Safety News
Making California Workplaces Safer
N e w s
A b o u t
O c c u p a t i o n a l
S a f e t y
a n d
H e a l t h
i n
Find it at StateFundCA.com!
I
t can be a tremendous
undertaking for employers to keep up to date
on what’s happening in their
industry – familiarizing themselves with new legal requirements that pertain to their
work situation, find training
and educational materials to
keep their employees safe,
and access compliance documents or programs.
Visit our newly redesigned www.statefundca.com
to access a wide range of resources, information,
and services. Navigate to the “Employers” section,
then “Safety & Seminars”. Once there you will have to
access to:
Seminars & Employer Education Series – Employers can find a schedule of State Fund-sponsored,
year-round, informational and training seminars in
various locations throughout the state. Seminar topics
are timely and specifically selected to address the
safety and compliance concerns of employers and aid
them in keeping their employees safe on the job.
Programs and Forms – State Fund has available
two programs on its website that can be downloaded
and customized – the employer-required Injury and
Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) and a Sample
Ergonomics Program. Also on the website for download are: the New Employee’s Guide to Workers’
Compensation brochure, the Notice to Employees
posting notice (which employers are required to
distribute to employees), the Cal/OSHA Injury
Summary (Log 300), and a copy
of the Employer’s Report of
Occupational Injury and Illness
(form 3067).
Safety Meeting Topics and
Loss Control Bulletins –
California law requires employers to provide periodic safety
training to their employees. And,
sometimes it’s difficult for employers to find topics
unique to their work site activities. On our website,
State Fund has listed over 320 different safety topics
in English with Spanish translations; downloadable articles include a convenient sign-in sheet for
recordkeeping. We also have Loss Control Bulletins
that keep employers informed of recent laws or new
safety and health issues.
ErgoMatters – Ergomatters are short articles written by State Fund’s team of ergonomics experts. Each
article is designed to provide technical or background information on a specific issue pertaining to
ergonomics in the workplace.
Safety Newsletters – State Fund quarterly publishes
a selection of industry-specific newsletters. Copies
of all newsletters appear on the website and can
be viewed and/or downloaded for safety and health
training and instructional purposes.
These are just a sampling of the wealth of information that can be found on State Fund’s website. Visit
www.statefundca.com today and see what other
products and professional services are available to
assist you. q
A G R I C U L T U R E
Transport Vehicle
Safety Tips
Statistics show that a large number of accidents and injuries to agricultural workers
occur while they are being transported in
vehicles from one location to another. Incidents occur due to an unsafe condition of
the transport vehicles or unsafe action of
the driver. Employers and workers should
be knowledgeable and follow all laws regulating farm worker transport vehicles and
their drivers.
Regardless of who owns the vehicle, all farm
worker transport vehicles must be registered
with the California State Labor Commissioner
by law. The vehicle must have a certification
sticker and safety inspection sticker issued
by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) or
be subject to heavy fines.
Vehicles used must be in working condition. They are required to have a functional
steering wheel, horn, door latches, and tires
with adequate tread. The vehicle must have
mirrors (rear-view and side), a clean windshield, and functioning windshield wipers
in order to provide good visibility. Windows
should work and the exhaust system should
discharge away from passengers to provide
good ventilation. The body of the vehicle
should be free of openings and rust areas
that could cause injury. Also, the passenger
Continued on next page
ISSUE TWO, 2011
Feature Articles
Find it at StateFundCA.com!
Transport Vehicle Safety Tips
From Our Expert – The Ergonomics
of the Tablet Computer
In Each Issue
Safety Topic – Beat the Heat
Reporting Injuries
Your Gear Needs Care
Employer Education Series
S a f e t y
N e w s S t a t e
C o m p e n s a t i o n
I n s u r a n c e
F u n d I s s u e
T w o ,
2 0 11
FROM OUR EXPERT
The Ergonomics of the Tablet Computer
tablet use and reduce the risk of pain and
discomfort.
periods of time without support can cause
discomfort. Additionally, the other fingers of
the dominant hand must be held out of the
way so that they do not accidently touch the
screen.
T
hey are everywhere these days, tablet
computers that use a touch screen
operated with a finger or stylus. Whether
they are used for web surfing or as input
devices for inspection, sales, customer service or healthcare; and whether they have 10”
screens or screens the size of a phone, tablet
computers have safety and health concerns
for the user.
The main issue is how these devices are
held. The non-dominant hand has to hold the
device while the dominant hand uses precise
finger movements to touch the screen. While
tablets are generally very light, holding even
a 1.5 lb weight in a fixed position for long
Because there is no separate monitor, the
position of the user’s neck is bent forward in
order to see the screen. These issues can lead
to discomfort in the hands, arms and shoulders holding the device and those interacting
with the screen as well as the user’s neck.
All of these issues can be amplified when the
tablet is used for extensive keying.
Typically the tablets offer a backlit display
screen and while this makes reading in dark
areas convenient a poorly adjusted backlit screen can lead to eye discomfort and
headaches.
Tips for Reducing Risk:
Despite these limitations tablets can offer
a powerful and mobile computing option
for gathering data, research and a myriad
of other uses. Keep in mind these tips for
•Don’t buy a larger screen than necessary,
smaller, lighter models may be all you need
while still providing the computer power
needed and be easier to hold.
•If using the tablet for reading, consider an
adjustable stand.
•If you must use the tablet for extensive keying, purchase an external keyboard. Many
tablets allow the use of wireless Bluetooth
keyboards.
•If you use a tablet in the field, use a case
with a strap which reduces the need to
hold the tablet.
•Ensure the brightness of the display is
properly adjusted.
•If using a stylus purchase a model with a
larger grip which reduces the need for
tight, pinched fingers.
•Take plenty of hand and eye breaks. q
– Helen Chandler, CIE
State Fund Ergonomist
Transport Vehicle Safety Tips continued from page 1
load should not exceed the vehicle manufacturer’s
weight rating.
In addition, the vehicle must be equipped with
a lap or lap and shoulder seatbelt assembly at
each passenger seating position and all components must be in good condition. Seatbelts must
be installed properly and vehicle approved, and
not “improvised”. Passengers also may not share
a seatbelt.
Vehicle drivers must have a valid California
driver’s license approved for the class of vehicle
that is used. Also, the driver must complete a
driver-training course approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles and the California
Highway Patrol. Safe speeds should always be
maintained for the road, weather, and traffic
conditions, also attention must be given to posted
traffic signs and caution used while crossing lanes
of traffic. Drivers need to stay focused on the road
and not eat, talk to passengers or use the phone.
Lastly, drivers should not drive if they are sleepy
or fatigued, and should never drive while under
the influence of drugs and alcohol.
With a properly working transport vehicle and
a licensed and careful driver, agricultural workers
can be transported to the fields and home again
safely. q
S a f e t y
N e w s
S t a t e
C o m p e n s a t i o n
I n s u r a n c e
F u n d
Safety Topic / Temas de Seguridad
Beat the Heat
G
etting a suntan may feel and look great,
however excessive exposure to the sun’s
rays can cause serious problems. Radiation
from the sun can damage the skin, plus sunburn
is known to cause various types of deadly skin
cancers. People with fair skin or many moles must
also be cautious and they are at an increased risk
of developing a skin cancer.
Having naturally dark or tanned skin does not
reduce the need for protection against ultraviolet
(UV) rays. It is best to reduce exposure to the sun
as much as possible (The sun is at it’s most powerful from 11am to 3pm). If your job requires you to
be outdoors in the sun, wear sunscreen and cover
your skin with a long-sleeved shirt, a neckerchief,
and hat or visor.
Sunscreens can make your time in the sun safer for
a longer period of time and guard against UV rays.
Tener la piel oscura o bronceada de modo natural
no reduce la necesidad de protegerse contra los
rayos ultravioleta (UV). Lo mejor es reducir lo
máximo posible la exposición al sol. (El sol es
más intenso desde las 11 de la mañana hasta las
3 de la tarde). Si trabaja al aire libre y bajo el sol,
aplíquese protector solar y cúbrase la piel con una
camisa de manga larga, un pañuelo de cuello, y un
sombrero o visera.
Los protectores solares pueden permitir estar más
tiempo al sol con mayor seguridad y ofrecen protección contra los rayos ultravioleta. La Academia
Americana de Dermatología recomienda el uso del
T w o ,
2 0 1 1
Topic Review/
Revisión del Tema
Instructor _________________________
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends the use of the strongest sunscreen for your
particular skin type. A skin protection factor (SPF)
of 15 is a generic rule of thumb, with generally
higher numbers for very fair-skinned people. Liberally apply sunscreen every time you’re exposed to
the sun, including on cloudy or hazy days.
Apply sunscreen on a regular basis, especially when
there is heavy sweating. The Academy recommends
at least every two hours. Also, keep in mind that
certain medications and cosmetics may increase
your sensitivity to the sun.
Your eyes also need protection from the sun. Wear
sunglasses, visors, caps, or a combination. UV rays
can damage your eyes, which can lead to cataracts.
Also, your diminished vision from squinting can
present a safety hazard. q
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Location / Ubicación_________________
Attended by / Asistente(s)
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Cómo combatir el calor
Estar bronceado puede hacer que una persona
se sienta bien y luzca bien, pero la exposición
excesiva a los rayos del sol puede causar graves
problemas. La radiación solar puede dañar la
piel y, además, se sabe que las quemaduras del
sol causan diversos tipos de cánceres de piel
mortales. Las personas de tez clara o con muchos
lunares deben también ser precavidas, ya que
corren un mayor riesgo de sufrir cáncer de piel.
I s s u e
protector solar de máxima intensidad para el tipo
específico de piel de la persona. El factor de protección solar (SPF) 15 se acepta, por lo general, como
la norma. Las personas de tez muy clara típicamente deben utilizar números más altos. Es necesario
aplicarse una cantidad abundante de protector solar
siempre que se exponga al sol, incluidos los días
nublados o brumosos.
Aplíquese protector solar con regularidad, sobre
todo cuando se transpira mucho. La Academia
recomienda hacerlo cada dos horas como mínimo.
Asimismo, tenga en cuenta que ciertos medicamentos y cosméticos pueden incrementar la sensibilidad
a los rayos solares.
También es necesario protegerse los ojos de los
efectos del sol. Póngase lentes de sol, viseras,
gorras, o más de uno de estos artículos. Los rayos
ultravioleta pueden dañar los ojos y causar cataratas. Además, entrecerrar los ojos debido al sol
disminuye la visión y puede ser peligroso para
su seguridad. q
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Safety Recommendations /
Recomendaciones de seguridad
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Safety News
News About Occupational Safety and Health in
ISSUE TWO
2011
A G R I C U LT U R E
Prsrt Std
US Postage Paid
Permit 803
Zip Code 92887
Loss Control Services
P.O. BOX 420807
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94142-0807
Please forward to the person responsible for your safety program
Your Gear Needs Care
It is important to make sure personal protective equipment (PPE) ensures the maximum level of protection
for the job while also being aware of its limitations. It
is vital to keep and maintain the PPE in good working
condition.
Hard hats should be subject to periodic cleaning and
daily inspection for holes, cracks, tears, and other
damage. They should be kept out of the heat, and
replaced if any perforation or cracking is found.
Eye protection should fit properly, be comfortable,
and provide unrestricted vision and movement. Eye
protection should be durable and cleanable and must
be disinfected each time if the device is being shared
among workers.
Protective gloves should be visually inspected for any
tears, or punctures. Filling the gloves with air and
tightly rolling the cuff towards the fingers will reveal
any pinhole-sized leaks. Discolored or stiff gloves may
be sign of excessive use or degradation.
Safety footwear must be inspected prior to each use.
Check for cracks, holes, broken buckles, and the soles
for any embedded materials.
For an in depth breakdown on the use and care of PPE,
visit www.dir.ca.gov/title8/sb7g2a10.html q
Remember To Recycle
This Newsletter
Employer Education Series
State Fund continues to promote community educational outreach by increasing the quantity and frequency of employer seminars. These seminars are produced and sponsored by State Fund and are open to State Fund policyholders.
The seminar topics cover all aspects of worker’s compensation and are offered statewide.
As part of State Fund’s Employer Education Series, the local State Fund Loss Control departments offer safety seminars
dedicated to loss prevention. They feature safety training targeted to specific industries and safety topics of interest to
California employers. Various programs in the series are developed in conjunction with State Fund insured Group
Programs and external affiliates and partners. Some of these partners are occupational safety and health providers
such as Cal/OSHA Consultation Service, the Department of Health Services, and the University of California.
The goal of State Fund’s Employer Education Series is to present valuable information from recognized safety and
health experts to enable employers to reduce the frequency and severity of workplace injuries, facilitate regulatory
compliance, and increase business profits.
The program venues provide the opportunity for attendees to have their workplace safety questions immediately and
personally answered by industry experts. The typically half-day seminars are usually held at regional State Fund offices.
To learn what programs are scheduled in your area, visit www.statefundca.com and click on Seminars.
Reporting Work-Related Injuries
State Fund’s Claims Reporting Center (1-888-222-3211) is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for policyholders
to report injuries as soon as they occur. Agents will do the necessary paperwork to get the claim started and refer the
injured to the designated physician or provider.
Within 8 hours of any serious illness or injury (requiring hospitalization over 24 hours, other than for medical observation or where there is permanent employee disfiguration) or death occurring in the workplace or in connection with
employment, employers must report the incident to the Division of Occupational Safety and Health. q
This Agricultural Safety News is produced by the Safety and Health Services Department of State Fund to assist clients in their loss control efforts. Information or
recommendations contained in this publication were obtained from sources believed to be reliable at the date of publication. Information is only advisory and does not
presume to be exhaustive or inclusive of all workplace hazards or situations. Permission to reprint articles subject to approval by State Compensation Insurance Fund.
Published by State Compensation Insurance Fund’s Safety and Health Services Department. Editor: Sunil Sharma; Managing Editor: Gennenia Gordon
© State Compensation Insurance Fund 2011
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