doas loss control bulletin · 2017-01-19 · doas risk management services division loss control...

DOAS Risk Management Services Division Loss Control Office Contact us by email: [email protected] or call (404) 656-6245 for additional information.

Topic of the Month… F.O.C.U.S.

There are many reasons for injuries in the workplace. Even after the worker has been trained, mentored, has an established procedure, proper equipment and support, injuries continue to happen. Distractions in the workplace is a key factor. Distracted Rate is the percentage of incidents and injuries. There are several workplaces with a percentage rate as high as 90%. Applying the distracted driver principles to the workplace, Brian Nulty (MSC) & Greg Griffith (Chubb) from Georgia developed the F.O.C.U.S. system that has reduced injuries in some workplaces by 25%. Distracted associates are at a greater risk of incidents and injury. In some workplaces, it is as high as 85% to 90%. Distraction Rate is the percentage of incidents where distractions were the proximate cause. Incidents and injuries are caused when associates are distracted while performing their work. Most agencies want TO BE AND STAY proactive in the areas of safety, quality, & productivity. There are many daily distractions:

- Birth/Death in Family - Financial/Mortgage

- Divorce/Separation/Marriage - Health/Diet

- Crowded Work Area - Co-worker/Supervisor

Distractions can lead to injury. The more distractions we have; the greater the chance of being injured. The chance of being injured when distracted is 40% to 80% or higher.

HOW CAN WE REDUCE INJURIES FROM DISTRACTIONS?

F–Find Your Reason O–Own Your Mind C–Concentrate on Your Task U–Understand Your Distractions

S–See the Big Picture

FOCUS will not solve the distractions but will help make you AWARE of the distractions.

Find your reason and personalize it: Why is safety important to YOU? Self-Preservation? Who wants to be injured? Your Family Needs You.

Own Your Mind. What is your reason for staying FOCUSED? Own & Control Your Frustrations: Stop and ask for help. Own & Choose Your Attitude: Stay Positive. Avoid Overconfidence: Don’t get comfortable or complacent. Keep Your Mind On Your Work.

Concentrate on your task. What is your ATTITUDE today? Keep Your Eyes On Your Work: Be careful of looking too far ahead. Follow The Job’s Procedures: Written with Safety in mind. Critical Tasks Include: Material Handling Equipment; Lifting Items; Placement of Items. Understand Hand and Feet Placement: How to carry, lift, move, slide, and handle an item. Maintain a 3 point contact on stairs and ladders. What is the process to keep your eyes on task?

Understand your Distractions. Know Your Cognitive Distractions: Thinking, reasoning, remembering, imagining/daydreaming. Know Your Physical Distractions: Radios and surrounding environment. Associate Conversations: When we talk and try to perform critical tasks our minds may not be on task. Are there any personal issues, things in your everyday life? What things cause you to be distracted?

See the big picture. Know Your Fatigue/Energy Level: When tired – FOCUS. Exercise and Diet contribute. Don’t Rush: Know the times that cause you to rush – FOCUS. Avoid Shortcuts: Follow procedures. Take Your Time with Unfamiliar Items & Tasks. What is needed to do the it Safely?

Nearly everyone can remember one example where a distraction caused a near miss. Whether walking or driving, remember to F.O.C.U.S. on your task at hand.

Thank you for your time. Let’s work together to make Georgia a safer place to work.

DOAS Loss Control Bulletin

January 2016

mailto:[email protected]


Topic of the Month…Severe Weather Preparedness!

Severe Weather Awareness Week in Georgia is February 1 – 5, 2016. All of these events highlight the need for emergency preparation. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) have the responsibility of handling Federal and State emergency events. GEMA’s Ready Georgia, a statewide emergency preparedness campaign, offers tools that residents can use to create an emergency supply kit, develop a communications plan and stay informed about potential threats. Ready Georgia’s interactive website, www.ready.ga.gov (http://ready.ga.gov/) provides detailed information on Georgia-specific emergency preparedness and allows users to create a personal profile and receive a customized checklist and family communications plan. Employers can use the Ready Your Business guide to create custom contingency plans, and children can visit the ReadyKids page for age-appropriate information, videos and games. For preparedness on the go, families can also download Ready Georgia’s free mobile app at http://www.ready.ga.gov/mobileapp to learn how to prepare for emergencies, create family communications plans and more. Is YOUR emergency plan for your home and your agency location prepared and is it up to date? GEMA and FEMA offer a lot of information to help develop a plan on how to deal with emergencies. Do you know what to do in case of an emergency at your agency, at your location? Is your home one of the 50+% in the U.S.A. that has no emergency plan? Do you know what steps to take to start an emergency plan? Ready.GA.gov offers some of the following guidelines for homes. Also look at http://www.nws.noaa.gov/com/weatherreadynation/ambassadors.html#.VqosrVLzMrx Which is the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration Weather Ready site. Supply Checklist for Severe Weather emergencies:

□ Do you have a stored water supply of at least 3 gallons per day per person?

□ Do you have a 3 day non-perishable food supply for your family?

□ Do you have a manual can opener, batteries, flashlights and a NOAA alert radio?

□ Do you have a fully stocked First Aid kit?

□ Are you prepared for a cold weather emergency if the power goes out?

Fire & Medical emergency preparation for your location or home:

□ Are there two ways out of your home or office?

□ Have you established a meeting point once you have evacuated?

□ Do you have a First Aid kit? Are Emergency numbers posted?

□ Do you know who has First Aid training at your location?

Flooding preparation:

□ Do you know what items you want to take with you during an evacuation?

□ Do you have emergency contact numbers in case roads are flooded in your area or at your

location?

Of course these are the short list of items. A few minutes of preparation can save a life or make you far more comfortable in case of an emergency situation.

Thanks for your time. Let’s work together to make Georgia a safer place to work.


February 2016


http://ready.ga.gov/

http://www.ready.ga.gov/user/register

http://www.ready.ga.gov/Your-Business

http://www.ready.ga.gov/Get-Involved/ReadyKids

http://www.ready.ga.gov/mobileapp

http://www.ready.ga.gov/mobileapp

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/com/weatherreadynation/ambassadors.html#.VqosrVLzMrx

Topic of the Month…Defensive Driving

Georgia had 15% more fatalities in 2015 than 2014. In the current Fiscal Year the State of Georgia drivers are also experiencing a large increase in Auto Liability claims. These are fellow State employees getting injured and injuring other people. Many are preventable if we use some common Defensive Driving techniques. A few are discussed below. If we can help you with you Driver Safety program please give us a call. One of the problems with drivers in the U.S.A. is that everyone is an expert and it is always the other driver’s fault. Since we have grown up with cars, we are very comfortable with their operation; sometimes too comfortable. Many drivers have no classroom or practical driver training updates from their high school driving class. Driving experience is a great teacher IF we learn from our near misses and incidents we have observed. Let’s review some basic defensive driver items:

Always wear your seat belt. Wearing seat belts can increase your chance of survival in an accident by 25%.

Allow enough following distance; a minimum of four seconds following distance.

Look at your mirrors every 5 to 8 seconds.

Keep your eyes moving; do not fixate on the bumper in front of you. Keep your eyes up and anticipate where you will be in ten seconds and what hazards are in the area.

Drive to match weather conditions; just because the speed limit is 55 mph does not mean you have to do 55 in all weather conditions.

Obey the speed limit and maintain a safe driving distance between you and the car in front of you, especially when driving in bad weather conditions and darkness.

Don’t drink and drive. Each year 23,000 people die in drinking and driving related accidents. Drinking alcoholic beverages impairs a driver’s judgment, vision, and reaction.

Don’t drive if you are tired. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that driver drowsiness and fatigue cause 100,000 accidents each year.

Maintain your vehicle in good condition; always checking that the tires, brakes, headlights, tail lights, and turn signals are working properly.

Drive defensively and stay aware of the drivers around you. If another driver is driving aggressively or experiencing road rage stay away from them, even if you have to take an alternative route. Do not pull over in remote areas.

Leave 15 feet space cushion if you are the first car in the lane behind the limit line at the intersection.

Be careful at intersections. Over 2/3 of all traffic injuries occur at intersections, so be alert when you approach one.

Signal your intentions and plan your routes. If your vehicle has an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and you must brake because of an obstacle, be sure to press the brake pedal and hold, and gently steer around the obstacle.

Avoid backing if possible. Find a pull through parking space when possible. But if you have to back, always use your sight side versus your blind side, 30% of the State of Georgia Accidents involve improper backing.

When using a cell phone while driving, pull off the road in a safe and legal place or limit your calls to emergencies. Cell phone users who drive while talking have a 34 to 200 percent higher risk of a collision than drivers who do not talk on cell phones and drive. There is no State of Georgia business phone call worth your life; and absolutely no texting.

Take driving seriously and give it your full attention!

Thanks for your time. Let’s work together to make Georgia a safer place to work. DOAS Risk Management Services Division Loss Control Office


April 2016


Topic of the Month…Cut Prevention

The State of Georgia has a wide variety of operations from Commercial Kitchen to Trash Collection operations which resulted in nearly 400 cuts in FY2015. Nationally, 30% of injuries involve cuts & lacerations. Whether needle sticks or material handling cuts, most injuries could have been prevented by using protective equipment or other items to address the exposure. Generally, cut injuries are caused by five factors:

Improper training;

Lack of established safety procedures;

Employees rushing or taking shortcuts;

Failure to wear proper hand protection;

Missing or improperly adjusted guarding equipment. Cut Hazards in the Commercial Kitchen: Cuts are not only a danger to the employee, but customers are put at risk too whenever an employee slices their finger open. Kitchen workers must take extra care when handling or working with sharp objects. Much of the food preparation tasks require workers to use knives or other manual cutting tools. As workers rush to get batches of food ready for cooking or serving, a simple slip of the hand can result in a sliced finger. Food Slicers reduce many repetitive cutting operations, but present their own hazards with use and cleaning. Follow instructions on the safe use of the slicers and use pusher blocks. Ensure all guards are in place. What Employees Can Do to Protect Themselves: When performing cutting tasks in the kitchen, follow safety guidelines. When handling knives, there are several safety tips workers can follow to protect themselves from harm: Avoid talking to co-workers. Any distractions while using a knife or other cutting tool can result in a cut finger. Store your knives properly. Do not store sharp objects in a drawer with the cutting edge exposed; this can damage the blade and injure a person reaching into the drawer. Knife racks are specifically designed to safely store cutlery. Use hand protection. Cut resistant gloves are made of a wire mesh surrounded by nylon or other durable material. The wire mesh helps protect hands from cuts while the nylon makes them comfortable and washable. Keep knives sharp. A dull knife is more likely to slip and cut someone than a sharp one. Teach proper knife handling: Employees that know how to properly handle and use a knife are less likely to have accidents. Cutting tasks fall under the realm of potential hazards and need to be properly addressed as part of your New Employee Orientation. Always use a sharp knife; it makes the job easier and you are less likely to get injured. Always work in a properly lighted area so you can see what you are doing. Our exposures can be reduced if we buy the items pre-cut/processed. When using a knife, always cut away from yourself and keep your body clear of the potential cutting area should the knife slip. Trash collection cuts: Do not crush garbage bags. Sharp objects inside the bag will poke through and cause injury. Shards of glass can be razor sharp. When cleaning up broken glass, use gloves and avoid contact. Cut Prevention: Since many of the cutting operations vary with each task, it is hard to engineer out the hazards. We must rely on training, procedures and PPE to address this hazard. Don’t assume employees know how to use the cutting tool whether it is a knife, saw or chisel. Make cutting safely a habit for every task, every day.

Remember if you have a Hazard + Exposure – Control = Injury. Thanks for your time. Let’s work together to make Georgia a safer place to work.

DOAS Loss

Control Bulletin

May 2016


On any given day, anything can happen, from a slip and fall at home to a natural disaster near your workplace. By assessing potential risks and having a plan to respond, you will be steps ahead in the event of an incident, wherever it occurs.

Get Trained in First Aid and CPR

Even the fastest paramedics could take 8 to 12 minutes to get to a patient after calling 9-1-1. Being trained in first aid and CPR could mean the difference between life and death.

When trained in first aid, the following steps are helpful in the event an emergency:

• Recognize the emergency• Check the area for safety (If it’s not safe, don’t enter)• Check the victim and ask for permission to provide assistance• Call 9-1-1 when appropriate• Care for the person• Have the person seek medical attention when needed

When calling 9-1-1, be prepared to give this information to the dispatcher:

• Your name• The phone number you are using• The location and number of victims• The victim’s approximate age, sex and condition (Responsive?

Breathing? Bleeding?)

• What happened to the victim and any special circumstances• What is being done for the victim

The dispatcher may also give you instructions on how to help the victim. Stay on the line until the dispatcher says you can hang up.

First aid and CPR training gives you the skills you need to handle life’s everyday bumps and bruises, and the confidence to respond quickly and correctly to more serious injuries and life-threatening situations that can occur. Learn more at nsc.org/trainFA.

Be Prepared for Emergencies

Preparation is key when seconds count. When it comes to natural disasters, be sure to keep a fully stocked emergency preparedness kit in your home and vehicle with supplies such as food, water, necessary medications, a battery powered radio, a flashlight and a first aid kit.

Just like you participate in emergency drills at work, be sure to practice with your family. A home fire plan should include checking that smoke detectors are working properly; drawing a diagram of your home, marking the locations of windows and doors; planning two escape routes out of every room; setting up an outside meeting place for after an escape; and practicing the escape plan regularly. Make sure even children know what designated phone number to call in the event your family is separated, and plan for the needs of older family members and pets.

Preparing today can make a difference tomorrow

F A S T S T A T :Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S.resulting in more than 600,000 deaths in 2014 alone.

Source: NSC analysis of NCHS mortality data

G R E E N C R O S S T I P :Knowing the following information will be beneficial in the event of an emergency. Have it readily available in your home, your vehicle’s glove box, your wallet and/or on a cell phone app:

• In case of emergency contact information

• Phone numbers for doctors, fire, police, poison control, 9-1-1 etc.

• Medical conditions, medications being taken and allergies

National Safety Council | 1121 Spring Lake Drive | Itasca, IL 60143 | nsc.org 900008543 0216 © 2016 National Safety Council

MONTHNATIONALSAFETY 2016


nsc.org/safe4life #safe4life

When Seconds Matter, Will You Be Ready?

Always watch children around water

Become certified in First Aid and CPR

Keep emergency numbers nearby

900008539 0316 ©National Safety Council

Every day we make decisions that have a direct impact on our health. Making smart food choices and exercising regularly can help keep us in shape and avoid many injuries. However, if an injury does occur, we can still protect our health when deciding what medications to take.

Prescription painkillers such as Oxycontin, Percocet and Vicodin account for more drug overdoses than heroin and cocaine combined. These legally obtainable drugs are highly addictive and actually less effective than a combination of ibuprofen and acetaminophen.

What Are the Signs of Opioid Painkiller Addiction?

It’s not always easy to tell if someone is addicted to opioid painkillers. Experts say common symptoms include:

• Excessive mood swings or anxiety• Sleepiness• Slurred speech• Confusion or poor decision making• Small pupils or shallow breathing • Continually “losing” prescriptions so more must be written • Seeking prescriptions from more than one doctor• Stealing, forging or selling prescriptions

Should You Work or Drive While Taking Opioid Painkillers?

Certain side effects of opioid painkillers could hinder your ability to drive or work safely. These side effects include:

• Dizziness• Sleepiness• Blurred vision • Confusion or unusual thoughts• Delayed reaction• Difficulty following directions

Talk to Your Family About the Risks of Opioid Painkillers

• Discuss the dangers of mixing prescription drugs with alcohol• Explain how painkillers are made from opioids, which are similar

to heroin• Talk to grandparents and caregivers about how to safely store

their medications• Secure any opioid painkillers, sedatives, sleep medications or

stimulants in a locked drawer or container

Keep Young Children Safe Around Medications

• All medicines and vitamins should always be kept up and away and out of a child’s reach

• Practice safe medicine storage and remind houseguests to keep purses, bags or coats up and away when in your home

0415 900006532 © 2015 National Safety Council

Reach for safer medicine

0116 900006531 © 2016 National Safety Council

F A S T S T A T :Every day, 52 people die from prescription opioid overdoses.

Source: NSC analysis of NCHS mortality data

G R E E N C R O S S T I P :Make sure to tell your doctor if you have certain health conditions, including:

• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)

• Sleep apnea

• Depression or anxiety

• Personal or family history of addiction or substance abuse

900008544 0216 © 2016 National Safety CouncilNational Safety Council | 1121 Spring Lake Drive | Itasca, IL 60143 | nsc.org




Safeguard Your Health

Be aware of medication interactions

Keep medicine up and away from children

Ask about alternatives to opioid painkillers


Even in familiar surroundings, we need to constantly be looking for dangers around us throughout our day. Keeping an eye out for hazards can help you identify and avoid them before an injury occurs. Looking at the world through this safety lens can help you protect yourself and those around you.

Watch Where You’re Going

Distracted walking is on the rise for people of all ages. With so many things competing for our attention, safety needs to be a priority.

• Check your emails and send your texts before you start walking• Duck into a doorway or move off to the side to make a call, send a text

or answer emails• Never cross the street while using an electronic device and make sure

you can hear traffic and sounds around you• Scan ahead for cracks on the ground, spills or changes in elevation

Protect the Older Adults in Your Life

Falls are a leading cause of death for older adults. There are changes we can make to protect ourselves at any age.

• Use non-skid mats or appliques in the bath and shower• Install grab bars in the tub, shower and near the toilet, and railings on

the stairs• Provide adequate lighting in every room and stairway• Place nightlights in the kitchen, bathroom and hallways

• Keep often-used items like clothing and food easily accessible to avoid using stools or ladders

• If necessary, provide older adults with personal walking devices such as canes or walkers

Protect the Children in Your Life

More than a third of child injuries and deaths happen at home. Parents or guardians should be on the lookout for potential sources of injury. According to the CDC, most incidents occur where there is:

• Water: in the bathroom, kitchen, swimming pools or hot tubs• Heat or flame: in the kitchen, fireplace or at a barbeque grill• Toxic substance: under the kitchen sink, in the medicine cabinet, in the

garage or garden shed, in a purse or other place where medications are stored

• Potential for a fall: on stairs, slippery floors, from high windows or from tipping furniture

Take Safety With You

Wherever you are, consider the hazards unique to the location. A fun outing could turn stressful quickly if you are injured.

• Going to a ballgame? Watch for foul balls! • Heading to a concert? Consider ear plugs, and check for cables that

may run along floors. • Visiting somewhere new? Designate a meeting place in case you

get separated. • Whether in your home or visiting others, be aware that seemingly

harmless electronic devices (remote controls, keyless entry devices, toys, watches and more) may contain coin lithium batteries or “button batteries” which can cause serious injury or death if swallowed.

Being safe means being alert —all the time

F A S T S T A T :Since 2000, more than 11,000 people have been seriously injured because of distracted walking.

Source: Injury Facts 2015

G R E E N C R O S S T I P :Have a secured non-slip rug or mat in entryways to keep debris and moisture from causing someone to slip, trip or fall.





Watch Out for Dangers

Secure your furniture to avoid tip-overs

Pay attention to where you are walking

Fall-proof the bathrooms of older adults


The nation’s roadways are a place of constant risk, with millions of vehicles moving alongside one another. Since it’s impossible to control the choices of everyone on the road, we need to be defensive drivers. Getting behind the wheel is a time for patience and focus – qualities that can help you avoid a collision should someone else make a bad decision.

Be Distraction-free

Thousands of crashes have involved distracted driving. Anything that prevents a driver from being able to safely operate the vehicle should be avoided.

• Never use a cell phone behind the wheel, even hands-free• Pre-set your navigation system and music playlists

before driving

Avoid Impairment

An average of one alcohol-impaired driving fatality occurs every 53 minutes in the U.S. But impairment can also include being under the influence of drugs – both legal and illegal.

• Designate an alcohol and drug-free driver or arrange alternate transportation

• Check the side effects of your medications before getting behind the wheel

Check Your Speed

Speeding was a factor in 28 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2014. Speeding reduces the amount of time a driver has to react in a dangerous situation to avoid a crash.

• Always allow adequate time to get to your destination• Adjust your speed for weather conditions – in certain situations

the legal speed limit may be too fast

Rest Up

Our lives are busy and sometimes we try to fit in too much. This can be very dangerous behind the wheel if we don’t get enough rest. Most adults need 7-8 hours of sleep a day, while teens need 9-10 hours.

• Create a regular sleep pattern so you can get plenty of rest • On long trips, take regular breaks to avoid fatigue

Help Teens and Children

Driving is a complex skill that demands judgment and experience, which can take years to acquire. Teen drivers need as much experience as possible, and parents should help provide that by driving with their teens on a regular basis.

Do not allow teens to drive with their friends. A single young passenger can increase a teen driver’s fatal crash risk 44 percent.

The safety of child passengers is the responsibility of the driver, and requirements change as kids grow.

• Make certain child safety seats are properly installed, that children are correctly secured and that the seats are appropriate to the child’s height, weight and developmental level

• Regardless of age, make sure all passengers are correctly belted before setting off

The roads belong to us all: Let’s make safe choices

F A S T S T A T :In an average year, speeding is involved in 27 traffic deaths every day during June, July and August.

Source: NSC Analysis of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

FARS data, 2014

G R E E N C R O S S T I P :Many vehicles are coming equipped with advanced safety technologies, but to be effective you need to know how to use them. Visit mycardoeswhat.org to learn more.





Make Good Choices While Driving

Practice driving with teens, even after they get a license

Focus on the road instead of distractions

As you age, learn how health conditions affect your driving



Topic of the Month…FY2016 Injury Review

Fiscal Year 2016 ended on June 30, 2016. During FY2016, 5,808 (4.73%) of fellow State of Georgia employees were injured. Of those, 1,307 (1.06%) were injured severely enough to lose a day of work. Nationally average State Government rates were 3.9% for 2013 (latest available). We saw a two percent increase in Motor Vehicle Collisions. Contact us if we can help you with driver safety training. Please take this opportunity to review your three leading causes of injury and put plans in place to conduct training on those topics in FY2017. Based on the chart below most agencies should be completing the following Safety National Courses:

1. Falls, Slip, Trip; 2. Muscle Strains & Sprains or Back Injury Prevention: You’re In Control; and

depending on your exposures either 3. PACE Behavioral Driving: Passenger Vehicles or Hand & Power Tools Safety

Strains (All)18%

Falls, slips, Trips21%

Struck By-Patient/Inmate/Suspect

12%Cuts/Puncture/Scrape

6%

Animal/Insect3%

Caught In3%

Burns3%

Struck By (all others)13%

Absorbtion3%

Miscellanous 6%

Struck Against4%

Motor Vehicle Collions (All)8%

FY 2016 Injuries

THANK YOU! For all of your efforts to reduce injuries. We have a new fiscal year

with more challenges, more exposures, more hazards, and unfortunately more injuries. When you look at many of the injuries, 90+% are preventable. No injury is acceptable or part of the job. If we can help you with your Safety training, please contact us at [email protected].


DOAS Loss Control

Bulletin

July 2016




Topic of the Month…Same Level Fall Prevention

Falls, Slips, Trips made up 21% of the workers’ compensation injuries in Fiscal Year 2016 as we saw in last month’s bulletin. Even with Falls, Slips, Trips being the leading injury it is down 6% from FY2011 where they were 27% of all claims. Of those, the most frequently occurring were “falls on the same level”. “Falls on the same level” comprised 30% of all Fall, Slip, Trip injuries. These injuries cost the State of Georgia just under $3 million with another $5 million in potential future costs. Many of us believe that people need to “Pay Attention” in order to prevent Falls, Slips, Trips injuries. So why are these basic things costing us around $8 million a year; year after year after year? So what is your plan to deal with this exposure? Are we going to do the same thing and hope it gets better? Have you looked at departments with the higher incidence of falls and determined why? Has your agency conducted Falls, Slips, Trips awareness or prevention training? Personal awareness is hard to control, but are we setting the example? Do we really have to answer that email or text while we are walking across a busy street? Do you have a Falls, Slips, Trips prevention plan? Do you have a checklist of items? Such things as:

Changes in elevation: Are they marked? Are you warned of the elevation changes?

Uneven walkways: How often are they checked? Warning? Repair plan?

Unmarked elevation changes: Have they been identified? Plans for improvement?

Improper floor types: Many times a Tile floor + Water = Hazard.

Obstacles: Moving boxes in hallway? Improper storage around walkways?

Mats and rugs: Are they in place? In good condition?

Rainy days: Are door mats checked for saturation? Replaced or Wet vacuumed to remove excess water?

Weather-related tasks: Additional rugs on rainy days/wet floor signs? Snow/ice removal plan?

Drainage problems: Identified on rainy days? Are down spouts discharging onto walkways? Plan/work orders in to address problems?

Footwear: Right type for area? Slip-resistant shoes for wet areas?

Lighting: Are areas properly lit? Are light bulbs replaced as needed?

Are walkways free of obstacles? (No cords, boxes, trash, hoses, carts)

Are floor mats used in high risk areas? Cooking, dishwashing, food preparation & frying areas? Are mat edges beveled marked to reduce the chance of the mat itself from becoming a trip hazard? Wet floor signs displayed after mopping?

What is your agency’s procedure for reporting issues? Each agency has its own exposures to address, so a generic checklist is a start. We would be glad to come out and provide a training session at your agency. Hopefully we change a few items that and prevent a fall injuries before they happen.



August 2016



Topic of the Bulletin…Back Safety

Has your back been abusing you? Does your back hurt when you lift; or throb when you drive for long hours? In FY2016 18% of the injuries, our #2 cause of injuries were strains, with those injuries costing nearly $3,000,000. People tend to blame their backs for hindering their active lifestyle, but their lifestyle may be the cause for their back problems. Back problems can sneak up on you. When you're young and strong, you think you can lift anything; but years of lifting can take a toll on the spine. Some factors that contribute to back pain are: poor lifting techniques, over-exertion, posture, weight, lack of exercise, weak stomach muscles, injury, and age. There is help for many of these causes of pain and your back is probably trying to alert you to them. Proper posture is necessary for a healthy back; poor posture will stress the back. Keep in mind not to slump while standing, sitting, or driving. If you take good care of a car, it will last you a long time before replacing it, but you will never be able to replace your back. Moderation – While couch potatoes are not doing their backs any favors, neither are those whose mantra is "no pain, no gain." Couch potatoes with a weak back are more likely to suffer back injuries than those with strong, flexible backs. Don't suddenly leap off your couch and make a beeline for the nearest gym. Start slowly. Walking is fundamentally one the best exercises for the whole body. Incorporate stretching exercises into your daily routine as it is critical to injury prevention. Excess weight, especially in the stomach area, pulls the center of balance off and may cause stress on your back. Workout Warning – Exercise is great in your 20s and 30s, but it's critical in your 40s and 50s. Exercise in your middle years so you can enjoy your older years. It's never too late to start. Strong stomach muscles are also needed to support the spine. Be Careful With Your Spine – The spine is a hydraulic structure. The more you load it, the more it bursts at the seams. Learn to Lift – First can you avoid the lift? Is there a cart, hand truck, forklift that can do the lift for you? Improper lifting is the cause of a most back injuries. Practicing good body mechanics is crucial. You want to lift with bent knees and only a partially bent back. Get close to the item you need to lift; bend your knees not your back and keep the load close to your body. Follow the lifting rules whether you're carting grocery bags or moving paper boxes at work. Get help with heavy loads, use mechanical help when available. Sedentary Sufferers – If you often have a sore, tired back after being chained to your desk all day, you need to schedule time each day to work out or walk out the kinks. Stand up occasionally to get the circulation back to the muscles. Adjust your chair back support to the proper level if available. Move every 30 to 45 minutes. Mattress Matters – Take some advice from Goldilocks and choose a mattress that's not too hard and not too soft. Find one that's just right. Be Alert – We don't usually get hurt doing routine tasks. Many back injuries occur when we're doing uncommon tasks such as planting a tree, or playing in the surf. Be deliberate in your actions when you're doing something out of the ordinary, especially when in a hurry or tired. If it Hurts - Stop – If your back starts to hurt while you're on the second hole golfing, don't even think about playing the entire 18! But don't wait too long to get back to activity. Ice, then heat – Ice first for 48 hours, then heat. Ice will help reduce the swelling and help relieve soreness. Follow with heat to relax muscle spasms. Apply either ice or heat for only five minutes at a time to avoid skin damage. Massage – Gentle hand massage may provide relief by stretching tight muscles and ligaments. Relax! Imagine a tranquil place and take a vacation in your mind. Listen to your favorite music or read a good book. A few minutes of relaxation can help relieve back pain.


October 2016



DOAS Risk Management Services Division Loss Control Office

Topic of the Month… BIG 3 & Holiday Safety Tips

Holiday Traveling – With the increase in traveling around the Holidays, please

remember all of these driving Safety Tips:

Buckle up and use child safety seats.

Increase your following distance.

Check behind your vehicle before backing up.

Leave an itinerary with a trusted individual.

Plan your trip to include rest stops.

Get plenty of rest before

driving.

At Holiday Parties, if you drink, don’t drive!

We have already had over 1,000 Georgia drivers

die in auto crashes in 2016.

BIG 3 – Backing, Rear End & Side Swipe Collisions – These 3 types of accidents account for

nearly 60% of the State Auto Liability claims. Whether driving for work or personal remember to back up

slowly, Leave a 4 second following distance and maintain a good lane position. Keeping your eyes up and moving, looking 15 – 20 seconds ahead will help you with all of these as well. Avoid distractions.

Christmas Trees – Carefully choose a tree that is not too dry – one without loose needles. Bend

needles to make sure they do not break. To preserve the tree’s freshness, cut a one- or two-inch diagonal slice off the bottom. Place the tree in a sturdy stand and check the water level daily. Keep the tree away from heat sources (vents, fireplace, etc.) to avoid drying. Don’t block entrances or exits. Place the tree outside soon after the holidays and recycle – do not burn it. At the end of the holidays, wash artificial trees or vacuum the ones with pre-hung lights and store in plastic bags.

Lights – Examine holiday lights for proper operation, damage and/or missing parts before hanging them.

Keep lights away from curtains and/or flammable materials. Make sure cords and plugs do not come in contact with water. Do not run cords under carpet, rugs, or behind furniture. Never connect more than three sets of lights to an extension cord. Unplug all lights when unattended. Decorations – Keep garlands and fragile glass ornaments out of the reach of small children. Check

older ornaments to ensure they are free of toxic materials such as lead paint.

Fireplaces & Other Fire Hazards – Always use a fire screen. Don’t burn trash in the fireplace. Don’t

wear loose clothing or synthetic materials prone to melting when tending a fire. Keep flue open until all embers have burned out. Dispose of ashes in a metal container. Make sure the fire is out before leaving it unattended. Keep lit candles away from curtains and out of reach of children. Never place lit candles on or near a Christmas tree. Check smoke detectors once a month.

Holiday Cooking – Keep hands and work areas clean and free of contaminants. Keep hot foods hot

and cool foods cool. Cook food thoroughly and store promptly to avoid food poisoning.

Safe Shopping – Avoid carrying large bulky packages that block your vision or may cause you to fall.

Use services offered by many stores such as an escort to your car or delivery to your office. Keep money

and/or credit cards separate from wallets or purses. Keep purses and/or wallets closed and close to your

body at all times. If possible, conceal them under your coat. Don’t leave purchased items in clear view.



November 2016


Topic of the Month…Hand Tool Safety

Each year, more 1,000,000 U.S. workers receive treatment in emergency departments for acute

hand injuries. The State of Georgia has its’ fair share with over 300 cuts last year. When we misuse hand tools, the result could be an injury to ourselves or people working

around us. Using a tool incorrectly can damage the tool or even cause the tool to fail. Here are some guidelines to follow for hand tool safety. Use the Right Tool for the Job Using the correct tool for the job is the first step in safe hand tool use. Tools are designed for specific needs. That’s why you’ll find screwdrivers with various lengths and tip styles and pliers with different head shapes. Using any tool inappropriately is a step in the wrong direction. To avoid personal injury and tool damage, select the proper tool to do the job well and safely. Quality professional hand tools will last many years if they are taken care of and treated with respect. Manufacturers design tools for specific applications. Check the Tool regularly for Wear and Tear If you use your screwdriver as a chisel or a pry bar, you can’t expect it to be in good shape when you actually need to drive a screw. Use tools only for their intended purpose. Always inspect tools before using them. If they are not in proper working condition-don’t use them. Take the time to get tools that aren't damaged. Never compromise your safety or the safety of those working around you by using damaged or improper tools. Keep your tools clean and in Good Condition. Dirt, grease, oil can cause a tool to slip. Always remove excess grease and oil left on the tool after a job. Carry tools in a tool box, belt or pouch to and from work location, not in your pocket. Never climb a ladder with tools in your hand. When using a tool belt or pouch, evenly distribute your tools to prevent lower back strain. Use PPE Always wear approved PPE when using hand tools. One study showed a 60% hand injury reduction by using gloves when using hand tools. Metal will fly when it is cut, so wear safety glasses to protect your eyes and to prevent serious injury. Other workers in the vicinity should also wear eye protection. Keep cutting tools sharp, lubricated, and in good repair. This applies to knives, bolt cutters, cable cutters, many types of pliers, and all other cutting tools. When cutting wire, bolts, and similar materials, cuts should be made at a 90-degree angle to the work to avoid chipping the edges of the knives. Pliers should not be wiggled or rocked as you attempt to cut material. This puts tremendous side pressure on the cutting surfaces and can result in the failure of the cutting knives Keep hands clear of moving parts. Always keep in mind a tool cuts the same whether it is cutting a rope, wire or your hand. Keep hands clear of moving parts and out of the path of travel for hand tools. Do not apply excessive force or pressure on tools. Always cut away from yourself. Your safety comes first. Take the time to use the right tool that is in proper condition for the job. No shortcuts!

Remember if you have a Hazard + Exposure – Control = Injury. Thanks for your time. Let’s work together to make Georgia a safer place to work.


December 2016


doas loss control bulletin · 2017-01-19 · doas risk management services division loss control...

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