Tag Archives: job

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, High Visibility Safety, Home Safety Products, Uncategorized

WHEN KIDS LEAVE THE NEST, CONSIDER THESE SAFETY TIPS

When raising kids, certain family milestones are times for sadness and gladness.  You are happy because they have completed high school, and excited if they are going to experience college.  You know you will miss them, and regardless of their choices, either to enroll in college, or seek a profession, they are still young, and believe me, you will worry about them.  They are your kids, and you always have concerns, even when they are older; because you love them, you want everything to go well for them. 

There are many safety factors to consider for young people.  You probably have trained them since they were youngsters, but here are some reminders: 

  • They must understand that they are responsible for their own safety.
  • They need to scope out their new surroundings, and be familiar with  the safest routes they will be using.
  •  There’s always safety in numbers; go out in groups, or at least with a “buddy.”
  •   Never walk in dark places alone.
  •   Do not go to an ATM at night.
  •   Trust their instincts.  If they are uncomfortable with what’s   going  on, don’t be afraid to leave.  Most young people are going to try their wings.  But if things get out of hand, they need to move on.
  •  Always carry cab fare.
  •  Consider taking a self-defense class.
  •  Always tell a roommate, friend, or someone else where they plan to be if they are going out at night.  If plans change, they should let that person know, just in case they don’t return when they should.
  •  Have them make copies of important papers, credit cards, health cards, etc. and leave a copy with parents, just in case they are stolen or lost.
  •  Suggest that they have a “health buddy,” someone that will get them to a doctor or emergency room if necessary.  They can do the same for that friend.
  • Warm them of alcohol hazards.  Never mix acetaminophens with alcohol, and encourage them to not overdo drinking, just because it seems to be the popular thing to do.  They need to know that drinking and driving don’t mix. (Texting and driving don’t, either.)

Here are some safety items they should have: 

  • First Aid Kit
  • Auto Safety Kit
  • Smoke, carbon monoxide detectors if the apartment or dormitory doesn’t have them.
  • Fire escape ladder
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Mace or pepper spray
  • Key Chain Alarm
  • Reflective vest for jogging or biking
  • Fully charged cell phone
  • ICE programmed on phone (in case of emergency) on cell phone; authorities know to check for this in order to notify family 

Stay in touch with your kids; have them call you at least once a week, and let you know what’s happening in their lives.  They need to know you are just a phone call (or text) away.  Give them encouragement in the important choices they make.  It’s hard to believe that that little boy or girl you sent off to kindergarten is now going off to college, the military, or a job.  We send them our best for safe, happy, and successful futures.

General Safety Issues, Protective Clothing

NORTH TO ALASKA!

It’s always been my dream to go to Alaska, and someday, I hope to make it come true!  After watching the Discovery Channel’s “Deadliest Catch”, however, I don’t think I want to make any career changes!  It takes special persons, to make up the crews on those big fishing vessels.
The lures to become this type of fisherman are money and adventure.  There’s money to be made, depending on the total catch, and how it is divided among the crew.  Since the work is seasonal, the crews work hard to have successful catches.  Newcomers must get experience on other types of fishing boats, such as those fishing for salmon before they can get hired to work on the King Crab ships.  There is usually an abundance of work in canneries and processing, and persons such as students or teachers can enjoy the extra money during their time off from their regular job.
This is one of America’s most dangerous professions; the Bureau of Labor determines the risk factors, and commercial fishing usually tops the list of risky occupations, but there are others that have higher rates of occupational deaths.  From year to year, the lists vary, according to other resources that study occupational injury and death.  Usually the military has been left off the lists; however, because of the wars we are involved in, they have been included, and rightfully so.
While fishing off the Alaskan coast, the crews face turbulent seas, fog, falling overboard and drowning, icy waters, working with huge winches and hoists.  Another major problem is ice, which can form on the masts and decks.  Those who stay at sea for extended periods of time must be well prepared.  Fishermen must have warm clothes, rainsuits, boots, winter liners, and gloves.  If there is illness or injury while out to sea, access to medical assistance is far away.  Because the potential of injury is present, applicants should inquire about the safety policies and procedures the company has established, and obey every safety aspect of the work involved.
The coast of New England also boasts a huge fishing industry, with lobsters being the main attraction.  So, the next time you are in your favorite seafood restaurant, think about the effort and risks taken by those brave souls that furnish the delicacies we take for granted.
It’s always been my dream to go to Alaska, and someday, I hope to make it come true!  After watching the Discovery Channel’s “Deadliest Catch”, however, I don’t think I want to make any career changes!  It takes special persons, to make up the crews on those big fishing vessels.
The lures to become this type of fisherman are money and adventure.  There’s money to be made, depending on the total catch, and how it is divided among the crew.  Since the work is seasonal, the crews work hard to have successful catches.  Newcomers must get experience on other types of fishing boats, such as those fishing for salmon before they can get hired to work on the King Crab ships.  There is usually an abundance of work in canneries and processing, and persons such as students or teachers can enjoy the extra money during their time off from their regular job.
This is one of America’s most dangerous professions; the Bureau of Labor determines the risk factors, and commercial fishing usually tops the list of risky occupations, but there are others that have higher rates of occupational deaths.  From year to year, the lists vary, according to other resources that study occupational injury and death.  Usually the military has been left off the lists; however, because of the wars we are involved in, they have been included, and rightfully so.
While fishing off the Alaskan coast, the crews face turbulent seas, fog, falling overboard and drowning, icy waters, working with huge winches and hoists.  Another major problem is ice, which can form on the masts and decks.  Those who stay at sea for extended periods of time must be well prepared.  Fishermen must have warm clothes, rainsuits, boots, winter liners, and gloves.  If there is illness or injury while out to sea, access to medical assistance is far away.  Because the potential of injury is present, applicants should inquire about the safety policies and procedures the company has established, and obey every safety aspect of the work involved.
The coast of New England also boasts a huge fishing industry, with lobsters being the main attraction.  So, the next time you are in your favorite seafood restaurant, think about the effort and risks taken by those brave souls that furnish the delicacies we take for granted.
General Safety Issues

WHEN WILL WE PUT SAFETY FIRST?

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As the Gulf of Mexico waters continue to be spoiled by oil and chemicals released from the BP oil well, we are reminded that too many times companies “put the cart before the horse.”  Only after an accident such as this, causing the loss of life of eleven people, injuries to many workers, and ruining the livelihoods of thousands who depend on fishing and tourism, do we begin to point the finger of blame.  Congressmen are trying to find out why it happened, but what are they going to do about it?  Where are the ones responsible to initiate plans to prevent these mishaps, rather than wait until it’s too late?
An example of this is the tragedy in West Virginia, where several miners lost their lives in the explosion at the Upper Big Branch South Mine, on April 5th.  Shortly afterwards, we learned about the numerous safety violations that their company, Massey Energy, had committed.   If corrections to the citations had been made, it’s possible that the explosion may not have happened.   According to an Associated Press release of June 15, 2010, the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration is heading a civil investigation of the explosion, which is also the subject of a federal criminal probe.  Hopefully, something will be done to keep our miners safer in their daily work.
“Safety First” should be the motto of every company, and it should mean just that.  Every employee should have the assurance that he will go home at the end of his/her shift.  There are many dangerous jobs out there, and working on a drilling rig is one of them.  Jobs that provide energy for this country are risky, and the people who do that type of work know that.  But they should be able to trust that the company they are working for is not going to cut corners or take shortcuts to complete the job because of the bottom dollar figure.  The result of this accident is going to cost billions of dollars and years of repair to restore the Gulf Coast region.  It is taking not only a human toll to those who live and work in the area, but birds, animals and sea life have paid with their lives.  We salute those who are working diligently to save as many birds and sea creatures as possible.
It is time that whatever agencies “oversee” safety regulations do what is expected of them. That’s what our tax dollars are paying them to do.   We hope that the people of the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida are compensated fairly in a timely manner for their losses.  Drilling has gone on in the Gulf of Mexico for years without tragedies such as this.  We need the oil that the Gulf of Mexico can furnish, and those persons who work on drilling rigs need their jobs.  Citizens should expect that our government agencies enforce all employers in every type of business to fulfill their obligation to their employees by abiding by the details of their safety policies and procedures.  This is a hard lesson in “crying over spilled oil” instead of “crying over spilled milk.”
As the Gulf of Mexico waters continue to be spoiled by oil and chemicals released from the BP oil well, we are reminded that too many times companies “put the cart before the horse.”  Only after an accident such as this, causing the loss of life of eleven people, injuries to many workers, and ruining the livelihoods of thousands who depend on fishing and tourism, do we begin to point the finger of blame.  Congressmen are trying to find out why it happened, but what are they going to do about it?  Where are the ones responsible to initiate plans to prevent these mishaps, rather than wait until it’s too late?
An example of this is the tragedy in West Virginia, where several miners lost their lives in the explosion at the Upper Big Branch South Mine, on April 5th.  Shortly afterwards, we learned about the numerous safety violations that their company, Massey Energy, had committed.   If corrections to the citations had been made, it’s possible that the explosion may not have happened.   According to an Associated Press release of June 15, 2010, the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration is heading a civil investigation of the explosion, which is also the subject of a federal criminal probe.  Hopefully, something will be done to keep our miners safer in their daily work.
“Safety First” should be the motto of every company, and it should mean just that.  Every employee should have the assurance that he will go home at the end of his/her shift.  There are many dangerous jobs out there, and working on a drilling rig is one of them.  Jobs that provide energy for this country are risky, and the people who do that type of work know that.  But they should be able to trust that the company they are working for is not going to cut corners or take shortcuts to complete the job because of the bottom dollar figure.  The result of this accident is going to cost billions of dollars and years of repair to restore the Gulf Coast region.  It is taking not only a human toll to those who live and work in the area, but birds, animals and sea life have paid with their lives.  We salute those who are working diligently to save as many birds and sea creatures as possible.
It is time that whatever agencies “oversee” safety regulations do what is expected of them. That’s what our tax dollars are paying them to do.   We hope that the people of the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida are compensated fairly in a timely manner for their losses.  Drilling has gone on in the Gulf of Mexico for years without tragedies such as this.  We need the oil that the Gulf of Mexico can furnish, and those persons who work on drilling rigs need their jobs.  Citizens should expect that our government agencies enforce all employers in every type of business to fulfill their obligation to their employees by abiding by the details of their safety policies and procedures.  This is a hard lesson in “crying over spilled oil” instead of “crying over spilled milk.”
General Safety Issues

ENSURING THAT EVERYONE UNDERSTANDS ABOUT SAFETY!

Safety Meetings and Safety Training are conducted to keep you safe while you earn your pay.  But what if these meetings were presented in a language that you didn’t know?  America has always been known as a Melting Pot, with immigrant workers coming from all over the world.  Many of them are from disadvantaged countries, and work in seasonal jobs such as agriculture.  Others work in construction, mining, and industries with high mortality rates.  Some are machine operators, assemblers, cleaners, and helpers.  Limited English proficiency may be a direct contributor to workplace injuries or fatalities.
OSHA has a history of requiring employers to train their employees in a manner that they understand.  If they don’t speak English, then preparation for their job tasks, as well as safety and health training, is to be conveyed in the language that they understand.  If the employee’s vocabulary is limited, training must account for that limitation.  Simply telling them to read training materials will not satisfy the employer’s obligation.  OSHA also requires employers to verify that employees have acquired the knowledge and skills for which they have been trained; i.e., lockout/tagout, respiratory protection, bloodborne pathogens, etc.
Having worked for an oilfield construction company in West Texas several years ago, I know there were many of our employees that didn’t understand or speak English, and were dependent on their Spanish-speaking supervisors to instruct them.  They worked hard for minimum wage, and did a good job.  But there were injuries, as well.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health shares these examples of how they are working to improve problems that immigrant workers face:
§ The NIOSH Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) program identifies and studies work-related injury deaths, with the goal of identifying effective prevention measures.
§ Through on-site investigations, NIOSH and cooperating states collect detailed circumstances for select incident types, including deaths of Hispanic workers since 2002.
§ Targeted research programs focused on the construction and agricultural sectors, both of which employ a disproportionate share of immigrant workers.
§ An occupational health disparities program, which is conducting research on the causes and prevention of occupational health disparities including those experienced by immigrant workers.
§ A Spanish language website and translation of several NIOSH publications into Spanish.
§ An innovative information and communication effort with the Spanish-language television network Telemundo and other partners, in which construction safety messages were incorporated dramatically into a widely watched prime-time series, and supplemented with a public service announcement and a special website.
Companies and their supervisors are responsible for the safety of all workers, must understand the hazards of their job, as well as the importance of wearing Personal Protective Equipment, and how to take care of it.  If employees see a co-worker that is at risk, regardless of a language barrier, or any other reason, they need to reach out and help.  That way, everyone stays safe!
Sources:
OSHA
NIOSH
Safety Meetings and Safety Training are conducted to keep you safe while you earn your pay.  But what if these meetings were presented in a language that you didn’t know?  America has always been known as a Melting Pot, with immigrant workers coming from all over the world.  Many of them are from disadvantaged countries, and work in seasonal jobs such as agriculture.  Others work in construction, mining, and industries with high mortality rates.  Some are machine operators, assemblers, cleaners, and helpers.  Limited English proficiency may be a direct contributor to workplace injuries or fatalities.
OSHA has a history of requiring employers to train their employees in a manner that they understand.  If they don’t speak English, then preparation for their job tasks, as well as safety and health training, is to be conveyed in the language that they understand.  If the employee’s vocabulary is limited, training must account for that limitation.  Simply telling them to read training materials will not satisfy the employer’s obligation.  OSHA also requires employers to verify that employees have acquired the knowledge and skills for which they have been trained; i.e., lockout/tagout, respiratory protection, bloodborne pathogens, etc.
Having worked for an oilfield construction company in West Texas several years ago, I know there were many of our employees that didn’t understand or speak English, and were dependent on their Spanish-speaking supervisors to instruct them.  They worked hard for minimum wage, and did a good job.  But there were injuries, as well.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health shares these examples of how they are working to improve problems that immigrant workers face:
  • The NIOSH Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) program identifies and studies work-related injury deaths, with the goal of identifying effective prevention measures.
  • Through on-site investigations, NIOSH and cooperating states collect detailed circumstances for select incident types, including deaths of Hispanic workers since 2002.
  • Targeted research programs focused on the construction and agricultural sectors, both of which employ a disproportionate share of immigrant workers.
  • An occupational health disparities program, which is conducting research on the causes and prevention of occupational health disparities including those experienced by immigrant workers.
  • A Spanish language website and translation of several NIOSH publications into Spanish.
  • An innovative information and communication effort with the Spanish-language television network Telemundo and other partners, in which construction safety messages were incorporated dramatically into a widely watched prime-time series, and supplemented with a public service announcement and a special website.
Companies and their supervisors are responsible for the safety of all workers, must understand the hazards of their job, as well as the importance of wearing Personal Protective Equipment, and how to take care of it.  If employees see a co-worker that is at risk, regardless of a language barrier, or any other reason, they need to reach out and help.  That way, everyone stays safe!
Sources:
OSHA
NIOSH
General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

BLACK LUNG ON THE RISE

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Almost one-half of the power used in the United States is generated by coal; more than 130,000 miners put their lives at risk to provide it. Coal Workers Pneumoconiosis (CWP) is caused by prolonged breathing of dust in coal mines.  Another name for CWP is Black Lung Disease.

Years ago, Congress ordered Black Lung to be eradicated from the coal industry, under the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969.  This act was to protect miners by posing limits on exposure to dust, as well as adding increased benefits for families of coal miners.  For several years following this legislative enactment, the proportion of coal miners with Black Lung Disease went down.  However, in the last ten years, it is again on the rise.  Approximately 10,000 miners have died with CWP in the past decade, with younger workers developing severe and advanced cases.

Black Lung is a deadly, but preventable occupational disease.  It causes chronic coughing and shortness of breath.  Coal operators are required under the law to adhere to dust standards.  They have the necessary tools to control each miner’s exposure to respirable dust and silica.  Industries and miners must both ensure that control measures are applied and dust levels are accurately measured.

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, possible reasons that this disease is once more increasing are:

  • Inadequacies in mandated coal mine dust regulations;
  • Failure to comply with regulations;
  • Lack of disease measures to accommodate changes in mining practices brought about by depletion of richer coal reserves;
  • Effects of working longer hours in recent years;
  • Missed opportunities by miners to be screened and take action to reduce dust exposure.
  • New mining techniques and machinery that create more hazardous exposure to dust.

NIOSH also has set up mobile screening units that travel to locations where mining takes place and offer free x-rays, and other free health evaluations to miners.  When early disease is suspected, miners should request transfer to a job where there is less dust exposure.

A set of rules is being considered by the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) that would require some miners to use a new technology, the continuous personal dust monitor.  These real-time monitors would allow the miners to know what they are exposed to and respond to it right away.  The cost is $10,000 per monitor, so it’s a pricey proposition.  However, mining-industry representative Bruce Watzman says the industry supports MSHA’s efforts.  “The statistics concern us.  We need to understand and address this problem.”  NIOSH states that the first priority to all men and women miners is their health and safety.

General Safety Issues

WORK AND FATIGUE DON’T MIX

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Right now you are thinking. “So, work and fatigue don’t mix, but my work tires me every day!”  Or do you get tired of your work?  Our mental outlook on our occupation plays a large part in how our bodies react to the demands of our jobs.  You certainly wouldn’t want to meet a drowsy driver on the road because he has driven too many hours.  Would you want a surgeon to operate on you if he’s already been in the operating room for several hours?  I want mine scheduled for the first thing in the morning!  If we have a good attitude about the work we plan to perform each day, we will see better results, and look forward to the next day.  Think positive thoughts.

There are many factors that play into workplace fatigue, such as:

  • Sleep-deprivation;
  • Lonely, boring jobs;
  • Shifts that are too long;
  • Demands to work extra shifts;
  • Dissatisfaction with job;
  • Heavy work loads;
  • Stress.

Studies have shown that because of workers’ lack of sleep, the costs of lost productivity range in the $350 billions-worldwide annually.  The best habit for anyone is to get 7.5 or 8.5 hours of sleep per night.  Persons who work night shifts have more difficulty adjusting to different sleep patterns and sometimes suffer from fatigue at work, even going to sleep on the job.

Employers should ensure that the workplace doesn’t promote fatigue.  One way to succeed is to require shorter shifts or change to rotating shifts, eliminate repetitive jobs by varying job duties, and train workers on how to get enough rest.  While on breaks, workers could try playing a quick game, or planning their next get-away, instead of thinking about their work duties.
Fatigue can cause poor judgment, lack of concentration, poor communication skills, less productivity, and the ability to do complex jobs.  Tired workers experience slower reaction time, loss of memory, the ability to recall details, and may take risks, which could lead to everyone being in harm’s way.  Most jobs require our complete attention, such as heavy equipment operators, handling dangerous chemicals, using sharp instruments, driving vehicles, taking care of patients; the list could go on and on.

If one always feels tired or depressed, it would be best to see his/her doctor, to be sure there isn’t a medical reason for their fatigue, at home and work.  Everyone can stay strong by eating healthy, avoiding junk and fatty foods, doing the right exercise regularly, and getting enough sleep.

So, don’t be “sick and tired of being sick and tired!”  It’s up to you to do something about it.

Try starting with A for Attitude.

General Safety Issues

BULLYING CAN BE A PROBLEM FOR ALL AGES

Probably everyone has had to deal with a bully at one time or another.  There’s always going to be someone making another person’s life miserable.  Almost like a disease without a cure, bullying often goes too far.  Too often, we hear about a teenager that has decided the only way to escape the torment of a bully is to commit suicide.  This needs to stop.

Definitions of a bully are, someone who:

(a) intimidates;

(b) threatens;

(c) frightens;

(d) terrorizes; and/or

(e) endangers.

Anyone who has encountered bullies can no doubt add other descriptions.  What can we as a society do about this problem?  Parents are the key.  By paying close attention to our kids, we can notice when they seem to be acting differently, and ask questions.  Many times a child won’t say that someone is harassing them, until it’s gone too far.  Place a confidential call to school officials to bring the problem to their attention.  If school administration or teachers are unable to curtail the situation, call law enforcement.

In the past, things like this happened on “mean streets.”  With cell phones, computers, and email chat rooms, the cyber world creates virtual “bad streets” everywhere!  Cowards hiding behind a computer or cell phone can make a person’s life miserable by spreading all sorts of rumors or making threats.

Then, there are some of the bullies left over from junior high, still out there, seeking attention the only way they know, by picking on someone else and trying to build themselves up by making others feel small.  (We’re talking about the workplace, now!) Here’s some advice for grown-ups and students to apply when encountering a bully:

  • Avoid this person as much as possible.
  • Develop self-control; don’t let them think they have the best of you.
  • Ignore them.
  • Talk to teachers, school administrators.  They have laws to follow to protect you.
  • Talk to your supervisor; your company should have policies that protect you.
  • Ask that security cameras be placed in areas that could deter these activities.
  • Keep a record.  It’s always good advice to document, document, document!
  • If it keeps up, make a formal complaint to management.
  • When that doesn’t work, seek legal advice.  Personal injury lawyers’ consultations are usually free.

This all goes back to parenting.  If parents know they are raising a bully, they should put a stop to it before it gets out of hand.  The damage that bullies can cause sometimes leaves a permanent scar on their victim.  We all must learn to behave toward others in a positive way.
Only then will we see a safer world.

General Safety Issues

KEEPING OUR AGING WORKFORCE SAFE

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Who knows what age determines when a person becomes a member of the “aging workforce”, or what is sometimes referred to as the “chronologically-gifted workforce?”  Those “baby boomers” born after World War II should be getting ready to retire; however, times have changed. Americans are living longer and they are also working longer.  Regardless of the reasons to continue working, older workers bring knowledge, experience, and wisdom to many aspects of business.  Studies report that in general, there is lower turnover, more dedication to the workplace, more positive attitudes, and less absenteeism than from a younger workforce.

Employers must apply safety practices in the workplace to prevent significant injuries to all employees, not just the older workers.  However, there are some reasons that extra care should be taken to ensure the safety of those whose hearing, vision, or balance may slow them down a little.  Training may be different for older workers.  New skills should be explained in a way that they understand. Simply put, justification and logic- why you are doing what you are doing is the easiest message to get across to workers of any age.

According to the Texas Department of Insurance, these are some changes that happen as workers age:

  • Balance – Injuries involving falls are more common to older workers.  Slips and falls account for 14 to 40 percent of non-fatal occupational injuries to workers of all ages.  Work should be matched up to a person’s abilities.  The correct Personal Protective Equipment should be furnished to all workers.
  • Muscular – Older workers may lose muscle mass, which means they lose strength. They may tire more easily, and need to exercise daily to be fit and flexible.
  • Respiratory – Oxygen uptake declines after the age of 50, and physical activity is more difficult.  If the worker is not able to do strenuous tasks, they should be assigned a less physically demanding job.
  • Vision – Many folks in their forties sometimes begin to notice that they do not see as well as they did when they were younger.  Workers should be encouraged to have their eyes checked regularly.  Signs at workplaces should be easily seen and easy to read and follow.
  • Circulatory – We all know that in the summer, outside workers need more breaks and water to cope with heat stress.  These especially apply to the older worker.  All workers should be allowed proper consideration to accommodate what their bodies can withstand in cold or hot weather conditions.
  • Mental – Older persons are usually able to perform mental tasks just as well as their younger counterparts.  They are still able to learn to do new things, it might just take them a little longer.  Changes in mental ability and physical condition do not happen to everyone as they age.
  • Hearing – Employers should be aware that some older workers may be less able to hear verbal instructions if the background is noisy, and be sure that they understand what is being requested of them.

The older generations didn’t have all the technology exists now.  They did many things the old-fashioned way – the hard way!  We also need to appreciate the fact that they are willing to go out into this busy, fast-paced world and do their jobs with the pride and work ethics they were taught.  They can teach us all a thing or two!  Let’s keep them safe.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

Keep an Eye on Your Workers

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Guest Blogger: Vince Hundley

Workers who refuse to follow your safety glasses policy are your biggest risk.  If they don’t conform, you have to take a hard line. I am telling you because I have years of hard data to back me up.

Years ago, I was managing our company’s safety program. We were performing at about the national average on-the-job injuries, but I was desperately looking to affect some improvement to reduce our accidents and lower our loss ratios.

I was having limited success, so I analyzed our accident data and the only obvious trend that I found was that accidents occurred when people took shortcuts. So I did what anyone would do, I implemented a 100% safety glasses policy.  I suspected that 100% compliance would prevent injuries.

What I found was surprising!  I received widespread pushback from the workers.  They told me that their safety glasses made them feel less safe!  They whined because they couldn’t see, or that they were getting headaches.  The resistance was so strong that I nearly gave in.

With the backing of our superintendent, I held my ground.  Over time the complaints dissipated, and soon only a few people were resisting the program. I was able to target those obvious individuals and gave them this ultimatum: “Either they change their behavior or they will move on– Whether voluntarily or not.”

As time went on, our incident rate improved significantly. Many of the careless accidents we’d experienced were not happening anymore. Then it occurred to me, the people not wearing safety glasses were the most likely to get injured!

How did I make that connection?

Workers that did not follow the policy were more likely to participate in risky behavior.  They just plain did not value their safety as much as their safer co-workers. I concluded the people that refused to wear glasses were Anti-Safety!!  If they pushed back on wearing safety glasses, then I knew they would push back on other things.

So if you are trying to reduce accidents and create a safety-conscience culture in your company, you should isolate those people that refuse to follow your safety policy on eye protection policy, and you should take a hard line.  It will help your employees, your safety culture and it will help your bottom line.

Pass this advice on to your family, friends and coworkers, because the more we talk about safety, the less we’ll hear about accidents.

Eye Protection at Your Workplace
All safety glasses and goggles should be ANSI Z87.1 certified for industrial eye protection with the Z87 mark on the frame or lenses. In certain occupations, a face shield and/or goggles should be mandatory.

ABOUT VINCE HUNDLEY:Hundley
Mr. Hundley graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety from Illinois State University, and completed his Master’s of Science in Industrial Hygiene at SDSU.  He is certified by the Board of Certified Safety professionals as a Certified Safety Professional (CSP).  Mr. Hundley is President and CEO of SMART Safety Group and President of OSHA outlet. 

General Safety Issues

THIRTEEN STEPS TO LIVE BY

If you know a young person who is considering doing volunteer work, or beginning a new job, here’s some common-sense advice to give them.  These suggestions are excellent for all workers, regardless of age.   Whether it is volunteering in a facility such as a hospital, nursing home, or humane shelter, or starting a new job, there are rules and regulations to be followed.

Here are thirteen steps that we hope everyone will abide by:

1.    Get training. Can you show me how to do it?  What things should I watch for?

2.    Learn how to do the job safely.  Follow the policies, procedures and rules.  Be aware of what to do in an emergency.

3.    Be supervised. If my supervisor is not near to where I am working and I have a question, to whom do I go?

4.    Wear the gear. If Personal Protective Equipment or PPE is required, such as gloves, aprons, hairnets, safety glasses, ear plugs, etc., find out how to use them properly and wear them.

5.    Think the job through and identify risks before beginning. Understand unsafe practices or situations and report them.

6.    Ask, Ask, Ask. There are no stupid questions, just stupid excuses when you do something without being told, and without instructions.  Don’t be afraid to communicate.  Try to ask smart questions and not give answers such as, “I didn’t know”, or “No one told me”.

7.    Don’t do anything that you haven’t been instructed to do safely and don’t do anything you’ve been told not to do, for anyone! The supervisor rules.  If others ask you to do something you have been told not to do, or have not received training in, check with your supervisor before you do it.

8.    Follow rules. Every job and every game plan has to include rules to ensure that everyone plays fairly, moves the ball together, and acts like a team.

9.    Tell your supervisor if you see anything hazardous that may hurt someone else or you. If you see them doing something that you know could injure them, report it.  Who is doing it is not as important as what is being done.  You’re not ratting, you are making a mature move to prevent unnecessary injuries.

10.    Remember you are not being asked to give until it hurts! If you get hurt, no matter how minor it may seem to you, report it to your supervisor and let your family know.

11.    Talk to your family and let them know what type of tasks you’ll be doing and the training you have received. If you have any concerns or things that feel aren’t right, tell them.  Sometimes your parents know things you don’t.

12.    Be honest. If you think the task is beyond your personal capabilities, let the employer know right away.  Don’t take on anything that you can’t handle.

13.    Don’t assume you can do something you haven’t done before without some instructions or supervision, and never do anything more than what you were actually told to do without checking with the supervisor first.

This is good advice for all of us.  Remember, your health and safety is more important than any job or paycheck.  Pay Attention!  Keep your eyes open and don’t be afraid to speak up.  You need to protect yourself.

Source:  Ministry of Labour, Canada