So the hunters out there know that when you go out, getting ready for the big kill, its a no brainer that you suit up head-to-toe in your camo outfit. Why? So you blend in of course. The sneak attack you need to achieve when hunting,  is  easier  when you blend in with the surrounding environment, most likely the woods. Also, if you move around a lot, the camo-scheme helps minimize your movements, making them less noticeable to your prey.

Did you know, that the camouflage color scheme has also transcended into spill operations?  Spill sorbents, like pads and rolls, offer a camouflage-style covering so that the top layer of the sorbent hides absorbed leaks and drips so it always looks clean.  Camo in this case , helps minimize the effects of leaks, drips, spills and footprints that are tracked by them.

Just think, the next time you have an OSHA inspection, or a union visit, switch your sorbents from regular pads and rolls to camouflage style pads and rolls. They’re  still just as effective in keeping your warehouse, manufacturing plant, or loading dock s safe, but they look a lot cleaner  to the eye too.

Keep your area safe while also looking clean.

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With so many states in the US enforcing indoor smoke-free acts, there was bound to be research done on the effects of secondhand smoke since. Now, smokers have moved to outdoor areas.  The problem with this is these outdoor areas sometimes are common places for people to spend extending periods of time.  Some include outdoor dining, decks, patios,and designated smoking areas outside of buildings. According to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended exposure for ultra-fine particles,a study they conducted went beyond the limit “dozens of times outdoors” sometimes reaching 20 times higher.” Who would have thought in the open air outside that the levels could reach that high? Usually you would think if you smoke indoors it just lingers and you are directly inhaling it. Now do we have to worry about outdoors just as much as well? The study was initiated to show the differences and improvement before and after than bans but the results were surprising to many.  By installing devices in several outdoor venues and monitoring over time, the WHO came up with interesting results on  the air particles. The good news is the indoor levels decreased by 96%!

For the full report and other smoking policy publications visit the World Health Organization’s website for more information.

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Bolivia has come up with a unique and effective way to encourage crosswalk safety – zebras, yes zebras.

Click here to read the full story.

Seton doesn’t offer zebras, but they do carry a large assortment of crosswalk signs and pedestrian crossing signs to make crosswalk areas safer for motorists and pedestrians alike.

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The investigative board from the US and Chemical Safety Hazard Board is certainly busy these days. The CSB’s resources had already been stretched to the max with other disaster investigations such as recent explosions at the Kleen Energy power plant in Middletown, CT, and the ConAgra Slim Jim facility in Garner, NC. Now the CSB is being asked to investigate the Gulf Disaster. This was a tough decision since they really do not have the capacity to take on another investigation. Considering the Gulf Disaster is one of the biggest chemical accidents of this century, CBS has decided to investigate. They are hoping the other two disaster investigations will be wrapped as soon as possible. Regarding the BP Oil Spill, they will closely examine technical factors, safety procedures, and the effectiveness of industry laws, regulations and standards.

For more information visit the U.S. Chemical Safety Board’s Website. The CSB is an independent federal agency charged with investigating industrial chemical accidents. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the agency’s board members are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

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I recently read a Worldprofit Article that stated “Not all us give much time to evaluate safety in the workplace. Many of us simply assume that all safety necessities are in place every time we go to work. Of course, it is too late when the time of emergency comes and we are at a loss at what to do or what to grab. This situation is ironic to the fact that we spend much time in our place of work and being safe at all times is necessary.”

By now I’m sure most everyone has heard of the latest massacre in Manchester, Connecticut at Hartford Distributors where a worker who was asked to either resign or be fired went on a killing spree as he was being escorted out of the building. When things like this occur I’m sure many people start to question the safety in their own workplace. It was the heroic actions of several people at Hartford Distributors that helped to keep the death toll lower than what it could have been, had they not done what they did. I now have this nagging question that keeps popping into my head, what sort of steps do you have in place in your facility should an emergency such as this occur?

Most places have a safety committee to help monitor workplace hazards and work to remedy them as they pop up. There is also usually some sort of committee dedicated to First Aid who is assigned to handle emergency situations and includes people who can administer CPR and/or work a defibrillator. But what sort of procedures do you have in place should a situation occur like at Hartford Distributors? It’s not something we like to think about happening in the workplace, but as we have all witnessed it can and does happen. What would you do and how would you react? I invite you to add a comment and share with us your thoughts.

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Want your anti-fatigue purchasing research to be quick and simple? Seton is here with some helpful information. First, remember why you need to purchase the anti-fatigue mat. Anti-Fatigue Mats are designed to reduce stress, joint and leg fatigue. Benefits include increasing traction against slipping, improving productivity and overall increase morale for your employees.  There are four main categories to consider when researching for anti-fatigue mats:

• Size-Make sure workers will have enough surface for their workspace. Find out their normal pattern of movement throughout the day to ensure they will be standing on the mat as much as possible.
• Surface- Consider how much wear and tear the mat will get everyday and over time.  Will equipment, machinery, forklifts, and employees constantly be on and off? If so, check out the extra durable surface mats.
• Thickness-Typically, the thicker the mat the more comfort it provides. You must take into account the base and plate though. Example-A 1/2″ thick mat with a deck plate surface has less of a sponge base than a 1/2″ thick mat without a special surface.
• Application-All types of anti-fatigue mats resist moisture and most chemicals, but is that all they will be expose to? Example-Water is a common element that is forgotten. Only those mats formulated to be constantly in wet areas should be bought if that is the case.

Remember, anti-fatigue mats are only one category.  Seton offers an extensive line of mats and carpets designed to host a variety of different needs.  Other types of matting include Entrance and Office Mats, Specialty Mats, Safety Messaging Mats, Foam Mats and more!

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A recent study done at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston shows using bar codes can help reduce hospital drug errors. Under Brigham and Women’s Hospital’s new system, bar codes are placed on each patient’s wrist band as well as on each container of medicine. A patient’s prescriptions are entered into their electronic chart. Before nurses give a medication to a patient, they scan the bar code on the patient’s wrist band and then the bar code on the container of medicine. The system tells the nurse if it’s the wrong medicine or if they are giving the medicine too soon. Nurses also get alerts if a dose is overdue. Researchers looked at hospital units that used the new system. They were compared with units that still used a system without bar codes. Errors dropped dramatically in units with the new system.

Drug treatment errors, including incorrect medicine dosage, fell by 41%. The rate was 11.5% before the change and 6.8% afterward.

Transcription errors — mistakes in recording the doctor’s order — occurred with 6% of orders before bar-code use. They were completely eliminated after bar codes were adopted.

Medicine errors that could have caused serious harm fell from 3.1% to 1.6%. That’s a reduction of more than half.

Timing-related errors, when a drug is given at least an hour earlier or later than intended, fell by 27%

Read the full article here.

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On July 28, 2010 The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced that it is issuing a new rule addressing the use of cranes and derricks in construction. This new rule will take effect on Nov. 8, 2010 and will replace the current standard that dates back to 1971.

“The rule addresses critically important provisions for crane operator certification, and crane inspection, set-up and disassembly,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Dr. David Michaels. “Compliance with the rule will prevent needless worker injuries and death, and provide protection for the public and property owners.”

“The new rule is designed to prevent the leading causes of fatalities, including electrocution, crushed-by/struck-by hazards during assembly/disassembly, collapse and overturn.” To read the complete rule click here.

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Another state has adopted the no texting while driving rule. On July 1, 2010 the Georgia State Patrol began ticketing people caught texting while driving; even people stopped at a light or waiting in a turn lane. The average fine in Georgia will run you $150, but many states are getting stricter.

Several states who have already had a no texting law in place for some time are now stepping up the fines. For example Connecticut’s governor Jodi Rell recently signed into law a plan to toughen existing distracted driving laws. The new law now increases fines for each offense from $100 to $150 to $200 instead of the current $100 (with possible forgiveness for first-time offenders).

With stricter laws being enforce around the country it is important to remind your drivers of the dangers. Seton recently added a new line of No Talking, No Texting signs and labels that will serve as a constant reminder and help to encourage your employees to be safe. Signs can be posted at loading docks, while labels can be used in company vehicles. Visit the Seton.com for more information.

To view a listing of the cell phone laws and legislation by state click here.

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A couple months ago, we posted a blog on the Safe Chemicals Act of 2010 updating the Toxics  Substances Control Act of 1976. The momentum is starting to build in Washington D.C. when  Reps. Bobby Rush, of Illinois, and Rep. Henry Waxman, of California, introduced the bill to the House of Representatives this week and had quite a positive response.

“We applaud Chairman Rush and Chairman Waxman for introducing a bill that will help to reduce chronic disease in the U.S, a burden that scientists have increasingly linked to toxic chemicals found in our homes and places of work,” says Liz Hitchcock, public health advocate at the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (U.S. PIRG).

The Grocery Manufacturers of America said last week they also welcome the legislation and will stand by them to see it through.

“We agree with the Chairmen that it is time to modernize the Toxic Substances Control Act, and have been working with Congress, the Administration, and stakeholders to enhance the way chemicals are reviewed and managed,” said Pamela Bailey, president and CEO of the the Grocery Manufacturers in a statement. “We hope to continue working with the committee as they further refine the bill.”

Stay tuned for more updates!

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