While working in other states it is always good to know if state laws exceeds OSHA´s requirements. Always enforce the more stringent law to make sure you are in compliance on your job site. There are a total of 25 states, plus Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands that implemented their own specific safety laws. Some examples that relate to the State of Washington are while working over 4 feet above ground level, fall protection is required. Most of us are accustom to OSHA´s standards at 6 feet. Cranes even have special requirements while working near power lines which is a minimum of 20 feet distance on 50 KV lines or less. OSHA requires a minimum of 10 feet.

It is often hard to identify how laws and regulations vary according to different states but I believe we strive for the highest safety standards and this will make us stand out from our competitors. Knowledge by investigation may be the key to success. Take pride in your work and go the extra mile.

Fatigue is the condition of being physically or mentally tired or exhausted. Extreme fatigue can lead to uncontrolled and involuntary shutdown of the brain.
Here are some things to look for in your coworkers to help identify fatigue. Everyone needs your help, because in most cases, people who are under significant fatigue cannot identify it themselves. These include:
•    Their job performance slows.
•    Their job quality is reduced.
•    They cannot recall their last thought, conversation, or what they did a moment ago.
•    They have trouble solving problems.
•    They make errors.
•    They have a near-miss accident.
•    They have trouble focusing.
•    The head droops.
•    They cannot stop yawning.
When you are fatigued you will make errors in judgment. Your mind or eyes can be off task and you can make a critical error.

Safety is ALWAYS a priority and that is no exception during hurricane season.

Prioritizing safety in hurricane season – One of the biggest safety concerns this season is not taking hurricanes seriously. In recent years, many residents of the Gulf Coast area have become complacent because some hurricanes were not as severe as predicted or because the escape routes were largely ineffective. Complacency is one of the most UNsafe states of mind as it leads to lack of preparation, lack of proper situational assessment and lack of action.

Be prepared and have a strategy – Make all essential preparations well in advance of an actual event. Take photos of your property, develop an escape plan, pack a bag, gather important documents, establish a communication plan, and know where you are going and how you are going to get there.

Don’t underestimate – It is easy to think about how the last time was or wasn’t as dangerous as you thought it might be. But this isn’t the last time, it is THIS time and you simply do not know what the weather will do. It is much easier to realize you made preparations and were overly cautious than to realize you’ve lost health or property due to improper response.

Take action – If you are in an area that holds a high potential for hurricane activity, take action. Do not wait to utilize those well prepared plans. Begin by communicating with your family, friends, neighbors and colleagues to ensure everyone knows where you will be and that you can reach others. Follow your evacuation plans and help others who may not have prepared as well.

Make hurricane safety a priority this season. Pledge to Prepare by visiting

http://www.ready.gov/hurricanes.
To receive even more safety and hurricane tips, visit our website and click to follow us on Twitter or Facebook.

National Hurricane Center’s Huricane Preparedness
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/ready.php

FEMA’s Family Emergency Plan
http://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/documents/files/Family_Emegency_Plan.pdf

Harris County and Texas Department of Public Safety’s business hurricane plan
http://www.harriscountycitizencorps.com/newsletters/hurricaneplanforbusinesses.pdf

The Center for Disease Control’s hurricane preparedness checklists and suggestions.

http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/readiness_factsheet.asp

Fireworks Fact Sheet
By NFPA
 
Size of the Fireworks-Related Fire Problem
 
On Independence Day in a typical year, far more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day and more than twice as many as on an average day. Fireworks account for two out of five of those fires, more than any other cause of fires. In 2010, fireworks caused an estimated 15,500 reported fires, including 1,100 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 14,100 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in an estimated eight reported deaths, 60 civilian injuries and $36 million in direct property damage.
 Risk of Private Fireworks Use
 
The risk of fire death relative to time of usage shows fireworks as the riskiest consumer product. The risk that someone will die from fire when fireworks are being used is higher relative to usage time than the risk of fire death when a cigarette is being smoked. The risks with fireworks are not limited to displays, public or private. Risks also exist wherever fireworks are manufactured, transported, stored or sold. Safe and sane fireworks are neither. Fountains, novelties, and sparklers are designed to throw off showers of hot sparks. Temperatures may exceed 1200°F.
 
FACT: The following four states have banned access by the public to all fireworks: Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York
 
NFPA encourages people to enjoy public displays of fireworks that comply with NFPA 1123. NFPA is strongly opposed to any consumer use of fireworks.
 
Characteristics of Fireworks Injuries Reported to Emergency Rooms
 
FACT: 83% of the fireworks injuries treated in hospital emergency rooms involved fireworks that Federal regulations permit consumers to use.

http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files/pdf/fireworksfactsheet.pdf