Monday, July 15, 2013

Cal/OSHA Reminds Employers of Heat Illness Risks

Article from OSHA.gov


Oakland—Cal/OSHA reminds all employers with outdoor workers to protect their workers as temperatures are expected to reach record levels, rising to the triple digits in both Northern and Southern California over the next six days. 

“With temperatures expected to be from 10-20 degrees above average across the entire state through July 2nd, workers and employers alike are reminded to take extra precautions.  Rest, water and shade are absolutely essential in high heat conditions,” said Christine Baker, Director of the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR).  Cal/OSHA is a division of DIR.

“Cal/OSHA will be out in force throughout the state, reviewing outdoor worksites to ensure that employers are following heat illness prevention regulations,” said Cal/OSHA Chief Ellen Widess.  “Employers should be especially aware of the need for workers to be acclimatized to the very high heat conditions.”

California’s heat regulations require all employers with outdoor workers take basic steps to protect their workers:
  • Train all employees and supervisors about heat illness prevention before work begins.
  • Provide plenty of cool, fresh water and encourage employees to drink water frequently.
  • Provide a readily accessible shaded area for workers to take a cool down recovery break, and provide rest breaks when workers request them.
  • Ensure that workers are given enough time to adjust, or “acclimatize” to the heat. This is especially important for new workers and for all workers during a sudden heat wave. This step can mean the difference between life and death.
  • Prepare an emergency heat illness prevention plan for the worksite, with training for supervisors and workers on the steps to take if a worker shows signs or symptoms of heat illness.

Special “High Heat” procedures are also required when temperatures reach 95 degrees.  Since workers are at greater risk, supervisors must take extra precautions:
  • Observe workers for signs and symptoms of heat illness.
  • Remind workers to drink water frequently.
  • Provide close supervision of workers in the first 14 days of their employment (to ensure acclimatization).
  • Have effective communication systems in place to be able to summon emergency assistance if necessary.
  • Ensure effective emergency procedures are in place in case workers become ill.
  • Employers may want to adjust work schedules to avoid the peak heat times of the day. In all cases, employers need to be extremely vigilant.

Visit Cal/OSHA’s Heat Illness web page or the Water. Rest. Shade. campaign site for online information on the heat illness prevention requirements, training materials in multiple languages, and bilingual training sessions for employers and workers.  A Heat Illness Prevention e-tool is available on Cal/OSHA’s website, and more information can be found on DIR’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Program provides free and voluntary assistance to employers and employee organizations to improve their health and safety programs. For assistance from the Cal/OSHA Consultation Program, employers can call (800) 963-9424.  

Employees with workplace safety questions or complaints, including heat illness, can contact the Cal/OSHA district office in their region to file a confidential report.  Recorded messages in English and Spanish detailing resources for California workers are also available toll free at 1-866-924-9757.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Safety Month Word Search


In honor of National Safety Month we've put together a little Word Search for you! This is by no means a time-waster ;) Okay, we lied... it might be a little bit of a time-waster... but hey, you're learning about safety right?

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

OSHA's Fall Protection Campaign

Article from OSHA.gov


Falls are the leading cause of death in construction. In 2010, there were 264 fall fatalities (255 falls to lower level) out of 774 total fatalities in construction. These deaths are preventable. Falls can be prevented and lives can be saved through three simple steps: Plan, Provide, & Train. 

1. PLAN ahead to get the job done safely
When working from heights, such as ladders, scaffolds, and roofs, employers must plan projects to ensure that the job is done safely. Begin by deciding how the job will be done, what tasks will be involved, and what safety equipment may be needed to complete each task. When estimating the cost of a job, employers should include safety equipment, and plan to have all the necessary equipment and tools available at the construction site. 

2. PROVIDE the right equipment
Workers who are six feet or more above lower levels are at risk for serious injury or death if they should fall. To protect these workers, employers must provide fall protection and the right equipment for the job, including the right kinds of ladders, scaffolds, and safety gear. 

3. TRAIN everyone to use the equipment safely
Falls can be prevented when workers understand proper set-up and safe use of equipment, so they need training on the specific equipment they will use to complete the job. Employers must train workers in hazard recognition and in the care and safe use of ladders, scaffolds, fall protection systems, and other equipment they'll be using on the job. 

OSHA has provided numerous materials and resources that employers can use during toolbox talks to train workers on safe practices to avoid falls in construction. Falls from ladders, scaffolds and roofs can be prevented and lives can be saved through three simple steps: Plan, Provide and Train. 

Download the Fall Protection Fact Sheet: English - Spanish

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

HUGE Summer Sale!

Now is the time to stock up on the summer necessities! We have hundreds of products on sale from sunscreen to hi-vis summer wear! Take me to the sale →

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

M.L. Kishigo Hi-Viz Summer Wear ON SALE NOW!

 









On Sale Now: M.L. Kishigo High-Visibility Summer Wear!
Vests starting at $2.50, Sunshields starting at $3.50 - Stock up now!

Click here to see everything on sale!
Sale ends August 31, 2013.