Safety Update

Fiscal Year 2008 Injuries

September 17, 2008

Andrew Ackerman
NSLS ESH/Q Manager
ackerman@bnl.gov

Archives:
September 2008
July 2008
June 2008
April 2008
January 2008
October 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007

As the fiscal year comes to an end, we look again at our progress on various performance goals. One that is constantly on our mind is control of injuries. We always strive for zero and look for ways to achieve that through improvements to planning, risk assessment, and communications. This year, we had no serious injuries – a record that we have maintained throughout the life of the NSLS – but we did not reach our goal of zero.

There were seven minor injuries during fiscal year 2008. Six were first aid cases – injuries that require minimal treatment like a bandage or some non-prescription pain killers. One was classified as recordable because it involved a cut finger that was sutured, which exceeded the first aid threshold. The cut was minor, and the stitches were more precautionary than mandatory, but it still resulted in a recordable event. There was no lost work time from that cut or any of the other injuries. It is obvious that the significant risks we face at the light source are well controlled, but we need to continue working on avoiding these minor injuries that are so difficult to stop.

A closer look at the seven injuries shows that only one was the result of poor planning, where error precursors were not well identified. That was the liquid helium hand burn, which was greatly discussed at the time and which revealed the need for more attention to how that cryogen is handled. Several causes were identified, but the underlying driver was the desire to save cost and time. A careful liquid helium transfer requires both.

Of the remaining six injuries, one was a careless mistake with a razor knife that resulted in the sutures mentioned above. The razor was used to cut a plastic tie wrap because that was the tool available and a simple slip caused the cut finger. A clipper or scissor was needed and the worker knew that, but since the razor was handy, it was used.

The last five were minor bumps and strains – the kind of event that can happen almost anywhere and is hard, but not impossible, to avoid. These are ergonomic injuries that result from poor positioning or an unexpected shift of weight. An Environment, Safety, and Health Highlight on ergonomics was distributed earlier this year. That document provides some good ideas and is worth reading.

The injury goal for fiscal year 2009 will again be zero. Work planning will help us reach that goal, as will procedures and checklists, safety observations and Tier I inspections, and constant awareness of how we work. I have to end here with a reminder that if you do get hurt, you certainly must go to the clinic. The statistics matter, but they are not important when compared to evaluating and treating our people. The goal is zero injury, not zero reporting.