Safe Driving - Be an Extra-Safe Driver Safe driving is essential, especially for those who drive for a living. It can be mighty dangerous out there on crowded roads.  Although the common factors of inexperience, recklessness, and aggressive driving contribute to many vehicle accidents, it doesn’t explain why so many professional drivers get into accidents.   A driver may be trained, experienced, and competent behind the wheel, but the very flood of vehicles competing for space on the roads today presents added danger to all drivers.  Even the very best drivers must learn to operate their vehicles with life-saving EXTRAS. Drivers should take...

Don’t Miss the Near-Misses Most safety managers do not usually put much credence to near-miss accidents. Most employees do not even consider reporting them when one happens to them or a coworker, dismissing it as a “no harm done” incident. However, near-miss accidents could be opportunities for corrective actions to prevent serious injuries or even worse, fatalities in the workplace. OSHA and the National Safety Council define near-miss as an unplanned event that did not result in injury, illness, or damage, but had the potential to do so. By the very definition that near-misses do not result in injuries, illnesses, or damages leads...

Asphalt and Pitch Roofing Asphalt and pitch roofing involves the use of hot chemicals that add an additional layer of complexity and hazard to a roofing job. Make sure to get training on general roofing hazards and working at heights. In addition, specialized training in asphalt and tar handling procedures can prevent fires, burns, and potential overexposure to airborne contaminants. Recommendations are outlined below: Before you begin work: Know the properties of the material you use by reading the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and manufacturer’s directions. Wear the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Wear sturdy work boots and coveralls along with gloves,...

Emphasis on Confined Space Confined space can be deadly.  Overcome by gases, vapors, fumes, engulfed by material, or caught in moving machinery, workers may find they have nowhere to go without proper entry procedures.  Adding to this potential tragedy, most fatalities occur to ill-prepared rescuers. A confined space is large enough for an employee to enter and perform work.  It has limited openings to enter and exit.  It is not designed for continuous occupancy.  A permit-required confined space has these limitations AND added dangers such as hazardous atmospheres, material engulfment, inwardly converging or sloped walls, or other serious safety and health hazards. Confined...

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) are devices designed to prevent accidental electric shock and electrocution by preventing ground faults. They also protect against electrical fires, tool/appliance overheating, and destruction of wire insulation. GFCI’s are required by building code in “wet” locations like kitchens and bathrooms and by OSHA at construction sites. The most common electric shock hazard, ground faults can cause severe electrical shock or electrocution. In normal conditions, electricity runs in a closed circuit; electricity flows out on the "hot" wire and returns on the "neutral" wire, completing the circuit. A ground fault occurs when the electrical...

Carbon Monoxide Safety What is Carbon Monoxide? Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a poisonous, colorless, tasteless, odorless gas. CO gas is generated as a waste product of the incomplete combustion of coal, wood, oil, and other petroleum based fuels (e.g. gasoline, propane, etc). CO gas, although odorless, usually occurs in a combination of combustion by-products that have distinctive odors. The primary source of CO gas is the internal combustion engine. CO gas is also generated in industrial operations such as auto repair, oil refining, steel and chemical manufacturing. Hazards of Carbon Monoxide Health Hazards: CO is a chemical asphyxiant which means that it reduces the blood’s...

Getting High On Safety Constructing new buildings, especially high rises, can be hazardous work not only for those who work on the structure but also for anyone on or around the work site. Before construction begins, a competent person should conduct a hazard assessment of the project, noting where injuries or accidents could possibly occur. Then a plan should be developed to eliminate or safeguard against those hazards. All project workers should be informed of the hazards and be trained in safety practices and procedures to follow so that the project can be completed without an injury incident. As falls are the...

Cleaning Products Can Lead to Asthma In 2013, a report published by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) estimated that more than 974,000 adults have asthma caused or aggravated by substances they use or are exposed to at work. This number represents about 40% of all adult asthma sufferers in California. This condition is referred to as “Work Related Asthma” (WRA). WRA can trigger an asthmatic response in workers who already have asthma or even be the cause of new-onset asthma. The asthma is caused or triggered by substances called asthmagens or sensitizers. The more the body is exposed to an...

Food Handling Food handling in restaurants, catering firms, food service vendors, fast food chains and grocery store kitchens involves a variety of cooking and preparation techniques. Chefs, cooks, and food service workers need to be aware of hazards in the kitchen to serve safety with their cuisine. Kitchens can be busy, hectic places, so watch workers and the workflow to prevent slips, trips and falls. Have designated entry and exit doors. Walk in the kitchen area; don’t run. Place mirrors in areas that may have blind corners. Warn other workers when you are behind them or “coming through.” Service may need to...

Cuts, Lacerations, and Punctures Cuts, lacerations, and punctures are common injuries in the meat packing and butchering industry.  Knives, slicers, grinders, and sharp bones are all potential hazards that can be minimized with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), inspections, and safe work practices. Cuts are usually clean openings in the skin while lacerations have jagged edges.  Punctures create shallow or deep holes in the skin.  Cuts and lacerations often have free flowing blood while puncture wounds often close on their own, reducing bleeding.  For shallow puncture wounds, remove the object if it is small and easy to do so.  If...