Safety Spot


Wednesday, May 16th, 2012

Grip Force and Gloves

People wear gloves for many different reasons and occasions.  Whether people are making fashion statements, participating in their favorite pastime, or simply working, properly fitting gloves can be an important accessory for completing tasks comfortably, efficiently and safely.  Gloves improve grip when handling tools and slippery objects, and they protect the hands from extreme temperatures, sharp or abrasive materials, and guard against the effects of toxic and corrosive substances.

While gloves provide excellent protection against many hazards, they can be hazardous if they do not fit properly.  When gloves are too loose, extra force needs to be applied in order to get a good firm grip.  Because of this, there is a loss of grip strength, in comparison to not wearing any gloves at all.  This, in effect, causes double work:  performing the job at hand and over-coming any movement or slippage from the glove.  On the other hand, when gloves are too tight, they interfere with grasping, dexterity, and finger movement.  Additional force is needed in order to flex the tight gloves, especially if they are thick.

Wearing ill-fitting gloves requires the weather to apply additional grip force that would not be required if the gloves fit correctly.  Over time, greater grip forces applied can lead to fatigue, discomfort, and eventual injury to the hands and arms.

The following points should be considered when selecting the right glove for the job:

  • Gloves with rubber dots on the surface increase grip stability on surfaces that ere slippery (e.g., wet items or items without handles).
  • For slippery surfaces, workers use greater grip force when wearing cotton gloves than with rubber gloves.  Cotton gloves perform better with non-slippery surfaces.
  • Rubber gloves allow employees to maintain relatively low grip force levels for both slippery and non-slippery surfaces.
  • Performance time for cotton gloves tends to be longer than that for rubber gloves.
  • In addition to carefully selecting the type of glove provided to workers, gloves of different sizes should also be provided.

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Monday, March 19th, 2012

Types of Injuries – How Workers Get Hurt

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 your company’s established safety guidelines.  For more information on how to institute a safe work environment contact, Kaprice Crawford, WHFA Membership Director, 800.422.3778.

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Thursday, December 8th, 2011

“This Is A Robbery, Everybody Get Down!”

Steps to keep you, your employees and customers safe during a robbery

Robberies and attempted robberies can happen anywhere, and in today’s economy, people are becoming more desperate for money. While money and merchandise taken during a robbery can be replaced through insurance, people cannot.

The best way to prevent injury during a robbery is to prevent the robbery in the first place. But, it is always best to prepare for the worst and ensure you and your team knows how to properly react in the event it does happen. Here are some tips to protect you, your employees and your customers:

  • Hire an outside security staff to keep an eye on your business. If you are near multiple stores, pitch in together to have a security staff keep you safe.
  • Keep your store clean and well-lit. It becomes darker much earlier during the winter, so make sure your lights come on earlier.
  • Posters or signs should not block the area around the register from view.
  • Make a cash drop or safety deposit box available.
  • Post signs in your store stating that minimum cash is kept on premises.
  • Keep busy by cleaning, dusting and sweeping when there are no customers in your store.
  • Be aware of cars parked across the street or off to one side of the parking lot.
  • Look for people who might be watching the store or loitering in and around it.
  • If someone does look suspicious, contact a supervisor or the appropriate authorities.
  • Keep emergency phone numbers handy and near all phones.
  • Give a friendly greeting to everyone who enters the store and connect with each customer.

If a robbery does occur, be sure your employees have specific instructions on what to do. Here are some tips:

  • Give the robber what they want—the longer they are there, the more nervous and agitated the robber can become.
  • Stay calm. Handle the situation as if you were making a sale to a customer.
  • Let the robber know you intend to cooperate. Give them what they ask for.
  • Tell the robber beforehand if you must reach or something or move in any way. Also tell them if there are additional employees in the back so that they are not surprised.
  • Don’t try to stop the robber. You might not see a weapon, but do not assume there isn’t one.
  • Don’t try to chase the robber. Most likely it will end in violence and can make the scene confusing for when police arrive.
  • Dial 911 or your local emergency number once the robbery is over and everyone is safe.

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Thursday, September 15th, 2011

Managing Safety for the Aging Workforce

Nearly 25 percent of people aged 64 to 75 are still in the workforce today, and this number is projected to increase dramatically in the coming years as the activist generation of Baby Boomers reach retirement age yet don’t want to stop being active. The good news is that older workers have a lower injury rate. The bad news is that their injuries are more serious and require more time away from work.

Safety concerns for older workers:

  • Shorter memory.
  • More easily distracted, e.g., by environmental noise.
  • Slower reaction time.
  • Declining vision and hearing.
  • Poorer sense of balance.
  • Denial of decreasing abilities, which can lead to employees trying to work past their new limits.

These physical limitations lead to the following injury types for older workers:

  • Falls caused by poor balance, slowed reaction time, visual problems, or distractions.
  • Sprains and strains from loss of strength, endurance, and flexibility.
  • Cardiopulmonary overexertion in heat or cold, at heights, using respirators, or in confined spaces.
  • Health or disease-related illnesses, such as diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, coronary artery disease, or hypertension.
  • Accumulation injuries from years of doing the same task, e.g., truck drivers who experience loss of hearing in left ear from road noise with cab window open.

Look for these signs that older workers may need accommodations:

  • Physical signs, such as fatigue, tripping.
  • Psychological or emotional signs, such as loss of patience, irritability.
  • Feedback from supervisors or co-workers on declining performance.
  • Numbers and patterns of sick days.
  • History of minor injuries or near misses.

Strategies for protecting older workers:

  • Find ways to work smarter, not harder.
  • Decrease exertion activities, such as in heat or cold or climbing ladders.
  • Adjust work areas, such as installing better lighting, reducing noise, removing obstacles, and decreasing the need to bend or stoop.
  • Redefine what constitutes “productive”.
  • Know your workers’ limitations, perhaps by conducting annual hearing or vision tests.

In addition, employers need to make sure the safety culture is an institutional value. For example, when co-worker feedback indicates an older worker is having trouble, the employer’s response should not be to fire the older worker, because that will discourage honest feedback from employees who feel responsible for their co-worker’s loss of employment.

Other responses employers can use to keep valuable older employees on the job include:

  • Wellness programs.
  • Flexible schedules.
  • Extra unpaid vacation.
  • More medical leave than the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) requires.
  • Allowing less than full-time work with full-time benefits.
  • Allowing long weekends after heavy workweeks.
  • Giving more positive feedback than to younger workers.
  • Setting more specific goals.
  • Conducting ageism training for supervisors and co-workers to make them aware of the different working styles across the generations.

 

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Friday, July 29th, 2011

The Importance of Safety Training

Routine work can dull alertness and a relaxed attitude can replace the caution that existed when the job was new and interesting. In many jobs the same route is traveled daily over the same roads or the same tasks are repeated with little conscious thought. Without some periodic reawakening to the ever-present hazards, lethargy deepens and the odds of an accident occurring can increase.

Workers may not always recognize the importance of safety training or think of it as unnecessary because they’ve “been doing it for years.” But an important benefit of periodic safety training is the reminder that a danger can exist and that . . .
no one is immune to accidents.

Therefore, it is important for workers to understand the purpose of the training session, why it will be useful to them, and what can result from not following safety rules and procedures.
The safety training should be organized so that the order in which the material is presented will match the steps that should be taken on the job. Make sure every worker understands the training material; not just that they were present or a test was given. Insist on questions from trainees after a session to tell you what did or didn’t sink in. This will let you know what has to be reviewed again. If there’s a general lack of understanding of hazards or safety rules and practices, schedule another safety meeting or plan a refresher course for a later date.
Employees should be able to immediately practice and apply new knowledge and skills. If workers don’t understand safety training information well enough to use it on the job, the training has not been effective. There should be immediate feedback if workers are doing their job safely or not. Supervisors should watch employees do their jobs and question them, to identify what they do, or don’t, know.

Most of these tips are relatively simple and inexpensive solutions, but the safety payoff can be enormous. Remember, training is only effective when workers understand, and use, what they’ve learned. It takes less than a second to lose the rest of your life.

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Thursday, July 7th, 2011

Carpet Layer Safety

Carpet layers install a wide range of flooring products in homes and buildings to enhance style and comfort. The hazards involved with this work include the use of sharp and cutting tools and materials, the use of chemical adhesives and treatments, and physically demanding work that can result in ergonomic injuries.

If you install carpet for a living, focus on ergonomics. Before installation, you often have to clear out furniture and haul old and new carpeting materials. Use proper lifting techniques to protect your back. Maintain a level of good overall health and fitness. Take frequent mini-breaks to rest, and rotate your tasks as much as possible.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports that carpet layers account for 6% of all reported knee injuries, a rate 100 times the national worker average. Because you spend about 75% of your work time kneeling on hard sub-flooring, use knee pads to reduce the contact stress. Kneepads can also prevent accidental punctures from tack strips, flooring irregularities, and other sharps.

Use of a knee-kicker to stretch carpet wall-to-wall in a room or to engage the room-edge tack strip can cause knee injuries due to force and repetition. Workers must forcefully strike the knee kicker approximately 120-140 times each day. A hand and arm operated power carpet stretcher accomplishes the same tasks with reduced force. Don’t trade a knee injury for a hand, arm, or shoulder injury; get training and follow ergonomic principles when using the power stretcher.

Carpet cutting tools, sharp tack strips, sewing materials, and staples can cause injuries if you do not use hand protection and tool safety. Gloves should be of sufficient weight to protect you while still allowing full movement of your hand; you may need several different pairs of gloves for different work tasks. Consider wearing eye protection to protect against flying debris and sharp objects. Always use the correct tool for the job. Ensure that your cutting tools are in good condition and sharp enough to do the job. Watch where you place your hands and knees so you do not come into contact with sharp tacks, staples, or cutting tool edges. Use caution with heat-tape and carpet irons to avoid burns.

When you use adhesives and glues to install carpet and padding, get training and read the material safety data sheet (MSDS) for information on the handling, mixing, and personal protective equipment (PPE) required for safe use. Some carpets may require special handling due to their contents or treatments. Read the carpet health information labels for the flooring materials that you install and follow all of the directions for installation.

Knowledge of the hazards of carpet installation and the use of good ergonomics and work practices can keep you safe wall-to-wall.

The above evaluations and/or recommendations are for general guidance only and should not be relied upon for legal compliance purposes. They are based solely on the information provided to us and relate only to those conditions specifically discussed. We do not make any warranty, expressed or implied, that your workplace is safe or healthful or that it complies with all laws, regulations or standards.

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Thursday, July 7th, 2011

Workplace Violence Warning Signs

Violence in our society seems to be ever increasing and the workplace is no exception. One out of four workers are likely to be threatened, attacked, or assaulted at work each year. However, employers can take steps to minimize the chance of violence in the workplace by improving the screening process for job applicants and establishing, conveying, and enforcing violence prevention programs that include educating workers to recognize early signs of potential violence.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation states that workplace violence is any action that could threaten the safety of an employee, impact the employee’s physical or psychological well-being or cause damage to company property. In most cases prior to a violent attack, the perpetrator will display warning signs. Workers should be able to recognize warning signs and know how to respond to them.  Training in nonviolent response to conflict resolution can also reduce the risk of unpredictable situations leading to violence.

Threatening actions or words, said even in a joking manner should be treated with caution. There may be cause for concern if there is a display of one of more of the following signs:

  • If they have strong negative attitudes, hold a grudge, make verbal threats, have a history of violent behavior or have noticeable mood changes.
  • If an individual is a loner or acts paranoid.
  • If they have an obsession with weapons, carry a weapon or are fascinated with other violent workplace incidents.
  • If they have mental health issues or tend to push the limits of normal conduct.
  • If a person has severe personal hardships or expresses extreme desperation over recent family, financial or personal problems.
  • If the individual has an obsessive involvement with the job or is angered with how inconsistently “rules” or disciplinary measures are applied.

Preventing workplace violence must be a top priority for employers. Before an individual is hired, background and reference checks should be made. Pre-employment interviews should inquire about past performance and evaluations. Drug screening is also a proactive prevention option. Employers must let all workers know that violence is unacceptable.

Written policies and procedures should be available for violence and threat management, counseling, and criteria for reporting incidents. All workers should be made aware of what behaviors are inappropriate and the disciplinary action that could result. Response to an incident should be predictable and consistent for all workers. Finally, there should be an action and crisis team to handle incidents.

Workplace violence takes a toll on employers and workers. It not only affects those who are assaulted, but those who have witnessed it. Employers must prevent violent incidents and not just react to them. Once threatening information surfaces at the worksite or an incident occurs, employers could be held liable if they fail to act.

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Thursday, July 7th, 2011

Driving Distracted?

Driving down the road is no longer a lonely, quiet experience. With cellular phones, two-way radios, and stereos, the interior of your vehicle no longer offers a quiet place to focus on driving.

These days with everyone’s life so busy, paying attention while driving can be difficult. Have you ever been driving down the road and suddenly you notice you don’t remember the last three miles you traveled? Although your attention may only be diverted for a split second, the ever-changing variables of the road and other vehicles can make you instantly vulnerable to accidents.

The following rules can help you concentrate on what you should be doing…driving.

  • Tie up loose ends before you leave the office.
  • If you must travel in heavy traffic areas, plan your travel at times other then rush hour.
  • Know the condition of the roads on which you are travelling and drive only as fast as those conditions allow.
  • Wear your safety belt at all times.
  • Set the radio to a station and leave it there until you stop again.
  • Stay alert and drive defensively, with caution.
  • Watch out for and anticipate other drivers, pedestrians or children on or near the road.
  • Stay out of the other vehicle’s blind spot
  • Keep a safe distance from other drivers by maintaining a safety cushion around your car.

Safe drivers scan constantly for hazards, predicting how they may be affected by a hazard and pre-determining how to avoid or reduce them.

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Thursday, July 7th, 2011

Be An Extra-Safe Driver

Those who drive for a living would be the first to agree it can be mighty dangerous out there on California’s crowded roads. Although the common factors of inexperience, recklessness, and aggressive driving contribute to many vehicle accidents, it doesn’t explain why so many professional drivers get into accidents. A driver may be trained, experienced, and competent behind the wheel, but the very flood of vehicles competing for space on the roads today presents added danger to all drivers. Even the very best drivers must learn to operate their vehicles with life-saving EXTRAS.

Drivers should take extra care of their vehicles’ maintenance by keeping them in good operating condition. Before getting behind the wheel, do a simple walk around the vehicle to insure that tires are properly inflated and have good tread, check that lights are clear and working, and see that windshields are clean and wipers blades are sharp.

Once inside the vehicle, drivers should take the extra time to check the gas gage, adjust the mirrors, seat, and seatbelt to a comfortable position and, if it’s an unfamiliar vehicle, locate the lights, brakes, and wipers. Horns, flasher lights, and other warning devices are not just accessories but vital parts of the extra safety built into any vehicle, so make sure they operate properly.

On the roadways, be extra careful by driving defensively. Following the rules of the road can help you concentrate on what your should be doing…driving. Stay out of the other vehicle’s blind spot and avoid tailgating. Instead, keep a safe distance from other drivers by maintaining that extra safety cushion of driving space between your vehicle and those around you. As an extra precaution, know the condition of the weather and road and drive only as fast as those conditions allow.

Be extra cautious by staying alert and expecting the unexpected. Watch out for and anticipate other drivers, pedestrians or children on or near the road. Safe drivers scan constantly for hazards, predicting how they may be affected by a hazard and pre-determining how to avoid or reduce them.

The ever-changing variable of the road and other vehicles can make drivers instantly vulnerable to accidents. If drivers don’t practice these life-saving extras on the road, they might personally discover why vehicle deaths and serious injuries now total more than all the wartime wounded and fatalities since 1776.

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Thursday, July 7th, 2011

Cell Phone Safety

A cell phone can be a useful safety tool for calling road service, reporting accidents and in other emergencies. But a cell phone can also put you in danger if your phone conversation becomes more important than your driving.

The safest way to use a cell phone is with your vehicle stopped. If you must make a call from your vehicle, wait until you’re stopped at a traffic light to dial, or better still, pull safely off the road, stop, then dial. Look for an easy exit to a rest stop, shopping center, normal curb parking or other area away from hazardous traffic. Stopping on the shoulder of the road can put you in danger.
If you must make a call from your vehicle, follow these recommendations to maximize your safety:

  • Be sure your cell phone is easy to see and reach; out of the case and plugged in.
  • Know your phone’s buttons so you can keep your eyes on the road while dialing.
  • Program frequently dialed numbers in a one or two button memory.
  • If you have to dial while driving, dial the first three numbers, check the road, then dial the rest.
  • While on the phone, check mirrors frequently and avoid note-taking or looking for other reference material.
  • Avoid making calls in heavy traffic, in poor visibility (fog, rain, snow, darkness), and if road conditions require excessive maneuvering (sharp turns, narrow roads).
  • Avoid calls that require a high level of mental concentration or if you expect highly emotional exchanges.
  • If you do a lot of phoning in your car, invest in a hands-free speaker phone.
  • Know the emergency numbers (police, fire, cellular service) for your driving areas. Not all cellular areas use 911.

It’s best to use your cell phone only for emergencies or to let people know your location or expected arrival times.

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