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Hearing Protection - "What Did You Say?"

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Hearing Protection - "What Did You Say?"

“Blindness separates us from things but deafness separates us from people.” – Helen Keller

Human beings are social creatures: we drive in packs on the highway, we constantly use social media and we enjoy family and friend get-togethers.  A major part of our ability to socialize involves our ability to hear and communicate.  We all have someone in our family, or know of someone, that has difficulty hearing or diagnosed hearing loss.  We start a conversation with them but soon tire of repeating ourselves and eventually we avoid speaking to them altogether.

Approximately 15% of Americans between the ages of 20 and 69, or 26 million Americans, have hearing loss that may have been caused by exposure to noise at work or in leisure activities. The best prevention approaches for high noise levels are: remove the noise, remove the worker and then protect the worker by using Hearing Protection Devices (HPD). HPD are a type of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) worn to reduce (not eliminate) the level of sound entering the ear. PPE is the last line of prevention for a hazard; however, for most situations, HPD are the main defense against Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL).

When should you wear HPD:
    If the noise is measured at 85dB and above
    If you must raise your voice for a person 2-3 feet away to hear you
    If, after leaving the noise area, sounds are “dull, flat or muffled”
    If your ears “ring” after exposure to noise

It’s a good idea to wear HPD with these types of equipment:
    Lawn Mowers and Weedeaters
    Gas Powered Demolition Saws
    Pneumatic Impact Tools

Noise Reduction Ratings (NRR) are required to be printed on all HPD, to aid the wearer in selecting the correct protection for a situation.  The NRR value provides information on the measured reduction of noise in a laboratory setting.  In real world protection, NRR values are overestimated; as such, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends derating HPDs to provide the user a more accurate NRR value in real world situations. NIOSH suggests derating ear muffs by 25%, foam plugs by 50% and molded flanged plugs by 70%.  For example, if you have a pair of foam ear plugs with a NRR=30dB, derating by 50% results in an estimated noise reduction of 15dB.  It should be noted that derating is still only a rough guide and actual protection can vary.

Noise Induced Hearing Loss can be prevented by using the correct hearing protection for your situation and wearing it properly. Failing to use HPD or using it incorrectly, even during short exposures, can have negative consequences; and once noise-induced hearing loss occurs, it cannot be cured or reversed.

The decisions we make today will affect our quality of life on down the line.  It may be easy to convince yourself that everything is okay: “I will only be using the equipment for an hour,” “My ears only ring for a little while after work,” and “It’s part of the job.”  This kind of shortcut is a bad idea in the long run.  Make the right choice and wear your hearing protection.

For more information on Noise Induced Hearing Loss or Proper Use of Hearing Protection Devices please check out OSHA.gov, use the OSHA quick-card at https://www.osha.gov/Publications/3498noise-in-construction-pocket-guide.pdf

Stay tuned to OMAG’s YouTube channel for a video on Hearing Protection soon.

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Caring for Oklahoma Municipal Cemeteries (Part 1)

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Caring for Oklahoma Municipal Cemeteries (Part 1)

As a service to our members, OMAG’s Risk Management Services Department has developed a series of articles addressing various challenges and issues municipal cemetery caretakers might face.  Although tort claims generated from cemeteries aren’t at the top of the frequency or severity list, these types of claims don’t bode well for our public image and are most certainly preventable.

To our citizens, or customers, a cemetery serves two purposes, (1) the burial of loved ones and (2) a place where the living memorialize the dead.  Cemeteries are scattered across the landscape and are found in almost all communities. In addition, many of our cemeteries predate statehood.  Cemeteries and their symbols guide us into the past. Markers tell us not only about the individual who died, but the marker’s appearance and placement provides information about the society from which the individual departed. The symbols and text inscribed on markers contain important information for understanding the past. Consequently, cemeteries and markers are studied by art historians, folklorists, cultural geographers, archaeologists, anthropologists, genealogists, and historians. When cemeteries are ignored and allowed to deteriorate, and markers are damaged or destroyed, society loses important information about the past. Ultimately, an important part of ourselves is lost.

Maintenance and preservation of our cemeteries go hand in hand and are performed out of respect for those who are buried. Maintenance is simple, but may not be easy.  Keeping the grass mowed, trees trimmed, and good lighting not only enhances the overall look of the cemetery to the general public but also discourages vandalism.  Proper use of tools to keep cemeteries free of grass and limbs must be observed diligently in cemetery maintenance. Power mowers and weed eaters, when carelessly used, have and can still scar and break tombstones, especially old ones since they are usually made of softer stone. So, to minimize damage to old stones, grass near these stones should be pulled by hand. When power mowers and weed eaters are used guards should be in place to deflect any debris that is being thrown that may cause damage to the stones. When mowing, it is best to use a mulching mower when possible since there is not an outward discarding of debris. Any cracked or broken stone should be addressed immediately so to minimize further damage to the stone.

Lighting is also essential to maintain security in a cemetery. Lights should be checked regularly
and changed if needed. Good lighting reduces the chance of vandalism. It is cheaper to change a
bulb than repair vandalized stones. A well-lit cemetery draws the public to keep an eye on the
cemetery which deters vandalism. A regular check of the cemetery is also essential. Look for stones that have cracked, been damaged or destroyed, and address the defects as soon as possible.  Also, check fences for needed repairs and vandalism.

Day-to-day, periodic, and long-term maintenance are essential components of a long-term plan to ensure the continued preservation of any cemetery. The establishment of a continuous maintenance program is the most effective preservation activity that can be performed by a municipality. A well-kept cemetery will discourage unwanted behavior within your site. A plan that includes maintenance, landscaping, training, and funding of a permanent work force will help preserve your cemetery.  

Look for future articles, publications, and training events that will assist you in maintaining and managing your municipal cemetery.

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Fall Hazards

Public Works has many different hazards workers need to be aware of and the municipality must have procedures in place to insure workers are protected.  One issue to consider is Fall Hazards. Print the brochure below to share with your employees who may work around these hazards.

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Common Mistakes in Confined Spaces Monitoring

Common Mistakes in Confined Spaces Monitoring

Learning from practical, real-world experience often requires learning from our own mistakes. In many cases, this can be an effective way of developing greater levels of competence and understanding in a given subject. Unfortunately, when mistakes are made in confined space monitoring, the cost of this education if often measured in the number of lives lost (see 2016 Falls Creek Baptist Assembly Wastewater stories on the internet - KP). 

The deadly nature of confined spaces leaves little room for error and even less opportunity to “learn as you go”. Learning about some common mistakes before entering a confined space will go a long way toward establishing a workplace air monitoring program based on industry best practices. (If your municipality does not have a gas monitoring detector and calibration kit and you can’t afford one, look into OMAG’s Public Works Safety Enhancement Grant Program on our website www.omag.org/getfreestuff -KP).

Mistake #1 – Not knowing OSHA standards and recommendations

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Carbon Monoxide Poisoning - Beware the Invisible Killer

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning - Beware the Invisible Killer

As Seasons Change, Beware the Invisible Killer

More than 400 Americans die from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Carbon monoxide is produced when fuel is burned in vehicles, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, furnaces and the like.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that often goes undetected, and as the weather turns colder in many parts of the country, it is important to be aware of the risks. Carbon monoxide becomes deadly when it builds up in enclosed spaces - and anyone can be affected.

At Work
Workers in certain professions, including welders, mechanics, firefighters and toll booth attendants are particularly at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning, according to OSHA.

To reduce the chances of carbon monoxide poisoning in the workplace:
•    Install proper ventilation systems
•    Keep equipment in good working order
•    Consider switching from gas to electrical or battery operated equipment
•    Prohibit use of gas-powered engines in poorly ventilated areas
•    Provide personal, audible alarms
•    Educate workers about carbon monoxide poisoning

At Home
About 170 people die each year from carbon monoxide exposure produced by room heaters and home generators, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The National Safety Council recommends installing a battery-operated or battery back-up carbon monoxide detector.

The CDC offers these and other tips:
•    Professionally service your furnace, water heater and any other fuel-burning devices every year
•    Never use a generator indoors or less than 20 feet from any window, door or vent
•    Have your chimney checked and cleaned every year
•    Make sure gas appliances are vented properly
•    Never ignore a carbon monoxide alarm; immediately move outside, call 911 and make sure everyone is accounted for
 
Symptoms of CO Poisoning
If you see someone with the following symptoms who may have been poisoned,move the victim outside immediately and call 911. If he or she is not breathing, begin CPR.  Low to Moderate CO Poisoning - headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness.  High-level CO Poisoning - mental confusion, vomiting, loss of muscle coordination and loss of consciousness.

This article is shared from the National Safety Council’s Safety Spotlight.

Contact OMAG Risk Management Services department if you have questions about this or any other workplace safety topic.  Gary Cauthen can be reached at (800) 234-9461 or gcauthen@omag.org.

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Sanitary Sewer Backflow Prevention

Sanitary Sewer Backflow Prevention

Every year, OMAG receives 1,000 (+/-) tort claims that are filed against municipalities that participate in the Municipal Liability Protection Plan (MLPP). Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs) are one of the most frequently filed claims we receive. In the past 10 years OMAG has paid over 6 million dollars in damages due to SSOs. In a recent interview with Todd Lansdown, Wastewater Maintenance Supervisor with the City of Bartlesville since 1981, Todd recommended these “BEST PRACTICES” to assist in SSO prevention and dealing with customers who have had one of these  unfortunate events. He noted that these policies and procedures are not all his own ideas—they’ve been passed down and refined over the years.

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Spaceheaters - Hidden Fire Hazard

Spaceheaters - Hidden Fire Hazard

While space heaters are legal and widely used as an alternative heat source, many fire departments do not recommend their use because they pose certain hazards. If you have a space heater, or are considering getting one, consider the following safety tips as vital information for your personal safety as well as for protecting your property. 
 
•    Have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the area where you have a space heater. 
•    Never use fuel burning appliances without proper ventilation. Burning fuel (kerosene, coal, or propane, for example) produces deadly fumes. 
•    Be sure your space heater is in good working condition. All space heaters need frequent check-ups and cleaning. A dirty or neglected heater is a critical fire hazard. Also, space heaters should be UL (United Laboratories) approved and have knock-over shut-off switches. 
•    Use only the proper fuel for each heater. Never introduce a fuel into a heating unit that is not designed for that unit. 
•    Store kerosene, gasoline, or other flammable liquids outside the home or office at all times. 
•    Use an approved safety can for storing all flammable liquids. 
•    Maintain adequate clearance in all directions around space heaters. Give the heater adequate clearance – 3 feet is the minimum – from walls and combustibles, such as clothes, curtains, furniture, files, etc. Also, do not put them under the desk where you cannot see them and may forget to turn them off. 
•    Never leave children unsupervised in a room with a space heater. 
•    If you use an electric heater make sure the wiring is adequate. Avoid using extension cords. Use an approved power strip with a built in circuit breaker. Do not overload the wall plug. 
•    Never cover the heater’s cord with carpeting or furniture. This could cause the cord to overheat and start a fire. 
•    Avoid using electric space heaters in the bathroom. Never touch an electric heater when you are wet. 
•    When refueling a kerosene heater, avoid overfilling it. If cold kerosene is used, it will expand as it warms up inside your office and may cause burner flooding. This could cause flare ups. 
•    Never fill your kerosene heater while it is burning. 
•    Turn off your heater and unplug it before you leave the office at the end of the day. 
•    When using a fuel burning heater, open a window to provide adequate ventilation. 
 
Over 700,00 fires are started worldwide each year by space heaters. Spending a little time thinking about the potential hazards of space heaters may save your building and lives.

Contact OMAG Risk Management Services if you have questions about this or other topics related to municipal workplace safety issues. Kip Prichard can be reached at (800) 234-9461 or kprichard@omag.org.

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OMAG Municipal Liability Protection Plan (MLPP) - Who Is Covered?

OMAG Municipal Liability Protection Plan (MLPP) - Who Is Covered?

The responsibility to respond to our members' coverage questions and provide coverage interpretation primary falls on OMAG’s Underwriting and Member Services Departments with support provided by OMAG’s Legal and Risk Management Departments. Providing a clear and consistent response to these inquiries is always our goal.

Our members occasionally ask “Who is covered under the municipality’s general liability plan and how does this plan define an employee? 

Who is covered? Any of the following are covered while acting within the scope of their municipal duties: any member of the municipal governing body, any elected or appointed official of the municipality, any member of boards and commissions of the municipality and any employee of the municipality, as defined in the agreement. 

Definition of Employee: OMAG’s plan mirrors the terms of the Governmental Tort Claims Act in defining the term “employee.” OMAG’s plan defines employee as "any person who has been authorized to act on behalf of the plan member whether that person is acting on a permanent or temporary basis, with or without being compensated, or on a full or part time basis. It includes all elected or appointed officers, members of governing bodies, and other persons designated to act for the plan member, but the term does not mean a person or other legal entity while acting in the capacity of an independent contractor or an employee of an independent contractor." 

Example: An independent contractor would be a person or company that the municipality hires to do a specific job, such as a local contractor to do a street project or an electrical company providing installation or repair. 

NOTE: You should always require the independent contractor to supply the municipality with a certificate of insurance. 

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Liability Coverage for Police K-9s

Liability Coverage for Police K-9s

The responsibility to respond to our members' coverage questions and provide coverage interpretation primary falls on OMAG’s Underwriting and Member Services Departments with support provided by OMAG’s Legal and Risk Management Departments. Providing a clear and consistent response to these inquiries is always our goal.

Our members occasionally ask, “Does the Municipal Liability Protection Plan provide coverage for our police department K-9s? And is there coverage provided when they are off duty?

The OMAG Municipal Liability Protection Plan does provide automatic general liability coverage for your K-9s while on duty. OMAG requires the K-9 and the handler to maintain their CLEET certification. 

One example of how our coverage might work would be: Let’s say the dog is trained to be passive in his response by barking or going on point to indicate he recognizes something, and damage occurs when he jumps on a vehicle. This damage would not be expected, as the normal passive response would not lead to any damage occurring. A third party can file a claim for their damages in this instance.

In another instance, if the dog is trained to respond to drug search in an aggressive manner (by jumping up onto the vehicle to indicate something has been found) and damages the vehicle, then the OMAG policy would not provide coverage.  In this case the officer should take measures (cover paws) if he knows that the dog will respond by jumping on the vehicle. This would be damage that would be expected or intended and is excluded on the policy.

When the K-9 is off duty and being kenneled, it is important to remember that the OMAG policy would respond to a claim filed for bodily injury or property damages only if the K-9 is being kenneled on city property. If the K-9 is being kenneled at a private residence, that individual’s homeowner’s policy would respond, should bodily injury or property damage occur. 

The OMAG policy does not provide coverage for animal mortality, but we do have a market that provides for that type of policy/coverage separately if you should be interested.  

Please contact Randy Stone, Underwriting Director, at (800) 234-9461 or rstone@omag.org if you have questions about this coverage or any other questions about the policies we offer.

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Horseplay - Only Fools Do It!

Horseplay - Only Fools Do It!

Be alert don’t get hurt! Horseplay has no place on the job. It usually leads to an accident or could lead to an act of violence. Someone decides to horse around or play a practical joke on someone else. One thing leads to another, and before you know it someone gets hurt or property is damaged. Think back to when you were in school. You can probably remember horseplay beginning in the elementary grades and continuing through middle and high schools. You probably know someone who did it; most likely you even participated in some horseplay yourself. Sometimes it seems like no big deal but sooner or later things go wrong and one or more people get hurt. 

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