Proforma Safety Blog

Tired of Wrestling with Packaging?

Posted by proforma on October 16, 2009  |  No Comments

You’re not getting older…or weaker. Packaging IS becoming more difficult to open, driven primarily by manufacturers concerned about theft or product tampering. If it’s not the “clamshell” wrapping that seems impervious to scissors or sledge hammers, it’s the tangle of ties or twists securing the desired object permanently to its packaging once you get the clamshell off.

Which tools will actually work? Consumer Reports staff and volunteers tested a range of packaging openers, and here is their recommended list.

Good for use around the home….and the office as well.

OSHA Announces Changes to Hazard Communication Standard

Posted by proforma on October 16, 2009  |  No Comments

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) has published comprehensive changes to the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) 29 C.F.R. 1910.1200; 1915.1200, 1917.28, 1918.90; and 1926.59, intended to to promote consistency in the identification, classification, and labeling of chemicals around the world. These regulations apply only in the United States.
Any employers with employees that are exposed to hazardous chemicals (including manufacturers, importers, and downstream employers) must have a hazard communication program and ensure that employees have access to container labels, MSDSs, and training on hazardous substances in their workplace. Chemical manufacturers and importers will be required to evaluate and control chemical hazards as the materials move to downstream users.

A legal firm, Morgan Lewis, has issued a news flash that does an excellent job of explaining the ramifications.

If There’s a Red Flag: No Strenuous Exercise Allowed

Posted by proforma on October 8, 2009  |  No Comments

Now here is something really interesting, if you want to monitor heat stress at your work site.

In order to monitor heat and humidity, the U.S. Navy started using a Wet Bulb Dry Globe Temperature (WBGT) meter. The Naval Health Research Center (NHRC) and Naval Sea Systems Command Smart Ship initiative simplified the process of monitoring heat stress conditions on board Navy ships (see related story). The meter continuously records real time data on ambient dry/wet bulb temperatures, radiant heat globe temperature, and relative humidity, which is then transmitted to a PC for graphical representation and guidance on exposure. Hazard warning flags are then posted to advise personnel. If you’re interested in learning more, click here. You might find something you can create at your own site.

Chit Chat Can Kill

Posted by proforma on October 8, 2009  |  No Comments

Whether on the job, in the car, or anywhere else where concentration is important, distractions like chatting can result in injury or death. This article is an important reminder to stay focused: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has cited violations of the “sterile cockpit rule” in six airline crashes since 2004. Pilots were chatting — in one case, making chicken noises — before they crashed, in some instances, resulting in fatalities.

Step Away From Your Computer and Stretch

Posted by proforma on October 4, 2009  |  No Comments

Here’s an interesting concept: why not prepare for your workday as you would for playing a sport?
We’re talking about getting your body ready for work: warming up with a brisk walk or light jog in place. Stretch the muscles, tendons and joints, especially if you’re going to perform physical tasks. And ESPECIALLY if you’re an older worker.

Whether you’re working in an office, at a plant, or home in your garage on your favorite hobby, you should periodically stop to do these simple stretching exercises. It can make the difference between feeling good and suffering strained muscles. This humorous poster is also appropriate for posting in the kitchen area of your workplace or other location as a visual reminder.