Safety Articles - Onsite Safety

Four Mindsets That Cause Accidents

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 22:17:00 GMT

Job site safety is an ever-present issue that is a constant threat in any environment and any walk of life. The greatest way to prevent accidents is to train people on how to reduce the risk to zero or how to put controls in place that will limit the possibility of an accident. Workplace mishaps can be dramatically reduced with the correct mindset and attitude by recognizing four common errors that open the door to injury:

1) Rushing

Employees often feel constant pressure to complete tasks as quickly as possible so that they can move on to the next task or finish the day early. Rushing reduces the quality of workmanship and increases the chances of not following the correct safety steps to complete tasks. Accidents increase on Fridays, holiday weekends, or when jobs are behind schedule. It’s important to remind employees that working safety is the priority, even if it means finishing the job later.

2) Frustration

Frustration is a mindset that almost everybody experiences at some point in life. Having the right tools to manage frustration and turn negatives into positives is key to being able to avoid accidents and injuries. Creating a workplace that prevents frustration from developing is key. Employees can get frustrated at poor procedures, bad communication, wrong or insufficient materials, and problems at home. Not all situations can be managed and controlled, but hiring employees who can control their emotions is a valuable practice for any company.

3) Fatigue

Fatigue greatly reduces production and performance. A tired driver is said to be as dangerous on the road as a drunk driver, which illustrates the dangers of fatigue. It is very important to identify when a worker is fatigued to take the correct course of action. A great danger in hotter climates is heat stress, which causes fatigue and can result in death. Having heat stress safety plans is an essential training topic for all workforces. To avoid fatigue, employees should not overwork or work overly long hours. Corporations have to set realistic deadlines and attainable goals for employees.

4) Complacency

Complacency can be the most dangerous mindset that results in an injury or accident. The first step to an accident involves the false belief that experience makes you invulnerable . Accidents can happen to anybody at any time and one’s sense should always be finely tuned to each situation’s risks. A false sense of security is the result of poor training and following bad practices, which leads to accidents. Management needs to be quick to intervene when boredom results in complacency. These mindsets can cause or contribute to critical errors which increase the probability of injury:

To learn how you can avoid these common workplace mindsets that cause many site accidents, reach out to our construction safety professionals . We’ll discuss your safety concerns to show you how to decrease injuries and keep profits up!

The safety of your employees is our top priority.

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Benefits of Hiring a Fall Protection Consultant

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 22:10:00 GMT

“An employee fell to his death today when…” is an all too common 5’oclock news story. In 2012 there were 219,630 “potentially” fatal injuries and 704 fatalities involving falls, slips, and trips. But with proper protection, many of these injuries and deaths could be avoided.

Get the Facts on Construction Fall Prevention

These injuries and deaths have led the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to target fall exposures as one of the top four causes of fatalities on construction sites ( https://www.osha.gov/Publications/3216-6N-06-english-06-27-2007.html ).

While it seems easy enough to put a person, in the construction industry, over six feet off the ground (excluding iron work) in a harness, do you really understand fall prevention ? Are you aware of other contributing factors that can cause an employee to fall? Do you have a fall protection plan in place?

A Fall Protection Consultant Can Identify Your Fall Exposures

Hiring a fall protection consultant who has been in the business for many years will help you identify your fall exposures to prevent accidents before they happen. Their knowledge, understanding, and experience with fall exposures, fall prevention, and regulatory changes related to leading edges, holes, openings (e.g., skylights), excavations, trenches, brickwork, and stairwells can help ensure that your employees – and the financial security of your company – are safer.

Furthermore, fall protection consultants can address the “other” factors contributing to falls, such as slips, trips and ladders, scaffolding, and articulating lift/bucket truck use which account for a high number of injuries or fatalities.

Creating a Fall Protection Plan

Who is responsible for reducing the fall hazards created by you or another company? A fall protection consultant can help with fall prevention and identify these exposures to enhance your decision and mitigation-making ability.

If you haven’t already benefitted from the services of a fall protection consultant, start today. Fall protection consultants identify, explain, train, and work to develop remarkably powerful and cost-effective solutions such as temporary guardrails that eliminate and/or minimize the visible and hidden fall exposures.

Learn how to create your fall protection plan with a fall prevention consultant by contacting Onsite Safety or visiting an office near you today .

The safety of your employees is our top priority.

We would be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the perfect safety solutions for your needs.

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These Are The Most Common Injuries At Work (And The Most Expensive, Too)

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 21:58:00 GMT

In a perfect world, nothing would go wrong on the job site.

Some people might argue that in an ideal world, we wouldn’t have to work anyway. Unfortunately, as much as we try to obtain perfection in all areas of our lives, the reality is that sooner or later, something is going to go wrong on the job.

The good news is that most injuries in the workplace are 100% preventable if you follow prescribed safety guidelines. If you try and cut corners, your business might be one of the companies that pay over $170 billion per year dealing with workplace injuries and illnesses, according to OSHA.

Roughly 3 million workers in the US private sector are injured on the job each year, with most of these injuries coming from small and mid-sized companies.

Here are the most common injuries that happen in the workplace:

Here are the most expensive injury costs:

Don’t let your business be on the hook for these costly expenses. Even minor scrapes and sprains can add up quickly. The most cost-effective way for your business to save money is to prevent accidents in the first place.

Onsite Safety specializes in safety training and consulting that is designed to save your business money while helping to save lives at the same time. Let us make your business safer, more productive, and more profitable by helping you meet and exceed OSHA guidelines.

Visit our official website today to see all the safety services that we offer.

The safety of your employees is our top priority.

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Hard Hat Options

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 21:50:00 GMT

Hard hats are essential to the protection of workers, preventing serious head injury, trauma, and death.

There are various types and classes of hard hats. Different hard hats are suited for different categories of work and work environments. Because there are different hard hats to choose from, the employer or employee has options. It is important that the right hard hat is chosen for the right job and that it meets OSHA and ANSI standards.

Hard hats must always meet OSHA requirements for the highest protection of employees. Along with their standards, OSHA requires that many PPE categories, such as hard hats, meet standards developed by the American National Standards Institute. To meet OSHA requirements, hard hats must meet ANSI Z89.1-1986, which separates protective helmets into different types and classes.

The ANSI hard hat classification falls into two types and three classes. These different classes and categories exist to best suit workers’ needs.

What are the different types of hard hats?

Types of hard hats exist to create a separation between the range of coverage they provide.

Type 1: These hard hats are designed to reduce the force of impact from a blow strictly to the top of the head and feature a full brim around the entire hat.

Type 2: These hard hats are intended to protect against both side impact and blows to the top of the head and feature a short brim only in the front. This is the dominant type of hat found in the workplace today.

What are the different classes of hard hats?

Classes of hard hats exist to create a separation between hats in terms of electrical performance.

Class G: General helmet. They protect against impact and object penetration with a voltage protection limited to 2,200 volts.

Class E: Electrical helmet. Class E hats deliver the most protection against electrical hazards with up to 20,000 volts.

Class C: Conductive helmet. These are lightweight for impact protection with no protection from electricity.

When are hard hats required?

According to OSHA and ANSI standards, hard hats must be worn if there is a potential for head injury due to “impacts, falling or flying objects or electrical shock.” This means employers are required to provide hard hats when debris may fall from above, when employees may strike their heads on fixed objects when there is a possibility that workers’ heads may make contact with electrical hazards.

Which hard hat should I wear?

Workers’ hard hats must always meet OSHA and ANSI standards of requirements and be appropriate for the job they are performing. To choose a hard hat, consider the different types and classes of hat and which is best for your worksite task. For example, if a worker is coming into contact with electrical hazards, a Class C hat is the wrong choice. The worker would be better off choosing between Classes G and E depending on the type and amount of electrical hazards they may encounter.

It is just as important to be sure each hard hat meets standards as it is to choose the right hat. Each hard hat should contain the following marked inside:

As an employer or field worker, it is important to understand your hard hat options and how to make the right choice. Hard hats are an essential type of PPE that helps prevent head injuries and help protect in the event an injury occurs.

The safety of your employees is our top priority.

We would be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the perfect safety solutions for your needs.

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PPE: The Last Resort

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 21:35:00 GMT

Personal protective equipment is used in the workplace to protect employees from hazards.

For example, construction workers should wear necessary hard hats, eyewear, footwear, and gloves on the worksite.

According to the hierarchy of hazard control, although PPE is one of the most common forms of hazard control and is found on most worksites, it is the least effective way to prevent a hazard from occurring. PPE is not considered highly effective because it does not control workplace hazards. Instead, PPE aims to protect employees in the event a hazard occurs.

PPE is used to reduce exposure to hazards in the workplace and is usually recommended for workers in the field, but should never be used as the only effort to protect employees.

The hierarchy of hazard control was created by The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health as a means of “determining how to implement feasible and effective control solutions.” From most effective to least effective, the hierarchy of controls includes elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE.

The top of the hierarchy of hazard control includes elimination and substitution, which means you physically remove or replace the hazard. Even though these are considered the most effective, they are usually the most difficult to accomplish. Existing processes make it tough to find a way to eliminate or replace a hazard.

The middle and most favored option is to use engineering controls. Engineering controls aim to isolate people from the hazard. Engineering controls are designed to remove the hazard from the source before it ever comes into contact with an employee by reducing the source of exposure. Rather than removing or replacing sources of hazards, engineering controls work to modify equipment and processes to reduce the source of hazards. An example of an engineering control would be a ventilation system that removes vapors while an employee works.

The bottom contains administrative controls and PPE. These two methods of hazard control are considered the least effective and should never be used alone to prevent hazards and protect employees.

Administrative controls essentially change the way people work. This option works from the side of the employee rather than the equipment or process. Through administrative controls, employees spend restricted time in work areas, among other rules, while hazards are not removed or reduced.

PPE is found at the bottom of the hierarchy of hazard controls because it is designed to protect the employee once the hazard comes into contact with them, not prevent the hazard from happening. Personal protective equipment should be considered the last resort for employers and their employees and should be an aid used along with existing hazard protection processes to protect an employee when hazards are not already well controlled.

Remember that PPE is considered a last resort when it comes to hazard control and prevention and always refer to the hierarchy of hazard controls when planning a safety process.

The safety of your employees is our top priority.

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How To Prevent Workplace Violence

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 21:31:00 GMT

Around 2 million people are victims of workplace violence each year according to The Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Workplace violence is a broad term that includes many different acts that can be committed in the workplace. These acts include physical violence, harassment, verbal abuse, intimidation, or any other threatening behavior.

Workplace violence can take place between anyone involved with the place of work, meaning it can affect clients, customers, and visitors in addition to employers and employees. According to The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, workplace violence falls into four categories:

When discussing workplace violence it is important to understand different types of violence and the channels through which they can be achieved.

As with any other violence, workplace violence can be achieved through many different channels. Some of the most prevalent channels are physical touch, verbal, and digital. A growing concern and easy channel for workplace violence is cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is the act of harassing someone online, often anonymously. Employees should understand the nature of cyberbullying and that this form of workplace violence, whether accessed at work or not, can have serious ramifications and consequences.

According to TALGlobal, an international security consulting and risk management firm, cyberbullying can take many forms, including but not limited to:

As with understanding types of workplace violence, it is just as important to understand the reach and impact it can have. According to NIOSH, the impact of workplace violence can range from psychological issues to physical injury and even death. Violence in the workplace can, and does, become fatal. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 409 workers were workplace homicide victims in 2014.

Every organization and employer should address workplace violence and have a prevention plan in place. A large part of prevention is employee training. When an employee is trained they can recognize inappropriate behavior and know what to do if they witness or are subjected to such behaviors.

OSHA provides ways employers can protect their employees:

And ways employees can protect themselves:

The safety of your employees is our top priority.

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Workplace Safety: An Employee’s Right

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 21:24:00 GMT

Every employee has the right to a safe and healthy workplace.

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 is a US labor law that ensures each employee has such rights. This labor law was passed to encourage safer work conditions in most private sector workplaces for employers and employees in the US. When the Occupational Safety and Health Act was created and passed, Congress created the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, or OSHA, to assure safe and healthy working conditions for employees. OSHA requires employers to provide a safe and healthy workplace that complies with OSHA standards, giving employees the right to the following.

Employees have the right to receive training from their employer as it is required by OSHA standards. Training includes the right to know about work hazards you are or may be, exposed to during your working tasks. You have the right to information about possible hazards and how to protect yourself from potential injury. You have a right to get training from your employer on various health and safety hazards and standards that your employer must follow. Topics include lockout-tagout, bloodborne pathogens, confined spaces, construction hazards, and more.

As an employee, you have the right to request information from your employer about OSHA standards, worker injuries and illnesses, job hazards, and workers’ rights. You have the right to request information from your employer and how such information may pertain to you. As with the right to request information, you have the right to request copies of rules, regulations, and requirements and to review relevant exposure and medical records.

You can request action from your employer to correct hazards or violations. Violations do not have to be specific to OSHA standards for you to be able to ask your employer to correct them. If you request your employer to correct hazards, be sure to keep a copy of those requests.

Employees have the right to file a complaint with OSHA if they believe that violations are occurring. Either violations of OSHA standards or serious workplace hazards can be reported to OSHA with a request to conduct an inspection. Complaints can be filed online, in writing, by telephone, or by fax. Your name can be kept confidential if requested in your complaint.

You have the right to be involved in OSHA’s inspection of your workplace. Each employee has the right to speak privately and confidentially to the OSHA compliance officer inspecting your workplace regardless of the presence of a workers’ representative. As with the right to be involved in OSHA’s inspections, each employee has a right to be informed of the results of an OSHA inspection.

After any inspections have been conducted, as an employee you have the right to get involved in any meetings to discuss objections your employer may have to OSHA’s citations. You may also file a formal appeal of the deadlines OSHA has set for your employer to correct hazards if you feel the time slot is too long.

If you are ever punished or discriminated against for exercising your rights as an employee to health and safety you may file a discrimination complaint to OSHA within 30 days of the act or discrimination.

At Onsite Safety, we want to ensure that you have knowledge of your rights as an employee and how to access or act upon those rights. Learn all the OSHA information you need to understand your rights with Onsite’s live OSHA 10-Hour course. If you’d like more information on your rights as an employee visit OSHA online.

Know your rights as an employee and stay safe and healthy!

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Mental Health Safety in the Workplace

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 21:19:00 GMT

Mental health is as important as physical health, which is a huge factor when taking workplace health and safety.

Therefore occupational acknowledgment, respect, and treatment of mental illnesses should be a top priority of employers.

Whether or not one’s occupation is the root of their mental health struggle, it is an employer’s job to understand that mental health has an impact on individuals’ lives as a whole and access to help can make for a healthier, more productive employee.

One’s mental health can have a large impact on their professional performance. Disorders such as anxiety, depression, and ADHD can take a toll on one’s day-to-day quality of life and work. An employee dealing with such disorders may struggle to participate in social aspects at work, concentrate on one task at a time, put their full attention and effort into daily tasks, and often feel like they can’t bring their mental health needs to their employer’s attention.

According to a study by The Anxiety and Depression Association of America, fewer than half of employees whose stress interferes with work have not brought it to their employer’s attention out of fear. Thirty-four percent feared their boss would interpret their stress and anxiety as an unwillingness to do the activity, 31 percent feared being labeled weak, 22 percent feared it would affect promotion opportunities and it would go into their file, and 20 percent feared not being taken seriously.

The mental health stigma should have no place in a healthy and safe work environment. A part of safety in the workplace is ensuring each employee feels safe enough to express their needs and when they need help. Every employee should feel confident and comfortable enough to discuss any mental health issues with their employer, especially if they are seeking help. Sadly, not every attempt to discuss mental health issues is met with answers and efforts by the employer.

ADAA’s study showed that only four in ten employees were offered help from their employer, which consisted mainly of a referral to a mental health professional and stress-management class. The Center for Workplace Mental Health says that 1 in 5 adults will experience a diagnosable mental illness in any given year. Of those, more than half will go untreated. Of those experiencing a diagnosable mental illness that was treated, more than 80 percent reported improved levels of work efficacy and satisfaction.

Treatment for mental illness works. It is cost-effective, increases productivity, lowers absenteeism, and is overall good for business. The foundation of an effective workplace is the quality of life found there. Employee quality of life can’t be high when mental health isn’t acknowledged and treated. Mental illness should be received the same as any other medical illness an employee is dealing with.

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If You See Something, Say Something

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 21:14:00 GMT

Many have heard the phrase “If you see something, say something.”

This motto, developed by The Department of Homeland Security in 2010, serves to engage the public in “protecting our homeland.” While “If you see something, say something” was created to raise public awareness of the indicators of terrorism and terrorism-related crime, it was also developed to show the importance of reporting suspicious activity. Therefore this motto can serve as a tool in the workplace to protect against injuries, accidents, workplace violence, and safety violations.

According to DHS, this motto was created to protect our communities through awareness-building, partnerships, and other outreach. Although the overall goal of this motto is for members of the community to come forward about suspicious activity to prevent terrorism-related crime it can, and should, be used as a tool in the workplace.

When it comes to safety in construction, “if you see something, say something” should be a rule of thumb for all workers, supervisors, visitors, and anyone who steps foot on a construction site. All workers should feel comfortable enough to speak up about safety violations they think may be occurring. If you see something that seems wrong, report it to your supervisor or OSHA. OSHA will always support an employee’s right to question the safety of their surroundings. When you report something that seems suspicious in the office or worksite you could potentially save a life. An informed and alert team plays a critical role in keeping the workplace safe.

Reported activity can turn into a learning opportunity for you and those around you. Employees should never feel as though they can’t say something. As DHS says, your day is uniquely yours and different than everyone around you. Therefore, when something feels wrong, there’s a chance it is. If you see something that seems off compared to what you know to be right, say something.

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How To Spring Clean Your Workplace

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 03:45:00 GMT

Spring cleaning can play an important role in your mental and physical health, making you feel a sense of renewal. Fulfill the task of spring cleaning in each aspect of your life including work life.

A clean and organized workplace boosts productivity and increases morale by promoting a safe work environment. This spring, dedicate some time to cleaning your workspace and encourage others to do the same.

Take these steps toward a spring-clean office

A company-wide spring cleaning exercise can help shape a clean, safe workplace. Each employer should promote spring cleaning within the office. Encourage each employee to clean their own workspace and contribute to communal areas.

Benefits of Spring Cleaning Your Workplace

Take the time to clean and organize the office and dispose of unneeded and unwanted materials this spring. Let this deep clean open the door for a cleaner, safer workplace year round, not just in spring.

The safety of your employees is our top priority.

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How To Boost Employee Engagement In Workplace Safety

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 03:41:00 GMT

Workplace safety and employee engagement go hand in hand. An engaged employee is a safe employee. To boost employee engagement, introduce safety practices into the workplace to promote safe work habits and boost morale. Employee engagement plays a large role in safety and is especially important in the construction industry.

Employee engagement in the construction industry

An average of 14 workers died on the job each day in 2016. Of those fatalities, 1 in 5 were construction workers. Construction’s fatal four are the leading cause of worker deaths in the industry, responsible for 64 percent of fatalities. The fatal four include:

At 39 percent, falls were the largest cause of death among workers in construction. The No.1 most frequently cited OSHA standard violation between Oct. 2016 and Sept. 2017 was fall protection. There is a clear correlation between workplace fatalities and workplace safety. OSHA provides safety standards in order to protect workers and maintain a safe environment. Engaged employees are the key to a safe work environment.

According to a meta-analysis by Gallup, companies with high employee engagement had 62 percent fewer safety incidents than those with lower employee engagement. Engaged employees are enthusiastic about their work and fully involved with their company. Employees are more like to be engaged in the company’s policies, procedures, and safety standards when they feel valued by their employer.

Involve employees

Involving employees in important decisions, meetings and activities will make them feel like they are an important part of the company. When employees feel like their input is important they are more likely to engage. Give employees the opportunity to help make decisions and involve them in regular breaks to discuss safety.

Employees should be involved in any safety management system in place. For example, select several employees who can help with safety initiatives in the office. Those employees can help engage others in conversation about those safety initiatives.

Open communication

Effective communication is the backbone of any successful company, team, or relationship. Open communication among coworkers and supervisors can boost morale and engagement. Schedule opportunities for employees to ask questions or get feedback about safety issues or their safety performance. Encourage them to discuss safety topics with each other on a regular basis.

Employers should always listen to, consider, and respect employee ideas, giving positive feedback and praise when necessary. Recognize and praise employee’s safe work habits. This will encourage them to keep up the safe practices.

Invest in their future

Investing in your employees’ future with the company will make them feel a sense of importance. Provide and implement necessary safety training for team members. Encourage team members to set personal safety goals. Motivate them by giving positive feedback and presenting small gifts for milestones reached. Getting employees to feel they are growing with the company and making progress will bring engagement in all aspects.

The safety of your employees is our top priority.

We would be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the perfect safety solutions for your needs.

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Help Prevent Falls This National Safety Stand-Down

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 03:38:00 GMT

Falls happen fast. One step could cause a fall leading to injury or fatality. Good news: Falls can easily be prevented and National Safety Stand-Down provides the opportunity to discuss how. OSHA dedicates this week, May 7-11, to fall prevention in construction. Falls make up the highest percentage of deaths among workers in the construction industry. Falls are also the most cited safety violation on worksites. This Safety Stand-Down, take the opportunity to discuss fall prevention in your workplace.

Did you know a 10-foot fall can occur within one second? Some of the most common falls in the construction industry are from roofs, ladders, and scaffolds. Take preventative measures and make knowledgeable decisions to create a safe work environment. Trained, knowledgeable workers can prevent falls from occurring by following necessary precautions.

This week employers have the opportunity to take a break during the workday to focus attention on safety. Anyone can participate in the National Safety Stand-Down. According to OSHA past participants include commercial construction companies, residential construction contractors, sub and independent contractors, highway construction, general industry employers, the U.S. Military, unions, and safety equipment manufacturers. Any company or organization that wants to take the time to discuss job hazards and the management of those hazards is encouraged to participate.

How to organize a safety stand-down:

Are you interested in conducting a stand-down but unsure of how to do so? Not to worry. A stand-down can be very simple to put together for your employees. Simply take a break during the day to discuss falls and other job hazards with your employees. This break can consist of a toolbox topic, equipment inspections as a team, and a simple discussion of hazards including how to proceed if a hazard occurs. If you’re still feeling a little stuck on how to put together your stand-down, OSHA outlines some ways to prepare . They also provide a list of free events for the public to participate in.

Safety Stand-Down Topics:

The importance of fall prevention and fall protection should be a topic of focus while discussing safety during your stand-down. The most important thing to know about falls is that they are preventable. Take the opportunity to raise awareness about fall hazards in the workplace.

Fall prevention on roofs:

When on roofs, workers should never disconnect from a lifeline, work around unprotected openings or use defective equipment. Workers should wear a correctly fitting harness, use lifelines, inspect all fall protection, and cover holes and skylights.

Fall prevention on ladders:

When on ladders, workers should never stand on the top step of a stepladder, overreach, or place the ladder on an unleveled footing. Workers should make sure they’ve chosen the right ladder for the job, maintain three points of contact, secure, and face the ladder.

Fall prevention on scaffolds:

When on scaffolds, workers should never use a ladder on the scaffold, stand on guardrails, or climb cross-braces. Workers should use fully planked scaffolds, plumb and level, and ensure stable footing and proper access to the scaffolding.

No matter what equipment is used or where the job location is, workers should always use inspected equipment that is correct for the task and the worker. Don’t take chances. Stop falls and save lives.

The safety of your employees is our top priority.

We would be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the perfect safety solutions for your needs.

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How To Organize A Successful Stand-Down

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 03:35:00 GMT

A stand-down can be very simple to put together for your employees. First, you are succeeding as long as time is taken to discuss workplace hazards with employees. Second, they can take the form of whatever best suits your company and employees, so start by molding your ideas around that. If you’re still feeling a little stuck, OSHA provides a list of free events for the public to participate in. See if you can find one near you.

What is a Safety Stand-Down? Simply put, a stand-down is time taken out of the work day to gather with employees and discuss fall hazards and prevention. Keep this in mind while planning.

Safety Stand-Down Checklist:

With these steps, you are sure to have a successful stand-down. Once the stand-down is over, take the information learned to make necessary changes.

The safety of your employees is our top priority.

We would be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the perfect safety solutions for your needs.

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Here’s What You Should Do After Stand-Down Week

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 03:31:00 GMT

National Safety Stand-Down week has come to an end, now what? Even after the week and safety events have ended, safety awareness should go on. Everyone should celebrate participation in OSHA’s National Safety Stand-Down and keep safety awareness going.

What to do after Safety Stand-Down week:

Download your certificate of participation

After hosting a safety stand-down event, download your certificate of participation. After each year of participation, employers can progress to higher certification levels. Stand-Down certificates are a great way to show your dedication to fall prevention. OSHA provides an online submission form for a printable PDF certificate of participation, perfect to proudly display in your workplace. Click here to generate your own Safety Stand-Down certificate.

Tell OSHA about your stand-down

Employers who took time out of their work week for a stand-down event have the opportunity to contribute to the stand-down mission. Employers can provide feedback to OSHA about their experience. While all safety stand-down events are focused around the same thing, each company’s experience is different. OSHA wants to hear from you. Once safety week is over, any feedback or stories are welcomed.

Identify and share what you’ve learned

Take what this safety week taught you and share it with others! Maybe you learned you need updated training. Maybe you learned that you didn’t prepare enough for stand-down week. You could have found that your programs are successful. Whatever you take away from your stand-down experience, share it with others. Others may need guidance for next year or encouragement to participate. Your story could help!

Keep safety going

Just because safety week is over doesn’t mean the safety stops! Safety week should be a boost to maintain the safety spirit in all instances. Take what you learned from your safety stand-down and apply it. Evaluate your event’s results. If there’s a need for updated rescue plans or fall prevention programs, see how you can help the process. Remember that fall prevention is important every day.

The safety of your employees is our top priority.

We would be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the perfect safety solutions for your needs.

Get a free quote for your following job site today!

Submit your contact information to speak with an Onsite Safety representative.

The Importance Of Providing Spring Construction Safety

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 00:39:00 GMT

Springtime means more construction hours. Now that bad weather is out of sight for a bit, it’s time to make up for lost days. Many workers find themselves juggling the fact that construction projects may have gone past their completion date and unfinished work now needs completion. With the springtime scramble to make up for lost time, remember the importance of spring construction safety.

If a greater emphasis was put on worker safety, health, and quality of life, especially in demanding times such as these, the construction industry could begin to change for the better. Statistics show room for growth and improvement within the construction industry.

Consider these statistics:

Spring construction safety

The National Association of Home Builders is leading the way to bring safety to the forefront of each day with the Safety 365 campaign. The Safety 365 campaign aims to provide information and resources to help keep construction workers safe and eliminate preventable accidents, injuries, and deaths, according to NAHB. Each month NAHB will highlight a different aspect of construction workplace safety. In order to keep safety in the front of your mind and company, keep up to date with NAHB’s monthly safety topics as well as support construction safety each day.

To support construction safety efforts and help put a greater emphasis on worker safety, NAHB invites you to host a free four-hour fall prevention training session at your home builders association. Invite your builder members, trade contractors, supervisors, and workers to attend this free session. Safety in the front of your mind and before all actions will lead to a better understanding of OSHA standards and requirements.

Safety for the uninsured

Many construction workers, especially in a time of high need such as the spring, are contract workers. These employees work on a short-term basis, or until the job is done. Contract workers make up about 48 percent of the construction industry and are, many times, insufficient in job site experience due to their brief periods of work.

Providing a free training session is a great opportunity for workers with little experience to gain knowledge and better prepare for jobs on the worksite, especially when they lack insurance. Around half of workers in many construction occupations go without insurance coverage and 11 of the 20 professions with the highest rates of uninsured workers are in construction.

Did you know that nearly a third of nonfatal occupational injuries happen within the first year on the job?

Training and safety knowledge can help eliminate first-year accidents, injuries, and fatalities by better preparing new construction workers for their positions. Finish off this spring by putting a greater emphasis on worker safety, health, and quality of life in order to provide spring construction safety.

The safety of your employees is our top priority.

We would be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the perfect safety solutions for your needs.

Get a free quote for your following job site today!

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Get Fall Protection Training, Don’t Be Like This Florida Contractor

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 00:28:00 GMT

A Florida framing contractor was cited for exposing employees to unsafe working conditions by permitting work without the use of fall protection. OSHA fined the contractor for this safety negligence and the contractor faces penalties of $199,178. The employer could have avoided these citations and penalties with proper fall protection training.

A fine that large can serve as a serious wake-up call for framers and safety companies everywhere.

OSHA conducted two inspections on different occasions at different worksites. Both inspections found unsafe working conditions, with employees working between 11 feet- 22 feet without fall protection. Employers should never allow work conducted from those heights without ensuring the use of fall protection.

According to a statement released by OSHA, the company “has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.”

After their citation, the contractor came to Onsite Safety for help. With efforts to get in compliance with OSHA standards, they sought out fall protection training. Onsite Safety provided fall protection training to educate the employer and employees about the dangers of working without fall protection and equip them with the knowledge to prevent further citations.

If OSHA has cited you for fall protection negligence, take the next step of seeking proper training and protection. If they haven’t, maintain safety in your company by doing the same. Onsite Safety wants your company to work as safely as possible and wants to help you get there.

The safety of your employees is our top priority.

We would be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the perfect safety solutions for your needs.

Get a free quote for your following job site today!

Submit your contact information to speak with an Onsite Safety representative.

Follow These Tips For Ladder Safety

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 00:20:00 GMT

OSHA requires workers to be able to recognize and minimize hazards related to ladders. OSHA ladder safety standards are sixth among the top 10 most frequently cited. When working with ladders it is important to remember that they have great potential for hazards and you should do everything within your power to prevent those hazards.

Behavioral hazard prevention

The foundation of ladder safety is choosing the right ladder. When choosing a ladder consider the basics of the task at hand. Which style ladder is right? How high should the ladder reach? How much weight is involved? Which material is right?

Choosing the right ladder:

Tips for ladder safety

Ladders pose a potential for great risk, especially when used incorrectly. Following ladder safety precautions and standards can help to avoid accidents and injuries.

Always inspect ladders for defects before each use. Tag and remove defective ladders from service immediately. If inspected ladders are safe then continue use. Always safely secure and place ladders on a firm, solid surface, avoiding wet areas. Never lean a ladder against an unstable surface such as a window. When transporting, carry a ladder with the front end slightly higher than the back and angled at 75 degrees. Secure ladders to ladder racks or the truck bed to safely transport.

Once you reach the roof line, it is a good idea to use fall protection. Use our fall protection guide for a primer on the best ways that workers can prevent injury from falls.

The safety of your employees is our top priority.

We would be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the perfect safety solutions for your needs.

Get a free quote for your following job site today!

Submit your contact information to speak with an Onsite Safety representative.

Take Time To Stretch: Importance Of Workplace Stretching

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 00:08:00 GMT

Stretching improves muscle elasticity and leads to increased muscle control, flexibility, and range of motion.

Many stretch before and after a workout, upon waking in the morning, or even after a road trip, but what about workplace stretching?

Ergonomically sound tools and habits are key to an efficient working environment. One of those primary habits is regular stretching. Stretching is beneficial to the overall health of the body and plays a role in reducing musculoskeletal disorders among employees. MSDs account for more than 600,000 injuries and illnesses and 34 percent of all workdays lost.

Stretching enhances ergonomic improvement plans, team member training, and prevention processes. When muscles are stretched blood supply increases, soft tissue structures realign and muscle coordination strengthens.

It is recommended to take frequent, short breaks to stretch while at the office. Consider taking the time to practice relaxation while on stretch breaks as well. Take a step back between tasks to stretch out tense muscles, relax, and take a few deep breaths. Deep breaths supplement oxygen to the blood, which aids in relaxing muscles and maintaining mental alertness.

Stretching the neck and shoulders

Stretching hands and forearms

Stretching the back

Take a deep breath and relax

Take a moment after stretching to practice breathing exercises and release tension.

The safety of your employees is our top priority.

We would be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the perfect safety solutions for your needs.

Get a free quote for your following job site today!

Submit your contact information to speak with an Onsite Safety representative.

Prevent Drowning With These Water Safety Tips

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 23:53:00 GMT

Many would consider a perfect summer day to consist of cooling off by a pool, boating in the lake, or spending a day at the beach. All common pastimes for those looking to escape the heat; all with potential risk. Water safety could potentially save a life.

Let’s face it, it can be unbearably hot and water activities are fun. But if you’re going to spend time near or in the water, water safety should be on your mind. Children five and younger, teens, and young adults have the highest risk of water accidents.

For children, the risk comes with the inability to swim and the lack of attention from an adult. When a child drowns, most say they only looked away for a second, and they probably did. Drownings can occur in an instant and unsupervised children are at great risk by falling into pools or drowning in bathtubs or sinks.

Once we learn how to swim, we assume water safety isn’t something we need to think about. We can swim, where’s the risk? But in 2016, drowning rates were higher among those aged 15-24 than those younger than five, according to the National Safety Council.

Just because you can swim and don’t require parental supervision to be in a body of water doesn’t mean your risk has disappeared. While young children have a risk of drowning by falling into a pool or being alone in a bathtub, young adults have a risk of drowning in natural settings. Teens and young adults tend to associate water activities with drinking and playing around while having a false sense of their swimming strength.

According to the Center for Disease Control, alcohol use is involved in 70 percent of deaths that occur during water recreation, almost a quarter of ED visits for drowning, and about one in five reported boating deaths, all among adolescents.

Hazard recognition and safety precautions are key to water safety and drowning prevention. Because the nature of injury and death differs depending on age group, safety precautions differ too.

Water safety precautions for teens and young adults:

Water safety precautions for guardians of young children:

The safety of your employees is our top priority.

We would be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the perfect safety solutions for your needs.

Get a free quote for your following job site today!

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Can You Spot Heat Exhaustion?

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 23:47:00 GMT

Do you know the signs of heat stress? Each year heat exposure affects workers, leading to sickness and in some cases death. Most heat hazards are thought to occur while working in high temperatures outdoors, but heat hazards are present indoors as well. Employers and workers should be trained and knowledgeable on preventing and treating heat-related injuries and illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

What is Heat Stress?

Heat stress occurs when too much heat has been absorbed due to environmental and job-specific factors. Factors include high temperatures, contact with hot objects, direct sun exposure, physical exertion, and bulky, non-breathable ppe. Heat stress is serious and can result in illness, injury, or death.

Heat Related Illnesses:

Each of these illnesses can affect workers, but heat exhaustion and heat stroke are the most damaging forms of heat stress and may require medical attention. Workers should be able to spot the signs and know what steps to take if heat exhaustion or heat stroke occurs.

Differences Between Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke:

How To Help

If you think someone is suffering from a heat stroke call 911 immediately. This is a medical emergency that could result in death. While waiting for medical professionals to arrive you can help the worker get into a cool, shaded area, loosen their clothing and help remove the outer layer of clothing, fan air onto them and provide ice pack underneath armpits if possible, and be sure they are drinking cold fluids.

If you or another worker are experiencing heat exhaustion you should stop working immediately and move to a cool, shaded area. Be sure to drink cold water, apply cold compresses, and stop working for the day. Keep an eye on the symptoms. If symptoms have not improved or have worsened after one hour seek medical attention.

Preventing Heat Stress

Environmental and job-specific factors contributing to heat stress can be avoided to prevent injury and illness. Because these factors are often present, it is important for workers to prepare for the heat. Each worker who could face these factors needs training on how to prevent the dangers of heat and become acclimated to their work environment. Acclimation to heat and work environment is one of the most important steps to preventing heat stress. Workers who have never worked in high temperatures for long periods of time or are unfit to do so should acclimate themselves to their surroundings before diving into a day’s work.

The heat index is helpful for workers exposed to high heat. Use it as a prevention tool. The heat index takes temperature and humidity into account to determine how hot it feels. When the temperature in the air is similar to or slightly higher than normal body temperature it becomes harder to cool off. The blood circulates to the skin can’t lose its heat and sweating becomes the main way the body cools off. Sweating is only effective if the humidity level is low enough to allow evaporation and the fluids and salts the body is losing become replaced. Use the heat index guide below.

Any worker can experience heat stress factors with the possibility of injury or illness. Always watch for heat stress symptoms and know how to prevent and treat heat illnesses should they occur.

The safety of your employees is our top priority.

We would be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the perfect safety solutions for your needs.

Get a free quote for your following job site today!

Submit your contact information to speak with an Onsite Safety representative.