Notebook computers are now a part of modern life. They can be found in offices, schools and homes across the country. There are tens of millions of portable computers in use. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is aware of at least 47 incidents involving smoke or fire associated with notebook computers, from January 2001 through August 2006. To promote safe use of notebook computers, batteries and chargers, CPSC offers the following tips:
- Do not use incompatible computer batteries and chargers. If you are unsure about whether a replacement battery or charger is compatible, contact the product manufacturer.
- Computer batteries can get hot during normal use. Do not use your computer on your lap.
- Do not use your computer on soft surfaces, such as a sofa, bed or carpet, because it can restrict airflow and cause overheating.
- Do not permit a loose battery to come in contact with metal objects, such as coins, keys or jewelry.
- Do not crush, puncture or put a high degree of pressure on the battery, as this can cause an internal short-circuit, resulting in overheating.
- Avoid dropping or bumping the computer. Dropping it, especially on a hard surface, can damage the computer and battery. If you suspect damage, contact the manufacturer.
- Do not place the computer in areas that can get very hot.
- Do not get your computer or battery wet. Even though they will dry and appear to operate normally, the circuitry could slowly corrode and pose a safety hazard.
- Follow battery usage, storage and charging guidelines in the user’s guide.
Making the Business Case for Safety and Health
Workplace fatalities, injuries, and illnesses cost the country billions of dollars every year. In its 2005 Workplace Safety Index, Liberty Mutual estimated that employers pay almost $1 billion per week to injured employees and their medical care providers. Even one serious workplace injury can affect the bottom line of a small business. Employers that implement effective safety and health management systems may expect to significantly reduce injuries and illnesses and reduce the costs associated with the injuries and illnesses, including workers’ compensation payments, medical expenses, and lost productivity.
OSHA Cites Mid-South Builders for Trenching Hazards
OSHA has cited Mid-South Builders for allegedly exposing workers to trenching hazards at Cooper Lake Drive and Atlanta Road in Smyrna, Ga. The agency is proposing a $40,000 fine.
This company was cited in March 2002 and August 2002, and again in March 2004, for exposing employees to trenching hazards. Unsafe conditions were observed this year in April at the Smyrna site," said Andre Richards, OSHA's Atlanta-West area director.
Richards said that an OSHA inspector met with a company representative at the site and discussed safe trenching and excavation practices. Several days later, the inspector returned and found two employees working in the unsafe excavation, where a concrete vault was to be installed.
The company received one willful citation with a $40,000 proposed penalty for allowing employees to work in a 6-foot-deep trench without proper cave-in protection, such as proper sloping or shoring of the vertical walls, or the use of a trench box.
OSHA Joins Associated Builders and Contractors to Protect Allentown, Pa., Construction Workers
Better health and safety for construction workers is the goal of a new strategic partnership launched by OSHA and the Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors Inc. (ABC) in Allentown, Pa.
A key goal of the partnership is to increase the number of ABC member companies in the association's Safety Training and Evaluation Process (STEP), a voluntary program that guides employees in evaluating and increasing the effectiveness of their safety and health programs, policies and procedures.
Health and safety partnerships are part of OSHA's effort to improve the health and safety of workers through cooperative relationships with trade associations, labor organizations and employers. The agency's area offices in Allentown and Wilkes-Barre, Pa., will represent OSHA in the partnership.
"The Labor Department is committed to protecting the well-being of construction workers," said Marie Cassady, OSHA's acting regional administrator in Philadelphia. "This partnership is an important step toward meeting that goal in Pennsylvania."
The ABC's Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter in Allentown, one of 79 chapters nationwide, has more than 170 members throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania, and is one of the leading chapters in the country. ABC Eastern Pennsylvania has worked cooperatively with OSHA's Allentown and Wilkes-Barre area offices since 1999.
Besides increasing the number of companies taking part in ABC's STEP program, objectives of the partnership include reducing injuries from falls, struck-by and caught-in mishaps, electrocutions, and mentoring STEP applicants to move from bronze to platinum, ABC's highest STEP award level.
OSHA and J.E. Dunn Chapter of Associated General Contractors Form Partnership to Promote Construction Safety
Better health and safety for construction workers in South Texas is the goal of a new partnership uniting OSHA and J.E. Dunn, a chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC).
"The Labor Department is committed to protecting the well-being of construction workers in America's work force," said Frank Strasheim, OSHA's acting regional administrator in Dallas. "All employees need to be assured of a healthful work environment. This partnership helps to ensure that goal is accomplished."
J.E. Dunn is the newest member of the OSHA/AGC exemplary partnership that started in 1999 and has grown to 10 Houston-based general contractors and one subcontractor. OSHA and AGC also conduct safety training with partnership members to improve hazard recognition and take corrective action when necessary.
Employers and employees with questions regarding this or other OSHA partnerships can call the Houston North area office at 281-591-2438 or the Houston South area office at 713-843-3700.
OSHA Finds Safety Violations at Blue Sky Biodiesel Plant
OSHA issued a serious citation against Blue Sky Biodiesel for safety violations found during an inspection at the company's plant in New Plymouth, Idaho.
An employee of the company was killed July 7 while using a torch to cut a vent in a 25,000 gallon tank that contained small amounts of methanol and glycerine. The torch ignited the methanol vapors, causing an explosion and fire.
The citation alleges that the company failed to provide adequate training on the physical and health hazards of the chemicals in the work area; failed to clean, ventilate or otherwise inert the metal tank before cutting it with a torch; and allowed cutting to take place in the presence of flammable compounds.
Under the terms of an informal settlement agreement, the company has agreed to abate the cited hazards and secure the services of an expert in flammable liquid processing who will review its process controls and safety program. No monetary penalty was levied with the citation.
According to Richard Terrill, OSHA regional administrator, the citation was issued without a monetary penalty because this case involved the death of the son of one of the company's co-owners. "We felt the need to be sensitive to the unusual circumstances of this case while also making sure that the operation would be performed safely in the future. I believe the citation and informal settlement agreement will accomplish that," Terrill said.
The Occupational Safety and Health Act defines a serious violation as one in which there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result and the employer knew, or should have known, of the hazard.
OSHA Cites Contractor for Fatalities in Boston Scaffold Collapse
OSHA has cited Bostonian Masonry for eight alleged violations of safety standards in connection with three fatalities on April 3 during a scaffold collapse at 150 Boylston St. in Boston. The Walpole, Mass., masonry contractor faces $119,000 in proposed fines.
The accident occurred as Bostonian Masonry employees were dismantling a mast-climbing scaffold. This process included removing the anchor braces that secured the scaffold's climbing tower to the building. Once the final anchor brace was removed, the tower and scaffold were without support. The unit then toppled and fell into Boylston Street, killing two workers and one passer-by.
"Once the final bracing was removed, there was nothing to prevent the tower and platform from tipping over. The bracing should not have been removed until an alternate method of stabilizing and supporting the tower was in place," said Marthe Kent, OSHA's New England regional administrator. "Removing the brace and leaving the unit without support violated OSHA standards, industry standards and the scaffold manufacturer's specifications. Failure to follow proper dismantling procedures resulted in this accident and the ensuing deaths and injuries."
OSHA officials issued Bostonian Masonry a willful citation carrying a $70,000 fine, the maximum allowed under law. The willful citation was for the improper removal of the bracing. OSHA defines a willful violation as one committed with an intentional disregard of, or plain indifference to, the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and regulations.
OSHA issued seven serious citations to the company for failing to construct and load the scaffold's work platform as required; dismantling the platform while it was overloaded; failing to provide workers with the training required to dismantle the platform; failing to provide feasible fall protection and training in hazard recognition to employees dismantling the platform; failing to install guys, ties and braces, as required by the manufacturer; and failing to inspect the work platform that collapsed, as well as other mast-climbing platforms on-site, for defects.
A total of $49,000 in fines is proposed for these citations. OSHA issues a serious citation when death or serious physical harm is likely to result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.
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