Top Excuses For PPE Non-Usage and the Best Responses

“How do I get every employee to use personal protective equipment all the time?” It’s one of the top challenges safety professionals face in the workplace.
Here are the common excuses given and the solutions to ensure regular usage:

1. "It does not fit"
“It doesn’t fit right,” or “it’s uncomfortable” are the reasons 30% of safety professionals hear most often when they ask workers why they aren’t wearing their PPE.

Solution: Get workers involved in PPE choice. Ask what the comfort and fit issues are with their safety gear. Work with a few select employees to order several different trial samples of regulatory-compliant gear.
Then have these employees test it. If there isn’t a consensus, note whether people with certain physical characteristics prefer certain types. You may have to order more than one type to satisfy your workers.

2. "I didn’t know"

Some workers will try to put the blame for their lack of PPE on someone else – many times their supervisors or trainers.
“I didn’t know I needed safety gear” was the top reason heard by 10% of safety professionals.

Solution: When safety gear training is given, have workers sign a paper stating that they’ve received and understand the training. To make this policy work, supervisors will have to follow up with disciplinary action when workers don’t wear PPE.

3. Time factor
“I didn’t have time,” or “it takes too much time” are the main reasons 18% of safety professionals hear as excuses from workers without PPE.

The first step to solve this problem: Ask workers why and listen carefully to their answers. You may have a conflict between production and safety. In that case, ask production supervisors to emphasize that work doesn’t start until safety gear is on.
You may also find out these workers weren’t properly trained about donning PPE. Another possibility is that workers are rushing to get to their stations on time because of tardiness. Disciplinary measures may be necessary in those cases.

4. They are invincible
“I won’t get in an accident” is heard most often by 8% of managers.
Oddly enough, this sentiment is expressed by two very different groups.
Young workers often think they’re invincible, that nothing bad will ever happen to them. If they haven’t been exposed to a serious injury, it may seem to them like “that only happens to other people.”
More experienced workers who have gone their entire career without a serious workplace injury adopt this rationale: I’ve always done it this way and haven’t been hurt so far.

Solution: Show them how it has happened. Invite someone who suffered a serious, and possibly debilitating, workplace injury to speak to an all-hands safety meeting.
Ask the person to explain in detail how the injury has affected his life, how everyday activities others take for granted are now much more difficult for him.
Another tactic: Tell employees to put an arm behind their back. Now, ask them to perform a simple task such as tying their shoes.

5. Memory lapse
The rest, 34%, say “I just forgot.” Check first if fit, comfort or time is a factor before accepting this excuse.

Solution: This is where a strong safety policy comes into play. Each workplace has to decide how often it’s acceptable for someone to “just forget” and what will happen to the employee each time. Universal enforcement, up to dismissal if appropriate, will send a strong message to others to always wear their PPE.

What’s the biggest excuse you hear from employees when they don’t wear their PPE?

SERIOUS AND FATAL WORKPLACE INJURIES - WARNING: Graphic Content

1. Eye injury
While using the grinder in the workshop, a worker had one of the loose metal fibres lodged in his eyeball.

           ....this would have been prevented with the use of a eye goggle

2.Fatal head injury
While roof work was ongoing, one of the tiles fell off...

...and landed on the head of one of the workers. The outcome was a fatal head injury!

                                                                  A Hard Hat would have prevented this fatality.

3. Lathe accident

While working on a lathe, the operator wore loose fitting clothes...he was drawn in and the outcome was gruesome.

                           This would have been prevented if he wore a proper fitting overall.

Every accident - if it is predictable, then it is preventable.

Skin Infection From Use of Hard Hat

Incident

Skin Infection

Suspected cause: Dirty Safety Hat

The use of hard hats has undoubtedly saved hundreds of lives in recent years. However, it was recently reported that an employee of a major contractor developed a severe skin infection on his head, called cellulitis. The most likely cause was storing dirty / soiled gloves within the individual’s hard hat.

Causes & Risk Factors of Cellulitis?

The skin normally has many active bacteria's living on it. Healthy skin is an effective barrier which stops skin bacteria from entering & growing inside the body. However, when there's a break in the skin, bacteria can easily enter the body & grow there, causing a bacterial skin infection & skin inflammation. The infected skin area becomes red, hot, irritated & painful. Treatment is usually by use of antibiotics, oral or topical.

Prevention & Lessons To Be Learnt:
 1. Do not store dirty or soiled gloves inside your head protection. 
 2. Check your skin for cuts & abrasions regularly. 
 3. Cover any cuts or abrasions with a suitable plaster or other dressing. 
 4. Check your PPE regularly! Look at the condition of your hard hat.
 5. Look at the condition of your gloves. If they are heavily soiled or contaminated, replace them.

RULES FOR SAFE STORAGE AND HANDLING OF CHEMICALS

1. Know the hazards and characteristics of the chemicals you use, and how to   deal with them. Consult the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) of each chemical.

2. Segregate all incompatible chemicals for proper storage of chemicals for hazard class codes. In other words, store like chemicals together and away from other groups of chemicals that might cause reactions if mixed.

3. Flammable materials should be stored in an approved, dedicated, flammable materials storage cabinet or room.

4. Label and date all chemicals, solutions, wastes, and dispose of all chemicals properly.

5. Liquids should be stored in unbreakable or double-contained packaging, or the storage cabinet should have the capacity to hold the contents if the container breaks.

6. Wear proper personal protective equipment like aprons, lab coats, gloves, safety goggles and face shield when handling hazardous chemicals.

7. Be aware of all emergency procedures including spillage, fire fighting and building evacuation plans.

8. Wash promptly when a chemical has contacted skin or eyes. Use emergency eyewash and/or shower whenever necessary immediately.

9. Chemicals should be stored no higher than eye level and never on the top shelf of a storage unit.

10. Shelf assemblies should be firmly secured to the walls to prevent any kind of collapsing or tumbling.

11. Look for unusual conditions in chemical storage areas, such as:

    * Improper storage of chemicals

    * Leaking or deteriorating containers

    * Spilled chemicals

    * Temperature extremes (too hot or cold in storage area)

    * Lack of or low lighting levels

    * Blocked exits or aisles

    * Lack of security

    * Waste accumulation

    * Smoking or open lights or matches

    * Fire equipment blocked, broken, missing or due for service

    * Lack of safety signs (e.g. No Smoking, Flammable Liquids, Corrosives, etc.)

Inspections of chemical storage areas on a routine basis will help to correct deficiencies and prevent accidents. Any hazardous conditions or anomaly found should be corrected immediately.

KEY FACTS ABOUT CONFINED SPACES

What Is A Confined Space?
A confined space is one which is both enclosed, or largely enclosed, and which also has a reasonably foreseeable risk of fire, explosion, loss of consciousness, asphyxiation or drowning. 

A confined space exhibits these types of characteristics:

1. Is large enough and configured such that an employee can bodily enter and perform work

2. Has limited openings for entry and exit;

3. Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy;

4. Has the potential for a hazardous atmosphere that may include the lack of or too much oxygen, and/or the presence of toxic or explosive vapors or gases such as hydrogen sulfide and methane; and/or 

5. Has physical safety hazards such as machinery, sources of electrical shocks, liquids (drowning or fires), steam (burn hazard), or loose, unstable materials that can cause employees to be trapped, crushed, or buried.  

Examples of confined spaces include but are not limited to: fuel tanks, manholes, water reservoirs, sewer pipes, pumping stations, boilers, silos, storage bins, tunnels, ballast tanks, grit chambers, utility tunnels, crawl spaces under floors, holding tanks, pits, and sumps.

Why Are Confined Spaces Deadly?

Confined Space Entry is one of the most dangerous jobs around. Confined spaces are deceiving and often appear to be harmless. Danger signs are often not apparent and the space may have been entered before without incident. Never assume that conditions have not changed and that the space is safe for entry at all times.

Entering a confined space without following all required procedures and having an effective emergency rescue plan can result in serious injuries or death.  More than 60% of confined space fatalities occur among would-be rescuers. 

When is Atmospheric Testing Required?

Atmospheric testing is required using a multi-gas tester every time an employee enters a permit required confined space containing, or having the potential to contain an atmospheric hazard. 

Confined or enclosed spaces should be tested for oxygen content, for flammable gases and vapors, and for potential toxic air contaminants to ensure that the parameters are within defined safe limits before entry permit is approved.

Regulations on confined space require all employers to have:

i. A written confined space plan, including recognizing and marking all confined spaces on site

ii. Procedures to test and monitor the air inside confined spaces before and during all employee entries

iii. Procedures to prevent unauthorized entries and to have an attendant outside the space at all times

iv. Effective controls of all existing atmospheric or safety hazards inside the confined space

v. Employee and supervisor training on safe work procedures, hazard controls, and rescue procedures

          vi. Effective emergency rescue procedures

SAFETY TIPS FOR A NIGHT OUT

- Always plan your going out with people you know and stay in the company of trusted friends.

- Never leave your drink unattended or accept drinks from a stranger. If a drink tastes unusual or smells odd do not drink it. Keep your thumb over your bottle neck between sips.

- Keep your possessions, mobile phones and other devices securely in your pocket or handbag.

- Don’t be pressured into drinking, especially if you are to drive back home. If you must drink, then know your limit and stay within it. Don’t get drunk, your judgement would be impaired.

- On the road, try not to draw attention to yourself by looking lost.

- Don't walk home alone. Stick to the main roads and try to avoid shortcuts and dark areas.

- Be aware of what’s happening around you and don’t use your earphones on the way home.

- Always make sure you have enough money for a taxi home, don’t spend it on that last drink of the night.

- When you get out of the taxi, always check the seat where you’ve been sitting, something precious could be left behind.

- Remember to lock all doors behind you on your way in – it’s easy to forget.

THE BENEFITS OF RISK ASSESSMENT

1. Optimal Productivity- If a positive safety culture exist in an organisation where hazards eliminated and employees are provided with proper workings tools to safely complete tasks, productivity and the quality of the work completed will be higher. Employees should be properly trained on how to do their jobs safely in order to ensure optimal productivity.

2. Creating Awareness - Assessment of risk would enhance health and safety awareness and minimise risks. Working practices can be changed or updated in line with modern developments to make them safer and minimise risks. The assessment might indicate the need for more relevant training to update the skills of employees.

3. Employees Satisfaction- Providing a safe, healthy and stress-free workplace will result in positive employee attitudes, and a stronger commitment to the goals of the company. Safety at work is a major concern for employees.

4. Competent Employees- When people make their decisions regarding where to work, organisations that are known for their commitment to safety in the workplace are likely to be more attractive options for employees.

5. Cost Saving - Fewer injuries lead to fewer costs. Fewer incidents lead to a lesser chance of law suits, fines or penalties from regulatory authorities. Accidents and ill-health inflict significant costs, often hidden and underestimated.

6. Positive Image- Staying away from negative publicity will put you in the good books with the public, but it also increases opportunity for your company. When an organisation is seen as committed to safety, other businesses will want to be associated with your brand.

The Benefits of Training for Employees

Safety Culture

When new employees join a company, they should be given an immediate sense that the organisation places a high priority on maintaining a positive safety culture in the workplace. One way to do this is to have everyone, from low to senior level workers, participate in safety orientation programmes. Employees should also learn about safety training through detailed policies and procedures laid out by the company.

Addressing Weaknesses

Most employees have some weaknesses in their workplace skills. A training programme allows you to strengthen those skills that each employee needs to improve. A development program brings all employees to a higher level so they all have similar skills and knowledge. This helps reduce any weak links within the company who rely heavily on others to complete basic work tasks. Providing the necessary training creates an overall knowledgeable staff with employees who can take over for one another as needed, work on teams or work independently without constant help and supervision from others.

Improved Employee Performance

Employees who receive the necessary training are better able to perform their jobs. They become more aware of safety practices and proper procedures for basic tasks. The training may also build the employees confidence because they have a stronger understanding of the industry and the responsibilities of their job. This confidence may push them to perform even better and think of new ideas that help them excel. Continuous training also keeps your employees on the cutting edge of industry developments. Employees who are competent and on top of changing industry standards help your company hold a position as a leader and strong competitor within the industry.

Consistency

A structured training and development programme ensures that employees have a consistent experience and background knowledge. The consistency is particularly relevant for the company's basic policies and procedures. All employees need to be aware of the expectations and procedures within the company. This includes safety, discrimination and administrative tasks. Putting all employees through regular training in these areas ensures that all staff members at least have exposure to the information.

Employee Satisfaction

Employees with access to training and development programmes have the advantage over employees in other companies who are left to seek out training opportunities on their own. The investment in training that a company makes shows the employees that they are valued. The training creates a supportive workplace. Employees may gain access to training they wouldn't have otherwise known about or sought out themselves. Employees who feel appreciated and challenged through training opportunities may feel more satisfaction toward their jobs.

MAKING MOCKERY OF SAFETY SLOGANS

NOT ABIDING BY YOUR GOAL!

NOT A GOOD WAY TO BEGIN!

NOT THINKING AT ALL! 

ARE YOU SURE?

STRESS - INTERESTING FACTS AND HOW TO MANAGE IT

Stress is the human body’s natural response to any change in the environment that requires an action, reaction, or adjustment to what’s normal. How a person handles it very much defines stress for that person.

Here are interesting facts about stress:

1. According to an opinion poll, the major cause for stress in nearly all countries surveyed is money.

2. Bringing up a family in a highly developed and urbanized city – where everyone has to put up with the high costs of living, rising crime rate, traffic congestion and air pollution, is highly stressful.

3. Stress is one of the main factors causing insomnia and other sleep disorders. When stressors are present, the body naturally heightens its response system, thus, leading to wakefulness.

4. Stress causes chest pain, high cholesterol, cardiac problems, depression, and a host of assorted problems. It is not the culprit that causes gray hair; but it does cause hair loss.

5. A stressor, the stimulus that causes stress which can be real or imagined, can affect a person in a short term (acute) or over long periods (chronic).

6. Stress poses a great threat for diabetes and heart attack by altering blood sugar levels. This can cause fatigue, impulsive mood changes, and hyperglycemia.

7. Reaction to stress makes the blood thicker and more viscous which can lead to a blood clot. Powerful hormones, intended for urgent situations only, flood the brain and can kill healthy brain cells.

8. Stress triggers blood vessels to close, thereby reducing profuse bleeding from a flesh wound. The term stress means to draw tight, which originated from the Latin word stringere.

9. Extremely loud noises can cause acoustic stress that can spark off a spell of Long QT Syndrome – a heart disorder.

10. Stress is interconnected with the topmost causes of death globally: accidents, cancer, heart disease, suicide, lung disorders, and cirrhosis of the liver.

Managing Stress

1. Laughter is usually the best natural medicine. It lowers levels of cortisol, adrenaline, and epinephrine, which are stress-aggravating hormones; and it releases feel-good hormones, such as, dopamine. 

2. Exercise daily to help you feel good and maintain your health.

3. Eat healthy. Avoid too much sugar. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.

4. Get enough sleep. When stressed, your body needs additional sleep and rest.

5. Limit alcohol and caffeine, which can aggravate anxiety and trigger panic attacks.

6. Maintain a positive attitude. Make an effort to replace negative thoughts with positive ones.

7. Ask yourself what you can do about the sources of your stress. Think through the pros and cons. Take action where you can.

8. Take a time-out. Practice yoga, listen to music, meditate, get a massage, or learn relaxation techniques. Stepping back from the problem helps clear your head.

9. Chewing gum eases, not only the jaw, but stress as well. Ancient Mayans and Greeks chomped on resin gum; stress sure had been around a long time.

BENEFITS OF ISO 9001 QMS CERTIFICATION

1.  Increased Efficiency

Companies that go through the ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management Standards certification process have given a lot of thought to their processes and how to maximize quality and efficiency. Once certified for QMS, the processes are established and guidelines put in place for anyone to follow easily, making training, transitions, and trouble-shooting easier.

2.  Increased Revenue

Studies have shown that ISO QMS certified companies experience increased productivity and improved financial performance, compared to uncertified companies.

3.  International Recognition

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is recognized worldwide as the authority on quality management.

4.  Employee Morale

Defined roles and responsibilities, accountability of management, established training systems and a clear picture of how their roles affect quality and the overall success of the company, all contribute to more satisfied and motivated staff.

5.  Customer Satisfaction

Client confidence is gained because of the universal acceptance of the ISO standards. Customer satisfaction is ensured because of the benefits of ISO 9001 QMS to company efficiency, consistency and dedication to quality service.

6.  Factual Approach to Decision Making

The ISO 9001 QMS standard sets out clear instructions for audits and process reviews that facilitate information gathering and decision making based on the data.

7.  Improvement Processes

The ISO 9001 QMS outlines audit processes, management review and improvement processes based on collected data. Improvements are carefully planned and implemented based on facts, using a system of documentation and analysis, to ensure the best decisions are made for your company.

8.  Supplier Relationships

Mutually beneficial supplier relationships are one of the key attractions to ISO certification. Following the processes for documentation and testing ensure quality raw materials go into your production system. The process also requires thorough evaluation of new suppliers before a change is made and/or consistency with respect to how and where orders are placed.

9.  Consistency

One of the foundations of ISO; All processes from research and development, to production, to shipping, are defined, outlined and documented, minimizing room for error. Even the process of making changes to a process is documented, ensuring that changes are well planned and implemented in the best possible way to maximize efficiency.

10.  Documentation

The ISO QMS standard requires documentation of all processes and any changes, errors and discrepancies. This ensures consistency throughout production and accountability of all staff. This also guarantees traceable records are available in case of non-compliant products or raw materials.

Key Facts About Safety Management System (SMS)

What is a Safety Management System (SMS)?

A safety management system is a series of defined, organization-wide processes that provide for effective risk-based decision making related to your daily business.

What does the SMS focus on?

SMS focuses on maximizing opportunities to continuously improve the overall safety of an organisation.

What are the roles and responsibilities within the SMS?  

The top management is accountable for establishing the SMS and allocating resources to support and maintain an effective SMS.

Management is responsible for implementing, maintaining and adhering to SMS procedures in their area.

Employees are responsible for identifying hazards, reporting them and maintaining the SMS procedures within the workplace.

How will SMS benefit your organization?

1. Provides for more informed decision-making

2. Improves safety by reducing risk of accidents

3. Provides for better resource allocation that will result in increased efficiency and reduced costs

4. Strengthens corporate culture

5. Demonstrates corporate due-diligence.

Ergonomics in the Workplace

Ergonomics is the process of designing or arranging workplaces, products and systems so that they fit the people who use them. Ergonomics aims to improve workspaces and environments to minimise risk of injury or harm. So as technologies change, so too does the need to ensure that the tools we access for work, rest and play are designed for our body’s requirements.

Here are five of the proven benefits of a strong workplace ergonomics process:

1. Ergonomics increases productivity. The best ergonomic solutions will often improve productivity. By designing a job to allow for good posture, less exertion, fewer motions and better heights and reaches, the workstation becomes more efficient.

2. Ergonomics reduces costs. By systematically reducing ergonomic risk factors, you can prevent costly musculoskeletal disorders.

3. Ergonomics improves quality. Poor ergonomics leads to frustrated and fatigued workers that don’t do their best work. When the job task is too physically taxing on the worker, they may not perform their job like they were trained.

4. Ergonomics improves employee engagement. Employees notice when the company is putting forth their best efforts to ensure their health and safety. If an employee does not experience fatigue and discomfort during their workday, it can reduce turnover, decrease absenteeism, improve morale and increase employee involvement.

5. Ergonomics creates a better safety culture. Ergonomics shows your company’s commitment to safety and health as a core value. The cumulative effect of the previous four benefits of ergonomics is a stronger safety culture for your company. Healthy employees are your most valuable asset; creating and fostering the safety & health culture at your company will lead to better human performance for your organization.