Tag Archives: attention

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, Respiratory Safety

ACCIDENT PREVENTION THROUGH POSTERS

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The industrial environment is challenged with trying to prevent accidents at the workplace.  Just think how much they must spend on personal protective equipment, training, and if an accident happens – loss of work and productivity, insurance claims, material damage, loss of life, and much time spent writing accident reports.  Because everybody acts of their own free will, sometimes it isn’t easy to get them to follow what you want them to do.  Ironically, those same people are the cause of most accidents!  If your workers don’t obey the rules that you have established, or don’t wear their protective equipment, or don’t practice good safety when they aren’t being supervised, chances are something will probably happen, and it won’t be good!  The key to controlling accidents is safety awareness; this type of safety awareness is critical in any construction site.  One unsafe act can bring your safety record down in a few seconds.

What is a good way to deliver your safety message?

Researchers have found that people remember 50% more in what they see than in what they hear. Promoting safety through visuals is a very effective way to get people’s attention.  Most people enjoy posters that are humorous.  Pleasant thoughts generate more receptive learning.  Using humor drives a point that is so easy to understand when done correctly.  Cartoons can illustrate dangerous situations, which might be impossible to capture on film in real life.

Check out a couple of examples of the safety posters found at tasco-safety.com:

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FAILING TO PAY ATTENTION CAN BE A BIG STEP IN THE WRONG DIRECTION seems to be pretty self-explanatory.

The first poster, PPE ONLY WORKS IF YOU WEAR IT – depicts work boots, respirator, earmuffs, hardhat, glasses, earplugs, and gloves, all in one picture.  It reminds employees to wear the specific things that are required to keep them safe in their work.

Good luck to all safety instructors in getting the message across.  We hope the posters will help get the attention of your workers.  It’s also good to stock up on several and post different ones on a periodic basis, so employees will be watching for new ideas.

General Safety Issues

GETTING THERE SAFELY IS EVERYONE’S BUSINESS!

Monday, October 3, Drive Safely Work Week began, sponsored by the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety.  Many employers that are members of NETS are owners of large fleets that travel our roads day and night.  The “driving” factor of the message they want to get out is that safety relies on drivers, as well as passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians, who all play an important part in preventing distracted driving.  In partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation, NETS wishes to address the safety of all employees, not just those who drive as part of their job.  It is hoped to reach one-half of our nation’s population with this important message. 

Of the almost 5,000 organizations that participated in the 2010 campaign, it has been reported that 88 per cent of the businesses already had or will have a mobile device policy in place this year.  This shows the desire of businesses to not only reach their employees, but families and the communities they serve.  October 1st, Nevada became the 9th state to ban handheld cell phones while driving. 

NETS Drive Safely Work Week has a Toolkit that can educate employees on how to prevent distracted driving  – how it affects both those in a vehicle and those sharing the road.  You may download it from their website.  This Toolkit will benefit:

  • Those who have a workplace policy by getting tips and activities to reinforce and sustain their policies.
  • Those who have yet to establish a policy will find plenty of resources.
  • Those who aren’t interested in adopting a corporate policy but want to educate their employees can find materials on ending distracted driving. 

Most of us believe that cell phones – conversations and texting – are the main culprits in distracted driving.  Studies show that even talking on a “hands free” cell phone still involves concentration and attention to the conversation at hand, often at the expense of the driving task.  However, every driver may or may not let outside influences affect their driving.  Many drivers become distracted in heavy traffic while: applying makeup; reading; listening to loud music or becoming too engaged in conversation.  Cyclists and other drivers, as well as pedestrians must know what part of the road is their territory, and not infringe on other drivers.  

It is our responsibility to be safe drivers, regardless of whether we are going to and from work, or elsewhere.  Always drive defensively; many times it is the other guy that causes an accident.  Here are a few tips for avoiding distractions:

  1. Concentrate on the driving task; this demands our full attention.
  2. Don’t be distracted by things outside your vehicle.
  3. Eliminate distractions inside the car.  Eat and drink, and pre-set your radio station or CD before you start the car.
  4. Again, avoid using your cell phone while driving.  Pull over if you need to answer a call, or better yet, check the message later.  Put your phone on “silent”, so you aren’t tempted to answer it. 
  5. Don’t let the GPS or other navigation devices take your eyes off the road. 

So, let’s start this month off by driving a little safer than usual.  The reward could be your safety and/or that of others.

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SHOP SMART AND SAFELY THIS SEASON!

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We are counting down the days until Christmas!   We’ve survived Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, when retailers offer deals we just can’t live without!  For those who braved the cold waiting for stores to open their doors, and spent countless hours on the computer, well done!  For the rest of us, good luck! 

Online shopping is a wonderful way to shop if you  have neither the time or desire to get out there and search for the best bargains, but either way, in person, or online, buyers beware!  You must be sure you are cyber-safe!  Before you decide to make online purchases, you should have good antivirus software.  If you get suspicious emails or pop-ups with bargains that are too good to be true – they are!  The Better Business Bureau advises us to make sure each online purchase is made on a secure website.  It is best to shop with reputable businesses; when you place your order, look for the “s” in “https//” and in the lower right corner of the browser, there should be a padlock.  This ensures you that that your personal information is safe.  

Some stores offer credit cards that promise huge incentives with a large one-time only discount.  If you plan to make large purchases, it might be worth taking advantage of this offer.  However, some stores add higher interest to balances, so it would be best to pay it off right away.  Be sure you keep all receipts.  Some electronic items and special orders may require a re-stocking fee.  It could cost you from 10% to 25% if not returned in a factory-sealed box.  

Do your homework.  Plan ahead by doing comparative shopping before buying.  Avoid impulse buying.  Be sure the gifts you choose will be used, and not just put away in a closet.  Getting a “wish list” from your family members ensures that you are giving them something they really would enjoy.  We hope you have also given some thought to some “cool” safety items that would be put to good use by workers who wear hardhats, safety glasses, safety gloves, and other protective products.

When you are out there in the “real” shopping world, take extra precautions.  There are some persons just waiting to switch your purse with an empty one, or pick someone’s pocket.  It’s best not to carry a large purse, but keep your money, checks and credit cards concealed in a small purse or bag under your sweater or coat.  Don’t wear expensive jewelry when you are shopping in large crowds, and always be aware of your surroundings.  If you have several packages, take them to your car, rather than risk leaving one of them in a store.  Be sure that they are in the trunk or out of sight in your locked vehicle.  Carry some wet wipes or small hand sanitizer with you to be able to clean your hands when a restroom isn’t handy for washing hands.  There are plenty of germs out there, too, and no one wants to get sick during the holidays. 

Please do your shopping during the day.  If you must go at night, take a friend with you.  If you must go alone, have a security person at the mall walk you to your car, which is parked in a well-lighted space.  The one thing that we all know is not to leave our small children unattended while shopping anytime. 

For those who are hard to shop for, a personal gift can’t be beat!  Cookies, candy, and home-made goodies are always appreciated, as well as showing that you care enough to take the time to do something nice for them.  Please don’t forget those whose holiday won’t be bright; give to your favorite charity or a family that needs some help. 

Good luck with your holiday plans.  Full speed ahead, shop and drive with care!