How Workers Get Hurt Types of Injuries Accidents can happen anywhere and at any time. Many workplace accidents and injuries can be prevented if workers know the causes of accidents and they are taught how to protect themselves to avoid injury. Although no one wants to get hurt at work, there are four major causes for injuries on the job. Back injuries The number one cause of on-the-job injuries is physical overload. These injuries are cause by lifting (too heavy a load or lifting improperly), straining, overreaching, bending, and twisting. To protect your back against injury, learn and use proper lifting techniques, never bend...

Remember to Lockout &Tagout Anyone who operates, cleans, services, adjusts, and repairs machinery or equipment should be aware of the hazards associated with that machinery.  Any powered machinery or electrical equipment that can move in a way that would put people in danger is a hazard that can be prevented by following locking or tagging procedures.  Failure to lockout or tagout power sources on equipment can result in electrocutions, amputations, and other serious-sometimes fatal-accidents. What are the most common causes of these accidents? The machine or piece of equipment was not completely shut off before a maintenance or repair operation. Not only...

Conveyor Safety Conveyor Safety - When used incorrectly, they can be dangerous. Conveyors are a wonderful invention and conveyor safety is important.  They move large amounts of materials quickly and safely.  They allow workers to reduce the amount of materials handled manually thereby increasing work capacity and production output.  Decreasing manual material handling also lessens the chance of injury to a worker’s back and hands. Conveyors are safe when used correctly, but they can be dangerous, and even deadly, if workers fail to follow safety procedures when working on or around them. Materials should be placed on the conveyor so that they...

Fire Extinguishers Even though your company may be equipped with automatic sprinklers or other means of fire protection, the portable fire extinguishers are the first line of defense in the control of fires at their start. Most fires, in the beginning stage, can be extinguished easily with portable equipment, but only if the equipment is readily accessible and the employee knows how to use it. The reaction time, from when the fire is first realized, is extremely important. If time is wasted in a search for the proper fire extinguisher and a review of the operating instructions, a small, easily controlled fire...

Portable Abrasive Saws & Grinders Before use, tools, cords and accessories should be inspected to ensure safe operation. The equipment operator should be protected from electrocution by a ground-fault circuit interrupter or an assured equipment grounding conductor program. No one should ever be permitted to use an electrical tool in wet or damp areas. Operators of compressed air and hydraulically operated tools should make certain that supply pressure does not exceed the tool manufacturer’s recommendations. Excessive pressure can rupture hoses, damage tools, and increase operating speed beyond safe limits. Some abrasive saws are gasoline powered and should only be used in well...

Sun Protection, No Skin off your Nose A suntan may look and feel good, but the sun’s rays can cause serious problems, when exposure is excessive. Radiation from the sunlight damages the skin. Besides sunburn it has been known to cause various types of skin cancer, including deadly melanomas. Having tanned or naturally dark skin does not eliminate the need for sun protection against the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. The best precaution is to stay out of the sun as much as possible, but if your job requires you to be outdoors in the sun, wear sunscreen and cover your skin...

Personal Protective Equipment One way to prevent injury at work is to wear proper personal protective equipment. Some protective equipment is necessary for specific jobs, while other items are necessary for any work. Employers should know the hazards their workers face on the job, then provide the proper equipment to protect against those hazards. It’s important that workers be trained on how to use and care for the equipment so it will provide maximum protection. Hard hats should be worn by all workers where there is a danger of flying, falling, and moving objects. Hard hats can mean the difference between life...

General Safe Practice Rules All employees shall follow safe procedures and operations, and report all unsafe conditions or practices immediately to their Field Supervisor. Supervisors are instructed to take such action as is necessary to enforce these rules. Always ask your Field Supervisor if you do not know how or are in doubt as to the safest way of doing your job. Help the new or inexperienced employee by pointing out potential hazards. Wear clothes suited to the job – Hard Hats, Safety Shoes, Safety Glasses &  Gloves are Mandatory . No dangling or loose clothing or jewelry around moving machinery. No...

Wash Your Hands - Hand Washing We assume everyone knows how to wash their hands, but many workers don't realize how important hand washing and skin care can be in the prevention of disease.  Proper skin care and hand protection help keep workers productive and on the job. The best defense against the spread of illness or skin ailments is to prevent them where possible by washing them often, using barrier creams and wearing gloves designed to protect skin from contact with a variety of harmful agents and irritants.  If gloves are worn, clean or replace them frequently to make sure they...

Occupational Vibration Exposure Many workers do not think that their exposure to vibration could be a health hazard.  Vibration exposure is more than just a nuisance.  Constant exposure to vibration has been known to cause serious health problems such as back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and vascular disorders.  Vibration related injury is especially prevalent in occupations that require outdoor work, such as forestry, farming, transportation, shipping, and construction.  There are two classifications for vibration exposure:  whole-body vibration and hand and arm vibration.  These two types of vibration have different sources, affect different areas of the body, and produce different symptoms. Whole-body vibration...