Kevin Ian Schmidt

Property Damage – Accident Investigation Form

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Many times when an accident occurs that is just property damage, it is overlooked in the investigation process, because no injury occurs. That is actually a root cause of an injury accident, because if property damage was investigated thoroughly, it could identify issues that if events were different could have resulted in an injury.

When doing a property damage investigation, it should be treated equally to an injury accident, this includes conducting a root cause.

If your employees aren’t trained on root cause analysis,  check out the training presentation here. This training explains how to find the root cause of every incident, which can mitigate future incidents.

Don’t overlook my book on Root Cause Analysis available for sale on Amazon

Other forms you want to include in a property damage investigation:

Check out all other incident investigation forms available

A property damage investigation can be difficult, as not all property damage is reported, which means occasionally an investigation is conducted without a witness, without an involved party, and very few facts. In the event of this, an investigation should still be conducted, using the best information available.

A good defense against this type of investigation is a safety rule that if accidents are reported, it will result in no punishment. Many companies don’t wish to put that clause into employee rules, for fear they can not discipline employees for horseplay that results in property damage, but that isn’t true, as if horseplay is against the rules, you won’t be documenting them for the accident, but rather the horseplay. This encourages employees to come forward when an accident results in property damage that is a result of improper setup, or lack of training, therefore assisting in investigations to negate these accidents from occurring.

Download & View the Property Damage Investigation Report below:

Property Damage Investigation

Forklift Safety – Workplace Safety Series

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With nearly 100,000 injuries or fatalities due to forklift accidents in the U.S. each year, proper training is a critical part of forklift safety. Forklifts present a unique workplace hazard for many reasons: they weigh at least double the weight of the average car, they carry very heavy loads at heights, they work in areas close to people and other equipment, and they steer from the rear. It’s estimated that proper training can help prevent 70% of forklift accidents. To ensure that all operators are sufficiently skilled and knowledgeable, training standards are set by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) in the U.S. and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) in Canada.

In the U.S. training standards for Powered Industrial Trucks (forklifts) require employers to develop and implement a training program based on:

– general principles of safe truck operation

– types of vehicle(s) being used in the workplace

– the hazards of the workplace created by the use of the vehicle(s)

– general safety requirements of the OSHA standard

OHSA requires that employees receive a combination of formal (eg. classroom lectures or video) and practical (eg. demonstration and hands-on exercises) training and that employers certify that each operator has received the training. Before an operator can use a forklift, the employer must evaluate his ability to safely use a forklift and declare him competent to operate it. Operators must be reevaluated by their employer at least once every three years. In the event of an accident or situation where the operator failed to safely operate the forklift, refresher training is required.

 

Click here for the offerings I have for you concerning Powered Equipment

 

The CSA Safety Standard B335-15 is a document which specifies the required elements of a forklift safety program as well as the requirements of vehicle design and construction, maintenance and inspection, safe operation, and operator training. It also makes recommendations regarding the qualifications for forklift safety trainers and maintenance technicians. The CSA Safety Standards were last updated in 2015 and this most recent edition included changes to operator training to ensure that the instruction is better understood and absorbed, and that operators are more thoroughly evaluated. CSA training requirements include theory, hands-on experience, knowledge verification, and practical evaluation. Although retraining is recommended every three years, employers are required to monitor performance on an ongoing basis and the provinces are able to legislate the frequency at which retraining should occur. Retraining is also required whenever new equipment is introduced, when the operating conditions have changed, when legislation has changed, or when skill or knowledge deficiencies are identified.

Although proper training is the most important factor in preventing workplace accidents, operators should also be aware of some of the top mistakes that lead to forklift accidents:

– Not being aware of load capacity – Carrying loads that are too heavy will make the vehicle unstable. The load capacity will be displayed clearly on the forklift so be sure to check this before starting work.

– Failing to plan your route – Forklifts often operate in congested areas and you need to be familiar with your driving path and look in advance for any obstacles that may be along your route.

– Operating with an unsecured load – You should always assess the stability of the load you’re carrying to make sure it doesn’t present any risks to you or other people and equipment. Take extra time to secure odd shaped loads and, if your load is extra wide, make sure to check that you have a wide enough path to navigate it through.

– Lack of communication – Forklifts operate in busy environments and to keep everyone safe, it’s important to let others know what you’re doing and where you plan to go. If you see someone else moving a load that may interfere with your work, be sure to take the time to stop and ask them how you can coordinate to work safely.

– Entering and exiting the forklift – Slips and falls are the most common workplace injury and these can happen when entering or exiting the forklift. Be sure to wear non-slip footwear before and while operating the forklift.

– Check your battery and fluid levels – You need to make sure your forklift is in proper working order in order to complete your job. Check that your battery is charged and that your levels of hydraulic fluid are adequate.

– Using a forklift that hasn’t been inspected – Forklifts should be inspected daily to ensure they’re in good working order.

– Driving too fast – Moving at a speed too fast for your vehicle or environment is a common cause of accidents. Pay attention to any speed limits or speed bumps, and whether your forklift’s speed is limited mechanically.

Operating a forklift safely starts with OHSA approved training that uses a combination of theory and practical hands-on training. However, safely operating a forklift requires that you’re always vigilant when operating the vehicle and pay close attention to detect any changes in the condition of your vehicle and the environment.

Accident Analysis Report – SAMPLE

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sample accident analysis report - free downloadAn accident analysis report should be conducted for every accident, but also conducting an accident analysis for a near miss will create a safer workplace. It may seem excessive to treat every near miss as a full accident, but a near miss is just an accident where someone didn’t happen, this time.

A quality incident analysis consists of a root cause of every underlying factor, and corrective action for all identified.

I provide root cause training  on my blog here

This incident analysis report includes a root cause worksheet and instructions of use, so including it in your accident investigation packet serves as a constant reminder.

I have also published a book for Root Cause Analysis, available in softcover and hardcover. Check out my book on Amazon.

Reasons to Conduct an Accident Analysis for all Incidents:

  1. accident investigations are important even with a near missMore incidents and observations mean more data to analyze
  2. Incidents, observations, and investigations keep us aware
  3. Incident reporting is a key habit that creates culture
  4. Minor incidents and observations help to find out why serious incidents do not occur

The need for every near miss to be treated as an accident in the course of the investigation is based around the understanding that for every accident that results in an injury, there were 10 accidents in which no one was hurt, and for every one of those there were 10 near misses. So, that means that for every injury accident, there were 100 chances to address this issue, BEFORE someone was injured.

I have available all the necessary components of a comprehensive Incident Investigation Program.

 

This accident analysis report is a complete summary of your investigation, and is great for group review with an accident investigation committee or a workplace safety committee.

The four-point approach to accident analysis

You hope an accident doesn’t occur, but if one does, investigate and this systematic approach to analysis the investigation notes.

  • Collect data: Ideally, accidents should be investigated right away. Talk to witnesses as soon as possible. Take pictures and review maintenance and training records.
  • Identify the causes: By identifying the causes (there could be several), you can reduce the risk of a similar incident occurring. Accident investigation looks at four possible causes:
    • Equipment: Is it working properly? Are the guards and other safety precautions present and functioning?
    • At-risk behaviors: Were there safety procedures that weren’t implemented? Are safety procedures routinely enforced? Was the employee working alone?
    • Personnel: Was the employee properly trained for this particular job? Which shift was the employee working, and how long was the employee’s shift? Was the employee wearing personal protective equipment?
    • Environment: Was the work area properly lighted? Were work surfaces and the floor free of clutter? Was noise an issue? What about chemicals or dust? Was space sufficient to do the task? Was the workspace adjusted to the employee’s ergonomic needs?
  • Analyze the findings: Examine the facts and observations. Distinguish between immediate causes and underlying causes.
    • Examples of immediate causes: Unsafe conditions like a broken rung on a ladder or other mechanical failure, or an unsafe action by an employee such as running instead of walking.
    • Examples of underlying causes: Poor machine maintenance, a missing machine guard, a crowded work area or lack of training.
  • Develop a plan for corrective action: Here’s where you have a chance to learn from what’s happened and take steps to prevent it from happening again. Make recommendations to remedy each of the possible causes you identified. For example, you might suggest changes to machinery, work procedures, employee training, safety process or personnel.
Check Out: Simple Solutions to Reduce Workplace Accidents

A quality corrective action requires temporary measures, such as:

  • taking equipment out of service
  • training employees on safe operation of equipment
  • changing policies and/or procedures within the workplace
  • conducting an updated job hazard analysis

While also planning for permanent corrective actions such as:

  • implementing a preventative maintenance program
  • routine workplace inspections for deficiencies
  • training employees on hazard identification
  • creating a culture of workplace safety

Temporary corrective actions are ones that can be implemented anywhere from immediately after the incident up to 15 days, while a long term corrective action may take up years to fully roll-out and will require a commitment from the top of the organization.

View and Download the Sample Accident Analysis Form below

 

Sample Accident-Analysis Report

5 Important Points in a Bloodborne Pathogen Training Program

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Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms that transmit disease via human blood and other body fluids. When a person is exposed to infected blood the pathogens can pass on to him/her. Therefore, healthcare workers need to be careful as they regularly deal with potentially infected blood and body fluids. Bloodborne pathogen training helps them to know about the precautionary measures to prevent exposure to these harmful pathogens.

Listed below are five important points covered in a bloodborne pathogen training program.

  1. Route: First, the training teaches you that bloodborne pathogens are transmitted mainly through human blood. Other body fluids like semen, vaginal discharge, amniotic fluid and cerebrospinal fluid may also be carriers for the pathogens. However, tears, sweat, and nose discharge are not usually a pathway for them. Any of these fluids, when mixed with infected blood become more harmful.
  2. Spread: Bloodborne pathogens can enter a person’s body in many different ways. One very common way is through a prick by a sharp instrument or needle. In hospitals, this may happen accidentally when a nurse, doctor, or laboratory technician handles the infected blood of a patient. Other than this, any wounded or broken skin can also create an entry point for infected blood. Thus, special care must be taken to cover up any wounds. A pregnant mother who is infected can also transmit the disease to her unborn child.
  3. Diseases: This training will teach you to recognize the various diseases that can be caused by exposure to bloodborne pathogens. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and Hepatitis B and C are the three main bloodborne diseases. However, less common conditions like leptospirosis infections, syphilis, Babesiosis, Brucellosis, and viral hemorrhagic fever can also be caused as a result of bloodborne pathogen infections.
  4. Prevention: Bloodborne pathogen training covers the precautionary measures that must be taken to prevent infection by these harmful microorganisms. These precautionary measures are known as universal precautions. Universal precautions refer to the practice of avoiding any contact with human blood and body fluids by using certain protective clothing like masks, gloves, eye gear, to name a few. Other measures like hygiene maintenance, proper disposal of syringes and sharp instruments, sterilization are also covered in the training.
  5. Action: Despite taking all the precautions, sometimes, accidents can still occur. Once you finish the training you will be able to handle any such accidents in your workplace which may involve you or any other colleague. Firstly, you must treat the person and show him to a doctor to assess the extent of exposure. Next there are several necessary formalities to complete, like reporting the incident to the appropriate people, filling reports, and follow-up. This will equip you to act immediately and prevent any further damage that may be caused due to the exposure.
Check Out: Understanding OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard

Bloodborne pathogen training not only provides you with knowledge about the various prevention and treatment measures, but also trains you how to practically follow procedure to keep yourself safe.

Emergency Evacuation Drill Guide

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We have all been doing fire drills since we were in grammar school. But in a modern industrial environment there is a lot more to consider than just marching the students down the hall.

In a manufacturing situation, there are specific actions that need to be taken by machine operators to shut down the machines safely and to minimize the restart expense. And if you are not actually shutting down your machines for a drill, then you don’t know if your procedures actually work.

OSHA and other regulating bodies have various rules about how often evacuation drills are to be practiced. This article in no way supersedes those requirements.

Develop Your Evacuation Plan While You Can

To start or even update an emergency plan, start by addressing the following:

How well prepared is your business now?

What procedures do you already have in place for an emergency situation?

What potential emergency situations could occur?

Act Now!

To help address the questions above, look at these basic guidelines to develop an effective emergency response plan for your workplace:

For each potential emergency, determine if evacuation would be necessary.

Designate first and secondary evacuation routes and emergency exits. Make sure they are clearly marked and well lit. Post signs and maps on routes.

Check or install emergency lighting in case a power outage occurs during an evacuation.

Check all evacuation routes and emergency exits are and make sure they are wide enough to accommodate the number of people evacuating and the routes are always clear.

Designate a person to account for all employees, visitors, and customers.

Establish specific evacuation procedures and meeting place once an evacuation has taken place.

Hold emergency drills at least once a year to ensure that employees know what to do in an emergency and to test the effectiveness of emergency exit routes and procedures. Keep records of such drills.

Consider the transportation needs of employees.

Post evacuation procedures where employees can read them.

Establish procedures for assisting people with disabilities and people who do not speak English.
Consider how you would contact employees in an emergency. This contact sheet should include contact numbers, a family member’s contact numbers, and medical care information.

By following these guidelines, an emergency response evacuation plan can be installed in your workplace. Once your plan has been written and posted, test it.

Training will ensure all people will evacuate safely.

Evac Drill Objectives

The main objective of your drill should be to get everyone out efficiently and safely in the event of an emergency but, as a part of that, your objectives should include:
– Giving employees an opportunity to practice emergency procedures in a simulated environment
– Assessing whether employees can carry out assigned emergency duties
– Understanding whether the evacuation procedures were effective
– Considering any changes or adjustments to improve performance
– Complying with any fire code or insurance requirements

Need more emergency response plan training? Check out: Emergency Response Plan Explained – Training

Frequency
How often you hold evacuation drills should be determined by your local fire code, by your local weather hazards, and your workplace hazards. If your workplace presents serious fire hazards (eg. flammable materials) or complex exit procedures (eg. a high-rise building), fire drills should be conducted more frequently. For these types of workplaces, fire drills scheduled every three months may be appropriate, whereas other workplaces may only need drills every six months.

Announced vs. Unannounced
Employees prefer announced drills so that they can plan for the event and minimize disruption to their work, but unannounced drills provide a more accurate representation of evacuation readiness. The type of drill may also depend on your purpose for the event. For example, an announced drill may be preferred if you are introducing a new evacuation procedure. If employees are learning a new procedure, a scheduled drill will enable them to learn more effectively. However, since emergency situations are never planned, you also want to use unannounced drills to see how people will react and to make sure everyone can exit efficiently and safely.

Evaluation
Your safety team should debrief after each evacuation drill to assess how it went and whether any changes to procedures or roles are needed. They should consider things such as:

– Did the fire alarm go off?
– Did all employees hear the alarm?
– Did all employees evacuate?
– Did employees shut down equipment before they evacuated?
– Did fire doors release?
– Did the designated employees carry out their safety duties?
– Did employees follow evacuation routes?
– Were evacuation routes clear?
– Did any employees need assistance?
– Did employees go to assembly areas after they exited?
– Was everyone accounted for?

Check Out: Emergency Action Plan Special Considerations

Using these questions, you can identify the strengths and weaknesses of your evacuation plan and make improvements. These are a critical part of workplace safety and can help protect employees from not only fire but also other situations that require a quick exit from the workplace such as power outages.

 

Download & view the NFPA Evacuation Drill Guide

 

NFPA evacuation drill guide

Confined Space Entry Program

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If your workplace has a confined space, you need to understand everything about them, the dangers, the regulations, the standards of what type they are, everything. Because confined spaces are a very dangerous place for employees, and without a comprehensive policy, employees can get hurt of worse die. So, when working on a confined space policy, the first place to start is with OSHA, as they have extensive things to say concerning confined spaces.

According to OSHA 1910.146, the definition of a confined space is as follows:

• Is large enough for an employee to enter fully and perform assigned work;

• Is not designed for continuous occupancy by the employee; and

• Has a limited or restricted means of entry or exit.

These spaces may include underground vaults, tanks, storage bins, pits and diked areas, vessels, silos and other similar areas.

By definition, a permit-required confined space has one or more of these characteristics:

• Contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere;

• Contains a material with the potential to engulf someone who enters the space;

• Has an internal configuration that might cause an entrant to be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor that slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross section; and/or

• Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazards.

To learn more about Permit Required Confined Spaces, check out OSHA’s publication 3138 here

Why care about Confined Spaces?

As an Owner, Safety Manager, Safety Coordinator, Site Manager or other related title, you must have knowledge and understanding of the serious risks for your employees that work in confined spaces. It is imperative that written procedures to protect your employees, contract workers and representatives from entering permit spaces must be developed and made available to all parties. To help you evaluate your workplace to determine if spaces are permit spaces, this Decision Flow Chart is a useful tool. If it is, the employer must inform exposed employees of their existence, hazards they pose and location. Effective measures must be taken to prevent employees from entering permit spaces if they are not allowed. You must be prepared to deal with increased risk of exposure engulfment, entrapment and hazardous atmospheric conditions. These issues would not normally come up in an open workplace/setting. For further info, you can review the OSHA Permit Required Confined Spaces article.

Gas Dangers in Confined Spaces

Confined spaces may contain toxic hazards that can be detected only through testing. Oxygen (O2) deficiency, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbon monoxide (CO), and methane (CH4) are common hazards in confined spaces that can be detected with a portable gas monitor. Depending on the industry, other gas hazards may be present. Relying on a portable gas detector for H2S readings, and not sense of smell, is the most reliable method of ensuring that workers are notified well before dangerous levels are reached. In the range of 200 to 300 ppm, eye inflammation, respiratory tract irritation, and a loss of consciousness can occur. When levels of H2S reach 500 to 700 ppm, death will occur within 30 minutes to an hour.

Gas Safety is important. The risks can be divided into three categories: combustible gas, toxic gas, and high or low oxygen levels. Making the worker’s assignment as safe as possible is the employer’s responsibility. A work location assessment is a requirement.

• Combustible gas

For combustion to occur, the air must contain a minimum concentration of combustible gas or vapor. This quantity is called the lower explosive limit (LEL). At concentrations equal to or greater than this, combustion will occur in the presence of a suitable ignition source such as a spark or hot surface. For most combustible gases and vapors, the LEL is less than 5% by volume, and a combustible atmosphere is usually described as ” hazardous” at 10% LEL.

Some examples that present dangers are as follows: storage vessels which have contained hydrocarbon fuels and oils, and fuel leaks in pipelines, gas cylinders and engine-driven plant. For workers in sub- surface environments such as sewers and pits, methane is an almost universal danger. It’s an odorless gas underground and it’s formed by decaying organic matter

• Toxic gases and vapors

Depending on the environment and the nature of the work, confined space workers may be exposed to any of a large number of toxic compounds. For example, generators used in a confined space produce carbon monoxide in the exhaust fumes thereby creating a serious poisoning risk. Workers near vehicle traffic may be exposed to carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide from exhaust fumes. Subsurface hazards are hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide due to bacteria decomposition.

• High or Low Oxygen Levels

The normal concentration of oxygen in fresh air is 20.9%. If it falls below 19.5% or goes above 23.5%, an atmosphere is considered hazardous. If the concentration falls to 17%, mental and physical agility are noticeably impaired; death comes very quickly if it drops only a few percent more. At these levels, unconsciousness takes hold so rapidly that the victim will be unaware of what is happening.

How does a location get oxygen-deficient? Numerous reasons such as: the result of oxygen displacement by a toxic or inert gas, microbial action, oxidation caused by rusting metal, combustion, and absorption.

High oxygen levels are also dangerous. As with too little, too much will impair the victim’s ability to think clearly and act sensibly. Moreover, oxygen-enriched atmospheres represent a severe fire hazard. From clothing to grease, materials which would not normally burn become subject to spontaneous combustion under these conditions. Common causes of oxygen enrichment include leaks from welding cylinders and even from breathing apparatus.

Need a Confined Space Permit? I have a generic one available for free here

Gas Testing

Nowadays, multi-sensor confined space instruments are increasingly much less expensive, rugged, compact, easy to use than ever before. A confined space gas detector kit makes stratified testing easy and generally includes a multi-gas monitor with pump, 10-foot sampling hose for pre-testing (longer lengths are available), spare batteries (rechargeable or alkaline), quad-gas cylinder for bump testing, and calibration with gas regulator, all conveniently contained in a rugged carrying case.

Download the Confined Space Entry Program below

View the Confined Space Entry Program below

confined-space-entry-written-program

 

Confined Space Entry Permit

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Confined spaces are one of the most deadly places in the workplaces. They contains many potential hazards and have restricted exit.

Related to confined spaces, OSHA requires that:

a. All confined spaces in the workplaces shall be identified.
b. Confined work spaces shall be treated as hazardous until proven.
c. Their hazards should be identified.
d. Appropriate respond should be given to these hazards before entry.

Their hazards can be divided into:

  • hazardous atmosphere,
  • physical hazard,
  • chemical contact hazard,
  • biological hazard.

Common Confined Space Hazards

1. Oxygen rich (greater than 23.5%). This condition will introduce fire or explosion, especially when flammable vapor exists. So never use pure oxygen for ventilating a confined area. Use normal air supply only.
2. Oxygen deficient (less than 19.5%). Oxygen deficient or lack of oxygen can cause unconsciousness to death. Oxygen concentration can be declined due to nitrogen intrusion, welding, grinding, oxidation, sandblasting or coating.
3. Oxygen and the existence of flammable vapors or gases can create flammable atmosphere. Chemical reaction and concentration of combustible dust may also create flammable atmosphere.
4. Toxic atmosphere. It is introduced when a toxic chemical or gas is stored in a tank or holder, when carbon monoxide or hydrogen sulphide is produced through decomposition or work being done in the closed space.
5. Corrosive atmosphere. Hydrochloric acid and ammonia are examples of chemicals that can build up a corrosive atmosphere.
6. Physical configuration hazards. The use of ladder and scaffolding, wet surface, uneven bottom, bends in tunnels, narrow area or poor lighting can cause physical hazards to the workers inside confined spaces.
7. Mechanical hazards. Mixing vessel, which is equipped with blades, can introduce mechanical hazard when workers come into the confined work space (mixing vessel). Including in this is falling object.
8. Surface hazard, for instance slips and falls.
9. Noise hazards. Grinding work inside a confined work space can result high level noise.
10. Vibration hazards.
11. Engulfment hazards. Engulfment hazard may happen when worker is entrapped by content of the confined space.
12. Temperature. Cold temperature and heat create temperature hazard.

Always bear in mind that hazards identification shall be finished before entering a confined space. Then, provide appropriate controls to these potential hazards afterward.

Check Out: OSHA 3138 Permit Required Confined Space Guidelines

Steps to safely enter a Confined Space

Acquire a Permit
Most spaces require a permit by the organization carrying out the work before workers can enter. Ensure your employer or unit has obtained the necessary permit. It should be prominently displayed at the space during an entry.

Control Hazardous Energy
Make pertinent use of locks and tags to prevent accidental startup of equipment. Cut off steam, water, gas or power lines that enter the space. Lock out / tag out is a good system for that. Use only safe, grounded, explosion proof equipment and fans if there is a possibility of a combustible atmosphere developing.

Check Out: Control of Hazardous Energy Program

Test the Air
Use the necessary equipment for checking oxygen levels, combustibility and toxicity levels in confined spaces. Test before the space is opened by probing with the test apparatus near the entry.

Once the space is opened, sweep the probe from top to bottom to test the entire space. Heavy combustible gases like propane and butane sink, while light gases like methane will rise to the top. Test the oxygen levels and for toxicity as well. Notify your superior if tests find hazards that you cannot protect against adequately. Continue testing the air quality during work to further guard against buildup of dangerous gases or oxygen deficiency.

Purging and Ventilating
Purge and remove all unwanted water, atmospheres, sediments, or other substances before entry, as these may all become safety hazards.

Finally, use ventilating equipment whenever possible to maintain the oxygen level between 19.5 and 23.5%. Toxic gases and vapors, if present should also be kept to within acceptable levels. If ventilation or purging does not eliminate all atmospheric hazards, appropriate respiratory protection is mandatory before commencing work. Eye and hearing protection may also be necessary.

Download the Confined Space Entry Permit below

View the Confined Space Entry Permit below

Confined Space Permit

 

Barriers to Improving Workplace Safety

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The first stage in improving the level of safety in your workplace is to assess exactly where you are. This is your starting point. Then, you have to recognize the culture that exists in your organization and the factors that have created it. The culture is the sum of the experience, history, belief system, work practices of the people within the organization.

Frequently within businesses there are opposing forces that compromise safety. We have to understand the inevitable conflict that arises between safety and output. We have to realize and accept that no organization is just in the business of being safe. Every company tries to meet two objectives. Firstly, keep the risks has low as reasonably practicable. Secondly, stay in business.

To improve the levels of safety, it often becomes necessary to cope with the forces that have a negative effect on safety. These forces may include time pressure, cost cutting, the single-minded pursuit of profits and indifference to hazards. So often, organizations look at the forces that are lined up against them and give up on improving safety or just pay lip service to it. Under these circumstances each organization gets the repeated accidents it deserves. As always, the losers are the members of staff who get injured or killed.

Check Out: Improve Workplace Safety Culture in 6 Steps

To improve levels of safety, all staff within the organization must be better informed. In other words, they understand and respect the hazards they face and are constantly reminded of the potential dangers in their workplace. This means that they will never forget the dangers around them.. They know the dangers without having to fall victim to them.

An improved level of safety is achieved by creating a safety information system that collects, analyzes and disseminates knowledge from “near hits” and other incidents. Of course, this can only be achieved when there is a reporting culture that promotes the collection of this sort of information. Generally speaking, staff members understand the need for this information in the interests of safety. Unfortunately, it also requires people to report their own mistakes, errors and lapses. Overcoming this barrier requires sound leadership and positive reinforcement for those people who report.

Check Out: The Road Map to Build a Positive Safety Culture

It is possible to institute a system which can include the confidentiality of the people who are reporting the “near hits” and incidents. Within the system it is vital that all aspects of blame are removed. Any blame direct or implied will ensure that reporting will be minimized. Removing the blame barrier can be a challenge.

The single most important component of an improved level of safety within the workplace, is the establishment of a greater degree of trust. Again, this is a substantial barrier for some organizations to overcome

How to Change the Workplace Safety Culture

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Setting out to modify or change the safety culture in a workplace is a daunting task. Working against you is the custom, practice and habits that have been built up over the years. However, this is not your biggest challenge. The biggest challenge lies in the belief system that occupies everybody’s mind. Again, this has been built up over a number of years, it is not something recent, it is not something which has suddenly occurred, is something which people can justify by recounting past events.

The phrases commonly heard are, “I have been doing it this way for 15 years and never hurt myself.” “This is a dangerous industry, I’ve seen many accidents in this place in the past.” “Accidents go with the territory. If you work in this industry you will hurt yourself.” “You are still a newbie until you hurt yourself.” “You can’t prevent accidents in this industry, they just happen.” “You can’t prevent accidents in the workplace, that’s why they are called accidents.” “You can’t stop accidents here, we have been having them for years.”

All this entrenched thinking will have to be changed before the culture changes. This sort of thinking is part of the current culture. Obviously, you can’t go head-to-head with this sort of thinking, you need a more subtle, alternative approach which will gradually overcome the very pessimistic approach and replace it with optimism. Getting people to question their deeply entrenched views and beliefs takes time. After all, it took quite a long time for them to reach these conclusions and beliefs. They will not be changed in a few weeks and certainly not as the result of a two day course on safety.

Check Out: How to Set Goals For Safety Performance

Unlocking a transformative shift in workplace culture involves a nuanced examination of those individuals who wield influence within the organizational fabric, irrespective of their formal authority. Successfully steering change entails persuading these influential figures, a task that demands careful consideration and strategic engagement. What unfolds as a central challenge is the intricate process of altering entrenched beliefs held by these individuals. Merely pointing out that existing beliefs contribute to workplace accidents proves insufficient; it demands a profound replacement with a compelling alternative.

Consider the complexity inherent in this endeavor – the very nature of beliefs implies a deeply rooted conviction that has shaped behavior over time. Hence, any attempt to advocate for change necessitates not just persuasion but the introduction of a new narrative that resonates with the individual on a profound level. Mere information dissemination, especially when it comes to instructing individuals on safe job practices, risks triggering resistance. This is particularly true for seasoned professionals who have accumulated years of hands-on experience in their roles.

The delicate balance required in this transformative process is thus not only about convincing individuals but guiding them toward a paradigm shift that aligns with a new, safer ethos. It involves cultivating an understanding that transcends the mere acknowledgment of safety concerns to instill a genuine belief in the necessity of adopting safer practices. This shift in mindset goes beyond a superficial acceptance of change; it fosters a deeper commitment to a culture of safety that becomes ingrained in the daily fabric of work.

In essence, the secret to changing workplace culture lies not merely in recognizing the need for change but in orchestrating a profound transformation of belief systems. It requires a strategic blend of persuasion, education, and cultural integration to create a workplace environment where safety is not just a set of rules but an intrinsic value embraced by all. This multifaceted approach acknowledges the human aspect of change, respecting the diverse experiences and perspectives of the workforce while guiding them toward a collective commitment to a safer and more productive workplace.

Check Out: Developing an Effective Internal Marketing Plan

The new belief system must be credible. There must be compelling reasons to adopt it. There must be some benefit from the new way of thinking that will positively affect people in the workplace. By far the best method of introducing this belief system, is to lead people to discover it. If you fail to do this, and prescribe what people should think, you will fail in your attempts to change the safety culture in the workplace. There are thousands of examples where change has been prescribed and failed miserably. It requires a much more thoughtful approach and the avoidance of creating resentment within the organization.

Calculate ROI of Safety

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The direct and indirect accident costs represent the “benefits” (money saved) if we adopt the recommended actions. The benefits are realized because we will not have to pay the costs over the foreseeable future. To help estimate direct and indirect costs, you can use OSHA’s Safety Pays software. This is an excellent software tool that determines direct and indirect accident costs. It also calculates the business volume required to cover those costs. The data is based on 52,000 lost-time claims submitted to a major workers compensation insurance carrier.

What is the ratio between indirect (uninsured) and direct (insured) costs in your scenario?

The indirect costs for accidents will usually be greater than the direct costs. Indirect costs can range from 1 to 20 times greater than the direct costs, depending on the severity of the injury. For every $1 spent in direct costs, you’ ll pay an additional $1 to $20 in indirect costs. To determine the ratio between the indirect and direct costs, use the following equation:

Indirect Costs  / Direct Costs = ___ to 1

Let’s say an employee injured his hand (requiring surgery) while working around the machinery in our scenario. If the indirect (uninsured) accident cost totals $160,000 and the direct (insured) cost is $40,000, the ratio of indirect to direct costs will be 4 to This ratio just happens to be the average ratio between indirect and direct accident costs in the USA.

Ratio Between Total Accident Costs to Direct Costs

This ratio is a little more dramatic than contrasting the indirect costs with direct costs. It helps emphasize the fact that direct costs are actually just the tip of the iceberg. To determine this ratio, use the following equation:

(Direct Costs + Indirect Costs) / Direct Costs = ___ to 1

Check Out: Experience Modification Rate Explained

In this case, if the indirect (uninsured) cost totals $160,000 and the direct (insured) cost is $40,000, the ratio of total costs to direct costs will be $200,000/$40,000 = 5:1. What will XYZ have to earn in sales to pay back this lost money? Well, if XYZ has a 5% profit margin, they’ll have to earn 20X the total accident cost, or $4 million in sales!!!

Return on the Investment (ROI)

To determine ROI, it’s necessary to estimate the amount of the initial investment required to complete corrective actions and safety system improvements. Once the initial investment is determined, use the equation below to determine ROI.

Total Accident Costs(Direct + Indirect) / Total Investment x 100 = _____$ ROI

Let’s say our investment to train all employees on lockout/tagout procedures, machine guarding and PPE while working around machinery will be $20,000. If our total accident cost is $200,000, our ROI will be 1000%!!! Now that’s a return.

Provide Options when Presenting Solutions

When presenting a solution to an accident, it is best to have all calculations completed, so you can present multiple solutions with an ROI for each. Your presented options should follow the below style:

  1. First option — If we had all the money we needed, what could we do? Eliminate the hazard with primarily engineering controls. Additional administrative controls if required.
  2. Second option — If we have limited funds, what would we do. Eliminate the hazard with primarily administrative controls. Engineering controls if required.
  3. Third option — If we don’t have any money, what can we do? Reduce exposure to the hazard with administrative controls and/or PPE.

The third option might not always be the cheapest option when it comes to ROI for safety, as it may keep the hazard in the workplace, which could result in more injuries.