How much ladder accidents cost

Falls are in the top three most disabling workplace injuries, and $17.1 billion is spent on workplace falls, according to the 2018 Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index. And ladders are #6 on OSHA’s top 10 most cited violations list.

ALI believes ladder accidents are preventable, but without better safety planning and training and continuous innovation in product design, we will continue to see far too many fatalities.

National Ladder Safety Month goals include:

• Increase the number of ladder training certificates issued by ALI
• Lower the rankings of ladder-related citations on OSHA’s yearly “Top 10 Citations List”
• Decrease ladder-related injuries and fatalities
• Increase the number of competent ladder inspector training sessions
• Increase the number of companies and individuals that inspect and properly dispose of old, damaged or obsolete ladders

Ladder safety will also be an important component of OSHA’s annual National Safety Stand-Down in May.

Have you tried the NIOSH ladder safety app that includes straight and step ladders?

Key elements of ladder safety:

What is a ladder weight rating?
A ladder’s weight rating is the combined weight of the climber and whatever the climber is carrying. Do not forget to account for equipment or accessories when selecting a ladder with the proper weight rating.

A taller ladder does NOT equate to a higher weight rating
To ensure you are using the right ladder for the job, check the Duty Rating of your ladder. The Duty Rating is the total amount of weight your ladder will support: Your weight plus the weight of your clothing and protective equipment plus the weight of tools and supplies you are using.

Ladder and fall safety applies at any height
More often than not, ladder injuries are caused by people using them incorrectly. An American Ladder Institute survey found 3 of 4 participants felt ladder accidents in their workplace could have been avoided with training.

Here’s how you can get involved and help improve safety
at your workplace:

• Learn more and sign up for Ladder Safety Month materials. 
• View free safety training modules.
• Plan for the National Safety Stand-down in May. 
• Review OSHA Standard 1926.1053 on stairways and ladders. 
• This study of workplace ladder falls offers insights. 
• Browse ladder safety signs and labels.

The post March is National Ladder Safety Month appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

Although the top violations didn’t change, there was some movement within the list. Fall Protection – General Requirements remains the #1 violation for the 13th year in a row, followed by Hazard Communication and Ladders.

The list is based on data from Oct. 1, 2022 to Sept. 30, 2023. It was announced at the National Safety Council’s 2023 Safety Congress & Expo.

The Top 10 OSHA Violations of 2023

1. Fall Protection, general requirements (1926.501) – 7,271 violations (+2,011 vs. 2022)
2. Hazard Communication Standard, general requirements (1910.1200) – 3,213 violations (+789 vs. 2022)
3. Ladders, construction (1926.1053) – 2,143 violations (+2,011 vs. 2022)
4. Scaffolding, general requirements, construction (1926.451) – 2,859 violations (+801 vs. 2022)
5. Powered Industrial Trucks, general requirements (1910.178) – 2,561 violations (+812 vs. 2022)
6. Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout), general requirements (1910.147) – 2,554 violations (+577 vs. 2022)
7. Respiratory Protection, general industry (1910.134) – 2,481 violations (+296 vs. 2022)
8. Fall Protection – Training Requirements (1926.503) – 2,112 violations (+556 vs. 2022)
9. Eye and Face Protection (1926.102) – 2,074 violations (+673 vs. 2022)
10. Machinery and Machine Guard, general requirements (1910.212) – 1,644 violations (+274 vs. 2022)

This list shows what OSHA has been watching, which makes it a good place to start when reviewing safety needs of your business or making a safety plan. Fall Protection is clearly an area of increased focus for OSHA inspectors.

For comparison, the 2022 Top 10 were:

1. Fall Protection, general requirements (1926.501) – 5,260 violations
2. Hazard Communication Standard, general requirements (1910.1200) – 2,424 violations
3. Respiratory Protection, general industry (1910.134) – 2,185 violations
4. Ladders, construction (1926.1053) – 2,143 violations
5. Scaffolding, general requirements, construction (1926.451) – 2,058 violations
6. Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout), general requirements (1910.147) – 1,977 violations
7. Powered Industrial Trucks, general requirements (1910.178) – 1,749 violations (+23.2% vs. 2021)
8. Fall Protection – Training Requirements (1926.503) – 1,556 violations
9. Eye and Face Protection (1926.102) – 1,401 violations
10. Machinery and Machine Guard, general requirements (1910.212) – 1,370 violations

Additional Resources:

• Review the top 10 OSHA violations of 2021 and 2020.
• Easily make custom OSHA and other safety signs at ComplianceSigns.com.

The post Top 10 OSHA Violations of 2023 appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

However, when it comes to workplace safety, the situation is multifaceted. Despite the existence of regulations and safety measures, the data indicates that we still have work to do to ensure that every worker can go to work and return home safely each day. 

Workplace Injury Statistics: The Unveiling

Now, let’s dig into the concrete facts and figures surrounding workplace injuries. To do this, we turn to the most reliable sources of information, such as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which meticulously compiles data on work-related injuries and fatalities.

As of the most recent available data, workplace injuries remain a significant concern. In 202 (the most recent data available), the BLS reported 2.6 million injury and illness cases. That’s down 18% from 2020.

Occupational fatalities, while a somber statistic, also demand our attention. In 2021, 5,190 workers lost their lives due to workplace accidents. This is up 8.9%  2020, but the pandemic kept many people home that year. Both 2018 and 2019 had more workplace fatalities. We want to see this number go down every year, and the overall trend over the past three decades shows that we’re making progress., 

Identifying Trends and Challenges

Understanding workplace safety requires dissecting the data to identify trends and challenges. One prominent trend is the disproportionate impact on certain industries. According to the National Security Council’s injury facts webpage the following industries stand out:

• Construction– experienced the most workplace deaths
• Education and health services– experienced the most nonfatal injuries and illnesses involving days away from work
• Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting– experienced the highest death rate per 100,000 workers
• Transportation and warehousing– experienced the highest injury and illness rate involving days away from work per 10,000 workers

It’s pretty easy to see how these trends develop. Industries that involve heavy physical labor in difficult conditions and using machinery have more fatalities. Lesser injuries and illnesses are prevalent in industries that involve spending a lot of time around many other people in enclosed environments. 

Another challenge lies in the types of injuries most commonly reported. Slips, trips, and falls are very common. Injuries due to overexertion or repetitive motion are up there as well. Contact with objects and equiptment is right up there as well. Addressing these specific injury types through targeted prevention measures is essential to reducing overall injury rates.

The Role of Regulations and Enforcement

Workplace safety is not solely the responsibility of employers and employees. Regulatory bodies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) play a vital role in setting and enforcing safety standards. OSHA’s mission is to “ improve the safety of working conditions in the United States by providing technical assistance to employers and setting and enforcing workplace safety and health standards. OSHA conducts inspections, gives citations, levies penalties, provides consultations, and offers a wide variety of programs designed to help employers improve working conditions and reduce on-the-job hazards.”

While regulations are crucial, their effectiveness depends on adherence and enforcement. In some cases, violations of safety standards still occur, leading to accidents and injuries. OSHA’s penalties for safety violations in 2023 are:

As you can see, these fines can become very significant for any company that receives a violation, especially if they do not correct it in a timely manner. What’s more, these fines can tarnish the company’s public image, make recruiting more difficult, and even leave them open to potential lawsuits. 

Smart companies don’t try to avoid getting caught with safety violations, they strive to find and eliminate potential safety risks for the sake of their employees. OSHA should be a partner in safety, not a threat.

Improvements in Safety Culture

Amidst the challenges, there are positive developments in the realm of workplace safety. Many organizations have embraced the concept of a safety culture, where safety is deeply ingrained in the company’s DNA.

Employee training and awareness programs have also played a significant role in reducing workplace injuries. When workers are well-informed and proactive about safety, the likelihood of accidents decreases. Let’s take a look at some compelling reasons for implementing comprehensive safety training programs for your employees:

• 3.2 Million Non-Fatal Workplace Injuries in 2020: In the United States alone, approximately 3.2 million non-fatal workplace injuries occurred in the year 2020. 

• Over 600,000 Fatalities from Hazardous Substances in 2020: Alarmingly, more than 600,000 individuals lost their lives due to exposure to hazardous substances in 2020. 

• Slips and Falls as Leading Causes of Workplace Injuries: Slips and falls emerged as the predominant causes of workplace injuries, accounting for a staggering 75% of all occupational injuries. 

• OSHA’s Cost-Saving Insights: According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), investing in safety training yields substantial returns. In fact, for every dollar invested in safety training, organizations can save between $4 to $6. 

• Fostering a Safe Working Culture: Establishing a robust training program and raising awareness among your workforce can foster a culture of safety within your organization. Companies with well-trained employees consistently report lower rates of injuries and fatalities. 

The statistics presented here are a compelling testament to the necessity of prioritizing safety education and awareness within your organization. By investing in comprehensive safety training, you not only enhance workplace safety but also contribute to a culture where employees can thrive without compromising their well-being.

Are We Making Safer Workplaces?

So what are these numbers telling us? Have we made progress? Under a magnifying glass, it looks like we’re heading the wrong way. But, the workplace landscape has changed dramatically thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

To get a true look at our progress, you need to use a broader lens. Here are the recorded work-related injuries and illness incidents reported at the beginning of each of the last six decades. 

1980 –  8.7 per 100 full-time workers

1990 –  8.8 per 100 full-time workers

2000 – 6.1 per 100 full-time workers

2010 – 3.5 per 100 full-time workers

2020 – 2.7 per 100 full-time workers

This data shows a relatively steady rate of improvement over an extended period of time which means, yes, we are getting better. 

Making Tomorrow’s Workplace Safer Than Ever

In the grand scheme of improving safety in our lives, workplace safety is a critical piece of the puzzle. While we’ve made commendable progress in many areas, the statistics remind us that there is still work to be done. Every injury or fatality is a stark reminder that we must remain vigilant and committed to enhancing workplace safety.

Identifying trends, addressing industry-specific challenges, enforcing regulations, fostering a culture of safety, and implementing effective training programs are all steps in the right direction. However, one often overlooked aspect of workplace safety is the power of safety signage.

Safety signage serves as a visual reminder of potential hazards and safety protocols. Clear, well-placed signage can prevent accidents and injuries by guiding employees and visitors to make informed decisions. In this digital age, the impact of physical safety signage should not be underestimated.

Workplace safety is a shared responsibility that demands constant attention and improvement. By acknowledging the challenges, enforcing regulations, fostering safety culture, and harnessing the power of safety signage, we can continue our journey toward safer workplaces where every individual can return home unharmed at the end of the day. Together, we can build a safer, more secure future for all workers.

The post The State of Workplace Safety: Are We Getting Any Better? appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

The principles of 5S / Lean minimize waste and emphasize efficient workflows. Learn more about this workplace approach and how to implement 5S on your construction sites.

What Are the 5S Lean Principles?

The 5S approach prioritizes order and efficiency in the workplace. The term 5S refers to the strategy’s five components, which all start with the letter “s” — sort, straighten, shine, standardize and sustain. The 5S approach originated in Japan as part of the Toyota production system.

5S lean principles eliminate waste and keep operations as lean as possible. It encourages employees to use limited materials and equipment only when necessary. The fewer materials you use, the cleaner your workplace becomes. In addition to physical trash, waste can take on many forms, including:

• Product defects
• Wasted time
• Under-utilized workers
• Extra workflow steps

5S principles can increase organization and efficiency in construction sites and other applications. Disorganized or excessive tools or machines impede productivity and decrease safety. By implementing 5S lean principles, you keep your construction workplace as efficient and secure as possible.

Learning more about each principle helps you apply them in your workplace. Here’s a closer look at each 5S principle:

1. Sort

The first step helps you determine the necessary materials for your workplace. You sort through equipment, resources and workflows and identify what benefits or limits your efficiency. Then, you move materials with limited applications to designated storage areas or dispose of them. This practice creates a lean work environment.

The most important materials to keep in immediate reach are the ones you use daily. For instance, you might keep a piece of equipment on the floor that is only useful for rare tasks. To free up more space in your work area, you could move the component to storage.

2. Straighten

This stage focuses on organization. After you sort materials, identify a designated space for each of them and arrange them without clutter. You can straighten your immediate work floor and storage spaces for comprehensive decluttering. Organized spaces make it easy for workers to find materials, which boosts efficiency.

3. Shine

After you organize your materials, clean them regularly. Consistent cleaning increases safety and improves your workplace’s appearance. Many sites clean as they work, minimizing large messes later. Excessive dirt can cause corrosion or damage that restricts machine function, which could lead to costly repairs later.

With regular cleaning, you can prevent dirt and debris from accumulating on equipment and other resources, which can increase the tool’s life span.

4. Standardize

Next, you develop rules and standards to maintain cleaning and organization practices. You can integrate the standards into your workflows and explain them during employee training, which ensures all workers understand the expectations. Standardized procedures are easier to follow because they provide a routine way to complete tasks.

5. Sustain

The final principle prioritizes self-discipline so workplaces can maintain the 5S principles in daily operations. Sustaining regular organization and cleaning can be a large transition, and it becomes harder without consistency. As you try various implementation techniques, explore which strategies work and which ones don’t. Find techniques that work for your workplace environment and employee needs, then stay with them.

Why Are 5S Principles Important In Construction?

5S principles benefit construction sites and other workplaces in many ways, including:

• Increased safety: Cleaner and more organized work sites are easier for workers to navigate. Construction sites face many hazards, from chemical exposures to equipment malfunctions. By implementing the 5S method, you remove hazards that occur due to disorganization. For instance, after cleaning and organizing your tools, you significantly reduce the possibility of a worker tripping over a stray component.
• Improved work environment: The construction industry is facing a critical worker shortage, with millions of employees leaving since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Many employees left the industry to find better pay and improved work conditions. The 5S principles help you establish a safer and cleaner environment. The enhanced conditions can convince more workers to stay or apply to your site. The more workers you have, the more efficient your organization becomes.
• Reduced waste: 5S in construction also decreases your waste production. By identifying materials and processes you don’t use, you minimize waste in all workflows. These techniques reduce your carbon footprint and environmental impact.

How to Implement 5S Principles

The most effective way to implement 5S principles is with thorough training and standardized procedures. You can develop specific 5S action plans to address these needs. It’s best to tailor your 5S approach to the unique needs of your workplace — that way, you can gain the most benefits possible.

These are three steps to get started with 5S implementation in construction:

1. Identify Efficiency Issues

You can start by evaluating your workflows and materials and determining areas of improvement. Consider your organization’s current issues and how the 5S strategy could resolve them. A great way to identify inefficiencies is by mapping out your workflows from start to finish. Determine what tools, resources and processes you need for each step. If you notice procedures or materials that reduce productivity, consider how 5S could benefit them.

For example, you might notice a particular workflow step takes more time than others. By sorting, straightening, shining, standardizing and sustaining, you could improve its efficiency.

2. Determine a Budget and Timeline

As you determine processes and materials that benefit from 5S approaches, consider your available resources and time to implement them. To sustain 5S in construction, you need proper amounts of training and time. Determine your budget and availability to initiate and explain the new standards.

In addition, it helps to develop an implementation timeline. The more specific your goals are, the better you can track your progress. For example, you might set dates for training or when you hope to have all five steps integrated into your operations. Once you reach those dates, you can view your progress and adjust approaches as necessary.

3. Create a Checklist for Each 5S Step

Lastly, you can build a checklist for each 5S step according to your workplace’s needs. Write down how you can sort, straighten, shine, standardize and sustain each area of inefficiency. This checklist provides a basis for future training and standardization purposes. Remember that a 5S construction implementation requires trial and error — a continuous improvement mindset helps your organization adjust operations to get better with each try.

Adopt 5S Principles to Keep Construction Operations Lean

The 5S principles create safe, more efficient work environments. With proper implementation, these practices can boost productivity, minimize waste and enhance output.

Construction & 5S Resources:

• Safety Tips for Nighttime Construction
• 6 Smart Tips to Reduce Waste on Your Construction Site
• Top Causes of Back Injuries in Construction
• Browse 5S solutions at ComplianceSigns.com
• Browse construction safety signs and labels

The post How to Implement 5S Lean Principles on Your Construction Sites appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

All organizations looking for an opportunity to recognize their commitment to safety are welcome to participate. Last year, more than 2,700 businesses helped to raise awareness about worker health and safety.OSHA offers a variety of Safe + Sound tools and resources to help organizations plan, promote and evaluate events. Participation is easy. Just sign up, plan and promote your events, and recognize your participation. After you’ve completed your events, you can download a certificate and virtual challenge coin to recognize your organization.

Why Workplace Safety Matters to Everyone

Serious job-related injuries or illnesses don’t just hurt workers and their families, they also hurt business in a variety of ways. Implementing a safety and health program can improve safety and health performance, save money and improve competitiveness for businesses of any size. Safety and health programs can help businesses:

• Prevent workplace injuries and illnesses
• Improve compliance with laws and regulations
• Reduce costs, including significant reductions in workers’ compensation premiums
• Engage workers
• Enhance social responsibility goals
• Increase productivity and enhance overall business operations

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the rate of worker deaths and reported injuries in the United States has decreased by more than 60 percent in the past four decades since the Occupational Safety and Health Act was passed. Yet every year more than 5,000 workers are killed on the job (a rate of 14 per day), and more than 3.6 million suffer a serious job-related injury or illness.

A Proven Approach to Safety

Employers have proven that safety and health programs reduce the numbers of injuries and illnesses, and improve their bottom line. While there are different approaches, effective safety and health programs have three core elements:

1. Management leadership. Top management commits to establishing, maintaining, and continually improving the program, and provides any necessary resources.
2. Worker participation. Effective programs involve workers in identifying solutions. Improved worker engagement is linked to better productivity, higher job satisfaction, and better worker retention.
3. A systematic find-and-fix approach. All effective programs are centered around a proactive process of finding and fixing hazards before they can cause injury or illness.

The idea is to begin with a basic program and simple goals and grow from there. If employers focus on achieving goals, monitoring performance and evaluating outcomes, their workplace can progress along the path to higher levels of safety and health achievement.

Easy to Get Started

OSHA says that creating a safety and health program doesn’t have to be complicated or demand outside consultants be employed; there are some simple, do-it-yourself steps to get started.

“We don’t want businesses, especially small ones, to believe they cannot afford to protect their workers,” said an OSHA administrator from Kansas City. “OSHA provides good safety information and will work with employers to help them comply with safety and health standards.” Companies can contact OSHA by phone for assistance in achieving safety compliance.

OSHA’s Recommended Practices for Safety and Health Programs page offers practical advice on how any organization can integrate safety and health programs. Resources and tools include:

• Communication and Coordination
• Education and Training
• Hazard Identification and Assessment
• Hazard Prevention and Control
• Management Leadership
• Program Evaluation and Improvement
• Worker Participation

OSHA also offers compliance assistance, tips, educational materials, training and other information on how to prevent illness and injury – all at no charge.

Free OSHA Consultation for Smaller Businesses

Each state has its own On-site Consultation Program. This free and confidential safety and health consultation program is primarily targeted toward smaller businesses. Employers can find out about potential hazards at their workplace, improve programs already in place and qualify for a one-year exemption from routine OSHA inspections.

OSHA initiated 12 fatality inspections in recent months and found a significant increase in fatalities associated with confined space entry and trenching and excavating. Fatalities involving workers being struck by motor vehicles also doubled from two to four persons for the same time period.

Learn more about Safe + Sound Week:

• OSHA Safe and Sound page.
• Core elements of an effective safety and health program.
• OSHA Safety and Health Programs page.
• Browse safety awareness signs, banners and scoreboards.
  

More Workplace Safety information

• Dealing with Near-Misses in the Workplace
• 8 Ways to Prevent Forklift Accidents
• Avoiding the Three Most Costly Workplace Injuries

The post Safe + Sound Week Helps Employers Improve Workplace Safety appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

One of the most critical pieces of personal protection equipment that you’ll ever use on the job is your hard hat. While it can seem like a nuisance or may be uncomfortable to use at first, your safety at work depends on correctly choosing and using the right personal protection items, including hard hats.

Know Your Hard Hat

The anatomy of hard hats is pretty simple. The hard, exposed part is the outer shell. Inside, there is a four- to eight-point suspension system that helps to raise the outer shell above your head and distribute the weight of the hat. There is also a headband that is adjustable for the perfect fit.

Choose the Right One

To ensure safety on the job, confirm you are using the correct hard hat. There are two basic types. Type I hard hats protect you from things above your head or that fall from above. Type II hats also provide lateral protection.

In addition to these two types, there are three classes of hard hats, each designed for specific jobs.

Class G

Class G hard hats are for general jobs, such as construction, mining and manufacturing. They are mainly designed to protect the head from impact. These typically can protect your head from some electrical shock as well.

Class E

This class of hard hat is specifically for electrical jobs. Not only does it guard against impacts, but it can also resist 20,000 volts of electrical shock. According to OSHA, anyone working near exposed electrical components or wires should use this type of hat.

Class C

Also known as conductive hard hats, these are lightweight and only meant to prevent damage from light blows. This class of helmet may be ventilated but does not protect against electrical dangers at all.

Hard Hat Accessories

Apart from the basic hat options, there are plenty of accessories available that can increase safety even more, such as hearing protection, face shields, chin straps, and headlamps. Choosing the correct hat and accessories for the job is vital for maintaining safety at worksites.

Approved Hats

It’s always smart to choose hard hats approved by the American National Standards Institute. ANSI helps ensure that hard hats are correctly made and independently tested to provide maximum protection against shocks, impacts and penetration.

Wear It Correctly

For a hard hat to work correctly to protect your head, you need to wear it right. 

Sizing

First off, find a hat that is snug but comfortable. If it’s too big or too small, it won’t work correctly should you get hit with something. A hat that is too small won’t cover your head enough, while one that is too large lets your head move around inside, which could lead to injury.

Measure your head circumference and then purchase the corresponding size hat, or try on a few to see what works best for you. Then, you can adjust the suspension system.

Modifications

It’s never safe to change your hard hat in any way. If you modify it, it might not work correctly and it won’t be efficient should you have an accident. Modifications could also increase the chance of penetration or electrical shock.

Not modifying the hat also includes not wearing other hats underneath. While a bandana, skull cap, or winter liner is normally fine, don’t wear anything with metal pieces or that is bulky, otherwise the hat won’t fit correctly. Only wear hats or hoods that appropriately fit your head.

If you would like a ventilated hard hat or to add accessories, you should purchase a hat specifically made for it.

Positioning

Generally, you should always place the brim of hard hats facing forward. They are designed to help protect your neck and your face. If you wear it backward, you risk it not working correctly or falling off your head.

There are hard hats now that are approved to be worn frontward or backward, but be sure you have such a model before doing so with yours.

Maintain It Well

Just because hard hats seem indestructible doesn’t mean they actually are. Caring for your hard hat will go a long way in increasing your safety at work.

Storage

When storing your hat, keep it out of direct sunlight or very hot or cold conditions. Plastic can degrade when exposed to the elements for an extended period of time. The trunk of a car, a car window or the back of a pickup truck are unsafe places to store hard hats.

Inspection

You should regularly inspect your hard hat, and if you come across any cracks or damaged parts, don’t wear it to work. A chalky look could indicate UV damage. 

All damage may not be visible at first glance. If the hat has ever experienced an impact, it’s better not to use it. After a fall of 8 feet or more, or any impact, be sure to replace your hat.

Replacements

No matter how great of a condition your hard hat is in, you should replace it every two to five years. The manufacturer can tell you specifically how often you should replace their product. 

Understand When To Wear It

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration says that you must use head protection must in areas where there is a risk of head injury due to falling objects, impact, flying objects or electrical shocks.

This includes a much wider variety of occupations than just construction. Electricians, assemblers, welders, loggers, warehouse workers, pipe fitters and many others can benefit from the enhanced safety of wearing a hard hat to work.

Better Safe Than Sorry With Hard Hat Signage

The best way to protect your head at work is to use the right hard hat, the right way and at the right time. By following OSHA guidelines and using ANSI-approved headgear, men and women in all sorts of occupations can be safer and make it home at the end of each day. Help your employees remember to use PPE with hard hat and PPE safety signs form ComplianceSigns.

The post How To Stay Safe Using a Hard Hat appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

The week-long outreach event coincides with Construction Safety Week and encourages employers and workers to pause during the work day to talk about fall hazards and prevention.

What is a Safety Stand-Down?

A Safety Stand-Down is a voluntary event for employers to talk directly to employees about safety. Any workplace can hold a stand-down by taking a break to focus on fall hazards and reinforcing the importance of fall prevention. It’s an opportunity for employers to have a conversation with employees about hazards, protective methods and the company’s safety policies and goals.

It can also be an opportunity for employees to talk to management about fall hazards they see. Companies can conduct a Safety Stand-Down by taking a break to have a toolbox talk or another safety activity such as conducting safety equipment inspections, developing rescue plans, or discussing job specific hazards. Managers are encouraged to plan a stand-down that works best for their workplace anytime during the week.

Suggestions for a Successful Stand-Down

1. Try to start early. Designate a coordinator to organize the stand-down. If you have multiple work sites, identify the team that will lead the stand-down at each site.

2. Get others involved. Ask your subcontractors, owner, architects, engineers, or others associated with your project to participate in the stand-down.

3. Review your fall prevention program – and what types of falls are likely to occur at your worksite. This will help provide a more effective stand-down. Common incidents include falls from:

• Ladders
• Roofs
• Scaffolds
• Stairs
• Structural steel
• Falls through a floor or roof opening or a fragile roof surface

Fall Protection Questions to Ask:

What needs improvement? Is your program meeting its goals? Are you experiencing fatalities, injuries, or near misses? Are employees aware of the company’s fall protection procedures? What training have you provided to your employees? Does it need revision? What equipment have you provided to employees? Is better equipment available?

5 Steps For Your Stand-Down

1. Develop presentations or activities that will meet the needs of your employees. The meeting should provide information about hazards, protective methods, and the company’s safety policies, goals and expectations. Hands-on exercises (a worksite walkaround, equipment checks, etc.) can increase retention.
2. Decide when to hold the stand-down and how long it will last. Decide if the stand-down will take place over a break, a lunch period or some other time.
3. Promote the stand-down. Make it interesting to employees. Some employers find that serving snacks increases participation.
4. Hold your stand-down. Be positive and interactive. Let employees talk about their experiences and encourage them to make suggestions.
5. Follow up. If you learn something that could improve your fall prevention program, consider making changes.

Stand-Down Resources:

• Stand-Down and Fall Prevention Materials
• Stand-Down FAQs
• Find events in your area
• Construction Safety Week information
• Construction Safety Week banners
• Browse Ladder Safety signs and Fall Protection PPE signs.

The post 2024 National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls is May 6-10 appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

Workplace Conditions That Warrant Steel Toe Shoes

Heavy Items

The most obvious workplace that calls for the protection of steel toes is one where workers are lifting and moving heavy items. Construction sites, warehouses and farms can all fall into this category. Whenever a person picks up a large item, there is a risk of it being dropped and landing on someone’s foot, potentially causing injury. Steel toe boots are strong protection because they can take the brunt of the impact, preventing the weight from landing on toes.

Large, Movable Machinery

Another space where protective footwear is important is areas where large machines are used and moved. A heavy machine can easily break bones if it accidentally rolls over an unprotected foot. Steel toe shoes can prevent such injury. Consider requiring them in factories, assembly areas and auto repair shops.

Sharp Materials or Tools

Some jobs call for people to work with potentially dangerous objects, such as sharp tools or live wires. These create a big risk for safety if something should fall and hit a worker’s foot. Electricians must make sure everyone is protected with durable, non-conductive steel toe boots to reduce the risks of cuts or electrical shocks.

Slippery Floors

Most styles of steel toe footwear are also designed with sturdy treads providing strong traction. This makes them good choices for job sites that tend to have wet or slippery floors, as well as workplaces with uneven terrain. Anyone working with oil or chemicals that could spill should wear protective footwear. Landscapers, carpenters and mine workers should also put on boots to have better footing as they complete their tasks.

Designating Areas Where PPE Is Required

Once you identify which areas of your operation pose the most risk to workers, you should require all employees to wear steel toe boots in those spaces. Start by educating all managers and workers about the enhanced safety rules and explaining why they are important.

You can make this more effective by installing foot PPE safety signs that let people know what safety gear they need to enter a given space – including foot PPE. For example, you can post a safety glasses, steel toe boots and hard hats required sign to notify workers what PPE is required to enter the main work area of a manufacturing plant. Post these signs at each entrance and exit and throughout the space so everyone is well-informed about PPE requirements.

Foot PPE Safety Signs:

Risks of Not Wearing Steel Toe Shoes

Not wearing steel toe footwear in high-risk workplaces can lead to serious foot injuries and even fatalities. Workers will be at a disadvantage every time they step into your facility if they don’t have the proper equipment. Here are some of the risks of not wearing foot PPE in hazardous locations.

Foot Injuries

Foot injuries are common in high-risk workplaces. They can happen in an instant. All it takes is for someone to lose their grip on a heavy item or sharp object, or step into the path of a large machine being moved. A serious foot injury can potentially lead to permanent disability.

Slips and Falls

Slips and falls are another common incident, especially on wet and uneven surfaces. Not wearing protective footwear can increase the risk of tripping and lead to head injuries and broken bones.

Electrical Hazards

Electricians and construction workers often are exposed to electrical hazards. Failing to wear sturdy footwear with non-conductive soles can increase the risk of electrical shocks.

Chemical Exposure

Manufacturing and automotive workers are routinely exposed to various chemicals. Shoes built with steel are better at preventing spilled chemicals from seeping into the shoe and reaching the skin.

Reduced Productivity

Foot injuries reduce productivity and increase costs for employers, while reducing income for workers. Using the correct safety gear allows workers to approach projects confidently and efficiently.

Require Steel Toe Shoes To Increase Safety

Safety needs to be a shared goal for your entire organization, and that includes making sure everyone has the right protective equipment. If your workplace presents foot hazards, consider which locations call for steel toe shoes and give your workers the protection they need to navigate safely.

PPE Resources

• OSHA PPE website
• NIOSH directory of PPE
• Guide to Personal Protective Equipment
• PPE Signs and labels at ComplianceSigns
• General construction safety signs

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What Types of Workplace Safety Tags Are There?

There are four standard OSHA signal words used on tags, and those words indicate varying levels of workplace hazard.

• Danger: Only used for major hazards with a risk of serious injury or death
• Caution: Used for minor hazards, situations where possible safety risks might cause less serious injuries
• Warning: Used when a hazard risk is lower than danger tags but greater than caution tags
• Biohazard: Always required for any immediate or potential biological hazards, including containers, rooms, equipment or animals

OSHA Standard 1910.145 requires that signal words on a tag must be visible from a distance of at least 5 feet. This means a letter height of 0.16 to 0.33 inches, depending on the surroundings.

What Do Safety Tags Mean?

A proper safety tag includes two key elements to help convey its meaning:

Color

OSHA has specific requirements for the colors you choose for your tags. Using the right color is essential to communicate clear messaging to employees:

• Red: Danger tags, emergency instructions and safety cans
• Yellow: Caution tags, falling hazards and some containers for corrosive materials
• Orange: Warning tags, often used for equipment maintenance hazards
• Fluorescent orange-red: Biohazard tags for blood and other biosafety risks
• Black/white/yellow: Boundary tags, often with “Caution” in the label
• Green: Safety tags related to first aid equipment, eye protection and safety equipment locations
• Blue: Information tags with general info, such as notices

Major Message or Hazard Symbol

Every safety tag should have a signal word or easy-to-identify symbol, such as the biological hazard symbol, as well as a “major message” that indicates the specific hazardous condition or instruction to be communicated. Common major messages include:

• Do Not Operate
• Out of Order
• Electrical Hazard
• Do Not Enter
• Do Not Use

Status tags provide key information such as inventory levels or inspection records, or the status of an items such as gas cylinders, ladders and scaffolds, or other equipment.

When Should You Use Tags or Signs?

A tag isn’t meant to be a replacement for a warning sign. Tags are usually designed to be temporary to identify or address:

• Temporary risks: A tag can help you warn employees when a safety risk is temporary, such as a piece of equipment in an unusual location.
• Interim warnings: Until a permanent safety sign is in place, you need a tag to highlight risks.
• Ongoing monitoring: Tags can be a convenient way to keep inspection records close to the item you need to monitor, such as forklifts or pumps.

In other words, tags complement safety signs for a safer workplace.

How Can You Encourage Employees To Read Your Tags?

Creating an environment of workplace safety requires training. Walking your team through different scenarios can help them feel comfortable using different tags.

Safety Tag Resources:

• OSHA 1910.145, Specifications for accident prevention signs and tags
• Using Lockout Tags to save lives
• Learn about Flap Tags for harsh environments
• Browse safety tags at ComplianceSigns.com

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Basic hard hat design

Hard hats use a rigid shell and internal suspension system to protect the head from impact. The shell acts as a barrier to prevent penetration, and the suspension dissipates impact energy. Though hard hats have been used for decades, their basic materials and mechanisms have been slow to evolve. Recent research and advances in design and materials are paving the way for a new era of head protection.

Hard hat use is required, but…

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) states that hard hats must be worn wherever the risk of electrical shock, burns or impact or penetration from falling or flying objects exists. OSHA says it is the employer’s responsibility to provide head protection for its workers when they are exposed to the possibility of head injuries. That includes falling objects, struck-by hazards and more.

The CDC reports that the construction industry has the greatest number of both fatal and nonfatal traumatic brain injuries (TBI) among U.S. workplaces. From 2003 to 2010, TBI deaths represented 25% of all construction fatalities and 24% of all work-related TBI fatalities among all industries.

But anyone who has spent time in a hard hat knows that comfort is key to keeping them on workers’ heads.

What happens to the #csrulebreakers without adequate head protection:

Key factors to consider when selecting hard hats for your workforce:

Protection First

Select a hard hat that meets ANSI standard Z89.1-2014 for industrial head protection. Consider if workers need top-of-head or lateral protection, electrical protection, brims or back-of-head protection. New, lighter-weight shells with low-profile designs provide improved comfort and fit compared to heavy old-style hats, while still affording required protection.

Proper Fit

The hat should sit securely on the head to ensure it won’t move out of place on impact, or when workers move or bend over, but without pinching or pressure points. Suspensions commonly feature a single adjustment in the rear, but newer styles offer multiple adjustment points to fine-tune the fit. Rigid plastic suspensions are less comfortable than newer materials.

Chin straps are another consideration. Be sure to consider additional PPE that may be worn with the hat, such as hearing protection. PPE accessories will add weight and can interfere with hat fit and balance.

Try Before You Buy

Consider asking for a trial and set up a test committee. Have workers try hats and give feedback so you can determine which style best meets the needs of your workplace.

Head injuries are on the rise, so now is a good time to consider upgrading to the added safety of a modern hard hat.

Learn more about hard hats:

• Read the full article.
• Review the OSHA 1910.135 head protection standard.
• Learn more about ANSI Z89-1-2014.
• Browse PPE-head signs or hard hat labels at ComplianceSigns.com.
• Browse general construction safety signs.

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