Scientists are reporting development of a new paper-based device that can warn workers that they are being exposed to potentially unhealthy levels of airborne metals almost immediately, instead of the weeks required with current technology.
Charles Henry and colleagues explain that, worldwide, job-related respiratory illnesses are associated with about 425,000 deaths each year. Airborne metals are a major cause of these respiratory conditions. Millions of workers handle metals on a regular basis in construction, manufacturing, and transportation jobs, and small bits of these metals can get into the air as a fine mist, which workers can inhale. Airborne metal exposure is linked to lung and liver cancers, respiratory conditions (e.g., asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis), and immune disorders. Despite the seriousness of this issue, people have used the same metal-monitoring method for the past 25 years. The current method is expensive, and the analysis takes weeks. To overcome these challenges, the researchers developed an inexpensive device made of paper that reports results at levels relevant to human health almost immediately. This gives workers a chance to leave a potentially dangerous area before it is too late.
The researchers obtain air samples on a small disc of paper, then put this disc onto the center of the paper-based device, called a μPAD, or micro-PAD. Water is dripped onto the disc, and the metals in the sample are wicked onto the μPAD, where they come into contact with various chemicals already impregnated into the paper. These substances react with the metals and turn different colors, depending on which metals are present. The device accurately determined the amounts of iron, nickel, and copper in the air in laboratory tests.
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Chicken Processor Fined $67,600 for Lack of Energy Control Program, Equipment Guards
OSHA has cited MB Consultants Ltd., doing business as Murray’s Chickens, for eight alleged violations of workplace safety and health standards at the company’s South Fallsburg, New York, chicken processing facility. Proposed fines total $67,600 following a November 2011 inspection by OSHA’s Albany Area Office.
OSHA found deficiencies in the facility’s hazardous energy control, or lockout/tagout program, which is designed to prevent machinery from unintentionally starting up during maintenance. These include a lack of energy control procedures and failing to train workers on the program’s purpose and functions. Additionally, the company failed to adequately guard processing machinery against contact with workers and to provide workers with information and training on specific hazards involving disinfectants and other chemicals used in work areas. These conditions resulted in citations for six serious violations. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known. The citations carry $32,600 in proposed fines.
MB Consultants also has been issued a citation for one repeat violation because all injuries and illnesses were not properly recorded. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule, or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years. Similar violations were cited in November 2010. This citation carries a $33,000 fine.
Finally, two other-than-serious violations have been cited for failing to review illness and injury logs to ensure accuracy. An other-than-serious violation is one that has a direct relationship to job safety and health, but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm. These citations carry carry a fine of $2,000.
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