AVOID GETTING THE SHOCK OF  Don't touch electrical equipment if you have wet

hands, you are near a source of moisture or you are

YOUR LIFE
Look around you. In today's offices there are
photocopiers, fax machines, computers, printers, light
switches, outlets, extension cords, water coolers and
coffeepots. It's hard to think of any job that doesn't
require the use of electricity. When it comes right down
to it, we must avoid electrical hazards in almost any
work setting.
Electrical shock occurs when electricity takes a
short cut through your body. It can cause severe burns.
It can stop your breathing. It can affect your brain,
nerves, heart and other organs. And it can be fatal.
Here are some ways to avoid electrical shock:
 Keep electrical cords away from traffic areas and
heat or water sources that could damage the
insulation and create a shock hazard. Don't use an
extension cord as a replacement for permanent
wiring. Never use cords that are cracked, damaged,
broken or have the third prong of the plug
removed.
 Never try to do repairs to any electrical equipment
unless you are trained and authorized. Instead,
report any defects to your supervisor.
 Always observe all warning signs about electricity.
They are there for a good reason.
 Don't pull on the cord when disconnecting an
appliance from an electrical source. Always pull on
the plug instead.
 When cleaning equipment or an appliance, always
disconnect it from the source of power.
standing on a damp floor.
 At work or at home, make sure you are protected
by a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) for
outlets that are outdoors or near moisture.
 Don't use an "octopus" connection for several
extension cords because the increased demand on
the electrical outlet can be a fire and shock hazard.
Usually the fire will start inside the wall and become
very hot and dangerous long before you know there
is a problem.
 Use multi-plug outlet strips for connecting
computers, printers and monitors. Make sure the
rated capacity for the strip is not exceeded. They
normally have a built-in overload circuit breaker.
 If you do have an electrical fire, call the fire
department and sound the fire alarm. If possible,
turn off the main source of power and attempt to
put the fire out if it is a very small one.
 Use only the proper fire extinguisher (Type C) on an
electrical fire. If you are not sure whether it is the
correct Type C - don't use it. Instead get out of the
building. Never use water or other liquids on an
electrical fire because you could receive a deadly
shock.
 BACK TIPS FOR EVERYONE
Many back injuries result from incorrect lifting.
Lifting large or heavy objects is not the only way you can
injure your back. Unless you use safe techniques, picking
up even a small article can cause a painful injury.
Here are a few tips to help prevent back injuries:
• First, size up the load. There are several ways that you
can do this. One method is to look at the weight label on
the carton or package. Another method is to lift one
corner to gauge the weight. This will give you an idea of
what you are up against — before you start the lift.
• Next, do a few stretching exercises to warm up your
back, arm, and leg muscles. Cold, stiff muscles can be
easily injured.
• Then, plan your route. Make sure you know where you
are going with the object and check the route for
obstacles. If you have to walk quite a distance with your
load, pre-plan spots where you can easily stop for a short
rest. But, a better solution is to use a hand truck for long
distances.
• Protect your hands. Examine the load for sharp edges,
metal staples or leaks. Wear gloves if necessary, especially
for protection from excessively hot or cold objects.
• Lift the object right. Get close to the article and center
your body over your feet. Bend your knees, and keep your
spine straight. Grasp the package. Use your stronger leg
muscles to push yourself upright.
• As you start the lift, raise your eyes and look ahead. This
will keep your spine in correct alignment.
• Keep the load close to your body to exert less force on
your back.
• Make sure you can clearly see over the load. If your
vision is blocked you may trip and fall.
• Always move your feet rather than twisting your body to
change directions.
• Plan ahead for unloading. An ideal spot would be at
waist height to prevent unnecessary bending.
• To unload, crouch down and use your thigh muscles to
lower the object. Keep your back straight, and the article
held close to your body while unloading. Occasionally an
object may be too heavy for one person to pick up. Don’t
try to be a hero. There are several ways that you can lift a
difficult load.
• Ask a co-worker to assist you. Try to find someone who is
about your height. This will make the lift easier to do.
• When two or more people are involved in a lift, decide
ahead of time who is the team leader. This person is
responsible for giving commands such as “lift,” “move”
and “set down”. Coordination of movements will prevent
sudden starts or stops, and changes in weight distribution.
• Use mechanical assistance such as a hand truck or pallet
mover. But, before you use this equipment, make sure you
know how to properly operate it. Ask your supervisor for
assistance if you don’t know the correct procedures.
• To pick up an awkward object, such as a sack, bend at
the knees and grasp it at opposite corners. Gradually
straighten your legs and push yourself up. Remember to
hold the load close to your body and at about waist height.
Although we have only covered the basics, you should be
able to adapt these tips to everything that you lift.
Remember to think it through before you lift. Plan your
moves, and limber up your muscles frequently during the
day.

TAKE A SUREFOOTED
APPROACH TOWARDS SLIPS,
TRIPS AND FALLS
A slapstick comedian slips on a banana peel and the audience laughs.
A schoolchild falls as he walks to the blackboard and another student asks,
“Have a good trip?” The jokes are familiar, but slips are no laughing matter.
They take a heavy toll in the number of workplace injuries and lost
workdays. Falls to the same level are one of the most common causes of
injuries on the job, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Investigate slips
The incidence of slips, trips and falls at work may be even
higher than the numbers show. Workers do not report many of the
incidents because they are minor and make them appear clumsy, which is
a mistake. To reduce slips, trips and falls, managers should stress the
seriousness of all incidents and have employees inform them of even
the most harmless ones. Minor incidents that are reported may be clues
to troublesome areas needing repairs and may actually help prevent a
major incident from occurring.
Investigations should focus on the following areas, where most
incidents occur:
 Doorways and other transitional areas
 Ramps
 Cluttered hallways
 Areas with heavy traffic
 Uneven surfaces
 Any area prone to wetness or spills
As long as people move spills will occur, but a variety of products
can reduce the chances that they will cause a fall. Some of the most
popular products to reduce the risk of falls are slip-resistant floors, mats
and footwear. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s
guidelines on walking and working surfaces call for slip-resistant floor
surfaces in work areas that are generally slippery because of wet, oily or
dirty operations. OSHA also says workers should wear slip-resistant
footwear to reduce slipping hazards.
Pick the right floor
The appropriate floor covering depends on its use. Here are
some questions to consider when choosing an appropriate floor:
What kinds of spills are likely?
 What are the sanitary requirements?
 Is noise a concern?
 Will the area have heavy traffic?
 What equipment must the floor hold?
 How will the floor be cleaned?
 Are aesthetic effects a concern?
Various non-skid floor coatings that increase traction also are
available. Carpets provide good traction but can cause falls if they are
worn or do not fit tightly. Make sure rug and runner edges are securely
bound and beveled with rubber or plastic to avoid catching on shoes or
boots.
Slip-resistant mats provide added protection in spots where spills
are likely, such as in areas with heavy traffic or where customers and
employees may track in water and dirt. Typical places for mats are at
entrances to hotels and restaurants, around equipment that sprays water,
in service aisles of restaurants, in produce sections of grocery stores and
on bathroom floors.
Some mats are made to direct water, grease and other spills away
from the walking surface. An added benefit of mats is they can relieve
back and leg strain.
Take control with training
Environmental changes alone cannot protect employees and
guests. To further reduce the risk of falls, employees should check that
aisles are clear, floors are clean, signs are present to warn people of
slippery areas, and that guests get the assistance they need.
Managers should stress these safety reminders:
 If you drop it, pick it up
 If you spill it, wipe it up
 Go where you are looking, and look where you are going
Not all falls occur because of wet floors, cluttered aisles or
missed steps. There are behavioral changes that can be
learned to reduce the risk of falls or minimize their impact
such as:
 Walking techniques that use feet as probes
 How to balance properly by keeping the head up and
maintaining the body’s natural center of gravity
 Ways to get the feet underneath quickly to recover balance
after an initial slip
 How to protect the most vulnerable parts of the body, such as
the head and spine, if you do fall
Whether companies implement behavioral, environmental or
a combination of measures to reduce slips, trips and falls, their incident
rates usually decline.

TAKE THE STING OUT
OF AN INSECT BITE
Indoors or outdoors, insects and other pests can
distract you from your task. Whether you swat at a
mosquito, dodge a bee, or pull your hand back from a
spider's nest, "bugs" can cause accidents. Their bites or
stings can range from annoying to painful to dangerous or
fatal. Here's a quick course on how to stay out of trouble
with insects and other pests.
How to avoid trouble with insects:
- Wear long-sleeved light-colored clothing with the shirt
collars buttoned up and pant cuffs tucked into your boots
or socks.
- Use gloves when working outdoors, in old deserted
buildings, in dark corners, and at demolition sites where
spiders, wasps or other pests may be present.
- Wear a net if you are working in insect-infested areas and
use an insect repellent on any exposed skin.
- Spray badly infested areas before starting work. If
indoors, spray and then ventilate the space before
entering the space.
- Check your skin and clothing after the task is completed
for any hitch-hiking pests.
If you know you are allergic to bees or wasps, always carry
your prescription of adrenaline with you. A pre-loaded
syringe or "pen" of adrenaline is the easiest to use. Watch
closely for any reaction, such as tightness of the throat,
difficulty breathing, numbness and tingling in the stung
limb, or large blotchy areas of swelling. Use the adrenaline
and then get to medical aid immediately. If you have never
had an allergic reaction following an insect bite, and you
start experiencing any of the above symptoms after a bite,
seek medical care right away.
For less severe bites and stings:
- Keep first aid supplies handy when out-of-doors or in
areas infested by insects.
- Apply ice or lots of cold water to the bite to reduce the
swelling and itching.
- Use spray-on antihistamines or hydrocortisone-based
creams to relieve the itching of minor bites.
- Carefully remove ticks with tweezers. If you pull the tick
out carelessly, the tick's head can remain imbedded in the
skin. Wash the area well with soap and water.
- And finally: Don't use cologne, perfume, after-shave or
other products which may entice the insects. And don't
swat at flying insects because your movements may cause
them to become excited and bite or sting you. Instead,
move away from the problem.

Severe reactions to bites and stings:

Serious reactions to bites of certain spiders,

insects or ticks can create medical problems. Take flu-like
symptoms seriously. A headache, stiff neck, fever and
aching joints could indicate the tick was carrying Lyme
disease. Anyone suffering from these symptoms should be
checked by medical personnel.
If the person is complaining of stomach pain,
sore muscles, tender feet, swollen eyelids, excessive saliva
or sweating, the cause might be a black widow spider bite.
A more severe reaction includes paralysis of the chest
muscles. Get this person to the hospital immediately. In
severe cases of reaction you may have to start CPR
(cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and rescue breathing to
help the victim.
  Don't assume a worker
DO’s AND DON’T’s OF understands what you said

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS  Don't get bogged down in

excessive detail. Keep everything
simple.
DO:
WHY IT MATTERS:
 Be specific. Tell the employee exactly what's
expected of him or her. Telling someone to be  Trained employees are safer employees.
careful is too general. Instead, say “turn off  Employees look to you for their safety
the machine before removing the guard”, or instructions.
“use this tool for the job”.
 Be confident. If you're sure of yourself and
convey that feeling, you'll inspire respect and You need to follow effective communication
compliance from your employees. You can't techniques—both oral and written—to ensure that
act confidently if you are not fully versed on the safety message and instructions are understood
the safety procedures for every job in your and applied by your employees.
area of responsibility.
 Repeat the instructions. Employees can
misunderstand instructions when someone
gives them orally and speaks quickly. Also,
English may be a second language for some
workers. That's why it is important to repeat
the instructions several times. Then ask the
employees to explain what you just told them.
You can even ask them to demonstrate what
you just said.
 Check to make sure. Next time you pass the
area, make a point of observing if employees
are carrying out your instructions. Correct
them on the spot if they are not complying
fully.

Here are some things to avoid when giving

instructions.

DON'T:

 Don't give conflicting instructions.