Why Is the OSHA-10 Training So Important?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was founded in 1971, and during those 48 years, it has helped reduce workplace fatalities by 66%

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was founded in 1971, and during those 48 years, it has helped reduce workplace fatalities by 66%. Because of its training and safety requirements, it has been responsible for saving thousands of lives. 

Since construction workers have a fatality rate that’s larger than other industries, and since many skilled electrical workers end up in the construction industry, OSHA-10 training takes on added significance.

OSHA has identified four hazards in the construction industry that cause almost 80% of the worksite fatalities. They include the following hazards:

  • Falls: The deadliest of the dangers, falls account for 34% of all deaths.
  • Caught in or between: Caught-in or between injuries occur when a worker is squeezed, caught, crushed, compressed, or pinched between parts of an object or several objects.
  • Struck-by: This category includes all fatalities resulting from flying objects and those that move, fall, roll, and then strike a worker.
  • Electrocution:  Training for electrical hazards focuses on de-energizing circuits and then ensuring that no charge remains.

Why choose the OSHA 10 course?

Some business owners and managers initially question the effectiveness of a 10-hour course. Even though it’s short, the OSHA-10 program covers a variety of topics taught by industry experts and customized to fit your employees’ needs.

For example, if you send workers from the electrical industry, the instructors might focus on lockout/tagout training or provide instruction on arc flash prevention. The training has the added benefit of making your workers proactive in asking supervisors about safety practices before performing a hazardous task.

The OSHA 10-hour safety course helps workers identify, avoid, and correct on-the-job hazards. They learn to prevent electrical dangers they might not have known existed. The program is an affordable way toward a company culture of workplace safety.

What are some of the areas the training covers?

Of course, the training covers the four hazards that were touched upon earlier, including fall prevention, electrocution, struck-by, and caught-in, plus personal protective equipment, hazardous materials, electrical and chemical safety, and machine safety.

Because there is a reduction in workplace accidents from the OSHA-10 program, workers, businesses, and taxpayers save money.

The OSHA-10 certification is available through Outsource.

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Four Ladder Safety Practices for Electricians

If you’re considering a career as an electrician, you need to understand that a ladder will be included in many of your workdays. If you’re already in the trade, it’s almost a sure thing that you’ll agree.

If you’re considering a career as an electrician, you need to understand that a ladder will be included in many of your workdays. If you’re already in the trade, it’s almost a sure thing that you’ll agree.

Ladders are as much a part of an electrician as a stethoscope is of a doctor. The difference is that when ladders are misused, it can lead to a fall that may cause a fatality or a serious injury.

Even if you are an experienced ladder user, it can’t hurt to re-visit some of the best practices for using them safely. If you’re just starting your career, take these suggestions seriously and learn how to be safe when you are several or more feet above the ground:

Read the labels and markings on the ladder

Note the ladder’s load rating and don’t exceed it with the weight it will be supporting, which should include any tools or equipment. Inspect the ladder before using it, and take it out of service if it’s damaged. Ensure that the ladder is free of any slippery material on the rungs or steps.

Use ladders and their accessories–ladder levelers, jacks, or hooks–for their designed purposes. Don’t use a step ladder as a single ladder or in a partially closed position. Be sure that all locks on an extension ladder are engaged before you get on it.

Use a ladder on level and stable surfaces only

Unless it has been secured at the top or bottom, use a ladder only on a firm and level surface. Never place a ladder in any area where other work activities could displace it unless it is secured or protected by a barrier to keep traffic away from it.

Never place a ladder on boxes, barrels, or any other unstable base to get additional height. And don’t shift or move a ladder while a person or equipment is on it.

Do not use the top step or rung of a ladder

Stay off the top step or rung of any ladder unless it was designed for that purpose. Always maintain a 3-point contact (two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand) on the ladder while climbing. Also, keep your body near the middle of the step and face the ladder. 

If you’re using an extension or straight ladder to access an elevated surface, it must extend at least three feet above the point of support. The proper angle for setting up an extension ladder is to place its base a quarter of the working length of the ladder from the wall or vertical surface. Stay off the three top rungs of the ladder.

Watch out for electrical hazards

Check for overhead power lines before setting up a ladder. Never use a metal ladder near power lines or any exposed energized electrical equipment.

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Beat the Heat: Tips for Working Safely in Hot Temperatures

There is still plenty of hot weather ahead, and if you’re working in one of those cabling and electrical jobs that requires you to be outdoors, you need to remain aware of the dangers that excessive heat can inflict.

There is still plenty of hot weather ahead, and if you’re working in one of those cabling and electrical jobs that requires you to be outdoors, you need to remain aware of the dangers that excessive heat can inflict.

Although thousands of workers become sick each year from over-exposure to heat, you don’t have to become one of them if you learn the warning signs and take the proper action. Here are some of the things you need to know to keep you from being the victim of high temperatures:

Heatstroke can be deadly

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) warns that heatstroke is the most serious of heat-stress disorders, which can also include heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat rashes. As the body temperature increases, sweaty hands and fogged-up goggles can also pose a safety threat. Workers at the highest risk are those who are overweight, have heart disease, take certain medications, or are 65 years of age or older.

In some cases, the body’s temperature can rise to 106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher in several minutes as the body stops sweating. The resulting heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability without emergency treatment. It’s critical to recognize heat stroke and take swift action.

The symptoms of heatstroke

Whenever the body no longer sweats, and its temperature reaches dangerous levels, you’ll notice the following:

  • Dry, hot reddish skin without sweat
  • Strong, rapid pulse
  • Confusion
  • Slurred speech
  • Chills

Other heat stresses can also be dangerous

Heat exhaustion occurs as the body loses water and salt. Look for these symptoms:

  • Excessive sweating
  • Muscle cramps
  • Weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Clammy skin
  • Confusion
  • Flushed complexion

Heat cramps are painful muscle cramps that happen because of low salt levels and excessive sweating.  Symptoms of heat cramps are muscle pain or spasms in the abdomen, arm, or legs.

Heat rash is an irritation of the skin caused by blocked pores that trap sweat under the skin. Heat rash can appear as a red cluster of pimples or small blisters, typically on the neck, upper chest, groin area, under the breasts, and in elbow creases.

Keep yourself safe in hot weather with these tips

  • Drink lots of fluids
  • Stay away from alcohol and caffeine
  • Stick with lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing
  • Slow down and work at an even pace
  • Take your breaks out of the sun
  • Keep a damp rag around your neck
  • Use sunscreen and protect your head
  • Avoid the direct sun if possible
  • Eat smaller meals that include fruits and natural juices.

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What Should Electrical Workers Wear? Investing in the Right Apparel for the Job

It’s a risk that electrical workers face every day on the job: Arc flashes occurring without warning and causing an injury that can be severe.

It’s a risk that electrical workers face every day on the job: Arc flashes occurring without warning and causing an injury that can be severe. The most serious of these burn injuries typically happen when clothing ignites and continues to burn, so it stands to reason that the right apparel – arc-rated (AR) and flame-resistant (FR) – can offer protection from these painful burns.

What Causes Arc Flashes?

  • Electrical worker error: Occasionally, workers fail to verify that there is no voltage. They might be using faulty voltage testers or forget about lockout/tag-out procedures. Overconfidence, complacency, and poor communication can all contribute to arc flashes.
  • Working on energized equipment: There are situations in which workers must work on hot equipment—hospitals are a perfect example. But there are times when workers believe they have the experience to work on energized equipment or they don’t de-energize because they are pressed for time.
  • Lack of equipment maintenance: When equipment is not regularly maintained, corrosion can build up and increase resistance and heat. Corrosion is one of the leading causes of equipment failure and arc flashes.

Electrical Workers Can Protect Themselves with Flame-Resistant Wear

Electrical workers are usually not burned severely by the arc flash itself. Instead, the significant injury occurs when non-FR clothing ignites and fuels the flame. The extent of the injury is increased with the worker experiencing severe and painful burns.

Flame-resistant apparel will self-extinguish, which lessens the burn injury since the source of ignition is removed. It also provides enough insulation to reduce the likelihood of second-degree burns significantly.

FR Daily-Wear is a Simple and Effective Solution

For the most common lower-energy work, wearing AR/FR daily-wear could be the solution. It takes away the guesswork of deciding whether a task requires arc-rated clothing, and it eliminates that extra step of getting into personal protective equipment (PPE) for a specific job. For high-energy tasks, however, the extra step of donning appropriate task-based PPE is recommended or required.

Match Your Clothing to the Hazard Levels

The National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) requires utilities to assess the hazards for employees working around energized equipment. If energy exceeds a certain level, workers must wear AR/FR clothing with an arc rating equal to or higher than the levels with which they work. 

Employers may be required to perform an arc-flash risk assessment to determine the potential energy level and the total area in which the hazard exists. Once the energy level and total area are determined, you can select the appropriate AR/FR clothing. Start by choosing a fabric that gives you the comfort and performance that meet the needs of your workplace and the tasks you’ll be performing.

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What Motivates Employees and Supervisors to Work Safely Together?

Part of every supervisor’s responsibility is to support and promote a safe workplace. While various methods can lead to a safe working environment, most of them will revolve…

Part of every supervisor’s responsibility is to support and promote a safe workplace. While various methods can lead to a safe working environment, most of them will revolve around encouraging open communication and giving workers clear guidelines on the type of behavior that will promote safety, while quickly attending to any acts that undermine safety.

Here are a few safety tips every boss should keep in mind.

Walk the Walk

Supervisors are the company’s leaders in all aspects of the business. Leadership in safety means showing subordinates an excellent example. Advocating safety doesn’t do much good if those at the top aren’t applying it themselves. While managers and supervisors should be doing their utmost to set positive examples in all areas, it is essential they adhere to the same safety policies expected of their workers.

Make the Message Stick

Those managers who are conducting safety training must ensure that the message – “Safety is our company’s priority!”- is getting through to their workers.

Open the Lines of Communication

Listening to workers about their safety concerns and acting on them shows you are committed to their safety. It’s also an excellent way to motivate them.

Remain Vigilant

A safe workplace is not “once and done.” Supervisors and employees should always be monitoring the work environment for unsafe conditions. Leaders should be providing regular feedback, observing workers, and encouraging them to stay safe by informing them about all required safety procedures.

Keep Your Employees Engaged

While training is crucial, employees who are closely connected with their work and to their employer will be more motivated to take safety seriously.  Here are some suggestions to engage them:

  • allow your workers to make suggestions for a safer workplace;
  • have them participate in purchasing personal protective equipment;
  • let them conduct safety evaluations; and
  • put them on problem-solving committees.

Successful employee engagement in every company program, including safety, will depend predominately on the support and enthusiasm of those in leadership roles.

Positive Reinforcement Enhances Safety

In the past, one of the boss’s primary functions was to point out and correct the mistakes of their workers. Today, positive reinforcement, such as thanking an employee for completing a task efficiently, has been shown to reinforce the positive behavior and cause it to happen in the future.

Safety programs also benefit from positive reinforcement. When supervisors take the time to notice and commend safe acts by their workers, those actions will likely be repeated. And research on employee satisfaction indicates reminding employees that they are working safely and thanking them for their efforts goes a long way toward motivating them.

Positive reinforcement, however, does not mean ignoring accidents, even if they are minor. Supervisors must continue to address safety issues, but more as a learning opportunity and less in an accusatory manner.

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How to Address Employee PPE Complaints

Keeping your workers safe takes priority over everything else in the workplace. And while your workers agree in principle that safety is paramount,..

Keeping your workers safe takes priority over everything else in the workplace. And while your workers agree in principle that safety is paramount, they aren’t always receptive to the measures you must take to maintain a safe environment.

Your employees’ attitude plays an essential role in how well your safety culture develops. As in all matters, communication is the key to success. You can choose to close off any discussion when there are complaints from them (After all, it’s not their choice whether to be safe or not), or you can address their concerns and complaints, so they have a better understanding of why you require safety equipment and training.

You’ll improve their viewpoint on matters of safety if you choose the latter. Here are some suggestions on how to speak to some of the most common objections they may have concerning safety.

“PPE makes it harder to do my job.”

Your workers’ Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) protects them from hazards such as chemicals, electricity, heat, biohazards, and airborne particles. Hardhats are required whenever there is potential danger from falling objects. Gloves protect their hands, and safety goggles keep grit and other particles from their eyes. Safety harnesses protect them against falls.

These and other protective equipment are often cumbersome and lead to the most often-heard complaint: They make it harder to do the job.

In some instances, it can help to find out which part of the job is most affected by the PPE. Then, alternative safety products can be substituted satisfactorily. For example, gloves made of a different material could offer equal protection while affording more range of motion.

“Why do we have to sit through this boring training when we already know it?”

Even though it can feel tedious and repetitive at times, safety training is one of the most significant aspects of maintaining a safe workplace.  Many workers who have never seen or experienced a safety episode are even more reluctant to attend more training sessions. It’s critical that you stress the importance of keeping the knowledge fresh in their minds because you are committed to keeping all of your workers safe.

“It takes too long to follow all those safety procedures”

Workers often voice this complaint about following the safety requirements. And they have a point. It usually takes longer to complete a task when you’re doing it safely, so it’s essential to allow them enough time to do the job and follow the safety procedures. Instead of compromising the safety, have them look for ways to work more efficiently with all the safety procedures in place. And if they must work more slowly to follow the safety rules, make sure you don’t punish them because of it. 

Let Outsource help you find your next electrical or cabling worker!

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Protect Your Employees From Costly Slips, Trips and Falls

Fall injuries make up a substantial amount of workers’ compensation and medical costs.

Fall injuries make up a substantial amount of workers’ compensation and medical costs. According to the National Safety Council, they cost over $70 billion each year in the U.S. Also, slips, trips, and falls account for 15% of all accidental deaths in the workplace, costing employers over $11 billion per year.

While these shocking figures might seem overwhelming, there are some cost-effective safety solutions employers can implement that will reduce slips, trips and falls significantly. Supervisors and workers learning what they can do to prevent these accidents is an essential first step.

Common Causes of Slips, Trips and Falls in the Workplace

While there is a myriad of reasons why a worker is injured in a fall, here are the most common:

  • ladders
  • stairs and railings
  • weather-related conditions
  • poor lighting
  • spills
  • floor mats
  • unprotected openings and edges
  • uneven walkways

The following practices can be put into effect immediately to eliminate these hazards and prevent slips, trips and falls in your workplace.

Practice Good Housekeeping

Ensure all tools and equipment in the work area are organized and put back after each use. Remember the 5S System of organization: Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain. People who use the walkways may be distracted and could be vulnerable to falling over obstacles. You can prevent potentially serious injuries just by using proper housekeeping methods.

Provide Proper Lighting in All Areas of the Facility

It might seem obvious, but poor lighting is often overlooked as a safety hazard. A dimly lit work area can keep workers from seeing dangers in their path, which can lead to slips, trips and falls. Stairwells, parking lots and certain parts of the warehouse are just some of the areas that can be poorly lit. Have your maintenance supervisor look at these areas to make sure they are adequately lit and to add lighting where it’s needed.

Mark the Floors as a Safety Guide

Another relatively simple safety upgrade is to add floor markings to guide pedestrians around dangerous areas. Combined with safety signs that warn workers of potentially hazardous spaces, these floor markers can go a long way in preventing falls.

Keep the Floors Dry

Containing spills and keeping all areas of the workplace as dry as possible will result in fewer slips and falls. It’s no secret wet floors increase the chances of a nasty fall, so make sure your employees are trained to clean up all spills immediately, instead of waiting for someone else to do it. Once again, use warning signs around any areas that are not completely dry to make workers aware of the danger.

Let Outsource Help You Find Safety Conscious Workers

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