Archived 2019 - Safety E-Quick Tips
- So, Doesn't It Make Sense That...
This is the time of year where most of us reflect on what we did right, what we did wrong and what we will try to do better in the upcoming year.
This may include, but not be limited to, cutting back on what we eat because we enjoyed the holiday just a bit too much, spending more time with family because we’ve been working way too much, or maybe just accepting others for who they are rather than putting them down because they don’t think like we do.
So, doesn’t it make sense that we should do the same when it comes to workplace safety?
- Distractions Are One of Our Worst Enemies
Now I know that if you are an announcer at a radio station sitting behind a desk, becoming a little distracted during your workday isn’t going to put anyone’s safety in jeopardy.But that is not the case for a lot of jobs.
If you are someone that is performing some form of physical labor and/or using equipment, distractions are one of your worst enemies.
- Get Everyone Involved
Workplace safety doesn’t happen on its own.It takes everyone from the person running the company (president, owner or CEO) down to the last employee to make it a reality.
Why is that?
Because a company safety program that really protects employees from hazards in the workplace takes the support and commitment of management and all your employees to make it happen.
- It Was Then That I Realized...
In the past few weeks I’ve had an opportunity to see just how much we take things for granted, specifically our ability to get around and live our everyday lives.
It started a few weeks back when my wife had total knee replacement.
- You Have a Decision to Make
It’s Thanksgiving Day, the one day of the year that almost all work shuts down for at least part of the day, including Walmart.
So, you do what you’ve done for more than 30 years. You go out for a walk with some of your family members.
- So, What Went Wrong?
I’ve been doing some demo work at my home, leaving me with a large amount of scrap building material. So, I ordered a 20-yard dumpster.
When the driver arrived, I showed him where I wanted him to place the dumpster.He had to back under a telephone line running to my home. I assured him the truck would clear the line since I had a larger and higher 40-yard dumpster delivered by their company a couple of years ago.
- But It's The Best We Can Do
A couple weeks ago I was heading to an appointment.When I was stopped at a light, I looked to my right and saw 2 men working on a pitched metal roof about 35’ off the ground without any fall protection.
Although neither of the men were wearing a harness, about 10’ away from them laying on the roof were 2 tie-off ropes just waiting for someone to connect to them.
- Because Sometimes Safety Is About Making Good Choices
I was driving down the street last week and, lo and behold, I saw 2 men working on what looked to be about a 5/12 pitch metal roof, 30 plus feet above the ground.There were tie off ropes in place, but neither of them was tied off. In fact, they didn’t even have their harnesses on, so there was no way they could tie off even if they wanted.
- Men Can Be Replaced, But Mules Cost Money
Last week I was scrolling through the channels on TV when I came across a documentary on coal mines.This was no modern-day documentary. This was one that was put together back in the 70’s or 80’s and it was about a revolution to bring safer work conditions to the mines.
- Here Are Some Highlights...
For the past 7 weeks we’ve been reviewing the OSHA citation process.If you’ve been following along, you’ve probably noticed the process can be long and drawn out.
But thankfully for most employers, visits from OSHA are few and far between.
- The Contest Process
We started what I had hoped would be a short review of what takes place during and after an OSHA visit the second week of September. As you can see it has gone on a little longer than I thought.
- But What if OSHA Doesn't Agree
We started talking about what takes place during and after an OSHA inspection in September. So if you would like to catch up or just go back for a quick review, click here. Today we're going to continue to discuss a couple more options on how to handle OSHA negotiations when you receive citations.
- Could Come Back to Haunt Your Company
Last week we left you with a decision to make. Should you just pay the penalty and move on, or defend your company for what you believe is right and talk with OSHA?Maybe even file a contest notice?
- What are you going to do?
Time is running out. You’ve put off dealing with your OSHA citations and now you think one or more of the citations are wrong, so you contact someone who has represented employers to determine how to move forward.
- That is Never Good News
Have you checked your calendar in the last week? Maybe you should have because that OSHA citation you received 2 to 3 weeks ago is coming up on your last day to do something about it.
- This is Not Good News!
As you read through the citations and penalties you search your mind and try to recall when the compliance officer talked about each of the citations.
You now begin to realize that about 4 months ago when you thought the compliance officer was being helpful by pointing out a few things you should address, they were pointing out what you were going to be cited for. - To Be Continued
And then it happens.
OSHA shows up on one of your jobsites. - Hurricane Preparedness
As I’m writing this, it looks like Hurricane Dorian is going to be moving up the east coast, so I hope that everyone in the way has taken the necessary precautions to protect their property and, most importantly, themselves and their families.
- Here Are a Few Tools
Today I want to talk about how you can make your safety efforts more effective in keeping your employees safe from hazards in the workplace by making sure you can educate your employees of the value of the information within your safety program.
- No One Listens
If you knew of a way to protect your employees, company reputation and profits with just 5-10 minutes per week, would you do it? Of course, you would.
- What Were They Thinking?
I was driving home from vacation with my family yesterday when I looked in my review mirror and see this motorcycle weaving through a couple cars with what looks to be very little room.He’s moving so fast that in seconds he’s around me, squeezing in between the car passing me on the left.Then he was gone.
- "Most" Workplace Accidents Can Be Easily Prevented
As I said before, “most” workplace accidents can be easily prevented if we use a little common sense, our safety training, and the safety equipment.
- The OSHA Requirements Most Companies Dread
The dreaded inspections and enforcement of company and OSHA safety policies. Two of the 4 requirements OSHA has placed on employers if they want to protect their company from costly OSHA citations and possibly some of the best ways to prevent employee accidents.
- Simple Quicker, Easier Workplace Safety and Compliance
When it comes to workplace safety compliance, there is no question that it has become more difficult for employers to meet the increased requirements.
Increased requirements are coming from every direction.
- I'd Like to Know What You Think
You’ve seen it on signs, shirts, hard hats, in newsletters and even on company websites.What is it?
“Safety First”
Yet how many times have you seen it plastered at a jobsite and then looked around and without really giving it much thought, you can list off 3, 4 or even more serious hazards.
Why is that? We all know that safety is important, right?
- But Still Holds True Today
From time to time, many of you know that I will go back to Safety E-QuickTips written in the past because some of them are just timeless. Here’s one written October 18, 2010.It was the first Safety E-QuickTip written, but still holds true today.
- They Decided to Do The Job a Little Differently
I was at breakfast after church on Sunday when our friend, a farmer said, “I had a close call this week. You almost didn’t see me today.”
Then he went on to tell what happened and it went something like this.
- It Will Only Take 5-10 Minutes
To lessen the possibility of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, keep your body well hydrated with water; wear light clothing that allows for perspiration; and reduce exertion on extremely hot, moist days, and allow for air circulation.
- Lives and Jobs Depend On It!
Today we’ll talk about some ideas to help you manage the process.
We’ll start with establishing a management system that focuses on your workplace safety priorities and goals.
- It's Easy to Blame the Other Guy
This week we’ll continue with some tips on how you can get everyone engaged in your common goals and a few ways to help you track progress.
- If You Don't, You Have Little Chance of Succeeding
Last week we talked about the first thing you need to do to get everyone in a company to share common attitudes, interests, and goals when it comes to workplace safety.
- Where Do You Think Your Company Is With Workplace Safety?
Over the years the government has put more restrictions on what our youth can do in an effort to protect them from hazards in the workplace.This includes prohibiting certain jobs and equipment for anyone younger than 18.
- If You Are Hiring Anyone Under The Age of 18 This Summer
Over the years the government has put more restrictions on what our youth can do in an effort to protect them from hazards in the workplace.This includes prohibiting certain jobs and equipment for anyone younger than 18.
- Common Attitudes, Interests, and Goals
If you’re looking to implement a safety program at your company, you can’t do it all by yourself.
And if you are in upper management, you can’t give the job to someone under you, walk away and expect it to succeed.
Why is that?
- Maybe You Should Consider It a Wake-Up Call
When was the last time you or someone you know experienced a near miss or close call at your workplace?
You know what I’m talking about.
- Take a Tough Job and Make It Simply Easier
Where humans are involved there will always be accidents, because we are not perfect no matter what we might think. But that does not mean we have to accept numbers like these.
- I have a Question For You Today
There is no question that the safety industry spends more time dealing with the paper work necessary to meet OSHA and workplace requirements than getting the information into the hands of those that need it most – the employees!
- Find Something That Works For You
In seconds you have pages of information at your fingertips.In fact, some people find they have too much information and they don’t know where to start.
Well here’s a hint. Find something that works for you. Something that fits your needs, not necessarily what works for everyone else.
- Relevant, Informative and To The Point
Let’s face it, workplace safety isn’t rocket science. But we always need to keep in mind that it has real value for everyone.
- Who's Got Your Back Today?
As we all know, accidents happen fast and sometimes they happen because of a hazard created by someone other than the injured party.
- But Think About It...
Workplace safety.When the subject comes up it’s usually about meeting OSHA, insurance, jobsite or pre-qualification requirements.
But when was the last time someone in your company brought up workplace safety because they were concerned about employee safety?
- The Next Time...
Last week my wife called to me and said, “You have to see this.” Of course, I thought she was going to show me a picture or video of one of our grandchildren, a home that was for sale or a renovation project.
But much to my surprise, it wasn’t.
- Did You Know
It has been a while since we’ve done a “Did You Know” Safety E-QuickTip and for some of you who have not seen one of these in past years, this is where we share a few current safety statistics.
So here goes.
- But Today Would Be Different
I believe it would be safe to say that no one goes to work each day with the belief that they will be not be returning home at the end because of a workplace accident.
Yet in 2017 around 14 employees died from a work-related injury every day.
Why is that?
- Your Employees Are Depending On It
Prior to setting up the safety committee the company’s idea of workplace safety was little more than posting a sign that said “Safety 1st” and hoping for the best.It seemed to work since the company had managed to go without any serious injuries.
But that was about to change.
- It's Just One Time Too Many
Whenever anyone brings up workplace safety, everyone’s eyes start to roll.
- Because Sometimes We Just Don't Use Common Sense
Using common sense to keep employees safe and meeting compliance requirements just makes sense, doesn’t it?
But as we’ve learned, common sense and workplace safety is more than just sending employees out on the job and hoping for the best.
- Sound Like Something That Could Work For You?
- ... By Using Just Basic Common Sense
For years employers and employees have been telling me that to prevent accidents in the workplace you just need to use common sense – nothing more, nothing less.
Would you agree with that?
If you do, I believe you are correct – here’s why.
- Just a Simple Straight Forward Requirement
This week we’re going to take the 6 elements and turn them into 4 Steps to protect employees from hazards in the workplace while keeping your company OSHA compliant.
- Here Are 6 Key Elements That Need to Be In Every Company's Safety Program:
Last week we talked about the different options you have available to you when developing your safety program, that the key is to find the option that works best for you and meets your specific needs and requirements, and how to determine what option is right for you.
Today we’re going to talk a little about what really needs to be included in your safety program and why.
- Because You Have More Options Today Than Ever...
Over the years there is no question that safety program requirements have become tougher to meet than ever before.
As a contractor, manufacturer or supplier, I’m sure you’ve seen it.To start work with a client or to have the opportunity to bid on a project, more often than ever before you’re being required to submit a copy of your company safety program.
- What You Can Expect From Safety E-QuickTips in 2019
Happy 2019! Hope your year got off to a good start and you were able to spend it with family and friends.
With this being another short week I thought I would keep it short and let you know Safety E-QuickTips in 2019.