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OSHA Training: What's the Difference Between OSHA-10 & OSHA-30?

Posted by Joshua Fleishman on Mon, Aug 11, 2014 @ 10:30 AM

In 1971, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) created an Outreach Training Program as a voluntary program with a purpose to promote workplace safety and health, as well as help workers become more knowledgeable about workplace hazards and their rights. Over the years OSHA has done well to expand the reach of the program and with this growth has increased training availability with their train-the-trainer format. In fact according to OSHA, between FY 2008 and FY 2013, more than 3.6 million workers were trained in job hazard recognition and avoidance through the program.

OSHA offers Outreach Training Programs for 4 industries: Construction, General Industry, Maritime, and Disaster Site work. For the sake of this article, we will be covering the construction and general industries. Although their class formats and even a few topics are similar, generally they cover a different set of topics and the atmosphere and scope is much different and taking one over the other can be unnecessary and a waste of time and money, depending on the industry you work in.

Why were these implemented?

The OSHA Outreach Training Program provides training on the recognition, avoidance, abatement, and prevention of workplace hazards. Outreach classes also provide overview information regarding OSHA, including workers’ rights, employer responsibilities, and how to file a complaint.

Importance of safety training, osha 30 class, fire extinguisher serviceWhy take one over another?

The 10 hour courses are designed and intended for entry or lower level workers, due to the nature of the material covered. It is a more simplistic approach and covers a smaller scope. The 30 hour courses are designed and intended for higher level workers, those with some safety responsibility, due to the larger scope and more topics included in the 30 hour course. Although it should be noted, that any worker would benefit from either 10 hour or 30 hour courses; however as stated earlier, a worker in the construction industry would not get a proper representation of their industry in the general industry course and vice versa.

What is the difference between the two?

As per OSHA.gov’s website: “The 10 hour course provides basic awareness training on the recognition, avoidance, abatement, and prevention of workplace hazards. The course also provides information regarding workers' rights, employer responsibilities, and filing a complaint.

The 30 hour course provides a greater depth and variety of training on an expanded list of topics associated with workplace hazards in each industry. OSHA provides authorized trainers procedures for each industry program on the topic outlines for each industry.”

The neat thing about these programs is that they are customizable to a company’s own wants and needs. For example, the 10 hour General Industry course covers the following mandatory topics:

  • Introduction to OSHA
  • Walking/Working Surfaces
  • Exit Routes, Emergency Action Plans, Fire Prevention and Protection Plans
  • Electrical Hazards
  • Personal Protective Equipment
  • Hazard Communication

With the following example topics being selective or optional and can be selected to best tailor to a specific company based on want/need:

  • Hazardous Material Flammable/Combustible
  • Machine Guarding
  • Confined Space Entry Awareness
  • Lock Out/Tag Out

The list becomes even longer when you look at a 30 hour OSHA course. It is a more detailedImportance of safety training, osha 30 class, hazard communication training version of the previous topics and also includes Materials Handling in the mandatory topics, but adds 6 or so additional topics to be covered. The construction industry courses include even more additional topics for individual selection. The mandatory topics are different as well, tailored to include more construction specific topics, the most important difference is that of “Focus Four Hazards” which include: Fall Protection, Electrical, Struck By, and Caught in/Between.

Can anyone take either class?

These courses are not designed to be exclusive to an age group. Everyone, of all ages, can benefit from OSHA courses. Especially the general industry as it covers a good number of general topics (as the name would imply) that can be used in any setting, even an office workplace or at home.

And again, you should be certain to verify which course (General Industry or Construction Industry) is a best fit for you when registering. At STS, we are happy to answer anyone's questions regarding this difference, as it important to attend the correct one for your industry. Find out more by contacting us! 

Interested in OSHA Training  in around Chicago? Click Here!

Importance of safety training, osha 30 class, office safetyAre these classes required?

Short answer, no. They are a recommendation from OSHA as an orientation to occupational safety and health for workers. However, some states have enacted laws that mandate the training. Also, certain employers or organizations may require this training.

What are the benefits to me?

With the courses not being mandatory for all, what is the reason you should take these courses? Well, in a perfect world, one would hope you’d want to take these courses simply to establish a good safety values and attitude at your workplace. But the reality is often times not so. So below you will find a few valuable reasons to engage yourself or your staff into OSHA compliance safety training.

  • It promotes good safety culture through peer training
  • Training is intended to be participatory, using hands-on activities
  • Trainers are able to tailor the training topics based on specific needs of their audience
  • Outreach training content includes hazard recognition and avoidance, workers’ rights, employer responsibilities, and hot to file a complaint; it emphasizes the value of safety and health to workers, including young workers
  • Outreach training is available in languages other than English (Spanish, Polish, etc.)
 
With the mindset you now have that OSHA outreach training is valuable training for any individual looking to stay safe in their workplace and promote a good safety culture, you may decide to sign up for yourself or others at your workplace. Safety Training Services, Inc. offers OSHA courses monthly, find out when the next available course is for you by clicking the PDF below.
2017 Safety Training Course Schedule
 

If you are looking for any other safety-related course, click below to see what other courses are available!

Show me the classes!

Tags: general safety tips, osha compliance, importance of safety training, fire extinguisher service, osha training program, general office safety, osha 30 class

10 Safety Rules Homeowners Should Follow When It Comes to Electricity

Posted by Joshua Fleishman on Mon, Sep 09, 2013 @ 10:30 AM

Electrical Safety, Safety TipsOwning a home may be the American dream, but it can also be a very expensive adventure. When something goes wrong or breaks, the responsibility of correcting the problem lies solely with you, rather than being paid for by a landlord. When it comes to electricity, there's more at stake than just a repair bill and a bit of inconvenience. The energy that powers all of the devices in your home and makes modern life so much simpler can also be a very real danger if you're not properly aware of how to handle it in a safe and effective manner. These ten tips are among those that homeowners should always keep in mind when dealing with electricity for the sake of safety and security.

  1. Don't be an Electrical Do-It-Yourselfer – Taking on a big project in your home can be a very rewarding and exciting experience, but it can also be a very dangerous prospect when the project in question is one that requires electrical work. Unless you're an experienced electrician, it's best to leave all related work to the professionals. Attempting to save a little bit of money can be very expensive when something as powerful as electricity is part of the equation.
     
  2. Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters – Ground fault circuit interrupters, or GFCIs, are an essential part of home electrical safety. When ground faults or leakage currents are detected, a GFCI will trip the circuit and shut off the power, preventing severe shocks and electrocution. In addition to installing GFCIs, you should also make a point of testing them each month to ensure that they work properly.
     
  3. Don't Ignore Faulty Outlets and Switches – When you own your home, it can often seem as if there is an endless parade of things that need to be fixed or upgraded. While some projects can be put off for a rainy day or until there's more money in the bank, problems with electrical outlets or switches aren't among them. Inoperable outlets can be an indicator of wiring faults, which can present a fire hazard.
     
  4. Pay Attention if Outlets Feel Warm to the Touch – If you place your hand on a switch or outlet and it feels warmer than usual, it can be an indicator of a fire-hazard wiring condition and should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent house fires or other dangerous and destructive events.
     
  5. Keep an Eye Out for Discoloration – Outlet covers or switchplates that are discolored in a manner that suggests exposure to heat are no laughing matter, nor are they something that should be put off until later. They're a strong indication that there are problems with the wiring in your home, and could be the warning signs of an impending electrical fire.
     
  6. Childproof all Outlets – If there are curious little explorers in your home, one rule that you should always abide by is the vigilant use of childproof outlet covers. Kids are fascinated by the outlets that are frequently placed right at eye level for a crawling little one, and can be seriously injured if their tampering leads them to place an object inside the outlet slots.
     
  7. Address Outlets or Switches that Make Unusual Noises – If an outlet or switch in your home makes any sort of unusual sound, including buzzing or sizzling noises, it's important that you consult a professional promptly.
     
  8. Replace Frayed or Damaged Cords Immediately – Normal wear and tear or the attention of pets' teeth and claws can fray or damage an electrical cord, which can present a shock or fire hazard if the bare inner wires come into contact with some surfaces, including carpets and skin.
     
  9. Don't Pinch the Wires! – If you have to bend a cord, be sure that you do so loosely and never crimp or pinch them. These actions can break or tear the plastic housing around the live wires, leaving them exposed in dangerous and potentially destructive ways. You should also never attach wires and cables to surfaces with staples or nails that could cut through the plastic coating, either.
     
  10. Install and Maintain Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters – Arc fault circuit interrupters provide greater protection than normal circuit breakers from electrical fires, and should be installed to protect your home. Just like GFCIs, you should make a point of testing them once a month to ensure proper functionality.

Tags: electrical safety, general safety tips, electrical safety tips, fire safety

Office Safety: Everyday Ergonomics

Posted by Joshua Fleishman on Wed, Aug 21, 2013 @ 11:45 AM

Today's blog article comes with a great infographic to sum up its information. Courtesy of the Editors at Best Choice Reviews. They write great articles on a multitude of subjects from fitness to personal shopping to electronics/technology. Check them out!

Anyways, today's subject will be "Everyday Ergonomics." Thank you again Best Choice Reviews for providing this information!

Everyday Ergonomics

Ergonomics is the science of efficient work. Use our guide to promote health and focus at home, on the road, and in the office.

Commuting
The average commute is 25.5 minutes, or 51 minutes a day. And 8.1% of Americans commute for an hour or more both ways.[1] That’s a long time to mistreat your back and neck.

Train or bus?[5]
Essentials:

  • Loose clothes
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Feet flat
  • Use railing to balance

Car?[4]
Essentials:

  • Base of your spine touching back of the seat.
  • Rolled towel, or some form of support filling the gap between mid rib cage area and seat
  • Don’t slump
  • Lift your back up
  • Adjust headrest and tilt head back onto it
  • It takes time to adjust to sitting correctly. With practice it will feel comfortable.

Back pain is the second most common reason for missed work. Don’t ruin your day before it starts.[9]

Work
Workplace health is a marathon, not a sprint. That doesn’t mean that you aren’t an “industrial athlete.” Let us coach you into the right place.

Work-space: [7][6][10]

  • Monitor 15 degrees above eye level horizon is easiest on eyes and neck.
  • Tilt monitor back slightly.
  • Feet flat on floor.
  • Lower back supported.
  • Monitor one arms’ length away.
  • Forearms and hands in straight line.
  • Should be comfortable to look at the center of the screen for prolonged periods.
  • Lighting should only be as bright as the room’s lighting.
  • Avoid glare from the sun.

Habits:[8]

  • Get up and walk/ stretch at least once an hour.
  • Talk to colleagues in person instead of sending intra-office emails.
  • Take the stairs.
  • Hold “walking meetings.”
  • Walk to a farther bathroom.

The Average worker spends 5 hours 41 minutes sitting at work. Leading to higher rate of sedentary lifestyle, decreased mental stability, and increased muskulo-skeletal problems.[11]
Almost 60% of work related injuries can be avoided with proper ergonomics. Why risk it?[9]

Luggage 

  • Push, don’t pull rolling bags.
  • Use bags with two straps to spread weight equally across body.
  • Choose longer straps when using single strap bags and drape across body on the opposite shoulder.
  • Only carry what you need.

Manual Labor [3]

  • Use knee pads for prolonged kneeling
  • Mix up repetitive actions
  • Store heavy items within reach (see “work zone”)

Core concepts

In 1700 Ramazzini, a Paduan professor of medicine, outlined the importance of neutral posture and the “work zone” in maintaining muskulo-skeletal health. [12]
We’ve known about ergonomics for hundreds of years. It’s up to you to change.

The Neutral Posture [2]
The position where each joint is resting. Least tension on nerves, muscles, tendons, and bones.
Often seen in astronauts under conditions of weightlessness.

Fingers: gently curved, not spread apart.
Wrists: in line with forearm
Forearms: With thumb up.
Elbows: Bent from 90-110 degrees. Close to torso.
Upper Arms: hangs straight down
Shoulders: resting. not up, down, forward, or back.
Neck: balanced on the spinal column.
Spine: an ‘s’ shape. Upper region bends out. Lower region gently bends in.
Lower body: hip and knee joints slightly bent.

The greater the deviation from the neutral posture, the greater the risk of injury and discomfort.
Cumulative trauma disorders develop over weeks, months, or years from the repeated stress on a particular body part. Start changing your habits now.
Repetitive motion disorders are muscular ailments.
Examples: Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, Dequervain’s Disease,Tendinitis, Trigger Finger

The “work zone” [3]
The best work zone:

  • Never do heavy lifting outside of it.
  • As far forward as your wrist with arms slightly bent.
  • As wide as your shoulders.
  • Upper level at about heart height.
  • Lower level at about waist height.

The “ok” work zone:

  • As far forward as your hand with arm outstretched.
  • A foot to either side of shoulders.
  • Upper level at shoulder height.
  • Lower level at fingertips when arms relaxed at sides.

If you could make the choice to live without pain. Wouldn’t you make the choice everyday?

Citations

  1. http://www.census.gov/hhes/commuting/files/2012/ACS-20.pdf
  2. http://www.oehc.uchc.edu/ergo_neutralposture.asp
  3. https://www.osha.gov/ergonomics/guidelines/retailgrocery/retailgrocery.html#stocking
  4. http://www.wikihow.com/Sit-in-a-Car-Without-Back-Pain
  5. http://www.chiropractic-uk.co.uk/gfx/uploads/member%20area/Posture%20sheets/Mind%20your%20posture%20-%20commuting.pdf
  6. http://ergocanada.com/ergo/monitors/monitor_height_guidelines.html
  7. http://www.ors.od.nih.gov/sr/dohs/Documents/ORS_Ergonomics_Poster_Rd5.pdf
  8. http://www.forbes.com/sites/alisongriswold/2012/06/12/to-work-better-just-get-up-from-your-desk/
  9. http://www.nclabor.com/osha/etta/A_to_Z_Topics/ergo.pdf
  10. http://www.gatoroffice.com/monitor_ergonomics.htm
  11. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113210203.htm
  12. http://ergonomenon.com/ergonomics-articles/bernardino-ramazzini-the-first-ergonomist-and-what-have-we-learned-from-him/

Tags: safe work environment, general safety tips, office safety, general office safety, ergonomics, workplace safety, osha general industry training

Office Safety? More Like Hospital Trips for the Uninformed!

Posted by Joshua Fleishman on Mon, Jul 01, 2013 @ 12:30 PM

Slips, trips, and falls are some of the worst yet most common type of office injuries in the workplace, but they are also the easiest to correct.

Office safety is very essential in today's world. Not only is it essential but it is also very important to be aware of several safety rules and regulations as this could hamper the smooth functioning of your office due to legal issues. This article does not focus on the legislation regarding workplace safety, but on providing several tips for ensuring that you and your employees have a safe working environment. Staying alert minimizing the risk!

Be sure take time to look around your work area and help to prevent these hazards. Slips, trips, and falls constitute the majority of general industry accidents and can result in back injuries, sprains and strains, contusions, and fractures. Slips, trips and falls, sidelined 25,790 workers in 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistic (BLS). The National Safety Council says employees are twice as likely to suffer a disabling fall in an office setting as anywhere else. Falling, specifically, is the most common office accident and results in numerous and disabling injuries.

Slips & Falls

Office safety, slips, trips, fallsStanding on chairs – particularly rolling office chairs – is a significant fall hazard. Workers who need to reach something at an elevated height should use a stepladder.  Stepladders must be fully opened and placed on level, firm ground. Workers should never climb higher than the step indicated as the highest safe standing level. 

Carpeting and other skid-resistant surfaces can serve to reduce falls. Marble or tile can become very slippery – particularly when wet, according to the National Safety Council. Placing carpets down can be especially helpful at entranceways, where workers are likely to be coming in with shoes wet from rain or snow.

Some other simple changes to the workspace can be effective in eliminating hazards and reducing the number of fall injuries. 

  • Clean up all spills immediatelyworkplace safety, slips, trips and falls
  • Close all file cabinets when not in use
  • Ensure sufficient lighting
  • Always use a ladder or stepstool to retrieve anything above shoulder level
  • Remove obstacles from hallways and other high-traffice areas
  • Do not lean back in chairs
  • Regularly have the floors moped clean and dry

If you feel yourself falling, try to hit on your shoulder and roll. You are most likely to absorb more of this impact than falling straight. Don’t reach out with a hand or arm to break your fall, as it may result in a broken limb or hand.

  • Tripping over open drawers or file drawersOffice safety, trips, slips, falls
  • Tripping over electrical cords or wires that run across hallways
  • Tripping over loose carpet or broken tiles or concrete
  • Tripping over objects stored in a hallway, walkway or other areas of high traffic
  • Tripping because of poor lighting
  • Tripping over non-secure mats and rugs

Another major type of injury in the office setting comes from workers being struck by or caught by an object. Incidents of this nature accounted for 15,680 injuries in 2008, according to BLS. 

  • Shut the drawer!
    • File cabinets with too many fully extended drawers could tip over if they are not secured, the council warns. Additionally, open drawers on desks and file cabinets pose a tripping hazard, so be sure to always completely close drawers when not in use. 
  • Safe stacking
    • According to the Office of Compliance (OOC), which oversees the safety of U.S. congressional workers, proper storage of heavy items can help reduce the number of office injuries. Large stacks of materials and heavy equipment can cause major injuries if they are knocked over. OOC recommends storing heavy objects close to the floor, and warns that the load capacity of shelves or storage units should never be exceeded.

Report it

general office safety, trips and fallsAnytime you see something unsafe, report it to your facilities management department or supervisor. Things you might want to point out include sightings of:

  • Torn carpet
  • Loose tiles
  • Wobbly steps or floorboards
  • Burned out light bulbs
  • Broken chairs or desks
  • Other defective equipment
  • Stray electrical cables or obstructions of walkways
  • Possible unauthorized visitors

Promoting safety in the office can be simple with a few great office safety tips. There are many ways to share office safety tips in the workplace. You could have annual safety meetings where the entire company gets together to discuss current safety issues. They are also a great way to implement new safety rules. The biggest benefit of office safety meetings is that any person that has a question can have it answered by you or others in the group.

For the time in between safety meetings you can hang safety posters around the office. The posters can have office safety tips written on them. This will help employees to remember what they learned at the meetings long after they are over.

Safety in the workplace involves making arrangements so as to avoid accidents. At the same time, it also involves being alert to certain hazards and having knowledge about the measures used to overcome them. Here are some examples of the knowledge you & your employers should have regarding office safety.

  • Keep your working area neat and clean
    • Piles of papers and stacks of files combined with a tangle of wires are a disaster waiting to happen, on several fronts. A clean work space will also enable you to identify a problem and tackle it faster and more effectively.
  • Any common area break room should be kept clean.
    • There should be trash cans that are emptied on a daily basis. A broom, mop and other cleaning supplies should be in a closet or close by encase of spills.

Knowledge is power. Safety should be everyone’s top concern.

Training is, again, and extremely important tool in promoting office safety. We can prevent or greatly reduce these types of accidents if we train our people to:

  • Not run in the office
  • Avoid excessive bending, twisting, or leaning backwards while are seated
  • Always use a ladder and not a chair for reaching
  • Wear stable shoes
  • Do not carry anything that obstructs your vision

Administrative controls

In addition to employee training and improved equipment, certain administrative controls can aid hazard recognition and the elimination of potentially dangerous situations. 

  • Conduct walkthroughs.Periodically walking around the office can help with hazard recognition and maintenance of ergonomic task design.

  • Monitor signs of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Recognizing the symptoms of MSDs can alert employees of the need to make an ergonomics alteration to their workstation. But workers need to know what those warning signs are.
     
  • Talk to employees about their concerns. Simply asking workers how they are feeling can go a long way toward recognizing hazards.
     
  • Establish employee reporting systems. Establishing an employee reporting system can be the best way for organizations to get a handle on potential hazards before they cause injury. Consider creating an anonymous reporting process that encourages workers to come forward with their concerns. 

general office safety, trips and fallsAn office environment is considered to be one of the safest work environments, therefore to ensure a safe work environment; each individual must employ common sense, know physical limitations, display an attentive attitude towards their surroundings, and become aware of applicable compliance codes.

 

Safety Training Services, Inc. can help! Whether its general office safety training topics like OSHA-compliance training (OSHA-10 General Industry), safety auditing or even rescue serices available to your company, contact us to find out how we can become your all-inclusive safety company!

Contact STS Today!

Tags: general safety tips, osha compliance, fall safety, slips, office safety, general office safety, workplace safety, trips and falls, safety training topics

Ergonomics: Office Biotechnology and Improving Your Quality of Work!

Posted by Joshua Fleishman on Mon, Jun 10, 2013 @ 12:00 PM

History

Since the beginning of mankind, humans have adapted a sense of using the right tool for theErgonomics, Office Safety job. In ancient times, it was tying rocks or bones to sticks for use as a hammer or sharpened to make hunting easier. Essentially, they established that using crude items could be used to make life easier. Ergonomics is just that, an applied science (not just a buzzword for marketers!) of work. That is, it’s intended to maximize productivity of workers by reducing/eliminating fatigue or discomfort. The literal definition of ergonomics, as Dictionary.com states, is “the study of the relationship between workers and their environment.” Also known as “biotechnology,” and first coined by Wojciech Jastrzebowski in 1857.

However, these early adoptions were merely used to optimize tasks. Ergonomics has since evolved into learning how to include worker safety and health by addressing muscle force, cardiovascular activity, maximum weight, etc. This is seen by Frederick Winslow Taylor in the 19th century in which he used his “Scientific Method” (AKA ergonomics) to assist coal workers in tripling their productivity by designing shovels that were lighter and smaller. Also in the 1900s Frank and Lillian Gilbreth further expanded Taylor’s methods by coming up with the “Time and Motion Studies.” This was meant to reduce the amount of unnecessary motions required to perform a task. With this approach, they reduced the number of motions bricklayers used (from 18 to 4.5) and allowed them to increase productivity from 120 bricks per hour to 350.

“Formal” ergonomics is generally credited to the development of more complicated machinery in WWI and WWII. As aircrafts, tanks and other complex machines were being developed; human errors were piling up, resulting in catastrophes. Non-combat casualties were an outcome of bad engineering and design. This begged the necessity of better results through better designing, and the most “modern” form of ergonomics (how we know it today) is now becoming the norm.

Office Ergonomics, Office Safety

Engineers and psychologists are working together in collaboration to improve our daily lives through better design. A multi-disciplinary approach has been taken to include anthropologists, industrial engineers, cognitive scientists and physiologists in order to understand the human operators and to design systems and machines to fit said user.

Today, most of us know ergonomics in a workplace context. As the average worker in America works for about 8 hours a day, the need for ergonomic office furniture and practices is of the upmost importance. The idea is to be sure that as technology and design make our homes safer and more comfortable, and in the case of the workplace, to increase productivity, increase comfort and prevent injuries and fatigue.

Hazards Associated with Ergonomics

Back injuries - Common back injuries include sprains, herniated disks and fractured vertebrae. Lower back pain is often the result of incorrect lifting methods/habits and poor posture.

  • Tips include:

    • Properly train employees on appropriate lifting techniquesBack injuries, office safety

    • Utilize material handling equipment (carts, dollies, hand trucks)

    • Encourage stretching for employees to reduce muscle strain

Carpal tunnel syndrome - A nervous system disorder causing parethesia (limbs falling sleep), pain and numbness. Carpal tunnel can be caused by environmental factors such as heavy manual work or work with vibrating tools. There is even a small amount of clinical data to suggest that lighter, repetitive tasks can cause it. This includes activities when frequent/constant wrist flexion is needed or when there is pressure against the underside of the wrist.

  • Tips include:

    • Use of ergonomics equipment (includes ergo chairs, mouse pads, wrist rests, etc.)

    • Taking proper breaks and stretches

    • Use keyboard alternatives (voice recognition, digital pens)

Industrial/occupational noise - A hazard generally associated with heavy industries, in which sustained exposure can cause permanent hearing damage. However, it should be noted that OSHA identifies noise as "hazardous to worker safety and health" in many different places of employment (office work included) and by a variety of causes. Noise not only can cause hearing loss/impairment, but can be a factor in raising stress levels or even raising blood pressure. Lastly, it can impede concentration and be a factor in work accidents (office or otherwise).

  • Tips include:

    • Use earplugs or earmuffs

    • Be mindful of noise control strategies (architectural design, sound insulation/absorption, vibration damping, etc.)

    • If lighting *noise* is the issue, reduce light or retrofit fixtures

Repetitive strain injury - RSIs are as OSHA states them, "injuries to the musculoskeletal and nervous systems that may be caused by repetitive tasks, forceful exertions, vibrations,Ergonomics, office safety mechanical compression, or sustained or awkward positions."

  • Tips include:

    • Use ergonomics tools for specific tasks (clipboards for lots of writing, pliers for example, for electricians, ergo mouse for office workers, scissors for retail workers)

Tendonitis - Is a hazard in which a tendon becomes inflamed generally due to overuse of affected limb. This is common in upper and lower limbs and is less common in hips and torso.

  • Tips include:

    • Find the cause

    • Stop the stress

    • Maintain a healthy body

    • Introduce variety

How STS Can Help

Safety Training Services, Inc. can help you in many ways with regards to providing you assistance with any office safety advice. Our toll-free number (877) 724-2744 is a free service to utilize if you have a quick question regarding ergonomics or any office safety topic. If you would like to take a step further in educating yourself or your workers on office safety, STS offers courses related to general industry OSHA topics (including ergonomics and office safety). This is a great way to help your employees to understand the importance of safety in the workplace. Click the button below for more information on our OSHA-related courses.

Click here for our  OSHA-related Courses!

Tags: general safety tips, office safety, general office safety, ergonomics, workplace safety, osha general industry training, osha safety topics

New STS "Office Safety" Web Series Next Week!

Posted by Joshua Fleishman on Tue, Jun 04, 2013 @ 12:00 PM

As you may remember, we previously covered the topic of “office safety” in an earlier blog, broken up into a 4-part web series. This was a great success in that it helped many to discover another side of an office setting in which hazards were uncovered and myths debunked. Still, it was meant to be a general coverage of the office setting and now we aim to uncover some more in-depth safety info, tips and practices involving office workers and those who work in an office area.

In our new 6-part weekly web series, we will spend time expanding on several subjects including workplace mental health, ergonomics, emergency plans, fire/electrical hazards, “common sense”/housekeeping practices, and the most common workplace injuries: slips, trips and falls.

So mark your calendars for this Monday, June 10th when part one, “Ergonomics: Office Biotechnology and Improving Your Quality of Work” will come out exclusively on the Safety Training Services’ Safety Blog!

Remember that the safest workplaces are ones where every employee knows and practices appropriate office safety!

Office Safety, General Office Safety

Tags: general safety tips, office safety, general office safety, workplace safety

10 Safety Tips for "Black Friday" Shopping

Posted by Joshua Fleishman on Mon, Nov 19, 2012 @ 11:00 AM
It's already here! Avoid the stampede or at least know how to stay safe so you don't end up like poor Simba here!

Black Friday Stampede 

 If any of you are like my family, you are probably creating some sort of strategic list of where to hit and when.

Well I would like to take a moment or two to help you stay safe this Friday and hopefully we can avoid this.

That video is just....ridiculous. Is that what people want their children to know about the holidays? That it is just about mommy or daddy fighting for their lives to get a toy or doll or video game? Let's take a step back, realize we are here to HELP one another and try to be as safe as possible; both for ourselves and for our neighbors.

I have been scouring the internet for all the best safety tips and practices so I now present to you the 10 best to remember this while preparing this Thursday!

  1. Have a good awareness of your surroundings. You never know when things will go sour. Whether you are outside waiting to get in, or inside perusing, be alert and attentive. If you see any "mob" behavior forming, just leave the area. Its not worth it getting Timmy a Wii U if it means you have to spend the holidays in the E.R. 
     
  2. It is really recommended that you leave the little ones at home. If you must bring children with you, make sure you have a plan if separated. Select a meeting place/central location and stick to it. I don't recommend one of those "kid leashes" but keep an eye on them, its easy to get distracted with so much going on. If you are shopping with friends/family, stay close and be ready to defend or pull to safety if the schnitzel hits the fan.
     
  3. Avoid getting into a verbal or (and especially) a physical altercation. It should go without saying but even verbal arguments can escalate very quickly. Gaming systems, electronics, etc. are often culprits here. Make sure you have a cell phone with you in case of an emergency and the need to contact the cops or another friend/family member.
     
  4. Remember you are a human and not an octopus! Buy only as much as you can carry. Setting down a whole slew of bags to look at a deal on hand towels is definitely not going to be worth it when you realized someone nabbed the Tablet out of your bag and slipped it into theirs.
     
  5. Car safety. Let me explain this in two parts. One is that you need to conceal your purchases. Lock your new stuff in the trunk, nothing screams "Take me, take me" to a thief then a 50" flatscreen tv clearly visible in a car with a bunch of bags next to it. Second, have your keys ready while walking to your car! And make sure to check your back seat and around your vehicle before getting in.
     
  6. Ladies, please strongly consider wearing (or even investing in) a cross body bag. Stylish or not, a pickpocket will hard a much more difficult time getting to your wallet/important items if they are close and secure to your body while shopping even in the biggest of crowds.
     
  7. Probably goes without saying but, save your receipts! This time of year, most places won't take your stuff back unless you have receipts. Not only for yourself (those clothes you bought on a whim and decided you didn't want) but also for those you gift. In the heat of the shopping experience, you may have forgotten that little Suzie already has that My Little Pony and now she is stuck with two (I've been a fly on the wall for THAT conversation). 
     
  8. Embrace 2012 and our wonderous technology! Guess what? A lot of Black Friday deals aren't even going on in stores. Online shopping is a way to curb some of the tramplings & stampedes of Black Friday. Who doesn't love shopping from the comfort of their own home in their PJ's? Just make sure that site you are buying from is credible. If the deal is too good, it probably is. And never give your credit card information if you have second guesses on who might be receiving it on the other end.
     
  9. Set up a game plan. Figure out where you will go and when. My family does this every year at Thanksgiving and they seem to have a good Black Friday outing every year. Just like a good salesman doesn't just get into his car and drive somewhere to pitch a product, you have to make a plan of attack so you can be everywhere you want to be and get home safely and in good time. Stop at home (or a relative's if they're closer) to empty your vehicle if it gets too full (remember rule 5).
     
  10. Lastly, if you see an unattended bag or package, tell a security guard or store employee right away. You can never be too careful, and some people are just plain "nuts."
     

Well everyone, there you have it. Keep these tips in mind while you are shopping and have a great, safe week!

Tags: thanksgiving safety, shopping tips, black friday, shopping safety, general safety tips, safety, black friday safety, home safety