3/30/2011 Falls

Wily Coyote always seems to fall into a deep canyon and not be injured at all. People can’t. Then why do we seem to have trouble getting workers to pay attention to the fall hazards around them?


The following items represent the bulk of the exposure to falls on the work site.

Ladders:

*Always use the right ladder.
*Set them on level ground.
*Do not over reach.
*Do not over extend yourself on the ladder.
*Always face the ladder and try to use both hands when climbing.

Floor Openings:

*Floor openings should be properly covered.
*Covers must be able to support walls the same as the floor.
*Covers should be firmly attached to the floor/walking/working surface.
*Covers should be marked as such. For example: “Cover,” or “Do Not Remove Floor Opening Cover.”
*Consider wall openings and uncompleted stairways as openings with suitable protection provided.

Stairways:

*Use handrails.
*Watch where you step.
*Keep your view clear.
*Concentrate on the stairs.
*Do not run up or down the stairs.
*Keep stair well clean.

Housekeeping:

*Always try to provide good footing.
*Keep tools, trash, scrap materials out of walkways.
*Clean as you go.
*Always be wary of oil, ice or snow.

Additional Discussion Notes:

*Balance. Wear appropriate footwear when necessary.

Remember:
Paying attention to things around you like ladders, floor openings, stairways and good housekeeping will help prevent a fall.

3/29/2011 Dangers of Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is a clear, odorless gas which is created by inefficient combustion emissions. The most common sources in industry are gasoline or diesel powered pressure washers, air compressors, forklifts or other petroleum fired machinery.


The chemical makeup of CO is a carbon molecule linked to an oxygen molecule. Carbon monoxide kills by binding up the hemoglobin in the blood. Since CO has an affinity for hemoglobin several hundreds of times greater than the oxygen that is ever present, that being about 200,000 parts per million in normal air. Therefore it takes only a small amount of CO to bind up a large amount of hemoglobin. This decreases the amount of oxygen delivered to the tissues and without oxygen, you will slowly suffocate to death.

What does this mean for workers? Carbon Monoxide will affect workers as follows:

*Slight headache and dizziness

*Nausea

*Drowsiness and an euphoric feeling

*Unconsciousness

*Death

The level of CO mandated by OSHA as the maximum allowable for 8 hours is 50 parts per million. This is an extremely small amount of CO. To put this into perspective, think of a room that holds 1 million ice cubes and then remove 50 cubes from the room. Those 50 ice cubes are the maximum amount allowed by OSHA for workers to be exposed to over an 8 hour period.

What to do to prevent CO overexposure????

1. Inspect the jobsite and remove any internal combustion machinery located near a hatch or other opening that may cause exhaust fumes to enter the space.

2. VENTILATE, VENTILATE, VENTILATE! ! !

3. Frequently monitor workspaces for CO with testing equipment and observe employees for signs of CO exposure.

4. Train workers about the early symptoms of CO exposure.

3/28/2011 Teaming up For Safety

3/25/2011 Drinking Alcohol in Bars, Restaurants or Night Clubs

If you drink alcohol, by following these simple guidelines, you will be more likely to have a fun, relaxing weekend without any major regrets. Remember, if you drink, don’t drive, and if you drive, don’t drink.  Have a good and safe weekend.

3/24/2011 Be a Safety Leader!

Someone who leads others to safety by setting a safe example is a safety leader. Management...are you promoting safety by what you do AS WELL AS what you say? Do you get enough sleep, and always use your seatbelt? Think about the impression you leave behind. The best way to ensure that only your best qualities will be emulated by your protégés is to only demonstrate to them your best qualities. If they see you do something unsafe, eventually, they'll do the same thing.

3/23/2011 Anatomy of a First-Aid Kit

Not my best recording...I just couldn't stop stammering.  Unfortunately, in front of a live audience, there are no do-overs!  Be safe out there.  Check out http://www.redcross.org/ for more info on first-aid kits.

3/22/2011 Limitations Of Cartridge-Type Respirators

By the way, "safety briefs" are not latex underwear!

3/21/2011 Why Do We Have Safety Meetings?

3/18/2011 Avoiding Road Rage (Grrrrrrr!)

3/17/2011 General Safety – It’s Your Choice!

 Happy St. Patrick's Day!...Don't Drink and Drive!

3/16/2011 Forklift Fatalities

3/15/2011 Developing and Selling Your Safety Idea

3/14/2011 Recognizing Unsafe Acts and Unsafe Conditions

3/11/2011 Weekend Safety Away From Work

3/10/2011 Footwear for the Occupational Athlete

3/9/2011 Pre-Shift Inspections for the Forklift

3/08/2011 Safety and Your Supervisor

3/7/2011 Proper Lifting

3/4/2011 Housekeeping: An important Part of the Job

3/3/2011 Close Call Incidents

3/2/2011 Taking Safety With You

3/1/2011 Getting the Proper Amount of Sleep