What kind of safety policy do you have in your company policy?
In the second chapter of David Gerstel’s book, the subject of a company policy comes up. This is another one of those things that I guess can’t be left in your head. It’s supposed to be written out on paper. It also seems to be a subject with many large subcategories. What catagories do you cover in your companies safety policy?
The category that I feel is most important is safety. As far as I’m concerned, there’s one very important safety standard everyone should follow. Wear safety glasses. My opinions aside, what would you say the most important safety precaution would be?
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I think safety glasses have to be a requirement for any employee in my company. It’s just too stupid not to wear them. David though, mentions several other safety categories. One is supposedly “site protection,†whatever that means. Can someone please fill me in?
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He also mentions “personal safety gear,†with sub categories; “footwear,” “hard hats,” “kneepads,” and “ear protection.” Now, it really “T“’s me off that he didn’t mention safety glasses. That aside though, I’ve seen certain footwear enforced. I’ve also seen company policies that enforce ear protection, although ear protection is more encouraged than enforced in actual practice. On the other hand, is requiring kneepads of your employees something that you do? I don’t remember ever seeing kneepads mentioned in any company policy I’ve ever read.
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David also lists “equipment use,” and “running on job sites,â€
as safety categories. Does mentioning running in a company policy seem like something important to you? What about equipment use? There are countless precautions that need to be taken every day. What safety guidelines on using equipment do you think would be most beneficial?
–T
Replies
things that I have seen in various "policies....commercial and industrial
no glass containers, shirts with sleeves, no extension cords on the floor, mandatory drug testing,
durable leather footwear, gloves, no throwing stuff off the building, trip hazards,housekeeping, PPE, LOTO, use of portable GFIs, fall protection above 6', flame retardant clothing,
speed limits, seat belt requirements on mobile equipment,
hot work permits for cutting and burning, and welding....and working on energized equipment....which would require "flash protection", firewatch, fire extinguishers
the use of safety cones,caution tape, DANGER tape, ladders with
rubber feet, confined spaces,####company designated safety man , NO firearms,NO alcohol, NO illegal substances, .
and yes.....NO RUNNING,
site protection.......is usually an escalation of security, from simple signage to tall fences, gates, employee badges, guards and guard shacks, video, intrusion alarms, site perimeter lighting, restricted parking, tool bag and lunch box inspections
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Thanks maddog, especially for the explanation of what he meant by site protection. That's also a pretty comprehensive list you provided. It'll definitely come in handy as a checklist in making up my own safety policy.-T
no problem at all JCT, I think too, (but it hurts sometimes ) that insurance companies get all goosepimply when you wave your "company policy" at them....maybe someone else will drop in with their 2¢ at any rate,
Good Luck !.
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Couple more, licensing for powder actuated tools, proper disposal of spent loads. Daily inspection of scaffolding by a qualified person. Fall protection when needed. Records of a weekly safety meeting, and program. Mike
Trust in God, but row away from the rocks.
........those are good ones too.....
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There is very little I could imagine doing without safety glasses. Dust in the eyes is one of the most aggravating parts of any job.
I have bad knees so I require myself to wear knee pads, but I know guys that can kneel on compacted road base for hours and not be bothered. Knee pads seem to be a comfort decision rather than a safety issue, although if the young guys started using them earlier in their careers, they might still have some cartilage left when they turn 40.
DCS Inc.
"Whaddya mean I hurt your feelings, I didn't know you had any feelings." Dave Mustaine
one thing I forget to mention..........
proper use and training with lasers
OSHA. 1926.54
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would you say the most important safety precaution would be?
Having a written (because "written" is hard copy, which is "real," not just understood) policy that states clearly that you care about safety as a real part of the job, not just something that gets nodded at or only when it's convenient.
“site protection,†whatever that means. Can someone please fill me in?
As mentioned in a different post, that's doing things to make the entire site safer. Access limits, warning & caution signage, that sort of thing, too. Like putting up temporary fencing to keep kids & passers-by out. Labeling debris disposal areas, caution signs for overhead electrical service drops, that sort of thing.
He also mentions “personal safety gear,†with sub categories; “footwear," "hard hats," "kneepads," and "ear protection." Now, it really "T"’s me off that he didn’t mention safety glasses.
That may be because many places just give away safety glasses when ever asked. You can get a box-full of not-very-stylish-but-functional for reasonably low per-each prices. Having a couple of boxes, and distributing them to all your visitors, can be just good practice. Same principle, to my thinking, aplies to getting a big box of foam ear plugs, too.
Hard hats, footware, joint protection--now those can run to some dollars, so they often get more attention in articles on company safety issues. Tends to get into the arcane bits of employee buys, and company reimburses afterward (varying by State & jurisdiction) as a "business" practice, rather than as a "work" practice.
David also lists “equipment use," and “running on job sites,â€
as safety categories. Does mentioning running in a company policy seem like something important to you?
That gets back to reinforcing 'seriousness' as company policy.
He also mentions “personal safety gear,†with sub categories; “footwear," "hard hats," "kneepads," and "ear protection."
Personal safety equipment or PPE (personal protective equipment) as it more commonly called, in many states is required to furnished by the employer. Checking with your state OSHA department will net you a list of required equipment and who furnishes it. They can also give you guidance on the required training and record keeping that will help you keep from running afoul of their regs and become part of your CYA when someone gets hurt.
I am an official OSHA recordable because of hearing loss suffered during my time of employment. This standard has changed in the past year and narrows the band for a threshold hearing shift in certain frequency ranges. Read and understand the standard so that you as an employee or employer know that you need to protect yourself or employees.
MD gave you a very comprehensive list of things he has seen and/or has had to comply with. What I didn't see in his list was a daily "job briefing." This can be as brief as a description of what you are going to do that day, and any hazards associated with that job. An example would be:
" Bill, you are the cut man today. Check the saw guard, cords, plugs, GFCIs and your set area for hazards. Keep the area clear of debris and be sure you are wearing your PPEs."
As you make work assignments, you mention the safety hazards associated with each job. You don't generally need to document each thing you cover, but you do need to have each employee sign a job briefing form that shows that they were present at the briefing.
Follow these briefings with a once a month Safety Tailgate that covers one of the twelve safety subjects that OSHA requires refresher training on each year.
Your butt is now covered if you document all of this and don't let something "just slide by this one time". The other thing, believe it or not, is that your site and employees will become safer, no matter how much they grouse about "this stupid safety stuff."
Safety will become a culture when you get them to believe that there can be no compromise. The cost, long term, is minimal when compared to the loss of time and money for loss time injuries, disabilities or loss of life.
Dave
..... a link for this companies version of "toolbox talks"...
At each weekly meeting, usually on Monday most jobs would have one of these read aloud and the crews then signed the sheet.......some of the topics might seem goofy, especially when you talk about frostbite in the middle of August but , along with demonstrating to your employees a commitment to safety, it is an important paper trail
....go to the link and look for the Construction button
http://www.safetyservicescompany.com/default.asp
...here is another with indexes of their packets......
http://www.mrsoshasafety.com/site/715178/page/510240
as mentioned, daily briefings are also a
plus, the more safety documentation you have, the merrier Big Brother gets...
just be sure you CYA....cuz if your company has a recordable incident, you might be stunned at how intrusive Gov't can be...!
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"what would you say the most important safety precaution would be?"
Don't hire people who are stupid, irresponsible, childish, or have substance abuse problems. Document infractions, enumerate the kinds of violations that are grounds for termination and disciplinary action, irrespective of the outcome ("We were just horsing around; no one got hurt" doesn't cut it), and follow up consistently.
After those steps have been taken, the remainder of the safety protocols are a lot easier to implement and have a far greater chance of taking root.
Safety training and enforcement is a lot like dog training: It's not as much about training the dog as it's about training its owner to behave deliberately and consistently. The people "in charge" have all got to be singing from the same hymnal, in the same key, because when written rules and procedures aren't congruent with everyday practices, accidents are more likely to occur, and bad precedents set. That'll lose you workers' comp cases and lawsuits.
-Jazzdogg-
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie
Edited 6/23/2006 7:11 pm by jazzdogg
Edited 6/23/2006 9:18 pm by jazzdogg
we just had a "toolbox" safety meeting on heat stress.
Like mentioned above, proper clothing is mandatory. No short's NO TANK TOPS, PROPER FOOTWEAR.
I told the supervisor to get me on another project if he wanted me to wear long pants, and a shirt with sleeves in this heat.
Then he continued on and said rest breaks EVERY HOUR may be required because of the heat. I told him to keep me on this project if I could take a break every hour.
Don't overlook the requirements for First Aid Attendants and the First Aid Supplies / Kits, then exceed the requirements. And make provisions to have two FA's on site in case one is off sick or on vacation etc. No matter how much effort is put in to preventing accidents and promoting safe work practices, sooner or later someone will get hurt. Then the expertise of the FA will be realized.
JCT-
There is another consideration to the written safety policy issue (or any other written company policy) - once it's written, it's LAW. That makes for some interesting drafting - one school of thought says it need to be detailed, very detailed, and need to keep it current with updates.
Somebody does something stupid and it's not in the policy - they will say it's your fault.
Once you create it, in writing, you just bought yourself a lot of work. Now, while you are starting out that's fine. You have time to deal with this paperwork. Two years from now when there are three jobs going and you don't have time to blow your nose, the (safety) policy binder update doesn't seem nearly so important.
Don K.
EJG Homes Renovations - New Construction - Rentals
Somebody does something stupid and it's not in the policy - they will say it's your fault.Dogs on site