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Odds are if you work in an office your risk is fairly low when it comes to injury. However, many of our business clients have to go outside and work with heavy equipment to earn their keep. Study after study show that the most serious of injuries usually have one factor in common; lack of information. Information is the one tool you should never leave behind.

Don't be this guy!

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For instance in 2009 of 724 workers interviewed that were injured using scaffolding, a whopping 27 percent said they received no information or training on safety requirements or regulations for the kind of scaffold on which they were hurt.

Of nearly 868 head injury claimants interviewed an astonishing 71 percent said they had no instruction concerning the use of hard hats. One of the most basic pieces of safety gear available.  Another 554 workers were injured while servicing equipment due to a lack of lockout procedures.

Danger!

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When these type of injuries happen they cost everyone. The employee in time and lost compensation, the employer in time, billable hours and insurance ratings, usually resulting in higher premiums. The vast majority of accidents are completely avoidable with the proper training and workplace attitude.

Here’s a sample of what you can do.

Workers

• Make sure you have a complete understanding of all safety measures before starting. If you are unsure, ask again!
• Use what you are taught every time.
• Make sure any safety equipment is properly maintained. Change respirator filters frequently and check hard hats for cracks or bad straps.
• Look for and follow any safety labeling or warnings on chemicals or equipment.
• Ask your employer about emergency procedures for fire, or chemical spill if applicable.
• Never operate a piece of heavy equipment you are not familiar with.

Employers

• Use safety training! Contact OSHA for help. They do more then enforcement, they are a great asset.
• Develop safety plans that include fire extinguisher training, first aid and other emergency training.
• Require new employees to review and acknowledge all safety procedures before job assignment.

This is only a sampling of how we can help your business save money by providing you with not only the proper insurance, but the proper resources to make your work place the best for your employees and your bottom line!

Team ATD is always open for business!

The high cost of home heating and the current recession have led many Americans to search for alternate sources of home heating. Many of these sources of heating may be acceptable if appropriate safeguards are used. However, be aware these supplemental heating devices are responsible for thousands of home fires each year.

Wood Stoves: Wood stoves cause more than 4,000 residential fires each year. Carefully follow the manufacturer’s installation and maintenance instructions. Look for solid construction, such as plate steel or cast iron metal. Check for cracks and inspect legs, hinges and door seals for smooth joints and seams. Use only seasoned wood for fuel, not green wood, artificial logs or trash. Inspect and clean your pipes and chimneys annually and check monthly for damage or obstructions. Cleaning more often may be necessary. Be sure to keep combustible objects at least three feet away from your wood stove.

Electric Space Heaters: Buy only heaters with the Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) safety listing. Check to make sure it has a thermostat control mechanism, and will switch off automatically if the heater falls over. Space heaters need space; keep combustibles at least three feet away from the heater. Always unplug your electric space heater when not in use.

Kerosene Heaters: Buy only UL-approved heaters and check with your local fire department on the legality of kerosene heater use in your community. Never fill your heater with gasoline or camp stove fuel; both flare up easily. Only use crystal clear K-1 kerosene. Never overfill any portable heater and never fuel the heater when it is hot. Use the kerosene heater in a well-ventilated room. Kerosene heaters pose perhaps the worst exposure, largely due to improper use and the fact they contain a highly flammable liquid – not to mention potentially dangerous fumes.

Fireplaces: Fireplaces and wood stoves regularly build up creosote in their chimneys. They need to be cleaned frequently and chimneys should be inspected for obstructions and cracks to prevent deadly chimney and roof fires. Check to make sure the damper is open before starting any fire. Never burn trash, paper of green wood in you fireplace. These materials cause heavy creosote buildup and are difficult to control. Use a screen heavy enough to stop rolling logs, and big enough to cover the entire opening of the fireplace to catch flying sparks. Do not wear loose-fitting clothes near any open flame. Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving the house or going to bed. Store cooled ashes in a tightly sealed metal container outside the home.

Finally, having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire. Always remember to practice a home escape plan frequently with your family.