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CompNewsFall 2014

The magazine of SAIF Corporation

Heavymetal

safety when yourtools weightonsAg seminars begin 20th year

COMP NEWS | Fall 20142

SAIF Corporation is Oregon’s not-for-profit, state-chartered

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CONTENTSComp NewS | FAll 2014

FYI

03 From the CEO

04 News in Brief

24 Fit for dutyIs a heart attack at work compensable under oregon law?

28 Agricultural safety seminarsSeminars begin 20th year

29Training opportunities

30Crossword Testing what you remember from this issue of Comp News

31 Cutting room floor

FeATureS

6Heavy lifting Nw Crane Service’s largest crane can lift almost 800,000 pounds—but it needs careful handling for safety.

10Pedal to the metal long-haul truckers have a reputation as rebels and outlaws. But a redmond company is working to change that image by investing in training and support to make drivers safer—and healthier—on the road.

16What is killing Oregonians on the job?

18Caught between a few tons and a hard place“parked” vehicles are responsible for far too many work fatalities.

20Help for the “golden hour” “Creative and effective people are motivated by more than just the bottom line. ... our efforts should make a positive impact on humanity.” revmedx

COMP NEWS | Fall 2014 3

By now, eligible policyholders may have received their part of the recent $165 million dividend—or will within the next few days. This dividend, the largest in our history, was approved in September by SAIF’s Board of Directors. In other news from the board, the oregon State Senate has approved Governor John Kitzhaber’s nomination of three new members, whose terms began on September 19.

The new board members are:Maurice Rahming, president of o’Neill electric in portland, has been a journeyman electrician, foreman, and general foreman for more than 20 years. He is active on numerous boards and committees, including the portland Fair Contracting Forum and the oregon Department of Transportation Industry leadership Committee.

Jeff Stone is executive director and Ceo of the oregon Association of Nurseries (oAN) in wilsonville. oAN is a nonprofit trade association representing nearly 900 individual nursery stock producers, retailers,

Message from John Gilkeylandscapers, and related companies. prior to joining oAN, mr. Stone worked as chief of staff to the metro Council and as an advisor to u.S. Senator Bob packwood.

Jennifer Ulum is the director of public affairs and advocacy for peaceHealth System in eugene. She has deep experience in communications and public policy issues, and her civic contributions include service on the boards of oregon public Broadcasting, united way of lane County, eugene/Springfield relief Nursery, and the eugene Chamber of Commerce.

They will join Krishna Balasubramani, a partner in the firm Sather, Byerly and Holloway, llp, and Kevin Jensen, business manager for Ironworkers local 29. we are pleased to welcome these new members to the board. Their backgrounds and experience make them well-prepared to help lead SAIF into its second 100 years. please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have: [email protected] or 503.373.8414.

John GilkeyInterim president and Ceo

Maurice Rahming

Jeff Stone

Jennifer Ulum


OSHA conferencesorosha.org/conferences

503.378.3272 [email protected]

deCeMbeR 2-5, 2014

Western Pulp, Paper, and Forest Products Safey and Health Conference JANUARY 26-27, 2015

Mid-Oregon Construction Safety Summit

NEWSin brief

8

Letter to the editorpaul Drähn of Jodeco, Inc., redmond, sent us an email about the Tilikum Bridge photo shoot, pointing out that the safety latch in photo #8 looked so badly bent that it was ineffective. we sent his concern to melissa Diede, a SAIF senior safety management consultant. Here is her response:

I could see how he might be misled in photo #8. The thing off to the side is most likely part of the light. In a closer view, you can also see the closed silver safety latch on the hook.

Thanks to paul for calling this to our attention. we appreciate hearing from our readers—you keep us on our toes.

Most likelypart of the light

Closedsafety latch

Mark your calendarsThe Governor’s occupational Safety and Health (GoSH) Conference is scheduled for march 9 through 12, 2015, at the oregon

Convention Center in portland. You can get more information at oregongosh.com.

Heart attacks in the workplaceThere are

220,000 victims of sudden cardiac arrest per year in the United States; about

10,000 sudden cardiac arrests occur at work. See the article on page 24 to learn more.

MARCH 2015

9

Off-the-job safetyThe National Safety Council is encouraging workers to be as safe at home as they are at work, stating that “a growing number of businesses now consider off-the-job safety critical to good management of health care costs, productivity, and profits. more importantly, off-the-job safety programs help save the lives of employees and their families.” To learn more, go to the council’s website: nsc.org > Safety at Work > Bring Safety Home.


OverdoseDoctors are speaking out about the dangers of pure caffeine after an ohio teenager died from an accidental overdose. Available in powder form,

Online payroll reports get a faceliftSAIF’s application for online payroll reports has been redesigned to improve browser compatibility. watch saif.com this fall for the change.

Workers’ compensation costs for 2015 droppingThe Workers’ Compensation division has announced that the average pure rate for 2015 will decrease by

5.3% from the average 2014 level. The cents per hour assessment for the Workers’ benefit Fund will remain the same at 3.3 cents-per-hour worked. The premium assessment will be 6.2 percent, based on premium paid, the same as in 2014.

It’s flu seasonIt’s time to start thinking about getting your flu shot and taking other measures for prevention. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that everyone six months old and older get an annual flu vaccine by october. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to develop full protection against the flu. For more information about prevention, go to saif.com/employer > Safety > Infectious disease/Pandemic influenza.

Protecting temporary workersOSHA and NIOSH have recommended several practices that staffing agencies and host employers can use to better protect temporary workers. You can learn more at osha.gov/temp_workers and cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2014-139.

pure caffeine is many times more potent than the caffeine found in coffee. You can find a link to the story on SAIF’s Facebook page.

For Flu Fighter posters for your workplace or to get more information about prevention, go to saif.com/employer > Safety > Infectious disease/Pandemic influenza.

COMP NEWS | Fall 20146 COMP NEWS | Fall 20146


Two things are common in the Columbia river Gorge: wind surfers and wind turbines. Strong winds blowing through the gorge power both, but create a problem for the crane operators who help maintain the turbines. The wind is just one of many details that Nw Crane Service in Hermiston has to monitor when helping service the turbines. Handling any crane, especially a 550-ton giant that can reach 400 feet in the air and lift 788,000 pounds, requires concentrated attention to safety, or the results can be disastrous for people and property. Although crane operations are already stringently regulated, the company chooses to go beyond what is required. “Nw Crane consistently goes beyond government regulations and the manufacturer’s recommendations,” said peggy laVaque, safety management consultant for Associated General Contractors. For example, oSHA requires operators not exceed the wind velocity recommended by the manufacturer, which can, depending on a number

Heavy liftingNW Crane Service’s largest crane can lift almost 800,000 pounds— but it needs careful handling for safety.

of variables, be as high as 30 miles per hour. Nw Crane Service stops work when the wind hits a velocity of 20, even if the recommended velocity is higher. “If the manual recommends a speed under 20 miles per hour, we will drop the recommended speed a few additional miles per hour,” said ryan Karlson, assistant manager at Nw Crane Service. “And when working with the rotors of the wind turbines, the allowable velocity is much less. You have to consider the wind velocity and the surface area of what you are lifting. In the gorge, you may only be able to work with a wind velocity of about 15 miles per hour, but we make sure the speed is down to a steady six miles per hour before we hook up. Because the turbines are made to turn in order to create power, they have a different surface area than most components. we like to have a low, low speed of wind before making these types of picks.” Nw Crane Service uses certified trainers to train employees who are not certified when they are hired.

NW Crane Services ensures new employees are thoroughly trained in safety policies and procedures, using a checklist that includes (but isn’t limited to) training on:

• electrical

• Heatandcold

• Fallprotection

• Safetydatasheets

• Smoking

• Hazardcommunication

• Drugpolicy

• Confinedspaces

• Noiseprogram

• Lockout-tagout

• Personalprotective

equipment

• Lifting

• Firstaidkits

• Housekeeping

• Respiratoryprotection

by Melaney Moisan, Communications CoordinatorPhotos by dale Peterson


employees must read and sign the safety policies, which are clearly spelled out, acknowledging that they understand the requirements. For example, the policy on cell phones states:

“No cell phones are allowed in the operating cab of any crane at any time. No cell phone use of any kind will be allowed while driving any of the semi-trucks. You must pull over to engage in any conversation or texting activity. If you need to use the cell phone on a job site, you must leave the operating cab, get down off the crane on the ground to be involved in any conversation. ... Violation of this phone policy will result in immediate termination.”

policies regarding personal protective equipment are also detailed and clear, letting employees know exactly what equipment is needed for specific tasks and stating clearly that there are “no exceptions.” regular safety meetings are held, and tailgate safety meetings are held at each site. Site-specific training may also include formal safety requirements unique to the location, such as food processing plants that have their own requirements. “we are steady. we work hard, we work safe, and mainly we communicate on the job with each other,” said Karlson. “I would honestly say that our communication as a team is one of the most important things we do.”

NW Crane ServiceHermiston, Oregon

In business since: 1990

employees: 12 employees, all of whom are full-time

Fleet: Six cranes, ranging from 25 tons to 550 tons, and, to move those cranes around, six trucks, nine trailers, and a 50-ton forklift

The bosses: Kerry Karlson, owner, Arlin Philips, general manager, and Ryan Karlson, assistant manager

Bragging rights: A stellar experience modification rating for the industry and one of the biggest hydraulic cranes in the Pacific Northwest

Wilo Graham uses a Cb radio to stay in close contact with other members of his crew.


Getting it there when Nw Crane Service’s 550-ton crane is moved to a new site, the company must make sure the road is wide enough and will support the weight. A narrow road and a soft shoulder could cause the entire load to roll over. During transport, this crane weighs 203,000 pounds and is almost 14 feet tall and 11 feet wide.

Set-up and demobilization Before the crane arrives at the site, workers should know what the ground conditions are. The crane will support the load only if the ground supports the crane and the load. reminding the crew of this before each job is considered critical to the safety of the operation.

Use one of the primary hazards for a crane is instability (a crane can tip over if unbalanced). wind is one factor in stability, and Nw Crane Service has wind indicators (anemometers) hooked to the tip of the boom or the jib, helping the operator make sound judgment calls. other factors that affect stability and structure in windy conditions include boom length, boom angle, and the size and weight of the load being lifted.

Rigging Setting up safe, secure rigging for a crane lift is as important as crane operation. Know what the load is, how much it weighs, where the pick points are, and where the center of gravity is for the load. make sure the rigging is correct.

Maintenance Broken rigging or rusty parts can cause serious accidents, so all equipment needs to be in top working order. At Nw Crane Service, operators fill out daily maintenance sheets, called a precheck inspection. If equipment has any issues, such as an oil leak, low tire, difficulty starting, or anything else that might raise a red flag, operators are required to fill out a requisition form for the head mechanic.

CommunicationCritical at each step along the way is communication. everything, from transport through set-up and operation, must be carefully orchestrated with constant communication between all members of the team.

A multi-step processPutting a crane to work requires a number of steps, each of which has its own safety concerns.

Any equipment needing repair is pulled out of service until repairs are made.


pedal to the

metal



Some long-haul truckers may have a reputation as rebels and outlaws. But a Redmond company is working to change that image by investing in training and support to make drivers safer—and healthier—on the road.

by Sharon Overton, Communications CoordinatorPhotos by Alycia White


Long-haul truckers are far more likely to be killed on the job or suffer serious health problems compared to other occupations. driver Leon Smith is hoping to beat the odds by taking frequent exercise breaks when he’s on the road and “staying away from junk food.”


In Hollywood, long-haul truckers often are portrayed as rogue cowboys with CB radios. But, while driving a truck can be a dangerous way to make a living—it’s number eight on the list of America’s deadliest jobs—it’s come a long way since the days of Convoy and Smokey and the Bandit. At Central oregon Truck Company in redmond, drivers get regular safety training in a state-of-the-art facility that includes a driving simulator, fitness center, and a tarping bay equipped with safety harnesses and tethers. New drivers are tested to make sure they can handle the physical demands of the job. Drivers also learn stretching and strengthening exercises to stay healthy on the road.

rick williams, a former truck driver, started Central oregon Truck with a group of friends in 1992. He has built the business from three rigs to a fleet of 250. In 2013, he sold the company to Texas-based Daseke Corp. but stayed on

as Ceo. He’s seen firsthand how fewer injuries and less time loss can have a positive impact on the bottom line. A safe workplace also contributes to employee morale and retention.

“As former truckers, we know the importance of the person behind the wheel,” he says. “Safe drivers are the key to our organization and our customer service.”

In 2014, the Truckload Carriers Association named Central oregon

Truck one of the nation’s 20 best fleets to drive for. Drivers earn above average income and benefits. A growing emphasis on driver wellness also sets Central oregon Truck apart in an industry that’s not traditionally associated with healthy lifestyles.

On the road againThe dangers of driving a truck are well documented—both for truck drivers and the public at large. Ten percent of motor vehicle accident deaths in 2012 involved large trucks. most of those killed were occupants of cars and other passenger vehicles, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. That’s why there’s been a bigger push for safety in recent years. modern rigs are equipped with safety monitoring systems, including automatic alerts if the driver brakes too hard, veers out of the lane, or exceeds the speed limit. At Central oregon Truck, drivers test their skills on a simulator that can help identify unsafe or inefficient driving practices.

while crashes can have tragic consequences, truck drivers are far more likely to suffer a shoulder, knee, or back injury while performing routine tasks such as climbing on top of the flatbed or strapping down cargo.

even with years of experience behind the wheel, leon Smith, 50, still worries

Central Oregon Truck CompanyRedmond, Oregon

In business since: 1992

Total employees: 300

Fleet: 250 trucks, covering 48 states and Canada

The boss: Rick Williams, former trucker and one of the founders

parent company: Texas-based daseke Corp.

Bragging rights: Named one of the nation’s 20 best fleets to drive for in 2014 by the Truckload Carriers Association

ethan Russell wears a safety harness and overhead tether during a training exercise at Central Oregon Truck. Falls are a common source of driver injuries, says company President Cale Pearson. “The goal is to secure them if they’re up, or not have them get up at all.”

Truck drivingAmerica’s deadliest jobs

#


about pulling into a warehouse late at night and securing a load by himself.

“The shipper goes home. It’s completely dark and windy. There are times when I’m thinking I could fall and no one would know until the next morning.”

Some facilities, such as Central oregon Truck, provide safety harnesses and overhead tethers. But others do not.

Also, researchers are just beginning to understand the chronic health effects of spending long hours behind the wheel, sleeping in cramped cabs, and eating a steady diet of truck-stop food. under federal law, long-haul truckers can drive as many as 11 hours in a 14-hour period. They spend days or weeks away from home. The work can be physically demanding. For instance, flatbed truckers like those at Central oregon Truck are required to secure and check their loads every few hours.

It’s probably not surprising that truckers as a whole experience more health problems than other workers. A 2010 study from the National Institute for occupational Safety and Health (NIoSH) found that long-haul truckers are twice as likely to be obese compared to the adult working population. They’re also more likely to smoke and to suffer from other risk factors for chronic disease.

TrainingTo recruit and retain the best drivers, the company is making a significant investment in safety and wellness. potential hires are required to complete a physical capacity test to determine if they have the strength, stamina, and agility to do the job. If they pass, they get immediate feedback on how to perform tasks more efficiently.

each class of new recruits completes a week of intense safety training. on

New recruits complete a week of intense safety training. An increased focus on safety and wellness is paying off for the Redmond-based company. Injuries, especially among first-year drivers, have decreased dramatically.


a recent day, the men watched David Cressey demonstrate the “bolo” method for strapping a load. (The name apparently is derived from the Spanish word bola, or ball, which also refers to a throwing weapon used by Argentinian cowboys.) To prevent shoulder injuries, he instructs them to keep their elbows below shoulder level when they toss the strap over the trailer.

Keeping drivers safe and healthyeven experienced drivers get suggestions for incorporating stretching and strengthening exercises into their daily work routines. Safety director Brad Aimone sends out email reminders several times a week. If the weather’s hot, he’ll ask how much water they’re drinking and whether they’re monitoring their heart rate.

The company’s efforts appear to be paying off. Injuries, especially among first-year drivers, decreased dramatically from 2012 to 2013. Shoulder injuries, which historically have the highest claims costs, decreased by more than half. Tarp handling injuries are down by nearly 74 percent. last year, 88 percent of Central oregon Truck drivers earned a bonus for safety compliance.

lifestyle habits are harder to change, admits Cale pearson, company president. For instance, it’s difficult to get drivers to take frequent breaks or work out when they’re on the road. “For truckers to make a living, they need to be behind the wheel.”

But pearson believes it’s worth the time and effort to make sure that every driver gets home safe and sound. “No load is worth a life,” he says.

Go to saif.com/employer > Safety > Motor Vehicle/Trucking to see a video

demonstration of the “bolo” method, a sling-toss

that doesn’t require the usual overhand throwing

motion that is so hard on shoulders.

Veteran instructor david Cressey cautions new drivers to make a plan for how they’ll stay hydrated, well-fed, and alert on the road. “If you’re not fully engaged,” he says, “you’re setting yourself up for an accident or failure.”


Central oregon Truck’s new headquarters looks more like a high-tech start-up than Hollywood’s idea of your typical truck stop. Tucked into an industrial park on the outskirts of redmond, the 28,000-square-foot facility features open work spaces with ergonomic sit-stand desks, a fitness center with treadmills and cross-trainers, a café serving healthy meals and snacks, and even complimentary coffee service and lemon water. Drivers also have 24-hour access to a private lounge with leather recliners and a computer lab with high-speed internet where they can pay bills or Skype with their families while their rigs are getting scheduled maintenance. If they occasionally need to stay overnight, they can reserve one of the company’s on-site sleeping units, which resemble small boutique hotel rooms. “most drivers hate coming into the yard because it’s a bad experience,” says Ceo rick williams. But at Central oregon Truck, they have a comfortable place to rest and relax—until it’s time to hit the road again. It’s not just about better facilities, williams says. A focus on work-life balance, combined with competitive pay and benefits and a commitment to safety and wellness, help the company recruit and retain skilled employees. And that leads to a better bottom line.

Not your typical truck stopCentral Oregon Truck offers a range of options for keeping employees healthy, happy, and safe:

1 The Grille Café prepares healthy meals seven days a week. New recruits eat free during their weeklong orientation.

2 drivers can catch a fewz’sinthecompany’son-site sleeping rooms, which feature private showers, flatscreen TVs, and art on the walls.

3 A simulator helps predict driving problems, so they can be corrected before an accident occurs.

4 When drivers aren’t logging miles, they can log on to computers and connect with their families.

5 The company encourages employees to take frequent exercise breaks—whether they’re on the road or in the office.

6 More miles mean more dollars in drivers’ pockets. but when they must have downtime, drivers can relax in a private lounge.

3

4

5

6

1

2


40 11

Heart attack/strokeAre heart attacks on the job compensable? even more important: Can they be prevented? See the article on page 24 for some answers to these questions.

Vehicle accidentThe greatest number of vehicle accidents happen in the trucking industry. See the story on page 10 to learn what one company is doing to keep its drivers safe.

Then go to saif.com/employer > Safety > Motor vehicle/truck safety for even more information.

From January 2013 through Sepember 2014,

Oregonians died on the job. These deaths occurred in many industries and for a variety of reasons, but the majority were in construction, trucking, and logging. Let’s bring these numbers down by this time next year.

From Oregon OSHA reports (2013-June 2014)

what is killing oregon workers?

54

HomicideWorkplace violence can come from employees, customers, relatives of employees, or someone with no connection at all to the workplace. We have information to help address these risks at saif.com/employer > Safety > Violence in the workplace.

Farm vehicle accidentFour fatalities were related to farm tractors or ATVs. SAIF has two streaming videos in english and in Spanish—“Understanding ATV Stability” and “Tractor Safety elements”—at saif.com/employer > Safety > Agriculture that address thesehazards.

106


11 10

Struck by vehicle/crushed between

vehiclesSee the article on page 18 to learn ways to prevent injuries by so-called “parked” vehicles.

Struck by an objectTree limbs, steel, even water under high pressure. These can all be lethal weapons.

Knowthehazardsinyourworkplace by going to saif.com/employer > Safety > Hazard identification.

what is killing oregon workers?

8

FallsConstruction workers suffered the most fatalities from falls. This spring, watch saif.com and Comp News for articles about fall prevention. Until then, please go to

saif.com/employer > Safety > Fall protection to see what you can do to protect your workers.

12

Other

Drowning, heat stroke, suicide, avalanche, killed by an animal,

and unknown cause

You can find information about what to do if a worker is killed on the job at saif.com/employer > Safety > Fatality guidance/Reporting.

Oregon OSHA also has information at orosha.org/enforce/accident.html.

23

Asphyxiation (carbon monoxide)

For more information about preventing carbon monoxide poisoning, please visit saif.com/employer > Safety > Carbon monoxide.

ElectrocutionWorking safely around electricity is one of the topics being presented at the next Agricultural Safety Seminars. See page 28 for details, or visit saif.com/employer > Training calendar.


every year, workers are killed by so-called “parked” vehicles—vehicles they have stopped, sometimes even turned off, but which still have the ability to roll a few feet. And when a piece of machinery weighs several tons, a few feet may be all it takes.

These incidents represent only a small fraction of oregon fatalities between 2004 and 2014 that were caused by a supposedly stopped vehicle.

• Atruckcabrolledoveranemployeeas he hooked it to a flatbed trailer.

• Anemployeewasremovingthedriveline of a vehicle when it rolled over him.

• AranchhanddiedwhentheD4ECaterpillar tractor he had been operating slid backwards, running over him.

Caught between a few tons and a hard place

• Whenitsparkingbrakefailed,aforklift rolled in reverse, crushing the operator against a truck.

• Arough-terrainforkliftranoverandkilled a contractor working under it.

• Afarmersteppedoffhiscombinetocheck something and fell under a wheel as the combine rolled forward.

• Atowtruckdrivertriedtostoparunaway truck by entering the cab while the truck was rolling. The truck struck a parked car, and he was crushed between the door and the cab of the truck.

• Abusdriverexitedherbustotakeascheduled break and left the engine running. when the bus began to roll forward, she ran to the front with outstretched arms to stop the 15-ton vehicle.

Employees should be trained to always do the following:Shut down the engine before exiting a vehicle.

Lower the blade or forks to the ground on mobile machinery to promote stability.

Fix a faulty parking brake immediately.

Block tires before working beneath a vehicle or when parked on a slope.

Never rely on a jack, instead use a jack stand to support a vehicle.

Never exceed manufacturer-specified incline limits when setting up for a job.

Never try to stop a moving vehicle with your body.

Make sure no one is behind or under equipment before you start it; communicate with your co-workers.

Making sure workers are trained is important, but you also need to have a written policy in place and be willing to enforce that policy. For example, if you see someone jumping off a tractor or forklift without taking the necessary precautions, call it to his or her attention. If you see workers taking all the steps necessary for safety—thank them for it.

You can find more information about safety around vehicles at

saif.com/employer > Safety > Forklifts/Powered

industrial trucks and Motor vehicle/Truck safety.

by Melaney Moisan, Communications Coordinator


Help for the golden

HoUR

by Melaney Moisan, Communications CoordinatorPhotos by Terri Jacobson



In emergency medicine, they call it the “golden hour,” those critical moments following a traumatic injury when the opportunity to save a life is the greatest. employees of revmedx—short for “revolutionary medical excellence,” a medical device startup in wilsonville—spend every day focusing their talent and energy on that short, precious window of time.

The problem: How to stop blood loss in certain traumatic injuries.

Solving this problem could save lives in many situations and occupations, especially for the u.S. Department of Defense, which brought revmedx the problem and funded their research. Blood loss is the primary reason soldiers die on the battlefield. Before a casualty reaches the next level of care—a field hospital, for example—blood cannot be replaced, so every drop saved increases the chance of survival. Compounding the problem is the fact that many wounds cannot be treated with compression or a tourniquet. Bleeding from these types of wounds is called “noncompressible hemorrhage,” and no products have been available to treat this type of wound.

Until now.



working with Army Special Forces medics, revmedx co-founders, Kenton Gregory, mD, chief science officer, and Andrew Barofsky, president and Ceo, created XSTAT™, a sponge-filled syringe that received approval from the u.S. Food and Drug Administration this spring. when injected directly into a wound, XSTAT’s tiny sponges—just slightly larger than an aspirin tablet—expand to create a barrier that can stop the flow of blood in about 15 seconds. Among other honors it has received, XSTAT has been named one of the top inventions of the year by both CNN and Popular Science.

“Creative and effective people are motivated by more than just the bottom line. ... our efforts should make a positive impact on humanity.”

revmedx

Although the company’s first shipment this fall will be to u.S. Special Forces, the battlefield isn’t the only place where staunching the flow of blood can mean the difference between life and death. It will be a while before you see XSTAT in the average first aid kit, Barofsky said, but revmedx is already planning where else it—or variations of the technology—can be used. “law enforcement, ambulances, and other emergency responders have shown interest in carrying the device,” said Barofsky. “we’d like all first responders to have access to XSTAT. And, with help from oregon Health and Science university, we are developing a version to treat postpartum bleeding.”

XSTAT’s compressed sponges expand 10 times, putting

pressure on the blood vessels and stopping the bleeding. To

make sure doctors can remove every sponge when the wound

is cleaned, each tiny sponge has a small “X” made of radiopaque

thread, which is x-ray detectable.


Although XSTAT is revmedx’s most famous product right now, it isn’t the only one the company has developed. other products include XGAuZe, a sterile trauma dressing embedded with XSTAT sponges that expand upon contact with blood; and Airwrap, a compression bandage with inflatable bladder that keeps pressure on a wound. “No two wounds are the same,” said paul longo, vice president and director of product development. “we are creating a spectrum of tools focused on controlling hemorrhage in prehospital settings, where current treatments often prove ineffective.”

Left: The AirWrap compression bandage has an inflatable bladder that keeps pressure on a wound.

Below: Andrew barofsky, co-founder, president, and CeO, demonstrates how XSTAT is used to stop bleeding from a wound. The XSTAT syringe slides deep into a wound and, when the user pushes down on the handle, itdepositsdozensofcompressedspongesthatexpandquickly to stop bleeding.


oregon, like the rest of the united States, has an aging workforce. According to Department of labor statistics, nearly 40 million workers will be older than 55 by 2016, an approximate increase of 43 percent in just seven years. This “silver tsunami” brings with it an array of interesting and challenging workplace issues. one area where this trend is revealing itself is in the number of workplace myocardial infarctions

Fit for duty Is a heart attack at work compensable under Oregon law?

(commonly known as heart attacks). Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and prevention show that approximately 715,000 Americans have a heart attack each year, and many of those are on the job. According to Annette Sjullie, senior technical adjuster in SAIF’s critical claims unit, SAIF has already seen an increase in the number of workers’ compensation claims filed for cardiovascular events—both fatal and nonfatal.

by darren Lee, SAIF attorney


Is it compensable?when is a heart attack that happens at work compensable under oregon’s workers’ compensation laws? The answer, as you might imagine, requires a careful case-by-case analysis. one of the difficulties in assessing the compensability of a heart attack claim is that at least five different legal standards might apply depending on the particular facts of the claim. under orS 656.005(7)(a), a heart attack

Fit for duty Is a heart attack at work compensable under Oregon law?

may be compensable if it was caused in material part by work activity. A “material cause” doesn’t need to be the only cause or the primary cause. It may just be the precipitating cause. An example might be someone working in a high temperature environment that requires unusual exertion. The worker still must prove a causal link with expert medical evidence, but this is the kind of claim that might qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.


Pre-existing conditionIf a worker has a qualified pre-existing medical condition, the insurer can employ the “combined condition” defense under orS 656.005(7)(a)(B). A common example is when a worker has suffered a heart attack while at work but has a previously diagnosed or treated condition like coronary artery disease contributing to the condition. In this situation, the insurer can defend denial of the claim by proving that the pre-existing disease was the major contributing cause (51 percent or greater) of the combined condition and need for treatment. Again, the outcome rests heavily on the expert medical opinions, and the burden of proof is on the employer/insurer.

Extended work exposureA worker might also seek compensation for a heart attack brought on by extended work exposure, as opposed to a discrete incident. As an occupational disease claim, the worker has the burden to prove that the work exposure was the major contributing cause of the heart attack. In a recent case, the expert medical evidence established that the worker’s extended exposure to toluene (a solvent) was the major cause of his subsequent heart attack, despite the fact that the worker had quit his job and not worked for several days before the cardiac event.

Mental stressA worker can establish a compensable heart attack claim if work-related “mental stress” caused the heart attack. For this type of claim, the worker has a particularly difficult burden to meet. The claim must qualify for compensation under orS 656.802(3). under this statute, the worker must prove that the employment conditions existed in a real and objective sense. They must also prove that the employment conditions were not generally inherent

in every working situation or reasonable disciplinary/performance evaluation actions. The worker must prove, by clear and convincing expert medical evidence, that the work-related stress was the major contributing cause of the heart attack.

Special exception for firefightersFinally, oregon law provides a special exception in claims for cardiovascular disease when a firefighter with five or more years of employment as a firefighter is involved. orS 656.804 creates the so-called “firefighter’s presumption.” under the statute, a qualified firefighter gets a legal presumption that a heart attack or similar condition compensably relates to the employment if the firefighter had a prior physical exam which failed to reveal evidence of the condition. If the firefighter meets the statutory requirements for the presumption, then the burden shifts to the employer/insurer to disprove a causal relationship by clear and convincing evidence. As with the worker’s burden in a mental stress heart attack claim, this can be a formidable hurdle for the employer to overcome.

Recognizing and responding to the most common signs of a heart attack According to Dr. richard Abraham, medical director of occupational medicine for Cascade medical Associates and Cascade Health Solutions, the range of symptoms varies widely, but the most common complaints include chest pain or tightness (sometimes confused with indigestion); pain in the arms, back, neck, or jaw; shortness of breath; “cold” sweats; fatigue; sudden dizziness; and stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting. If you or a co-worker suffer any of these symptoms and suspect

Many companies now stock automated external

defibrillators (Aeds). These, combined with a well-trained

response staff, have proven to improve a victim’s chances of

surviving a cardiac event. Aeds in the workplace are covered

by a number of state laws, and oversight is required.

To learn more, see the online version of this article at

saif.com/employer, which has a number of important resources related to using

Aeds in the workplace. There you can also find links to CPR

training resources at the American Heart Association

and American Red Cross.


Preventionof course, the best way to decrease the chances of a heart attack is to address the most common underlying factors—mental stress, coronary artery disease, hypertension, smoking, obesity, and high cholesterol, to name a few. many companies have instituted health and wellness programs to help their employees learn how to enjoy a healthier lifestyle. To learn more, you may contact Deb Fell-Carlson, SAIF’s policyholder safety and wellness adviser, at [email protected]. Also, watch for the spring issue of Comp News, which will focus on welleness in the workplace.

that a heart attack might be the cause, call 911. every second counts in a true cardiac event, and it is always better to have a trained first responder or doctor evaluate the situation. Training and preparedness can literally save a life. Just ask Johanna Binder. She was working as a caregiver for developmentally disabled adults in August of 2014, when she suddenly collapsed with no heartbeat due to an acute myocardial infarction. A co-worker immediately began Cpr, and after emergency transport and surgery, she is now on the road to recovery. Her doctor told her that without the immediate Cpr efforts of her co-worker,

she would not have survived. Binder is understandably grateful for her co-worker’s quick actions, and she now looks forward to spending quality time with her 20 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. As the workforce increases in age, so, too, do the chances that you will encounter a workplace heart attack. while the laws surrounding compensability may be difficult to digest, resources to improve health, wellness, and emergency preparedness are readily available. Being ready to provide a timely and appropriate response to a cardiac event just might save someone’s life—including your own.

based on 2010 death rate data, approximately

2,000

Americans die of cardiovascular disease each day, an average of

1death every

40 seconds.


Across the great divide: communicating between generationsTwo, sometimes three, generations work together on a farm. And each generation seems to speak a different language. research and experience show that the best techniques for safety training can vary, depending on a worker’s age and life stage. For example, young workers can benefit from training and communication that is tailored to the developing brain. This session will cover the time-tested methods of reducing risk-taking behaviors, as well as how we can—no matter what our age—improve our skills, based on the latest research.

Working safely around electricityYou can’t see it, hear it, smell it, or taste it, but it kills one worker every day in the united States. electricity is a familiar part of our lives, but often it is not treated with the respect it deserves. This session will help you better understand the dangers of working on or near electricity as we share safety tips, some based on oregon oSHA Division 4 Administrative rules. we will also highlight training and inspection resources.

2014-2015

For the past 19 years, thousands of farm owners, managers, and workers have attended SAIF’s agricultural safety seminars, learning how to be safe in one of the country’s mosthazardousoccupations.Held in 16 cities across the state, these free, half-day trainings will be held between November and March. eight trainings will be conducted entirely in Spanish. Although the seminars are designed for owners, operators, supervisors, and foremen in the agricultural industry, anyone is welcome to attend. Small agricultural employers attending the seminar will meet one of the four requirements that exempt small agricultural operations from random OSHA inspections. The Landscape Contractors board has approved the seminar for four hours of continuing education credits. Producer continuing education credit hours will be available pending approval from the department of Consumer and business Services.

Designed for those working in the agriculture industry, the seminars are open to anyone.

Lessons learned from serious injuriesIf we don’t understand the potential risks in our work environment, we don’t think we could ever be injured. If we don’t think we could ever be injured, this will influence our safety behaviors, and we become more vulnerable to injury. Sometimes, even when we are aware of the risks, we still think it will never happen to us. This session will use stories about actual injuries from oregon hay, irrigation, and tractor operations, which can help us communicate safety-related practices and prevent injuries and fatalities.

Back by popular demand: OSHA update for agriculturewe will review the 10 items most frequently cited by oregon oSHA in ag inspections. This list has changed significantly from last year, and the latest number-one violation is related to the hazard communication rule. Ag rules for hazardous communications are changing in 2015, so we will go over the updates. we also will focus on the safety meeting requirements, as that item is now number three on the list.

Topics


ASTORIA971.242.5742 | 888.598.5880

Transform Your Business with Effective Safety Communication Thursday, November 69:00 a.m. to noon

SAIF’s Special Investigation Unit (SIU) Thursday, November 61:00 to 4:00 p.m.

beNd541.382.0322 | 800.285.8530

Winter Safety in Central Oregon Wednesday, december 108:00 to 9:30 a.m.

eUGeNe541.683.6700 | 800.285.8560

Unwind Your Organizational Stressors: Developing a Resilient Workforce Thursday, November 2011:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

LINCOLN CITY503.373.8384 | 800.285.8525

Total Worker Health™ Solutions for Musculoskeletal Disorders and RTW 301: Including the Employer at Injury and Preferred Worker Programs Monday, October 279:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

MedFORd541.857.4204 | 800.285.8550

Silent Danger: The Crucial Conversations That MUST Take Place in Safe Workplaces Wednesday, November 12Noon to 1:30 p.m.

PORTLANd971.242.5742 | 888.598.5880

Claims Basics and Beyond Claims Basics Thursday, November 20Morning session, 8:30 a.m. to noon; afternoon session12:45 to 3:00 p.m.

How ERM (experience rating modification) Changes Affect Policyholders and Maximizing SAIF’s Online Resources Thursday, december 189:00 to 11:00 a.m.

RedMONd541.382.0322 | 800.285.8530

Winter Safety in Central Oregon Wednesday, december 10Noon to 1:30 p.m.

SALeM503.373.8384 | 800.285.8525

Intersecting Points: Employment Law and Workers’ Compensation Thursday, November 209:00 a.m. to noon

Total Worker Health™ and the Affordable Care Act: What’s in it for You and Your Workers? Thursday, december 111:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Training Calendar

SAIF provides training opportunities throughout the state at no cost to our policyholders. Advanced registration is required.

Visit saif.com/training for updates, more detailed information, or to register. You may also call the SAIF regional office listed for the class you want to attend.

saif.

com

/tra

inin

g

Register online at saif.com/agseminar or call 800.285.8525

BANDONMarch 2, 2015

BURNS November 4, 2014

CENTRAL POINTFebruary 9, 2015February 10, 2015 (S)

CLACKAMASFebruary 26, 2015

CORVALLISDecember 10, 2014

EUGENE December 3, 2014

SALEM December 4, 2014February 18, 2015February 19, 2015 (S)March 4, 2015

THE DALLES November 18, 2014February 2, 2015February 3, 2015 (S)

WILSONVILLEJanuary 20, 2015January 21, 2015 (S)

WOODBURN February 24, 2015February 25, 2015 (S)

HERMISTON January 12, 2015 January 13, 2015 (S)

HILLSBORO January 6, 2015January 7, 2015 (S)

HOOD RIVER February 4, 2015 February 5, 2015 (S)

KLAMATH FALLS March 16, 2015

MADRAS November 17, 2014

ONTARIO November 3, 2014

Agricultural Safety Seminar ScheduleAll seminars will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and include lunch. Seminars shown in red are presented entirely in Spanish.


Editor: Melaney MoisanArt director: Mary Ann PotterContributing editor: Lyn Zielinski-MillsManaging editor: Mike WattersSafety editor: Chuck easterlyPhotographers: dale Peterson, Terri Jacobson, Alycia WhiteWriters: Melaney Moisan, Sharon Overton, darren Lee

Comp News is printed with soy-based ink on 70# Nature Web matte paper that contains 10 percent post-consumer waste and is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.

Comp News is also available online at saif.com/compnews.

Send subscription requests, address changes, comments, or inquiries about Comp News to:

Comp News 800.285.8525SAIF Corporation [or] [email protected] High Street SeSalem, OR 97312

ACroSS 1 When setting up a crane, this is an

especially important detail to know about the wind.

6 between January 2013 and June 2014, 33 people died on the job because of _______ failure.

7 Many companies now stock automated external _________to improve the chance for survival of employees who have a heart attack at work.

9 What percent of all motor vehicle accident deaths in 2012 involved large trucks?

10 employees should be trained to always shut down the _________before exiting a vehicle.

DowN2 One of the sessions of this season’s

ag seminar will cover the importance of ________between the generations.

3 XSTAT’s compressed _________help stop bleeding from traumatic wounds.

4 NW Crane Services forbids its employees to do this while operating a crane or driving a truck.

5 What crane operators need to be

8 Setting up safe, secure ________for a crane lift is as important as crane operation.

CROSSWORD

FALL 2014Comp News is published four times each year by

SAIF Corporation for its policyholders.

saif.com/facebook

How much do you remember from this

issue of Comp News?

Across:1. velocity6. heart7. defibrillators9. ten10. engine

Down:2. communication 3. sponges4. texting5. certified 8. rigging


CuTTiNg ROOM FLOOR

A CRANE By ANy OTHER NAMEThis issue of Comp News discusses safety on cranes—enormous, mechanical devices that can weigh hundreds, even thousands, of tons. One of the largest in the world is 400 feet long, has an arm that is 25 stories tall, and lifts up to 3.7 million pounds at a time. Two millennia ago, when people firstrealizedthissimpleconstructioncould help lift heavy loads, cranes were small, made of wood, and powered by humans or animals.

Much older than these cranes—about 60 million years older—is another crane. It is known less for its great lifting ability than for its power as a symbol of good fortune, wisdom, or longevity. Tradition says that making 1,000 cranes from folded paper (origami) can make your most desired wish come true—whether you wish for luck, health, or peace. SAIF’s wish is that every day, every worker goes home safe at the end of the day. That is certainly worth folding a few cranes.

400 High St SeSalem, OR 97312

PRSRT STdUS POSTAGe

PAIDSALeM, OR

PeRMIT NO. 114

heavy metal safety - saif€¦ · · 2018-04-01heavy metal safety when your tools weigh tons ag...

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