to order a safari style hard hat to fit an individual’s head that fit comfortably within the ratchet inside the hard hat but his actual head extended far outside the protective area of the hard hat itself. No, I am not making it up and if I did not admire his intelligence and dedication to safety I would tell you his name but I won’t. He loves the attention.
A great deal of the time things are not to that extreme, many times it is something as simple as gender. There are a few personal protective equipment suppliers that cater to the increasing number of women entering the field of construction, manufacturing and production. I just took a look at Ace Apparel and National Work Wear as well as a few others and they have a variety of apparel for both genders and a size range to accommodate a variety of needs for workers. Places like Ritz Safety and Eagle Safety Supply offer a wide variety of personal protective equipment. Usually it just takes due diligence of the safety professional and input on one’s safety by the worker to ensure the proper fit of the ppe, thus allowing the maximum protection the equipment is designed to give.
Oh! My boots have arrived early! Talk with you warriors later! Have a safe and productive day!

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