Mar
17
Why is safety in the workplace important?
Filed Under Bud | Leave a Comment
Why is safety in the workplace important? This is a question that I think many managers find themselves asking themselves a lot. There are many reasons why safety in the work place is very important. There are two major reasons that will be talked about here. The first is about employees being comfortable and confident in their jobs. The second reason has to do with cost of work-related injuries and illness.
When a person goes in to work at a new job for the first time, they automatically assume there work place is a safe environment. After they start working for the company and they find unsafe working conditions this can cause employees to become reluctant of their jobs. People always want to feel safe no matter what it is that they are doing, whether it is driving in their car, walking down the street, or if they are at work. If an employee is constantly worried about safety hazards when they are on the job, this will undoubtedly interrupt their work performance. How can an employee concentrate and focus on their job when they are thinking about falling off the ladder because the ground underneath of the ladder is so unstable? If your employees are not comfortable and confident in their work environment you will lose productivity.
The cost of work place injury is no joke. A simple injury such as stitches can put a nice dent in the bank account. If a person is seriously injured there are many things that will cost you money. If an employee must take time off from work because of work related injury, there will be workman’s compensation to pay for. Your premiums for workman’s compensation will also go up. Other employees will have to pick up the extra work which could result in overtime and more money lost. There is also possibility of further injury if another employee has to fill the spot of the employee that was injured. The person taken the other employees spot might not have time to receive the proper training needed. You will also lose time and money filling out all the paperwork that goes a long with workplace injury. As soon as the injured employee has recovered, get then back to work as soon as possible. The faster they return to work the more money you will save. A lot of employers a reluctant after a work-related injury to have the employee return again. They are afraid of repeat injury, but don’t be more than likely it won’t happen again.
Injuries that occur over a long period of time can also be a real money drainer. When employees are constantly doing the same repetitive motions injury can occur over a long period of time, especially if safety precautions are not being taken. Two very common problems that happen are back problems and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Always make sure your employees have proper training and are executing the training correctly. Surgery and time off for work for such things can be pretty costly.
Always remember to keep a watchful eye for safety hazards around your business. Things may seem fine but safety problems can appear out of nowhere. If you come across a safety hazard fix the problem immediately. The faster it is fixed the less likely hood of injury and money lost. Remember when it comes to safety be a perfect role model to your employees. If they see it is top priority to you, they will make it top priority themselves.
Mar
10
Ladder Safety
Filed Under Bud | Leave a Comment
Ladder safety must always be taken seriously. Each year in the U.S more than twenty thousand people are rushed to the emergency room due to ladder related falls and accidents. Ladder accidents and falls can result in severe injury and in some cases even death. The proper precautions must always be taken. Everyone should be taught how to use a ladder in the right way. If an employee is not trained properly on how to use a ladder they could fall of the ladder, smash fingers, and other body parts. They could also injury other employees. If you follow this list on ladder safety tips, you and your team will be better protected against ladder accidents.
- It is always important when using a ladder to always follow the instructions that come with the ladder. Using a ladder may seem simple but there might be things that you are missing. Always read the directions.
- When going up or down the ladder make sure that you place your foot firmly on each rung. Hold on tight to the ladder. Never face out when coming up or down a ladder.
- If possible have two people. One to go up and down the ladder and the other to supervise.
- If you need to get something down from up high, it is always a good idea to have a person on the ground that you can hand stuff down to.
- Always take your time when using a ladder. If you are in a rush you are more prone to accidents and falls.
- Never lean too far to any side. If something is out of your reach get off the ladder and move it closer.
- There should never be more than one person on a ladder at any given time.
- It may seem like fun to play around and make jokes on a ladder but falling of a ladder is never fun. Do not horse play!
- Ladders have weight limitations for a reason. Always check to see what the weight limitation is before getting on to a ladder. If you are too heavy or if you are getting something down that could cause too much weight on the ladder, the ladder could break and you could be seriously injured.
- Make sure the ladder is always steadily on the ground. If not steady this could cause the ladder to fall over or could cause you to fall off.
- Never stand on the top rung of a ladder. You could easily lose your balance and fall.
- Do not place a ladder in front of an open door. Make sure door is locked or blocked off in some way.
- After the ladder is set into place make sure all the locks are locked.
- Always use the right size ladder for the task you are doing.
- When working with any kind of electrical equipment always use a wood ladder. Never a metal one.
- Make sure that any metal ladder you are using has slip resistant coating in good shape on each rung.
- If using a straight ladder put it at a 75 degree angle on the surface you most climb.
- Remember to never leave a ladder unattended.
Mar
6
Health and Safety
Filed Under Bud | Leave a Comment
Every employer is responsible for complying with Health and Safety standards and regulations found in General Industry (29 CFR Part 1910)
Or in Occupational Health and Safety Standards for the construction Industry.
All states have a Health and Safety Act.
All companies what to prepare a complete Health and Safety Program in writing for their business. The program will provide their employees the safest workplace possible for the company’s most valuable assets -EMPLOYEES. Their health and safety is an important aspect of your business.
We realize that not every situation you encounter will be covered in the program you write but it shows your employees that you want to offer them a safe work environment.
Accordingly, employees must use common sense when addressing these situations. When in double, ask your supervisor.
Here are some tips for your Health and Safety Program.
- Provide a company policy statement indicating this company’s commitment to establish and maintain a Health and Safety workplace for all of it’s employees.
- Establish an initial inventory of potentially hazardous equipment/materials and to eliminate any unsafe working conditions or practices.
- Establish a regular Health and Safety inspection program to identify and correct any new potentially hazardous situations.
- Develop and institue an ongoing employee Health and Safety Training program to establish safety standards for every job.
- Provide necessary personal protective equipment and instructions for all equipment’s use and care for Health and Safety objectives.
- Enforce all health and safety rules, and require all employees to comply with these rules as a condition of employment.
- Establish investigation procedures that will promptly and thoroughly document every accident and near-accident to determine the cause and provide corrective action for your health and safety program.
- Establish and maintain all health and safety records and reports as directed by your state occupational Safety and Health Act or also known as Health and Safety Act.
Be sure that these records are maintained in an office protective filing cabinet in case you would have to access these records years later for any claims arising from employee accident records. The Health and Safety Department is sometimes housed in Human Resources (HR) office, other times located in the Security Department and sometimes offsite. It is important that you know when these records are moved, that they are not destroyed and someone knows how to access all the health and safety information for your company. This would include training, safety committee meeting and accident reports
Mar
4
OSHA Workplace Safety Programs
Filed Under Bud | Leave a Comment
Some of the required OSHA Workplace Safety Programs would include:
Asbestos Awareness
A presentation of the history, physical characteristics, and various types of asbestos containing materials. Discussions also include presumed asbestos containing material, friable conditions, exposure protection, potential health effects, and medical monitoring programs.
Bloodborne Pathogens Awareness
This class provides an overview of the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. Topics include: Bloodborne diseases, blood and body fluid exposures in the work place, exposure control plans, universal precautions, personal protective clothing and equipment, vaccination considerations, and safe work practices. This is a must for OSHA Workplace Safety Programs in motels, hotels, rooming houses, hospitals and nursing homes.
Confined Space Awareness
A general program that introduces the participant to OSHA’s established regulatory requirements for permit required confined space entry. Topics include hazards associated with confined space entry, atmospheric testing and related procedures, and person protective equipment. Safe work practices should be discussed. This OSHA Workplace safety program applies to plumbers, electricians, cable installers, audio visual technicians.
Control of Hazardous Energy
This class emphasizes locking out all energy sources during maintenance operations. Energy sources include: but are not limited to, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and gravity. Elevator operators, engineers, electricians, amusement ride technicians.
Excavation Awareness
Highlights OSHA’s construction standard for excavations and trenches. Topics would include hazards associated with excavations, access and egress, inspections, protective systems and employee safety for OSHA Workplace Safety Programs.
Fall Protection
The program would review the construction regulations in 29 CFR 1926, subpart M. It examines conventional fall protection such as guardrail systems, safety net systems, and personal fall arrest systems. It should include rescue training.
Powered Industrial Trucks
Forklift Safety Awareness
This program is geared toward managers and supervisors. Students are provided an overview of the OSHA Powered Industrial Truck Standard. The program includes safe operating procedures, operator responsibilities, load handling considerations, and inspection and maintenance requirements. Including record keep required for OSHA workplace safety programs.
Four Hour Defensive Driving Course
The overall objective of this course is to increase awareness of and the need for, defensive driving for employers and employees who operate motor vehicles on public roads as part of their businesses. This is accomplished within a classroom environment by providing attendees with an increased awareness of the risks and hazards associated with adverse driving conditions and providing techniques to reduce theos risks. If you take this class directly from OSHA attendees can receive a National Safety Council DDC-4 course completion card.
Hazard Communication
The presentation should provide an overview of the written hazard communication requirements. Topics covered will include: labeling, inventory, and material safety data sheets and training. You should discuss physical and chemical properties of hazardous substances, potential health hazards, and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) terminology.
Hearing Conservation Program
This OSHA workplace safety program introduces the student to fundamentals of noise, causes of hearing loss, requirements of OSHA’s noise regulation, and how to choose proper methods of noise control
Introduction to OSHA
Every employee in orientation must receive awareness training for OSHA workplace safety programs. It will familiarize the participant with the purpose and history of the OSHA act, functions of the enforcement section, functions of the consultation section, and sources of the occupational safety and health standards.
OSHA Injury and Illness record keeping “OSHA 300 log”
This presentation covers employer injury ad illness record keeping requirements of the OSH act of 1970. The discussion will include OSHA’s basic record keeping requirements outlined in 29 SCR 1904, injury and illness reordering criteria, record able and non-record able injury and illness determination, record keeping forms and their maintenance, and posting requirements. This is a must for Human Resources employees (HR) to support the requirements of the Safety Officer under OSHA workplace safety programs.
Respiratory Protection Awareness
An introduction to OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard 29 CFR 1910.134. This class focuses on the scope, application and organization of the standard. The class provides a brief overview of the requirements of a respirator program, medical evaluation, fit testing protocols, training requirements and selected definitions. This is an annual program training under OSHA’s workplace safety programs for carpenters who will be working to remove walls that contain mold or asbestos. Any abatement company must train their employees. Medical examination of the employee is required before they can be trained and wear a respirator for their protection.
Workplace Violence Awareness
This class is normally a full day class giving a comprehensive overview of violent behavior in the workplace. Participants are introduced to the dimensions of violence and aggression, and the precursors to workplace violence. Regulatory measures and OSHA’s commitment to combating violence in the workplace are discussed. Discussions also focus on: categories of violent behavior, fundamental concepts of physical security, and a systems approach to target hardening and prevention -reduction strategies. Every manager, supervisor and security officer in your employment should be trained for this OSHA workplace safety program.
Written Workplace Safety Program
Discusses the need for an effective written OSHA workplace safety program, your states requirement for such a program, and the various activities required to comply with the program’s six major elements. The elements are: responsibilities, hazard identification, training, accident investigation, enforcement, and safety committees.
Mar
4
Material Safety Data Sheets
Filed Under Bud | Leave a Comment
MSDS known as Material Safety Data Sheets. You should see these manuals around your workplace with the big letters of MSDS. Normally they are yellow or blue binders holding pages of data sheets.
In a large hotel casino the safety manager should house all the data binders but each area of the hotel and casino should house their Material Safety Data Sheets specific to their area.
The purchasing department is required to receive the Material Safety Data Sheet before the item is sent to the property and the Safety Manager must okay the chemical before it arrives.
If you have a security team responsible to respond to incidents they must have the MSDS binders immediately nearby to give the information to EMT’’s or paramedics when they arrive to treat the injured worker. These binders must be checked on a log and someone must be responsible to review each product being used on the shelf and make sure that Material Safety Data Sheet in available. Most binders have an alpha listing in the front of the binder. It is a good idea to list it by its chemical name but some maintenance, housekeeping or garden workers call certain chemicals by a number. If someone got exposed to a chemical they would go to the binder and look for #9 and will not find it unless you have it listed both ways. OSHA inspectors will look in the binder for the specific name or your safety rep and they would not know it was called #9 so again it is a good idea to list it both ways so all people can locate the correct Material Safety Data Sheets.
Material Safety Data Sheets in the past have been a nightmare and frequently cited in an OSHA Citation. There are companies now on the internet that provide a volume of Material Safety Data Sheets so you can immediately down load the sheet and keep your binder up to date. They cannot be used on this site alone, you must keep the binder. If the electric or computer goes out and these Material Safety Data Sheets are not readily available an OSHA Citation will be issued.
Material Safety Data Sheets are not all created equal and some are very hard to understand.
Over the past few years
Management of these sheets is valuable. It is required that you have the sheets in multiple languages if you have a diversified work force. Also each and every container must have labels to identify the products. If plastic bottles are being used on the premises and there is no label of the chemical, again you will receive an OSHA Citation.
Remember compliance, compliance to avoid an OSHA Citation on Material Safety Data Sheets.
As regulations and enforcement tighten, here is a small list of some exposure types and why you must keep the information on file:
1 Acute toxicity (any route of entry)
2. Skin corrosion/irritation
3. Serious eye damage/eye irritation
4. Respiratory or skin sensitizer
5. Germ cell mutagenicity
6. Carcinogenicity
7 Reproductive toxicity Specific target organ systemic toxicity–single exposure Specific target organ systemic toxicity–repeated use Aspiration hazard
For those of us who have this task, and are abiding by the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, we have to ensure that each Material Safety Data Sheet is current within three years to qualify as a part of your program requirements.
Material safety data sheets are the heart of the Hazard Communication Standard. OSHA is currently working on the specifics of the sheets and how to revise them.
Chemical manufacturers and importers shall obtain or develop a material safety data sheet for each hazardous chemical they produce or import. Employers shall have a material safety data sheet in the workplace for each hazardous chemical they use.
Each material safety data sheet shall be in English but again having a diversified workforce you must provide them in the language that can read and understand. Even though a lot of employees sign work agreements that they can read and understand English it is only common words and you should give several lessons on Material Safety Data Sheets in the applicable departments for your protection against a fine or serious injury that someone might not have been able to review the Material Safety Data Sheet on how to treat/respond to the incident.
The identity used on the label is very important to find the correct MSDS.
Sheet must show the health hazards of the hazardous chemical, including signs and symptoms of exposure, and any medical conditions which are generally recognized as being aggravated by exposure to the chemical.
It must show the primary route(s) of entry in the body.
Material Safety Data Sheets must show applicable control measures which are known to the chemical manufacturer, importer or employer preparing the material safety data sheet, such as appropriate engineering controls, work practices, or personal protective equipment.
It must include emergency and first-aid procedures.
The employer shall maintain in the workplace copies of the required material safety datasheets for each hazardous chemical, and shall ensure that they are readily accessible during each work shift to employees when they are in their work areas. Electronic access, microfiche, and other alternatives to maintaining paper copies of the material safety data sheets are permitted as long as no barriers to immediate employee access in each workplace are created by such options.
Mar
3
Lab Safety
Filed Under Bud | Leave a Comment
Lab safety should always be taken seriously. Severe burns, fires, and even death can result from the avoidance of lab safety procedures. Dressing appropriately is one of the most important safety procedures in any lab. If a person has long hair it should always be tied back. Jewelry and baggy clothes should never be worn. A person should always have on closed toed shoes. Never wear sandles. Even just a small spill of a hazardous material can cause chemical burns and wearing open toed shoes is just inviting danger. Some other items that should always be worn are a lab coat or smock, gloves, and goggles. A person should never wear contact lenses when dealing with chemicals. If the chemicals splash in a person’s eyes this could cause the contacts to burn to their eyes. If someone must have a prescription then it is important that they use prescription goggles. The best prevention against lab accidents is to have as much of your body as possible covered up with clothing.
All chemicals should be considered harmful. Even the smallest spill should be cleaned up immediately. If any chemical comes in contact with skin, the area that came in contact with the chemicals should be rinsed for twenty minutes. A person should never neglect chemicals that come in contact with the skin. It might not be bothersome at the moment but in the long run it could cause serious injury. There are many important things that should be located in the lab and everyone should know where they are located in the lab. One of the most important things is the eyewash fountain. Everyone should also know how to work it properly. Here are a few other things that the location of is important fire alarm box, fire extinguishers, evocation route should be posted, safety shower if available, glass/chemical trash can, and dust brush and dust pan.
Lab safety should always be considered important. Here are a few more safety tips.
- Never eat or drink in the lab. A person should never take the chance of ingesting chemicals.
- When working in a lad always be professional. One wrong more could cause a serious accident.
- If a person has to smell a chemical it is important that a person never puts their nose to a test tube. The person should always hold the test tube away from their body and wave their hand over top until they get the scent.
- Always check first to see if a test tube has been heated before it is picked up.
- If a test tube is being heated it is important that is pointed away from other people in the room.
- Boiling chips should always be added to any chemical that is being heated beforehand.
- If inserting rubber toppers into a glass tube always make sure to use glycerin.
- Chemicals should never be placed directly on a pan balance. They always should be in some type of container.
Mar
2
OSHA Fines
Filed Under Bud | Leave a Comment
Some examples of OSHA Fines would be the following.
1. The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that:
a) Employees were exposed to injuries resulting from being struck by vehicles driven by Valet Attendants in the single lane into which the employees exit from the property.
2. Storage areas were not conspicuously affixed with plates, of approved design, marked with the approved loads.
a) The floor/ceiling over the office for carpenters was not posted with the approved load capacity.
b) the floor/ceiling over the back stage dressing room was not posted with the approved load capacity which is an OSHA fine.
3.Ladderway floor opening or platform was not guarded by standard railings on all exposed sides, provide with swinging gates or were not so offset that a person could not walk directly into the opening.
a) The ladder way floor opening, in TOA, was concerned to receive an OSHA find as it was located so that employees could walk into the opening while attempting to access the ladder.
3. Portable ladders were not lashed, held in position, or so placed to prevent slipping.
a) An 8 foot portable wooden stepladder was used in a lean to position on a 30 inch pipe to gain access to a cooling tower door, creating a fall hazard of 12 feet to concrete below and this would receive an OSHA fine.
4. Fixed ladders 20 to 30 feet in unbroken length were not provided with cages or wells:
a) The 22 foot fixed ladder, outside the ruilding to the roof, near the cooling tower yard , was not equipped with a cage.
b) The 28 foot fixed ladder from the second to the third level of an amusement tower, was not equipped with a cage. OSHA Fine $ 3000.
5. The fire prevention plan required by 29 CFR 1910.157(a) or (b) when the employer has elected total evacuation of the workplace in the eent of a fire emergency was not in writing.
a) The employer had not developed and implemented a written fire prevention plan for the establishment. OSHA Fine $2000.
6. 29 CFR 1910.38(b)(3). The employer did not control accumulations of flammable and combustible waste materials and residues so that they would not contribute to a fire emergency.
a) Employees were smoking in a storage room, on floor 20, around combustibles which were poorly stored. OSHA Fines $ 2000.
7. Class l flammable liquid(s) dispensed into other containers were not grounded 29CFR 1910.106(e)(6)(ii)
a) Lacquer and Paint Thinners, in 55 gallon drums near the fueling area, which are dispensed into other containers, were not grounded. OSHA Fines $ 1875.
8. Flexible cords and cables were used for purposes prohibited by subparagraphs (a) through (e) of 29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iii)
a) a yellow extension cord was plugged into a four- plex receptacle in an enclosure where the cabinet door was closed on the cord backstage.
b) a 25 foot orange extension cord was attached to shelves and hung over a chain link fence, to service a desk where there was no receptacle.
c) a lamp cord was run through a curio cabinet between the glass and frame and plugged into a receptacle through a closed supply cabinet door. OSHA Fines $ 1275.