Tag Archives: inspections

General Safety Issues

FIVE ECONOMICAL PRODUCTS THAT MAKE YOUR INDUSTRIAL FACILITY A SAFER PLACE (GUEST POST)

1 Comment
All across the country, people are operating industrial facilities, and they want to make sure that these entities are as safe as humanly possible. When it comes to safety, it is hard to put a price on it. Of course, human life is worth more much than the money you spend! Furthermore, if someone is injured or the equipment is damaged, you are just going to need to pay to replace it.
New Electrical Wiring
Fires are a huge threat for industrial facilities. Not only can faulty electrical wires cause fires within the facility, but they might actually make an explosion occur. Therefore, it would be smart for you to set an appointment with a professional electrician. This individual can assess what you need to do to ensure that you have the best possible system.
Smoke Detectors/Carbon Monoxide Detectors
You also need to have this type of system in place at your industrial facility. With all of the chemicals, gases and other products going through the air, you really never know what could happen. Therefore, you should look into getting a brand new system installed in the facility. It’s smart to get one that is connected to the local fire department and other emergency authorities. Therefore, if a situation was to occur, they would be notified.
Alarm Systems
On top of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, you should also have a regular burglar alarm. During the day, a grand-scale robbery is probably not going to occur if lots of people are around and you have your usual security measures in play. However, when everyone goes home for the night, you need to make sure that the industry is protected. Even if someone does break in, the police will be immediately called. Therefore, the robbers should not be able to get away with too much.
Exploring The Elements
While this is much more of a service than a product, it is something that you absolutely need to do for safety purposes. Of course, if you have been working in the same place for quite some time, you have probably already hired someone to conduct a check on both lead paint and asbestos. These elements can cause serious problems for your health, and you might even develop cancer as a result of them. You need to hire someone to check if you have not, and if you are moving into a new establishment, this step is an absolute must.
Stronger Ladders
Have your employees being using the same old ladders since the dawning of the business? If they constantly need to reach to great heights to grab supplies and such, then you really need to consider their safety and get some new ladders for your facility. These should be very strong and sturdy and able to accommodate the weight of all people who are going to be using them.

Industrial facilities certainly make a lot of products and goods for consumers, but the owners need to keep the employees and space safe as well.


Author Jason Harter is a contractor who is always sure to keep himself and his workers as safe as possible. His job can be found on the list of Top 10 Highest Paying Careers in Building and Construction.
 
Note: Providing employees with the best PPE equipment is the best way to ensure their safety, whatever hazards pertain to their job.  pb
General Safety Issues

WORKPLACE SAFETY – EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY (GUEST POST)

2 Comments

Sent to us by Maree Kyle

Workplace safety is a major concern for employees and management alike. While workers themselves have obvious reasons to be cautious and safe, business owners need to do their part in creating a safe environment to reduce their liability and the potential insurance costs that rise as workplace incidents become more likely. A number of practices need to be implemented if businesses are serious about creating a safer environment. While fiscally minded professionals may be eager to cut costs by skipping steps on some of these safety measures, preventative spending is often much more affordable than the costs incurred when an injury occurs. Here are some steps every business can take to identify points of concern and minimize risks for everyone, saving money while ensuring the well-being of the company’s employees. 

1. Conduct a job hazard analysis 

The best way to identify potentially unseen or underestimated risks in the workplace is to perform a job hazard analysis. Identifying uncontrolled hazards is the easiest way to prevent serious accidents in the workplace and, more importantly, accidents that wouldn’t be otherwise recognized. This analysis solicits the insight of employees who have likely observed their own safety risks. Employees can also be instrumental in developing solutions to these hazards. The company can then outline procedures to address these risks, eliminating potential accidents and possibly saving lives. 

2. Incorporate safety training 

Better training can often lead to fewer accidents in the workplace. Make sure your employees are properly trained on whatever equipment or tools they use. Likewise, be sure to familiarize all employees with the hazards and appropriate safety measures of their work environments. You might also want to incorporate on-site training to make sure emergency procedures are understood by everyone. 

3. Inspect safety equipment regularly 

Fire alarms, extinguishers, chemical showers and safety gear needs to be checked periodically to make sure it is still functioning properly. Set up a schedule in your workplace to make sure these devices have been maintained properly and are in working order in the event of an accident. Similarly, post proper signage throughout the workspace to keep workers, management and visitors mindful of hazardous areas. 

4. Perform random safety inspections 

Once your staff has been properly trained, implement randomized safety inspections to make sure proper procedures are being followed. Install a procedure for handling safety protocol lapses, including additional training and reprimands for failing to comply with workplace rules. 

5. Make sure management is on board 

Of course, instituting these various measures will have limited effect if management doesn’t understand their importance. Make sure you have the right management professionals in place to support these efforts and make sure they are properly incorporated into the work environment. It may be necessary to provide some training to management themselves to make sure they understand the importance of following safety protocols. 

Unfortunately for many workplaces, a common cause of worksite injuries isn’t necessarily a lack of safety guidelines, but a refusal to follow them. This risk underscores the importance of educating employees about the potential consequences, as well as implementing disciplinary procedures to make sure the rules are followed at all times. It only takes one broken or ignored rule to lead to an injury, creating a dangerous situation for workers and management. It takes effort from all sides to create meaningful change in the workplace.

The proper working safety equipment is imp0rtant to provide safety for each worker, depending on the job and its’ particular hazards. Pat

 

 

 

 

General Safety Issues

FACILITIES INSPECTIONS

IT’S TIME TO CONDUCT YOUR FACILITY INSPECTION –

INSIDE AND OUT!

 How often do your safety and compliance officers conduct inspections of your workplace?  OSHA is responsible for regular workplace health and safety concerns to ensure businesses are in compliance with their standards, which includes physical surveys and evaluating that the business meets criteria to be certified.  It is up to the safety officials of the company to ensure that the company continues to meet the standards set up by OSHA, by providing a safe atmosphere for its workers.  Facilities that have been inspected and certified are on OSHA’s records.  This includes construction and industrial sites. 

OSHA strongly intends to conduct on-site inspections for facilities that have a high rate of incidents, injuries and illnesses shown by recorded data.  Types of these establishments are nursing facilities, personal care facilities and manufacturing plants.  Construction is considered a high-risk choice of work, as well.  Inspections and investigations are done by OSHA compliance health and safety officers, who are professionally trained in the disciplines of safety and industrial hygiene.   (You may go to our parent company’s home page, Texas America Safety Company, www.tasco-safety.com, to read safety news reports of those companies who were guilty of various non-compliance issues, resulting in death and injury to workers.)

Inspections are always conducted without advance notice.  There are, however, special circumstances under which OSHA may give notice to the employer, but such a notice will normally be less than 24 hours. These circumstances include the following:

  •  Imminent danger situations that require correction as soon as possible;
  •  Accident investigations where the employer has notified the agency of a fatality or   catastrophe;
  •  Inspections that must take place after regular business hours or that require special preparation;
  •  Cases where notice is required to ensure that the employer and employee representative or other personnel will be present;
  •  Cases where an inspection must be delayed for more than 5 working days when there is good cause; and
  •  Situations in which the OSHA Area Director determines that advance notice would produce a more thorough or effective inspection. 

Employers who receive advance notice of an inspection must inform their employees’ representative or arrange for OSHA to do so.  If an employer refuses to admit an OSHA compliance officer or if an employer attempts to interfere with the inspection, the Act permits appropriate legal action, such as obtaining a warrant to inspect. 

How does a compliance officer prepare for the inspection?

A compliance officer represents the agency and is expected to demonstrate his or her knowledge and expertise in the safety and health field in a courteous and professional manner. Before the inspection, the compliance officer will become familiar with as many relevant facts as possible about the workplace, such as its inspection history, the nature of the business, and the particular standards that might apply. This preparation provides the compliance officer with a knowledge of the potential hazards and industrial processes that he or she may encounter and aids in selecting appropriatePPE safety supplies for use against these hazards during the inspection. 

The above information is from OSHA, so it might be a good time to get out that inspection checklist and make sure your workplace is in compliance. Hopes are you won’t find anything too dangerous, but it would be an excellent way to avoid a serious injury, lost time, and lost productivity, as well as legal repercussions.  Plus, the employees on the front line will probably sleep a little better at night, knowing you check safety issues out on a regular basis.

General Safety Issues

SAFETY LEADERSHIP – BIG FOOT SIGHTINGS! (GUEST POST)

Have you ever had a conversation with a person who vehemently believes in Big Foot?  Just to let you know, I’m not a Big Foot believer.  In fact, when it comes to critters that can’t be found alive in a zoo or we can’t even find remains for, I’m no fun at all.  Anyhow…  Big Foot believers lean on evidence of the North-American man-ape’s supposed-real tracks and fur as well as grainy photos and blurry videos, most of which appear to be fabricated to me.  But believers swear by this evidence and also tout the testimony of other believers as more evidence!  Yet why haven’t we managed to capture one of these giant, up-right-ape-like creatures?  Believers will tell you that, “they’re shy and reclusive.”  Then why do they keep popping up in grainy photos around where people are?  It all doesn’t make sense and leaves me wondering.

I’m pretty sure I’m not the only Big Foot skeptic out there.  I just want to see real proof before I jump on the side of the believers.  I feel the same way about Big Foot that I do about management that say they are committed to safety but their actions reveal otherwise.  Where’s the real proof of the commitment from top leaders?  Is the safety commitment only captured verbally in meetings or on signs posted?  Before I become a believer, I want to see that commitment in action!

Early on in my safety career, I worked for a Plant Manager by the name of Walt that, in my opinion, was truly committed to safety and his example shaped my view of how top leaders should commit to safety.  In fact, I thought all Plant Managers took the lead in all safety meetings, constantly lecturing people to be safe and, in emergencies, grabbed megaphones and reminded people to do things the safe way.  Walt completed daily safety inspections, participated in incident investigations and verified people were safety trained.  I once saw Walt get teary-eyed reporting news about a fatality at a neighboring plant.  So, how did Walt’s plant perform safety wise?  I don’t remember any serious incidents at the plant while working for Walt.  I do, however, remember safety issues that Walt demanded everyone rally around to resolve.  Hazards were taken care of swiftly under Walt’s leadership.  Walt’s safety leadership did not amount to suspect footprints or blurry videos.  No way!  His commitment was visible, clear and obvious to all.  There was no question: Walt lived safety and expected everyone else to follow his example, and that was clearly captured by all!

Was I in for a surprise after I was transferred to a new facility with a new plant manager! I’ll call my new boss Chester.   I was over Safety and Security at this plant.  Chester told me that his plant was 100% committed to safety.  “Naturally,” I thought thinking back to Walt.  To my dismay, I never did see Chester in any safety meetings or conducting safety inspections like Walt did.  Chester often asked me about safety-related issues but was never present for machine start-up-safety-walk-throughs or participated in incident investigations.  This plant had a lot of safety incidences, and I remember directing and reviewing endless investigations and reporting back to Chester what went wrong.  He listened closely and showed concern but not much else.  I know Chester occasionally walked the floor, but I only heard vague reports he engaged employees in safety discussions.  Bottom line:  Chester’s outward safety behaviors were quite reclusive and evidence of his safety commitment was a bit grainy at best.  Chester was a safety leadership Big Foot.

Don’t get me wrong about Chester!  He, indeed, was a very impressive leader, and I learned a ton working for him.  He just wasn’t focused on safety as much as other things like inventory, quality and profitability:  all good things to focus on but, in today’s brutally competitive, high stakes manufacturing game where tiny mistakes lead to grave consequences, safety must be the focus for leaders at the top.  Factories that struggle with safety often also deal with debilitating employee relations issues, cost control challenges with rising workers compensation premiums and crippling down time due to unforeseen, damaging events.  Not to mention bad PR (think of the BP oil-leak catastrophe in the Gulf)…  Plant managers and other top leaders that make safety leadership action part of their daily activities tend to grab control of employee relations, cost and unplanned events at the same time they control safety.  This type of safety leadership action you can tag, track and place in a zoo for all to admire!

Admittedly, I would love to see Big Foot and know he/she/it is real.  I might never go camping again but the knowledge that a creature like that is alive in the woods would be totally awesome!  Similarly, I would love to see all these highly intelligent, super capable leaders grab control of safety through action and leadership and know that one that ascends to that level means that without question, there will be an action-oriented safety commitment.  It really can’t be said too often or emphasized enough just how important outward expressions of management commitment to safety are to the success of organizations.  So, for all you leaders out there, don’t be an elusive safety Big Foot!  Let your actions reveal your commitment to safety and your leadership set the safety tone for all that work for you.  You can do it and once you establish control, we can begin to tackle the mystery of the Loch Ness Monster or what I like to call the ever-mysterious, employee-involvement-in-safety creature.

Till next time – live safety!

MAU Workforce Solutions’  Safety Manager – Rob Loose, has written a variety of safety related articles for our organization.Safety Professional with Manufacturing, HR and Health Care management experience, Rob has worked for MAU Workforce Solutions since 2006 supporting both HR and operations functions.  Currently he serves as MAU’s Corporate Safety & Risk Manager.  A 1998 graduate of Brigham Young University in Provo, UT, Rob now calls North Augusta, SC home where he lives with his wife and  two kids.   Rob is a member of the Augusta, GA chapter of ASSE.

We thank you for sending this very entertaining yet informative article encouraging us to know what to expect of our safety leaders and their sincere dedication to keeping their workers safe.  Thanks again! pb

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

HOW TO IMPROVE SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE (GUEST POST)

1 Comment

Free PPE Guide from Graphic Products Lists 12 Major Workplace Hazard Categories and Required PPE for Each Category

By Jack Rubinger, jarubinger@graphicproducts.com, 503-469-3024

Safety in the workplace is easy to neglect but the price of doing so can be high. Think increased Worker’s Comp and debilitating injuries. Certain procedures have been proven to increase workplace safety. So if you’re serious about safety, conduct an Industrial Facility Safety Audit at your workplace.  One reason? In the U.S. in 2005, OSHA conducted more than 38,700 inspections and over 85,000 violations were issued – almost half were un-programmed or surprise inspections.

Getting Started

Have you stopped and thought about facility-wide safety? If so, what activities were checked and implemented?  The following criteria should determine the task prioritization:

  • ·Accident frequency and severity
  • ·Potential for severe injuries and illness
  • ·New jobs
  • ·Infrequently performed jobs

Encourage co-workers to get on board with safety. Take a closer look at your facility and equipment. Then, re-read all the applicable documentation and chat with coworkers who work in these areas.

When evaluating the facility, assess the following:

  • ·Are workers wearing appropriate PPE – hard hats, boots, reflective vests?
  • ·Warehouse signage. Hazardous carbon monoxide fumes may be present around loading docks and forklifts. Clear all aisles for better traffic flow.
  • · Go through chemical storage areas. Look for spills, exposure to flammable materials, proper air flow and leaks.
  • ·Maintenance shops must be examined for chemicals hazards such as gas, solvents and cleaning supplies and possible electrical (arc flash) and mechanical hazards that need to be identified.
  • ·Ensure large format RTK and arc flash labels (6” x 9” and larger) are used in locations where greater visibility is needed.
  • · Turn off and lock out energy sources when machines are serviced to prevent accidents. Energy sources that can’t be locked out must be tagged out.
  • ·Buildings must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Life Safety Code 101. Check exits and restrooms for proper and required signage.
  • ·Conduct a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA).

Consultant James Pryor has conducted and been on the receiving end of many industrial facility safety audits. “The JHA, if conducted properly, is the single most important tool in preventing accidents,” explained Pryor.

JHA steps include:

  • ·Selecting job to be analyzed
  • ·Breaking job into sequences
  • ·Identifying hazards
  • ·Determining preventive measures to overcome hazards

It doesn’t help to develop a to-do list that winds up on a manager’s shelf. Safety action plans should be a work in progress. After the audit has been conducted and changes and corrections have been made, document the following in a safety log book and make it available:

  • ·Have injuries decreased?
  • ·Has exposure to potential hazards decreased?
  • ·Have attitudes changed? This is hard to gauge unless surveys and open discussions are conducted and recorded.
  • ·Have changes been made to increase safety?

While an industrial facility safety audit should result in a mutually-agreeable number of restorative phases to apply, consider this: Do you feel safe at work? If the answer “no,” then you’ve got your work cut out for you.

# # #

Texas America Safety Company and Blog4Safety wish to thank Jack for these instructions on how to keep your workers safe and compliant.  We appreciate the information and hope you will think about following his instructions for a safe workplace. 

General Safety Issues

SAFE PLAYGROUNDS FOR OUR CHILDREN

1 Comment

April 23 – 27 is National Playground Safety Week, a time to spread the word about the benefits of safe, free playgrounds.  A long-term study, published in early April, warns that half of American preschool-aged children are not getting enough daily, supervised outdoor play.  The International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA) and other play advocacy and safety organizations are building awareness this week in an effort to improve the health of children and increase activity on playgrounds nationwide.  If regular, physical play begins at a young age, chances are it will continue with regular exercise  through adulthood. 

The National Program for Playground Safety asks families to check their playgrounds for safety hazards and report them to owners or authorities.  National Playground Safety Week is the time to focus on children’s outdoor play environments.  Here’s what you can do:

  • Challenge your school to an injury-free week on the playground.
  • Have a guest speaker to discuss safety on the playground.
  • Check out local playgrounds.
  • Write to the editor of your hometown newspaper commenting on any playground safety issues in your community.
  • With children, have a maximum of five playground rules, ones that they will remember and follow.
  • Playgrounds don’t become safer all by themselves.  People should take action!   

Each year over 200,000 children are injured on America’s playgrounds.  Although some measures have been taken in recognition of this need, the National Program for Playground Safety was created in October, 1995, to help create a safe playground atmosphere.  This week also serves as an opportunity for play advocates, parents, organizations, manufacturers and professionals to band together and spread national awareness of the importance of both play and play safety as necessities for healthy living. 

In conclusion, here are some considerations  from S.A.F.E.:

  • Playground equipment should be properly maintained.
  • The design of playgrounds should be age-appropriate.
  • Fall surfacing under and around playgrounds should be furnished.
  • Always provide proper supervision of children on playgrounds. 

My daily walking route brings me by our local elementary school, and the playground is always full of children, playing games, using the equipment, and having a great time.  I always thought that the squeals of happiness they make during this time resembles the same sounds you’d hear if they were at a carnival.  The difference is that playgrounds are free and probably much safer – so let the kids enjoy them by keeping them safe, 52 weeks per year!  If it’s a public playground, be sure to stay with your child.

General Safety Issues

IT’S TIME FOR ANOTHER SUPER BOWL!

Now we know, it will be the NFC Champion New York Giants against the AFC Champion New England Patriots at this year’s Super Bowl, which will held in Indianapolis, Indiana.  The 46th annual Super Bowl will take place Sunday, February 5th.  In two hard-fought games Sunday, it was anybody’s guess which teams would come out on top.  All four deserve to move on, as they played their hearts out.  The Giants defeated the San Francisco 49’ers in overtime, 20-17.  The Baltimore Ravens lost out to the Patriots by a mere 23-20 score for the AFC title.  The last time I checked, there were 1,076 tickets listed in prices ranging from $2,314 to $60,519.  Luckily, we have a very nice high definition television that will furnish our Super Bowl experience!  If you are one of the lucky ones to go, why not order your team hardhats now, to wear to the game and work. Show your support for your team! 

The Indianapolis Host Committee has several fun things planned for the days leading up to Super Bowl Sunday.  You are invited to a HealthBowl, backed by the NFL, it is a free interactive health fair with fun activities for all.  Persons can have free health screenings, an Xbox virtual workout, or participate in the HealthBowl 5K run/walk.  The Legacy Loop 5K Run/Walk is one of the opening Super Bowl XLVI festivities.  Proceeds from the event will benefit NEWCO (Near Eastside Community Organization).  There’s also a “Snowman Challenge, where great prizes will be awarded to the top 5 snowmen along the 5K Run/Walk Route. Another fun activity is observing healthy cooking demonstrations with the Chef’s Academy.  (You might be lucky and get to be on stage with a Chef and possibly an NFL player!) 

The 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee is proud to partner with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Tissue Bank at IU Simon Cancer Center (“Komen Tissue Bank”), to develop Indy’s Super Cure.  The Super Cure initiative capitalizes on Indianapolis’ robust health and life sciences resources to propel the search for a cure.  In order to make Super Bowl XLVI More Than a Game, Indy’s Super Cure invites you to assist in this fight and make a difference.  Indianapolis is home to the world’s only known tissue bank (Komen Tissue Bank) that collects healthy breast tissue for cancer study and research. 

City inspectors are working on overtime and flex schedules.  The department will continue its routine inspections across the city.  In an article written by John Tuohy, for the Indy Star, security concerns and keeping order will be part of Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department’s job.  There will be 3,000 IMPD officers, firefighter and paramedics working from the Thursday before the game through Sunday, Feb 5th.  These will include 100 undercover officers, who will crack down on ticket and property counterfeiters, prostitutes, and pickpockets.  The FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Secret Service and Drug Enforcement Administration will join the local police departments.  There is nothing more important during this event than the public’s safety.  

S.A.F.E. Management Team is under contract to furnish trained staff for security in field and locker rooms, press box attendants, guest services, such as greeters, hosts, hostesses, and other guest services.  S.A.F.E. Management has been in the security business since 1994, and has security contracts with several NFL teams and other special events, such as large concerts. 

The Super Bowl Host Committee has brought in an independent inspector, as well.  Public safety is their number one priority, whether it’s weather-related or anything else.  The inspection of these structures is of the utmost importance.  Downtown Indianapolis will have a zipline attraction, as well as vendor tents of all sizes.  All of these tents must be inspected and the smaller ones must withstand winds of 45 to 50 mph, while the largest tents must be up to the code of a permanent building. Some of the tents will handle overflow crowds from bars and restaurants.  The city is working in tandem with the state fire marshal to ensure that businesses are not overcrowded and that customers have a way out in an emergency.  They want to make sure that everyone has an evacuation plan.  There is a lot going on behind the scenes now; residents are to be assured that the police will continue to their patrols in the rest of the city during the time of Super Bowl activities and the big game.

We hope for good weather and that all fans have a good time.  As with any other celebration, don’t drink and drive, stay safe in new surroundings, and have a good time!

General Safety Issues

BIG RIGS, BE READY FOR ROADCHECK, 2011!

Beginning today, June 7 , through June 9,  the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) – a not-for-profit organization behind the annual Roadcheck 2011 CMV Safety Blitz, will be conducting vehicle inspections throughout North America – Canada, the U.S., and Mexico.  Many truck drivers will undergo a North American Standard Level I Inspection.  This 37-step inspection takes about an hour to complete and focuses on a variety of factors, including alcohol and drug use, driver logs, vehicle brakes, lights, and cargo securement factors. 

The most frequent citations include brake issues and lighting issues.  For drivers that travel many miles, the most frequent violation is going over their hours of service.  Any truck used in business with a gross vehicle weight rating over 10,000 lbs., or a truck and trailer combination with a gross vehicle weight rating over 10,000 lbs. is subject to this inspection. 

This year’s Roadcheck will also include the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) focus on motorcoach safety.  Passenger carriers should be ready for the increased likelihood of a comprehensive inspection during June 7-9.  Another target will be unscrupulous trucking companies that are suspected of moving household goods without the necessary authority. 

The result of Roadcheck 2010 in Texas was that of the 6,906 commercial vehicles inspected by the DPS, 25 per cent were taken out of service due to serious safety violations.  Troopers placed 160 of the drivers out of service for violations such as improper log books or having suspended, expired, or canceled licenses.  

Truck drivers experience roadside safety inspections at other times of the year; however, “Roadcheck is a good exercise for industry and law enforcement,”says John Conley, president of National Tank Truck Carriers.  “Hazardous materials carriers always score well, but improvement is the goal.  For a new wrinkle this year, I suggest that enforcement personnel focus on inspecting carriers with whom they are totally unfamiliar.  Pull over a carrier you have never heard of and make a new friend.  CSA requires quality inspections that will help get subpar carriers off the roads.” 

Last year, during Roadcheck 2010, 97.5% of hazmat drivers passed inspection, with 2.5% placed out of service.  Across the entire trucking industry, 95.6% of drivers passed the inspections, with 4.4% placed out of service.  Almost 84% of hazmat vehicles passed the Roadcheck inspections, with 16.3% placed out of service.  Eighty percent of all commercial vehicles passed the inspections, with 20% placed out of service.

Commercial carriers have a five-month notice prior to this exercise, allowing them time to fix the problems that they have either with the trucks or drivers.  One attorney surmises that many trucks are taken off the roads during this time frame, or certain drivers may be given time off during those days.  It has also been questioned whether some trucks find a back road to avoid inspections.  

Keeping vehicles in good condition is expensive, but it’s much better than having an accident and injuring someone.  Drivers of large vehicles know the skills that are needed to maneuver those big rigs, and understand the importance of keeping accurate records.  Every vehicle that is on the road owes it  to others to drive safe cars, trucks, pickups, buses, etc.  If these Roadchecks save lives, it is well worth the time and effort put forth.

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.