April Safety Tip

Recognized Versus Unrecognized Hazards

There are many hazards in our workplaces and at home that can cause great harm if exposed to them. So much time, effort, and money is spent by companies to train their employees to be able to recognize hazards in an attempt to prevent injuries from occurring in the workplace. While it is often thought that new employees of a company who may not understand the hazards of the job are most at risk for injury, a case can also be made for those experienced employees who have become complacent with the hazards of their work.

A question to consider- Which are more dangerous- the hazards we recognize or the ones we do not?

The Dangers of Unrecognized Hazards

Unrecognized hazards create a huge risk of injury on the job. Failure to be able to recognize hazards can result in exposure to every employee in a work area where the hazard is present. A significant goal in return for the time spent discussing safety in the workplace is to improve employees’ abilities in hazard recognition. The thought process being, if employees are able to recognize hazards, they can take action to protect themselves and others from them.

That being said, it is important to consider those employees who have been on the job a long time and recognize the hazards of their work but may not take the necessary action to mitigate the hazards due to becoming complacent or comfortable with the risk associated with them.

Complacency with the Recognized Hazards of Our Work

Workers in their positions for a long time understand the majority of the hazards of their work. Experienced workers have sat through countless hours of safety training and have many hours on the job, which allows them to recognize the hazards of their work. However, this experience can also bring complacency towards taking risks for these workers. Those employees who have been on the job for a long time can be desensitized to the gravity of the hazards around them.

Working around hazards for a long period of time without any negative consequences occurring can create a false sense of security which in turn can lead to an employee being more willing to put themselves in the line of fire. This is often the case when time pressures or pressure for production, even if it is just self-imposed pressure, are present.

How to Identify Hazards

Assessing the work environment for health and safety hazards is important to prevent injuries and illnesses from happening. While there are various methods to identify hazards in the workplace, the following three will help you begin the process of creating an effective IIPP:

1. Conduct regular worksite inspections. Walk through the worksite and visually assess the types of equipment, work practices, and any potential hazards that could be harmful to workers.
2. Interview workers and managers. This allows workers to express concerns that may not be as obvious when conducting only worksite inspections. Involving workers in the process of identifying hazards also increases staff morale and compliance with safety practices.
3. Create a hazard map. Draw a large outline of the worksite(s) and mark existing and potential hazards. Involve workers in this activity to solicit feedback and to increase awareness of the importance of safety in the workplace.

It is important to have several different methods of identifying health and safety hazards to ensure a safe work environment for employees. Taking the necessary steps will make the difference and help to create a health and safety culture that will be beneficial for everyone.

Summary

It is necessary to be able to recognize the hazards of your work; from there, you can take action to protect yourself and your coworkers around you. It is also important to realize that being able to identify hazards does not mean you are now able to take shortcuts during your work.

Some experienced workers may feel that since they understand the hazard and have worked around it for a long time that they do not have to be as cautious or take all the necessary steps to work safely around that particular hazard. Complacency towards recognized hazards can be as or more dangerous than the hazards you do not recognize.

March Safety Tip

Do your employees spend a lot of time on their feet?

Jobs that require frequent standing can lead to a number of health-related problems, including sore feet, leg swelling, muscle fatigue, low back pain, and stiffness in the neck and shoulders.

One possible fix for some workstations? Make them adjustable. “Being able to adjust the working height is particularly important to match the workstation to the worker’s individual body size and to the worker’s particular task,” the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety says. “If the workstation cannot be adjusted, platforms to raise the shorter worker or pedestals on top of workstations for the tall worker should be considered.”

Other tips to reduce the negative effects of standing work:

• Change working positions often.
• Avoid extreme bending, stretching and twisting.
• Give workers breaks to relax.
• Organize work so materials are within easy reach.
• Use a foot rail or portable footrest to shift body weight from both legs to one or the other.
• Avoid reaching above or behind the shoulder line. Instead, shift feet to face the object.
• Don’t reach beyond the point of comfort.

February Safety Tip

Forklift Operator Crushed

Between Forklift And Storage Rack

A 54-year-old forklift operator and his co-worker were installing large metal storage racks in a warehouse. The operator was using a forklift to raise the racks so leveling shims could be installed under the uprights, while the co-worker drilled anchor holes in the floor. The operator parked the forklift, shut off the engine, set the parking brake and exited the forklift – leaving the forks raised about 39 inches. Unknowingly, he had parked on top of the cord of his co-worker’s drill. In an attempt to free the cord, the co-worker got in the forklift, started the engine and put it in gear. He did not know how to release the parking brake, so the operator reached into the cab and released it. Once the brake released, the forklift started moving forward toward the metal racks. The co-worker swerved to avoid the racks, crushing the operator between the rear of the forklift and one of the metal uprights. The co-worker panicked and jumped from the forklift, which came to a stop when its forks ran into a wall. The operator was transported to a hospital and pronounced dead a short time later. Investigators found that neither worker had completed a required operator training program before operating the forklift. The operator had received on-the-job training and was authorized by the employer to operate the forklift, but the co-worker was neither trained nor authorized.

To help prevent similar occurrences, employers should:

• Instruct unauthorized workers never to operate forklifts, even if only for a short time. Likewise, instruct authorized operators to prevent unauthorized workers from operating them.
• Train workers to identify and evaluate unexpected situations not specifically addressed in job hazard analyses, control the hazards safely if possible, and check with a supervisor if the hazard cannot be controlled or if they have questions.

 Issued by: Washington State Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation Program

January Safety Tip

Five Steps Employers Can Take to Ensure Mental Health

and Wellbeing in the Workplace

It is a welcome development that employers are getting behind their employees to provide mental health support during this unprecedented time – because people absolutely need the assistance. However, employee mental health has been an issue in the workplace long before COVID-19, and will continue to be an issue once the pandemic is behind us. The current public health crisis has only exasperated the issue of employee mental health, leaving employers with no choice but to address this separate, but equally concerning, pandemic. In fact, 41% of 2,000 employees surveyed say that their mental health has declined since the COVID-19 outbreak started. 

Mental Struggles Impact the Workplace

Pre-pandemic numbers show that approximately 1 in 5 Americans experience mental illness in a given year on any given day. Think of five people you work with and imagine that, at any given time, one of those individuals is working under the umbrella of a mental illness. This likely does not include those that are dealing with life-changing events who do not even identify they are suffering from mental health issues: those going through a divorce, a personal financial strain, struggling to care for elderly parents or sick children, supporting a loved one with a drug or alcohol use issue, or trying to handle the death of a loved one. In fact, some studies suggest that there is a median 11-year delay between the onset of depression and when a person actually seeks help.  

Putting the above pieces of information together with the fact that employees spend a majority of their day at work and/or working remotely means that these issues can affect your workplace. Employees do not drop their personal issues at the proverbial door every morning. They bring to work all the stress of their lives. This, in and of itself, causes issues with retention, productivity, creativity, absenteeism, and presenteeism (the ability to concentrate or achieve outcomes).

Now add in the last piece of the puzzle — the work environment. It can either foster mental health and wellbeing or it can make it fester. In a recent post-pandemic survey, 76% of employees believe their company should be doing more to protect the mental health of their workforce.

A 5-Step Plan For Employers

You can respond to this outcry by making the workplace a psychologically safe place for your employees, but you need to do something more than provide an EAP and offer leaves of absence (although those are absolute necessities). The time to act is now, but it can be difficult to know where to begin. Below are five concrete action steps that you can take to start working towards a workplace that supports employee mental health and illness. 

1. Create an employee mental health workplace safety plan. There is no right or wrong employee mental health safety workplace plan. The key to this plan is input from employees and support from all levels of the organization. The input can be gathered through surveys, roundtable discussions, or one-on-one meetings. The way you collect employee feedback should be tailored to your employees.
2. Include employee mental health as a part of your workplace health and safety initiative.You can create a subcommittee on employee mental health and safety in the workplace. This subcommittee can review and provide suggestions on policies, education, and training on employee mental health and how to make the workplace a psychologically safe place.
3. Prepare a workplace mental health safety policy.The policy can define mental health and illness, identify causes of mental health issues in the workplace, explain how the company will raise mental health awareness, and encourage employees to speak up.
4. Emphasize the importance of mental health in the workplace. One of the biggest obstacles an organization will have to overcome is the stigma associated with mental illness, stress, and related issues. Employees may be hesitant to come forward to discuss what stressors in their personal or work life are impacting their work for fear they will be viewed as unable to perform their job. This is heightened given the current climate of layoffs, furloughs, and high unemployment. Keep in mind that communication regarding mental health and illness is most effective when it comes from company leadership.
5. Educate and train your managerson ways they can help.

• They should know how to have discussions with employees who approach them with mental health concerns or issues. For example, something as simple as the manager saying to the employee “thank you for sharing this with me” can go a long way. Active listening and empathy are elements that should be highlighted.
• They should be familiar with the resources you have available for your employees, including referral to the EAP, HR, and outside sources.
• They should know how to spot workplace hazards such as harassment and bullying – including cyberbullying. Training should also include a review of all policies that are relevant to employee mental health.
• They should also understand that it is not their job to diagnose a potential mental health issue nor proactively raise the possibility that an employee struggling in some way might have a mental health problem. Doing so could backfire in a number of ways, including opening up the company to legal liability.

Conclusion

Employers are not responsible for providing mental health counseling or fixing an employee’s issues, just as they are not responsible for fixing an employee’s broken leg. However, if an employee broke their leg at work, an employer would transport them to the hospital and provide support along the way. Similarly, employers should be prepared to aid employees in getting the mental health resources they need and supporting employees along the way. Importantly, this should all be done in compliance with current laws and in consultation with your attorney.

https://www.fisherphillips.com/news-insights/5-steps-employers-can-take-to-ensure-mental-health-and-wellbeing-in-the-workplace.html

December Safety Tip

Coping With Stress Around The Holidays

With the end of the year comes the holiday season.  Everyone is familiar with the tension that the holidays can cause at home, and that same feeling of anxiety can spill over into the workplace.  End-of-year business demands and holiday-shortened deadlines take a toll on employee’s nerves.  According to experts, more people become depressed or anxious during the holiday season than any other time of the year. 

At the workplace, holiday-related doldrums manifest themselves in various forms, including a disengaged work force.  Productivity tends to drop off around the holidays, which can be caused by stress, but also feeling relaxed and carefree about the spirit of the season.  This shift in attitude can affect employee safety.

How can employers help their employees deal with holiday stress?  The following are some suggestions to help reduce holiday stress in the workplace:

• Give employees a more flexible schedule to help them deal with added burdens outside the office.
• Ease up on the dress code.
• Incorporate wellness breaks to give employees a chance to refocus, such as a walk outside or quick team yoga session.
• Help employees prioritize projects to manage pending deadlines.
• Encourage employees to stay home when sick to help avoid spreading illness among the team.
• Motivate employees to work together and share the workload.
• Educate employees about financial wellness to assist them with budget concerns and enable them to plan ahead for holiday expenses.
• Remind employees how important safety is in the workplace.

Employers can play a critical role in ensuring employees have the necessary support and are aware of resources that can provide assistance both during the holiday season and throughout the calendar year.

November Safety Tip

How To Be A Great Safety Leader

Safety leadership is more than overseeing the general day-to-day of your organization’s safety program. Leading is about influencing employees and colleagues to meet the goals of your organization and safely fulfill their roles. When safety is overlooked or not taken seriously enough, it can lead to disastrous effects. It is even more important in manufacturing industries to have strong safety leadership as the jobs are inherently more dangerous. Demonstrating the following characteristics as a safety leader will help you stand out and keep your team members safe.

1. Lead by example

Leading by example is extremely important.  This trait ensures your employees know exactly what is expected of them. Whether you are in the office, a training session, or on a work site, demonstrating proper behavior is imperative. Employees will be less likely to develop bad habits or find shortcuts around the rules and procedures when leadership sets the tone and models exemplary behavior. Safety leaders should strive to have their employees or colleagues mimic the same focus and action.  “Do as I say, not as I do” is not how a great safety leader operates.

2. Keep employees accountable

Accountability is about taking the initiative and delivering on an outcome. It can be difficult to keep employees accountable for their actions and promises as the intent can come across as scolding or lecturing. Employees need to adhere to safety practices and understand they are there to protect workers, not control them. By setting out clear expectations and consequences, employees are more likely to follow the rules and promote a safe culture.

3. Create leaders at every level

Being a safety leader does not only pertain to those with senior management or executive titles. As mentioned, safety leaders are those who demonstrate by example and influence the people around them to do the right thing. There are many ways to start motivating those around you.  Publicly recognizing good behavior, mentoring new hires, and setting safety goals for the entire organization are all great examples of how employees can demonstrate “leadership” qualities.

4. Continuous learning

Successful companies always have room to improve, especially when new regulations and technology are introduced all the time. Companies that constantly monitor their performance can adapt their business or safety strategy based on successes and shortcomings. Great safety leaders know that leadership and development are continuous, and learning is crucial to ongoing success.

5. Be positive

Negativity can spread fast throughout an organization and can engrain itself into the culture. If leaders are negative about safety rules or practices, it can foster negative safety attitudes in other employees. As a leader, it is your job to influence people in the right direction and put a positive spin on all conversations around safety. Not only will this instill confidence in your employees about policies and procedures, but it will also allow your workers to view safety in a positive light rather than as a chore or nuisance.

6. Respond to feedback quickly

Feedback is beneficial for generating better performance and results for both employees and employers. As an employee, you can adjust behaviors to better your performance within the organization and use the skills to become a better leader for other staff or new hires. However, as an employer, receiving feedback and integrating it quickly into your leadership strategies can help you improve and show employees that their feedback is valuable and respected.

7. Strong communication

A great safety leader finds the balance between being assertive and pleasant. When delivering news or directions, it is important to be firm while being kind. As a leader, typically you are aware of sensitive or confidential information. Exercising discretion is important to effective communication so that you do not upset others or release private information to other co-workers.

8. Take responsibility

When something goes wrong, strong leaders step up and assume responsibility. As a person who is leading a team, you are responsible for both the successes and difficulties your team will go through. Although it may feel natural to get defensive and shift the blame to others, as a leader it is important to be assertive, take the responsibility, and make a proactive plan to avoid future mishaps.

9. Keep up to date on regulations

Staying well-informed on new safety regulations, procedures, or incident trends in your industry will help you be an effective and safe leader for your team. Communicate insights to your team and find innovative ways to apply the knowledge within your organization.

10. Avoid negativity

Although it is common to vent about work procedures or disruptive colleagues, it fosters a negative work environment. Finding a proactive solution to the problem and keeping negative comments to yourself is the most effective way to avoid negativity in the workplace. Having positive conversations about safety rules will not only help you decrease negativity but will hopefully create a safety culture within your organization.

Safety is everybody’s job. Knowing and practicing these 10 characteristics, you will be on your way to being an effective safety leader. Strong safety leadership not only ensures your employees improve their performance, but it will allow them to be safer and return home to their families each night.

October Safety Tip

Fire Safety Tips

Fire is a scary thing. Nobody knows that better than those who have experienced it firsthand. In the workplace, fire can be especially dangerous. Not only can it cause damage to the building and property, but it can also injure or kill employees. That’s why it’s important to have the following fire safety tips in place to help protect your employees in case of a fire emergency.

Evacuation Strategy

Preparing for an emergency situation is the best way to ensure your safety. The location of fire extinguishers and first aid kits should be well-known by all employees, but if that’s not the case, make sure everyone knows where the closest exit is located from their work space.

In addition, it’s important to have an evacuation strategy in case of a fire so that you can get out quickly and safely without having to worry about what you need to do next.

Having an evacuation plan helps everyone stay calm during this stressful situation so they can focus on getting out safely, instead of worrying about what to do next or how far away from danger they are at any given moment.

Safety Drills

According to the National Fire Protection Association, most fires occur in homes between the hours of 6pm and 9am, when residents are likely to be asleep. That’s why it’s important for everyone in your household to know what to do in the event of a fire.

Fire drills are an essential part of any workplace safety plan. They provide employees with the chance to practice their emergency response in a safe environment and can help assure that their response is fast and effective if a real emergency occurs.

We recommend running through fire drills at least twice a year, though the more frequent practice is better if possible. In addition to practicing the drill itself, it’s also important to review what each employee should do in case of an emergency during the drill itself. This can be done by having managers or supervisors walk around during the drill and ask people what they would do in that situation.

No Smoking/Designated Smoking Area

When it comes to smoking inside buildings, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, always be aware of where the designated smoking areas are. This will help reduce the risk of potential fires and help maintain the safety of the building. Secondly, be sure to properly dispose of any cigarette butts or ashes. Failure to do so could result in a fire. Finally, if you smoke near any flammable materials, be sure to extinguish your cigarette completely to avoid the risk of starting a fire.

Smoke Alarm & Sprinkler Installation

The best way to protect your building and its occupants is to install a working sprinkler system and smoke alarm.

It’s a necessity to have a working smoke alarm and sprinkler system in every building, but you also need to test them often to ensure they work. If you haven’t tested your smoke alarms recently, it’s time.

You should test your smoke alarm once a month by pushing the button on the side of the alarm. You should also check that there are no issues with your wiring or installation, which could cause problems in the future. If you’ve never installed a sprinkler system before, we recommend calling an expert before proceeding; some systems can be tricky to install correctly.

Maintain Machinery

It is important to check all the equipment in the building often to make sure they are working properly. This includes any electrical machines that could overheat and cause a fire. These fires can seriously damage or even destroy your property, so it is important to check them often and make sure they are working correctly.

Equipment Accessibility

Fire-related panels and equipment should be easily accessible. It’s important to make sure the area around them is clear so that employees can shut off the power if needed. In addition, it’s important to make sure all fire-related panels and equipment are labeled clearly with their correct purpose.

The following guidelines will help you ensure your facility is ready for any emergency:

• The area around fire-related panels and equipment should be clear of any obstructions. This includes furniture, materials, and other items that could get in the way of employees trying to access these areas during an emergency.
• All fire-related panels and equipment must be labeled clearly with their correct purpose so employees know how to operate them during an emergency situation. Having a visual guide available during non-emergency times can also help employees remember what each panel does in case they’re ever needed during an emergency situation!

Fire Extinguisher

According to the National Fire Protection Association, more than 3,000 fire extinguisher-related injuries have been reported over the last five years. That’s why it’s important to make sure your employees know how to use them correctly—and that they’re accessible in case of an emergency.

If you’ve never done this before, here are a few tips:

• Check the gauges on your fire extinguishers. You want to make sure the extinguishers are fully charged and easily accessible. Also, be sure to test them and train employees on how to properly use them. If your employees need more information or training, find a qualified instructor who can teach them how to use them correctly!
• Make sure that all fire alarms are in good working order and that they’re set up correctly in accordance with local laws and regulations. If there’s any doubt about whether an alarm will work properly, replace it! It’s better safe than sorry when it comes down to protecting lives and property in case of fire emergencies!

 Look Out For Electrical Hazards

It’s important to make note of any electrical hazards. If you discover any issues, contact an authorized repairman immediately. Malfunctioning electrical equipment is a leading factor in fires in the workplace.

Electrical hazards can be dangerous for both employees and customers. If you come across a malfunctioning electrical outlet or another issue with the wiring, here are some tips for handling it:

• Contact an authorized repairman immediately.
• Make sure that the area around the wiring is kept clear of clutter and other objects so that there’s nothing that could catch fire if there were a short circuit or overheating problem with the wiring itself.
• If you notice anything unusual about the way your power is being used (e.g., if lights are flickering or going out unexpectedly), report it right away so that an expert can come to inspect it before any damage occurs!

Safely Store

When it comes to storing hazardous waste, the best place is in a metal container. This is because metal containers are non-conductive, which means they will not spark if they come into contact with flammable materials.

It’s also important to make sure you empty your metal container frequently. If you leave hazardous materials in an unsecured space for too long, there’s a chance that someone could get hurt or even die from exposure to the materials.

Know What To Do If You’re Trapped

If you are in an emergency situation and can’t get out of the office due to a fire, don’t panic. In addition, the best thing to do is stay far away from the fire, seal all cracks in the room and yell for help out a window.

If there is no other way to exit the building, take shelter in a small room or closet with thick walls—like your office bathroom. Make sure you close the door behind you and turn off all fans or air conditioning systems. Make sure there are no gaps around windows or doors that might allow smoke into your safe place. If there’s no air conditioning system running in your area, plug some holes with towels or clothing to keep smoke from coming through cracks in walls or windows. If possible, tape up any vents where smoke might come through as well.

If there is smoke coming into your room through vents or gaps around windows/doors, cover your mouth with a cloth and try not to breathe in any smoke while waiting for firefighters to arrive on the scene. If possible, seal off any gaps using items such as clothing or towels that aren’t too flammable (so they won’t catch on fire).

September Safety Tip

How Can A Workplace Reduce Distracted Driving?

Many people spend at least part of their workday in a car. Their work may involve driving as part of their job responsibilities or they commute to their workplace. Drivers face numerous distractions during these times and may feel obligated to deal with (or think about) work while in transit. Anything that takes your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, or your concentration from driving is dangerous. You should consider preventing distracted driving at work as a job responsibility, whether you’re on the clock or not.

Common Driving Distractions Related to Work

Technology in Your Car

Some jobs require keeping phones or screens active while driving. For example, you might need GPS to get to your next location or receive other information about your destination. Even used hands-free, they can still be visual or cognitive distractions.

Phone Calls and Texts

These days, the constant desire to connect with others via email, text and social media can be overwhelming. The distraction can be even worse when it comes to work, especially for those in competitive fields or jobs where business relies upon responsiveness. Some people cannot resist the urge to take work calls or texts while driving, even outside work hours. 

The Desire to ‘Catch Up’ While Commuting

If you have a lengthy commute, it may be tempting to begin dealing with work while you’re still on the road. This can be dangerous even in stop-and-go or bumper-to-bumper traffic. Focus on safely reaching your destination, not your work documents.

Other Passengers

If you carpool with others as part of your commute or job, be mindful that passengers can be a source of distraction whether you’re making eye contact with them or not. In-depth conversations about work or even the weekend sports highlights might divert your attention, causing you to lose focus on the road.

Eating and Drinking During Your Commute or Between Jobs

Do you eat breakfast or lunch in your car to save time? Eating and drinking while driving are significant distractions, since you need to take one or both hands off the wheel and probably look at what you’re eating. In focusing on getting the food in your mouth, your mind will be elsewhere. Consider saving your meal until you have arrived safely at your destination.

Avoiding and Preventing Distracted Driving

 Ready to eliminate the driving distractions while on the clock? Good. Here’s how.

• Silence your phone! Turn it off and put it away every time you get in your car. If possible, you should let your emails, texts and calls wait until you reach your destination. If you’re waiting for a critical communication, pull over and check your phone in a safe place. On most phones, you can now set up an auto reply to notifications received while you’re driving, advising the sender that you are driving and will respond when you’ve reached your destination.                                                                                                                                 
• Go hands-free. If you must answer calls or use GPS while driving, make sure that you can do so without holding or looking at your phone. Discuss a hands-free setup with your employer to make sure you can drive safely while conducting company business.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
• Keep work at the workplace. Make a commitment to safe driving and keep your commute separate from your work time. Work texts and emails can wait until you arrive at the office or job site.                                                                                                                         
• Don’t schedule meals in your car. Save your meals for work or home. If you must eat while on the road between job locations, pull over and finish your meal.

Strategies for Employers

If you employ drivers or issue workplace technology that may be used in a car, you can reduce distracted driving by being proactive. Specifically:

• Educate your employees. Many people don’t realize how much they miss when they glance away from the road, even for a few seconds. Educate them on the most common distractions while driving emphasizing those related to the workplace. It’s important your employees understand that their safety is a priority.                                                                                                                                          
• Create policies that condemn distracted driving. Many employers have specific policies related to impaired driving, drowsy driving and aggressive driving. It makes sense to have one for distracted driving as well, so your employees understand that it is not condoned. Enforce consequences for violating established rules.                                                                                                                      
• Forbid texting and other phone use while driving on company time. Phone use is unmistakably one of the biggest work-related distractions to drivers. Be sure your employees are aware of current cellphone laws.                                                                       

• Set Appropriate Expectations. As an employer, ensure that you create an atmosphere that does not encourage the use of cell phones while driving. Avoid sending communications that require a response before or after business hours when your employees may be commuting. Set an expectation that immediate responses are not required or expected.

August Safety Tip

Minimizing Injuries Through Ladder Safety

Falls from elevated surfaces are frequently listed as one of the top 10 causes of accidents in the workplace. Most of these accidents occur due to failure to follow basic ladder safety. In an industry that commonly utilizes ladders, prevent injuries by practicing the following safety tips.  

Setting up Safely

Make sure your employees select the correct ladder for the job by checking the length and duty rating. Proper length is a minimum of 3 feet extending over the working surface.

Instruct your employees to inspect their ladder before each use for loose or damaged parts.  Other items to inspect the following:

• Steps
• Rungs
• Spreaders
• Rung dogs
• Safety feet
• Other parts

Employees should clear the area where they will be working. Never place a ladder in front of a door that isn’t locked, blocked or guarded.

Because metal ladders conduct electricity, use a wooden or fiberglass ladder near electrical equipment or machinery.

Train employees to check that all locks on extension ladders are properly engaged before placing a ladder on a steady surface. The ground underneath the ladder should be level and firm. Large, flat wooden boards braced underneath a ladder can help level it on an uneven surface or soft ground. Never place a ladder on top of extra stock, product boxes or other potentially unstable surfaces. Straight, single or extension ladders should be set up at approximately a 75-degree angle.

Use the 1:4 ratio to ensure safety when on a ladder. Place the base of the ladder one foot away from whatever it’s leaning against for every four feet of height to the top of the ladder.

Use Caution

Always use caution when using a ladder and do not use a ladder for any other purpose than intended. Other safety considerations include the following:

• Make sure the weight that a ladder is supporting does not exceed its maximum load rating (user plus materials). Only one person should be on a ladder at a time.
• Keep body centered between the rails of the ladder at all times. Do not lean too far to the side while working. Never overreach—instead, descend from the ladder and move it to a better position.
• Do not step on the top step or bucket shelf, and do not attempt to climb or stand on the rear section of a stepladder.
• Always face the ladder when climbing up or down. Never leave a raised ladder unattended.
• Employees should slowly step down from a ladder if they feel dizzy or tired.
• Non-slip footwear should be worn at all times when on a ladder. Keep non-slip footwear available to since dress shoes can pose a safety threat on a ladder.

July Safety Tip

Helpful Tips for

Reducing your Risk of Injury at Work

The loading dock is an essential component of ’s business, but despite its daily use, it still presents serious safety hazards. There are risks for pinch point injuries from rolling doors, falls from elevated docks and truck beds, and accidental collisions between equipment and workers, among other injury-causing hazards.

 Avoid Injury on the Dock

All workers must be alert to these hazards to avoid injury. To stay safe at your facility’s loading dock, consider these useful recommendations:

• Always wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and steel-toed boots with grip soles. Wear earmuffs or plugs where required.
• Make sure trailer lanes are clearly marked so that backing up, parking and spotting is easier.
• Make sure that dock bumpers are in place and in working condition. Report any damaged bumpers to your supervisor to ensure that they are replaced as quickly as possible.
• Do not sit idle on a dock. This will prevent unnecessary exposure to diesel exhaust.
• Never lean on or hang over a loading dock, as you could fall off the dock or be crushed by a backing trailer.
• Stay clear of trailers when a forklift is loading or unloading.
• Check dock levelers or bridges before using them.
• Use trailer-locking devices to prevent a gap from opening between the trailer and the dock.
• Do not operate any machinery that you are not trained to use.
• Never load trailers that are not firmly seated against a dock, and always check the weight capacity of the leveler before you begin loading a trailer.
• Inspect the trailer’s floorboards to assure that they can withstand the load, the lifting device and your body weight combined.
• Your load should never exceed the capacity of your loading equipment.
• Keep aisles and working areas free of clutter and debris on loading docks.
• Only walk in the designated pedestrian walkways.

Safety First!

If you notice any safety hazards at the loading dock, or have any safety concerns, contact your supervisor. A safe workplace starts with being alert to potential hazards!

“All workers must be alert to loading dock hazards to avoid injury.”

This flyer is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or legal advice.

© 2014, 2017 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved

June Safety Tip

Tips for Writing a Job Safety Analysis

A critical process in managing risk and reducing injuries in your workplace is writing a Job Safety Analysis. Some organizations have detailed and lengthy documents; others ask their workers to write a new Job Safety Analysis before they begin work every day.

What to include and how much information you need when writing a Job Safety Analysis is often difficult to determine. The answer depends on your company’s requirements; however, if your JSAs form part of your risk management documentation, they must reflect the way work is done and how it should be done.

For this article, we provide a six-step process for writing a Job Safety Analysis to guide you when managing high-risk tasks.

Decide Which Tasks Require a JSA

The determining factor when deciding to write a Job Safety Analysis for a process is the level of risk that is present while completing the tasks that need to be done. The first step is to prioritize the tasks and to focus on the highest risk ones first. Areas to consider are:

• Accident frequency and severity: The frequency or severity of past injuries can suggest where to begin writing a Job Safety Analysis.                                                                                                                                                                                                               
• Newly established jobs or new machinery: New tasks may present more risk because your workers are not yet familiar with these jobs.                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
• Potential for severe injuries or illnesses: Jobs that involve hazardous materials or dangerous conditions may have more significant potential for a workplace injury.                                                                                                                                                                     
• Infrequently performed jobs: Like new tasks, jobs that are performed occasionally may present a higher risk because workers don’t know which hazards to anticipate.

Break the Job into Specific Tasks

Once you’ve decided which job you want to write a JSA for, you need to list the steps that you need to take to complete the work. List from beginning to end, step, by step, similar to writing a recipe.

Try not to use convoluted language and be precise and clear. After all, a JSA is a step-by-step process that anyone should be able to follow to complete the task.

Breaking down a job into every single step will take time and effort, but it is critical for properly analyzing the overall risk associated with the job. It is also vital to ensure when writing a Job Safety Analysis that you involve your employees in the process to ensure that you capture everything and in the correct order.  After all, they are the ones performing the work!

Determine the Hazards and Risks Present in Each Task

The next step is to identify any hazards that may be present as you complete the task. It would be best if you thought about the entire environment to determine any possible hazards that might exist while you perform the job.

From here, you need to assess the risk of injury each hazard presents. Using a risk matrix can help you to assess the probability and severity of the hazard to determine an overall risk rating. Check that you are using your employer’s Risk Ranking Matrix as it may differ from the one linked to in this document. You need to determine the level of risk that the hazard presents before you apply the control measures so that you have your Initial Risk Rating. Each step in the JSA should have an Initial Risk Rating applied.

How Do You Identify Workplace Hazards?

Unfortunately, identifying hazards doesn’t come naturally to all employees, and you can’t hide behind the notion that it’s just “common sense.”  A hazard is defined as a task, application, tool, environmental condition, or otherwise that has the potential to cause harm – such as an angle grinder, mechanical power press, working at heights, loud noises, chemicals, etc.  Employers can use various resources available to help train employees on hazard identification, including the Training Network or OSHA’s page on hazard identification and assessment:

https://www.osha.gov/safety-management/hazard-Identification

Identify Control Measures

The next step in writing a job safety analysis is to identify the controls measures that you practically can use to prevent the hazards from causing potential workplace injuries. Your guide here is to draw on the Hierarchy of Hazard Controls and use the highest level of control that is practicable to get the job done.

The Hierarchy of Hazard Controls is a risk management tool used around the world to manage workplace hazards. From the highest to the lowest level of controls, the hierarchy is as follows:

• Elimination – Physically remove the hazard                                                                                                                                                
• Substitution – Replace the hazard                                                                                                                                                                     
• Isolation – Isolate the hazard from people                                                                                                                                                          
• Engineering controls – Physical control measure, including a mechanical device or process                                                                                                                                                    
• Administrative controls – Change the way people work                                                                                                                                         
• Personal protective equipment– Protect the worker with PPE.

It is not unusual to use a range of control measures for hazards.  PPE should only be used as a last resort when all other measures are impractical or have been exhausted and the hazard remains.

Communicate Your Job Safety Analysis

It’s critical to circulate your Job Safety Analyses with your workers and other supervisors to ensure that you have covered all you need to make the job safe. You also need feedback about the control measures you select to determine if they are practicable and don’t create additional hazards.

Too often, JSAs are rarely seen as they gather dust on bookshelves or are forgotten as they are filed onto a computer hard drive. JSAs should be living documents that capture information about risks and inform your employees about both the hazards in their job tasks and the safest system of work.  They should be reviewed often and updated as needed with any changes or additional improvements.

Maintaining a good JSA program is an ongoing and evolving process. If a workplace injury occurs, a review of the relevant JSA should occur to see if it had a shortcoming that may have contributed to the incident. Regular reviews offer insight into the hazards workers face with their jobs and tasks to produce effective risk management.

By facilitating communication, participation and engagement among everyone involved in your workplace, JSAs provide an opportunity to identify unforeseen hazards and increase support for a more robust, more inclusive safety culture.

Excerpted from: https://tapintosafety.com.au/tips-for-writing-a-job-safety-analysis/

May Safety Tip

10 Best Practices For Your Safety Program

1. Get workers involved

Who knows best about the hazards of work? The workers themselves.

When formulating safety policies, make sure to get input from a representative group of employees.

2. Let workers know it’s OK to speak up

To get that worker input, they’re going to have to know it’s OK for them to speak up about hazards.

Even if it’s already the culture at your company, any new worker who had a different experience at a previous job may not know they can bring safety concerns to you without fear of retaliation.

Make sure frontline supervisors also accept this type of feedback from workers, and that workers don’t have to fear retaliation from them, either.

3. Remember the importance of frontline supervisors

You can’t be everywhere at once. Frontline supervisors are your eyes and ears regarding safety.

Just as they have to listen to concerns from employees, supervisors need to know you want them to come to you with safety problems and their ideas on how to solve them.

Frontline supervisors are the management representatives employees have the most contact with at work. You won’t be able to reinforce your company’s safety program to employees without their help.

4. Get top management to talk about safety

While getting frontline supervisors to talk about safety is important, it’s also key to have top management address it, too.

Nothing will get employees’ attention more than when the top leader sincerely explains the importance of safety.

5. Remind workers that safety is about them

When the C-suite talks about safety, one aspect that needs to be included is the personal angle.

While safety is important to the company, the most important part is making sure employees return home at the end of the workday in the same condition they came in.

So safety is about making sure employees can enjoy activities outside of work, such as sports, hobbies and being around so you can meet your grandchildren.

6. Remind C-suite that compliance is the minimum

There’s a lot written out there about onerous OSHA regulations.

You know this: They’re the minimum.

The best companies have safety policies that go above and beyond what OSHA requires.

If upper management relies upon the general media for information, they may have the impression OSHA compliance is more than enough. They need to know that’s not the case.

7. Revisit voluntary industry standards

This goes with No. 6.

If the C-suite wants to know how to go above and beyond OSHA standards, point to voluntary standards, such as those from ANSI/ASSP, that cover your industry.

8. Update your safety management system

Speaking of voluntary standards, remember to revisit your safety management system, or even explore a new one.

As one expert put it at a 2021 safety conference: Surely there are things that were considered good five years ago that should be updated now.

9. Keep up to date with professional associations

AIHA, ASSP, NSC, VPPPA. That’s just the short list.

There are so many ways these associations can help you with your safety program.  Reach out to your WCTI Loss Control Consultant.

And when it seems like you’re alone at your facility regarding a safety issue (it can happen at the best companies), utilize the Message Board function here in the WCTI website.   Network at one of the many WCTI safety training offerings.

10. Take advantage of OSHA resources

OSHA isn’t (always) the enemy.

It has an entire division of Cooperative Programs, such as SHARP, VPP and on-site consultations, devoted to helping employers.

And OSHA will answer questions about its regulations and welcomes comments on its proposed standards.

Bonus best practice

Sometimes you need to take a step back. Not backward, just back.

It’s a bit cliché, but when you’re bogged down in OSHA or corporate paperwork, remind yourself that occupational safety is all about people. That’s the big picture of safety you should remember when you take that step back.

The COVID-19 pandemic has raised lots of issues in the safety field the last two years.

Among them is employee mental health — something that didn’t get talked about a lot previously.  An employee who is struggling emotionally is distracted. And that includes being distracted about safety.  In the worst case scenarios, employees struggling emotionally can lead to workplace violence.

Remember: The employee who made a bad safety decision may have an ill relative, childcare issues or has made the tough decision to place a parent in a care facility despite the pandemic because they can’t care for their mom or dad at home.  If your company offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), remind them of this benefit and encourage them to use it. 

Source:  SafetyNewsAlert.com