N ew s A b o u t O c c u p at i o n a l S a fe t y a n d H e a l t h i n
Agriculture
Safety News ISSUE ONE, 2007
S T A T E
C O M P E N S A T I O N
I N S U R A N C E
F U N D
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Field Sanitation Compliance
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he importance of field sanitation was dramatically brought to the attention of consumers and the agricultural community by last year’s crop contamination tragedy. If you are an agricultural business employing field workers for hand-labor, you must comply with Cal/OSHA’s Field Sanitation Standard.
In This Issue Feature Articles Field Sanitation Compliance The Expert’s Corner – Hexavalent Chromium – New Cal/OSHA Regulations A Lyme Disease Advisory Safety Tips For ATV Drivers Safety Seminars – Sign Up Now Safety Topic – Electrical Safety
In Each Issue Reporting Injuries Employer Responsibilities State Fund Locations
The standard requires employers to provide potable drinking water, toilets, and hand washing facilities to hand-laborers in the field (agricultural work done by hand or with hand tools during cultivation, weeding, planting, and harvesting of vegetables, nuts, fruits, seedlings, or other crops including mushrooms, and packing field produce into containers on the ground, on moving machinery or in a shed). It excludes logging operations, care and feeding of livestock or hand-labor operations in permanent structures (e.g. canning facilities or packing houses). At minimum, the standard requires employers to provide: • Enough cool, potable drinking water readily accessible to all field workers in single-use drinking cups or by fountain • One toilet and hand washing facility for each 20 employees of each sex, within a quarter mile walk, or if not feasible, at the closest vehicular access point. • Field hand-laborers may be transported to
toilet and hand washing facilities: – if employees do field work for less than two hours (including time spent traveling to and from the field), or – if less than five workers in the company do hand-labor work on any given day. • Facilities kept up to public health sanitation practices including ensuring clean drinking water throughout the day; that toilets are clean, sanitary, and working; that hand washing facilities are clean, sanitary, and refilled with potable water; and that any unsanitary conditions through waste disposal are prevented. • Employers must inform field workers where water and hand washing/toilet facilities are located then allow reasonable time during their work shift to use them. Workers must be trained in the proper facility with specific training in heat stress, communicable diseases, urine retention, and agrochemical residues. Standard violators will receive a minimum, nonadjustable monetary penalty and be required to annually complete a field sanitation compliance form for a period of 5 years following the citation. The abatement period for violations will be fixed at one, and the filing of the appeal will not stay the abatement period. q
Safety News
The
State Compensation Insurance Fund
Expert’s
Corner
hromium has a variety of important industrial applications, from making steel “stainless” to providing a range of colors for pigments and dyes. But chromium has a dark side: in its hexavalent form, it is very toxic.
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Health effects of hexavalent chromium, also known as chromium(VI) or Cr(VI), include lung cancer, asthma, nasal septum ulcerations and perforations, skin ulcerations, and allergic and contact dermatitis. The permissible exposure limit (PEL) for all Cr(VI) compounds has been reduced to 5 micrograms per cubic meter of air. The already lower PEL for strontium chromate remains at 0.5 micrograms per cubic meter. Cal/OSHA has adopted additional regulations to help protect workers from Cr(VI). These include provisions for exposure determination, engineering and work practice controls, respiratory protection, protective work clothing and equipment, hygiene areas and practices, housekeeping, medical surveillance, hazard communication, and recordkeeping.
Issue One, 2007
Hexavalent Chromium New Cal/OSHA Regulations The separate regulations adopted for General Industry, Construction, and Ship Building, Repairing, and Breaking are identical for the most part, but there are some differences. There are a few exceptions to the new regulations. Portland cement contains trace amounts of hexavalent chromium, but is exempt from new the regulations. The treatment of wood with Cr(VI) containing preservatives is also exempt, but the use of such wood is not. Is your chromium hexavalent? Review the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) to find out. If it says chromate or dichromate, then it is hexavalent. Chromic trioxide, chromic acid, and chromyl chloride are also Cr(VI) compounds. Welding and cutting on materials containing any form of chromium can produce hexavalent chromium fumes.You need to be concerned if your workers are welding or cutting stainless steel or other high-chrome alloys. Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), commonly referred to as stick welding, generates a lot of fume, and much of the
chromium is converted to Cr(VI). Gas metal arc welding (GMAW), also know as MIG welding, generates a lot of fume too, but only a small percentage of the chromium is converted to Cr(VI). Tungsten arc welding (TIG) and submerged arc welding (SAW) generate lower levels of fume, so exposures to Cr(VI) are generally below the PEL. Other common processes with workers at risk include chrome plating and spray coating with Cr(VI) containing materials. For the complete regulations, go to the Cal/OSHA website. For a summary of the regulations, see our State Fund Loss Control Bulletin on hexavalent chromium. If you need help identifying or controlling health hazards, request an industrial hygiene consultation through State Fund’s Loss Control Department or your broker/agent. Beth Mohr, Ph.D., CIH, is a Certified Industrial Hygienist assigned to State Fund’s San Francisco and San Jose Districts. q
A Lyme Disease Advisory yme Disease is a serious, tick-borne illness that can cause chronic muscle pain, inflammatory arthritis, heart disease and/or neurological disorders. In California, the disease is transmitted to humans by the blackleg tick. Exposure to infected tick habitats – in occupations such as farming, landscaping, forestry, brush clearing, park/wildlife management, and time spent in heavily wooded or grassy areas – increases the likelihood of contracting the disease. Besides tick-bite prevention, early recognition and diagnosis of the disease is important so that it can be
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successfully treated with antibiotics. Deer and rodents serve as hosts to black-leg ticks and in the spring and early summer are when young ticks are abundant. But, because black-leg ticks are smaller than common dog or cattle ticks (usually not much larger than the head of a pin) they can easily go unnoticed. The Center for Disease Control discusses options to prevent infected-tick contact including avoiding tick habitats such as brushy or overgrown grassy and wooded areas and reducing tick and host habitats by
removing leaves, tall grass, and brush from around work areas. Although it’s best to avoid or clear tick and host habitats, there are some jobs where those options are not possible. For those situations, protective measures include: • Wearing light-colored clothes so that ticks can be easily seen and removed before attachment • Covering exposed skin with a long-sleeved Continued on next page
Safety News
State Compensation Insurance Fund
Safety Tips For ATV Drivers hese days, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are commonly used on farms and ranches to inspect and maintain crops, property, and livestock. With proper training, vehicle inspections and maintenance, ATVs have made many jobs easier and faster. However, when safety precautions have not been taken, ATVs have resulted in accidents and injuries.
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Unlike recreational ATVs that are lightweight and designed for speed, work-use ATVs should be sturdy, four-wheeled, and designed for power, traction, and stability. Before use, the vehicle should be inspected for tire condition, air pressure, and fuel levels. The brakes, controls, and cables should be adjusted for proper function and the vehicle’s chain, chassis, nuts, and other connections should be in good condition and secured. Personal protective equipment is critical for driver safety and for maintaining vehicle control. A secured, impact-resistant, ATV-certified helmet can protect the head yet still allow peripheral vision. A helmet’s face-shield, goggles or safety glasses can
assure vision shielding the eyes from flying dirt, rocks, insects or vegetation. Padded or reinforced long sleeves and pants protect the exposed skin and gloves and boots protect the hands and feet while providing better grip and vehicle control. Prior to farm or ranch use, drivers should be instructed in and practice ATV handling techniques including how to shift their weight and maintain speed during turns and up/down hill maneuvers. Although, most ATVs are designed for a single rider, some seat two riders. For two-seat ATVs, drivers should be reminded that the vehicle weight and handling is altered when carrying a passenger so additional practice may be required. ATV drivers should always scan ahead and to the side looking for obstacles, uneven terrain, vehicles, people, and animals. If a potential hazard is spotted, the ATV’s speed should be reduced. Finally, ATV’s must be kept off of public roads except for crossing. For more ATV safety information, visit www.atvsafety.org. q
Issue One, 2007
Safety Seminars Sign Up Now! State Fund continues to expand its popular statewide series of “Safety Seminars.”The seminar programs are purposely developed to address key issues concerning today’s California employer.They serve as a forum to disseminate information on current topics of concern to industries and on new rules and regulations that apply to business owners throughout the state.The program venues enable face-to-face interaction with speakers and regulatory agencies and provide attendees the opportunity to have their workplace safety questions immediately and personally answered. The typically half-day seminars are held at regional State Fund offices or hotels and are normally free to
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insureds. Comments from previous attendees attest to the value of these
shirt, a hat, gloves, and neck scarf, long pants tucked into socks with high boots or closed shoes that cover the entire foot • Applying insect repellents on the skin and permethrin on clothes which kills ticks • Carefully examining the body for ticks then showering after working in high risk areas • Washing in hot water clothing worn in highrisk areas • Promptly removing an attached tick with tweezers and thoroughly cleaning the affected area with an antiseptic The diagnosis of Lyme Disease is primarily based
on a known exposure and subsequent recognition of disease symptoms, many of which are similar to those of the flu. Symptoms may include a fever, lymph node swelling, neck stiffness, generalized fatigue, headaches, migrating joint aches and/or muscle aches. Lyme Disease often – b ut not always – is characterized by a ‘bulls-eye” rash in addition to other nonspecific symptoms. Lyme Disease is an illness that can be long-term and debilitating. Take precautionary measures in high-risk areas and if disease symptoms appear, see a doctor immediately. q
seminars and worthwhile investment of time. Previous seminars have addressed: Confined Space in the Workplace Injury & Illness Prevention Programs Heat Illness Prevention Programs Safety in the Workplace The statewide success of the seminar program not only underscores State Fund’s mission to “assist employers in providing safe workplaces” it establishes productive working relationships with other California agencies.To find out what seminars are planned in your area, visit
www.scif.com; click on Seminars. q
Safety Topic State Compensation Insurance Fund
Electrical Safety lectricity is an essential source of energy for most agricultural operations. However, fewer sources have a greater potential to cause harm than electricity. Working safely with electricity is possible, if you understand and follow certain basic rules.
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By its nature, electricity will take the path of least resistance to the ground. If your body happens to be in that path, even a small amount of electric current can have fatal effects. The risk of shock or electrocution is greatest around metal objects and in damp conditions. Therefore, make sure all electric equipment, switch enclosures, and conduit systems are properly grounded and that all external or damp operations are wired for wet conditions. When working in damp areas, wear personal protective equipment such as rubber gloves and boots; use rubber mats, insulated tools, and rubber sheets to protect you from exposed metal. Keep electrical system in good operating condition. Damage and injuries can occur when equipment is defective. So, inspect electrical equipment, outlets, plugs, and cords before each use. Remove, tag, and have repaired any faulty equipment. Make sure outlets and cords are of adequate size and length to prevent electric overload. If cords must cross a traffic area, protect them with planks or other means. Make sure you and other workers follow lockout and tagout procedures. Treat every electric wire as if it were a live one. Stop
using a tool or appliance, if a slight shock or tingling is felt. Turn off the power if the smell of hot or burning substance is detected or if smoke, sparks or flickering lights are noticed.
Issue One, 2007
TOPIC REVIEW Instructor _____________________ Date ________________________ Location ______________________ Attended by
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Contact with overhead power supply lines is one of he most frequent electrically-related killer in agriculture. Equipment commonly involved in such contact includes portable elevators and augers, irrigation pipes, and harvesting machinery. When using high clearance devices continually be aware of the dangers and take sensible precautions to avoid contact with overhead lines. If an overhead line breaks, keep away from the wire and everything it touches then call the power company to shut off the electricity. Only qualified electricians should repair electrical equipment or work on energized lines. q
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Safety News
Temas de Seguridad Safety News
State Compensation Insurance Fund
Seguridad eléctrica a electricidad es una fuente esencial de energía para la mayoría de las operaciones de la agricultura. Sin embargo, pocas fuentes de energía tienen un potencial mayor para causar daño que la electricidad. Es posible trabajar de forma segura con la electricidad, siempre que usted entienda y cumpla ciertas reglas básicas.
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Por su naturaleza, la electricidad busca el camino de menor resistencia a tierra. Si su cuerpo se encuentra en ese camino, incluso una pequeña cantidad de corriente eléctrica puede tener consecuencias mortales. El riesgo de descargas eléctricas o electrocución es máximo en las cercanías de los objetos metálicos y en ambientes húmedos. Por lo tanto, asegúrese de que todos los equipos eléctricos, los receptáculos de interruptores y los sistemas de conductos estén bien puestos a tierra y que todas las operaciones externas o en condiciones de humedad estén cableadas para soportar esas condiciones. Cuando trabaje en zonas húmedas, utilice un equipo de protección personal, por ejemplo guantes y botas; utilice tapetes de goma, herramientas aisladas y láminas de goma para protegerse contra los metales expuestos.
Asegúrese de que usted y los otros trabajadores cumplan con los procedimientos de bloqueo y etiquetado. Trate cada alambre eléctrico como si tuviera corriente. Si siente una ligera descarga u hormigueo, deje de usar una herramienta o aparato. Si detecta el olor de una sustancia caliente o que arde, o chispas o luces que parpadean, apague la corriente.
El contacto con las líneas suspendidas de suministro de corriente es una de las principales causas de muerte relacionadas con la electricidad en la agricultura. Entre los equipos que suelen encontrarse en esos contactos se incluyen los elevadores y barrenas portátiles, tubos de irrigación, y maquinaria utilizada en las cosechas. Cuando utilice disMantenga el sistema eléctrico en buenas positivos de gran altura, manténgase conscondiciones de funcionamiento. Si el equipo tantemente al tanto de los peligros y tome es defectuoso, pueden ocurrir daños y precauciones prudentes para evitar el contaclesiones. Por lo tanto, inspeccione los equipos eléctricos, los tomacorrientes, los enchufes y to con las líneas eléctricas. Si se rompe una línea eléctrica, manténgase alejado de los los cables antes de cada uso. Retire, etiquete cables y de todo lo que el cable toque, y y haga reparar los equipos averiados. Comdespués llame a la empresa de electricidad pruebe que los tomacorrientes y los cables sean del tamaño y la longitud adecuados para para que apaguen la electricidad. Los equipos evitar la sobrecarga eléctrica. Si es necesario eléctricos y las líneas eléctricas con corriente que los cables crucen un área de tráfico, pro- solamente deben ser reparados por electricistas calificados. q téjalos con planchas o por otros medios.
Ejemplar uno de 2007
REVISIÓN DEL TEMA Instructor ______________________ Fecha ________________________ Ubacación _____________________ Asistente(s)
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Safetyy News
News about Occupational Safety and Health in
Agriculture
PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID REDWOOD CITY, CA PERMIT NO. 688
Loss Control Ser vices P.O. BOX 420807 SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94142-0807
Please forward to the person responsible for your safety program
News about Occupational Safety and Health in Agriculture
Required Employer Responsibilities California law requires that: “Every employer…shall post and keep posted in a conspicuous location frequented by employees and where (it) may be easily read by employees during the hours of the workday, a notice which shall state the name of (the) current compensation insurance carrier…” The notice must also contain information regarding employee rights and responsibilities and must “...be posted in both English and Spanish where there are Spanish-speaking employees.” Additionally, the law requires employers to provide a form on which employees may indicate the name of their personal physician or personal chiropractor. The form must be provided to new hires either at the time the employee is hired or by the end of the first pay period. If you would like free copies, in English or Spanish, of the required posting notice, the brochure explaining an employee’s workers’ compensation rights or the physician predesignation form, call State Fund’s toll-free customer service number at 1-877-405-4545. ❑
Check Out State Fund’s Loss Control “Safety Seminars” at www.scif.com
Reporting Work-Related Injuries State Fund’s Claims Reporting Center (1-888-222-3211) is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for policyholders to report injuries as soon as they occur. Agents will do the necessary paperwork to get the claim started and refer the injured to the designated physician or provider.
Issue One, 2007
Contact Your Nearest
STATE FUND OFFICE Bakersfield Eureka Fresno Los Angeles Oakland Oxnard Redding Riverside Sacramento San Bernadino San Diego San Francisco San Jose Santa Ana Santa Rosa So. Orange County Stockton
(661) 664-4000 (707) 443-9721 (559) 433-2700 (877) 405-4545 (Toll Free) (510) 577-3000 (805) 988-5300 (530) 223-7000 (951) 656-8300 (916) 924-5100 (909) 384-4500 (858) 552-7000 (415) 974-8000 (408) 363-7600 (714) 565-5000 (707) 573-6300 (714) 347-5400 (209) 476-2600
Within 8 hours of any serious illness or injury (requiring hospitalization over 24 hours, other than for medical observation or where there is permanent employee disfiguration) or death occurring in the workplace or in connection with employment, employers must report the incident to the Division of Occupational Safety and Health. r
www.scif.com
This Agricultural Safety News is produced by the Safety and Health Services Department of State Fund to assist clients in their loss control efforts. Information or recommendations contained in this publication were obtained from sources believed to be reliable at the date of publication. Information is only advisory and does not presume to be exhaustive or inclusive of all workplace hazards or situations. Permission to reprint articles subject to approval by State Compensation Insurance Fund.
Published by State Compensation Insurance Fund Safety and Health Services Department Editor: Judy Kerry
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