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🔒 🔒 🔒[Audiobook] Human Resources | Universal Safety Practices
How much is your company's safety worth? What if neglecting basic safety practices could cost more than just a hefty fine? Join us as we uncover the essential elements of universal safety practices that every organization must implement. We'll dissect the legal and ethical obligations employers face to protect their workforce, and show how cultivating a robust safety culture, alongside providing proper training and supervision, can prevent costly injuries and legal repercussions. Plus, we'll delve into the specifics of fire safety, exploring common causes, types of fires, and preventive measures that can save lives and property.
Did you know that excessive workplace noise can lead to more than just a headache? Unsafe noise levels can cause hearing loss and hamper communication, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. Tune in as we discuss practical solutions for assessing and mitigating noise hazards using tools like dosimeters and sound meters. We'll share real-life examples, such as a warehouse where sound absorption was effectively used to manage excessive noise levels, and highlight the importance of recognizing and managing the noise environment in high-risk industries like construction and manufacturing.
Workplace violence and transportation safety are often overlooked but critical aspects of workplace safety. Discover why workplace violence is the leading cause of workplace deaths for women and how substance abuse exacerbates safety risks. We'll guide you through the necessary steps for reporting incidents and the importance of tailored emergency plans. Additionally, learn about the significant risks posed by workplace transportation and machinery, and how proactive measures can prevent accidents. Finally, we'll discuss how implementing safety metrics like KPIs and regular audits can help improve organizational performance, sharing the story of an employee who learned to navigate safety inspections effectively. Join us for a comprehensive discussion on maintaining a safety-first mindset in every aspect of the workplace.
Sign up for our self-paced courses or instructor-led workshops at www.ht-a.solutions
Sign up for our self-paced courses or instructor-led workshops at www.ht-a.solutions
Sign up for our self-paced courses or instructor-led workshops at www.ht-a.solutions
Universal Safety Practices. Module 1. Getting Started the importance of safety cannot be overstated. Every organization is responsible for the safety of its employees while they are working. In 2015, osha estimated safety issues cost companies $1 billion a week. Understanding universal safety practices and how to implement them will help keep everyone protected while ensuring the company's financial security. Module 2. The importance of safety.
Speaker 1:Safety may seem like a boring topic, but an unsafe work environment cannot be ignored. Employers have a legal and ethical obligation to keep all their employees safe. Understanding the risks that companies face, along with the benefits that safety practices provide, will help establish why universal safety practices are so important. Federal, state and local laws all place legal responsibility for safe workplaces on employers. Osha, for example, demands the display of safety posters for employees to see Employees are legally protected from engaging in hazardous workplace activities or in unsafe conditions. There are specific guidelines for different sectors, but most companies are responsible for the same universal safety guidelines, which will be addressed in this manual.
Speaker 1:When employers are lax in safety, they face legal problems, inspectors can find infractions and people can be injured or killed. Cases of severe negligence may result in safety. They face legal problems, inspectors can find infractions and people can be injured or killed. Cases of severe negligence may result in lawsuits, sanctions and possible criminal charges. Risk is a probability or threat of damage, injury, liability loss or any other negative occurrence that is caused by external or internal vulnerabilities and that may be avoided through preemptive action. According to businessdictionarycom, everything comes with a risk, even safety.
Speaker 1:Unfortunately, many safety programs fail. The risks that accompany safety practices are no safety culture. There is no buy-in, no objectives, no clear goals have been set. Uncertain roles and responsibilities. Employees do not know what is expected of them. Training it is poor or non-existent. Poor supervision Leaders do not supervise or are inconsistent with enforcement. Failure to pay attention to the potential risks associated with implementing universal safety practices can cause great damage to the organization. Safety practices provide more benefits than risks. While there is a cost to safety, it is well worth it. The return on investment is rewarding when safety practices are implemented correctly. Benefits Number of injuries and fines decrease. Money saved in medical cost, improved employee satisfaction and retention, increased attraction of high-performing employees, improved productivity. These are just a few common benefits, but companies may find individual benefits when they implement safety.
Speaker 1:Leaders have a responsibility to set examples and take responsibilities for safety programs. You cannot expect people to embrace a culture of safety if you ignore it yourself. There are a few steps that leaders can take to help set the example for safety Personally adhere to safety procedures. Reward people who practice safety. Make sure all employees know the safety practices for their positions. Have safety program leaders. Locate hazards and risks. Monitor safety checklists and walkthroughs. Have reporting systems in place. These steps are beneficial for everyone. Individual companies, however, may need more specific actions, such as PPE controls.
Speaker 1:Mark decided to implement safety practices into a safety program. He was sure that the process would be simple, because everyone wants to stay safe. He was surprised when three people were injured during the first quarter. He discussed the situation with Ashley, an old friend from school. Ashley discussed his example an employee buy-in. He admitted that he did little more than send out the guidelines and demand that people follow them. Mark also said that he did not always follow his own rules when he was in a hurry. Ashley advised him to make safety a priority for himself and set an example. She also said that he should personally encourage others and oversee safety.
Speaker 1:Leaders. Module 3. Fire Risk leaders. Module 3. Fire Risk. According to the National Fire Protection Association, fire departments in the United States have a call every 23 seconds, making fire-related safety practices highly important.
Speaker 1:Implementing fire safety requires an understanding of the different causes and types of fires, as well as effective assessments and prevention methods and types of fires, as well as effective assessments and prevention methods. There are many causes and types of fires and it is important that you have an understanding of their source in order to prevent them from happening. Common causes of fires include equipment, chemicals and gases. Electrical flammable products, lightning, arson, fireworks products, lightning arson, fireworks, smoking candles. There are five different types or classes of fires, differentiated by what fuels them. Class a physically combustible items such as wood. Water will typically put it out. Class b combustible gases or liquids. Class c electrical fires. Class D metal-related fires. Class K oil or fat fires. Smothering may put out small fires. There are fire extinguishers created for different classes of fire. The class of fire that the extinguisher is intended for will be listed on the extinguisher.
Speaker 1:Risk assessments are necessary for any organization. Fire risk assessment focuses on hazards, people at risk and removing or reducing the hazards. Fire hazards are combinations of fuel, ignition, spark and oxidation, usually oxygen. It is unlikely that you will find no risk, so a risk assessment matrix will help prioritize risks. The risk matrix is based on the severity of the risk and the likelihood of something happening. The risk and likelihood are typically numbered and or color coded. Once risks are identified and ranked, you will be able to determine which actions you need to take. For example, a fire extinguisher may be acceptable in low-risk situations, while machinery may need maintenance in others. Each company and assessment will be unique. While machinery may need maintenance in others, each company and assessment will be unique.
Speaker 1:There are numerous ways to prevent fires in the workplace. Remember that some organizations will have a higher fire risk than others and require specialized prevention methods, particularly for companies that deal with flammable gases and chemicals. There are some basic steps everyone can take to prevent fire Maintain smoke alarms that have visual and audible alarms. Prohibit smoking. Store and dispose of flammable items properly. Keep the area clean. Do not block exits. Maintain machinery. Provide fire extinguishers. Install sprinklers. Practice safety with flammable chemicals.
Speaker 1:Once you determine how to assess and establish fire safety, it is necessary to communicate the practices with employees. This includes the evacuation plan, emergency exits where the fire extinguishers and fire alarms are located. There are different ways to communicate fire safety Meetings and trainings. Post instructions for machinery. Share scheduled maintenance. Post evacuation route Fire prevention plan in print and or online. Have safety captains, share ways to report hazards. Choose the best way to share information for your employees. There are also legal guidelines for what information you need to post and where.
Speaker 1:Josh was put in charge of implementing a fire safety program for a small printing company. He was not familiar with the topic outside of drills and safety trainings he received as an employee at other companies. He called Sally, a friend who worked as a safety officer at a larger company. She walked him through the assessment and matrix. Josh decided that the greatest risks were electrical machinery, paper and chemicals. He created a manual for fire safety procedures and distributed it among the employees.
Speaker 1:Module 4. Sound. Sound is an easily overlooked but serious hazard that must be addressed. Unsafe noise levels can lead to hearing loss. Osha estimates that $242 million are spent every year on employee hearing loss. Not only do noise levels damage hearing, but they also harm communication, which can increase misunderstandings and employee accidents and injuries. Sound and noise are measured using decibels. A normal conversation is roughly 60 decibels. Exposure to sounds at 85 decibels or over can increase the risk of hearing loss over long periods of time. City traffic is 85 decibels, according to the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Louder noise levels require less exposure time before resulting in hearing loss. Noise-induced hearing loss is a clear danger when employees work in environments at 85 decibels or more. Osha limits peak short-term noise levels of 115 decibels for no more than 15-minute stretches.
Speaker 1:To ensure the safety of employees, employers need to assess the noise levels and take the necessary precautions to protect hearing in the work environment. Assessing noise levels requires specialized equipment. In many instances, level 1 and level 2 sound meters are acceptable. They have fast and short responses. Slow responses are easier to read and are effective for 115 dB for short time periods. Octave band analyzers are beneficial for blended noises. This tool measures hertz and decibels and gives an idea of the individual and complete noise levels. Always follow the manufacturer's directions for using the analyzer to get the best results.
Speaker 1:Osha recommends noise dosimeters to ensure compliance. These are set with a frequency of A, a slow response, a 90 dB criterion and an 80 dB threshold. The dosimeter does not record speech but when used correctly, it will measure sound levels over time. Some work environments have a naturally higher noise risk. These include construction, processing, manufacturing, canning and entertainment. When determining risks, it is necessary to discover the hazards as well as noise causes. Next, you determine the exposure risk that employees have based on their level of exposure. The noise risk assessment will determine if and what type of action is required.
Speaker 1:Personal protective equipment and environmental changes are necessary for noisier environments. The hearing personal protective equipment and environmental changes are necessary for noisier environments. The hearing personal protective equipment is recommended only when it is not possible to adjust the environment. The three different HPPE available are earplugs, earmuffs easier for intermittent noise, hearing bands similar to earplugs, but they are connected. Each HPPE is rated to indicate the level of noise exposure at which they are effective.
Speaker 1:There are different ways to improve noise in the environment. It all depends on the cause and location of the noise. Equipment modifications these include silencers, vibration dampening and fluid flow Substitutions. These are alternatives to the cause of the noise, such as new gears, motors or materials. Relocation, move or reconfigure the causes of noise. Sound absorption, install materials that absorb sound in walls, surfaces and ceilings. Sound transmission loss barriers, panels, other construction that limits sound Enclosures. Noise is limited to a specific enclosure. Barriers, partial enclosures that block sound.
Speaker 1:Cora was concerned about the noise level at her warehouse. She asked Nathan to assess the environment and determine if any actions need to be taken. Nathan began by assessing the sounds levels using dosimeters. He discovered that a majority of employees were exposed to 86 decibels for two hours in the morning. Nathan suggested that Cora look into sound absorption because there were no suitable substitutions or modifications available. The machinery was already up to date. He believed that the action would be enough to make the noise levels safe.
Speaker 1:Module 5. Chemical and Electrical Hazards. Chemical and safety hazards occur even in seemingly safe environments. From cleaning products to overused outlets, there are risks everywhere. Being aware of the dangers related to the chemicals and electricity will help prevent disaster. Always be aware of what chemicals are on the premises and how the electricity is being used. All chemicals must be assessed. Begin by making a list of all chemicals and where and how they are stored, as well as when they are used and by whom. Chemicals come in liquid, gas and powder forms, so do not focus on liquids alone. First check the packaging. If you are not familiar with a chemical, osha has a list available.
Speaker 1:Chemicals act through inhalation, contact, injection or ingestion. There are different chemicals risks. Carcinogen can cause cancer, such as asbestos. Acute toxicity risk with single exposure, such as insecticide. Chronic toxicity builds up with exposure such as lead. Corrosive damages skin, eyes or airways, such as strong acids or bases. Irritants inflames the skin, eyes or airways, such as ammonia Sensitizers. Causes irritation with repeat exposure such as formaldehyde. Reproductive damages developing fetus and parent, such as heavy metals and aromatic solvents. Mutagen can damage genes in cells, such as benzene.
Speaker 1:Once you identify the risks of each chemical, make sure they are stored appropriately. For example, some chemicals cannot be near heat. Finally, communicate the hazards to employees. Remember that some people are more sensitive than others, so always take the greatest precautions. There are different ways to inform employees about the chemicals they use. Obviously, begin by making sure every chemical is labeled correctly. Other ways to inform employees about hazards are Provide MSDS Material Safety Data Sheets. Create a Hazard Communication Program. Provide Basic Employee Trainings. Provide Specialized Employee Trainings for employees who regularly work with hazards.
Speaker 1:Employees must understand the risk of chemicals, how to use them, how to store them and how to dispose of them. There should also be protocols in place for medical and non-medical emergencies. There are four different ways to control exposure to chemicals in the workplace Eliminate or substitute. The safest method is to remove dangerous chemicals completely or substitute them for safer ones. Engineering controls. Alter the environment to reduce contact, administrative controls. Alter the task to limit exposure, for example, rotate tasks. Ppe-personal protective equipment protects wearer during use. It is not always possible to remove chemical exposure. Always, however, take the safest option for your employees.
Speaker 1:Electrical dangers can cause shock, burns, fires and death. The three main causes of electricity-related death are failure to maintain equipment, grounding or electrical components. Not correct Work on electrified equipment. Not all dangers are so blatant. Others are a little easier to overlook Overloaded surge protectors, frayed cords and stapling cords. Forcing plugs into outlets, leaving appliances on no clearance around electrical panels.
Speaker 1:The best way to address possible electrical dangers is to have effective policies and enforce them. Electrical policies and controls help prevent injury and give employees the guidelines they need to stay safe. Basic controls that all companies should put in place include make sure wiring is safe and up to date. Ground electricity when necessary. Make sure equipment is safe and compatible. Assess the environment for electrical hazards. Policies that should be included are Employees should avoid overloading power strips and outlets. Do not unplug machines to turn them off. Report damaged cords or malfunctioning equipment. Only qualified professionals address electrical problems. Keep cords out of walkways. Turn off malfunctioning equipment. There are legal regulations that will help shape policies and controls, and specialized electricians will require more detailed policies and controls.
Speaker 1:As a safety officer, david was responsible for monitoring the electrical safety in the office. Rose complained that she kept losing power Outside of her basic office equipment. She also had a space heater, cell phone and iPad charger plugged into the power strip. David also noticed that the cords were tangled together. Rose knew the rules, but she did not consider them important. David explained that she was in danger of more than a minor shock. She was also increasing the risk of an electrical fire. Rose promised to follow the guidelines in the future. David warned that he would be watching her and she would be written up if she failed to comply.
Speaker 1:Module 6. Ergonomics. Ergonomic risks factors can lead to injury. Poor posture, strain, vibrations, contract pressure and temperature can all lead to injury, pain and cost the ability to work. They make up roughly one-third of the worker injuries. Ergonomic-related injuries are not immediately recognizable. They occur over time, which means that it is easy to overlook the danger until it is too late. Ergonomic injuries have different names repetitive motion injuries, repetitive stress injuries, cumulative trauma injuries and cumulative trauma disorders. In this manual we will refer to them as musculoskeletal disorders. Common injuries are tendonitis, carpal tunnel, muscle strains, epicondylitis, trigger finger rotator cuff injury. These injuries are most likely to occur in offices, construction, healthcare, warehouses, transportation and first responders. The best way to handle injuries is to prevent them.
Speaker 1:There are different ways to assess ergonomic risks. Some are more specific, such as the WISHA lifting calculator and the NIOSH lifting equation. Others include the rapid entire body assessment, the rapid upper limb assessment and the Washington State Ergonomic Risk Assessment Checklist. The Washington State Ergonomic Risk Assessment Checklist is what will be reviewed in this manual. There are caution zones and hazard zones in the checklist. Each one includes awkward posture, high hand force, highly repetitive motion, repeated impact, lifting, arm vibration. The longer a motion occurs, the greater the zone. Risk also increases with a combination of risks.
Speaker 1:Engineering controls and PPE are available to ensure that employees have the tools that they need to keep them safe. These will vary according to the employee workspace. Common engineering controls are found in workstations. All workstations should reduce odd posture, as well as bending, lifting and reaching. Tools should also be simple to use, lightweight and have low vibration. Workstation equipment Ergonomic computer chairs, standing desks, desk and keyboards. Keep wrists and elbows neutral. Monitor arms change height for shared computers. Stable mouse Limit. Laptop use Personal protective equipment Knee pads, vibration gloves, gloves, shoulder pads. Please note that OSHA does not recommend back belts because they encourage people to lift too much, causing injury.
Speaker 1:Employees need to be trained in proper ergonomics. Again, the training will depend on the daily tasks done. Someone in a warehouse will perform different tasks than those in an office or medical setting. Your assessment will help you focus the training. Most training will focus on some basic information Body mechanics, standing sitting, posture, lifting Tools. Use the correct size, limit vibration exposure, personal monitoring, space out time between tasks. Work in teams. When necessary. Follow guidelines.
Speaker 1:Chris noticed that Leslie's work was slowing. He discussed the issue and she told him that her hands and fingers were becoming numb and painful. She was finding typing difficult, which was slowing her down. After a visit to the doctor, leslie discovered that she had carpal tunnel. She would need surgery and time to recover. She suffered from a musculoskeletal disorder caused by poor ergonomics. Chris decided that it was time to take steps to improve ergonomics as well as employee safety.
Speaker 1:Module 7. Workplace Violence. Workplace Violence, workplace violence, has been gaining media attention in recent years. It is the leading cause of workplace deaths for women. Recognizing the risk of workplace violence, such as the stressors and triggers will help avoid unfortunate incidents. Threats, harassment and intimidation are all considered acts of violence. The point is to reduce risk and take steps early.
Speaker 1:Most acts of workplace violence have preceding stressors as stress builds. Sometimes an event can trigger a move from aggressive behavior to violent behavior. Stress is normal, but not everyone handles stress well and some stressors are more damaging than others. Potential stressors Financial strain, family difficulties, lack of support system, feeling like an outsider, workplace environment, illness. Stressors can lead to depression, withdrawal and distress. People perceive slights where they do not exist. Risks of violence increase when employees begin to act with animosity. Other signs of stressors include an increased discussion of violence and unfounded accusations of persecution. If someone is experiencing stressors and exhibits unusual behavior, be aware Triggers can be anything, but they can be closely tied to stressors. Potential Triggers Job Loss, change in Relationship Status. Job loss Change in relationship status Poor review, conflict with co-worker Overlooked for promotion.
Speaker 1:Substance abuse will cause serious problems at work. It increases absenteeism, performance problems and accidents, while decreasing performance. Additionally, substance abuse is ranked as the third greatest cause of violence in the workplace, according to the National Drug-Free Workplace Alliance. Companies need to have clear substance abuse policies and train employees to recognize the signs of substance abuse. Signs of possible substance abuse Impaired motor function, poor memory, mood changes, low attention, anxiety, depression, poor coordination, uncoordinated reflexes. Employee assistance programs, as well as referrals to community service programs can help people with substance abuse issues before they become problematic.
Speaker 1:Incidents of workplace violence must be reported to prevent escalation. Every company should have no tolerance for workplace violence and clear reporting policies. Reporting must be done on several levels 1. Report for early signs, disrespect, intimidate. Report to immediate supervisor or one level up if the employee in question is supervisor. Document behavior Supervisor meets with employee to address the behavior. 2. Escalation of behavior threats, arguments, sabotage. Contact supervisor or emergency personnel if necessary. Make sure everyone is safe. Document behavior Supervisor attempts to de-escalate if possible. Supervisor attempts to de-escalate if possible. 3. Emergency physical attacks, threats of suicide weapons Call 911. Contact supervisor Evacuate area. Work with officers. Document behavior afterwards. Supervisor acts based on results of event.
Speaker 1:Due to the possible threat of workplace violence, emergency plans must be in place and employees should be trained in how to respond. Plans should be tailored to fit the organization, but a few ideas are useful for most people 911 and security. Notified immediately. Have a code to alert employees verbally. Have email or text alerts available. Exit strategy established ahead of time. Employees decide to run, hide or fight. Run, take exit route. If you have time to avoid individual Hide, take this option as you believe the individual is in the exit route. Fight, barricade in a group and be ready to fight using anything available as a weapon. These are just a few basic strategies, but it is important to make sure that all employees know that they should keep their phones silent and their hands in view for the police.
Speaker 1:Kara was uncomfortable working with Drew. He was always hostile and belittling her. Sam, her supervisor, made a comment that Drew was not a warm person. She did not want to appear too sensitive, so she did not complain. Over time, drew's behavior began to escalate. He went from mild insults to direct threats. At this point, kara made the decision to report him to Sam. Sam told her that he would talk to Drew, but he thought that she was probably overreacting.
Speaker 1:Module 8. Transportation. Transportation occurs on the roadways and company property. While driving may seem low on the list of safety priorities, it is still a serious threat. According to OSHA, a vehicle-related death occurs every 12 minutes. Accidents do not just happen in cars. They also occur in company vehicles such as go-karts, cranes, forklifts, etc. Assessing on-site and off-site transportation will help guide policies that will prevent injury.
Speaker 1:Employers have a responsibility to assess transportation risks related to the workplace. Begin by identifying the possible hazards of the workplace Hazards, types of transportation, personal work, equipment, drivers and passengers, areas of transportation, safety of areas and vehicle maneuvers, pedestrians, maintenance, vehicle operations and emergencies. After identifying hazards, you should address the potential risks. Risks how often are people exposed to a hazard? What could go wrong? Risks for drivers, accidents, ergonomics, etc. Risks for pedestrians run over, etc. Environmental risks trees, cables, obstructions, etc. After identifying the hazards and risks, perform a familiar assessment to determine the likelihood of each risk occurring.
Speaker 1:Workplace transportation is either on-site or off-site. On-site transportation risks are typically easier for employers to influence because they have more control of the environment. On-site transportation includes anything that occurs in the workplace. Examples of on-site transportation are moving merchandise or equipment, moving people, loading, unloading, securing maintenance. On-site transportation includes different types of vehicles as well as the people involved. It is not limited to drivers and passengers. It also includes those maintaining, loading and unloading vehicles. Off-site transportation is included in the risks that occur off company property. An employee who is injured away from company property while working is covered under the company's legal protection. Someone in a vehicle delivering product qualifies for workers' compensation if harmed in the process due to poor maintenance.
Speaker 1:Off-site transportation is not limited to cars. This involves transportation by land, air or water. For this reason, companies need to have clear and concise policies that address transportation safety. Fortunately, there are a number of different policies that companies can implement to ensure safety during transportation. Each company will have unique hazards and risks, which will determine which policies should be implemented and how. Common safety policies include Choose drivers who are fit for the role, such as health, driving record.
Speaker 1:Background Train drivers and provide PPE when necessary. Keep up maintenance of vehicles. Do not allow people to drive while sick or tired. Make entrance easily accessible. Have good lighting. Consider one-way roads for deliveries. Keep pedestrians away from high traffic areas. Have signs that are easy to read, unobstructed and illuminated. Limit speed. Have unobstructed parking. Maintain property. Review the site routinely. Bill and Catherine were discussing the problem of entering the work parking lot and navigating it safely. Trees and other vegetation made it nearly impossible to see around some corners and people constantly sped through the area without paying attention. Shortly after their discussion, a car hit a pedestrian on the way to lunch While there had been many close calls, this was the first serious injury to occur on the premises. Everyone received an email informing them that changes would be made to the work environment soon.
Speaker 1:Module 9. Machinery Machines have been a part of the workplace since the rise of industry. While machines have the potential to improve productivity and make some tasks easier, they can also increase risks to employee safety. When people work with machinery on a regular basis, it is easy to downplay the dangers that they face. Companies have a responsibility to ensure that employees are aware of their risks and how to avoid them. Each organization will have its own set of machinery and risks that accompany them. The best way to keep employees safe is to begin with a list of all machinery, from printers to manufacturing equipment. Each machine needs to be identified. Once you have a list of machines, perform a risk assessment. We have already addressed some of the hazards and risks, such as electrical and sound, additional workplace hazards, moving parts, levers or buttons, maintenance, cleaning, air quality in confined spaces, sparks and flying debris. These and other hazards will all have their own risks, so you must list each machine in use and assess their potential for harm.
Speaker 1:Safeguards are used to reduce the risk of harm caused by machinery. Some machines are more dangerous than others, so the measures necessary to improve safety will vary. Common safeguards include the moving parts are 8 feet away from floors, walkways, ladders and platforms. Barrier there is a fixed barrier preventing people from reaching dangerous parts. Safeguard device Used when people need to access feeds or ejection sites. These devices define the location and or have automatic stops. Warning devices horns, decals and other warnings limit hazards.
Speaker 1:Ppe Equipment may work in conjunction with other safeguards, training and administrative control that make sure employees understand how to use machinery. Machines can be overused by individuals. As we have already addressed. Vibration from machines can result in personal injury. Other machine-related injuries come from work hours. A very simple way to improve employee safety is limiting how long people spend on a machine at a time. Ways to limit use Employee rotations Multi-train employees for different tasks. Reduce night shifts and give advance notice. Limit long shifts. Prevent multiple long shifts in a row. Provide adequate breaks. Attempt to create reliable schedules whenever possible.
Speaker 1:Proper care and maintenance of machines is necessary for them to run smoothly and reduce the risk of malfunction and accidents. Each machine and its purpose is unique, so it is important to make sure that you follow the manufacturer's guidelines. When establishing a maintenance schedule, it is also a good idea to consider frequency and intensity of use, experience of employees, environmental hazards like moisture and humidity, safety risks of malfunctions. When care and maintenance is necessary, it is important to determine which safety methods are necessary for those working on the equipment PPE Training and electric connection. Safe access, slow speed, continuous monitoring. Remember that you cannot keep machines running past their time without increasing risks. Replace equipment when it is necessary.
Speaker 1:Audrey worked in a print shop. The machines were not difficult to use, but the main one was not in the best condition. Audrey asked her manager about the fraying cords and grinding sounds. She heard Thomas. Her manager told her that it was not time for the scheduled maintenance. He was sure that she could manage for one more month to save the company money. The next week the grinding sound became a screech and everything came to a stop. Audrey tried to pull a stuck banner out and burned her hand on an area that had never been hot before. This problem.
Speaker 1:Module 10. Safety Program. Companies need safety programs that cater to the needs of their employees, vendors and customers. While it is possible to hire consultants, any risks are the responsibility of the organization. Safety programs require performing a risk assessment, establishing goals and objectives, developing policies and procedures and training employees to adhere to the program guidelines. We have already looked at risk assessments on a small scale. A safety program is a large-scale risk assessment. You must begin by choosing who should be involved, such as managers, leads, engineers, safety professionals and anyone who has important insight. This group is responsible for assessing every possible hazard or risk. Be sure to include recent injuries reports and violations. The risks that are found need to be ranked according to severity. Finally, it is necessary to rank the risks in order of importance to determine what will be addressed first and how.
Speaker 1:After understanding the risks that your company faces, you must establish goals and objectives for improvement In safety. Some goals may be descriptive and others numeric. Descriptive goals are broad and easier to achieve, which is why OSHA recommends them. Descriptive goal example make sure all employees are trained in safety policies and procedures and how they apply to them. Numeric goals are more specific, but do not factor in existing medical conditions or injuries. Numeric goal example limit incidence of workers' compensation cases to 10 this year. Once you have clear goals in mind, you will be able to create related objectives.
Speaker 1:Objectives are a bit more detailed than descriptive goals. Objectives need to include feedback from employees. They need to be easy to understand, specific and easy for employees to reach. Example of objective hold monthly emergency drills. Goals and objectives need to be written down and regularly assessed to determine what changes need to be made and if the goals and objectives are attainable.
Speaker 1:Policies and procedures follow the goals and objectives. Policies are guidelines that help employees achieve the company goals and objectives. The procedures are the day-to-day activities that reflect the policies that have been implemented. Safety policies are broken down into specific areas of focus, such as workplace violence. This will define workplace violence, who is responsible and possible repercussions. For example, a policy would state Company A is committed to providing a safe work environment, which includes reducing the risk of workplace violence. Every incident of violence, regardless of severity, will be addressed seriously. We have a no-tolerance policy and any act of threats or violence must be reported to an employee's supervisor or police when necessary. Procedures follow policies in a more detailed way. They will be unique for each company, so there are a few steps to help create them Observe the activities and research. Assess legal obligations. Create a sequence of steps that control hazards. Test new procedure. Have approval and buy-in for procedure. Assess and review.
Speaker 1:All employees need training for a safety program to be effective. Some areas of safety are universal, while others are designed for specific activities. Always remember that the training your employees receive is relevant to them. Periodic training is necessary. Also, training is necessary when the company implements new policies or procedures or an injury occurs. There are different methods for training employees, so choose the best for your company Training methods Instructor or classroom, interactive, hands-on, computer-based, online training. While there are pros and cons to each of the training methods, in many safety situations hands-on is recommended. Peggy and Josh were tasked with creating a safety program for their restaurant. To save time, they copied goals, objectives, policies and procedures from a template another restaurant created. A month after training, an employee was injured using the fryer. Their safety program did not address using the fryer because the template did not include frying. Peggy and Josh were removed from leading the safety program and almost lost their jobs.
Speaker 1:Module 11. Monitoring. Every safety program requires careful monitoring. Safety policies are not static. They will need alterations and monitoring will show strengths and weaknesses. Monitoring requires establishing KPIs, as well as audits and inspections. Data and incident reports must also be assessed to determine what is effective, what improvements can be made. Like any other program, key performance indicators need to be established for safety programs. These indicators should align with the company values, but there are a few common indicators that are a good start for most organizations. Common KPIs Lost work days, recorded injuries. Workers' compensation cost. Near accidents, accidents without injuries.
Speaker 1:Safety programs are monitored using audits and inspections. These tools go hand-in-hand to make sure that employees are following the policies and procedures put in place. Audits may be done in-house or by third parties. The purpose of an audit is to ensure compliance. Steps to an audit Prepare. Have the documentation prepared. Look over past audits and regulations. Establish the scope and focus. Gather facts, administration records and documents. Equipment walkthrough, review findings. Make recommendations and corrective actions. Publish results. Inspections should be done regularly by someone familiar with the task to make sure that everything is done safely. Inspections should occur at least every six months. Common methods of inspections include Checklists. General knowledge, a method of observation that demands a high level of skill. Risk mapping hazards are mapped in a meeting.
Speaker 1:Any incident, whether a close call or injury, must be investigated. The focus of the investigation is to determine the cause of the problem. Investigate thoroughly to determine the cause of the problem. Investigate thoroughly to discover the true cause. Do not rush through the proper process in order to close the incident report quickly. Information to discover were safety protocols in place? Were they being followed correctly? Why or why not? Was there adequate training? Did the employee understand? Do the procedures need to be updated? After an investigation, you will be able to limit the risks of further similar incidents.
Speaker 1:Kpis, audits, inspections and incident reports will all provide data that you need to assess. There are different metrics, dashboards, scorecards and methods available to help you keep track of your information. Whatever you choose, it is important that you keep a strict schedule. Make sure that your information is accurate and up-to-date. Compare your data to the company goals and objectives. What trends does the information show and how closely do these align with your goals? Consider what needs to change. Are the goals unattainable or is there a problem with implementation?
Speaker 1:Nick was given the task of inspecting the packing floor. He was newer to the company and not exactly sure of all the steps that should be taken. He did not want to appear uncertain, so he chose a general knowledge inspection. His supervisor, emily, was a little confused by his report. Some of the steps he questioned had been implemented to improve employee safety. After a meeting, he agreed to perform inspections using a checklist until he had a better understanding of the process. Module 12. Wrapping up Although this workshop is coming to a close, we hope that your journey to learning about universal safety practices is just beginning. We wish you the best of luck on the rest of your travels. Words from the wise Proverb Better a thousand times careful than once dead. Jewel Hartman Carelessness doesn't bounce, it shatters. Eleanor Everett. For safety is not a gadget but a state of mind. Horace Guard himself as he may, every moment's an ambush.
