May 2021 Risk and Safety Newsletter
How Municipal Water Recreation Facilities Can Avoid Injuries and Liability
Water recreation facilities offer visitors the exciting action-packed experience of riding gravity-defying slides, swimming in wave pools, and running around silly fountains squirting and dumping water on visitors. Unfortunately, it’s not all fun and games – sometimes visitors get hurt.
Of course, those who participate in any form of recreation that involves physical activity risk being injured. When people are injured at a water recreation facility (pool, splash pad, waterpark, municipal lake, etc.), they often file a liability claim or attempt to sue the facility on the grounds that the activity or premises was not reasonably safe. The law does not impose absolute liability on the operator of a water recreation facility or any recreational facility whenever a customer is injured. However, the operator IS required to take reasonable measures (emphasis on “reasonable”) to make an activity safe. The law does recognize that people who swim, jump, and climb risk sprains, broken bones, heart attacks, and even death, and that some of the risks cannot be eliminated by reasonable measures.
So, what are the reasonable steps an operator of a water recreation facility can take to avoid or reduce the risk of customer injury? What are the practices that will appear careless or unreasonable in a courtroom? What actions will demonstrate to a jury that the operator cares about injury to its customers, has taken reasonable steps to avoid or minimize the risk of injury, and should not be blamed when a customer is injured? The following “best practices” can help water recreation operators avoid liability:
Training, training, training. Nothing looks worse to a jury than a young, inexperienced, seasonally employed lifeguard or operator who has little to no training in preparing customers for a potentially hazardous activity, or recognizing problems, or taking action when problems arise. Even worse is someone who learned their job from watching another casually trained, inexperienced employee. All workers should be trained at the beginning of their employment in the safe operating procedures for all activities that can cause injury. They should specifically be trained regarding activities that could be deemed hazardous that they are assigned to supervise. They need to be trained on what to do if an injury occurs and how to get quick medical assistance. It might be a good idea to hire an outside company certified in the safe operation of water recreation facilities. It could avoid the argument the operator is not qualified (by credentials, training, or experience) to train its staff in safety procedures.
Check and double check. It looks good when a supervisor, manager, or loss prevention person periodically monitors operations, both to ensure that staff are doing what they have been trained to do and are appropriately positioned at their post, and are not doing what they should not be doing, like using their phone or visiting with people when they are supposed to be observing the environment. While there is no hard and fast rule on how often a supervisor should do a walk-around, unscheduled visit several times a day/week, depending on the facility, is preferable. Periodic monitoring also reinforces training and informs management what messages are not getting through to staff and customers concerning safety.
Keep detailed records. Witnesses often forget or have different recollections of how an accident happened, who said or did what, and other details. Having a supervisor or manager identify, interview, and record the names and experiences of eyewitnesses is critical to recreating the incident at a review or court case later. The same holds true with respect to the injured person: Where possible, it is important to get their account of what happened in case the story changes later.
Incident reports are always evidence in a lawsuit. The objective of the report is not to have the person who creates it “play detective” and form opinions about who is at fault or how the incident could have been avoided, the goal is to record the identity and factual reports of eyewitnesses and any information provided by the injured person to the extent they are well enough to provide it. The incident report should be completed by a manager, supervisor, or loss control personnel, not an entry-level employee.
Documenting the scene with photographs, taken as soon as possible after the incident are critical. Photographs serve as additional evidence. If the condition that is believed to have caused the accident could change (i.e. the water level could return to normal or a piece of equipment could be replaced), it should be photographed soon after the incident. Digital photos cost nothing, so take a lot of them. Surveillance video of an incident should also be preserved.
Routine facility equipment inspections and work orders should be kept on file. If the injured person claims they were hurt because something malfunctioned, the operation or attraction (diving board, slide, etc.) should be checked as soon as possible after the incident by a qualified repair person. If the injured person or an employee reports something broke and caused the incident, that part, broken or not, must be taken out of service immediately and preserved for later inspection. Often, a maintenance person will throw away a broken part that may later be used in a litigated claim against the municipality. If a defendant disposes of evidence without realizing it may be needed in a court case, the plaintiff’s lawyer can suggest to the jury the defendant was trying to hide the truth.
Use liability waivers. Although not enforceable in some states and enforceable in limited circumstances in others, liability waivers can be a useful tool, but they must be worded as clearly and concisely as possible. Many people do not know what a “release” or “waiver” is or have only a basic understanding of what they mean. Courts will determine whether the average person would have been able to understand that by signing the waiver they have given up the right to sue. If the average employee does not understand the language of the waiver, chances are the customer will not understand it either. Thus, a judge is likely to dismiss the waiver protection on those grounds. Use plain language and simple concepts in your waiver agreements.
Accidents happen, and with them come liability claims and possible lawsuits. Most courts are fair to operators, and while they may feel sympathy for an injured person, they are less likely to decide a case against a recreational facility if they believe the facility took reasonable steps to avoid or reduce the risk of injury. Most people recognize that risk is a part of life. To that end, every water recreation facility must take reasonable steps to avoid customer injury and liability through staff training, monitoring, inspecting, and documentation. If you have any questions about this article, contact Kip Prichard, OMAG Risk Management Specialist kprichard@omag.org or (800) 234-9461.
7 Signs of Fatigue and How it Affects the Workplace
Fatigue doesn’t just cause workers to feel more tired, it also increases the risk of accidents and injuries, reduces productivity, and causes absenteeism. Research has shown that spending 17 hours awake is equivalent to having a blood alcohol level of 0.05, and 24 hours awake is equivalent to a blood alcohol level of 0.10. You’d never let an employee operate heavy machinery with that much alcohol in their system, yet fatigued workers routinely engage in difficult or hazard-heavy work.
In the context of safety and health, fatigue refers to mental or physical exhaustion that reduces a person’s capacity to perform work safely and effectively. The causes, however, aren’t always work related. Some of the most common reasons for fatigue include:
Prolonged or intense mental or physical activity
Sleep loss or disrupted sleep
Travel
Organizational change
Irregular work scheduling or excessively long shifts
Strenuous activity
Long commutes to and from work
Working in extremely hot or cold environments
How to tell if a worker is fatigued
Fatigued workers can put themselves and others at risk of injury. It is important for managers and supervisors to know the signs of fatigue and watch out for these symptoms in their employees.
Tired, Weariness, or Sleepiness – Drooping heads, incessant yawning, and eyelids that seem to be closing are the most obvious indicators that a worker is fatigued and needs time to recover before costly errors or accidents happen.
Irritability – Workers can be irritable for many reasons, including problems at home, financial stress, conflict with coworkers, etc. Another reason may be the lack of rest. It is a good idea to watch for patterns of irritability or a newly developed “bad attitude,” especially when combined with other signs on the list above.
Reduced Alertness, Concentration, or Memory – Watch for workers who appear to have trouble focusing or who can’t recall seemingly simple things, like what they just said or did. Having difficulty solving problems can also be an indicator of fatigue.
Lack of Motivation – Employees who appear to suddenly lack motivation to do their job, and do it well, may seem lazy but this is generally a sign of broader issues, including fatigue.
Increased Mistakes or Lapses in Judgment – If a worker who is otherwise proven to be competent and good at their job starts making frequent errors or poor choices, it might be a sign of sleep deprivation or fatigue.
Headaches – Headaches are a sign of fatigue, but they can also be a sign of dehydration. Before deciding it is fatigue, make sure all workers are adequately hydrated on the job, even when it is not hot outside.
Increased Susceptibility to Illness – Workers who are suddenly taking more time off due to illness may be experiencing fatigue. Insufficient sleep wears the body down and affects a person’s ability to fight colds, flu, and other illnesses. With an increase in fatigue, it’s not uncommon to see a rise in absenteeism.
Proactively Addressing Worker Fatigue
Employees certainly play a role in preventing fatigue and some of the causes go beyond the workplace, but there are a number of things employers can do to reduce fatigue at work. An effective approach to fatigue risk management should involve some or all of the following:
Shift scheduling: consistent schedules, frequent breaks, two consecutive days off each week, and no more than four night shifts in a row
Balancing workloads and staffing
Developing a reporting system for fatigue related incidents
Workplace design: cool atmosphere, low humidity, natural light, minimal noise/vibrations
Employee training on fatigue and managing sleep disorders
Supervisor and management training on monitoring and identifying fatigue in workers
Offering an insurance plan that covers sleep disorders or an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) so workers can get information and counselling to assist them in ways to recover from fatigue issues. All municipalities with OMAG insurance plans are eligible to use New Directions Employee Assistance Program at no charge to the employee or municipality. Contact Monica Coleman at (800) 234-9461 for more information.
By identifying fatigue and taking a proactive approach to deal with it before it becomes an issue, you can ensure a safe, healthy, and productive work environment for your entire workforce.
Disposable Wipes: Only Flush Poo, Pee & Paper (Toilet)
Although they are out of sight and out of mind except when they spring a leak or back up, water and sewer systems are more vital to civilized society than any other aspect of infrastructure. Deteriorating roads and bridges may stifle our economy and turn transportation headaches into nightmares, but if the water and sewer systems fail, then life as we know it will too. Without an ample supply of water, people don’t drink, toilets don’t get flushed, businesses don’t operate, and fires go unchecked. When sewage systems fail, municipalities can’t function, and epidemics break out.
Nationwide, it is estimated about 900 billion gallons of raw sewage flows into our waterways without being treated due to sewer line leaks and backups. It is not just a problem in the old cities on the East coast. It has been estimated that Oklahoma has a need for $82 billion in water and sewer infrastructure rehabilitation over the next 50 years. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) stated, “I remember when they used to consider us out in the newer states like Oklahoma as not having the infrastructure problems of the older states, but that’s not true anymore.” Many of the sewer systems of our Oklahoma cities and towns are 100+ years old.
With the toilet paper shortage of 2020, many people have turned to purchasing and using “flushable wipes”. Flushable wipes, though advertised as safe for sewer and septic systems, are not. They are not designed to be biodegradable; please, don’t use these!
Items like flushable wipes, tampons, sanitary napkins, dental floss, diapers, cotton swabs, and bandages are not designed to be flushed down the toilet. These items get caught up in fats, greases, oils, and debris in the sewer system and cause clogs. This can cause a backup in your personal sewer line or in the municipality’s sewer lines. The material can even make it all the way to the sewer treatment plant and destroy thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment.
What CAN be safely flushed into your town’s sewer lines? Only three things: Poo, Pee, and Toilet Paper. Protect your property, the property of your neighbors, and your municipality’s property. Only flush the 3 P’s (poo, pee, and paper). If you use flushable wipes or other products not biodegradable put them in plastic bags and place them in your trash.
Say Goodbye to Computer Vision Syndrome
Prior to March of last year, I was aware that I spent way too much time staring at my computer screen(s). Since working remotely from home for most of 2020 and ALL of 2021 so far, I found myself experiencing tired, burning, itchy eyes at the end of most workdays. I finally broke down and made an appointment with my eye doctor. After visiting with my doctor and her staff, I came away with a better understanding of what I was experiencing and why.
Computer vision syndrome (CVS) may be spreading faster than any virus. Fortunately, proper eye care and simple adjustments are all that most adults need to reduce eye strain. Studies show that up to 90% of computer users experience at least one symptom of CVS. You’re at risk if you average 3 or more hours online each day. That probably describes most of the population, especially when they’re spending more time at home. The main symptoms include blurry or double vision, dryness, itching, redness, and sensitivity to light. CVS can also cause headaches and muscle soreness.
Preventing Computer Vision Syndrome
One study found that 71% of students sat too close to their monitors and 66% had their monitors set too high. Look at your environment and technology habits.
These tips can help prevent CVS:
Position your screen. Most experts recommend sitting about 24 inches away from your monitor and having the center of your screen about 4 to 5 inches below eye level. Adequate distance and looking down helps to prevent your eyes from drying out and working too hard.
Increase font size. Do you have trouble reading from that far away? Enlarge the type rather than squinting or stretching your neck.
Reduce glare. Online images are blurrier than print materials. Focusing will be easier when your screen is brighter than your surroundings. If necessary, pull the shades and switch to lower watt bulbs.
Shift your gaze. You may have heard of the 20-20-20 rule. Rest your eyes by looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.
Take breaks. Go offline for at least 15 minutes after working for two hours straight. Exercise, eat a healthy snack or chat with someone face to face.
Blink more. Research shows that we blink slightly less online, and that adds up over time. Remind yourself to blink frequently to rehydrate your eyes. Using a humidifier and avoiding fans on your face will help too.
Quit smoking. Eye strain is one more reason to give up tobacco. Make a concrete plan and set a date to quit.
Limit screen time. Healthy habits will make your time online more pleasant, but only if you observe sensible boundaries. Block out technology free zones each day, like mealtimes and 2 hours before bed.
Treating Computer Vision Syndrome
Left untreated, even minor eye issues can interfere with your productivity and wellbeing. See your eye doctor at least once a year.
These strategies will help you deal constructively with CVS:
Update your prescription. Are you tilting your head or leaning toward your screen? You may need new glasses.
Use special lenses. Maybe you need a different set of glasses for working online. Progressive lenses can help if you often switch between printed material and your screen. Special coatings can increase contrast and cut down on glare.
Apply drops. If your eyes are extra dry, let your doctor know. They may recommend over the counter moisturizing drops or give you a prescription.
Train your brain. Brain and eye coordination is another issue that can lead to CVS. An ophthalmologist can perform special tests to make a diagnosis. If necessary, they’ll prescribe visual therapy and give you exercises you can do at home.
Keep a log. Tracking your symptoms is a proven way to increase the quality of care you receive. Make a list of concerns and questions you want to discuss with your doctor.
After my latest doctor appointment, I put some of my new knowledge to work. I adjusted my monitors to the suggested distance, and I have a pair of prescriptions glasses that I use only when I’m working in front of my computer.
Computer vision syndrome can make you uncomfortable and interfere with your daily activities. Find relief by establishing healthy computer habits and talking with your eye doctor. It also helps to set sensible limits on the time you spend online.
Protecting the Public During Severe Weather. Is there liability for operating a public storm shelter?
As Oklahoma enters Spring there will undoubtedly be episodes of severe weather. Every year municipalities discuss whether to offer public storm shelters. Some common concerns include the safety of those traveling to a storm shelter, turning citizens away if the shelter is too full, and the liability of operating a public shelter.
These are all valid concerns that should be well thought through and considered before opening a shelter to the public. In 2013, to address a concern of liability regarding the use of city-owned storm shelters, the legislature passed an exemption to the Oklahoma Governmental Tort Claims Act that protects a city from liability.
51 O.S. §155 states:
“The state or a political subdivision shall not be liable if a loss or claim results from:
* * * *
37. Use of a public facility opened to the general public during an emergency.”
Two things to note under the exemption (1) the facility must be open to the public and (2) it must be during a time of an emergency.
If you have questions about coverage of your public shelters you can contact the OMAG Members Service Department at 405-657-1444.
DISCLAIMER: OMAG attorneys have sought to keep updating this webpage with the most up-to-date information possible. OMAG offers this guidance to help your municipality make informed decisions. You should always consult with your City Attorney before taking any actions based on this guidance. If you have questions or concerns about the information contained in these articles, please email one of the attorneys in the OMAG Legal Department (see https://www.omag.org/legal-services).
Bucket Truck Safety
Bucket Trucks are complex and require specialized training to operate in order to ensure operators and their support workers are safe. It is vitally important that workers know the risks they face when working on or around bucket trucks.
Few pieces of equipment can create more dangers to those working with and around them than bucket trucks. If your municipality owns one, or you rent one on occasion, you know users guides and manuals are readily available on the internet if one wasn’t provided. A quick internet search returns no affordable credible “canned” training programs available for bucket truck operators and support staff, however.
OSHA provides a basic outline for bucket truck safety, but it is short on specifics. Each work environment has its own issues regarding safe work practices and fall protection. It is mainly up to the municipal administration and supervisors to ensure workers are properly trained and able to demonstrate safety competence while working with or on bucket trucks.
Typical injuries when working from bucket trucks are strains, sprains, broken bones, lacerations, electrocutions, burns, and deaths from falls or being struck by objects. Damage and injuries occur when inspections are not performed according to manufacturer’s recommendations or when trucks are not properly positioned or secured for use. If operators don’t take the time to be fully aware of objects and hazards in, around, under, or above the bucket, accidents can happen. Unsecured tools and equipment can cause hazards, as can exceeding manufacturer’s recommended limitations.
Driving a bucket truck and positioning it at a worksite requires special skills and knowledge. It is not a job for a relatively new employee. Bucket trucks are heavy and cumbersome. They don’t stop on a dime or maneuver like a normal vehicle. A 3-ton lift places the center of gravity of the truck very high; observe tip-over signs on curves and exit ramps. Don’t get in a hurry; take it slow and easy. Bucket trucks get stuck easily off-road, especially in wet or slippery conditions. They have poor rear visibility, and should not be backed up unless necessary, and then only with the support of a spotter. Also, a backing alarm should be installed to inform others when backing up. Placing the truck in the ideal location takes knowledge of boom length, manufacturer’s limits, and surface conditions.
A practical bucket truck safety training should:
Place emphasis on factors that may seem trivial, but are not
Provide specific examples of dangers unique to the equipment
Supply handouts, checklists, and references to use on the job
Fall protection:
While it is rare for an employee to fall out of a bucket, it is more common for one to be knocked out when another vehicle hits an aerial lift truck. OSHA regulations are not clear when it comes to bucket trucks. The rule of thumb is, once you get 6 feet off the ground you must be wearing personal fall protection. The question becomes, do you put someone in a body belt or a full body harness? If the person cannot fall more than 2 feet, a belt is acceptable. If they could fall more than 2 feet, use a full body harness and lanyard. That should be your requirement. Never belt off to an adjacent pole, structure, or other equipment, except in an emergency.
Pre-Use Safety Check:
Keep maintenance records of equipment up to date
Check tire pressure, wheels and tires
Fuel, engine oil, and hydraulic fluid levels
Look and listen for fluid and air leaks
Look for loose or missing parts, rust, and deteriorating welds
Test ground level controls first, then all bucket controls before going up
Safety devices such as railings, bucket door catches, and redundant catches are in proper working order
Personal protective equipment is available, in good condition, and used
Special items specified by the manufacturer are adhered to
Check the Work Area:
Never work on a slope that exceeds the limits specified by the manufacturer
Check the area for soft spots, holes, drop-offs, bumps, and debris
Check for overhead power lines, trees, building overhangs, etc.
Before moving the truck be sure the boom is cradled and tied down, and that all other equipment is secured
Personal Protective Equipment:
Hard hats for workers
Safety glasses and face shields for workers
Gloves appropriate for the job
Personal fall arrest systems (harnesses, lanyards, etc.)
Operating a Bucket Truck:
Set brakes, outriggers, and use wheel chokes, even if working on a level area
If working in or near traffic, set up appropriate work zones with signs, channelizing devices, barricades and barrels
Close and latch the bucket or platform door and attach safety chain
Stand on the floor of the bucket or lift platform. Never climb on anything inside the bucket to extend your reach
Do not climb on tool brackets in the bucket or lean over the railing
Never exceed the manufacturer’s load limit capacity. This includes combined weight of workers, tools, and materials
Establish and clearly mark a danger zone around the bucket truck
Never move the truck with workers in an elevated platform
Use particular care when positioning the basket between overhead hazards - the bucket moves it could pin or crush a worker
Emergency Escape:
Know how to escape from a bucket if the lift fails when working alone. Know the different methods to use when stranded.
Have auxiliary power or back up pump
Have an emergency lowering valve or holding valve bleed
Have an escape ladder or controlled descent rope
Supervisors must take the time to train and educate workers in the safe use of the bucket truck. It’s a good idea to go over policies and procedures annually.
OSHA Water Tower Safety Requirements
In October of 2016 the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration established new requirements for fall protection on fixed ladders. These requirements went into effect on November 19, 2018. Here are the revisions relating to all ladders including those installed on bolted and welded-steel ground storage tanks (like water towers). All new ladders installed after November 19, 2018 must include a ladder safety or personal fall arrest system. Existing ladders installed before November 19, 2018 must be equipped with one of the following items: ladder cage, ladder safety system, or personal fall arrest system. All new ladders installed before November 19, 2018 will not be able to use a ladder cage as the exclusive fall protection method. Ladder cages will still be able to be used provided they are combined with a primary fall protection method such as a ladder safety or fall arrest system and the cage does not interfere with the primary system. After November 19, 2036 all existing ladders not in compliance with the requirements for new ladders will need to be retrofitted to have either a ladder safety or personal fall arrest system.
A ladder safety system is designed to eliminate the possibility of workers falling from the ladder. Similarly, a fall arrest system stops the fall before the worker impacts the surface below.
2036, seems like a long way away, but it will be here before we know it. Start making plans to get your fixed ladder systems in compliance with these relatively new regulations.
Staying Safe on Ladders and Scaffolds
Hundreds of workers are injured or killed every year from accidents on ladders and scaffolds. The good news is most ladder and scaffold accidents are preventable. Most of these accidents are either caused by risky behavior like over-reaching or from faulty setups of the ladder/scaffolding. These mistakes can be corrected.
You have the power to prevent ladder and scaffolding falls. Begin by implementing these 5 steps:
Inspect equipment before use
Follow manufacturer’s instructions and follow safety rules
Use common sense
Avoid risky behaviors like over-reaching, climbing too high, rushing movements, etc.
Report safety problems (broken/malfunctioning equipment) immediately to a supervisor or safety coordinator
Don’t let these types of accidents happen to you or your staff:
A worker was standing on top of a stepstool, which shifted and caused him to fall. He suffered a spinal cord injury and was off work for 4 months. It wasn’t even a long fall.
A worker failed to secure his extension ladder to the top of a 20 ft. wall and he fell to the ground when the ladder slipped away from the wall, resulting in his death.
Two men were working on an atrium when their scaffold collapsed. They fell to a concrete deck. One man was dead on arrival at the hospital; the other was in critical condition.
Practicing the 5 steps above could have prevented all these accidents.
Ladder Dos & Don’t’s
Do make sure ladders are secured firmly at the top and bottom and supports are locked in
Do make sure device is on a level surface
Do use a 4 to 1 ratio; bottom of ladder should be 1 foot away from wall for every 4 feet of ladder height
Do always face the ladder when climbing up or down
Do have at least 3 feet of ladder extended past the top of wall/roof; secure it
Do pay attention to the weight limit ratings listed on the ladder label
Don’t place a ladder against a weak surface like a window
Don’t use metal ladders near live electrical lines
Don’t set ladders on boxes or other objects
Don’t get on a ladder if another person is on it
Don’t work on a ladder when there is a strong wind
Don’t reposition a ladder while you are on it
If your job requires you to work at heights, OSHA and your employer require you to follow safety guidelines for your protection.
3 Fall Protections Systems: (one or more of these should be in place when workers are working from heights)
Guardrails (barriers between workers and the upper level edge)
At least 42 inches high
Able to withstand force of at least 200 lbs.
Materials won’t puncture skin or snag clothes
Safety nets (catch you if you fall)
Must be no more than 30 ft. below elevated workers or area
Have strong rope border with mesh openings smaller than 6 inches per side
Be strength tested by dropping 400 lbs. (30-inch diameter sandbag)
Inspected weekly for wear, damage, and deterioration
Personal fall arrest system (harness/tethers)
Body harness connected to a fixed anchor by lanyard, lifeline, or deceleration device
Cannot be used to hoist materials
Must be inspected before and after use
Self-locking, self-closing connectors
Anchor must support at least 5,000 lbs. per attached employee
Cannot connect to platform supports or suspension points, guardrails, or hoists
Avoid connecting to rough edges
Do not connect with a hitch knot
OSHA Requirements for Scaffolds
Scaffolds must be made of metal or stress-grade lumber
Cross bracing is required for metal scaffolding
Guys, ties, or braces are required to keep supported scaffolds from tipping over
Supported scaffolds must bear on base plates and mudsills
Scaffold platforms and walkways should be at least 18 inches wide
Supported scaffolds must be able to hold at least 4 times the intended load
Ropes for suspended scaffolds must be able to carry 6 times their intended load
Scaffold must be erected a safe distance away from powerlines
Safe access to scaffold platforms must be provided (i.e. ladders, ramps, steps)
Fall protection is required for work more than 10 feet above a lower surface
All scaffolds must have guardrails or personal fall arrest systems to prevent falls
Top rails must be 38-45 inches above the platform and able to support a minimum of 200 lbs.
Toe boards at least 4 inches high are required on open sides to keep tools and materials from falling
Screens must be used between guardrails and toe boards if people will be passing underneath the scaffold
Debris nets, catch platforms, canopies, or barricades are necessary if people are passing beneath scaffolding
Employees working below scaffolding are required to wear hard hats
To keep workers safe make sure they are properly trained on the hazards of working at or around heights. Teach them to inspect their equipment and report broken or malfunctioning equipment. Have available and use the proper PPE, and keep equipment clean and properly functioning. Practicing safe work behavior before someone gets hurt prevents someone from getting hurt.
5 Common Playground Hazards
Playgrounds should be a safe place for kids to play. OMAG Risk Management Services performs playground inspections for our municipalities at no charge. Consider getting your playgrounds inspected to ensure your parks and recreation facilities are safe from these common hazards:
Falls - Kids are prone to falling as they are still developing balancing skills. One way to protect them from falls is to follow safe use zones. Each piece of playground equipment has a use zone which gives a specific fall height. It is important to know these guidelines and follow them.
Entrapment - Strangulation due to head/neck entrapment after a feet first entry into an element is the number 3 cause of death on playgrounds. All openings must be tested to admit both feet and the head. No opening should measure between 3 ½ inches and 9 inches on any structures.
Crush & Shear Hazards - These injuries can occur at the juncture between 2 or more playground elements that have movements relative to each other and lack the recommended clearance between parts. It is important to have your playground inspected by a trained professional who will take notice of these types of hazards.
Protrusions - A rigid projection becomes a protrusion hazard when it extends beyond the recommended ASTM standard, which is measured by placing 3 projection test gauges over the protruding bolt, fastener, step, or handle.
Trip Hazards - These include deep pits/cracks in degraded poured-in-place rubber surfacing, clumps/folds of geo-fabric, exposure of the layer beneath engineered wood fiber surfacing when the wood mulch is scattered, and the tops and edges of concrete footings exposed due to the wearing away of safety surfacing.
For a more detailed description of playground safety specifications go to www.omag.org (OMAG’s webpage), click on “free services” then “public works”, then under SAFETY DOCUMENTATION click on “The Playground Inspection Manual” and open the document icon found in the lower-left corner of your computer screen. This manual can be printed out or downloaded onto your computer or a flash drive.
If you would like to schedule a playground safety inspection by OMAG staff, contact Kip Prichard – kprichard@omag.org.