Download this Push Mower Safety Meeting Guide to identify hazards and safe working practices regarding push mowers including the potential for contact with moving or hot parts; flying debris thrown from under the mower; high noise levels.

Download this Push Mower Safety Meeting Guide to identify hazards and safe working practices regarding push mowers including the potential for contact with moving or hot parts; flying debris thrown from under the mower; high noise levels.

Download this Refueling Equipment Safety Meeting Guide to identify hazards and safe working practices regarding refueling equipment including how gasoline and its vapors have the potential to ignite if brought close enough to a heat source.

Download this Refueling Equipment Safety Meeting Guide to identify hazards and safe working practices regarding refueling equipment including how gasoline and its vapors have the potential to ignite if brought close enough to a heat source.

Download this Riding Mower Safety Meeting Guide to identify hazards and safe working practices regarding riding mowers including the potential for contact with moving or hot parts; flying debris thrown from under the mower; high noise levels; potential for mower to overturn and pin the operator.

Download this Riding Mower Safety Meeting Guide to identify hazards and safe working practices regarding riding mowers including the potential for contact with moving or hot parts; flying debris thrown from under the mower; high noise levels; potential for mower to overturn and pin the operator.

Download this Safety Meeting Sign-In Attendance form that documents that a safety meeting covering the specified topic was conducted, with the listed participants in attendance.

Download this Safety Meeting Sign-In Attendance form that documents that a safety meeting covering the specified topic was conducted, with the listed participants in attendance.

Download this Tarp Handling Safety Meeting Guide to identify hazards associated with tarp handling including how filled tarps can be heavy and large/awkward to lift, which can lead to back and shoulder injuries.

Download this Tarp Handling Safety Meeting Guide to identify hazards associated with tarp handling including how filled tarps can be heavy and large/awkward to lift, which can lead to back and shoulder injuries.

Download this Weed Eater Safety Meeting Guide to identify hazards associated with weed eaters including the potential for contact with moving or hot parts; flying debris; high noise levels.

Download this Weed Eater Safety Meeting Guide to identify hazards associated with weed eaters including the potential for contact with moving or hot parts; flying debris; high noise levels.

FIRE PREVENTION

DID YOU KNOW?

Fire kills more people each year than all-natural disasters combined.

• Every 24 seconds there is a fire that requires the fire departments attention.
• There were 1,319,500 fires reported by fire departments in 2017 resulting in 3,400 deaths.

Every 85 seconds, a fire breaks out somewhere in Canada. And in the United States, the number of fatal work injuries resulting from fires and explosions in 2010 rose to 187, an increase of 65% over the previous year. Of the 187 fatalities, 82 occurred in multiple fatality incidents.

More than one in every four office property fires (29%) was caused by cooking equipment, but these fires accounted for just 6% of the direct property damage experienced by office properties. Fires that were intentionally set caused the largest share of direct property damage (20%), while causing 10% of office property fires. Electrical distribution and lighting equipment were the second leading cause of office property fires (12%) of fires, while causing 15% of direct property damage.

Just over one-fifth (22%) of the reported fires in office properties began in the kitchen or cooking area, causing one percent of the direct property damage. The highest share of direct property damage (24% of total) resulted from fires starting in an office, which were the cause of 12% of office property fires. Although just two percent of office fires began in the attic, ceiling/roof assembly or concealed space, they were responsible for 13% of the direct property damage. Four out of five office property fires were confined to the room of origin.

When present, wet pipe sprinklers operated 90% of the time in fires large enough to activate the equipment, and they were effective in 88% of these fires. Deaths per 1,000 fires were 62% lower in stores and offices equipped with wet pipe sprinklers compared to properties with no automatic extinguishing equipment.

KEEP IN MIND

Eliminating fire hazards is a central part of any Workplace Safety Program.

These seem like simple and straightforward requirements. But in operation, they often prove to be anything but. Alarming numbers of citations get issued because employers fail to carry out these tasks; sadly, such breakdowns also lead to fatalities.

The key to avoiding mistakes is to remain vigilant. You must be constantly on the lookout for problems before fire breaks out (or an OSHA inspector finds them for you). Like most employers, you might form your workers into fire safety teams and have them conduct regular inspections. But you also need to ensure those teams know what they’re doing. That’s a training imperative if you want them to conduct a meaningful inspection. All of the above is just rhetoric without a well-planned and cogent foundation. The optimal inspection is the formation and implementation of a comprehensive

Fire prevention policy. which incorporates the following:

A. Emergency Plans

Tells how to evacuate in case of fire and how to account for all those evacuated. Fire drills based on the emergency plan will assist in understanding what to do during an emergency.

B. Fire Safety Equipment 

Fire extinguishers, fire alarms, smoke detectors, fire sprinkler systems all play a vital role in fire prevention. It is important therefore to ensure that all equipment is in working order and in compliance with fire safety codes.

• The stipulated number of extinguishers are present (within 75 feet distance from any place in your facility).
• The size, rating, and type of fire extinguishers match the requirement for your kind of business. (At least a 2A-10BC size rating).
• The extinguishers, fire alarm panels, and fire sprinklers have been serviced and inspected within the previous 12 months.
• All extinguishers are mounted on the wall in keeping with the specified fire safety recommendations (the top of the unit must be no higher than 3.5 feet if extinguishers are greater than 40 pounds and 5 feet if lighter.)
• There are no warning lights on your fire alarm panel.
• There is adequate clearance around fire sprinkler deflectors (at least 18 inches, according to the NFPA).
• There are no signs of leakage, physical damage or corrosion on any of the equipment.
• The valves, hose connections, and water pressure are adequate to the requirements of the fire code.

C. Fire, Exit Routes

Ensure that there are no obstructions to people exiting the building in case of a fire emergency.

This includes pathways, exits, aisles, and walkways.

• At least two stipulated fire exits are present.
• All exit doors are unlocked at all times of occupancy.
• Aisles that lead to and away from fire exits are unobstructed.
• The pathway that leads to exit doors is wide enough (at least 36 inches wide.)
• Fire exits are provided with panic hardware.
• All doors to fire exits can be easily opened in case of emergency.
• Easy access to fire protection equipment like fire extinguishers and fire alarm control panel.
• The paths to the exits are well lit and clearly marked.
• The exit signs have backup batteries (to allow for a minimum of 90 minutes power backup) in case the lights go off during a fire emergency.

D. Good Practices for Fire Safety

Strictly adhering to compliance standards in the following areas can go a long way in ensuring

fire prevention.

• All combustible materials are stored in fireproof cabinets.
• The number of people in your premises doesn’t exceed the maximum occupancy limits at any time.
• Electrical sockets are not overloaded and there are no improper multi-plug adapters used.
• All electrical panels are easily accessible and there are no obstructions to their use.
• All potentially flammable materials are kept away from electrical (Usually, a 3 feet clearance is required.)

E. Regulation-Training

The underpinning of a successful and effective fire prevention is Training.

Employers should train workers about fire hazards in the workplace and about what to do in a fire emergency. If you want your workers to evacuate, you should train them on how to escape. If you expect your workers to use firefighting equipment, you should give them appropriate equipment and train them to use the equipment safely. (See Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 1910 Subparts E and L; and Part 1926 Subparts C and F.)

Having workers trained in first aid on each shift can be extremely beneficial in the event of an emergency. Fill in the missing letters to complete the puzzle. 

Tools can help you get the job done quicker, but also introduce many different hazards to the worksite. Fill in the missing letters to complete the puzzle. 

Stay safe! HAZCOM allows workers to know what hazards to look out for before they encounter a hazardous chemical. Fill in the missing letters to complete the puzzle. 

WHAT’S AT STAKE

Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Needlesticks and other sharps-related injuries may expose workers to bloodborne pathogens. Workers in many occupations, including first responders, housekeeping personnel in some industries, nurses and other healthcare personnel, all may be at risk for exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Bloodborne pathogens are infectious agents that can cause illness and death.

WHAT’ S THE DANGER

Many people infected with HBV do not know they have the virus because symptoms can take two to six months to appear and only about 50 percent of people develop symptoms. During this time, they can spread the infection to others.

TRANSMISSION

HBV is spread through contact with infected blood and body fluids including semen and vaginal fluid.

The most common risk factors for HBV infection include:

• Injection drug use (past and/or present) and intranasal drug use (snorting) when sharing contaminated drug-using equipment (e.g., needles, straws pipes, spoons and cookers);
• High-risk sexual activities (e.g., unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners);
• Being born or living in a region where HBV is widespread;
• Being born to a mother with HBV;
• Exposure to blood/blood products in endemic regions without routine infection control measures;
• Use of shared or contaminated medical or dental devices;
• Sharing personal care articles such as razors, scissors, nail clippers or toothbrushes with an infected person;
• Exposure in the workplace by getting pricked by a needle or sharp equipment that had infected blood or body fluids on it;
• Tattooing, body piercing or acupuncture when unsterile equipment or techniques are used; and
• Exposure to blood, blood products or organ transplantation in Canada prior to 1970.

SYMPTOMS OF HEPATITIS B

Symptoms of HBV infection can include some or all of the following: fatigue, loss of appetite, fever, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, pale stools, stomach pain, joint pain and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

IMPLEMENT THE USE OF UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS

• Identify and use engineering controls.
• Identify and ensure the use of work practice controls.
• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Make available hepatitis B vaccinations to all workers with occupational exposure.
• Make available post-exposure evaluation and follow-up to any occupationally exposed worker who experiences an exposure incident.
• Use labels and signs to communicate hazards.
• Provide information and training to workers.

PROTECTION

Hepatitis B vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against becoming infected.

PRECAUTIONS

• Avoid sharing needles/syringes, spoons, drug solutions or water, filters, cookers, pipes, straws used for snorting drugs, and other drug related equipment. Cleaning with bleach may not kill HBV;
• Practice safer sex. Use condoms/dental dams to reduce the risk of acquiring sexually transmitted and blood borne infections (STBBIs) including HBV;
• Avoid dental, medical or cosmetic procedures that penetrate the skin (e.g., transfusions, acupuncture, piercing or tattooing) unless you are certain that the needles, materials and equipment are sterile;
• Wear latex gloves if you are likely to be in contact with someone else’s blood or bodily fluids;
• Don’t share personal items like razors, scissors, nail clippers or toothbrushes; and
• Be especially careful when travelling abroad in countries where HBV is widespread.

FINAL WORD

Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms in human blood that cause disease in humans. These are infectious agents that can cause illness and death. Take the recommended precautions to stay safe and protect yourself form contracting Hepatitis B.

1. Hepatitis A is the milder form of hepatitis, which rarely causes death or lasting damage to the liver. Most people with hepatitis A recover in a few weeks or months. Hepatitis A, like hepatitis E, is transmitted through contaminated food or drinks, but is preventable through immunization.
2. Hepatitis B is transmitted through infected blood and other bodily fluids and is therefore commonly passed through sex, the sharing of needles, or from a mother to her child. A vaccine for hepatitis B does exist and infected adults usually recover from the disease within a few months and are immune to the disease afterwards. However, hepatitis B can cause cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer and can result in death if left untreated.
3. Hepatitis C, much like hepatitis B, is spread through infected blood. There is no vaccination for hepatitis C and, although in some cases it only lasts for a few weeks, it can also develop into a life-long chronic infection that can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer, and death.

STATS

Case studies in the U.S identifies the following Hepatitis B and C outbreaks from 2008 to 2018.

Hepatitis B (total 25 outbreaks including two of both HBV and HCV, 183 outbreak-associated cases, 13,246 persons notified for screening):

• 19 outbreaks occurred in long-term care facilities, with at least 133 outbreak-associated cases of HBV and approximately 1,679 at-risk persons notified for screening
• 79% (15/19) of the outbreaks were associated with infection control breaks during assisted monitoring of blood glucose (AMBG)
• 6 outbreaks occurred in other settings, one each at: an outpatient cardiology clinic, a free dental clinic in school gymnasium, an outpatient oncology clinic, a hospital surgery service, and two at pain remediation clinics (one outbreak of HBV and one with both HBV and HCV), with 50 outbreak-associated cases of HBV and 11,567 persons at-risk persons notified for screening

Hepatitis C (43 total outbreaks including two of both HBV and HCV, 328 outbreak-associated cases, >112,406 at-risk persons notified for screening):

• 16 outbreaks occurred in outpatient or long-term care facilities (including the two outbreaks of both HBV and HCV also listed above), with 134 outbreak-associated cases of HCV and >80,293 persons notified for screening
• 22 outbreaks occurred in hemodialysis settings, with 104 outbreak-associated cases of HCV and 3,134 persons notified for screening

Four outbreaks occurred because of drug diversion by HCV-infected health care providers, with at least 90 outbreak-associated cases of HCV and 28,989 persons notified for screening

Health officials are warning Indiana fast-food lovers of a case of Hepatitis A confirmed in a Burger King employee who handled food while sick.

“While it is relatively rare for restaurants patrons to become infected with Hepatitis A virus due to an infected food handler, anyone who consumed food or drink at Burger King on May 22 – 24, 2018 is recommended to receive vaccination by June 7, 2018,” said a statement from the health department. “Burger King is working with us to prevent any new cases from arising in the community as a result of this case.”

The vaccinations will be administered at the Lawrence County Health Department, 2419 Mitchell Road.

Officials also suggest that anyone who ate at the location while the employee was working monitor their health for symptoms up to 50 days after exposure and wash their hands thoroughly.

What is wrong in this picture? Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are three of the most common bloodborne pathogens from which health care workers are at risk. In this case as you can see on the image there is a health care worker who is potentially exposed to these diseases in this way; a percutaneous injury in which a health care worker is injured by a sharps object.

When personal protective equipment is not readily available or accessible, employees are less likely to wear it.  This puts them at risk of exposure to blood and body fluids and vulnerability to bloodborne pathogens.

If you are stuck with a needle, get blood in your eye, or are exposed to any bloodborne pathogen; wash the area, use soap and water on your skin. If your eye is exposed, irrigate with clean water, saline, or a sterile irrigant, tell your supervisor right away that you were exposed, and get medical help right away. You may or may not need lab tests, a vaccine, or medicines.

Struck-by and caught-between hazards can occur without warning and cause serious damage. Can you find all the words associated with struck-by and caught-between?

Airborne hazards are often invisible but can be just as deadly as other hazards. Make sure your workers have adequate respiratory protection. Can you find all the words associated with respiratory protection?

Radiation hazards can range from minimal, to long term consequences, to instant and severe health effects. Can you find all the words associated with radiation?

Ladders are incredibly versatile tools. However, they introduce many new hazards to the workplace. Can you find all the words associated with Ladders?

Keep hazardous energy locked up! Lockout Tagout procedures are vital parts of many workplaces. Can you find all the words associated with lockout tagout?