Workplace Safety

1. Workplace Safety For Employees

2. Session Objectives • You will be able to: • Understand why safety is such an important workplace issue • Identify the requirements of OSHA and the law • Know what our safety policy requires • Take an active role in promoting workplace safety and health

3. Session Outline • Importance of workplace safety • Facts about OSHA and its mission • Legal and policy requirements • How you can contribute to workplace safety and health • Key safety concerns and precautions to prevent accidents and injuries

4. Why Safety Is Such an Important Issue • Over 6 million American workers are injured every year • Injuries and illnesses cost American businesses over $100 billion a year

5. Why Safety Is Such an Important Issue (cont.) • We are required by law to provide a safe workplace • Safety promotes productivity and morale

6. Facts About OSHA • OSHA is an agency of the federal government • It is responsible for promoting workplace safety nationwide • OSHA was created by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 • It has the authority to oversee compliance with safety and health laws

7. What OSHA Does • Develops and enforces safety standards • Encourages employers and employees to reduce workplace hazards • Conducts research in occupational safety • Establishes the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees • Approves state occupational safety and health programs

8. OSHA Standards • OSHA regulates most aspects of workplace safety and health • Compliance is mandatory • OSHA will help us comply with the regulations • The state also regulates workplace safety

9. Our Safety Policy • Purpose • Understanding • Enforcement

10. Requirements of the Law and Our Policy • Questions?

11. Safety Attitude • Think safety • Look for hazards • Fix or report hazards

12. Good Housekeeping • Keep items in their proper place • Clean or report spills • Clear clutter • Keep items off stairways and out of aisles • Report safety problems • Use common sense

13. Personal Protective Equipment • Use the right equipment for the job • Inspect PPE before every use • Make sure PPE fits • Follow manufacturer’s instructions • Clean and store properly

14. Electrical Safety • Use extension cords properly • Don’t run them across stairs or aisles • Don’t fasten them with nails or staples • Don’t overload outlets • Don’t use plugs with bent or missing prongs • Obey locks, tags, barricades, and electrical warning signs

15. Back Safety • Reach properly • Lift properly • Object from floor • Object from overhead • Oversized or heavy object • Long or awkward objects • Use material handling equipment • Do stretching exercises

16. Ergonomics • Arrange your workstation • Sit properly • Avoid repetitive motions when possible • Take breaks • Keep wrists straight • Use proper equipment

17. Ergonomics (cont.) • Know symptoms of MSDs • Pain • Tingling • Stiffness • Weakness • Numbness • Swelling • Get medical attention for MSD symptoms

18. Hazard Communication • Read chemical labels • Read MSDSs • Use proper PPE • Follow safety procedures • Seek immediate medical attention if exposed

19. Machine Safety • Obey tags • Make sure guards are in place • Report problems • Wear correct PPE • Focus on work

20. Office Safety • Keep drawers closed • Sit upright in chairs • Don’t horse around with furniture or supplies • Keep flammables away from hot office equipment

21. Basic Safety Issues • Questions?

22. Emergency Situations • Know location of fire alarms and extinguishers • Know what alarms sound like • Know how to use extinguishers • Know at least two evacuation routes • Know meeting place outside building

23. First Aid • Call for professional medical help • Bring help to victim • Check victim’s ABCs • Check victim’s vitals • Interview victim • Use appropriate first-aid measures

24. Infectious Diseases and Bloodborne Pathogens • Wash hands often • Use precautions when giving first aid • Treat all blood as contaminated • Use PPE • Clean up thoroughly • Get medical attention if you’re exposed

25. Security • Follow company procedures • Keep doors locked • Don’t loan keys or access cards • Report unknown people • Report security gaps

26. Workplace Violence • Take threats seriously • Recognize signs of potential violence in co-workers • Report signs • Arrange a danger signal with co-workers • Remain calm with emotional people • Alert proper authorities

27. Terrorism • Protect your computer • Handle mail with caution • Cooperate with precautions • Follow procedures during an incident • Shelter in place

28. Key Points to Remember • Workplace safety is a top priority • Compliance with OSHA regulations is a legal requirement • Company policies and rules must be followed • You play a key role in promoting workplace safety and health, and we need you to be actively involved in all our safety programs