2017 OSHA Updates: Are you in compliance?

TIPS FOR MAKING DEADLINES AND AVOIDING FINES

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Register Online

Thursday, January 19, 2017
Time:Seminar: 6-8 p.m., Food and drinks will be provided.
Location: Assurance, 1750 E. Golf Road, 2nd Floor Seminar Center
Schaumburg, IL 60173
Speaker: Lauren Gizzi, Safety Supervisor, Assurance

COST
• Free for Assurance Clients or RMA Members
• $25 for RHBA Members
• $35 for Non-RHBA Members

OSHA is making major changes in 2017 that have the possibility to greatly impact the construction industry. In partnership with Assurance, the Residential Home Builders Alliance invites you to join us for an educational discussion on staying compliant during the new year. This seminar will discuss the following items that are at the forefront of the minds of many employers:

»OSHA Electronic Reporting Changes – Who needs to report, what information is needed to submit and upcoming deadlines

»OSHA’s New Anti-Retaliation Rules – Guidelines for discipline policies, incentive programs and post-accident drug testing

»OSHA’s Updated Silica Rule – New requirements and deadlines

FOR QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT:
Cathy Kirin
Residential Home Builders Alliance
p: 630-512-0552
f: 630-812-0442
e: cathyk@rcecusa.org

Air Contaminants

Overview
An air contaminant is any substance that is accidentally or unintentionally introduced into the air, having the effect of rendering the air toxic or harmful to some degree.

Who is covered?
29 CFR 1910.1000 Air contaminants protects employees from occupational exposure to air contaminants. The regulation applies to all workers who may be subjected to workplace air contaminants.

§1910.1000 lists various substances along with permissible exposure limits (PELs) for an eight-hour period. Your employer has a responsibility to notify you of potential hazards in the workplace, including air contaminants.

What must my employer do?

Your employer:
• Is responsible for controlling sources of air contamination by using engineering controls, or, if necessary, by using personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Must let you know what air contaminants are in the workplace and how you can protect yourself from them.
• Will discuss any necessary PPE with you and demonstrate proper use, cleaning, and storage of the equipment.

Must periodically test the air in the facility for the presence of air contaminants. You, or your representative, have a right to see the results of those tests.

If your employer chooses to use PPE in addition to engineering and work practice controls, the PPE must be provided free of charge

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency

Flagging Safety

A flagger is a person who provides temporary traffic control when permanent traffic controls (signs, signals, and barricades) do not provide the necessary protection for operations on highways or streets. Because flaggers are responsible for public safety and make more public contacts than any other highway worker, they should meet the following minimum qualifications:

- Sense of responsibility for safety of public and workers;
- Adequately trained in safe traffic control practices;
- Average or higher intelligence;
- Good physical condition, including sight and hearing;
- Mental alertness and ability to react in an emergency;
- Courteous but a firm manner; and
- Neat appearance.

29 CFR 1926.201 requires that flaggers conform to the signaling methods found in Part VI of either the 1988 Edition of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), with 1993 revisions (Revision 3) or the Millennium Edition of the FHWA MUTCD (Millennium Edition). This information is found in the table below:

Device - Sign Paddle
Signal - To stop traffic
Method - The flagger shall face traffic and extend the STOP sign paddle in a stationary position with the arm extended horizontally away from the body. The free arm is raised with the palm of the hand toward approaching traffic.

Device - Sign Paddle
Signal - To direct stopped traffic to proceed
Method - The flagger shall face traffic with the SLOW paddle held in a stationary position with the arm extended horizontally away from the body. The flagger motions with the free hand for traffic to proceed.

Device - Sigh Paddle
Signal - To alert or slow traffic
Method - The flagger shall face traffic with the SLOW sign paddle held in a stationary position with the arm extended horizontally away from the body.

Device - Flag
Signal - To stop traffic
Method - The flagger shall face traffic and extend the flag staff horizontally across the traffic lane in a stationary position so the full area of the flag is visible hanging below the staff. The free arm is raised with the palm of the hand toward approaching traffic.

Device - Flag
Signal - To direct stopped traffic to proceed
Method - The flagger shall stand parallel to the traffic movement and with flag and arm lowered from view of the driver, motion with the free hand for traffic to proceed. Flags shall not be used to signal traffic to proceed.

Device - Flag
Signal - To alert or slow traffic
Method - The flagger shall face traffic and slowly wave the flag in a sweeping motion of the extended arm from shoulder level to straight down without raising the arm above a horizontal position.

Employee training
Sections 1926.200-.202 do not contain training requirements. However, §1926.21 requires employers to instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to his/her work environment to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury.

This may include training flaggers in hand-signaling, warning clothing and other life-saving equipment, the flagger’s role and location, traffic patterns, heavy equipment operations, communication methods and alarms, signs, channelizing devices (i.e., cones and barricades), working next to traffic and equipment, escape routes, hazards (i.e., vehicles, equipment, carbon monoxide, asphalt fumes, extreme heat/cold, rain and fog, darkness), and being as visible as possible.

Training tips
Dress as a flagger. You may want to add white trousers or coveralls, a reflectorized hard hat, clothing for weather conditions, yellow rain gear, special equipment (i.e., radio, hard hat mounted mirror, and motion detectors), and/or the sign paddle, flag, and/or light normally used by your flaggers.
Demonstrate the hand signals and the proper use of sign paddles, flags, and lights. Have trainees practice. Obtain a copy of Part VI of the MUTCD to train employees on proper flagging. Remind them of the danger of vehicles approaching from behind and the need for a spotter, a motion detector, alarm, or hard hat mounted mirror. Demonstrate these devices. Use the jobsite as a training ground, if possible.

Where to go for more information
- 29 CFR 1926, Subpart G—Signs, signals, & barricades.
- Part VI of either the 1988 Edition of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), with 1993 revisions (Revision 3) or the Millennium Edition of the FHWA MUTCD (Millennium Edition).

This information was provided by: Assurance Agency

Medical Services and First Aid

In emergency situations, prompt, properly-administered first aid can mean the difference between life and death, rapid versus prolonged recovery, or temporary versus permanent disability. Safety comes first, but when accidents do happen, it is important to have someone who knows how to handle the situation effectively. You may be that person. In that case, knowing what to do, and not to is important. If you aren’t qualified, quickly get someone who is. Also, know where the first aid kits and emergency eyewash stations are before an incident occurs. And, understand and follow the universal precautions when dealing with blood.

The following table lays out some basic first aid information:

First Aid Basics:

Call for help
If you are not alone, have someone go for help immediately. If you are alone, immediate care is a priority. However, that immediate care may be going for help.

Analyze the situation
Don’t become a victim yourself. If you can be safe while doing it, get the victim away from any danger source such as water, fire, or downed power lines. Be sure to turn off all power sources before touching an electrocuted victim.

Don’t move the victim
If there is any chance of spine or neck injury do not move the victim unless he or she is in a life threatening situation.

Look for signs of life
Look for signs of life and give artificial respiration or CPR if necessary but only if you have been trained. Be sure help is on the way before starting CPR. Do not tilt the victims head back if you suspect a neck injury.

Control heavy bleeding
Stop the flow of blood by direct pressure, elevating the injury above the heart or pressure points. Do not use a tourniquet unless the person is in danger of bleeding to death and you’ve been trained to apply one.

Treat for shock
Signs of shock include cold, pale skin; a rapid, faint pulse; nausea; rapid breathing; and weakness. To treat for shock, keep the victim lying down; cover him/her only enough to maintain body heat; don’t move the victim unless absolutely necessary; and get medical help immediately.

Treat for choking
A person can choke to death in a few minutes. You can tell if a person is choking if he/she can’t speak, cough, or breathe. If the person is choking, use the Heimlich Maneuver.

Treat for burns
For small burns, gently soak burn in cold water or pour cold water on burn. Do not treat large burns with water unless they are chemical burns. Cover burn with a dry, sterile bandage. Provide artificial respiration as needed. Seek medical attention. Some chemicals should not be flushed with water, but neutralized by other means—see chemical label.

Treat for chemical burn in eye
Quickly flush the eyes with lots of water for at least 15 minutes (for best results, do so at an eyewash station, emergency shower, or hose). Try to force the eyes open to wash chemical out. Do not bandage eyes. Seek medical attention.

Treat for Fracture
Do not move the victim unless you absolutely have to. This is especially important if you suspect a neck or back injury. Get medical help.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency

Asbestos - Tool Box Talks

Overview
Asbestos was once a very widely used, mineral-based building material. Asbestos is found in building materials such as shingles, floor tiles, cement pipes, roofing felts, insulation, ceiling tiles, fire-resistant drywall, and acoustical products.

How can it hurt me?
Asbestos enters the body when you breathe in the fibers, or when fibers are inhaled while smoking. Asbestos can also be ingested by eating food in areas containing asbestos fibers. Once asbestos has embedded itself into your body, it cannot be removed. Symptoms of asbestos exposure include the following:
-Acute (short term): Shortness of breath, chest or abdominal pain, or irritation of the skin and mucous membranes.
-Chronic (long term): Breathing difficulty, dry cough, broadening and thickening of the ends of the fingers, bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes, asbestosis, lung cancer and/or mesothelioma.
-Smoking is known to make asbestos-related symptoms worse.

What must I do?
You are required to:
-follow company rules when working in asbestos exposure areas.
-use any personal protective equipment which the company offers.
-follow all rules regarding hygiene before taking breaks or after your work shift.
-follow all company rules on where to change clothes before and after work.
-know what to do with PPE following completion of the job or work shift.
-understand how to clean, test, use, and maintain your PPE.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency

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Scaffolding Safety

The following information is being provided to serve as a guideline for the use of job-made scaffolding. (This information is not intended to serve as a full description of related O.S.H.A. Standards.)

HEIGHTS:
1. All platforms over 10 feet must be railed with a standard guardrail system on all exposed sides.
2. Standard guardrail dimensions = 42" toprail, 22" midrail, vertical support each 8' horizontal. (Must be able to support 200lbs. of force in any direction.

SUPPORTS:
1. All supports must be fully self-supported or secured to the structure. (Lean-to or leaning types are not acceptable.)
2. Supports must be secured to the planks that they are supporting. Vertical sheer blocks should be installed under all supports for additional strength.
3. Only ladders designed for scaffolding support shall be used for this purpose ie: ladder jacks. (Stepladders are not suitable for this use.)
4. All supports require adequate vertical and horizontal bracing to prevent twisting or other failure.
5. Mud sills should be used under supports. (Recommended size = 2"x12"x12" )

PLANKING:
1. Wood planks must be 2x material minimum and supported each 8' horizontally minimum. Planks must be free of knots or splits.
2. All planking must be 12" minimum width. Use double wide planking when possible.
3. Ends of all planking must be secured to the supports or overlap 6-12".
4. All planking must be secured from movement in any direction.

This information is provided by Assurance Agency.
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Stairway Safety for Construction

Stairways, like ladders, are a source of accidents at construction sites. They are also a source for numerous OSHA citations.

 In September 2003, the following stairway violations were in the top 75 OSHA rules to receive citations:
- Stairways with four or more risers or rising more than 30", whichever is less, must have at least one handrail and one stairrail system along each unprotected side or edge.
- A stairway or ladder must be provided at all employee access points where there is a break in elevation of 19" or more, and no ramp, runway, sloped embankment, or personnel hoist is provided.
- Your employer must provide a training program, as necessary, for stairway use. The program must enable you to recognize hazards related to stairways, and must train you in the procedures to be followed to minimize these hazards.
- Unprotected sides and edges of stairway landings must be provided with guardrails.

OSHA has many rules that address design, stairrails, handrails, and maintenance. The following examples (of the many rules for stairways) point out some of these areas.

General
- Temporary stairways must have landings of not less than 30" in the direction of travel, and extend at least 22" wide at every 12' or less of vertical rise.
- Where doors or gates open directly on a stairway, a platform must be provided. The door swing must leave 20" of effective width.
- Proper housekeeping procedures eliminate stairway slip, trip, and fall hazards. Keep stairs free from debris and clutter.

Good lighting will help avoid stairway hazards. Like any other walking/working surface, it is difficult to avoid what you cannot see.

Stairrails and handrails
- Stairrails must not be less than 36 inches high from the tread to the top of the stairrail.
- Handrails must be between 30 and 37 inches high measured from the tread surface.
- Handrails must provide an adequate handhold to avoid falling. If the handrails are not permanent, there must be at least a three inch clearance between the handrail and wall.

Temporary stairs have their own issues
- Treads for temporary service must be made of wood or other solid material, and must be installed the full width and depth of the stair.

This information provided by: Assurance Agency

Training Personnel

Poor worker knowledge, due to lack of training or ineffective training, is a major cause of work zone accidents. For this reason, OSHA requires personnel to be trained before they can work in the work zone.
Work zone orientation

All personnel, regardless of occupation, must be oriented to each work zone’s hazards and how to avoid them.

This includes personnel visiting the worksite.

For construction workers, NOISH suggests more in-depth training on topics such as:
+ Recognizing, eliminating, or avoiding hazards involving equipment;
+ Knowing the locations and sizes of blind spots around equipment;
+ Knowing the hazards and protective measures associated with working at night; and
+ Understanding communication methods and alarms.

Equipment operator training:
OSHA regulations require equipment operators to be fully trained on the machines they will operate. Training should include instruction on:
+ How to avoid rollovers;
+ Information on the clearances that must be maintained between vehicles, and hazards such as unstable surfaces, trenches, excavations, and overhead utility lines; and
+ Instruction on the location, size, and configurations of blind spots and what can be done to minimize their potential for contributing to accidents.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency

Respond Safely to Emergency Releases

Who Is Covered?

The Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) standard, 29 CFR 1910.120, training requirements covers individuals who respond to emergencies. For example, first responders, hazardous materials technicians, hazardous materials specialists, fire department or law enforcement personnel are all individuals who may respond to emergency response situations. In addition, there may be employees at your facility who are responsible for responding to emergencies.

Recognizing a Hazardous Substance Release:

Listed below are some examples of hazardous substance release situations which could occur at your facility:
- A hazardous substance release requires evacuation of employees in the area.
- The response comes from outside the immediate release area.
- The release poses, or has the potential to pose, conditions that are immediately dangerous to life and health.
- The release poses a serious threat of fire or explosion.
- The release requires immediate attention because of imminent danger.
- There is uncertainty that the personnel in the work area can handle the severity of the hazard with the personal protective equipment (PPE) provided.
- The situation is unclear, or data is lacking on important factors.

Emergency responders must be able to recognize a hazardous substance release. In addition, they should demonstrate a competency in:
- Analyzing an incident to determine the hazardous substances that may be present.
- Having hands-on experience with relevant sources of information that addresses hazardous substance releases.
- Developing procedures for implementing continuing response actions consistent with the local emergency response plan, the organization’s standard operating procedures, and the Department of Transportation’s Emergency Response guide.
- Understanding the potential hazards of a hazardous release site, including fires and explosions, confined space hazards, electrical hazards, powered equipment hazards, motor vehicle hazards, and walking/working surface hazards.

Hazards Involved
Emergency responders may encounter, and possibly be exposed to, several health and safety hazards including:
- Chemical exposure.
- Fire and explosion.
- Oxygen deficient atmospheres.
- Ionizing radiation.
- Biological hazards.
- Safety hazards.
- Electrical hazards.
- Heat stress.
- Cold exposure.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency

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How to market and stage your home for sale and make it profitable for you.

Wednesday, November 9, 2016 - 6 - 8 p.m. OHi Showroom
106 Garlisch Drive, Elk Grove Village

This program will benefit home builders and home sellers.

Steven Weirich; a licensed agent with @properties, author and founder of the weekly podcast Arlington-Prospect Advice Givers and designer Theresa Lobraco, owner of Amazing Changes,specializing in staging, painting, re-modeling, interior design and home and office organization. This duo will share their secrets to success in marketing and staging your homes for sale. This presentation is ideal for home builders and real estate agent.

Member $40 / Non Member $50
Buffet dinner, beer, wine and soft drinks included.
Download the Flyer
Register and Pay Online
There is a $2 surcharge for online credit cards.

HR & Payroll Issues for Small Business

November 10, 2016, 8 am to 10 am
Moy Insurance Agency
2340 S. River Road, Room L-11, DesPlaines

RHBA/RCEC is pleased to have Jason Eisenhut, Vice President of Human Resources and Dylan Friedman, Account Executive with Employco USA present this free program.

Download the Flyer for more information.

To register email cathyk@rcecusa.org or call 630-512-0552

Respiratory Protection - Tool Box Talks

OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard was effective April 8, 1998.

It is estimated that the new rule will prevent more than 4,000 injuries and illnesses annually. With the new rule, in addition to saving lives and preventing injuries and illnesses, employers will realize up to $94 million a year in savings on injury and illness-related costs. The new standard reflects current respirator technology and better ways to ensure they fit.

The revised standard requires:
- A written plan with worksite-specific procedures to tailor your employers program to each worksite.
- A hazard evaluation to characterize respiratory hazards and conditions of work to assist employers in selecting appropriate respirators.
- A medical evaluation to determine ability of workers to wear the respirator selected.
- Fit testing of tight-fitting respirators to reduce faceseal leakage and ensure that the respirators provide adequate protection.
- A training program to ensure that your employees use respirators safely.
- A periodic program evaluation to ensure that respirator use continues to be effective.

Why use respirators?
- Respirators protect you against hazardous atmospheres containing:
- Particulates/dusts (silica).
- Vapors and gases (carbon monoxide).
- Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) atmospheres (oxygen deficiency).
- Physical agents (radioactive particles).
- Biological agents (mold spores).

When are respirators required?
Exposure to any material or substance at a concentration above the permissible exposure limit (PEL) specified in Appendix A to 1926.55 must be avoided. Compliance must be achieved by using administrative (i.e., employee shift changes) or engineering (i.e., ventilation) controls first. When these controls are not feasible to achieve full compliance, protective equipment must be used to keep the exposure within the PELs prescribed.

Whenever respirators are used, their use must comply with 1926.103—Respiratory protection. Various airborne contaminants in Appendix A of 1926.55 do not list PELs but instead send you to another portion of the construction regulations. These contaminants are called OSHA specific contaminants. Examples are: Asbestos (1926.1101), alpha-Naphthylamine (1926.1104), and lead (1926.62). There are approximately 27 of these substances. These OSHA specific contaminants have their own PELs and specific requirements. When you are required to use respirators, then all requirements of 29 CFR 1910.134 apply.


This information is provided by: Assurance Agency

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Violence in the workplace - tool box talks

Overview
Violence in the workplace is a growing threat for businesses of all sizes and all over.
What constitutes violence at work?

Common acts of violence in the workplace can include:
• insubordination
• verbal bullying
• threats
• harassment
• sexual assault and rape
• theft
• make fists and beatings
• stabbings and shooting
• suicides
• vandalism and arson
• kidnapping or hostage-taking

What should I do?
Violence in the workplace affects not only the victims, but coworkers and the company also. It is important that employees cooperate with the company to limit or eliminate the violence at work through controls of the methods of work.

What should my employer do?
Your employer will review the plan of the company for the prevention of violence at work and controls the working methods.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency 

Feel Good About Ergonomics

Every year, thousands of American workers are disabled by musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Jobs that expose workers to excessive repetitive motion, force, awkward postures, contact stress, or vibration are a major cause of this problem.

Ergonomics concentrates on making the job fit the employee, rather than forcing the employee to fit the job. It involves accommodating workers through design of tasks, work schedules, work stations, controls, tools, and equipment. In addition, it involves engineering and designing equipment that reduces a job’s MSD risk.

How Ergonomics Affects You
Every day, your body is subject to tasks which could cause it harm. Some types of tasks or work conditions which may affect you include:

• Regular repetitive tasks.
  Forceful exertions.
  Inappropriate tools.
  Vibrations from power tools.
  Poor body mechanics.
  Restrictive work stations.
  Awkward postures.
  Lifting heavy or awkward objects.

Exposure Effects
Being exposed to ergonomic hazards can cause a variety of disorders and illnesses.
MSDs are injuries and disorders of the muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage, and spinal discs. Examples of MSDs include:

• Tendinitis.
  Tenosynovitis.
  De Quervain’s disease.
  Trigger finger.
  Raynaud’s syndrome.
  Carpal tunnel syndrome.
  Tarsal tunnel syndrome.
  Carpet layers knee.
  Rotator cuff syndrome.
  Epicondylitis.
  Sciatica.
  Herniated spinal disc.
  Low back pain.

The symptoms of MSDs can include a dull aching sensation, discomfort with specific movements, tenderness to the touch, a burning sensation, pain, tingling, cramping, or stiffness. Symptoms often appear gradually and may disappear during rest. Symptoms usually become more severe as exposure continues (for example, tingling continues after work ends, numbness makes it difficult to perform the job, and finally, pain becomes is so severe that the employee can no longer perform the job).

Back disorders can result from heavy, awkward, overexerted lifting, and by twisting, reaching, bending, and remaining in one position for an extended period of time.

This information provided by: Assurance Agency

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Working In Confined Spaces

• A "confined space" may be generally defined as any area which has limited means of egress and is subject to oxygen deficient atmosphere or to the accumulation of toxic or flammable gases or vapors. Examples of these are:
Tanks, Vats, Boilers, Bins, Hoppers, Process, Vessels, Sewers, Pits, Vaults, Silos

• Working in any confined space is a potential killer. The hazards are lack of oxygen and a variety of gases/vapors which may replace the oxygen and/or accumulate to toxic or explosive levels.

• A normal atmosphere contains approximately 20% oxygen. Any atmosphere containing less than 19.5 % oxygen is considered to be oxygen deficient. Air containing 16 % or less oxygen is lethal. An oxygen deficient atmosphere may be produced by consumption of oxygen without replacement or displacement of oxygen by another gas.

• The following safety precautions should be taken to avoid death or serious injury when working in confined spaces:

- Don't enter any confined space without knowing what is in it, what was in it and what precautions should be taken.

- If possible, purge the involved space with steam, water, compressed air or fresh air using exhaust and blowing devices. Retest the atmosphere after purging.

- Have competent people test the atmosphere with gas detection equipment to determine if there are any toxic gases and if there is sufficient oxygen to support life.

- Close and lock-out any supply lines, chutes, pipes, etc., to confined space in which work is being done. Continue to monitor the atmosphere in a confined space even if it was "safe" when work began.

- Remove any remaining sludge or other deposits. This must be done carefully since some caustic cleaning solvents can react violently with some residues.

- Where an explosive or flammable atmosphere is present, avoid all possible sources of ignition and use extreme care in purging the contaminated space.

- If purging is impossible or impractical:
          1 Inform employees of the hazards, what they can expect and what they must do.
          2 Provide sufficient general ventilation to guarantee fresh air.
          3 Provide an approved air-supplied respirator and safety harness with a life line if there is a possibility of the atmosphere becoming hazardous.
          4 Don't contaminate your own air. Avoid use of toxic solvents, leaky acetylene hoses, carbon tetrachloride and other similar lethal materials.

This information is provided by Assurance Agency

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Powered Tools

Overview
Tools are such a common part of our everyday lives that it is difficult to remember that they may pose hazards. All tools are manufactured with safety in mind, but sometimes a serious accident often occurs before steps can be taken to avoid or eliminate tool-related hazards.

How can I protect myself?
Choose tools made from good quality, durable materials. Metal tools must be able to resist bending, cracking, chipping or excessive wear.
Wear the appropriate PPE. Wear eye protection if there is a chance that chips, sparks, or debris could get into your eyes.
Wear gloves to protect your hands from cuts from sharp tools or material edges.
Wear proper foot protection when using heavy tools.

Tool Inspection
Inspect tools before and after each use. Damage or wear to look for includes:
• Cracked or loose handles.
• Dull, rounded, or chipped cutting surfaces.
• Damage to gripping surfaces.

What safety rules should I follow?
• Prevent hazards from tools by following these rules.
• Keep tools in good condition with regular maintenance.
• Use the right tool for the job.
• Examine each tool for damage before and after using.
• Use the tool the way it is designed to be used.
• Use the correct PPE as provided.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agnecy

Slips/Trips/Falls - Overview

Slips can be caused by wet surfaces, spills, or weather hazards like ice or snow. Slips are more likely to occur when you hurry or run, wear the wrong kind of shoes, or don’t pay attention to where you’re walking.

You can help avoid slips by following these safety precautions:
• Practice safe walking skills. Take short steps on slippery surfaces to keep your center of balance under you, and point your feet slightly outward.
• Clean up or report spills right away. Even minor spills can be very dangerous.
• Don’t let grease accumulate at your work place.
• Be extra cautious on smooth surfaces such as newly waxed floors. Also be careful walking on loose carpeting.

Trips
Trips occur whenever your foot hits an object and you are moving with enough momentum to be thrown off balance. You can help avoid trips when you:
• Make sure you can see where you are walking. Don’t carry loads that you cannot see over.
• Keep walking and working areas well lit, especially at night.
• Keep the workplace clean and tidy. Store materials and supplies in the appropriate storage areas.
• Arrange furniture and office equipment so that it doesn’t interfere with walkways or pedestrian traffic in your area.
• Properly maintain walking areas, and alert appropriate authorities regarding potential maintenance related hazards.

Falls
To avoid falls consider the following measures:
• Don’t jump off landings or loading docks. Use the stairs.
• Repair or replace stairs or handrails that are loose or broken.
• Keep passageways and aisles clear of clutter and well lit.
• Wear shoes with appropriate non-slip soles.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency

Annual Economic Conference

September 22, 2016
Maggiano's Oakbrook
240 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook
Registration 7:30 am
Program 8:30 am 




Speakers: William Strauss, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
Lance Romella, John Burns Real Estate Consulting  



Download the Flyer and mail in registration
Register and pay Online for this event
View the video from 2015

Members $40
Non members $50
There is a $2 service charge for online payments   

Behavior- Based Safety - Tool Box Safety Talks

Overview
There are many different views of behavior-based safety. Some consultants’ concepts are based on research; some are based on common sense. Some say behavior-based safety is all you need; others say it’s only part of the safety effort needed. Some say reinforcement is the answer; others say there are not enough opportunities for reinforcement in the workplace.
But, however your organization looks at it, behavior-based safety is the process of focusing on behavior to prevent/reduce occupational injuries.

Why should your company use behavior-based safety?
• Statistics reveal that 80% to 95% of incidents are caused by at-risk behavior.
• The frequency of injuries can be reduced.
• The entire workforce can participate in the process.
• Safety teams make safety improvements.
• Behavior-based safety requires progressive and proactive thinking.
• When added to a safety program already attempting to comply with regulations, behavior-based safety shows "good faith."

Key elements of behavior-based safety
• Employee/management involvement.
• Identification of safe and at-risk behavior.
• Observation.
• Feedback.
• Intervention (instructional, motivational, or supportive).

What must I do?
• As an employee who is concerned with safety, you can participate in the company safety program. Follow the work rules and processes that the company develops.
• Use all supplied personal protective equipment.
• Cooperate with the safety manager, superintendent or safety committee if they observe you at your workplace, or if they request information from you on how you work.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency
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Recognizing Medical Conditions - Tool Box Talks

Medical emergencies are a workplace reality. Not every supervisor needs to know first aid and CPR, but supervisors should know who in the building is trained to handle emergencies and what they can do in the meantime. Here are some common medical emergencies and some helpful responses:

Choking
First, ask if the person needs help. If he says no, you may only make matters worse if you interfere. If he nods yes—or motions for help— use the Heimlich maneuver. Call for help if the situation doesn’t clear immediately.

Allergy Attacks
Allergy attacks are more likely to happen when a person is around paint, chemical vapors or insects (bees). Symptoms include itching, hives, swelling of the eyes or mouth and difficulty breathing. Have the person sit down in an area with clear air. If he or she is having trouble breathing or goes into shock, call for help immediately.

Heart Attacks
Symptoms include chest pain, shoulder pain, nausea, fatigue and/or sweating. Call for emergency help immediately. Have someone start CPR if necessary.

Diabetic Complications
Symptoms include extreme thirst, lethargy, weakness, mental confusion or coma. Call for help immediately. If the person is conscious, give him or her fruit juice or hard candy.

Seizure Disorders
During minor seizures (petit mal) the person loses awareness, stares and twitches. Once the episode is over, encourage the person to go to the hospital or see a doctor. During a severe seizure (grand mal) the person may lose consciousness, become very stiff and then twitch and jerk. Do not try to hold the person down or keep him still. Clear the immediate area to help prevent injury. Call for help immediately.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency

Lightning Safety

The U.S. lightning season is summer but lightning can strike year round! The July is historically one of the most deadly times of the year for lightning. Thunderstorms and lightning are most likely to develop on hot, humid days. Thunderstorms and lightning can be very dangerous, especially if a person is outdoors without proper protection. If lightning is seen or heard, take protective action immediately. Each year, about 400 children and adults in the U.S. are struck by lightning About 80 people are killed and several hundred more are left to cope with permanent disabilities. Many of these tragedies can be avoided. Completing a work shift isn’t worth death or crippling injury. 

Facts

All thunderstorms produce lightning and are dangerous   - Lightning kills more people each year than tornadoes.

Lightning often strikes as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall. - Many deaths from lightning occur ahead of the storm because people try and wait to the last minute before seeking shelter. 

You are in danger from lightning if you can hear thunder - If you can hear thunder, lightning is close enough that it could strike your location at any moment. 

Lightning injuries can lead to permanent disabilities or death - On average, 20% of strike victims die; 70% of survivors suffer serious long term effects. 

Look for dark cloud bases and increasing wind - Every flash of lightning is dangerous, even the first. Head to safety before that first flash. If you hear thunder, head to safety! 

Safety Tips 
 
1. Postpone activities promptly. Don't wait for rain. Many people take shelter from the rain, but most people struck by lightning are not in the rain! Go quickly inside a completely enclosed house.  If no enclosed house is convenient, get inside a hard-topped vehicle. 

2. Be the lowest point. Lightning hits the tallest object. Don't be the second tallest object during a lightning storm! Crouch down if you are in an exposed area.   Roof sheeting, and ladder work should be suspended when lightning is seen or thunder is heard.  

3. Keep an eye on the sky.  Look for darkening skies, flashes of lightning, or increasing wind, which may be signs of an approaching thunderstorm. 

4. Listen for the sound of thunder. If you can hear thunder, go to a safe shelter immediately. 

5. Avoid leaning against vehicles. Get inside the vehicle or inside a building 

6. Avoid metal! Don’t carry metal ladders.

7. Wait 30 minutes.  Do not return to the outdoors until 30 minutes have past after last lightning. 

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency

Residential Home Builders Alliance Next Meeting

Wednesday, August 24, 2016
5 - 8 pm
The Lucky Monk
105 Hollywood Blvd., South Barrington
(I-90, exit Barrington Rd. North, on left)

Download the Flyer

A small group of long time building industry professionals have listened and we are responding to our peers with the intention of forming a new Association.

We love our industry and intend to provide value to our members that has been lacking in recent years.

We do not want to compete with other associations, just to keep it simple and provide something different without excessive fees and politics.

Register and Pay Online

$25 per person - includes dinner, cash bar.

RSVP to (630) 512-0552 or by e-mail to cathyk@rcecusa.org 

Cathy Kirin - RHBA
1333 Burr Ridge Parkway, Suite 200, Burr Ridge, IL 60527,  Voice 630.512.0552, Fax 630-812-0442