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The American Cancer Society (ACS) advises everyone to get their hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen ready for the long, hot summer. Many of the 3.5 million yearly cases of skin cancer could have been prevented by using sun protection and avoiding indoor tanning. The ACS urges everybody to “Slip! Slop! Slap! & Wrap®.”
Although we spend 80% of our day communicating, 50% of that time is spent listening, while retaining only 25% of what we hear! Communicating effectively is not always easy, but it helps us avoid conflicts, reduce errors, promote a positive environment, and eliminate misunderstandings with others. Poor communications can be a safety hazard since the […]
Many people are concerned about the possibility of a public health emergency such as a natural disaster, act of terrorism, or disease outbreak. You can take steps now to help you prepare for an emergency and cope if an emergency happens. To help you prepare, we’ve provided step-by-step actions you can take beforehand to protect […]
According to OSHA…An Electrical Hazard can be defined as a serious workplace hazard that exposes workers to burns, electrocution, shock, arc flash / arc blast, fire, or explosions. By identifying these hazards, and understanding how they happen, we can take steps to protect ourselves.
The following attributes and characteristics are the result of a nearly 10 year study and countless hours of personal interviews with employees who have worked their entire careers injury free.
Do you text? Read emails on your phone? Look at social updates? View your calendar? Browse the internet? I know, you may be thinking…”Well I don’t do that while I am driving!” If that’s the case, then I cannot be more proud of you and the decision you have made regarding safety! However, this is […]
It’s the season for picnics, parties, and fireworks celebrations! Please remember that practicing a little common sense makes the festivities more enjoyable for you and those around you. Here are a few reminders about food, alcohol, and firework safety to prevent sickness and injury, and help keep the fun going all summer long.
Whether temporary or permanent, all workers always have a right to a safe and healthy workplace. Did you know that temporary workers are at increased risk of work-related injury and illness? Every year, thousands of temporary workers are injured within the first couple of weeks of being on the job.
Construction sites, highway construction, manufacturing plants (big and small) all use mobile equipment such as cranes, trucks, earth movers, fork lifts and / or other material handling equipment to help with their work.
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 to be avoided.
Are you a gambler? Are you willing to risk it all? What happens when we “knowingly” commit an unsafe act or risky behavior? Ask yourself – Who loses the most? Who is affected by YOUR actions? No matter if the risky behavior is on the job, at home or even on vacation, the consequences can […]
The main hazard: electricity is difficult to assess because you cannot directly see it. The only way to identify electricity’s presence is to properly use the right tools; a meter, or proximity detector. Only qualified persons should work directly with electricity. Even working indirectly with electricity, or around electrical systems requires you to be competent. […]
As a part of our Construction Safety Talk Series, we discussed how electrical hazards expose workers to burns, electrocution, shock, arc flash / arc blast, fire, or explosions. Accidents involving electricity can be fatal. To prevent electrical incidents, every time you enter a job site remember to:
Stay Out – Stay Alive is a national public awareness campaign aimed at warning children and adults about the dangers of exploring and playing on active and abandoned mine sites. Each year, dozens of people are injured or killed in recreational accidents at abandoned quarries, mines, and pits while exploring on mine property. The men […]
Over 2.5 million home intrusions are reported every year, and less than 20% of burglars are ever caught and arrested. Did you know that the highest percentage of burglaries occur in the summer months, and most occur during the day? Here is some advice to avoid becoming a part of these statistics.
Any worker exposed to hot and humid conditions is at risk of heat illness, especially those doing heavy work tasks or using bulky protective clothing and equipment. Some workers might be at greater risk than others if they have not built up a tolerance to hot conditions, including new workers, temporary workers, or those returning […]
During thunderstorms no place outside is safe. If you can hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike. Some workers are at greater risk than others. People who work outdoors in open spaces, on or near tall objects, with explosives, or with conductive materials such as metal have a greater exposure to lightning risks.
Summer’s Here! It’s finally here at last! The season for warm weather, grilling and picnics, water activities, travel, and outdoor fun! Practicing common sense and safety will keep you looking good, feeling good, and you won’t miss out on any of the fun.
Have you ever wondered how to communicate quickly with a worker that is too far away? What about a language barrier that prohibits you from communicating with them? A worker that is not easily accessible? Many times it is not always possible to provide face to face communication or one on one feedback for safety […]
Housekeeping at a construction site, office, or home can often provide an indicator for the level of safety culture and expectations for that project or facility. When housekeeping is highly maintained, injuries are typically quite low. When housekeeping is low, you can expect injuries will increase. Why? Poor housekeeping provides more safety hazards in the […]
According to OSHA, Fall Hazards are defined as: Anything at your work site that could cause you to lose your balance or lose bodily support and result in a fall. Fall Hazards led to 349 construction worker deaths in 2014 (40% of construction site fatalities). By identifying these hazards, and understanding how they happen, we […]
According to OSHA, Struck-By Hazards are defined as: Injuries produced by forcible contact or impact between the injured person and an object or piece of equipment. By identifying these hazards, and understanding how they happen, we can take steps to protect ourselves.
According to OSHA, Caught-In or -Between Hazards are defined as: Injuries resulting from a person being squeezed, caught, crushed, pinched, or compressed between two or more objects, or between parts of an object. By identifying caught-in or -between hazards, and understanding how they happen, we can take steps to protect ourselves.
So many different activities occur in the construction industry, and with those activities come risk; at times, high risk. In 2014, 20% of workplace fatalities occurred in the construction industry, totaling 874 deaths. The Bureau of Labor Statistics identified four causes of death that were responsible for over half of those construction worker fatalities.
Daylight Savings Time will begin for most of the U.S. at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 13th. As you go around the house to set the clocks ahead one hour, use the check list below to perform a few additional tasks that will help to keep your family and home safe as well as prepared.
This is Scott Goodwin bringing you highlights of yesterday’s game between The Employees and The Injuries. The Employees have been winning all season, and last night was no different as they took an early lead to dominate the entire game. “We run the plays on the field just like we practice them; no exceptions,” explained […]
“Sign, sign, everywhere a sign” is a great song from Five Man Electrical Band that puts into perspective our attitude about the overabundance of signage everywhere we go. Today we really do have signs for everything; signs that tell us what do and how to do it, where to go and how to get there, […]
Are you trained in First Aid? CPR? Do you know what to do in an emergency? First Aid is defined as emergency care provided for injury or sudden illness before emergency medical treatment is available. The first-aid provider (YOU) is someone who is trained in the delivery of initial medical emergency procedures using a limited […]
2016 brings the final implementation of OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to become fully compliant with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS).
Now that January is here, it is time to review past injury and near miss reports. Analyzing these trends can improve workplace safety for the entire company by showing us possible safety concerns, and making us aware of the need for hazard prevention. A very important way to help predict incidents is to use the […]
Who is responsible for the creation of safety rules? It was the guy we’ve all heard about who cut off two of his fingers after he removed the guard on a saw. He was helped by the machinist who didn’t have the time to go back to the lunch room for safety glasses and lost […]
Consider the following scenario: The lights are out, it is totally dark and you can’t see. You smell smoke and there is a fire. You must evacuate and escape. Now close your eyes for 10 seconds and mentally find your way to safety. Did you remember that doorway? That wall? That step? That desk? That […]
The holidays are fast approaching and so is the need to prepare and protect yourself during the hazardous winter driving ahead. Your car needs to be mechanically fit and you need to be mentally prepared for the travel ahead of you. Think about your family and friends that are counting on you to deliver them […]
Everyday activities including work, play, school, shopping, travel, and just about everything we do involves some sort of safety risk. So how do we protect ourselves and others from these potential injuries? By far the most important way to prevent injuries is to train ourselves to be vigilant and be able to recognize conditions that […]
In order to deliberately do something day after day you need a reason. You eat because you need food to live. You sleep because your body needs the rest. You go to work to provide for yourself and your family. Have you stopped to think about your reasons for working safely? Do you go along […]
What Are The Hazards? Fire and Electrocution are the two main hazards associated with Office Electrical Safety. Overloaded circuits can also cause power loss, work interruptions, and loss of productivity. A “rats nest” of tangled electrical cords not only creates a fire hazard but also a personal injury risk from slips / trips / falls. […]
If you hear thunder, then lightning is close enough to strike you – immediately move to safe shelter. A safe shelter is a substantial building or inside an enclosed, metal-topped vehicle. Stay in safe shelter at least 30 minutes after you hear the last clap of thunder. Indoor Lightning Safety Tips
Why is safety training so important to new workers and / or to someone who is moving into a new job or position? New workers are 5 times more likely to be injured on the job than experienced workers, and most of those injuries occur within 90 days after starting a new job. Here is […]
Most factories and offices have a plan to deal with hazardous waste, but very few households have a similar plan to safely dispose of hazardous products. Batteries, cleaners, pesticides, light bulbs, and even medications are only a few items that should be disposed of properly and NOT flushed down a drain or placed in the […]
Heat is the number one weather-related killer in the United States, resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year. Be able to recognize the symptoms of heat related emergencies and know how to respond. Working in hot and humid weather, being in the sun, and doing hard physical work are things that need to be taken […]
Consider this: you walk out to your car and you see that one of your tires is flat. You immediately think that the flat tire is the problem. That is incorrect. The fact that your tire is flat is NOT the problem. The fact that your tire is flat is the condition. The problem is […]
Driving while texting or talking on the phone is considered more dangerous than driving intoxicated at .08 BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) – thus the term “InTEXTicated” driving. InTEXTicated drivers tend to have a slower response time than other impaired drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, driver inattention is the leading factor in […]
March is “Eye Safety Month”, which serves as a timely reminder that we need to protect our eyes at all times. Interestingly, most eye injuries occur to people who are performing their regular jobs. In addition, most eye injuries occur to workers who are either not wearing the correct eye protection for the job or […]
Looking at the Injury Event Triangle, you will see that Three things must be in place for the event or injury to occur. There must be a Motive (Hazard / Risk), a Target (YOU), and an Opportunity (Bad Decision).
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 […]
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:
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
Does the person in the mirror always make the safest decisions? Is your safety reflection something that you would want your co-workers and family members to see or emulate? Do you see a few cracks in your mirror? Is the image cloudy? If left unchecked, those cracks might eventually shatter the image with dire consequences. […]
According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission there are nearly 75,000 lawn mower injuries each year which require emergency room visits. Riding mowers account for half of all injuries, including 100 fatalities. Half of the injuries happen to children under the age of 15. Fatal and serious injuries have a common theme where […]
Headlines: “Two workers, ages 14 and 19, were suffocated when they were engulfed by corn in a grain silo” “18 year old dies when his clothes get tangled in a portable mortar mixer” “17 year old assistant pool manager was electrocuted when she contacted an ungrounded motor” Young workers between the ages of 16 and […]
Can you imagine what it would be like to lose the use of one or both of your hands because of an injury? Our hands and wrists have 27 bones along with the soft tissue that allows us the flexibility and strength to be able to perform tasks. Even a minor hand or finger injury […]
Don’t let a 3 second distraction become a lifetime of regret! The time it took to read the title of this safety tip, only 3 seconds, is the same length of time for distractions that precede 80% of automobile crashes and 60% of near misses. You may consider yourself to be an attentive and safe […]
Concrete pumping is usually the preferred method of delivery of a concrete mix to a job site’s pour. This involves the use of a machine that accepts the concrete from the mixer then places pressure on a large hose to push the concrete through to the point of the pour. Chute delivery uses a series […]
I’ll bet your first thought is that this will be another safe driving tip! Well……..Yes and No! In reality the “Stay Alert! Stay Alive” mantra should guide all our activities regardless if we are driving, working, or at home.
Wear non-skid footwear that is appropriate for the weather and conditions. Shoes with smooth soles and higher heels provide less surface area and less traction on slippery surfaces. You might consider purchasing clip on cleats that will provide good traction on ice and snow.
Most people like to get their job done by exerting the least amount of time and energy, and that leads us to continuously look for better ways for completing our work. Those “better ways” are often only shortcuts that do not provide the safe path for completing the task at hand.
What does this mean? All members of a group support each individual member. They all have a common goal and work together to reach that goal.
Everyone must receive safety training for jobs performed at work. Most of us also receive additional safety training on a wide variety of subjects that serve to heighten our safety awareness on the job. On top of all that training are safety tips, messages, signs, slogans, and posters that serve as constant reminders to be […]
Fireworks: Every year there are more than 9,000 fireworks related injuries treated in emergency facilities. Even simple fireworks such as sparklers burn at around 1800° F and that causes many injuries especially to youngsters. Fireworks are dangerous and best left to the professionals who will put on a display that is far superior to anything […]
Safety Committees in the workplace are important for establishing programs, procedures, and training that will prevent injuries. In addition to demonstrating management commitment and support, safety committees provide leadership and direction for improving the overall safety culture and awareness of all employees.
What is Identity Theft? Identity theft occurs when an imposter takes your personal data – usually your name, Social Security number (SSN), driver’s license number, address, and / or birth date – and uses it for his / her own financial gain. This person may apply for telephone service, mortgages, credit cards or loans, buy […]
A review the OSHA stats regarding fatalities readily highlights trends on how workers are being hurt and killed. In fact in the latest report, five of the first seven incidents listed, show workers who died from some sort of fall. It is important to remember here that non-work related injuries and fatalities often mirror the […]
When packing and making plans for a road trip or vacation, don’t forget to include “Safety” in all your preparations and activities. Vacations offer time to escape from everyday concerns and provide time to rest and rejuvenate our bodies and minds. However, many of the hazards associated with everyday life will also follow you on […]
Are you getting ready to take on some construction work around the house? Building a deck? Installing a fence? New mail box? Even a simple job like planting a tree in your yard can jeopardize your safety. Many energized power and utility lines are buried just a few feet under the ground. Digging, trenching or […]
What does March Madness and safety have in common? Stop and think about your favorite winning sports team. How do they do it? Do they have a superstar that will always carry the team? Sometimes but not likely! Consistently winning teams are made up of individual players who all maintain a high level of intensity […]
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), thousands of people are blinded each year from work related eye injuries. Nearly 60% of those injuries occurred to workers who were not wearing the proper eye and face protection. In fact, not wearing the proper Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) to protect your eyes is like throwing […]
There are no shortcuts to safety! Most people try to get their jobs done with the least amount of time and energy, which leads us to continually look for better ways for completing our work – as it should be. However, safety hazards increase when those “better ways” are only short cuts that don’t consider […]
February is national Heart month and a good reminder to take care of our heart in return for the care it has given us. Below are ways you can help keep your heart in tip-top shape. Click on the title of each section to learn more information.
You have all heard the expression “like a bull in a china shop” in reference to someone being careless or clumsy. Let’s give that bull a name and call it “at risk behavior.” That bull can make a shambles of you and your family’s life – it can destroy your personal “china shop.”
Proper glove use is crucial to helping prevent hand injuries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 70% of workers who experienced hand injuries were not wearing gloves. Many workers who were wearing gloves and sustained injuries were not wearing the proper gloves for the job.
The holidays are here, and now is the time to celebrate with family and friends and to give thanks and gifts. Perhaps the most valuable gift that you could give this year would be that of health and safety for yourself and others.
OSHA recently announced its fiscal year 2012 top 10 most frequently cited violations in the workplace. Many of these violations make the top 10 list year after year, although the order changes slightly. Note that fall protection has garnered the top spot for the last two years.
Winter driving can be a dangerous and challenging adventure when you have to contend with ice and snow. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and OSHA have issued an article titled “Safe Winter Driving”. The article describes ways to put the three Ps of winter driving (prepare, protect, and prevent) into motion in your […]
Portable fire extinguishers can help save lives and reduce property damage from small fires. In case of a fire, first sound the alarm or call 911. Remember — You should never attempt to extinguish any fire if there is a threat to your personal safety. If the fire is small and there is no heavy […]
It’s that time of year again! Daylight Savings Time ends at 2 am on Sunday, November 4, 2012. Take this opportunity to address items that will help ensure your safety during the fall and winter months.
The latest Weekly Fatality / Catastrophe Report released by OSHA for the week of August 11, 2012 highlights a disturbing trend. Out of the 26 reported fatalities, 13 were attributed to some sort of a fall. The most recent incident happened in the middle of October at a project located in Tennessee. The project was […]
The nature of work is changing at whirlwind speeds. According to a recent study commissioned by Regus, a provider of flexible workplace options, almost 50% of workers worldwide reported an increase in stress levels last year! This study also found that stressrelated health conditions account for 75% to 90% of all doctor visits, and that […]
When is flu season? Flu season begins in October and runs through May, with peak flu activity in January and February. The best way to protect against the flu is to get a flu vaccine each year. The vaccine for the 2012-2013 season has arrived at many health providers, clinics, and other dispensing locations. Now […]
Always take a few minutes to review the task at hand before starting any work. Consider how to complete the task safely by using the right Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), tools, and equipment for the job. Take the time to make a Safe Plan of Action (SPA) for every task. STOP is a good formula […]
On Friday August 31, Ohio joined the majority of other states to ban texting while driving. Distracted driving is considered to be any activity that diverts the driver’s attention away from their primary task of driving. All distractions endanger the driver, passengers, other drivers, and bystander safety.
What happens when you experience a minor cut or injury? Do you clean and treat the wound immediately, or go on with your task and worry about it later? Do you have a first aid kit nearby and do you know where one is kept? All good questions that we don’t ask until after a […]
The NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) have a joint web site at www.ready.gov/severe-weather with information that will help save lives by educating the public on what to do before, during, and after severe weather strikes. Last year (2011) there were more than 1,000 fatalities and 8,000 injuries caused […]
Safety starts with an attitude that you will do every task in a way that will eliminate hazards and the potential for injury. Thousands of workplace injuries occur every year, and even more injuries happen on the commute to and from work, and home. The potential for injury is always there, no matter how simple, […]
The opposition! Slips, Trips, and Falls (ST&Fs) account for 20% of all work related injuries each year. Many of these injuries occur when a worker climbs in or out of heavy equipment, trucks, or trailers. Falls from portable ladders and slips on stairways are also included in these accident numbers. Inclement weather, poor housekeeping, defective equipment, […]
Swimming and other water related activities offer excellent ways to exercise, relax, and have fun. Millions of people enjoy oceans, lakes, rivers, pools, and spas throughout the year. Swimming is the 3rd most popular leisure activity in the U.S. and the most popular activity for children. Drowning accidents can happen quickly and they are highly […]
Fatigue is a safety concern year round, however summer often finds us more tired than usual. Longer daylight hours and additional activities all come at the expense of quality rest and sleep. Even after an enjoyable and much needed vacation you are likely to feel tired and will find it difficult to get back into […]
Exposure to heat can cause illness and death. The most serious heat illness is heat stroke. Other heat illnesses, such as heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat rash, should be avoided. There are precautions you should take any time temperatures are high and the job or activity involves physical work.
If you love BBQ and are fixin’ to try your hand at grillin’ the best Q this side of Kansas City (or Memphis, the Carolinas, or Texas whatever your preference), following are a few safety items that will help keep your efforts safe and enjoyable. Every year thousands of homes catch fire due to unsafe […]
Bees, Wasps and Yellow Jackets: Bees and wasps normally avoid human contact however, if they are disturbed or provoked, they can provide a painful sting that produces swelling, itching, hives, or even more severe reactions. If you are stung,
Slips, trips and, falls are the second highest cause of accidental deaths and injuries, behind motor vehicle accidents. Each year, almost two million disabling injuries and thousands of minor injuries occur on stairways. While slips, trips and falls are the cause of numerous injuries and deaths every day, they are among the easiest to correct.
The Statistics In 2009, 667 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes in highway work zones and more than 30,000 were injured. About 85 percent of those killed in work zones are drivers and their passengers. Distracted driving causes 25% of all traffic accidents.
Warmer weather has arrived! The improved weather forecast and the change to Daylight Savings Time (March 13, 2011) greatly increases the number and variety of persons and vehicles that compete for space on the roadways. A safe driver is not necessarily someone who has been lucky enough to avoid accidents. Rather they are a courteous […]
Being a Safety Champion is everyone’s responsibility! Each person is responsible to make hundreds of decisions necessary to function every day, and to acquire the knowledge to make the safest choices possible. By doing so, each one of us can become a Safety Champion.
Can you imagine what it would be like to lose the use of one or both of your hands because of an injury? Our hands and wrists have 27 muscles and 27 bones that allow us the flexibility and strength to be able to perform tasks. Even a minor hand or finger injury will remind […]
“Off-the-job” injuries involve employed people when they are not working. For example, a restaurant cook cuts his hand on a knife while fixing dinner at home or a truck driver who slides off an icy road while driving his car to work, hits a tree, and suffers a sprained wrist. Those injuries occurred off-the-job.
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