June 11, 2009

An educational resource for schools served by SFM

Don't take a break from
safety this summer

The students are gone, the teachers are leaving and the summer maintenance projects are about to get started--all signs of summer break.

Unfortunately, with summer projects come more safety risks and injuries. Risks might include weather, uncommon tools, unfamiliar equipment, unique projects or unseasoned employees. Address these risks by keeping employees in the know.

• Start by doing a workplace analysis and equipment inspections. Make sure all hazards have been identified and eliminated when possible.
• Educate front-line employees about the work activities, risks and safety procedures of every project. Tell employees their responsibilities for safety. They need to know your expectations.
• Train on the hazards before the job begins.
• Give explicit directions about what needs to be done.
• Lay out the timeline and have everyone agree to it. Rushing causes accidents and injuries.
• Observe work activities and offer feedback. Ensure safe work practices and appropriate tools and equipment are used correctly.
• Train periodically on safe work practices. Custodians and grounds workers should be aware of these specific hazards:  
  
  
  • Safe lifting
  • Use of scissor lifts and scaffolds
  • Lockout/tagout issues
  • Confined space issues such as tunnels and manholes
  • Slippery conditions such as floor buffing
  • Ladder use
  • Cell phone use while driving
  • Interior demolition work
  • Lawn care safety

Call your SFM Loss Prevention representative for more information on specific safety training or for assistance at (800) 937-1181 or (952) 838-4200.

Advice from SFM's print publication

Injured workers stay at work, transition back to regular jobs

LUXEMBURG, Wis.--Having injured employees recuperate while doing transitional work takes special effort from company leaders, but for this northeastern Wisconsin plastics manufacturer it results in higher employee morale and lower business costs.

N.E.W. Plastics, home to 175 employees, has few injuries thanks to its safety culture and injury prevention programs. Should an injury happen, it triggers an accident analysis aimed at preventing similar incidents from happening again.

It also triggers a series of steps aimed at helping the injured employee return to work--a human resources approach that N.E.W. Plastics takes even during the tighter financial conditions of the turbulent economy.

Read more about SFM's Premier Partner Award winner and its best practices for early return to work.

Heat, insects and temps--resources to cut your risks

A number of seasonal issues crop up in the summer months. Here are a few things to be alert for and resources that can help.

Heat-related injuries. Use "Know the signs of heat-related illnesses" handout and paycheck stuffer and "Heat stress" 5-Minute Solution for help educating employees.

Insect borne diseases. Use "Insect-borne diseases" 5-Minute Solution to help employees recognize the symptoms of insect-borne diseases.

Seasonal workers. Use "Hiring minor employees" Legal Advisory and "Immigrant workers" CompTalk to understand the legal implications of hiring and working with temporary or seasonal workers.

These and many other resources can be found in SFM's online Resource Catalog.