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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.

 

August 25, 2008
Make Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) available to all employees and ensure that the PPE properly fits each affected employee. When your employees provide their own protective equipment, you are responsible to assure its adequacy, including proper maintenance and sanitation of the equipment.  Make certain that your employees are trained on the proper usage of PPE, such as when PPE is necessary; how to put on, adjust, and properly wear PPE; and the limitations, proper care, maintenance, useful life, and disposal of PPE.

 

August 18, 2008:
You don’t, unless you’re a trained, experienced line-clearance tree trimmer! All tree trimming or removal work within 10 feet of a power line must be done by trained, experienced line-clearance tree trimmers. And a second tree trimmer is required within normal voice communication range. Line-clearance tree trimmers must be aware of and maintain the proper minimum approach distances when working around energized power lines and should use extreme caution when moving ladders and equipment around downed trees and power lines. Always assume that all power lines are energized and contact the utility company to discuss de-energizing and grounding or shielding of power lines.

 

August 11, 2008:
Train employees in the following Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) standards: when and which PPE is necessary; how to properly take it on and off, adjust it, and use it; and how to properly care for, maintain, and dispose of the PPE.

 

August 4, 2008:
Be sure all chemical products used are registered in the state where you use them. Know any state and local restrictions on them and which chemicals are “restricted use” products. If you need to check the status of a chemical application you’ve submitted, contact your local Drug Enforcement Agency and ask to speak with a Diversion Investigator.

 

July 28, 2008:
There are several symptoms of heat exhaustion.  Be sure to monitor your workers to see if they display any of these symptoms:  Headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting; weakness and moist skin; mood changes such as irritability or confusion; and upset stomach or vomiting.

 

July 21, 2008:
To reduce heat stress, drink lots of water — about 1 cup every 15 minutes — and wear lightweight, light colored, loose-fitting clothes.

 

July 14, 2008
Know signs/symptoms of heat-related illnesses; monitor yourself and coworkers closely.  Personal monitoring can be done by checking the heart rate, recovery heart rate, and oral temperature.

 

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