June Safety Tips The Importance of Ergonomics Back

June Safety Tips • The Importance of Ergonomics & Back Injury Prevention • • Defensive Driving in Summer Seasonal HEAT Precautions Why ‘Compliance’ is not enough to protect you. Hand Safety Around Machines

HOT Now? Just Wait!!! Buy bulk quantity of bottled water Ice coolers, ice makers – figure out how to keep cool, fresh water readily on hand. Squincher & Gator-ade are good supplements for electrolyte replacement. We also eat a lot of salt in preserved foods Watch your hydration level. If it drops, you will get cramps in legs; that’s a warning to drink more water Use fans to move air around. AC will dehydrate, wear a shirt with sleeves in a cab or other AC environment.

Summer HOT Safety Tips Avoid Direct Sun Exposure Options to stay cooler include: Use an umbrella or awning or other shade Wear a wide brim hard hat to deflect direct sun Use cooling bandana around neck – removes a lot of heat Install misting nozzles – these are surprisingly effective Plan your work whenever possible for cooler time of day Night work - Special issues apply – we trade one set of issues for another with night work, but it’s an option Take more frequent rest breaks In high heat, don’t push yourself or the crew

Ergonomics & Why Your Back is Sore Force, Repetition, POSTURE are the main elements for good ergonomics. Posture is the most important. Sitting, standing, sleeping, etc. Knees higher than the hips when seated (i. e. driving) Avoid long periods of static posture- keep moving, esp. when seated. ‘Fidget’ is good! Manual Materials Handling: Bend & lift – First, try to lighten the load, then try to raise it before lifting it using simple leverage. Align your back, bend knees, keep load close, lift slowly, avoid twisting when lifting Use a hand truck whenever possible

Defensive Driving in Summer Burn your headlights!!! Summer = Increase in Distracted Driving Summer = Increase in random, discretionary driving Law enforcement presence increases on major Holidays Speed is just ONE of several hazards associated with driving Time of Day – Day of Week – Geography – Road & Route Maintain a Safe FOLLOWING DISTANCE. This is your best protection. Remember- truck tires can EXPLODE in high heat. Use the 5 Keys – look well ahead, keep your eyes moving, get the big picture, make sure they see YOU, ALWAYS leave yourself an ‘OUT’

Machine Operator Safety Tips* * As in – the TIPS OF YOUR FINGERS! The EMT’s call them ‘avulsion lacerations’ They’re pretty darned ugly and hard to repair Hand injuries are common and 100% preventable Avoid using your hand if possible- use a TOOL to do the poking Make sure all pinch-points are protected, guarded or MARKED! Use warning decals or high viz marking paint ALWAYS wear gloves when handling mechanical linkages, tailgates, panels, hinged assemblies, etc. THINK! LOOK!!

“I Did What They Said to Do…” …”And I still got hurt” - What’s wrong with that picture? ? ‘Compliance’ with OSHA safety regulations is the absolute MINIMUM acceptable Are YOU comfortable with “minimum” safety protection? There are multiple levels of safety achievement in any system or organization. Which level are you on? Are you comfortable there?