Guns, Pot and the Workplace - The Legal Risks

Wednesday, December 4, 2013
RCEC
One Tower Lane, Suite 1700
Oakbrook Terrace, IL
8 am to 10 am

RCEC & HBAGC Members $20
Non Members $30

Register Online for this Event

Download the USPS / Fax Registration Form

We have answers to your questions.
Firearms Concealed Carry Act
Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act

Read more about this event. 

Questions? 630-512-0552

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Winter Weather Safety

During winter weather conditions, extra caution is needed. Most people are aware of this situation, but there is always a higher level of automobile accidents during the first few snows of the year. This is because people are notorious for forgetting basic lessons on safety. Keeping this fact in mind, consider the following reminders that will reduce the potential for injuries:

Footwear
Traction is key. Work boots need to provide ankle support and traction. Rubber goulashes are often a good bet to wear over your work boots to maintain the necessary traction and keep your feet dry.

Slips and Falls
Keep work areas clear. Access paths to buildings should be maintained at least three feet wide and should not have accumulations of ice or other slippery conditions. Clean up every day to avoid hidden trip hazards underneath snow. Remember that stairs must remain clean and clear of snow and ice if they are to be used.

CAZ Work
• Top plate must be clean and clear before walked on.
• No roof level work if the sheathing is snow or ice covered.
• Snow removal from roof level requires use of fall protection in the form of full body harness.
• New roof sheathing must be nailed off the same day it is installed to avoid the need to return to that surface the next day.

Ladders
• Securing the bottom of ladders is key to avoid kick-out due to slippery conditions.
• No leaning of step ladders on flat slippery surfaces.
• Secure top of ladder while against Tyvek for setting windows, exterior trim, etc. This material is extremely slippery especially in cold wet conditions.

Driving
• Apply safe driving principles to your workday.
• Snowy weather requires additional awareness & caution Look ahead further, and anticipate possible accidents.
• When driving, move deliberately and steadily.
• Stopping distances should be quadrupled when snow is on the ground. Other
• Wearing additional bulky clothing greatly reduces how agile you can be. This is an important fact to keep in mind when you are climbing ladders, through trusses, etc.

Assurance - download this article

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First Aid Kits

This document provides general information about a safety and health topic and is only intended for use in facilitating discussions with employees in safety meetings. It does not address all hazards, OSHA or local requirements related to the topic or accompanying photograph. This document cannot be relied on to determine whether a site specific situation meets all safety and health requirements.

First Aid Kits
No one can predict when and where an accident will occur. Because of this, you should be familiar with where the first aid kits are located on your jobsite. The OSHA regulations require your employer to have readily available first aid supplies. The first aid kits and supplies provided by your employer must be appropriately stocked for the type of hazards you and your co-workers are most likely to face.

What should be included in the first aid kit?
An example of the minimal contents of a generic first aid kit is described in American National Standard (ANSI) Z308.1-1978

Minimum Requirements for Industrial Unit-Type First-aid Kits. The contents of the kit listed in the ANSI standard should be adequate for small work sites. When larger operations or multiple operations are being conducted at the same location, your employer should determine the need for:

*additional first aid kits at the worksite,

*additional types of first aid equipment and supplies, and

*varying the quantity of equipment and supplies to be placed in each first aid kit.

Keeping the first aid kit up-to-date
If you realize that there are certain items that are not included in your jobsite first aid kit, let your employer know about it. That way, your employer can get it added to the kit. Also, if it is reasonably anticipated you will be exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials while using first-aid supplies, your employer should provide personal protective equipment (PPE). Appropriate PPE includes gloves, gowns, face shields, masks and eye protection.

Restocking your first aid kits
If, when using a first aid kit, you notice that a specific first aid item is getting low or is gone make your employer aware of this. That way, the first aid kit will always be stocked with enough of the needed supplies and equipment.

What about over-the-counter medicines (OTCs) in the kits?
If your employer decides to include OTCs in your jobsite first aid kits, you must be aware of the potential problems you may encounter when using these types of medicines. Drowsiness, overdosing, and allergic reactions could affect your reaction time, judgement, and reasoning.

Remember, the first aid kits supplied by your employer are there for your benefit. Removing the supplies for non-work related uses can have serious consequences when a real emergency occurs.



Learn More

www.assuranceagency.com

RCEC Annual Event

Pinstripes Bocce & Bistro
100 W Higgins Road
South Barrington, IL

Thursday, October 24, 2013
6 pm to 9 pm

Enjoy cocktails, appetizers, buffet & sweet table.
Create a 4 person bocce team for our tournament.

$65 Members
$75 Non Member

Register and pay online.

Download the Fax / USPS registration form.


Sponsorship Opportunities are available at $500 & $250.
Download Sponsorship Form. 

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Housekeeping

Overview
OSHA requires that the workplace be kept clean and orderly in order to reduce the chance of accidents.

An uncluttered workplace is essential to worker safety. Industrial housekeeping must also include proper arrangement and storage of materials and goods.

Housekeeping hazards
Poor housekeeping habits can lead to:
• Poor attitudes toward safety.
• Slips, trips, or falls due to slick, wet, or poorly maintained walking and working surfaces.
• Tripping hazards from improperly stored materials in walkways and work areas.
• Falls from holes in walking and working surfaces, uneven flooring, uncovered pits or drains, or falls from boxes or pallets being used as walking or working surfaces.
• Accidents caused by overhanging or protruding materials, poorly stacked pallets, or improperly stored materials.

Benefits of good housekeeping
Industrial housekeeping is more than sweeping the floor and cleaning up the break room. Industrial housekeeping also refers to keeping tools and equipment in order and in their assigned places. The benefits of good housekeeping include:
• Better morale and improved safety culture.
• Reduced chance of fire and accidents.
• Making working easier for everyone.
• Reduction in the amount of cleanup and janitorial work needed.
• Creates a well organized work space.
• Reflecting an image of a professional, well-run workplace.

What are my employer's housekeeping procedures?
Your employer has policies and procedures regarding industrial housekeeping. Your employer will explain:
• The company housekeeping program.
• How the program functions and is run.
• The daily clean-up policy.
• Inspection and supervision in regards to housekeeping.

Download this information

  www.assuranceagency.com
Chicago, IL | St. Louis, MO
(847) 463-7239

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Lift Safety - picking up heavy objects

Overview
Sprains and strains to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the back are common injuries that are often avoidable. Be aware of the causes of back injuries and your lifting limitations. Remember, back injuries don’t just happen at work; they can happen at home, or while you’re out having fun. And, a back injury often limits all of your
activities, so remembering a few pointers on lifting techniques can help keep you healthy.

Avoiding back Injury
Poor posture can put stress on back muscles. Poor physical condition can lead to weak back muscles. Practice a regular exercise program to stretch and strengthen your back muscles. Bending or twisting while lifting can cause injury. Repeated minor strains can develop into an injury. Back injuries are not always caused by lifting something too heavy. Stress and tension can contribute to back pain.

Size up the load. Test the weight by moving a corner of the object, and get help for heavy or awkward loads. Make sure that you have a clear path to carry the load, and a clear area to set it down.

Stand with your feet close to the object, and center your self over the load. Bend your knees. This is the single most important part of lifting. The large muscles in your legs are designed to carry weight, and bending your knees gets your legs ready to support the load. Get a good grip on the object. Clean and dry surfaces are easier to handle than wet and greasy ones. Straighten your legs to lift straight up in a slow, smooth motion.

Keep the load held close to your body. Do not twist or turn while carrying the load. Sudden twisting motions can injure the disks in your back. Bend your knees again as you lower the load to set it down.

Loads on carts or wheels should be pushed, not pulled. Get help for lifting items that are long, bulky, that don’t have a good place to grip, or are too heavy for one person. Know when mechanical lifting equipment should be used instead of manual lifting; follow your company’s guidelines for weight limits. If possible, divide a heavy load into several smaller ones.

LEARN MORE

Assurance

The 2013-2014 carpenter wage rates are now available.

http://rcecusa.org/Labor.html

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