Page 45 - PCCAJournal2ndQuarter2011

This is a SEO version of PCCAJournal2ndQuarter2011. Click here to view full version

« Previous Page Table of Contents Next Page »

PCCA Journal|2 nd Quarter 2011 45

I

n recent years, many PCCA members have pursued projects in the renewable energy sector, and many others have been con-sidering opportunities in areas like wind and solar. These projects have also caught the attention of the Occupa-tional Safety and Health Administration, which recently released guidance on renewable jobs at www.osha.gov/dep/ greenjobs/index.html. The following is excerpted from the OSHA website. Green jobs are being defined broadly as jobs that help to improve the environ-ment. These jobs also create opportuni-ties to help revitalize the economy and get people back to work. Green jobs do not necessarily mean that they are safe jobs. Workers in the green industries may face hazards that are commonly known in workplaces, such as falls, con-fined spaces, electrical, fire, and other

similar hazards. These hazards may be new to many workers who are mov-ing into fast-growing green industries. Additionally, workers may be exposed to new hazards that may not have been previously identified. For example, work-ers in the solar energy industry may be exposed to Cadmium Telluride, a known carcinogen, if adequate controls are not implemented.

The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) requires employers to comply with safety and health standards and regulations promulgated by OSHA or by a state with an OSHA-approved state plan. In addition, the act’s General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1), requires employ-ers to provide their employees with a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physi-cal harm. In the absence of an OSHA standard, OSHA can enforce the General

Duty Clause. OSHA standards cover many of the hazards in green industries, and employers must use the necessary controls to protect workers. (The OSHA web page listed above has a click-on for more information about some of the hazards in the industry and the OSHA standards that may apply.)

A key concept for all industries, but especially those that are just beginning to grow, is “Prevention through Design” (PtD)—designing the process/equip-ment in a way that eliminates hazards to the workers who use them. Employers should have a system in place where safety and health professionals work with design engineers in “designing out” hazards throughout the design phase of their products. (The web page includes a click-on to NIOSH’s efforts on PtD and its blog on green jobs.)

Safety News continued on page 46

Green Jobs Garner OSHA’s Attention

F

or the third consecutive season, Shell and the Common Ground Alliance are teaming up to raise awareness of 811, the national Call Before You Dig number. Shell will leverage its partner-ship with NASCAR’s Penske Racing in an effort to protect America’s underground infrastructure. During National Safe Digging Month in April, the 811 logo ran on the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Dodge driven by Kurt Busch. “Penske Racing fully supports the Call Before You Dig Campaign and is proud to join the ongoing efforts of Shell and the Common Ground Alliance during National Safe Dig-ging Month,” said Roger Penske. “We encourage everyone to call 811 before doing any digging.”

Rushing on building, landscaping, or excavation projects can lead to both poor quality work and dangerous situa-

tions. Hitting an underground facility can knock out power or gas to an entire neighborhood, in addition to potentially causing injury to the digger and other people in the vicinity. Diggers could be held financially responsible for repairs if they don’t call 811 and damage infrastructure while digging. Every digging project requires a call to 811, even small proj-ects, like planting trees or shrubs.

“We are excited to have 811 represented on the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Dodge during every race in April,” said Greg Smith, President, Shell Pipeline Company LP. “In three years of leveraging our motorsports alliances, we have seen tremen-dous increase in calls to 811 and awareness of National Safe Digging Month. Capitalizing on the entire month of April will allow us to reach key audiences, including many who will be conducting home digging projects in the coming year.”

Shell, CGA Team Up for 811 Awareness

Page 45 - PCCAJournal2ndQuarter2011

This is a SEO version of PCCAJournal2ndQuarter2011. Click here to view full version

« Previous Page Table of Contents Next Page »