All posts by pat brownlee

Fall Safety

COUNTING DOWN FOR SAFETY!

Yesterday, we began a series about OSHA’s Top Ten List for violations and citations for fiscal year October 1, 2009 through September 30, 2010.  Number One on the violations list was Scaffolding, Construction (29 CFR 1926.451).  Topping the list for citations and coming in second for violations is Fall Protection, Construction (29 CFR 1926.501).  Because construction is often done at elevated heights, the risk of injury and death from falling is greater than almost any industry in the United States.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in a 7-year period, more than 4,500 American workers died as a result of falls.  Many workers  fall through existing openings in roofs, floors, skylights, temporary staircases, and off edges of roofs.

pplcantfly

There are many examples of persons losing their lives because they were not using the proper safety equipment.  One man was thrown from the bucket of a cherry picker when it was hit by a delivery truck.  Two other men were in the bucket with him, but were wearing harnesses.  Witnesses said he wasn’t even wearing a hardhat, let alone a harness.  Another worker fell from the 10th floor of a hotel that was under construction.  He was not wearing a harness, and climbed on the outside of a rail, despite being warned not to do so.

Contractors must identify all potential fall hazards in the workplace before work is to begin.  Any time a worker is at a height of six feet or more, he is at risk and needs protection from falling.  Some of the precautions to be taken are:

  • Proper training of employees in the use of the safety system.
  • Proper supervision of workers.
  • Compliance with safe work procedures at all times.
  • Selection of proper fall protection systems appropriate for each building site.
  • Proper construction and installation of safety system.
  • Being sure that everyone understands.  Language barriers have been known to be at the root of many accidents.

As with any job, each worker is responsible for his own safety.  Set an example by taking a few extra minutes to be sure that your safety equipment is going to work correctly.  Wear your harnesses or other fall protection equipment!  Others will follow suit, when they see that you are serious about safety.

Many persons are hurt by falling off ladders.  It is important to choose the right ladder for the job.  The ladder should extend three feet above the surface, and for every four feet in height of the ladder, the base should be one foot away from the wall.  There are three types of ladders:

1)      Type 1, which supports 250 lbs.

2)      Type 1A, which supports 300 lbs.

3)      Type 1AA, which supports 375 lbs.

Be sure to tie the ladder to fixed points – this will take about 5 minutes total for you to do at the beginning and end of the day, and could keep you safe.  One other thing, when working on a ladder, don’t carry materials or tools while climbing the ladder.  Use a tool belt, or install a rope and pulley system, or tie a rope around materials and pull them up when you reach the work surface.

Anyone who works in high places has my greatest admiration – I can’t even climb three feet off the ground!  It is obvious that when the same violations occur year after year, it’s an indication that employers and employees are making the same mistakes every year about compliance with OSHA standards.  This is a very serious threat to the safety and lives of thousands of construction workers.   So, we are repeating for all those who are involved in working in high places: Fall Protection, Construction, (29CFR 1926.501) was #1 in highest penalties assessed by OSHA for fiscal year 2010, and #2 in Top Ten Violations, fiscal year 2010.

Source: OSHA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

STAY OFF THE “TOP TEN” LIST!

The Number 1 most frequently violated standard on OSHA’s list for fiscal year October 1, 2009, through September 30, 2010 was: Scaffolding, general requirements, construction (29 CFR 1926.451).  Working with heavy equipment and building materials on the limited space of a scaffold is difficult.  Without fall protection or safe access, it becomes hazardous.  Falls from such improperly constructed scaffolds can result in injuries ranging from sprains to death. 

Scaffolds must be constructed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.  Guardrail systems should be installed along all open sides and ends of platforms.  If workers on a construction site are exposed to vertical drops of 6 feet or more, OSHA requires that employers provide fall protection in one of three ways before work begins: 

  • Placing guardrails around the hazard area.
  • Deploying safety nets.
  • Providing personal fall arrest systems for each employee. 

Most times the nature and location of the work will dictate the form that fall protection takes.  There are several types of scaffolding: 

  • Suspended scaffolds – Those that are suspended with ropes or other non-rigid means from overhead structures equipped with methods to permit platform to be raised and lowered.
  • Supported scaffolds – Those with one or more platforms that are supported by beams, brackets, poles, legs, frames, or similar rigid supports.  Frame scaffolds are the most common type.
  • Other scaffolds such as hydraulic scaffolds on bucket trucks. 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has strict provisions in place for scaffolding use, but when construction companies are more concerned with producing quick results than ensuring the safety of their workers all too often they try to work around these regulations.  Depending on the size of the scaffolding, OSHA requires that:

• Scaffolding be moved, constructed, and altered by a competent person who has had significant training in the erection of scaffolding.
• A frame must be able to support four times its weight.
• Guard rails be used to block access to areas where the plank extension over the end support is less than 12 inches.
• Horizontal security and vertical tie-ins be placed every 20 feet.
•  The space between scaffolding planks not go beyond one inch.   The use of ties, bracers, and outriggers.  

When the safety requirements put in place by OSHA are not followed, injuries can easily occur.   The most common causes of scaffolding accidents are:

• Improper construction of the scaffolding.
• Improper inspection of the scaffolding.
• Inadequate securing of the scaffolding deck.
• Inadequate guard rails, toe boards, screens, and safety netting. 

These oversights can lead to injuries from being hit by falling objects, to slipping and falling off the scaffolding,  to planking or support giving away.   According to a Bureau of Labor Statistics study, 72 per cent of workers were hurt  in scaffolding accidents in one of these ways.  The study also reports that an average of 88 deaths occur each year as a result of scaffolding accidents.  Regretably, these injuries and deaths could have been avoided if only proper safety regulations had been followed. 

Tomorrow’s “Top Ten List to Avoid” subject is the #2 violation and #1 highest penalties assessed: Fall protection, construction (29 CFR 1926.501).  In the meantime, stay safe! 

Source: OSHA

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Protective Clothing

DO YOU HAVE THE PERFECT “OUTFIT?”

Most of the time, when we get ready to go out, we (guys and gals) have to be certain that everything is pretty close to perfect……from  hair, clothes, shoes, the works, we want to look good!  How about your work?  Many jobs require wearing several different types of personal protective equipment, all at the same time!  What serves the workplace correctly must not interfere with ones’ ability to perform their job.  Do you have the correct “outfit” for your job? 

Personal protective equipment, or p.p.e., as it is called, may cover a worker from head to toe.  Construction workers may wear hardhats, safety glasses, gloves, steel-toed boots, and other safety products.  Hospital employees not only wear scrubs or lab coats, but also may have to don face shields, goggles, safety glasses, and disposable medical gloves.  There are many types of p.p.e. that can accommodate one another.  Hardhats are made with slots that allow several other protective devices to attach to them, such as earmuffs, glasses, and even a pencil clip! 

For p.p.e. to be effective, workers must know that it is for their protection.  If it is uncomfortable or does not fit, they may not wear it.  Managers, who have employees’ safety in mind, must be a positive influence on their workers.  It is their responsibility to convey the importance of wearing the right p.p.e. that fits both the employee and the job.  They have prior experience and know the hazards of each particular job.  As well as enforcing safety, they must deal with issues, such as keeping up with OSHA guidelines, enforcing policies, and training workers in first aid and being prepared for workplace emergencies.   If industrial safety glasses are too big, they certainly aren’t going to protect the eyes.  (Hundreds of persons have had their eyes damaged seriously because they were not even wearing their safety glasses.)   If the hardhat doesn’t fit, it’s going to fall off and be of little use.  Not wearing p.p.e., or wearing it incorrectly can affect one’s health, quality,  and possibly duration of life. 

There are many kinds of p.p.e. that must be available at a moment’s notice.  Disposable clothing, for instance, may become soiled or damaged, and need to be replaced quickly, therefore, replacement supplies should be kept in stock.  Letting the workers make a personal choice of their p.p.e. could help ensure acceptance and compliance of safety policies.  Whatever it takes, the bottom line is the importance of personal protective equipment for the entire team – the managers, supervisors, and workers.  Each person is responsible for his own safety, but having good training and understanding of personal protective equipment and the role it plays in keeping each person safe is primary. 

You wouldn’t see a race car driver get into his vehicle without his entire suit of protective clothing, or a football or hockey player start to compete without first putting on those pads under their uniforms, so why should we begin our work without the right total “outfit?”

General Safety Issues

HOW OFTEN DO YOU CONDUCT SAFETY INSPECTIONS?

4 Comments

It is the employers’ responsibility to ensure that their employees are protected, for their safety and health.  If an employee complains that their workplace is unsafe, or there is an imminent danger situation at work, OSHA will perform an inspection, as it is their responsibility to ensure that companies are complying with safety and health regulations.   Therefore, it is very important that companies schedule their own informal inspections, depending on the hazards and conditions that apply to the specific job duties.  Very hazardous workplaces should be inspected weekly, and less dangerous workplaces, such as offices,  should be inspected at least monthly.  

If employees are included on the safety inspection team, they are motivated to comply with safety rules.  Because they are the ones who face certain risk factors, and can easily identify them, they will ensure that the problem has been remedied.  Rotating team members as safety leaders can balance the responsibilities of each person.  Later, team meetings can be held with supervisors to discuss the problems, how to solve them, and follow up to ensure they have been fixed. 

Here are some suggestions for checklists for safety inspectors.  Keeping one at the workstation would be a daily reminder for all employees to keep a watch on things, as well. 

  •        Are stairways clean, clear, and well lit?
  •        Do workers obey warning signs?
  •        Are there safety posters in several places?
  •        Are the posters changed often?
  •        Are work areas neat, clean, and orderly?
  •        Is lighting adequate?
  •        Are floors free of slippery, dangerous materials?
  •        Is there loose carpeting in carpeted areas?
  •        Are the aisles clear?
  •        Are fire alarms and exits easily accessible?
  •        Does everyone know how to use fire extinguishers?
  •        Does the sprinkler system operate properly?
  •        Are emergency exits open and accessible?
  •        Do all employees know emergency exits and routes?
  •        Are emergency numbers posted by all telephones in the work area?
  •        Are there adequate first aid supplies?
  •        Are eyewash stations and emergency showers available?
  •        Are machines and equipment clean and properly maintained?
  •        Are required guards in place and operating properly?
  •        Are electric wires in good condition?
  •        Are lockout/tagout procedures followed during maintenance and repair?
  •        Are equipment repairs performed only by qualified personnel? 

This is a sample checklist; chances are you can customize one that suits your particular workplace.  Many times, we take things for granted and don’t spot hazards that are right in front of us.  Getting employees in the habit of being aware of the safety of their own “little corner of the world” will be beneficial to the company, as well as the workers.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

IT’S NOT GETTING ANY WARMER OUT THERE!

How much longer do we have to wait for Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction of an early spring?  How many more weeks did you say?  How on earth our friends up north cope with this cold weather is a wonder.  Here in North Central Texas, one would think we have been holed up all winter!  “Cabin Fever” was spreading like wildfire last week, although it lasted only about four days.  However, we have been blasted by another round of cold air today.  It’s 15°, with very strong winds, as this is being written. 

Arctic fronts have hit many areas of the United States, bringing in colder weather than normal.  Many businesses and schools have not been able to open because of the ice and impassable roads.  Things that we take for granted – going to the grocery store or pharmacy – have been delayed.  Many services have been cancelled, temporarily, such as Meals on Wheels, deliveries of medicines, food to grocers, trash pickups, and deliveries of newspapers to rural areas.  Airline flights have been cancelled or delayed.   Physicians and hospitals report seeing more injuries than usual, due to heart attacks suffered from persons shoveling snow, persons falling off their roofs, snow-blower accidents, and broken bones from falls.  The American Red Cross reported that between January 1st and February 1st they missed out on more than 19,000 blood donations that had been expected.  Blood drives at schools, businesses and community events had been called off due to bad weather.  

In the past, we have featured articles about being prepared for winter, such as winterizing both you and your vehicle, things to carry on trips, and being prepared to leave early in case your drive takes longer because of inclement weather conditions.  Hearing stories this past week of persons who were stranded in their cars for hours made me realize how truly important it is to have your car packed with extra food, water, blankets, flashlight, cell phone, and other necessities.   There are many extra things that can help keep ones’ body warm: earmuffs, gloves, hats or toboggans, gloves, and even warming packs that you can put in your pocket, in addition to layering clothing with a water-repellent coat on top.  

Here is some information about winter deaths resulting from blizzards, from the United States Search and Rescue Task Force: 

Related to ice and snow:

  •          About 70% occur in automobiles.
  •          About 25% are caught out in a storm.
  •          The majority are males over 40 years of age.

      Related to exposure to cold:

  •         50% are people over 60 years of age.
  •         Over 75% are males.
  •         20% occur in homes. 

Actual harm to persons depends on specific situations, such as power outages.  Here is some information from one of our previous articles concerning loss of power:  If you live where there is a threat of storms that continue for more than one day, and might cause power failure, here are some ideas to help you stay warm and safe:

  •          Close off rooms to parts of the house that you don’t need to use.
  •          Do not be short of staples such as food and water.  Stock high-energy food that doesn’t require cooking or refrigeration.
  •          Have a flashlight and extra batteries.
  •          Keep extra medicine and baby supplies.
  •          A battery-powered NOAA weather radio can keep you informed of the situation.
  •          Have a first aid kit.
  •          Be sure you have extra heating fuel, as deliverers may not be able to come to your home for days.
  •          Winterize your home by caulking and weather stripping doors and windows, insulating walls and attics and installing storm windows.  If necessary,    cover windows with plastic.
  •          Fireplaces, wood stoves, or space heaters are excellent alternative energy sources, but be sure your house has proper ventilation. 

Try to stay warm and safe.  When the weather forecasters advise you to stay home unless you absolutely have to get out, pay attention to their warnings.  Let’s hope Phil’s weather forecast is right!

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

LOVE YOUR HEART – 2011

February is American Hearth month and that means it’s a good moment to think about a disease that kills more than 600,000 Americans each year. Heart disease is the leading killer among both men and women.  My personal story of how heart disease affected my Valentine is below.  First, here are suggestions from the Centers for Disease Control regarding lifestyle choices that can help us stays heart healthy:

  • Choose lean meats and poultry without skin and prepare them without added saturated and trans fat.
  • Select fat-free, one per cent fat, and low-fat dairy products.
  • Cut back on foods containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils to reduce trans fat in your diet.
  • Cut back on foods high in dietary cholesterol. Aim to eat less than 300 mg of cholesterol each day.
  • Cut back on beverages and foods with added sugars.
  • Select and purchase foods lower in salt/sodium.
  • If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation. That means no more than one drink per day if you’re a woman and two drinks per day if you’re a man.
  • Keep an eye on your portion sizes.

It’s also important to know the signs of an impending heart attack, because they can start slowly and symptoms may seem mild. According to the National Heart, Blood and Lung Institute, these are the signs that may mean a heart attack is in progress.

  • Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.
  • Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
  • Shortness of breath. May occur with or without chest discomfort.
  • Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness.

Two years ago, my husband was experiencing some of these symptoms, but was hesitant to go to the emergency room.  Not feeling well, he had seen a physician the day before;  the doctor did not run tests but instead gave him something for indigestion!  The next morning, the symptoms became more profound and we hurried to the emergency room.  Following routine tests, he was taken by ambulance to a hospital about 100 miles from home to be tested by cardiologists.  They found he had blockage in four arteries. He had successful quadruple bypass surgery and after several weeks of recovery and cardiac therapy, was back playing golf and working in his garden.  We know we are very blessed that he got the proper medical care before he had a heart attack.  We live in an age where miracles happen every day, and heart surgeons can mend our hearts, giving us another chance. 

I shared this story with you because you must not ignore the signs of heart disease or heart disease when it is affecting someone you love, or someone you know. Insist that they be checked out, and don’t let them delay.  It could save their life, or help them avoid the need for surgery.  Both my parents died as a result of strokes, so I know that my children and I must be aware of ways to keep our hearts healthy and strong.  Everyone should discuss their family history with their physicians.

We need to love the hearts of our sweethearts, children, grandchildren and friends by teaching them to make better choices in the foods they eat, lifestyles they live, and also encouraging them to make exercise a regular part of their daily routine.  It’s not only American Heart Month in our country, but every month is heart month all over the world!  This is a great time to tell your Valentines how special they are.  You can have a dazzling, romantic dinner, go to a movie, exchange gifts, or have a family Valentines celebration.  A promise to join a fitness center and exercise together might be the best gift you ever give!  Regardless of how you observe Valentines Day, spend the rest of your life showing those that you love – family, friends, and acquaintances – that you plan to take care of yourself by loving your heart, as well as theirs! 

 

Source of report: CBS News

Eye Protection, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Respiratory Safety

CAN YOU FIND HIDDEN HAZARDS IN YOUR WORKPLACE?

1 Comment

Do you know of any workplace that is totally safe?  Hazards exist in just about every vocation there is.  There are safety professionals that identify those hazards and train their employees to be mindful of the risks that are involved in their particular industry; most of these hazards are easy to control.  However, there are hidden hazards that can cause damage, illness, or injury to workers. Have you noticed any of these at your place of work? 

Occupational Health and Safety legislation outlines standard equipment controls that must apply to every type of equipment that is in operation: machine guards, light sensors, warning devices or other safety devices, lockout systems, good houskekeeping and general work safety rules.  Safety devices are classified as engineering controls – the best form of control when running equipment.  You can observe the guards on the machinery, but there may be hidden hazards around equipment, such as dust, fumes, particles in the air, or possible flying objects.  That’s where PPE comes in.  Companies furnish goggles, respirators, gloves, safety glasses, and any kind of personal protective equipment that fits the needs of the employees.

Here’s a few “hidden hazards” that you may have spotted:

  • Poor housekeeping.  Clutter,  trash, tools left out. Cleanliness should be a requirement at all workplaces.
  • Fumes, exhaust, toxic fumes, chemicals, cleaning products, pesticides, toners, office products – these can cause certain persons to have allergic reactions, or other health-related illnesses.
  • Poor ventilation.  Working in a too-cool or too-hot environment can cause illness.
  • Second-hand smoke.
  • Loose carpet.
  • Slick floors.
  • Loose steps.
  • Poor lighting.
  • Poorly stacked materials in storeroom.  Be sure to use a stepladder before reaching up to remove something from a shelf.  There could be lots of stored energy just waiting to fall on you.
  • Windowless doors.  In high-traffic areas, persons can have serious collisions by not watching for someone coming from the other side.
  • Computer screens – cause dry eye if stared into too long.
  • Repetitive motions can cause carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, or tendonitis.
  • Drug/alcohol abuse by coworker.  This can cause serious problems for all workers.  It is best to report this to your supervisor before someone gets hurt.
  • Bullying or harassment is a hazard to other workers, especially the one who is being bullied or harassed.

You can probably name several hidden hazards that we haven’t thought of.  Correcting hazards before illnesses, accidents or allergic reactions occur is a winning strategy.  Be a fanatic about health and safety, and show your supervisor that you believe it should be a top priority.  Fortunately, most hazards are situations that managers and supervisors can do something about.  But it begins with awareness.  One thing may be a threat to someone’s health but it  doesn’t affect others.  However,  all employees deserve to be protected all the time.  You can make your office, shop or factory a safe place to work.  Don’t assume that it is until you become aware of what has been and is being done to keep it safe.  Do your part, and always stay alert!  We would appreciate hearing your ideas about hidden hazards in the workplace!

General Safety Issues

STANDING UP FOR PATIENT SAFETY

The most important responsibility of any medical service is patient safety.  Having worked for a hospital as an Administrative Assistant, an entirely new and different world was opened up for me.  One of my duties was Medical Staff Coordinator, which entailed credentialing physicians – and ensuring that our physicians on staff were current with their license and insurance.  Much research is done to begin with, establishing everything from their educational background, verifying license, insurance, and referrals.  It was a very interesting part of my job, which I enjoyed thoroughly.  The main thing that anyone learns when working for a hospital, or any other medical-related field, is that you are first and foremost a patient advocate.  This is especially true for nurses and physicians. 

Back in 2009, two Registered Nurses in a town of around 6,000 people in Kermit in far west Texas, sent an unsigned complaint to the state medical board that a certain physician was inconsistent with quality of care and patient safety and was practicing non-therapeutic treatment and prescriptions.  Both nurses lost their jobs at the local hospital, and were indicted for their action.  The complete story, “The West Texas Nurses” can be read on the Texas Nurses Association’s website in the Advocate Section.  They were cleared of the charges that local law enforcement brought against them, but suffered much retaliation during the process.    

These two nurses had both been employed by the local hospital for more than twenty years; they both shared the responsibility of Medical Staff Coordinator, and one of them served in the position of Quality Improvement/Utility Management Coordinator, and the other as Compliance Officer.  These are  important hospital assignments that are taken very seriously.  They were dedicated nurses who were looking out for their patients. 

Texas has whistle-blower laws that provide nurses with legal grounds to allege retaliation.  Their termination and criminal indictment was illegal retaliation in violation of the Nursing Practice Act and other Texas laws, such as Sections 301.4025 and 301.413 of the Nursing Practice Act that gives nurses a right to report other licensed practitioners and prohibits retaliation; Board of Nursing Rule 217.19 related to peer review and whistleblower protection; Health and Safety Code provisions prohibiting retaliation for reporting patient care concerns; Medical Practice Act provisions that prohibit retaliation for reporting to the medical board; and The Public Employee Whistleblower Act. 

Patient advocacy, specifically reporting concerns about a practitioner’s standard of care, is protected under Texas laws.  No one ever anticipated that a nurse would be criminally prosecuted for reporting a patient care concern to a licensing agency.  The nurses received assistance with legal funds from the American Nurses Association, Texas Nurses Association, and individual nurses from around the United States.  

The physician in question has been placed on probation for four years and can continue to practice medicine if he completes additional medical training, according to the Texas medical regulators.  He must be monitored by another physician and submit patient medical and billing records for review, which findings will be reported to the board.  He has also been indicted on criminal charges in the case, for “misuse of official information and retaliation.”  The Winkler County Sheriff may face similar charges, as well as the County Attorney. 

This incident has stirred up interest by nurses across the country.  The two nurses were doing their duty in reporting situations that they felt endangered certain patients.  We know that, thankfully, the majority of physicians uphold their oath of duty to furnish proper care for their patients.  

We are our best advocates when it comes to our health care.  If we have a family member that is unable to make medical decisions, or we suspect improper care, we must speak up.  This is true for every walk of life.  We have the right to speak up without fear of repercussion.  It’s known as the Whistleblowers Act.

Thank goodness for those two nurses in Kermit, Texas, and all who supported them.  They did the right thing. 

 

Source: TNA

General Safety Issues

PAY ATTENTION TO SAFETY RULES!

1 Comment

In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is concerned with knowing that every employee in the workplace is safe.  Training and practice are the cornerstones of workplace safety.  Management of any business, large or small, must determine how its safety program will be implemented.  There should be a site-specific, employee-specific analysis.  Small businesses must comply with OSHA regulations, although there may be slightly different standards.  By putting good safety training programs into practice, businesses can avoid penalties, improve morale and increase productivity. 

 Having good safety leaders is a major factor in a successful safety program.  They should have excellent communication skills.  They need to be educated in all safety facets of the workplace and familiar with any past issues that have occurred.  Each employee must be taught that safety is foremost.  They should have adequate training before beginning any job where there is risk.  

We all know how difficult it is to learn a new job: the amount of duties each person is responsible for, how to perform the job safely and efficiently, becoming familiar with manuals, and  company policies, such as drug testing, etc.  If the job has risks, such as handling hazardous materials, or exposure to other workplace injuries, the new employee must learn all about what type of personal protective equipment, (i.e., hardhats, gloves, glasses, etc.) how to wear it, and take care of it, and when to replace it if damaged.  

Retention is an important word in safety training.  The leader must determine these things in judging the trainees:

  • Were they really listening?
  • Do they understand the proper ergonomics?  If the job requires twisting, lifting, or awkward positions, will they know what to do?
  • Is the workplace free from trips, slips, and fall hazards?
  • Has the noise factor been taken under consideration?
  • Do they realize the importance of PPE?
  • How well did they really comprehend?
  • Do they know what to watch for?

All workers must respond by giving the instructor the proper attention:

  •          Listen to your safety instructor.  He/she is there to teach you how to be safe.
  •          Pay Attention!  Your training is for your benefit.
  •          Do Not Rush! 
  •          Avoid monotony.  Try to vary your routine or ask to rotate duties.
  •          Be Careful All the Time – You can use caution for years, and then get hurt by not paying attention for only a couple of seconds.
  •          Don’t Take Risks! – A show of bravado won’t help you win the  respect of co-workers.
  •          Don’t Cut Corners on Safety!
  •          Use Common Sense.
  •          Again, listen to your leader and co-workers. 
  •          Look out for your co-workers.
  •          If you see an unsafe act, tell your supervisor.
  •          If in doubt, check it out! 
  •          Don’t hesitate to ask questions about things you don’t clearly understand.

The goal of everyone is to do a day’s work and go home safely at the end of the day.  Follow the rules of safety and everyone wins!  Be a part of your company’s safety TEAM – Together Everyone Accomplishes More!

General Safety Issues

DO SAFETY MEETINGS HAVE TO BE SO SERIOUS?

This sounds like a silly question, because there’s nothing we should be more serious about than safety!  I think the correct descriptive word regarding safety meetings is dull, rather than serious.  If the committee is bored, nothing good is going to come from that meeting.  Having served as a secretary to record safety meeting minutes, I know first-hand: those meetings were regularly scheduled monthly required meetings, and usually, some of the members had an excuse for not being present, with the resulting time being spent going over a short and sweet agenda.  

The best way to inject new life into these safety committee meetings is to have a good leader.  Many times, management will place someone in charge of the safety committee or a “Safety Officer” that possibly is a department manager over, for example, maintenance.  They do periodic inspections of the building, and know what its’ needs are.  A Safety Officer should be someone that is interested in the security of the employees, foremost.  Let the employees elect their leader.  They will choose someone they like and respect, and someone who is fun to be around, committed to the job, and an excellent motivator.  Co-leaders, one from management and one from the employees, could work together well, also. 

Having a little fun is the key.  Why not make a safety meeting special?  If you are going to spend an hour or two really getting down to the safety issues where you work, give the members a few minutes to relax by having a quick snack, and open discussion about things that they have observed that relate to on-the-job safety.  Another idea is to gather for lunch together, then get down to business and follow the agenda that has been sent to committee members prior to the meeting.  Being organized is always the best plan.  If your committee members feel more connected to their peers, they will become a more cohesive and effective team.  Remember, because they work in different departments, this may be the only chance they have to get to know each other in a relaxed atmosphere. 

Any kind of meeting is much more interesting if it has a slightly different format.  Each month, invite a couple of non-members to the meeting so they can observe.  They may have valid points to raise, and see that it’s not some “secret society.”  If you are a member, ask if you may attend a meeting at another workplace to see how they do things.  Invite them to come to your workplace and offer an outside perspective regarding your safety meetings. 

You may consider term limits for the committee, so others can do their part to promote safety at work.  Don’t replace the entire committee at one time, as you need safety leaders with experience at all times.  Also, if your committee is enjoying serving in this capacity, others will be encouraged to do so.  Meetings that offer important safety information sharing in a relaxed situation can be more productive than boring, routine ones.  An end-of-the-year celebration held for all employees to express gratitude for their safe work and cooperation could give your safety curriculum that extra pizzazz!   Sharing ideas about safety should be fun as well as informative. 

P.S.  Keep those workplace safety posters up to keep everyone reminded of the importance of working safely!

Source: safetyrisk.com.au