Behavior-Based Safety Tool Box 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

Using Compressed Gases Safely

Overview
Compressed gases are hazardous because of the high pressure at which they are stored in cylinders and pressure tanks. The compressed gases can be flammable, poisonous, corrosive, or any combination of these.

How can they hurt me?
Mishandling of compressed gases has been responsible for fatalities, serious injuries, and property damage that has amounted to millions of dollars.

Flammable compressed gases:
• Explode if handled roughly or exposed to heat.
• Ignite by heat, sparks, or flames.
• Flash back if vapors travel to a source of ignition.
• Produce irritating or poisonous gas when burning.
Non-flammable compressed gases:
• Explode when in a mixture with fuels.

Health Effects of Compressed Gases
Compressed gases:
• Are harmful if inhaled.
• Have extremely irritating vapors.
• Can cause cryogenic burns to skin and eyes.
• Produces irritating or poisonous gas when burning.
• Causes dizziness, unconsciousness, or suffocation.

Handling compressed gas cylinders
Compressed gas cylinders require careful handling to prevent damage. When handling cylinders:
• Move cylinders (securely fastened, in as near an upright position as possible) on special hand trucks.
• Don’t drop or bang cylinders together.
• Don’t roll, drag, or slide cylinders and never use cylinders as rollers or supports.
• Don’t lift cylinders by their caps.
• Don’t use magnets to lift cylinders.
• Cradles or platforms can be used to lift cylinders only if the cylinder was manufactured with lifting attachments.

Compressed Gas Storage
Some general guidelines in storing compressed gas cylinders include:
• Store cylinders in an upright position.
• Storing the cylinders in a safe, dry, well-ventilated place that is clean and free of combustible material.
• Avoiding areas where cylinders can be knocked down or damaged.
• Storing the cylinders in a position that ensures that the safety relief device is always in direct contact with the cylinder’s vapor space.
• Store oxygen CGCs at least 20 feet from flammables or combustibles, or separate them by a 5 foot, fire-resistant barrier.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency

2018 RCEC / HBAGC Golf Outing

Thursday, May 24, 2018 - The Highlands of Elgin

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Confined Space Overview-Tool Box Talks

Overview
A permit-required confined space is a confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics:
• contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere;
• contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant;
• has an internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor which slopes downward and tapers to a smaller crossection; or
• contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.

The Confined Space Program
Your employer has a permit-required confined space program which is designed to prevent accidents. Each permit-required confined space is marked with signs or other warnings.

What must I do?
Before entering into a permit space, you must obtain an entry permit from the entry supervisor. The entry supervisor will determine if acceptable entry conditions are present.
Before entering into a permit-required confined space:
• you must have been trained by your employer, and informed of the potential hazards that exist in the permit
space, and be aware of the mode, signs and symptoms, and consequences of being exposed.
• you should know what personal protective equipment is needed, and how to properly use it.
• you should know how to summon rescue and emergency services.
• you must understand the duties of the attendant and how to communicate with the attendant.

This information was provided by: Assurance Agency

Company Vehicle Safety Inspections

Before you drive a company vehicle, make sure it’s safe by conducting a vehicle safety inspection.

Check the vehicle to be sure:
- The vehicle does not have any visible damage that affects its safe operation.
- The tires are properly inflated (use the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations that are typically noted on a sticker inside the door, glove box, or trunk -- the pressures stamped on the tire are not specific to the vehicle). Check the pressure when the tires are cold.
- Tires have sufficient tread depth (tread depth should be at least 1/16 inch).
- The vehicle’s fluid levels are correct (oil, brake, transmission, battery, and wiper fluids).
- Belts and hoses are free of blisters, cracks, and cuts.
- The vehicle has plenty of fuel.
- The windshield wipers are in good condition and are functional.
- You are familiar with the location and operation of all the vehicle’s controls; and the seat, steering wheel, and mirrors are properly adjusted.
- Headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers, and interior lights are working.
- The seat belt is properly adjusted, and it’s in good condition.
- The vehicle is equipped with an emergency kit.
- Loose objects are secured so they won’t shift to cause injury during a sudden stop or turn.

A safety inspection is only helpful if you report defects or unsafe conditions right away. Don’t risk driving an unsafe vehicle.
This information was provided by: Assurance Agency

Electrical Safety- Extension Cords

Extension cords are one of the most misused pieces of electrical equipment. When exposed to “normal” construction use, extension cords can experience rapid deterioration. When you subject the cord to additional misuse, such as removing the ability to ground the cord, the cord can be a ticket to the emergency room or even the morgue.

3-prong connectors
One of the most common tricks to get extension cords to work faster is to remove the third prong from a 3-prong connector. Removing this third prong can result in electrocution because the path to ground is now lost.

Repairing extension cords with electrical tape
Another common mistake is to use electrical tape to repair extension cords. OSHA doesn’t recommend it for a couple reasons: If the tape is applied too thickly if could change the cord’s original flexibility and lead to internal damage: also, the depth of the abrasions and cuts cannot be monitored to see if they get worse (unless of course you remove the tape).

Hard or Extra Hard Service cords
OSHA often cites construction companies because they fail to use extension cords that are rated correctly. For instance, a two wire ribbon type cord is not designed for hard usage. OSHA requires that construction extension cords must be either Hard or Extra Hard Service cords. Hard Service or Extra Hard Service cords are marked with one of the following designations: S, ST, SO, STO, SJ, SJO, SJT, and SJTO.

Strain relief
Another common citation OSHA issues deals with the lack of strain relief on extension cords. The plug area of an extension cord is one of the weakest areas of the cord. When devices or fittings designed to relieve cord strain are not used, insulation tends to pull back and expose conductors.
What you can do to prevent accidents when using extension cords
• Visually inspect all electrical equipment prior to use. Any defects such as frayed cords, missing ground prongs, etc., should be corrected by taking the tool out-of-service.
• Frequently inspect electrical systems to insure the path to ground is continuous. Continually audit extension cords at your jobsite. Take any cords that are not Hard or Extra Hard out-of-service immediately.
• Use only cords that are equipped with strain relief.
• Remove cords from receptacles by pulling on the plug, not the cord.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency

Air Contaminants - On the Job Tool Box Talks

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