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...

Unlawful Harassment The Company is committed to maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment, and therefore strictly prohibits all unlawful harassment.  Any employee found to be responsible for harassment in violation of this policy may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.  The Company will not tolerate reprisals against individuals filing complaints in good faith under this policy. II.            DEFINITION OF DISCRIMINATORY HARASSMENT Prohibited discriminatory harassment is verbal or physical conduct that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual because of that person’s race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability,...

Fireworks Safety The 4th of July is quickly approaching. OSHA is reminding the pyrotechnics industry to be cautious, focusing on protecting their team from the hazards of creation, storage, shipping and selling fireworks. Here are some tips to keep you and your family safe this holiday weekend; Secure firework facilities Be aware of your surroundings - keep exits accessible and free of debris Know emergency procedures Note the location of fire extinguisher and how to operate Always keep fireworks in view Dispose of fireworks properly Remove loose powder quickly Do not smoke around fireworks (50ft) If you are a company putting on a...

Driving Vehicles & Moving Equipment Safely Many workplace injuries and deaths involve driving vehicles and moving equipment, but sometimes this equipment is essential to the work operation. All vehicle and equipment operators should be trained, competent, and safety-minded to avoid costly accidents and injuries. Before operation, drivers should carefully read the operator's manual and observe the operating, maintenance, and safety instructions. Operators should be prepared for a safe day at the wheel, by getting enough rest and taking occasional breaks, especially on hot days, to reduce fatigue. Vehicle operation should be limited or avoided when drivers are ill or taking medications that...

Preventing Strains & Sprains Lifting, pushing, and overreaching are common causes of strains and sprains. Any job that requires you to sit or stand bent in an awkward position for long periods of time can cause excess stress and strain on muscles. Most strains and sprains affect the back, arms, and shoulders. However, there are some very simple things you can do to prevent or minimize body strains and sprains. Many strains and sprains occur because of poor material handling. Workers lift things that weigh too much or they lift incorrectly. Lift correctly by bending your knees, not your back. Carry loads...