21 Nov Safety & Substance Abuse Don’t Mix
Safety & Substance Abuse Don’t Mix Drug use and alcohol consumption are normally considered personal issues. They only become an employer’s concern when they affect safety and worker performance. Drug and alcohol abuse cost employers through high absenteeism and sick pay. Abusers hurt themselves and their families if they lose their job as a result of their actions. If they are fired or cannot function on the job, the company loses the services of an experienced worker. Those under the influence of drugs or alcohol cause friction in the work group, lower morale and work efficiency, use poor judgment that...
15 Nov Cold Water Treatment Of Thermal Burns
Cold Water Treatment Of Thermal Burns When you burn yourself not all the damage happens at once. Cold water treatment may help for thermal burns. Because the body holds heat, the burning process can last for several minutes on up to several days or even longer in the case of serious burns. Immediate application of cold water or a cold compress is a treatment that has been found to decrease the degree and depth of a burn. This is not to say its advised for all burns. Speed is the most important single factor in burn treatment. The more quickly...
14 Nov Guard Against Machine Injuries
Guard Against Machine Injuries Cleaning a jammed conveyor, reaching for a wrench, or retrieving a dropped glove are common tasks. Yet, each of these acts can lead to a serious injury. Many injuries occur during equipment maintenance. Sometimes workers try to reach past the guards while trying to service equipment or get caught in power transmissions such as belts, pulleys, running rolls, chains or sprockets. Other injuries occur when equipment is unguarded or when machinery starts unexpectedly. If some basic precautions are taken, protecting workers from these injuries can be simple, and inexpensive. Inexpensive physical controls such as machine guards...
09 Nov Woodworking Tool Safety
Woodworking Tool Safety Woodworkers use power tools such as saws, drills, routers, planers, sanders, and lathes along with hand tools such as chisels, carvers, and augers to shape wood into functional and artistic objects. While wood crafting, woodworkers need to keep safety in mind. Get training on the power and hand tools that you work with on the job. Read the power tool manuals and make sure that you understand and follow the instructions. Always inspect your tools before each use. Make sure that power cords are in good shape with proper grounding. Tag-out, discard, or repair the tools if...
07 Nov Workplace Fires
Workplace Fires The potential for fire is present in any workplace. But, if you’re aware of the causes and conditions, if you’re prepared, and if you think before you act, the risk of a workplace fire and its damaging effects – on you, your co-workers or your company – can be minimized. Following good housekeeping practices is crucial to fire prevention. That means keep heating and electrical equipment clean, clear, and in good repair; regularly clean ducts and fume hood filters; keep ovens and ranges clean and free of spilled fats, sugar, sauces, etc.; keep paper products, aerosols, and other...
03 Nov Chocking and Blocking Safety
Chocking and Blocking Safety Chocking and blocking prevent accidental or unintended movement of mobile equipment and cargo while workers are loading, unloading, hitching, unhitching, or performing service or maintenance. Chocking the wheels of a truck, trailer, tractor, or other piece of mobile equipment provides a physical stopper to the wheels to prevent runaways that can crush and injure workers. Blocking stabilizes cargo loads to prevent shifting and trailer overturns or provides a physical barrier on equipment to prevent accidental activation during maintenance. When chocking, use specially designed truck wheel chocks of the appropriate size and material to securely hold the...
01 Nov Auto Body Painting
Auto Body Painting Safety Auto Body Painting Safety – Workers are exposed to potential health risks from volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chromates, and isocyanates during priming and painting. Read the safety data sheet (SDS) for the chemicals you use. The SDS lists personal protective equipment you need to wear and the safe work procedures for that chemical. Isocyanates are released from some primers and paints. Exposure to isocyanates is extremely irritating to skin, mucous membranes, the respiratory tract, and the gastrointestinal tract. Isocyanates can cause rashes, sensitization, asthma, and even death. Hexavalent chromium can be found in the pigments of...
25 Oct Chemical Storage Is A Matter Of Safety And Common Sense
Chemical Storage Is A Matter Of Safety And Common Sense There are many work situations where chemicals are routinely relied upon to get the work done. But just as important as the safe handling of these chemicals, is their safe storage. If not stored properly, chemicals can cause a fire, explosion, or personal injury. There are some real and common sense safe storage procedures that should be followed to keep workers and the workplace free of chemical-related accidents. The most important factor in chemical storage safety is keeping chemicals in their original containers. Next, check that each chemical container has...