BWC News & Updates

News, announcements, events, and safety information provided by the Ohio BWC.

Ototoxicity: March 2022 Safety & Hygiene Corner

/ portagecsc

Q: What is chemical ototoxicity, and should I be worried?

A: Ototoxic chemicals may cause hearing loss or balance problems to employees who are exposed. Ototoxic chemicals can be found in certain pesticides, solvents, and pharmaceuticals. The chemicals can negatively affect how the ear functions, causing hearing loss, and/or affect balance. The risk of hearing loss is increased when workers are exposed to these chemicals while working around elevated noise levels. What are some common ototoxic chemicals? Toluene, n-hexane, p-xylene, ethylbenzene, trichloroethylene, carbon monoxide, tobacco smoke, and lead. How do I know if these chemicals are present in my workplace? Review the Safety data sheets for solvents and degreasers. Pay attention to Section 3 that lists the product’s components. What should you do if you use a product containing an ototoxic chemical? Contact a BWC Industrial Hygienist. The Industrial Hygienist can assist you in determining the noise levels at your facility, help you review Safety Data Sheets for ototoxic chemicals and ensure your employees are using proper personal protective equipment.

For more information, see Preventing Hearing Loss Caused by Chemical (Ototoxicity) and Noise Exposure | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (osha.gov)

*Brought to you by the Ohio BWC safety consultants.

April 13, 2022 – Safety Council Mega Meeting

/ portagecsc
Free webinar designed for safety and human resource professionals alike

Join safety council members across the state to learn how leaders can more effectively handle the unprecedented levels of stress and pressures in today’s workplaces. 

In her keynote presentation Now What? How to Lead by Bringing Your Human to Work, bestselling author and workplace strategist Erica Keswin will explore five ways to help your company thrive.

Prepare to bring your human to work, be confident you can manage the chaos and be ready to rock the hybrid revolution!

Additional details for this webinar, which is open to the public, are found in the attached flyer. No registration required.
Erica Keswin

Wednesday, April 13
11 a.m. to 12 p.m. EST

At the scheduled date and time, click here to join this live event.

With special appearance by BWC Administrator/CEO Stephanie McCloud.

Anchored Machinery: December 2021 Safety & Hygiene Corner

/ portagecsc

Question: Should my fixed machinery be anchored/secured? What if it’s portable and not fixed?

Answer: In short, yes, your fixed machinery needs to be anchored/secured and your portable machinery should be secured as well to prevent unwanted movement and potential tipping. First off, according to OSHA’s General Requirements for all Machines 29 CFR 1910.212(b):

Machines designed for a fixed location shall be securely anchored to prevent walking or moving.

However, the OSHA standard does not touch on portable machinery. Even though OSHA does not have an associated standard for securing portable machinery, the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) does. According to OAC Rule 4123:1-5-05 (E) Anchoring and mounting of machinery:

Portable machinery mounted upon trucks or bases shall be securely fastened thereto, and such truck or base shall be so locked or blocked as to prevent movement or shift while such machine is in operation.

Therefore, as an employer in Ohio, not only do your fixed machines need to be securely anchored, but all portable machinery mounted upon trucks or bases need to be securely fastened as well.

*Provided by the Ohio BWC safety consultants.

Mower Rollover Danger: November 2021 Safety & Hygiene Corner

/ portagecsc

Question: It’s just mowing the grass, Right? What is that bar that’s folded up behind me for? Can you detail the Dangers of Roll-Overs of Riding Mowers?

Answer: Some riding mowers with a roll-over protective structure (ROPS). The ROPS can either be standard or optional equipment. If the mower does not have a ROPS, look for unused bolt holes or brackets near the seat or frame to see if the mower should be equipped with a ROPS. Do not operate any mower that was intended to be equipped with a ROPS without its ROPS in place. In many cases, retrofit kits are available.  A few important points to note:

  • Mowers with a ROPS should be equipped with a seat belt.
  • Where vertical clearance does not allow for a ROPS to be in the raised (active) position, the ROPS may be temporarily placed in the lowered (inactive) position. Also, workers should not wear a seat belt while operating a riding mower with the ROPS in the lowered position. Return the ROPS to the raised position as soon as the riding mower is in an area where the clearance allows its use and reconnect the seat belt.
  • It’s best to equip riding mowers with operator presence control system that shuts off the blades when the operator dismounts the machine or rises out of the seat. 
  • Equip riding mowers with interlocks that ensure that the engine cannot start while the mower is in gear or if the blade is engaged.
  • Keep riding mowers in good working order and inspect them periodically.
  • Operators should use a standard checklist to do a general inspection of the equipment before use.
  • Experienced service personnel should inspect riding mowers for the necessary safety features and overall maintenance at least annually. Only qualified personnel should service and repair riding mowers.

Leaf collection is upon us, when mulching and collecting leaves new hazards are created. Never reach through the chute to unclog mower decks while mower is running, or blades are spinning. Ensure blades are at a COMPLETE stop and mower is OFF and chocked BEFORE performing any work.Dangers of Roll-Overs of Riding Mowers | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (osha.gov)

*Provided by the Ohio BWC safety consultants.

Free BWC Webinars – NOV 2021

/ portagecsc

Distance Learning in November 2021 

FOR DISTRIBUTION TO SAFETY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND BUSINESS COMMUNITY

BWC is hosting a number of occupational safety and health webinars and virtual classes in November. For detailed information and to learn how to register, view this flyer.

Webinars –presented live with BWC discount program & continuing education credits

  • Lean Applied to Safety (November 9)

Virtual classes –

  • Electrical Safety in the Workplace through Insight and Implementation of NFPA 70E (November 4-5)
  • Safety Series Module 1: Introduction to OSHA Requirements and Safety Culture Basics (November 8)
  • OSHA Recordkeeping Half-day Workshop (November 22)
  • Confined Space Assessment and Work (November 23-24)
  • Crisis De-Escalation Tactics and Safe Practices Workshop (November 30)

Online E-Courses

  • Bloodborne Pathogens, Developing a Safety Culture, OSHA Recordkeeping 101 and others

For more information or assistance when registering, contact the staff member listed or dshcc@bwc.state.oh.us.