Organization: The Critical KEY to Safety

MAKE-IT-SAFE-MONDAY

As a business owner, manager, or employee, safety should always be one of the main points of day to day operations of a business.  All businesses are different and safety precautions can change drastically between them.  One of the things that is always needed in any business in the regards of keeping employees safe is organization.

Organization is something very simple, but often overlooked.  Organization can span almost every aspect of a safe workplace.  It can be involved with emergency procedures, material safety data sheets, safety equipment, first aid supplies, and many more.

In the event of an emergency procedure, such as a tornado, fire, or gas leak, it is important for everyone to know where to go in each scenario and get there safely.   The company or building should have designated areas and that all employees know where to go in an orderly fashion.  Test drills are a good way to see how prepared everyone is.

In the event that the company works with chemicals or anything that involves safety data sheets (SDS) it is important and required by law to have them in an area that is easily accessible to be read in the event of a spill or other exposure.  Staying organized and knowing what you are working with and quickly being able to find the information needed could be the difference in the severity of injury or other health risks.

A lot of companies may use machinery, chemicals, or electronics that have safety equipment associated with them.  As a company it is necessary to keep this equipment well organized, such as size and for what it is used for.  When employees are searching for the right safety equipment it is extremely nice to see them in an orderly fashion and knowing right where to go for what they need.

Cuts and scrapes happen all the time, but in the rare event that something more severe happens, having a well-organized first aid cabinet or kit could be the difference in life or death.  When you are in a hurry to get what you need to help someone or even get a Band-Aid for yourself opening a well-organized cabinet is critical.

There are many reasons to be organized.  Getting organized can be as simple as having training sections for certain events, labeling supplies, and having someone in charge of keeping them that way.  Having a well-organized business can be vital when the time arises, but also very helpful for normal everyday tasks. Stay safe and organized this Monday!

Dale Bromenshenkel

Demand Generation Specialist, Lift’n Buddy, a Southworth Company

Avoid The BLACK Friday Injury BLUES

MAKE-IT-SAFE-MONDAY

​It’s approaching that time of year when we get to take a short, but needed, break from our busy lives to sit down at a table with your friends and family, be thankful for all we have, maybe watch a football game or two, and celebrate Thanksgiving together.  After everyone is full and the leftovers are put away it starts feeling a little less like Thanksgiving as people start to look at the latest deals that they will be able to get the following day on Black Friday.

                           

​I personally do not partake in the shopping on Black Friday, but as the busiest shopping day of the year, I know many people do.  Although this day can be fun, it can also be very dangerous.  It is important to be prepared and put your safety,and the safety of others, above any deal in the store.  There isn’t a deal that is worth getting injured over.

​One of the biggest potentials for injury is the minute the doors open up and people start to push and shove to get in faster.  It seems like every year you hear about someone getting seriously injured or even killed as people flood in and trample someone that fell.  If you are waiting in line for the doors to open and there is a huge crowd, I’d advise moving back in the line a bit. If there is a chance of someone pushing you over, it’s not worth it.  When walking with the crowd, keep an eye on your feet and wear good shoes to prevent from tripping. 

​There are many other bad things that could happen that are not due to physical injury.  Black Friday is the busiest day for shopping and also one of the biggest day for thieves.  In the busy hustle and bustle of shopping it is easy to lose track of a bag or two.  There are people out there that are waiting for you so look the other way and swoop in and take something you just bought.  Not only that, but people will watch to see if you are using cash or cards.  If you are using cash you are much more likely for someone to try to pick-pocket you.  Keep your money close and protected.  Using cards is usually a better plan because they can be canceled if needed.  When putting your bags back into your car, make sure to put them in the trunk so people don’t get tempted as they walk past your car. 

                         

​Usually shoppers don’t brave Black Friday alone.  They usually go in groups.  When you are in a group make sure to have a plan if you are splitting up or accidentally get split up, as phones might not be as reliable in the crowded shopping centers.  Setting a meeting place at a certain time before hand is a very good idea so everyone can get back together.  This is especially important if younger kids are going to be shopping with you.  Another helpful hint is memorizing what your group members are wearing so you can identify them easier from a distance. 

​I’ll be at home this year as the stores open up on Friday, but to all those who are going out to get the deals, remember, no deal is worth getting hurt over.  Stay safe this BLACK Friday!

Dale Bromenshenkel

Demand Generation Specialist, Lift’n Buddy, a Southworth Company

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Winter Travel Safety

MAKE-IT-SAFE-MONDAY

With the falling of leaves, and the brisk cool breeze in the air, it can only mean one thing: winter is upon us! Now although us in North Dakota are aware of many conditions that winter brings, it is always good to review winter travel safety around this time of the year no matter where one lives. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states the three P’s of safe winter driving are preparing for the trip; protecting yourself; and preventing crashes on the road! These are important to keep in mind before taking off on any trip during the winter weather season.

Prepare

·         When it comes to this time of the year, it is always a good idea to get your car serviced or checked out for any needed repairs. Some other good things to check for are the battery, tire thread and pressure, and windshield wipers. Another thing to keep your windows clear during the winter months is to replace your windshield wiper fluid with no-freeze fluid for the winter months, and be sure to check the antifreeze levels as well so that the vehicle is all set for the cold weather.

·         It is also a good idea to have on hand a variety of items if one becomes stranded, i.e. flashlight (with extra batteries), jumper cables, battery powered radio, blankets or sleeping bags, first aid kit, shovel, tow rope, food and water to name a few.

·         If the vehicle has come to a stop or the car is stalled, stay in the car do not overexert yourself. Also, one can put bright markers on antenna or windows. If one needs to start the car to stay warm, make sure the exhaust is cleared and run it just enough to retain warmth, not in excess in an open well ventilated area.

Protect Yourself

·         As always, make sure to buckle up yourself and others (including proper use of child safety seats). It is also good practice to never place a rear facing infant seat in front of an air bag, and to make sure children 12 and under are in the back seat, especially during winter travel.

Prevent Crashes

·         In winter conditions, slow down and make sure to increase distances between cars. This is especially important as stopping distances can increase greatly in wintery conditions where ice can be present and cause a danger. Always keep your eyes on the road for pedestrians walking. Make sure to get plenty of rest before the trip and rotate drivers if at all possible every couple of hours.

Winter driving can be very dangerous, as storms can strike with very little or no warning in advance. However, by refreshing yourself with some of these “cool” tips that OSHA provides, they can help make your trips much safer and hopefully prevent motor vehicle injuries due to winter storms!  

Thank you for your time and attention.  Let’s make it safe this Monday.

Kolton Larson

Demand Generation Specialist, Lift’n Buddy, a Southworth Company