Workplace Safety

1. Workplace Safety Nueces County Risk Management

2. Session Objectives • You will be able to: • Understand why safety is such an important workplace issue • Identify safety requirements and the law • Know what our safety policy requires • Take an active role in promoting workplace safety and health

3. Session Outline • Importance of workplace safety • Legal and policy requirements • How you can contribute to workplace safety and health • Key safety concerns and precautions to prevent accidents and injuries

4. Why Safety Is Such an Important Issue • Over 6 million American workers are injured every year • Injuries and illnesses cost American businesses over $100 billion a year • We are required by law to provide a safe workplace • Safety promotes productivity and morale

5. Safety Attitude • Think safety • Look for hazards • Fix or report hazards

6. Good Housekeeping • Keep items in their proper place • Clean or report spills • Clear clutter • Keep items off stairways and out of aisles • Report safety problems • Use common sense

7. Personal Protective Equipment • Use the right equipment for the job • Inspect PPE before every use • Make sure PPE fits • Follow manufacturer’s instructions • Clean and store properly

8. Electrical Safety • Use extension cords properly • Don’t run them across stairs or aisles • Don’t fasten them with nails or staples • Don’t overload outlets • Don’t use plugs with bent or missing prongs • Obey locks, tags, barricades, and electrical warning signs

9. Back Safety • Reach properly • Lift properly • Object from floor • Object from overhead • Oversized or heavy object • Long or awkward objects • Use material handling equipment • Do stretching exercises

10. Ergonomics • Arrange your workstation • Sit properly • Avoid repetitive motions when possible • Take breaks • Keep wrists straight • Use proper equipment

11. Ergonomics (cont.) • Know symptoms of MSDs • Pain • Tingling • Stiffness • Weakness • Numbness • Swelling • Report to Supervisor & Risk Management for MSD symptoms

12. Hazard Communication • MSDS ONLINE has all MSDS sheets used in Nueces County • Read chemical labels • Read MSDSs • Use proper PPE • Follow safety procedures • Seek immediate medical attention if exposed

13. Machine Safety • Obey tags • Make sure guards are in place • Report problems • Wear correct PPE • Focus on work

14. Office Safety • Keep drawers closed • Sit upright in chairs • Don’t horse around with furniture or supplies • Keep flammables away from hot office equipment

15. Basic Safety Issues • Questions?

16. Emergency Situations • Know location of fire alarms and extinguishers • Know what alarms sound like • Know how to use extinguishers • Know at least two evacuation routes • Know meeting place outside building

17. First Aid • Call for professional medical help • Bring help to victim • Check victim’s ABCs • Check victim’s vitals • Interview victim • Use appropriate first-aid measures • Get CPR/AED certified

18. Infectious Diseases and Bloodborne Pathogens • Wash hands often • Use precautions when giving first aid • Treat all blood as contaminated • Use PPE • Clean up thoroughly • Get medical attention if you’re exposed

19. Security • Follow procedures • Keep doors locked • Don’t loan keys or access cards • Report unknown people • Report security gaps • Don’t give out you password

20. Workplace Violence • Take threats seriously • Recognize signs of potential violence in co-workers • Report signs • Arrange a danger signal with co-workers • Remain calm with emotional people • Alert proper authorities

21. Terrorism • Protect your computer • Handle mail with caution • Cooperate with precautions • Follow procedures during an incident • Shelter in place • RUN HIDE FIGHT