Oh it will never happen to me you say Oh he was stupid he didnt put it on properly
Ok Mr Educated read on
Yes you youve been on this page more than once in life ( thats why its called a near miss)
Dont let the boys just hang around
Scary very scary. Still the full harness correctly worn is much safer than the body belt I started out with.
Recommendations
Safety harnesses save many lives and injuries. However, continual vigilance is needed to train and supervise workers to ensure harnesses are used safely. All phases of fall protection need to be examined for each particular application. Workers and emergency response personnel must be trained to recognize the risks of suspension trauma.
Before the potential fall:
Workers should be use caution to work alone in a harness.
Rope/cable tenders must make certain the harness user is conscious at all times.
Time in suspension should be limited to under five minutes. Longer suspensions must have foothold straps or means for putting weight on the legs.
Harnesses should be selected for specific applications and must consider: compliance (convenience), potential arrest injury, and suspension trauma.
Tie-off lanyards should be anchored as high and tight as work permits.
After a fall:
Workers should be trained to try to move their legs in the harness and try to push against any footholds.
Workers hanging in a harness should be trained to try to get their legs as high as possible and their heads as close to horizontal as possible (this is nearly impossible with many commercial harnesses in use today).
It the worker is suspended upright, emergency measures must be taken to remove the worker from suspension or move the fallen worker into a horizontal posture, or at least to a sitting position.
For harness rescues:
The victim should not be suspended in a vertical (upright) posture with the legs dangling straight. Victims should be kept as nearly horizontal as possible, or at least in a sitting position.
Rescuers should be trained that victims who are suspended vertically before rescue are in a potentially fatal situation.
Rescuers must be aware that post-rescue death may occur if victims are moved to a horizontal position too rapidly.
Recommendations on harnesses:
It may be advantageous in some circumstances to locate the lanyard or tie-off attachment of the harness as near to the body's center of gravity as possible to reduce the whiplash and other trauma when a fall is arrested. This also facilitates moving legs upward and head downward while suspended.
Front (stomach or chest) rather than rear (back) harness lanyard attachment points will aid uninjured workers in self-rescue. This is crucial if workers are not closely supervised.
Any time a worker must spend time hanging in a harness, a harness with a seat rather than straps alone should be used to help position the upper legs horizontally.
A gradual arrest device should be employed to lessen deceleration injuries.
Follow this link for complete report.OHS
Will Your Safety Harness Kill You?
Workers and emergency response personnel must be trained to
recognize the risks of suspension trauma.
http://cdc.gov <link updated to site home>
Follow this link for manufactures instructions on harness use inspection and care
htthttp://www.millerfallprotection.c...ection.pdfp://
I find this way too graphic and beleive a deceleration device was not utilized.
http://lineman.co.nz <link updated to site home>
From Canada, Calgary
11Ok Mr Educated read on
Yes you youve been on this page more than once in life ( thats why its called a near miss)
Dont let the boys just hang around
Scary very scary. Still the full harness correctly worn is much safer than the body belt I started out with.
Recommendations
Safety harnesses save many lives and injuries. However, continual vigilance is needed to train and supervise workers to ensure harnesses are used safely. All phases of fall protection need to be examined for each particular application. Workers and emergency response personnel must be trained to recognize the risks of suspension trauma.
Before the potential fall:
Workers should be use caution to work alone in a harness.
Rope/cable tenders must make certain the harness user is conscious at all times.
Time in suspension should be limited to under five minutes. Longer suspensions must have foothold straps or means for putting weight on the legs.
Harnesses should be selected for specific applications and must consider: compliance (convenience), potential arrest injury, and suspension trauma.
Tie-off lanyards should be anchored as high and tight as work permits.
After a fall:
Workers should be trained to try to move their legs in the harness and try to push against any footholds.
Workers hanging in a harness should be trained to try to get their legs as high as possible and their heads as close to horizontal as possible (this is nearly impossible with many commercial harnesses in use today).
It the worker is suspended upright, emergency measures must be taken to remove the worker from suspension or move the fallen worker into a horizontal posture, or at least to a sitting position.
For harness rescues:
The victim should not be suspended in a vertical (upright) posture with the legs dangling straight. Victims should be kept as nearly horizontal as possible, or at least in a sitting position.
Rescuers should be trained that victims who are suspended vertically before rescue are in a potentially fatal situation.
Rescuers must be aware that post-rescue death may occur if victims are moved to a horizontal position too rapidly.
Recommendations on harnesses:
It may be advantageous in some circumstances to locate the lanyard or tie-off attachment of the harness as near to the body's center of gravity as possible to reduce the whiplash and other trauma when a fall is arrested. This also facilitates moving legs upward and head downward while suspended.
Front (stomach or chest) rather than rear (back) harness lanyard attachment points will aid uninjured workers in self-rescue. This is crucial if workers are not closely supervised.
Any time a worker must spend time hanging in a harness, a harness with a seat rather than straps alone should be used to help position the upper legs horizontally.
A gradual arrest device should be employed to lessen deceleration injuries.
Follow this link for complete report.OHS
Will Your Safety Harness Kill You?
Workers and emergency response personnel must be trained to
recognize the risks of suspension trauma.
http://cdc.gov <link updated to site home>
Follow this link for manufactures instructions on harness use inspection and care
htthttp://www.millerfallprotection.c...ection.pdfp://
I find this way too graphic and beleive a deceleration device was not utilized.
http://lineman.co.nz <link updated to site home>
From Canada, Calgary
Hand vibration risk at work
How white are your fingers
Well soon they will be black if you dont protect them
Hand arm vibration at work
From Canada, Calgary
How white are your fingers
Well soon they will be black if you dont protect them
Hand arm vibration at work
From Canada, Calgary
But its my wedding ring my spouse gave it to me
Best Practice Guidance for JEWELLERY MANAGEMENT at WORK
The intent of this guidance is to provide best industry practice on how the wearing of jewellery is safely managed in the Oil & Gas industry.
Introduction
Serious injuries have occurred as a result of personnel wearing jewellery at work. These injuries have been caused by contact with hazards such as electricity, moving equipment/machinery and hot surfaces. Other serious injuries have also occurred from less obvious events like catching rings while climbing ladders. Accident records show that jewellery can significantly contribute to the nature and extent of such injuries.
Objective
All industry Jewellery Policies have the objective of ‘No harm occurs to an individual, as a result of wearing jewellery while working’.
Jewellery Definition
For the purpose of this guidance, jewellery refers to finger rings, earrings, studs, facial attachments such as chains/rings, bracelets (including medical bracelets), necklaces and watches.
Application
This guidance applies to operational locations and worksites on and offshore. ‘Workface’ refers to the location of the specific activity the individual is undertaking.
The majority of industry jewellery policies do apply in accommodation and office locations where the work involves higher risk activities (such as electrical, catering/laundry, gardening, chemical use and maintenance). In such circumstances the jewellery is either banned (as for the rest of the installation) OR AT LEAST a risk assessment has been carried out for the wearing during the activity. The removal of jewellery whilst using Gym equipment has also been encouraged as ‘best practice’.
BEST PRACTICE in JEWELLERY POLICY
• Wearing of finger rings, earrings and facial jewellery is banned at the workface. (A few companies allow the wearing of a flat band wedding ring only if it cannot be removed, and that it is taped up - even if being worn under gloves).
• Wearing of bracelets and necklaces is banned at the workface. The only exception are the ‘open copper’ type medical bracelets.
• Where other jewellery such as body piercing is worn this is only permitted at the workface WHERE it is continuously and completely covered by clothing and PPE (such as coveralls and catering jackets).
• Watches should be removed when working with moving equipment/machinery. Watches should be completely covered by PPE (such as coverall cuffs)
JEWELLERY POLICY implementation
The following are various approaches that industry companies have taken to successfully implement their Jewellery Policies.
• Raising awareness that ‘ring taping’ in itself can create a further hazard if applied incorrectly. Tape applied too tightly can reduce blood flow (especially conditions of elevated temperatures or during work exertion), applied too loosely - then ‘hook-up’ of the ring can still occur. Use of flexible tape is recommended.
• Assisting in the costs associated with enabling ‘non-removable’ rings to become ‘removable’.
• Assisting with the supply of a watchstrap containing a ‘quick release’ link.
• Ensuring Jewellery Policy implementation for offshore workers is policed at the heliport/admin PRIOR to offshore travel.
• Conducting awareness/education campaigns relating to the risks of wearing Jewellery in the workplace. These include posters, presentations and videos.
• Ensuring the wearing of jewellery is a ‘list item’ considered during activity formal risk assessment and again during ‘tool box talks’ prior to work starting.
• Ensuring Jewellery Policy is clearly explained during ‘Company and Site Induction’.
• Completely banning the wearing of jewellery.
From Canada, Calgary
Best Practice Guidance for JEWELLERY MANAGEMENT at WORK
The intent of this guidance is to provide best industry practice on how the wearing of jewellery is safely managed in the Oil & Gas industry.
Introduction
Serious injuries have occurred as a result of personnel wearing jewellery at work. These injuries have been caused by contact with hazards such as electricity, moving equipment/machinery and hot surfaces. Other serious injuries have also occurred from less obvious events like catching rings while climbing ladders. Accident records show that jewellery can significantly contribute to the nature and extent of such injuries.
Objective
All industry Jewellery Policies have the objective of ‘No harm occurs to an individual, as a result of wearing jewellery while working’.
Jewellery Definition
For the purpose of this guidance, jewellery refers to finger rings, earrings, studs, facial attachments such as chains/rings, bracelets (including medical bracelets), necklaces and watches.
Application
This guidance applies to operational locations and worksites on and offshore. ‘Workface’ refers to the location of the specific activity the individual is undertaking.
The majority of industry jewellery policies do apply in accommodation and office locations where the work involves higher risk activities (such as electrical, catering/laundry, gardening, chemical use and maintenance). In such circumstances the jewellery is either banned (as for the rest of the installation) OR AT LEAST a risk assessment has been carried out for the wearing during the activity. The removal of jewellery whilst using Gym equipment has also been encouraged as ‘best practice’.
BEST PRACTICE in JEWELLERY POLICY
• Wearing of finger rings, earrings and facial jewellery is banned at the workface. (A few companies allow the wearing of a flat band wedding ring only if it cannot be removed, and that it is taped up - even if being worn under gloves).
• Wearing of bracelets and necklaces is banned at the workface. The only exception are the ‘open copper’ type medical bracelets.
• Where other jewellery such as body piercing is worn this is only permitted at the workface WHERE it is continuously and completely covered by clothing and PPE (such as coveralls and catering jackets).
• Watches should be removed when working with moving equipment/machinery. Watches should be completely covered by PPE (such as coverall cuffs)
JEWELLERY POLICY implementation
The following are various approaches that industry companies have taken to successfully implement their Jewellery Policies.
• Raising awareness that ‘ring taping’ in itself can create a further hazard if applied incorrectly. Tape applied too tightly can reduce blood flow (especially conditions of elevated temperatures or during work exertion), applied too loosely - then ‘hook-up’ of the ring can still occur. Use of flexible tape is recommended.
• Assisting in the costs associated with enabling ‘non-removable’ rings to become ‘removable’.
• Assisting with the supply of a watchstrap containing a ‘quick release’ link.
• Ensuring Jewellery Policy implementation for offshore workers is policed at the heliport/admin PRIOR to offshore travel.
• Conducting awareness/education campaigns relating to the risks of wearing Jewellery in the workplace. These include posters, presentations and videos.
• Ensuring the wearing of jewellery is a ‘list item’ considered during activity formal risk assessment and again during ‘tool box talks’ prior to work starting.
• Ensuring Jewellery Policy is clearly explained during ‘Company and Site Induction’.
• Completely banning the wearing of jewellery.
From Canada, Calgary
Hmmmmmm safety with a twist or just a hint of where to find the answer when your looking but first you have to understand the hazard or risk so you can ask that all impowering question to save a life this is exactly the content of this forum
A twist or hint of safety
The rest of the formula is yours to create and develop
<link no longer exists - removed>
http://miningquiz.com <link updated to site home>
http://uwsp.edu <link updated to site home>
http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&source...VcVbRlj_4katHQ
http://hartserv.co.uk <link updated to site home>
Some of members were asking about bulk chemicals and storage of the same here are some excellent sites and knowledge based companies
<link no longer exists - removed>
<link no longer exists - removed>
http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&source...R4fM_1CdWyyqgw
http://stepchangeinsafety.net <link updated to site home>
From Canada, Calgary
A twist or hint of safety
The rest of the formula is yours to create and develop
<link no longer exists - removed>
http://miningquiz.com <link updated to site home>
http://uwsp.edu <link updated to site home>
http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&source...VcVbRlj_4katHQ
http://hartserv.co.uk <link updated to site home>
Some of members were asking about bulk chemicals and storage of the same here are some excellent sites and knowledge based companies
<link no longer exists - removed>
<link no longer exists - removed>
http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&source...R4fM_1CdWyyqgw
http://stepchangeinsafety.net <link updated to site home>
From Canada, Calgary
No fear No Tears
Bullies and Harrassment is against the Law Clean Simple Clear
Upon first meeting, a bully may come across as polite, amiable and even jovial. The term “wolf in sheep’s clothing” comes to mind. At the outset, a bully may be winsome and engaging, seeking to win your trust. All the while, he or she is gathering information that may prove useful later in thwarting the goals and desires you’ve revealed.
Bullies typically possess a “Type A” personality; they are competitive and appear driven, operating as they do from a sense of urgency. This has its advantages in the workplace but the shadow side of Type A is the tendency to become frustrated and verbally abusive when things don’t go according to plan. Impatience and temper tantrums are common for Type A individuals who haven’t engaged in the personal growth required to gain self-awareness, maintain emotional stability and consider situations from multiple points of view.
Because of the bully’s “two-faced” nature—considerate if things are going well and abusive if not—his or her presence in an organization can cause the work environment to become tense. People feel as if they are “walking on eggshells” around the bully. They feel he or she is a “sleeping giant” who could, upon awakening, explode with rage.
Above all, bullies crave power and control, and this craving underlies much of what they do, say and fail to do and say at work. Bullies use charm and deceit to further their own ends and seem oblivious to the trail of damage they leave behind, as long as their appetites for power and control are fulfilled.
When confronted, bullies typically ramp up the negativity rather than curtail it because they feel a loss of control. The more threatened they feel, the more aggressive they become, and unfortunately, they are easily threatened because of the deep-seated insecurity they strive at all costs to hide, even from themselves.
If you’ve been bullied, you may find it difficult to see past the bully’s shortcomings enough to feel sorry for him or her, and in that way to begin moving past bitterness toward forgiveness. It may help you to remember that despite all of their arrogance and bravado, bullies are needy, weak and yes, unwell. They abuse their power in order to feel good about themselves. They lash out at others in order to protect themselves. At the end of the day, they are afraid their inadequacies will be exposed. They are terrified of the emptiness inside their hearts, which they have not allowed love to reach.
From Canada, Calgary
Bullies and Harrassment is against the Law Clean Simple Clear
Upon first meeting, a bully may come across as polite, amiable and even jovial. The term “wolf in sheep’s clothing” comes to mind. At the outset, a bully may be winsome and engaging, seeking to win your trust. All the while, he or she is gathering information that may prove useful later in thwarting the goals and desires you’ve revealed.
Bullies typically possess a “Type A” personality; they are competitive and appear driven, operating as they do from a sense of urgency. This has its advantages in the workplace but the shadow side of Type A is the tendency to become frustrated and verbally abusive when things don’t go according to plan. Impatience and temper tantrums are common for Type A individuals who haven’t engaged in the personal growth required to gain self-awareness, maintain emotional stability and consider situations from multiple points of view.
Because of the bully’s “two-faced” nature—considerate if things are going well and abusive if not—his or her presence in an organization can cause the work environment to become tense. People feel as if they are “walking on eggshells” around the bully. They feel he or she is a “sleeping giant” who could, upon awakening, explode with rage.
Above all, bullies crave power and control, and this craving underlies much of what they do, say and fail to do and say at work. Bullies use charm and deceit to further their own ends and seem oblivious to the trail of damage they leave behind, as long as their appetites for power and control are fulfilled.
When confronted, bullies typically ramp up the negativity rather than curtail it because they feel a loss of control. The more threatened they feel, the more aggressive they become, and unfortunately, they are easily threatened because of the deep-seated insecurity they strive at all costs to hide, even from themselves.
If you’ve been bullied, you may find it difficult to see past the bully’s shortcomings enough to feel sorry for him or her, and in that way to begin moving past bitterness toward forgiveness. It may help you to remember that despite all of their arrogance and bravado, bullies are needy, weak and yes, unwell. They abuse their power in order to feel good about themselves. They lash out at others in order to protect themselves. At the end of the day, they are afraid their inadequacies will be exposed. They are terrified of the emptiness inside their hearts, which they have not allowed love to reach.
From Canada, Calgary
Put up your hands how many of you saw the the saw safety presentation and saw the value of saw safety
For those of you who saw it bonus for the other saw handles here is chance to see the saw e learning
All saws are noted
Machine Guarding eTool
From Canada, Calgary
For those of you who saw it bonus for the other saw handles here is chance to see the saw e learning
All saws are noted
Machine Guarding eTool
From Canada, Calgary
Dont shout at me point your finger a stamp your foot
As a former peace officer those would be signs of agressive behavior and could be viewed as a threat
So is work place violence and bullying people
People need to know they are secure and not harrassed at work they are commanded to do a good job
for a honest days pay and with out the risks of someone temper tantrums
But people continually find they are be-littled pushed or flagged with negative comments
STOP THE VIOLENCE
<link no longer exists - removed>
Here's Just a Taste of What You'll Learn in Bully Free at Work...
• To understand what workplace bullying truly is and why it’s happening to you
so you can take the appropriate actions to solve the real issues at hand!
• How to effectively evaluate your unique workplace bullying circumstances with my powerful assessment tools so you can begin to put together the missing pieces and create a customized solution for yourself.
• To be able to identify the bullies from the rest of the pack so you can stop the cycle dead in its tracks!
• To understand why people bully so you can equip yourself with the right tools to deal with it like a pro.
• Be educated about the tactics bullies use so you can be totally conscious of what is going on and maneuvre through the mess with ease.
• To understand the exact characteristics bullies look for in a target so you can take action to bully proof yourself.
• That workplace bullying is a cycle that can be broken and how you can break the cycle yourself!
• How to effectively assess if the physical, mental and emotional symptoms you have developed are from workplace bullying, so you can fully comprehend the impact that it is having on you.
• Learn my powerful 4 Pronged approach that is an absolute must have in your tool kit to empower yourself and take action now!
• Work through my specifically designed written exercises to clarify and state the workplace bullying problem that you’re facing - so you can immediately take effective steps to solve it!
• To arm yourself with powerful evidence by learning how to create a valuable workplace bullying log.
• Know that you are #1. Learn how to look out for yourself by utilizing my simple exercises and assignments that will transform your physical health and well being.
• Complete my questionnaire specially designed to help you create your very own customized stress management plan.
• Harness the power of reframing to turn around negative thought processes, so that you are empowered rather than powerless.
• Know that you’re NOT alone – Learn how to surround yourself with a support team, so that you know someone’s “got your back.”
• How to be more confident by teaching you how to identify and play to your strengths.
• Follow my rock solid 3 step process that enables you to make good decisions – and feel confident about where you’re going.
• I’ll also show you how to effectively assess and improve your assertiveness skills and gain increased respect at work!
• Evaluate if it’s time to throw in the towel and move on to bigger and better things.
• And, last but not least, I'll show you the exact steps employers can implement to bully proof their workplace culture in order to prevent bullying from happening in the first place...
"But What Do I Do When the Bully Attacks Me?..."
Bully Free at Work Comes Complete With 21 Highly Effective Techniques
that Deflate, Deflect and Disarm the Bully. Here's a Sneak Peak...
You Will Learn:
• How to focus on the positive aspects of your life like your friends and family and stop the negativity train dead in its tracks so you can get back to enjoying life.
• To identify what an unfair conversation looks like and how to manoeuvre around or through it so you realize that you are not crazy when you meet with the bully!
• How to recognize your true feelings in order for you to identify how you come across to others and take full control of ‘who you want to be’.
• Bullies use passive and heavy control against you, learn how to identify and handle both of these tactics like a seasoned professional so you can hold the upper hand, not them.
• How to mean what you say and say what you mean at exactly the right time so that you are in direct control of very clear messages that you send to the bully.
• To understand precisely what to do when someone with authority over you makes a false statement and insists that it’s true so you can take back your power and respect.
• Lean how to spot avoidance tactics that bullies use to take you off subject and divert the real issue at hand so you can truly hold them accountable for their words and actions.
• How to arm yourself with the tools that will put an end to sarcastic remarks and deflate the bully’s arrogant and ignorant comments.
• How to deflect and divert ridiculous mind reading by the bully and stand your ground.
When the bully interrupts you they take your power and undermine you; Bully Free at Work teaches you the 4 necessary keys to effectiveness that put you back in the driver’s seat.
• To redirect the bully from acting like you’ve made an unreasonable request so you stand firm in your power.
• Bully Free at Work teaches an incredibly useful technique called mirroring that keeps both the speaker and the listener 'centered' in a difficult conversation so you aren’t steamrolled by the bully.
• Learn highly effective short and simple come backs to bring the bully’s power down to size and diffuse the situation.
• And last but not least how to harness the power of expectation and intent so you
create the workplace environment that you want, not the other way around.
A workplace bully affects everyone
YouTube - Vicious Cycle of Workplace Bullying
YouTube - What is Workplace Bullying?
From Canada, Calgary
As a former peace officer those would be signs of agressive behavior and could be viewed as a threat
So is work place violence and bullying people
People need to know they are secure and not harrassed at work they are commanded to do a good job
for a honest days pay and with out the risks of someone temper tantrums
But people continually find they are be-littled pushed or flagged with negative comments
STOP THE VIOLENCE
<link no longer exists - removed>
Here's Just a Taste of What You'll Learn in Bully Free at Work...
• To understand what workplace bullying truly is and why it’s happening to you
so you can take the appropriate actions to solve the real issues at hand!
• How to effectively evaluate your unique workplace bullying circumstances with my powerful assessment tools so you can begin to put together the missing pieces and create a customized solution for yourself.
• To be able to identify the bullies from the rest of the pack so you can stop the cycle dead in its tracks!
• To understand why people bully so you can equip yourself with the right tools to deal with it like a pro.
• Be educated about the tactics bullies use so you can be totally conscious of what is going on and maneuvre through the mess with ease.
• To understand the exact characteristics bullies look for in a target so you can take action to bully proof yourself.
• That workplace bullying is a cycle that can be broken and how you can break the cycle yourself!
• How to effectively assess if the physical, mental and emotional symptoms you have developed are from workplace bullying, so you can fully comprehend the impact that it is having on you.
• Learn my powerful 4 Pronged approach that is an absolute must have in your tool kit to empower yourself and take action now!
• Work through my specifically designed written exercises to clarify and state the workplace bullying problem that you’re facing - so you can immediately take effective steps to solve it!
• To arm yourself with powerful evidence by learning how to create a valuable workplace bullying log.
• Know that you are #1. Learn how to look out for yourself by utilizing my simple exercises and assignments that will transform your physical health and well being.
• Complete my questionnaire specially designed to help you create your very own customized stress management plan.
• Harness the power of reframing to turn around negative thought processes, so that you are empowered rather than powerless.
• Know that you’re NOT alone – Learn how to surround yourself with a support team, so that you know someone’s “got your back.”
• How to be more confident by teaching you how to identify and play to your strengths.
• Follow my rock solid 3 step process that enables you to make good decisions – and feel confident about where you’re going.
• I’ll also show you how to effectively assess and improve your assertiveness skills and gain increased respect at work!
• Evaluate if it’s time to throw in the towel and move on to bigger and better things.
• And, last but not least, I'll show you the exact steps employers can implement to bully proof their workplace culture in order to prevent bullying from happening in the first place...
"But What Do I Do When the Bully Attacks Me?..."
Bully Free at Work Comes Complete With 21 Highly Effective Techniques
that Deflate, Deflect and Disarm the Bully. Here's a Sneak Peak...
You Will Learn:
• How to focus on the positive aspects of your life like your friends and family and stop the negativity train dead in its tracks so you can get back to enjoying life.
• To identify what an unfair conversation looks like and how to manoeuvre around or through it so you realize that you are not crazy when you meet with the bully!
• How to recognize your true feelings in order for you to identify how you come across to others and take full control of ‘who you want to be’.
• Bullies use passive and heavy control against you, learn how to identify and handle both of these tactics like a seasoned professional so you can hold the upper hand, not them.
• How to mean what you say and say what you mean at exactly the right time so that you are in direct control of very clear messages that you send to the bully.
• To understand precisely what to do when someone with authority over you makes a false statement and insists that it’s true so you can take back your power and respect.
• Lean how to spot avoidance tactics that bullies use to take you off subject and divert the real issue at hand so you can truly hold them accountable for their words and actions.
• How to arm yourself with the tools that will put an end to sarcastic remarks and deflate the bully’s arrogant and ignorant comments.
• How to deflect and divert ridiculous mind reading by the bully and stand your ground.
When the bully interrupts you they take your power and undermine you; Bully Free at Work teaches you the 4 necessary keys to effectiveness that put you back in the driver’s seat.
• To redirect the bully from acting like you’ve made an unreasonable request so you stand firm in your power.
• Bully Free at Work teaches an incredibly useful technique called mirroring that keeps both the speaker and the listener 'centered' in a difficult conversation so you aren’t steamrolled by the bully.
• Learn highly effective short and simple come backs to bring the bully’s power down to size and diffuse the situation.
• And last but not least how to harness the power of expectation and intent so you
create the workplace environment that you want, not the other way around.
A workplace bully affects everyone
YouTube - Vicious Cycle of Workplace Bullying
YouTube - What is Workplace Bullying?
From Canada, Calgary
Think before you do that critical lift
Below is a list describing 6 of the typical problems that Provincial Inspectors are finding during their investigations involving overhead cranes.
No written procedures in place for lifting complex and larger loads.
Insufficient training provided to workers on the determination of safe limits for lifting loads and the calculation of load weight.
Workers not made aware of the weight of loads and when they were filled with materials.
No records of annual or daily inspections being performed on the crane or other lifting equipment by a competent person.
No records to indicate the crane is properly maintained in good condition.
Lack of proper training records.
From Canada, Calgary
Below is a list describing 6 of the typical problems that Provincial Inspectors are finding during their investigations involving overhead cranes.
No written procedures in place for lifting complex and larger loads.
Insufficient training provided to workers on the determination of safe limits for lifting loads and the calculation of load weight.
Workers not made aware of the weight of loads and when they were filled with materials.
No records of annual or daily inspections being performed on the crane or other lifting equipment by a competent person.
No records to indicate the crane is properly maintained in good condition.
Lack of proper training records.
From Canada, Calgary
Everyone uses ladders to reach out-of-the-way objects on pantry shelves or closets, to wash windows, or to clean gutters on the roof of a house. Ladders are so useful and commonplace that they are often taken for granted. That's a mistake, because falling off a ladder also is commonplace.
Use the Correct Ladder
Use a ladder of proper length to reach the working height you need. Inside a house, that probably means a low stepladder; outside, you may need a taller stepladder, and for some projects, an even taller single or extension ladder. Use a ladder according to use and working load-the combined weight of the climber and the load being carried.
TYPE DUTY RATING WORKING LOAD
IA Industrial extra heavy 300 lbs. maximum
I Industrial heavy 250 lbs. maximum
II Commercial medium 225 lbs. maximum
III Household light 200 lbs. maximum
Always inspect the ladder before you use it. Never use the ladder if it is damaged, broken, or bent.
Do not make a temporary repair of broken or missing parts and then use the ladder. The temporary repair could fail while you are high off the ground. A ladder should be free from grease, oil, mud, snow, and other slippery materials before using.
Moving the Ladder
You should carry a single or extension ladder parallel to the ground. Hold the side rail in the middle of the ladder so you can balance the load. You should get help moving a very long ladder.
You should always carry a stepladder in the closed position.
Before you use a single ladder, extension ladder, or stepladder outside the house, make sure it will not hit electrical wires, tree limbs, or any other obstructions when it is extended.
To ensure that the ladder is stable, place the feet of the ladder on firm, even ground.
The bottom of the ladder should be 1 foot away from the wall for every 4 feet that the ladder rises. For example, if the ladder touches the wall 16 feet above the ground, the feet of the ladder should be 4 feet from the wall. If you are going to climb onto a roof, the ladder should extend 3 feet higher than the roof. The upper and lower sections of an extension ladder should overlap to provide stability.
Recommended Height of a Ladder
Ladder Height Maximum Work Height
16 ft. ladder 13 ft. maximum work height
24 ft. ladder 21 ft. maximum work height
28 ft. ladder 24 ft. maximum work height
32 ft. ladder 29 ft. maximum work height
36 ft. ladder 32 ft. maximum work height
Before using a stepladder, make sure it is fully open and the spreaders or braces between the two sections are fully extended and locked.
Whether inside or outside the house, do not place stepladders or utility ladders on boxes, countertops or unstable surfaces to gain additional height.
The highest standing level on a stepladder should be two steps down from the top.
Using the Ladder
Before climbing a ladder, make sure the locks are secured and the bottom and top of the ladder rails are on firm surfaces. The soles of your shoes should be clean so they do not slip off the ladder rungs. Do not wear leather-soled shoes, because they can be slippery. Your shoelaces should be securely tied. Make sure your shoelaces and pant legs are not so long that they extend under your shoes and cause you to slip.
• Face the ladder while climbing and stay in the center of the rails. Grip both rails securely while climbing.
• Do not lean over the side of the ladder. Your belt buckle should not be further than the side rail.
• On single or extension ladders, never stand above the third rung from the top and never climb above the point where the ladder touches the wall or vertical support.
• On stepladders, never stand on the paint shelf, spreaders or back section.
• Never stand on the top rung of any ladder.
• Do not overreach. It is safer to move the ladder to a new location when needed. Do not try to "jog" or "walk" the ladder to a new location while standing on it. Climb down and reposition the ladder.
• Do not overload a ladder. It is meant to be used by only one person at a time.
• Never use a ladder in high winds.
• Do not use any ladder if you tire easily, are subject to fainting spells or are using medications or alcohol that make you dizzy or drowsy.
What to Do If You Fall From a Ladder
• Calmly assess the situation and determine if you are hurt.
• Get up slowly.
• If you feel that an injury has occurred which prevents standing or walking, do not panic. Call for assistance. If the injury is serious, call 911.
• If you are not injured, rest for awhile and regain your composure before climbing again.
• Ladders are useful tools, but they must be used properly to avoid turning a household chore into a trip to the emergency room or a physician's office.
From Canada, Calgary
Use the Correct Ladder
Use a ladder of proper length to reach the working height you need. Inside a house, that probably means a low stepladder; outside, you may need a taller stepladder, and for some projects, an even taller single or extension ladder. Use a ladder according to use and working load-the combined weight of the climber and the load being carried.
TYPE DUTY RATING WORKING LOAD
IA Industrial extra heavy 300 lbs. maximum
I Industrial heavy 250 lbs. maximum
II Commercial medium 225 lbs. maximum
III Household light 200 lbs. maximum
Always inspect the ladder before you use it. Never use the ladder if it is damaged, broken, or bent.
Do not make a temporary repair of broken or missing parts and then use the ladder. The temporary repair could fail while you are high off the ground. A ladder should be free from grease, oil, mud, snow, and other slippery materials before using.
Moving the Ladder
You should carry a single or extension ladder parallel to the ground. Hold the side rail in the middle of the ladder so you can balance the load. You should get help moving a very long ladder.
You should always carry a stepladder in the closed position.
Before you use a single ladder, extension ladder, or stepladder outside the house, make sure it will not hit electrical wires, tree limbs, or any other obstructions when it is extended.
To ensure that the ladder is stable, place the feet of the ladder on firm, even ground.
The bottom of the ladder should be 1 foot away from the wall for every 4 feet that the ladder rises. For example, if the ladder touches the wall 16 feet above the ground, the feet of the ladder should be 4 feet from the wall. If you are going to climb onto a roof, the ladder should extend 3 feet higher than the roof. The upper and lower sections of an extension ladder should overlap to provide stability.
Recommended Height of a Ladder
Ladder Height Maximum Work Height
16 ft. ladder 13 ft. maximum work height
24 ft. ladder 21 ft. maximum work height
28 ft. ladder 24 ft. maximum work height
32 ft. ladder 29 ft. maximum work height
36 ft. ladder 32 ft. maximum work height
Before using a stepladder, make sure it is fully open and the spreaders or braces between the two sections are fully extended and locked.
Whether inside or outside the house, do not place stepladders or utility ladders on boxes, countertops or unstable surfaces to gain additional height.
The highest standing level on a stepladder should be two steps down from the top.
Using the Ladder
Before climbing a ladder, make sure the locks are secured and the bottom and top of the ladder rails are on firm surfaces. The soles of your shoes should be clean so they do not slip off the ladder rungs. Do not wear leather-soled shoes, because they can be slippery. Your shoelaces should be securely tied. Make sure your shoelaces and pant legs are not so long that they extend under your shoes and cause you to slip.
• Face the ladder while climbing and stay in the center of the rails. Grip both rails securely while climbing.
• Do not lean over the side of the ladder. Your belt buckle should not be further than the side rail.
• On single or extension ladders, never stand above the third rung from the top and never climb above the point where the ladder touches the wall or vertical support.
• On stepladders, never stand on the paint shelf, spreaders or back section.
• Never stand on the top rung of any ladder.
• Do not overreach. It is safer to move the ladder to a new location when needed. Do not try to "jog" or "walk" the ladder to a new location while standing on it. Climb down and reposition the ladder.
• Do not overload a ladder. It is meant to be used by only one person at a time.
• Never use a ladder in high winds.
• Do not use any ladder if you tire easily, are subject to fainting spells or are using medications or alcohol that make you dizzy or drowsy.
What to Do If You Fall From a Ladder
• Calmly assess the situation and determine if you are hurt.
• Get up slowly.
• If you feel that an injury has occurred which prevents standing or walking, do not panic. Call for assistance. If the injury is serious, call 911.
• If you are not injured, rest for awhile and regain your composure before climbing again.
• Ladders are useful tools, but they must be used properly to avoid turning a household chore into a trip to the emergency room or a physician's office.
From Canada, Calgary
Falls are more than injuries
TYPES OF FALLS
Falls are of two basic types: elevated falls and same-level falls. Same-level falls are most frequent, but elevated falls are more severe.
1. Same-Level Falls: high frequency--low severity
2. Elevated Falls: lower frequency--high severity
Same-level falls are generally slips or trips in which the individual is injured when he hits a walking or working surface, or strikes some other object during the fall. Over 60 percent of elevated falls are of less than 10 feet.
SAME-LEVEL FALLS
Examples of same-level falls are described below.
Slip and Fall
Slips are primarily caused by a slippery surface and compounded by wearing the wrong footwear. In normal walking two types of slips occur. The first of these is when the forward foot contacts the walking surface at an angle near the rear edge of the heel. With this type of slip the front foot slips forward and the person falls backward.
The second type of fall is when the rear foot slips backward. The force to move forward is on the sole of the rear foot. As the rear heal is lifted and the force moves forward to the front of the sole, the foot slips back and the person falls.
To prevent such slips and falls a high coefficient of friction (COF) between the shoe and walking surface is needed. On ice, wet and oily surfaces this COF can be as low as .10 with shoes that are not slip-resistant. What is needed is a COF of .40 to .50 or more for excellent traction. To put this figure in perspective, a brushed concrete surface and a rubber heel will often show a COF greater than 1.0. Leather soles on a wet smooth surface, such as ceramic tile or ice, may have a COF as low as .10.
Providing dry walking and working surfaces and slip-resistant footwear is the answer to slips and their resultant falls and injuries. Obviously, high heels, with minimal heel-to-surface contact, cleats on heels, and shoes with leather or other hard, smooth-surfaced soles lead to slips, falls and injuries. Shoes with cleated soft rubber soles and heels provide a high COF and are recommended for most agricultural work.
In work areas where the walking and working surface is likely to be slippery, non-skid strips or floor coatings should be used. Since a COF of .40 to .50 is preferred for walking and working surfaces, we should strive for a surface which provides a minimum of 50 percent of this friction. If the working surface is very slippery, no footwear will provide a safe COF.
Trip and Fall
Trips occur when the front foot strikes an object and is suddenly stopped. The upper body is then thrown forward and a fall occurs.
As little as a 3/8" rise in a walkway can cause a person to "stub" his toe resulting in a trip and fall. The same thing can happen going up a flight of stairs: only a slight difference in the height of the steps and a person can trip and fall.
Step and Fall
Another type of working and walking surface fall is the step and fall. This occurs when our front foot lands on a surface lower than expected, such as unexpectedly stepping off a curb in the dark. In this type of fall we normally fall forward. A second type of step and fall occurs when we step forward or down, and either the inside or outside of our foot lands on an object higher than the other side. The ankle turns and we tend to fall forward and sideways.
CONTRIBUTING FACTORS
Proper housekeeping in work and walking areas can contribute to safety and the prevention of falls. Not only is it important to maintain a safe working environment and walking surface, these areas must also be kept free of obstacles which can cause slips and trips. One method which promotes good housekeeping in work environments is the painting of yellow lines to identify working and walking areas. These areas should never be obstructed by objects of any kind.
Adequate lighting to ensure proper vision is also important in the prevention of slips and falls. Moving from light to dark areas, or vice versa, can cause temporary vision problems that just might be enough to cause a person to slip on an oil spill or trip over a misplaced object.
Carrying an oversized object can also obstruct one's vision and result in a slip or a trip. This is a particularly serious problem on stairs.
BEHAVIORS THAT LEAD TO FALLS
In addition to wearing the wrong footwear, there are specific behaviors which can lead to slips, trips and falls. Walking too fast, or running, is a major problem. We land harder on the heel of our front foot and push harder off the sole of our rear foot; thus, a greater COF is required to prevent slips and falls. Rapid changes in direction create a similar problem.
Other problems are distractions, not watching where we are going, carrying materials which obstruct our vision, wearing sunglasses in low-light areas and failure to use handrails. These and other behaviors, caused by lack of knowledge, impatience, or bad habits developed from past experiences, can lead to falls, injuries or even death.
ELEVATED FALLS
As stated previously, elevated falls are less frequent but more severe than same-level falls in the workplace. This, however, is not true in Florida agriculture in which 17 percent of all serious injuries are from elevated levels and eight percent are from same-level falls.
Falls from ladders while harvesting oranges and grapefruit are the major cause of elevated falls in Florida agriculture, but there are also significant numbers of falls from vehicles and equipment, loading docks, buildings and other structures.
Falls From Ladders
Ladders may be fixed or portable. They may be straight- extension- or step-ladders and may be manufactured from wood, metal, plastic or fiberglass. They can be light, medium, heavy or extra-heavy-duty.
They can be as short as two feet (step-stools), 18 feet for extra-heavy-duty step-ladders, and 40 feet or longer for extension-type ladders.
The materials from which ladders are constructed have advantages and disadvantages in weight, durability, flexibility, conductivity, and strength. The intended use of the ladder should determine the type purchased, and only the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) approved ladders should be used. One major caution is that metal ladders should never be used in locations in which the ladder or its user could come into contact with electricity.
A ladder should be long enough so that when it rests against the upper support the user can perform his work without his waist being higher than the top rung of the ladder or above the rung at which the siderails are resting against the upper support. This means that the top three rungs of a straight ladder, or the top two steps of a step-ladder, should never be used for the feet.
The lower ends of the siderails should be equipped with slip-resistant pads, particularly if the ladder is to be used on hard surfaces. The same is true for the upper ends of the siderails if they are to rest against a surface.
Ladders should be set at, or as near, a 4:1 angle as possible. That is, for each three-or four-feet of rise from the base to the upper resting edge of the ladder, the base should be one foot out from a vertical line from the upper resting edge of the ladder to the working surface. The base of the ladder must be firmly set so that there is no possibility of slippage or settling into soft ground. The resting edge of the ladder should have both siderails in contact with the object (building or tree) it is against. When setting a ladder against a tree, set the ladder in the crotch of two limbs so that it cannot slide in either direction. Whenever there is any question as to the stability of the ladder, additional effort should be made to stabilize the ladder as it is being climbed. Tying the top of the ladder to the supporting structure can also keep the ladder from slipping or sliding.
Ladders should be inspected before use: check for cracks, loose rungs, slivers and sharp edges. Never paint ladders, as the paint can hide potentially dangerous conditions. Wooden ladders can be coated with linseed oil or an oil-based wood preservative to keep them from drying out and caking. Allow ladders to dry thoroughly before using them or the rungs will be slippery.
The rungs and siderails of ladders must be kept free of oil, grease and mud; they should be kept dry. Since the shoe has limited contact with the rung or step of a ladder, it is very important that these and the shoes have a high COF. Only shoes with heels should be worn when climbing ladders; users should be taught that the rung or step of the ladder should be just in front of the heel, under the arch of the foot. Stepping or standing on a ladder with the front part of the shoe is inviting a slip and fall. Always face the ladder when climbing or descending.
Another frequent cause of ladder accidents is attempting to reach too far left or right. When working on a ladder, the person's belt buckle should never extend beyond the siderails. Reaching further can cause the ladder to slide in the opposite direction. Tying the ladder to the structure supporting it can prevent this and is a recommended practice.
Workers should have both hands free to hold the ladder's siderails, not the rungs, when climbing or descending. Small tools may be carried in a tool belt, not in the hands; but a better choice is to raise tools and supplies with a rope. Never raise or lower power tools by the cord or while they are plugged into an electrical source.
Make-shift ladders, chairs, boxes, and barrels should never be used as a substitute for a ladder--the risk of an accident is far too great.
Falls from Vehicles and Equipment
Death or serious injury is a frequent result of extra riders falling from tractors, equipment or the bed of a truck. Unless the operation requires riders, such as on certain planting and harvesting equipment where seats or protected work areas are provided, extra riders should never be permitted. Riding on tractor fenders, draw-bars on equipment, or the bed of a truck is an invitation for an accident. The safe way is "NO RIDERS".
Far too many injuries occur in the simple process of getting in and out of trucks, on or off tractors, machinery, wagons, trailers or truck beds. When the steps are metal, there is a low COF which becomes even lower if they are wet, muddy or oily. Keep the steps clean and dry.
Whenever mounting or climbing on a vehicle or machine, have a good hand-hold before stepping up. Pulling yourself up reduces the force between your shoe and the step and reduces the danger of a slip. As with a ladder, the foot should be placed on the step or rung just in front of your heel, under the arch. Always face the vehicle or equipment when mounting and dismounting. When you step down backward, you step down on the ball of your foot; when you step down forward, you land on your heel, increasing your chances of falling, twisting your ankle or knees or suffering some other injury.
Try this simple experiment: Step up onto a chair backwards. It is almost impossible! Then attempt to slowly step down from a chair, facing forward. Notice how you lose your balance, actually falling the last several inches and landing on your heel? Imagine what could happen should you step down on an uneven surface. Your ankle could be easily sprained or fractured. Now step up onto the chair by facing the chair and then step down backward while still facing the chair. Notice how much better your balance is and how you can gently step down onto the ball of your foot.
This same concept applies when getting off the bed of a truck or wagon or any similar level: Step down backward, never "jump" or "fall" down forward.
Falls from Loading Docks
Loading docks and ramps are dangerous areas. They are frequently congested, heavy-traffic areas, and working and walking surfaces are often wet. Metal dock plates can wear smooth and become very slippery; in particular, the edge of dock plates invite trips and falls.
Accidental backward steps can result in a fall from the dock. Portable railings, which can be easily removed from the edge of the dock, could prevent many dangerous falls. They are removed when a truck or tractor is at the dock, and replaced as soon as the truck or trailer leaves.
Proper housekeeping, well-designed traffic patterns and the use of abrasive, skid-resistant surface coatings will reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls.
Ramps and gang-planks have hazards similar to loading docks. The slopes should be as gradual as possible, as wide as possible, and as dry as possible. They should also have skid-resistant surfaces.
Falls on Stairs
Stairwells should be well-lighted, with sturdy handrails on both sides. Persons using the stairwell should have one hand free to be able to use the handrail.
All the steps should have the same rise and depth, with visible edges. They must be kept free of grease, oil and obstacles which could cause slips and trips. Whenever possible, avoid carrying heavy or bulky objects which obscure your vision and/or require the use of both hands. Carry smaller, lighter loads and make more trips, or obtain help with the load.
FIXED LADDERS
Fixed ladders are mounted on buildings, bins and other tall structures which require workers to climb to high levels to perform some functions. Such ladders should be securely attached to the structure and be capable of supporting a minimum of 250 pounds of concentrated live weight. The rungs should be a minimum of 16 inches wide and a maximum of 12 inches apart. There should be seven inches of toe space between the rung and the structure to which it is attached. Fixed ladders extending more than 20 feet above the ground or floor level should be surrounded by a cage, beginning at 7 to 8 feet above the ground.
If a catwalk or working area is provided at the top of the ladder, it should have a protective railing at least 42 inches high. A toe board, four-inches high, around the edge of the work area should be provided. This reduces the risk of a person stepping off the edge or having tools fall from the work area.
Workers climbing or descending a fixed ladder should have both hands free. Small tools can be carried in a tool belt; other tools and materials should be raised by rope and pulleys or some other mechanical system.
FALL PROTECTIVE DEVICES
Workers at high elevations, such as ladders, platforms, or catwalks, should be protected from falling by some kind of fall protective device. This can be a protective cage, a lifeline, lanyard, safety belt or harness; there are numerous devices on the market. The system should provide maximum protection, but it also should be reasonably comfortable and not restrict a worker's necessary work activity. Suppliers of safety equipment can provide information on the correct system for your workplace and should provide instruction on its safe use.
SLIP-RESISTANT MATERIALS
Abrasive coatings can be applied to concrete, metal and wood surfaces to increase the COF and reduce the risks of slips and falls. Many of these products can be applied like paint; others can be troweled on in a thin coat. These coatings are formulated to resist grease, oil, water and a wide range of chemicals. Most paint and building supply companies handle these materials. It is important, however, to purchase the correct product for your particular problem, since some are enamels or epoxies which contain a rough, hard, gritty material with a high COF.
There are also a number of skid-resistant products that can be purchased in strips or rolls. These may have a pressure-sensitive backing or be applied with a special glue. They are designed for easy application to stair treads, ramps and other hazardous walking and working surfaces.
Another effective skid-resistant material is rubber or rubber-like mats. This material is long-wearing and skid-resistant on both the top and bottom sides. Hard rubber or hard rubber-like mats are ineffective because they have a low COF when wet.
SIGNS AND STRIPPING
Safety signs to remind people of slip, trip and fall hazards are certainly always helpful, particularly where hazards cannot be removed or corrected. Such signs should be changed frequently. Recent evidence indicates that "humorous" warnings are more effective than simple warning signs. "CAUTION--WET FLOOR" is less effective than "WET FLOOR--SKATE, DON'T SLIP".
Yellow stripping to identify walking and working areas are most effective if their meaning is enforced. Striped areas should mean that no object should be placed in these areas. Dropped and spilled materials should be removed immediately.
LEARNING HOW TO FALL
Naturally, the goal is not to slip, trip and fall; however, the possibility of a fall still exists. There are correct ways to fall, however, the recommended procedures are:
• Tuck your chin in, turn your head, and throw an arm up. It is better to land on your arm than on your head.
• While falling, twist or roll your body to the side. It is better to land on your buttocks and side than on your back.
• Keep your wrists, elbows and knees bent. Do not try to break the fall with your hands or elbows. When falling, the objective is to have as many square inches of your body contact the surface as possible, thus, spreading out the impact of the fall.
MORE ABOUT SHOES AND BOOTS
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), there are 110,000 injuries each year to the feet and toes of United States workers, representing 19 percent of all disabling work injuries.
The most important protection is to wear the proper footwear for your work and environment. In most agricultural occupations the shoes or boots should provide three major types of protection.
• The soles and heels should be slip-resistant
• The toe of the shoe should resist crushing injuries
• The shoe should support the ankle.
ANSI sets standards for shoes and boots. Never purchase work shoes that do not meet these standards. A typical ANSI rating could be 1-75 C-25. This means the toe will withstand 75 foot pounds of impact and 2,500 pounds of compression.
Chevron or cleat-designed soles are definitely the best for slippery situations because of the suction or squeezing action they provide. The softer soles are better for slippery indoor conditions; the harder, more rugged cleat-type sole is preferred for tough outdoor use.
Leather covering the foot and ankle portion of the foot is preferred in most work environments. However, when working in wet environments or around chemicals, oils, greases or pesticides, boots made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a blend of PVC and polyurethane, or neoprene should be used. Rubber is satisfactory for wet conditions, but not with pesticides or petroleum products.
When purchasing work shoes or boots, it is best to purchase them from a reputable dealer who handles quality footwear. If the dealer is informed of your work and work environment, he will be able to provide the correct footwear for you. Quality footwear for work is expensive; but not nearly as expensive or painful as broken foot bones or other injuries from a slip, trip or fall.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Established policies and practices can be implemented to significantly reduce the number of injuries and deaths due to slips, trips and falls. The following recommendations are provided for your consideration:
• Owners, managers and supervisors must make a commitment to prevent accidental slips, trips and falls.
• Regular frequent inspections of working and walking areas should be conducted to identify environmental and equipment hazards which could cause slips, trips and falls. Special attention should be given to the working and walking surfaces, housekeeping, lighting, vision, stairways and ladders. Immediate corrective action should be taken.
• Extensive safety training on the prevention of slips, trips and falls should be provided for all new employees. Regular retraining should be provided for all employees. Special attention should be given to proper walking, carrying, climbing and descending stairways, ladders, vehicles and equipment. Unsafe practices should be corrected immediately.
• All workers should wear proper footwear for their work and environment whether in the office, shop, plant, feedlot or field.
• No riders should be permitted on tractors, trucks or other self-powered or towed equipment unless a safe seat or workstation is provided.
• All slips, trips and falls, with or without injury, should be reported, recorded and thoroughly investigated. Corrective action to prevent such a repeat occurrence should be taken immediately.
Slips, trips and falls whether on or off the job are expensive, disruptive, painful, and may be tragic.
From Canada, Calgary
TYPES OF FALLS
Falls are of two basic types: elevated falls and same-level falls. Same-level falls are most frequent, but elevated falls are more severe.
1. Same-Level Falls: high frequency--low severity
2. Elevated Falls: lower frequency--high severity
Same-level falls are generally slips or trips in which the individual is injured when he hits a walking or working surface, or strikes some other object during the fall. Over 60 percent of elevated falls are of less than 10 feet.
SAME-LEVEL FALLS
Examples of same-level falls are described below.
Slip and Fall
Slips are primarily caused by a slippery surface and compounded by wearing the wrong footwear. In normal walking two types of slips occur. The first of these is when the forward foot contacts the walking surface at an angle near the rear edge of the heel. With this type of slip the front foot slips forward and the person falls backward.
The second type of fall is when the rear foot slips backward. The force to move forward is on the sole of the rear foot. As the rear heal is lifted and the force moves forward to the front of the sole, the foot slips back and the person falls.
To prevent such slips and falls a high coefficient of friction (COF) between the shoe and walking surface is needed. On ice, wet and oily surfaces this COF can be as low as .10 with shoes that are not slip-resistant. What is needed is a COF of .40 to .50 or more for excellent traction. To put this figure in perspective, a brushed concrete surface and a rubber heel will often show a COF greater than 1.0. Leather soles on a wet smooth surface, such as ceramic tile or ice, may have a COF as low as .10.
Providing dry walking and working surfaces and slip-resistant footwear is the answer to slips and their resultant falls and injuries. Obviously, high heels, with minimal heel-to-surface contact, cleats on heels, and shoes with leather or other hard, smooth-surfaced soles lead to slips, falls and injuries. Shoes with cleated soft rubber soles and heels provide a high COF and are recommended for most agricultural work.
In work areas where the walking and working surface is likely to be slippery, non-skid strips or floor coatings should be used. Since a COF of .40 to .50 is preferred for walking and working surfaces, we should strive for a surface which provides a minimum of 50 percent of this friction. If the working surface is very slippery, no footwear will provide a safe COF.
Trip and Fall
Trips occur when the front foot strikes an object and is suddenly stopped. The upper body is then thrown forward and a fall occurs.
As little as a 3/8" rise in a walkway can cause a person to "stub" his toe resulting in a trip and fall. The same thing can happen going up a flight of stairs: only a slight difference in the height of the steps and a person can trip and fall.
Step and Fall
Another type of working and walking surface fall is the step and fall. This occurs when our front foot lands on a surface lower than expected, such as unexpectedly stepping off a curb in the dark. In this type of fall we normally fall forward. A second type of step and fall occurs when we step forward or down, and either the inside or outside of our foot lands on an object higher than the other side. The ankle turns and we tend to fall forward and sideways.
CONTRIBUTING FACTORS
Proper housekeeping in work and walking areas can contribute to safety and the prevention of falls. Not only is it important to maintain a safe working environment and walking surface, these areas must also be kept free of obstacles which can cause slips and trips. One method which promotes good housekeeping in work environments is the painting of yellow lines to identify working and walking areas. These areas should never be obstructed by objects of any kind.
Adequate lighting to ensure proper vision is also important in the prevention of slips and falls. Moving from light to dark areas, or vice versa, can cause temporary vision problems that just might be enough to cause a person to slip on an oil spill or trip over a misplaced object.
Carrying an oversized object can also obstruct one's vision and result in a slip or a trip. This is a particularly serious problem on stairs.
BEHAVIORS THAT LEAD TO FALLS
In addition to wearing the wrong footwear, there are specific behaviors which can lead to slips, trips and falls. Walking too fast, or running, is a major problem. We land harder on the heel of our front foot and push harder off the sole of our rear foot; thus, a greater COF is required to prevent slips and falls. Rapid changes in direction create a similar problem.
Other problems are distractions, not watching where we are going, carrying materials which obstruct our vision, wearing sunglasses in low-light areas and failure to use handrails. These and other behaviors, caused by lack of knowledge, impatience, or bad habits developed from past experiences, can lead to falls, injuries or even death.
ELEVATED FALLS
As stated previously, elevated falls are less frequent but more severe than same-level falls in the workplace. This, however, is not true in Florida agriculture in which 17 percent of all serious injuries are from elevated levels and eight percent are from same-level falls.
Falls from ladders while harvesting oranges and grapefruit are the major cause of elevated falls in Florida agriculture, but there are also significant numbers of falls from vehicles and equipment, loading docks, buildings and other structures.
Falls From Ladders
Ladders may be fixed or portable. They may be straight- extension- or step-ladders and may be manufactured from wood, metal, plastic or fiberglass. They can be light, medium, heavy or extra-heavy-duty.
They can be as short as two feet (step-stools), 18 feet for extra-heavy-duty step-ladders, and 40 feet or longer for extension-type ladders.
The materials from which ladders are constructed have advantages and disadvantages in weight, durability, flexibility, conductivity, and strength. The intended use of the ladder should determine the type purchased, and only the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) approved ladders should be used. One major caution is that metal ladders should never be used in locations in which the ladder or its user could come into contact with electricity.
A ladder should be long enough so that when it rests against the upper support the user can perform his work without his waist being higher than the top rung of the ladder or above the rung at which the siderails are resting against the upper support. This means that the top three rungs of a straight ladder, or the top two steps of a step-ladder, should never be used for the feet.
The lower ends of the siderails should be equipped with slip-resistant pads, particularly if the ladder is to be used on hard surfaces. The same is true for the upper ends of the siderails if they are to rest against a surface.
Ladders should be set at, or as near, a 4:1 angle as possible. That is, for each three-or four-feet of rise from the base to the upper resting edge of the ladder, the base should be one foot out from a vertical line from the upper resting edge of the ladder to the working surface. The base of the ladder must be firmly set so that there is no possibility of slippage or settling into soft ground. The resting edge of the ladder should have both siderails in contact with the object (building or tree) it is against. When setting a ladder against a tree, set the ladder in the crotch of two limbs so that it cannot slide in either direction. Whenever there is any question as to the stability of the ladder, additional effort should be made to stabilize the ladder as it is being climbed. Tying the top of the ladder to the supporting structure can also keep the ladder from slipping or sliding.
Ladders should be inspected before use: check for cracks, loose rungs, slivers and sharp edges. Never paint ladders, as the paint can hide potentially dangerous conditions. Wooden ladders can be coated with linseed oil or an oil-based wood preservative to keep them from drying out and caking. Allow ladders to dry thoroughly before using them or the rungs will be slippery.
The rungs and siderails of ladders must be kept free of oil, grease and mud; they should be kept dry. Since the shoe has limited contact with the rung or step of a ladder, it is very important that these and the shoes have a high COF. Only shoes with heels should be worn when climbing ladders; users should be taught that the rung or step of the ladder should be just in front of the heel, under the arch of the foot. Stepping or standing on a ladder with the front part of the shoe is inviting a slip and fall. Always face the ladder when climbing or descending.
Another frequent cause of ladder accidents is attempting to reach too far left or right. When working on a ladder, the person's belt buckle should never extend beyond the siderails. Reaching further can cause the ladder to slide in the opposite direction. Tying the ladder to the structure supporting it can prevent this and is a recommended practice.
Workers should have both hands free to hold the ladder's siderails, not the rungs, when climbing or descending. Small tools may be carried in a tool belt, not in the hands; but a better choice is to raise tools and supplies with a rope. Never raise or lower power tools by the cord or while they are plugged into an electrical source.
Make-shift ladders, chairs, boxes, and barrels should never be used as a substitute for a ladder--the risk of an accident is far too great.
Falls from Vehicles and Equipment
Death or serious injury is a frequent result of extra riders falling from tractors, equipment or the bed of a truck. Unless the operation requires riders, such as on certain planting and harvesting equipment where seats or protected work areas are provided, extra riders should never be permitted. Riding on tractor fenders, draw-bars on equipment, or the bed of a truck is an invitation for an accident. The safe way is "NO RIDERS".
Far too many injuries occur in the simple process of getting in and out of trucks, on or off tractors, machinery, wagons, trailers or truck beds. When the steps are metal, there is a low COF which becomes even lower if they are wet, muddy or oily. Keep the steps clean and dry.
Whenever mounting or climbing on a vehicle or machine, have a good hand-hold before stepping up. Pulling yourself up reduces the force between your shoe and the step and reduces the danger of a slip. As with a ladder, the foot should be placed on the step or rung just in front of your heel, under the arch. Always face the vehicle or equipment when mounting and dismounting. When you step down backward, you step down on the ball of your foot; when you step down forward, you land on your heel, increasing your chances of falling, twisting your ankle or knees or suffering some other injury.
Try this simple experiment: Step up onto a chair backwards. It is almost impossible! Then attempt to slowly step down from a chair, facing forward. Notice how you lose your balance, actually falling the last several inches and landing on your heel? Imagine what could happen should you step down on an uneven surface. Your ankle could be easily sprained or fractured. Now step up onto the chair by facing the chair and then step down backward while still facing the chair. Notice how much better your balance is and how you can gently step down onto the ball of your foot.
This same concept applies when getting off the bed of a truck or wagon or any similar level: Step down backward, never "jump" or "fall" down forward.
Falls from Loading Docks
Loading docks and ramps are dangerous areas. They are frequently congested, heavy-traffic areas, and working and walking surfaces are often wet. Metal dock plates can wear smooth and become very slippery; in particular, the edge of dock plates invite trips and falls.
Accidental backward steps can result in a fall from the dock. Portable railings, which can be easily removed from the edge of the dock, could prevent many dangerous falls. They are removed when a truck or tractor is at the dock, and replaced as soon as the truck or trailer leaves.
Proper housekeeping, well-designed traffic patterns and the use of abrasive, skid-resistant surface coatings will reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls.
Ramps and gang-planks have hazards similar to loading docks. The slopes should be as gradual as possible, as wide as possible, and as dry as possible. They should also have skid-resistant surfaces.
Falls on Stairs
Stairwells should be well-lighted, with sturdy handrails on both sides. Persons using the stairwell should have one hand free to be able to use the handrail.
All the steps should have the same rise and depth, with visible edges. They must be kept free of grease, oil and obstacles which could cause slips and trips. Whenever possible, avoid carrying heavy or bulky objects which obscure your vision and/or require the use of both hands. Carry smaller, lighter loads and make more trips, or obtain help with the load.
FIXED LADDERS
Fixed ladders are mounted on buildings, bins and other tall structures which require workers to climb to high levels to perform some functions. Such ladders should be securely attached to the structure and be capable of supporting a minimum of 250 pounds of concentrated live weight. The rungs should be a minimum of 16 inches wide and a maximum of 12 inches apart. There should be seven inches of toe space between the rung and the structure to which it is attached. Fixed ladders extending more than 20 feet above the ground or floor level should be surrounded by a cage, beginning at 7 to 8 feet above the ground.
If a catwalk or working area is provided at the top of the ladder, it should have a protective railing at least 42 inches high. A toe board, four-inches high, around the edge of the work area should be provided. This reduces the risk of a person stepping off the edge or having tools fall from the work area.
Workers climbing or descending a fixed ladder should have both hands free. Small tools can be carried in a tool belt; other tools and materials should be raised by rope and pulleys or some other mechanical system.
FALL PROTECTIVE DEVICES
Workers at high elevations, such as ladders, platforms, or catwalks, should be protected from falling by some kind of fall protective device. This can be a protective cage, a lifeline, lanyard, safety belt or harness; there are numerous devices on the market. The system should provide maximum protection, but it also should be reasonably comfortable and not restrict a worker's necessary work activity. Suppliers of safety equipment can provide information on the correct system for your workplace and should provide instruction on its safe use.
SLIP-RESISTANT MATERIALS
Abrasive coatings can be applied to concrete, metal and wood surfaces to increase the COF and reduce the risks of slips and falls. Many of these products can be applied like paint; others can be troweled on in a thin coat. These coatings are formulated to resist grease, oil, water and a wide range of chemicals. Most paint and building supply companies handle these materials. It is important, however, to purchase the correct product for your particular problem, since some are enamels or epoxies which contain a rough, hard, gritty material with a high COF.
There are also a number of skid-resistant products that can be purchased in strips or rolls. These may have a pressure-sensitive backing or be applied with a special glue. They are designed for easy application to stair treads, ramps and other hazardous walking and working surfaces.
Another effective skid-resistant material is rubber or rubber-like mats. This material is long-wearing and skid-resistant on both the top and bottom sides. Hard rubber or hard rubber-like mats are ineffective because they have a low COF when wet.
SIGNS AND STRIPPING
Safety signs to remind people of slip, trip and fall hazards are certainly always helpful, particularly where hazards cannot be removed or corrected. Such signs should be changed frequently. Recent evidence indicates that "humorous" warnings are more effective than simple warning signs. "CAUTION--WET FLOOR" is less effective than "WET FLOOR--SKATE, DON'T SLIP".
Yellow stripping to identify walking and working areas are most effective if their meaning is enforced. Striped areas should mean that no object should be placed in these areas. Dropped and spilled materials should be removed immediately.
LEARNING HOW TO FALL
Naturally, the goal is not to slip, trip and fall; however, the possibility of a fall still exists. There are correct ways to fall, however, the recommended procedures are:
• Tuck your chin in, turn your head, and throw an arm up. It is better to land on your arm than on your head.
• While falling, twist or roll your body to the side. It is better to land on your buttocks and side than on your back.
• Keep your wrists, elbows and knees bent. Do not try to break the fall with your hands or elbows. When falling, the objective is to have as many square inches of your body contact the surface as possible, thus, spreading out the impact of the fall.
MORE ABOUT SHOES AND BOOTS
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), there are 110,000 injuries each year to the feet and toes of United States workers, representing 19 percent of all disabling work injuries.
The most important protection is to wear the proper footwear for your work and environment. In most agricultural occupations the shoes or boots should provide three major types of protection.
• The soles and heels should be slip-resistant
• The toe of the shoe should resist crushing injuries
• The shoe should support the ankle.
ANSI sets standards for shoes and boots. Never purchase work shoes that do not meet these standards. A typical ANSI rating could be 1-75 C-25. This means the toe will withstand 75 foot pounds of impact and 2,500 pounds of compression.
Chevron or cleat-designed soles are definitely the best for slippery situations because of the suction or squeezing action they provide. The softer soles are better for slippery indoor conditions; the harder, more rugged cleat-type sole is preferred for tough outdoor use.
Leather covering the foot and ankle portion of the foot is preferred in most work environments. However, when working in wet environments or around chemicals, oils, greases or pesticides, boots made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a blend of PVC and polyurethane, or neoprene should be used. Rubber is satisfactory for wet conditions, but not with pesticides or petroleum products.
When purchasing work shoes or boots, it is best to purchase them from a reputable dealer who handles quality footwear. If the dealer is informed of your work and work environment, he will be able to provide the correct footwear for you. Quality footwear for work is expensive; but not nearly as expensive or painful as broken foot bones or other injuries from a slip, trip or fall.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Established policies and practices can be implemented to significantly reduce the number of injuries and deaths due to slips, trips and falls. The following recommendations are provided for your consideration:
• Owners, managers and supervisors must make a commitment to prevent accidental slips, trips and falls.
• Regular frequent inspections of working and walking areas should be conducted to identify environmental and equipment hazards which could cause slips, trips and falls. Special attention should be given to the working and walking surfaces, housekeeping, lighting, vision, stairways and ladders. Immediate corrective action should be taken.
• Extensive safety training on the prevention of slips, trips and falls should be provided for all new employees. Regular retraining should be provided for all employees. Special attention should be given to proper walking, carrying, climbing and descending stairways, ladders, vehicles and equipment. Unsafe practices should be corrected immediately.
• All workers should wear proper footwear for their work and environment whether in the office, shop, plant, feedlot or field.
• No riders should be permitted on tractors, trucks or other self-powered or towed equipment unless a safe seat or workstation is provided.
• All slips, trips and falls, with or without injury, should be reported, recorded and thoroughly investigated. Corrective action to prevent such a repeat occurrence should be taken immediately.
Slips, trips and falls whether on or off the job are expensive, disruptive, painful, and may be tragic.
From Canada, Calgary
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