Employee Safety

As an employer you have prioritized the safety needs of your employees. This is an important step because an injured employee is costly. As you prepare to make your operations safer, review some of the tips below to assist in creating your checklist. Your IronPoint Insurance Agent is also here to assist you creating your safety plan.

Machinery and Machine Guarding

The machines you use in your workplace actually present operating hazards. Employees can suffer injury during operation ranging from simple cuts and bruises to abrasions and serious lacerations. Operation injuries of some machinery can actually jeopardize life, health and productivity. Machinery equipment furnished with guarding is recommended, and if you currently own machinery with guarding it should remain intact and employees properly trained on its use.

Employees should also be:

1. Trained in the proper start-up operations and shut-down procedures of all equipment
2. All equipment should be inspected prior to use.
3. Questionable equipment should be reported to management immediately.
4. Trained in the proper service and maintenance of machinery
5. Employees should be trained in lockout/tagout procedures

Working with Hazardous Materials

Combining some of the most common cleaning chemicals can be extremely hazardous to one's health. If your company works with chemicals and solvents or other chemical, then the employees who work with them should be trained in the proper handling of these possibly harmful chemicals.

Things you should practice:

1. Store chemicals in designated and safe storage.
2. Read labels carefully and become familiar with the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Not all hazards can be eliminated; in this case you will need to have the proper personal protective equipment. Remember, personal protective equipment does not eliminate the hazard; it only places a protective barrier between the employee and the hazard. You will still need to properly service, maintain your equipment, and train employees on the appropriate use guarding.

Some forms of PPE are:

1. Safety Goggles
2. Glasses
3. Gloves
4. Boots
5. Hearing Protection
6. Hardhats
7. Respirators

Make sure that those who are required to wear PPE are properly outfitted and trained.

Temperature Extremes

When there are extreme hot or cold temperatures your employees could be at risk. If your employees are subject to these environments you need to take extra precautions.

Heat:
When subject to extreme heat your employees can experience heat stroke, heat exhaustion and 
cramps. Preventative measures can include:

1. Medical Screening
2. Gradual Acclimatization to Heat
3. Work/Rest Routines
4. Monitor Employees Continually
5. Provide sufficient amounts of water and fluids with electrolytes.

Cold:
Excessive cold environments can present ailments to the employee such as frostbite, frostnip, and hypothermia. In the event your employees are suffering from any of these ailments seek assistance from a physician immediately. It is important that you do not attempt to initiate treatment. When you are dealing with cold induced ailments it is best to allow a trained professional or physician to apply treatment.

During an Emergency

When an employee is injured during work, you may need to administer treatment immediately. The following are some guidelines should you need to act fast:

1. Have a first-aid kit available (stocked properly)
2. Have an emergency eyewash station and make access easy
3. Keep your emergency contact phone numbers ready and available to all employees