2017 January #3

Beware of the Slip, Trip and Fall Hazards
The two most dangerous kinds of floor surfaces are most common in winter: frozen and wet. Both are treacherously slippery but thankfully, there is something you can do about.

A few things to remember:

-Watch the temps many days will get warm enough to melt and then refreeze icy spots so be extremely careful at Dawn & Dusk.  If you have to be out in the hours of darkness take a flashlight with you to light your way.

-It is important to slow your speed and to take smaller steps to maintain your balance and avoid slips, trips and falls. It is also advisable to do the duck walk or walk like a penguin with your toes pointing at an outward angle for better balance.

-Invest in properly gripping footwear and clean you boots/shoes regularly.

-Use extra care climbing up and down ladders, going up and down stairways and always use 3 points of contact\control.

-Finally, keep your eyes focused on your path – that way you will be able to spot and mitigate any hazards that are in your way.

 

Fall Protection leads the way on OSHA’s Top 10 violations

OSHA announced its most frequently cited violations for fiscal year 2016 and for the sixth year in a row, Fall Protection is number one.

Speaking at the 2016 National Safety Council (NSC) Congress & Expo, Patrick Kapust, deputy director of OSHA’s Directorate of Enforcement Programs, and Tom Musick, associate editor for Safety & Health magazine, presented the preliminary data.

“The Top 10 gives employers a place to start for finding and fixing hazards,” Kapust said during the presentation. Rounding out the top 5 were Hazard Communication in the second slot, followed by Scaffolding at No. 3, Respiratory Protection in fourth and Lockout/Tagout at No. 5.

“Every year, the OSHA Top 10 serves as a guide for employers to address the biggest safety risks facing their employees,” Deborah A.P. Hersman, president and CEO of NSC, said in a press release. “We look forward to working with employers to reduce these incidents and ensure every workplace is on a Journey to Safety Excellence.” Here is the rest of the list. 6. Powered Industrial Trucks: 7. Ladders: 8. Machine Guarding: 9. Electrical - Wiring Methods: 10. Electrical - General Requirements:

Mobile Equipment and Vehicle Hazards

Ground personnel must remember to watch out for equipment & vehicle traffic. Look both ways when crossing a roadway and be on constant lookout for overhead work as well. Big cranes can move suspended loads over a wide radius so it is important to pay attention on job sites. Never assume an equipment\vehicle operator sees you and never walk in front of moving equipment. All equipment creates blind spots for the operator & larger equipment takes longer to stop.

Equipment & vehicle operators must keep an eye out for other equipment in addition to pedestrians. Typically, we yield to the larger equipment. Sometimes, when an equipment operator sees you they may signal you to walk or drive in front of them.

Parking lots pose another hazard to both drivers & pedestrians, whether coming to work or heading home. Many people are thinking about what they’re going to do later in the day or that evening -- some are on cell phones others may be conversing with co-workers. So, it is critically important that drivers use caution when pulling out of parking spots (check your mirrors and proceed slowly). Stay Safe - Focus on what you’re doing.