As you may know, Steve Colbert has a new book titled 'I am America and so can you' which got me thinking...hey we need to work on some different safety slogans to get people thinking. Please email me you ideas and I will share them with the world. Here are a few to get you thinking...
-I R Safe and So Can U
-I M 4 Safe T...R U?
-R U 4 Safety...Y knot?
-Y B injured? B Wise and B Safe
-Safety ain't 4 sissies anymore!
-SAFETY defined - Work without the PAIN of injury
-Respiratory Protection for when you Can't breathe the air!
-Safety Office Closed! No more injuries allowed!
-Stupid is Safety without all that PPE junk!
-Working Safely is cheaper than disability insurance!
-Your mom called and told me to make sure you're working safely!
-Don't be a man without a face...wear your face shield.
-Don't be an Egg Head like Humpty-Dumpty Wear Fall Protection!
-Wear Safety glasses or it could be the blind leading the blind.
-No time for Safety...O.K. we'll meet you at the E.R.
-Safety is for people who can't handle the pain!
-Double your pleasure double your fun make safety number one. (thanks Dave)
-Real men wear their PPE out of respect for their family.
Keep on keeping on we are making a difference. The world is a better place because of safety professionals and others who STAND UP and SPEAK OUT for SAFETY!!
Friday, March 28, 2008
Tidbits 3-24-08
Save your sight with Safety glasses
Annually, more than 800,000 American workers suffer an eye injury on the job and close to 36,000 employees require time off due to eye injuries, the U.S. Department of Labor estimates, costing employers more than $300 million. The good news is, nearly all workplace eye injuries can be prevented by wearing proper eye protection (an estimated 90 percent).
The ‘doing’ part is critical
“The two most important requirements for major success are: first, being in the right place at the right time, and second, doing something about it.” -Ray Kroc
Asbestos exposure limits reduced
A newly published final rule on asbestos from MSHA lowers the exposure limits to the same levels as OSHA's exposure limits. The rule, published in the Feb. 29 Federal Register, lowers MSHA's permissible exposure limit for asbestos to 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter – down 95 percent from the previous 2 f/cc. Additionally, the rule retains MSHA's existing definition of asbestos and its method for analyzing asbestos samples. It applies to all metal & nonmetal mines, surface coal mines, and surface areas of underground coal mines.
News from the NHTSA
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the fatality rate for rural crashes is more than twice the fatality rate for urban crashes. In 2006, NHTSA statistics show 23,339 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes on rural roadways, accounting for 55 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities. Rural motor vehicle crashes often involve drivers who are speeding, impaired, and/or not wearing seat belts.
Have Faith
“The greater the artist, the greater the doubt. Perfect confidence is granted to the less talented as a consolation prize.” -Robert Hughes
Keeping Employees Healthy – a Win/win situation
Companies that offer an employee wellness program save an average $71.41 per person over a nine-month period due to reduced doctor and emergency room visits, according to a white paper released this week by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine in Farmington Hills, MI. "The Health and Economic Implications of Worksite Wellness Programs" analyzed a number of studies on workplace wellness programs and concluded they provide a return on investment.
Findings in the report include:
The average company is projected to pay $9,312 per employee in health care costs. Health care constituted 44 percent of benefit costs in 2006.
Many health care costs are driven by employees' lifestyle choices: An estimated 87.5 percent of health care claims are lifestyle-related.
Currently about 62 percent of companies offer a wellness program.
Wellness programs provided a return on investment of $3.48:1 through reduced medical costs and $5.82:1 through decreased rates of absenteeism.
Quote of the Week
“Punishing honest mistakes stifles creativity. I want people moving and shaking the earth and they're going to make mistakes.” -Ross Perot
Annually, more than 800,000 American workers suffer an eye injury on the job and close to 36,000 employees require time off due to eye injuries, the U.S. Department of Labor estimates, costing employers more than $300 million. The good news is, nearly all workplace eye injuries can be prevented by wearing proper eye protection (an estimated 90 percent).
The ‘doing’ part is critical
“The two most important requirements for major success are: first, being in the right place at the right time, and second, doing something about it.” -Ray Kroc
Asbestos exposure limits reduced
A newly published final rule on asbestos from MSHA lowers the exposure limits to the same levels as OSHA's exposure limits. The rule, published in the Feb. 29 Federal Register, lowers MSHA's permissible exposure limit for asbestos to 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter – down 95 percent from the previous 2 f/cc. Additionally, the rule retains MSHA's existing definition of asbestos and its method for analyzing asbestos samples. It applies to all metal & nonmetal mines, surface coal mines, and surface areas of underground coal mines.
News from the NHTSA
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the fatality rate for rural crashes is more than twice the fatality rate for urban crashes. In 2006, NHTSA statistics show 23,339 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes on rural roadways, accounting for 55 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities. Rural motor vehicle crashes often involve drivers who are speeding, impaired, and/or not wearing seat belts.
Have Faith
“The greater the artist, the greater the doubt. Perfect confidence is granted to the less talented as a consolation prize.” -Robert Hughes
Keeping Employees Healthy – a Win/win situation
Companies that offer an employee wellness program save an average $71.41 per person over a nine-month period due to reduced doctor and emergency room visits, according to a white paper released this week by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine in Farmington Hills, MI. "The Health and Economic Implications of Worksite Wellness Programs" analyzed a number of studies on workplace wellness programs and concluded they provide a return on investment.
Findings in the report include:
The average company is projected to pay $9,312 per employee in health care costs. Health care constituted 44 percent of benefit costs in 2006.
Many health care costs are driven by employees' lifestyle choices: An estimated 87.5 percent of health care claims are lifestyle-related.
Currently about 62 percent of companies offer a wellness program.
Wellness programs provided a return on investment of $3.48:1 through reduced medical costs and $5.82:1 through decreased rates of absenteeism.
Quote of the Week
“Punishing honest mistakes stifles creativity. I want people moving and shaking the earth and they're going to make mistakes.” -Ross Perot
Tips from GDCC
Helpful tips from Git'r Done Community College
(USE AT YOUR OWN RISK)
1. IF YOU'RE CHOKING ON AN ICE CUBE, SIMPLY POUR A CUP OF BOILING WATER DOWN YOUR THROAT. PRESTO! THE BLOCKAGE WILL INSTANTLY REMOVE ITSELF.
2. AVOID CUTTING YOURSELF WHEN SLICING VEGETABLES BY GETTING SOMEONE ELSE TO HOLD THE VEGETABLES WHILE YOU CHOP.
3. AVOID ARGUMENTS WITH THE FEMALES ABOUT LIFTING THE TOILET SEAT BY USING THE SINK.
4. FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE SUFFERERS ~ SIMPLY CUT YOURSELF AND BLEED FOR A FEW MINUTES, THUS REDUCING THE PRESSURE ON YOUR VEINS. REMEMBER TO USE A TIMER.
5. A MOUSE TRAP PLACED ON TOP OF YOUR ALARM CLOCK WILL PREVENT YOU FROM ROLLING OVER AND GOING BACK TO SLEEP AFTER YOU HIT THE SNOOZE BUTTON.
6. IF YOU HAVE A BAD COUGH, TAKE A LARGE DOSE OF LAXATIVES. THEN YOU'LL BE ARAID TO COUGH.
7. YOU ONLY NEED TWO TOOLS IN LIFE - WD-40 AND DUCT TAPE. IF IT DOESN'T MOVE AND SHOULD, USE THE WD-40. IF IT SHOULDN'T MOVE AND DOES, USE THE DUCT TAPE.
8. REMEMBER - EVERYONE SEEMS NORMAL UNTIL YOU GET TO KNOW THEM.
9. IF YOU CAN'T FIX IT WITH A HAMMER, YOU'VE GOT AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM.
10. ALWAYS KEEP A LITTER BAG IN YOUR TRUCK. IT DOESN'T TAKE UP MUCH ROOM AND WHEN IT GETS FULL YOU CAN TOSS IT OUT THE WINDOW.
(USE AT YOUR OWN RISK)
1. IF YOU'RE CHOKING ON AN ICE CUBE, SIMPLY POUR A CUP OF BOILING WATER DOWN YOUR THROAT. PRESTO! THE BLOCKAGE WILL INSTANTLY REMOVE ITSELF.
2. AVOID CUTTING YOURSELF WHEN SLICING VEGETABLES BY GETTING SOMEONE ELSE TO HOLD THE VEGETABLES WHILE YOU CHOP.
3. AVOID ARGUMENTS WITH THE FEMALES ABOUT LIFTING THE TOILET SEAT BY USING THE SINK.
4. FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE SUFFERERS ~ SIMPLY CUT YOURSELF AND BLEED FOR A FEW MINUTES, THUS REDUCING THE PRESSURE ON YOUR VEINS. REMEMBER TO USE A TIMER.
5. A MOUSE TRAP PLACED ON TOP OF YOUR ALARM CLOCK WILL PREVENT YOU FROM ROLLING OVER AND GOING BACK TO SLEEP AFTER YOU HIT THE SNOOZE BUTTON.
6. IF YOU HAVE A BAD COUGH, TAKE A LARGE DOSE OF LAXATIVES. THEN YOU'LL BE ARAID TO COUGH.
7. YOU ONLY NEED TWO TOOLS IN LIFE - WD-40 AND DUCT TAPE. IF IT DOESN'T MOVE AND SHOULD, USE THE WD-40. IF IT SHOULDN'T MOVE AND DOES, USE THE DUCT TAPE.
8. REMEMBER - EVERYONE SEEMS NORMAL UNTIL YOU GET TO KNOW THEM.
9. IF YOU CAN'T FIX IT WITH A HAMMER, YOU'VE GOT AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM.
10. ALWAYS KEEP A LITTER BAG IN YOUR TRUCK. IT DOESN'T TAKE UP MUCH ROOM AND WHEN IT GETS FULL YOU CAN TOSS IT OUT THE WINDOW.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
It’s a Wonderful Life
If you have seen the Jimmy Stewart classic (who hasn’t) you’ve probably asked yourself the following questions. ‘Who has benefited by my life on this earth?’ ‘How many lives have I touched?’ and ‘How would the lives of my friends and loved ones differ if I never existed?’ A small percentage of us may have some heroic moments to share, but most of us have had seemingly ‘normal lives’. However, we have all impacted people in ways we may never know. Smiling at an elderly woman in the grocery store or talking to the elderly gentleman in the doctor’s office; giving $5 to the bum on the street or asking someone how they are doing and actually listening; taking a child fishing, to a museum or park; or just sitting and consoling an old friend.
We all have the ability to make a positive difference in the lives of those around us and we are given ample opportunities to do so. Some of you have come to me or another supervisor, to report unsafe conditions that you’ve found (Thanks! – I appreciate your concern and you may have prevented an injury). Others have stopped a co-worker and told them to put on their PPE or tie off a ladder (It shows you care about your fellow man and that is truly priceless). Still others have gone to a supervisor or manager and said ‘this piece of equipment is unsafe to operate’ or ‘we need to address the following issue’ (and we know it is not an easy task…but it makes more difference than you will ever know). The real heroes (the everyday heroes) are those of you who continually Step up and Speak out for Safety and I tip my hat to each of you. Never quit! Never sit quiet when you can speak up and make a difference. Never quit caring about your health and safety and that of your co-workers. When we stop caring, we stop speaking up and people (friends, family members, co-workers) get hurt.
You have a chance to make a positive impact, everyday! Stand up and Speak out for Safety. If you don’t step up who will. We may never know who benefited from us doing the right thing. However, we generally know those affected when we fail to do the right thing. You have a personal choice to make everyday! Do what you must but remember we all have to live with the consequences.
It is a Wonderful Life…let’s keep it that way! Please continue to Stand up and Speak out for Safety!!
We all have the ability to make a positive difference in the lives of those around us and we are given ample opportunities to do so. Some of you have come to me or another supervisor, to report unsafe conditions that you’ve found (Thanks! – I appreciate your concern and you may have prevented an injury). Others have stopped a co-worker and told them to put on their PPE or tie off a ladder (It shows you care about your fellow man and that is truly priceless). Still others have gone to a supervisor or manager and said ‘this piece of equipment is unsafe to operate’ or ‘we need to address the following issue’ (and we know it is not an easy task…but it makes more difference than you will ever know). The real heroes (the everyday heroes) are those of you who continually Step up and Speak out for Safety and I tip my hat to each of you. Never quit! Never sit quiet when you can speak up and make a difference. Never quit caring about your health and safety and that of your co-workers. When we stop caring, we stop speaking up and people (friends, family members, co-workers) get hurt.
You have a chance to make a positive impact, everyday! Stand up and Speak out for Safety. If you don’t step up who will. We may never know who benefited from us doing the right thing. However, we generally know those affected when we fail to do the right thing. You have a personal choice to make everyday! Do what you must but remember we all have to live with the consequences.
It is a Wonderful Life…let’s keep it that way! Please continue to Stand up and Speak out for Safety!!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Tidbits 3-17-08
-Wear head protection! A bolt that would easily penetrate a person's skull and destroy enough gray matter to ruin a personality will often only cause no more than a small mark on a properly worn hard hat.
-Lift properly! 8 out of 10 Americans will suffer a back injury at some point in their lives. To avoid an injury follow safe lifting procedures and use those leg muscles.
-Wear a face shield! Every time you pick up a grinder you should have a face shield on (in addition to your safety glasses).
Do what you can
“Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.” -Edmund Burke
Seeing Green
St. Patrick's Day marks the Roman Catholic feast day for Ireland's patron saint. St. Patrick was not born in Ireland, but in Britain.
• Irish brigands kidnapped St. Patrick at 16 and brought him to Ireland. He was sold as a slave in the county of Antrim and served in bondage for six years until he escaped to Gaul, in present-day France. He later returned to his parents' home in Britain, where he had a vision that he would preach to the Irish. After 14 years of study, Patrick returned to Ireland, where he built churches and spread the Christian faith for some 30 years.
• Many myths surround St. Patrick. One of the best known—and most inaccurate—is that Patrick drove all the snakes from Ireland into the Irish Sea, where the serpents drowned. (Some still say that is why the sea is so rough.) But snakes have never been native to the Emerald Isle. The serpents were likely a metaphor for druidic religions, which steadily disappeared from Ireland in the centuries after St. Patrick planted the seeds of Christianity on the island.
• In the United States, it's customary to wear green on St. Patrick's Day. But in Ireland the color was long considered to be unlucky. Irish folklore holds that green is the favorite color of the Good People (the proper name for faeries). They are likely to steal people, especially children, who wear too much of the color.
• Colonial New York City hosted the first official St. Patrick's Day parade in 1762. Today New York's St. Patrick's Day parade is the longest running civilian parade in the world. This year nearly three million spectators are expected to watch the spectacle and some 150,000 participants plan to march.
Share the light
If you have knowledge, let others light their candles in it. -Margaret Fuller
Fruit and Vegetable Intake Reduces Cardiovascular Risks
Researchers from the National Center for Health Statistics examined the relationship between fruit and vegetable intake in 11,000 individuals aged 24-74 who had never had a heart attack or stroke. Participants reported their food intake and were studied for an average of 19 yrs. Experts wanted to know if fruit and vegetable consumption reduced the risk of dying from heart attack or stroke. The results: people who ate fruits and vegetables three or more times daily had a 26 % lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease than individuals who ate fruits and vegetables less than once a day.
Quote of the Week
Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.” -Dale Carnegie
-Lift properly! 8 out of 10 Americans will suffer a back injury at some point in their lives. To avoid an injury follow safe lifting procedures and use those leg muscles.
-Wear a face shield! Every time you pick up a grinder you should have a face shield on (in addition to your safety glasses).
Do what you can
“Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.” -Edmund Burke
Seeing Green
St. Patrick's Day marks the Roman Catholic feast day for Ireland's patron saint. St. Patrick was not born in Ireland, but in Britain.
• Irish brigands kidnapped St. Patrick at 16 and brought him to Ireland. He was sold as a slave in the county of Antrim and served in bondage for six years until he escaped to Gaul, in present-day France. He later returned to his parents' home in Britain, where he had a vision that he would preach to the Irish. After 14 years of study, Patrick returned to Ireland, where he built churches and spread the Christian faith for some 30 years.
• Many myths surround St. Patrick. One of the best known—and most inaccurate—is that Patrick drove all the snakes from Ireland into the Irish Sea, where the serpents drowned. (Some still say that is why the sea is so rough.) But snakes have never been native to the Emerald Isle. The serpents were likely a metaphor for druidic religions, which steadily disappeared from Ireland in the centuries after St. Patrick planted the seeds of Christianity on the island.
• In the United States, it's customary to wear green on St. Patrick's Day. But in Ireland the color was long considered to be unlucky. Irish folklore holds that green is the favorite color of the Good People (the proper name for faeries). They are likely to steal people, especially children, who wear too much of the color.
• Colonial New York City hosted the first official St. Patrick's Day parade in 1762. Today New York's St. Patrick's Day parade is the longest running civilian parade in the world. This year nearly three million spectators are expected to watch the spectacle and some 150,000 participants plan to march.
Share the light
If you have knowledge, let others light their candles in it. -Margaret Fuller
Fruit and Vegetable Intake Reduces Cardiovascular Risks
Researchers from the National Center for Health Statistics examined the relationship between fruit and vegetable intake in 11,000 individuals aged 24-74 who had never had a heart attack or stroke. Participants reported their food intake and were studied for an average of 19 yrs. Experts wanted to know if fruit and vegetable consumption reduced the risk of dying from heart attack or stroke. The results: people who ate fruits and vegetables three or more times daily had a 26 % lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease than individuals who ate fruits and vegetables less than once a day.
Quote of the Week
Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.” -Dale Carnegie
Week 12 – Myths & Misconceptions
Fall Protection Myths
1.) You can tie a lanyard around a handrail or an I-beam and clip it back to itself. – The safety hasps on an average lanyard are not rated for this application. In fact by doing this you reduce the capacity of the lanyard to the safety hasp’s 350 lb rating. That means it won’t hold you if you fall. There are lanyards rated specifically for this (the ones I’ve seen have a square head), but don’t make any assumptions.
2.) The chest strap is not really that important. – Many contractors do not understand the importance of the chest strap and fail to buckle it (which is a huge mistake, others don’t even realize it is a chest strap). The correct position of the chest strap is the nipple line (if it is too high – it can break your neck in a fall; too low and it could cause damage to internal organs; and if it is not clipped you can slip out of the harness).
3.) Multiple lanyards are O.K. – Some workers tie two or three lanyards together and think this practice is allowed. IT IS NOT! You may use two single lanyards or a double lanyard to ensure 100% tie off (where you secure the second lanyard before removing the first) but you should never tie lanyards together. Self-retracting lanyards are available for this purpose.
4.) Fall protection is only needed when the fall hazard is greater than 6 feet. – MSHA does not have a six foot rule. 15005 states ‘safety belts (harnesses) and lifelines shall be worn when persons work where there is a danger of falling.’
Some Misconceptions
1.) MSHA doesn’t address confined space entry. – MSHA does address confined space entry (indirectly) in at least a half-dozen different standards (e.g., .5005; .15005, 16002, .18002; .18013; etc.). MSHA also published an article titled "Working Confined Spaces" as an Occupational Illness and Injury Prevention Program Health Topic. The recommendations closely follow OSHA regulations.
2.) Smooth shafts don’t need to be guarded. – .14107 specifically states ‘moving machine parts shall be guarded to protect persons from contacting gears; sprockets; chains; drive, head and tail pulleys; flywheels; couplings; shafts; fan blades and similar moving parts that can cause injury.
3.) A dust mask works for respiratory protection. – MSHA and OSHA agree a dust mask doesn’t cut it! You need at least four points of contact so industrial dust masks (aka disposable respirators) must have two straps. Employees wearing these disposable respirators must use both straps to get the required protection otherwise they are misusing PPE and that could result in a citation.
4.) You only need to set the park brake if you are parked on a grade. – .14207 requires operators to set the park brake before leaving the cab (a good rule for OSHA-regulated folks, too!). If parked on a grade, the operator must chock the wheels or turn them into the bank.
5.) I don’t need cutting goggles or a tinted face shield with a cutting torch. – .15007 says otherwise. And don’t forget to have a fire extinguisher handy, too! That is another requirement.
1.) You can tie a lanyard around a handrail or an I-beam and clip it back to itself. – The safety hasps on an average lanyard are not rated for this application. In fact by doing this you reduce the capacity of the lanyard to the safety hasp’s 350 lb rating. That means it won’t hold you if you fall. There are lanyards rated specifically for this (the ones I’ve seen have a square head), but don’t make any assumptions.
2.) The chest strap is not really that important. – Many contractors do not understand the importance of the chest strap and fail to buckle it (which is a huge mistake, others don’t even realize it is a chest strap). The correct position of the chest strap is the nipple line (if it is too high – it can break your neck in a fall; too low and it could cause damage to internal organs; and if it is not clipped you can slip out of the harness).
3.) Multiple lanyards are O.K. – Some workers tie two or three lanyards together and think this practice is allowed. IT IS NOT! You may use two single lanyards or a double lanyard to ensure 100% tie off (where you secure the second lanyard before removing the first) but you should never tie lanyards together. Self-retracting lanyards are available for this purpose.
4.) Fall protection is only needed when the fall hazard is greater than 6 feet. – MSHA does not have a six foot rule. 15005 states ‘safety belts (harnesses) and lifelines shall be worn when persons work where there is a danger of falling.’
Some Misconceptions
1.) MSHA doesn’t address confined space entry. – MSHA does address confined space entry (indirectly) in at least a half-dozen different standards (e.g., .5005; .15005, 16002, .18002; .18013; etc.). MSHA also published an article titled "Working Confined Spaces" as an Occupational Illness and Injury Prevention Program Health Topic. The recommendations closely follow OSHA regulations.
2.) Smooth shafts don’t need to be guarded. – .14107 specifically states ‘moving machine parts shall be guarded to protect persons from contacting gears; sprockets; chains; drive, head and tail pulleys; flywheels; couplings; shafts; fan blades and similar moving parts that can cause injury.
3.) A dust mask works for respiratory protection. – MSHA and OSHA agree a dust mask doesn’t cut it! You need at least four points of contact so industrial dust masks (aka disposable respirators) must have two straps. Employees wearing these disposable respirators must use both straps to get the required protection otherwise they are misusing PPE and that could result in a citation.
4.) You only need to set the park brake if you are parked on a grade. – .14207 requires operators to set the park brake before leaving the cab (a good rule for OSHA-regulated folks, too!). If parked on a grade, the operator must chock the wheels or turn them into the bank.
5.) I don’t need cutting goggles or a tinted face shield with a cutting torch. – .15007 says otherwise. And don’t forget to have a fire extinguisher handy, too! That is another requirement.
FYI – 3/10/08
Self Evaluation…
-Am I setting a good example…for my kids, for my co-workers?
-What are the most important things in my life today and why?
-Where am I going in life and do I have a plan to get there?
-What can I do to grow personally and/or professionally?
-Do the important people in my life know how I feel about them?
-Am I taking enough time to enjoy life or have I forgotten how?
-Am I the person I want to be and if not why not?
Supervisor Tip
"... Praise loudly, blame softly." -Catherine the Great
March is American Red Cross Month
Blood donors are needed, now. The Nation’s Blood Supply is very low. Please donate blood at a collection site near you. Volunteers are also needed at the local level, and monetary donations are always appreciated.
We make the difference
Our lives are changed by what we do, not by what others do to us. -Shannon Earls
Tidbits for the road
-Pull over if you’re tired! Drowsy driving causes more than 100,000 crashes each year, resulting in 40,000 injuries and 1,550 deaths. Actual numbers are higher, as this category is grossly under-reported. A ten-minute nap helps restore alertness
-Good Drivers just drive! Cell phones are a huge distraction that leads to many accidents. You are 4 times more likely to be in an accident if you’re talking on the cell phone as you drive. Keep you mind on task!
-Keep an eye on your speed. Speeding increases the potential for an accident and wastes gasoline; and it doesn’t gain you much in the long run.
-Come to a complete stop! Intersection accidents are on the rise because we are all in such a big hurry. Many drivers run red lights and others use the rolling stop. Not only can this lead to a ticket…it can also lead to a serious accident.Don’t forget the seat belt! One of the smartest things you can do when you get behind the wheel is to Buckle Up! Seat belts save lives, but only if you use them.
Quote of the Week
“Happy is the man who finds Wisdom; the man who gains understanding, for her profit is greater than silver; greater than gold is her revenue.” Source: Proverbs
-Am I setting a good example…for my kids, for my co-workers?
-What are the most important things in my life today and why?
-Where am I going in life and do I have a plan to get there?
-What can I do to grow personally and/or professionally?
-Do the important people in my life know how I feel about them?
-Am I taking enough time to enjoy life or have I forgotten how?
-Am I the person I want to be and if not why not?
Supervisor Tip
"... Praise loudly, blame softly." -Catherine the Great
March is American Red Cross Month
Blood donors are needed, now. The Nation’s Blood Supply is very low. Please donate blood at a collection site near you. Volunteers are also needed at the local level, and monetary donations are always appreciated.
We make the difference
Our lives are changed by what we do, not by what others do to us. -Shannon Earls
Tidbits for the road
-Pull over if you’re tired! Drowsy driving causes more than 100,000 crashes each year, resulting in 40,000 injuries and 1,550 deaths. Actual numbers are higher, as this category is grossly under-reported. A ten-minute nap helps restore alertness
-Good Drivers just drive! Cell phones are a huge distraction that leads to many accidents. You are 4 times more likely to be in an accident if you’re talking on the cell phone as you drive. Keep you mind on task!
-Keep an eye on your speed. Speeding increases the potential for an accident and wastes gasoline; and it doesn’t gain you much in the long run.
-Come to a complete stop! Intersection accidents are on the rise because we are all in such a big hurry. Many drivers run red lights and others use the rolling stop. Not only can this lead to a ticket…it can also lead to a serious accident.Don’t forget the seat belt! One of the smartest things you can do when you get behind the wheel is to Buckle Up! Seat belts save lives, but only if you use them.
Quote of the Week
“Happy is the man who finds Wisdom; the man who gains understanding, for her profit is greater than silver; greater than gold is her revenue.” Source: Proverbs
Attachment
Reasons to work safety and follow the rules today:
-To avoid injury to myself or my co-workers
-I am the one most responsible for my safety
-To get home safely at the end of the day
-I don’t want to lose any body parts
-My eyesight and hearing are important to me
-My family is counting on me
-Because I am a professional
-The younger guys are watching and they will follow my lead
-It is the right thing to do
-To avoid disciplinary action
-Other reasons ___________________________________________
Reasons (people give) to cut corners, take short cuts and ignore Safety Rules
Approval required before anyone is allowed to work in an unsafe manner (see bottom of page)
-We need to Git-R-Done!
-I know what I am doing so the rules do not apply to me.
-I take chances because I am a company man and they expect me to take chances
-There is no safe way to do it
-The Lord gave me extra parts (two arms, two legs and two eyes) so I’ll be O.K. even if I lose an arm and a leg or an eye.
-I have always done it like this so those safety rules don’t apply to me.
-Safety is for lightweights, not me I am a real man
-I earn too much and prefer the workers compensation rate (66.66 % of my current salary)
-Other reasons ___________________________________________
Approved by: ___________________________________________
Authorized persons (wife, son, daughter, mother, father, girlfriend, significant other, etc.)
-To avoid injury to myself or my co-workers
-I am the one most responsible for my safety
-To get home safely at the end of the day
-I don’t want to lose any body parts
-My eyesight and hearing are important to me
-My family is counting on me
-Because I am a professional
-The younger guys are watching and they will follow my lead
-It is the right thing to do
-To avoid disciplinary action
-Other reasons ___________________________________________
Reasons (people give) to cut corners, take short cuts and ignore Safety Rules
Approval required before anyone is allowed to work in an unsafe manner (see bottom of page)
-We need to Git-R-Done!
-I know what I am doing so the rules do not apply to me.
-I take chances because I am a company man and they expect me to take chances
-There is no safe way to do it
-The Lord gave me extra parts (two arms, two legs and two eyes) so I’ll be O.K. even if I lose an arm and a leg or an eye.
-I have always done it like this so those safety rules don’t apply to me.
-Safety is for lightweights, not me I am a real man
-I earn too much and prefer the workers compensation rate (66.66 % of my current salary)
-Other reasons ___________________________________________
Approved by: ___________________________________________
Authorized persons (wife, son, daughter, mother, father, girlfriend, significant other, etc.)
Week 11 - Do it right!
Safety means doing it RIGHT!
Attached is a checklist for those who have trouble following safety policies. I have listed a few reasons for working safely (although we should all have our own list) under the heading Reasons to work safely. Most of you won't need this check sheet, but for those of you who do, you will see a few of the more common reasons people give for cutting corners under the Reasons for cutting corners heading. To those of you following the rules...thanks! To the rest of you...Step up! If you simply cannot work safely complete the paperwork with the appropriate approvals and sumbit it to the safety office for final approval. Why? Because even if your family is willing to let you cut corners we are not!
Stand up and Speak out for Safety! Every week employees bring up safety issues and that makes our workplaces safer! A worker came into my office today to clarify our fall protection policy regarding scissor lifts (we require a harness and lanyard anytime your are in a manlift, man basket or scissor lift, period). Why? I have seen too many people getting up on the mid-rails and top rails of these lifts in my career, so the fall protection is required to protect these folks (and it is habit-forming too).
Take ownership! Please intervene if you seen something isn't right in the field. I am grateful to those of you who are willing to stop a co-worker and ask things like: 'hey, have you applied your lock to the disconnect'; 'dude, where's your face shield'; or, 'say do you guys have an extinguisher handy?' You may never know how many mishaps you have prevented simply by speaking up, but the impact is greater than we know!
Get involved...co-worker safety is your business! We all have the chance to make a positive impact everyday. And this applies off the job as well. Whether you do or not is strictly up to you. I'll speak up when I see something unsafe...won't you do the same.
A chain is only as strong as the weakest link! Finally, we must all keep an eye on contractors since they do not know our operation like we do. Contract empolyees may not have as much training as our employees so we must be careful when working with and around them.
Safety is Doing things Right! It is also the right thing to do!
Attached is a checklist for those who have trouble following safety policies. I have listed a few reasons for working safely (although we should all have our own list) under the heading Reasons to work safely. Most of you won't need this check sheet, but for those of you who do, you will see a few of the more common reasons people give for cutting corners under the Reasons for cutting corners heading. To those of you following the rules...thanks! To the rest of you...Step up! If you simply cannot work safely complete the paperwork with the appropriate approvals and sumbit it to the safety office for final approval. Why? Because even if your family is willing to let you cut corners we are not!
Stand up and Speak out for Safety! Every week employees bring up safety issues and that makes our workplaces safer! A worker came into my office today to clarify our fall protection policy regarding scissor lifts (we require a harness and lanyard anytime your are in a manlift, man basket or scissor lift, period). Why? I have seen too many people getting up on the mid-rails and top rails of these lifts in my career, so the fall protection is required to protect these folks (and it is habit-forming too).
Take ownership! Please intervene if you seen something isn't right in the field. I am grateful to those of you who are willing to stop a co-worker and ask things like: 'hey, have you applied your lock to the disconnect'; 'dude, where's your face shield'; or, 'say do you guys have an extinguisher handy?' You may never know how many mishaps you have prevented simply by speaking up, but the impact is greater than we know!
Get involved...co-worker safety is your business! We all have the chance to make a positive impact everyday. And this applies off the job as well. Whether you do or not is strictly up to you. I'll speak up when I see something unsafe...won't you do the same.
A chain is only as strong as the weakest link! Finally, we must all keep an eye on contractors since they do not know our operation like we do. Contract empolyees may not have as much training as our employees so we must be careful when working with and around them.
Safety is Doing things Right! It is also the right thing to do!
Safety Tidbits 3/5/08
KEEP SMILING…
-If you woke up this morning with more health than illness...you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.
-If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation ...you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.
-If you can attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death...you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.
-If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep...you are richer than 75% of this world.
-If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace...you are among the top 8% of the World's wealthy.
-If your parents are still alive and still married ... you are very rare, even in the United States and Canada. If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you, and furthermore, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read.
So go for it – Live life and appreciate it. Things could be a lot worse.
Never lose your sense of humor
If you lose the power to laugh, you lose the power to think. -Clarence Darrow
Safety Warrants Repeating
Repetition is good…it helps us learn. That is why we have annual refresher training and review the same information time after time. Some folks take a while to get it and the rest of us have to re-learn everything we forgot we knew. And us safety folks are GREEN so we like to Recycle!
-Fall Protection – 100% tie-off is required
-The chest strap of a harness must be clipped and the proper position is at the nipple line (unless you want a broken neck).
-Most lanyards are not made to tie back to themselves (the square head is one of the few designed for this application). Use a cross arm strap if you need one.
Inspect harnesses and lanyards annually.
-Self Retracting Lifeline cables should be retracted when not in use (so they are not exposed to the elements and need to be inspected too.
-Lock it out EVERY TIME! –One lock with tag for every person at risk.
-Thousands suffer serious injury every day…because they didn’t think they needed to lock it out!
-Give Blood… and Make a difference in someone’s life
-Buckle Up – Seat belts save lives
Get excited!
Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm. -Ralph Waldo Emerson
-If you woke up this morning with more health than illness...you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.
-If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation ...you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.
-If you can attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death...you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.
-If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep...you are richer than 75% of this world.
-If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace...you are among the top 8% of the World's wealthy.
-If your parents are still alive and still married ... you are very rare, even in the United States and Canada. If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you, and furthermore, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read.
So go for it – Live life and appreciate it. Things could be a lot worse.
Never lose your sense of humor
If you lose the power to laugh, you lose the power to think. -Clarence Darrow
Safety Warrants Repeating
Repetition is good…it helps us learn. That is why we have annual refresher training and review the same information time after time. Some folks take a while to get it and the rest of us have to re-learn everything we forgot we knew. And us safety folks are GREEN so we like to Recycle!
-Fall Protection – 100% tie-off is required
-The chest strap of a harness must be clipped and the proper position is at the nipple line (unless you want a broken neck).
-Most lanyards are not made to tie back to themselves (the square head is one of the few designed for this application). Use a cross arm strap if you need one.
Inspect harnesses and lanyards annually.
-Self Retracting Lifeline cables should be retracted when not in use (so they are not exposed to the elements and need to be inspected too.
-Lock it out EVERY TIME! –One lock with tag for every person at risk.
-Thousands suffer serious injury every day…because they didn’t think they needed to lock it out!
-Give Blood… and Make a difference in someone’s life
-Buckle Up – Seat belts save lives
Get excited!
Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm. -Ralph Waldo Emerson
Week 10 – Safety a Big Deal?
I like to think so...
Flash Back – Some years ago a supervisor/friend of mine got himself in trouble when he chose not to lock out a piece of equipment. It had been locked out by one of his subordinates but when assistance was needed he grabbed an hourly laborer and they rushed in (RUSHING) to help. One small problem! They failed to add their personal locks to the lock box. No big deal, it was already locked out and there was work to be done, right? Wrong! Because of the ‘damn safety man’ (who me), he was disciplined and didn’t talk to me for several months except of course to tell me that it was a bunch of… (Well let’s just say he wasn’t happy).
Back to the Future! – Maybe it’s just me, but it seems lately that some people think safety is not a big deal! What can I say to convince you that Safety is a very Big Deal!? Somebody tell me please, because it seems some folks just aren’t paying attention. Words of caution to those people who aren’t paying attention: Keep taking chances, cutting corners, etc. and you won’t have to worry about the future.
THANK YOU! – To those of you doing it right! To all of you that are Standing up and Speaking out for Safety I cannot fully express my appreciation in words – you ‘get it’ and That’s Great! Now we have to get the rest of the team off the bench…and I am seeking your input.
Flawed Thinking – My supervisor (or my co-worker) doesn’t care about safety why the heck should I? The company is only worried about citations or accident numbers, why do I need to worry about safety? Do people really think these things? If they here are a few reasons:
a.) You have to take care of you, no matter what the other guy does. Do you really need any more reasons? If you truly believe that nobody cares about safety why not find a better place to work…really!!? You’re worth it!
Flash Back again! – You know that buddy of mine was really mad about that lockout incident. And he was furious a couple months later when I made him sit through a mandatory First aid/CPR class. He managed to miss every one I scheduled so he ended up coming in on a day off for the final make-up class. Cursing that damn safety man all the way!!!
The rest of the story…one day weeks later, I was leaving as he was holding the weekly safety meeting with his crew. He was crying and motioned me in to the room. He had just shared with his crew how he found his daughter in the kitchen choking on a piece of turkey (I think it was during the holidays). Well he saved her life because of that First Aid Class/CPR class. He apologized and told everyone present (and the other crews later) that Safety is a BIG DEAL! I hope you never have to go through that!
We all have a job to do and most of us 'damn safety guys and gals' take our jobs seriously, but we need your help to get YOU HOME at the end of your shift!
Help us out won’t you? We’re counting on it!
Flash Back – Some years ago a supervisor/friend of mine got himself in trouble when he chose not to lock out a piece of equipment. It had been locked out by one of his subordinates but when assistance was needed he grabbed an hourly laborer and they rushed in (RUSHING) to help. One small problem! They failed to add their personal locks to the lock box. No big deal, it was already locked out and there was work to be done, right? Wrong! Because of the ‘damn safety man’ (who me), he was disciplined and didn’t talk to me for several months except of course to tell me that it was a bunch of… (Well let’s just say he wasn’t happy).
Back to the Future! – Maybe it’s just me, but it seems lately that some people think safety is not a big deal! What can I say to convince you that Safety is a very Big Deal!? Somebody tell me please, because it seems some folks just aren’t paying attention. Words of caution to those people who aren’t paying attention: Keep taking chances, cutting corners, etc. and you won’t have to worry about the future.
THANK YOU! – To those of you doing it right! To all of you that are Standing up and Speaking out for Safety I cannot fully express my appreciation in words – you ‘get it’ and That’s Great! Now we have to get the rest of the team off the bench…and I am seeking your input.
Flawed Thinking – My supervisor (or my co-worker) doesn’t care about safety why the heck should I? The company is only worried about citations or accident numbers, why do I need to worry about safety? Do people really think these things? If they here are a few reasons:
a.) You have to take care of you, no matter what the other guy does. Do you really need any more reasons? If you truly believe that nobody cares about safety why not find a better place to work…really!!? You’re worth it!
Flash Back again! – You know that buddy of mine was really mad about that lockout incident. And he was furious a couple months later when I made him sit through a mandatory First aid/CPR class. He managed to miss every one I scheduled so he ended up coming in on a day off for the final make-up class. Cursing that damn safety man all the way!!!
The rest of the story…one day weeks later, I was leaving as he was holding the weekly safety meeting with his crew. He was crying and motioned me in to the room. He had just shared with his crew how he found his daughter in the kitchen choking on a piece of turkey (I think it was during the holidays). Well he saved her life because of that First Aid Class/CPR class. He apologized and told everyone present (and the other crews later) that Safety is a BIG DEAL! I hope you never have to go through that!
We all have a job to do and most of us 'damn safety guys and gals' take our jobs seriously, but we need your help to get YOU HOME at the end of your shift!
Help us out won’t you? We’re counting on it!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
FYI – 2/26/08
-Annually there are more than 73 million accidental injuries in the U.S., and open wounds and lacerations are the most common (nearly 18 million). -Falls account for more than 20% of lost time injuries, according to the BOLS.
-Back injuries are all too common: Think before you lift, avoid twisting while lifting, bend your knees and use your leg muscles to lift; and keep the load close to your body.
Life is all about the choices YOU Make
“You must learn to face the fact that you choose to do what you do, and that everything you do affects not only you but others.” –Holly Lisle
Winners vs. Losers
A winner says, “Let’s find out.” A loser says, “Nobody knows.”
If a winner makes a mistake, he says, “I was wrong.” Losers
say, “It wasn’t my fault.”
Winners go through a problem to deal with the issue, while losers
go around problems to avoid tough issues.
A winner says, “There ought to be a better way to do it.” A loser says, “That’s the way it’s always been done.”
Source: Good Stuff Vol. 4, No. 41
Amen
“Desire is the key to motivation, but its determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek." –Mario Andretti
Did you know?
-Apples, carrots and other crunchy fruits and vegetables need to be thoroughly chewed, which increases the flow of saliva and cleans the teeth.
-Bread crusts have more fiber than the rest of the bread loaf. Fiber is vital for digestion.
-The lifespan in the US has increased from 49 years in 1901 to an average of 77.2 years today. Here are some tips for a long happy life: eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables; avoid tobacco use; limit alcohol intake; get plenty of sleep; exercise regularly; visit your doctor routinely; and maintain a positive outlook on life. Source: Tank Times by Health Choice
Wise Words
“Whatever you are, be a good one.” –Abraham Lincoln
March is Save Your Vision Month
The AOA recommends visiting an eye care professional every 2 years. Persons over 60 should have an annual check up. If you are experiencing unexplained headaches, having trouble seeing at night, or experiencing difficulty reading small type you should have an eye exam. If your family has a history of diabetes or other diseases you may need an annual exam. Take care of your eyes…there is a lot your haven’t seen yet!
Quote of the Week
"If we believe a thing to be bad, and if we have a right to prevent it, it is our duty to try to prevent it and damn the consequences." — Lord Milner
-Back injuries are all too common: Think before you lift, avoid twisting while lifting, bend your knees and use your leg muscles to lift; and keep the load close to your body.
Life is all about the choices YOU Make
“You must learn to face the fact that you choose to do what you do, and that everything you do affects not only you but others.” –Holly Lisle
Winners vs. Losers
A winner says, “Let’s find out.” A loser says, “Nobody knows.”
If a winner makes a mistake, he says, “I was wrong.” Losers
say, “It wasn’t my fault.”
Winners go through a problem to deal with the issue, while losers
go around problems to avoid tough issues.
A winner says, “There ought to be a better way to do it.” A loser says, “That’s the way it’s always been done.”
Source: Good Stuff Vol. 4, No. 41
Amen
“Desire is the key to motivation, but its determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek." –Mario Andretti
Did you know?
-Apples, carrots and other crunchy fruits and vegetables need to be thoroughly chewed, which increases the flow of saliva and cleans the teeth.
-Bread crusts have more fiber than the rest of the bread loaf. Fiber is vital for digestion.
-The lifespan in the US has increased from 49 years in 1901 to an average of 77.2 years today. Here are some tips for a long happy life: eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables; avoid tobacco use; limit alcohol intake; get plenty of sleep; exercise regularly; visit your doctor routinely; and maintain a positive outlook on life. Source: Tank Times by Health Choice
Wise Words
“Whatever you are, be a good one.” –Abraham Lincoln
March is Save Your Vision Month
The AOA recommends visiting an eye care professional every 2 years. Persons over 60 should have an annual check up. If you are experiencing unexplained headaches, having trouble seeing at night, or experiencing difficulty reading small type you should have an eye exam. If your family has a history of diabetes or other diseases you may need an annual exam. Take care of your eyes…there is a lot your haven’t seen yet!
Quote of the Week
"If we believe a thing to be bad, and if we have a right to prevent it, it is our duty to try to prevent it and damn the consequences." — Lord Milner
Week 9 Safety Topic – Get Committed…I did!
Ask yourself this question: Am I committed to safety? Let’s say Dirty Harry followed up with the question, ‘Well, are you punk?’ What would you say? Hopefully you don’t have to think about this too long. The immediate answer should YES, but some people are not committed to safety and I cannot understand their thinking.
Cold Hard Facts: People die and suffer disabling injuries on the job every single day in this country. This impacts millions of families every year. Men and women become single parents, widows or widowers; children lose a parent; or parents bury a child just because someone is trying to earn a living. What’s wrong with this picture?
Is it accidents? No, true accidents are very rare. There are many reasons why people get hurt or killed on the job most of them are tied to attitude. It may be the attitude of the worker, the supervisor, or the manager but someone on the team is not committed if employees continue to get hurt. Somebody is letting their guard down and that hurts everybody!
What is the problem? Some workers do not receive the proper training. Others are cutting corners, multi-tasking, or not focusing on the task at hand. Some use unsafe tools or equipment others are in a hurry to get a job done (maybe the supervisor is rushing the job or maybe they want to get out of the cold or hot environment). Others have ‘done it a thousand times’ and get complacent. Many tasks are difficult and workers can become frustrated and use the wrong tool for the job. During outages workers may become fatigued and this too can lead to injury.
By the numbers: On the job, a worker suffers a disabling injury every 8 seconds! Every 103 minutes another worker dies! At home, a disabling injury occurs every 5 seconds and a fatality occurs every 19 minutes! Falls are still the leading cause of deaths in the home followed by fires, burns and liquid poisonings.
So what is a person to do? A few suggestions: Speak up when you see an unsafe act or condition. Keep your Mind and Eyes on Task; Stay out of the Line of Fire (Keep track of both hands and both feet); Use 3-points of contact to Maintain your balance, traction and grip. Remind yourself to Focus on safety when you are feeling Frustrated, Tired, or in Rushed and be careful so you Do not become Complacent.
Bottom line: Get committed to Safety, and Stay in the Game!
Cold Hard Facts: People die and suffer disabling injuries on the job every single day in this country. This impacts millions of families every year. Men and women become single parents, widows or widowers; children lose a parent; or parents bury a child just because someone is trying to earn a living. What’s wrong with this picture?
Is it accidents? No, true accidents are very rare. There are many reasons why people get hurt or killed on the job most of them are tied to attitude. It may be the attitude of the worker, the supervisor, or the manager but someone on the team is not committed if employees continue to get hurt. Somebody is letting their guard down and that hurts everybody!
What is the problem? Some workers do not receive the proper training. Others are cutting corners, multi-tasking, or not focusing on the task at hand. Some use unsafe tools or equipment others are in a hurry to get a job done (maybe the supervisor is rushing the job or maybe they want to get out of the cold or hot environment). Others have ‘done it a thousand times’ and get complacent. Many tasks are difficult and workers can become frustrated and use the wrong tool for the job. During outages workers may become fatigued and this too can lead to injury.
By the numbers: On the job, a worker suffers a disabling injury every 8 seconds! Every 103 minutes another worker dies! At home, a disabling injury occurs every 5 seconds and a fatality occurs every 19 minutes! Falls are still the leading cause of deaths in the home followed by fires, burns and liquid poisonings.
So what is a person to do? A few suggestions: Speak up when you see an unsafe act or condition. Keep your Mind and Eyes on Task; Stay out of the Line of Fire (Keep track of both hands and both feet); Use 3-points of contact to Maintain your balance, traction and grip. Remind yourself to Focus on safety when you are feeling Frustrated, Tired, or in Rushed and be careful so you Do not become Complacent.
Bottom line: Get committed to Safety, and Stay in the Game!
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