How employers can ensure a safe workplace

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates employers to maintain a safe workplace for employees. By creating a comprehensive workplace safety program, employers can take the necessary steps to protect workers from most injuries and illnesses while at work. Some of the starting points for an OSHA-compliant safety program include:Wikimedia Commons - U.S. Navy photo by Steelworker 3rd Class Jessica PearsonWearing protective equipment such as goggles, helmets, gloves, etc.Maintaining smoke/fire alarms, fire extinguishers and carbon monoxide detectors in good working condition.Ensuring easy access to alarms.Using surge protectors with all electrical equipment and banning the use of extension cords.Keeping cleaning supplies and other chemicals in secure cabinets.Cleaning spills, using non-skid rugs and removing trip hazards from walk areas.Encouraging the use of appropriate lifting techniques to avoid over-exertion.Making repairs or replacing broken equipment.Ensuring that thermostats are in good working order to control heat and air conditioning.Restricting smoking to designated areas.Conducting safety inspections of the physical plant at regular intervals.Ensuring that employees maintain a respectful workplace environment free of harassment and bullying. These behaviors create distractions that decrease employee concentration and increase the likelihood for accidents.Implementing a risk management program that includes reporting procedures for unsafe equipment or practices, analysis of accident trends and corrective measures taken, and consistent review and revision of company safety policies.Chemical SafetyOSHA mandates that employers have a hazard communication program in place that supplies employees information for each chemical used in the workplace. Employee training is required to ensure proper understanding of the hazard communication program. Employees have the right to know what chemicals they are using and how to properly use them. One form of communication used is the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). This form supplies the user with useful information about the chemical they are using, such as precautions to use when handling a chemical, how to dispose of it and what to do if it is accidentally ingested, inhaled or makes contact with skin.Fire SafetyNo matter where people work, fire is always a potential danger. Common causes of fires include defective electrical equipment or wiring and smoking. Employees must be trained in fire prevention procedures as well as how to handle a fire emergency. Fire drills can ensure that people are adequately prepared in the event of an actual emergency. Employers should also hold annual training in the use of fire extinguishers.Two acronyms are useful when it comes to handling fire emergencies. The first acronym to remember is for the use of fire extinguishers, PASS:P Pull the safety pin;A Aim nozzle of the extinguisher at the base of the fire;S Squeeze the handle to spray contents of fire extinguisher;S Sweep fire extinguisher side to side at base of fire.The second is RACE:R Rescue persons in immediate danger, as long as there is no danger to a rescuer's life;A Alarm is activated, even if only smoke is present;C Confine the fire: close doors and windows;E Extinguish the fire.If a fire is out of control, the priority shifts from extinguishing the fire to evacuation, so the E in RACE can also mean evacuate. Evacuation routes and fire exits should be clearly marked and reviewed during fire safety training. When evacuating the building, employees need to assist customers and any other non-employees in the building by remaining as calm as possible and providing clear instructions. Everyone should be instructed to leave in an orderly manner and move away from the building. Smoke may be very thick and make it difficult to see; people should crawl since smoke rises and visibility may be better closer to the floor. This may also reduce the chances of smoke and gas inhalation.Disaster PreparednessBesides fire emergencies, a disaster can be any event that is catastrophic in nature that may cause injuries, death or property destruction. These events could be natural such as tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes and floods; or man-made events such as bombings or other explosions, gas/chemical leaks and war. Employers should design disaster protocols that maximize employee safety in the event of such emergencies. Employee training in these procedures should be held during new employee orientation and at least annually for all employees. An OSHA fact sheet on disaster preparedness can be found here.Resources for Rockford area employersRockford area employers have several options available to them if they need help with their workplace safety program. The businesses cited below specialize in consulting with companies to ensure compliance with OSHA standards as well as providing staff training.Zoellick Safety Consulting, LLC, 1417 22nd Street, Rockford, Illinois 61108, (815) 229-6677. Zoellick provides consultative services for developing employee training programs, establishing effective supervisory techniques, accident investigations and ongoing safety assessment.Safety Management, Inc., 6500 North Second Street, Loves Park, Illinois 61111, (815) 282-1381. This company specializes in fleet management training in such areas as defensive driving techniques, handling hazardous materials and school bus safety.KS Enterprises, 684 Tower Drive, Rockford, Illinois 61108, (815) 227-9447. KS Enterprises specializes in non-slip floor treatment, reducing the chances of slip and fall accidents in the workplace. href='http://www.examiner.com/article/how-employers-can-ensure-a-safe-workplace' - http://www.examiner.com/article/how-employers-can-ensure-a-safe-workplace -