Slips, Trips and Falls - On the Job Tool Box Safety Talks

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Slips, trips and falls is the number 1 reason for an industrial injury in the United States. Thousands of disabling injuries—and even deaths—occur each year as a result of slips, trips, and falls:

•       From heights, on stairs, and on level ground

·       At work and at home

Pay Attention to Your Movements and Surroundings

• Focus on where you're going, what you're doing, and what lies ahead.
• Expect the unexpected.
• Take responsibility for fixing, removing, or avoiding hazards in your path.
• Wear sturdy shoes with non-skid soles and flat heels.
• Avoid baggy or loose pants you could trip over.
• Walk, don't run.
• Wipe your feet when you come in from rain or snow.
• Report or replace any burned out lights or inadequate lighting.
• Watch out for floors that are uneven, have holes, etc.
• Keep your hands at your sides, not in your pockets, for balance.
• Don't carry loads you can't see over.
• Walk slowly on slippery surfaces. —Slide your feet and avoid sharp turns.
• Sit in chairs with all four chair legs on the floor.
• Make sure all wheels or casters are on the floor.
• Be constantly alert for—and remove or go around—obstructions in your path.
• This information is provided by: Assurance Agency
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Ladder Accident Causes -On the job Tool Box Talks

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Accidents involving ladders are very common.  Most of these accidents could have been avoided with proper ladder use.  While a ladder is a very basic necessity and seems easy to use, it is often one of the most misused and abused pieces of equipment we see during site inspections.

An accident involving a ladder can result in a very serious injury or possibly even death.  Here are the 10 most common causes of ladder accidents and simple solutions to prevent such accidents from happening:

1.     Failure to secure a straight ladder.  Always secure a straight ladder at the top so that it won’t be able to move in ANY direction.  Also ensure that the bottom of the ladder is equipped with the proper slip resistant feet.

2. Standing on the top 2 steps of a stepladder.  If employees are standing on the top 2 steps of a stepladder, a taller stepladder should be used.  Supply the appropriate sized ladders for the job.
3. Over-reaching while working from a ladder.  Employees working from a ladder should not over reach or lean too far while working from a ladder but rather reposition the ladder.  Employees should keep their belt buckle between the side rails of the ladders.  (see #9 regarding repositioning ladders)
4. Carrying items up or down a ladder.  Employees should always maintain 3 points of contact when climbing up or down ladders -- 2 hands- 1 foot, 1 hand – 2 feet.  Using a rope to lift hoist items instead of carrying them. 
5. Metal ladders coming into contact with overhead electrical lines.  Metal ladders need to be kept a minimum of 10ft. from energized overhead lines that are rated 50kV or less.  Add 4” for every 10kV above 50kV.  Unless your 100% certain the voltage of the lines, a rule of thumb would be to maintain a minimum of 20ft clearances.
6. Access ladders not extended to proper height.  All access ladders need to be set up so that the ladder extends a minimum 3ft above the landing area.  This allows for a handhold getting on or off the ladder.  Again, supply the appropriate sized ladder for the job.
7. Setting up a ladder at an improper pitch.  Straight ladders need to be placed at a 4-1 pitch.  For every 4ft up a ladder goes, the bottom of the ladder needs to come out 1ft. from the base.  So if a ladder is set up 20ft, the bottom of the ladder should be 5ft. out from the base.
8. Using damaged or defective ladders.  Any damaged or defective ladders should be tagged and removed from service immediately.  If a ladder will be disposed of, be certain that it is cut up so that other employees or another trade can’t use it.
9. Repositioning ladders while still on them.  Employees should not “jump” a ladder to reposition it but rather climb down and reposition it.

10.  Working from a closed stepladder that is leaned against a surface.  Stepladders should only be used in the full open position and ensure that the spreader bars are locked into position.  A leaned stepladder can slip out from under you.

  This information is provided by: Assurance Agency

Incident Prevention-On the Job Tool Box Safety Talks

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Generally speaking, we are not born  with common sense, we acquire  it throughout life. Actually, common sense is really common experience--we learn about life from others' experiences as well as our own. Awareness of your environment, self-preservation and concern for your fellow workers are all factors in good common sense. Contrary to popular opinion, all workers can prevent themselves from getting hurt. The easy way to avoid pain is to observe how others have taken risks and been injured, rather than learning the hard way--from your own injury. That's common sense!

The experts say at least 80% of industrial accidents are caused by unsafe acts on the part of employees--and not by unsafe conditions. Although employers are required by law to provide a safe and healthful workplace, it is up to you to be aware of your work environment and follow safe work practices. By avoiding unsafe acts and practicing common sense, your work will go smoother, with less chance for accidents. Statistically, most accidents are caused by unsafe acts, including:

Being In A Hurry - Sometimes there is more concern for completing a job quickly instead of safely. Take time to do a good job and a safe job.

Taking Chances - Daring behavior or blatant disregard for safe work practices can put the whole work team at risk. Follow all company safety rules  and watch out for your fellow employees. Horseplay is never appropriate on the job and can lead to disciplinary action.

Being Preoccupied - Daydreaming, drifting off at work, thinking about the weekend and not paying attention to your work can get you seriously hurt or even killed. Focus on the work you are paid to do. If your mind is troubled or distracted, you're at risk for an accident.

Having A Negative Attitude  -  Being angry or in a bad mood can lead to severe accidents because anger nearly always rules over caution. Flying off the handle at work is potentially dangerous. Keep your bad moods in check, or more than one person may be hurt. Remember to stay cool and in charge of your emotions.

Failing To Look For Hidden Hazards - At many jobsites, work conditions are constantly changing. Sometimes new, unexpected hazards develop. Always be alert for changes in the environment. Hidden hazards include spilled liquids that could cause slips and falls; out-of-place objects that can be tripped over; unmarked floor openings one could step into; low overhead pipes that could mean a head injury; and other workers who don't see you enter their hazardous work area.

Remember to stay alert for hazards, so you won't become one more accident statistic: You can do a quality job without rushing. Maintain a positive attitude and keep your mind on your work. This is just common sense--something smart workers use!

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency

Cold - On the Job Tool Box Talks

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When your body is unable to warm itself, serious cold-related illnesses and injuries may occur, and permanent tissue damage and death may result. Cold related illnesses can slowly overcome a person who has been chilled by low temperatures, brisk winds, or wet clothing.

Two of the most common cold related illnesses and injuries are frostbite and hypothermia. While frost bite is dangerous and can cause permanent injury, hypothermia is a medical emergency. If not handled properly, hypothermia can kill you.

Frost bite—What happens to your body?

Freezing in deep layers of skin and tissue; pale, waxy-white skin color; skin becomes hard and numb; usually affects the fingers, hands, toes, feet, ears, and nose.

Hypothermia—a medical emergency—What happens to your body?

Normal body temperature (98.6°F) drops to or below 95°F; fatigue or drowsiness; uncontrolled shivering; cool bluish skin; slurred speech; clumsy movements; irritable, irrational or confused behavior.

Things you can do to prevent difficulties from cold related illnesses and injuries

·          Recognize the weather conditions that could cause cold related illnesses and injuries.

·          Know the signs and symptoms of cold related illnesses/injuries and how to help yourself or a fellow worker.

·          Wear proper clothing for cold, wet, and windy conditions. Layer your clothing so you can adjust to changing temperatures. Wear a hat and gloves in addition to underwear that will keep water away from your skin (polypropylene).

·          Avoid exhaustion or fatigue. Energy is needed to keep your muscles warm.

·          Use the buddy system when working in cold conditions.

·          Drink warm, sweet beverages (sugar water, sports-type drinks). Avoid drinks with caffeine (coffee, tea, or hot chocolate) or alcohol. Eat warm, high-calorie foods like hot pasta dishes.

·          Take frequent short breaks in warm dry shelters to allow your body to warm up; work during the warmest part of the day.

You are at increased risk when you:

·          Have predisposing health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension.

·          Are in poor physical condition, have a poor diet, or are older.

·          Take certain medication (check with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacy and ask if any medicines you are taking affect you while working in cold environments).

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency

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