May 31, 2024 – Greenville, SC – American Health & Safety, a leading provider of health and safety training and consulting services, is proud to announce its recent approval to bid on government contracts. This significant milestone underscores the company’s commitment to excellence and its readiness to expand its services to government entities.
The approval allows American Health & Safety to offer its comprehensive range of training programs and safety solutions to various government agencies, contributing to enhanced workplace safety and regulatory compliance. This achievement reflects the company’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards of quality and professionalism in the industry.
“This approval is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team. We look forward to the opportunity to extend our services to government agencies and contribute to their safety initiatives.” – Kyle Koenig, Owner
American Health & Safety has a proven track record of providing effective and reliable health and safety training. With this new approval, the company is well-positioned to support government projects with its expertise, ensuring safe and compliant working environments.
Unique Entity ID: SZ72LLLFKL62 CAGE/NCAGE: 9WXU9
Kyle Koenig, the owner of American Health & Safety, already has access to government facilities and maintains a secret clearance, further enhancing the company’s capability to meet government standards and requirements.
For more information about American Health & Safety and its services, please visit www.americanhealthandsafety.com or contact Kyle Koenig at kyle@americanhealthandsafety.com or 864-385-8583.
About American Health & Safety
American Health & Safety is dedicated to providing top-tier health and safety training and consulting services. With a focus on delivering practical and effective solutions, the company serves a wide range of industries, helping clients achieve and maintain the highest standards of workplace safety.
American Health & Safety (AHS), a safety consulting firm based in Greenville County, is thrilled to announce its partnership with North American Rescue (NAR), a premier provider of life-saving medical products. This partnership signifies a significant step forward in our mission to empower individuals and organizations with the tools and knowledge needed to respond effectively to emergencies.
As part of this collaboration, AHS is now authorized to resell NAR’s comprehensive range of medical supplies within the United States. NAR’s offerings include essential items such as tourniquets, bleeding control kits, and various medical supplies designed to address a wide array of emergency situations.
What sets this partnership apart is the shared vision between NAR and AHS in promoting excellence in emergency medicine training. NAR was founded by a U.S. Air Force veteran who served as a Pararescueman, driven by the mission to reduce preventable deaths. Similarly, AHS was established by a US Army medic with the objective of preventing injuries in both workplace and civilian settings through rigorous safety and medical training.
Both NAR and AHS are deeply committed to equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary to respond swiftly and effectively during critical moments. Our partnership will not only ensure wider accessibility to life-saving medical products but also facilitate enhanced training opportunities aimed at empowering individuals to become proficient in emergency medical procedures.
This collaboration represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance emergency medical preparedness nationwide. By combining NAR’s renowned medical products with AHS’s expertise in safety training, we are poised to make a meaningful impact in preventing injuries and saving lives across communities.
About American Health & Safety: American Health & Safety (AHS) is a safety consulting firm based in Greenville, SC. Founded by a prior service US Army medic, AHS specializes in providing comprehensive safety training and consulting services to organizations across various industries, with a focus on preventing injuries and promoting a culture of safety.
About North American Rescue: North American Rescue (NAR) is a premier provider of life-saving medical products dedicated to empowering individuals with the tools and knowledge needed to respond effectively to emergencies. Founded by a prior service U.S. Air Force veteran, NAR offers a comprehensive range of medical supplies designed to address a wide array of emergency situations.
Based in Greenville, SC, and extending services across the United States, American Health and Safety is dedicated to delivering top-notch safety training that meets the needs of various industries and sectors across the country. We offer a wide array of safety training courses designed to enhance workplace safety and compliance.
Our Services
OSHA Compliance Training: Ensure your team adheres to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards with our extensive training programs, which include a focus on general industry safety, construction-specific hazards, and healthcare-related safety protocols.
CPR and First Aid Certification: Our certified CPR and First Aid courses are essential for anyone looking to acquire life-saving skills, applicable in schools, corporate settings, and among public service workers.
Fire Safety Training: Participants learn to manage fire emergencies effectively through our comprehensive fire safety courses that cover prevention, containment, and effective evacuation strategies.
HAZWOPER Training: Specialize in handling hazardous materials with our Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) training.
Workplace Safety Plans and Audits: Custom safety plans and thorough audits are available to identify potential workplace hazards and implement effective preventive measures.
Ergonomics Training: Our ergonomics training helps in reducing musculoskeletal injuries, improving workplace ergonomics, and ensuring employee comfort and safety.
Environmental Safety Training: Learn about environmental protections and sustainable practices to maintain safety and compliance at your workplace.
Electrical Safety Standards: We provide comprehensive training on electrical safety standards that helps in preventing electrical hazards in various operational environments.
Healthcare Safety Protocols: Specialized training for healthcare providers to manage workplace safety effectively, including dealing with biohazards and maintaining patient and staff safety.
Industrial Hygiene: Train in the anticipation, recognition, evaluation, and control of workplace environmental factors that may affect health and well-being.
Construction Safety Training: From small teams to large enterprises, ensure safety on construction sites with our specialized courses that cover all aspects of construction safety.
Nationwide Training Capabilities
American Health and Safety’s programs are available across the United States, ensuring no matter where you are, you can access high-quality, practical safety training solutions tailored to your needs.
Why Choose American Health and Safety?
Expert Instructors: Our trainers are certified professionals with extensive field experience.
Flexible Training Options: We provide a range of training options, including in-person, hybrid, and fully online courses to suit your scheduling needs.
Practical and Interactive Courses: Our interactive courses are designed to engage participants and provide practical skills and knowledge that can be applied immediately.
Certification and Ongoing Support: Participants receive certification upon course completion, with ongoing support to help implement effective safety practices.
Serving Greenville and the Surrounding Areas
While we are headquartered in Greenville, SC, our reach extends to Spartanburg and Anderson, SC, among other nearby locations. We are committed to promoting safer work environments through education and training.
Contact Us
Boost your workplace safety today with American Health and Safety. Visit our website at www.americanhealthandsafety.com or call us to arrange a consultation or training session. We’re here to help you enhance safety wherever you are in the U.S.!
Confined spaces surround us at every turn. You may not even realize that you probably drive by multiple confined spaces every day. One example that you might not even consider is a manhole or sewer drain. These are only two examples of common confined spaces; there are many more, and the risks involved are ones you may not consider on a regular basis. Confined spaces can pose serious risks due to limited ventilation and potential for hazardous gases to accumulate. It’s important to be aware of these risks and take necessary precautions when working in or near confined spaces.
Confined Spaces: What’s OSHA say about them?
An OSHA confined space refers to a space that meets specific regulatory criteria set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). According to OSHA, a confined space has the following characteristics:
Limited Openings for Entry and Exit: The space must have restricted entrances and exits. For example, tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, and pits are typical confined spaces because their entrances/exits are not designed for continuous worker occupancy.
Not Designed for Continuous Employee Occupancy: The space is not intended to be a location where an employee works for extended periods. This means that the confined space is generally for the purpose of performing specific tasks such as inspections, repairs, or maintenance.
Large Enough to Enter and Conduct Work: The space must be large enough for an employee to enter and perform tasks but may have limited movement which complicates the ability to work within it.
Criteria for Permit-Required Confined Spaces (PRCS)
A confined space is classified by OSHA as a “Permit-Required Confined Space” (PRCS) if it meets one or more of the following additional criteria beyond those listed for a general confined space:
Contains or has a potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere: If the space could contain flammable or toxic gas, oxygen deficiency, or other atmospheric hazards, it’s designated as PRCS.
Contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant: If there is a risk of materials such as grains, sand, or other similar substances engulfing someone inside the space, it requires a permit.
Has an internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated: This includes spaces with inwardly converging walls or a floor that slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross-section where escaping would be difficult.
Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazards: These could be risks from machinery parts, electrical hazards, or heat stress.
Requirements for Entry Into Permit-Required Confined Spaces
Entry into PRCS requires compliance with several OSHA regulations, including:
Entry Permit: The employer must issue a permit for each entry into a confined space, which includes details like the purpose of entry, names of entrants, and expected duration.
Testing and Monitoring: Air quality testing must be conducted to check for toxic gases and sufficient oxygen levels.
Ventilation: Mechanical ventilation is often required to maintain safe air quality.
Attendant: An attendant must be present outside the PRCS to monitor and assist entrants.
Rescue and Emergency Services: Employers must provide rescue and emergency services onsite or arrange for external services to be available to respond quickly.
Training: Entrants and attendants must be trained in the safe operation around and within PRCS, including familiarization with hazards and emergency procedures.
Compliance with these criteria helps ensure the safety of workers when they are in potentially dangerous confined spaces. If you’re working in or around these types of environments, thorough understanding and preparation are critical for safety.
QUICK REMINDERS:
Pre-Entry Preparation
Check Your Equipment: Before entry, inspect all personal protective equipment (PPE) and entry equipment such as harnesses, retrieval lines, and tripods for damage or defects. Ensure all equipment is suitable for the specific conditions of the confined space.
Bump Testing and Calibrating Gas Meters: Always perform a bump test and calibration on gas detectors before each use to ensure they are working correctly. This checks the functionality of the sensors and alarms.
Verify Rescue Equipment: Confirm that all rescue equipment is functional and appropriate for the space and the potential emergencies identified.
Atmospheric Testing
Test Before Entry: Conduct initial atmospheric testing from outside the confined space to check for toxic gases, oxygen levels, and potential flammable atmospheres.
Continuous Monitoring: Use portable gas monitors to continuously assess the air quality inside the confined space as conditions can change rapidly.
Ventilate When Necessary: If hazardous atmospheres are detected, use mechanical ventilation to maintain safe working conditions and re-test before entering.
Communication and Coordination
Maintain Constant Communication: Use reliable communication tools to keep in touch with the attendant outside the confined space. Immediate communication is critical in an emergency.
Use the Buddy System: Never enter a confined space alone. Always work in teams to ensure help is readily available in case of an emergency.
Housekeeping, in the context of a workplace or industrial setting, refers to the routine maintenance and upkeep of the work environment to ensure it is clean, safe, and organized.
Why Housekeeping is AWESOME:
It’s awesome because it helps:
Minimize Hazards: Regular debris, spill, and danger removal through housekeeping actively slashes the accident risk from slips, trips, and falls, notorious in cluttered or neglected spaces.
Enhances Productivity: An orderly workspace smoothens workflows and simplifies tool and material access, turbocharging productivity and operational efficiency.
Improves Health: A clean workplace is a fortress against germ spread, dialing down the risk of occupational diseases, particularly in sectors exposed to hazardous substances.
Maintains Assets: Consistent care and maintenance breathe extended life into equipment and facilities, dodging expensive breakdowns.
Promotes a Positive Work Environment: A pristine, well-kept workplace elevates morale and crafts an excellent impression on employees, visitors, and prospective clients.
What does OSHA say about it?
OSHA’s regulations on walking-working surfaces are specifically outlined in section 1910.22:
1910.22(a)(1) mandates that all places of employment, including passageways, storerooms, service rooms, and walking-working surfaces, must be kept in a clean, orderly, and sanitary condition.
1910.22(a)(2) requires that floors in workrooms be maintained in a clean and, as much as feasible, dry condition. Adequate drainage and dry standing places like false floors, platforms, and mats must be provided when wet processes are used.
1910.22(a)(3) states that walking-working surfaces must be free of hazards such as sharp or protruding objects, loose boards, corrosion, leaks, spills, snow, and ice.
The DO’s and DON’Ts of maintaining a clean site:
DO:
Maintain cleanliness and order: by keeping all areas of employment clean and orderly, reflecting OSHA’s requirements and our commitment to safety.
Ensure floors are dry and clean: immediately address spills and use mats or dry platforms in wet areas to prevent slip hazards.
Remove and report hazards: routinely inspect for and remove or report any potential hazards on walking-working surfaces to your supervisor.
DON’Ts:
Neglect spill cleanup: Ignoring spills puts everyone at risk of potential slip and fall accidents.
Leave debris on floors or aisles: Leaving garbage, materials, or tools on the floor or in aisleways can cause hazards and reduce workflow.
Overlook maintenance issues: Failing to address loose boards, leaks, or sharp objects on surfaces can also cause major problems.
Lastly: If you see something, take 5minutes out of your day and clean it up!
Introduction Trenching and excavation work is more than just digging through the earth. It’s a highly technical process that demands respect for the forces of nature and understanding of the engineering principles that keep us safe. The weight of the earth is unforgiving; a cubic yard of soil can weigh as much as a car, making a trench collapse not just a possibility but a deadly event if safety measures are not in place.
The significance of today’s talk is not just to share these grim statistics but to underscore the critical need for rigorous safety measures. We are here to learn, to understand, and to apply these safety practices diligently. Our commitment to safety can turn these statistics around, ensuring that every worker returns home safely at the end of the day. Let’s dive deeper into the precautions and protocols that not only comply with regulatory standards but also create a culture of safety that protects us all.
The Dangers of Trenching & Excavation Statistics paint a stark picture of the reality we face in trenching operations. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and OSHA, trench collapses cause dozens of fatalities annually in the construction industry alone. Moreover, these incidents result in hundreds of injuries, many of which are life-altering. The distressing truth is that all these accidents were preventable with proper planning, execution, and safety precautions.
OSHA’s Training Requirements:
Training employees on trenching hazards is a critical component of maintaining a safe work environment, especially in construction and other industries where excavation work is common. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and its 1926 standard, specifically subpart P, employers are required to ensure that all employees involved in trenching and excavation are adequately trained on the hazards associated with these activities. This is not just a recommendation; it’s a legal requirement aimed at preventing accidents and fatalities associated with trench collapses and other related incidents.
Importance of Training
The training mandated by OSHA is designed to equip workers with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify risks and follow proper procedures to mitigate them. It covers a range of topics, including but not limited to, the recognition of environmental and other hazards that may increase the risks associated with trenching and excavation work. The training also includes instruction on the use of protective systems, the importance of access and egress points, and the need for regular inspections of excavation sites.
Role of the Competent Person
A crucial element of OSHA’s trenching and excavation safety requirements is the designation of a “competent person.” This term is defined by OSHA as someone who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.
The competent person plays a pivotal role in trenching safety. Their responsibilities include:
Inspecting Trenches: Before work begins and as needed throughout the shift, especially if a hazard has been introduced (e.g., rainwater accumulation).
Implementing Protective Systems: Based on the depth and conditions of the trench, the competent person selects and implements appropriate protective systems, such as sloping, shoring, or shielding, to protect workers from cave-ins.
Monitoring Water Removal Equipment: If water is being controlled by pumps, the competent person ensures the equipment is functioning correctly and that the trench remains safe for workers.
Conducting Atmospheric Tests: In situations where there is a potential for hazardous atmospheres (due to the presence of gas lines, for example), the competent person tests conditions to ensure they are safe for entry.
Training for the competent person is more extensive, given the critical nature of their role. They must not only be able to recognize hazards but also have a thorough understanding of OSHA standards, protective systems, and emergency response procedures.
Preventing Collapses
When it comes to trenching and excavation, one of the primary concerns is preventing collapses. To safeguard workers, OSHA has established specific requirements for benching, sloping, shoring, and other protective systems under its 1926 subpart P standards. Each method addresses how to stabilize the walls of excavations to protect workers. The choice among them depends on factors like soil composition, depth of the trench, water content of the soil, changes in weather or climate, and other operations in the vicinity.
Sloping
Sloping involves cutting back the trench wall at an angle inclined away from the excavation. The angle of the slope will vary based on the assessment of soil type according to OSHA’s classifications:
Stable Rock: Vertical walls are permissible since stable rock is unlikely to crumble.
Type A Soil (e.g., cohesive soils with unconfined compressive strength of 1.5 ton per square foot (tsf) or greater): A slope of ¾:1 (horizontal:vertical), which means for every 3 feet horizontally, the trench must be sloped down 4 feet.
Type B Soil: A slope of 1:1 is required.
Type C Soil (e.g., granular soils including gravel, sand, and loamy sand, or submerged soil or soil from which water is freely seeping): A more gradual slope of 1½:1 is mandated.
Benching
Benching is the process of creating steps or benches on the sides of an excavation to prevent cave-ins. However, benching cannot be used in all types of soil. For instance, Type C soil is generally considered too unstable for benching. The specifics of benching dimensions, like the width of the steps and the height, again depend on the soil classification and must adhere to OSHA standards.
Shoring
Shoring involves installing supports such as hydraulic jacks, pneumatic systems, or timber shoring in trenches to prevent soil movement and collapses. Shoring is designed to brace trench walls to prevent cave-ins and is especially critical in trenches that are deeper or in less stable soil. The specifics of the shoring system used will depend on factors like the depth of the trench, soil type, and expected load on the system.
Hydraulic Shoring: A popular choice due to its adaptability and ease of installation, involving aluminum or steel hydraulic cylinders that can be adjusted to the size of the excavation.
Pneumatic Shoring: Similar to hydraulic shoring but uses air pressure to hold the shores in place.
Timber Shoring: Traditional method using lumber and plywood. It’s more labor-intensive and requires careful design and installation.
Additional Considerations
Design and Installation: The design and installation of sloping, benching, and shoring systems must be done under the guidance of a competent person. For deeper trenches or more complex situations, the design may need to be developed by a registered professional engineer.
Inspection: These protective systems must be inspected at the start of each work shift, following any occurrence that could have affected their structural integrity, and after any event that may have exposed workers to additional risks (e.g., heavy rain).
Compliance and Safety: Employers must ensure that all protective systems meet OSHA’s requirements and are appropriate for the conditions of the excavation site. The safety of the workers should always be the top priority, with continuous monitoring and adjustments as necessary to mitigate risks.
Understanding and implementing these requirements is crucial for the safety of workers involved in trenching and excavation work. By properly applying sloping, benching, or shoring techniques, employers can create a safer work environment that minimizes the risk of cave-ins and other excavation-related incidents.
Crane Collapse Incident in Fort Lauderdale Results in Fatality
In a tragic incident on Thursday evening, a segment of a tower crane plummeted onto a car on the Southeast 3rd Avenue Bridge near Southeast 4th Street in downtown Fort Lauderdale, causing one fatality. The large, light blue crane section, intended for extending the crane’s reach at a nearby construction site, fell and landed on a vehicle, leaving the scene marked by devastation and urgent investigative efforts.
Fort Lauderdale Fire Chief Stephen Gollan provided details during a media conference, stating that the accident occurred at approximately 4:30 p.m. as crane segments were being hoisted to enhance the crane’s operational span. During this operation, a platform carrying a significant crane piece became unstable and subsequently failed, resulting in the crane part collapsing onto the bridge.
Tragically, the incident claimed the life of a construction worker, who fell from the building site amidst the chaos of the accident. This loss underscores the inherent risks associated with construction work, particularly in operations involving heavy machinery like tower cranes.
Emphasizing Crane Safety
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of crane safety in construction settings. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets forth strict guidelines and regulations to prevent such accidents. OSHA’s standards for crane operations include regular inspections, adherence to load capacity limits, and the requirement for crane operators to be certified and trained in the machinery’s operation and safety protocols.
Moreover, OSHA emphasizes the significance of planning crane operations meticulously, ensuring that every aspect of the lift, from the route of the crane to the stability of the ground and weather conditions, is considered to mitigate risks. Safety measures, such as barricading unsafe zones and using spotters to guide crane movements, are vital in preventing accidents.
Key Aspects of Managing Fall Zones in Crane Safety
Identification and Marking: Clearly identifying and marking the fall zone around a crane’s operation area is essential. This zone is where materials, tools, or even parts of the crane itself (such as a load, boom, or counterweight) could potentially fall during operation. The size of the fall zone depends on the type of crane, the load being lifted, and the height from which materials could fall.
Restricting Access: Access to the fall zone should be restricted to essential personnel only. This is often achieved through physical barriers and signage that warn of the potential danger. The goal is to ensure that workers and bystanders are not unnecessarily exposed to the risk of falling objects.
Use of Barricades and Safety Nets: In some cases, barricades or safety nets may be used around the perimeter of the fall zone to catch falling objects or to further discourage unauthorized access.
Planning Lifts: Careful planning of crane operations can minimize the risks associated with fall zones. This includes choosing the right crane for the job, calculating the load’s weight and balance, and planning the load’s path to avoid unnecessary risk of objects falling.
Training and Communication: Workers involved in crane operations should be trained in recognizing and avoiding hazards related to fall zones. This includes understanding the limitations and capabilities of the crane being used, as well as effective communication among all team members involved in the lift.
Fire marshal inspections can seem daunting, but they play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of your business premises, employees, and customers. These inspections verify compliance with local fire codes, aiming to reduce the risk of fire-related incidents. Failing an inspection can lead to fines, operational interruptions, or even legal consequences. However, with the right preparation, passing a fire marshal inspection can be straightforward. Here’s how your business can prepare for and successfully navigate these inspections.
Understand the Fire Code The first step in preparing for a fire marshal inspection is understanding the fire code regulations applicable to your area. Fire codes are based on national standards, such as those set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), but can vary locally. Familiarize yourself with these codes to understand what inspectors are looking for and ensure your business complies.
Pre-Inspection Checklist A thorough pre-inspection can highlight areas that need attention before the official visit. Consider the following checklist to guide your preparation:
Accessibility of Fire Safety Equipment Ensure fire extinguishers, hose reels, and other fire-fighting equipment are easily accessible, clearly marked, and fully operational.
Smoke Detectors and Fire Alarm Systems Test smoke detectors and fire alarm systems to confirm they are working correctly. Regular maintenance records for these systems should be up-to-date and readily available.
Clear Exit Routes Emergency exits should be clearly marked, well-lit, and free from obstructions. Regular drills can also help ensure that evacuation plans are effective and well-understood by all employees.
– An exit access/egress point must be at least 28 inches (71.1 cm) wide at all points.
Electrical Safety Inspect electrical panels, cords, and outlets for potential hazards like overloading or frayed wires. Ensure that extension cords are used appropriately and are not a permanent solution.
Storage of Flammable Materials & Liquids Store flammable materials according to fire code regulations, ensuring they are properly labeled and kept away from ignition sources.
– Storage Cabinets: Flammable liquids should be stored in approved storage cabinets. These cabinets are designed to limit the internal temperature when exposed to fire. OSHA regulations specify that not more than 60 gallons of Category 1, 2, or 3 flammable liquids, nor more than 120 gallons of Category 4 flammable liquids may be stored in a storage cabinet. – Storage Rooms: If the quantity of flammable liquids exceeds what is permissible in storage cabinets, they should be kept in a designated storage room. These rooms must meet specific construction standards, such as fire-resistant walls and self-closing, fire-rated doors. They should also be equipped with proper ventilation to prevent the accumulation of fumes. – Ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial in areas where flammable liquids are stored or used to prevent the accumulation of flammable vapors.
Fire Doors and Sprinkler Systems Check that fire doors are operational and not blocked. If your premises are equipped with a sprinkler system, ensure it’s not obstructed and is in working order.
Sprinkler systems should be inspected and maintained. Ensure systems are not being “loaded”. This is when a system has a large accumulation of dust and debris which can affect it’s discharge.
EXAMPLE OF A “LOADED” SYSTEM:
During the Inspection Be Cooperative and Prepared Being present during the inspection allows you to provide necessary access, clarify operations, and discuss findings directly. Keep all related documents, such as maintenance records and evacuation plans, at hand.
Address Issues Promptly If the fire marshal identifies issues, seek clarity on how to address them and act promptly to make corrections. Demonstrating a commitment to safety can also reflect positively on your business.
After the Inspection Implement Changes Implement any required changes as soon as possible. If serious violations are found, it may be beneficial to hire professionals to ensure compliance with fire safety standards.
Schedule a Follow-Up If a follow-up inspection is necessary, schedule it once all corrections are made. This demonstrates your commitment to compliance and safety.
Maintain Compliance Fire safety is an ongoing responsibility. Regularly review your practices, conduct drills, and keep an eye on any changes in fire safety regulations to ensure continuous compliance.