“Critical Eye” on Safety

Just what does it mean to look at something with a “Critical Eye”? Is it to criticize or to find fault? No, that’s not the idea! By observing with a “Critical Eye” you will be making an objective and analytical evaluation of the situation rather than just being a casual observer. When you are considering how to perform a task safely, just being a casual observer takes away your opportunity to find and eliminate hazards and greatly increases your chances for injury. The most important result of observing with a “Critical Eye” is that it eliminates the impulse decisions and allows time for the mind to do the critical thinking that will lead to the best course of action. A simple way to make the best decisions regarding safety is to use the STOP method. Continue Reading →

Stepladder Safety

Stepladders can be a quick and easy way to extend your reach, however, every time you use a stepladder there is a risk for permanent injury or death. Those hazards can be greatly reduced by following good safety practices. Eliminate the Common Hazards by: Continue Reading →

Back To School Safety

Attention drivers…school buses are back on the road! Now is a good time to review laws and safety tips regarding school buses and students. Did you know that school buses are one of the safest forms of transportation? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, riding a school bus is 13 times safer than riding in a car and 10 times safer than walking to school. Let’s work to keep it that way! Continue Reading →

Safe in a Flash!

Arc Flash is a sudden release of electrical energy or fireball that is caused by a short circuit in electrical equipment. That fireball can release dangerous levels of thermal energy with temperatures over 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The rapid expansion of gases and temperatures, or pressure waves, during an arc-flash incident can send shrapnel, molten metal, tools, and other objects through the air at speeds over 700 mph. Add to that a sound pressure of 165dB (decibels) and an arc-flash incident can be the equivalent of a small explosion. Arc flash incidents can result in a loss of life, serious potential career ending injuries (including burns, loss of eyesight, and hearing that require extended recovery time), and extensive property damage. Continue Reading →

The Safety Gears Are Between Your Ears

Moving machinery is everywhere!  Construction equipment, production machinery, process equipment, transportation devices, such as automobiles and bicycles, home shop and yard equipment, and even office photocopiers contain moving parts that can cause injuries. If it revolves, swings, spins, slides, opens, closes, or moves in any way at all, it can hurt or kill you. We often think about fingers or other extremities that might get caught in machinery, however a person could be dragged into many pieces of equipment and be injured or crushed even before they have a chance to cry out for help. Injuries related to machinery and equipment often result in death or permanent disability. Continue Reading →

Who’s Got Your Back?

In an ideal work team environment we like to think that we all have each other’s backs. However, when it comes down to taking care of the physical health of our backs and spines, the responsibility falls onto the individual person. Statistics show that nearly 80% of Americans will suffer from back pain or back injury at some point during their lives. Back strains are second only to the common cold for lost work days. Continue Reading →
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