Safe Backing

Eyes and Mind On Task

 

Happy holidays!

Holiday Safety Tips Compliments of the National Safety Council

Decorating Safety

·         Never use lighted candles near trees, boughs, curtains/drapes, or with any potentially flammable item.

·         Wear gloves while decorating with spun glass “angel hair.” It can irritate your eyes and skin. A common substitute is non-flammable cotton.

·         When spraying artificial snow on windows or other surfaces, be sure to follow directions carefully. These sprays can irritate your lungs if you inhale them.

·         Small children may think that holiday plants look good enough to eat, but many plants may be poisonous or can cause severe stomach problems. Plants to watch out for include: mistletoe, holly berries, Jerusalem cherry and amaryllis. Keep all of these plants out of children's reach.

·         When displaying a tree, cut off about two inches off the trunk and put the tree in a sturdy, water-holding stand. Keep the stand filled with water so the tree does not dry out quickly.

·         Stand your tree away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources. Make sure the tree does not block foot traffic or doorways.

·         Avoid placing breakable tree ornaments or ones with small, detachable parts on lower branches where small children or pets can reach them.

·         If you use an artificial tree, choose one that is tested and labeled as fire resistant. Artificial trees with built-in electrical systems should have the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) label.

·         Only use indoor lights indoors (and outdoor lights only outdoors). Look for the UL label. Check lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, and loose connections. Replace or repair any damaged light sets.

·         Use no more than three light sets on any one extension cord. Extension cords should be placed against the wall to avoid tripping hazards, but do not run cords under rugs, around furniture legs or across doorways.

·         Turn off all lights on trees and decorations when you go to bed or leave the house. Unplug extension cords when not in use.

·         If using a natural tree, make sure it is well watered to avoid dry branches from catching fire from the heat of light bulbs.

·         When displaying outdoor lights, fasten them firmly to a secure support with insulated staples or hooks to avoid wind damage. Never nail, tack or stress wiring when hanging lights and keep plugs off the ground away from puddles and snow.

Ladder Safety

·         When putting up holiday decorations, always use the proper step stool or ladder to reach high places. Don’t stand on chairs, desks or other furniture.

·         If you have to use a step ladder near a doorway, lock or barricade the door and post signs so no one will open it and knock you off the ladder.

·         A straight or extension ladder should be placed one foot away from the surface it rests against for every four feet of ladder height.

·         When you climb, always face the ladder and grip the rungs to climb – not the side rails. Always keep three points of contact on the ladder whether two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand.

·         When climbing, keep your hips between the side rails and do not lean too far or overreach. Reposition the ladder closer to the work instead.

·         Use ladders with slip-resistant feet and wear clean, dry and slip-resistant shoes when climbing a ladder.

·         When using ladders outdoors, get down immediately if high winds, rain, snow or other inclement weather begins. Winds can blow you off the ladder and rain or snow can make both the rungs and the ground slippery.

Hosting and Food Safety

·         When preparing a holiday meal for friends and family be sure to wash hands, utensils, sink, and anything else that has come in contact with raw poultry. Keep in mind that a stuffed bird takes longer to cook.

·         Never defrost food at room temperature. Thaw it in the refrigerator, in cold water or in the microwave.

·         While doing holiday cooking, keep your knives sharp. Most knife injuries occur due to dull blades.

·         Use a clean food thermometer to cook foods to a safe internal temperature before serving.

·         Avoid cleaning kitchen surfaces with wet dishcloths or sponges. They easily harbor bacteria and promote bacteria growth. Use clean paper towels instead.

·         When reheating leftovers, bring the temperature up to at least 165°F to eliminate any bacterial growth.

·         Refrigerate or freeze leftovers in covered shallow containers (less than two inches deep) within two hours after cooking. Date the leftovers for future use.

·         Being a smart party host or guest should include being sensible about alcoholic drinks. More than half of all traffic fatalities are alcohol-related. Use designated drivers, people who do not drink, to drive other guests home after a holiday party.

·         The holiday season is one of the most stressful times of the year. You can’t avoid stress completely, but you can give yourself some relief. Allow enough time to shop for gifts and meal items rather than hurry through stores and parking lots. Only plan to do a reasonable number of errands.

Winter Vehicle Preparation

·         Prepare your car for the winter by checking items such as the brakes, spark plugs, battery, and tires. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended interval for a tune-up.

·         Be prepared for emergency situations on the road by having a winter “survival kit” in the vehicle including items such as, a working flashlight, extra batteries, reflective triangles, compass, first aid kit, exterior windshield cleaner, ice scraper, snow brush, wooden stick matches in a waterproof container, and non-perishable, high energy foods like unsalted canned nuts, dried fruits, and hard candy.

Disclaimer: Information and recommendations contained in this piece are compiled from sources believed to be reliable. The National Safety Council makes no guarantee as to and assumes no responsibility for the correctness, sufficiency or completeness of such information or recommendations. Other or additional safety measures may be required under particular circumstances.

Lehigh Valley Fire Extinguisher Training

Kistler O'Brien

conducted hands-on

fire extinguisher training

in our Lehigh facility

on December 2, 2015.

 

Thanks to all who attended!

Prevetion is the best course of action

but in the event of an emergency,

we're prepared to deal with it.

 

 

 Our trainer, Anthony, presenting the basics: R.A.C.E & P.A.S.S.

Employees in action:

 

Scott Ellmaker -
Is the fire still burning?

Pam Garin -
Successfully extingusihed the fire in seconds!

Jim Glassic -
Almost done

Rich Rollsinon -
Reaching for the base of the fire; P.A.S.S.!

Brian Horwath -
Aiming for the base

Tom Pippet -
A new firefighter?

John Galante -
Looking into the eyes of the "fire"

Steve Keiper -
Sweeping to extinguish the flames

Walt Gursky -
Successful within a few seocnds!

Joe Brake -
Putting out another fire

Brian Wanamaker -
Pro at putting out the fire

Steve Strybuc -
our military in action

Greg Harakal -
Galant effort controlling the fire


 

 

 

 

 

Chester County Fire Extinguisher Training

Kistler O Brien was just on site to conduct

hands-on safety training with over

twenty-five employees on the proper use of

portable fire extingushers.

Great turn out so we're prepared to handle an emergency.

 

Our riveting instructor had everyone's attention!

 



Our Bulk Department was well represented at the training.

 

Our co-workers capturing all of the valuable information presented.

 

Star of our show - the first to try the extinguisher!

 

 

Thanks for participating! 

Great skill to use at work or at home in the event of a fire.

Employees in Action

Despite the gloomy weather,

we recently conducted

hands-on propane training

for our fork lift operators

 

Ramon Moya in action

 

 

Ron Fried and some of the night shift gang

 

 

Andrew Miller in action



Employees At Work

Quinn Robinson, Merchandiser

Training to obtain his CDL

Luis Cuevas, Bob Nelligan and Joe Corbo

Service Department, Chester County

Changing A Lightbulb

SafeStart Event Details (from our Chester County Sales Team)

While replacing an outdoor spotlight at home, I placed a ladder on the grass and leaned it against the house. Taking tools in hand, I climbed up the ladder to do the work. As I was climbing up the ladder, I felt one leg of the ladder start to sink into the ground and the ladder started to tip. I got off the ladder and placed a piece of plywood on the ground to provide support and finished the job safely.

When I started to do the work I was complacent. Then I self-triggered on the possibility of the ladder tipping and corrected the problem.  I removed myself from the line-of-fire.

Look at Others for the Patterns that Increase the Risk of Injury

Use your SafeStart CERTS to avoid the

line-of-fire in real-life story

 

Description of Incident:

I was kneeling on the floor to fill fridge packs on the bottom shelf at my last stop of the day. I was working on the pallet when I twisted my back from left to right to reach for a fridge pack. Something cracked in my lower back and I felt immediate pain.

 

Which of the four states were involved in this incident?

Fatique and complacency

After I finished working on a big delivery at my prior stop, I went to my last store and started working the shelf. I was a little tired since it was the end of the day and I wasn't really paying attention (mind not on task) to how I was lifting since I do it all day long.

 

What critical Error(s) increased the risk of this incident?

Mind Not On task

from lifting boxes all day, I do it without thinking sometimes.

 

What Critical Error Reduction Technique (CERT) could have been used to prevent this incident?

Self-trigger on the state so you don't make a critical error

Work on habits

I twisted my body instead of moving/turning my entire body.  By twisting, it caused excessive strain on my lower back.

 

 

Use YOUR CERTS

 (look at others for patterns that increase the risk of injury)

to AVOID the LINE-OF-FIRE!

Safety Incentive 2015: Lehigh Valley

Safety Incentive 2015: Chester County

Real Stories

Tuesday, April 14, 2015 - Merchandiser Injury

Description of Incident: While at my last stop of the day, I was working on the pallet when I twisted my back from left to right while stretching out to the shelf with product in hand.

States Involved in this Incident: Fatigue, Complacency
Why? After working all the other stores, I was tired. I started working on the bottom shelf and twisted my back without thinking.

Errors that Increased the Risk of this Incident: Mind Not On Task
I lift boxes all day long and at times, I don't think about what I'm doing.

What Critical Error Reduction techniques could have been used to prevent his incident?
Self-trigger on the state (or the amount of hazardous energy) so you don't make a critical error.
Be sure that I'm always working in a safe manner and keep your mind on task.

First Recordable Injury in Lehigh Valley for 2015: Acute Back Strain



February 11, 2015
Description of Incident: I had six crates of 20 oz soda fall off the hand cart and smash on the floor.
What were the States and Errors?
Rushing, Complacency
Eyes/Mind Not On Task, Balance/Traction/Grip

What Critical Error Reduction Technique(s) may have prevented the incident?
Work on Habits - stack the product so it is secure and ensure there's proper footing
Self-Trigger on the State - when rushing, watch out for the line-of-fire

Result: Close call!  Thankfully, I only had to clean up product and didn't get hurt!

Use your CERTS to prevent the line-of-fire!  Look at others for the patterns that increase the risk of injury!

April Fools Day Toolbox Talk

April Fools Day is fast approaching in the US. This is a time when kidding and pranking can be taken to a whole new level. However, in terms of safety, caution in what you do is the better alternative as demonstrated in the article from MSNBC.

FAYETTE COUNTY, Pa. - State police have filed charges after a fatal traffic accident in North Union Township, Fayette County. A vehicle turned over at about 6 a.m. Tuesday on Jumonville Road, trapping and killing one of the people inside, according to police.

Passenger Terry Kurosky, 49, of Uniontown, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, Robert Leroy Keefer, of Dunbar, and Emmett Cooke, 48, also of Dunbar, were able to escape without injury.

Police said Cooke pulled up on the emergency brake during the ride, causing Keefer to lose control and crash into an embankment, flipping the vehicle. Kurosky was ejected from the vehicle. According to Cooke, police said, he and Kurosky had been friends for more than 20 years.

Cooke told police that it was common for he and Kurosky to joke with one another, which included pulling the emergency brake while the other was driving. Police charged Cooke with involuntary manslaughter and recklessly endangering another person.

Horseplay is no laughing matter.  Keep your eyes and mind on tasks so you're aware of the risks around you.