OSHA

Football, Alcohol, and the Night Shift

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It’s football season, and that means that many employees come to work after watching the game with buddies. They come to stock shelves, to work late holiday hours and just to man their normal night shifts. But what about those who come to work after an afternoon or evening of football and alcohol?

Employees working while under the influence of alcohol are a major concern for employers. Here are several steps recommended by the U.S. Department of Labor to handle an employee who is suspected of being intoxicated on the job.

1. Escort the employee to a private area to inquire about the behavior.
2. If possible, call in another supervisor or manager who can serve as a reliable witness.
3. Inform the employee of your concerns and get his/her explanation.
4. Notify senior management.
5. Based upon the employee’s response, place the employee on suspension until a formal investigation is conducted.
6. Arrange for the employee to be escorted home.
It is important to proceed with caution and to document any actions you take. And remember, if the employee is in no shape to work, he or she is in no condition to drive.

Source: US Department of Labor’s elaws®

Playing Doctor

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When it comes to job-related illness or injury, employees and employers often believe they can determine the severity of an incident and whether treatment by a professional is needed. Making such assessments might seem, on the surface, quite straightforward, but frequently what appears to be a minor event can evolve into a series of problems. That’s when workers compensation claims arise.

Infections, allergic reactions or, in some cases, continued exposure can result in significant work loss—all of which likely could have been avoided were proper attention given immediately to the illness or injury.

Employers must understand they are responsible for directing employees in a manner consistent with state laws concerning treatment and workers compensation coverage. Employers must always be cautious of the unpredictable, long-term effects of illness and injury.

It’s not worth playing doctor, even in seemingly minor cases. Always follow your state’s workers comp reporting guidelines, and ask us if you have any questions about your coverage or carrier requirements.

Source: www.osha.gov

First-Aid Training Saves Lives

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Immediate response to workplace accidents, injuries and medical events saves lives and minimizes future disability. On-the-scene help for chemical burns, especially to the eyes; severe cuts and amputations; crush and head-impact injuries; heart attacks; strokes; seizures and other potentially deadly or debilitating events can prevent further injury to the victim while professional medical assistance is on the way.

Training in CPR, the use of a defibrillator (and access to one in the workplace), tourniquet application, movement of debris in a crush injury and movement of the victim can greatly improve the chances that an emergency will not deteriorate into confusion or result in a greater degree of injury. Offer training to employees as part of their overall work experience. Check with your local hospital and Red Cross to find accredited training programs. Also, emphasize that untrained individuals should not take remedial actions on their own if at all possible, since serious injuries to the victim can result from improper treatment and movement.

Remember to practice safety first and post emergency contact numbers and procedures in visible spots throughout your facility.

Source: www.blr.com

Woodworking Safety

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Woodworking is an age-old craft that produces commodities of high durability and beauty. Its artisans are highly skilled, but they are vulnerable to injury if safety precautions are not stringently followed. Here are some common safety precautions that should be part of every woodworker’s routine:

– Always wear safety glasses, adequate hearing protection, non-slip shoes and appropriate gloves.
– Do not wear loose-fitting clothing that can become entangled in moving parts. This is a common cause of injury when operating machinery.
– Inspect tools regularly for operational defects and make sure guards are in proper working condition before each use. Be sure electric power cords are properly secured and undamaged.
– Practice good housekeeping. This includes keeping machinery clean and free of debris that could become a projectile. It also includes clearing surrounding areas to prevent slips and falls that can result in major injury while machinery is in use.

Source: CCOHS- Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety