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.
4 Step Emergency Plan
April 01, 2020
A formal company-wide emergency plan that applies to any type of emergency is highly recommended. Not only does it provide a procedure for employees in case of an emergency, the plan also shows the business’ investment to keep employees safe. Below find a 4 Step Emergency Plan every business should implement: Build a Team: put together a working team and clearly define the roles and responsibilities of each member. Also, as quickly as possible, discuss a potential budget for any…
MOREMachine Guarding Hazard Alert
March 30, 2020
Machinery-related injuries are some of the worst in the industry. Over the past months, AlaCOMP has experienced a rash of machinery related injury claims. Workers get caught in machines and suffer severe injuries such as crushed arms, legs, severed or degloved fingers, blindness and amputation. Some are even killed. With the proper use of machine guards, most injuries can be prevented. When operating a machine, several mechanical hazards can occur. Understanding these hazards and the proper…
MOREThree Points of Contact Rule: The Do’s and Don’ts
March 23, 2020
When using a ladder, make sure to pay attention. Use the ladder safely and ensure the ladder is in good working condition. The Three Points of Contact rule exists for safety. Following this rule helps employees reduce and prevent falls. Below find a “do’s and don’ts” outline for the Three Points of Contact rule: Do: Keep three points of contact with the ladder: two hands and one foot, or two feet and…
MORE5 Steps to Take Before Using a Harness
March 16, 2020
When working from an elevated area, properly inspect all gear before every use of a fall protection harness. The five inspection steps below take only a few moments to perform and can prevent injury, or perhaps loss of life. Look for missing parts Look for missing or illegible markings or warnings Inspect for damage to metal parts; any change, crack, sharp edge, distortion, corrosion, chemical damage, too much heating or too much wear Examine defect or damage to straps or ropes; any change,…
MORE5 Steps to Perform a Job Safety Analysis
March 09, 2020
A job safety analysis can be conducted on many jobs in the workplace. First, analyze jobs with a high rate of injury or illness, can cause severe/disabling injury, new to the workplace, changes made to processes or require written instructions. After recognizing the jobs in need of a job safety analysis, begin with the following five steps: Involve employees: Because they have a unique understanding of the job, employees can…
MOREReminders: Ladder Safety
March 01, 2020
March is National Ladder Safety Month. Below find appropriate information about ladder inspection and safety. Failure to properly inspect, set-up or use a ladder can cause serious injury or death. Ladder inspection points: Non-skid feet No loose, broken or missing parts No wet or slippery treads or rungs Non-metal siderails when working around electricity Appropriate ladder weight rating …
MOREForklift Tips
February 25, 2020
Forklift operators must receive training at least every 3 years per OSHA regulations, regardless of the amount of experience the operator has. If a new employee has recently received training at a previous employer, you must still document site specific training at your facility for that employee. An inspection checklist should be kept on the forklift and the forklift should be inspected prior to use for each shift that it will be utilized. Forklift operators are required to wear seatbelts…
MOREEffective Forklift Training
January 28, 2020
Since we are wrapping up 2019, we wanted to touch on one of the main areas where we find deficiencies in our members’ safety programs during loss control visits, FORKLIFT SAFETY. We insure many clients who utilize forklifts or other types of powered industrial trucks in various capacities of operation. We also have numerous claims each year related to incidents involving powered industrial trucks. Forklifts and similar types of equipment can be extremely dangerous when not used in…
MORENovember Safety Awareness: Loss Control Resources
November 13, 2019
AlaCOMP’s Loss Control Department provides some very valuable resources to our members that can help to improve workplace safety, put the proper programs in place and provide solutions for compliance and safety. Two of the resources that our Loss Control Department provide are Hazard Prevention Surveys and mock OSHA walk-throughs. These resources are made available to our members free of cost. A Hazard Prevention Survey is one of the focal points of our general loss control…
MOREOctober Safety Awareness: Medical Protocol
October 30, 2019
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 familiar…
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