Fire extinguishers can be an important tool in preventing a small fire from growing larger. However, they should not be used to combat large or rapidly spreading fires. The most important thing to do during a fire is to get yourself to safety then call the proper authorities to combat the fire. A building and the property inside is not worth putting yourself or anyone at risk trying to put it out with a fire extinguisher. It is important to understand how to use a fire extinguisher and the limitations they have.
Read MoreThe goal of operating safely is first to protect life and secondary is to protect property. The construction industry can not only be hazardous to workers, but equipment damage incidents can be frequent and costly. Anytime there is equipment damage not only is there an associated cost, but there is also the chance for injury for the operators or ground personnel in the area.
Read MoreSmartphones have completely changed the way we are able to live our lives, in many ways for the better. Their use, however, can also create hazardous situations. Smartphones are a huge distraction from simply walking down the street and texting to taking the eyes of a driver off the road for hundreds of feet of travel at a time. While it is a well-known fact that actively using a smartphone (or a regular cellphone) distracts you from other tasks at hand, research is coming out that shows there are negative effects from just having your smartphone in the area near you.
Read MoreThere are many different methods to communicate a message. It is important to recognize the communication tools used on the job that relay important information for your work task and the work environment. Verbal communication is not the only way to send and receive a message.
Read MoreThere are many reasons as to why incidents occur that result in property loss or injury on the job. Often times, there has to be multiple failures in the safeguards that are put into place (or not put into place) for an injury to occur due to an exposure to a hazard. A major reason there is failure in the safeguards that are supposed to protect employees is because individuals take the easy way out when completing the work task instead of doing it the right way.
Read MoreThe roads can be an extremely dangerous place. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were an estimated 6.3 million police-reported car accidents in the United States in 2015. While many accidents are caused by distracted driving and driving under the influence, mechanical issues also lead to accidents. Vehicle inspections and preventative maintenance are effective ways to prevent mechanical issue-related crashes.
Read MoreThe goal of operating safely is first to protect life and secondary is to protect property. The construction industry can not only be hazardous to workers, but equipment damage incidents can be frequent and costly. Anytime there is equipment damage not only is there an associated cost, but there is also the chance for injury for the operators or ground personnel in the area.
Read MoreStrokes, just like heart attacks, are a serious medical emergency that occurs all too often. They are the leading cause for serious long-term disability and are the third leading cause of death in the United States. Each year over 795,000 people experience a stroke in the US. Over 75% of stroke victims are over the age of 65 according to StrokeCenter.org.
Read MoreThere are many things that need to go right for a worksite or company to maintain a high level of safety and experience zero or a low number of injuries over a long period of time. One characteristic of a workforce that is very important to achieve low injury numbers is having employees who consider how their decisions affect others.
Read MoreStriking fixed objects with moving equipment or vehicles is common in manufacturing settings, on construction sites, and for occupations such as delivery drivers. Striking fixed objects is 100% avoidable if the proper steps are taken to prevent these kinds of incidents. It is important to take the time and energy to properly eliminate or mitigate the chance that fixed objects are struck.
Read MoreEveryone has seen the commercials and the billboards warning people of the dangers of texting while driving. What about the dangers of using a cellphone while walking? There are many videos online of individuals who are distracted while walking and end up injured. While some of these videos can be innocent and funny, the consequences of this unsafe act can be severe.
Read MoreThere are times when you will not have what you need to complete a task safely and correctly. Whether it is the proper training, tools, knowledge, time, materials, support, equipment, etc. there is a lot you need in place to do any one work task correctly. It is important to take the time to get the right people involved depending on what you need to get your work done.
Read MoreThere are many hazards we face today anytime we operate a motor vehicle. Weather, poor road conditions, and wildlife are some common hazards on the road today. There are also many hazards created by other drivers on the road. One very deadly activity that is taking place far too often is drowsy driving
Read MoreUnlike some general industry operations, the construction industry is often ever-changing, and with that change brings new and unique hazards to address. Using the talks can give your work crew guidance on many different hazards they could encounter. Spending time to hold useful safety meetings in the morning before work begins can be an effective way to the reduce the risk of employees being injured on the job.
Read MoreIndividuals who come to work under the influence of drugs and alcohol are a big concern for many employers across the world. In the United States, it is estimated over 60% of employers conduct pre-employment drug screen. The cost of these tests are anywhere from $20 to $60 a piece. Since employers are willing to spend this amount of money on screening employees many find that the benefits outweigh the costs.
Read MoreIt's important to know the colors of safety when you're working around equipment.
Read MoreI can't begin to tell you how many times we hear about the "this can never happen" happens. Take this recent news story about a bulldozer operator whom evidently got ran over by the equipment he himself was operating:
Read MoreA "team" consists of two or more individuals engaged in an activity to reach a common goal. When we think of "teamwork" it is usually in the context of completing a task or a job together.
Read MoreYour safety training helps ensure things go right when you do your job. Your training also includes what to do when things go wrong. You are trained to prevent spills when you work with chemicals, but your training also tells you how to respond to one.
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