Recent Posts
Cardboard Pick Pocket
Well the Safetydudette and I have safely returned from our three week vacation to the Mediterranean. If you haven't been to Rome......you've got to go. Safety warning: Watch out for the pickpocket. We heard of numerous people losing their valuables to a "cardboard patdown" pickpocket technique. In one case a flock of young adults circled a couple and pushed cardboard up against them. As the couple tried to fight off the cardboard, the pickpocketers were fleecing their pockets. In another case, a lady holding a sign pleading for money and holding a baby aggressively approaches the couple. She hands the baby to the gentlemen and starts flapping the cardboard in the couples face and over the body. During this time, her sneaky little hands are also in their pockets. The last piece of strong advice I have is do not fly Air Alitalia. The plane we were on had duct tape holding bathroom partitions and food trays together. If they do this in the public view, what are they doing where we can't see. More shocking was that half way into the flight with the exception of one Stewardess, the entire Passenger Crew went to seats behind a curtain and went to sleep. Yes, you read that correctly....they went and had a sleep for almost two hours. I personally feel that it would be impossible for these Attendants to be any value to the passengers in a timely manner if an emergency situation occurred. I have asked Transport Canada to investigate and will also be reporting this matter to the FAA in the US The passengers were left on their own to get their own drinks. After ringing for assistance for over an hour, I got up and went to the galley and fixed my own drink.
Slogan of the Week It's better to spare one minute in life for Safety... than to lose life with in a minute
Picture of the Week Last of my sign series
Stretching Programs
Have you ever experienced a muscle or joint injury? One of the first things that your treating health care professional asks is…..”Are you stretching?!” As a health care professional, stretching is one of my favourite treatment modalities because of the immediate outcomes which tend to be achieved in terms of both pain management and increased function and as well…..it’s practical!! Stretching can be performed at the gym, at home..stretching exercises can even be performed at the office! The Benefits of a Stretching Program The health benefits of stretching have become more recognized over the last few years, especially with society’s increased participation in Pilates and Yoga. Stretching is often prescribed as a way in which to increase performance and/or function as well, is often prescribed as a pain management technique. When performed correctly, stretching can provide endless benefits, including increased flexibility, increased mobility, increased joint range of motion, increased circulation, decreased anxiety, management of general stiffness/achiness and functional independence. Stretching Programs to Prevent Injuries Stretching is a wonderful prevention tool; as you prepare your muscles with stretching, they are able to sustain the forces and loads that are exerted during sport and/or work activity. If your muscles are unable to function through their full range of motion, they will be unable to tolerate excessive loads and increase likelihood of injury. Sprains, twists and pulls do not occur unless the muscle or connective tissue is brought past its physiological endpoint. Consequently, increasing range of motion with stretching can decrease the chance of injury to joints and surrounding tissues. Basic Principals of Stretching The philosophy behind performing stretching has changed over the last couple of decades. The practice of stretching was typically implemented before activity (i.e., on a ‘cold’ muscle) and often involved a bounce and/or ballistic stretch on the muscle. This practice often resulted in more injuries than it prevented!! The following is a review of some of the basic principals to keep in mind when performing stretching.
Slogan of the Week
Behaviour is guided by values and reinforcement, not forced by rules and punishment
Picture of the Week
What to do during a Robbery
A few years ago, members of our family were involved in an armed robbery in a retail location. One person was seriously injured when they attempted to "capture" the gunman.
When an armed robbery takes place at a retail location or bank, the likelihood of the incident turning violent, resulting in injuries to personnel and customers, can be effectively reduced by the behaviour of the staff and customers.
Here are some Tips that my research uncovered.
If you are a business owner, I encourage you to contact Dean Correia of Correia Security to develop a formal program to prevent robberies and other criminal activities. www.correiasecurity.ca click here to email Dean
He specializes in Protecting People. Safeguarding Assets. Optimizing Profits
1. Try to stay calm.
2. Stand still and keep your hands where the Robber can see them
3. Do exactly as you are told. DO NOT RESIST!
4. Do NOT Activate your alarm while the robbers are still present.
5. Tell the robber about anything that might surprise him, such as someone who is expected to arrive soon.
6. Try to get a good look at the robber so you can describe him later.
7. Don't be a hero.
8. Don't attempt to prevent the robbers' get-away.
9. Try to get a description of his vehicle ONLY if you can do so without exposing yourself to harm.
10. After the robber leaves, lock the door and call 911.
"How a business protects their most valuable asset is a good indicator of their quality standards" Dale Lesinski Dival Safety
Another one of those "Just when you think you have seen everything pictures."
Product of the Week
Protect yourself at a Vehicle Accident Scene
Experts suggest that our first thoughts should be: "What can I do to protect victims from sustaining additional injuries?" The goal should be to make the scene as safe as possible. Pausing for a few seconds, literally, and looking over the situation, you'll probably see several things that should be done before caring for victims. Please keep these tips in mind the next time you stop at an accident scene to protect yourself and others.
Probably the hardest thing to do is to ....remain calm. If others see you in control and calm, they will remain cool and calm.
One of my clients has this as his slogan on his emails. Thought it was great:
"The speed of the leader determines the pace of the pack"
Xilo is an innovative customizable user-friendly yet affordable web based system designed to bring “ability back into Disability Management”. The program returns an excellent ROI by facilitating the safe and effective Return to Work Programs for WSIB, LTD, and STD claims.
Safetydude's Safety Tip of the Week
After Treatment - The Employee in Recovery
In response to requests from several readers, I asked mt good friend, Alliance Team Member and Subject Matter Expert Julian Toy of Addiction Consultants in Recovery to write a further Safety Tip on handling employees (people) with addiction issues.
Julian tells me that one of the barriers to a successful recovery is how family, peers, and supervisors interact with the employee (person) after their Treatment. So, I asked him to write on that subject.
I found the information below not only very interesting but certainly worthy of passing along to everyone.
Please feel free to connect with Julian by email by clicking here, or check out site website at www.myaddictionexperts.com
Julian writes:
Ok, you did your due diligence, effectively intervened and managed to get your problem employee into substance abuse treatment. They’ve successfully completed treatment and you’ve received clearance they are able to return to work. Now what can you expect, assuming they are serious about Recovery? An employee in early Recovery, active in a Twelve-Step Recovery program will try to avoid conflict with others. The employee will be honest to the best of their ability-even if this means they may get into trouble. They will likely be more productive than before and have a strong desire to do a good job. Your Recovering employee may ask you for a revision in their schedule to attend meetings and/or aftercare groups. It’s important to grant these requests if you can, as these meetings and groups are crucial in early Recovery. It’s possible that they may disclose some things to you that you weren’t aware of about their activities at work prior to treatment; this may be part of the Recovery process called making amends.
Their behavior may be different than what you’re used to after they complete treatment; extroverts may become quieter and introverts may open up more. They are in the process of discovering who they really are, in some cases for the first time in their lives.
Follow-up from a previous Safety Tip
A few weeks ago I sent out a Safety Tip on Texting while Driving. Click here to re-visit that Tip.
I must admit that I was "horrified" by some of the stories and comments on Linkedin that I got back. Forklift operators using cell phones. Even a Robot operator using two cell phones.
One reader asked that I pass on the following additional link to every http://fastlane.dot.gov/2012/03/faces-of-distracted-driving-alison-holden-38.html#.URK8nWewUvs
Every Monday morning I look forward to getting my "Safety Selection" from John Wettstein. We have never met other than through cyberspace but I can tell you that great minds think alot. ;) John always has great slogans. I totally concur with his slogan for this week.
"Results-based Management: Demonstrating results is important for credibility, accountability, and continuous learning, and to inform decision-making and resource allocation. "
One of the key elements to my past success in a multiple location operation ( 300 plus retail grocery stores) was the communication of results and showing the comparison between the different stores within a Region and Regions within a District, and then District within the Company. After then numbers were released, I allowed the competitive spirit of the Management Team do the rest. I can tell you that I almost always got a call for help from those on the bottom of the list.
Then I approached the Senior Management Team and convinced them that Safety Results should be a major component of the Management Team's Annual Performance Appraisal which was directly tied to their bonuses and wage increases. Amazing, the change of commitment levels when you hit someone in their own pocketbook.
Lastly, we stopped the process whereby Head Office handled the cost associated with employee and customer accidents. We developed a process to "charge back" to each of the locations the cost associated with each accident claim (both customer and employee). Again we were amazed at how much better the completion of paperwork became to defend civil litigation cases, and the intensity to create a culture of safety excellence within the store.
Okay I must admit that when I was first hired, this is how I faced the top shelf when working midnights. Just stand in a shopping cart and pull yourself along. I only fell out a couple of times before stopping that technique.
For the month of February, OperationSafetyhas put access to the Leaders in Safety Training Portal on special.
For just $ 19.99 per employee, you'll get full access to over 35 different Safety training modules for the next year. Click here to get access to a listing of the courses available.
For Provinces other than Ontario, please contact us and we will send you a listing of the courses available specific to your legislative requirements. A min. of 10 employees is required to get this special price. For workplaces with less than 10 employees, contact us and we will give you preferred pricing.
Klamson@operationsafety.ca
ww.operationsafety.ca
1-866-765-7486
Texting while Driving
I'm always looking for provocative material that will motivate people to become more safety conscious. The video below left me speechless, and for those of you who know me personally know how hard that is to do.
AT&T in the states, commissioned a survey that indicates while 97 percent of teens know texting while driving is dangerous, 43 percent of them admit to sending a text while driving — and 75 percent say the practice is common among their friends.
To bring attention to this issue, AT&T produced a 10-minute documentary titled "The Last Text," featuring stories of real individuals whose lives have been adversely affected by texting behind the wheel.
I must admit that in the past, I have rarely but on occasion texted while driving. Only when at a stop light. However, after watching this video I pledge to everyone that never again will I text while driving.
Please forward this video like onward to someone special in your life.
To watch the video click here.
An engaged workplace = a safe workplace = a profitable workplace.
Another job that you wouldn't get me to do. Wonder what safety training they get.
Anyone else see the ergonomic hazard?
Talk to your Teenager about Safety
A recent study on Workplace Safety in Ontario (The Tony Dean Report) describes young workers as "vulnerable workers". And I agree. My heart breaks every time I hear about a serious workplace injury. It hurts more when the person injured is a young inexperienced worker If you have a teenager or know of a teenager in your family, have you ever discussed with them the hazards that they are exposed to at work. Remember your first job? Most likely a retail or service sector job. How much safety training did you receive?
Did you receive the old "baptism by fire" type of training that I got. Thrown into the job, given very little training or direction. Then when something goes wrong or you mess up, your treated as if you are to blame. This makes it so that you are afraid to report hazards, or ask about safety. If your teenager is scared or intimated by their supervisor do you think that they will be capable of refusing unsafe work? Teenagers need to know and fully understand their rights before they enter the work force. That they have the right to:
Just as important, they need to know and fully understand their safety related duties and responsibilities. Primarily that they:
My challenge to you..... ask your teenager or call a teenage family member tonight and ask them if they:
Let`s talk about Safety !
This week's slogan is from Safety John @ Safety Strategies
Frontline Supervision is Key .....although the supervisor is the key to safety, management has a firm hold on the key chain. It is only when management takes the key in hand and does something with it that the key becomes useful. What is that "something"? Companies/Management requires programs that engage front-line supervisors (safety drivers). For example:
Another job task that I would leave for others
Mental Fitness
This week's Safety Tip is brought to you by my good friends at Dunk & Associates.
What is Mental Fitness?
Most people realize that regular exercise and care of their bodies makes them healthier. The same applies to our minds – if we exercise them properly and look after them, we can expect to stay mentally well and get a lot more out of life. Mental fitness is a lot more than not having a mental illness, it’s what gives us the ability to enjoy life and cope with the many challenges that life presents. What does it mean to be Mentally Fit? Stress is a normal part of life – there is no avoiding it, however learning to manage stressful situations can help. Try some of the following:
Persons who are unable cope with the challenges in their life may have:
Improving Your Mental Fitness – Rest and Release
"Remember that a person's name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound any language". Dale Carnegie
I'm looking for volunteers to help me boycott snow!
Who wants to drive in a mess like this?
Safety Attitudes
Whatever your job is, working safely depends on your attitude. This also extends to your everyday life outside of work. Remember "Safety is a life event, not just a work event"
While talent is important and knowledge essential, a "Safety Attitude" can make your job or task more rewarding. After all isn't going home at the end of your shift, or being there for your family important enough reason!
Here are six elements of a "Safe Working Attitude"
1. Knowledge is very important- the more the better. Knowledge can be gained from people, training and experience.
2. Commitment to your family. Don't do safety because you have to. Do it for your family.
3. Consideration for others, to help them to do their job, and by not putting them at risk.
4. Take ownership. Safety starts with you! Own it, live it.
5. Lead by example. Regardless of your job title, you'd be surprised about the number of people you can influence.
6. Communicate safety. Would you stop a co-worker doing something unsafe? A stranger on the street?
I've had to slightly modify this slogan to incorporate that safety outside of work is equally or more important as that at work
Those who work (and play) the safest way, live to work (and play) another day.
For those of you who aren't my age, that's a phone booth.
We actually had to use those before the era of cell phones.
Hope nobody was using this one!
Preventing Accidents
Have you ever wondered what you can do to prevent accidents? Maybe, like many people, you believe accidents are bound to happen and there’s not much you can do about them. Or, you may think that they only happen to the other person. Well, the truth is that accidents do happen to everyone, and most of them can be prevented. Something to think about... Statistics show that in many cases the victim, or the victim’s co-worker, could have prevented an accident. Think of accidents that have happened to people you know. Usually, it was a mistake, right? In other words, that person, or someone else working on the job could have prevented it. Seven excellent suggestions Here are seven ways you can do something about preventing accidents:
The first three letters in Safety.......YOU
Another accident waiting to happen ????
New Ice Skate that I found on the internet
The more Routine the task, the BIGGER the Safety Risk
While at work, sometimes we only think about the safety of a job when it is a task that we do not typically perform. We rationalize that certain safety procedures can be overlooked when we are completing common tasks, because we complete the task so often. When tasks become “routine” and they no longer seems to present a danger to us, they start to present us with the idea that there is very little risk of injury. Unfortunately this kind of thinking isn’t true. More often than not, because of the familiarity that is gained with frequent completion of the task, these frequent tasks can end up causing the most serious accidents. Safe work habits should not be limited to the projects or tasks that are the most difficult or dangerous. Safe work habits need to be a part of everyone’s daily routine. If safety is not incorporated into everything that you do, it may be only a matter of time before an accident or incident happens to you, or someone you’re working with. Safe work practices are required whether you are just starting your task, or nearly finished. Safety is also important, no matter the size of the task. Smaller tasks should not be a reason for anyone to take safety shortcuts. Even though, there may be times when we may be working on smaller tasks, and there is no one else around, or little to no supervision, this is also not a reason to take safety risks. Completing a task 100 times without following all of the safety precautions doesn’t make it the right way to complete the task, and just because you have never had an incident or accident while completing a certain task, doesn’t mean that it can’t happen. There’s always a first time for everything. Remember that safety is an attitude, and that attitude should be positive towards the health and safety of yourself and others. There should be no exceptions. When you do the right thing, and follow all of the safety rules and precautions, you are working to ensure that you and everyone working with you will be going home safely at the end of the day.
To accomplish great things we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan but believe.
Now dig yourself out of this mess
"Good comes from Bad"
I always love feedback and to hear that these Safety Tips are being read and enjoyed by people.
Last week, I received feedback that I feel is important to pass on to others. Mainly because it involves a happy ending to a horrible traumatic event.
I commented on the recent deaths of swimmers in Ontario due to drownings. What I have learned since then is that through at least one of these deaths the gift of life was given to another person.
My understanding is that because of the unselfishness of one person the gift of a lung transplant was afforded to another person so that may have the opportunity to live on.
Please learn more about how to give the gift of lift by clicking here.
Taking Care of your Back
Did you know? Low back pain is very common. One in five Canadians will visit a doctor for back pain each year. Many back problems are due to injuries in the workplace as back pain can develop over long periods of time as a result of improper working conditions or habits.
Risk factors for back injury include:
Improper lifting techniques are responsible for a large percentage of back, shoulder and neck injuries among Canadian Workers. However, lifting improperly is the largest and single cause of back injury and pain.
To protect yourself from a painful and potentially disabling injury, and to help reduce strain on your back, remember to practice the following lifting techniques:
Ten Steps to Safe Lifting: 1. Test and assess the load 2. Plan and prepare the move 3. Use a wide, balanced stance with one foot ahead of the other. 4. Grip the load firmly. 5. Bend your knees. This is the single most important rule to follow. 6. Bring the object as close to your body as possible. 7. Tighten your stomach muscles as the lift begins. 8. Keep your head and shoulders upright. 9. Lift with your legs in a slow, smooth motion. 10. Set the load down carefully.
Know Accidents = No Accidents
Unknown from Compass Group Canada
From The Courts
Within the last week or so, there has been numerous Companies and Supervisors convicted or fined in the Courts. For details of these cases please click here to reach the Ministry of Labour Newsroom
New coming to Canada....the Drive Thru Mall
Tsunami Safety for Travellers
More proof that "Safety that is a Life event, not just a work event". Last month, the Safetyduette and I enjoyed our second honeymoon on the Big Island of Hawaii. The first night while we were driving to dinner, we noted the following sign that caused us some concern
We recalled seeing the news footage of the death and destruction that occurred in Japan, and Indonesia. Neither of us had the slightest idea as to what actions we should take. So I went investigating.
I found out that there is quite a complex and comprehensive warning system and Emergency Preparedness plan for such an event on the Big Island. These programs were implemented because the Island had already been devastated by several tsunami's in the last 75 years. School children are taught at a very young age what to do , when, and why. Brought back memories of the Tornado drills I went through as a young child growing up in St. Louis. The alarm system is checked regularly.
But what about us a travellers, what were we suppose to do and where are we suppose to go to? I was fortunate enough to have brought our laptop with us, so I was capable of doing some internet research. We also collected information from the phone book. Unfortunately, I wasn't that impressed with the information provided by, or the programs in place at the hotels where we stayed. So, I offer you the following Safety Tip
First before even leaving on vacation, (something that we will do in the future) check with your Travel Agent about any travel advisories, warnings, etc. that you should be aware of. If you didn't use a Travel Agent, do your own internet research. There are several websites available from both the Canadian and USA Government.
I also learned that you can register to get text messages to your phone for areas that you are travelling to. Click here to go to their website.
As it relates to a Tsunami, I learned to take the following precautions:
1) Establish a meeting place, outside of the tsunami area where family members will meet if they become separated. Our favourite large retail store works well for us.
2) Always pack a flashlight. The Safetyduette always packs the "kitchen sink", including flashlights.
3) Prepare for water shortages. We recently purchased Brita water bottles with the self contained filters for our vacation trips.
4) Pack a small first aid kit. Of course we had that.
5) Pack a N95 dust mask. Nope we didn't pack that, but they will be placed into the first aid kit.
6) Know the signs and symptoms of any possible natural disasters. In this case, the warning signs of a tsunami are:
a) reports of an earthquake
b) shakes or tremors under your feet
c) ocean receding below normal low tides
d) loud roar noise from the ocean
e) if you see locals leaving the beach suddenly, follow them
7) Read the information in the front cover of the phonebook. In this case, it provided us the locations to be worried about and the details of the local evacuation centres.
Actions to be taken if a tsunami hits:
1) Follow all directions of the local authorities
2) Evacuate the low lying areas and get to higher ground.
3) Leave your belongings behind. Accept for your first aid kit and medicines, if you can safely and timely get to them.
2) If you can't evacuate the area get inside a concrete building above the second floor
The picture below was sent to me by a friend. Apparently the man below was trying to protect the local citizens by shooting this bear that he noticed hanging around a local fast food outlet.
Ladder Safety
Ladders are an effective tool in many workplaces. Using ladders safely needs to be practiced to ensure the health and safety of employees and customers. Employees are expected to not leave ladders open and unattended, know how to use ladders appropriately, and ensure ladders are replaced in their brackets and are strapped down.
Tips About Ladders
How to Use a Ladder Safely
Video of the Week
Click here to check out a video how NOT ( repeat NOT) to use your ladder.
Ten things that every Employee should know
The following is a list of ten things that EVERY employee should know. Test yourself, your co-workers, Employees and Family members. In particular, challenge your teenage working children as this age group has an unacceptably high accident frequency rate.
From the Courts
Plumbling company fined $100k after worker is fatally injured
New Water Plumbing Inc., of Thornhill, was fined $100,000 for a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act after a worker was killed.
On December 23, 2009, two workers from New Water Plumbing Inc. were in the mechanical room of a Toronto condo tower. They had taken a large exhaust fan out of its housing. As the workers were moving the fan, a light fixture they had swung out of the way swung back and hit the fan. Part of the light fixture was damaged, allowing its electrical charge to contact the fan. The worker who was holding the fan at the time was fatally electrocuted.
New Water Plumbing Inc. pleaded guilty to failing to ensure that the fan was lifted, carried or moved in a way that would not endanger a worker. Click here for addtional cases.
So much for safety first in this household.
SafetyDude's Safety Tip of the Week
Cruise Ship Safety Tips
Last year, The Safetydudette and I had the pleasure of going on a two week cruise with Holland America. Upon our return, I sent out the Safety Tip below on Cruise Ship Safety.
With all the press that the Cruise Ship Industry is currently getting, I felt it timely to resend the tip out. People keep asking me if I will ever go on a cruise again. My response is that I just because a horrible accident has occurred, we shouldn't discount the whole industry. After all we still fly and drive. What about all the horrible accidents that occur there.
In my professional career, I have found that some Companies believe in Safety and honour their commitment to the safety of their customers. Unfortunately, at the same time I know of many companies that are just out to make the $$$$ and have little or no regard for the safety of anyone or anything.
I can assure you from our experience that Holland America is committed to their passengers safety. We had the opportunity of meeting with the ships Safety Officer and had a great discussion regarding the comprehensive in depth program they had on board. It impressed me that they were taking immediate action to address the findings of a fire that had recently occurred on another cruise line. While he couldn't provide me with full details of their terrorism plan, I learned enough about the Emergency Procedures to be very comfortable that is was quite extensive. At least on this cruise line, they don't take any chances when it comes to the safety of their passengers.
While on the Ship:
1. Read all of the emergency instructions and procedures provided. Check the back of the cabin door and for printed material provided within the cabin.
2. Know (and practise walk) at least two routes from your cabin to your assigned emergency assembly station. You will be scheduled to have a passenger safety briefing before departure, be in your cabin when the drill begins and use the stairways and passages as directed by the Ship's Crew Members to get to your assigned emergency assembly station.
3. If you are not required to actually put on your lift vest as part of the passenger safety briefing, when you get to your cabin practise putting your life vest on before ship departure. This is a good time to adjust the straps to your body.
4. When the ship is underway, use the handrails along the hall ways and stairs. Particularly when the seas are rough.
5. Outside decks and stairs should be treated as if they are slippery when they are wet. Expect that winds (possibly strong at times) and the motion of the ship will make keeping your footing difficult.
6. Regularly wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 30 seconds. Particularly after using the restrooms and before eating, drinking or smoking. Use the hand sanitizers if provided.
7. Contact the Medical Team if you experience any vomiting or diarrhea.
8. Be extremely careful with any smoking materials. Smoke only in authorized areas. Ensure that smoking materials are extinguished before leaving your stateroom.
9. Treat the Ship as you would a Hotel, know where your Fire Exits are from your cabin, main eating areas, pool areas, etc. in addition what to do in case of Fire. Know the difference between the Fire Alarm and the General Emergency Alarm.
10. If you don't use a bath mat in your tub/shower at home, here is a good time to use one. A slight motion of the Ship may be all all you need to lose your balance.
While on Shore:
1. Be food safety wise while on shore. Check out the visible sanitary conditions of the restaurant before ordering. If in doubt, better not! If there are animals and birds within the eating area, do you really think that the cooking area is treated any differently.
2. Limit the amount of jewelry that you wear while on shore. Don't advertise yourself to thieves as a profitable target.
3. Don't travel alone while on shore. The bigger the group the better.
4. Use the cruise line appointed shore excursion providers. Most cruise lines will wait for you if the excursion runs past the all aboard time if you use their provider.
5. Be careful when handling cash. Don't show large bills, or big wads of cash to anyone. Separate money into numerous "stashes". Have tip money readily available and separate from the large bills.
6. If confronted by a robber, remember that valuables and jewelry can be replaced.
7. When you return to the ship, wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 30 seconds. Use hand sanitizer if available.
Yes, I would still fly Nortwest Airlines.
Preventing Slips Trips, and Falls
Did you know that slips, trips, and falls are second only to automobile accidents in causing personal injury? On stairways alone, falls result in the majority of disabling injuries yearly, and there are thousands of minor injuries caused by slips, trips, and falls each year.
In Canada some sixty thousand workers get injured annually due to fall accidents. This number represents about fifteen percent of the "time-loss injuries" that were accepted by workers' compensation boards or commissions across Canada. Not mentioning a great economical loss, it amounts for a lot of pain and suffering and sometimes (much too often) even death.
Trips happen when your foot collides (strikes, hits) an object causing you to lose the balance and, eventually fall. Common causes of tripping are:
Slips occur when there is too little friction between a person's feet and the walking surface. Many factors can cause a slip, probably the most obvious causes are:
Falls can be caused by a number of things. Slips and trips frequently result in a fall. Falls also occur for other reasons, such as:
For the purpose of this Safety Tip, we want to focus on falls caused by slips and trips.
Good housekeeping is the first and the most important (fundamental) level of preventing falls due to slips and trips. It includes:
Changing or modifying walking surfaces should also be considered to prevent the potential of slip and trips from occurring.
Other actions to prevent slip and trips can include:
Time for Tact, not Attack
The following is a interesting Safety Talk on handling workplace conflicts that I found in the depths of my computer. Hope you can make use of the tips contained within.
Conflict is a normal part of human relationships, even in the workplace. How you handle conflict helps determine your success and even your safety on the job.
You aren’t going to agree with or like everyone you meet at work.
You might disagree seriously with a co-worker about the right way to do something. You might feel he or she is trying to undermine your position.
Or there could be somebody who makes you feel annoyed all the time. Situations such as these can lead to anger, accidents and even violence if you don’t handle them properly.
In trying to develop positive responses to conflict, it helps to identify some of the responses that can make the situation worse:
Now consider some of these strategies for handling conflict:
You are not going to get along with everyone. Your co-workers have their own agendas and motivations which aren’t necessarily to make things easy for you. Learn to handle conflict calmly and confidently.
Click here for more information on handling workplace conflict
From the Courts (From Ontario Newsroom)
A Brampton company that recycles metal, was fined $75,000 for a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act after a visitor to its scrap yard was injured.
On August 28, 2008, a scrap dealer drove into the company's Brampton scrap yard to sell a manually operated lifting device as scrap metal. The device had tipped in transport so the scrap dealer asked for help removing it from the truck. A worker tried to use a lift truck to stabilize the device and remove it from the truck. During this process the device tipped over and pinned the scrap dealer, injuring the dealer's leg, hand and rib.
A Ministry of Labour investigation found that the device to be lifted required specific lifting instructions that were not provided to the lift truck operator before the attempt to move it. The method of stabilizing the device was inadequate and no precautions were taken to ensure that lifting the device would not endanger any worker.
The Compnay pleaded guilty to failing to ensure that the manually operated lifting device was lifted in a way that would not endanger any worker.
ALWAYS pre-inspect your equipment !
SafetyDude Safety Tip of the Week
Always read your prescription label
Learn from my mistake......Always double check and read the label of your prescriptions.
The following is a true and embarrassing story that just recently happened to me. After all, I am the one that continually preaches to "read the label of the chemicals before usin them."
What concerns me is that when I tell this story to others I am told of cases of people getting the wrong persons medication, the wrong medication all together, etc.
For about the last year, I have been taking medication for high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The medication appears to be working as the Doctor has kept me on the same pills and dosage for the entire period of time. Two pills in the morning, one at bedtime.
I last saw the Doctor in January, and again got the same script for medication. Went to the local large discount retail Pharmacy to get the prescriptions filled.
Over the past few months, I have been experiencing extreme fatigue, muscle aches and pains, falling asleep with little effort, and general malasie. I put in off to the winter time blues. Those of you whom know me, know how much I just adore the Canadian winter. After all snow is a four letter word in my vocabulary.
Two weeks ago, I noticed that one of the bottles of pills was becoming close to being empty. How could this be? Did they not give me all the pills? I've only been taking the same two pills in the morning and one in the evening.
When I read the bottle label to see how many pills I got, and if I could get a refill, I noticed that the label states...."Take half a pill daily".
After consulting my Doctor and investigating the matter with the local Pharmacy, I learned that I should have been taking 12.5mg of the drug. The prescription was for 12.5 mg. But the Pharmacy didn't have the dosage so they replaced it with the 25mg dosage pill. They claimed they told me, but I clearly was not told of the change.
There are serious side effects associated with this medication inclusive of all the signs and symptoms that I have been experiencing. And much worse.
After correcting the dosage that I had been taking, everything has returned to normal. I consider myself lucky as my research leads me to belive that overdosing on this particular medication can be very serious.
So learn from my mistake..........Always double check and read the label of your prescriptions.
A Large retail grocer, was fined $350,000 last week for a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act that caused a young worker's death.
In August of 2009, at the one of this company's stores in Mississauga, a young worker was helping the assistant store manager clear materials from the top of a cooler beside the meat department. The meat department was covered by a drop ceiling made up of acoustic tiles. The drop ceiling was accessible from the top of the cooler but it was not meant to be weight-bearing.
While removing materials from the top of the cooler, the assistant store manager indicated that a box needed to be removed from on top of the drop ceiling. The young worker stepped onto the drop ceiling to remove the box and fell through. The young worker suffered a fatal head injury.
A Ministry of Labour investigation found that there was no guardrail separating the drop ceiling from the area above the cooler.
The Company pleaded guilty to failing to ensure that a guardrail was in place to prevent workers from accessing the drop ceiling.
OOPs! I forgot to do my Pre-Use Inspection.
Apparently, your NOT ALLOWED to have an emergency at this location!
Heart Safety Tips
Please don't forget to ensure that the TWO Fire Hydrants closes to your house have been dug out from the snow.
I usually spend a couple of hours researching material that I have on file and the internet for information on my selected Safety Tip.
Last week at our BNI networking meeting, Anna Finlan the Registered Massage Therapists in our group presented the following as part of her 60 second informercial. I felt it very fitting to pass it along at this time, particularly as it relates to stress. Which does have a negative impact on your heart.
MASSAGE THERAPY (Immune System and Stress)
Regular massage therapy (every 4 – 6 weeks) can provide significant benefits beyond relaxation.
People who experience high levels of stress tend to get sick more often than others.
Combine stress with a lack of sleep, lack of exercise and poor nutrition, our body’s natural ability to protect against bacteria and infection is greatly reduced.
Massage therapy through increased circulation may increase the number of white blood cells while enhancing their ability to function.
They are your “killer cells” protecting you from invading bacteria. An increase in white blood cells will help to strengthen your immune system which have a positive impact on your health.
Consider following the path of prevention and have regular massage therapy to manage stress and boost your immune system
Ten Tips to a Heart Safety
1. If you don't already know the signs and symptoms of a heart attack, then you need to investigate and learn them. Regardless of your age. It could be someone you love that needs your help.
2. Same thing goes for the signs and symptoms of a stroke. What you learn now may save yourself or some one you love in the future.
3. See your Doctor for a full medical or physical every year without fail. Work with your Doctor to reduce your Blood Pressure or Cholestrol levels if they are high.
4. If you smoke, stop. Or at least reduce the amount by 50% in the next 3 months. Then another 50% in the next 3 months. and so forth.
5. Reduce your stress levels. Don't let people rent space in your head for free! Learn to leave work at work. Try Massage Therapy or Yoga.
6. Exercise and become physically active. 30 minutes daily is your target.
7. Limit your alcohol use. They don't say stop just limit it to reasonable levels.
8. Eat healthy, low fat. low cholesterol foods. Foods rich in Omega-3 are great for your heart.
9. Get at least 8 hours of slepp every night.
10. Maintain good oral health.
Don't forget Valentines Day is coming next week.
Shouldn't we show our love and admiration
to our precious loved ones everday?
The WSIB Workwell program works with companies and organizations that have consistently maintained less-than-satisfactory safety records. The cost of failing a Workwell audit can be substantial.
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Your answer: OperationSafety
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Contact OperationSafety for WSIB Workwell support and guidance. Learn more about the programs we provide by contacting us as well.
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Our workplace safety services specialize in understanding the inner workings of an organization and teaching employers how to implement an active and effective safety program. Our programs bring the meaning on safety to life and include:
