Stay Safe At All Hours When you find yourself alone in the workplace because you: work early or late hours, work at mobile remote sites, or provide services on the go, you must keep yourself safe at all hours by following your own gut instinct, and following your employers established safety procedures. Perform a walk through with your employer to identify the potential hazards you may encounter while performing your duties. Once the hazards are identified, devise safety solutions to control or eliminate the situation. Some solutions may include: Personal panic alarms Sensored path lighting Security cameras Walkie Talkies/Cell phones Create and implement...

Overhead Shop Crane Safety Overhead shop cranes move heavy items in manufacturing and production areas. Although shop cranes are useful, “overhead” can sometimes be “out of sight and out of mind” when it comes to safety. Workers need training on crane hazards and operation, and they should never forget the safety issues moving overhead. Only trained operators should use overhead shop cranes. They should always be inspected and tested before operation. Shop cranes require audible warning devices when moving unless the crane is operated by a floor worker using a suspended controller. Everyone on the worksite should be trained on the...

Detention Facility Workers Detention facility workers should be continuously aware and prepared for the risks they might face on the job. The work in these facilities can be extremely stressful—both physically and mentally for guards, custodians, or medical personnel; they also run the risk of exposure to physical attack or infection from bodily fluids. Bodily Fluid Exposure Bloodborne pathogen exposure from splashes or contact with blood is a serious hazard when violence erupts. The most common exposure is a splash of blood or other bodily fluids to an eye, nose and mouth or a puncture from a bite, scratch, or serious wound. If...

Cold Stress Precautions Working under cold stress can lead to various injuries or health effects, which are collectively known as cold stress.  Construction workers may experience cold stress when working: Outdoors on a cold day; In a refrigerated room; In an unheated building; In cold water, rain, or snow; While handling cold objects or materials. Other workers who may be susceptible to cold stress include field workers, cold storage workers, and workers who work with refrigerated or frozen foods. The hazardous effects of cold on the body may include dehydration, numbness, shivering, frostbite, immersion foot (trench foot), and hypothermia.  Hazards associated with cold...

Battery Handling Safety Batteries are used to power our automobiles, trucks, tractors, and construction or power equipment. Most people don't consider battery handling safety. There are different types of batteries such as lead-acid batteries, gel cells, and lead-calcium batteries. Most batteries contain sulfuric acid and lead. Because batteries contain chemicals, chemical reaction by-products, and an electrical current they can pose a hazard to workers if not handled properly. Workers that operate, maintain, and recharge batteries should use caution. Before working with a battery, you should have training in proper handling procedures. Consult the vehicle and battery owners’ manuals for specific instructions on...

Auto Repair Safety - Auto Body Fender Repair autoFender repair work involves solvent and chemical use, physical hammering and pulling of dents, as well as welding, sanding, and prepping the area for repair and refinishing. Removing the tar, dirt, and debris from the fender can prevent beating the grime into the metal. Make sure to read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the cleaner or solvent you use for surface preparation. Wear gloves and safety glasses to prevent chemicals from absorbing into your skin or splashing into your eyes. Once you have studied the fender and how it was dented, you can choose...

Animal Handling Safety Workers in farming, veterinary, and animal services industries may handle animals as a part of their job duties. The types of animals may vary, but workers should get training on their potential hazards and safe handling techniques. Animal hazards may include injuries due to sudden animal movements, bites and scratches, and zoonosis (diseases spread from animals to humans). Handling an animal safely begins with knowing the animal’s typical behavior. Animal handling techniques should be taught to inexperienced workers and used consistently by everyone. Generally, slow and deliberate movements should be used around animals. Workers should approach animals from the...

Machine Safety Moving Right Along Machines are one of the leading causes of occupational injury. Improperly trained or careless operators are often the victims. So, until you’ve been trained on a machine and are authorized to run it, hands off! Before you turn on any machine, know the hazards and make a safety check. Is everybody clear? Are the guards and safety devices in place and properly adjusted? Don’t start the machine unless they are. Never tie down or block a guard or safety device. Safety features are there to protect you. Always follow established lockout/tagout procedures. Keep your machine clean. If you have...

Safety & Substance Abuse Don't Mix Drug use and alcohol consumption are normally considered personal issues. They only become an employer's concern when they affect safety and worker performance. Drug and alcohol abuse cost employers through high absenteeism and sick pay. Abusers hurt themselves and their families if they lose their job as a result of their actions. If they are fired or cannot function on the job, the company loses the services of an experienced worker. Those under the influence of drugs or alcohol cause friction in the work group, lower morale and work efficiency, use poor judgment that results...

Cold Water Treatment Of Thermal Burns When you burn yourself not all the damage happens at once. Cold water treatment may help for thermal burns. Because the body holds heat, the burning process can last for several minutes on up to several days or even longer in the case of serious burns. Immediate application of cold water or a cold compress is a treatment that has been found to decrease the degree and depth of a burn. This is not to say its advised for all burns. Speed is the most important single factor in burn treatment. The more quickly you cool...