Focus on Forklifts Make Foresight 20/20
MARCH 2014
TS American Red Cross Month Workplace Eye Health and Safety Awareness Month 16-22 National Poison Prevention Week
Make Foresight 20/20 Unfortunately, eye injuries are common in the workplace, but some industries – manufacturing, agriculture, construction and mining – have higher rates of injuries. To keep your eyes protected, use this checklist: 5 I make sure tools are in good repair and undamaged. 5 I ensure machine guards are in place. 5 I identify hazards, such as falling or shifting debris, and correct problems. 5 I wear appropriate ANSI Z87-approved eye protection. 5 My eye protection is clean and undamaged. 5 I wear eye protection that fits well and is not loose. 5 I brush, shake or clean dust and debris from my hair, hard hat or forehead and make sure my hands are clean before removing eye protection. 5 I know where eyewash and first aid materials are in case of an accident. 5 I don’t mix chemicals or cleaning agents without consulting safety data sheets. 5 I wear sunglasses or appropriate eye protection when I work outdoors. You only have 1 set of eyes; make sure you protect them.
Safety Corner POISON PREVENTION According to Poison Prevention.org, more than 2 million poisonings are reported each year to poison control centers nationwide. More than 90% of these poisonings occur in the home. Here’s how you can reduce that statistic: Buy child-resistant packages when available. Store all medicines and vitamins locked and out of reach. Keep products in original containers. Put the Poison Control Center’s number (1-800-222-1222) on speed dial on your home and cell phone. Post it near the home phone for sitters. Use cabinet locks wherever you keep cleaning products, toiletries, makeup and medicines. Store purses out of the reach of young children, especially if you carry makeup or medicines in them. Don’t grow poisonous or toxic plants if you have small children at home. Reach your personal best with Smart Moves at www.personalbest.com/extras/Mar14tools.
Focus on Forklifts Before you operate a forklift make sure you are trained and certified. Then, follow these guidelines: Before: 1. Examine the forklift for defects before operating. Remove defective forklifts from service and tag them. 2. Secure and balance loads before lifting. Don’t exceed the forklift manufacturer’s rated load capacity. 3. Move materials only. Don’t let personnel ride the rails. 4. Assure that the rollover protective structure is in place. 5. Fasten your seatbelt. 6. Check for obstacles in your path.
While Driving: 1. Follow safe operating procedures for lifting, moving, lowering and stacking loads. 2. Always wear your seat belt. 3. Never exceed posted speed limits and slow down around bends, in congested areas or in slippery surface areas. 4. Don’t travel with forks raised. 5. Avoid sudden starts, turns or stops to prevent rollovers. 6. Sound the horn before you turn a corner or enter a high-traffic area.
After Driving: 1. Don’t leave the forklift running while unattended. 2. Park on a level surface, fully lower the forks, make sure your wheels are straight, set the parking brake and turn off the engine before you dismount. 3. Switch off the forklift before refueling. 4. Double check to make sure everything is in good working order and there is no damage.
Older Driver Warning Signs If there is an older driver in your family, it might be time to have a conversation with him or her about driving abilities. It’s not an easy task, but often a necessary one. To aid you, here are some warning signs that could mean adding some driving restrictions for the older adult in your life: • Easily distracted and increased agitation or confusion while driving. • Driving at inappropriate speeds and/or stopping in traffic for no apparent reason. • Riding the brakes. • Getting lost in familiar places. • Failure to notice traffic signs or signals. • Confusing the gas and brake pedals. • Trouble navigating turns. • Other drivers often honk horns. • Near misses and car accidents. • Getting confused at exits. • Moving into the wrong lane and difficulty maintaining lane position. • Hitting curbs. • Noticeable increase in scrapes, dents on car and garage. • Ticketed moving violations or warnings. Making a mistake or 2 is not cause for alarm, but if mistakes occur frequently, it may be time to step in. Observe the older driver and look for patterns.
Spray Away
PRUNING PRECAUTIONS
Spray paint has made life so much easier. However, there are some hazards such as irritation to the eyes, nose and respiratory system. Prolonged use without wearing protective gear could lead to long-term side effects, such as damage to the liver, kidneys and central nervous system. To keep yourself and others safe, keep these tips in mind: Avoid overexposure to paint fumes by using spray paint outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Use a respirator or painting mask (found in home or hardware stores) when spray painting for a length of time. Keep away from ignition-, heat- or spark-producing sources when spray painting. And store spray paint cans away from these, as well. Spray paint is highly flammable. Purge old cans of spray paint properly by following instructions on the container’s label. Don’t throw cans in trash containers. Wear eye protection, long sleeves and gloves to prevent contact with your eyes and skin. Practice proper ergonomics when using spray paint, especially if you’re using a spray gun instead of a spray can. Take frequent breaks to rest your arms and wrists.
When you need to prune a large bush or tree, remember: P-R-U-N-E for safety.
Practice safe tool handling by checking tools to make sure they are not damaged or blades are not dull before cutting limbs.
Remember to turn off power tools when not in use. Use protective eyewear (safety glasses or face shields), gardening gloves, hard hats, closed-toe shoes, long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Note: A dust mask may be necessary to prevent inhaling airborne particles such as sawdust during pruning.
Never trim branches near a power line. Call your utility company to remove those branches.
Exercise caution and watch for common pruning hazards such as sharp blades, falling limbs, poisonous foliage and dangerous insects. Observe areas for signs of insect hives and poison oak or ivy before cutting.
TopSafety™ is published to provide employees, members of organizations and other readers with the information needed to achieve and maintain a safer lifestyle. The information and recommendations contained herein were obtained from sources believed to be reliable. The publisher assumes no responsibility for the sufficiency or completeness of the information and recommendations. Other or additional safety measures may be required under particular circumstances. © 2014 Oakstone Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction in any form of any part of this publication is a violation of federal copyright law and is strictly prohibited. Personal Best®... A Learning Solution powered by Oakstone® 2700 Corporate Drive, Suite 100; Birmingham, AL 35242; 800-871-9525. TopSafety and Personal Best are registered trademarks of Oakstone Publishing, LLC.
TS American Red Cross Month Workplace Eye Health and Safety Awareness Month 16-22 National Poison Prevention Week
Make Foresight 20/20 Unfortunately, eye injuries are common in the workplace, but some industries – manufacturing, agriculture, construction and mining – have higher rates of injuries. To keep your eyes protected, use this checklist: 5 I make sure tools are in good repair and undamaged. 5 I ensure machine guards are in place. 5 I identify hazards, such as falling or shifting debris, and correct problems. 5 I wear appropriate ANSI Z87-approved eye protection. 5 My eye protection is clean and undamaged. 5 I wear eye protection that fits well and is not loose. 5 I brush, shake or clean dust and debris from my hair, hard hat or forehead and make sure my hands are clean before removing eye protection. 5 I know where eyewash and first aid materials are in case of an accident. 5 I don’t mix chemicals or cleaning agents without consulting safety data sheets. 5 I wear sunglasses or appropriate eye protection when I work outdoors. You only have 1 set of eyes; make sure you protect them.
Safety Corner POISON PREVENTION According to Poison Prevention.org, more than 2 million poisonings are reported each year to poison control centers nationwide. More than 90% of these poisonings occur in the home. Here’s how you can reduce that statistic: Buy child-resistant packages when available. Store all medicines and vitamins locked and out of reach. Keep products in original containers. Put the Poison Control Center’s number (1-800-222-1222) on speed dial on your home and cell phone. Post it near the home phone for sitters. Use cabinet locks wherever you keep cleaning products, toiletries, makeup and medicines. Store purses out of the reach of young children, especially if you carry makeup or medicines in them. Don’t grow poisonous or toxic plants if you have small children at home. Reach your personal best with Smart Moves at www.personalbest.com/extras/Mar14tools.
Focus on Forklifts Before you operate a forklift make sure you are trained and certified. Then, follow these guidelines: Before: 1. Examine the forklift for defects before operating. Remove defective forklifts from service and tag them. 2. Secure and balance loads before lifting. Don’t exceed the forklift manufacturer’s rated load capacity. 3. Move materials only. Don’t let personnel ride the rails. 4. Assure that the rollover protective structure is in place. 5. Fasten your seatbelt. 6. Check for obstacles in your path.
While Driving: 1. Follow safe operating procedures for lifting, moving, lowering and stacking loads. 2. Always wear your seat belt. 3. Never exceed posted speed limits and slow down around bends, in congested areas or in slippery surface areas. 4. Don’t travel with forks raised. 5. Avoid sudden starts, turns or stops to prevent rollovers. 6. Sound the horn before you turn a corner or enter a high-traffic area.
After Driving: 1. Don’t leave the forklift running while unattended. 2. Park on a level surface, fully lower the forks, make sure your wheels are straight, set the parking brake and turn off the engine before you dismount. 3. Switch off the forklift before refueling. 4. Double check to make sure everything is in good working order and there is no damage.
Older Driver Warning Signs If there is an older driver in your family, it might be time to have a conversation with him or her about driving abilities. It’s not an easy task, but often a necessary one. To aid you, here are some warning signs that could mean adding some driving restrictions for the older adult in your life: • Easily distracted and increased agitation or confusion while driving. • Driving at inappropriate speeds and/or stopping in traffic for no apparent reason. • Riding the brakes. • Getting lost in familiar places. • Failure to notice traffic signs or signals. • Confusing the gas and brake pedals. • Trouble navigating turns. • Other drivers often honk horns. • Near misses and car accidents. • Getting confused at exits. • Moving into the wrong lane and difficulty maintaining lane position. • Hitting curbs. • Noticeable increase in scrapes, dents on car and garage. • Ticketed moving violations or warnings. Making a mistake or 2 is not cause for alarm, but if mistakes occur frequently, it may be time to step in. Observe the older driver and look for patterns.
Spray Away
PRUNING PRECAUTIONS
Spray paint has made life so much easier. However, there are some hazards such as irritation to the eyes, nose and respiratory system. Prolonged use without wearing protective gear could lead to long-term side effects, such as damage to the liver, kidneys and central nervous system. To keep yourself and others safe, keep these tips in mind: Avoid overexposure to paint fumes by using spray paint outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Use a respirator or painting mask (found in home or hardware stores) when spray painting for a length of time. Keep away from ignition-, heat- or spark-producing sources when spray painting. And store spray paint cans away from these, as well. Spray paint is highly flammable. Purge old cans of spray paint properly by following instructions on the container’s label. Don’t throw cans in trash containers. Wear eye protection, long sleeves and gloves to prevent contact with your eyes and skin. Practice proper ergonomics when using spray paint, especially if you’re using a spray gun instead of a spray can. Take frequent breaks to rest your arms and wrists.
When you need to prune a large bush or tree, remember: P-R-U-N-E for safety.
Practice safe tool handling by checking tools to make sure they are not damaged or blades are not dull before cutting limbs.
Remember to turn off power tools when not in use. Use protective eyewear (safety glasses or face shields), gardening gloves, hard hats, closed-toe shoes, long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Note: A dust mask may be necessary to prevent inhaling airborne particles such as sawdust during pruning.
Never trim branches near a power line. Call your utility company to remove those branches.
Exercise caution and watch for common pruning hazards such as sharp blades, falling limbs, poisonous foliage and dangerous insects. Observe areas for signs of insect hives and poison oak or ivy before cutting.
TopSafety™ is published to provide employees, members of organizations and other readers with the information needed to achieve and maintain a safer lifestyle. The information and recommendations contained herein were obtained from sources believed to be reliable. The publisher assumes no responsibility for the sufficiency or completeness of the information and recommendations. Other or additional safety measures may be required under particular circumstances. © 2014 Oakstone Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction in any form of any part of this publication is a violation of federal copyright law and is strictly prohibited. Personal Best®... A Learning Solution powered by Oakstone® 2700 Corporate Drive, Suite 100; Birmingham, AL 35242; 800-871-9525. TopSafety and Personal Best are registered trademarks of Oakstone Publishing, LLC.
