december 2011 daily safety focus · hard hats, gloves, safety shoes or other protective clothing...

Daily Safety Focus

DECEMBER 2011 DAILY SAFETY FOCUS

“Leading with Safety”

Daily Safety Focus

December 2011 Daily Safety Focus

December – 1 Common Sense Safety December – 2 The Cold Facts about Winter Hazards December – 3 Give Winter the Full-Wheel Deal December – 4 Thoughts to Start the Workday December – 5 You Don’t Have to Fall off the Truck December – 6 Holiday Safety December – 7 Watch Your Step December – 8 Darkness Descends on the Road to Work December – 9 Weather is the Wild Card December – 10 Unsafe Acts December – 11 Driver Error December – 12 The Scoop About Snow Shoveling December – 13 How Workers Get Hurt December – 14 Preventing Strains and Sprains December – 15 Bite is Worse than Bark December – 16 Driving at Night December – 17 Safety is a State of Mind December – 18 Hazards Never Take a Holiday December – 19 Plan Ahead for Winter Weather December – 20 Employee Incident reporting December – 21 Defensive Driving December – 22 Prevent Cold Stress Injuries December – 23 Driving Safely in Winter Weather December – 24 Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls December – 25 Accident Prevention December – 26 Attitude and Behavior December – 27 Seven Common Accident Causes December – 28 The One That Almost Happened December – 29 It’s Your Decision December – 30 A Single Second December – 31 After Thoughts and Regrets 7


Daily Safety Focus

Common Sense Safety December 1

There are a number of safety problems common to most workplaces and job sites that can be solved with a little common sense. Planning and thinking ahead can help eliminate most of these hazards. Take a close look at your workplace with these suggestions in mind. Eliminate junk piles. Organize a clean up program to remove trash, broken parts, and scrap from work areas, walkways, storerooms, and neglected corners. Look for materials that have been stacked improperly. An unstable stack is a real danger to anyone who may be near if the material suddenly falls. Check such things as wood pallets, dock freight, storeroom boxes, construction materials and even office files to see that materials are stacked properly.

Examine all the operations of your workplace to determine if personal protective clothing is needed, then make it readily available. Ear protection, eye protection, hard hats, gloves, safety shoes or other protective clothing and equipment must be worn according to the hazard exposure. Make sure all electric power tools are grounded. Protect yourself from electric shock by using tools with three-prong plugs, a ground-fault system or double insulation. Never cut off the ground plug on a three-prong plug. Check electrical cords and wires for any damage. Guard power tools and moving machine parts. Tools and equipment should never be operated with the guards or shields removed. Inspect portable ladders to make sure they are secure and don’t shake or wiggle. Non-slip feet are a must. If a ladder seems weak, get rid of it – don’t let others use a defective ladder. Mark it defective and throw it away. Fire extinguishers are a must and should be mounted properly, readily accessible, and in working order. Check fire regulations to make sure they are properly placed and the right type for your work area. When was the last time your fire extinguishers were tested? Extinguisher inspections should be made regularly then tagged to show when and who performed the tests. Exits should be clearly marked with easy to read signs place above the doors. Signs with arrows should also be used to guide people to the exit if the layout of the workplace is confusing to those unfamiliar with your facility. Illuminated signs should be kept in working order at all times. Don’t block exits or signs with vehicles or material. Another good idea is to mark doors that are not exits with “This is Not An Exit,” “Restroom,” “Storeroom” or “Closet.” Put rails on all stairways. All stairs and truck steps should be in good shape with nonskid treads. Repair those that are damaged or chipped. Safety meetings are one of the most important parts of a good safety program, so hold them regularly. Impress upon every worker that it’s important that they take every precaution to keep the workplace safe. Both employee and employer attitudes toward safety provide a key to a successful safety program. Posters, handouts, and training programs are all part of our safety communication.


Daily Safety Focus

The Cold Facts About Winter Hazards December 2 Staying warm and dry when you're out in the cold is essential. If your job involves working in cold conditions, this does not just mean the outdoors; it also means food storage freezers and meat-packing plants. You're at special risk in cold conditions, if you are an older person or have circulatory problems which make it difficult to stay warm. It's important to keep physically active while working in the cold. It's also a good idea when you are working in cold conditions to work with a companion. You can keep watch on each other for warning signs of overexposure to cold. Three serious consequences arising from working in cold conditions include trenchfoot, hypothermia and frostbite. Trenchfoot is when you expose your feet and toes to wet conditions in nearly freezing temperatures. This leads to skin tissue damage such as blisters, open sores and possibly gangrene. Frostbite is when body tissue freezes, most likely in areas such as the fingers, toes, ears and nose. The skin becomes numb and takes on a white and waxy appearance. Hypothermia occurs when the body's temperature is rapidly lowered by exposure to cold and wet conditions. Symptoms include shivering and chills; the inability to think straight or speak coherently, irrational behavior, poor co-ordination and unconsciousness. This condition can be fatal. You need to protect yourself from cold temperatures by dressing warmly and planning properly. Here are some guidelines to help protect you from the cold: - Dress warmly by wearing a hat and warm waterproof boots and gloves. Dress in layers so you can add or remove clothing as the temperature changes. Keep clothing dry and make sure you put on waterproof gear before you get wet. Carry dry clothing, including mittens, liners and socks so you can replace wet clothing. - The following areas are especially vulnerable to the cold: hands, fingers, legs, feet, toes, head, ears, face and nose. Keep them warm by wearing gloves and mittens, socks and footwear, hats and ear warmers. When riding in an open vehicle, wear a ski-type mask to cover your cheeks and nose. Gloves and footwear should not fit too tightly, as this could cut off circulation. - While working in the cold, eat regular hot meals loaded with carbohydrates to provide fuel for your body to keep producing the heat you need. Avoid alcoholic beverages - these bring down your body temperature, rather than increase it, contrary to popular belief. - While working in the cold, stay physically active. Take frequent rest breaks in a warm, dry place. - Seek immediate medical help if you begin to experience any hypothermia symptoms such as drowsiness and excessive shivering. If this is not possible, seek shelter immediately. For frostbite, warm the affected area with body heat and lukewarm water. Do not cause worse damage by rubbing an affected area with hands or snow. If your skin tissue is frozen, do not thaw it if there is a chance it will be refrozen before you reach safety. Cold weather can cause serious health problems. Avoid exposure to the cold by dressing in warm, dry clothing. Get medical help immediately in case of hypothermia and other cold injuries


Daily Safety Focus

Give Winter the Full-Wheel Deal December 3 You’ve refueled your vehicle, checked the oil and clicked your seatbelt into place. Pulling into traffic, you settle into your seat for the long drive ahead. Before you get too relaxed, though, there are four things you ought to have thought about back at the filling station: your tires. If tires could talk, the front left one would tell you it is dangerously under-inflated and getting warmer by the mile, in spite of the fact it’s cool outside. "I think a lot of people are very lucky and perhaps ignore their equipment and get away with it," says Mark Cox, director of the Bridgestone Winter Driving School. "Heat is the enemy of every tire." Tires can lose one pound per square inch of tire pressure every month under normal conditions, plus an extra pound per square inch for every 10-degree Fahrenheit (12-degree Celsius) drop in temperature. Unless a tire loses so much air that it appears to be going flat, a driver will never know it has become dangerously under-inflated – unless he checks it with a tire pressure gauge or until it fails. Many drivers have not been able to maintain vehicle control in a blowout or tread separation situation. Tall vehicles with high centers of gravity can roll over during a catastrophic tire failure. Although heat build-up in an under-inflated tire is most serious in hot weather conditions, it can have serious consequences at any time. Cox says many drivers only have correctly-adjusted tire pressures for a few days after their vehicles leave the car dealership or tire store. Check tire pressures at least once a month before you move your vehicle. Driving a car 10 miles before checking pressures won’t give you an accurate reading. Check your vehicle owner’s manual or driver’s side door frame to determine correct tire pressures. With winter approaching, it’s important to consider several aspects of tire safety, whether you are transporting your family to Thanksgiving dinner or driving while on the job. Consider these tips:

• If you live in a snow belt or must drive regularly through one, invest in four (not two) good quality snow tires. "You can get by with all-season tires, but as a driver you have to be aware that you’re just getting by," says Cox. "Any all-season tire is really a no-season tire. It’s not the best it can be in the summer, or in the winter."

• Don’t mix all-season radial tires having different speed ratings, or mix all-seasons with snow tires. The handling characteristics can be quite different, just like trying to run with one high-tech running shoe and one bedroom slipper.

• Tires should be rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles (9,600 to 12,800 kilometers) for maximum tread life. Winter tires should be rotated between 3,000 and 5,000 miles (4,800 to 8,000 km).

• Cox says a half-worn snow tire is no better in winter than a new all-season radial, and a half-worn all-season radial is no better than a summer tire.

Driving snow tires on dry pavement weeks after the last snow dump of the season will accelerate tire wear and can have a negative effect on vehicle handling.


Daily Safety Focus

THOUGHTS TO START THE WORKDAY December 4 Do you realize how important your safety is to you and to your family? Are you "on the alert" every minute of the day . . . to the dangers of using unsafe procedures? Many safe procedures have been designed to protect you on the job. These safe procedures are vital to you . . for you are up against a tough enemy who has an arsenal of missiles to launch against one of your most vulnerable targets . . . your hands. SAFE PROCEDURES PROTECT HANDS against injury's missiles, such as sharp edges . . . improperly conditioned hand tools, improperly handled material and other pinch points. Be on guard every minute of the day. Failure to observe just one safe procedure . . . just one time . . . can cause injury to those vulnerable "tools" . . . YOUR HANDS. If you have learned the safety know-how of your job and learned it well it will be easy for you to catch anything some other fellow does that isn't as safe as it should be. If you see it and don't say anything and he gets hurt, aren't you partly to blame? Think it over. Keeping an eye out for the other fellow's safety can help you too . . . a lot, sometimes. We all make mistakes. We slip up once in a while. After all, we're only human. But if each of us is keeping the other fellow's safety in mind, and he is doing the same for us, he's likely to catch our slips or at least the serious ones. You help him, he helps you. One hand washes the other. Believe me, it pays. How are you fixed for safety? . . . Have you enough left to last until the next hazard comes along? Be sure before you answer. Buying safety is pretty much the same process as buying anything. Most employee buy it. Some buy more than others. Big buyers, naturally, are less likely to be injured on the job. They are also less likely to injure someone else. The question isn't always how much safety does an employee WANT, but rather, how much safety does he NEED . . . How are you fixed for safety?


Daily Safety Focus

You Don't Have To Fall Off A Truck! December 5 Falling while getting into or out of heavy equipment, a truck or tractor cab, hooking up air and electrical lines, or mounting or dismounting trailers is a sure way to get seriously hurt. An insurance industry study showed that falls from vehicles produced injuries that were almost 25% worse than other types of injuries. Even an ankle sprain can play havoc with your ability to use the clutch. Minor injuries can cost you big in terms of lost income and downtime. The biggest single cause of falls from a vehicle is driver error and failure to follow the THREE-POINT rule. WHAT CAN YOU DO TO AVOID FALLS? No matter what type of access system your vehicle has available, use the THREE-POINT system to significantly reduce the chance of a slip or fall. The THREE-POINT system means three of your four limbs are in contact with the vehicle at all times-two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand. The THREE-POINT system allows a person to have maximum stability and support, thereby reducing the likelihood of slipping and falling. Be a winner; use the THREE-POINT system. DO'S

• Wear shoes with good support -- not sandals, bare feet or high heels. • Exit and enter facing the cab. • Slow down and use extra caution in bad weather. • Get a firm grip on rails or handles with your hands. • Look for obstacles on the ground below before exiting.

DON'Ts • Don't climb down with something in your free hand. Put it on the vehicle

floor and reach up for it when you get down on the ground. • Don't rush to climb out after a long run. Descend slowly, to avoid straining

a muscle. • Don't ever jump out. You may land off balance or on an uneven surface,

and fall. • Don't use tires or wheel hubs as a step surface. • Don't use the door frame or door edge as a handhold. • Don't become an injury statistic.

The only person who can prevent a fall is you! The professional driver or operator knows the entire do's and don'ts of getting in and out of vehicles and practices the Three Point Rule every day.


Daily Safety Focus

Holiday Safety December 6 As the holidays draw near, decorative lighting and special effects become important components of the festive season. Christmas trees, in particular, are a traditional part of the season. And although they are special, trees pose a definite safety risk. If you’re using a natural tree this year reduce the risk of a tree fire by taking the following precautions.

• Choose a freshly cut green tree, not one that has dried out through weeks of storage. If you are buying one from a tree lot, tap the trunk on the ground; if several needles fall off, it’s too dry. Needles that bend and are not easily pulled off indicate a fresh tree. Consider a potted Christmas tree so you can plant it in your yard once the holidays are over.

• Before setting it up, cut two inches diagonally off the butt. The tree will draw water more easily from a fresh cut.

• Stand the tree in a tub or bucket of water and keep the tree trunk immersed to prevent the tree from drying out.

• Select a safe location for the tree, away from drapes and curtains and from drying and heating sources such as registers, radiators and television sets. Don’t block doors or windows which might be used to escape in an emergency and never put a tree near a fireplace!

• Use a tree-stand with widespread legs for better balance and a large water reserve in which to immerse the tree butt. Check the water level every day and add more as required.

• Check your Christmas lights for defects. Spread them out on a non- flammable surface before installing them. Make sure there are no broken bulbs, all electrical cords are free of cuts or frays and the plugs are in good condition.

• Extension cords should never be placed under carpets or where they could be a tripping hazard.

• Don’t leave the Christmas tree lights on if there is no one in the room. • If the tree begins to lose an excessive amount of needles, remove it

immediately. • Never burn your tree in the fireplace!

These safety tips will help prevent your Christmas holiday plans from going up in smoke!


Daily Safety Focus

WATCH YOUR STEP!! DON'T SLIP & FALL December 7 Slips and falls are one of the most frequent causes of accidents, both on and off the job. Each year in the United States, more than 300,000 people suffer disabling injuries from falls. Slips and falls can be fatal as well; they rank second only to automobile accidents, causing nearly 12,000 deaths a year. To avoid getting hurt from falls, avoid rushing and remember the following: WATCH WHERE YOU WALK Be aware of where you are walking. Look down continuously for spilled liquids, materials, equipment, changing surface levels, etc. Make sure the area is well-lit or use a flashlight if lighting is poor. WEAR PROPER FOOTWEAR Make sure your shoes are in good shape and correct for the job. Discard worn-out shoes with smooth soles and other defects. If conditions are wet and slippery, wear non-slip shoes or boots. Avoid footwear with leather soles which have poor floor traction--especially on smooth surfaces. CHECK FLOOR OPENINGS Avoid unguarded floor openings. On construction sites, when covers are placed over floor openings, avoid walking on the cover unless it is absolutely secure and will not move or collapse. Never jump over pits or other openings. BE CAREFUL ON STAIRS Do not run when going up or down stairs. Check to see that stair treads are in good shape, with no obstructions on the steps. Always use the hand railings that are provided. Avoid carrying large loads when going up or down stairs and ensure that stairs are well-lit. USE LADDERS CORRECTLY Never use broken or defective ladders. Set the angle of the ladder at the proper four-to-one ratio (height to width angle). Make sure the ladder is on solid footing and will not move when you climb upon it. Whenever possible, tie your ladder to the structure to improve stability. Anchorage at the bottom is also a good idea. Never stand on the top two steps of a step ladder. MAKE SURE SCAFFOLDING IS SAFE TO USE When working on scaffolding, make sure it is secure, stable and properly set-up. Do not work on scaffolding if guard rails are missing or the base is unstable. Check to see that planks are in good shape and not cracked. Tall scaffolds should be tied into a structure to increase stability. DON'T JUMP OUT OF VEHICLES Never jump from equipment or vehicles. Use the handrail and steps provided, remembering the "three point rule." Avoid stepping onto loose rocks, slippery surfaces, oil spills, etc. Watch your step and don't trip yourself up! Remember, Gravity Always Wins!


Daily Safety Focus

Darkness Descends On the Road To Work December 8

More than half the motor vehicle fatalities occur after dark, even though night driving is only one quarter of the time we spend driving.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says we are three times more likely to be in a fatal crash at night than during the day. Most auto/animal crashes happen at night too. As the nights get longer in the fall season, we spend more of our driving time in the dark. By the start of winter many of us will be commuting in the dark both morning and night. So let's review some night-driving safety. · Allow yourself more time to get to work. Besides the darkness, there may be the problem of frost to remove from the windshield. · And frost on the road surfaces, especially when combined with the oil, which seeped out of the blacktop in the hot weather, makes roads slippery. · Check your driving lights and signal lights regularly to make sure they are working. Keep them clear of obstructions.. · Turn your headlights on as soon as the light begins to get dim. · Use your low beams when you are following another vehicle or when a vehicle approaches from the opposite direction. When you blind the other driver with your high beams, you are endangering yourself. · Look beyond your own headlights. Use streetlights and the lights of vehicles in front of you to get an idea of what is happening down the road. · Leave an extra cushion of space around your vehicle at night, to allow more reaction time for yourself and other drivers. · Impaired drivers are a danger to everyone on the road. Statistics suggest that one out of 13 drivers drives drunk in the early morning hours, so give others plenty of space to maneuver. · If you have vehicle trouble, pull as far off the road as you can. Warn other drivers with your four-way flashers, headlights, interior lights and flares if you have them. · Collisions with wildlife can be fatal for automobile occupants. Animals are most likely to be active around roads in the early morning and early evening. · Observe warnings of animal crossings. · The references to a deer in the headlights are accurate. Honk instead of flashing your lights if you encounter an animal on the road because the lights may cause the animal to freeze. · Brake to avoid a crash. Swerving might send your vehicle out of control and the confused animal may just jump in front of your vehicle anyway. Adjust your driving habits to accommodate the long hours of darkness this time of year. Leave yourself more time to travel, and be alert to dangers on the road.


Daily Safety Focus

Weather Is The Wild Card December 9 Be prepared at all times for weather changes affecting your driving safety. Weather changes can quickly alter road conditions and visibility. You can drive around a corner and suddenly find your vehicle skidding across invisible ice which has accumulated in a shaded area. You can be cruising along and wonder where the scenery went - it is shrouded by thick fog. A good driver prepares himself for all driving conditions he might encounter. He maintains his vehicle to handle all types of weather. He also learns to anticipate driving conditions by being aware of weather changes. Here are some reminders for winning against the weather:

• Tune in to radio and television reports describing road and weather conditions. That helicopter hovering over the freeway during morning rush hour can give you good information about icy areas to avoid.

• When planning a trip out of the local area, telephone ahead for highway and weather reports. You might be advised to carry chains to cross a mountain pass, or learn that a route is closed altogether.

• Equip your vehicle for the conditions you might drive through. Don't wait until the first snowfall to install your winter or all-season tires. It's safe to assume it is going to snow this winter, just like every winter before.

• Also switch to winter weight oil and winter coolant before freeze-up. • Carry survival supplies in case you get stuck. Warm clothing, boots,

gloves, quick energy food, matches and a candle are the minimum to carry in your vehicle in all seasons.

• Have the position of your headlights, tail lights and fog lights checked before the cold or rainy season. If they are too low, you won't see much; if they are too high, they can cause potentially dangerous glare for other drivers.

• Learn how your vehicle handles in rough weather conditions. Front wheel drive, rear wheel drive and all wheel drive vehicles each have a different "feel" to them. Learn how to correct a skid before it happens for real.

• Get used to your anti-lock brakes before you need them in an emergency. Read the owner's manual for your vehicle, which will explain you can hit them hard without pumping them if you need to stop suddenly.

• Sometimes road and weather conditions are too extreme to drive at all. If the highway patrol tells you to stay off the road because of a blizzard, do everyone a favor and obey.

• Flood warnings are other good reasons to stay home. Every year there are tragic reports of drivers who tried to drive across flooded roads and were drowned.

Wild weather adds to the challenge of driving safely. Be aware of weather patterns so you can stay off the road in extreme conditions. Watch continually for changes in road surfaces and visibility which accompany sudden weather changes.


Daily Safety Focus

UNSAFE ACTS December 10 Most of us know that accidents are caused by only two things - unsafe acts or practices, and unsafe conditions. Some of us even know that 9 out of 10 accidents are the result of unsafe acts, or things we do when we know better. This is kind of strange if you think about it. We have more to fear from our own actions than from any other job hazards around us. Why do we deliberately expose ourselves to injury every day? It Won't Happen To Me Basically, most of us are just thinking about getting the job done and we tend to rationalize the risk of getting injured. We think to ourselves that we have done this job many, many times this way and nothing bad has happened. Therefore, nothing bad will happen to us today. On an intellectual level, we realize there is a potential danger but decide that the risk of being injured is low. Because we have not been injured so far, we actually think of ourselves as being very safety conscious. We know the right way to do it, we realize that it is hazardous to do it this way, but what we are really thinking to ourselves is "it won't happen to me. "We Take Short Cuts Some of us are fairly meticulous about following safe work practices, but because a job "will only take a minute" we use an unsafe method or tool. For example, not putting on our safety glasses because the job will only take a minute, or not locking out a machine because an adjustment will only take a second. Usually we think about it just before we do something a little unsafe, or maybe quite a bit unsafe. We know better, we know the safe way to do it, but we take that little chance. In effect we are saying, "I know that this could result in an injury, but "it can't happen to me." Maybe it's human nature to think that accidents always happen to someone else, but they can happen to you too. What makes you different? Why take a chance in the first place? Only you can decide to take the time to do your job safely and correctly the first time.


Daily Safety Focus

Driver Errors Add Up To Injuries December 11 At a glance, driving appears pretty easy. You just point the vehicle in the right direction, dial up some tunes and head for wherever you're going, thinking about some movie you watched last night. It's all so automatic, until a child runs directly into your path or you realize that you're travelling at freeway speed and traffic just ahead isn't moving. One professional driving instructor said it's amazing there aren't more collisions, given the number of driver errors being made. Some big ones include failing to fully stop at stop signs, not using signal lights, and not being aware of what's going on around the vehicle being driven. Those who think a rear view mirror is for checking their hair likely won't be glancing into it while waiting at a red light, to ensure someone isn't racing up from behind with no intention of stopping. The driver who is looking well ahead on the highway will see things unfold that can easily result in a multi-car pile up. It's been estimated 77 per cent of motor vehicle collisions are caused by driver error. How do you stack up? Do you:

• Check rear and side view mirrors regularly to see what other drivers around you are doing?

• Make eye contact with other drivers and pedestrians to learn their intentions?

• Scan the road well ahead to see what's happening? • Leave yourself an escape route? For example, by leaving some space

between your car and the one ahead at a red light, you may be able to move out of harm's way if a vehicle approaching from behind doesn't seem to be slowing.

• Leave at least two seconds' driving space between your car and the one you're following, so you can react if something unforeseen happens?

Dawn Schaefer, a driving instructor in British Columbia, Canada, said it's hard to estimate how many drivers are truly defensive. "Every time they go out it's different," she says. "If they are thinking of something else, they are not able to act defensively." Schaefer says many drivers have "tunnel vision," staring straight ahead and not looking around while moving. She routinely reminds her students to check more than once for approaching traffic before making a move. A second check could prevent many collisions. A good driving exercise is to think of the worst possible thing that could happen to you at that moment, and decide how you would react to avoid that collision. "That keeps you ahead and in the "now" of driving," she says.


Daily Safety Focus

The Scoop About Snow Shoveling December 12 While shoveling snow can be good exercise, it can also be dangerous for optimistic shovelers who take on more than they can handle. The National Safety Council offers the following tips to help you get a handle on safe shoveling:

1. Individuals over the age of 40, or those who are relatively inactive, should be especially careful.

2. If you have a history of heart trouble, do not shovel without a doctor's permission.

3. Do not shovel after eating or while smoking. 4. Take it slow! Shoveling (like lifting weights) can raise your heart

rate and blood pressure dramatically; so pace yourself. 5. Be sure to stretch out and warm up before taking on the task. 6. Shovel only fresh snow. Freshly fallen, powdery snow is easier to

shovel than the wet, packed-down variety. 7. Push the snow as you shovel. It's easier on your back than lifting

the snow out of the way. 8. Don't pick up too much at once. Use a small shovel, or fill only one-

fourth or one-half of a large one. 9. Lift with your legs bent, not your back. Keep your back straight. By

bending and "sitting" into the movement, you'll keep your spine upright and less stressed.

10. Your shoulders, torso and thighs can do the work for you. Do not work to the point of exhaustion.

11. If you run out of breath, take a break. If you feel tightness in your chest, stop immediately.

12. Dress warmly. Remember that extremities, such as the nose, ears, hands and feet, need extra attention during winter's cold.

13. Wear a turtleneck sweater, cap, scarf, face protection, mittens, wool socks and waterproof boots.

14. Taking these precautions while shoveling snow could be the difference between some healthy exercise, and a trip to the hospital or worse.


Daily Safety Focus

How Workers Get Hurt December 13 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 or twist while lifting or carrying, and whenever possible, use a mechanical aid or get help with the load from another worker. Hitting or striking against The second most common cause of worker injury is being hit by or hitting against an object. The best way to protect against these accidents is to be alert to the potential hazards and to use appropriate protective equipment (hard hats, eye protection, gloves). Be aware of your body and the space around you. Give yourself enough clearance when passing by or ducking under equipment or going through a passageway. Falls To avoid injuries from falls, be sure that your footing is firm and wear slip-resistant soled shoes. Watch where you're walking. Don't walk backward to direct equipment or leap from one level to another. Make sure you can see over the load you carry and that walkways are well-lighted and clear of obstacles. Clean up spills or grease spots and use handrails when walking on stairs. Machine Accidents The fourth major cause of on-the-job injury is machine-related accidents, that is, getting caught by moving machine parts. When working around any moving equipment (a machine that rotates, slides, or presses) always use safety shields, guards, and lock-out procedures. Only work on a machine that you have been trained to use. Never wear jewelry or loose-fitting clothing that could get caught in the moving equipment. Be alert to the hazards you face on your job and learn what you should do to protect yourself against accidents and injuries and follow the company's established safety guidelines.


Daily Safety Focus

Preventing Strains & Sprains December 14 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 close to your body. Injuries can occur when workers try to pull or lift a heavy or awkward object without help or lift an object while twisting from the waist. When carrying a load, avoid bending or lifting upward unnecessarily. Keep as much of the load as you can at waist level. Get help with heavy loads. Don't try to move or lift an object you can't handle. Instead of lifting a 75-pound load, break it down into smaller parts. If you can't break it down, get help from a mechanical device or lift it with another worker. Make sure moving equipment works properly or it will cause you to strain unnecessarily just trying to get it to work. If the wheels on a cart are not aligned, you could strain your arms, shoulders, and back trying to move it. Change your working positions frequently. Chronic strain due to an unchanging work position can weaken your back, arms, and shoulders. Adjust working heights to prevent slumping or excessive reaching. A vicious cycle develops when chronic strain continues; muscles become less able to withstand strenuous activity and grow more prone to injury of all kinds. Stretch during the day to increase your flexibility. Take body relaxation breaks by letting your shoulders and neck muscles go limp; swivel your head or arms or flex your hands and fingers. Take care of your whole body with exercise, proper posture, a sensible diet and adequate rest. If your muscles or ligaments have weakened over time from lack of exercise or age, you are more apt to get a strain or sprain than if your are physically fit.


Daily Safety Focus

Bite Is Worse Than Bark December 15 If you happen to carry the mail, read meters or visit clients at home, you are all too aware of the problem of unfriendly dogs. But dogs can also be guarding their territory in other settings as well, and all workers need to be alert to the hazards. The security staff in the form of a large dog may greet any employee walking into a warehouse or yard. Or a dog guarding his owner’s personal pickup truck may threaten an employee walking through a company’s parking lot. To prevent clashes between dogs and people, it is up to humans to use their ability to think calmly. Dogs that bite are acting out of their natural instincts – fearful of danger or guarding territory, food supply or young. Learn to recognize a dog likely to bite:

• It is growling, snarling, barking aggressively. The head, tail and ears are erect and the body is stiff. A wagging tail is not necessarily a friendly gesture.

• Or it may also be unnaturally still, or cowering in fear with its head low and tail between its legs.

• The dog may feel trapped, or it may be defending what it considers its territory.

• A dog, which is injured, ill or old is likely to be a biting risk. So is a dog that is sleeping, eating or caring for young.

Over five million persons in North America are bitten each year. To avoid being part of this statistic, follow these precautions:

• Do not rush up to an unknown dog. Ask the owner if the dog is friendly and then approach the dog slowly, quietly and confidently. Have the owner secure the dog while you do you business.

• Always watch the dog and don’t turn your back to it. • If it runs toward you, back away slowly. Avoid eye contact and sudden

moves. If a dog does attack, put something in its mouth if possible. Do not run or scream. If you are knocked down, curl up in a ball, protecting your head with your arms. If you are bitten, wash the wound with soapy water and seek medical care promptly. Get a description of the dog and the direction of travel in case rabies is suspected and it has to be located. Report the incident to police or the animal control agency, as well as your supervisor. Pet ownership is so effective at reducing stress that it has been shown to decrease the rate of recurrence for heart attacks. Make sure your encounters with dogs are stress-free and safe by following these precautions. If ever in doubt stop and don’t proceed and always leave yourself an out.


Daily Safety Focus

Driving At Night December 16 Traffic death rates are three times greater at night than during the day, according to the National Safety Council. Yet many of us are unaware of night driving's special hazards or don't know effective ways to deal with them. Driving at night is more of a challenge than many people think. It's also more dangerous. Why is night driving so dangerous? One obvious answer is darkness. Ninety percent of a driver's reaction depends on vision, and vision is severely limited at night. Depth perception, color recognition, and peripheral vision are compromised after sundown. Older drivers have even greater difficulties seeing at night. A 50-year-old driver may need twice as much light to see as well as a 30-year old. Another factor adding danger to night driving is fatigue. Drowsiness makes driving more difficult by dulling concentration and slowing reaction time. Alcohol is a leading factor in fatal traffic crashes, playing a part in about half of all motor vehicle-related deaths. That makes weekend nights more dangerous. More fatal crashes take place on weekend nights than at any other time in the week. Fortunately, you can take several effective measures to minimize these after-dark dangers by preparing your car and following special guidelines while you drive. The National Safety Council recommends these steps:

• Prepare your car for night driving. Clean headlights, taillights, signal lights and windows (inside and out) once a week, more often if necessary.

• Have your headlights properly aimed. Mis-aimed headlights blind other drivers and reduce your ability to see the road.

• Don't drink and drive. Not only does alcohol severely impair your driving ability, it also acts as a depressant. Just one drink can induce fatigue.

• Avoid smoking when you drive. Smoke's nicotine and carbon monoxide hamper night vision.

• If there is any doubt, turn your headlights on. Lights will not help you see better in early twilight, but they'll make it easier for other drivers to see you. Being seen is as important as seeing.

• Reduce your speed and increase your following distances. It is more difficult to judge other vehicle's speeds and distances at night.

• Don't overdrive your headlights. You should be able to stop inside the illuminated area. If you're not, you are creating a blind crash area in front of your vehicle.

• When following another vehicle, keep your headlights on low beams so you don't blind the driver ahead of you.

• If an oncoming vehicle doesn't lower beams from high to low, avoid glare by watching the right edge of the road and using it as a steering guide.

• Make frequent stops for light snacks and exercise. If you're too tired to drive, stop and get rest.

• If you have car trouble, pull off the road as far as possible. Warn approaching traffic at once by setting up reflecting triangles near your vehicle and 300 feet behind it. Turn on flashers and the dome light. Stay off the roadway and get passengers away from the area.

Observe night driving safety as soon as the sun goes down. Twilight is one of the most difficult times to drive, because your eyes are constantly changing to adapt to the growing darkness.


Daily Safety Focus

Safety Is A State Of Mind! December 17 Safety starts with your attitude. If you have a good safety attitude, you will have fewer accidents. And fewer accidents mean fewer injuries and a safer, more productive work day. Use this checklist to increase your safety awareness: - Are you getting adequate rest before your shift? Lack of sleep can make you inattentive and that can lead to accidents. - Are you arriving at work with a positive and safe attitude? Anger can lead to danger for you and your co-workers. Learn to control your stress with deep breathing exercises or other relaxation techniques. - Are you dressed correctly for the job? That means, for example, wearing your long sleeve FR clothing or not wearing jewelry when working near moving or energized equipment. - Are you wearing the proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) for your work? Depending on your job, you may have been supplied with safety eyewear, footwear, head protection, hearing protection, gloves or respirators. Learn how to use and maintain them correctly. - Are you taking the proper precautions for the hazards associated with your job. Do you deal with chemicals that can burn your skin or eyes? Do you work in a cold or hot environment? Should you wear special footwear to prevent slips and falls? And when you start your shift: - Do you inspect your equipment and report unsafe conditions immediately to your supervisor? Electrically powered tools should be checked carefully for frayed cords. They should also have the third-prong on the plug still intact. Do not use tools, which have been tampered with. - Do you use the right tool for the task? The wrong tool can lead to hand injuries or other accidents. - Do you always keep guards in place? Removing safety equipment can endanger lives. Report missing guards to your supervisor and do not use the equipment until it has been repaired. At your work area: - Do you wipe up small spills immediately? Report larger spills and cone off the area? Keep traffic areas free from debris and obstacles? Working safely means taking responsibility to keep your work area clean and tidy. - Do you put your tools and equipment away at the end of your shift? Ending your day with a good clean up will make your next shift easier to start. - Do you keep an eye on your co-workers safety? By watching out for "the other person" you can help reduce the number of accidents. In an emergency would you know what to do? - Could you locate fire alarms and fire extinguishers quickly? They should be clearly marked and visible to all employees. - Could you use the fire extinguisher correctly? Make sure you familiarize yourself with the type of extinguishers available and how they operate. - Could you find two different emergency escape routes out of the building from your work area? The exits should be easily accessible and not blocked by stored items. - Could you locate your outside meeting place during an emergency? A "head count" should be done to make sure everyone has exited safely. Each department or work area should meet in a previously assigned area. When you start your shift, take a moment to think about your state of mind. A safe attitude is not the only protection that you need, but it is a very important part of your PPE.


Daily Safety Focus

Hazards Never Take A Holiday! December 18 We want you to have a safe and happy holiday season, so we are giving you some reminders about ways to protect yourself and your family as you celebrate. While the holiday season is traditionally a time of family get-togethers and social events, all-to-often it is marred by tragic accidents. Fires are common because of the hazards presented by dry Christmas trees, candles too close to combustible materials, overloaded or defective wiring for decorative lights, fireplaces stuffed with wrapping paper, and malfunctioning heating systems. Traffic accidents can result from slippery winter driving conditions and alcohol consumption. Little children become the victims of choking accidents involving candy or small toys. Falls while putting up outdoor lighting, burns from kitchen accidents and many other kinds of incidents occur over the holidays. Besides the seasonal hazards at home, hazardous situations can develop at work over the holidays. Special schedules may create situations where crews are short-handed or where workers are isolated. Cold weather and icy roads bring new hazards. And alcohol consumption can create deadly situations. Here are some reminders of holiday safety at home: - Choose a fresh Christmas tree, not a dry one. Set it up in a container of water and add more water as required. A dry tree is a fire hazard, so keep your tree fresh and moist. - If you think this combination of water and Christmas tree lights sounds dangerous, you're right! Keep the container of water covered and do not allow electrical lights to come anywhere near it. - Ensure your Christmas tree lights are in good condition and free of electrical defects or any signs of wear or damage. All lights must be working before hanging up the lights. - Safely use a ladder for putting up outdoor lights. Many broken legs and worse injuries have resulted from ladder accidents when tacking up decorations. Use a step stool or stepladder for putting up indoor lights and other ornaments - don't stand on makeshift supports such as chairs. - Family baking and cooking efforts are an enjoyable holiday activity, but be aware of the hazards of slippery floors, cutting tools and simmering pots on the stove. - Do not attempt to burn wrapping paper or cardboard in fireplaces or stoves. It is safer to send these items out with the garbage if they can't be recycled. - Supervise young children throughout the holidays. When the household is in an uproar and there are many new items to investigate, a toddler is likely find something hazardous to play with. Here are some reminders of workplace safety over the holidays: - If schedule changes require you to do different work from your usual job, make sure you are trained and qualified to do so. Keep asking questions until you fully understand how to do the task safely. - Pay extra attention to your company's lock-up and security procedures if holiday schedules find you working with a smaller crew than usual. Report or question any visitors to make sure they belong in the work area. - Winter roads and darkness can make driving more risky than usual. Take it easy - and wear your seatbelt. - Don't let holiday plans distract you from working safely. Keep your mind on your job. Get enough sleep to stay alert throughout your shift. - Take it easy on the alcohol at holiday celebrations. Working with a hangover is unsafe. If you have been drinking heavily the night before, your abilities are still impaired the next day. And drinking alcohol has no place at work, even during the holidays. You've heard it before, but we'll say it again: If you are going to drink, don't drive! Pick a designated driver, or volunteer to abstain so you can transport other people home from the party safely.


Daily Safety Focus

Plan Ahead For Winter Weather December 19 It's easy to be deceived by a sunny winter's day, especially when you are working hard. Make sure you are prepared to work safely in the cold weather. Hypothermia and frostbite can sneak up on you unexpectedly, especially when you are occupied with your job. Hypothermia occurs when the core temperature of your body falls below the normal level. If your body becomes too cold, your vital organs cease to function properly. If unrecognized and untreated in the early stages, hypothermia can eventually result in death. Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, chattering teeth, confusion, slurred speech, lack of coordination and eventually unconsciousness. Frostbite is when your flesh freezes. It can occur even without the symptoms of hypothermia. Your extremities, such as your ears, feet, fingers and cheeks, are prone to frostbite in extremely cold weather. Symptoms of frostbite are quite different from hypothermia. The exposed skin will first appear reddish, and then a grayish-white color. Both hypothermia and frostbite can progress to a medical emergency and therefore require immediate first-aid treatment. The easiest way to prevent hypothermia or frostbite is to dress for the conditions and to be aware of how your body is coping with the cold. Try these suggestions for cold weather work: - Wear several layers of loose-fitting clothing. Then you can adjust by removing or adding a layer or two. Even simple activities such as frequently getting in and out of a vehicle can create a challenge for maintaining a comfortable body temperature. - To stay dry as you work, dress so that the layer next to your skin can "wick" the moisture away. Wet clothing can lose up to 90% of its insulation value and drain your body heat away. - Make sure your hands and head are covered at all times to minimize your heat loss. Wear an approved cold weather liner under your hard hat for added warmth. - In severe weather conditions, particularly cold winds, you may need to cover your face with a scarf or woolen mask. - Extra socks, gloves, and boot liners are easy to stash in a pocket or pack. Then if yours get wet, you can easily change for a quick warm-up. - Besides providing warmth for your hands, gloves must protect you against your specific job hazards - for instance, cuts, punctures, burns, chemicals or electricity. - Your safety footwear should keep your feet warm and dry. Extra boot liners and warm winter socks will help. But if someone in your group shows signs of hypothermia, what can you do? - Move the person inside to a warmer temperature. The cab of a truck with the heater running will help. - Give your co-worker a warm drink if he is conscious. Never give alcohol to a hypothermic person. It will increase the heat loss. - Get to medical assistance immediately. If frostbite occurs, move to a warmer area and re-warm the afflicted part with your body heat. Cold hands can be placed under armpits. Warm hands can help re-warm ears, cheeks or feet. But, never rub a frostbitten area, because you can destroy tissue cells. Get medical assistance as soon as possible for frostbite. Dress for the weather and your outside work will be more comfortable. But, remember, it is sometimes difficult for you recognize the symptoms of frostbite or hypothermia in yourself. Make sure you and your companions keep a close watch on each other for the warning signs.


Daily Safety Focus

Employee Incident Reporting December 20 Why should employees report incidents? Nothing is learned from unreported incidents. Hazards, causes and contributing circumstances are lost if not reported. Employees who don't take the time to report near misses they are involved in may not learn from them. The fact that many incidents come within inches of being disabling injury accidents makes failing to report them all the more serious. When incidents are not reported, their causes usually go uncorrected. That means they may happen again, perhaps producing tomorrow's disabling injury or fatality. This can be illustrated by the case of the employee who slipped on a floor made slippery by a small leak in a hydraulic line. The employee did not suffer an injury. Two days later, the line was still leaking. Another employee slipped on the liquid and fell and broke her leg. The first employee volunteered his experience to the company investigating the accident. Had the worker reported his own experience promptly, the chances are that the defective hydraulic line would have been corrected before the accident happened. Why don't workers report incidents? Could it be: • Fear of the supervisor's disapproval. • Not wanting to lose time from the job. • Not wanting the incident on their work records. • Not wanting to be embarrassed by co-worker ridicule or sarcasm. • Reluctance to spoil the unit's safety record. • Dislike for the red tape involved. • Failure to understand why incident should be reported. • Not recognizing the damage that could result. • Not wanting to be the subject of an incident investigation. What causes the incident/near miss and what we try to accomplish with an investigation of the incident? • What are the circumstances surrounding the near miss? • Is there a safety rule covering the situation? • Did the almost-victim know the rule? • Were any safety devices, clothing or equipment used improperly or not used at

all when they were called for? • Have there been other near-misses of the same type? • Was the employee aware of the hazard? • Did the employee know the safe procedure?

The answers to these questions should be included in the incident report. They will suggest ways to prevent a recurrence. They may suggest some substitutions--a protective device more certain than just luck.


Daily Safety Focus

Defensive Driving December 21 When you're at the controls of any vehicle, it is important to remember that defensive driving is a full-time job. The most dangerous mile you have to drive is the one directly ahead of you. Anyone can drive perfectly for 10 feet or 100 feet or even one mile, but it takes a real professional to drive perfectly for 100,000 miles or more. To be a professional driver there are many things you must observe and practice. A safe driver is not merely someone who has been lucky enough to avoid accidents, but is one who drives defensively and looks out for others. But today's driving standards demand more skill, knowledge and decision-making ability. Drivers who are safety-conscious have developed good habits and practice them daily. Every time they get behind the wheel, their driving record is on the line. They must drive like a professional and be prepared mentally and physically. If you are a driver who has a safe attitude about your driving, you will be able to drive with a sense of security in inclement weather, on difficult roads and through heavy traffic. In addition, to be a good driver you should respect all traffic laws and be courteous to others. Don't be in a big hurry--you're just asking for trouble. When bad weather affects driving conditions, you must adjust your driving time and habits. Driving on wet or slippery roads is not the same as driving on dry surfaces. The number of traffic accidents and cars running off the road during rainy weather could be reduced if drivers would anticipate the slippery road conditions and adjust their driving habits. Stay a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you--one vehicle length for each 10 mph. Start stopping sooner. Apply your brakes the instant you see a hazard developing, but apply them gradually so you don't go into a spin or grind to a stop so quickly that you risk a rear-end collision. Defensive driving is driving to prevent accidents, in spite of the incorrect actions of others or adverse weather conditions. ANTICIPATE driving hazards and know how to protect yourself from them. Be alert while driving by keeping your mind free of distractions and your attention focused on driving; alertness involves watching and recognizing accident-causing factors instantly. The professional driver has foresight, the ability to size up traffic situations as far ahead as possible. The driver must ANTICIPATE traffic problems that are likely to develop and decide whether these developments could be dangerous. Many drivers fail to understand why they were given a "preventable" for an accident when they were not legally at fault. A "preventable accident" is one in which you fail to do everything you reasonably could have done to prevent it. Even though the driver cited with a "preventable accident" did not violate any traffic laws, the professional driver should have seen or anticipated the incorrect actions of the other driver in time to take actions to prevent the accident from happening. However, you may also learn the valuable lessons that near-misses offer and make the necessary adjustments in your driving habits. As a defensive driver you must operate your vehicle in a manner to avoid contributing to an accident or being involved in a preventable accident. Awareness of the vehicle's limitations is essential; pre-trip checklists and inspections can familiarize you with the vehicle and point out things that might need attention.


Daily Safety Focus

Prevent Cold Stress Injuries December 22 Winter weather is just around the corner, but did you know cold stress, or "hypothermia," can occur any time of year? In fact, most cases of cold stress develop in air temperatures between 30 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. People who are exposed to lower temperatures are at risk for injuries ranging from frostbite to serious loss of body heat which could result in brain damage or death. Today’s Safety Topic discusses what you can do to protect yourself from cold stress injuries. Dress warmly, in layers. Preserving an air space between the body and the outer layer of clothing will help retain body heat. Choose fabrics such as cotton or wool which insulate but also allow sweat to evaporate. It is especially important to protect the feet, hands, head, and face. These parts of the body are farthest from the heart and are the hardest to keep warm. Almost half your body heat can be lost through the head, so cover it up as well. Keep dry. Wetness greatly increases the chance of cold stress. Always have extra clothing available if there's a chance you could get wet. Keep your feet dry, they are very susceptible to frostbite. Take a break. You may think it's wise to keep on working in cold temperatures. After all, working makes you break a sweat and you feel warmer. But if you become fatigued during physical activity, your body loses its ability to properly retain heat. This causes rapid cooling which can quickly lead to cold stress. When you take a break, be sure to replace lost fluids and calories by drinking warm, sweet, caffeine-free nonalcoholic drinks and soup. Eat right. A proper diet provides your body with the nutrients it needs to withstand cold stress. A restrictive diet may deprive your body the ability to work well in cold temperatures. Don't work alone. In cold-stress prone environments, a buddy system should be used. Look out for one another and be alert for the symptoms of cold stress. Learn what to look out for. The effects of cold stress may not be apparent to its victim. The first symptoms of hypothermia are uncontrollable shivering and the sensation of cold. The heartbeat slows and may become irregular, and the pulse weakens. As the condition worsens, severe shaking or rigid muscles may be evident. The victim may also have slurred speech, memory lapses, and drowsiness. Cool skin, slow, irregular breathing, and exhaustion occur as the body temperature drops even lower. This is a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention. Frostbite can occur without accompanying hypothermia. Frostbite occurs when the fluids around the body's tissues freeze. The most vulnerable parts of the body are the nose, cheeks, ears, fingers, and toes. Symptoms of frostbite include coldness and tingling in the affected part, followed by numbness; changes in skin color to white or grayish-yellow, initial pain, which subsides as the condition, worsens, and possibly blisters. Frostbite can cause irreversible tissue damage and requires immediate medical attention If you work in lower-temperature environments, always be alert for the possibility of cold stress. Follow these guidelines to help protect yourself from injury. Remember that it doesn't have to be freezing for cold stress to occur. Take steps to protect yourself.


Daily Safety Focus

Driving Safely in Winter Weather December 23 The leading cause of death during winter storms is transportation accidents. Many accidents could be avoided if drivers took time to learn and practice these tips for driving safely during snowy and icy conditions. Perhaps the deadliest danger of all is "black ice." Black ice is ice that forms on a roadway, usually due to snow melting and re-freezing. Since it is almost invisible, drivers fail to recognize black ice conditions and may drive at normal speeds-often resulting in very serious accidents. Always be alert to the possibility of black ice when temperatures are near or below freezing. Pavement that looks dry but appears darker in color and dull-looking should alert you to the presence of black ice. Failing to allow yourself enough time to stop is another major cause of winter driving accidents. During slippery conditions stopping distances can triple. Driving at a slower speed, anticipating stops at traffic lights and intersections, and applying brakes sooner than normal will help ensure accident-free stops. When braking, brake carefully with short, rapid application of the brakes. Always allow plenty of extra space between you and other vehicles to minimize the need for quick stops. Acceleration, turning, and passing also present dangers during winter. Accelerate slowly to avoid loss of traction and subsequent loss of control. Turn slowly, with caution, to avoid sliding into a stationary object or the path of an oncoming vehicle. Avoid sudden movements. Pass with care because passing lanes are not maintained as well as driving lanes. Again, leave extra space between yourself and other vehicles so there's room to maneuver in case something goes wrong. During a skid, steer cautiously in the direction you want the car to go. Here are some other tips you should remember for driving safely in winter:

• Always use your seatbelt. • Turn on your headlights during adverse weather conditions. Overcast

skies and falling snow limit visibility. It is important to see and be seen. • Like all the signs say, bridges and overpasses freeze before the roadway.

Use extra caution on these. • Remember that driving in winter weather conditions causes physical and

mental fatigue and reduces reaction times. Get plenty of rest and adequate nutrition. Don't drive while you're sleepy or on medication that causes drowsiness.

• Prepare your vehicle well ahead of time. Check fluid levels, tire pressure, lights, and the battery. Have a mechanic give your vehicle a winter check-up and make any necessary repairs.

• Stock an emergency kit containing heavy clothes and a blanket, traction material such as sand or kitty litter, tire chains, a small shovel, first aid kit, flashlight, jumper cables, and a bright cloth to use as a flag.


Daily Safety Focus

Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls December 24 Did you know that slips, trips, and falls are second only to automobile accidents in causing personal injury? On stairways alone, falls result in almost two million disabling injuries yearly. There are thousands more minor injuries caused by slips, trips, and falls each year. Most alarming of all is the fact that industrial falls cause over 1000 deaths each year. Today’s Safety Topic discusses what can be done to prevent slips, trips and falls. Most of the suggestions in this article can be used on the job and at home. Slips occur when there is too little friction between a person's feet and the walking surface. Many factors can cause a slip. Ice, oil, water, cleaning fluids, and other slippery substances are probably the most obvious causes. However, the flooring may be inappropriate-perhaps it is a slick material-or the person who slips may not be wearing proper shoes. To prevent slips, avoid walking in areas which pose slipping hazards if at all possible. Always promptly clean up spills of slippery substances. Better yet, prevent the spills in the first place. If an area is a chronic problem, re-route foot traffic in order to avoid it. If flooring is a problem, replace it or coat it with a non-slip surfacing material. Always follow your company's safe shoe policy. Most safe shoe policies require a slip-resistant sole. Trips occur when a person's foot contacts an object and they are thrown off balance. The main cause of tripping is obvious--anytime something is in a walkway it could cause someone to trip. Another culprit is an object which projects into the walkway--perhaps material stored low on a shelf. Poor lighting and uneven walking surfaces also cause tripping. Prevention of trips is simple but does require diligence. Keep objects that could cause someone to trip out of the way. Repair uneven flooring and install proper lighting if required. Falls can be caused by a number of things. Slips and trips frequently result in a fall. Falls also occur for other reasons. Improper use of ladders and scaffolding can result in a fall-usually a very serious one. Falls also happen when people climb objects without using fall protection equipment. Don't risk serious injury by taking shortcuts. If you are working on a ladder, scaffold, or other elevated platform, make sure you know the requirements for using them safely. Always use fall protection equipment when it is required. Slips, trips, and falls cause numerous injuries every day. But they are among the easiest hazards to correct. Take the time to look around your worksite for these hazards and work to prevent them. Take care not to cause any slip, trip, or fall hazards as you goes about your daily activities. Don't let a slip, trip, or fall keep you from enjoying all that life has to offer.


Daily Safety Focus

ACCIDENT PREVENTION: December 25 Why is it so important to prevent accidents? Do you view accident prevention as simply a way to avoid getting hurt? Do you work safely just because you want to? Perhaps you view accident prevention as a way of keeping the company happy or your supervisor off your back. Maybe you just do it because you have been told to. Of course there are many reasons that any company wants it's employees to work safely. But every one must have a more important reason to work safely than just because the company says to. They must have a personal reason. Your reason may be your family. What would they do if you were to get hurt. How about your hobbies? Would you still be able to enjoy them with a serious disability? What you do for a living is nothing more than a means towards a goal that you have set for yourself. That goal may be the education of your children. You may plan to buy a home or a car. Maybe you want to get married after you have saved up enough money. Maybe your goal for now is just to make it to Friday night and going out on the town. Whatever your goals may be, they all generally tie back in some way to what you do for a living. And what you do for a living could be seriously derailed by an accident. All your goals can go up in smoke if you are injured and disabled. Our safety program is designed to help you reach your goals. It is not there just to make your work harder, or slower, or to meet some governmental guidelines. Safety and accident prevention programs are designed to PROTECT YOU so that you may reach your personal goals. When an unsafe act is pointed out to you, it is done so to help you by eliminating obstacles or job hindrances and to insure that you get home all in one piece. Every time you approach a project, every time you pick up a tool, every time you start a piece of equipment or machinery, think SAFETY. Look for what can go wrong and eliminate that possibility BEFORE your goals come to an abrupt end.


Daily Safety Focus

ATTITUDE AND BEHAVIOR December 26 Humans instinctively seek to avoid pain and death. And yet, we may behave in a manner that is a threat to our well being. There are a couple of reasons why this occurs. The first is lack of knowledge. What you do not know, can hurt you! The second reason we may act in a risky manner is attitude. Now might be a good time to do a quick self-analysis. What is your attitude toward safety? When asked, some may say they are all for it. Others may complain about any safety effort being made. The difference between the two is one of attitude. Your attitude affects almost all that you do and how you do it. Have you ever noticed that people who are successful in life, or are just happy, tend to have a positive attitude? And so it is with safety. Look at it this way . . . safety rules and procedures are written to protect you from harm. They are not written to make your work life more uncomfortable or inconvenient. After all, safety equipment and training costs us additional up front money. If you cooperate in safety matters, not only is there a lesser likelihood of you getting hurt, you will not be doing battle with the boss who is just trying to do his job by enforcing the safety rules. In addition, you should feel more confident on the job knowing you have a better chance of making it thorough the day without injury. Less fear of injury and the boss no longer on your back has to brighten your day! We are not perfect. Even the best of us can forget or make errors in judgment. To maximize our safety efforts, we must look out for one another. If someone tells you that you are not working in a safe manner, don’t become angry or defensive. They are just looking out for your well being. If you did not know you were doing something wrong, be thankful your errors were noted before you or someone else got hurt. If you simply forgot or got a little careless, be grateful that someone cares enough to get you back on track. If you see someone doing something unsafe, speak up, but do so diplomatically. Treat others just as you would like to be treated in the same situation. Remember, attitude affects behavior. If you have a positive attitude, odds are you will exhibit safe behavior. A negative attitude toward safety will only cause conflict, stress and, ultimately, an accident.


Daily Safety Focus

SEVEN COMMON ACCIDENT CAUSES December 27 Consider this statistic: 80 out of every 100 accidents are the fault of the person involved in the incident. Unsafe Acts cause four times as many accidents & injuries as unsafe conditions. Accidents occur for many reasons. In most investigations people tend to look for "things" to blame when an accident happens, because it's easier than looking for "root causes," such as those listed below. Consider the underlying accident causes described. Have you been guilty of any of these attitudes or behaviors? If so, you may have not been injured-but next time you may not be so lucky.

• Taking Shortcuts: Every day we make decisions we hope will make the job faster and more efficient. But do time savers ever risk your own safety, or that of other crewmembers? Short cuts that reduce your safety on the job are not shortcuts, but an increased chance for injury.

• Being Over Confident: Confidence is a good thing. Overconfidence is too much of a good thing. "It'll never happen to me" is an attitude that can lead to improper procedures, tools, or methods in your work. Any of these can lead to an injury.

• Starting a Task with Incomplete Instructions: To do the job safely and right the first time you need complete information. Have you ever seen a worker sent to do a job, having been given only a part of the job's instructions? Don't be shy about asking for explanations about work procedures and safety precautions. It isn't dumb to ask questions; it's dumb not to.

• Poor Housekeeping: When clients, managers or safety professionals walk through your work site, housekeeping is an accurate indicator of everyone's attitude about quality, production and safety. Poor housekeeping creates hazards of all types. A well maintained area sets a standard for others to follow. Good housekeeping involves both pride and safety.

• Ignoring Safety Procedures: Purposely failing to observe safety procedures can endanger you and your co-workers. You are being paid to follow the company safety policies-not to make your own rules. Being "casual" about safety can lead to a casualty!

• Mental Distractions from Work: Having a bad day at home and worrying about it at work is a hazardous combination. Dropping your 'mental' guard can pull your focus away from safe work procedures. You can also be distracted when you're busy working and a friend comes by to talk while you are trying to work. Don't become a statistic because you took your eyes off a machine "just for a minute."

• Failure to Pre-Plan the Work: There is a lot of talk today about Job Hazard Analysis. JSA's are an effective way to figure out the smartest ways to work safely and effectively. Being hasty in starting a task or not thinking through the process can put you in harms way. Instead, Plan Your Work and then Work Your Plan!

• "It is better to be careful 100 times than to get killed once." (Mark Twain)


Daily Safety Focus

THE ONE THAT ALMOST HAPPENED December 28 What is a "near miss?" Webster defines it as: "A result that is nearly, but not quite, successful." What does this mean to our industry? It simply means that a serious accident almost occurred. Someone trips over a pallet, but doesn't fall. Two forklifts almost collide at a corner. A tool is dropped, but toes are missed…this time. Statistics tell us that for every 300 near misses there is one serious injury. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 6.1 million injuries occurred during 1995. If we multiply each injury by 300, the result is 1.8 billion near misses for 1995 alone. So what does this tell us about accidents? Look at the figures. If you reduce the number of near misses, probability tells us you will then reduce the number of injuries that happen. The Same Things That Cause Accidents Cause Near Misses:

• Unsafe acts, such as improper lifting; walking under an overhead load; cutting, grinding, or chipping without safety glasses; not using proper Personal Protective Equipment, etc.

• Unsafe conditions, such as poorly maintained equipment, oil or grease on floors, trash and boxes that have been left in hallways, etc.

• Hurrying and taking risks to get a project done faster or to wrap up a job at quitting time.

Report Near Misses Before They Become Accidents:

• Once a near miss occurs, report it immediately to the nearest foreman or supervisor. The potential for such incidents exists all over the workplace, so all employees-not just supervisors-- must help identify them.

• If the near miss is a result of an unsafe condition, don't continue to work under that condition until the problem has been corrected and your supervisor gives the okay to proceed.

• If the incident is a result of unsafe acts, be certain that everyone involved has been alerted to their actions before they continue with the job.

Near Misses Are A Warning: Letting a near miss go unreported provides an opportunity for a serious accident to occur. Correcting these actions or conditions will enhance the safety within your facility and provide a better working environment for everyone involved. Don't let yourself or co-workers become statistics--report near misses to your supervisor.

Prevent An Accident That's About To Happen!


Daily Safety Focus

IT'S YOUR DECISION December 29 Most of us like to get our work done with the least amount of effort, and as quickly as possible. We all want to get the most work out of the energy we use on the job. This is good because it often results in discovering newer and more efficient ways of getting our job done. This energy-saving attitude can also be bad if we make a wrong decision and take dangerous shortcuts. All of us at sometime or another expose ourselves to possible injury by taking a shortcut when, with a little extra effort, we could have done it the safe way. When we were kids, we took shortcuts by jumping the fence instead of using the gate. Now that we are adults we do it by crossing the street between the intersections. Why? Because we want to get there as quickly as possible, and use the least amount of energy we can while doing it. There is no doubt about it; the safe way is not always the shortest or quickest way. The safe way usually takes some extra effort while the unsafe way often appears to be more efficient at the time. When we are faced with these situations, each one of us will make a conscious decision about what actions we will take next. Sometimes we talk ourselves into taking an unsafe shortcut by flawed reasoning. We convince ourselves that it is worth taking the risk because we're in a hurry and can probably get away with it this time without being injured. After all, we have done it before and were not injured then. Take the electrician I saw the other day who was working on a ladder. He was almost finished with the job except for a little work that he could do only by reaching a little farther than he knew was safe. He knows he will be taking a chance, so he has to make a decision whether to get down and move the ladder or to take a shortcut. Suppose he takes the shortcut. He may get away without having an accident, or he may fall and suffer an injury that will change his whole life - or even end it. Whatever the result, his decision to take a chance is not a good one. Whether he wins or loses this time; risking his neck to save a few minutes' time is rolling the dice - a gamble that he will, eventually, lose. When you get right down to it though, I don't really think most of us take shortcuts to save time as much as we do it because the safe way is just too much trouble. Like using the wrong tool because it's too much trouble to get the right one. Like climbing the rebar because it's too much trouble to get a ladder. Or maybe like lifting more than you know is safe because it's too much trouble to get someone to help you. Maybe it's like the guy I saw the other day swinging around like a monkey on the side of some forms. Holding on with one hand while trying to strip forms with the other, all because it's too much trouble to go get a safety belt and tie off like he knows he should. Or how about another guy that was chipping concrete without safety goggles because it was too much trouble to go hunt up a pair. Remember that you always have a choice, but only you can decide to do it the safe way. The safe way is usually not the shortest or quickest way, but it's your decision.


Daily Safety Focus

A SINGLE SECOND December 30 It takes a minute to write a safety rule. It takes an hour to hold a safety meeting. It takes a week to plan a good safety program. It takes a month to put that program into operation. It takes a year to win a safety award. It takes a lifetime to make a safe worker. But it takes only a second to destroy it all - with one accident.

Take the time now to work safe and help your fellow employees to be safe.


Daily Safety Focus

AFTERTHOUGHTS AND REGRETS…. December 31 How often have you said or done something and then later, reflecting on your action, thought to yourself, "How could I have done that?" Here are some afterthoughts which, unfortunately, too many of us have experienced: "That's how we've always done it before." (Before the accident occurred anyway.) "I never thought that a little bolt dropped from that distance would cause so much bleeding." (I should have worn a hard hat, I guess.) "If I had taken that first-aid/CPR course, I probably could have helped him." (…and chances are, he would still be here.) "I should have taken care of that board with the projecting rusty nails earlier." (Now, I have to take off work to get a tetanus shot.) " I know they were always preaching that we should lift with the leg muscles instead of the back muscles." (What the heck is a herniated disk?) "For few more dollars, I could have bought safety shoes." (That deep cut in the toe section ruined my new work boots, and this broken toe still hurts.) "My safety glasses were in the tool box, but I was just going to grind off this one little piece…." ( I wonder if they'll still let me drive with only one eye?) "We were only going to use the scaffold for one day. I never thought a hammer would fall off the plank and strike someone." (I had a hunch I should have taken the time to install the toe boards.) "They always insisted that the tool rest should be no more than one-eighth inch from the grinding wheel. What difference does another quarter inch make?" (I was lucky not to go blind when the chisel got wedged and the wheel exploded into a thousand pieces.) Any of this sound familiar?? They say hindsight is the only perfect science-but foresight could have avoided these incidents, misfortunes and regrets. Learn from others' mistakes and you'll have no regrets!


Daily Safety Focus


december 2011 daily safety focus · hard hats, gloves, safety shoes or other protective clothing...

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