Do You Need To Travel With a Load? It is well known that vehicle accidents result in many occupational fatalities. Vehicle inspection and maintenance are important elements to a comprehensive fleet safety program. Another subject that deserves attention has to do with the cargo you are hauling. When traveling with loads, part of the pre-trip vehicle inspection process should include a thorough check to determine whether your load is adequately secured. An unsecured load may shift during your trip and could cause or contribute to an accident. Check the condition of tie downs and ropes to assure they are not damaged or...

Backing Into Trouble When we are walking around on the job, particularly when handling material, we are subject to many dangers. Think about the following scenarios and see if you have ever been in a similar position: An employee was inside a truck removing empty drums onto the truck's elevator tailgate and lowering it. Another employee was removing the drums and sending the elevator tailgate back up. The employee inside the vehicle had his back to the tailgate as he pulled the next drum towards the tailgate - which he thought was even with the bed of the truck. As he swung...

Cargo Dock Safety An accident in a warehouse can injure you or your co-workers, damage equipment, and ruin cargo. It is a potential for a multiple loss. The most common warehouse accidents involve forklifts and manual material handling. The forklift is one of the most important mechanical devices you have. It can also be one of the most dangerous if not properly used. Statistics show that forklifts are involved in only about 1% of lost time accidents, yet they account for about 10% of the serious injuries. Some of those injuries occur when: A forklift strikes a pedestrian. A load falls on...

Carelessness Have you ever done anything stupid, something that you know puts you at increased risk of injury? When you realize how stupid you were, whether you got hurt or not, do you ask yourself, "Why did I ever do that?" For your own future preservation, this should be a very important question for you to answer yourself. Consider the fact that approximately 20% of injuries are due to unsafe conditions and 80% are caused by unsafe acts. If you realize that most unsafe conditions are brought about by human failure, then virtually all accidents are brought about by unsafe acts....

Static Electricity – It can be a shocker! Remember when you dragged your feet across the rug and then touched your brother or sister’s ear! That got their attention! We have also seen the effects of "static cling," when our clothes cling together in the dryer. Static electricity, as a source of ignition for flammable vapors, gases, and dusts, is a hazard common to a wide variety of industries. A static spark can occur when an electrical charge accumulates on the surfaces of two materials that have been brought together and then separated (between two solids, between a solid and a liquid,...

Safety Eye Wear - For Sun & Shade The days of old style safety glasses are numbered. Today, you have a selection of protective eye wear that rivals the style of designer glasses. Employees can now select a style that is most flattering to their face. They also have a choice of different colors, protection factors and prices. When choosing "safety glasses" the primary consideration is to ensure that the glasses provide necessary impact protection and that they meet or exceed the ANSI Z87.1-1989 standard. Both frame and lens must meet this standard. The idea is to prevent flying and splashing objects...

Poisonous Plants Blue-Green Algae (appearance of blue-green paint or scum on the surface of the water): Wear boots and gloves when working in marine environments Rinse exposed skin with clean, clear water Minimize agitation of water that can cause aerosols – inhalation is a hazard Minimize time spent in affected area - conduct prep work outside of the area “When in doubt, stay out” Poison Ivy (vines or low shrubs, leaves are divided into 3 almond shaped leaflets, alternatively arranged): Learn to recognize native poisonous plants Wash clothing and tools exposed to the plant since allergens can remain active for...

Head Injuries - After The Fall You can work for years and hardly get a scratch, then one day a fall can turn your life around. Fall injuries may cause abrasions, fractures and dislocations. However, one of the most serious results of a fall, other than death, can be a head injury. How this will affect you depends upon which part of your brain has been injured as a result of a fall or impact. Broken bones usually heal, but head injuries can result in life long serious problems, such as: Changes in personality, such as increased anxiety, depression or anger. ...

Forklift Safety-General Operating Rules Operating a forklift takes skill and knowledge. Forklift Safety is a key component to operating a forklift. The forklift operator and those around the operator must treat the forklift with proper respect. Using proper procedures, such as those listed below, will minimize the potential for accidents and injuries, as well as make your job easier. Pre-Trip Inspection: Check the following for proper condition and correct all deficiencies: Engine oil and other fluid levels Tire pressure Steering and hydraulic controls Warning devices Service and parking brakes Battery level Gauges and instruments Cable connections Fuel level and propane tank connections ...

Shop Safety Checklist The following are common, important safety guidelines to remember when working in the shop environmen. Follow this shop safety checklist: Under no circumstances should unapproved people be allowed to use the shop equipment. Do not allow unauthorized persons to visit or loiter in the shop. Secure the shop when no one is present. It goes without saying that you should never leave a machine in operation while it is unattended. Check emergency equipment such as first aid kits, emergency lighting, fire extinguishers and eye wash stations monthly. Periodically check all hand tools, portable power tools and larger shop...