Tag Archives: safety at work

General Safety Issues

WORKERS’ MEMORIAL DAY – APRIL 28, 2014

Workers’ Memorial Day, observed on April 28, is also the anniversary of the signing of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, (OSHA), over 4 decades ago, and has been designated as the time to remember fallen workers and surviving families, as well as to emphasize the promise of safe jobs. 

The signing of OSHA was the committment of the right to a safe workplace.  Despite this promise, and the dedication and efforts of both workers and enlightened employers, 12 workers die on-the-job every day in the United States. In fact, a total of 150 U.S. workers die each day, (more than 50, 000 workers each year) as a result of exposure to health and safety hazards on the job. 

Over the next several days there will be thousands of people participating in Workers’ Memorial Day observances throughout the U.S. in remembrance of fallen co-workers, friends, and family as they renew their commitment to making their workplaces safer. Members of the public and the survivors of victims of workplace injuries and death have been invited to attend and participate in observances, which include the reading of names of deceased and injured workers, memorial bells, candlelight vigils, and other memorial services. 

It’s a fact that safety laws and regulations don’t kill jobs – but unsafe jobs do kill workers. Our elected officials should be making sure that all workers are protected, by keeping safety standards and regulations up to date and enforced. They should also be strengthening the voice of workers to advocate on their own behalf for safer jobs, not attacking their rights to advocate effectively for themselves, their families, and all workers. 

The Whistleblower Act was written to protect workers from reporting unsafe working conditions, without repercussion. They have the right to tell their employer of any risks and hazards of their jobs that could be life-threatening, without repercussion. After a company investigation, those workers have the right to protection against discrimination, such as: reduction of pay/hours; prospect of promotion; making threats; blacklisting; demotion; denial of benefits, intimidation; fail to hire/rehire. 

Companies are required to meet all safety standards as set by OSHA. When accidents happen and there are injuries and/or casualties, OSHA will investigate. Depending on their findings, companies may have to pay large penalties for failure to comply with such standards, as well as benefits to the worker’s family. 

This Workers’ Memorial Day, the soldiers at Ft Hood, Texas, should be remembered. Although a service was held for them, they need special thoughts this day.  They were doing their job when shot by a fellow soldier. Investigations are being conducted until a cause for this tragedy is found. Remember those and any others you know or family members of someone who lost their life because of their job. 

Every worker has the right to know they will be safe at their job, and get to return home at the end of their shift.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

TWELVE TIPS TO ENSURE YOUR SAFETY AT WORK (GUEST POST)

By Brandon Allred

While people may feel that they are safe at work if nowhere else, this is a common misconception that can lead to unfortunate incidences. No matter where you are – work, home, shopping- you can fall victim to crime. Understanding this can help protect you, and learning about some simple things that you can do to keep yourself safe at work can make all the difference in the world.

Tip 1:

When at work you should keep your purse and keys locked up in a locker or drawer no matter how safe you feel your personal items are. Anything can happen to them even when it comes to people that you think that you can trust.

Tip 2:

If any strangers show up at your office you should ask for photo identification to ensure that they are who they say they are. On the same note, if someone whom you do not know makes you feel uncomfortable or uneasy, trust your gut and call for security.

Tip 3:

If you notice any broken or flickering lights, corridors that are not well lit, broken windows or doors, or doors or windows that will not properly lock or close, report them to the right person immediately,  as they may be warning signs of something unpleasant to come.

Tip 4:

Keep an emergency kit on hand at all times. In it you should include water, food that is nonperishable, and a flashlight. This is for in case the lights go out because of a storm or because someone has messed around with the wires.

Tip 5:

When someone makes a delivery or pickup at your company, follow the same procedure for tip number two. Always ask for identification before you allow them in the building. Without proper ID you should not allow them to enter the premises.

Tip 6:

If you are the owner or the business, or in a position to make important decisions, take a good look at your office layout to assess any sort of potential security breach risks. Also do through background checks on all employees including criminal background checks.

Tip 7:

Assess  the probabilities of being a victim of fraud, burglary and embezzlement and have basic principles of prevention put in place in case any of these issues arise. This is something that  every business is vulnerable to and taking the proper steps is  important for prevention and recovery.

Tip 8:

If you know about any violence in the workplace, or witness any violence (or even know about the potential for violence), make a report to the appropriate authority right away to prevent an unfortunate event.  The same goes for sexual harassment or harassment of any type. These are serious matters.

Tip 9:

Keep your entire inventory up to date. You should do both regularly scheduled checks and random checks. Also write down equipment and product ID numbers and keep them at the office and at home or a bank safety deposit box so you have backups.

Tip 10:

If you are working alone after hours make sure that all doors and windows are locked up before the last person leaves.

Tip 11:

Have an emergency plan in place and make sure that your employees know what the plan is and understand how to follow it.

Tip 12:

If you work at home all of the above still applies. Keep yourself safe no matter what your working environment may be.  Keep everything locked up and have some sort of alarm system in place in case of emergency.

Staying safe at work is something that everyone should know how to do. Being privy to the proper information can make life much less stressful and much safer overall.

Protective Technologies provides safety equipment for business. Please visit our  website to find out more information.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

NO FOOLIN

We may just be getting over April Fools’ Day, but when it comes to our workplace, there’s no room for foolin’ around!  Everyone likes to have a little fun during the workday, but it just is not the place for practical jokes.

There’s always one person who loves to devise schemes to get laughs, but usually it is at the expense of someone else.  Jokesters can be a safety hazard at work.  Things can easily get out of control, with someone getting injured, maybe even seriously.  Some practical jokers pull stunts on others that are very dangerous.  Workers can’t concentrate on their job because they are always bracing for the next trick that is going to be played.

Companies should have policies that address hazing, harassment, and horseplay.  They need to instruct employees that these behaviors are unacceptable.  Posters and materials can be used to communicate such policies.  Every work place should have the T.E.A.M. mantra:  Together Everyone Accomplishes More.

Young or new employees should never have tricks played on them; they already have enough pressure just trying to become used to their job duties.  Also, employees shouldn’t be startled or distracted while they are working.  With job loss as high as it is at this time, we all should be working as hard as possible to keep our occupations intact.

According to Texas Workers Compensation Defense Law:
An employee is not covered if injured while intoxicated at the workplace, if injured by another person for personal reasons not related to the job, or if his or her injuries are self-inflicted. An employee also will not be covered if injured during “horseplay” with another employee.

If you are aware that someone is behaving in ways that are unsafe:

  • Take the person aside and explain that you are not comfortable with their conduct.
  • Remind the person that their victims are humiliated, embarrassed, and distrustful of others, and how would he/she feel if they were in their place.
  • Report unsafe or unprofessional behavior to your supervisor.

Remember, you can enjoy work without hurting others, either physically and/or emotionally.