October 2023 Week 1- Amputation
Amputations are a very serious health and safety concern in the workplace. OSHA reports there is an average of seven amputations that occur in US workplaces every single day. This reported number has resulted from OSHA requiring employers to report serious injuries starting in 2015.
More than 90 percent of the amputations involved fingers, but there were also amputations of the hands, toes, feet, and other body parts. There are many hazards in the workplace that can result in amputations.
Common Locations Where Amputations Occur
- Point of operation- This is where a machine is performing work on a material. Some examples of points of operation include a razor cutting fabric, a mechanical press bending metal, or a drill bit cutting holes in metal sheeting.
- Power transmission apparatuses- Includes machine components that transmit energy. Some examples include pulleys, belts, chains, flywheels, cams, gears, and connecting rods.
- Other machinery parts- Any machinery part that moves with enough force to cut flesh and bone is a hazard that can result in an amputation. This would include any parts that reciprocate, rotate, or traverse moving parts.
I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE TOOLBOX TALKS FOR THIS MONTH AND CONFIRM THAT
“SAFETY IS PRIORITY NUMBER 1!”
October 2023 Week 2- Silica
Common industries and operations where crystalline silica are found include construction, glass products, concrete products, foundries, cut stone products, railroad track maintenance, abrasive blasting, and many more. Occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica occurs when cutting, sawing, drilling, and crushing of concrete, brick, ceramic tiles, rock, and stone products. Silicosis is a form of occupational lung disease caused by the inhalation of silica dust. The inhalation of this dust causes damage and scarring to the tissue in the lungs.
Symptoms of Silicosis Shortness of breath; possible fever, Fatigue; loss of appetite. Chest pain; dry, nonproductive cough. Respiratory failure, which may eventually lead to death. Workers who are smokers have a higher chance of experiencing the adverse health effects of silica if exposed compared to someone who is a non-smoker.
Best Practices in Reducing Exposure to Silica Dust Eliminate the source of the dust, whether that is through engineering controls or a change in work processes. Use collection or vacuum systems to collect dust at the point of operation to avoid suspending the dust in the air. Use wet methods when cutting or breaking any concrete or similar materials. Stay out of areas where silica dust levels are high, as well as avoid being downwind from these areas. Use proper respirators when engineering controls are not enough to protect you.
I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE TOOLBOX TALKS FOR THIS MONTH AND CONFIRM THAT
“SAFETY IS PRIORITY NUMBER 1!”
October 2023 Week 3- Ammonia Awareness
Ammonia is a commonly used chemical in commercial and household cleaners. In industry, ammonia is used in petroleum refining, to manufacture pharmaceuticals, to disinfect water, and as a refrigerant. In agriculture, ammonia can be used for crop processing, fertilizers, or as an anti-fungal treatment for citrus. Ammonia can also be produced naturally when stored materials such as manure, compost, or other materials break down.
The reason ammonia is considered a hazardous chemical is that it is corrosive to the skin, eyes, and lungs. Ammonia has a distinct and irritating odor when it is released, so your nose is usually the first warning of exposure. If you breathe ammonia into your lungs, you may cough, wheeze, or feel shortness of breath. Swallowing ammonia can cause burns to the mouth, throat, and stomach and can be fatal.
Skin contact with ammonia can cause redness, pain, irritation, and burns. wear gloves and consider a lab coat or coverall with long sleeves to protect your skin. If your clothes are splashed with ammonia, remove the contaminated clothing, and flush your skin with water for at least 15 minutes.
When you are encountering ammonia, it is your responsibility to STOP, ASK AND INFORM YOUR SUPERVISOR SO THE APPORIATE MEASURES CAN BE TAKEN IMMEDIATELY! AMMONIA CAN KILL YOU
I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE TOOLBOX TALKS FOR THIS MONTH AND CONFIRM THAT“SAFETY IS PRIORITY NUMBER 1!”
October 2023 Week 4- Leave Yourself an Out
All too often, individuals are injured at work due to putting themselves in the line of fire or finding themselves in a place where they cannot escape danger. There are many different examples of these types of incidents. From a dropped load falling onto your foot to rear-ending the car in front of you, there are many scenarios like these incidents that are preventable if you leave yourself an out.
What does it mean to leave yourself an out? “The ability to escape danger if a negative situation occurs. “The term “leaving yourself an out” is often used in defensive driving courses. These courses always stress that no matter what the situation is, drivers need to be always on defense. Being a defensive worker allows you to avoid preventable collisions.
- Dropped loads. Workers dropped objects should never put themselves in a position where a load can strike them if it falls. They should also consider giving extra space for whatever the work task is in case conditions change or something fails and the load drops in a way that is not expected.
- Working around vehicles or equipment. All too often, employees find themselves in a position where an operator of a piece of heavy equipment or a driver of a vehicle does not see them. The problem with this scenario is that when the individual does not have an “out”, they will be struck. If you have an out, even if you find yourself in the line of fire, you may be able to escape danger and avoid serious injury or worse.
I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE TOOLBOX TALKS FOR THIS MONTH AND CONFIRM THAT
“SAFETY IS PRIORITY NUMBER 1!