If you visited any of your facilities and asked, “How often are you pulling your team together to talk about safety?”, what response do you think you would get? Varied responses are an indicator of the need to reexamine how, when, and what your facilities use to talk about safety, and to implement consistency across all locations. Here are some key ways to streamline your safety communications protocol and get everyone thinking and talking about safety on a regular basis. Get People Involved in the Safety Process No one enjoys just sitting in a room getting lectured on what they need to do better or differently. While managers have the responsibility to ensure their team members are engaged in safe practices, they also have the opportunity to foster an environment that encourages team members’ participation and involvement in the safety discussions. It’s the employee’s role to not only listen but to participate and get involved in the actions that address the hazards and issues they face. Additionally, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the United States Department of Labor, worker participation is vital to the success of safety programs. Retention Improves With Increased Participation People tend to retain information better when a discussion is collaborative. Additionally, collaboration gives workers a voice in the discussion and the opportunity to be heard. This way, management and employees can address and act on issues as a team. Get team members involved during safety huddles by: Asking for feedback on the discussion Performing demonstrations Having team members present the topics Including team members on safety gembas Overcome Resistance to Change to the Safety Culture Change is never easy. It takes time to implement new procedures and protocols. But when it comes to safety, there can be no greater change a company can make than to those that will protect the health and well-being of its workers. Overcoming any barriers to an improved safety culture is an essential first step. Keep Safety Huddles to the Point A safety huddle should be structured so that it’s easy for participants to retain information. You may have heard that people now have a shorter attention span than a goldfish — falling from 12 seconds in 2000 to eight seconds in 2012. Whether that’s really true or not, the easy access to information afforded by the phone in our pockets has affected our ability to block out distractions and sustain focus. While a safety chat certainly needs to be longer than eight seconds, shorter, more concise communications at a higher frequency can facilitate better retention than longer, less frequent communications. So talking about safety more often isn’t about having more hour-long meetings. Add Safety Huddles to Your Daily Schedule A safety huddle can be as quick as five minutes with an agenda of no more than two topics. It can be incorporated as the kickoff to existing meetings (i.e. daily management) without taking over the agenda. Safety should be talked about on a daily basis to ensure it is foremost in all associates' minds. Where to Find Good Safety Content Covering good information during safety huddles is just as important as having them. Keeping the content relevant, timely, and brief are essential for retention. Good sources of content and reference points include: A company newsletter: Pick an article and go over it with your team. Reference previous editions for additional content. Injury alerts: Discuss an injury that occurred at another location to get your team thinking about how to mitigate the hazards they face. Results of safety gemba/checklist: Go over the results of a recent walkthrough, including what hazards were observed and what should they be concerned about. Recent training: Recap any recent training and discuss what they learned. Near-miss reports: Review the reports to discuss how to fix issues and prevent similar events before someone does get hurt. Use the report as a teaching moment. Safety program updates: Discuss why the company has started a new program (safety toe work boots, safe cutting tools/gloves, etc.) and why it’s important. Injury stand down meeting: Pull team members together to talk about the injury and what to do differently to mitigate future risk. Simply telling associates to be safe next time is not an adequate corrective action. Feedback content: Hold employee feedback sessions on risks that have been observed. Instill the understanding that safety improvement is a team effort. Safety demonstration: Demonstrate safe lifting, safe cutting, proper housekeeping, safe forklift operation, etc. Internet safety research: Use resources from the National Safety Council or local/national regulatory agencies to supplement internal information. Be sure that online research is consistent with your company safety policy. Provide Coaching and Feedback Dedicating time and effort to hold daily safety discussions is key, but confirming that the messages are being received and acted on is part is what makes a safety culture effective. Routine coaching and behavior observation are essential to maintaining a safe working environment. There are two main ways managers can determine if safety steps are being internalized. 1. Peer-to-Peer Coaching With an open environment established at all levels, team members and managers should feel confident that their peers will coach them on unsatisfactory behaviors and that they, in return, can do the same without fear of retaliation or ridicule. Managers should make sure everyone understands the expected performance to drive a culture of accountability and safety improvement. Everyone should accept coaching with a “thank you” and the acknowledgment that they will work to improve the behavior going forward. Managers and team members should feel comfortable coaching at any level, regardless of position, title, or tenure. Allowing a co-worker to bypass a safeguard or practice essentially condones the behavior and the person who "let it slide" may feel accountable if the other person is injured. 2. Positive Feedback For every unsatisfactory or "needs improvement" observation, provide four positive observations, such as “Thank you for using your gloves while cutting.” This 4:1 ratio provides the opportunity for genuine positive feedback on a regular basis, reinforcing the importance of proper behaviors. Safety Becomes a Core Value Staying on top of workplace safety is of paramount importance in every industry. Following these guidelines and continually making the necessary adjustments will help keep safety top of mind, where it should always be. Article originally published Nov. 2018, and updated for accuracy and relevance. Featured Products
Read MoreEmployees working on the job every day – from construction sites to warehouses – often become so comfortable with their daily activities, they can become complacent to the injury risks. Unfortunately, it’s this form of complacency that can result in job site injuries ranging from slips and falls to struck-by hazards. Struck-by hazards are one of the most common types of injuries seen on job sites and understanding what they are and how to prevent them is important to employee safety. Struck-by hazards are the second highest cause of fatalities among construction workers, but with the proper training risks can be reduced. When talking about struck-by hazards, we are referring to injuries related to a worker coming in contact with an object that is flying, falling, swinging, or rolling – all of which fall under the struck by hazard listed as one of OSHA’s fatal four in construction. 1. Flying Object Hazards Common sources of a flying object hazard include surface grinders, powder actuated tools, and general power tool use. To help prevent these hazards, tools should be inspected prior to use, proper work area set up must be established and maintained throughout the task, and lastly, proper personal protective equipment, such as hard hats, safety glasses, googles, and face shields should be worn. 2. Falling Object Hazards Tools and materials knocked off elevated working locations such as a multi-level construction site, or even the top shelf of a warehouse racking system can result in serious injury to unsuspecting employees below. All areas below an elevated work location should be properly barricaded and secured with hard barriers, warning tape, or some form of warning light device. Tool and material tethers to prevent a dropped object add additional protection layers along with basic safe rigging techniques for items being transported by an overhead lifting device or crane. Proper PPE such as hard hat use in an elevated work location adds the final level of protection although prevention of the falling object is primary. 3. Swinging Object Hazards Swinging hazards generally occur when materials or equipment are being lifted and something causes it to sway back and forth. The cone of influence should be identified and workers kept out of the area when work is being performed. Tag lines should be in place on lifted loads and only manipulated when safe to do so per the established lift plan. Always ensure heavy equipment operators are properly trained along with affected employees. 4. Rolling Object Hazards Rolling object hazards involve vehicles or heavy equipment, but they can also be the result of any object that rolls, moves or slides. To avoid these scenarios, employees should properly block materials that could roll, set vehicle brakes when not in use, and be trained to recognize the hazards. Preventing Struck-By Hazards Injury from struck-by hazards can be avoided by taking the proper precautions to eliminate the chance of being struck through proper body positioning, material storage, and tool securement. Making sure any items being moved, handled, stored, loaded, or racked are managed in a way that will prevent them from falling, tipping, or collapsing is essential. Here are a few best practices for securing common items: Rolling items like a wire reel should be braced, blocked, or chocked when not in use Distribute items evenly on skids and wrap or secure appropriately prior to elevated storage Don’t over load racks, equipment, or work surfaces that could cause a collapse Chain, tether, hang, or tie-off equipment and tools when a dropped object could impact others PPE provides the final layer of defense to help lessen the impact when a struck-by incident occurs. This equipment can include the basics: hard hats, safety glasses, face shields, steel toed boots, and any other job specific gear. As always, PPE should be inspected prior to use to ensure it’s in adequate condition and has no defects that could prevent it from working properly. Understanding the dangers posed by struck-by hazards is important in any work environment. But if you’re working on a site with elevated risk through heavy equipment exposure, elevated work, or other potential falling object hazards, make sure you have the proper hazard controls in place to prevent injury to yourself or your peers! Featured Products
Read MoreElectricity is something we often take for granted. Because it’s so intertwined into our daily lives, from powering your smartphone to providing lighting in even the most obscure locations, we can often forget the dangers that come with it. When not properly installed or respected, there are significant risks of injury or fire from electrical hazards. May has been designated as National Electrical Safety Month. The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) uses the month to raise awareness about electrical safety hazards both on the job site and at home. This year, their focus is on Smart Homes and the lifesaving devices that keep a home smart, safe, and secure. Electrical Safety in the Workplace Live electrical contact is a leading cause of workplace injuries and fatalities, with nearly 4,000 injuries and 300 deaths each year. It’s essential to discuss electrical safety as part of your daily safety protocols. According to the CDC’s NIOSH, the construction industry comprises approximately 8% of the U.S. workforce, yet it accounts for 44% of job-related fatalities. Here are a few electrical tips to keep in mind while working: Never overload electrical circuits. Extension cords plugged into power strips that are connected in series with other strips is a common, but significant risk. Not only is this practice is a regulatory violation, but it can also cause a fire. All electrical panels and equipment should have penetrations properly sealed, making sure there are no exposed wires or access points into live electrical exposures. To avoid injury, equipment should not be opened by employees unless they have received the proper training. Proper training to understand the energy sources of equipment is required when providing service or maintenance or when troubleshooting equipment. Lockout/tagout processes should be followed by anyone involved in or affected by these tasks. Inspect any tears or frayed connections leading into corded tools or electrical equipment. These can lead to exposure points and result in live electrical contact. Also, always ensure that equipment is unplugged before attempting to change tooling or perform repairs. Smart Home and Electrical Safety Each year, 35,000 home fires are the result of an electrical malfunction. Because the average home was built in 1977, today’s modern house cannot handle the electrical demands. It’s important to be aware of the warning signs of an overloaded electrical system. Here’s what to look for: Frequent tripping of circuit breakers or blowing of fuses Dimming of lights when other devices are turned on Buzzing sound from switches or outlets Discolored outlets Appliances that seem under-powered With thousands of electrical malfunctions every year, how can you avoid overloading circuits in your home? An easy first step to have an understanding of what’s actually on the circuits in your home. You should make sure that your home’s electrical installations and labeling are performed by a qualified electrical resource. Another responsible change would be to reduce your electrical usage through energy-efficient appliances and lighting. The Reality of Electrocution Electrocution is the sixth most common cause of workplace deaths in America. Construction trades and maintenance or repair professionals are the top two groups suffering from fatal electrocution work-related accidents. According to a study by the CDC, the construction industry represents 52% of all occupational electrocutions. When working with heavy equipment, the possibility of an electrical accident is more likely. Here is more insight into the correlation between heavy equipment and electrocution: Over 90% of power line contact accidents involved overhead distribution conductors Heavy equipment incidents accounted for 50% of those overhead power contacts – cranes comprising of 56.5%, drilling rigs 7.7%, dump trucks 6.7%, bucket trucks 6.7%, and backhoes 4.9% Carried items comprising of 20.5% of overhead line contacts – ladders comprising of 12.9%, scaffolding 2.2%, and direct human contact 10.2% Always Keep Electrical Hazards Top of Mind Whether you’re on a job site, sitting at an office desk, or in your own home, electrical exposure could be present. Make sure you understand how to approach a situation and prevent injury or death from electrical contact. Although May is designated as Electrical Safety Month, you should observe proper electrical safety behaviors every single day. Featured Products
Read MoreWhen thinking about workplace injuries, it’s easy to picture yourself in the warehouse trying to grab a box just out of reach and as you wiggle it off the shelf – you drop it on your foot. Or maybe you are walking through the warehouse and have a near miss with a forklift that didn’t see you coming. But what do you picture if you spend your workday at a desk or on a construction site? It can be easy to go about your daily routine without thinking about potential safety hazards, especially if you don’t think they apply to you. But workplace injuries are not limited to just the warehouse and can happen anywhere. These injuries could be as simple as cutting your hand with a pair of scissors, dropping heavy equipment on your foot, or a slip and fall on icy ground. No occupation or area of business is immune to work environment hazards. In any location, it’s important to identify possible safety risks that could affect you and your colleagues. Follow these tips to help evaluate the risk of potential dangers at any location from the office to the field. Always Ask Yourself – What Could Go Wrong? Regardless of location (yard, office, customer site, etc.), think through how you might be injured doing the task at hand. Should you have safety shoes on, should you carry fewer items so you can hold the handrail, what hazards does this location have? If you’re unsure or unfamiliar with the hazards of the location – ask questions! Seek guidance from peers, customers, managers, or anyone else who may have more knowledge of the dangers you could encounter. This will help you be prepared for any situation. Don’t become complacent. No matter what your experience level is or how many times you’ve performed a task, complacency and skipping steps leaves you vulnerable to accidents. Maintain Situational Awareness Stay alert to what is going on around you – understanding your surroundings and potential risks helps keep safety top of mind. Consider the threat that weather, traffic, or unexpected conditions could bring. Are you prepared with the right attire, and do you have an escape path in the event of a line-of-fire hazard? Actively think through your situation and environment. Ask yourself – am I placing myself behind something that could back into me, or am I standing in a door path? You also need to consider how your actions could affect the safety of others, like leaving an office drawer open in a hallway or forgetting to throw away failed PPE. Perform a Two-Minute Drill Prior to performing a task such as moving heavy material, hanging a ceiling decoration, changing a light, or exiting a delivery vehicle, take two minutes to perform a quick hazard recognition exercise. Ask yourself the following, then take action when uncertainties are discovered: What hazards are in the area? How could I get hurt? Do I have the tools, equipment, and PPE I need? What else could go wrong? (site emergency or coworker injury) By taking a few extra minutes to identify possible threats, you will reduce your risk of injury and be more prepared in the event of an accident. Education to Improve Workplace Safety Positive encouragement and reinforcement is a must when it comes to workplace safety. For every piece of constructive criticism given, make sure to provide four times the amount of positive feedback. This practice provides sincere positive instruction and reinforces proper safety behaviors. Coaching sessions offer a learning opportunity and reinforce the importance of safety in any environment. During these conversations, ask yourself and your employees, how can safety be improved at your location? Promote positive behavior by acknowledging when peers and direct reports practice proper procedures. Keep Safety Top of Mind in All Environments Whether you spend your time in the office, at customer locations, or in the field, safety should be a top priority. Always question your environment, take the time to assess hazards, and continue educating employees on how to improve safety protocols to ensure a safe work environment for all employees.
Read MoreWhether you’re removing snow from your driveway, making work deliveries in cold pouring rain, or just attending a chilly outdoor event, you run the risk of getting a cold stress-related injury if you’re not properly protected or adequately prepared. So it’s important to understand how cold stress can set in and how to insulate your body when faced with prolonged exposure to cold and wet conditions. What is cold stress and what causes it? Cold stress is a condition that occurs when the body can no longer maintain its normal temperature, and it can lead to serious problems of frostbite, hypothermia, or even death. Cold temperatures are the main culprit for causing cold stress, with other contributing factors being high or cold winds, dampness and cold water. Cold weather conditions cause the body to use its energy to maintain its core temperature of 98.6°F, directing blood away from the limbs (hands, feet, arms and legs) and skin to the chest and abdomen. With less blood flowing to the extremities and skin, they become susceptible to frostbite. Hypothermia sets in if the body’s temperature drops below 95°F. These conditions are dangerous and require first aid and medical attention. How cold is too cold? What is thought of as “cold” actually varies depending on geographic region. A 35°F day in a location that is typically sunny and 65°F can be very uncomfortable for unprepared, un-acclimated people. In a more northern region, 35°F might be considered T-shirt weather. It’s important to understand that cold stress is associated with extremely cold situations that pose a health and safety risk. Maintaining comfort level versus protecting against a legitimate health hazard requires different actions. Something as simple as wearing an additional sweater can improve comfort, while shelter, scheduled breaks, and self-monitoring address the concerns of a hazardously cold environment. How does wind chill affect cold weather? Another important consideration of cold weather is wind chill. Wind chill is a single value that takes both air temperature and wind speed into account. For example, when the air temperature is 40°F and the wind speed is 35mph, the wind chill temperature is 28°F, meaning it will feel like 28°F instead of 40°F. This measurement is the actual effect of environmental cold on exposed skin. As wind speed increases, the amount of heat loss from your skin increases and body temperature starts to decline. Wind chill advisory, watch, warning — what’s the difference? We’ve all heard the weatherman talk about a wind chill advisory, watch or warning, but what’s the difference? They are categories the National Weather Service uses to identify the magnitude of cold temperatures. The NWS issues them as follows: Wind chill advisory when seasonably cold wind chill temperatures are occurring or expected to occur Wind chill watch when dangerously cold wind chill values are possible Wind chill warning when wind chill temperatures are dangerously cold and life-threatening So before heading outside on a cold day, take note of what the weatherman has to say about the wind chill so you’re prepared. What’s the best way to keep the cold away? Choosing adequate cold weather wear is the first line of defense against cold stress. Wool, silk, and synthetic fabrics retain their insulation even when they get wet. Cotton, on the other hand, is not the best choice in wet conditions as it loses insulation when it gets wet. OSHA recommends following these guidelines for dress when you’re headed out in extremely cold weather: Avoid tight fitting clothing. Wear three layers, at least, of loose-fitting clothing for better insulation. Keep moisture out with an inner layer of wool, silk, or synthetic fabric. Stay insulated with a middle layer of wool or synthetic fabric. Allow for some ventilation with a winter coat or rain jacket. Wear a hat or hood to reduce the amount of body heat that escapes from your head. If needed, wear a knit mask to cover the face and mouth. Wear insulated gloves to protect hands. Wear insulated, waterproof footwear. What else can I do to prevent cold stress? While proper clothing is essential, it’s important to monitor your physical condition while you are out in the cold. Notice if you are shivering, stumbling, confused or have other abnormal behaviors, as these are some of the signs of hypothermia. Areas of skin that are red, tingling, stinging or numb are some of the signs of frostbite. Both hypothermia and frostbite have several stages, so it’s important to seek shelter, warmth and help as soon as you notice anything wrong. Also remember these additional ways to protect yourself from cold and help keep your body warm: Avoid touching cold metal surfaces that can draw heat away from your hands. Schedule frequent short breaks in a warm dry area to allow the body to warm back up. Use the buddy system and work in pairs or groups. Drink warm, sweetened beverages (not alcohol). Staying Safe When cold weather hits when you’re at home, work or just out having fun, take these safety precautions against cold stress to help keep you safe, healthy and warm.
Read MoreWhen you think of a loading dock, does a flurry of activity and the classic “beep, beep, beep” backup sound come to mind? On a daily basis, loading docks are a hub of activity for shipping and receiving functions that keep the lifeblood of businesses flowing. Unfortunately, about 25 percent of reported warehouse injuries occur on loading docks. With the use of forklifts, pallet jacks, and other manual means in these critical transition areas, it’s important to review the hazards associated with loading docks and safety practices to help prevent injuries and incidents. Here are five key protection measures for keeping loading docks safe. 1. Using Barriers to Prevent Falls Loading docks are often elevated four feet or higher from the ground, so ramps, dockboards, or other bridging devices can be placed to efficiently move materials and shipments on and off delivery vehicles. Also, dock doors are often left open to provide ventilation, sunlight, and ease of traffic. Per OSHA standards, appropriate safety protocols should be in place to raise awareness of the fall hazard at an opening, even if a dock is elevated slightly under four feet. Scissor gates, chains, railings, or other barriers should be in place any time the overhead door is open and the fall hazard is exposed. With fall prevention means in place like a visual barrier, access to the fall hazard is restricted and workers are properly alerted to the hazard. 2. Securing Trailers to Docks When trailers are backed into a dock for loading and/or unloading, workers should always verify wheel chocks or automatic vehicle restraints like dock locks are in place. These mechanisms prevent separation of the trailer from the dock, or “trailer creep.” Automatic restraints hook into the rear impact guard and provide added security since the dock locks hold the trailer or truck against the building. If using a dock plate, always check prior to use to ensure they are secure and can safely support the load. Because a trailer can move from the weight of lift equipment entering and exiting it, securing it is essential for safety’s sake. Knowledge of the secure front end of the trailer is important as well. Also, trailer jacks may be required when trailers are loaded alone to avoid upending. 3. Using All Available Lighting Since trailers are enclosed structures, often with no interior lighting, loading or unloading might need to be performed in low light conditions. By ensuring operational lights on forklifts are functioning and by turning on any available dock lights, hidden hazards will be illuminated and accidents can be prevented. Checking lighting is a quick and simple safety procedure that adds another layer of safety on the docks. 4. Using Mobile Equipment Safely Forklifts are an invaluable tool to efficiently move materials throughout a workplace, not to mention eliminating manual material handling risk that often results in employee injury. Safe use of a forklift requires well-maintained equipment; proper use of horns, lights and seat belts by certified operators; and exercising caution in congested areas. Also, knowledge of capacities of the lift and what you’re traveling over is important as well. 5. Communicating With Drivers Clear, visual communication between the dock workers or equipment operators and the truck driver is essential. Communicating when tasks are completed, when trailers are secured or released, and what shipments to pull are just a few key instances where communication is vital. It can make the difference between a safe load entry or exit, or an accidental fall off the dock. Load up for Safety With the constant activity of equipment, vehicles and people on and around loading docks, observing safe work practices is the key to lowering the risk of injuries and incidents. It’s good for workers, and it’s good for business too.
Read MoreConsisting of 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than a hundred muscles, tendons, and ligaments, the human foot is an engineering marvel of the human body — one that needs the utmost protection while on the job. Ensuring that there is a standard in place for safety shoes at your facility commensurate with your risk will ensure adequate protection for your employees. The Reality of Foot Injuries According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 60,000 foot injuries per year result in lost work days, costing an average of $9,600 per lost workday. Additionally, objects weighing less than 30 pounds account for 80 percent of all footwear injuries impacting the foot. So nails, screws, pieces of glass, and shards of material pose just as much threat of injury as items of greater weight. Why a Standard Is Important Without a foot protection policy in place, workers may be exposed to injury risk from manual material handling tasks with dropped-object hazards on a daily basis. If employees wear inadequate footwear with no impact protection, and very little resistance to a slip or a puncture, it could be an injury waiting to happen. Not to mention, a regulatory compliance gap when a known hazard is present with no control in place. Hazard assessments are required to determine what workplace hazards exist, which necessitate the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Consensus standards help formulate top level protection factors for that PPE derived from scientific testing. With a firm policy built on industry leading standards and a comprehensive hazard assessment, the bar is set for employee foot protection. Real World Injury Scenarios Let’s take, for example, two common scenarios when an employee foot injury could occur. Scenario A depicts an employee exposed to a puncture hazard, while Scenario B has an employee exposed to a dropped object hazard. An employee steps on a nail on the warehouse floor while wearing safety toe shoes with puncture resistant soles. No treatment is required since the nail did not quickly penetrate through like it could with a lightweight athletic sole. Focus can turn to proper housekeeping instead of immediate injury response. An employee drops a 26-pound box of washers on his or her left foot. The employee’s impact-rated safety toe cap prevents a significant toe contusion or fracture. Focus can turn to proper material storage and handling instead of injury recovery and indirect costs of a toe fracture. It’s a Shoe-In The statistics and scenarios make it clear how important it is to have and enforce a standard for safety shoes at your facility. When that’s in place, your work gets off on the right foot. Here are some other things to keep in mind relative to being healthy on your feet.
Read MoreThe frequency of non-residential fires has steadily increased over the last 10 years, resulting in 80 civilian deaths and over $3 billion dollars in direct property damage per year (NFPA). Factor in the monetary loss from business interruption and the impact is staggering. The risks of injury and financial impact underline the importance of not taking shortcuts when it comes to material storage, fire system inspection and maintenance, and emergency action plan education. At a minimum, protect your facility and personnel by following these recommendations. Spread the word about fire prevention to stop fires from doing the same. Dictate Proper Material Storage for Different Materials Make sure that materials are stored in proper ways: Combustible scrap, debris, and waste materials should be promptly cleaned up, deposited in area containers, and relocated to a trash storage area until they can be removed. Flammable liquids should be stored in accordance with their Safety Data Sheet (e.g. flammable liquid storage cabinet, bulk storage area with proper hazard controls, etc.). Compressed gas cylinders should be stored in areas protected from heat sources, flames, sparks, and electric currents. Never store cylinders under stairways, in basements, in closets, or within 10 feet of an exit door. Be sure to post “no smoking” signs within the vicinity of flammable liquids and compressed gas cylinders storage areas. Safety cans should be used for dispensing flammable or combustible liquids. Fire Equipment Must Be Available and Operable Fire alarms and fire suppression systems are the first line of defense in preventing fires. Make sure these devices are maintained and tested in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and the legal limits of the local, provincial, or state jurisdictions. Sprinkler heads and fire system operation points should be unobstructed and free of all dirt and debris that could prevent proper operation. Appropriate clearances must be maintained below and around all sprinkler heads — a minimum 18-inch clearance is the recommendation. Often overlooked, all exterior fire connections where fire response personnel may hook into must be free of obstruction or overgrown vegetation. Extinguishers must remain free of obstruction as well, including the travel path to the equipment. Visually Inspect Fire Extinguishers Fire extinguishers should be visually inspected monthly. Initial and date the tag to note that the inspection was passed. Extinguisher inspections should ensure that: The extinguisher is not damaged or dented. The pressure gauge shows that the extinguisher is charged to an acceptable level. The extinguisher hose is intact if designed as such. An inspection tag is attached to the extinguisher. The extinguisher’s annual maintenance check has not lapsed. Access to the extinguisher is not obstructed. The correct extinguishers must be available for the anticipated fire type it may need to be used for. Use the graphic below to identify the five types of fire determined by the materials or fuel being burned. Extinguishers are labeled to indicate which type of fire they are effective at controlling. Types of Fire and Fire Extinguishers To choose the right type of fire extinguisher, you must know what type of fire you are attempting to control. If you’re not sure, your best course of action is to leave the area and activate the fire alarm. The NFPA has divided fires into five types, determined by the materials or fuel being burned. Implement an Emergency Action Plan Location-specific emergency action plans (EAP) should incorporate all measures to be taken in emergency situations, including fire. Those measures should be communicated to all employees or persons who regularly occupy the building. Consider developing an EAP that is consistent with your corporate safety expectations that can be used at all company locations. An EAP should take into consideration all possible emergency events that could affect the facility, including weather related events like hurricanes, severe winter storms, flooding, fires, and other disasters. EAP templates should be developed in collaboration with multiple company leaders and key support groups to bring together comprehensive guidance for use in emergency planning. To get all locations onboarded, set a date for implementation at each location. Have the plan adequately communicated to all employees at that location. Recognizing Fire Prevention in October, and Every Month While October is recognized in the United States as Fire Prevention Month, being aware of fire safety and prevention is an important initiative every month of the year. By following these precautionary measures, you can ensure that your facilities – and people – are better protected. By spreading the word about fire prevention, we can stop fires from doing the same. Featured Products
Read MoreFall protection has progressively advanced over the years from single lap/torso belts to full body harnesses with significant safety features to quickly restrain a worker in the event of a fall. In industrial and construction settings, workers often need to reach elevated areas to retrieve material or place items for storage. This can expose them to fall hazards that are anywhere from 2 feet to greater than 15 feet in height. Use fall protection to stay safe while working from height. Be sure to inspect your harness and use equipment correctly to stay protected in the event of a fall. Inspect the Harness Before Every Use Along with proper fit, a user must inspect the condition of a harness before every use to ensure that it will be adequate in the event of a fall. This is an important precaution because individual harnesses may be used by multiple associates throughout the course of the day or week. Remember, fall harnesses are often the final positive means of restraining you in the event of a fall. The condition of that equipment is vital. When inspecting your fall protection harness prior to each use, look for the following: Webbing: Cuts, tears, fraying, stretching, chemical damage, heavy soiling. Grasp the webbing and bend it toward yourself to expose deficiencies. Do this for the entire lengths of the harness, looking at both sides. D-Rings: Cracks, breaks, sharp edges, corrosion. Check D-rings for distortion, cracks, breaks, and rough or sharp edges. The D-ring should pivot freely. Buckles: Distortions, broken grommets, or inoperable clips. Inspect for any unusual wear, frayed or cut fibers, or broken stitching of the buckle attachments. For quick connect buckles, the outer bars and center bars must be straight. Make sure the dual-tab release mechanism is free of debris and engages properly. Once you’ve thoroughly inspected the harness, make sure you’re wearing it correctly. 5 Steps to Properly Wearing a Harness Hold the harness by the back D-ring. Shake harness to allow all straps to fall into place. If chest, leg, and/or waist straps are buckled, release straps and unbuckle at this time. Slip straps over the shoulders so that the D-ring is located in the middle of the back between the shoulder blades. Pull the leg strap between the legs and connect to the opposite end. Repeat with the second leg strap. If it’s a belted harness, connect the waist strap after leg straps. Connect chest strap and position in the mid-chest area. Tighten to keep shoulder straps taut. After all straps have been buckled, tighten all buckles so that the harness fits snug but allows full range of movement. Pass excess strap through loop keepers. A Few Reminders to Maintain a Safety Mindset Truck and Transportation Tips While operating a truck that requires fall protection, the harness must be securely attached to the lanyard at all times. Letting the lanyard hang while you address ground-level work leaves you open to the risk of injury when you begin the next task in an elevated area. It’s possible that you could forget to attach the lanyard. Proper Fit First Always ensure that your harness is maintained in its properly adjusted condition – chest strap at mid-chest, leg straps snug so you cannot fit your fist behind them, and the D-ring at the center of the back. If the harness is found to be deficient, stop the lift, readjust, and proceed with your work. Store Equipment Carefully When you’re finished for the day or on a break, always make sure the fall protection harnesses are properly stored. Keep them off the floor so that they cannot be run over or exposed to hazardous substances, dirt, or other influences. Take care of your equipment so that it takes care of you! Safety Is Everybody’s Responsibility As a visitor or observer in a warehouse facility, look for some of these risky behaviors: Leg straps dangling or loose Lanyards not attached to an anchor point Damaged harnesses Improper storage Coach fellow employees about the proper use of harnesses to minimize the risk of a significant fall. Preventing Falls and Meeting OSHA Requirements Stay protected at low or elevated heights with properly inspected fall protection that fits correctly. Preventing slips, trips and falls in the workplace is a high priority. OSHA recently revised its Walking-Working Surfaces rule to update standards on slips and falls. Read about the new standards with this whitepaper, “Walking-Working Surfaces: OSHA Takes Major Steps to Overhaul Slips, Trips, and Falls Standard.” Download it now!
Read MoreSome of the most common workplace injuries are often the most preventable with proper education, hazard controls, and work area setup. One of the common mechanisms of sprain and strain injuries in the workplace relates to manually lifting heavy objects. While these injuries could occur in a number of situations, material handling tasks that required workers to bend, push, pull, lift, and lower were the leading causes. As we start the new year, let’s take time to review safe lifting techniques, understand your limits, and follow best practices to get the job done without injuring yourself. Set Limits and Understand Risks Preventing injury starts with setting limits. No one person should be lifting any load, product, or box greater than 50 lbs. without mechanical help or a coworker’s assistance. Failure to adhere to this limit could result in significant injury and – depending on your company’s policy – potential disciplinary action. These are the three key risk factors associated with lifting work: Bending: Bending down to lift material from the floor or a low shelf requires much more physical exertion than the core strength movement between the shoulder and knuckle at waist height. Twisting: Torso-only movement (e.g., not moving your feet) places undue stress on the lower back and can lead to significant injury. Reaching Out: Load stress dramatically increases as your elbows extend out from your body to lift or lower. The closer you keep your elbows to your sides, the better. 5 Ways to Reduce the Risk Before Lifting Following proper form reduces the chance of injury from lifting. If you need to lift an object heavier than 50 lbs., consider alternative options that put less strain on your body. 1. Eliminate the actual manual lifting of the task. Lift trucks, tables, hoists, dollies, and elevating equipment can eliminate the need to manually handle product altogether. 2. Reduce the weight or force needed to move the load. Reduce the load size or weight by separating the components when possible. Keep floor conditions in proper order to ensure that equipment rolls smoothly. 3. Reduce the distance from hands to body. The closer you keep your elbows to your body, the less stress you place on your body. Move the materials you most frequently handle in front of you to reduce reaching. 4. Reduce the distance the load has to move. Bring your material or cart up to the storage height you are pulling or putting away from. The less distance to carry, the better. 5. Keep material between shoulder and knuckle height. Reaching above your shoulders significantly increases the risk of injury. Lifting from a lower level does the same. Try to keep items that are most frequently moved within the shoulder to knuckle/waist height. Lifting Best Practices in the Workplace Once you have decided how to manually lift safely, take a look at the object itself. Lift up a corner to gauge the weight if unknown. Examine the object for sharp corners, slippery spots, or other potential hazards. Evaluate the travel path you must follow to successfully complete the task. Make sure that there are no slippery surfaces or obstructions. Square yourself to the load, placing your feet shoulder-width apart, and center the object between them. While bending at the knees, lower yourself by squatting down to the object, if at floor level. Take time to get a firm grasp on the object before beginning the lift. As you begin to rise, use your legs to lift slowly. Raise your head up to straighten your spine and leverage your leg muscles rather than your back. Once the lift is complete, bring your elbows in as close as possible. Adjust your hand positioning if necessary to minimize one or both arms being straight out. Now that you are standing with the load lifted and held close to your body, turn your feet (not your torso) to carry the load to its destination. Injuries can occur when a worker is twisting at the torso while lifting or lowering an object. The weight of the object and the twisting motion puts a person’s back under extreme stress. Once you’ve reached your destination, square yourself to the destination point. Use your legs to lower yourself and begin to squat down, keeping your back straight and head up. Set the product and push forward if possible to minimize holding the product out from the body. Lift Safely for an Injury-Free Year When you’re lifting objects at work, it can be tempting to think you can do it all yourself. Don’t be afraid to stop and recognize your limits. Leverage material handling equipment, work with your management to redesign the work set up, and ask for help when needed. Your back will thank you! Let’s keep this year free from lifting-related injuries. Subscribe below to stay updated on new content from the WESCO blog.
Read More