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OSHA Inspector at Your Front Door for a variety of reasons it might not happen immediately. Tere are millions of workplaces covered by OSHA. Accordingly, OSHA has determined that the worst situations need attention frst, and the administration has established a system of inspection priorities. Listed below are those priorities and a brief explanation of each: 1. Imminent Danger: Imminent danger situations receive OSHA's top priority. An imminent danger is defined as any condition where there is reasonable certainty that a danger exists that can be expected to cause death or serious physical harm immediately or before the danger can be eliminated through normal enforcement procedures. If a compliance officer finds an imminent danger situation, he or she will request that you voluntarily abate the hazard and remove endangered employees from exposure. If you fail to do this, OSHA, through the regional solicitor, may apply to the Federal District Court for an injunction prohibiting further work as long as unsafe conditions exist. 2. Catastrophes and Fatal Accidents: The second priority goes to the investigation of fatalities and accidents resulting in a death or hospitalization of three or more employees. You must report such catastrophes to OSHA within eight hours. OSHA investigates to determine the cause of these accidents and whether existing OSHA standards were violated. 3. Employee Complaints and Referrals: The third priority goes to formal employee complaints of unsafe or unhealthful working conditions and to referrals from any source about a workplace hazard. OSHA gives each employee the right to request an inspection when the employee believes he or she is in imminent danger from a hazard or when he or she thinks that there is a violation of an OSHA standard that threatens physical harm. OSHA will maintain confidentiality if requested, inform the employee of any action it takes regarding complaints, and, if requested, hold an informal review of any decision not to inspect. 4. Programmed Inspections: Next in WORK IT SAFE COLD WEATHER PROTECTION Although many coatings jobs may slow down during the colder months, there are still some tasks that will need to be completed when temperatures drop. And even if you're not outside for work, many of us will be spending extended hours in colder temperatures for pleasure (e.g., skiing, fishing, and snowmobiling). Whether on the job or off the clock, it's important to know how to avoid cold-related injuries. The following is information from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding cold stress and learning how to avoid it. Stay informed and stay safe! For more information, check out: www.osha.gov/SLTC/emergencypreparedness/guides/cold.html HOW COLD IS TOO COLD? When the body is unable to warm itself, cold related stress may result. This may include tissue damage and possibly death. Four factors contribute to cold stress: cold air temperatures, high velocity air movement, dampness of the air, and contact with cold water or surfaces. A cold environment forces the body to work harder to maintain its temperature. Cold air, water, and snow all draw heat from the body. Wind chill is the combination of air temperature and wind speed. For example, when the air temperature is 40° F (4° C), and the wind speed is 35 mph (56 kph), your exposed skin receives conditions equivalent to the air temperature being 11° F (-12° C). While it is obvious that below freezing conditions combined with inadequate clothing could bring about cold stress, it is also important to understand that it can also be brought about by temperatures in the 50s (10° C) coupled with some rain and wind. WHAT PREVENTIVE MEASURES SHOULD I TAKE? Plan for work in cold weather. Wearing appropriate clothing and being aware of how your body is reacting to the cold are important to preventing cold stress. Avoiding alcohol, certain medications, and smoking can also help to minimize the risk. Protective clothing is the most important way to avoid cold stress. The type of fabric also makes a difference. Cotton loses its insulation value when it becomes wet. Wool, silk, and most synthetics, on the other hand, retain their insulation, even when wet. The following are recommendations for working in cold environments: Wear at least three layers of clothing: an inner layer of wool, silk, or synthetic to wick moisture away from the body; a middle layer of wool or synthetic to provide insulation even when wet; and an outer wind and rain protection layer that allows some ventilation to prevent overheating. Wear a hat or hood. Up to 40 percent of body heat can be lost when the head is left exposed. Wear insulated boots or other protective footwear. Keep a change of dry clothing available in case work clothes become wet. With the exception of the wicking layer, do not wear tight clothing. Loose clothing allows better ventilation of heat away from the body. Do not underestimate the wetting effects of perspiration. Oftentimes, wicking and venting of the body's sweat and heat are more important than protecting from rain or snow. COATINGSPRO JANUARY 2014 39