| Speak their language
Different communication techniques
make a difference in safety
Do what you can to meet the learning needs of your employees while meeting business needs at the same time. People learn differently. They learn from the repetition of seeing and hearing facts. Try different communications techniques like these to get your safety messages across:
- Write a safety policy statement and share it with
all staff.
- Put safety responsibilities and performance measures in writing.
- Post safety committee meeting minutes.
- Use a safety suggestion program.
- Publish a safety newsletter or forward this one
to your staff.
- Provide training for each service group.
Try a new technique with food services
Studies show that food service injuries are highest in the first couple months of school. That's now. Look for ways to increase awareness of hazards and educate your food service employees with these tips:
| Knife safety |
- Keep knives sharp.
- Always use a cutting board. Never cut items in your hands.
- Store knives in knife blocks or wall magnets, never loosely in a drawer.
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| Floor safety |
- Clean up spills promptly.
- Use signs to warn of a slippery floor.
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| Burn prevention |
- When taking the lid off a hot pot, lift the edge farthest from you to release steam.
- Leave a hot pad on top of lids as a warning that it may be hot.
- Ensure pot handles do not extend past stove top. The pot could be knocked off the stove as someone passes by.
- Never use a wet hot pad. It can create steam and cause severe burns.
- Use a cart when transporting pots with hot liquid rather than carrying them.
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| Safe lifting |
- Use carts when transporting heavy items.
- Store heaviest items on middle shelves and lightest items on top shelves.
- Use proper techniques when lifting:
1) Head up. 2) Load close. 3) Back in neutral position. 4) Lift with legs.
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Point out the obvious
There is no harm in reminding employees of the obvious. Visual reminders like posters and paycheck stuffers reinforce what employees may have seen in a training session. Five- or 10-minute safety talks at the start of meetings or shifts serve as reminders and show employees their well-being is important.
For more safety topic ideas, visit SFM's online resource catalog to order materials. |
Advice from SFM's print publication
Stretching: Start the day on the right foot
Whether you're running a construction company, manufacturing plant or school kitchen, stretching is a good idea. Learn how this organization implemented a stretching program for real bottom-line dollar results.
See page 7
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National School
Bus Safety Week
Oct. 20-24
National School Bus Safety Week is an active and evolving public education program designed to promote school bus safety. It's an excellent way for parents, students, teachers, motorists, school bus operators, school administrators, and others to join forces and address the importance of school bus safety.
Get involved.
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