Eye Protection - On the job tool box talks

The Importance of Eye Protection
The majority of work-related eye injuries are a result of flying or falling objects or sparks striking the eye.
Other Common Potential Hazards Include the Following:
• Fumes
• Vapors
• Chemical splashes
• Extremely bright or hazardous light, such as from welding

Common Types of Eye Protection
A job hazard assessment performed prior to the start of a particular task will determine the type of eye protection required.
• Safety glasses are a common form of protection against low-to-moderate impacts and sparks from activities such as grinding and woodworking. Only use safety glasses with side shields.
• Goggles form a protective seal around the eye area to better protect from hazardous chemical vapors, splashes, or dust or other small particles that may enter the eye. Make sure that your goggles include ventilation mechanisms to prevent fogging.
• Face shields provide protection for the entire face against flying particles, sparks, splashes, harmful mists, and other hazards.
• Welding masks are specially designed to protect from radiant energy, sparks, and metal splatters from welding.

Proper Use
• Always wear proper eye protection where required, even if danger to your eyes seems remote.
• Before use, verify that your equipment is appropriate for the task.
• Inspect eye protection prior to each use.
• If you wear prescription eyewear, use eye protection that accommodates it. Prescription eyewear by itself is not a substitute for safety glasses or goggles.
• When welding or cutting, always wear safety glasses or goggles underneath face shields or welding helmets.
• When your work is complete, store eye protection properly and away from extreme temperatures or direct sunlight.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency

Safe Lifting On the job tool box talks.

Do you realize you may be risking serious injury. It's true if you don't lift correctly. Improper lifting causes back injuries that can take months and even years to heal. Many times these injuries are permanent and disabling. A little know-how can help you to lift safely.

When you are preparing to lift, check the load. If it looks too heavy, don't be afraid to ask for help. If the object has rough or sharp edges wear suitable work gloves. They'll give you a good grip and protect your hands. Also wear proper footwear. There is always a chance of dropping something on your toes, or losing your footing.

Know that you can lift the load. Is it too heavy or too awkward? If so, get some help. Check your path and make sure it is clear. Check to see if you have enough room, that there are no obstructions in the way and that there is nothing overhead. Be aware of uneven surfaces.

When you make the lift, squat down and get a good grip on the object. As you rise, lift with your legs, keeping the load as close to your body as possible. Remember that your legs are much stronger than your arms. If you have to place the load to your left or to your right, don't twist your body. Move your feet instead. When you have to lower the load, simply reverse the procedure.

Remember these points when you lift.
• When lifting, get a firm footing, feet apart, one slightly behind the other for good balance.
• Stand close to the load.
• Always remember to lift with your legs and not your back.
• Carry the load close to your body.
• Never try to carry a load that is too heavy. Ask for help or get a machine such as a forklift to do the heavy lift.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency

Required Signage

Overview
All buildings must have a way of allowing occupants fast exit to the outside or a safe place of refuge in case of an emergency.
All exits, and the designated paths of exit, must be clearly marked with exit signs. Paths leading to an exit must be marked with an exit sign and an arrow indicating direction of travel.
Exit signs must be illuminated so that the sign can be seen in the dark or in cases of reduced lighting.

What must my employer do?
Your employer is responsible for providing safe means of exiting from the workplace, and for marking those exits.
Your employer will explain how to locate exits in your facility, and what you should do if you are required to exit the building in an emergency.

What must I do?
You must become aware of the appearance of the exit signs in your building, so that there is no confusion if an emergency evacuation is required.
You have the duty to alert your employer if exit signs are damaged, removed, or not illuminated properly, so that repairs can be made.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency