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Pesticide use and your personal protective equipment (PPE)

March 8, 2010:

When using pesticide products, the requirements for PPE on the product label are your main source of information. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has labeling requirements for pesticide products. Pesticide labels must have signal words, which describe the acute (short-term) toxicity of the formulated pesticide product. All products must be handled with care. Manufacturers are required to provide information about what PPE a handler must wear when mixing, loading, handling, and applying pesticides. Some of the information may be confusing.  Please download and print http://www.orosha.org/pdf/pubs/1018.pdf and add to your safety training program and you can also use for a safety tailgate training session. While this information is provided by the Oregon OSHA office, it applies to all states.

'QuickTips' for workers on preventing cold-related injuries and illnesses

March 1, 2010:

In light of recent frigid temperatures, OSHA is reminding workers and employers, whose work is concentrated outside, to take the necessary precautions to prevent cold-related injuries and illnesses. OSHA's "Cold Stress Pocket Card" (English/Spanish) provides recommendations on protecting workers in cold environments. For example, take frequent short breaks in warm dry shelters to allow the body to warm up. Electronic copies can be downloaded from the agency's publications page, or printed copies can be ordered online or by calling 202-693-1888.

Five 'Musts' of Back Safety

February 22, 2010:

Remind workers of these essentials:

1. Keep your back strong and fit with a healthy lifestyle.
2. Maintain good posture whether you're standing or sitting.
3. Be aware of your back every time you move.
4. Remember the common causes of back injuries and avoid awkward movements that can cause back problems.
5. Use good body mechanics when you lift.

Skid Steer Loaders

February 15, 2010:

Hazards: Rollovers (rearward and sideways), falls, fractures, caught in-between, crushing, struck-by, death. PTO (power take off) stub shaft entanglements.

Safe Practices:

• Only trained operators should operate the loader.
• Regularly inspect and maintain all safety devices provided by the manufacturer.
• Follow safe mounting and dismounting procedures and always use the hand rail and steps.
• Never use the control levers as hand holds when climbing on or off the loader.
• Never modify or bypass safety features or interlocks.
• Fasten the seatbelt; assure restrain bar in place.
• This is a one person machine, no riders allowed.
• Never speed! Operate at a ground speed consistent with working conditions and terrain.
• Never allow un-qualified people to operate your machine. Handled improperly, this machine could cause severe injury or fatality.
• Never move or swing loads above the heads of other workers.
• Avoid slopes with steep or unstable surfaces, do not drive across slopes. Go directly up and down a slope or ramp with the heavy end of the machine uphill.
• Always carry the bucket low for maximum visibility and stability. Be sure your vision isn’t obstructed when traveling or working.
• Never attempt to make sharp turns or travel on steep slopes with a raised load.
• Extreme caution is required when back filling, as the weight of the loader could cause new construction to fail.
• When under-cutting high banks, watch for dangers such as falling rocks, overhanging trees or a cave-in.
• Keep bystanders away from the work area.
• Follow proper maintenance procedures as outlined by the manufacturer.

Hazard Communication

February 8, 2010:

Purpose: Ensures hazards of chemicals are conveyed to employers and employees

Chemicals used on the job:
Flammable - Gasoline; diesel fuel; acetylene
Accelerator - Oxygen
Combustible - Curing compound, motor oil
Irritant – Mortar; curing compound; muriatic acid; asphalt; epoxy resin; lime; wood dust;
Carcinogens - Welding metals (lead, nickel, chromates, beryllium);
Suspected Carcinogens - Epoxy resin; wood dust
Lung Fibrosis - Silica
Sensitizer - Isocynates

Identify Chemical Hazards: Look at product warning label and read MSDSs.

Written Program: Employers should have a written program and make it available to employees. The program must include: chemical inventory, MSDSs location, how and where employees will get information on new chemicals, who to ask questions on chemical safety and how to perform non-routine tasks safely.

Employee Training:

• Ensure each employee is trained in how to use hazardous chemicals safely and what safety equipment is required before they are exposed to the chemical.
• Train employees to ensure they do not remove or deface labels on incoming containers of hazardous chemicals.
• Inform employees where MSDSs are maintained and how they should be used during emergency situations.
• All containers of hazardous chemicals must be labeled. Identify any operation on the jobsite where hazardous chemicals are present and post hazard warnings (physical and health), protective measures, equipment requirements or prohibited activity.

Walk-Behind Lawn Mowers

February 1, 2010:

Hazards: Lacerations, burns, struck-by injuries, crushing injuries, fractures, amputations, death.

Safe Practices:

• Regularly inspect and maintain all safety devices provided by the manufacturer.
• Inspect all equipment daily for guards, shields, deadman controls prior to use.
• Ensure all blades(s) stop rotating within 15 seconds after declutching or shutting off power.
• Assure that operators have been trained and can demonstrate how to operate the mower.
• Always push the mower forward; never pull it backward toward you. A sloping lawn should be mowed across, never up and down.
• Inspect the area to be mowed for stones, tree branches, nails, etc. Objects can be picked up and expelled at bullet-like speeds which can reach 170-200 mph, causing serious injury or death.
• Don’t cut wet grass. There is a greater danger of a foot accidentally sliding into the mower.
• Never refuel when the engine is running.
• Never tilt a mower or leave it unattended with the engine running.
• Never point discharge chute at others.
• Never adjust mower height, clean grass chute or reopen grass box with engine running.
• Do not time or strap down deadman controls or kill switches.
• Always stay clear of a hot engine. Mufflers can reach very high temperatures.
• Always turn off mower when crossing a path, road or drive.

Machine Guarding

January 25, 2010:

Hazards: Cuts, lacerations, amputation, death

Safe Practices:

• Inspect all equipment for guards or shields prior to usage.
• All guards or shields must be in place when equipment is running.
• Guards or shields removed for maintenance must be properly replaced before use.
• Guards or shields affixed to equipment must not be readily removable by operator, so as to minimize the possibility of misuse or removal of essential parts.
• Report all missing or damaged guards or shields immediately to management.
• Never operate equipment with missing or damaged guards or shields.
• Never by-pass guards or shields installed by the manufacturer.
• Never remove warning or caution decals on equipment.
• Replace all warning or caution decals that are unreadable or missing.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendation on maintenance or replacement of equipment guards or shields.

Vehicle Safety

January 18, 2010:

Hazards: Struck-by and roll-over injuries
Inspect vehicles before each shift to assure that all parts and accessories are in safe operating condition. Check brakes, trailer brake connections, parking system, emergency brakes, tires, coupling devices, seat belts, horn, steering mechanism, operating controls, safety devices (e.g. reverse signal alarm, ROPS), lights, reflectors, defrosters, windshield wipers and fire extinguishers.

Safe Practices:

• Do not drive a vehicle in reverse gear with an obstructed rear view, unless the vehicle is equipped with an audible reverse alarm or another worker signals that it is safe.
• Drive on roadways or grades that are safely constructed and maintained.
• Make sure you and all personnel are in the clear before using dumping or lifting devices.
• While not in use, lower or block bulldozer and scraper blades, end-loader buckets, dump bodies, etc. and leave all controls in neutral position.
• Set parking brakes when vehicles and equipment are parked, and chock the wheels.
• Haulage vehicles that are loaded by cranes, power shovels, loaders, etc., must have a cab shield or canopy that protects the driver from falling materials.
• Do not exceed a vehicle’s rated load or lift capacity.
• Do not carry personnel unless there is a seat available; no one should ride in buckets or on forks.
• Use traffic signs, barricades or flaggers when construction takes place near public roadways.
• Workers should wear highly visible warning clothing, such as red or orange vests, and reflective vests.
• Wear provided seat belts.

 

January 11, 2010:

Hazards: Misuse or incorrect use and improper selection for the hazard
Hazards should be abated through engineering or administrative controls. If those controls are not available or infeasible, use personal protective equipment to put a barrier between you and the hazards. It can also be worn in the interim while engineering controls are being implemented.

When to Use:

• Hearing protection – when exposed to noise at or above 85 decibels (dB) TWA. If you have to yell to communicate, you need hearing protection. Wear Hearing Protection! Hearing does not come back once it is lost.
• Hard hats – when exposed to bumping into, falling objects or struck-by hazards.
• Gloves & arm protection – when exposed to chemicals, heat, cold or abrasive surfaces.
• Respirators – when exposed to harmful inhalation hazards due to chemicals. Respirators have intended sues: ensure the respirator you are using is properly selected for the hazard to which you are exposed. For example, respirators with HEPA cartridges are used for silica exposure when cutting block; organic cartridges are used for trichloroethylene found in paints and resins.
• Safety harnesses with lanyards – when exposed to fall hazards.
• Eye and face protection – glasses are intended to be used to protect from impact hazards e.g. when using saws. Goggles protect the eyes from splash hazards. Face shields protect the face from splash hazards and should be worn with safety glasses or goggles.
• Steel-toe shoes – for falling heavy objects.

 

January 4, 2010:

• Assure no one will be passing under suspended loads
• Prohibit employees from riding on top of any load that can shift, topple, or otherwise become unstable.
• Ensure personnel do not ride in material hoist; post “No Riders Allowed” at hoist.
• Ensure persons who operate vehicles on public roads have valid operator’s licenses.
• Ensure cutting tools or tools with sharp edges are placed in closed boxes or containers which are secured in place when tools are carried in passenger compartments of employee transport vehicles.

 

December 28, 2009:

• Inspect motorized vehicles and mechanized equipment daily or prior to each use.
• Shut off vehicles and set brakes prior to manually loading or unloading.
• Secure trucks and trailers from movement during loading and unloading operations.
• Prior to unloading, inspect load for shift, displacement or instability.
• Do not store material under energized electrical lines or in emergency exit ways.
• Keep hand trucks in safe operating condition.
• Ensure safe clearance for equipment through aisles, doorways and roadways.
• Equip chutes with sideboards of sufficient height to prevent materials from free falling.
• Equip hooks with safety latches or other arrangements when hoisting materials so that slings or load attachments will not slip off the hoist hooks accidentally.
• Ensure securing chains, ropes, chokers or slings are adequate for the job.
• Ensure material safety data sheets are available to employees handling hazardous substances.
Containers of hazardous chemicals must be labeled with the identity and hazard warning.

 

December 21, 2009:

To make sure you receive proper medical attention for an on-the-job injury, always report any type of injury or illness when it occurs. It is also recommended that you report to your supervisor any potential hazard you notice, so it can be corrected. Small cuts or minor injuries can become major medical problems if first aid treatment is not provided when needed. If you have questions, do not hesitate to ask your supervisor.

 

December 14, 2009:

If you work in an area where major hazards to your feet are present, steel-toed safety shoes should be worn. These safety shoes provide protection for your feet in the event that something should fall on them. Where there is less of a hazard to your feet from falling objects, it is recommended that you wear leather-topped shoes, which afford some protection from oil, grease, solvents, and other chemicals. They also protect your feet from minor cuts and abrasions. Whether working in high or low hazard areas, you should avoid wearing tennis or canvas shoes.

 

December 7, 2009:

OSHA has released a new Quick Card titled “How to Protect Yourself in the Workplace During a Pandemic.” Included are precautions that can be used in every workplace, such as avoiding crowded settings and other situations that increase the risk of exposure to someone who may be infected, and some basic hygiene and social distancing precautions. Be sure to share this information with your employees.

 

November 30, 2009:

Before the first snow, hold driver meetings to review snow removal strategies and the operation of equipment. Have operators drive their routes, first by daylight and then in the evening to acquaint themselves with properties.

Drivers should:

• Keep in good physical condition throughout the snow season. That means not coming to work if they are sick or not getting enough sleep and being aware of weather conditions so early morning phone calls are not surprises.
• Get out of the truck every hour or so to get some fresh air.
• Keep a window open to maintain a supply of fresh air in the cab.
• Avoid operating the heater at “full blast” because too much heat will cause drowsiness.
• Stop to rest before getting overtired.
• Be alert at all times and vigilant about looking to the sides and to the rear of the truck for people and vehicles.
• Never tow a car or jump a battery, instead offer direct assistance and call for assistance. Acting as a garage or towing company can needlessly expose a company to damaging a vehicle and other liability concerns.

 

November 23, 2009:

• Prohibit the fueling of an internal combustion engine with a flammable liquid while the engine is running.
• Keep spillage to a minimum.
• If spillage occurs during fueling operations, wash spilled fuel completely, allow for evaporation, or take other measures to control vapors before restarting the engine.
• Replace and secure cap before starting engine.
• Ensure metal contact between the container and the fuel tank to prevent the buildup of static charge and the potential for a fire to ignite.
• Ensure fueling hoses are of a type designed to handle the specific type of fuel.
• Do not handle or transfer gasoline in open containers.
• Prohibit open lights, open flames, sparking, or arcing equipment near fueling or transfer of fuel operations.
• Prohibit smoking in the vicinity of fueling operations.
• Prohibit fueling operations in buildings or other enclosed areas that are not specifically ventilated for this purpose.
• Ensure nozzles are self-closing when fueling or transferring fuel is done through a gravity flow system.

 

November 16, 2009:

Hazards: Do not use ladders that are broken or have missing parts, are too short for work height, are not the correct equipment for the job, or that have a weight-limit rating that is too low; and do not use ladders around energized electrical equipment;.
Loads: Self-supporting (foldout) and non-self-supporting (leaning) portable ladders should be able to support at least four times the maximum intended load; extra-heavy-duty metal or plastic ladders should be able to sustain 3.3 times the maximum intended load.
Angle: Non-self-supporting ladders should be positioned with a horizontal distance from the top support to the foot of the ladder that is about 1/4 the working length of the ladder; job-made wooden ladders should be positioned at an angle equal to about 1/8 the working length.
Rung: Rungs, cleats, or steps must be parallel, level, and uniformly spaced and must be spaced between 10 and 14 inches apart; on extension trestle ladders, the spacing must be 8-18 inches for the base, and 6-12 inches on the extension section; they should be shaped so that an employee’s foot cannot slide off, and they should be skid resistant.
Storage: Store ladders where they cannot be damaged and in such a way as to prevent warping or sagging; secure during transport.
Inspection: Check to ensure shoes and ladder are free of oil, grease, wet paint, and other slipping hazards; warning labels are legible; spreader device can be locked in place; and the area around the top and bottom of the ladder is cleared of material.
Safe Practices: Face ladder and hold on with both hands when climbing; carry tools on a belt or use a hand line; hold on with one hand when performing work; never reach too far to either side or rear: do not climb higher than the second step from the top on a stepladder or third from the top on a straight ladder; and never attempt to move, shift, or extend ladder while in use.

 

November 9, 2009:

Crystalline silica is a basic component of soil, sand, granite, and many other minerals. Quartz is the most common form of crystalline silica. The dust may become respirable size particles when workers chip, cut, drill, or grind objects that contain crystalline silica.

Crystalline silica has been classified as a human lung carcinogen. Breathing crystalline silica dust can cause silicosis, which can cause severe shortness of breath, weakness, weight loss, fatigue, chest pain, and, in severe cases, can be disabling or even fatal. Smoking adds to the damage caused by silica dust.

Exposure can be controlled by:

• Replacing crystalline silica materials with safer substitutes.
• Using engineering controls, such as local exhaust ventilation and blasting cabinets.
• Using protective equipment or other protective measures to reduce exposures below PEL.
• Using work practices controls, such as water sprays or wet saws, when cutting bricks and blocks.
• Wearing only N95 NIOSH-certified respirators if respiratory protection is required; do not alter the respirator.
• Showering if facilities are available and vacuuming the dust from your clothes, or changing into clean clothing before leaving the worksite
• Participating in training, exposure monitoring, and health screening and surveillance programs to monitor any adverse health effects caused by crystalline silica exposures.
• Not eating, drinking, smoking, or applying cosmetics in areas where crystalline silica dust is present.

Remember, if it’s silica, it’s not just dust.

 

November 2, 2009:

Preventing a back injury is much easier than repairing one. Because your back is critically important to your ability to walk, sit, stand, and run, it is important to take care of it. Most back pain arises from using your back improperly, so learning a few basic rules about lifting, posture, and proper exercise can help keep your back in good shape.

• Exercise to Strengthen Your Back and Reduce Stress
• Lose Excess Weight
• Maintain Good Posture
• Maintain Good Posture While You Sleep and Drive
• Plan Your Lift
• Position Yourself Correctly in Front of the Load
• Lift With Your Legs, Not Your Back
• Set the Load Down Correctly
• Get Help if Needed

 

October 26, 2009:

You trust you life to your fall protection equipment and that's why it makes a lot of sense to take time and inspect the equipment. But you don't have much choice: OSHA requires that fall protection equipment be inspected before each use for wear, damage, and other deterioration (1926.502(d)(21)). If the equipment is defective, you must remove it from service.

What should you look for?

Following are some of the common causes of wear, damage, and deterioration of fall protection equipment. (Always read and follow the manufacturer's inspection guidelines for detailed inspection requirements.)

• Connectors and snap hooks
  If you fall, the first component that will be stressed is the connector or snap hook. Make sure the snap hooks are operating properly. Carefully inspect all the metal hardware for damage or defects.
• Excessive dirt
  Landscaping work can be very dirty and your fall protection gear can get filthy fast. All sorts of contaminates can come into contact with the harness or lanyard webbing. The webbing is made of fibers and when these fibers get dirty they can weaken as the dirt abrades the fibers. Try to keep you fall protection gear as clean as possible.
• Fading
  The sun's rays can damage harness fibers. Since every harness is exposed to different amounts of the UV rays it's hard to tell which ones could fail. If your harness is stiff and/or faded, you may want to have a competent person or the manufacturer inspect it to see if it's still providing the needed protection and is safe to use.
• Cuts and tears
  Inspect the webbing for tears, cuts, or holes. The webbing can be damaged or worn from constant contact with tools, equipment, or materials. Look at the edges of the webbing, but don't forget areas around snap hooks, buckles, or connectors.
• Burns or areas that look eaten away
  Fall protection equipment used in hazardous environments (chemical mixing, molten metal pouring, welding, and other hot work) needs special attention. Certain chemicals can eat into the fibers, destroying them and causing the webbing to fail. Webbing can be severely damaged in a very short period in an environment like this.

How often should you inspect the gear?
You may need to inspect your gear several times during the course of a shift if working in a hazardous location or with dangerous materials. The consequences of having your fall protection fail should be the driving force behind your equipment inspection process.

 

October 19, 2009:

Suppose your CDL driver calls in to report that there's been an accident. Everyone's adrenaline is running, and you may have to pry the details out of him or her to determine if DOT post-accident drug and alcohol testing is required. The following checklist will aid in deciding your course of action:

1. Did the accident occur in a vehicle that requires a CDL?
   1. If yes, proceed to question 2.
   2. If no, you cannot test under 382.303, regardless of the licensing of the driver. The driver is not subject to Part 382 in this instance. Stop here.
2. Was there a fatality as a result of the accident or within eight hours of the accident?
   1. If yes, send the driver for both a drug and alcohol test. Stop here.
   2. If no, proceed to question 3.
3. Was there a fatality as a result of the accident occurring beyond eight hours following the accident, but within 32 hours?
   1. If yes, send the driver for just drug testing, and document that alcohol testing could not be performed because it was past the allowable time frame for testing. Stop here.
   2. If no, proceed to question 4. You cannot test if the fatality occurs beyond 32 hours after the accident. Testing would be based on other variables if they exist.
4. Was there an injury as a result of the accident that required treatment away from the scene?
   1. If yes, proceed to question 6.
   2. If no, continue with question 5.
5. Was there disabling damage to one of the vehicles involved in the accident that required towing?
   1. If yes, proceed to question 6.
   2. If no, stop here (i.e., no damage, no injury, and no fatality). It does not qualify for testing.
6. Was your driver cited, and does one of the situations listed in questions 4 and/or 5 exist?
   1. If yes, proceed to question 7.
   2. If no, the incident does not qualify for DOT testing.
7. Was the driver cited at the scene or within eight hours of the accident, and does one of the situations in questions 4 and/or 5 exist?
   1. If yes, send the driver for both a drug and alcohol test.
   2. If no, proceed to question 8.
8. Was your driver cited later than eight hours but within 32 hours of the accident, and does one of the situations in questions 4 and/or 5 exist?
   1. If yes, just test the driver for drugs and document that alcohol testing could not be performed since it was past the allowable time frame for testing.
   2. If no, proceed to question 9.
9. Was the driver cited beyond 32 hours of the accident, and does one of the situations in questions 4 and/or 5 exist?
   1. If yes, you cannot conduct either test type. Document that it was beyond allowable time frame for testing. Stop here.

As you can see from this checklist, all the variables must be met in order to test under DOT rules. You cannot test "just in case" circumstances change. Doing so would be a misrepresentation of the test and a violation. If you conduct testing in "all post-accident circumstances" as a matter of company policy, it must be done using a non-DOT form and represented as a non-DOT test to the driver. The collector must also be aware that it is not a regulated test. The drug test results must be linked to a separate non-DOT lab account for reporting purposes. The results of these non-DOT tests hold no DOT consequences. In addition, if circumstances change and a DOT post-accident test is required, these non-DOT tests cannot be substituted to satisfy the DOT requirements. The driver must be sent again for another round of tests.

 

October 12, 2009:

Drug-Free Work Week (October 19–25, 2009) is a dedicated time each year to highlight the benefits that drug-free workplace programs bring to employers, workers, and communities. And, it’s a time to work toward making every week a drug-free workweek!

It spreads the word that working drug-free works to:

• Prevent accidents and make workplaces safer.
• Improve productivity and reduce costs.
• Encourage people with alcohol and drug problems to seek help.

According to recent research, it’s a message that many workers need to hear:

• 75 percent of the nation’s current illegal drug users are employed — and 3.1 percent say they have actually used illegal drugs before or during work hours.
• 79 percent of the nation’s heavy alcohol users are employed — and 7.1 percent say they have actually consumed alcohol during the workday.

Drug-free workplace programs help protect employers and employees alike from the potentially devastating consequences of worker alcohol or drug abuse. Establishing policies, educating about the dangers of alcohol and drug use, deterring and detecting use, and urging people to seek help for alcohol and drug problems are smart safety strategies. They’re also smart business strategies.

Drug-Free Work Week is a time to reinforce the importance of working drug free in positive, proactive ways. To get Drug-Free Work Week resources or learn more about how your organization can participate, select one of the following:

• Drug-Free Work Week Tool Box
• Ideas for Individual Employers and their Employees
• Ideas for Associations and Unions
• Ideas for Community Coalitions
  & Neighborhood Organizations

 

October 5, 2009:

Working around dusts, mists, fumes, aerosols, gases, and vapors can be hazardous to your employees' health. If your company can't control the contaminants by using engineering controls, then wearing a respirator help can protect your employees.

You must establish and implement procedures for the proper use of respirators. These requirements include:

• Prohibiting conditions that may result in face piece seal leakage.
• Preventing employees from removing respirators in hazardous environments.
• Taking actions to ensure continued, effective respirator operation throughout the work shift.
• Establishing procedures for the use of respirators in immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) atmospheres or in interior structural firefighting situations.

Face piece seal protection
Don't allow employees to wear respirators with tight-fitting face pieces if they have:

• Facial hair that comes between the sealing surface of the face piece and their skin or that interferes with valve function, or
• Any condition that interferes with the face-to-face piece seal or valve function.

For example, if employees wear corrective glasses or goggles or other personal protective equipment, the employer has to make sure that they wear it in a manner that does not interfere with the seal of the face piece to the face.

Stress to employees that they must also perform a user seal check each time they put on the respirator. The check must be done using the procedures in Appendix B-1 of 29 CFR 1910.134 or procedures recommended by the respirator manufacturer that are as effective as those in Appendix B-1.

Continuing respirator effectiveness
Employers must survey the work area conditions and degree of exposure or stress. When there is a change in either that may affect respirator effectiveness, your employer needs to reevaluate the continued effectiveness of the respirator. In addition, employers must instruct employees to leave the respirator use area when the following occurs:

• To wash their face (and respirator face pieces) as necessary to prevent eye or skin irritation;
• To replace the respirator or the filter, cartridge, or canister elements; or
• When the worker detects vapor or gas breakthrough, changes in breathing resistance, or leakage of the face piece.

If an employee does detect vapor or gas breakthrough, changes in breathing resistance, or leakage of the face piece, the employer needs to investigate the situation and replace or repair the respirator before allowing the employee to return to work.

Employee training
Training requirements for respirator use are found in either the standard at 1910.134(k) or in the OSHA-specific contaminant rule. If you are performing construction operations involving an OSHA-specific substance, your training program must be all-inclusive. That is, you must cover all training requirement in 1910.134(k) and also the OSHA-specific rule.

 

September 28, 2009:

Your initial lockout/tagout training sessions for authorized employees covered all of the standard's requirements. Your authorized employees learned all about:

• The recognition of applicable hazardous energy sources.
• The type and magnitude of the energy available in the workplace.
• The methods and means necessary for energy isolation and control.
• Tagout system limitations.
• How to use written lockout/tagout procedures.

When it's time for refresher training, you have an opportunity to improve the program.

Check the written procedures
Mechanics may work on dozens of machines in your facility. Have they read the lockout/tagout procedures? Do they follow them? Are the written procedures a help or a hindrance to the people who need to use them?

For lockout/tagout refresher training, consult with your authorized employees to go through the details of the lockout/tagout procedures.

Focus on what's important
Target the refresher training to areas that are important to the authorized employees. Ask them if they are unsure about any part of the procedures.

Meet at the machine so the mechanics can show you the part of the procedure that's unclear. Work with them to explain the procedure. Don't hesitate to call in an expert (electrician, engineer, etc.) if the questions are more than the training group can handle. If necessary, revise the written procedure until it's easier to understand.

This same kind of thorough machine-specific refresher training also needs to be done when equipment is moved or modified and when new machines are introduced.

Be user friendly
Emphasize that you want the written procedures to be accurate and easy to use. If your veteran mechanics are having problems with a procedure, you want to correct it before contractors or new employees rely on it.

Be open to suggestions for adding illustrations or changing the format. Would labels on the machine help?

Trained and informed employees keep your lockout/tagout program alive. Involving them in reviews of lockout/tagout procedures recognizes them as being the authorities that they are.

 

September 21, 2009:

It would be difficult for OSHA to list every possible task an employee could do and then specify the appropriate PPE for each task. As a result, OSHA requires that employers do a hazard assessment, and then select the most appropriate PPE.

Many employers don't realize that doing a hazard assessment is an OSHA requirement. Standard 1910.132(d)(1)) says:

The employer shall assess the workplace to determine if hazards are present or are likely to be present, which necessitate the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). If such hazards are present or are likely to be present, the employer shall:

• Select and have each affected employee use the types of PPE that will protect the affected employee from the hazards identified in the hazard assessment;
• Communicate selection decisions to each affected employee; and
• Select PPE that properly fits each affected employee. Note: Non-mandatory Appendix B contains an example of procedures that would comply with the requirement for a hazard assessment.

Employers are also required to record and certify the assessment. Standard 1910.132(d)(2)) says:

The employer shall verify that the required workplace hazard assessment has been performed through a written certification that identifies the workplace evaluated; the person certifying that the evaluation has been performed; the date(s) of the hazard assessment; and which identifies the document as a certification of hazard assessment.

When a situation involves a hazardous chemical, employers should also refer to the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for that chemical as the MSDS list the appropriate PPE to use with that chemical.

 

September 14, 2009:

Always store safety containers in an approved safety cabinet when the containers are not in use. As a general rule, no more than 10 gallons of flammable liquids should be kept outside safety cabinets, especially if not in approved containers. Store flammable liquids in cool, well-ventilated areas away from corrosives, oxidizers, and ignition sources. Flammable liquids should not be stored in basements, near exit doorways, stairways, in exit corridors, or in a location that would impede egress from the building.

 

September 7, 2009:

It is not known whether the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus will cause more illness or more severe illness in the coming months, but the Center for Disease Control recommends that everyone be prepared for influenza. Because both seasonal and 2009 H1N1 influenza pose serious health threats, employers should work with employees to develop and implement plans that can reduce the spread of flu and to encourage seasonal flu vaccination as well as H1N1 vaccination when that vaccine becomes available.

For more information and for suggestions on how you can prepare your employees for the upcoming flu season, please read OSHA's August 19, 2009, National News Release.

 

August 31, 2009:

Workers injured by slips, trips, and falls spend more days away from work than those injured as a result of other on-the-job accidents — a median of eight versus six days. An effective method for eliminating the threat of slips, trips, and falls involves a three-step floor matting safety system:

• Step 1 calls for placing scraper mats with heavy-duty, cross-patterned cleat construction just outside all entranceways to stop the heaviest dirt from being tracked into a facility. Scraper mats should be large enough to allow two or three scrapings of the bottom of footwear as each individual enters a facility.
• Step 2 involves the use of walk-off mats placed inside the entranceways (or just beyond any inside scraper mats) to remove residual dirt not removed by scraper mats. These mats can prevent up to 15 pounds of dirt from being tracked through a facility, thereby protecting interior flooring, ventilation systems, and sensitive electronic equipment. As a general rule, all interior walk-off mats should be long enough (6 to 12 feet, depending on environmental conditions) to prevent wet or soiled footprints from being seen on floor areas beyond the end of the mat.
• Step 3 involves the use of wet area floor mats wherever interior liquid spills can be anticipated, such as near water or drink dispensers or in manufacturing areas where liquids are used. They allow moisture to pass to the bottom of the mat where it remains harmless until cleaned up or until evaporation takes place.

 

August 24, 2009:

• Do not use your fingers to retrieve objects near blades, moving or rotating parts,
  and reciprocating parts.
• Use and maintain guards on the power transmission, moving parts, and the point of operation on all machinery or tools.
• Do not use hands or fingers to test temperatures.
• Handle sharp or pointed tools carefully.
• Watch for pinch points, cut points, and crush points.

 

August 17, 2009:

• Keep your hands, face, and feet away from any moving trimmer parts, and do not touch the trimmer string while it is rotating.
• If the trimmer should become entangled, stop the engine immediately, and then untangle the trimmer line. Check for damage before restarting the engine.
• Do not overreach. Always be properly balanced, and be alert if the area you are trimming is wet or on a slope.
• Perform a safety check before and after each use of the trimmer. Check and tighten any loose nuts, bolts, and screws.
• Clean the trimmer after each use.

 

August 10, 2009:
Your body provides the force to push, rotate, or otherwise move a tool to do its work. This force can cause you to become unbalanced if the tool slips, causing you to fall down or to fall against another object. Be sure to have a firm, balanced stance and good grip on the tool. Think about where your hand or body will go if the tool slips. To prevent severe cuts when using knives or other hand cutting tools, always cut away from your body and keep your other hand away from the direction of the cut. Never place a sharp knife or cutting tool where others may accidentally come into contact with the blade. Place the cutting tool in a sheath or a cover before storing it. Doing so not only prevents damage to the blade, but also prevents accidental cuts when someone reaches for the tool.

 

August 3, 2009:

• Read the owner’s manual to familiarize yourself with the edger’s controls and to learn how to use the machine safely. Be sure you know how to disengage and stop it quickly.
• Never allow inexperienced people to operate the edger without proper instruction.
• Be certain operators are physically and mentally capable of using the machine.
• Carefully survey the work area. Remove sticks, stones, bottles, and other debris that could be thrown up by the machine.
• Wear proper personal protection equipment: safety goggles or eye shield, ear protection, long pants, safety shoes, and gloves.
• Check the condition of the edger. Make repairs, replace necessary parts, and tighten any loose bolts before using.
• Fill the fuel tank outside, and never fuel when the engine is running or has not had a few minutes to cool down.
• If using an electrically operated unit, be certain that it is properly grounded or is double insulated.
• Never operate the engine inside a building in order to prevent deadly carbon monoxide buildup.
• Be sure the blade is disengaged before attempting to start the engine.
• Hold the edger with both hands in a comfortable, well-balanced stance.
• Keep your hands and feet well clear of the cutter blade.
• Watch the discharge direction carefully. Be alert for situations that could cause material to ricochet.
• Disengage and stop the engine before attempting to adjust or repair it. Unplug electric models, and wait for all parts to stop moving before touching the edger.
• Store the edger safely.

 

July 27, 2009:
A wrench is not a hammer and a screwdriver is not a pry-bar. Most tools have been designed to be used for a single purpose. Using them for any other purpose can cause injuries/accidents. Use the right tool the right way.

 

July 20, 2009:
Most tools have the potential to cause flying debris, either from the material that is being worked on or from the tool itself if it breaks. Your eyes can be easily injured from even the smallest debris particle, so protect them by ALWAYS wearing safety glasses … and, if the activity warrants, also adding the use of goggles or a face shield.

 

July 13, 2009:
Using tools that are chipped, bent, warped, cracked, or worn can lead to serious accidents and injuries to you and others around you, so always use tools that are in perfect working order. Be sure to check for excess wear on tools: the flats of wrenches, the tips of screwdrivers, and the ridges of sockets and nut drivers. If a hand tool is adjustable, check it through the full range of adjustments to make sure the parts function safely. Also, make sure all attachments, such as sockets and bits, fit snugly when attached to the equipment. Using broken electrical tools, adds unnecessary electrical hazards to a task. Defective tools must immediately be removed from service and either repaired or thrown out.

 

July 6, 2009:
Never tie back or remove a saw’s guard, or handle or use an unguarded tool. Doing any of these things should be grounds for dismissal. Disconnect the power supply for electrical tools when the equipment is not in use or when changing the blades, bits, or discs, or doing other routine maintenance tasks.

 

June 29, 2009:
A personal protective equipment (PPE) assessment often reveals the need for companies to improve their employees’ education and training programs. Companies usually conduct some type of PPE training, but it may be limited to an hour-long session that presents the same information for everyone.

Identify training tools that will better educate individual employees about the specific tasks they perform each day. Effective training ensures workers have no question about what solutions they need for their jobs and the associated protection and performance characteristics.

Commit to conducting follow-up assessments at regular intervals to determine if the solutions implemented are working. Follow-up assessments also allow you to identify new solutions that can further improve day-do-day operations and facilitate changes that will make your work environment even more efficient.

 

June 22, 2009:
Analyze personal protective equipment (PPE) usage to determine how your company dispenses products to employees. In some cases, employees may have unlimited access, which allows them to acquire PPE any time they choose. This lack of controlled distribution may result in higher PPE costs because workers may discard products prematurely. Employees may also suffer more injuries because they select the wrong protection for the task.

Determine what control mechanisms will be most effective. For instance, vending machines that manage PPE distribution by requiring workers to use a key card to gain access. Another option may be to designate a central store where employees must sign out PPE products. This allows management to monitor how often workers obtain PPE and provides an insight into the specific products and costs associated with the program.

 

June 15, 2009:
A personal protective equipment (PPE) assessment can identify solutions to substantially reduce the amount of waste and associated costs that may be present in your current work environment. Reducing waste in the form of defects of lost time can significantly drive down operating cost.

Gloves, for example, may produce lint that mars the surface of a product and results in the product being reworked or discarded. Workers may drop and break products because their gloves do not provide sufficient grip. Employees may remove their gloves and put them on later because they do not provide the dexterity for a specific task, such as recording data on a computer.

All of these scenarios are costly and waste time. Even though a process such as donning and removing gloves may require only seconds, when the procedure is repeated several times each day, the amount of wasted time accumulates quickly.

 

June 8, 2009:
Injury prevention represents another opportunity to improve the bottom line. When companies reduce injuries, they decrease medical and indemnity costs and boost productivity because workers have less loss time.

Determine if employees are using the optimum protection in their working environment. Analyze critical factors associated with each task to make recommendations to eliminate potential injuries and PPE misapplication.

Hand injuries at a metal processor, for example, were costing the company more than $500,000 each year. Based on recommendations from the PPE assessment, the company supplied workers with gloves that virtually eliminated injuries. While the resulting solution was more expensive initially, the company ultimately saved over $150,000 as a result of reduced medical cost and related expenses.

 

June 1, 2009:
Determine if workers’ personal protective equipment (PPE) is sufficiently comfortable to allow them to perform their tasks to the highest level. For example, an assessment conducted at a white goods manufacturer revealed workers were wearing their safety gloves for a short period of time and then discarding them because they were uncomfortable and did not provide the dexterity needed. Because the gloves still had serviceable life, this premature disposal was costly for the company.

Based on these results, the manufacturer supplied ergonomically designed gloves. Because of the increased comfort, workers preferred to wear them — and continued to wear them to the end of the gloves’ expected life. Even though the new gloves cost more initially, the manufacturer was able to save more than $100,000 in glove replacement costs during the fiscal year.

 

May 25, 2009:
The current economic downturn is forcing many companies to consider ways to reduce their day-to-day operating costs. A personal protective equipment (PPE) assessment can help identify opportunities that can improve your bottom line. But, how can you be sure your assessment is zeroing in on what you need to know?

Begin your assessment with a plant walk-through. Gain input from the workers and supervisors who perform each phase of daily operations. This is how you learn about the critical factors associated with each task and evaluate any concerns that may impede worker productivity. For example, if employees do not have hand protection that provides the necessary level of cut protection, they may perform tasks more slowly because they lack confidence in their ability to safely do the job. If their hand protection does not provide sufficient grip to securely grasp wet or oily objects, performance may be hampered by a concern about dropping and even breaking objects.

Many other concerns can affect worker productivity, including apprehension about punctures or abrasions or concerns about whether PPE will provide the necessary heat or thermal protection.

 

May 18, 2009:
Even with a solid safety program in place, workers need a safety pep talk from time to time.  So, what are some of the signs that it may be time to have a safety pep talk? Get a copy of our information fact sheet with details about what signs to look for and what you can say to boost safety awareness. 

 

May 11, 2009:
At this time, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has not recommended any medical evaluations for employees that have traveled to impacted areas, which means that there are no work restrictions for these employees. As is the case with any communicable illnesses, employees should contact their supervisors immediately if they exhibit symptoms. For further guidance on how to respond to issues related to the H1N1 outbreak, check out the American Society of Safety Engineers’ Guidance Sheet, a great resource filled with information compiled from leading health organizations such as the CDC and the World Health Organization.

 

May 4, 2009:
A downturn in the economy may force us to do more with less, but it’s never the time to reduce or eliminate workplace safety processes. With reference to recent reports of some companies cutting safety processes in the hopes of reducing cost, American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) President Warren K. Brown, CSP, ARM, CSHMM, of Fairborn, Ohio, is quoted as saying, “Workplace safety processes must be in place at all times. They are even more critical during business downturns.

“If companies believe they will save money by reducing or ignoring the safety for their workers, customers, and the communities they do business in, they are mistaken,” Brown said. “The ongoing positive results are in and have been for companies that have a strong safety culture and continually invest in and implement effective safety processes. Not only does their bottom-line benefit positively, but their company reputation stays intact, and employees stay safe and healthy, reducing health care, workers’ comp, training, and turnover costs not to mention keeping customers, the communities they do business in, vendors, and employees happy. Safety is good business.” Click on http://www.asse.org/newsroom/ for the full story.

 

April 27, 2009:
Zero-turn mowers or Z mowers are an important part of the work we do. They’re speedy, easy to maneuver, and can get into tight spaces that many other mowers can’t. Yet each year, workers in our industry operate Z mowers in an unsafe manner that can result in death. Follow these safety tips:

• Do not operate a Z mower on slopes greater than 15 degrees and be especially careful on wet or muddy terrain. Your mower could lose traction and tip over, pinning you underneath.
• If your Z mower is equipped with a rollover protective structure (or ROPS), use the seatbelt when the ROPS is in its fully upright position.
• Be on the constant lookout for holes, rocks, or other obstacles that could cause your mower to tip. If possible, do a walk-through of the area prior to starting to mow and look for these and other potential safety hazards.
• Keep a safe distance away from retaining walls, sudden drop-offs, and bodies of water, including lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, canals, and swimming pools.
• Do not speed when operating a Z mower.
• Slow down when you are making a turn and before you stop.
  

 

April 20, 2009: Have in stock all of the personal protective equipment (PPE) your employees may need. Make sure all equipment is in excellent shape. Spend a little money to maintain such items as safety switches, hand grips, operator controls, and tires in “like new” condition. For detailed information, visit OSHA's Safety and Health Topics: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

 

April 13, 2009:
Regularly review your company’s injury and incident records for tailgate topic ideas and ask your employees where they think more training is needed. Invite an outside person, such as your insurer or a vendor, to your company to periodically lead tailgate sessions. This may help to increase the level of attention the topic receives from the participants.

 

April 6, 2009:
Look for crew leaders and others who have expertise in a certain subject, then ask them to lead a tailgate session on that topic. For example, an experienced forklift operator with a good safety record would be the logical person to lead a session on forklift safety. A crew member who regularly puts his tools and supplies away without being asked to do so would be a great candidate for a session on “good housekeeping.”

 

March 31, 2009:
Make sure your crew leaders have been trained in how to present a tailgate session. Then have them conduct brief sessions at job sites before each day’s work begins. Give nonsupervisory employees a chance to lead tailgate sessions. Since these are oral sessions, it is not necessary that workers have high levels of literacy. Choose employees with good safety records who are respected by their coworkers.

 

March 24, 2009:
“Tailgate” safety training is an effective way to train green industry workers. Workers with low literacy levels and others who may have short attention spans can greatly benefit from these 5–10 minute oral training sessions. Train on just one topic at a time, but don’t be afraid to repeat critical subjects, such as proper fitting of personal protective equipment (PPE), reducing slip-and-trip injuries, and defensive driving.

Rotate supervisors who present your tailgate training sessions. Even the best trainer can burn out. Also, employees may begin tuning out the trainer if week after week the same person delivers the information, no matter how good that person is.

 

March 16, 2009:
Eye Protection Tips

• Do NOT remove your safety glasses or goggles before you are finished with the task. Let your supervisor know if your glasses are uncomfortable so he or she can replace them.
• When applying liquid or powdered pesticides, safety goggles offer better protection than safety. In certain situations when applying chemicals, you may also be required to wear a face shield over your eye protection.
• If you are welding, you will be required to wear a special welding helmet in addition to eye protection.
• Do not substitute regular glasses or sunglasses for safety glasses or goggles. Sunglasses will help filter the harmful rays of the sun but will not adequately protect your eyes from airborne dust and other particles. Too much exposure to the direct sun also can result in the partial loss of vision or permanent blindness.
• Remember to always protect your eyes both at work and at home.
  

 

March 9, 2009:
Eye injuries, which can lead to blindness, partial blindness, or even the loss of an eye, are common in our industry but are nearly always preventable when workers use the appropriate eye protection. Among the ways these injuries occur are as a result of being poked in the eyes by sharp branches, twigs, leaves, needles, or other plant material; flying particles, such as wood chips, dust, sawdust, or other debris, getting into the eyes while using tools or equipment; and chemical splashes or sprays to the eyes during chemical applications. Share with workers about  the importance of always wearing safety glasses and other eye protection. Ask them to picture what life would be like if they suddenly could not see. They could no longer drive, operate equipment, or do most of the day-to-day tasks at work that they may now take for granted. Worse yet, if they have children, they would no longer be able to see them as they grow up. It would also suddenly become very difficult to provide for their family.

 

March 2, 2009:
As the number of Spanish-speaking workers in our industry continues to grow, it is important to ensure that your safety training messages effectively reaches ALL your employees. Here are some tips from the Delmarva Safety Association Executive Director.

Understand the motivation of your Hispanic workers. For example, while a Caucasian worker will likely be motivated to use a respirator if you say that otherwise he or she may “get sick and die,” a more effective comment to Spanish-speaking workers would be, “If you fail to use this respirator, you could get sick and be unable to provide for your family.”

1. Strongly consider using Spanish-speaking training instructors.
2. Use hands-on training with positive reinforcement.
3. Adopt these priorities: Explain, show, practice, observe, praise.
4. Know that many Spanish-speaking workers are inclined to do as they are told. Do not be surprised when they say “yes,” regardless of whether or not they understand a training point.
5. Know that building relationships with your Spanish-speaking workers will facilitate effective safety training.
6. Allow workers the opportunity for immediate feedback.
7. Do not “mix” instructions.
   

 

February 23, 2009:
You get a call from a crew leader who tells you that an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) inspector just showed up at the job site. The site is very visible to the public, and the crew leader doesn’t know what to do. How would you respond? Here are a few tips:

1. Implement a written policy that clearly spells out who in management is authorized to speak to an OSHA inspector on behalf of your company.
2. Train your crew leaders and supervisors to be polite but to say as little as possible. Be sure they notify an authorized manager ASAP.
3. Strictly enforce the use of safety glasses and other personal protective equipment.
4. Keep job sites clean, including during breaks and at the end of the workday.
5. Know that an OSHA inspector does not have the right to disrupt production. Park a truck or other vehicle away from the main work area, and make it available for any requested employee interviews.
6. Know that anything a crew leader or other supervisor says to an OSHA inspector will be treated as if the company said it.
7. Keep all applicable material safety data sheets (MSDSs) in a truck at the job sites.
   

 

February 16, 2009:
Changes in work schedules and practices are necessary to combat the effects of exceedingly cold weather.

• Allow a period of adjustment to the cold before embarking on a full work schedule.
• Always permit employees to set their own pace and take extra work breaks when needed.
• Reduce, as much as possible, the number of activities performed outdoors. When employees must brave the cold, select the warmest hours of the day and minimize activities that reduce circulation.
• Ensure that employees remain hydrated.
• Establish a buddy system for working outdoors.
• Educate employees to the symptoms of cold-related stresses — heavy shivering, uncomfortable coldness, severe fatigue, drowsiness, or euphoria.

The quiet symptoms of potentially deadly cold-related ailments often go undetected until the victim’s health is endangered. Knowing the facts on cold exposure and following a few simple guidelines can ensure that this season is a safe and healthy one.

 

February 9, 2009:
Frostbite occurs when the skin tissue actually freezes, causing ice crystals to form between cells and draw water from them, which leads to cellular dehydration. Although this typically occurs at temperatures below 30°F (-1°C), windchill effects can cause frostbite at above-freezing temperatures.

Initial effects of frostbite include uncomfortable sensations of coldness, such as tingling, stinging, or aching feeling of the exposed area followed by numbness. Ears, fingers, toes, cheeks, and noses are primarily affected. Frostbitten areas appear white and cold to the touch. The appearance of frostbite varies depending on whether rewarming has occurred. Deeper frostbite involves freezing of deeper tissues (muscles, tendons, etc.) causing exposed areas to become numb, painless, hard to the touch.

If you suspect frostbite, you should seek medical assistance immediately. Any existing hypothermia should be treated first. Frostbitten parts should be covered with dry, sterile gauze or soft, clean cloth bandages. Do not massage frostbitten tissue because this sometimes causes greater injury. Severe cases may require hospitalization and even amputation of affected tissue. Take measures to prevent further cold injury. If formal medical treatment will be delayed, consult with a licensed health care professional for training on rewarming techniques.

 

February 2, 2009:
Personal Protective Clothing  — Perhaps the most important step in fighting the elements is providing adequate layers of insulation from them. Wear at least three layers of clothing:

• An outer layer to break the wind and allow some ventilation (like Gore-Tex® or nylon)
• A middle layer of wool or synthetic fabric (Qualofil or Pile) to absorb sweat and retain insulation in a damp environment. Down is a useful lightweight insulator; however, it is ineffective once it becomes wet.
• An inner layer of cotton or synthetic weave to allow ventilation.

Pay special attention to protecting your feet, hands, face, and head. Up to 40 percent of body heat can be lost when the head is exposed. Footgear should be insulated to protect against cold and dampness. Keep a change of clothing available in case work garments become wet.

 

January 26, 2009:
As the weather becomes “frightful” during the winter months, workers who must brave outdoor conditions face the occupational hazard of exposure to the cold. Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can result in health problems as serious as trench foot, frostbite, and hypothermia. Workers in industries such as construction, commercial fishing, and agriculture need to be especially mindful of the weather, its effects on the body, proper prevention techniques, and how to treat cold-related disorders.

Major Risk Factors for Cold-Related Stresses

• Wearing inadequate or wet clothing increases the effects of cold on the body.
• Alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, and certain drugs or medications can inhibit the body’s response to the cold or impair judgment.
• Having a cold or a more serious disease, such as diabetes or heart, vascular, or thyroid problems, may make a person more susceptible to the winter elements.
• Gender can be a risk factor for cold-related stresses. Men have a far higher death rate from cold exposure than women. This could be a result of their higher risk-taking activities, body-fat composition , or other physiological differences.
• Becoming exhausted or immobilized, especially because of injury or entrapment, may speed up the effects of cold weather.
• Aging — the elderly are more vulnerable to the effects of harsh winter weather.
  

 

 

January 12, 2009:
As word of a weakened economy spreads throughout the nation, many companies are looking for ways to become more efficient. One area of efficiency that could make an impact on safety is layoffs. As a safety manager, you may be faced with maintaining safety with fewer workers, which on the surface may seem like an easy task. Fewer workers mean fewer injuries and less training, right? However, in reality, what you may see are fewer workers with low morale trying to do more, which may require more training and more supervision.

Learn how you can prepare in advance for a possible layoff.

 

January 5, 2009:
Simple hand tools frequently cause trips to the emergency room. These incidents are usually the result of defective tools or improper tool use. Adequate training, well-maintained tools, and using tools properly are ways to prevent accidents involving simple hand tools. People who know how to use their tools and take care of them have a better chance of avoiding injuries. So, inspect and repair your tools routinely and keep them in good condition; service, repair, or discard defective tools immediately; and, before using a tool, give it a quick check for any defects and be sure you know how it should be properly used.

 

December 29, 2008:
When working on the ground in tree care, always be aware of the climbers’ activities and consider that a climber may accidentally drop a limb, branch, hanger, or hand tool at any time.

 

December 22, 2008:
Keep your cool in traffic! Be patient and courteous to other drivers. Do not take other drivers’ actions personally. Reduce your stress by planning your route ahead of time (bring maps and directions), allowing plenty of travel time, and avoiding crowded roadways and busy driving times.

 

December 15, 2008:
When removing a tree, be certain all personnel are out of range of the tree and always give a verbal warning before commencing the back cut. Inspect tree limbs for strength before climbing and break dead branches off by hand as you climb.  Place your hands and feet on separate limbs.  Raise or lower tools by attaching hand lines to end of tools.  Do not use dead branches for support or climb during wet or icy weather.

 

December 8, 2008:
Develop a formal, hands-on fleet safety-training program that must be completed successfully. Have a designated Fleet Safety Officer who must approve the driver’s completion of the program before he or she is allowed to drive.

 

December 1, 2008:
Keep all equipment safety guards and shields in place and promptly report any missing or defective safety devices. Never allow employees to operate a machine with missing or damaged protective devices. Do not remove protective devices except for authorized maintenance purposes.

 

November 24, 2008:
For holiday decorating, ensure lights, decorations, and extension cords are rated for correct usage. Lights intended for indoor-use only bear green Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Marks. Light strings intended for indoor and outdoor use bear red UL Marks. Put your holiday decorating safety knowledge to the test at http://www.b4-u-buy.com/11x35341.htm.

 

November 10, 2008:
Before you start working, identify all potential tripping and falling hazards, such as unprotected floor openings/edges, shafts, skylights, stairwells, and roof openings/edges. Inspect fall protection equipment for defects before using it, and select, wear, and use fall protection equipment that’s appropriate for the task. Before climbing up on any ladder, make sure it’s secured and stabilized, and never stand on the top rung/step of a ladder. Use handrails when you go up or down stairs. Keep cords, welding leads, and air hoses off walkways or adjacent work areas.

 

October 27, 2008:
By always having two hands and a foot or two feet and a hand on the ladder.  Use a ladder only on a stable and level surface, unless it has been secured (top or bottom) to prevent displacement. Always assess ladder sites for obstacles that could affect the ladder position/security (i.e., lamps, ceiling fixtures, signage, terrain, etc.). Have a spotter hold the ladder while you are moving on it. Ensure you have proper footing on the rung at all times, and always face the ladder while climbing and keep your body near the middle of the step.

 

October 20, 2008:
This is a time to reinforce the importance of working drug free in positive, proactive ways. Drug-free workplace programs help protect employers and employees alike from the potentially devastating consequences of worker alcohol or drug abuse. Establishing policies, educating about the dangers of alcohol and drug use, deterring and detecting use, and urging people to seek help for alcohol and drug problems are smart safety strategies. They're also smart business strategies.

To get Drug-Free Work Week resources or learn more about how your organization can participate, click here.

 

October 13, 2008
When working outdoors, cover as much skin as possible by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and tall socks, and avoid wearing perfumes and colognes. Use an insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin on skin that is not covered by clothing. The more DEET or Picaridin a repellent contains, the longer the time it can protect you, so choose a repellent that provides protection for the amount of time that you will be outside. Spray insect repellent on the outside of your clothing (mosquitoes can bite through thin clothing), but DO NOT spray it on skin that is covered by clothing. Be careful not to get the repellent in your eyes or mouth. DO NOT spray aerosol or pump products in enclosed areas or directly on your face, and DO NOT use repellents on cuts, wounds, or irritated skin. When you’re finished working, use soap and water to wash skin and clothing that has been treated with insect repellent. Be extra vigilant from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

 

October 6, 2008
When you’re driving, give it your full attention. Avoid distractions, such as adjusting the radio or other controls, eating or drinking, and talking on the phone. Be alert to situations requiring quick action. Stop about every two hours for a break and get out of the vehicle to stretch, take a walk, and get refreshed.

 

September 29, 2008:
Exits must lead directly outside or to a street, walkway, refuge area, public way, or open space with access to the outside. These exit areas must be large enough to accommodate the building occupants likely to use the exit route. Exits should be clearly marked and you should train your employees on the proper emergency procedure in case of fire or a chemical spill. A map of the exit route should also be posted in a visible area. With regards to chemicals, make sure that your local fire department knows the chemicals you store and their related hazards.

 

September 22, 2008
Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and safety instructions. Use earplugs, safety glasses, hard hats and gloves. Do not wear loose-fitting clothing around a chipper and never reach into a chipper while it is operating.  Workers should be trained on the safe operation of chipper machines, and new workers using a chipper should always be supervised to ensure that they work safely and never endanger themselves or others. Protect yourself from contacting operating chipper components by guarding the in-feed and discharge ports, and preventing the opening of the access covers or doors until the drum or disc completely stops.

 

September 15, 2008
Try not to have driving time or non-driving duties exceed 11 hours or 400 miles in one day, and take regular 15 minute breaks for every two hours of driving. Always be well-rested before driving, whether It’s for a short or long trip, and set a realistic goal for the number of miles that you can drive safely every day.

 

September 8, 2008:
Always perform a hazard assessment of the work area before starting work so that you can eliminate or minimize exposure to hazards at the tree and in the surrounding area. Inspect tree limbs for strength and stability before climbing. Make sure to use appropriate fall protection if you are working aloft. Do not climb with tools in your hands. And, above all, do not trim trees in dangerous weather conditions.

 

September 1, 2008:
While driving, always wear your seat belt. Seat belts save more than 14,000 lives each year, and using seat belts cuts the risk of death by 45 percent for people riding in cars and by as much as 60 percent for those traveling in trucks or SUVs.

 

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