Every Monday, a new Safety Tip of the Week appears in
Fermilab Today, Fermilab's daily email publication for employees,
users and subscribers. Safety Tips of the Week remind employees and users
of ways to prevent injuries and illnesses. We hope that these safety tips
will encourage you to work safely all week.
Fermilab Safety Tip of the Week Archive
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Sept. 15, 2008 |
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Process reviews |
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Most Fermilab safety incidents have a simple, obvious cause. But while being unaware of your surroundings or not taking the proper safety precautions causes many incidents, occasionally the cause is something more technical.
One such case occurred last spring at Argonne National Laboratory. A post-doctoral student suddenly became ill while conducting clean fuels research. Blood tests revealed carbon monoxide exposure.
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Sept. 8, 2008 |
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Watch out for West Nile virus |
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Although we've experienced mosquitoes all season, the number of mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus typically increases in late summer and early fall. We recently recorded the first instance of a positive mosquito sample for the virus, so the danger of human exposure, while low, is present on site.
Last year, Kane and DuPage counties together recorded 23 human cases of infection. So far this year, Kane has recorded one case and DuPage has not had any. Only four human cases have been recorded in Illinois, none of which were serious.
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Aug. 4, 2008 |
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Yellowjackets |
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During the summer, people spend a lot of time outdoors. Unfortunately, so do insects. As temperatures fall in late summer, the yellowjacket population peaks.
Although yellowjackets (a type of wasp) normally consume carbohydrates, they feed their larvae captured insects. The peak in the yellowjacket population happens just as the supply of insects is declining. They scavenge more aggressively at this time, taking food from trash containers and picnickers.
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July 28, 2008 |
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Screwdriver safety |
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During the past 10 years, Fermilab employees have had 15 injuries associated with both power and manual screwdriver use. In two-thirds of these cases the accident occurred when the drive head of a manual screwdriver slipped off the item being worked on. Usually, the screwdriver slipped off a fastener, but sometimes the screwdriver slipped off an object that the employee was trying to pry open with the screwdriver. In two cases, power screwdriver bits slipped off and caused injuries. Other screwdriver injuries were due to excessive force and repetitive motion.
You can avoid screwdriver injuries if you follow a few simple guidelines.
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July 21, 2008 |
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Avoid (or treat) poison ivy exposure |
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Walking through nature is a great summer activity, but one that can also lead to unwanted problems. When spending time outdoors, watch for poison ivy plants, which have three leaves. Touching the plants can give you an itchy rash that can last for weeks.
The component in poison ivy that causes the allergic reaction is an oil called urushiol. It is present in all parts of the plant and can maintain its toxic properties for more than a year. Your best bet is to avoid all contact, even if you have never had a reaction.
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July 14, 2008 |
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Recycle alkaline batteries |
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Fermilab staff, users and students utilize about 30,000 alkaline batteries per year. The popularity of alkaline batteries stems from their relatively high-energy density, long shelf life, relatively low cost and low environmental impact.
But what happens when these batteries no longer have a charge? Although alkaline batteries are not hazardous, they can be corrosive when they degrade. Since most batteries end up in landfills, this can cause large problems. Batteries can also pose a safety hazard when improperly used. Improper use of batteries, such as using damaged batteries, can result in chemical burns.
To help reduce battery waste, Fermilab has a battery recycling program.
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July 7, 2008 |
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Is this up-to-date? |
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Using out-of-date manuals and safety documents can be a serious safety hazard. Fermilab reviewed the employee ES&H Manual use as part of its preparations for the ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 registrations. The review found workers using out-of-date materials.
In response, the laboratory put together a new chapter of the ES&H Manual that outlines content control procedures. Here are some recommendations for keeping your ES&H information up-to-date:
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June 30, 2008 |
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New online map to raise
traffic safety awareness |
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You can learn about traffic accident hot spots at the laboratory with a new interactive, online map. DOE Site Office representative John Scott proposed the map and Fermilab Traffic Safety Subcommittee members Dave Peterson, Jean Reising and Chuck Morrison put it together.
Fermilab officials hope the map will raise awareness of traffic safety and thereby reduce
accidents. There were 56 vehicle accidents in 2007. Fortunately, none of these resulted in personal injury.
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June 23, 2008 |
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Safety feedback |
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When giving someone feedback about safety performance, it can be difficult to avoid a confrontational style.
If you tell people that they are working unsafely and need to do something about it, they may consider that safety advice simply an opportunity to deliver criticism.
Here are five ways you can improve your effectiveness in providing safety feedback.
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June 9, 2008 |
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The heat is on |
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Remember a few weeks ago when we complained that it would never warm up? Well, it looks like the summer heat has arrived. Uncomfortable? You bet. Keep in mind that extreme heat can cause illness and death as well.
To avoid heat stress:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Wear light, loose-fitting, breathable clothing.
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June 2, 2008 |
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Give safety a hand |
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Hands represent one of the greatest tools a worker
has, and one of the most vulnerable.
At Fermilab, one-third of recordable work-related injuries occur to
hands. In the last 24 years, that accounts for 933 cuts, sprains,
pinches and repetitive-motion injuries.
Fingers and thumbs accounted for the majority of
hand injuries at 62 percent. Palms and the back of the hand accounted
for 24 percent, while wrists accounted for the remaining 18 percent.
The major types of hand injuries were lacerations, at 40 percent, and
contusions, at 10 percent.
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May 19, 2008 |
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Housekeeping |
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Fermilab’s senior safety officers can easily point to a common denominator in the most common recurring workplace inspection issues: poor housekeeping.
The orderly management of operations, tools, equipment and supplies is an important part of getting work done properly and safely.
Poor housekeeping accounts for a host of injuries from minor bumps to explosions. These problems easily can arise when workers focus closely on completion of a task while navigating limited or difficult-to-access storage space.
Poor housekeeping can result in slips, trips or falls caused by materials left on walking and working surfaces. “Struck by” and “struck against” injuries may occur when objects fall or protrude into occupied spaces. Fire protection also may suffer when combustible materials accumulate or exits become blocked with clutter.
A habit of poor housekeeping can foster worker tolerance for unsafe conditions, which can lead to more injuries as other serious hazards become taken for granted.
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May 12, 2008 |
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Ticks |
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20080917131401im_/http://www.fnal.gov/pub/today/images08/SafetyTip051208tick_penny-s.jpg) ![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20080917131401im_/http://www.fnal.gov/pub/today/images08/SafetyTip051208tick-s.jpg) |
American dog tick lives on the Fermilab site. Photo courtesy of Fermilab Visual Media Services. |
Fermilab employees report that ticks have made their seasonal appearance at the laboratory. The American dog tick is the largest of the Eastern wood ticks, and the most common type found in Illinois. They are most active during the months of April and May. American dog ticks don’t carry Lyme disease, but they can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Deer (or blacklegged) ticks, though rare in this area, can transmit Lyme disease.
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May 5, 2008 |
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Yard work |
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There's nothing like a weekend filled with gardening and landscaping activities. But this type of work has plenty of hazards. In a 10-year study of groundskeeper injuries, the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that 55 percent of injuries resulted in sprains, strains, bruises, contusions, soreness or pain. The back was the most commonly injured body part followed by fingers, knees and eyes.
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April 28, 2008 |
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Wild Fermilab |
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With all of Fermilab’s open spaces and natural areas, crossing paths with a wild animal is not unusual. Most of the time, these situations result in mutual observation and both parties part ways, uneventfully. Sometimes, however, creatures need a “hands-on” intervention.
This can occur if an animal takes up residence in a space that’s intended for people or equipment. At other times, we might feel compelled to help an injured animal or one in harm’s way. Other times, such as spring, when most animals mate, nest and raise their young, they can become a nuisance. This can happen particularly when animals conduct these activities in locations intended for people or equipment or when they get aggressive, such as during mating season.
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April 14, 2008 |
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Safety is my co-pilot
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20080917131401im_/http://www.fnal.gov/pub/today/images08/Bollinger.jpg) ![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20080917131401im_/http://www.fnal.gov/pub/today/images08/baller.jpg)
Last week, we talked with three members of the Fermilab community regarding personal experiences that demonstrate that safety techniques can apply to home and work.
Mark Bollinger, DOE deputy site manager at Fermilab, worked with steel framing when finishing his home basement. Bollinger took off his eye protection to wipe his face, but forgot to put it back on. Two minutes later, a razor-sharp piece of steel swung out of place and cut his face, barely missing his eye.
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April 7, 2008 |
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Share the road
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Fermilab is a great place to ride a bicycle. We have interesting scenery, a paved bike path and plenty of lightly-traveled roadways. Unfortunately, when motorists and bicyclists meet, rules of the road and common courtesy can get overlooked. Remember that getting angry, hostile or abusive won't help the situation. Instead, we need to stay calm, exercise caution and show respect for each other, no matter how we're traveling.
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March 31, 2008 |
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Wild goose chase
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It's mating season, the time of year when Canada geese aggressively defend their nests and goslings. This instinctual behavior is understandable in the wild, but problems arise when the nests are in human high-traffic areas, such as near building entrances, and the intruders are people who need to enter those buildings.
If you get near a nest or gosling, you may hear a goose's defensive hiss. This is typically a first warning. If not dissuaded, the birds may charge or even fly at you. The aggressive behavior usually lasts from the time eggs are laid until the offspring take on adult coloring. Close encounters typically occur around Wilson Hall, Industrial Center, Feynman Computing Center and the Village.
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March 24, 2008 |
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Preventing disc damage
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At a recent meeting of the Central States Occupational Medicine Association, Dr. Terry Nicola, from the Chicago Medical Center at University of Illinois, gave a presentation on lower back vertebral-disc damage. He noted that each disc is like a chewy jelly donut. It has a central, soft core surrounded by 15 layers of fibrous tissue. In spite of their toughness, the outer layers can rupture causing the contents to leak and press on adjacent nerves. This, in turn, can produce pain and weakness.
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March 17, 2008 |
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Dealing with risk
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Errors often happen when sudden, unfamiliar situations require immediate action. When Associate Director for Accelerators Steve Holmes was 6 years old he decided to go down a steep gravel road on his new bike, and his regular method of braking - dragging his feet - failed. He caught a chin full of gravel. Accelerator Division Senior Safety Officer John Anderson was 12 when he fell through ice after he and a friend decided to walk across a frozen river rather than use a bridge some distance away. Fortunately, he moved toward shore where his friend pulled him out.
In both cases, Holmes and Anderson had completed these activities many times without incident. However, changes affecting the level of risk went unrecognized.
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March 10, 2008 |
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Work within your limits
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During the past year, some of our most serious injuries occurred when employees attempted to perform tasks that were slightly beyond their normal knowledge, skills or abilities. The reduction in staff created by furloughs might make those at work feel the need to fill in on tasks that they do not normally perform. Here are some suggestions for dealing with increased demands.
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March 3, 2008 |
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Disrupted routines
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20080917131401im_/http://www.fnal.gov/pub/today/images08/Photo1BobMau-s.jpg)
For those who work the night shift, the disruption in routine isn’t as easy to fix. Bob Mau, head of AD Operations Department, manages 25 accelerator operators on rotating shifts. According to Mau, “Not everyone is cut out for this kind of work.” Predictors of success in these shifts include youth, experience with shift work, ability to sleep well at all hours, few family commitments and a desire for challenging work.
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Feb. 18, 2008 |
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Winter driving trends & tips
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Given the limited availability of salt, you are more likely to encounter surfaces covered with a layer of packed snow or ice. Fermilab has experienced a number of minor occupational slip and fall injuries this season. A few simple precautions can help reduce your chances of getting hurt.
- Use footwear that provides traction on snow and ice.
- Hang onto railings or other stable objects. Use your vehicle for support when entering or exiting.
- Use designated clear walkways or a grassy edge.
- If you must walk on ice, take short steps or shuffle. Bend slightly and walk flat-footed with your center of gravity over your feet.
- Be prepared to fall. If it happens, bend your back and head forward. Fall with sequential contacts at your thigh, hip, and shoulder.
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Feb. 11, 2008 |
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Winter driving trends & tips
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When winter weather hits, trouble can find even the most skilled driver. Improper winter driving caused 15 of the 23 motor vehicle accidents reported onsite since Dec. 1, 2007. Here are some tips to help you avoid becoming a statistic:
- Maintain clear visibility. Clear away all ice and snow from windows, mirrors and wipers to make sure you can see clearly in all directions. Make sure head and taillights also are clean.
- Prevent slippage. Remove ice and snow from shoes and boots to prevent pedal slippage.
- Slow down. Driving too fast for conditions contributes to many winter weather accidents. Don't follow too closely to the vehicle in front of you.
- Avoid harsh actions. Any quick force input to the tires, including quick starts, hard breaking or steering, can contribute to sliding. Steer, brake and accelerate slowly.
- Avoid distractions. Pay attention to road conditions and other vehicles.
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Feb. 4, 2008 |
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2008 ES&H plans
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Each year, as a way to strengthen their ES&H programs, all divisions and sections develop plans for the coming year that focus on their ES&H actions. Their plans incorporate input from employees and supervisors and division and section managers. The laboratory director evaluates both the planned actions and the subsequent results. ES&H posts the plans on the ES&H Section's Web site.
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Jan. 28, 2008 |
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Laptop computer safety
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You may have noticed an increasing number of laptop computers in meetings at Fermilab. People are busy checking online materials, taking notes, and other miscellaneous tasks. Laptops can have the power of some desktop computers, while weighing typically far less. The average laptop weighs 5-7 pounds and provides a viewing area of about 15 inches wide. Although extremely convenient, laptop computers do have problems. ES&H staff members concern themselves mostly with ergonomics and heat generation.
A keyboard in a well-designed computer workstation should sit low and tilt downward toward the user. The screen top should sit near eye height. Amber Larson, chair of Fermilab's Ergonomics Subcommittee, pointed out that meeting these criteria takes work because of the connection of the keyboard and screen. Setting the laptop on a stand that tilts the base down in front and up in back can help.
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Jan. 14, 2008 |
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Seasonal viruses
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According to Medical Department Nurse Karen Swanson, the Medical Office has seen an unusual number of people sick with sinusitis and pneumonia. These illnesses are often brought on by viral respiratory infections. They also see people ill with gastro-intestinal viruses accompanied by high fevers.
Site Occupational Medical Director Dr. Brian Svazas said that viruses are primarily transmitted via contaminated surfaces and direct person-to-person contact. A major factor is the close proximity of people to each other. The same phenomenon is seen on ship cruises, at scout camps, and in military recruit bases, no matter what the weather.
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Jan. 7, 2008 |
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Winter Driving
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Three factors can help you stay safe while driving in winter: visibility, traction and driving style. Reduced visibility and traction make things difficult, while driving style determines how well you deal with winter hazards, as well as those imposed by other drivers.
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