The Winter Season - On the Job Tool Box Talks - The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates cold weather kills more than 700 Americans a year.

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 The Incidents

·       An employee was killed in a crash after her vehicle slid through an intersection.

·       Another person was killed when a house caught fire - officials are looking at improper use of a heating source as a possible cause.

·       An employee was found dead (hypothermia) - officials say cold weather was a contributing factor.

·       A 50-year-old male janitor was found dead at a job site where he was cleaning floors with a propane buffer.  He was found collapsed and unresponsive about 6 ft from the buffer, which was still running in the idle position.  No external doors or windows had been opened to allow ventilation.  The medical examiner discovered a 62% carbon-monoxide saturation level in the victim’s blood.

Cold Weather Safety Tips

Prevent Problems

·       Limit exposure to cold, especially if it is windy or humid.

·       Be careful if you are older, overweight, have allergies or poor circulation.

·       Be careful if you smoke, drink or take medication.

·       Do not smoke or drink alcohol before going into the cold.

 Wear Layers of Loose Dry Clothing

·       Cotton or wool underlayers.

·       Waterproof top layer.

·       Be sure to cover head, hands, feet and face.

·       Dry or change wet clothing immediately.

·       Keep moving in the cold.

·       Take breaks in warm areas.

·       Move to a warm area if you feel very cold or numb.

·       Drink warm nonalcoholic beverages.

Know the Symptoms of Frostbite

·       Feeling uncomfortably cold.

·       Feeling numb.

·       Feeling tingling, aching or brief pain.

·       Skin turning reddish or violet black.
 ·       Skin blisters. 
·       Unconsciousness.

Act Quickly if Frostbite Strikes

·       Do not rub body part or apply hot water bottles.

·       Do not go near a hot stove.

·       Do not break blisters.

·       Warm frozen body parts quickly with sheets or blankets or warm (not hot) water.

·       Exercise warmed body part (do not walk on feet).

·       Get medical attention if necessary.

·       Elevate frozen body part and cover with sterile cloths before moving.

Know Symptoms of Hypothermia

·       Feeling cold

·       Pain in extremities

·       Shivering

·       Numbness and/or stiffness

·       Poor coordination

·       Drowsiness

·       Slow or irregular breathing of heart rate

·       Slurred speech

·       Cool skin

·       Puffy face

·       Confusion

Act Quickly if Hypothermia Strikes

·       Call for medical assistance.

·       Give artificial respiration if needed.

·       Move into a warm area.

·       Get out of frozen wet clothes.

·       Bundle in warm clothes or blankets.

·       Drink something warm (no alcohol) if conscious.

This information provided by Assurance Agency

 

Hand and Portable Powered Tool Safety

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Overview

It’s easy to pick up and use a tool without stopping to think about its hazards. It is difficult to remember that tools pose hazards, and sometimes accidents occur before steps can be taken to avoid or eliminate those hazards.

The employer is responsible for the safe condition of tools and equipment used by employees, including tools and equipment which may be furnished by employees.

How can I protect myself?

Choose tools made from good quality, durable materials. Metal tools must be able to resist bending, cracking, chipping, excessive wear. Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Wear eye, hand, and foot protection.

Everyone has probably suffered a minor scrape, cut, or bruise while using hand or portable powered tools, but they can also cause more serious injuries. Saws can sever a nerve, tendon, or blood vessel. A screwdriver can cause a deep puncture wound. Dropping a heavy tool on your foot could break a bone. Using an electric power tool that is not properly grounded can cause shocks or electrocution. Be aware of the tool’s hazards and use appropriate types of protective equipment to help avoid injury.

 

Using the right tool for the job

Sometimes using the wrong tool for the job causes an injury. Sometimes using the right tool, but using it incorrectly is the problem. Not inspecting a tool before you use it can lead to an injury if the tool breaks. Damaged tools don’t work very well. Here is an outline of some common tools and tips for using them correctly:

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Hammers and Mallets

Pliers

Cutters

Wrenches

Wood Saws

And More. . . . . . . . .