November 2020 Risk and Safety Newsletter

Fire Safety Procedures for the Workplace

A fire in the workplace can be one of the most devastating hazards for not only workers but for the public as well. It can result in numerous serious injuries or even fatalities, not to mention extensive property damage. Fire safety is very important! Be sure to train employees on your municipality’s fire procedures. If procedures are being ignored or are unclear, then schedule a fire safety meeting to train new employees, retrain veteran employees, and give knowledge and confidence to them all.

Basic fire safety you must know for every worksite:

• Know the location of fire extinguishers and/or fire alarm pull stations in your work environment. You should always know where the closest extinguisher is.

• Know where the nearest emergency exit is and where alternate exits are located.

• Know the difference between alarm signals to quickly recognize the situation (fire, tornado, active shooter, etc.)

If you discover a fire:

• Alert all other individuals in the workplace by activating the nearest fire alarm, shouting clearly, or by using other procedures set in place by your municipality.

• Use the nearest exit to evacuate the workplace and go to the appropriate rendezvous location.

• Use a fire extinguisher to put the fire out if it has not left its point of origin, you have been trained to use a fire extinguisher, and you have a sufficient way to escape if your efforts don’t put the fire out.

During an evacuation of a worksite:

• Stay calm and evacuate immediately when you hear the alarm.

• Along the escape route close (but don’t lock) all windows and doors you pass. This helps reduce fire, smoke, and fumes from spreading throughout the facility.

• Go to the rendezvous or assembly area immediately and check in with your supervisor so he/she knows you are safe outside the building.

• Follow all procedures put in place by your municipality.

A safe workplace is crucial and ensures you have the correct safety procedures and policies in place for such things as first aid and CPR training of employees. Employees must understand their role in a fire emergency especially if they have been given a special task like assisting a disabled co-worker safely out of the building. Holding fire drills at least annually and providing employees the opportunity to practice the information provided in safety meetings is another important part of fire safety. Don’t leave it out of your training procedures.

September 2020 Risk and Safety Newsletter

Basic Office Safety Tips

Slips and falls are the most frequent cause of injuries in the workplace, and people working in an office are twice as likely to be injured by falling than people who are working in other types of workplaces. Keeping alert and thinking ahead can help minimize the risk.

Protecting Your Body from Injuries -- Use basic common sense in your daily activities around the office. That means:

Sit upright in your chair, with your feet touching the floor when you're working at your desk. Before sitting down, look to make sure your chair is beneath you and hasn't rolled away.

Look where you're going whenever you're walking around the office.

Walk, don't run.

Go slowly if the floor is wet or otherwise slippery.

Don't read while walking.

Always hold the handrail when using stairs.

Immediately wipe up spilled beverages, water tracked in by wet shoes or drippings from umbrellas. Ask a custodian to do the cleaning if you don't have time to do it yourself.

Obey your building's (no) smoking rules, and don't throw matches, ashes, or cigarette butts into regular trash.

Get up and stretch or walk around. This can help prevent injuries while promoting circulation.

Equipment and Furniture-Related Safety -- Whether you are moving furniture, carrying items, or operating machinery, make sure you are aware of health-related hazards. If you need assistance with anything or are unsure of how to do something, it is always best to ask a supervisor. Keep in mind:

Don't touch electrical outlets, plugs, or switches with wet hands.

Keep the floors and aisles clear of electrical cords. Use surge protectors and cable ties to manage the wiring.

Refrain from eating or drinking at a computer station. Spills and crumbs could get into the keyboard and cause malfunctions.

If you must carry anything from one place to another, don't stack things up so high that you can't see directly in front of you.

When carrying boxes, use the elevator if available.

Only open one drawer in a filing cabinet at a time to keep it from tipping over.

Close desk or file cabinet drawers before walking away so others don't walk into them.

Store supplies inside of cabinets or bookcases, and place heavier items in the lower drawers or shelves.

Reporting Unsafe Structural Issues -- Anytime you see something unsafe, report it to your facilities management department or supervisor. Things you might want to point out include sightings of: torn carpet, loose tiles, wobbly steps or floorboards, burned-out lightbulbs, broken chairs or desks and other defective equipment, stray electrical cables or obstructions in walkways.  Also report possible unauthorized visitors within your facility.

Technology and Internet Health and Safety -- With computers the norm in most offices, it's important to keep in mind health related issues that accompany heavy computer use, as well as how to prevent internet-related problems.

Never open emails sent by an unspecified sender or a sender you are unsure about. They may contain viruses that could infect your work computer.

Don't send money or personal information (such as address, credit card numbers and social security number) to anyone via email or in chat rooms.

Ensure your computer is virus protected and checked periodically by an IT Specialist.

Cyber bullying can occur in the workplace. If you experience this, document what was said and report it to your supervisor or HR department.

Staring at a computer for long periods can impact your eye health. Give yourself a break every so often to prevent your eyes from becoming too dry and avoiding strain. If your eyes do get dry, artificial tears can help alleviate discomfort.

The light from your computer can impact your circadian rhythm in a negative way causing sleep related issues. Try to dim your computer screen light as much as you can and be sure to get some fresh air and natural sunlight every day.

A safe work environment is essential for the wellbeing of employees. Being aware of hazards in the workplace and learning office safety tips goes a long way toward preventing accidents. Stay focused on safety all day every day.

General Safety Rules for Outdoor Handheld Power Tools

Whether you are using string trimmers, hedge trimmers, leaf blowers or any of the many other outdoor handheld power tools, there are general safety considerations that should be followed regardless of the tool. Here is a list of safety rules suggested:

• Make sure there are no bystanders, children or pets within a 50-foot radius.

• Wear eye and ear protection equipment when operating power tools.

• Wear protective clothing. Long pants, closed-toe shoes and gloves are recommended. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry.

• Inspect the area where the power tools are to be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire and other foreign objects that could interfere with the operation and cause personal injury.

• Do not operate any power tool while under the influence of alcohol, medications or drugs or when ill or fatigued.

• Never start a gasoline-powered tool inside an enclosed area. Breathing exhaust fumes can be fatal.

• Follow fueling and premixing guidelines strictly. Wipe up any fuel spillage and replace the fuel cap immediately to minimize potential for fuel contamination and explosion.

• Never leave power equipment unattended with the engine running.

• Always keep your equipment clean and in proper working order. Clean, maintain and make repairs after you have finished using your equipment daily.

• Remember that for all power equipment a “safety always” attitude is the best defense against accidents and injury.

Practicing these few guidelines will preserve your equipment and keep you and others safe from injury.

Mower Safety

If you haven’t already, let’s brush up on mowing safety procedures to increase your productivity and help keep employees free from injury. Although many users have years of mowing experience, sometimes safety precautions are overlooked. The results can be dangerous. Staying aware of conditions, knowing your machine and constantly being alert can help you avoid accidents and injury. Of course, every operator should always refer to the operator's manual for routine maintenance schedules and safety tips. Here are some general mower safety guidelines to help get you started.

Before mowing:

Dress for the job. Safety begins with the clothes you wear to work. Choose close-fitting clothes and long pants, hearing protection, eye protection, work boots with traction and heavy gloves (when handling blades). Do not wear loose-fitting clothes or jewelry, which can get caught or hung up on a machine and cause injury.

Know your machine. All mowers have some of the same basic equipment parts. For example, front-deck mowers all have features such as panel controls, seat controls, foot controls, fuel tank, fuel filter, engine oil fill and check, hydraulic oil fill and check, mower deck, grass deflector, height adjustments, radiator and air cleaner. However, every machine includes unique features, so read your operator's manual to familiarize yourself with your machine. As any minor and major machine problems arise, report them to your supervisor or mechanic. Reporting problems right away will help you avoid potential hazards.

Read warning labels and check safety features. There are dangers associated with operating any power equipment, so pay attention to all warning labels and safety features on your mower. Also, check the safety guards and devices to ensure that they are in proper working condition. Never operate your mower if your safety guards and devices are not in place.

Conduct daily inspections. Always conduct your daily mower inspections on a hard, flat surface away from the mowing area. Open the hood and check the mower's oil level. Check the hydraulic system for the appropriate level of fluid. Inspect the cooling system to make sure there is enough coolant in the radiator. Clean any debris off the screen and front of the radiator. Check the condition of your air-restriction indicator or the condition of your air cleaner and empty any debris found. Ensure that all parts, such as belts, pulleys, catchers and guards are in proper working order. Also, check the tire pressure. Always refer to your operator's manual for step-by-step start-up procedures and daily machine inspections.

Adjust the cutting height of your deck. If you are using multiple pieces of mowing equipment on the same landscape area, make sure that the height of your mower deck is consistent on all machines, so you'll have a uniform cut. Never adjust the mower height when the engine is running. All adjustments should be made while the engine is turned off.

Check your collection/discharge system. Most commercial mowers will have some combination of material collection system (MCS), side discharge or mulching system. Always check to make sure that your MCS, discharge chute and mulching attachments are properly secured and in good working order. Never start the mower if attachments are not securely fastened.

Check the fuel level. Check your mower's fuel level and fill if necessary, so that you start your day with a full tank of fuel. If you refuel during the day, move your mower to a flat, concrete surface, turn the engine off and allow the engine to cool. (Refilling after lunch or an afternoon break is convenient.) Carefully fill the fuel tank and avoid spilling. Spilled gasoline will evaporate, releasing hydrocarbon emissions into the atmosphere. Also, never smoke around gasoline.

Clear your work area. Before you begin your job, walk the mowing area and clear all hidden hazards, such as rocks, stumps and hidden debris like broken glass, bottles and miscellaneous materials. Injuries may occur from debris that is projected into the air by mower impact. Projected debris can cause injuries to operators, pedestrians and property.

Inspect your work area for nature's hazards. While inspecting your work area for debris, be on the lookout for bees, fire ants, poison ivy and poison oak. Taking note of potential area hazards will increase your productivity as well as your safety. Also, avoid improper working conditions such as overly saturated grounds, which can cause slippery conditions.

While mowing:

Make a perimeter pass. Always start your mower from the operator's seat — never while standing beside the mower. Once you are ready to mow, engage the PTO. When engaging the blades, do so at the lowest recommended engine setting rather than at full throttle. Release the brake and gradually depress the foot pedal to begin forward motion. Start by making a perimeter pass with the discharge chute or grass catcher to the inside — that is, away from the sidewalk, pavement, curb or whatever structure borders the turf. This will keep the mower from hitting curbs, trees, bushes and any other obstacles. The perimeter pass will allow you to make U-turns in the grass, thereby avoiding tire and grass stains on the concrete.

Start mowing. Always mow in straight lines, alternating directions and changing the pattern every week, if possible. For the best-quality cut, make sure your blades are sharp and mow with the engine running at maximum speed. If you are mowing long grass, use the highest cut setting for the first pass, and then make a second pass to cut the grass at a lower setting. Discharge clippings toward previously cut lawn areas. Never position the side-discharge chute toward people or property.

Know your surroundings. To avoid injury to yourself or others, pay attention to people around you. If a person or animal approaches you while working, stop your mower and turn off the engine. You may resume mowing once the work area is clear of all people and animals.

Avoid rubbing objects. When mowing, keep a safe distance from trees and other landscape features. Avoid hitting or rubbing the mower or its tires on any buildings, cars, signs, trees and other property features. Serious landscaping and property damage can occur, not to mention unnecessary wear to your equipment.

Pick up any missed debris. If you see any debris that you missed in your initial inspection, stop the machine, turn off the engine and pick up the debris. Do not attempt to clear debris while the machine's engine is still running.

Unclog the deflection chute. Sometimes while mowing the deflection chute can become clogged with grass clippings. To unclog it, turn off the engine and make sure the blades are stopped. To ensure safety, disconnect the spark plug wire and use a tool or stick to clear grass clippings. Never clear the deck or chute with your hands, and never place your hands or feet near the cutting blades.

Be extra careful on slopes. Always mow up and down slopes — never mow across slopes. Decrease your speed when mowing down slopes or around sharp corners to help prevent tipping. Maintain minimal ground speed and make wide, gradual turns; avoid sudden starts, stops and turns. Remember: If it looks dangerous, it almost certainly is dangerous, so use caution accordingly.

After mowing:

Shut down before performing maintenance. Refer to your operator's manual for proper shutdown procedures. Always shut down your machine from the operator's seat — never dismount from a running mower. Make sure that the mower is completely stopped and the engine is off before you begin your clean-up and maintenance procedures. Your operator's manual will detail specific daily clean-up and maintenance tasks.

Clean your mower. Your mower should be cleaned after each job by removing clippings and other landscaping debris from the mower, mower deck and deflection chute. Lingering debris can cause unwanted buildup and potential malfunctions or breakdowns of parts. Also, accumulation of grass, leaves or excessive grease can be a fire hazard.

Perform routine maintenance. Preventive maintenance is key to your machine's longevity. Although your operator's manual will provide specific routine maintenance procedures, certain common maintenance procedures apply to all commercial mowers. After each mowing job, you should check your mower's tire pressure and adjust if necessary. Check all fluid levels, belts, guards and blades. From your inspections, prepare a list of potential maintenance problems for your supervisor or mechanic.

Tend to repairs immediately. If your machine requires any repairs, tend to them immediately. Delaying machine and parts repairs will delay productivity. If repairs are overlooked and the mower is reused, damage to additional mower parts or operator injury may result.

Maintain a recommended maintenance schedule. Refer to your operator's manual for routine daily, monthly, quarterly and yearly maintenance procedures. Keeping your machine in top condition can help you increase your productivity and decrease any risk of injuries.

Be certain you've taken all the necessary precautions. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a safe mowing season, not only for yourself, but for those around you.

July 2020 Risk and Safety Newsletter

May 2020 Risk and Safety Newsletter

Reducing Health Risks to Workers Handling Human Waste or Sewage

Workers who handle human waste or sewage may be at increased risk of becoming ill from waterborne diseases. To reduce this risk and protect against illness, such as diarrhea, the following guidance should be followed by workers and employers.

Basic Hygiene Practices for Workers

• Wash hands with soap and water immediately after handling human waste or sewage.

• Avoid touching face, mouth, eyes, nose, or open sores and cuts while handling human waste or sewage.

• After handling human waste or sewage, wash your hands with soap and water before eating or drinking.

• After handling human waste or sewage, wash your hands with soap and water before and after using the toilet.

• Before eating, removed soiled work clothes and eat in designated areas away from human waste and sewage-handling activities.

• Do not smoke or chew tobacco or gum while handling human waste or sewage.

• Keep open sores, cuts, and wounds covered with clean, dry bandages.

• Gently flush eyes with safe water if human waste or sewage contacts eyes.

• Use waterproof gloves to prevent contact with human waste or sewage.

• Wear rubber boots at the work site and during transport of human waste or sewage.

• Remove rubber boots and work clothes before leaving work site.

• Clean contaminated work clothing daily with 0.05% chlorine solution (1 part household bleach to 100 parts water).

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Workers handling human waste or sewage should be provided proper PPE, training on how to use it, and hand washing facilities. Workers should wash hands with soap and water immediately after removing PPE. The following PPE is recommended for workers handling human waste or sewage:

• Goggles: to protect eyes from splashes of human waste or sewage.

• Protective face mask or splash-proof face shield: to protect nose and mouth from splashes of human waste or sewage.

• Liquid-repellent coveralls: to keep human waste or sewage off clothing.

• Waterproof gloves: to prevent exposure to human waste or sewage.

• Rubber boots: to prevent exposure to human waste or sewage.

Training for Workers

All workers who handle human waste or sewage should receive training on disease prevention. The training should include information on basic hygiene practices; use and disposal of personal protective equipment, and proper handling of human waste or sewage. Workers must also be urged to promptly seek medical attention if displaying any signs or symptoms of diarrhea, such as vomiting, stomach cramps and watery diarrhea.

Vaccination Recommendations for Workers

Vaccination recommendations for workers exposed to sewage or human waste should be developed in consultation with local health authorities. Tetanus vaccinations should be up to date, with consideration also given to the need for polio, typhoid fever, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccinations.

The recommendations made in this document are based on best practices and procedures. Worker health and safety risks are likely to vary among specific locations and a trained health and safety professional should be consulted to create site-specific worker health and safety plans.