Detention Facility Workers Detention facility workers should be continuously aware and prepared for the risks they might face on the job. The work in these facilities can be extremely stressful—both physically and mentally for guards, custodians, or medical personnel; they also run the risk of exposure to physical attack or infection from bodily fluids. Bodily Fluid Exposure Bloodborne pathogen exposure from splashes or contact with blood is a serious hazard when violence erupts. The most common exposure is a splash of blood or other bodily fluids to an eye, nose and mouth or a puncture from a bite, scratch, or serious wound. If...

Cold Stress Precautions Working under cold stress can lead to various injuries or health effects, which are collectively known as cold stress.  Construction workers may experience cold stress when working: Outdoors on a cold day; In a refrigerated room; In an unheated building; In cold water, rain, or snow; While handling cold objects or materials. Other workers who may be susceptible to cold stress include field workers, cold storage workers, and workers who work with refrigerated or frozen foods. The hazardous effects of cold on the body may include dehydration, numbness, shivering, frostbite, immersion foot (trench foot), and hypothermia.  Hazards associated with cold...

Battery Handling Safety Batteries are used to power our automobiles, trucks, tractors, and construction or power equipment. Most people don't consider battery handling safety. There are different types of batteries such as lead-acid batteries, gel cells, and lead-calcium batteries. Most batteries contain sulfuric acid and lead. Because batteries contain chemicals, chemical reaction by-products, and an electrical current they can pose a hazard to workers if not handled properly. Workers that operate, maintain, and recharge batteries should use caution. Before working with a battery, you should have training in proper handling procedures. Consult the vehicle and battery owners’ manuals for specific instructions on...

Auto Repair Safety - Auto Body Fender Repair autoFender repair work involves solvent and chemical use, physical hammering and pulling of dents, as well as welding, sanding, and prepping the area for repair and refinishing. Removing the tar, dirt, and debris from the fender can prevent beating the grime into the metal. Make sure to read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the cleaner or solvent you use for surface preparation. Wear gloves and safety glasses to prevent chemicals from absorbing into your skin or splashing into your eyes. Once you have studied the fender and how it was dented, you can choose...

Animal Handling Safety Workers in farming, veterinary, and animal services industries may handle animals as a part of their job duties. The types of animals may vary, but workers should get training on their potential hazards and safe handling techniques. Animal hazards may include injuries due to sudden animal movements, bites and scratches, and zoonosis (diseases spread from animals to humans). Handling an animal safely begins with knowing the animal’s typical behavior. Animal handling techniques should be taught to inexperienced workers and used consistently by everyone. Generally, slow and deliberate movements should be used around animals. Workers should approach animals from the...

Machine Safety Moving Right Along Machines are one of the leading causes of occupational injury. Improperly trained or careless operators are often the victims. So, until you’ve been trained on a machine and are authorized to run it, hands off! Before you turn on any machine, know the hazards and make a safety check. Is everybody clear? Are the guards and safety devices in place and properly adjusted? Don’t start the machine unless they are. Never tie down or block a guard or safety device. Safety features are there to protect you. Always follow established lockout/tagout procedures. Keep your machine clean. If you have...

Safety & Substance Abuse Don't Mix Drug use and alcohol consumption are normally considered personal issues. They only become an employer's concern when they affect safety and worker performance. Drug and alcohol abuse cost employers through high absenteeism and sick pay. Abusers hurt themselves and their families if they lose their job as a result of their actions. If they are fired or cannot function on the job, the company loses the services of an experienced worker. Those under the influence of drugs or alcohol cause friction in the work group, lower morale and work efficiency, use poor judgment that results...

Cold Water Treatment Of Thermal Burns When you burn yourself not all the damage happens at once. Cold water treatment may help for thermal burns. Because the body holds heat, the burning process can last for several minutes on up to several days or even longer in the case of serious burns. Immediate application of cold water or a cold compress is a treatment that has been found to decrease the degree and depth of a burn. This is not to say its advised for all burns. Speed is the most important single factor in burn treatment. The more quickly you cool...

Guard Against Machine Injuries Cleaning a jammed conveyor, reaching for a wrench, or retrieving a dropped glove are common tasks. Yet, each of these acts can lead to a serious injury. Many injuries occur during equipment maintenance. Sometimes workers try to reach past the guards while trying to service equipment or get caught in power transmissions such as belts, pulleys, running rolls, chains or sprockets. Other injuries occur when equipment is unguarded or when machinery starts unexpectedly. If some basic precautions are taken, protecting workers from these injuries can be simple, and inexpensive. Inexpensive physical controls such as machine guards can prevent...

Woodworking Tool Safety Woodworkers use power tools such as saws, drills, routers, planers, sanders, and lathes along with hand tools such as chisels, carvers, and augers to shape wood into functional and artistic objects. While wood crafting, woodworkers need to keep safety in mind. Get training on the power and hand tools that you work with on the job. Read the power tool manuals and make sure that you understand and follow the instructions. Always inspect your tools before each use. Make sure that power cords are in good shape with proper grounding. Tag-out, discard, or repair the tools if they are...