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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.

 

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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