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Safety Meetings with Workers

The First Day Formula: Setting Up New Hires for Success

When it comes to applying for workers’ compensation insurance, having a formal hiring and training procedure is not just a box to tick; it’s a strategic approach that can enhance your eligibility for preferred rates and additional discounts. A well-structured new employee orientation process not only streamlines your hiring and training but also sets a solid foundation for your team’s future success. Here’s how you can utilize a comprehensive New Employee Orientation Checklist to ensure you can confidently answer “Yes” when asked about formal hiring and training procedures during the insurance application process.

11 tips for effective workplace housekeeping

11-tips-for-effective-workplace-housekeepingTo some people, the word “housekeeping” calls to mind cleaning floors and surfaces, removing dust, and organizing clutter.

But in a work setting, it means much more. Housekeeping is crucial to safe workplaces. It can help prevent injuries and improve productivity and morale, as well as make a good first impression on visitor. It also can help an employer avoid potential fines for non-compliance.

The practice extends from traditional offices to industrial workplaces, including factories, warehouses and manufacturing plants that present special challenges such as hazardous materials, combustible dust and other flammables. Experts agree that all workplace safety programs should incorporate housekeeping, and every worker should play a part. In addition, housekeeping should have management’s commitment so workers realize its importance. Here are 11 tips for effective workplace housekeeping.Read More »11 tips for effective workplace housekeeping

What to do if you see a downed power line

What to do if you see a downed power line

What to do if you see a downed power line

Never, ever touch a downed power line or go near one. Power lines are not insulated like power cords. Always assume the power line is live.

  • Don’t touch a fallen power line or anything touching the wire.
  • Do not touch anything or anyone in contact with a fallen power line or other equipment.
  • Keep children and pets away from fallen electric wires.
  • Do not drive over a fallen power line.
  • Call 911 immediately to report a fallen power line.

Read More »What to do if you see a downed power line

Office Ergonomics – Working Comfortably

Introduction

Office ergonomicsOffice ergonomic improvements involve the application of basic workplace principles to address a worker’s discomfort, chronic pain or repetitive motion injuries. Good ergonomics does not always mean obtaining new furniture and equipment. A large part of ergonomics and comfort involves workstation organization, equipment orientation and work habits. This bulletin reviews equipment and materials that typically are used in a computer workstation and provides suggestions to minimize the risk of injuries.
Musculoskeletal disorders such as tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome can result from improperly positioned equipment that creates stressful working postures. Symptoms can include pain and swelling, numbness and tingling (hands “falling asleep”), loss of muscle strength, and reduced range of joint motion. If you have any of these symptoms, report them to your supervisor as soon as possible. If these symptoms are not treated early, they may result in discomfort in the affected area, chronic pain or injury.

Chair

Chairs can be crucial in preventing back pain, as well as in improving employee performance in office work. As the majority of office workers spend most of their time sitting, a properly designed and adjustable chair is critical.

Features of a good chair:

1. Seat pan adjusts up and down quickly and easily. The chair height is correct when the entire sole of the foot can rest on the floor or footrest and the back of the knee is slightly higher than the seat of the chair.
2. Seat pan should be slightly concave with a softly padded, rounded or “waterfall” front edge. Select alternate seat pan and seat back sizes for large or small employees.
3. Seat back easily adjusts forward and back and up and down, with full lumbar contour. The fullest part of the contour should be positioned in the small of the back, near the waistline.
4. Chair arms adjust up and down and in and out from body. Position chair arms so they support forearms in and near the sides, with elbows only slightly forward from the hipbones. If both features are not an option, eliminate armrests.
5. Five legs or casters for stable support.Read More »Office Ergonomics – Working Comfortably

Accident Investigations – Worker Responsibilities

With this article we open a new category – Safety Meetings with Workers. In this category, we will review topics for supervisor – worker safety meetings.

Accident Investigations – Worker Responsibilities

Don’t wait until an accident happens
Often we become aware of hazardous conditions only after someone is hurt or seriously injured. If you see an unsafe act or condition, don’t ignore it. You could be gambling on you or someone else getting hurt. Be sure to tell people if you see them working in an unsafe manner. Wouldn’t you expect others to have the same consideration for you? If you see an unsafe condition, correct it. If you can’t correct it, talk to your supervisor right away.

Accident investigationRead More »Accident Investigations – Worker Responsibilities