June 15, 2010

Hiring summer help
With the right precautions, you can avoid the risks

Young workers, particularly young men, are at a higher risk of injury than other workers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics.

In addition, for workers under age 24, more than half of workplace accidents occur during the first six months on the job. Nearly 20 percent occur during the first month, according to the bureau. Young workers generally are inexperienced at recognizing workplace hazards. When hiring young workers:

Train on the basics
Help them understand your organization's safety culture. Tell them what you expect of them in terms of safety.

Teach them to recognize workplace hazards. Point out the obvious.

Explain safeguards that are in place to eliminate or minimize hazards, such as local exhaust ventilation, personal protective equipment, and guards around equipment.

Train on specific job tasks
For example, operating a machine or using a unique tool.

Explain what tasks the worker should not do without specific training or qualifications, such as operating grounds equipment or handling chemicals.

Make workers aware of restricted access areas, such as confined spaces or a laboratory. Use your school's health and safety program and safe work procedures as guides.

Provide supervision, ongoing training
Observe workers working. Look for unsafe behaviors and offer feedback. Enforce safety rules and work procedures. Do follow-up training.

Consider a mentoring or buddy system for young and new workers. Have an experienced person be a buddy to answer questions. However, don't use a "buddy" to provide initial training.

Know the law
Young workers are protected by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act and the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Use SFM's "Hiring minor employees" Legal Advisory for more specific information.

Prepare for
summer hazards

Working from heights
Summer tasks, such as cleaning or changing light fixtures and painting, may require employees to work from heights. Train on:

• Safe use of aerial lifts
• Proper use and inspection of ladders

Deep cleaning
Employees may use hazardous chemicals and do heavy lifting while cleaning. Train on:

• Proper lifting techniques
• Proper use of personal protective equipment
• The importance of knowing chemicals and reviewing MSDSs.

Equipment maintenance
When working with powered equipment, employees need to know to control both unexpected mechanical motion and electrical hazards. Train on:

• Proper lockout/tagout

Outdoor work
Train on:

• Safe lawn care techniques
• Working in the summer heat. Knowing the signs of heat-related illness.

Advice from SFM's

Health risk management
Take stock of the results of your wellness program

You've got your leaders inspired and committed to encouraging healthier lifestyles for your employees, and you've got your employees participating in your organization's wellness activities. Now it's time to move your wellness program forward by analyzing the results and making improvements.

Your organization's wellness program, whether small or comprehensive, can be improved and built upon each year. Changing employees' attitudes and behaviors takes time. But it's worth the investment by giving your organization healthier, more productive employees and a break to your bottom line.

Read more...