Nueces County Risk Management

Session Objectives You will be able to:

Understand why safety is such an important workplace issue

Identify safety requirements and the lawKnow what our safety policy requiresTake an active role in promoting workplace safety

and health

Session OutlineImportance of workplace safetyLegal and policy requirementsHow you can contribute to workplace safety

and healthKey safety concerns and precautions to prevent

accidents and injuries

Why Safety Is Such an Important Issue

Over 6 million American workers are injured every year

Injuries and illnesses cost American businesses over $100 billion a year

We are required by law to provide a safe workplace

Safety promotes productivity and morale

Safety AttitudeThink safetyLook for hazardsFix or report hazardsSAFETY isn’t a task or

job it is a MINDSET

Good HousekeepingKeep items in their

proper placeClean or report spillsClear clutterKeep items off stairways

and out of aislesReport safety problemsUse common senseLook for trip/slip/fall

hazards

Personal Protective EquipmentUse the right

equipment for the job – consult SDS

Inspect PPE before every use

Make sure PPE fitsFollow

manufacturer’s instructions

Clean and store properly

Electrical SafetyUse extension cords

properly Don’t run them across stairs

or aisles Don’t fasten them with nails

or staplesDon’t overload outletsDon’t use plugs with bent

or missing prongs Obey locks, tags,

barricades, and electrical warning signs

Microwaves cannot be powered from Power Strips

Back SafetyReach properlyLift properly

Object from floor Object from overhead Oversized or heavy object Long or awkward objects

Use material handling equipment

Do stretching exercises

ErgonomicsArrange your workstationSit properlyAvoid repetitive motions

when possibleTake breaksKeep wrists straightUse proper equipmentConsult Risk

Management if ERGO/RMI review required.

Ergonomics (cont.)

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD)

Know symptoms of MSDs Pain Tingling Stiffness Weakness Numbness Swelling

Report to Supervisor & Risk Management for MSD symptoms

Hazard Communication-SDSMSDS ONLINE has all

SDS (MSDS) sheets used in Nueces County

Read chemical labelsRead SDSsUse proper PPEFollow safety

proceduresSeek immediate

medical attention if exposed

Machine SafetyObey tagsMake sure guards are in

placeReport problemsWear correct PPEFocus on work

Office SafetyKeep drawers closedGet help lifting or moving

heavy items (relative)Sit upright in chairsSurvey workplace for

slip/trip/fall hazardsDon’t horse around with

furniture or suppliesKeep flammables away

from hot office equipment

Emergency SituationsKnow location of

fire alarms and extinguishers

Know what alarms sound like

Know how to use extinguishers

Know at least two evacuation routes

Know meeting place outside building

First AidCall for professional

medical helpBring help to victimCheck victim’s ABCsCheck victim’s vitalsInterview victimUse appropriate first-

aid measuresGet First aid/CPR/AED

certified

Infectious Diseases and Bloodborne Pathogens

Wash hands oftenUse precautions when

giving first aidTreat all blood as

contaminatedUse PPEClean up thoroughlyReport any exposure

to Risk ManagementGet medical attention

if you’re exposed

SecurityFollow proceduresKeep doors lockedDon’t loan keys or access

cardsReport unknown peopleReport security gapsDon’t give out you

password

Workplace ViolenceTake threats seriouslyRecognize signs of potential violence in

co-workersReport signs to Supervisor Arrange a danger signal with co-workersRemain calm with emotional peopleAlert proper authorities

TerrorismProtect your computerHandle mail with cautionCooperate with

precautionsFollow procedures during

an incidentReport suspicious people

or packages to SupervisorShelter in placeAll NC phonebooks have

Bomb Threat checklistRUN HIDE FIGHT