Category: Safety Meetings

Five Common Contributing Factors for Workplace Injuries Safety Talk

There is a long list of possibilities for what can contribute to or cause a workplace injury. Unsafe conditions and unsafe acts are often the root cause of why injuries occur. Unsafe acts, especially, are a huge factor in the majority of workplace injuries.

According to PA Training for Health & Safety, an estimated 80 out of 100 people who are involved in an incident are at fault for it. In this safety talk, we will look at five common contributing factors to workplace injuries.

The Five Contributing Factors

1. Distractions- There are many distractions that can take away focus from the work task at hand. These distractions can be in our actual work environment, such as clutter or noise, or a mental distraction. Mental distractions stemming from what is going on in our home life can serve as a huge disruption to getting tasks done safely at work.
2. Complacency- Many workers do the same tasks over and over for many years. Because of this familiarity with their work, complacency can set in. Complacency leads to taking shortcuts or not following normal work procedures. When this occurs, an injury is more likely to occur on the job.
3. Poor Housekeeping- Housekeeping is a major issue in some workplaces. Poor housekeeping leads to many different hazards. Some common injuries include slips, trips, falls, lacerations, sprains, and strains. A lack of housekeeping often is a signal that there are larger safety issues at hand.
4. Poor Preplanning- The lack of planning leads to a huge number of issues. When the hazards of a new task are not evaluated prior to work beginning, hazards are going to be left uncontrolled. This leaves employees at risk for injury. Poor preplanning can also lead to issues with not having the correct equipment, tools, materials, personnel, and training for the work, as well as a lack of time to get the job done. All of these issues have their own unique safety implications.
5. Taking Shortcuts- A major unsafe act that results in many workplace injuries is taking shortcuts. There are various reasons why a worker takes a shortcut, but eventually, enough safety shortcuts will lead to a workplace injury.

Summary

These are just five of the more common factors that cause or contribute to workplace injuries. Evaluate your work today and see if any of these five items mentioned are at play. Work to eliminate these factors to ensure you are able to work safely.

Safety Can Be Redundant 

Some individuals like to reflect back on the “old days” when it was all about production to protest the ever-increasing emphasis on workplace safety. Over the last few decades, many changes have come into play regarding workplace safety. Whether it is through new technologies, new laws, new rules, or just more focus given to safety, those in the same job for years have experienced a major shift towards more of an emphasis on safety than the years before.

Why Safety Can Be Redundant

Often times the same work tasks are completed every single day. Because of this, the safety issues and focuses are often the same- day in and day out. The discussions on safety will often focus on a handful of hazards for the work going on that day. The reason for this is that the same hazards often are the ones that cause the majority of incidents and injuries. While discussing and focusing on the same old hazards can get redundant, it is important never to become complacent toward them.

Battling Complacency

We do many of our work tasks in the same exact way every single day. Yet paperwork is still filled out, and discussions are still had regarding safety for these tasks. One of the most difficult things to avoid at work is complacency with hazards as well as going through the motions with safety procedures. As time goes on, individuals become more confident in their abilities and knowledge at work, and some people are willing to take more risks. This is one reason why safety issues need to be constantly reinforced, even if it has become redundant to talk about them.

Summary

It is understood that safety can be redundant at times, but it needs to be understood by employees that we all need to be reminded to stay focused on working safely. The same old hazards are often the ones that get people injured. OSHA’s Fatal Four  hazards are an example of this. It is known that falls, electrocutions, struck-by, and caught-in or between incidents are the main causes for the overwhelming majority of fatalities in the industry yet it reoccurs year after year. Do not get complacent with the hazards of your work, and do not view some redundancy in a safety program as a negative.

Task Planning

Today more than ever, demands at work are at an all-time high. Productivity is recognized and rewarded in the workplace. Working fast, however, does not always equal working productively and efficiently. When we go to do a work task it is very important to plan out the time and resources it might take beforehand. Poor planning and inefficiency in the work process creates many problems and affects our ability to work safely and productively.

Task Preplanning

When more than one work task needs to completed in a day and there is not adequate time or resources to complete the tasks, there is a breakdown in the workers’ day. It is important upfront to know what time and resources are needed for a task. This planning should start at the management level and they should get input from any subject matter experts as well as the workers involved in the task.

This process can be informal, but especially for complex tasks, there should be a written document outlining the steps of the task. After reviewing the steps of the task, the necessary training, personnel, equipment, permits (if needed), and time needed for the task can be determined. When all of this is determined up front, and all of the necessary resources are made available for the work task ahead of time, everything can run efficiently.

Adjusting Work Plans

While we can plan all we want, there will still be changes that we will have to account for and adjust for. Things such as equipment breakdowns, employee absences, and weather are just a few common problems that could throw off the original for the task. For critical tasks especially- there should always be backup plans thought of in case of changes. When things come up and changes need to be made, the new plan has to be implemented thoughtfully. If new equipment or personnel have to come in on a work task, take the time to let everyone involved know of the changes. Look at the original plan again and see if any additional resources or time will be needed after the change.

Weather Considerations

Weather is one item that should always be planned for during every task. In the construction industry, for example, there is a lot of grade work and excavations every day. If there is rain in the forecast for later in the day then the supervisors and operators should have a plan of where the run-off water will go and accumulate. Having a plan to adjust your work area before the weather arrives could mean the difference between a few hours and a few days of downtime in a work area. Not only will this planning and adjustment lead to production, it will also allow everyone in that work area to work safer after the rain event.

What Can Hurt Me Today? 

Every day before our work begins, we should go through some type of process to evaluate the work for the day as well as the associated hazards. This process can include a self-check as well as a work area inspection and inspection of tools or equipment. During this process, a main objective should be identifying hazards so that you can take steps to eliminate or mitigate the hazards found. One useful question to ask yourself before a work task begins is: “What can hurt me?”.

Asking this Question as a Tool

Asking this question should trigger you to stop and really look around your work area and consider what dangers you are dealing with. Identifying uncontrolled hazards should be a top priority before starting any work task. Taking ownership of these hazards and seeing them through to get corrected is necessary for a safe workplace.

Taking Ownership of Mitigating Hazards

Identifying hazards is not worth much if you do not see it through that they are properly addressed. Even if you spot something and make a mental note to avoid that hazard, it could seriously injure someone else in the area. Take the time and energy to properly mitigate the hazard so not only will you not be affected by it, but also your coworkers will not be either.

Summary

While a positive mindset and attitude are important for success in the workplace, asking yourself critical questions such as “what can hurt me today?” can trigger you to take the extra time to really evaluate a work task. Take ownership of hazards in your work area and see them through so that they get fixed. After all, you never know what safeguard or action may make the difference in preventing an injury.

Mentoring

Dictionary.com defines a mentor as a wise and trusted counselor or teacher. While that definition sounds like a formal and structured relationship between two people, it isn’t always the case. Often times a mentor at work is just someone from whom you are able to seek guidance or expertise. They are someone who has a lot of experience with a certain task or job and is willing to help younger or less experienced coworkers. Many companies understand the importance a mentor can have for a new hire and actually have an established program to make sure new hires have a mentor on the job. There are a lot of benefits from having a mentor at work.

Benefits of Mentors at Work

1. Less job stress- Understanding your role at the company from someone who has gone through some of the same experiences can help to reduce the stress of a job. Many times our friends or family may not understand the stressors and issues we deal with at work, so having a relationship with someone who understands the issues that your position can create can be useful.
2. Fewer injuries and incidents- Obviously, when people with less experience are trained better and are given guidance, there is less chance for injury. Experienced individuals have to be willing to step up and talk to lesser experienced individuals when they see them working unsafely.
3. More efficiency- Production goes up when a new hire understands how to properly do their tasks. Experienced individuals have learned many valuable tips and tricks over the years that can be helpful for new hires.
4. Improved morale- When everyone helps each other out, it is a more enjoyable place to work.

Summary

If you do not have a mentor at work, think about reaching out more often to experienced coworkers around you. It does not have to be a structured relationship or even defined as a mentor/new hire relationship. It can just be looked at as being able to approach someone to get guidance or advice when needed. If you are an experienced worker, look to help out those coming up behind you. Everyone can learn from each other in different ways. Even new hires or younger individuals have life experiences that may drastically help someone who has a lot of experience in their field. Everybody wins when all the individuals on a worksite are able to work safely and efficiently.

Continually Learning Safety Talk

Continual learning is critical for success in any area of our lives, whether that is as a parent, spouse, employee, leader, community member, etc. Having a growth mindset when it comes to work separates those who stay stagnant in their position at work and those who eventually land better opportunities for themselves. Continually learning and expanding your knowledge in regard to what you do at work will allow you to be a safer and more efficient worker.

On the other hand, having a fixed mindset when it comes to work will not only hold an individual back from better opportunities, but it can also lead to injuries on the job.

Having a Fixed Mindset at Work

Change is inevitable. Many workers have been in the same field for over 20, 30, or even 40 years, but think how different the same workplace was even just a decade ago. Workers who want to hold on to the old days and fight change at every single turn will eventually get left behind. Not only will your career suffer from not embracing change, but you can also be more at risk for injury.

With more emphasis on workplace safety, most companies have transitioned into using safer equipment and implementing safer work practices. When individuals do not embrace these changes, they are not only putting themselves at risk for injury but also everyone around them.

Continually Learning and Workplace Safety

Our workplaces are always evolving. With ever-improving technologies and new ways to complete work tasks, we are arguably progressing faster than ever. It is critical for workers to be able to receive and adjust to this new information and use it to be successful in their position. With any changes, even if it is something that makes a work task safer, it is necessary to understand what impact that it has on your job.

When processes, equipment, tools, etc., change for a work task, it is necessary to be able to identify what new hazards may be created and what needs to be done to mitigate them. Being a worker who is able to foresee the issues that new changes bring and have solutions for those issues is critical to be successful as well as remaining safe on the job.

Dealing with Hazards Safety Talk

Every single day we are faced with hazards, whether that is walking out of our house in the morning, or during the tasks we complete at work. For a workplace to be safe, the employees must have the training and knowledge to be able to recognize hazards and take actions to mitigate them. All too often, hazards are recognized or identified, but actions are not taken to eliminate the hazard. When this occurs, the hazard is left to be dealt with by anyone in that work area.

It is impossible to fully eliminate every single hazard we face while at work. That being said, too many hazards are left for employees to have to deal with or workaround instead of addressing them properly.

Examples of Hazards Being Left to be Dealt With

1. A piece of metal is sticking up out of the ground in a work area on a construction site. An employee lets his fellow workers know of the presence of the metal however, that is all the action that is taken. Anyone walking through that area still has to deal with that hazard. A more effective response would be to call a piece of heavy equipment over to remove the metal from the ground.
2. A leaky pipe is causing a wet spot on a factory floor. The leak was spotted months ago, but the only response was to put up a sign to warn personnel of slick conditions. Taking the time to fix the pipe properly ensures employees do not slip due to the wet conditions.
3. You see a coworker backing up in a skid steer every time they do a certain work task without a spotter. Being more experienced, you know that he is backing up blindly, and if anything or anyone would be in his path of travel, they would definitely be struck. You make a mental note to avoid his work area. Instead of just making a mental note to yourself to stay away, take the time to have a conversation with the individual to discuss a safer and more efficient way to complete the task.

Do not just “deal” with hazards, eliminate them whenever possible. All too often, the time or energy is not spent to properly address hazards to make a work area or work task safe. It is true that taking some action is better than none at all, but often it does not take much more time to get the problem fully corrected and addressed to be sure no one will be injured by that hazard.

Spill Prevention Two Best Practices Safety Talk

Preventing spills is vital to protecting the environment, avoiding unnecessary regulatory fines, and preventing workplace injuries and illnesses. The best approach to prevent spills is through exercising proactive behavior to ensure they never occur.

Proper planning and safe handling of chemicals will contribute to a safe working environment, and if not prevent a spill, will provide for safe action in handling it.

Best Practice #1: Spill Prevention Through Preparation

To properly prepare for a work task involving the potential spill of chemicals, an individual should review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for each chemical being used. The SDS will identify vital information needed, such as proper storage, possible chemical reactions, and what personal protective equipment (PPE) is needed for handling the chemical.

All employees working with chemicals should be trained on the chemicals they use, the Hazard Communication Program requirements, and the personal protective equipment they are to use. Never proceed with a work task if hazards are left unaddressed.

Best Practice #2: Utilizing Secondary Containments

One of the best methods to prevent fluids from reaching the ground is to utilize secondary containments. Chemicals, equipment using fuel, circulating equipment, and hose connections should all be staged in secondary containments.

Specific safeguards must be maintained to keep containments free from compromise. Spare containments or patch kits should be readily available at the worksite. Containment walls must be installed correctly, and sides should be free of collapse. All hardware designed to install containments must be used correctly and in its entirety. Hoses routed over containment sides should not rest directly on the walls to avoid causing a lay-down effect. These low points serve as potential leak points should chemicals pool in the bottom.

Summary

Preventing and containing spills is a significant concern in many industries. Spill prevention is a detailed process that focuses on preventative measures that can be taken to keep fluids from reaching the ground and potentially harming the environment. Good judgment and meticulousness in adhering to policies and instructions can lead to a successful outcome.

Insect Sting Allergies Safety Talk

There are many allergens that can cause an allergic reaction. One of the most common allergens and hardest to avoid are insect stings. According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, it has been estimated that potentially life-threatening allergic reactions to insect venom occur in 0.4 percent to 0.8 percent of children and 3 percent of adults. Even after experiencing a normal reaction to insect stings, it is possible to experience a more serious allergic reaction at any time during your lifetime.

It is important to avoid insect stings whenever possible, as well as how to respond when someone is suffering from a severe allergic reaction.

Insect Stings in the United States

According to AAACI.org, there are five insects that cause the majority of allergic reactions in the United States. These insects are honeybees, hornets, wasps, yellow jackets, and fire ants. According to NIOSH, thousands of people are stung by insects each year, and as many as 90–100 people in the United States die as a result of allergic reactions. This number may be underreported as deaths may be mistakenly diagnosed as heart attacks or sunstrokes or may be attributed to other causes.  Insect stings can result in any of the following symptoms:

• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling (in the area of sting and sometimes beyond)
• Flushing
• Hives
• Itching
• Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is the most serious reaction to allergens there is. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening whole-body allergic reaction that can impair your breathing, cause a dramatic drop in your blood pressure, and affect your heart rate. Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical treatment, including an injection of epinephrine and a trip to a hospital emergency room. If it isn’t treated properly, anaphylaxis can be fatal.

Best Practices in Avoiding Insect Sting Allergic Reactions

• Avoid stinging insects whenever possible.
• If you know you have severe reactions to insect stings, do not complete work tasks that put you at great risk of being stung.
• Inspect work areas prior to completing any work to ensure there are no insect nests that could be disturbed.
• Wear long sleeves and long pants in case of an insect attack.
• Have an EPI pen on hand in case of a sting, and ensure your coworkers know where it is. If you suspect someone is suffering some type of serious allergic reaction immediately call 911, even if an EPI pen has been used.

Three Self-centered Reasons to Work Safely (Safety Talk)

Everyone has their reasons for why they do certain things or why they may choose not to do something. Safety on the job or even just at home is no different. There are many different reasons why you should want to work safely. While working safely benefits everyone on the job, some people may need to approach safety from a self-centered perspective to reinforce making the right choices on the job.

Three Self-centered Reasons to Work Safe

1. Your health. Obviously, your health and well-being should be the biggest motivator as to why you should choose to work safely. Once we lose our health or impact it severely, it may never be the same. It is important to really think about how a severe injury would change the rest of your life.
2. Providing for your family. Your family depends on your ability to earn an income. When you are injured or ill, you can lose that ability very quickly. Even if it is only for a short time, the financial and emotional effects on your family can be drastic.
3. Your reputation. While productive employees are still very much rewarded at many companies, working safely is often recognized right along with production. Your reputation at work not only affects you in your current position, but it also can affect getting a future promotion at your company or opportunities at other companies. No one wants to reward a risk-taker or put them in a position of power when safety is paramount. If it is known that you are a worker that cuts corners or does not work safely, it could make all the difference in whether or not you get the chance at a better opportunity.

Summary

You should want to work safely not only for yourself but for your coworkers and the company you work for as well. Choosing to take safety risks affects you and your family the most, but it also can have serious negative effects for everyone else around you. The next time you are considering taking a shortcut while on the job, think about what you have to lose personally as well as the negative effects for everyone else around you.