Knowing your family’s health history is an effective way to stay healthier. A family health history is a written record of the diseases and health conditions present in your family.
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Ready to spring forward? Daylight Savings Time 2020 will begin for most of the U.S. on Sunday, March 8th, at 2 a.m. Nowadays, with our cell phones, computers, and electronics changing their time automatically, it can be easy to forget the opportunity to perform important annual upkeep in your home. To keep your family and home safe, as well as prepared, make time for this short safety checklist.
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TOLEDO, Ohio, May 31, 2019 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global project delivery firm for architecture, engineering, and construction management, is proud to announce that they have been recognized for their safety accomplishments by the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) and Safety Council of Northwest Ohio. The BWC and the Safety Council of Northwest Ohio presented their 65th annual safety recognition awards on Wednesday, May 15, 2019. Read more
It’s the season for picnics, parties, and fireworks! Practicing common sense will make the festivities more enjoyable for you and those around you. Here are a few reminders about heat, food, alcohol, and firework safety to prevent sickness and injury, and help keep the fun going all summer long. Read more
Your body depends on water to survive. Every organ, cell, and tissue in your body needs water to work properly. Your body uses water to regulate its temperature, remove toxic substances, and help the absorb essential nutrients. Read more
Most of us spend a significant amount of time at work, rarely thinking about the precautionary measures in place to create our secure environment. Companies develop policies, programs, and committees to keep their employees and property safe. The primary security risks are theft, vandalism, and violence (random or targeted). Read more
Setting up workstations properly will prevent repetitive injuries and the potential for strains, sprains, and pains. Read more
Summer Time!! Yes folks, It’s that time again! Time for warm weather, grilling and picnics, water activities, travel, and outdoor fun! If you practice common sense and safety in all of your activities you will keep you looking good, feeling good, and you won’t miss out on any of the fun. Read more
For most of us, our vehicles are an essential part of our lives. What would happen if your car vanished without warning? Most automobile thefts or break-ins are either a crime of opportunity or a result of a thief canvassing a location or situation. Here are some common sense tips to help prevent automobile theft at home, work, and while traveling. Read more
You are notified that a tornado is heading toward your location, the fire alarm system in the building is activated, or there is a notification to evacuate the building you are in. These are just a few example situations where you should either evacuate a building or take shelter in a building. Read more
The American Cancer Society (ACS) advises everyone to get their hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen ready for the long, hot summer. Many of the 3.5 million yearly cases of skin cancer could have been prevented by using sun protection and avoiding indoor tanning. The ACS urges everybody to “Slip! Slop! Slap! & Wrap®.” Read more
After all the engineering and administrative controls have been exhausted, PPE is left to be the last line of defense against injuries. Choosing the correct Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and wearing it properly can go a long way towards preventing injury to yourself and to others. Read more
Workers’ Memorial Day is observed every year on April 28. It is a day to honor those workers who have died on the job, to acknowledge the grievous suffering experienced by families and communities, and to recommit ourselves to the fight for safe and healthful workplaces for all workers. It is also the day OSHA was established in 1971. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their workers. Read more
On average, more than 700 people die in crashes that occur in construction and maintenance work zones. This includes more than 100 workers at these road construction sites.
When traveling through construction zones, remember…we’re all in this together. Read more
Although we spend 80% of our day communicating, 50% of that time is spent listening, while retaining only 25% of what we hear!
Communicating effectively is not always easy, but it helps us avoid conflicts, reduce errors, promote a positive environment, and eliminate misunderstandings with others. Poor communications can be a safety hazard since the message may not be clear or understood. As professionals, we all have an obligation to protect others. If there is a hazard or if someone is at risk – SAY SOMETHING! Read more
Heredity, aging, and exposure to loud noises are the main factors that contribute to hearing loss. Chronic exposure to high levels of noise can cause permanent hearing loss that cannot be reversed. Much of the hearing loss suffered later in life is related to damage caused at a younger age. Now is the time to prevent and protect. Read more
Many people are concerned about the possibility of a public health emergency such as a natural disaster, act of terrorism, or disease outbreak. You can take steps now to help you prepare for an emergency and cope if an emergency happens. To help you prepare, we’ve provided step-by-step actions you can take beforehand to protect yourself and your loved ones. Read more
According to OSHA…An Electrical Hazard can be defined as a serious workplace hazard that exposes workers to burns, electrocution, shock, arc flash / arc blast, fire, or explosions. By identifying these hazards, and understanding how they happen, we can take steps to protect ourselves. Read more
Poor posture and equipment placement can negatively impact your health. There is no single “correct” posture or arrangement of office components that will fit everyone. However, there are basic concepts and design goals to consider for your particular situation. Read more
What is SPA? Safe Plan of Action, or SPA, is an easy to follow system that is designed to reduce injuries by providing a method for analyzing the task at hand, and then making a safe plan that eliminates the potential safety hazards associated with that work to be performed. Read more
Our safety goal is “0” Lost Time Accidents. We need 100% participation. But what is your responsibility to achieve this goal? Read more
The following attributes and characteristics are the result of a nearly 10 year study and countless hours of personal interviews with employees who have worked their entire careers injury free. Read more
Do you text? Read emails on your phone? Look at social updates? View your calendar? Browse the internet? I know, you may be thinking…”Well I don’t do that while I am driving!” If that’s the case, then I cannot be more proud of you and the decision you have made regarding safety! However, this is not a message regarding phone usage while driving, This message is about the dangers of texting and walking. By the way, the article on the newspaper is a true story! Read more
There are many different kinds of heart disease. The most common is atherosclerosis (ath-uh-roh-skluh-roh-sis), the buildup of fatty deposits or plaques in the walls of arteries. As plaque builds up, there is less space for blood to flow normally and deliver oxygen throughout the body, including to the heart. Depending on where the buildup is, it can cause a heart attack, leg pain, or a stroke. Atherosclerosis is not part of normal aging and can be serious. Read more
These little tricks may help keep you healthy, or start you in the right direction of becoming healthier. The healthier you are, the safer (and happier!) you will be. Read more
Are you a gambler? Are you willing to risk it all?
What happens when we “knowingly” commit an unsafe act or risky behavior? Ask yourself – Who loses the most? Who is affected by YOUR actions? Read more
This winter has been particularly harsh with the cold and snow. Your car needs to be mechanically fit and you need to be mentally prepared when you travel. Read more
Making New Year resolutions? Here’s a few tips for success. Read more
Happy Holidays!
We look forward to seeing everyone get back to work safely after the holidays. Please do your part to make that happen. Read more
Working alone?
Does someone know where you are?
Will anyone know if you get hurt? Read more
Health issues can be a safety hazard on the job. You are an integral part of your company’s success and you have a responsibility to be “health smart.” Read more
We are all empowered to give
the most precious gift of all –
the gift of life. Read more
Winter weather is here and walking on snow and ice covered sidewalks cause a substantial number of falls for pedestrians. Wet or icy surfaces, uneven pavement, glare, and poor visibility all increase the risk for falls and injury. A minor fall may only result in bruised pride, however the potential is always there for serious injuries, such as broken bones or even fatal injuries. Read more
Whether it’s at work, home, or the dinner table, only take on what you can handle.
If we take on too much (at work or home) we have a higher chance of making mistakes. Juggling too many tasks at once increases the opportunity for mistakes to happen, missed deadlines, and even increased risk of incidents and accidents.
This goes for holiday indulgence, too! You’ll feel much better (and be a holiday success!) if you do everything in moderation.
Know your limits and ask for help when you need it.
Winter is quick approaching. Do you remember what you need to do to prepare for the cold / wintery months? Read more
Carbon monoxide, also known as CO, is called the “Invisible Killer” because it’s a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. More than 150 people in the United States die every year from accidental nonfire-related CO poisoning associated with consumer products, including generators. Other products include faulty, improperly-used or incorrectly-vented fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, stoves, water heaters and fireplaces. Read more
As we move into Fall (and Daylight Saving time will soon be upon us) it’s imperative to remember to change the batteries in our smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Did you know that three out of five home fire deaths result from fires in properties without working smoke alarms and that more than one-third (38 percent) of home fire deaths result from fires in which no smoke alarms are present. The risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms. Read more
Why Report ALL Injuries?
The most important reason to report all injuries is to allow the company to arrange for prompt medical treatment. Proper medical care will reduce the possibility of a minor injury becoming worse. Read more
All employees that would need to utilize scaffolding must be trained by a qualified person to recognize the hazards associated with the type of scaffold being used and how to control or minimize those hazards. And only a competent person is responsible for overseeing the erection and dismantling of all Scaffolding as well as performing daily inspections of the scaffold The training must include: Read more
Fall is here. Here are some reminders during yard cleanup… Read more
Every year, thousands of people are impacted by severe weather and natural disasters, such as Earthquakes, Tornadoes, Thunderstorms, Floods, Hurricanes, and Ice or Snow Storms. We can’t control when or where disaster will strike, however, we can be prepared by knowing what to do Before, During, and After a severe weather event. Read more
Think about your daily responsibilities and the people who are counting on you to come home safely. Working safe is a very small price to pay for being able to improve and maintain your lifestyle. There is no job that is worth the risk of injury. Read more
If it revolves, swings, spins, slides, opens, closes, or moves in any way at all, it can hurt or kill you. We often think about fingers or other extremities that might get caught in machinery, however a person could be dragged into many pieces of equipment and be injured or crushed even before they have a chance to cry out for help. Construction equipment, production machinery, process equipment, transportation devices, such as automobiles and bicycles, home shop and yard equipment, and even office photocopiers contain moving parts that can cause injuries. Injuries related to machinery and equipment often result in death or permanent disability. Read more
The fact is, most eye injuries cause permanent damage. It takes just one incident to suffer permanent damage or blindness. Proper eye protection can keep you safe. Read more
For most of us, it is in our nature to jump in and help out in a crisis. But if we don’t protect ourselves when we help the injured, we risk exposure to blood born pathogens or other potentially infectious bodily fluids. Read more
Over 2.5 million home intrusions are reported every year, and less than 20% of burglars are ever caught and arrested. Here is some advice to avoid becoming a part of these statistics. Read more
Any worker exposed to hot and humid conditions is at risk of heat illness, especially those doing heavy work tasks or using bulky protective clothing and equipment. Some workers might be at greater risk than others if they have not built up a tolerance to hot conditions, including new workers, temporary workers, or those returning to work after a week or more off. All workers are at risk during a heat wave.
It is very important to watch out for each other during extreme heat. Simple overheating and dehydration can quickly become dangerous. Here is what to look out for and what actions to take. Read more
What if someone didn’t know that you were working on a machine, or electrical outlet, and turned on the power? Lockout/tagout/tryout is a safety procedure used to ensure that dangerous machines, equipment, or services are properly shut off and not able to be started up again before maintenance is completed. Read more
Electric Shock Drowning happens more than we know about.
This is only a small portion of what you need to know. Please visit the websites below for more information.
Be empowered, not electrocuted! Read more
Every year, thousands of people are impacted by severe weather and natural disasters, such as earthquakes, tornadoes, thunderstorms, floods, hurricanes, and ice or snow storms. We can’t control when or where disaster will strike, however, we can be prepared by knowing what to do before, during, and after a severe weather event. Read more
It’s the season for picnics, parties, and fireworks celebrations! Please remember that practicing a little common sense makes the festivities more enjoyable for you and those around you. Here are a few reminders about food, alcohol, and firework safety to prevent sickness and injury, and help keep the fun going all summer long. Read more
There are times we have to travel for business. Most companies have travel standards in place to ensure the safety of employees. Here are a few additional tips to ensure safe travels. Read more
Trenching and excavation work presents serious hazards to all workers involved. Cave-ins pose the greatest risk and are more likely than some other excavation-related incidents to result in worker fatalities. Did you know that one cubic yard of soil can weigh as much as a car? Read more
Working safely starts before the job begins. It starts with creating the safest possible environment to work in. This can be done by eliminating or mitigating job site hazards through the implementation of a hazard control plan. Here is a brief overview on how to create a safer work environment. Read more
Recently, a miner had just finished welding on the plant’s crusher and decided to jump from the next to the last step of a fixed ladder to reach the ground. When he hit the ground, he fell backwards and was impaled by a pry bar that was left standing upright on the ground. The victim suffered severe injuries as a result of this accident.
Some workplace hazards are obvious, and easy to avoid. Some hazards may not be as easy to anticipate, Read more
Whether temporary or permanent, all workers always have a right to a safe and healthy workplace. Did you know that temporary workers are at increased risk of work-related injury and illness? Every year, thousands of temporary workers are injured within the first couple of weeks of being on the job. Read more
Whether it’s at a construction site, in the factory or manufacturing plant, or in the office, our common spaces can become crowded at times. Avoid collisions or near misses in the workplace. Not only will these tips keep you safe, they are common courtesy. Read more
Fatalities caused by falls from elevation continue to be a leading cause of death for construction employees, accounting for 350 of the 937 construction fatalities recorded in 2015 (BLS data). Those deaths were preventable. Read more
As the weather warms up it is likely that we will be working outdoors, side-by-side with some potentially hazardous insects. Here are some samples of bothersome bugs that could result in serious health hazards. Read more
Most of us know that accidents are caused by only two things – unsafe acts or practices, and unsafe conditions. Some of us even know that 9 out of 10 accidents are the result of unsafe acts, or things we do when we know better. This is kind of strange if you think about it. We have more to fear from our own actions than from any other job hazards around us. Why do we deliberately expose ourselves to injury every day? Read more
I’ll bet you didn’t know that working for your company automatically got you a position on the company safety team. The safety manager, let’s call him “Coach,” is a firm believer that, as a team, we win together and we lose together. So we all need to be peak performance players.
Here are some notes from Coach’s playbook: Read more
It takes both the employer and employee, working together, to establish a safe work environment. Read more
Construction sites, highway construction, manufacturing plants (big and small) all use mobile equipment such as cranes, trucks, earth movers, fork lifts and / or other material handling equipment to help with their work. Read more
Moving machinery is everywhere! Construction equipment, production machinery, process equipment, transportation devices such as automobiles and bicycles, home shop and yard equipment, and even office photocopiers contain moving parts to be avoided. Read more
Flu season is starting to wind down, however it is still going strong in some areas. This year’s flu viruses are especially harmful to those persons over 65 and children under 4 years of age. The best way to protect against the flu virus is to get a flu vaccine each year. Read more
When we drive the same highways, streets, back roads, maybe ride bicycles, or even walk, be aware that you are “always” traveling a different route every day. How can this be? Every day, hour, minute, and second brings changes along the route that demand our full attention so that we can recognize and react to the changes. It is easy to follow the same route or path and not notice the subtle, and perhaps dangerous, changes along the way. Complacency along the way can easily lead to serious results. Read more
According to OSHA, personal protective equipment (PPE), is equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses. These injuries and illnesses may result from Read more
About 26 construction workers die each year from using aerial lifts. More than half of the deaths involve boom-supported lifts, such as bucket trucks and cherry pickers; most of the other deaths involve scissor lifts. Read more
The United States Department of Labor, OSHA, requires that employers provide employees with the skills and tools to identify, correct, or eliminate a hazard. Employees must have training in all aspects of their working career and is an ongoing requirement. Specialized training, general awareness, and operation training come to mind for employees. Sometimes this can be handled with the OSHA 10-hour or OSHA 30-hour trainings. Unfortunately, the 10- and 30-hour trainings are general awareness and are many times not detailed enough to be considered as operations level training. In these cases, employers must ensure that employees receive additional training on the topic to ensure they are fully aware of the requirements for safe work. Fall protection training for example is based on compliance with the regulations and not what a manufacturer may require. This leads to a need for additional training. Read more
Winter weather is here and walking on snow and ice covered sidewalks cause a substantial number of falls for pedestrians. Wet or icy surfaces, uneven pavement, glare, and poor visibility all increase the risk for falls and injury. A minor fall may only result in bruised pride, however the potential is always there for serious injuries, such as broken bones or even fatal injuries. Read more
Electrical safety in the office is extremely important. Even a small amount of electrical current can be damaging to our body. It can cause nerve damage or paralysis. Misusing electricity could result in many accidents, including fire. Read more
Are you a gambler? Are you willing to risk it all?
What happens when we “knowingly” commit an unsafe act or risky behavior? Ask yourself – Who loses the most? Who is affected by YOUR actions?
No matter if the risky behavior is on the job, at home or even on vacation, the consequences can be the same. The personal injury, financial burden, business impact, tarnished image and even death are all a reality when we are unsafe. With all this in mind, people need to make a decision that can lower and hopefully remove unsafe situations and bad behaviors. Read more
The holidays are fast approaching and so is the need to prepare and protect yourself during the hazardous winter driving ahead. Your car needs to be mechanically fit and you need to be mentally prepared for the travel ahead of you. Read more
With the arrival of Winter comes the possibility of snow and ice storms. We all know to dress warm and be careful on snowy, icy walkways. But when was the last time you thought about your emergency plan for when a snow storm hits? Read more
Falls from portable ladders (step, straight, combination and extension) are one of the leading causes of occupational fatalities and injuries. Take a few minutes to review ladder safety and to make a Safe Plan of Action before your next climb. Read more
Whether it’s at work, home, or the dinner table, only take on what you can handle. If we take on too much (at work or home) we have a higher chance of making mistakes. Read more
Daylight Saving Time has ended. Even after getting an extra hour of sleep, our internal body clocks can take up to a week to acclimate to this schedule shift. Read more
Whether it’s receiving information, opportunities, or gifts – make sure it comes from a trusted source. Read more
To avoid putting workers in danger, fire extinguishers should be located throughout the workplace and readily accessible in the event of a fire. You can usually find them in hallways, Read more
Inspection Certification
Fire extinguishers must be certified annually in accordance with local, state, and national codes and regulations. This is a thorough examination by a licensed Fire Extinguisher Inspector. The certification process requires inspectors to verify the extinguisher is fully pressurized, free from damage, and weighed appropriately. Annual inspections also require a pull test on the pin and seal replacement—this must be verified with a dated inspection tag. If the extinguisher fails to meet these requirements, it must be replaced.
Fire Extinguisher Testing
The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) recommends that extinguishers should be tested every six years or twelve years, depending on the type of extinguisher. Read more
To avoid putting workers in danger, fire extinguishers should be located throughout the workplace and readily accessible in the event of a fire. You can usually find them in hallways, meeting rooms, kitchens, mechanical /electrical rooms, and near exit doors. Read more
The effects of a lightning strike can be devastating.
In Wisconsin in 2007, a 75-year-old man was killed by a lightning strike while waiting out a storm under a pine tree during a morning golf game. The lightning struck his golf bag while he was holding on to one of his clubs, killing him instantly. Read more
Anyone who lives in or travels to an area where Zika virus is found and has not already been infected with Zika virus can get it from mosquito bites. Once a person has been infected Read more
In an ideal work team environment, we like to think that we all have each other’s backs. However, when it comes down to taking care of the physical health of our backs and spines, the responsibility falls onto the individual person. Statistics show that nearly 80% of Americans will suffer from back pain or back injury at some point during their lives. Back strains are second only to the common cold for lost work days. Read more
Part of a Safety Always culture is to be safe at work, home, and play. School is starting up and we want to remind everyone about taking extra precautions while traveling. Our kids need to be kept safe also! When driving behind a bus, allow a greater following distance than if driving behind a car. Read more
In the United States there are two regulatory agencies that can cite employers for not properly protecting employees. Both agencies fall under the United States Department of Labor; Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA), and Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). These regulatory agencies are responsible for enforcing the safety and health laws to protect employees. Read more
Why Report ALL Injuries?
The most important reason to report all injuries is to allow the company to arrange for prompt medical treatment. Proper medical care will reduce the possibility of a minor injury becoming worse. Read more
The main hazard: electricity is difficult to assess because you cannot directly see it. The only way to identify electricity’s presence is to properly use the right tools; a meter, or proximity detector. Only qualified persons should work directly with electricity. Even working indirectly with electricity, or around electrical systems requires you to be competent.
Do you have the skills and abilities to work around electricity? What about directly? So, what does OSHA say? Read more
As a part of our Construction Safety Talk Series, we discussed how electrical hazards expose workers to burns, electrocution, shock, arc flash / arc blast, fire, or explosions. Accidents involving electricity can be fatal. To prevent electrical incidents, every time you enter a job site remember to: Read more
Stay Out – Stay Alive is a national public awareness campaign aimed at warning children and adults about the dangers of exploring and playing on active and abandoned mine sites. Each year, dozens of people are injured or killed in recreational accidents at abandoned quarries, mines, and pits while exploring on mine property.
The men and women employed in our nation’s mines and quarries are trained to work in a safe manner. Explorers do not have the same skills as the mine workers and are susceptible to dangerous situations. For trespassers, hazards are not always apparent: Read more
Over 2.5 million home intrusions are reported every year, and less than 20% of burglars are ever caught and arrested. Did you know that the highest percentage of burglaries occur in the summer months, and most occur during the day?
Here is some advice to avoid becoming a part of these statistics. Read more
Any worker exposed to hot and humid conditions is at risk of heat illness, especially those doing heavy work tasks or using bulky protective clothing and equipment. Some workers might be at greater risk than others if they have not built up a tolerance to hot conditions, including new workers, temporary workers, or those returning to work after a week or more off. All workers are at risk during a heat wave.
It is very important to watch out for each other during extreme heat. Read more
During thunderstorms no place outside is safe. If you can hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike. Some workers are at greater risk than others. People who work outdoors in open spaces, on or near tall objects, with explosives, or with conductive materials such as metal have a greater exposure to lightning risks. Read more
Summer’s Here! It’s finally here at last! The season for warm weather, grilling and picnics, water activities, travel, and outdoor fun! Practicing common sense and safety will keep you looking good, feeling good, and you won’t miss out on any of the fun. Read more
Have you ever wondered how to communicate quickly with a worker that is too far away? What about a language barrier that prohibits you from communicating with them? A worker that is not easily accessible?
Many times it is not always possible to provide face to face communication or one on one feedback for safety observations. The SOS card allows for immediate visual feedback to a worker depending on the color of the card being displayed. Read more
Housekeeping at a construction site, office, or home can often provide an indicator for the level of safety culture and expectations for that project or facility. When housekeeping is highly maintained, injuries are typically quite low. When housekeeping is low, you can expect injuries will increase. Why?
Poor housekeeping provides more safety hazards in the work and home environments, causing more chances for injuries to occur. The most obvious hazards of poor housekeeping are slips, trips, and falls from cluttered and dirty walkway areas. Read more
According to OSHA, Fall Hazards are defined as: Anything at your work site that could cause you to lose your balance or lose bodily support and result in a fall. Fall Hazards led to 349 construction worker deaths in 2014 (40% of construction site fatalities).
By identifying these hazards, and understanding how they happen, we can take steps to protect ourselves. Read more
According to OSHA, Struck-By Hazards are defined as: Injuries produced by forcible contact or impact between the injured person and an object or piece of equipment. By identifying these hazards, and understanding how they happen, we can take steps to protect ourselves. Read more
According to OSHA, Caught-In or -Between Hazards are defined as: Injuries resulting from a person being squeezed, caught, crushed, pinched, or compressed between two or more objects, or between parts of an object. By identifying caught-in or -between hazards, and understanding how they happen, we can take steps to protect ourselves. Read more
So many different activities occur in the construction industry, and with those activities come risk; at times, high risk. In 2014, 20% of workplace fatalities occurred in the construction industry, totaling 874 deaths. The Bureau of Labor Statistics identified four causes of death that were responsible for over half of those construction worker fatalities. Read more
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