December 2011 Issue

Included in this issue:

  • PREVENT SLIPS AND FALLS
  • SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS
  • HELP! FIRE!
  • 5“S” SYSTEM TO DEAL SAFELY WITH WORKPLACE CONFLICT
  • VALUE OF ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP

  1. PREVENT SLIPS AND FALLS

Even though you may be confident in your ability to avoid slips and falls, don't let yourself become complacent about the hazards. Keep these statistics in mind: Falls are among the most common type of injury both on and off the job; Several hundred thousand American workers suffer injuries from falls on the job every year—a number of these related to slipping accidents.

Although slips and falls usually aren't fatal, they can cause serious damage, such as broken bones and back injuries. Awareness of hazards and safe actions can prevent most slip-related accidents.

Take these steps to prevent slips and falls for yourself and co-workers:

  • Wear sensible shoes with nonskid soles.
  • Use mats or rugs in entryways.
  • Clean up or report slippery spots in entryways, walkways, parking lots, or other areas immediately so maintenance can take care of the areas and/or post signs to warn people of slippery conditions.
  • When you have to walk in treacherous conditions, take small steps and shuffle your feet.
  1. SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS

Take the true-false quiz

  1. Falls are only dangerous when you’re working above ground level.
    T F
  2. Falls are the most common form of injury at home and at work.
    T F
  3. The biggest reason for falls is an unsafe attitude.
    T F
  4. Always face a ladder when climbing up or down.
    T F
  5. It’s okay to carry loads that block your vision as long as you can see the path beneath your feet.
    T F
  6. It’s easier to slip on a wet or smooth surface.
    T F
  7. Wearing the right shoes for work can help prevent accidents.
    T F
  8. You can often avoid slips, trips, and falls just by taking your time and watching where you’re going.
    T F
  9. Housekeeping has little to do with slips, trips, or falls.
    T F
  10. You only need to get medical attention for a fall if you break a bone.
    T F

SCORING
If you got all 10 answers correct, you’re a safe worker. If you missed more than two, you may well be headed for a fall.

ANSWERS
1. F. You can receive injuries from falls on ground level, too. 2. T 3. T 4. T 5. F. Never carry any load that blocks your view. 6. T 7. T 8. T 9. F. Good housekeeping helps prevent most slips, trips, and falls. 10. F. Get medical attention for all falls. There could be internal injuries you don’t know about or can’t feel right away.

  1. HELP! FIRE! Do you know what to do in a fire?
    2.


If you’ve ever seen a building burn, you know how quickly fire can spread and how destructive it can be. But would you know what to do if a fire struck your workplace or your home? Too many people don’t, and every year fires claim lives and destroy property in communities across the land.

Here are four questions about workplace fires you should be able to answer:

  1. Do you know your escape route? Which emergency exits are nearest your work area? Could you get there even if the lights were out and the place was full of smoke? Do you have at least two routes in case one is blocked by fire?
  2. Do you know how to sound the alarm? Where are the alarm boxes located? Do you know how to activate them? Do you know who to call in the event of a fire?
  3. Do you know where fire extinguishers are located? Do you know how to use one effectively to fight a fire?
  4. Do you know where to meet outside for roll call? If you’re not where you’re supposed to be, firefighters might think you’re still inside and risk their lives trying to find you.
  1. 5 “S” System to deal safely with Workplace Conflict
    2.

Workplace violence is a major concern for employers and employees nationwide.  Workplace violence is any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at the work site. It ranges from threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and even homicide. It can affect and involve employees, clients, customers and visitors.

Homicide is currently the fourth-leading cause of fatal occupational injuries in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI), of the 4,547 fatal workplace injuries that occurred in the United States in 2010, 506 were workplace homicides.

Taking proactive steps when addressing conflict in the workplace is a positive step employers can take to reduce tensions and have in place a system  to reduce risk of escalation to dangerous levels.

These steps are:

Situational Awareness- It is vital that everyone have an ability to detect when a conversation could develop into office conflict. Many times this can be seen through body language and facial expression.

Stay Calm- Once you recognize that the person you are engaged in discussion with is becoming upset, it is vital that you be mindful of your tone and choice of words.

Seek to Understand- We must make an effort to understand why the other person is angry.

State the Issue- We must be certain that during our conversations that we list the facts and data and avoid emotion.

Stay Focused- We must be sure that we focus on the topics at hand and avoid veering off to areas that are unrelated.

With thanks to Mr. Zach Brewster- Operations Manager, MAU Workforce Solutions, Greenville Branch

More help is available at: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/workplaceviolence/

  1. VALUE OF ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP...
    IN THE ATTORNEYS AND ACCOUNTANTS ASSOCIATION:

Your firm's participation in our group program:

  • Saves you 6% off of your workers’ compensation premium with the State Fund;
  • Provides you safety materials to promote a safe work place for you and your employees, via our website and this e-newsletter on office safety;
  • Our cost free Video/DVD Safety Lending Library provides you resources to meet your training obligations under California's safety laws, and good management practice.
  • HELP WITH SAFETY QUESTIONS You can ask me as your safety consultant any questions about safety or seek advice by sending an email, Safety4Lawyers@gmail.com.
  • More details at www.attny-cpasafety.org
 

Don Dressler, Safety Group Manager
Attorneys and Accountants Association
Ph: 949-533-3742
Fax: 949-266-9561