If you stop to think about it, how many hand tools do you have around your house?  Most houses have hammers, flashlights, pliers, screwdrivers, knives, scissors, shovels, hoes, staplers, and wrenches.  Tools are such a common part of our lives that it is hard to remember that they could pose hazards.  The tools are designed with safety in mind, but tragically, a serious accident often occurs before steps are taken to search out and avoid or eliminate tool-related hazards. 

In the workplace, to remove or avoid hazards, workers must learn to recognize hazards associated with different types of tools and the safety precautions necessary to prevent those hazards.   Hand tools are non-powered.  This includes everything from axes to wrenches.  Misuse and improper maintenance are two of the greatest hazards posed by hand tools.  The employer is responsible for the safe condition of tools and equipment used by employees – however, the employees are responsible for properly using and maintaining tools. 

Hand tools are indispensable helpmates.  They have played a vital role in helping in endless tasks like cutting, drilling, chopping, slicing, stripping, striking, punching, gripping, etc.  They have a very important place not only in daily routine work and home repairs but also in various industries, farm shops, vehicles, machinery or facility repair.  If they are not used with care and maintained properly, they can lead to serious injuries, such as: loss of eye; puncture wounds, contusions, severed fingers, and broken bones. 

Here are tips for hand tools safety:

• Always choose the right tool for the right job: for example, don’t use a knife as a saw or a wrench as a hammer or screwdriver as a chisel, etc.
• Use the right size tool – forcing a small hand tool to do the job of a large one may result in tool damage or injury.
• Proper training: users should know how to use the tool correctly.  One example: a wood chisel should be driven outward and away from the body.
• Wear the right protection for the job.  Protective clothing such as eyewear, goggles, facemasks, coveralls, and appropriate shoes should be chosen for the particular job.  Gloves can sometimes be bulky and make gripping difficult, so if there is a need for gloves, choose ones that furnish a good grip.
• Keep cutting tools sharp and in good condition.  Dull tools are considered to be more hazardous than sharp ones.  The tools and work area should always be kept clean.  Dirty, oily and greasy tools should be cleaned after use.
• Inspect tools before using.  Don’t use tools that are loose or cracked.
• Tools with “mushroomed heads” during use should be sharpened regularly.
• Sharp-edged and pointed tools should be handled with care.
• Store tools and materials vertically, with points and heavy end down.
• Don’t force screws; make sure that the correct screw for the job is being used.
• All small work and short work should be secured with a vise or clamp.
• Never use a screwdriver to check if electrical circuits are hot. (Ouch!)
• Never use a carpenter’s hammer instead of a machinist’s hammer.
• Never strike a hardened steel surface using a steel hammer, because a small piece of steel may break off and injure someone.
• Do not use pliers in place of a wrench.
• Razor blades, saw blades, knife blades should be disposed of in a puncture-resistant sharps container.
• Never use wrenches if their jaws are sprung or loose. 

We hope those who use these types of tools in their line of work will take every precaution to work safely.  I, for one, have decided I will let my husband do all the little carpentry work that I thought I could do.  I’ve even stuck myself when chopping ice with an ice pick, so I can only imagine what damage I could do with a saw or wrench!  That’s not to say there aren’t lots of women out there that can compete with the men!  (There’s all sorts of P.P.E. sized for the ladies.  Click on womens gloves to view several items sized especially for the girls).  When you reach for that wrench, knife, shears, bolt cutters, or whatever, use with caution! 

P.S. As stated on our home page, if you need any safety products, go to www.tasco-safety.com, and be sure to mention “safety blog 5% discount offer.”

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If your feet hurt, it seems that you hurt all over!  I wonder just how many women have spent years of their working lives in high heels, thinking more about the fashion statement they are making than the toll that their feet are taking?  Many times working men and women suffer injuries to their feet, which can result in time lost, and possible surgery to repair whatever damage has been done. 

OSHA dictates that as in all personal protective equipment, (PPE), companies should choose the appropriate footwear for the hazards of the particular job the employee does.  The standard from OSHA (29 CFR 1910.136) requires protection “where there is danger of foot injuries due to falling or rolling objects, or objects piercing the sole and where..exposed to electrical hazards.”  There are also hazards such as impact when heavy materials are being handled, compression protection for work involving manual material handling carts, bulk rolls, and heavy pipe, and puncture protection from sharp objects, such as nails, screws, tacks, and scrap metal.  

Here are a few problems where the feet are at risk:

• Chemical hazards; boots and shoes made of rubber, PVC or neoprene are needed.
• Heavy objects – steel toes are to protect against falling objects, which cause about 60 per cent of all foot injuries.  If there are electrical hazards, a fiberglass toe should replace the typical steel toe.
• Slips and falls – shoes with good traction are needed. 

There are at least two distinct areas of foot protection that are mentioned in the realm of safety shoe covers.  In industrial and construction situations, OSHA and ANSI are concerned with safeguarding the “impact and compression” of the foot.  Medical, industrial, and laboratory environments are the other areas of foot protection issues.  Shoe covers for medical personnel can protect from spatters, liquid, and chemicals that could pose a danger.  Also, using shoe or boot covers protects others from receiving contaminants from you.  Those that are involved in “clean” manufacturing conditions, such as computer chips, digital medical equipment, precise engineering instruments, etc., must be careful to not transfer contaminants to sensitive objects.  Clean rooms must remain as germ and contaminant free as surgical environments; therefore, shoe covers are an important component. 

Even those involved in sports, such as cycling, can use shoe covers.  While your back, arms, and legs are stressed during high level cycling, nothing takes a worse pounding than your feet.  There are products that offer a line of covers and booties to protect shoes from road abuse from rocks, mud, and other hazards. 

One last “footnote”:  I recently read an article in the AARP Bulletin, written by Candy Sagon, regarding assisting people with dementia or Alzheimer’s who could possibly wander off from caregivers or nursing facilities: a locator shoe with a built-in Global Positioning System device now makes it easier to tract down its wearers.  Manufactured by GTX Corporation, the shoes look like a typical walking shoe but have a miniature GPS unit implanted in the heel.  The cost of the shoes is around $300.  The shoe works by allowing caregivers or family members to set up a perimeter, called a “geo-fence,” allowing wearers to move freely around a specific area.  When they stray beyond the perimeter, a Goggle Maps message pops up on a computer or phone to alert caregivers.  What a great investment to help with the task of keeping these patients safe. 

Regardless of the reason that your company has safety footwear to keep you safe, be sure you wear it every time you are on the job.  Those responsible for choosing footwear or any other type of PPE should select comfortable, and proper fitting protective clothing, head to toe.  There may not be a magic formula for the feet, but there are steps that can be followed to be sure feet are protected.

Source: OSHA, AARP Bulletin

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The appropriate use of personal protective equipment is mandated by OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standards.  This requires employers to provide proper personal protective equipment and clothing free of charge to employees.  Employees with occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens must receive extensive training. 

Those who work in the field of healthcare, i.e., medical, dental, nursing homes, EMS, and others such as law enforcement, are trained to take Universal Precaution: the approach to infection control with regard to human blood and potentially infectious materials as if they were known to be infectious.  About 8,700 health care workers each year are infected with HBV, and 200 die from the infection.  It is estimated that 5.6 million workers in the health care industry are at risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, such as:

• Hepatitis B, which is more transmittable than HIV; affects liver.
• HIV; Human Immunodeficiency Virus;
• Hepatitis C.  This is the most common chronic bloodborne infection in the United States, most often caused by needlestick injuries.  If not treated properly, it can lead to active liver disease.

Gloves, masks, gowns, lab coats, face shields, goggles, and glasses with sideshields should be utilized as needed, as they drastically reduce health risks to workers.  Other types of PPE that may be required are shoe covers, surgical caps and hoods.  This gear should be readily accessible to employees, and available in appropriate sizes.  The PPE must be removed by the employee before leaving the work area or if the PPE becomes contaminated.  The employer is responsible to clean or launder clothing and equipment, and repair or replace it as necessary.  Hand washing facilities should also be available to employees, and designated areas should be assigned for washing, storage or discarding of PPE. 

Should an employee’s skin or mucous membranes come into contact with blood, he or she is to wash with soap and water and flush eyes with water as soon as possible.  In addition, workers must wash their hands immediately after removing protective equipment.  If soap and water are not available immediately, employers may provide other hand washing measures such as moist towelettes.  Employees still must wash with soap and water as soon as possible.  They must refrain from eating, drinking, applying cosmetics or lip balm, and handling contact lenses in areas where they may be exposed to blood or potentially infectious materials. 

Employers must have Exposure Control Plans and provide post-exposure prophylaxis and follow-up treatment of workers’ exposure incidents. 

Source: OSHA

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In the United States and the rest of the northern hemisphere, the first day of the winter season is the day of the year when the Sun is farthest south (on December 21^st or 22^nd). This day is known as the Winter Solstice.  According to the calendars that I have seen, today, December 22^nd is the First Day of Winter, the shortest day of the year.  The length of time elapsed between sunrise and sunset on this day is a minimum for the year. In the United States, there are only about 9½ hours of daylight on this day.  A common misconception is that the earth is further from the sun in winter than in summer.  Actually, the Earth is closest to the sun in December, which is winter in the Northern hemisphere.

Here is an explanation of winter weather terminology from the American Red Cross:

Winter Storm Outlook
Winter storm conditions are possible in the next 2 to 5 days.

Winter Weather Advisory
Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. When caution is used, these situations should not be life threatening.

Winter Storm Watch
Winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours. People in a watch area should review their winter storm plans and stay informed about weather conditions.

Winter Storm Warning
Life­threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours. People in a warning area should take precautions immediately.

Dress appropriately for the conditions outside; if the temperatures are extremely low, hypothermia can occur.    Those who are required to work in outdoor conditions should be trained about cold-induced illnesses and injuries.  Clothing should be layered to adjust to changing temperatures.  It is important to wear clothing that will keep water away from the skin.  Wearing the right gloves to keep hands warm, and additional protection, such as winterliners are a must for those who are exposed to the elements.

Some suggestions from OSHA includes that workers should be allowed to take frequent short breaks in warm dry shelters to let the body warm up.  Energy is needed in order to keep muscles warm, so avoid exhaustion or fatigue.  Drinks with caffeine should be avoided, but instead drink warm, sweet beverages, (sugar water or sports-type drinks).  If workers have predisposing health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes or hypertension,  they are at increased risk.  Also, older workers or those that are in poor physical condition also may be at risk.

What can happen to the body, and ways to help:

Frostbite – This results in deep layers of skin and tissue; pale, waxy-white skin color; skin becomes hard and numb; usually affecting the fingers, hands, toes, feet, ears, and nose.  If this occurs, the person should be moved to a warm, dry area and not left alone.  Do not rub the affected area, because that can cause damage to the skin and tissue.Seek medical attention as soon as possible.  To properly treat frostbite, warm the skin slowly, by placing the affected area in a warm (105 degree water bath), which usually takes 25-40 minutes.  Warming too fast can cause tissue damage.

Hypothermia – Normal body temperature drops to or below 95 degrees; fatigue or drowsiness; uncontrolled shivering; cool bluish skin, slurred speech; clumsy movements; irritable, irrational or confused behavior.  If they become drowsy or confused, wrap them in warm blankets and keep them awake.  Call for emergency help, as this is a very serious condition.  Treatment is about the same as for frostbite; however, do not rub the person’s body or place them in a warm water bath, as it could stop their heart.

Regardless of the reason to be outdoors this winter, whether working, shoveling snow, skiing, or bobsledding, be prepared by wearing the right apparel.  We hope this will be a safe winter for everyone.  Pay attention to weather advisories before driving.  Allow extra time to arrive safely at your destination.

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We’re betting that there are quite a few of “Do It Yourself’ers,” “Weekend Warriors,” or others who are hoping that Santa brings them some power tools this year.  You may be someone who wants to try a new hobby or save money by repairing broken things around the house without calling a professional.  We want to share ten things that you should pay attention to in order to possibly avoid an emergency room visit. 

1. Know what you are doing, or don’t do it!  Practice makes perfect.  Even if you know what you are doing, taking a class ahead of time could pay big dividends.  Power tools are hazardous when improperly used.  You should be trained in using all tools, not just power tools.  Know the potential hazards as well as the safety precautions to prevent the hazards from happening.

      2.  Plan ahead.  Visualize the project and think of anything that might be dangerous about it.  For example, if you’re going to cut something, practice saw safety.  Experts will tell you to ask questions and fine-tune your level of concentration when using power tools, and choose your projects based on knowledge, time, cost, and risk.  Tools are not your friends.  You must get to know how to use them, put the blades in correctly, clean and care for them and operate them correctly.  Otherwise, they can stick, stab, cut, or kill you.

      3.  Dress for success.  If you wear the proper safety gear for the intended project, you can decrease the risk for injury.  Cover up.  These should be included in your safety gear:

• Safety glasses – They come in all shapes and sizes, including sun protection, and keep mists, paints, and dust out of your eyes.
• Earplugs and muffs – These protect you from hearing loss.
• Respirators – When using toxic or caustic chemicals or cutting fluids, a respirator will reduce the risk of injury or death from airborne hazards.
• Kneepads – If you are kneeling on hard surfaces, you can’t do without these!
• Gloves and shoes – Cover your hands and feet to decrease injury due to everything from chemical exposure to sharp objects.
• Coveralls – Coveralls keep clothing from getting caught in machines and are flame-retardant.  If you spill something on your clothing, you are going to take it into your home and car.  Cotton and denim are good choices if you do not have coveralls. 

       4.  Never wear loose clothing or jewelry that can get caught in the tool.

        5.  Know about electricity.  Use an electrical tester to ensure that your power is off at the circuit for minor repairs.  Unless you are an electrician or an electrical engineer, you shouldn’t try to do electrical wiring.

       6.  Have your “work space” neat and clean.  It’s the same as for those who work in manufacturing:  clutter and debris can cause slips, trips, falls, and falling objects.  Floors should be kept as clean and dry as possible to prevent accidental falls around dangerous hand and power tools.

       7.  Keep family and observers at a safe distance while you are working.

       8.  Tools should be maintained with care – kept sharp and clean in order to perform well.  Follow instructions in the users manual for lubricating and changing accessories.

      9.  If portable electric tools are damaged, they should not be used until repaired.

     10.  Be sure to keep good footing and maintain good balance. 

We hope these tips will come in handy when you open those tools Santa left.  Use them with care, and you will be surprised at all the things you can do.  Just read the instructions first and exercise caution.  Safety counts!

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Most successful companies understand that the best way to meet compliance standards in regard to employees wearing their personal protective equipment is to furnish them some really “cool” products.  Products such as gloves, safety glasses, and hardhats that keep them safe while bringing out their personalities at the same time! 

We recently received the following note, which sets the example:   “I received the hardhat yesterday and I love it. It’s been the talk of the town here for the past two days in my motor pool in Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan. My 1stSgt, Co Gunny, and my CO all think it’s the coolest thing since sliced bread. It has not only provided my cranium protection, it’s given a sizable morale boost too to the Marines I work with. I wish to thank you one last time for ensuring its delivery here. I’d also like to thank your company for making the ordering process so easy and the site easy to navigate. Take care.”  (Goodness knows -  if anyone could use a lift, it’s our service personnel.) 

Many workers complain that their P.P.E. just doesn’t fit or look right.  Now, women’s products come in smaller sizes, from safety glasses to gloves and hardhats made just for them, some even in pink!  There are coveralls and other protective outerwear that is not just “one size fits all.”  Because people come in all sizes, companies should have their safety leaders include part of the workforce to make the decisions in the products they select.  It is unsafe for workers to have to perform their jobs in clothing that doesn’t fit.  Loose gloves and clothing can become caught in moving equipment. 

If companies allow their employees to wear, for example, say, hardhats that have sports team logos on them, it lets workers show support for their team, which in turn, might cause a little competition, along with a winning spirit.  We hope this encourages others to be aware that all safety glasses are not “Plain Janes.”  There are so many cool styles of glasses that surpass those found in optical stores, because not only do they look good, but furnish UV safety, as well as protect the eyes from foreign objects.  The look of safety equipment depends on the materials it is made from.  Therefore, many types of gloves and goggles or glasses are designed for protection and not style.  Whether they are industrial grade or medical grade gloves or outer clothing, chemists, medical personnel, food handling workers, and others who are engaged in types of work that require these special protective barriers are happy to wear them, knowing they are protected.  

The main concern toward keeping employees safe is to ensure they are compliant with safety rules.  PPE is the last line of defense when it comes to protection.  However, it won’t protect them if they don’t wear it!  The employee is responsible to know how to use this PPE for the particular purpose it was designed.  It is the responsibility of the company’s safety leader to ensure that they are trained and understand how to take care of their PPE, knowing when it is damaged and how it can be repaired if possible, or replaced when necessary.  It can be much more fun when workers to get to wear some type of PPE that puts a smile on everyone’s face.   

We thank our Marine for the kind words regarding the hardhat he ordered.  It is our hope that he and his buddies remain safe and return home soon!

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Many employees are not trained properly in the use, care and maintenance of personal protective equipment (PPE).  Companies are required to furnish the type of PPE that is based on the potential hazards of each particular job.  Many workers are required to wear several types of PPE at the same time, such as construction workers, who must wear protective footwear, gloves, safety glasses, and hardhats.   Research has found that some workers have a rather cavalier attitude toward protective clothing, but that little was being done in terms of training or education to correct this situation.  During this research, some health and safety managers interviewed admitted to a lack of knowledge about different PPE product specifications and which clothing is the most suitable for their workplace. 

Anyone who must wear PPE will tell you that the choices made for their particular needs should fit well and be comfortable.  Some say that the PPE hinders their ability to do their job.  They explain that they would prefer to have clothing that is stylish and functional.  If the safety advisors include the workers in the choices they make, whether it is to protect from fire to freezing cold temperatures, working in areas with poor visibility, or handling of hazardous materials, chances are the results will be a more respectful attitude toward compliance. 

Safety officials of companies may confer with various suppliers and manufacturers to work out which types of clothing and particular products will be most suitable.  Products must meet the standards that are set by OSHA, ANSI, or other countries’ minimum health and safety requirements.  For workers who must wear more than one type of protective clothing, the different types of work wear must be compatible.  Many factors must be considered, such as, will the clothing get tangled up in equipment, (i.e., gloves that are too large), or does it increase slips and falls (wrong foot protection)?  

Safety glasses that are offered now are stylish; some of them look better and cost less than those purchased at an optical shop.  (And safer, too!)  All types are offered – from goggles to those with UV protection, wrap-around, over-the-glasses, to readers.  If companies don’t require a company logo on their hardhats, team hard hats or patriotic ones improve worker morale and compliance, by allowing them to show their support for their favorite team, be it NHL, NCAA, NFL, NBA, NASCAR, or MLB.  There are work gloves especially designed for women’s smaller hands, and they even come in “cool pink!”  Many jobs require PPE that is not as flashy as other types, but the main thing is that they fit the bill for the task at hand. 

Training employees on the correct use of their PPE, how to wear it, and care for it, and know when to replace it, is one of the most important ways a company can protect their employees.  It may not take a rocket scientist to figure some of it out, but when there’s doubt about PPE, there should be someone who can explain why they are required to wear it and how important it is to be worn during the entire work period.

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Every year, OSHA cites a handful of companies for violations of its foot protection standard, but about 200,000 workers experience toe or foot injuries annually, as reported by the National Safety Council.  OSHA’s personal protective equipment (PPE) standard dealing with footwear (29 CFR 1910.136) requires protection “where there is danger of foot injuries due to falling or rolling objects, or objects piercing the sole and where exposed to electrical hazards.”  Part of the problem is that employers and employees may not know how to select the proper foot protection. 

Employers should go beyond OSHA’s sketchy guidelines, according to Michael Ziskin, a consultant who specializes in PPE in industry and on hazardous waste sites.  Ziskin, Chairman of the American Industrial Hygiene Association’s Protective Clothing and Equipment Committee, states, “The more you know about the limitations of the products, the less you know about how they will perform in specific work situations.”  It’s up to employers to determine how the products will be used and how effective they will be for the tasks.  Foot-related risks can include everything from chemical hazards and heavy objects to slippery or uneven surfaces that can cause slips and falls. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 329,000 lost workdays from slips and falls in 1994.  This proved the need for shoes that provide good traction.  When working in the healthcare or chemical industries, boots and shoes made of rubber, PVC, or neoprene (depending on the chemical) are needed.  Needless to say, if you’ve been in a hospital, you see all types of workers – doctors, nurses, lab techs, etc. wearing those funny looking shoe covers.  They protect everyone – you, the patients, the surroundings, and objects that may be touched.  Medical personnel are also able to protect themselves against splatters, liquids, and chemicals that may be dangerous.   

In industrial settings, steel-toed boots are a must.  They protect the foot from impact and compression injuries; sixty per cent of all foot injuries are caused by falling objects.  If there are electrical hazards, a fiberglass toe should replace a typical steel toe.  Plastic shoe covers protect the shoes in dirty work environments. 

Having a successful foot protection program depends on the employer doing their homework on assessing all of the hazards involved in the workplace, and using engineering controls, work practices, and providing the proper safety footwear.  Workers should also be trained to mark spills until they can be cleaned up.  They should ensure that the footwear is comfortable; otherwise, it might not be worn.  Take the “right steps” to see that everyone walks away from the job safely at the end of the day!

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Today’s article was sent to us by Guest Author, Rachel Jones of mesotheliomasymptoms.com.  She had expressed an interest in sharing ways of protection for contractors who work around asbestos . 

On September 26, the eighth annual Mesothelioma Awareness Day will take place in the United States. Congress has set aside this time to help raise both awareness and funding related to this deadly cancer that still affects up to 3,000 new patients a year. With direct linking to asbestos exposure, the tie between this cancer and safety gear is crucial, especially with those involved in the asbestos abatement process.

There is an extensive amount of protective gear that is required to keep workers and abatement professionals safe from the dangers of asbestos exposure. Some of the common examples of protective gear aren’t nearly as capable of preventing these dangerous levels of exposure from occurring. For example, a common safety mask made out of paper is unable to protect from the inhalation of these fibers.

Mesothelioma is a cancer in which the lining (mesothelium) of the lungs, abdomen and heart can become compromised by asbestos. Because the lungs are highly susceptible to being affected by asbestos fibers, a respirator is probably the single most important type of protective gear to abatement contractors.  Dual cartridge respirators which serve to cover half of the face are the most common type used. It’s also greatly imperative that they include HEPA filters with a NIOSH rating of N100, P100, or R100. This means that the filters are small enough to prevent asbestos fibers from being inhaled. Just as is the case with any necessary respirator use, the fit of the gear is crucial, as an ill-fitting mask would be unable to prevent from all leaks.

Along with the importance of respirators, there is a great need to protect both the skin and eyes when contact with asbestos is taking place. Just as is the case with most construction projects, safety goggles or other protective eyewear is highly recommended. Protecting the skin is a much more complicated process, however.

Some states vary on the advised protective and safety gear from a clothing standpoint, while most recommend that disposable coveralls and gloves are the best option. A few states even suggest wearing multiple sets of coveralls. In any case, the protective clothing worn during the process of asbestos abatement must always be disposed in a sealed asbestos waste bag.

This great amount of safety and protection is a major necessity. While many remain uninformed and unaware of the dangers of this cancer, it has posed a threat to industrial workers and others for decades. Even though the use of asbestos as a common material has largely decreased in the last few decades, the long latency period of mesothelioma will ensure its affect on people for years to come.

This latency period involves a large gap (often decades long) between an original exposure to asbestos and the onset of symptoms. With extremely long gaps between exposure and the arrival of symptoms, mesothelioma life expectancy is on average, very low (between four and 18 months after a diagnosis).

With the dangers of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma set to have a major affect into the future, the importance of proper safety gear and awareness of this disease go hand in hand. Just as staying informed on the dangers of asbestos exposure can help future patients, proper safety gear will allow contractors to keep safe in the process of having asbestos removed.

Thank you, Rachel, for this very informative article.  Hopefully, those who are working around buildings containing asbestos will take all the necessary precautions to stay protected and healthy.  You can find more interesting articles about mesothelioma at the website: www.mesotheliomasymptoms.com.

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Yesterday, we offered some advice to those applying for jobs, and ideas for new hires.  Our main focus was to help them question what the company expects of them and if there are hazards associated with their job duties.  We’ve all had to start with a  first job, and it is overwhelming to learn each facet of the things you will be doing, and getting to know all of your coworkers.  The most important part of getting off on the right foot is to know when and how to talk to your boss.  This may not only include the top executive of the company, but your supervisor as well. 

Let’s begin with when to talk to your boss……..

• You feel that you need someone to watch you do the job and make sure you are doing it right.
• You know there is a hazard.
• You need more training and information.
• You feel there is something in the work that could endanger you or a coworker.
• You have an idea on how to make the work safer.
• There is any type of question about your job.
• Anytime you feel there has been a change to a term or condition of your working arrangement. 
• Wait until he or she is not in a bad mood!

How to talk to your boss…………

• Be polite and respectful.
• Write down your concerns so your boss may review it later. 
• Don’t blame individuals.
• Avoid confrontational words and behavior.
• Keep a positive attitude and speak out of concern for your safety and others.
• Watch your body language.
• Make a suggestion to solve the problem if you can.
• State your issue or what you would like, clearly and concisely.
• Be positive about both your job and the future of the company. 

When asked about the things that most executives and supervisors appreciate about their employees, they answered:  those with positive attitudes, that are ready to help coworkers, are prepared by anticipating things that will need to be done in order to successfully complete the project, and have the initiative to do things without being told.  A smart worker knows how to save the company time and money.  A hard worker may stay up all night to complete a project; a smart worker finds a way to do it in half the time, or delegates the assignment in order to finish successfully.  It takes hard workers and smart workers, (many are both), to make a company productive. 

If you feel that you have been informed of the hazards or risks associated with the job duties you will be performing, remember that you should be equipped with the proper personal protective equipment, PPE, and that it fits and protects you.  If it doesn’t fit, let your supervisor know.  It won’t protect you if you don’t wear it, whether it’s safety glasses, gloves, coveralls, or a hardhat.  Follow the safety rules and policies and procedures that your company has posted.  Get the right training and work safely. 

If you asked questions about health or safety concerns, or if you don’t have the health and safety training you need, tell your supervisor immediately.  If he or she cannot or does not solve the problem, it is alright to say “no” to unsafe work.  You have the right to refuse work that you think is unsafe; this is the law.  Until the issue is resolved, you will be kept from the unsafe work.  A process that has been set out in Occupational Safety and Health Act will be followed.  This is fully explained on the OSHA website in the U.S., or in Canada, you can contact your Ministry of Labour. 

Sources: WorkSmart Ontario, OSHA

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