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WCSG Newsletters>
Safety Newsletter December 08
December 11, 2008
Safety Newsletter
By Eddy Valdes, President, WCSG Consultants Winter 2008 Volume 3-No.4
OSHA programs contribute to reduced injury and illness rates for 2007
The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics announced on November 20, 2008 that the rate and number of occupational injuries and illnesses decreased from 2006 to 2007.
Additionally, from 2003 to 2007, the total number of injuries and illnesses with days away from work declined 11.9 percent. This demonstrates that a comprehensive strategy of targeted enforcement coupled with an emphasis on prevention through compliance assistance is the most effective way to maintain the safety of your workforce.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees.
WCSG
“ Perfect Safety Day ”
culture
We face challenging times, with our workplace and economy. They tie hand in hand, especially with the stresses we have revolving around the holidays. We are challenged with the task of achieving Zero accidents and Zero injuries in workplace. It may seem like a tall order, but if broken down on a daily basis; the task does not seem that difficult. Which is why we have created a (Perfect Safety Day) initiative with our clients. We have identified many actions and activities that can be conducted by your staff and safety committees. Many of them include; safety handshakes with all employees as they entered facilities enhanced Job Hazard Analysis, on area observations, pre work meetings, safety recognition, on line testing and training, and many other activities. All management, safety groups, and employees need to get involved in communicating and implementing the importance of safety to all.
Remember to Make Everyday A Perfect Safety Day
Safety & Compliance In the News
Workplace safety bill moves ahead in Florida
July, 2008. Earlier this year in Tallahassee, FL, a proposed bill had moved to the governor’s desk pertaining to the creation of a task force to help state and municipal departments and agencies comply with OSHA standards.
The Workplace Safety Bill (H.B. 967) passed through the state House and then moved on to pass through the Senate with 38-0 vote. The new proposed bill will help create 15-man task force to develop finding and recommendations to comply with OSHA’s general industry.
The bill comes two years after an explosion at a Daytona Beach, FL wastewater treatment plant killed two workers. It was speculated that the accident could have been prevented had the employees been covered under federal OSHA. Expect continued emphasis on enforcement of compliance OSHA standards through more workplace inspections and visits.
Safety Talk + Safety Walk = Target Zero
Maintaining Global Compliance in MSDS Management Programs
The world of chemical regulatory compliance keeps getting more complicated with organizations expanding into new markets on a global scale. Subsequently, a corporate strategy for managing MSDSs globally, must be established. New initiatives like GHS and REACH are adding to the challenge of keeping on top of these compliance issues, which include MSDS management programs.
GHS is the United Nations’ management system for chemicals and REACH is the new EU management program for chemicals in Europe.
Creating and maintaining global MSDS programs can be extremely challenging. Therefore, many companies are relying on an outsource service provider to help maintain compliance with these new regulations.
Workplace and Facility Safety Zones
You are probably asking yourself what is a safety zone?
A Safety Zone is an area dedicated for safety training and awareness. Below are some of the key concepts and initiatives formed to create one.
High visibility:
Choose area where all employees can easily see
• Entering/exiting Safety Zone with enough room to accommodate 15 people at a time.
• Banner inside the front entrance “You’re in the Safety Zone”.
• Paint off a section of floor. Decals on floor reading SAFETY ZONE.
• Make it look colorful, fun, exciting.
Objectives:
• Train new employees in work force, or employees with 18 months or less seniority.
• Change unsafe behavior of comprehensive four week training process.
• Effectively change unsafe behavior of all employees through Environmental Condition.
o Continuous exposure of Safety to all who enter and exit facility.
(Safety Zone)
This Safety are are used by all operations to conduct on line training and assessments, have safety meetings, conduct repeater training and any other safety activities. Companies can create contests for multiple facility employers. They can create and decorates the designated areas, align pc workstations for on-line training to help develop the best Safety Zone. Banners can be used for each facility to help communicate the safety first message (below is an example of safety zone banner).
It can be hung up in the entrance to that room. Use safety posters and materials to make the room a Safety Zone. Be creative; get with the other safety committees in the facilities and work together to create something special. The winner of the contest can receive recognition for their efforts.
Funny-But true!
Man’s Best Friend Fact Corner
FALSE
Too often the dog will readily accept the treat, but still not accept you.
A proper procedure?
You will be safer by attempting to reassure the dog by talking in a friendly manner and using its name if known. But do this from a safe distance.
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