Rough Fire grows to 83,446 acres, 25 percent contained

The largest wildfire in California is creating problems this Labor Day weekend.

Watch the video for extended coverage from Action News reporter Brian Johnson.

By Brian Johnson

Updated 1 hr 29 mins ago

DUNLAP, Calif. (KFSN) --

The largest wildfire in California is creating problems this Labor Day weekend. Communities and campgrounds near the Rough Fire are dealing with extremely poor air quality. The fire has burned more than 83,000 acres and is still just 25 percent contained.

All campgrounds in Kings Canyon are temporarily closed until further notice because of the smoke impacts. Today, areas like Wishon Reservoir, Cedar Grove and Hume Lake are seeing unhealthy levels, according to the air quality index.

About a week after permanent residents of Hume Lake were allowed to go back to their homes, most staff of Hume Lake Christian Camps are once again leaving the area because of the smoke. Executive director Dathan Brown says the decision was made after listening to recommendations from health officials.

Hume Lake Christian Camps is also canceling all on campus activities, including retreats, through Oct. 4. Brown says the camp still has to clean up the significant smoke damage to some of their buildings.

Rough Fire - Basic Information

Size: 83,446 Acres

Contanment: 25 percent

Total personel: 1,902

ROUGH FIRE - INCIDENT OVERVIEW

There are no evacuations or evacuation warnings in effect, this includes the Hume Lake Area.

The Rough Fire has grown to 83,446 acres and is currently the largest active fire in California. There are 1,902 personnel currently assigned to the Rough Fire. Containment remains at 25%. Rough Fire Information: (559) 332-2028. The information line is located at the Incident Command Post in Squaw Valley on Highway 180.

There will be another community meeting regarding the Rough Fire on Friday September 4, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. at Dunlap School, 39667 Dunlap Rd. Dunlap, CA 93621. The meeting will be hosted by California Interagency Incident Management Team 3.

Air Quality Today (Download PDF)
Heavy concentrations of smoke are expected near the fire today. Smoke will be slow to lift and transport will primarily terrain and diurnally driven. Smoke that does rise out of Kings Canyon, will be slowly transported to the north, with potential impacts in the Owens Valley. Residual smoke that has not cleared the area, will add to impacts from new smoke being produced. Unhealthy to Very Unhealthy conditions are expected in communities near the fire.

It is important to remember that public and firefighter safety is the first priority. Please drive with extreme caution as there is a significant amount of large, heavy equipment moving around the area. Drive with your lights on to make yourself more visible, especially in the morning and evening hours. Remember to wear your seatbelts at all times. Do not drive while talking or texting on your cell phone. Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents.

Various types of aircraft are used in support of firefighting efforts. There has been a combination of both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters used during the suppression efforts on the Rough Fire. The aircraft is managed by an Air Operations Branch Director.

All campgrounds in Kings Canyon National Park are now closed until further notice. - The Kings Canyon Visitor Center will be open with modified hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. - The General Grant Tree, Panoramic Point, park trails, John Muir Lodge, Grant Grove Cabins, restaurant, market, and gift shop are open.

Recreation opportunities on the Hume Lake Ranger District have been impacted by the Rough Fire. Stony Creek Village Resort will be open for day use through the Labor Day weekend. Montecito Lake Resort is closed.

The Sierra National Forest is host to two fire lookout towers on the High Sierra Ranger District. The two towers were placed on the National Historic Lookout Register in 1999. The towers play an active role in detection of several lightning fires each year.

Fire crews are coordinating closely with agency resource advisors to protect natural and cultural resources at risk in Converse Basin. Approximately 12,000 feet of hose has been placed to protect the Boole Tree, Chicago Stump and sensitive wildlife habitats in that area. Relics of both prehistoric and historic use remain in the grove, but remember; all these items are protected by law and must remain in the woods. The oldest verified sequoia stump is in Converse Basin Grove and is just over 3,200 years old.

Due to current fire conditions, fire closures and/or restrictions on public lands are expected for the 2015 hunting season. If you plan to hunt on U. S. Forest Service lands this year, it is important to monitor the individual forest's websites for updates on forest closures and contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The suppression strategy for the Rough Fire will utilize a combination of direct, indirect and point protection. A key element of the plan is flexibility and the ability to apply the right resource, to the right task, at the right time, for the right duration. It is understood fireline will be constructed only where it is feasible and safe to do so. It is the responsibility of the Incident Commander and their staff to work with the Agency Administrators to ensure the plan is regularly reviewed and updated.

The importance of communication on large scale incidents can be summed up with a single word, Safety. With effective communication, fire personnel as well as the civilian population can be better protected from the dangers of fire and firefighting activities. For a video of Communications Unit Leader

The Rough Fire began July 31, 2015. On Tuesday, August 18, the Rough Fire spotted across the South Fork of the Kings River and crossed highway 180 in the area of Horseshoe Bend and became established in the Lockwood Creek Drainage. As a result of the fire crossing the river, the pre-planned evacuation of the Hume Lake area was implemented. Over 2,500 campers, hikers, employees, and residents were notified and safely evacuated from Hume Lake Christian Camp, private cabins, campgrounds, and the surrounding area in just over 2 hours.

CLEAN THE EQUIPMENT: Legionnaires' Disease Outbreaks on the Rise in US

GILLIAN MOHNEY

Friday, September 04, 2015 02:30PM

Outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease in New York, California and Illinois have drawn attention to a bacterial disease that experts say has been on the rise in recent years.

First discovered in 1976 at a convention in Philadelphia for American Legionnaires, reported cases of the disease have been steadily rising in recent years, according to federal health officials. The number of outbreaks this year is actually within the normal range, but the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention clarified that the number of cases per outbreak has been higher than normal and that cases are more common in late summer and fall.

The disease is caused by the Legionella bacteria and can cause potentially deadly case of pneumonia. The bacteria grow in warm water and can spread through air condition cooling units, fountains, hot tubs or large plumbing systems. The bacteria have to be inhaled to cause infection and cannot be spread from person to person.

Experts say it's unclear what could be behind the rising number of reported cases.

"The number of cases reported to CDC has been on the rise over the past decade," a spokeswoman for the CDC said in a statement to ABC News. "This may reflect a true increase in the frequency of disease (aging of the population, more high-risk individuals, climate), increased use of diagnostic testing, or more reliable reporting to CDC."

Annual reported rates of Legionnaires' disease, or legionellosis, increased 217 percent to 3,522 cases in 2009 from 1,110 in 2000, according to a 2011 CDC report. The report cautioned that actual rates were likely higher than those reported.

In New York City, the worst ever outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in the city left 12 dead and at least 100 infected this summer. In recent days, at least 50 people have been diagnosed with the disease in two different outbreaks in an Illinois town with 8 reported dead. In a California prison, six inmates were confirmed to have contracted the disease, but 95 were being watched to see if they developed the disease.

Between 8,000 and 18,000 people with Legionnaires' disease are hospitalized every year, according to the CDC.

Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University Medical School, told ABC News it's difficult to figure out if the reported cases show an actual increase in disease or just an increased awareness.

The trend of rising cases has being going on for years, Schaffner said, noting that coming up with possible explanations left "all of us experts scratching our heads."

Additionally, the disease has popped up more often in certain areas, but again experts are unclear if it's a rise in disease or testing, Schaffner said.

"In the northern tier of states there's more Legionnaires' disease than there is in the south or far West," he explained. "That's been a pattern for a long time. Could this be a difference in testing practices and doctors in those areas?"

The other possibility is that in northern states there are older buildings that are more vertical with buildings that have cooling units where the bacteria can grow, Schaffner said, noting that the medical community needs to know more about how often doctors test for the disease.

Doctors may start treatment for pneumonia before determining if it is caused by legionellosis and then not report the case, he said.

"The variation of testing practices is something we don't know enough about," he said.

While awareness of the disease has increased, so has the population susceptible to being infected, Schaffner said, pointing out that with an aging population and new medications that suppress the immune system, there may be more people out there susceptible to infection.

"Some of it might have to do with the fact that our population is older. If you're older on exposure, you're more likely to get sick," Schaffner said an earlier interview. "Added to that we have [an] increased number of people with underlying lung disease and, in particular, people who are immunocompromised."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

A man was struck and injured by a massive tree that toppled over in Connecticut Friday afternoon.

Man injured by massive falling tree in Old Greenwich





AJ Ross is at the scene with more






Friday, September 04, 2015 06:18PM
OLD GREENWICH (WABC) -- A man was struck and injured by a massive tree that toppled over in Connecticut Friday afternoon.

The incident happened just after 1 p.m. on Benjamin Street in Old Greenwich.

Greenwich firefighters removed the victim from underneath the tree, and Greenwich EMS paramedics began medical aid.

The victim is a plumbing contractor from Milford who had been preparing to get in his vehicle when the tree fell on him.




(Photo courtesy Alex Gale (@alpexo / Instagram))
He was transported from the scene to Stamford Hospital with serious injuries.

Several vehicles were also damaged by the tree.



The street is closed off as workers from the Greenwich Tree Department remove the tree.

Legionnaires' found in water distribution system of 4 South Bronx apartment buildings

By A.J. Ross
Updated 2 hrs 42 mins ago
SOUTH BRONX (WABC) -- The bacteria that causes Legionnaires' disease has been found in the water system of four South Bronx apartment buildings.

Four of the buildings of the Melrose Houses has tested positive for Legionella pneumophilia bacteria. Five other buildings have tested negative in the complex.

Residents got flyers Wednesday evening notifying them of a new case of legionella bacteria.

They also had a community meeting Wednesday night and needless to say a lot people are both worried and frustrated they now have to go through this again.

"A lot of people are complaining about it. They need to fix it, it's been going on for some time now," a resident said.

As a result the Health Department is having NYCHA shut off hot water at the building that tested positive and will install water filters in every apartment unit that will eliminate the bacteria.

Hot water service will be restored as soon as the filters are installed.

"It's crazy because it's been going on for a while, we've been taking cold showers like you know off and on they need to do something about this," said Mit Williams, a resident.

There have been four cases of Legionnaires' at the Melrose Houses in the South Bronx over the past six months: one occurring earlier in the year, two during the recently ended South Bronx outbreak, and this most recent case. Only one patient is currently being hospitalized; the other three previous patients have been treated and released. Test results at Melrose House are as follows: 681 Cortlandt Avenue, 304, 346, and 320 E. 156th Street all tested positive, 700 Morris Avenue, 286 E. 156th Street, 281, 305, and 321 E. 153rd Street all tested negative. It had been reported that 304 E. 156th Street's samples were negative, but additional samples for that building tested positive.

"It's very scary and creepy to know that it's getting closer and closer to where I live now," said Michelle Macklin, a resident.

Although the water is safe to shower, bath, and drink, people living there say they're scared and don't understand why this keeps happening.

"City needs to get involved and help this little community out," a resident said.

"It needs to be some more things done and if they don't have the funding they should reach out somewhere and find it," another resident said.

Health officials say they're also working on a long-term disinfection plan for the entire complex.

Adults with flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, should seek immediate medical attention.

5 people injured after tree falls in Bryant Park in NYC

Josh Einiger is at the scene with the latest. Photo courtesy Alex Gale (@alpexo/Instagram)



Eyewitness News
Updated 1 hr 11 mins ago
MIDTOWN, N.Y. (WABC) -- Five people were injured after a tree fell at Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan Friday afternoon.

It happened at about 4 p.m. along one of the tree-covered areas that run along the outside of the park, near 40th Street and Fifth Avenue.

There appeared to be dozens of people in the park at the time, as seen in photos posted to social media:


A witness told Eyewitness News that the tree broke in half, and that the break appears to be about 13 feet off the ground. He said it sounded like a large tree falling.

A person at the park posted a photo of where the tree snapped:


The witness said people were yelling and running in all directions.

"All you heard was the tree cracking little by little," one witness said.

"A tremendous, really loud crack," another witness said.

"No warning, can't get away. There was no stopping it," an eyewitness said.

"When it fell it was too late to yell or something," another person said.

NYPD officers with chainsaw cut up what was left of the tree and carried it away. The area where the tree fell is blocked off.

Two people were taken to Bellevue Hospital: a 23-year-old woman suffered a broken arm, and a 53-year-old man suffered back and neck injuries. Three other people were taken to Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center: a 26-year-old man suffered a right shoulder injury, a 26-year-old woman suffered an injury to her left foot, and a 33-year-old woman suffered injury to her hip and shoulder.

"It was terrible. It makes you think how unstable is this whole park?" an eyewitness said.

The Parks Department released a statement saying: "NYC Parks will take possession of the tree and conduct a full investigating to determine the cause of the tree's failing. Our thoughts are with the individuals injured in this unfortunate accident, and we wish them a speedy recovery."

The Bryant Park Corporation also released a statement Friday saying, "Today at approximately 4:00 PM a section of a London plane tree fell to the ground, injuring some park visitors. Fortunately, the injuries are not life-threatening and early reports indicate those injured will recover. Testing will take place to determine the cause of its failure.

"The Bryant Park Corporation maintains a vigilant tree-pruning and evaluation program throughout the year."

New Yorkers should report damaged and fallen trees through the tree service request system on the NYC Parks website or by calling 311 immediately. Keep safe and exercise caution around fallen trees until we can reach the site to secure the area.

A flatbed truck struck a moving 36-car Norfolk-Southern train north of Clayton, in New Castle County, DE

Troopers investigate truck vs. train crash

POSTED: September 04, 2015
  CLAYTON, Del. -

Members of the Delaware State Police have announced they are currently investigating a crash involving a flatbed truck, which reportedly struck a moving train north of Clayton, in New Castle County.


Police say the crash happened just after 2:00 P.M. Friday. Troopers say Justin Sherwood of Magnolia was operating the truck eastbound on Vandyke Greenspring Road, approaching a set of railroad tracks.

Troopers say an oncoming 36-car Norfolk-Southern train was approaching the road, where the truck was reportedly stopped behind the flashing red lights.

Authorities say Sherwood's foot slipped off the break pedal, and then hit the gas pedal, causing the vehicle to accelerate into the side of the First Engine of the train.

Police say the train was not derailed, and stopped on the railroad tracks approximately 0.25 miles south of the collision.

Troopers say Sherwood was properly restrained at the time of the crash, and was not hurt. Sherwood was reportedly ticketed for Inattentive Driving.

Authorties reported none of the personnel on the train were injured in the collision.

Vandyke Greenspring Road was closed for approximately three hours while the crash was investigated and the train was inspected.

an Amtrak train struck the rear of a dump truck on the Northwest Side of Chicago

Metra, Amtrak services disrupted after Northwest Side crash





A dump truck that was in a crash with an Amtrak train on the Northwest Side Friday afternoon. (WGN-TV)
By Chicago Tribune staff
 


Service on Metra's Milwaukee District North Line and Amtrak's Hiawatha Line were disrupted Friday afternoon after an Amtrak train struck the rear of a dump truck on the Northwest Side.

The accident happened shortly after 2:10 p.m. near Caldwell and Devon avenues, officials said. Reports indicated Amtrak's No. 336 Hiawatha train struck the rear of a truck.


Meg Reile, a Metra spokeswoman, said service was immediately stopped after the accident per the request of officials, and the Milwaukee District North Line was operating on a single track. One train was delayed up to 40 minutes while officials worked to clear the track, but it was now moving, she said. For updates, check Metra's website.

Reile added that customers should expect minor delays as inbound and outbound trains were running on a single track.

As of 4 p.m., the truck had been removed from the area, said Vernae Graham, an Amtrak spokeswoman. The train involved in the crash was carrying 197 passengers, none of whom were injured, Graham said.

Amtrak has canceled service for two Hiawatha trains which includes train No. 337 out of Chicago, and No. 340 out of Milwaukee. Customers will be accommodated with bus service, Graham said. For updates, check Amtrak's website.

The Metra line affected by the crash was incorrectly reported as the Milwaukee District West line in previous versions of this story.

The pilot of a 1972 Bede BD-4 small plane is dead after it crashed into a soybean field near the Stoney Creek airport in Ontario, Canada

A 1972 BEDE BD-4 similar to the one that crashed in Ontario, CA

Pilot dead, plane demolished in Stoney Creek plane crash.
Transportation Safety Board investigators believe the plane stalled shortly after take-off early Friday.

By Adam Carter, CBC News

Posted: September 04, 2015



Transportation Safety Board investigators believe the plane stalled shortly after take-off early Friday. (Transportation Safety Board/Flickr)



The pilot of a small plane is dead after his plane stalled in mid-air and crashed into a soybean field near the Stoney Creek airport Friday morning.

Emergency crews first rushed to the scene of the crash in a field off of 6th Road and Mud Street just after 7 a.m.

Hamilton police Const. Steve Welton told CBC News that the pilot suffered "critical injuries" and has died. Next of kin have been notified.


A photo of the type of plane involved in the crash on Friday, a Bede BD-4, posted under a Creative Commons license. (Armchair Aviator/Flickr)

Investigators haven't released the pilot's name. Don Enns, the regional manager of the Ontario office of the Transportation Safety Board (TSB), told CBC News that pilot error contributed to the crash. "Handling technique is definitely part of it," Enns said.

The plane was an amateur-built Bede BD-4, originally built in 1972. The BD-4 is a common model of "home-built" aircraft and was one of the first planes that could be assembled from a kit.

According to an online database, the plane has been registered to a Hamilton owner since 1986, but the TSB says the pilot recently purchased the plane.
Company 'asked not to comment'

Enns said that the plane had taken off from the Stoney Creek airport and was heading to St. Thomas when it stalled and slammed into the ground. "Slow speed typically leads into something like that," he said.

Investigators haven't been able to identify any malfunction or pieces missing from the plane, but much of it has been destroyed because of the crash and subsequent fire. "There is significant damage from the post-crash fire," Enns said. That fire was quickly doused by firefighters Friday morning.

The Stoney Creek airport is home to the local chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association, chapter 65.

The club's website says it's primarily focused on home-built and experimental aircraft but many of its members fly "certified aircraft built by major manufacturers."

The pilot involved in the crash was not a member of the club, said Marcus Pfeiffer, who runs the club's website.

"Our condolences also go out to his family," Pfeiffer said.

The wreck is sitting in a field next to Heli-Lynx Helicopters. When reached by phone, a representative from the company said they have been "asked not to comment."

There were witnesses to the crash, Welton said, and investigators will be speaking to them.

Bryce Fisher, an aviation consultant who used to work as an investigator with the TSB, said its investigators will be trying to find out if the aircraft was certified, how it was built, and if the pilot was properly qualified to fly it.

From looking at photos of the crash, Fisher said it looks like the pilot hit the ground in an almost straight vertical fashion because of the compact way the debris was lying in the field.
Are amateur-built planes safe?

Fisher told CBC News that he has flown both amateur-built and "ultralight" airplanes before — and whether or not they are safe "depends on who you talk to."

"You have to respect the limitations of the aircraft," Fisher said. "You have to fly it within certain parameters or you're asking for trouble."

Fire information officer Claudio Mostacci said one fire truck was also called to the scene to douse a fire that broke out just after the crash.

"When we arrived on scene there was a small fire that was quickly extinguished," Mostacci said.

adam.carter@cbc.ca With files from Kelly Bennett

Date:	04-SEP-2015
Time:	07:00 a.m.
Type:	Bede BD-4
Owner/operator:	Private
Registration:	C-FLJS
C/n / msn:	153
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 1 / Occupants: 1
Other fatalities:	0
Airplane damage:	Written off (damaged beyond repair)
Location:	West of Stoney Creek Airport (CPF6), Stoney Creek, ON -   Canada
Phase:	Initial climb
Nature:	Private
Departure airport:	Stoney Creek (CPF6)
Destination airport:	St Thomas, ON

Narrative:
The plane crashed under unknown circumstances. The light plane took fire on the ground. The pilot received fatal injuries.
Sources: 
http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=179259
http://www.900chml.com/2015/09/04/41830/
http://www.thespec.com/news-story/5828616-small-plane-crash-at-stoney-creek-airport/
http://www.thespec.com/news-story/5828616-update-one-dead-as-single-propeller-plane-crashes-in-farmer-s-field/
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/news/pilot-dead-plane-demolished-in-stoney-creek-plane-crash-1.3215435
http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/2/CCARCS-RIACC/ADet.aspx?id=20176&rfr=RchSimp.aspx

Airframe Info

Manufacturer:	Bede
Model:	BD-4    Search all Bede BD-4
Year built:	1972
Construction Number (C/N):	153
Number of Seats:	N/A
Number of Engines:	1
Engine Type:	Reciprocating

Aircraft

Registration Number:	C-FLJS
Mode S (ICAO24) Code:	C01E09
Certification Issued:	1986-10-14
Current Status:	Registered
Delivery Date:	1986-10-14

Owner

Registration Type:	Individual
Address:	Hamilton, Ontario L9B1E9 Canada

Images: UPDATE: Unified Command responds to sinking vessel, diesel spill in Sitka, Alaska

Responders from SEAPRO monitor containment boom around the motor vessel Pacific Venture near Sitka, Alaska, Sept. 3, 2015. A Unified Command was established in response to the sinking of the Pacific Venture Wednesday. (Photograph by Petty Officer 3rd Class Lewis Beck.)




Responders from SEAPRO monitor containment boom around the motor vessel Pacific Venture near Sitka, Alaska, Sept. 3, 2015. A Unified Command was established in response to the sinking of the Pacific Venture Wednesday. (Photograph by Petty Officer 3rd Class Lewis Beck.)

The Coast Guard is responding to the sinking of the fishing vessel Sierra Allene in Kelp Bay near Sitka Friday

Twin seiners Sierra Allene and Ace newly launched from La Conner Maritime Service Fabrications inc


Coast Guard responding to sunken fishing vessel near Sitka, Alaska
September 4th, 2015 

JUNEAU, Alaska — The Coast Guard is responding to the sinking of a fishing vessel in Kelp Bay near Sitka Friday.

Personnel from Coast Guard Sector Juneau, the Coast Guard Cutter Maple and Coast Guard Air Station Sitka examined the scene of the sunken 49-foot fishing vessel Sierra Allene and are working with the vessel’s owner to mitigate the situation.

Watchstanders from the Sector Juneau command center received a radio call from the crew of the fishing vessel Irish when they discovered a portion of the Sierra Allene jutting out of the water. The vessel’s owner reported the Sierra Allene has approximately 600 gallons of diesel fuel on board.

“The Coast Guard is working with stakeholders and the owner to resolve the situation and protect nearby sensitive areas,” said Ens. Charles Fraizzell, Sector Juneau assistant incident management division chief.

The cause of the sinking is under investigation.

SIERRA ALLENE (1252061)

USCG ID	1252061
Year	2014
Length	49.1 feet / 15 meters
Depth	9 feet / 2.7 meters
Breadth	17.7 feet / 5.4 meters
Gross Tonnage	52
Net Tonnage	41
Name	SIERRA ALLENE
Service	COMMERCIAL FISHING VESSEL
Trade	Coastwise Unrestricted, Fishery, Registry
Hull Material	FRP (FIBERGLASS)
Builder	MARITIME FABRICATION INC
Port	CORDOVA AK
Owner	HUGHIE R BLAKE 36229 -160TH STREET SE (SULTAN 98294) BOX 2376 CORDOVA, AK 99574
Previous Names	No Vessel Name Changes
Previous Owners	No Vessel Owner Changes
Hull Number	4918000214
Imo
Call Sign
Date Issued	2014-03-18 04:00:00
Date Expires	2015-03-31 04:00:00
Owner Name	HUGHIE R BLAKE

REDUCING MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONG AIRPORT BAGGAGE SCREENERS AND HANDLERS

REDUCING MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONG AIRPORT BAGGAGE SCREENERS AND HANDLERS

Summary

Baggage screeners and handlers at airports are exposed to manual baggage lifting and handling that are associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) evaluated two mechanical lift aids to determine if they could reduce the risk of WMSDs. The two mechanical lift aids reduced some physical WMSD risk factors such as hand loading and spinal compression force.



Description of the Problem

Approximately 45,000 baggage screeners and 173,700 baggage handlers are employed in U.S. airports by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and airline carriers, respectively. Manual lifting and materials handling have been shown as main risk factors for WMSDs [NIOSH 1997]. The average weight of checked bags is about 32 lbs, and the maximum baggage weight can reach up to 70 lbs or more [NIOSH 2014]. Manual baggage lifting and handling are therefore considered the main risk factors for WMSDs among bag- gage screeners and handlers. A portion of the checked bags are manually handled by baggage screeners, while every checked bag is required to be manually transferred to airplanes by carrier bag- gage handlers.

In most airports, checked bags are screened by screening machines. If ma- chine screening cannot be completed, manual screening is required to clear bags in a baggage screening area. To perform manual screening tasks, a bag is typically lifted or pulled by a baggage screener from the inbound conveyor. Once manual screening is completed, the bags are lifted to an outbound conveyor that is separate from the inbound conveyor, requiring lifting and carrying. If screening machines are located in the airport lobby area, baggage screeners may be required to manually lift each checked bag twice—transporting the bag from the floor to the machine and from the machine to the conveyor connected to the baggage make-up area for airline carriers. Therefore, baggage screeners working in checked baggage screening areas may be involved in intensive baggage lifting in some set- tings, particularly during rush hours.

Once checked bags are cleared by baggage screeners, they typically are transported on a conveyor to the bag- gage make-up area where the checked bags are manually transported to bag- gage carts and then airplanes by carrier baggage handlers. Carrier bag- gage handlers who work in the ramp area (i.e., the area where airplanes are parked for departure and arrival) lift bags onto a belt loader from a cart, handle bags at the airplane cargo compartment doors, and stack bags inside cargo compartments. They reverse the operations when bags are unloaded from the cargo compartments. Carrier baggage handlers typically lift 5−10 bags per minute during loading/ unloading to the airplane [Oxley et al. 2009]. Risk factors for WMSDs associated with these tasks include heavy lifting, awkward and restricted postures (in the small cargo areas), and time pressure [Tapley and Riley 2005; Ta- pley et al. 2007]. The problem is more acute when handlers load narrow- bodied airplanes with a cargo ceiling ranging from 46−55 inches. Auto- matic container systems for loading and unloading checked baggage have been used in larger airplanes, but are not available for narrow-bodied airplanes.



NIOSH Case Studies

NIOSH evaluated the effect of two ergonomic interventions on the risk of WMSDs among baggage screeners [NIOSH, 2014]. The main findings are summarized below:



Vacuum Lifting Assist Device

Operation of the vacuum lifting assist system (Figure 1) involves pushing and pulling the controller as the vacuum power lifts the bag. Three bag weights (25, 40, and 50 lbs) were tested in the study. When the system was used, the average minimal pushing/pulling force was reduced to 2.7, 4.0, and 4.2 lbs, respectively. Compared to the hand forces measured during lifting, this was approximately a 90% reduction when using the vacuum system. In addition, the vacuum lifting assist system resulted in improved postures (near neutral trunk flexion angles) because of the adjustable controller that can keep the bag at the optimal height for lifting. The reduced hand force and improved posture resulted in a 63% measured reduction of the compressive force in the lower back [NIOSH 2014].





Figure 1. A baggage handler lifts a bag with a vacuum lifting assist device



Automatic Baggage Moving System

The automatic baggage moving system (Figure 2) is a conveyor that helps move the bags from the screening area to the outbound conveyor. Unlike the traditional conveyor systems, this system does not connect the two ends of the working area. It connects to one end at a time, then moves itself automatically to the other end as it senses the bag that is loaded to the moving system. This system might be shared between two work stations connected by a roller bed. This intervention eliminates lifting entirely, but requires manual pushing to load the bag from the screening table through the roller bed to the baggage moving system.




Figure 2. An automatic baggage moving system


The average pushing force is about 80% of the force required for manual lifting of a 25- or 50-lb bag. The posture and force involved in using the system resulted in a 44% reduction in the compressive force in the lower back [NIOSH 2014].

Table 1 summarizes the features of the vacuum lifting assist and the automatic baggage moving systems.



 
Other Risk Control Methods

Mechanical lift aids are recommended to be used as the primary risk reduction method for baggage handling [Tapley and Riley 2005; Tapley et al. 2007]. For baggage handling in the airplane cargo space, certain methods of loading and stacking bags may also help reduce strain on the back [Vatan- Korkmaz et al. 2006]. These may include marking heavy bags so they can be slid into the cargo and lighter bags lifted on top [Vatan-Korkmaz et al. 2006]. Job rotation, short breaks, and training on proper lifting procedures (lifting above the knees, below the shoulder, and close to the body) are other administrative controls that may help reduce the risk of injury [Dell 1998; NIOSH et al. 2007]. Baggage-handling jobs are associated with low levels of employee control over tasks, time pressure, and low social support [Rosskam 2007]. These workplace factors may also play a role in the development of WMSDs, although they are not as evident as the physical job demands [NIOSH 1997; da Costa 2010]. Reductions in the workplace stressors in the work environment may help prevent WMSDs [Hauke et al. 2011].



Acknowledgments

This document was prepared by Ming-Lun Lu, Susan Afanuh, Robert Dick, Dwight Werren, and Thomas Waters of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The authors would like to thank Brian Lowe, Tarah Cole, Jessica Burkhart, and the TSA for their support in data collection and analysis. Mention of any company or product does not constitute endorsement by NIOSH.



References

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Da Costa B, Vieira E [2010]. Risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders: A systematic review of recent logitudinal Studies. American J Ind Med 53:285–323.

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Hauke A, Flintrop J, Brun E, Rugulies R [2011]. The impact of work-related psychosocial stressors on the onset of musculoskeletal disorders in specific body regions: A review and meta-analysis of 54 longitudinal studies. Work and Stress 25(3):243–256.

NIOSH [1997]. Musculoskeletal disorders and workplace factors, a critical review of epidemiologic evidence for work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the neck, upper



extremity and low back. By Bernard B. Cincinnati, OH: US Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Oc- cupational Safety and Health. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ docs/97-141/

NIOSH, CAL OSHA, CNA, E.A.S.E., DIR [2007]. Ergonomic guidelines for manual material handling. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2007−131. http://www.cdc.gov/ niosh/docs/2007-131/pdfs/2007-131.pdf

NIOSH [2014]. Bag handling assist controls for airport screening processes. By Lu M, Dick R, Werren D, Lowe B. NIOSH Publication No. EPHB-010-22a.

Oxley L, Riley D, Tapley S [2009]. Musculoskeletal ill-health risks for airport baggage handlers. London: Health and Safe- ty Executive. http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrpdf/rr675.pdf Rosskam E [2007]. Excess baggage. Leveling the load and changing the workplace. Amityville, NY: Baywood Publishing Company Inc.

Tapley S, Riley D [2005]. Baggage handling in narrow- bodied aircraft: identification and assessment of musculo- skeletal injury risk factors. London: Health and Safety Executive. http://www.hse.gov.uk/airtransport/docs/baggage.pdf

Tapley S, Riley D, Oxley L [2007]. Baggage handling in narrow-bodied aircraft: further risk identification. London: Health and Safety Executive. http://www.crcnetbase.com/ doi/abs/10.1201/9780203883259.ch74



Vatan-Korkmaz S, et al. [2006]. Baggage handling in an airplane cargo hold: an ergonomic intervention study. Int J Ind Ergonomics 36:301−312. http://biodynamics.osu.edu/publication%20pdf/2006/Baggage%20Korkmaz%202006.pdf

Suggested Citation



NIOSH [2015]. Reducing musculoskeletal disorders among airport baggage screeners and handlers. By Lu M, Afanuh S, Dick R, Werren D, Waters T. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2015-201

Fire investigators in Washington state have determined that an early morning blaze at a Planned Parenthood clinic was arson.

Fire at Planned Parenthood in Washington state was arson


Fire investigators in Washington state have determined that an early morning blaze at a Planned Parenthood clinic was arson.



By KIRO 7 STAFF

PULLMAN, Wash. —

Fire investigators in Washington state have determined that an early morning blaze at a Planned Parenthood clinic was arson.

Pullman Fire Department investigator Chris Wehrung said Friday afternoon that the cause is arson, but a joint task force is still investigating and he declined to release other details.

The pre-dawn fire heavily damaged a clinic in the college town of Pullman.

Planned Parenthood spokeswoman Tanya Riordan told The Spokesman-Review that the fire may keep the clinic closed for a month or more.

The FBI and other federal agencies are involved because of the history of anti-abortion activists targeting health care providers offering abortion services.

A 19-year-old construction worker was killed and two others seriously hurt when a wall collapsed on them at a Bed-Stuy building site in Brooklyn, NYC

 The lot prior to the development.

The lot prior to the development.

 



The lot prior to the development.

UPDATE
BROOKLYN, NYC — A 19-year-old construction worker was killed and two others seriously hurt when a wall collapsed on them at a Bed-Stuy building site Thursday morning, officials said.

The trio, whose identities were not immediately released, were excavating at 656 Myrtle Ave., near Franklin Avenue, about 11:38 a.m. when some dirt gave way and a section of the rear wall toppled inward onto them, officials said.

"The earth moved from under the first story masonry wall and that's a recipe for a wall to collapse," said DOB Commissioner Rick Chandler.

The wall wasn't properly supported, according to FDNY Chief John Rozas.

Medical crews treated the laborers outside the construction zone, witnesses said.

"One guy's leg was all bloodied up. He was lying on the sidewalk outside the fence," said a man named Mike, who works at a construction site nearby.

One of the workers was taken to Brooklyn Hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to police.

The other two were taken to local hospital in stable condition, officials said.

Five other workers who were on the scene were not injured, the FDNY said.

Permits were issued in July to extend an existing one-story commercial building on the site to a mixed-use, five-story dwelling, according to city records.

The building had two open Environmental Control Board violations as of Thursday afternoon, according to the Department of Buildings.

One from Aug. 13, 2014, deemed immediately hazardous, noted that a front facade section of wood parapet had separated and come loose along the pedestrian walkway on Myrtle Avenue.

A separate complaint for the site from May 10, 2015 stated that a barrier was not stable and workers “don’t wear mask or suit on asbestos abatement site.”

A representative for Binyan Myrtle LLC, which is listed as the owner of 656 Myrtle on city records, could not be immediately reached for comment.

The general contractor, Y&S Framers Inc., did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Department of Buildings was investigating the collapse, officials said.

After seven years of planning, development of a deepwater port off the coast of Plaquemines Parish is underway

SEPTEMBER 3, 2015


A long-proposed offshore megaport at the end of the Mississippi River could start to take shape next year, with its supporters hailing it as the most significant economic development in Louisiana history.

Leaders at existing ports applaud their optimistic outlook but question whether the project is a viable undertaking.

Backers of the Louisiana International Deep Water Gulf Transportation Terminal (LIGTT) announced Monday (Aug. 31) they have amassed enough private financing to begin the first phase of a $10 billion project. They held a press conference at the Westin New Orleans, complete with champagne and the cutting of a cake shaped like a cargo ship.

The champion of the project is state Sen. A.G. Crowe, the Pearl River lawmaker who crafted a law approved in 2008 creating a public-private partnership to build the port. He serves as president of the board overseeing the port project as an adviser to its management team.

"No doubt this project has had its skeptics," Crowe said. "So did the Superdome. So did the Causeway."

LIGTT is planned for 2,250 acres three miles off the coast of Plaquemines Parish, 20 miles south of Venice. Approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Coast Guard is necessary to begin construction of the offshore structure, and developers say they will be applying for those permits soon. If approval is granted within an anticipated nine- to 12-month time frame, the first phase could be operational by late 2016.

Crowe and others were quick to note the project won't require any public dollars. They said they have the $25 million needed to begin the project's first "vertical" -- a dry bulk cargo facility that would offload massive ships and transfer it to shallow draft ships and barges that could navigate upriver or sail to other ports on the Gulf of Mexico.

Future LIGTT phases call for terminals for liquid bulk cargo, liquefied natural gas, upstream pipelines and container cargo, all offshore structures that would be the "centerpiece of a hub-and-spoke distribution system," according to project documents.

The focal point of LIGTT as originally proposed was container cargo, but Crowe said input from private sector investors led to changes that involved a broader variety of cargo.

Containers appear to remain a very significant part of the LIGTT vision, just ahead of the completion of the Panama Canal expansion to allow the world's largest cargo ships to cross the isthmus. Crowe said logistics experts with Wal-Mart, the global retailer that's most likely to take advantage of the new "Panamax" class cargo ships, have been influential in shaping LIGTT plans. They have indicated they would be interested in shipping containers through the terminal even if it added time to their delivery, he said.

The advantage of LIGTT, Crowe explained, is that it would allow shippers to send more cargo to its destination via water than possible by truck or train.

"They are interested in two things: the lowest price and quickest delivery time," Crowe said, explaining that cargo shippers are willing to add time if it means they can save money with volume.

Wal-Mart did not immediately respond to a request for confirmation.

Port officials on the lower Mississippi River like the idea bringing more cargo to Louisiana, but they have specific concerns about LIGTT's business plan.

Gary LaGrange, Port of New Orleans president of CEO, said in a statement the proposed offshore terminal would provide redundant container services.

"We don't see the feasibility in duplicating what is already in existence with plans to expand," LaGrange said. "Louisiana's present and future container operations are at the Port of New Orleans. Funding of more than $300 million has been invested in the Napoleon Avenue Container Terminal, which is served by six class one railroads ... with a new $25.1 million intermodal transfer terminal currently under construction. Future plans call for the terminal to be expanded to a capacity of 1.5 million (containers)."

The Port of South Louisiana, upriver near LaPlace, handles the same dry bulk cargo the first phase of LIGTT intends to transfer. Its president, Paul Aucoin, said he supports "any idea that sends more ships that can fit under the Huey P. Long Bridge" to his facility.

As to whether there is interest among cargo carriers to send larger ships to the mouth of the Mississippi, he was uncertain.

"Most cargo is time-sensitive," Aucoin said. "I can't see where they would go through a transfer to get to the five ports on the lower Mississippi that they're already servicing."

Water transportation will also be key to LIGTT's construction and operation. Crowe said crew boats will shuttle workers to and from the site, much like they already do for the offshore oil and gas industry. Some services at the port would be automated, but there would be the need for an operations staff that would live offshore at the facility.

A management team has been assembled for the private sector involvement in the project. Christine Lowenberg, its executive project manager, said LIGTT will create "tens of thousands of jobs," with indications that number included indirect employment hinging on the terminal reaching its proposed capacity.

Crowe had originally sought investors for LIGTT through the EB-5 visa program, which provides U.S. visas to foreigners in exchange for significant investments. Such funding never materialized and money for the first phase will instead come from the Bank of Montreal and a handful of Wall Street investment firms, some represented at Monday's announcement.

Other members of the LIGTT Midstream Holdings management team include co-managers Tom Thornhill, a Slidell attorney and former state representative, and Jim Woodworth, whose investments include a $120 million wind farm, as well as Jimmy Faircloth, former executive counsel to Gov. Bobby Jindal.

The Chinese-flagged M/V Zhe Pu 01833 sank after striking a reef as it approached China’s Ningbo-Zhoushan

Vessel Sinks In Xiashimen Channel
Stock Photo

By MarEx 2015-09-04 14:29:24

The Chinese-flagged M/V Zhe Pu 01833 sank after striking a reef as it approached China’s Ningbo-Zhoushan port via the Xiashimen Channel on September 3. According to reports, the allision occurred after the vessel experienced a power failure and lost propulsion. The Ningbo Port Group received a distress call shortly after and deployed one of its tugboats at about 7:30 am local time to rescue the ship and its five crewmembers.

The Zhe Pu’s hull sustained serious damage due to the allision and began taking on water. The vessel’s crew and attempted unsuccessfully to pump the water out while awaiting the rescue team.

The 40-meter Zhe Pu was transporting about 300 tons of cement from Taizhou to Ningbo-Zhoushan.

Worker dies after falling 40 feet to the ground froma manlift at the Myles Standish Industrial Complex in Taunton, Massachusetts

UPDATED 12:48 PM EDT Sep 04, 2015







TAUNTON, Mass. (WPRI) — 

A construction worker died Friday morning after falling at a construction site in Taunton, the Bristol County district attorney’s office confirms.

The man was doing steel work at the site of future beverage processing plant at the Myles Standish Industrial Complex on Charles Colton Road when the accident occurred at about 8:45 a.m.

Officials said he was working about 40 feet off the ground on part of the structure’s framing when he fell.

The victim – identified as 24-year-old Nicholas Dumont of Pawtucket – died shortly after the fall.

Dumont’s death appears to be an accident, and no foul play is suspected, according to the DA’s office.

No one else was injured. The incident remains under investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as well as local and state police

 ///------------------------////
TAUNTON, Mass. —A 24-year-old worker died after an industrial accident in Taunton on Friday.


Police say the fatal accident happened around 8:42 a.m at the Myles Standish Industrial Complex on Charles Colton Road.

The worker, identified as Nicholas Dumont of Pawtucket, RI, was working about 40 feet off the ground on part of the warehouse's framing when he fell. Dumont suffered traumatic injuries and died shortly after the fall.

The investigation is ongoing, but foul play is not suspected.


Newscenter 5 and WCVB.com will provide updates to the story.

Navy Response Team Assists with Calcium Carbide Chemical Spill at a Truck Stop in Kingsland, GA

 

The Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Maryland (SSBN 738) prepares to depart Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay to conduct routine operations. (U.S. Navy photo/Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Kimber)
The Brunswick News, Ga. | Sep 03, 2015 | by Gordon Jackson


KINGSLAND, GA -- Navy hazmat teams from Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay and Naval Station Mayport were called Wednesday night to respond to a chemical spill at a truck stop off Interstate 95 in Kingsland.

Mayor Ken Smith said a truck carrying calcium carbide was leaking the volatile chemical when the driver was contacted while driving on Interstate 95. The chemical began smoking when it hit the wet pavement.

The driver stopped at the Petrol truck plaza at Exit 1, where local law enforcement officials quickly took over the scene.

Authorities called the Navy's response team for chemical spills when they realized they were dealing with a potentially serious problem.

Smith said the front of the travel plaza remained open as of 9 p.m., but the rear of the plaza where trucks are parked and diesel fuel is pumped was closed to all traffic.

Authorities were waiting for the team from Mayport to arrive Wednesday night with chemicals to neutralize calcium carbide.

Smith credited the training of his police officers have had with the team from Kings Bay for quickly responding to a dangerous situation.

"We're fortunate to have Kings Bay," he said. "All of this helps a lot. I've been telling people that for years."

UPDATE: 1,500 gallon chemical spill cleared, U.S. 287 between Memphis and Childress remains closed

UPDATE: Chemical spill cleared, U.S. 287 between Memphis and Childress remains closed 

Posted: Sep 01, 2015 11:01 AM EST Updated: Sep 03, 2015 6:15 PM EST












UPDATE: Thursday, September 3rd, 2 p.m.

US 287 is still closed between Childress and Memphis.

US 287 southbound traffic is diverted in Memphis onto SH 256, then to US 83 and back onto US 287.

US 287 northbound traffic is diverted in Childress onto US 83, then to SH 256 and back onto US 287 in Memphis.

Cleanup efforts resumed Wednesday morning. Crews will also remove contaminated soil in the ditches. No definite time yet on the reopening of the roadway.

Officials with TxDOT say the hazardous chemical spill that happened Tuesday, contained 1500 gallons of a chemical used to make PVC pipes, material that is known to cause a breathing hazard.

A voluntary evacuation order was issued for a half mile radius. First responders noticed trouble breathing and irritated eyes while on scene, but were treated and released.

---------------------------

UPDATE: According to TxDOT US Highway 287 will continue to be shut down until sometime Wednesday morning.

Hazmat crews are still on the scene working to clean up the material that spilled from a tractor trailer earlier Tuesday morning.

There is no word on a specific time when the highway will be reopened to traffic.

Emergency personnel who reported irritation and difficulty breathing have been treated and released.

----------------------------

From The Department of Public Safety:

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has responded to a critical material incident in Hall County early this morning.

At approximately 2:30 a.m., a truck tractor tanker-trailer hauling an unknown type material used in the manufacture of PVC pipe, overturned on US Highway 287 and County Road K, which is 10 miles south of Memphis, Texas. Approximately 1500 gallons of this material has spilled and is a known inhalation hazard.

For the safety of the public, US 287 southbound traffic is being diverted in Memphis onto State Highway 256, then to US 83, and back onto US 287, while US 287 northbound traffic is being diverted in Childress onto US 83, to SH 256, and back onto US 287. This detour is expected to be in place until midnight so that crews can clean up the spill.

A voluntary evacuation order has been issued for areas within ½ mile of the scene. First responders on scene are reporting breathing difficulty and burning eyes and are seeking medical attention. Responding agencies: DPS Texas Highway Patrol, DPS Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, Hall County Sheriff’s Office and a local fire department.

----------------------------

CHILDRESS, TX. - Traffic is shut down on US 287 in Hall County just North of Childress and is expected to be closed for several hours.

Hazmat crews are at the scene where a truck overturned in the median and hazardous material is spilling out.

Traffic is being diverted to State Highway 256 and US 83. Memphis is also seeing traffic rerouted at one intersection.

TxDOT message boards are warning drivers of the alert and will display direction to Northbound drivers as well.