Safety
The District will make every reasonable effort to ensure a safe working environment and expects all employees to be safety-conscious. Please use good judgment regarding matters of safety and observe at all times any safety rules posted in various areas.
Employees should immediately report any unsafe or hazardous condition to their immediate supervisor. Every effort will be made to remedy the problem as soon as possible.
If you are injured on the job or witness an accident that results in an injury to another employee, you must immediately report the accident to your immediate supervisor.
Safety protection must be worn in designated areas. Conduct such as running on District property, shoving another employee, throwing items, and horseplay is strictly prohibited.
Aisles, exits, and areas surrounding fire extinguishers and control panels must be kept clear at all times. Good housekeeping is the responsibility of everyone on the job.
Blood Borne Pathogens
The purpose of this policy is to eliminate or minimize employee exposure to surfaces, equipment, and body fluids that potentially are contaminated with blood-borne pathogens. Universal Precautions is an approach to infection control. According to the concept of Universal Precautions, all human blood and certain human body fluids are treated as if known to be infectious for HIV, HBV, and other blood-borne pathogens.
The purpose of this policy is to eliminate or minimize employee exposure to surfaces, equipment, and body fluids that potentially are contaminated with blood-borne pathogens. Universal Precautions is an approach to infection control. According to the concept of Universal Precautions, all human blood and certain human body fluids are treated as if known to be infectious for HIV, HBV, and other blood-borne pathogens.
Contaminated means the presence or the reasonably anticipated presence of blood or other potentially infectious material. Universal precautions will be utilized when any bodily fluid or substance that may be contaminated as noted above is encountered. Rubber gloves, face masks and bleach will be available in all District locations. Staff will be trained annually on Universal Precautions procedures.
Hazardous Communications Standards (HAZCOM)
The Hazardous Communications Standards established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), requires that the hazards of all chemicals, produced or imported be evaluated, and information concerning their hazards, if, any be transmitted to employees who may be exposed to those chemicals under normal operating conditions or in emergencies.
Responsibility
The Safety Coordinator will be responsible for the coordination and implementation of the Hazardous Communications Program. The coordinator shall maintain a list of all hazardous chemicals known to be present in the workplace. This list will be maintained in the District office and contain the names of the chemical, the required protective equipment, and the area where the chemical is used. The coordinator will be responsible for updating the Materials Inventory Reference list and sharing it with employees.
The Safety Coordinator will be responsible for the coordination and implementation of the Hazardous Communications Program. The coordinator shall maintain a list of all hazardous chemicals known to be present in the workplace. This list will be maintained in the District office and contain the names of the chemical, the required protective equipment, and the area where the chemical is used. The coordinator will be responsible for updating the Materials Inventory Reference list and sharing it with employees.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
The safety Coordinator will maintain Material Safety Data Sheets for each product containing hazardous materials in the workplace. The MSDS’s can be obtained from the vendor or the internet. MSDS’s must contain the name, address, and telephone number of the manufacturer, the hazardous ingredients and identity of the chemical, physical and chemical characteristics, fire and explosion hazard, reactivity data, health hazard data, precautions for safe use, and handling and control measures. The MSDS’s will be maintained in all employee breakrooms and science/chemistry labs. Principals will ensure the location of the MSDS’s are known to all employees and are readily accessible.
The safety Coordinator will maintain Material Safety Data Sheets for each product containing hazardous materials in the workplace. The MSDS’s can be obtained from the vendor or the internet. MSDS’s must contain the name, address, and telephone number of the manufacturer, the hazardous ingredients and identity of the chemical, physical and chemical characteristics, fire and explosion hazard, reactivity data, health hazard data, precautions for safe use, and handling and control measures. The MSDS’s will be maintained in all employee breakrooms and science/chemistry labs. Principals will ensure the location of the MSDS’s are known to all employees and are readily accessible.
Science/Chemistry Labs
All Southwest Preparatory School science/chemistry labs will maintain a current inventory of all chemicals stored in the lab. A copy of the list will remain in the lab in the MSDS book.
Old/Outdated Chemicals
At any time, a chemical is found to be out of date or in such condition, that warrants disposal the chemical's name will be submitted to the Safety Coordinator for instructions on disposal.
At any time, a chemical is found to be out of date or in such condition, that warrants disposal the chemical's name will be submitted to the Safety Coordinator for instructions on disposal.
Labels and Warnings
No Employee shall remove or deface existing labels or other warnings on containers. If a chemical is moved from its original container to another container, except for immediate use as in spraying etc., the new container must be labeled.
No Employee shall remove or deface existing labels or other warnings on containers. If a chemical is moved from its original container to another container, except for immediate use as in spraying etc., the new container must be labeled.
Training
All staff determined to have access to the chemicals will be trained on the importance of correct handling of a chemical in the workplace. The training will cover MSDS’s, handling of chemicals and protective equipment, storage and mixing, cleanup of spills and disposal, exposure and first aid, and fire and explosion danger. Training records will be kept by the Safety Coordinator. This will be done annually.
All staff determined to have access to the chemicals will be trained on the importance of correct handling of a chemical in the workplace. The training will cover MSDS’s, handling of chemicals and protective equipment, storage and mixing, cleanup of spills and disposal, exposure and first aid, and fire and explosion danger. Training records will be kept by the Safety Coordinator. This will be done annually.
Security
It is extremely important for everyone to be security-conscious, especially regarding equipment, tools and Confidential Business Information.
We expect you to exercise good judgment in protecting these items and treat them as you would your own equipment.
Safety Guide
Safety Introduction
The District is committed to supporting Southwest Preparatory School in its efforts to provide a safe and healthy working environment for all employees to ensure that every employee returns home safely.
The District is committed to supporting Southwest Preparatory School in its efforts to provide a safe and healthy working environment for all employees to ensure that every employee returns home safely.
In its effort to support Southwest Preparatory School in providing a safe place for you to work, this Safety Guide has been developed to help you understand your role and responsibilities in ensuring a safe working environment for yourself and your fellow co-workers. Following this Safety Guide will help you identify workplace hazards and avoid accidents. It is recommended that you keep it with you on the job as a handy reference.
Following your role and responsibilities set forth in this Safety Guide is a requirement of your employment. Your failure to follow these rules could result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. If you do not understand something in this Safety Guide, it is your responsibility to ask your supervisor for clarification.
Only You Can Prevent Workplace Accidents
Each year, more than 6,000 Americans are killed on the job and about 3.6 million receive disabling injuries. Many more suffer unnecessary pain and discomfort from work-related injuries and illnesses.
Each year, more than 6,000 Americans are killed on the job and about 3.6 million receive disabling injuries. Many more suffer unnecessary pain and discomfort from work-related injuries and illnesses.
A Safe Work Environment Takes Teamwork
To keep your workplace safe, the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets workplace safety and health standards.
To keep your workplace safe, the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets workplace safety and health standards.
Southwest Preparatory School follows OSHA rules, local health department, and DOT (if applicable) regulations, and provides you with information, equipment, training, and procedures to avoid job-related injuries and illnesses.
It is your responsibility to do your part in preventing accidents by following the rules set by Southwest Preparatory School and the guidelines in this Safety Guide.
Policy Statement
Southwest Preparatory School believes it is the responsibility of each employee to comply with safety rules and work in such a manner as to prevent injuries to themselves and others. It is the policy of Southwest Preparatory School that no employee shall perform any job or task in which they have not been properly trained or are unqualified to perform. Only employees know whether they are capable or qualified to perform a particular task. Employees who feel they need additional training before performing a specific task should advise their immediate supervisor.
Southwest Preparatory School believes it is the responsibility of each employee to comply with safety rules and work in such a manner as to prevent injuries to themselves and others. It is the policy of Southwest Preparatory School that no employee shall perform any job or task in which they have not been properly trained or are unqualified to perform. Only employees know whether they are capable or qualified to perform a particular task. Employees who feel they need additional training before performing a specific task should advise their immediate supervisor.
Southwest Preparatory School has the day-to-day control of the job site and work performed and is responsible for providing training, standards, equipment, and a work area that allows the employees to work in the safest possible manner.
Southwest Preparatory School is responsible for the development of rules, procedures, and safe work practices to protect the safety and health of the employees. It is their responsibility to develop a safety program specific to their industry, train employees in their assigned task, provide tools and equipment that meet OSHA and industry standards, and provide a place of employment free from known and recognizable hazards that could cause injury or personal harm.
Management/Employee Participation
A successful safety program is dependent on the individual employee and Southwest Preparatory School’s understanding and acceptance of assigned safety responsibilities.
A successful safety program is dependent on the individual employee and Southwest Preparatory School’s understanding and acceptance of assigned safety responsibilities.
The following is an outline of the responsibilities of employees and Southwest Preparatory School.
Employee’s Safety Responsibilities
Safety is primarily the employee’s responsibility. Employees’ responsibility for safety extends not only to themselves but also to their family, fellow workers, community, and Southwest Preparatory School. Following these rules is not an option, but a requirement of employment.
Safety is primarily the employee’s responsibility. Employees’ responsibility for safety extends not only to themselves but also to their family, fellow workers, community, and Southwest Preparatory School. Following these rules is not an option, but a requirement of employment.
All employees are expected to:
• Observe safety rules, regulations, and safe work practices
• Be familiar with Southwest Preparatory School’s safety policies and procedures.
• Actively participate in safety and follow the rules and regulations contained in Southwest Preparatory School’s safety program.
• Assist in the development and review of rules and procedures.
• Attend, participate, and periodically lead scheduled safety meetings.
• Maintain good housekeeping in their area.
• Participate in safety inspections and audits.
• Assist and participate in required safety training activities.
• Stop, correct, and immediately report unsafe conditions to their supervisors.
• Identify safety problems and offer ideas for corrective action.
• Report all accidents, injuries, and near-miss incidents to their supervisors immediately. Know how to recognize a near-miss incident and participate in incident investigations.
• Properly use and maintain the required personal protective equipment.
• Observe and correct unsafe acts of visitors, contractors, vendors, and fellow employees.
• Observe safety rules, regulations, and safe work practices
• Be familiar with Southwest Preparatory School’s safety policies and procedures.
• Actively participate in safety and follow the rules and regulations contained in Southwest Preparatory School’s safety program.
• Assist in the development and review of rules and procedures.
• Attend, participate, and periodically lead scheduled safety meetings.
• Maintain good housekeeping in their area.
• Participate in safety inspections and audits.
• Assist and participate in required safety training activities.
• Stop, correct, and immediately report unsafe conditions to their supervisors.
• Identify safety problems and offer ideas for corrective action.
• Report all accidents, injuries, and near-miss incidents to their supervisors immediately. Know how to recognize a near-miss incident and participate in incident investigations.
• Properly use and maintain the required personal protective equipment.
• Observe and correct unsafe acts of visitors, contractors, vendors, and fellow employees.
Take responsibility for safety on the job!
If you do not take responsibility for safety…who will?
If you do not take responsibility for safety…who will?
Southwest Preparatory School’s Safety Responsibilities
The owner(s) and management of Southwest Preparatory School must take an active role in ensuring the safety of their employees.
The owner(s) and management of Southwest Preparatory School must take an active role in ensuring the safety of their employees.
The owner (s) and Management of Southwest Preparatory School are expected to:
• Reinforce the role employees play in safety.
• Ensure all employees are provided proper training in the safe work practices of their assigned duties prior to placing the employee in the assignment.
• Assist in the development and enforcement of a comprehensive safety program.
• Consistently enforce rules and regulations of the safety program with employees, visitors, vendors and contractors.
• Solicit employee input with regard to all Accident Prevention Plan activities.
• Ensure all employees are trained on what to do in the event of an accident and to report all accidents, injuries and near-miss incidents to SWPS immediately.
Education and Training
It is the responsibility of each employee to inform his or her supervisor of any skill, ability or knowledge deficiency that might affect the safe performance of any task or job. The success of the safety program depends on how well the employee’s knowledge level is communicated and identified to management. Southwest Preparatory School expects no employee to engage in any work that they are not qualified to perform. In most cases, work experience and/or formal training and testing will determine an employee’s qualifications. Only the employee knows what jobs or tasks he or she is qualified to perform.
In addition to job training, Southwest Preparatory School should instruct employees in the standards and industry regulations applicable to their industry.
All Food Service Staff should always follow the training provided by the Child Nutrition Program in addition to any training guidelines and regulations stated here.
New Employee Orientation
It is important to note that 60% of all workplace injuries involve employees employed for fewer than six months. This is largely due to inexperience and a lack of appropriate training programs. It is imperative that all new employees be encouraged to ask questions and openly discuss knowledge deficiencies.
It is important to note that 60% of all workplace injuries involve employees employed for fewer than six months. This is largely due to inexperience and a lack of appropriate training programs. It is imperative that all new employees be encouraged to ask questions and openly discuss knowledge deficiencies.
Employee Responsibilities:
It is the employee’s responsibility, to be honest with Southwest Preparatory School about the skills they possess or lack. The employee must also follow the rules, procedures, and safe work practices adopted by Southwest Preparatory School.
It is the employee’s responsibility, to be honest with Southwest Preparatory School about the skills they possess or lack. The employee must also follow the rules, procedures, and safe work practices adopted by Southwest Preparatory School.
Southwest Preparatory School Responsibilities:
It is the responsibility of Southwest Preparatory School to develop and train new employees in the general safety hazards and requirements applicable to their industry. It is recommended that new employees be tested to verify their knowledge and understanding of their specific job tasks. A reassessment of all new employees’ skill level is recommended on a regular basis.
It is the responsibility of Southwest Preparatory School to develop and train new employees in the general safety hazards and requirements applicable to their industry. It is recommended that new employees be tested to verify their knowledge and understanding of their specific job tasks. A reassessment of all new employees’ skill level is recommended on a regular basis.
Safety Meetings
The purpose of safety meetings is to promote safety consciousness, hazard awareness and to provide a forum for required training. Safety meetings provide an opportunity to discuss identified problems, and as a group, and develop corrective actions to avoid accidents.
The purpose of safety meetings is to promote safety consciousness, hazard awareness and to provide a forum for required training. Safety meetings provide an opportunity to discuss identified problems, and as a group, and develop corrective actions to avoid accidents.
Employee Responsibilities:
Employees are required to attend and actively participate in all safety meetings. Employees should ask questions when unclear about the information covered during the safety meeting to ensure they understand what is being taught. The Southwest Preparatory School District’s Child Nutrition Program has additional safety training during the scheduled in-service dates. All Food Service Workers are required to attend this training.
Employees are required to attend and actively participate in all safety meetings. Employees should ask questions when unclear about the information covered during the safety meeting to ensure they understand what is being taught. The Southwest Preparatory School District’s Child Nutrition Program has additional safety training during the scheduled in-service dates. All Food Service Workers are required to attend this training.
Southwest Preparatory School Responsibilities:
It is recommended that Southwest Preparatory School conduct a minimum of one safety meeting each month for all employees. The client should conduct safety meetings on a regularly scheduled basis and adequately advise employees of the meeting times. For employees not able to attend a particular safety meeting, the client should find a way to provide the covered information to the absent employees. All safety meetings should be properly documented, including maintaining a sign-in sheet listing all employees in attendance at each safety meeting.
Inspections & Audits
An inspection or audit program should be established by Southwest Preparatory School to assist the employee in identifying common hazards in the workplace.
An inspection or audit program should be established by Southwest Preparatory School to assist the employee in identifying common hazards in the workplace.
This inspection program should include reporting requirements and follow-up for timely corrective action.
The Child Nutrition Program has policies on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs) that must be followed by all Food Service Staff. Additionally, the Child Nutrition Program has annual On-Site Reviews which also assess cafeteria and kitchen safety concerns.
Employee Responsibilities:
It is the responsibility of the employee to inspect equipment; tools and the work area before using or performing any job or task to ensure all equipment is in good working order and that all identified safety hazards are corrected prior to the commencement of work.
It is the responsibility of the employee to inspect equipment; tools and the work area before using or performing any job or task to ensure all equipment is in good working order and that all identified safety hazards are corrected prior to the commencement of work.
Food Service Staff are required to follow all Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) policies and Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs) Policies. Food Service Staff are also required to participate on annual On-Site Reviews required by the Texas Department of Agriculture.
Southwest Preparatory School Responsibilities:
It is the responsibility of the Southwest Preparatory School to develop and implement, with input from employees, a formal inspection program. Southwest Preparatory School should audit the inspection process to see that identified deficiencies are being corrected in a timely manner.
It is the responsibility of the Southwest Preparatory School to develop and implement, with input from employees, a formal inspection program. Southwest Preparatory School should audit the inspection process to see that identified deficiencies are being corrected in a timely manner.
Accident Reporting, Analysis & Investigation
Since 85% of all injuries are preceded by one or more near-miss incidents, most incidents causing personal injury or loss are avoidable with proper reporting and feedback from employees. If employees report near-miss incidents and unsafe situations as they occur, there is a good chance that the unsafe incident and/or condition can be corrected before a serious injury occurs.
Since 85% of all injuries are preceded by one or more near-miss incidents, most incidents causing personal injury or loss are avoidable with proper reporting and feedback from employees. If employees report near-miss incidents and unsafe situations as they occur, there is a good chance that the unsafe incident and/or condition can be corrected before a serious injury occurs.
Southwest Preparatory School requires all employees to report all injuries, no matter how minor, to the on-site supervisor or the most immediately available supervisor and the HR department as soon as possible or within 24 hours. Prompt reporting and treatment can help minimize or prevent more serious complications. Untreated, minor injuries often become major infections or serious problems.
Employee Responsibilities:
All injuries should be reported immediately, no matter how minor they may seem. Employees should be aware of, understand Southwest Preparatory School’s accident reporting procedures, and ensure they seek treatment from qualified and/or approved medical facilities unless it is an emergency. Employees who are unclear of any accident/injury reporting procedure should ask the on-site supervisor or call a member of the Human Resources Department at 210-829-8017.
All injuries should be reported immediately, no matter how minor they may seem. Employees should be aware of, understand Southwest Preparatory School’s accident reporting procedures, and ensure they seek treatment from qualified and/or approved medical facilities unless it is an emergency. Employees who are unclear of any accident/injury reporting procedure should ask the on-site supervisor or call a member of the Human Resources Department at 210-829-8017.
Employees must also cooperate in the analysis and investigation of all accidents.
Southwest Preparatory School Responsibilities:
Southwest Preparatory School is responsible for ensuring all employees are properly trained in accident reporting processes and what to do in the event of an on-the-job accident. Southwest Preparatory School should also develop and implement a system for reporting, analyzing, and investigating all accidents.
Southwest Preparatory School is responsible for ensuring all employees are properly trained in accident reporting processes and what to do in the event of an on-the-job accident. Southwest Preparatory School should also develop and implement a system for reporting, analyzing, and investigating all accidents.
General Safety Guidelines
Following these general safety guidelines is a requirement of your employment. If you have any questions or do not understand any of the information contained in this section, contact your supervisor for further explanation.
Following these general safety guidelines is a requirement of your employment. If you have any questions or do not understand any of the information contained in this section, contact your supervisor for further explanation.
You Have a Right to Know About Chemical Hazards
Chemicals are safe if they are handled properly. OSHA developed the Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom) to inform you of chemical hazards in your workplace and how to protect yourself from these hazards. If you use chemicals in your job this information can be found in your employer’s written HazCom program.
Chemicals are safe if they are handled properly. OSHA developed the Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom) to inform you of chemical hazards in your workplace and how to protect yourself from these hazards. If you use chemicals in your job this information can be found in your employer’s written HazCom program.
Your employer is required to provide HazCom training to inform you of the chemical hazards that exist in your workplace and the proper procedures to handle those chemicals safely. HazCom training teaches you to use two sources of chemical safety information: Container Labels and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs). Container Labels identify the chemical and its health and physical hazards – toxic, corrosive, flammable, etc. – with words, colors, numbers, or symbols. All chemical containers should be properly labeled. If you are using a container that is missing its label, notify your supervisor immediately.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) detail the chemicals’:
• Hazardous ingredients;
• Physical and chemical properties;
• Stability and reactivity data;
• Personal protective clothing and equipment (PPE) and procedures to use to avoid hazardous exposure;
• Safe handling and storage instructions; and
• Emergency procedures – first aid, firefighting, and spill control, etc.
• Physical and chemical properties;
• Stability and reactivity data;
• Personal protective clothing and equipment (PPE) and procedures to use to avoid hazardous exposure;
• Safe handling and storage instructions; and
• Emergency procedures – first aid, firefighting, and spill control, etc.
Before starting any job involving the use of chemicals, read the label and MSDSs. Your employer is required to maintain MSDSs for all chemicals used while performing your job. You have a right and responsibility to review that information before using the chemicals.
All chemicals shall be handled and stored in accordance with all Federal, State, and Local safety requirements. Chemicals should be stored and handled in a way that prevents chemical contamination, especially when handled near food service areas.
Employees should never mix chemicals in the same container. Chemicals should always be handled individually.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Protects You Against Hazards
OSHA requires employers to identify workplace hazards, ensure proper PPE is used to protect against these hazards, and train them to use PPE correctly.
OSHA requires employers to identify workplace hazards, ensure proper PPE is used to protect against these hazards, and train them to use PPE correctly.
• Gloves protect hands from burns, cuts, chemicals, abrasions, and electrical shock. An employee’s hands and fingers are exposed to a greater variety of hazards for a longer period of time than any other part of the body. Make certain you are using the appropriate type of hand protection for the task you are assigned.
• Hard Hats protect your head from bumps, falling objects, and electrical hazards. Always wear hard hats when fall hazards exist. Hard hats should meet OSHA or industry specifications and must always be worn in the forward position unless they are specially equipped to be worn in reserve.
• Safety Glasses, Goggles and Face Shields protect your eyes and face from flying objects, chemical splashes, sparks, and ultraviolet radiation. Employees are required to wear appropriate OSHA-approved eye protection anytime potential hazards to the eye or face exist. Basic protection should consist of approved safety glasses with side shields and eyewash stations(s), or some other suitable means of flushing the eyes.
• Protective Clothing protects you from chemical and corrosive splashes, heat, and sparks. Loose clothing should never be worn in the vicinity of moving machinery parts nor in the kitchen. Dangling jewelry shouldn’t be worn in the kitchen as these items present safety hazards when handling chemicals or hot items.
• Safety Shoes and Boots protect against foot injuries from falling objects, punctures, slippery surfaces and electrical shock. Protective footwear should be sturdy, with nonskid soles to prevent slips and falls. Opened toe shoes are prohibited in the kitchen area.
• Hearing Protection – earplugs, earmuffs, and canal caps–protect against hearing damage when you are exposed to high noise levels. Southwest Preparatory School should develop a hearing conservation program where required. This program should include periodic employee testing in high exposure areas as well as noise monitoring of the work area. It is the responsibility of each employee to request, wear and adhere to hearing protection requirements.
• Fall Protection protects you from falling when working at heights at or above six (6) feet. Fall protection systems include guardrails, safety nets, and/or personal fall arrest systems, including harnesses. It is the responsibility of each employee to use fall protection devices when required. It is also the responsibility of the employee to inspect fall protection equipment prior to each use.
• Respirators protect you from inhaling harmful dust, gases, and vapors. Employees are required to wear respiratory protective equipment anytime it is required. Employees should also be trained in the proper use of respiratory equipment.
Always inspect your PPE for damage before use. Damaged PPE should be repaired or replaced immediately.
It is your responsibility to know your employer’s requirements for PPE use and always wear PPE where required.
Lockout/Tagout Prevents Machine Injuries and Electrical Shocks
Moving machinery parts can crush, cut, or amputate a hand or other body part. Employees can also suffer severe shocks or electrocution when a machine is not properly de-energized.
Moving machinery parts can crush, cut, or amputate a hand or other body part. Employees can also suffer severe shocks or electrocution when a machine is not properly de-energized.
OHSA requires lockout/tagout to prevent these types of injuries. During service or repair of equipment, power must be locked or tagged out so it will not start up accidentally or be turned on by another employee who does not know you are servicing that piece of equipment.
All employees need lockout/tagout training. Only authorized employees may perform the specific lockout/tagout steps. Only they may disconnect and turn off the equipment and energy sources, secure energy controls in the “off” position with a lock or tag, test to verify the equipment is de-energized and remove the lock or tag and restart equipment after repair or servicing.
Avoid Slips, Trips, and Falls
More than 12,000 people die each year as a result of falls. Here’s what you can do to prevent slips, trips and falls:
More than 12,000 people die each year as a result of falls. Here’s what you can do to prevent slips, trips and falls:
• Wear closed-toe shoes with non-skid soles.
• Walk, don’t run.
• Keep aisles, walkways, and stairs clear of tools, material, cords, hoses, and trash.
• Place all trash in proper containers.
• Clean up spills quickly and correctly – or report them to the proper person.
• Make sure you can see over materials you are carrying.
• Use handrails on stairs.
• Stay away from platform or roof edges.
• Report loose or damaged flooring immediately.
• Ensure all holes are properly covered or report uncovered holes immediately even if the hole is not associated with your specific work on the project.
• Take your time when working. Do not rush and take note of potential safety hazards in your working area.
• Walk, don’t run.
• Keep aisles, walkways, and stairs clear of tools, material, cords, hoses, and trash.
• Place all trash in proper containers.
• Clean up spills quickly and correctly – or report them to the proper person.
• Make sure you can see over materials you are carrying.
• Use handrails on stairs.
• Stay away from platform or roof edges.
• Report loose or damaged flooring immediately.
• Ensure all holes are properly covered or report uncovered holes immediately even if the hole is not associated with your specific work on the project.
• Take your time when working. Do not rush and take note of potential safety hazards in your working area.
Do Not:
• Use electrical cords that are damaged. This includes electrical cords with damaged or missing prongs, exposed insulation or wires, and damaged ends. Do not use cords near water sources.
• Use metal tools, ladders, or other conductive items around exposed energy parts.
• Reach blindly into areas that could contain energized parts.
• Perform electrical jobs unless you are trained and authorized to do so.
• Place liquids near potential electrical hazards.
Handle high voltage electrical equipment connections or connections that are directly wired to high voltage power sources.
• Use electrical cords that are damaged. This includes electrical cords with damaged or missing prongs, exposed insulation or wires, and damaged ends. Do not use cords near water sources.
• Use metal tools, ladders, or other conductive items around exposed energy parts.
• Reach blindly into areas that could contain energized parts.
• Perform electrical jobs unless you are trained and authorized to do so.
• Place liquids near potential electrical hazards.
Handle high voltage electrical equipment connections or connections that are directly wired to high voltage power sources.
Good Housekeeping Helps to Prevent Fires and Other Safety Hazards
Good housekeeping is an essential part of a safety program. Maintaining a clean work environment helps to eliminate accident and fire hazards and maintains a safe and healthy work environment.
Good housekeeping is an essential part of a safety program. Maintaining a clean work environment helps to eliminate accident and fire hazards and maintains a safe and healthy work environment.
To prevent fires always:
• Keep dust and grease off machines. They're not only fire hazards but are also bad for the equipment.
• Keep flammable liquid containers closed when not in use.
• Use proper containers for flammable liquids and store away from sources of combustion.
• Know where to locate and use fire extinguishers.
• Ensure fire extinguishers are readily available when required.
• Store oxygen cylinders away from combustible sources.
• Do not block fire exits, passageways, or sprinklers.
• Do not smoke around flammable materials – or outside of designated smoking areas.
• Do not block air ventilation openings on equipment. Do not place flammable items near sources.
• Keep dust and grease off machines. They're not only fire hazards but are also bad for the equipment.
• Keep flammable liquid containers closed when not in use.
• Use proper containers for flammable liquids and store away from sources of combustion.
• Know where to locate and use fire extinguishers.
• Ensure fire extinguishers are readily available when required.
• Store oxygen cylinders away from combustible sources.
• Do not block fire exits, passageways, or sprinklers.
• Do not smoke around flammable materials – or outside of designated smoking areas.
• Do not block air ventilation openings on equipment. Do not place flammable items near sources.
To prevent other hazards:
• Keep aisles, pathways, stairwells, and emergency exits clear and free of debris.
• Clean up spills immediately and properly or call someone who can.
• Avoid keeping food & beverages in the work area.
• Sweep and/or clean up debris regularly.
• Put away air hoses and electrical cords so they do not create a tripping hazard.
• Good housekeeping not only helps prevent accidents but also improves productivity and quality, boosts morale, and reflects a well-run organization.
• Keep aisles, pathways, stairwells, and emergency exits clear and free of debris.
• Clean up spills immediately and properly or call someone who can.
• Avoid keeping food & beverages in the work area.
• Sweep and/or clean up debris regularly.
• Put away air hoses and electrical cords so they do not create a tripping hazard.
• Good housekeeping not only helps prevent accidents but also improves productivity and quality, boosts morale, and reflects a well-run organization.
Do not store items in high areas that cannot safely be reached. Items should always be stored securely to prevent hazards resulting from falling items.
Protect Your Back
When performing material handling, follow these safe lifting principles:
• Test the weight of the load before lifting.
• Warm up by stretching your muscles before lifting.
• Plan the most direct route and remove anything that could get in your way.
• Don’t try to lift large, heavy, or awkward loads by yourself.
• Use lifting equipment when it is available.
• Don’t overdo it; lift only what you can comfortably handle and take your time.
• Learn the right way to lift. When you lift, let your leg muscles do the work–not your back.
• Separate heavy loads into smaller manageable loads that can safely be handled. Ensure that you are always balanced and stable prior to lifting and/or moving items.
• Take your time and observe your surroundings to ensure that you can safely lift or move items prior to doing so.
When performing material handling, follow these safe lifting principles:
• Test the weight of the load before lifting.
• Warm up by stretching your muscles before lifting.
• Plan the most direct route and remove anything that could get in your way.
• Don’t try to lift large, heavy, or awkward loads by yourself.
• Use lifting equipment when it is available.
• Don’t overdo it; lift only what you can comfortably handle and take your time.
• Learn the right way to lift. When you lift, let your leg muscles do the work–not your back.
• Separate heavy loads into smaller manageable loads that can safely be handled. Ensure that you are always balanced and stable prior to lifting and/or moving items.
• Take your time and observe your surroundings to ensure that you can safely lift or move items prior to doing so.
To lift safety:
• Position yourself close to the load with feet at shoulder width.
• Squat down next to the load; maintain your back’s natural curves and keep your knees bent.
• Tighten your stomach muscles. Get a good grip.
• Bring the load close to your body.
• Lift slowly, without jerking the load.
• Walk with small steps, holding the load waist high and close to your body.
• Move your whole body to change direction; never twist.
• To lower the load, just reverse the process.
• Ensure that your body is balanced and stable when lifting items. Take note of your surroundings to prevent accidental contact with items near you.
Do Not Operate Machinery or Mechanical Equipment Unless You Have Received Proper Training
• It is your employer’s responsibility to provide you the necessary training to operate forklifts and other mechanical equipment.
• Only trained and/or authorized employees may operate machinery or mechanical equipment.
• All equipment should be inspected before each use and a documented inspection program should be in place.
• If equipment is not operating properly, notify your supervisor prior to continuing the operation of the equipment in question.
• If equipment is not operating properly, notify your supervisor prior to continuing the operation of the equipment in question.
• Equipment should always be operated in the manner intended. Always follow equipment safety procedures when operating.
• Never operate equipment that has damaged electrical cords or electrical connections.
• Always put up and secure your hair properly when handling equipment.
Help Keep Your Workplace Safe
It is your employer’s responsibility to provide you with the necessary training, equipment, and procedures to stay safe on the job. It is up to you to:
It is your employer’s responsibility to provide you with the necessary training, equipment, and procedures to stay safe on the job. It is up to you to:
• Stay alert of hazards. Assess the potential safety hazards in your working area and be proactive in preventing possible hazards. Look for what could go wrong and prevent or report the hazard.
• Use what you learn in safety training and follow safety rules.
• Avoid complacency. No matter how often you’ve done a job, take the time to do it safely.
• Take responsibility for safety – your own and that of your co-workers.
• Ask your supervisor about any procedure or precaution you don’t understand or have not been trained to perform.
• Use what you learn in safety training and follow safety rules.
• Avoid complacency. No matter how often you’ve done a job, take the time to do it safely.
• Take responsibility for safety – your own and that of your co-workers.
• Ask your supervisor about any procedure or precaution you don’t understand or have not been trained to perform.
If you have any questions concerning any area of safety discussed in this Safety Guide please contact your supervisor for clarification.