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.

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Seasonal flu contributes to some 17 million lost workdays and 200,000 hospitalizations every season. Each year, some 5 to 20 percent of the population gets the flu, and in recent years, flu activity has remained elevated for 21 weeks! Employers can play an important role in preventing flu, helping protect employee health and reducing losses in productivity and revenue.

Here’s important information from OSHA and the CDC on how to protect workers from seasonal flu when their jobs involve contact with coworkers and the general public. This information provides a baseline for infection control during a seasonal flu outbreak, but it may not be enough to protect workers during a pandemic.(There are different specific recommendations for Healthcare workers.) The CDC urges all businesses to help keep employees healthy during flu season. ComplianceSigns provides flu vaccinations for our employees, and we encourage you to do the same.

Basic Flu Precautions for Most Workplaces

Encourage Workers to Get Vaccinated for the Flu

Encourage workers to get the seasonal flu vaccine when it is available. Consider hosting a flu vaccination clinic in your workplace. Vaccination is the most effective means of preventing flu and protecting workers from seasonal flu. Vaccines take time to become effective, so early vaccination is important. Don’t wait until people are sick to hold a vaccination clinic.

Encourage Sick Workers to Stay Home

Encourage sick workers to stay home. The CDC recommends that workers who have a fever and respiratory symptoms stay at home until 24 hours after their fever ends (100 F or lower), without the use of medication. Not everyone who has the flu will have a fever. Other symptoms could include a runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting.

Develop flexible leave policies that encourage workers to stay home, without penalty, if they are sick. Discuss other human resource policies with staff, including administrative leave transfer between employees, pay policy for sick leave, childcare options, and what to do when ill during travel.

Develop a Policy for Workers and Clients Who Become Ill in the Workplace

Develop a policy on how to deal with workers and clients who may be ill with the flu and communicate it to your workers. Determine who will be responsible for assisting ill individuals in the workplace and make sure that at least one person can serve as the “go to” person if someone becomes sick in the workplace. Consider how to separate ill workers from others, or give them a surgical mask to wear until they can go home.

Promote Hand Hygiene and Cough Etiquette

Post handwashing signs that tell workers, visitors, and clients the steps for proper hand hygiene and cough etiquette. Handwashing is the easiest and most effective defense against illness, and a 2017 found 44% of men said they were more likely to wash their hands after seeing a sign that requires employees to wash before returning to work. Workers, visitors, and clients should have easy access to supplies such as:

• “No touch” wastebaskets for used tissues;
• Soap and water;
• Alcohol-based hand rubs;
• Disposable towels;
• Cleaning and sanitation materials.

Keep the Workplace Clean

Frequently clean all commonly touched work surfaces, work areas, and equipment (e.g., telephones, doorknobs, lunch areas, countertops, copiers, etc.). Use your standard cleaning agents and follow the label directions. No additional disinfection beyond routine cleaning is recommended by CDC. Provide disinfectants and disposable towels for workers to use to clean their work spaces and surfaces and to keep work areas clean.

Educate Workers About the Flu

Train employees about how flu can be transmitted in the workplace and what precautions they can use to protect themselves from seasonal flu. Provide information about the following:

• Signs, symptoms, and complications of the flu
• Policies and procedures for reporting flu symptoms, using sick leave, and returning to work
• Vaccination
• Any required work practices

The CDC has identified groups that have a higher risk for complications from seasonal flu (e.g., elderly, pregnant women, small children, persons with asthma, etc.). Inform workers that some people are at higher risk of complications from flu and suggest that they talk to their doctor about their own risk and what to do if they become ill.

Address Business Travel and Flu Sickness While Traveling

Reconsider business travel to areas with high illness rates. The CDC recommends the following measures for workers who becomes ill while on travel:

• Advise workers who become ill while traveling or on temporary assignment to notify their supervisors.
• Workers who become ill while traveling and are at increased risk of flu complications and others concerned about their illness should promptly call a healthcare provider.
• Advise workers to check themselves for fever and any other signs of flu-like illness before starting travel and to notify their supervisors and stay home if they feel ill.

Be Prepared

Following these precautions can help protect your workers – and your business – from seasonal flu regardless of flu level. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shares updated guidance annually for protecting individuals from seasonal flu. Each year the vaccine is revised to protect against the influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common in the current season.

Pandemic flu remains a concern for employers and workers. A pandemic can occur at any time and can be mild, moderate, or severe. Although the pandemic H1N1 flu in 2009 was considered by CDC to be mild, it created significant challenges for employers and workers and showed that many workplaces were not prepared.

Seasonal Flu Resources for the Workplace:

• Visit the OSHA Seasonal Flu page.
• Visit the CDC Flu Season page. 
• Flu information for businesses and employers. 
• Browse Hand Washing Signs at ComplianceSigns.com.

The post Workplace Safety and the Flu – How To Protect Workers appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires workers who may be exposed to vehicular traffic hazards to wear safety vests or other high-visibility safety apparel. OSHA guidelines refer to American National Standards Institute standard 107, which was developed and published by the International Safety Equipment Association. Find out why OSHA requires workers in high-risk environments to wear brightly colored garments made with retroreflective materials and learn more about the requirements for warning vests in ANSI/ISEA 107-2020.

Why OSHA Requires Safety Vests

The General Duty Clause of OSHA or OSH Act, 29 U.S.C. §654(a)(1) requires flaggers and other workers exposed to vehicle traffic in construction zones, on excavation sites or on highways to wear high-visibility safety apparel. Bright vests with retroreflective designs can help drivers of motor vehicles or operators of equipment see workers near the path of travel.

One specific OSHA requirement for warning vests is in the construction standard Subpart G, 29 CFR 1926.201 on signaling. This standard states that garments for flaggers must conform to Part 6 of the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices. The section on Temporary Traffic Control in the MUTCD states that all workers exposed to traffic, including emergency responders, must wear Class 2 or Class 3 vests and garments.

Another relevant federal standard is the Federal Highway Administration rule for Worker Visibility, 23 CFR Part 634. This rule mandates that all workers exposed to traffic or construction equipment within the right-of-way of a federal-aid highway wear safety vests or other HVSA.

Safety Vest Requirements

Safety Vest Required Signs

The OSHA construction standard on signaling recommends that flaggers wear red or orange warning garments and specifies that garments worn at night should be made of reflectorized material. This regulation refers to an early ANSI standard, D6.1-1-1971, that has since been updated.

A 2002 OSHA interpretation of the 1926.201 standard refers to the Millennium Edition of the MUTCD, which allows for a wider range of color choices. During the day, flaggers can wear safety vests in orange, yellow or strong yellow-green, or fluorescent versions of these colors. At night, flaggers should wear garments made with retroreflective materials in any of these colors, silver or white. Employers can post an OSHA notice or other signs to remind workers to wear warning vests.

While OSHA does not specify a specific type of garment, fasteners or reflective strip design, the ANSI/ISEA 107 standard covers all of these requirements. Warning vests and other HVSA should be visible from at least 1,000 feet away and have break-away enclosures. Learn more about the classes of warning vests to select the right high-visibility personal protective equipment.

Safety Vest Classes

According to ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 there are three classes and three types of safety vests, each with different requirements for background and retroreflective material. The classes of vests are based on risk levels in different working environments.

Class 1

Class 1 vests are made with the minimum amount of high-visibility material. These warning vests are only suitable for environments in which struck-by hazards travel at 25 miles per hour or less. The first class of vests are ideal for grocery store clerks who retrieve shopping carts, parking service attendants or warehouse workers.

Class 2

Class 2 is the most common safety vest classification. These vests can increase visibility to a level that is sufficient for roadways with fast traffic during daylight hours. The second class of vests are intended for airport ground crews, crossing guards, law enforcement personnel directing traffic, surveyors and workers in parking facilities or at toll gates.

Class 3

The third class of safety vests provides the highest level of visibility. These garments have sleeves designed with retroreflective material and are suitable for night work in locations that have high-speed traffic. In order to meet OSHA standards, Class 3 vests should be visible from a distance of at least 1,280 feet.

Safety Vest Types

The 2015 version of ANSI/ISEA 107 introduced a new categorical scheme for warning vests. A revision in 2020 refined the applications for each type of vest. Learn more about the three types of vests and how these types correspond to vest classes.

Type O

Type O equipment consists of Class 1 safety vests designated for off-road usage. These vests must have at least 217 square inches of background material, 155 square inches of retroreflective material and a 1-inch minimum width for retroreflective materials.

Type R

Type R, Class 2 vests are designed to increase the visibility of workers on roadways. These vests must have at least 540 square inches in background material in the smallest size or 775 square inches of background material in larger sizes with 201 square inches of retroreflective material.

Type P

Type P vests for public safety professionals are available in Class 2 or Class 3 designs. Class 2, Type P vests must have 450 square inches of background material and 201 square inches of retroreflective material. Class 3, Type P vests should have at least 775 square inches of background material and 310 square inches of retroreflective materials.

When To Replace Safety Vests

The Federal Highway Administration estimates a six-month service life for HVSA worn on a daily basis. This PPE can last up to three years with occasional use. For safety, replace any damaged, faded or worn vests and other high-visibility garments.

Warning vests and safety garments should also have a good fit. Vests that are too large could pose a caught-in hazard, while vests that are too tight can be uncomfortable and discourage compliance with safety regulations.

Employers should factor in the classes and types of vests when ordering replacement PPE or setting employee purchase requirements. The ANSI/ISEA 107 standard also provides recommendations for including compliant lettering or logos on HVSA.

Post Signs for Safety Vests

Employers should refer to OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1926.651(d) or other relevant standards to determine whether workers need to wear safety vests and the appropriate class and type of safety vest for any application. Order OSHA notices and signs that remind workers to use high-visibility PPE from ComplianceSigns.

The post Why Are Safety Vests Required By OSHA? 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.

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.

Follow These 5 Electrical Safety Tips To Avoid Trouble

It’s easy to become too comfortable when you’ve had a lot of experience working around electricity. But no matter how experienced you are, you should always remain on your guard. Think through every situation before you work with any objects that have electrical currents flowing through them. These tips will help you keep yourself safe.

1. Don’t Let Electrical Equipment Get Wet

Water and electricity make a deadly combination. While this is common knowledge, many electrical accidents happen because people become careless around electricity and water. To stay safe, keep water and all other types of liquid at least 5 feet from any source of electricity. In environments with moisture, install ground fault circuit interrupters to reduce the likelihood of electrical shock, overheating and other electrical incidents.

2. Properly Ground Equipment

Proper grounding of equipment is one of the most important electrical safety tips you can follow. Improper grounding of equipment increases the risk of electrocution. Refer to grounding guidelines from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to ensure you’re following grounding requirements. This will not only help keep you safe but also help you avoid any penalties due to noncompliance.  

3. Cover Any Exposed Electrical Parts

Open power distribution units, temporary lighting and detached insulation parts on electrical cords can all be hazards. It’s important to immediately secure these items by repairing them or using appropriate guarding mechanisms to keep them covered.

4. Do Not Fix Electrical Equipment Unless Qualified

One of the most important electrical safety tips is to never attempt to fix electrical equipment or tools unless you’re qualified to do so. You should always contact someone who is qualified to make the types of electrical repairs you need.

If you’re not sure whether a piece of equipment poses a risk of electrocution, look for cuts, abrasions or cracks on any wires, cords or cables. If you see any but you aren’t qualified to fix them, contact someone who is. If you are qualified to make electrical repairs to equipment, always follow established Lockout Tagout procedures and use lockout tagout safety tags to protect yourself and other workers on site.

5. Use Appropriate Signage

In areas where potentially hazardous electricity is in use, post signage to identify hazards and keep everyone safe. For example, install safety signs near high-voltage power lines or electrical panels. Use other signs to identify shock hazards and electrostatic-sensitive areas. A wide variety of electrical safety signs are available for almost any situation.

Use these five electrical safety tips to help minimize risks on the job site.

Electrical Safety Resources:

• Learn 5 things to keep in mind when implementing a LOTO program.
• Review electrical equipment safety guidelines for worksites.
• How to avoid hazardous arc flash sparks
• Browse electrical safety signs and voltage labels at ComplianceSigns.com.

The post 5 Essential Electrical Safety Tips appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

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

The post How To Read a Safety Tag appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

What are Pinch Points?

A pinch point is any point in which it’s possible for a person or part of a person’s body to be caught between two objects. Those objects can be two moving parts of a machine, a moving and stationary part of a machine, two pieces of material, material and a machine or even a tool like pliers.

Essentially, if a person or person’s body part could get trapped, crushed, cut or otherwise injured by two objects coming together, it’s a pinch point. And while pinch points tend to cause hand injuries, they can affect any part of the body and lead to more serious injuries like amputation or even death.

Three Common Pinch Point Scenarios

On the factory floor, it’s not uncommon for someone to accidentally drop something onto a machine or a conveyor belt that feeds a machine. That person might think they have enough time to reach in and scoop up the item. But a slight miscalculation could result in a crushed hand or finger.

The same goes for a warehouse worker attempting to duck under a moving overhead door before it touches the ground. Though it might appear they have enough clearance, a slip or loose shirt that gets caught on something could result in the door closing on a limb. And a lack of appropriate work gloves on a construction site might result in fingers being crushed when handling heavy concrete blocks, chains or pipes.

When speed and efficiency are tenets of your workplace, workers can be tempted to take shortcuts. But shortcuts can lead to serious injuries.

Safety training that educates workers about the dangers of pinch points will dissuade workers from taking potentially fatal shortcuts. But employers must also take appropriate precautions to provide a safe workplace by installing guards and posting signs to protect and notify employees of pinch points.

Pinch Point Safety Signs

Where Can Pinch Points be Found?

Pinch points are found all over most workplaces. Nearly all types of machinery have multiple pinch points, including rotating mechanical parts, conveyor belts, sliding components and door hinges. Pinch points are also found in overhead doors between the door and the floor and between the door and the door frame.

In warehouses and construction sites, any equipment that moves, lifts, carries or drives can cause a pinch point. Unsecured materials like chains, pipes, and concrete blocks are considered pinch points as well.

Even tools like pliers can be considered pinch points because if a worker is distracted while using them, a hand injury can occur.

Why Are Pinch Points So Dangerous?

When considering the many injuries a worker can suffer on the job, pinched fingers or a cut on the hand might not seem like a top priority. But in some cases, pinch points can cause very serious injuries. Beyond cuts, bruises, blisters and contusions, pinch points can also result in amputations, lacerations, broken or crushed bones, sprains and even death.

Regardless of the severity of the injury, pinch point injuries will likely result in missed days of work — or at a minimum, decreased productivity. That could put you behind schedule. If the injury was caused by negligence on your company’s part, it could also result in a costly OSHA fine or lawsuit. You may even see a dip in morale if workers feel their workplace is unsafe or that management isn’t prioritizing safety. 

Tips to Protect Workers from Pinch Point Injuries

Workplace safety is a shared responsibility, involving everyone from the CEO down to the newest hire. There are several things that can be done at every level to ensure employees have the tools and knowledge needed to avoid injuries caused by pinch points.

1. Regularly inspect machines and guards

Too often, injuries occur because a machine is not working properly or is unreliable. Regular inspections are key to avoiding injury, so employees should be encouraged to report any issues found during inspections. When new equipment is brought in, it should be inspected for pinch points, which should be identified and addressed immediately. If you’ve already set up the appropriate pinch point machine guards, inspect them regularly to ensure they are in good working condition.

2. Eliminate the issue or install guards

Once pinch points have been identified after an initial machine inspection, first try to eliminate the pinch points if possible. For instance, if the machinery or equipment can be moved to avoid creating a pinch point with a nearby wall or another piece of machinery, you should do so. In cases where pinch points can’t be eliminated, apply pinch point warning labels and install machine guards to keep employees from reaching the pinch point.

3. Post appropriate signage

Every pinch point in your facility or at a job site needs to be identified with appropriate signs or labels. This immediately lets employees know the potential dangers that exist and acts as one of your last lines of defense against injury. Once signs and labels are hung or attached to the appropriate tools and machinery, be sure to regularly inspect, clean and replace them so the message is always clear.

4. Provide proper PPE

Many pinch point injuries can be avoided with the proper PPE, so make sure your staff has access to safety gloves, forearm guards and metatarsal guards. Loose clothing, jewelry and long hair all can get entangled in machinery and pull in the wearer, or trap them near a pinch point. You can avoid this hazard by clearly communicating your dress code so employees come to work dressed appropriately.

5. Follow lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures

Injuries related to pinch points sometimes occur when a machine is being serviced or cleaned without following proper safety protocols. Workers must always de-energize equipment before starting any maintenance. Hang the appropriate LOTO tags so other employees know not to restart equipment. Once the machine is ready to run, be sure all pinch point guards are back in place and securely installed.

6. Hold training sessions

Make sure all employees know where the pinch points are and how to avoid them. They also need a thorough understanding of your safety protocols and pinch point safety tips. Perhaps most importantly, make sure employees know to never remove or tamper with guards and to never reach around guards to access something. Guards are only effective if they are respected. Consistent communication about pinch points and the removal of guards for maintenance is key.

7. Set up safety protocols

Pre-work inspections should include looking at safety guards to ensure they are in place and in good condition before a machine is turned on. On worksites, identify loose materials and review relevant safety practices. When materials are being moved, especially on construction sites, make sure everyone knows when and where that’s happening. You could also set up a reward system to incentivize employees to report and resolve potential hazards.

Use These Tips to Start Protecting Against Pinch Points Today

Pinch points are everywhere and it’s everyone’s responsibility to protect against them. A few simple changes will go a long way towards establishing a safe work environment, and one of the first steps is identifying and labeling pinch points. If you’re in a pinch when it comes to pinch point safety signage, ComplianceSigns can help. We have a wide variety of pinch point signs and labels for every work environment.

Pinch Point Safety Resources:

• OSHA Machine Guarding eTool
• Machine Guard fact sheet from the Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation (pdf)
• Browse Pinch Point Safety Signage

The post Pinch Point Tips: How to Identify Pinch Points and Protect Workers from Injury appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

Occupations That Pose a Significant Risk

Most chemical injuries in the workplace affect the skin and eyes, usually because a corrosive material spilled onto the skin or splashed into a worker’s face. In the latter case, the worker may accidentally swallow some of the material, which can cause injuries to the internal organs. Internal organs can also suffer damage if a worker inhales chemical fumes.

Here are a few occupations in which workers are at high risk for chemical burns.

• Factory Workers
  The manufacture of many consumer goods involves harsh or corrosive chemicals. Predictably, those who work in plants that specifically manufacture chemicals are at particular risk for injuries from accidentally coming in contact with these chemicals.
• Automotive Mechanics
  Battery acid is a highly corrosive chemical. Mechanics who work on motor vehicles may encounter it when changing the battery or while working in the engine compartment. Gasoline on the skin or other tissues also can cause a chemical burn.
• Construction Workers
  Many products used in the construction of new buildings and infrastructure can cause chemical injuries. Specific examples include paint thinners and concrete mix, the latter because it contains cement.

Symptoms of Chemical Burns

In some cases, the effects of a corrosive substance on body tissues are evident immediately. In other cases, the symptoms may emerge gradually. This is a potentially dangerous situation because the affected worker may not remember the incident, let alone what the substance was.

Symptoms of a chemical burn may vary depending on the type of substance, how long it remained in contact and the area of the body affected.

For example, chemical injury to the skin can cause it to change color. It can be red due to irritation, but it can also appear white or black. Blisters may form at the site of contact and the skin may appear cracked or start to peel. There may be burning pain or, if the substance has damaged several layers of skin, there may be no sensation at all. The body’s inflammatory response could cause swelling.

A chemical burn of the eyes could cause redness, watering and stinging pain. The injury could result in vision changes, such as blurring or, if the injury is severe enough, blindness.

Inhaling or accidentally ingesting a corrosive substance could cause vomiting, shortness of breath, hoarseness, cough or chest pain. The esophagus and stomach could become perforated and the worker could develop low blood pressure.

Severity of a Chemical Burn

As with other burn injuries, some chemical burns to the skin are superficial, affecting only the outermost layer. Others can penetrate deeper. Superficial injuries are the least serious, partial-thickness burns are moderately serious and full-thickness burns are severe.

Because the symptoms of a chemical injury do not always show up right away, the best practice is to consider any exposure to a corrosive substance as an emergency that should receive immediate medical attention, even if the injury appears superficial. In addition to the depth of the burn, which may be difficult for non-medical personnel to ascertain, there are other signs indicating that a chemical injury to the skin is particularly severe:

• The worker exhibits symptoms of hypovolemic shock, such as shallow breathing, clammy skin or weak pulse.
• The affected area of the skin has a diameter of at least 3 inches.
• The affected area of skin completely encircles a leg or an arm or completely covers the face, feet, groin, buttocks or hands.

If any of these signs are present, immediate medical attention is critical.

First Aid for a Chemical Burn

First aid for a chemical injury can help minimize damage and stabilize the situation before emergency medical personnel arrive. Appropriate first aid steps vary depending on whether the burn affects the skin, eyes or internal organs.

First Aid for Skin Burns

The first step is for the worker to remove any clothing or jewelry that the chemical has touched. Contaminated clothing can bring the substance back in contact with the skin and cause more damage. If any portion of a dry chemical substance remains on the skin, put on gloves and brush it off with the hands.

Rinse the affected area with water for at least 20 minutes, preferably under a shower, taking care to protect eyes or other unaffected parts of the body from contaminated runoff. Repeated rinses are appropriate as long as a burning sensation persists.

A clean bandage should cover the burn loosely to avoid applying pressure. Burned skin is delicate and, if swelling occurs, a bandage that is too tight can cut off blood flow to the area.

First Aid for a Eye Burns

If the corrosive material splashes into the eyes, remove contact lenses, if present, and rinse the eyes. Some worksites are required to have an eyewash station especially for this purpose. Otherwise, rinse the eyes in a shower or sink. Removing contact lenses prevents them from trapping chemicals next to the eye.

First Aid for Accidental Ingestion of a Corrosive Substance

An accidentally ingested chemical may burn the esophagus or stomach on the way down. Do not induce vomiting as it could cause more internal burns. Instead, have the worker drink lots of water to dilute the chemical in the stomach. Hopefully, this will lessen the effects and prevent further internal damage.

Prevention of Any Chemical Burn

Managers should train workers about chemical safety, including the use of personal protective equipment, and provide emergency showers or eyewash stations in case a chemical burn does occur. It is the management’s responsibility to store chemicals safely with signs or labels advising workers of the danger.

Chemical Safety Resources:

• Visit the OSHA Hazard Communication page
• Chemical Label Literacy: What Your Team Needs to Know About Hazardous Materials in the Workplace
• What Kind of Chemical, Hazmat or Pipeline Safety Signs Does Your Business Need?
• New NIOSH Tools Help Manage Chemical Exposure
• Shop for chemical safety labels

The post The Risk of Chemical Burns in the Workplace appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

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.

The post Support Safety with Hard Hats that Fit appeared first on SafeWork Insider.