Holiday Wishes

Happy Holidays and
a Safe and Prosperous New Year.

From all of us at
the RCEC.
Cathy Kirin

Hard Hats - TBT

The following information is being provided to serve as a basic guideline in the use of Hard Hats.

GENERAL
Head injuries on a construction job site may result from tools or materials being dropped upon them and striking against an object due to low head-room or projections. A serious blow to the head without hard hat projection may cause permanent brain damage or disable the person for life.

CONSTRUCTION

a. Shell
The outer shell of a hard hat are made of rigid, impact resistant, non-flammable materials such as fiberglass or thermoplastics which may sustain damage due to exposure to solvents, paints or extreme heat.

Do not store a hard hat in the rear window of an automobile.

b. Suspension System
The suspension system is comprised of the cradle, headband and sweatband. The suspension absorbs any blow which may be received and keeps the outer shell away from the skull. In addition, the suspension allows for ventilation between the head and the outer shell.

A faulty or broken suspension system will provide no or little protection to the hard hat user.

INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
a. Never use a hard hat that is visibly damaged or that you suspect is damaged.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency

Cold Stress - On the job Tool Box Talks

The following information is being provided to serve as a basic guideline in the prevention and treatment of frostbite and hypothermia.

Frostbite
The most common injury caused by exposure to cold temperatures is frostbite. Body parts most susceptible to frostbite include the nose, ears, chin, fingers and toes. Frostbite occurs when the blood flow through a body part is restricted due to extreme cold temperatures and ice crystals then begin to form in the body tissue.

Symptoms
The first symptom of frostbite is a slightly flushed skin color. The color of the skin then changes to white or grayish yellow and finally grayish blue. Pain may be felt during the early stages, however, the pain may cease in later stages. The frostbitten area will also feel very cold, numb and the outer layer of skin may feel "hard".

First Aid Treatment
Move the victim to a warm location. Place the frostbitten part into a warm water bath between 100-105 degrees. Do not use hot water. Handle the part with extreme care. Do not rub or massage the area. Avoid exposing the part to hot air or metal objects. The re-warming process may take between 30-60 minutes. Severe frostbite should be handled by medical personnel.

Hypothermia
Prolonged exposure to cold temperature may also cause the cooling of the body's inner core, more commonly known as hypothermia. This loss of body temperature can be fatal.

Symptoms
Hypothermia symptoms include shivering, dizziness, numbness, confusion, weakness, impaired judgment, impaired vision and drowsiness. Later stages of hypothermia include the loss of consciousness, decreased pulse and breathing rate, coma and possible death.
First Aid Treatment

Professional medical treatment should be obtained. Move the victim to a warm area. If available, have the victim change into a set of dry, warm clothing. If the victim is fully conscious, a warm drink may be given. Do not give the victim a caffeinated or alcohol beverage.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency

Foot Protection

Overview
What features make safety shoes different from regular “street” shoes? Basically, they are designed to protect the foot and toes in areas most likely to be injured. There are many different types and designs of protective footwear.

Types of protective footwear
A few of the different types of protective footwear include:
• safety shoes — have toe guards that meet requirements of American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z41-1991, Protective Footwear. Steel, reinforced plastic, and hard rubber are used to protect toes, depending upon their intended us.
• metatarsal guards — instep guards to protect the top of the foot from impacts. Metal guards extend over the top of the shoe, rather than just over the toes.
• conductive shoes — prevent the accumulation of static electricity that builds up in the body of the wearer.
• electrical hazard shoes — offer protection against shock hazards from contact with exposed circuits.
• puncture resistant shoes — protect against the hazards of stepping on sharp objects that can penetrate the soles.
• slip resistant shoes — have soles which provide improved traction in situations where slipping hazards exist

What must my employer do?
Your employer must train you on the need for and use of protective footwear. Training should include:
• information on when PPE is needed.
• an explanation on what protective footwear is required, and where to obtain it.
• how to put on, take off, adjust, and wear protective footwear.
• the limitations of the PPE.
• the proper care, maintenance, useful life, and disposal of the PPE.

What must I do?
For your safety, it is crucial that you understand and follow your company’s procedures for foot protection. If you have any questions regarding how to protect your feet from injury on the job, ask your supervisor.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency