Safety Committee

Scroll down for newsletters, news, and updates

Chairs / Committee Members

  • Janette Kessler – Atlantic County Utilities Authority
  • Pam Borek – Hillsborough MUA
  • Dominic Buirch – Pine Hill MUA
  • Bob Carlson – Cumberland County UA
  • Rachael Conception – Mt. Laurel MUA
  • Gregory DePaul – OCUA
  • Carrie Feuer – Hamilton Twp. WPC
  • Mike Frank – Raritan Township MUA
  • Kelly Geiger – Hamilton Twp. WPC
  • Sharon Ham – Two Rivers WRA
  • Brendan Hirsh – Evesham MUA
  • Mike Janusz – Jackson MUA
  • Lisa Laws – Hamilton Twp. MUA
  • Karen Oliver – SMRSA
  • Brian Rishman – Two Rivers WRA
  • Harry Robbins – Lakewood MUA
  • Brian Valentino – Western Monmouth UA
  • Ryan Wagner – Lakewood MUA
  • Dan Zizak – Mt. Laurel MUA

Mission Statement

To provide forum for staff of AEA member organizations to discuss a broad range of safety-related issues; educate committee members; identify safety-related education and training needs for AEA.

Meets / Schedule

  • Unless otherwise stated meetings will be held via Zoom.

Contact

Karen Burris [email protected] and Janette Kessler [email protected].

 


Safety Newsletters

January 2025

OSHA Violations, OSHA logs, and planning for the new year. Links, info, tips and resources available now in our January 2025 newsletter. View or download it here.

December 2024

Winter hazards, confined spaces, and assessing your previous year. Links, info, tips and resources available now in our December 2024 newsletter. View or download it here.

November 2024

Dealing with winter weather in a safe way. Links, info, tips and resources available now in our November 2024 newsletter. View or download it here.

October 2024

Fire safety, site managers, and flu season. Links, info, tips and resources available now in our October 2024 newsletter. View or download it here.

August 2024

Workplace harassment, forest fires, and power tool safety. Links, info, tips and resources available now in our August 2024 newsletter. View or download it here.

July 2024

Summer hazards and excessive heat. Links, info, tips and resources available now in our July 2024 newsletter. View or download it here.

June 2024

National Safety Month and lab dangers. Links, info, tips and resources available now in our June 2024 newsletter. View or download it here.

May 2024

Electrical Safety Month and getting proper rest. Links, info, tips and resources available now in our May 2024 newsletter. View or download it here.

April 2024

Protection from Falls, and Seasonal Allergies, Mold, and Air Quality Tips. Links, info, tips and resources available now in our April 2024 newsletter. View or download it here.

March 2024

Noise and Distracted Drivers. Links, info, tips and resources available now in our March 2024 newsletter. View or download it here.

February 2024

Heart health, hazardous energy, and LOTO. Links, info, tips and resources available now in our February 2024 newsletter. View or download it here.

January 2024

Common Office Risks & OSHA’s Top 10 Hazards of 2023. Links, info, tips and resources available now in our January 2024 newsletter. View or download it here.

December 2023

Winter Weather Safety and Landfill Operation Tips. Tips and resources available now in our December 2023 newsletter. View or download it here.

November 2023

Driving Drowsy, Diesel Fuel Concerns, and Work Zone Safety. Tips and resources available now in our November 2023 newsletter. View or download it here.

October 2023

Fire Prevention and Electrical Hazards. Tips and resources available now in our October 2023 newsletter. View or download it here.

September 2023

Preventing falls, workplace investigations, and workplace harassment. Tips and resources available now in our September 2023 newsletter. View or download it here.

August 2023

Getting Through the Summer Months. Tips and resources available now in our August 2023 newsletter. View or download it here.

July 2023

Respiratory Protection and Forklift Safety. Tips and resources available now in our July 2023 newsletter. View or download it here.

June 2023

Hot Weather Hazards. Tips and resources available now in our June 2023 newsletter. View or download it here.

May 2023

Mental Health Awareness, Hazard Prevention. Tips and resources available now in our May 2023 newsletter. View or download it here.

April 2023

Substance Abuse in the Workplace. Tips and resources available now in our April 2023 newsletter. View or download it here.

March 2023

Ladder Safety, Workman’s Comp, Safety Training. Tips and resources available now in our March 2023 newsletter. View or download it here.

February 2023

First Aid & CPR, Eye Safety. Tips and updates available now in our February 2023 newsletter. View or download it here.

January 2023

Cold Stress, Common Safety Violations. Tips and updates available now in our January 2023 newsletter. View or download it here.

March 2022

Does the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030 apply to wastewater treatment
plant employees?

January 2020

Fire Extinguishers

Proper use:
• Use only on small, early-stage fires that do not pose a risk of rapid spread or expansion.
• Assure the extinguisher is the correct type for the fire.
• Do not use unless there is an escape route that will remain available and you are not in danger.
• Discharge using the PASS technique:

‒ Pull out the safety pin.
‒ Aim at the base of the fire.
‒ Squeeze the handle to activate flow.
‒ Sweep from side to side.

• Cover all the burning material until the fire is out.
• Watch the extinguished material and spray again if the fire re-ignites.
• If you have any doubt about your ability to fight the fire,evacuate immediately!

If you have any questions or have some information to share on this or any other safety topic, please reach out to the Safety Committee!  Or better yet, join us for our next safety committee meeting.

 


October 2019

HAND AND POWER TOOL SAFETY

Hand and power tool injuries send more than 400,000 workers to the emergency room and cause hundreds of deaths every year.

These hazards regularly cause eye and facial injuries, cuts, bruises, burns, amputations, and back injuries.

Here are some helpful tips to protect yourself:

  1. Stay alert! Using tools when you are tired makes an accident or injury more likely. Never use tools while under the influence of medications, drugs or alcohol. Doing so puts you and others in danger.
  2. Always wear required PPE. Hardhats, safety glasses, ear plugs and safety shoes are required for most tool work.
  3. Secure your work. Use clamps or a vise to prevent accidental slipping. Clamps and vises also leave both of your hands free to operate and control the tool.
  4. Put up signs and barriers. Keep others away from your work area. This measure protects both them and you.
  5. Practice good housekeeping. To reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls, keep floors clean and dry and equipment and cords out of walkways and aisles.
  6. Use the correct tool for the job. Incorrect use can lead to tools slipping and breaking and cause accidents and injuries.
  7. Don’t take shortcuts. You don’t save time by taking a shortcut if you are sidelined by injury.
  8. Watch for electrical hazards. Metal hand tools that come in contact with live electrical wires can shock and kill you. Electric power tools should NEVER be used in or around water.
  9. Follow ergonomic work practices. Stretching, taking rest breaks and alternating tasks can help prevent repetitive motion injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
  10. Inspect.  Maintain.  Store.  Always inspect your tools before each use. Defective tools, like hammers with mushroomed heads and power tools with missing guards are dangerous. Keep your tools clean, sharp and well maintained, and store them properly for maximum safe and effective use.

The AEA Safety Committee is committed to the safety of its members.  If you have any questions or have some information to share on this or any other safety topic, please reach out to the Safety Committee!  Or better yet, join us for our next safety committee meeting on October 18, 2019 at 10:00 am at the Jackson Township MUA.

 


June 2019

HARD HAT SAFETY

When it comes to wearing your hard hat, there are many very important issues that you should be aware of. The proper use of your hard hat could save your life. Here are some hard hat safety tips that could save your life.

  • Your hard hat should be comfortable and fit you correctly.
  • Your hard hat should not be too heavy or weigh your head down.
  • The lining in your hard hat should be thick enough to absorb shock in case of a fall.
  • Before you put your hard hat on, always check for cracks on the outside of the helmet.
  • Always wear your hard hat correctly and make sure the chin strap is fastened securely.
  • Take some time to understand why it is important to wear a hard hat. This will make you better aware of the dangers that exist.
  • It is also important to understand what accidents a hard hat will not protect you from.

Replacing Your Hard Hat Safety Tips

There will come a time when you will need to replace your hard hat. There are many different signs that can indicate that it is time to purchase a new hard hat. Here are some hard hat safety tips on when it is time to replace your hard hat.

  • Replace your hard hat if there are any kids of cracks on the outer casing.
  • Your hard hat should be bright and shiny. If the outer casing starts to turn dull, this is a sign that your hard hat needs replacing.
  • If any of the mounts break, replace your hard hat immediately.
  • If your chin strap becomes brittle, it is time for a new hard hat.
  • If there is any problem with the chin strap, replace it right away.

Hard hat safety tips could save your life. There are many potential dangerous situations that can arise when you are working in industrial work. Always take as much precaution as you can and wear a hard hat. When purchasing a hard hat, always make sure it fits correctly. Try to remember the hard hat safety tips that could save your life. Don’t take any chances. When your hard hat starts to become worn in any manner replace it right away. If you follow this hard hat safety tips, you will be on your way to making sure you are a lot safer on the job.

The AEA Safety Committee is committed to the safety of its members.  If you have any questions about Hard Hat Safety or have some information to share on this or any other safety topic, please reach out to the Safety Committee!

 

South Jersey Safety Summit to be held June 12

SWANA’s New Jersey chapter is holding a South Jersey Safety Summit on Wednesday June 12 at Camden County College.  This event will provide attendees with resources and tools that they can use with their front line and supervisory personnel to reduce accidents and injuries.  The Safety Summit is part of SWANA’s national effort to get waste collection workers off the list of the 5 most dangerous jobs in the United States.

More info is here: https://swananj.org/safetysummit/


May 2019

Precautions to protect from arc flash hazards

  • De-energize electrical systems before starting the job
  • Maintain protective equipment in a safe, reliable condition
  • Periodically inspect protective equipment
  • Wear flame resistant clothing during construction and repair of electric power generation, transmission and distribution
  • Protect insulating material if it can be subject to damage during use
  • Wear nonconductive head protection whenever there is a danger of head injury from electric shock or burns due to contact with exposed energized parts
  • Wear protective equipment for the eyes or face wherever there is danger of injury to the eyes or face from electric arcs or flashes or from flying objects resulting from an electrical explosion
  • Use the proper tools or handling equipment if the tools or handling equipment may make contact with exposed energized conductors or circuit parts
  • Guard normally enclosed live parts that are exposed for maintenance or repair

Additional information can be found OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S- Electrical.

Arc flash and blast accidents can cause fatalities and permanent injuries to employees.  These injuries can be life-altering and result in long-term treatment.  In addition, arc flash incidents can damage equipment and facilities and lead to lost time and revenue. Please be safe and follow the above precautions!

The AEA Safety Committee is committed to the safety of its members. If you have any questions about Arc Flash or have some information to share on this or any other safety topic, please reach out to the Safety Committee!

 


April 2019

Underground Storage Tank Rule Changes – What you should know.

Does your facility have any underground storage tanks?  If so, pay attention.  There are new rules.  The new rules have been in place since October 2018.  The new rules emphasize the importance of properly operating and maintaining UST systems.  Below is a list of what you need to know:

  • All facilities must have a trained Class A, Class B and Class C operator.  You can outsource this, but Rutgers offers an online course for $295.00 – that takes 8 hours total and can allow you to have in-house compliance.
  • You must conduct monthly walkthrough inspections of the UST facility.
  • Overfill prevention equipment must be inspected at a minimum of every three years.
  • Spill prevention and containment sump equipment or test equipment and sumps used for interstitial monitoring must be tested every three years
  • Test release detection equipment annually.
  • Emergency generator UST systems must have secondary containment.
  • Newly replaced USTs must have secondary containment.
  • NJDEP must be notified when storing certain biofuels.

If you aren’t in compliance, be sure to get compliant right away.  DEP is conducting inspections and can order compliance, deny or revoke a permit and assess a penalty if not compliant.

The AEA Safety Committee is committed to the safety of its members.  If you have any questions about UST rules or ideas for other Sustainable Safety Tips, please reach out to the Safety Committee!

 


March 2019

March Sustainable Safety Tip:

In compliance with the Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health (PEOSH) Program Indoor Air Quality Standard (N.J.A.C. 12:100-13)(2007) all government employers are required to provide good indoor air quality, as it is essential to employee’s health and productivity.  As part of the standard, authorities must have a written Indoor Air Quality Program which must be reviewed annually to reflect changes in policy, procedure, responsibilities and contact information.  March is a great month to review your Indoor Air Quality  Written Program.  Some authorities have just completed their annual review of their written plan.  Has yours?  It is recommended that you use the following inspection as part of the review, and meet to discuss any changes to your written program.

For reference, here is the IAQchecklist.

You must have a designated person who is responsible for the plan, and have a preventative maintenance schedule in place in order to be in compliance.  There are also strict record keeping and document maintenance requirements. 

The AEA Safety Committee is committed to the safety of its members.  If you have any questions about Indoor Air Quality or are looking for a sample or template so you can create your own written Indoor Air Quality Program or have some information to share on this or any other safety topic, please reach out to the Safety Committee!