Seven Common Causes of Incidents.

Consider this statistic: 80 out of every 100 incidents are the fault of the person involved in the incident.Unsafe Acts cause four times as many incidents & injuries as unsafe conditions

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Incidents occur for many reasons. In most industries people tend to look for "things" to blame when an incident happens, because it's easier than looking for "root causes," such as those listed below. Consider the underlying incident causes described. Have you been guilty of any of these attitudes or behaviors? If so, you may have not been injured but next time you may not be so lucky. 

Taking Shortcuts

Every day we make decisions we hope will make the job faster and more efficient.But do time savers ever risk your own safety, or that of other crew members? Short cuts that reduce your safety on the job are not shortcuts, but an increased chance for injury.

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Being Over Confident: 

Confidence is a good thing. Overconfidence is too much of a good thing. "It'll never happen to me" is an attitude that can lead to improper procedures, tools, or methods in your work. Any of these can lead to an injury.

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Starting a Task with Incomplete Instructions: 

To do the job safely and right the first time you need complete information. Have you ever seen a worker sent to do a job, having been given only a part of the job's instructions? Don't be shy about asking for explanations about work procedures and safety precautions. It isn't dumb to ask questions; it's dumb not to. 

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Poor Housekeeping:

When clients, managers or safety professionals walk through your work site, housekeeping is an accurate indicator of everyone's attitude about quality, production and safety. Poor housekeeping creates hazards of all types. A well maintained area sets a standard for others to follow. Good housekeeping involves both pride and safety.

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Ignoring Safety Procedures:

Purposely failing to observe safety procedures can endanger you and your co-workers. You are being paid to follow the company safety policies - not to make your own rules. Being "casual" about safety can lead to a casualty!

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Mental Distractions from Work:

Having a bad day at home and worrying about it at work is a hazardous combination. Dropping your 'mental' guard can pull your focus away from safe work procedures. You can also be distracted when you're busy working and a friend comes by to talk while you are trying to work. Don't become a statistic because you took your eyes off the machine "just for a minute." 

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Failure to Pre-Plan the Work: 

There is a lot of talk today about Job Hazard Analysis. JHA's are an effective way to figure out the smartest ways to work safely and effectively. Being hasty in starting a task, or not thinking through the process can put you in harm’s way. Instead, Plan Your Work  and then Work Your Plan!

Provided by Assurance.

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Winter Weather Safety

During winter weather conditions, extra caution is needed. Most people are aware of this situation, but there is always a higher level of automobile accidents during the first few snows of the year. This is because people are notorious for forgetting basic lessons on safety. Keeping this fact in mind, consider the following reminders that will reduce the potential for injuries:

Footwear
Traction is key. Work boots need to provide ankle support and traction. Rubber goulashes are often a good bet to wear over your work boots to maintain the necessary traction and keep your feet dry.

Slips and Falls
Keep work areas clear. Access paths to buildings should be maintained at least three feet wide and should not have accumulations of ice or other slippery conditions. Clean up every day to avoid hidden trip hazards underneath snow. Remember that stairs must remain clean and clear of snow and ice if they are to be used.

Ladders
• Securing the bottom of ladders is key to avoiding kick-out due to slippery conditions.
• No leaning of step ladders on flat slippery surfaces.
• Secure top of ladder and make sure all access ladders extend 3 feet about the landing.

Stay Warm
• Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages.
• Wear a hat and scarf. Up to 50% of heat loss occurs from the head and neck.
• Wear three layers of clothing.
• Avoid extended periods of exposure to windy conditions that could put you at risk for frostbite or hypothermia.

Driving
• Apply safe driving principles to your workday.
• Snowy weather requires additional awareness and caution Look ahead further, and anticipate possible accidents.
• When driving, move deliberately and steadily.
• Stopping distances should be quadrupled when snow is on the ground.

Other
Wearing additional bulky clothing greatly reduces how agile you can be. This is an important fact to keep in mind when you are climbing ladders, through trusses, etc.

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By: Assurance - Safety 360

HazCom/GHS Class

CLASS-HazCom/GHS-Globally harmonized System of Chemical Classifications & Labeling of Chemicals 

"Exposure to hazardous chemicals is one of the most serious dangers facing American workers today," said Secretary of
Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Revising OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard will improve the quality, consistency and clarity
of hazard information that workers receive, making it safer for workers to do their jobs and easier for employers to stay
competitive in the global marketplace."

 Topics covered:
*Hazard classification: This 4 hour class provides specific criteria for classification of health and physical hazards.
*Labels: Chemical manufacturers and importers are required to provide a label that includes a harmonized signal
word pictogram, and hazard statement for each hazard class and category. Precautionary statements must also
be provided.
*Safety Data Sheets: Learn the new specified 16-section format.
*Information and training: Employers are required to train workers by December 1, 2013 on the new labels
elements and safety data sheets format to facilitate recognition and understanding

Who Should Attend?
All workers, supervisors, managers, and owners should attend this course to learn what their roles and responsibilities are
under OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard. 

Participants Will Receive:
*Health Hazards in Construction Workbook and Field Guide
*Completion Card 

Wednesday, April 3, 2013, 7:30 am

Additional Classes will also be held:

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Wednesday, July 3, 2013   

Member Price:
Open Class: $125 per person
Private Class: $105 per person for 10 or more
Non-Member Price:
Open Class: $225 per person

Private Class: $200 per person for 10 or more
To attend an open class download a registration form, fill it out and fax it back to our office at 708-544-2371.

Confirmation and invoice will follow.

To schedule a private class please contact Callie Caballero, Operations Manager at 708-544-2082x214.  

Cold Weather

Prolonged exposure to cold, wet and windy conditions, even when the temperatures are above freezing, can be dangerous. Extreme cold conditions exist when the equivalent (wind) chill temperature is at or below -25° F (-32 °C). Wind chill temperature is a function of the actual temperature and the estimated wind speed. Under windless conditions, air provides an invisible blanket around the skin. As wind speed increases, this layer of heated air is carried away from the body at an accelerated rate resulting in apparent temperatures well below the air temperature

When working in cold weather, employers and workers should take simple precautions, such as those listed below:

 Wear several layers of clothing rather than one thick Layer.

 Wear gloves and a warm hat or a helmet liner under the hard hat.

 Wear synthetic or cotton clothing next to the skin to control sweat.

 Wear warm footwear with one or two pairs of warm socks; footwear should not fit too tightly because it will restrict blood flow and cause more harm than good.

 Wear a scarf or face mask in cold windy weather.

 Take frequent short breaks in a warm shelter to allow the body to warm up.

  Avoid exhaustion or fatigue because energy is needed to keep muscles warm.

  Drink warm, sweet beverages and avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.

 Eat warm, high calorie food such as pasta dishes.

 Workers who take certain medications, are in poor physical condition or suffer from illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease are at increased risk and should therefore check with a doctor for additional advice.

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