Driving Distracted? Driving down the road is no longer a lonely, quiet experience. With cellular phones, two-way radios, and stereos, the interior of your vehicle no longer offers a quiet place to focus on driving. These days with everyone’s life so busy, paying attention while driving can be difficult. Have you ever been driving down the road and suddenly you notice you don’t remember the last three miles you traveled? Although your attention may only be diverted for a split second, the ever-changing variables of the road and other vehicles can make you instantly vulnerable to accidents. The following rules can...

Ladder Safety Tips When transporting a ladder, keep the front-end elevated Side rails of a portable ladder should extend at least 3 feet above an upper landing Non-self-supporting ladders should be placed at a 4:1 ratio Make sure ladders are free from oil, mud, grease and other hazards that can cause a slip Ladders should not be loaded beyond the manufacturer’s duty rating Only use ladders for the purpose they were intended Place ladders on stable, level surfaces Protect ladders that are near passageways or driveways so that vehicles or pedestrians do not hit them A worker should always face...

Aircraft Maintenance Safety Aircraft maintenance work includes inspection and repair of aircraft structures, coatings, and systems in hangars and on the airfield. Good training and work practices ensure aircraft and worker safety. Tall, heavy aircraft make it hard to see people on the ground when maneuvering in the hangar or maintenance area. Watch and communicate with the aircraft operator to avoid caught/crush accidents (getting run over by a tire or colliding with a wing or tail). Never enter the ramp or flightline without permission from the air field controller. Work at a steady pace. Rushing your work increases aircraft turnaround...

Safe Lifting STOP and THINK before picking anything up – assess the object and its weight Use proper form when lifting and carrying – wide stance, bend at knees, tighten abs, head high, chin in Lift your load using a solid two-handed grip Make sure your path is clear before you proceed Lift with your legs not your back Keep weight close to your body Pivot with your feet, don’t twist your body Do not reach more than 10 inches from your body to lift or place an object If you can, push or pull instead of lifting Use your...

Bakery Operation Safety The bakery business can be an enjoyable and rewarding profession, but some bakery processes can also be hazardous. Persons who work in bakery operations should be instructed in how to avoid or prevent potential hazards and be properly trained to follow recommended safe work practices. Slips and falls are common bakery accidents due to wet floors, spilled dough, batter, and dry ingredients, as well as uneven or obstructed floor surfaces. Stack materials neatly to keep walkways and production areas clear. Immediately clean up spills and post warning signs when floors are wet or slippery. Use a degreasing...

CONFINED SPACES A confined space has limited means for entry/exit and can include a space that has an open top The atmosphere inside a confined space can be very different from the outside atmosphere Deadly gases may be trapped inside the space The space may lack enough oxygen to support life The space may trap excess oxygen to promote an explosion if an ignition source is introduced Never trust your senses to determine if a space is safe Always check with your supervisor before entering any space Never enter a confined space to help a downed worker

Asphalt Worker Safety Asphalt is used for paving and surfacing roads, roofing, concrete work, and paints. It is made from petroleum products and is usually heated between 150-200 degrees F. Asphalt is often mixed with solvents (diesel, kerosene, naphtha, toluene, and xylene), binders, hardening and bonding agents (resins), crushed rock, sand, and recycled rubber. Exposure to asphalt fumes can cause serious health effects, so get training, and use safe work practices. When asphalt is heated, the fumes can cause coughing, a scratchy throat, or lung irritation. Long-term exposure can lead to bronchitis or emphysema. Asphalt additives may create vapors that...

Cal/OSHA Recordkeeping and Reporting The California Division of Occupational Health (Cal/OSHA) requires recordkeeping and reporting about safety in the workplace. Required records include the OSHA 300 Log and documents about safety hazard analysis, inspections, and accident investigations. Hazard-specific regulations such as asbestos, diving, mining, etc. also have additional recordkeeping requirements. Keeping track of recordkeeping requirements is a challenge. The OSHA 300 log is probably the most familiar to workers and employers. It records all work-related deaths along with injuries and illnesses that require more than first aid treatment. An annual summary of injuries and illnesses is required to be posted...

Noise Repeated exposure to loud noise can cause tinnitus and/or hearing loss Damage caused by loud noise is irreversible and permanent Excessive vibration causes damage to inner ear hair cells so they can’t carry a signal to the brain Too much noise can make you feel tired, nervous and/or raise your blood pressure If you have to raise your voice to be heard the site may be too noisy and hearing protection is needed Consider the all the noise around you and exposure to others when deciding to wear hearing protection Banded earplugs or earmuffs are an easy solution to...

Winter Driving – Slow Down! Winter driving can mean fog, rain, ice, snow, slippery roads, and poor visibility. It’s a time that can be dangerous for pedestrians, drivers, and other vehicle operators. There are some simple precautions you can take to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries. This winter season, before you get into a vehicle, take a little extra time to make sure everything in and about the vehicle is in good condition and operating correctly. Are the windshield and side windows clear? Do the windshield wipers work? Are the blades in good condition? Can you see in...