IMPROVING WORKPLACE PROTECTION FOR NEW WORKERS
(NEW WORKER = HIGH RISK!)
If you are new at your job, your risk of injury is much greater than for more experienced co-workers. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has reported that 40% of workers injured have been on the job less than one year.
Why are new workers more likely to be hurt? BLS studies show that employees injured at work often lack one vital tool to protect themselves: information. Take a look at the following data gathered by BLS in various surveys:
• of 724 workers hurt while using scaffolds, 27% said they received no information on safety requirements for installing the kind of scaffold on which they were injured.
• of 868 workers who suffered head injuries, 71% said they had no instruction concerning hard hats.
• of 554 workers hurt while servicing equipment, 61% said they were not informed about lockout procedures.
In nearly every type of injury BLS researchers have studied, the same story is repeated over and over. Workers often do not receive the safety information they need--even on jobs involving dangerous equipment where training is clearly essential. In one BLS study of workers injured while operating power saws, nearly one of every five said no safety training on the equipment had been provided.
WHAT WORKERS CAN DO
• Be sure you understand all necessary safety measures before you start to work. If the explanation is unclear, ask again.
• Use what you learn -- all the time.
• If personal protective equipment is required, wear them consistently and maintain them properly. If guards are required on equipment make sure they are in place.
• Don't take short-cuts; follow safety and health instructions to the letter.
• Follow the hazard warnings on chemicals you use. Obtain further information from the material safety data sheet on hazardous chemicals.
• Ask your employer about emergency procedures and be prepared to follow them in the event of chemical spill or fire.
WHAT EMPLOYERS CAN DO
• Make safety training an essential part of plant routine. OSHA standards require safety training for workers in many types of hazardous work. A comprehensive safety training program will assure compliance and can also pay off in reduced absenteeism, lower compensation costs, and increased efficiency.
This information is provided by: Assurance Agency
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Monday, March 21, 2016
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Equipment and Systems, on the job tool box talks
Download the full article
Before you begin work on a project that requires fall protection (whenever you are working six feet or more above a lower level), your employer must provide all required fall protection equipment, and install all required fall and falling object protection systems.
The equipment and systems must comply with the OSHA fall protection rules at 29 CFR 1926.502.
The three most common methods of providing fall protection are guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems. These are referred to as primary systems.
Guardrails
Guardrails are barriers put up to prevent falls to a lower level. They can be used to protect you from falls: from unprotected sides and edges; during leading edge work; through holes—including skylights; from ramps, runways, or other walkways; and into or onto dangerous equipment.
Safety nets
Safety nets are used as protection at unprotected sides, leading edges, working on the face of formwork or reinforcing steel, overhead or below surface bricklaying, work on roofs, precast concrete work, residential construction, and wall openings.
Personal fall arrest equipment
Body belts are not acceptable as part of a personal fall arrest system. Body belts are o.k. when used as positioning devices.
Only locking type snaphooks can be used.
Personal fall arrest equipment protects you from falling when working around unprotected sides and edges, leading edge work, in hoist areas when loading or unloading materials, form and reinforcing steel work, overhead or below surface bricklaying, work on low-sloped or steep roofs, precast concrete work, residential construction, and wall openings.
Other fall protection systems
The fall protection rule lists other systems and equipment you can use in certain situations. Some of them are safety monitoring systems, warning lines, and positioning devices.
In order to use any of the systems and equipment described above, you must be trained to do so by your company “competent person.” That person must be qualified to teach you those systems and equipment you will be using.
This information is provided by: Assurance Agency
Before you begin work on a project that requires fall protection (whenever you are working six feet or more above a lower level), your employer must provide all required fall protection equipment, and install all required fall and falling object protection systems.
The equipment and systems must comply with the OSHA fall protection rules at 29 CFR 1926.502.
The three most common methods of providing fall protection are guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems. These are referred to as primary systems.
Guardrails
Guardrails are barriers put up to prevent falls to a lower level. They can be used to protect you from falls: from unprotected sides and edges; during leading edge work; through holes—including skylights; from ramps, runways, or other walkways; and into or onto dangerous equipment.
Safety nets
Safety nets are used as protection at unprotected sides, leading edges, working on the face of formwork or reinforcing steel, overhead or below surface bricklaying, work on roofs, precast concrete work, residential construction, and wall openings.
Personal fall arrest equipment
Body belts are not acceptable as part of a personal fall arrest system. Body belts are o.k. when used as positioning devices.
Only locking type snaphooks can be used.
Personal fall arrest equipment protects you from falling when working around unprotected sides and edges, leading edge work, in hoist areas when loading or unloading materials, form and reinforcing steel work, overhead or below surface bricklaying, work on low-sloped or steep roofs, precast concrete work, residential construction, and wall openings.
Other fall protection systems
The fall protection rule lists other systems and equipment you can use in certain situations. Some of them are safety monitoring systems, warning lines, and positioning devices.
In order to use any of the systems and equipment described above, you must be trained to do so by your company “competent person.” That person must be qualified to teach you those systems and equipment you will be using.
This information is provided by: Assurance Agency
Friday, March 11, 2016
OSHA Fatal Facts
Fatal Facts describe cases that are representative of employers who failed to identify and correct hazardous working conditions leading to fatalities at their worksites. The documents offer ideas on how to correct these hazards and educate workers about safe work practices.
Fatal Facts are not an OSHA standard or regulation and they create no new legal obligations. The recommendations contained herein are advisory in nature and are intended to assist employers in providing safe and healthful workplaces.
https://www.osha.gov/Publications/fatalfacts.html
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Fatal Facts are not an OSHA standard or regulation and they create no new legal obligations. The recommendations contained herein are advisory in nature and are intended to assist employers in providing safe and healthful workplaces.
https://www.osha.gov/Publications/fatalfacts.html
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Sunday, March 6, 2016
5 Keys to Safe Driving - Tool Box Talks
Download the full article
Key #1 - Aim High Steering
· Keep 12 – 15 seconds of eye lead-time H.E.L.T. (Habitual Eye Lead Time)
· Look far down the road, where the road disappears.
· Know your field of vision.
* Peripheral Vision (Fringe Vision) – 98% or 177 degrees of our vision.
* Central Vision (Core Vision) – 2% or 3 degrees of our vision.
Key #2 - Get the Big Picture
Be Aware of all objects and obstacles:
· 1 - 2 city blocks ahead.
· ½ mile on highways, expressways & country roads.
· Sidewalk to Sidewalk.
· All of the area around your vehicle.
Key #3 - Keep Your Eyes Moving
· Check mirrors every 5 – 8 seconds.
· Scan your eyes every 2 seconds.
· Never stare at an object for more than 2 seconds.
* Eliminate Eye Holding Problems.
- Adjust Speed: Speed up or slow down
- Change Lanes.
- Adjust Radio: Turn on music, turn up music, turn down music, and change station…
- Roll down window, turn up air conditioner, and turn off heater.
- Sing or talk to yourself or others.
- Pull over, take a break or get rest.
Key #4 - Leave Yourself an Out
· Leave a 1 car-length space cushion at stop signs and intersections.
· Keep at least a 2 seconds following distance in front of your vehicle. (Preferably 4 seconds whenever possible).
· Keep at least a 3 seconds following distance during adverse weather.
· Eliminate Tailgaters:
* Adjust Speed: Speed up or slow down.
* Change Lanes.
* Allow them to pass: Pull over to the side of the road or turn off on to another road.
* Signal a warning:
- Turn on / Turn off Headlights.
- Use turn indicators
Key #5 - Make Sure They See You
· Make Eye Contact.
· Honk Horn (Twice).
· Turn on / Turn off Headlights.
· Brake Tap.
· Use turn signals.
This information is provided by: Assurance Agency
###
Key #1 - Aim High Steering
· Keep 12 – 15 seconds of eye lead-time H.E.L.T. (Habitual Eye Lead Time)
· Look far down the road, where the road disappears.
· Know your field of vision.
* Peripheral Vision (Fringe Vision) – 98% or 177 degrees of our vision.
* Central Vision (Core Vision) – 2% or 3 degrees of our vision.
Key #2 - Get the Big Picture
Be Aware of all objects and obstacles:
· 1 - 2 city blocks ahead.
· ½ mile on highways, expressways & country roads.
· Sidewalk to Sidewalk.
· All of the area around your vehicle.
Key #3 - Keep Your Eyes Moving
· Check mirrors every 5 – 8 seconds.
· Scan your eyes every 2 seconds.
· Never stare at an object for more than 2 seconds.
* Eliminate Eye Holding Problems.
- Adjust Speed: Speed up or slow down
- Change Lanes.
- Adjust Radio: Turn on music, turn up music, turn down music, and change station…
- Roll down window, turn up air conditioner, and turn off heater.
- Sing or talk to yourself or others.
- Pull over, take a break or get rest.
Key #4 - Leave Yourself an Out
· Leave a 1 car-length space cushion at stop signs and intersections.
· Keep at least a 2 seconds following distance in front of your vehicle. (Preferably 4 seconds whenever possible).
· Keep at least a 3 seconds following distance during adverse weather.
· Eliminate Tailgaters:
* Adjust Speed: Speed up or slow down.
* Change Lanes.
* Allow them to pass: Pull over to the side of the road or turn off on to another road.
* Signal a warning:
- Turn on / Turn off Headlights.
- Use turn indicators
Key #5 - Make Sure They See You
· Make Eye Contact.
· Honk Horn (Twice).
· Turn on / Turn off Headlights.
· Brake Tap.
· Use turn signals.
This information is provided by: Assurance Agency
###
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Fire Protection & Prevention
Download the full article
Fire threatens the construction work site, and you, the construction worker. Fire can destroy materials, structures, and even life. Protect yourself and the job site from the danger of fire.
How To Avoid Starting Fires
The best way to deal with fire is to avoid starting a fire in the first place. The following pointers will help you do just that:
1. Help keep the jobsite neat and clean, avoiding the accumulation of debris, dust, rags, or other materials that could start or feed a fire.
2. If working with gasoline or other flammable types of substances, use extra caution and be aware of proper work procedures with
these substances.
3. If working with electricity on the job site, be careful and make sure it is wired correctly.
4. Use electrically-powered tools only in approved areas away from flammables or combustibles.
5. Know the location of and how to use extinguishers and other fire-fighting equipment and supplies on the job site.
6. Don’t smoke anywhere on the job site where it could constitute a fire hazard.
What To Do In Case Of Fire
Even if you are safe, you may eventually find yourself in a fire situation on the job site. The following points are suggested responses and steps to take in the event of a fire:
1. Be aware of smoke and noxious fumes, and avoid them in the following ways. Fumes can enter the lungs and leave a person unconscious and at the mercy of flames. All fires consume oxygen to burn. Most victims of a fire suffocate from lack of oxygen. They are unconscious or dead before flames consume them. Do the following: Inside a building that is in flames, shut all doors within your reach. Outside, get away from the direction of the flames and smoke to avoid inhaling smoke and fumes.
2. Avoid panic. Although fire is a panic situation, when one panics, dangerous mistakes can be made. Stay calm, assess the extent of the blaze, call the fire department, and acts quickly to contain or extinguish the blaze.
3. Take the proper steps as quickly as possible. Time is of the essence in fire fighting. The smaller the fire, the easier it is to extinguish. Be prepared to respond quickly: Know your company’s emergency procedures, the location of fire alarms and extinguishers and how to use them, and your nearest fire exit and proceed to it in an orderly fashion.
4. Use a shield. In any fire situation inside a building, anything you can use-any type of shield, heavy blankets or tarps-will help you get out of the building with less risk of injury. A wet cloth or handkerchief over your nose will help cut down the smoke intake.
This information is provided by: Assurance Agency
Fire threatens the construction work site, and you, the construction worker. Fire can destroy materials, structures, and even life. Protect yourself and the job site from the danger of fire.
How To Avoid Starting Fires
The best way to deal with fire is to avoid starting a fire in the first place. The following pointers will help you do just that:
1. Help keep the jobsite neat and clean, avoiding the accumulation of debris, dust, rags, or other materials that could start or feed a fire.
2. If working with gasoline or other flammable types of substances, use extra caution and be aware of proper work procedures with
these substances.
3. If working with electricity on the job site, be careful and make sure it is wired correctly.
4. Use electrically-powered tools only in approved areas away from flammables or combustibles.
5. Know the location of and how to use extinguishers and other fire-fighting equipment and supplies on the job site.
6. Don’t smoke anywhere on the job site where it could constitute a fire hazard.
What To Do In Case Of Fire
Even if you are safe, you may eventually find yourself in a fire situation on the job site. The following points are suggested responses and steps to take in the event of a fire:
1. Be aware of smoke and noxious fumes, and avoid them in the following ways. Fumes can enter the lungs and leave a person unconscious and at the mercy of flames. All fires consume oxygen to burn. Most victims of a fire suffocate from lack of oxygen. They are unconscious or dead before flames consume them. Do the following: Inside a building that is in flames, shut all doors within your reach. Outside, get away from the direction of the flames and smoke to avoid inhaling smoke and fumes.
2. Avoid panic. Although fire is a panic situation, when one panics, dangerous mistakes can be made. Stay calm, assess the extent of the blaze, call the fire department, and acts quickly to contain or extinguish the blaze.
3. Take the proper steps as quickly as possible. Time is of the essence in fire fighting. The smaller the fire, the easier it is to extinguish. Be prepared to respond quickly: Know your company’s emergency procedures, the location of fire alarms and extinguishers and how to use them, and your nearest fire exit and proceed to it in an orderly fashion.
4. Use a shield. In any fire situation inside a building, anything you can use-any type of shield, heavy blankets or tarps-will help you get out of the building with less risk of injury. A wet cloth or handkerchief over your nose will help cut down the smoke intake.
This information is provided by: Assurance Agency
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