BP Oil Spill Safety Training Bulletin - Falls

This article outlines the importance of safety and OSHA Safety Training through HAZWOPER courses during the BP Oil Spill Clean-Up effort.

A startling figure that occurred during the time period of 1995 to 1999 was that 362 falls ended in fatalities. As we have gained a decade we have also gained in the number of fatal falls per year. The recent environmental catastrophe that is the BP Oil Spill has brought to the public’s attention the importance of safety training while on-site. The site happens to be the entire Gulf of Mexico region and the States that are affected include Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi and Texas.

Safety Training Essentials-HAZWOPER Safety Training Courses

While it is understandable that there will be accidents and mishaps and falls for a certain percentage of the BP Oil Spill cleanup workers/volunteers, this is no way needs to be taken, lying down. You can protect yourself and the health and safety of your fellow oil spill cleanup workers and volunteers by enrolling in and taking a HAZWOPER Safety Training Course.

Oil and Water Create Falls

The oil cleanup industry is awash with so many different hazards and dangers including falls it is important that safety and health training, containing provisions to protect workers from falls on the job, be explored. Please have a look at the following hazards that are the leading causes of most fall related injuries. The BP Oil Spill has many opportunities for these oil cleanup workers to fall especially while on slippery barges and decks of votes covered in oil.

• Unprotected Sides
• Wall Openings
• Floor Holes

Inherent Dangers while Working in the BP Oil Spill Cleanup Sector

Almost all of the platforms that the old cleanup workers have to stand on have unprotected sides and edges or floor holes at some point during the cleanup process. If these sides and openings are not protected, injuries from falls or falling objects may result, ranging from sprains and concussions to death. It is important to understand that all of the decks of barges and ships have a certain degree of dangers that are inherently ingrained.

Unprotected Sides and Edges Exist as Opportunities for Falls

The Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill and the flotilla of oil cleanup vessels that are currently hard at work cleaning up the worst oil spill to hit the United States ever, are prolific with slippery-edges. These areas that are normally found on the decks of ships or in and around the barges holding areas are perfect opportunities for falls to occur. It does not take much to create an environment into which an overtired or overworked or just trying to do a great job oil cleanup worker to slip and fall during the course of duty.

Best Methods for Avoiding Hazards while on BP Gulf Oil Spill Cleanup Effort

Oil cleanup workers and volunteers that are exposed to falls of 6 feet or more should have at least one of the following safety measures in place at all times.

• Guardrail Systems
• Safety Net Systems
• Personal Fall Arrest Systems
• Clean up or Cover While Bringing Attention to Any Oily and Slippery Areas on Deck

On-Site Working Safety Audit

Another great way to not only notice problems with existing structures in the realm of safety but also to take a proactive step in correcting these is with a site survey. A working and perpetually continuing audit as the BP Gulf Oil Spill cleanup effort moves forward will essentially monitor these safety problems most effectively.

Cover Holes on Deck Immediately

Make certain that you guard or cover any opening in the vessel or ship as well as any holes immediately. A good rule of thumb to use when constructing floor covers is to make certain that the covers support two times the weight of average-sized (160-185) employees. This is essential when working in a hazardous location as the Gulf Oil Spill.

Most Falls are Avoidable

Although most oil spill workers/volunteers will normally grab a single 2 x 4 and straddle it across a wide open vessel hole and make do with what they have, there is a better way and a safer way to make certain that you as well as your coworkers/volunteers are protected from fall exposures.

Common Sense Must Prevail While Cleaning up the BP Gulf Oil Spill

A fall prevention systems, such as guardrails and safety nets offer all oil spill workers/volunteers a safe and more effective means for preventing exposures to falls. It is important that you be proactive in all matters when it comes to safeguarding the health and viability of all oil spill volunteers/workers.

Improper Scaffold Construction

 Am I In Danger?

Working with heavy equipment and building materials on the limited space of a scaffold is difficult. Without fall protection or safe access, it becomes hazardous. Falls from such improperly constructed scaffolds can result in injuries ranging from sprains to death.

How Do I Avoid Hazards?

Construct all scaffolds according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Install guardrail systems along all open sides and ends of platforms.

Use at least one of the following for scaffolds more than 10 feet above a lower level:

Guardrail Systems

Personal Fall Arrest Systems

Misuse of Portable Ladders

Am I In Danger?

You risk falling if portable ladders are not safely positioned each time they are used. While you are on a ladder, it may move and slip from its supports. You can also lose your balance while getting on or off an unsteady ladder. Falls from ladders can cause injuries ranging from sprains to death.

How Do I Avoid Hazards?

Position portable ladders so the side rails extend at least 3 feet above the landing.

Secure side rails at the top to a rigid support and use a grab device when 3 foot extension is not possible.

Make sure that the weight on the ladder will not cause it to slip off its support.

Before each use inspect ladders for cracked or broken parts such as rungs, steps, side rails, feet and locking components.

Do not apply more weight on the ladder than it is designed to support [For additional information, see Ladder Safety].

Use only ladders that comply with OSHA design.

For more info please visit http://www.onlineoshasafetytraining.com