Safety Orientation – First Step to Reducing Workplace Accidents

As an employer, you expect new hires to make some mistakes. It comes with the territory. Those mistakes may result in lost productivity, but employees usually learn valuable lessons from them.

Some mistakes, however, don’t include a second chance. Employees who have been on the job less than one year are at increased risk of being injured or killed in work-related accidents. About one-third of job-related fatalities involve employees who have been on the job for less than 90 days, according to recent Texas Mutual^® statistics. That’s why workplace safety should be a key component of every new employee’s orientation.

The first few days and weeks on the job are the most critical for safety training. If new employees start practicing unsafe work behaviors early, those habits can be hard to break. The key is to teach them to do their jobs safely before you let them start working.

A good safety training program meets regulatory requirements and prepares new workers for the unique hazards they will face on the job. It can also be a good refresher course for current workers who take on new tasks.

Include hands-on demonstrations of personal protective equipment, the safety features on machines, and the safest way to perform each task. Ask employees to repeat the procedure until you are confident they can do it.

Supervisors should allow employees to adapt at their own pace. If your employees do not understand a procedure, encourage them to ask questions. Every employee should trust that management will not reprimand them for reporting unsafe conditions or asking questions.

Earning this kind of trust requires action. If management demonstrates a commitment to safety, new employees are likely to follow their lead. Likewise, experienced workers can team up with new employees to help them correct unsafe behaviors before they become bad habits.

Safety training should be an ongoing process. Follow up throughout the year with ergonomic evaluations, safety inspections and other activities that reinforce the importance of a safe work environment.

If you show employees that safety is as important as quality and production, they are more likely to buy into the safety program. Once they do, you have taken the first step toward instilling behaviors that will help new employees become safe, productive members of your workforce for years to come.

Five Things Your Emergency Plan Should Address

For most of us, one day does not look much different from the next. We wake up at the same time. We take the same route to work. Maybe we take a coffee break around 10 a.m., followed by lunch at noon.

At the end of the day, we take the same route home, only to do it all over the next day.

But what if something interrupts our routine? Not a traffic jam or a flat tire, mind you. Think bigger.

Fires, tornados, power outages and other emergencies can put your employees at risk and derail your business. In fact, about 40 percent of small businesses do not reopen after an emergency, according to the American Red Cross.

Texas Mutual encourages employers to plan for tomorrow’s emergency today. Emergency preparedness plans vary by industry, but they should all address these five things.

Assigning accountability

Strong leadership is critical during emergencies. Form a team of voluntary first responders (VFRs) that includes employees from across the company.

Team responsibilities can include helping create the emergency preparedness plan, continuously improving the plan, conducting hazard assessments, leading evacuations, delivering first aid and CPR, and using fire extinguishers.

To succeed, your VFRs need management’s support. Give them the training and equipment necessary to do their jobs.

VFRs should be armed with such equipment as bullhorns, emergency radios and vests identifying them as first responders. They also receive regularly scheduled training on infection control, CPR and first aid.

Eliminate Distractions Behind the Wheel

Auto accidents are the leading causes of on-the-job fatalities across the country. Many of those fatalities—between 20 and 50 percent, according to reports—could have been prevented if the drivers had simply been paying attention.

Everyday tasks such as eating, putting on makeup, using the cell phone and changing the radio station divert our attention, putting us, our passengers and fellow drivers at risk.

In fact, a 2009 study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that people who send text messages while driving are over 23 times more likely to have an accident.

The monetary costs of on-the-job accidents are easy to quantify. Nobody, however, can put a price on the human costs.

Fortunately, most auto-related accidents are avoidable if employers and employees do their part.

What can employers do?
Employers are responsible for putting qualified drivers behind the wheel, whether they are using company cars or their personal vehicles:

• Implement a company policy that includes basic safe driving rules and criteria for employee driving records. The policy should require employees to wear their seat belts while driving on company time and prohibit them from sending text messages while driving.
• Check employees’ driving records before you begin allowing them to drive on company time, and at least annually thereafter, to ensure they meet your standards.
• Remind drivers not to answer cell phones while they are driving. Require employees to return phone messages while they are not operating a vehicle.
• Have drivers agree not to use their cell phones or do other things that might distract them while driving.
• Sign the National Safety Council’s pledge to drive cell-free.

What can employees do?
Most importantly, remember that no distraction is worth your life. Don’t risk the consequences your family could face if you are involved in an auto-related accident:

• Buckle up every time; it could save your life.
• Avoid distractions such as eating, texting or changing the radio station while the vehicle is moving.
• Turn your cell phone off, or put it on silent when you get behind the wheel.
• If the phone rings, let it go to voice mail. Pull off the road to a safe place, and return the call.
• If you must take a phone call while driving, use a hands-free device, keep it short and let the caller know you will call them back as soon as you can get to a safe place. Remember, however, that most studies show hands-free devices are of limited value in reducing distractions.
• Sign the National Safety Council’s pledge to drive cell-free.

Observe National Distracted Driving Awareness Month

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. The National Safety Council offers free safety materials at http://tinyurl.com/ckr529v.

The site includes a pledge to drive cell-free.

Fire Safety: Lessons from NYC’s Deadliest Industrial Accident

On March 25, 1911, workers were filing out of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory inNew York City when someone noticed a small fire in a scrap materials bin. The fire quickly spread out of control, and the factory’s employees frantically sought escape routes. Some were consumed by smoke or fire. Others leaped to their death from the building’s upper floors.

Nearly 150 did not make it out alive.

We have learned a lot about fire awareness and prevention since 1911. The Shirtwaist Factory incident is the rallying cry of fire safety efforts, spurring stricter fire, safety and building codes worldwide. Still, we have a long way to go.

The U.S. Fire Administration notes that there were nearly 1 million fires reported in the United States in 2007. Almost 10,000 people were injured. Another 1,900 lost their lives.

Furthermore, of 25 industrialized nations examined by the World Fire Statistics Center, the United States has the fifth highest death rate resulting from fires.

Employers can help reverse the trend by following a few tips. Every workplace is unique, but all fire safety programs should have at least one thing in common: simplicity.

Plan multiple evacuation routes

Intense heat and the sheer weight of people trying to escape caused the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory’s only evacuation route to collapse, trapping workers inside. The lesson: Plan multiple evacuation routes for every conceivable emergency situation.

Remember that a fire will probably call for a different evacuation procedure than a tornado or a power outage.

Post signs showing approved evacuation routes in all common areas and at exit points, should an alternate exit be needed.

Incident Analysis: Finding Facts, Not Faults

Every gardener knows you haven’t pulled a weed until you’ve pulled it out by its root. The same logic applies to analyzing workplace accidents and near misses: You must discover the root causes of the incident before you can correct it.

For workplace safety purposes, we describe accidents and near misses under one umbrella term: incidents. Whenever an incident occurs at your workplace, you should conduct a four-step incident analysis to discover and correct its root causes.

Step 1. Gather facts
Start by making it clear that your objective is to correct safety hazards, not assign blame. Don’t use the term “accident investigation.” “Incident analysis” is less threatening and more accurately describes your mission.

Go to the scene of the incident as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the greater the chance that evidence will get tainted or the site will change.

Look for equipment, work conditions and unsafe behaviors that may have contributed to the incident. Interview witnesses before they have time to influence each other’s version of what happened. Try to ask open-ended questions in a non-threatening way.

Texas Mutual offers an incident analysis form you can use to document your findings. You can download it at texasmutual.com/forms/accident_inv.pdf.

Safety is Music to Our Ears During SXSW

It’s an annual rite of spring in Austin. Throngs of guitar-toting musicians from across the globe descend on the city for the South by Southwest (SXSW) Music Festival. A fortunate few will land record deals. Others will earn loyal fans.

All will have the privilege of saying they were selected to participate in one of the most prestigious music events in the world.

If you’re braving the crowds this week, enjoy yourself, but keep these safety tips in mind.

Protect your ears

You will be able to hear much of the music from the street. If you go inside a venue to really soak it up, protect your hearing with earplugs:

• Foam earplugs are among the least expensive options. You can get a pack for a few dollars at most pharmacies and grocery stores. All you have to do is squish them, put them in your ears and let them expand.
• High-fidelity earplugs preserve the quality of the music better than foam earplugs. They’re also inexpensive and easy to find.
• If you want to take your listening experience up a few notches, look into custom earplugs. They’re more comfortable than over-the-counter options, and they preserve music quality even better. Many hearing aid stores and health care facilities that specialize in hearing can make custom earplugs. 

Celebrate responsibly

On Saturday, March 17, the festival overlaps with St. Patrick’s Day events. If you drink alcohol, do it responsibly:

• Drink plenty of water.
• Do not drink alcohol on an empty stomach.
• Don’t drive if you are not sober. If you are sober and you do drive, be careful; other drivers may not be as responsible as you.
• Festival organizers will unveil a bike share program this year for select attendees: http://sxsw.com/attend/getting_around/overview. The rest of us can take a cab or use one of Austin’s other public transportation offerings: http://sxsw.com/attend/getting_around/public_transport.

Be careful in crowds

In 2011, more than 126,000 people attended the festival. Many spent the bulk of their time on and around Sixth Street. Crowds and confined spaces are a recipe for accidents:

• If you go into a venue, make sure you know where the fire exits are in case of an emergency.
• Stay toward the back of the crowd to avoid getting shoved.
• Bring hand sanitizer or hand wipes to limit exposure to germs.
• During events that draw large crowds, basic pedestrian safety sometimes gets overlooked. Cross only at designated crosswalks, and look both ways before you cross.
• Do not wander off by yourself into isolated areas.
• Put your money and ID in a travel pouch that has a zipper.

The Eyes Have It. Follow These Tips to Protect Them.

Every day, about 2,000 Americans get medical attention for on-the-job eye injuries, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. More than 100 of those injuries cause them to miss work.

Workplace hazards that can affect the eyes include chemicals that splash or give off harmful vapors; dust and glare that limit vision; and flying objects resulting from sanding, carpentry, sawing and drilling.

Texas Mutual safety professionals recommend employers follow these tips to keep their employees seeing clearly.

Eliminate hazards

Eliminating hazards is the best way to prevent accidents:

• Add equipment guards, screens and shields
• Install a ventilation system to remove dust, vapors and mists
• Keep the work area clean to reduce dust
• Fasten lids on chemical containers to prevent splashing

 Provide PPE

Personal protective equipment (PPE) includes safety glasses, goggles, face shields, welding helmets, filter lenses and other equipment that provides a barrier between your employees and the hazards they encounter.

Each type of PPE is designed to protect employees against specific hazards:

• Look for PPE suggestions on Material Safety Data Sheets and the instructions for operating machinery and equipment.
• Make sure PPE fits, is comfortable and does not limit peripheral vision
•  Keep PPE clean and in good condition. Inspect it before use for scratches, cracks and other signs of wear.

 If employees wear glasses or contacts, consider providing:

• Safety glasses with prescription lenses (the frame and lenses must be approved by the American National Standards Institute)
• Goggles or face shields designed to be worn over glasses

 Prepare for injuries

If you eliminate hazards and provide the right PPE, you can limit your employees’ exposure to eye injuries. Still, accidents can happen. You should be prepared to get prompt care for the employee:

• Provide emergency eyewash stations in all areas with risks from flying particles or chemicals
• Check the Material Safety Data Sheet for first aid instructions on each chemical you use. Post these instructions near employees who use chemicals.
• If a chemical splashes in an employee’s eyes, flush the eyes and face with water for at least 15 minutes, and then get the employee to a doctor.
• If a particle gets into an employee’s eye, flush the particle out with clean water right away. Do not rub the eyes; this may cause further damage. If the particle does not rinse out, cover the eye and get the employee to a doctor.

Electrical Safety: It’s Not Just for the Pros

Look around your workplace. If you’re on a construction site, you probably see power saws, drills and other electrical tools. If you’re in an office, you’re surrounded by computers, telephones and coffee pots.

The point is that regardless of your industry, you use equipment that runs on electricity. If you do not have safety procedures in place, that equipment can cause serious workplace injuries, up to and including death. The most common emergencies associated with electricity are shocks, burns, fires and explosions.

Electricians are trained to avoid the risks associated with working around electricity. The rest of us can follow a few simple tips to stay safe on the job.

 

Inspect and maintain equipment

Damaged or malfunctioning equipment increase your employees’ risk of getting injured. Before using power tools, cords and other equipment, make sure it is in good condition.

• Check tools for broken casings, as well as loose screws, nuts, bolts and moveable parts.
• Inspect power cords for exposed wires, cracked casing, and bent or broken prongs.
• Make sure receptacle outlets are not cracked or broken, and have cover plates in place.
• Ensure breaker panels have covers, and breakers are labeled.
• Keep equipment clean and lubricated.

Practice safe behaviors

The safest way to do the job is not always the easiest way or the quickest way. Unfortunately, shortcuts get people injured. Every employee should understand that the company expects them to practice safe behaviors:

• Understand which tasks require insulated gloves, metal-free shoes, hard hats rated for electricity and other personal protective equipment, and wear that equipment every time you do those tasks.
• Stop using damaged and malfunctioning equipment immediately, and report it to a supervisor. Tag this equipment as “Damaged—Do Not Use” so others don’t get injured.
• Remember that electricity flows easily through metal and water. Avoid using electrical tools in wet conditions. Remove metal jewelry, and do not use metal ladders or tools near power lines or other sources of electricity.
• Follow the company’s lockout/tagout procedures. If you do not know the procedures, ask your supervisor.
• Keep at least 10 feet between you and overhead power lines, per federal regulations. Additional minimum clearance is required for power lines carrying over 50,000 volts.
• Respect high-voltage warning signs and barricades.

Be prepared

Prompt, calm actions save lives in emergencies. Electrical shocks and burns are no exception. Everyone should know how to respond if a co-worker is in danger:

• Create an emergency preparedness plan that includes procedures for reporting emergencies, getting medical attention for victims, evacuating the building and safely maintaining critical operations.
• Ask for volunteer first responders (VFRs). VFRs should be trained in emergency response procedures, including CPR and other basic first aid.
• Clearly mark the locations of escape routes, first aid kits, emergency defibrillators and fire extinguishers. Before you use a fire extinguisher, check the label to ensure it is safe to use on electrical fires.
• Stay calm if you call 9-1-1. Make sure you know the address where the emergency happened. Let the operator guide the conversation, and respond clearly and calmly. If possible, stay with the victim while you are on the phone.

The most serious consequence of any workplace accident is the human cost of pain and suffering. Businesses also have to consider the impact accidents have on productivity and employee morale. Working together, employers and their employees can create an environment in which workplace accidents are not an inevitable consequence of doing business.

Keep the Flu Out of Your Workplace

Have you used an office phone, had a face-to-face conversation or inhaled today? If so, there’s a chance you came in contact with the virus that causes the flu.

Flu season peaks in January or February. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 15 million to 60 million Americans are exposed every year. They miss a combined 70 million work days.

Here are some tips to help control the flu’s effect on your workplace. Texas Mutual encourages you to share them with your employees.

Take preventive measures
The CDC recommends this three-step approach to keeping yourself and your loved ones free of the flu:

1. Consider a flu shot. This is the most important thing you can do, especially if you are at high risk of serious flu complications. High-risk people include young children, pregnant women, people 65 and older, and people who live with or care for those who are at high risk. People with chronic health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease and lung disease are also at risk. Although children under six months of age are considered high risk, they are too you to be vaccinated. People who care for them should be vaccinated instead. Visit flucliniclocator.org for low-cost flu shots.
2. Do the simple things. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand cleaners. Try to avoid contact with sick people.
3. Ask your doctor about antiviral drugs. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines that keep flu viruses from reproducing. They are used for treatment of the flu. They are not a substitute for a flu shot, and you should not take them without asking a doctor. Antiviral drugs work best if you start taking them within two days of symptoms.

If you get sick
If you follow the steps above, you can reduce your chances of catching the flu this season. But as with most things in life, there are no guarantees.

If you experience high fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, or muscle aches:

1. Go to the doctor immediately. Most healthy people recover from the flu. Others experience serious complications, including bacterial pneumonia, dehydration and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes. Children and adults may develop sinus problems and ear infections.
2. Avoid spreading it. The CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school, and limit contact with others. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. That is how germs spread.
3. Take care of yourself. Get lots of rest, drink plenty of liquids, and avoid using alcohol and tobacco. A pharmacist might be able to recommend over-the-counter medications that relieve flu symptoms, but never give aspirin to children or teenagers who have flu-like symptoms, particularly fever.

For more information about the flu, visit cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing.htm. The site includes a free, downloadable poster that outlines the three steps to avoiding the flu.

Making the Industry Safe from Industrial Accidents

Some of the most notorious industrial accidents are notable because of the great damage, injury or loss of lives they caused. The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 killed hundreds of people and destroyed miles of Chicago. The fire and explosion that occurred at a refinery in Texas City, Texas, in March 2005, killed 15 workers and injured more than 170 others.  

Fire and chemical accidents, falling objects, ergonomic injuries, and slips, trips, and falls are some of the most common industrial accidents. Fortunately, most types of industrial accidents are preventable with repeated safety training and industry-specific safeguards.

Hazardous materials

Some industries have a higher likelihood of a large-scale workplace accident because of the materials that are handled. For example, the Chicago fire in 1871 was made more severe because of the heavy concentration of industry materials in a small area—lumber, fuel and chemicals, among others.

Routinely check the emergency evacuation and sprinkler system, and hold regularly scheduled emergency drills. If a workplace accident requires evacuation, employees should know the proper procedures. Fast, calm action after an accident can save lives.

Chemicals carry their own special hazards. The key to avoiding a chemical accident is to know how to properly use and dispose of these chemicals. Material safety data sheets (MSDS) are important components of workplace safety. MSDS are intended to provide workers and emergency personnel with procedures for safely handling or working with chemical substances. MSDS include information about the materials, such as physical data (melting point, boiling point, flash point, etc.), toxicity, health effects, first aid, reactivity, storage, disposal, protective equipment and spill-handling procedures. Every employee should know what chemicals are present in the workplace and how to use MSDS.

Strenuous activity

Industrial jobs often require heavy lifting or the use of heavy machinery, which can result in overexertion or exhaustion in the employee. It is important that employees know their limits when it comes to lifting objects and that they rest when necessary. It is not wise to continue a task and cause injury to the body. Some jobs may be more strenuous than others. Employers may require a physical exam to ensure their employees are able to perform the job properly and safely.

Additionally, there should be a clear outline on rules and requirements for overtime to avoid strain on employees. Fatigue is extremely hazardous in the workplace, especially in industrial settings where employees may be working with heavy machinery or hazardous materials. Every employee should be well rested and alert when they come to the workplace. If the job requires employees to work for long stretches of time, especially on their feet, then employers should provide a rest area for breaks or naps between shifts.