Come-A-Longs, "Coffin" Hoists & Chain Hoist Safety Hand operated hoists have many applications in rigging work. Typical applications include hoisting pipe or plate into position for welding or bolting, moving machinery, fence stretching and lifting engines or equipment during repairs. These devices are simple to operate but misuse can result in sudden failure, property damage, and serious injury. Some things to keep in mind are: * Inspect the hoist to be sure it is in good condition. Do not use any hoist that appears to have been overloaded. Some things to look for include a bent handle, stretched chain links, broken ratchet...

Defensive Driving - Are You? A vehicle, whether it's a company vehicle or personal transportation, can be a deadly machine in the hands of a careless driver. A good defensive driving attitude is the key to your safety on the road. Follow these tips and become a better "defensive" driver. If you get tired while driving long distances, stop and rest. Get out of the car and take a break. Always use your seat belt. This includes your lap belt as well as your shoulder belt. Both are necessary for safety. If your vehicle is equipped with an airbag, you must...

A review of the Hazard Communication Standard The purpose of a Hazard Communication Program is to help employees understand the potential hazards of the chemicals in use at their worksite. This education, required by the Occupational Safety & Health Act, is also called Workers' Right To Know. Failure to meet all the requirements of the law is OSHA's most frequently cited violation. One of the reasons for this is, many employers, supervisors and workers think chemicals are just too complex to explain and to understand. As a result, there is a temptation to avoid the subject. Hazard Communication is very important,...

Attitude and Behavior Humans instinctively seek to avoid pain and death. And yet, we may behave in a manner that is a threat to our well-being. There are a couple of reasons why this occurs. The first is lack of knowledge. What you do not know, can hurt you! The second reason we may act in a risky manner is attitude. Now might be a good time to do a quick self-analysis. What is your attitude toward safety? When asked, some may say they are all for it. Others may complain about any safety effort being made. The difference between the two...

Don’t Let This Be You – Electrical Safety A crew of four linemen were installing intermediate poles on an existing single phase 14.4 KV distribution line. Three of the workers were journeymen with 30 or more years of experience. The fourth was an apprentice with almost 3 years experience. The following summary describes a tragic accident: One of the journeymen and the apprentice were belted off below the neutral bracket on a newly installed pole, using hot sticks to tie off the energized conductor. Another journeymen on the ground was using a hold-down to keep the conductor in place while the wraplock...

Do You Need To Travel With a Load? It is well known that vehicle accidents result in many occupational fatalities. Vehicle inspection and maintenance are important elements to a comprehensive fleet safety program. Another subject that deserves attention has to do with the cargo you are hauling. When traveling with loads, part of the pre-trip vehicle inspection process should include a thorough check to determine whether your load is adequately secured. An unsecured load may shift during your trip and could cause or contribute to an accident. Check the condition of tie downs and ropes to assure they are not damaged or...

Backing Into Trouble When we are walking around on the job, particularly when handling material, we are subject to many dangers. Think about the following scenarios and see if you have ever been in a similar position: An employee was inside a truck removing empty drums onto the truck's elevator tailgate and lowering it. Another employee was removing the drums and sending the elevator tailgate back up. The employee inside the vehicle had his back to the tailgate as he pulled the next drum towards the tailgate - which he thought was even with the bed of the truck. As he swung...

Static Electricity – It can be a shocker! Remember when you dragged your feet across the rug and then touched your brother or sister’s ear! That got their attention! We have also seen the effects of "static cling," when our clothes cling together in the dryer. Static electricity, as a source of ignition for flammable vapors, gases, and dusts, is a hazard common to a wide variety of industries. A static spark can occur when an electrical charge accumulates on the surfaces of two materials that have been brought together and then separated (between two solids, between a solid and a liquid,...

Poisonous Plants Blue-Green Algae (appearance of blue-green paint or scum on the surface of the water): Wear boots and gloves when working in marine environments Rinse exposed skin with clean, clear water Minimize agitation of water that can cause aerosols – inhalation is a hazard Minimize time spent in affected area - conduct prep work outside of the area “When in doubt, stay out” Poison Ivy (vines or low shrubs, leaves are divided into 3 almond shaped leaflets, alternatively arranged): Learn to recognize native poisonous plants Wash clothing and tools exposed to the plant since allergens can remain active for...

Forklift Safety-General Operating Rules Operating a forklift takes skill and knowledge. Forklift Safety is a key component to operating a forklift. The forklift operator and those around the operator must treat the forklift with proper respect. Using proper procedures, such as those listed below, will minimize the potential for accidents and injuries, as well as make your job easier. Pre-Trip Inspection: Check the following for proper condition and correct all deficiencies: Engine oil and other fluid levels Tire pressure Steering and hydraulic controls Warning devices Service and parking brakes Battery level Gauges and instruments Cable connections Fuel level and propane tank connections ...