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Year-End Workplace Safety Requirements

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:16:22 +0000

Now is a good time to review your Safety Program to determine if it is fully implemented and you are current with your safety requirements.

First thing is to find your safety manual, dust it off and review it. If you know where it is, kudos. Check the following:

· Is the company address and phone numbers correct?

· Are the key personnel listed in safety program still with the company?

· Review your inspection schedule. Are you inspecting to this schedule. Do you know where these inspection reports are?

· Review your safety training requirements. Did you train new employees when they were hired? Were employees trained if new processes or equipment were added to the workplace? How about ongoing training? Many state OSHA’s require that construction workers attend tailgate safety meetings. Do you comply? This training must be documented. Do you have the sign in sheets for this training?

· Managers, supervisors, foremen, etc. need additional training so they can successfully do their job from a safety standpoint. Often workers are promoted because they do a good job, but do not receive appropriate training to deal with the hazards the employees they are supervising are exposed to. OSHA requires these employees receive additional training corresponding to their position.

· Do you have policies and procedures covering all hazards. All companies need policies for: emergencies, accidents, inspections and training. If you have chemicals, a hazard communication policy is required. You might need a policy for one of these (not a complete list): lockout/tagout, confined space, excavations, fall protection and scaffolding.

· About half the states have a state plan and these state OSHA plans may have unique requirements that must be followed. All other states fall under federal guidelines.

Regulations change—you must be compliant and aware of the latest laws. Ignorance of the law is no defense to a citation. Current regulations are updated on the corresponding OSHA website. Go to http://tinyurl.com/yzoklua for a link to the each of the state OSHA websites or federal OSHA.

If you need help or have any questions, call us at 800-200-0888.

When Do I Need to Train?

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:25:26 +0000

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to train employees on the health and safety requirements of their job.

It is up to the employer to design, conduct, evaluate and revise the training they provide. Job safety training is money well spent. Safety training reduces injuries, creates better morale among workers and reduces workers’ comp costs.

OSHA training should follow these steps:

Step 1. Determine if training is needed. Training should be provided before an accident occurs. Before they start a task, train employees on how to do the job and how to use equipment safely.

Step 2. Identify training needs. Start with a job hazard analysis. Develop a step-by-step process of the job being done. Look for critical areas, where is the employee most at risk. Where could an employee be injured? What can be done to protect employee from hazards? For example, in a lifting situation, employee is taught to lift with legs not back or in a cutting situation, safety glasses may be required to protect eyes from dust or flying debris.

If you notice an increase in a specific type of injury, this is a clear indication that training is required to eliminate or reduce those types of accidents.

Watch employees. Are they working safe? Do you see unsafe acts?

Step 3. Identify objectives. What do you want your employees to learn? Be specific. For example: After Back Safety Training employees should be able to perform lifts using proper lifting techniques.

Step 4. Develop learning activities. Will the training be provided individually or in a group? What training method will be used; demonstration, lecture, or role playing? What material will be used to provide training; videos, or power point? Will you use an in house trainer or outside safety consultant?

Step 5. Conduct the training. Training consists of 1) Provide overview of material; 2) Relate information to audience; and 3) Reinforce and summarize objectives and key points. Better said, tell them what you’re going to tell them, tell them, and then tell them what you told them.

Step 6. Evaluate effectiveness. This can be done with student evaluations, supervisor observations and workplace improvements.

As you can see, providing effective safety training is complex. Outsourcing safety training to M.R.S. OSHA Safety (800-200-0888) or other experienced, skilled instructors makes this simple for employers while providing top-notch training for employees.

Whether you do the training yourself or outsource it, the main thing is to provide safety training. Training protects not only your employees, but also your company.

ROI-Safety Training

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:27:12 +0000

Other than it is required by Federal and State law, why train?

UPS reports that it spends $38 million annually on safety training and this results in a savings to worker's comp of $87 million. This confirms what companies report -- every $1 spent on training results in a $3.00 savings.

In addition, 95% of business executives report that workplace safety has a positive effect on a companies financial performance.

In this financial climate, businesses look for ways to save money, cutting safety is never a good idea. Keep employees safe, keep training.