Safety Gear

MAKE-IT-SAFE MONDAY

For thousands of years humans have created clothing to protect our bodies from harsh environments. Over the years we have continued to evolve by creating more effective wearable shelter. To this day we are still using science to push the boundaries in wearable safety. Today on Make-It-Safe Monday we are going to cover some safety items that will help you keep your body and appendages safe and increase your productivity.

One of the most common safety accessories is the steel toed shoe. Steel toed boots were invented by the Germans near the end of World War II. These boots have evolved and are no longer made only of steel, but can be reinforced by composite materials, aluminum or even plastic. The solid reinforcement in the shoe provides crush protection from falling objects and puncture resistance if a nail or sharp object is stepped on. Manufacturers now offer a wide variety of choices from cold weather boots to formal dress shoes that will be perfect for any situation.

High visibility clothing is a must for any industry that puts large machinery and workers in the same area. Bright fluorescent yellow and orange are the two most common colors for high visibility clothing. There are very few natural colors that mimic fluorescent yellow and orange which allows for a stark contrast between an individual and their surroundings. Reflective material applied to clothing is extremely important at night or in low light conditions. This allows someone with headlights or a spotlight to identify the contours of the human body. Reflective vests can be purchased relatively cheap that fit over existing clothes.   

Your hands are one of the most important features for interacting with and manipulating your environment. Glove companies sell many different sizes and types of hand protection for a wide range of applications. Puncture proof gloves can be a lifesaver for someone that works with thin sheets of aluminum or steel such as a home siding installer or law enforcement officer searching a suspected drug user. Gloves with knuckle protection can save a mechanic’s knuckles from deep cuts or broken bones when a wrench slips. Rubber insulated gloves will prevent electrocution for workers near electricity. It is important to find the right glove for the job and to find a pair that fits.

Be sure to account for seasonal changes in clothing. Employees working outdoors in cold climates should always dress in layers and remove excessive layers as needed.  Exposed skin can be susceptible to frostbite in a matter of minutes wintry weather. Advances in nanotechnology have created coatings that can be applied to fabric to deflect moisture and act as bug repellent. This is beneficial to keep clothes dry and prevent hypothermia. Bug repellent coatings will keep away mosquitoes that can carry diseases like Malaria and West Nile Virus. If an employee is working in hot areas it is best to have light colored fabric to reflect the sun's heat. Make sure that the clothing material is thin and breathable to dissipate body heat.

These are just a few examples of clothing options that can reduce work related injuries. The most important part of safety gear is making sure that it gets worn. If a logging company provides chain saw gloves to their employees but the workers leaves them in their truck it was a wasted effort. The tools we have to keep us safe are only as good as the safety plan meant to enforce their use. 

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

Brad Lindemann

Sales Coordinator, Lift’n Buddy, a Southworth Company

Workers' Compensation

MAKE-IT-SAFE MONDAY

Every day in the United States thousands of employees are injured in work related accidents. Most injuries are minor cuts or scrapes but a large percentage can lead to significant disfiguring, paralysis, or even death. In 2011, an average of almost 13 people died everyday in work related accidents according to OSHA. When injuries do happen it can be very stressful for both the employee and their family.  The last thing anyone wants to do is research what programs are available to provide for yourself and your family in times of crisis. It is best to have a basic knowledge of what options you and your family have before the unthinkable happens.

Workers' compensation is a combination of health, disability, and life insurance that employers are required to provide for their employees. Employers pay premiums for this insurance and cannot require the employee to contribute to the cost of the expense. It does not matter who is at fault in a claim, whether it is the claimant, a coworker, or the employer. The amount of compensation received will not decrease if the claimant was at fault. The insurance provides coverage to the employee and in exchange the employee gives up their right to sue the employer for negligence. That is unless the employer is in violation of OSHA laws or fails to fix a known hazard. A worker will lose their right to compensation if it is determined the injury was a result of intoxication from drugs or alcohol, or if they had intent to injure themselves or someone else. Damages related to pain and suffering or punitive damages related to employer negligence is generally not available through workers' comp.

Workers' compensation has been available in multiple forms since early 1900 across most of the US. It was first passed in Maryland in 1902, based on successful implementations in Europe where it was designed to reduce the need for litigation and take the burden off the employee to prove the employer was at fault.  

Each state is allowed to structure its program in the best way it sees fit. Some states, such as North Dakota and Ohio, have state run monopolies while other states have a hybrid of public and private coverage options. States like West Virginia and Nevada have completely privatized their system after their programs became significantly underfunded. Because programs are run on state by state basis, it is best to check with your local authority to get answers on any questions you may have.

Fraud is rampant in this industry by both employers and employees costing billions of dollars every year in false claims and unpaid premiums. Employees will often fake injuries or get hurt outside of work but claim they were on the job to take advantage of the benefits. For this reason, employers may fight an employee’s claim for compensation payments. It is in the employer’s best interest to have fewer claims or they risk an increase in their premiums. In the event of a contested case or serious injury, a lawyer that specializes in worker’s compensation claims should be consulted. Most states limit a claimant’s legal expenses to a maximum percentage of the reward. Employers also commit fraud by underreporting what their employee’s earn and claiming to have more experienced workers to give the impression of less risk and to lower their premiums.

Contact your state officials for more detailed information on your local workers' compensation laws. Your state’s website can be a great resource for local laws and contact information. Work safe and always take appropriate preventative measures such as applying warning labels or using tools like a Lift’n Buddy to ensure you are never involved in a workers' compensation claim.

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

Brad Lindemann

Sales Coordinator, Lift’n Buddy, a Southworth Company

Strengthen Your Core

MAKE-IT-SAFE MONDAY

Six pack abs are more useful than showing off at the beach. The abdominal muscles provide stability to the spine and the entire upper body. The phrase, “'lift with your legs, not with your back” is worthless is if your spine is not supported by the other muscles in your body. A US Army study found that the soldiers who were able to perform the most sit-ups during their initial standard fitness tests were 5 times less likely to suffer lower body injuries. Learning how to strengthen your abs and teaching yourself to keep your back straight when lifting will lower your risk of pulling a ligament or damaging a disc.

To best illustrate the proper technique for a supported spine you will want to stand straight up and be sure not to slouch. Push your gut and pelvis forward while contracting the abdominal muscles. You should feel slightly more support in the lumbar area of your back. Maintaining this posture when lifting will allow your spine to stay in its most supported position. This may take some time to master as your muscles may not be used to this type of movement. With repeated use your brain will retain the muscle memory and naturally prevent injuries. You can use the following exercises and stretches to build muscle memory and strengthen your core.

Lying Hip Thrusts: Lay down in the sit-up position with your feet flat on the floor. Thrust your pelvis into the air while leaving your shoulders and feet in contact with the floor. Do as many repetitions as necessary and trying holding this position for extended periods of time.

Crunches: Lay on the floor in the sit-up position. With your feet and butt firmly on the floor role your shoulders blades off the ground and try to touch your chin to the ceiling. This exercise can easily be done every day at home or at the office.

Squats: Squats are one of the best ways to improve your balance and strengthen your core. Using only your body weight, stand with your feet shoulder with apart. Push your pelvis forward and tighten your abdominal muscles. Lower yourself as if you were sitting in a chair maintaining this same posture. Remember to keep your butt out and chest proud. Your weight should be in the heels of your feet and your knees should not extend passed your toes. You can add weight when you feel comfortable with the technique. 

Stretching 1: While on all fours arch your back up and down as if you are mimicking a scared cat or a cat ready to pounce.

Stretching 2: Lay flat on the floor and push your upper body off the ground while leaving your hips in contact with the ground. It should look like you are impersonating a seal.

Remember to always consult your physician before preforming any exercises. Additional training and strengthening guides can easily be found with a simple internet search. The most important thing is to always use proper techniques and the right tools such as the Lift’n Buddy to ensure that your body stays in great shape for years to come. 

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

Brad Lindemann

Sales Coordinator, Lift’n Buddy, a Southworth Company.

Think Tidy

MAKE-IT-SAFE MONDAY

Accidents and injuries are caused by numerous situations at work but cleanliness is often overlooked. A wet floor or foreign object laying in a walkway can cause huge problems for someone carrying a heavy box with an obstructed view. Today on Make-It-Safe Monday we are going to cover a few simple suggestions that will ensure your work place is accident free.

Slippery Floors:

Slippery floors are a nightmare for any unsuspecting passersby. A wet floor is often hard to notice and even harder when your view is obstructed by the object your carrying. Wet floors are caused by multiple factors including spilled drinks or food, leaky roofs, or snow on shoes. It is a good idea to place water absorbing mats at all entry points to with a sign indicating to wipe your feet. Have a designated area such as a break room for consuming food or drinks. Slippery when wet signs should clearly indicate where wet conditions exist. This will allow maintenance to clean up the affected area and fix the cause or leak.  

Clearly Mark Obstacles:

Pillars, obstacles, and obtrusions should be marked with highly reflected neon tape. If you have stairs, any change in elevation, trip hazards, or change in flooring (concrete to gravel, tile to carpet) it should be marked with neon tape along with an overhead sign indicating to watch your step. It is a great idea to apply non-skid tape to any stairs or inclines to avoid slipping.

Cleaning Schedules and Rules:

Signs should be placed in clearly visible areas with procedures and expectations regarding the timely cleanup of spills and debris. If your company does not have a dedicated cleaning or maintenance crew a roster should be created to assign specific clean up duties as frequently as needed. These duties should be signed off on by a supervisor to ensure a safe and clean work environment.

Always remember to slow down and watch where you are going! Hand trucks and lifting devices such as the Lift’n Buddy can dramatically reduce slipping and falling injuries and more information can be found at www.liftnbuddy.com. Implementing these few items will ensure your employees make it home safe each day.

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

Brad Lindemann

Sales Coordinator, Lift'n Buddy, a Southworth Company.

What Is UL?!

MAKE-IT-SAFE MONDAY

How many times have you seen these two letters without any idea of what they stand for? Almost every electronic gadget you use on a daily basis will have this logo somewhere including the device you’re using to read this blog.

The UL mark is given out by a not-for-profit safety consulting and certification organization called Underwriters Laboratories. UL certifies, validates, tests, inspects, and audits both business and consumer products to ensure their safety. They also provide expertise knowledge and training to educate customers in global trade compliance and regulatory issues when accessing world markets. 

UL was founded by William Henry Merrill in 1894 with a goal to ensure the safety of electrical devices. By the early 1900s the demand for electric powered homes and tools was increasing at exponential rates. Most people were unaware of the dangers posed by these new technologies which led to careless fires, electrocution, and even invisible microwaves that are harmful to humans.

Underwriters Laboratories first published the Tin Clad Fire Door in 1903, a design for a solid core wood door wrapped in metal. The heavy wood and metal doors slowed the spread of fires and gave precious minutes to people trying to escape a burning building. The doors also stopped fire from spreading out of control before firefighters arrived on seen. One year later, in 1904, the first UL mark made its first appearance on a fire extinguisher.

Since its first publication, UL has gone on to provide safety services to 104 countries with 64 laboratories across the globe. Today there are nearly 22 billion UL marks on products across the globe. UL no longer focuses solely on electrical safety, but has expanded into five different business divisions: Product Safety, Verification Services, Life & Health, Knowledge Services, and Environment.

Today on Make-It-Safe Monday look for the UL logo on the electronics you use every day. You can have the peace of mind knowing that gadget you’re using has been put through its paces and is deemed safe for typical use. Next time your company releases a new product or wants to expand into a foreign market, remember that your safety experts are only a click away.

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

Brad Lindemann

Sales Coordinator, Lift'n Buddy, A Southworth Company.

All electronics in the Lift’n Buddy are UL Certified and more information can be found at www.liftbuddy.com.

Behavior That is Rewarded will be Repeated.

MAKE-IT-SAFE MONDAY

Employees are the most likely to recognize a hazard in the workplace because they are on the front lines of your operation. Due to a biological trait, humans are programmed to repeat rewarding tasks. By taking advantage of this fact, companies can reward employees to create safer work environments. There are many creative ways to provide incentives for workers to improve a safety plan. To today on Make-It-Safe Monday we will cover how to provide simple incentives for workers to make their own jobs safer.

Suggestion Box: When looking for safety risks have employees drop ideas into a suggestion box. Any suggestion that gets put implemented will earn company merchandise like an embroidered shirt or jacket.

Close-Call Forms: Forms should be available to report incidents that could lead to a recordable injury in the future. Anytime an employee has a close-call a form should be completed and reviewed by the safety manager. This employee should be compensated with a lunch coupon or gift card.

Days since the Last Incident: Have your employees work as a team by counting how many days it has been since the last injury. Goals should be set at incremental target days with an increasing value of prizes for each goal reached. Prizes could be a casual dress day, company paid lunch, or company trip.

Rewards Banquet: Most businesses have annual outings or holiday parties where employees are recognized for their hard work throughout the year. Be sure to include a trophy or plaque for the safest department and the employee with the fewest incidents.

                                                                                                                                 

Always offer meaningful incentives that are appropriate to the level of accomplishment. A two year goal should be better compensated than a two month goal. Be punctual with your incentives to reinforce a strong connection between achieving a goal and being rewarded. Please be aware that most experts agree that rewarding employees for meeting safety goals is an effective practice, but should only be a part of a more comprehensive overall safety program.

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

Brad Lindemann

Sales Coordinator, Lift'n Buddy, A Southworth Company.

Lift Smart, Don't Be A Statistic

MAKE-IT-SAFE MONDAY

Back injuries in the workplace are one of the most costly musculoskeletal disorders in the United States according to a study done at the University of Minnesota.  Lower-back pain affects over 1,000,000 workers in the United States each year.  More people miss work due to back injuries than any other musculoskeletal disorder. 

What causes this back pain though?  Back injuries are very common among those who work primarily in physical labor.  It can be caused by lifting to heavy of an object, repetitive lifting, lifting in extreme cold, lifting or carrying awkwardly shaped objects, or improper lifting and carrying form.  Back injuries can also be caused by standing too long or having poor posture when sitting or standing.  Back injuries are one of the most preventable types of injuries in the workplace.  They can be prevented by proper lifting technique, having mechanical help, or having others help.   Some options are more costly and effective than others. 

Having mechanical devices such as lifts or pulleys can be more expensive but studies show that the initial investment will more than likely be cheaper in the long run compared to the cost of workers compensation for those who are injured and the cost of hiring those to replace them or the cost to pay other workers more to cover their shifts.  Back injuries are very common in the work place and can be caused many different ways, but there are ways to help try to prevent some of the injuries from happening in the first place.

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

Contributed by Dale Bromenshenkel,

Demand Generation Specialist, Lift'n Buddy, A Southworth Company.