February is American Heart Month – the perfect time to review or implement a workplace AED and CPR training program at your company. Here are a few good reasons why:

• 90% of cardiac arrest victims who receive an AED shock in the first minute of an attack live
• One-third of safety managers report lives have been saved with CPR training
• 65% of employees would view their employers more positively if they offered CPR training

Causes of sudden workplace cardiac arrest

• Heart attack
• Electrocution
• Asphyxiation (loss of consciousness and death caused by inadequate oxygen in the work environment, such as in a confined space)
• Many victims have no prior history of heart disease and are stricken without warning

Why AEDs belong in every workplace

What is an AED?

An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a medical device designed to analyze the heart rhythm and deliver an electric shock to victims of ventricular fibrillation to restore the heart rhythm to normal. Ventricular fibrillation is the uncoordinated heart rhythm most often responsible for sudden cardiac arrest.

4 good reasons to have a workplace AED program

• Workers may suffer sudden cardiac arrest while on the job.
• Onsite AEDs save precious treatment time, and can improve survival odds because they can be used before emergency medical service (EMS) personnel arrive.
• A heart rhythm in ventricular fibrillation may only be restored to normal by an electric shock.
• The AED is compact, lightweight, portable, battery operated, safe, and easy to use.

Placement of AEDs

AEDs should be conveniently installed to ensure response within 3-5 minutes:

• Areas where many people work closely together, such as assembly lines and office buildings
• Close to a confined space
• Areas where electric-powered devices are used
• Outdoor worksites where lightning may occur
• Health units where workers may seek treatment for heart attack symptoms
• Company fitness units and cafeterias
• Remote sites, such as off-shore drilling rigs, construction projects, marine vessels, power transmission lines, and energy pipe lines

AED training

Your workers can easily be trained to:

• Recognize sudden cardiac arrest and notify EMS personnel
• Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
• Provide early defibrillation with an AED
• Care for the victim until EMS personnel arrive

Workplace AED Program Resources:

A variety of resources are available to help you plan and implement CPR and AED training programs in your workplace:

• Implementing an AED program.
• Find a Red Cross CPR course in your area.
• Learn about workplace CPR and first aid training programs.
• Visit the OSHA AED topic page.
• View AED Defibrillator signs at ComplianceSigns.com.

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Service requirements for fire extinguishers vary based on the class of extinguisher. The National Fire Protection Association and U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration call for monthly and yearly inspections of all extinguishers and more extensive fire extinguisher service after several years. Here are seven tips to help you stay prepared to promote fire safety.

1. Plan Ahead for Fire Extinguisher Service

The best way to prepare for servicing fire extinguishers is to know exactly when each extinguisher is due for external and internal inspection, testing and maintenance. It is also important to note which inspections can be performed by non-specialists and when certified professionals should inspect or service fire extinguisher installations.

A non-professional can perform external monthly inspections after professional installation. During yearly external inspections, experts can identify issues that require maintenance or internal fire extinguisher service. The type of extinguisher determines the frequency of further testing. Pressure extinguishers should be serviced and recharged every six years. Plan for hydrostatic testing every 10 to 12 years.

2. Perform Monthly External Inspections

Monthly inspections can be performed by non-certified employees. These external inspections mandated by the NFPA and OSHA involve several steps:

• Make sure fire extinguishers are in designated positions.
• Fire extinguishers should be visible.
• Signage should indicate extinguisher locations.
• Each extinguisher should be easy to access.
• Extinguisher pressure gauges should be functional.
• Fire extinguishers should be filled.

After each inspection, the employee who inspects extinguishers should record the month and year of inspection and their name. Inspection records can be kept on a tag attached to an extinguisher or in a digital or paper file. 

Monthly inspections can indicate whether fire extinguisher service by certified professionals is likely to be necessary in advance of annual maintenance. Extinguishers stored in corrosive or humid environments or dented equipment may require immediate repair or replacement.

3. Schedule Yearly External Maintenance

Every year, a certified inspector should inspect fire extinguishers and provide external maintenance. In accordance with NFPA 10, this full maintenance check should cover all mechanical parts. One of the best ways to stay prepared for fire safety is to schedule fire extinguisher service around the same time as inspections or maintenance of other fire protection systems such as alarms and sprinklers.

An annual inspection can be a good opportunity for an expert to check the pressure gauge. While non-professionals can verify that these gauges are functional during monthly inspections, certified experts can determine whether an extinguisher is overcharged or undercharged and in need of recharging. Experts can also identify whether an extinguisher has a broken seal or is missing a locking pin. These components prevent the accidental release of contents and ensure that extinguishers are ready to use in the event of an emergency.

4. Set Up Internal Examinations Based on Extinguisher Class

The class of extinguisher will determine how frequently internal examinations should take place. Carbon dioxide extinguishers should be tested every five years at 5/3 of the service pressure indicated by a stamp on the cylinder. NFPA 10 mandates fire extinguisher service and recharging every six years.

An internal examination of a fire extinguisher involves discharging the suppressant, refilling the cylinder with dry chemical and carbon dioxide or nitrogen, replacing the valve stem and O-rings, testing the extinguisher for leaks and applying a six-year compliance sticker and annual inspection tag. You can stay prepared for fire safety by making sure each extinguisher is the right class and contains the most effective fire suppressants for fire hazards in any area when returning extinguishers to the designated locations.

5. Arrange for Hydrostatic Testing Every 5 or 12 Years

Hydrostatic testing involves stripping down extinguishers to just the shell and hose. The extinguisher is filled with pressurized water, drained and dried before being reassembled and recharged. Extinguishers that leak, become distorted or have couplings move permanently fail hydrostatic testing and should be condemned. 

The frequency of hydrostatic testing depends on the class and type of extinguisher. You should plan to service fire extinguisher equipment containing carbon dioxide, pressured water or wet chemicals every five years. Dry chemical fire extinguishers should undergo this fire extinguisher service every 12 years. Certified professionals will replace the tamper seal, service collar, labels and tags on extinguishers that are ready to return to service.

6. Use Signs To Indicate Extinguisher Location and Status

Signage should direct building occupants toward fire extinguisher locations. You can use signs with symbols and directional arrows, display OSHA notices or post other important fire safety information. Labels and signs can indicate the class of fire extinguishers, while informational posters can help occupants choose the right extinguisher for any fire.

OSHA safety signs can serve as reminders for site visit inspections. A notice that reminds inspectors to check eye wash and fire extinguishers on a monthly basis, make a tag entry, sign and date inspection tags can promote regulatory compliance. Signs can also indicate access requirements for fire suppression equipment, such as the need to break a glass case to remove an extinguisher for use. Signage is also available to indicate the status of extinguishers that are charged, condemned or discharged after fire extinguisher service.

7. Keep Service Records for Fire Extinguishers

You should keep records of all fire extinguisher inspections, maintenance and tests. Note the month and year of each inspection and the name of the inspector on a tag attached to the extinguisher or in a digital or paper file. Maintaining current records of fire extinguisher inspections and maintenance is the best way to prepare for future extinguisher service. 

Stay Up to Date on Fire Extinguisher Service

Building managers should be aware of the age and condition of every fire extinguisher in a facility. While it is only necessary to maintain monthly inspection records for the past year on fire extinguisher tags, keeping longer digital or paper logs of fire extinguisher service can be helpful for scheduling the service fire extinguisher equipment requires after five years or 12 years. Order the fire equipment signs and labels you need to promote safety at ComplianceSigns.com.

The post Stay Prepared: 7 Tips for Fire Extinguisher Service appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

With a proper EAP in place, your employees will know exactly what to do when the unexpected occurs. “Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst” is the right way of thinking. EAPs are a crucial part of your business’s overall safety program. It’s better to have them and not need them than need them and not have them, right?

What is an Emergency Action Plan?

An Emergency Action Plan is more than just an evacuation route map or list of emergency contact phone numbers. It is a written document required by OSHA for nearly all businesses with 11 or more employees. Those with fewer than 11 employees should still have an EAP, but it can be communicated orally.

So what goes into an effective EAP? Here are the basic requirements:

1. Procedure for reporting fires and other emergencies – Do you have set procedures for reporting emergencies, such as dialing 911 or an internal emergency number, or pulling a manual fire alarm? Get the basics down. Post emergency contact signs so everyone knows the numbers.
2. Evacuation procedures and emergency escape route assignments – What conditions would prompt an evacuation? Who has the authority to authorize an evacuation? What are the proper evacuation routes and procedures? Do you have escape route maps or diagrams displayed? What signs should employees look for to identify emergency exits, escape routes and muster points?
3. Procedures for employees who remain to operate critical plant operations before they evacuate – What is expected of employees who may be required to operate fire extinguishers or shut down gas and/or electrical systems and other special equipment that could be damaged if left operating or create additional hazards to emergency responders (such as releasing hazardous materials)?
4. Head count after an evacuation – What are your procedures to account for employees after the evacuation to ensure that everyone got out? Consider designating employees to sweep areas, checking offices and restrooms before being the last to leave the workplace or conducting a roll call in the assembly area. Many employers designate an “evacuation warden” to assist others in an evacuation and to account for personnel.
5. Rescue and medical duties for employees – Most small organizations rely on local public resources such as the local fire department or hospital to provide these services, but you need to know for certain.
6. Contact List – Names, titles, departments and telephone numbers of employees who can be contacted for additional information and/or explanation of their duties under the plan.

What Emergency Situations Should You Consider?

What situations are considered emergencies that would require consideration in an EAP? The best bet is to be as comprehensive as is reasonable. Consider your industry and your location. What types of emergency situations could happen at your workplace? Here are a few to consider:

• Natural Disasters – Tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, wildfires, earthquakes and other natural disasters are unavoidable. Consider which ones are a threat at your location and plan accordingly. If you have multiple locations, each may need different procedures.
• Bomb threats – What do you do if there is a bomb threat or a suspicious package?
• Internal fire – What should employees do if they see a fire, smell smoke or hear the fire alarm going off? Time is of the essence!
• External fire – Wildfires or a fire at a neighboring business could threaten your operation.
• Active shooter – An unfortunate sign of the times, but being prepared for an active shooter situation is essential for any business today.
• Robbery – Any business open to the public could be a target.
• Industry-specific disasters – Do you use a lot of chemicals that could lead to a chemical spill? Do you work in hazardous environments? Include anything that could lead to a viable emergency, even if it’s not common.

This list is just a start. Together with your team, consider any and all possible threats to your workplace and create a suitable plan to minimize the threat.

You Have an EAP. Now What?

Completing an EAP is just step one. Having a plan is a great step, but it won’t save your employees if they don’t fully understand it. When an evacuation is necessary, you will need responsible, trained individuals who can supervise and coordinate activities to ensure a safe and successful evacuation. Establish who will fill those roles. Consider EAP training for new employees and yearly drills to master your emergency plan.

No one wants to dwell on the idea of a disaster hitting their business, but as an employer, it’s your job to think ahead and plan for the unthinkable. Not only can it save lives, but it can also save your business from a damaging inquiry or lawsuit in the aftermath.

A proper Emergency Action Plan and related training can make all the difference between an emergency and a disaster. Do it for your business and for your people.

Emergency Action Plan Resources:

• Review the OSHA standard on emergency planning.
• OSHA minimum requirements for an EAP.
• Download an Emergency Action Plan template from the CDC. (pdf)
• Browse emergency / evacuation signs and labels at ComplianceSigns.com.

The post When Disaster Strikes – What’s Your Plan? The Importance of Emergency Action Plans appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

What Does the NFPA Diamond Look Like?

Because each side of the “fire diamond,” as it is sometimes called, is equal in length, another accurate way to refer to it is a “square-on-point” or a rotated square. In either case, it contains four quadrants, each of which represents a different hazard. Firefighters can identify the hazard both by the position of the quadrant within the diamond and its color. Each quadrant has a different color assigned to it.

In three of the four quadrants, there is a number from zero to four. This number demonstrates the severity of the hazard. The fourth quadrant can contain a symbol representing a special hazard posed by the material.

What Do the Different Colors Mean?

The NFPA diamond uses a color code, with each color representing a different hazard:
Red – The red quadrant appears in the 12 o’clock position on the fire diamond. It represents flammability, or the likelihood that the material will catch on fire.
Blue – The blue quadrant appears on the fire diamond in the 9 o’clock position. It represents health hazards, i.e., whether exposure to the chemical can cause illness or injury.
Yellow – The yellow quadrant appears in the fire diamond’s 3 o’clock position. It represents the chemical’s reactivity, or the likelihood that it could explode.
White – The white quadrant appears in the 6 o’clock position and represents special hazards that the other three quadrants do not cover.

What Do the NFPA Diamond Ratings Mean?

To communicate the severity of each hazard, the red, blue and yellow quadrants each receive a numerical rating from 0 to 4. A lower number represents a lower risk, while a higher number represents a greater risk:

• 0: Minimal hazard
• 1: Slight hazard
• 2: Moderate hazard
• 3: Serious hazard
• 4: Severe hazard

The combination of the color-coded quadrant and the numerical code inside of it communicates quickly to firefighters the type of hazard they are facing and how severe it is. Here are some examples of what the combined colors and numbers mean:

Yellow 1: Slight stability hazard, i.e., a normally stable substance that can become unstable if exposed to elevated pressure or temperature
Red 0: Minimal flammability hazard, i.e., a substance that is not flammable
Blue 4: Severe health hazard, i.e., a highly toxic substance that can cause death under emergency situations
Yellow 4: Severe stability hazard, i.e., a substance that can explode at normal temperatures and pressures
Red 2: Moderate flammability hazard, i.e., a substance that may ignite when exposed to relatively high ambient temperatures or moderate heat

Common NFPA Diamond Signs

What Do the Symbols in the White Quadrant Mean?

The white quadrant of the NFPA diamond is for special hazards not covered by the other four quadrants. Unique symbols communicate these hazards to firefighters and first responders.

There are only three symbols that the NFPA has authorized to go into the white quadrant. However, some people use additional, unauthorized symbols.

NFPA Authorized Symbols

The symbols the NFPA has authorized to go into the white quadrant are: OX, representing a substance that oxidizes; SA, indicating a simple asphyxiant gas; and a struck-through W, representing a substance that reacts with water.

While not itself explosive, an oxidizer can accelerate the explosion of a combustible material if the two come into contact.

A simple asphyxiant gas can push the oxygen out of the air. Low levels of oxygen can cause a person to suffocate. This symbol can only go on certain gases:

• Argon
• Helium
• Krypton
• Neon
• Nitrogen
• Xenon

Other gases may be asphyxiant but are not simple.

Water is a common ingredient in most firefighting substances. However, certain materials react strongly to water. For example, exposure to water causes sodium to combust. Therefore, using water to fight a sodium fire would feed the flames rather than extinguish them.

Non-Authorized Symbols

There are other symbols that, while not receiving authorization, nevertheless show up frequently in the white quadrant of the NFPA diamond. Examples of these non-authorized symbols include the following:

• ACID: Acidic
• ALK: Alkaline
• COR: Corrosive

Some people also use symbols in the white quadrant representing radioactivity or biohazard, if applicable.
While it is not illegal to use unauthorized symbols in the white quadrant, there are issues that can arise from it. First, firefighters receive training on reading the authorized symbols. If an unauthorized symbol appears, they might not understand what it means or waste valuable time trying to decipher it. The other issue is that many of the unauthorized symbols are unnecessary because they cover hazards communicated in the other three quadrants.

When and Where Do Facilities Have To Use the NFPA Diamond?

The NFPA 704 standard only tells facilities how to label hazardous materials. It does not specify when labeling is required. For this information, facilities must look to applicable local, state or federal regulations. Some facilities choose to use the fire diamond even when there is no legal requirement, and this is acceptable as long as they use the labels correctly.

Facilities that use NFPA 704 placards should place them at every entry point where firefighters could potentially enter the facility. If there are multiple possible entry points, placards need to appear at each one.

There is no set size for NFPA placards featuring the fire diamond. Rather, the placards must be large enough to be legible. The 704 standard provides guidance on placard sizing based on the distance at which firefighters and first responders will read them.

NFPA DIAMOND RESOURCES:

• Learn more about NFPA 704 diamond signs in our Compliance Resource Bulletin. (pdf)
• Purchase a copy of the NFPA 704 standard here.
• Make your own printed NFPA 704 diamond sign.
• Create a custom NFPA sign with diamond and chemical text.
• Browse blank signs and letter kits to create diamonds on-site.

The post What Is the NFPA Diamond and Why Is It Important? appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

Following these four disaster clean-up safety tips from the CDC will help prevent further injuries – or loss of life – as teams and individuals work to clean storm damage at homes, businesses and communities.

1. Start with the Right Safety Gear

Emergency clinics and hospitals are often at maximum capacity following a natural disaster. Planning to stay safe while working on disaster clean-up can help keep you from joinng the list of injured people waiting for treatment. Recommended safety gear includes:

• Hard hats
• Goggles
• N95 masks or a respirator with a higher protection level
• Heavy work gloves
• Waterproof boots with steel toe and insole
• Earplugs or protective headphones if you’re working with noisy equipment
• Fire extinguishers with a UL rating of at least 10A

If sewage is involved, wear:

• Rubber boots
• Rubber gloves
• Goggles

2. Pace Yourself

Even with proper protective equipment, the physical and emotional strain of disaster clean-up work takes a toll on workers and volunteers. Safe disaster clean-up can take a very long time, so it’s best to work slowly, steadily – and safely.

• Prioritize cleanup tasks and focus on those tasks first
• Use teams to move heavy or bulky objects
• Avoid lifting any material that weighs more than 50 pounds per person
• Rest when you need to
• Work with other people so you aren’t alone

3. Use Chainsaws Carefully

Chainsaws are powerful tools that can be invaluable during disaster clean-up. But they also present several  hazards. If you’re not comfortable with a saw, leave that work for someone with experience.

• Always follow manufacturer’s instructions
• Always use personal protective equipment (PPE), such as head, hearing, hand, eye and foot protection
• Wear close-fitting, long-sleeved clothing
• Do not trim trees during dangerous weather conditions
• Assume that all power lines are energized and can electrocute a person at any time
• Beware of injury when bent trees or branches release
• Never turn your back on falling trees
• Take extra care when cutting trees or branches that are bent or caught under something else

4. Work Safely in Hot Weather

Water, rest and shade are keys to working safely in hot weather, whether on a construction site, road crew or disaster clean-up team:

• Drink water often
• Find shade and take a break when you feel fatigued
• Wear light and loose-fitting clothing (unless operating machinery)
• Review heat safety tips to recognize and be alert to the three types of heat-related disorders: heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke

Following these four disaster clean-up safety tips will help protect you and your crew as you assist disaster victims.

Additional Resources:

• Keep Children Safe During Disaster Cleanup
• Respiratory Protection when Entering Flooded Homes
• Basic Chainsaw Operations Fact Sheet from CCOHS
• Mold After a Disaster

Related Posts:

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Five key lightning safety tips:

• When thunderstorms threaten, don’t start anything you can’t quickly stop
• Pay attention to early signs of thunderstorms: high winds, dark clouds, rain, distant thunder or lightning. If these conditions exist, do not start a task you cannot quickly stop.
• Know your company’s lightning safety warning program. Businesses that have high risk functions such as explosive storage or field repairs should have a formal lightning warning policy.
• Assess your lightning risk and take appropriate actions. If you can hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike. Stop what you are doing and seek safety in a substantial building or a hard-topped metal vehicle.
• Know what objects and equipment to avoid during a thunderstorm:
• Stay off and away from anything tall or high, including rooftops, scaffolding, utility poles and ladders.
• Stay off and away from large equipment such as bulldozers, cranes, backhoes, track loaders and tractors.
• Do not touch materials or surfaces that can conduct electricity, including metal scaffolding, metal equipment, utility lines, water, water pipes and plumbing.
• Leave areas with explosives or munitions.

If a worker is struck by lightning:

Lightning victims do not carry an electrical charge, are safe to touch and need urgent medical attention. Cardiac arrest is the immediate cause of death for those who die. Some deaths can be prevented if the victim receives the proper first aid immediately. Call 9-1-1 and perform CPR if the person is unresponsive or not breathing. Use an Automatic External Defibrillator if one is available.

Resources:

• Free lightning safety resources from the National Weather Service.
• Learn more on lightning safety from the NOAA.
• Browse severe weather safety signs here.

The post SAFETY TIP: Lightning Safety On the Job appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

Safety inspection tags serve a simple but essential purpose. They communicate when something was inspected and by whom. The problem is, they only work if they are used properly. As you set out to establish or improve your safety program, one smart move is to find and inspect all of your inspection tags. The only way to know if you’re keeping them up to date is to know how many you have and where they are. Then, make sure each one has someone in charge of it.

8 Common Inspection Tags

While every business is unique and may have different safety needs than other business, there are a few inspection tags that are pretty standard. These tags come with common workplace items that you can find in many businesses. As you start to inventory the tags in your workplace, start with these.

Fire Extinguishers – Visual inspections are required once per month. Look for physical damage such as corrosion, dents, or leakage. Check the gauge to make sure the pressure is within operating levels. A thorough maintenance inspection should be performed by a professional fire protection company at least once per year.

Ladders – Broken ladders are dangerous. While OSHA does not have a specific safety inspection requirement for ladders, it is a good idea to inspect them at least monthly. This is what OSHA has to say, “Ladders shall be inspected by a competent person for visible defects on a periodic basis and after any occurrence that could affect their safe use.”

Emergency Shower and Eyewash Station – These emergency stations should be fully inspected annually. It may surprise you to know that NSI/ISEA Z358.1, the most commonly referenced guideline for these stations, states that they should be tested on a weekly basis to ensure proper water flow. Of course, inspections should be noted on an inspection tag.

Hose reel – OSHA states, “The employer shall assure that hemp or linen hose on existing systems is unracked, physically inspected for deterioration, and reracked using a different fold pattern at least annually.”

Scaffolding – Faulty scaffolding is extremely dangerous. Therefore, OSHA recommends that it is inspected at the beginning of every work shift.

Scissor lifts – OSHA does not have specific requirements for scissor lifts, but categorizes them with mobile scaffolding, so inspections should be completed before every shift.

AED equipment – OSHA merely states that employers should inspect AEDs according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which is typically monthly.

Forklifts – OSHA doesn’t mess around when it comes to forklifts. The official requirement is as follows, “Inspections must take place either daily, or after every shift if the forklifts are being used around the clock.” An ideal place for an inspection tag.

Protect Your Workers and Your Company

Conducting regular inspections on your equipment, whether for daily use or emergencies, is a vital step towards protecting both your people and your company itself. Obviously, keeping things like ladders, scaffolding and forklifts in good working condition helps keep your employees safe. But, imagine if a worker or customer needs an AED and when someone reaches for it, there’s no charge. It could be a life or death situation. It’s important to understand that failing to conduct regular equipment inspections can not only endanger lives, but also open your company up to a large lawsuit if something should happen.

As mentioned above, the first step to keeping up with your inspection tags is to know how many you have, where they are, and who’s in charge of them. Once you have that in place, you can ensure that your inspections are being completed as required and properly documented.

Proper inspections can save lives, and inspection tags are the tool that lets you know inspections are happening as they should.

Safety Inspection Resources:

• Read the NFPA guide to fire extinguisher inspection
• Review the OSHA Standard on ladders, including inspections
• Visit the OSHA forklift page
• Browse inspection tags

The post Inspecting Your Inspection Tags: A Crucial Starting Point appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

What can industry professionals do to mitigate pain and maintain worksite safety? Learn how back pain can be triggered and take safety steps where possible. The following are some of the main causes of back injuries in construction.

1. Repeated Lifting

Contractors spend their day lifting heavy materials such as concrete slabs. These can weigh about 150 pounds per cubic foot. The excess weight puts pressure on the builder’s back, potentially causing a herniated disc.

When lifting, workers should stand with a wide stance and hold the object close to their body. In addition, lift with the legs and not the back and don’t twist too much. If the object is too heavy it’s a good idea to ask for help.

On a management level, there are a few tactics to use to reduce the impact of repeated lifting that can lead to back injuries in construction. Employers who can should invest in more transportation equipment for heavier objects. Plus, alternate assigning heavy and light tasks and give workers extended breaks. Proper rest between labor-intensive activities can reduce fatigue and injury while still keeping a project moving.

2. Consistent Lifting and Twisting Motion

All the lifting and twisting can tighten the back. When placing new roofing panels, for example, the worker has to lift the tile and then turn to place it in the right spot. But that twisting motion can overstretch or tear large muscles or ligaments. Sometimes these then become inflamed.

Good form is essential for long-term health. When lifting objects and completing manual labor, it’s important to keep the back as straight as possible. Also, ensure the shoulders, hips, and toes are facing the same direction and bend with the knees.

To help prevent back injuries in construction — or anywhere lifting is required — employers can make small changes. These can include things such as changing the layout of a jobsite. Have materials delivered close to where they will be used and store them off the ground to limit twisting, lifting, and bending.

3. Bending for Long Periods

Construction tasks require bending for many hours. For example, it can take one to two days to install a new roof. The prolonged bending can irritate the back. Why? Curling into a “C” shape puts pressure on the spine.

Good form is again important for mitigating stress. So, instead of bending with the back, using the hips can relieve back tension. In addition, workers should stand as close to the load as possible and tighten their muscles.

Back injuries in construction can also result from falls, which are more likely to happen when working at height. That’s why it’s essential to inspect the roof for any signs of structural damage first. When on the scaffolding, builders should wear the proper safety gear, such as hard hats. It’s also important to know the load capacity of the structure.

4. Pulling and Tugging of Materials

During the demolition of homes, materials are consistently pulled out. Also, many renovations require tugging out materials, like old drywall. However, this can cause lumbar strain, which leads to sudden lower back pain and spasms.

Therefore, builders need to use both hands and limit the amount of weight they pull at once. In addition, employers should have safety meetings to discuss proper handling.

5. Quick Body Movements

Since a lot is going on at a construction site, workers need to react quickly. For example, an unsteady piece of siding can cause damage if it’s not caught. The sudden movement can strain their muscles or ligaments.

To keep employees from carrying out unsafe motions, managers need to implement safety practices. For example, ensure the work area isn’t cluttered with building supplies or tools. Before operating machinery, check its condition and conduct on-site training. Plus, builders should have a radio or cell phone with them at all times.

6. Tool and Equipment Vibrations

When operating heavy machinery, workers’ bodies experience vibrations. This motion can cause the back muscles to become sore, which can lead to back injuries in construction. They might also cause muscle damage to other parts, like the arms and hands.

What can construction teams do about equipment vibrations? Use machinery on lower power settings and implement task rotations. Also, thoroughly inspect the equipment before using it to ensure normal operation.

7. Building Cement Structures

Cement is a common material used in building foundations and structural elements. Fabricating cement structures involves lifting heavy materials and bending down frequently. For example, workers may need to manipulate concrete placement hoses. The repeated process can cause back strain.

Workers must take care to rest regularly and practice proper lifting techniques. Also, technology can help prevent injuries. For example, exo-suits are wearable exoskeletons hitting the market right now that can assist with safe, heavy lifting.

Common Causes of Back Injuries at Construction Jobsites

Contractors work on building projects in which they are constantly in motion. With that comes muscle strain and other pressures on the body. To stay safe and productive, it’s important to know these common causes of back pain in construction and take measures to eliminate them whenever necessary.

Safe Lifting Resources:

• OSHA construction safety site
• OSHA advice on heavy lifting
• Safer pushing, pulling and carrying
• NIOSH: An effective strategy for reducing back injuries
• Safe lifting signs and labels at ComplianceSigns.com
• General construction safety signs to help keep workers safe

The post Top Causes of Back Injuries in Construction appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

In a fire, seconds can make the difference between an escape and a tragedy. But proper education and safety measures can significantly decrease casualties, so it’s essential to make sure your staff and any guests at your business know what to do if a fire should start. (It’s also a good idea to make sure your team knows how to prevent a fire from happening in the first place. Just saying.)

One of the best ways to spread the word about fire safety is to hang safety posters throughout your workplace. During NFPW, make sure your workplace has all the necessary signage to keep employees and guests safe.

While there’s no shortage of excellent fire safety posters, these are the three categories of posters every business needs to promote a safe working environment.

Spark ideas about fire prevention

The best way to avoid injuries and casualties due to a fire is to prevent the fire in the first place. Fires, like so many workplace dangers, are preventable. Post signs that remind people to put out their cigarette butts or explain how to handle flammable materials and equipment.  

Extinguish any doubts about safety products

Did you know that the risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms? Or that portable fire extinguishers are 95 percent effective in extinguishing fires? Not only do you need smoke alarms and fire extinguishers in your workplace, but you need to make sure people know how to use them. Post fire extinguisher and smoke alarm signs and near your fire safety tools to make sure they can be used effectively.  

Make a point of pointing out fire exits.

The most important message to communicate should a fire occur is that anyone in your building needs to make a quick, safe exit. Ensure fire exits are kept clear, and everyone knows how to make a safe exit with fire exit and evacuation signs.  

Keep your staff and guests safe during National Fire Prevention Week – and all year.

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Although it’s important for employees to be aware of what to do during an emergency – it’s even more critical to know what is expected of them.

OSHA’s Best Practices for Workplace First-aid

OSHA has a very specific requirement for first aid standards, per 29 CFR 1910.151. Trained first-aid providers must be at all workplaces of any size if there is no, “infirmary, clinic, or hospital in near proximity to the workplace which is used for the treatment of all injured employees.”

In addition to first-aid requirements of 29 CFR 1910.151, several OSHA standards also require training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) because sudden cardiac arrest from asphyxiation, electrocution, or exertion may occur. CPR may keep the victim alive until EMS arrives to provide the next level of medical care. However, survival from this kind of care is low, only 5-7%, according to the American Heart Association. The OSHA standards requiring CPR training are found here.

When someone needs first aid, eliminate the guessing work and questions about its placement. By placing first aid safety posters and CPR / first aid signs in your workplace you can ensure everyone will be able to find first aid tools like AEDs and first aid kits when they need them.

First aid posters not only make for a great visual training resource, they also act as a vital reference tool and ensure proper protocols are followed during an emergency.

When to update your first-aid program

The first-aid program should be reviewed periodically to determine if it continues to address the needs of your workplace. Training, supplies, equipment, and first-aid policies should be added or modified to account for changes in:

• Workplace safety and health hazards
• Worksite locations
• Worker schedules since the last program review.

The first-aid training program should be kept up-to-date with current first-aid techniques and knowledge. Outdated training and reference materials should be replaced or removed.

Browse eye-catching first-aid posters at ComplianceSigns.com.

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