AlaCOMP provides news and OSHA Updates to all members. Each entry is packed with vital safety tips, updates to claims processes and information on the annual seminar devoted to safety and workers’ compensation subjects.
Fire Extinguisher Training
October 15, 2020
An often overlooked but important part of any organization’s safety and compliance training is fire extinguisher training. Fire extinguisher training should be performed for any employee who would be expected to utilize a fire extinguisher for an incident stage fire. Training should be done at initial employment and annually thereafter. The training should include: Communicating the difference between the different types of fires and fire extinguishers.…
MOREFire Prevention Week
October 06, 2020
Fire Prevention Week 2020 runs from Sunday, October 4th through Saturday, October 10th. Fire Prevention Week is observed annually during the week of October 9th to commemorate the 1871 Great Chicago Fire. Fire Prevention Week was made a national observance in 1925 by proclamation from then President of the United States, Calvin Coolidge. Fire Prevention Week is the longest running public health initiative in the United States. The weeklong…
MORELawn Mower Safety
September 01, 2020
Although many users have years of mowing experience, sometimes safety precautions are overlooked. The results can be dangerous. Staying aware of sight conditions, knowing your machine and constantly being alert can help you avoid accidents and injury. Of course, every operator should always refer to the operator's manual for routine maintenance schedules and safety tips. Here are some general mower-safety guidelines to help get you started. Before Mowing…
MOREProper Techniques: Lifting, Pushing & Pulling
September 01, 2020
About 1/3 of workplace injuries cause harm to the shoulder or back which is mostly related to lifting heavy items. One of the best ways to protect yourself from bodily harm when lifting, pushing or pulling is to use proper equipment, technique or ask for help. Take the time to examine the object and know your personal limits. Always ask for help if the object exceeds your limit. It has been shown that items over about 50 pounds are too heavy…
MOREMedical Protocol
July 28, 2020
Having a medical protocol in place is a step that can help make an injury on the job not as painful as it may seem. We highly recommend that all companies have a medical protocol in place not only to make it easy for you the employer but to also allow your employees to have the knowledge of where to go if an injury occurs. What is a Medical Protocol? A medical protocol outlines steps for an employee if they get injured. It helps to have a medical physician that is…
MOREGeneral Construction Safety
July 23, 2020
Serious injury or death is a risk when a construction worker steps foot on a job site. Hazards can exist in manySerious injury or death is a risk when a construction worker steps foot on a job site. Hazards can exist in many places, from ladders and scaffolding to powers tools and heavy machinery. All workers on a construction site must work together to prevent injury and death, from the foreman all the way down the work chain. Everyone is…
MOREAnother Top 10 OSHA List: Machine Guarding
June 22, 2020
Machine guarding appears number eight on OSHA’s 2019 top ten list of most frequently violated standards. Machine guarding received citations for 1,743 violations in 2019. Approximately 18,000 injuries and 800 fatalities occur each year from machinery operations that often lack proper or inadequate guarding. Today, machinery-related injuries exist as some of the worst in the industry. Workers become caught in machines and can suffer severe injuries such as crushed arms, legs,…
MOREThink Safe, Work Safe, Stay Safe
June 09, 2020
No matter the type of work environment, safety rules should always exist. The company’s primary objective is to provide safe and healthy working conditions for all employees. Each employee should become familiar with, and follow, all general and department safety rules. Most accidents can be prevented if everyone uses assigned safety equipment and follows safety rules. The type of business will determine necessary general and operating safety…
MOREAvoiding Pinch Points
May 21, 2020
Pinch points are points where a person could get caught between a machine and its moving or stationary parts or other materials. Often pinch-point injuries are the result of untrained or improperly trained workers who do not realize the dangers of machinery. Workers take shortcuts to get the work done more quickly, often resulting in injury. Never perform a task without proper training. Taking shortcuts or bypassing procedures could become serious. Some pinch points are obvious. Other pinch…
MORE6 Steps for LOTO Procedure
May 07, 2020
For equipment or machines with stored energy, LOTO procedures are mandatory along with how to release the equipment from the lockout/tagout. These procedures can help safeguard employees from hazardous energy release. Below is a brief outline of the steps for a proper LOTO procedure, shutting the machine/equipment down for maintenance and then releasing LOTO once maintenance is completed. Implementing these procedures can help prevent accidents during repair or maintenance. Prepare…
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