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.
6 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…
MOREImportance of Accident Prevention Program
April 30, 2020
Within any workplace setting, injuries may occur. Employers should implement an Accident Prevention Program and train employees to reduce the chances of injury for the following reasons: help reduce injuries/accidents identify hazards before they cause accidents ensure employees are properly trained to understand safety rules and proper procedures proper handling of an accident upon occurrence An Accident Prevention Program can help reduce the number of accidents within the workplace and lower…
MORETop Citations by OSHA: No. 4 LOTO
April 16, 2020
Each year, Lockout Tagout (LOTO) ranks among the top 10 most cited OSHA violations. For the 2019 fiscal year, LOTO was number 4 with a total of 2,975 citations. Within the LOTO violations, the top 5 citations mainly involved training employees and following the proper LOTO procedures. LOTO procedures exist to control hazardous energy during servicing and maintenance of machines. Several different classifications of hazardous energy can present a hazard to employees: …
MORESafely Entering and Exiting Vehicles
April 06, 2020
Entering and exiting large commercial vehicles can become dangerous when the person is not focused and using the steps or handles of the vehicle. Often people become complacent. Skipping a step into or out of the vehicle or not using handles can cause a slip and fall injury. Falls and jumps from a commercial vehicle may cause broken bones, sprains, and sometimes fatalities. Proper procedures to enter and exit a commercial vehicle, proper shoe attire and care for commercial…
MOREHow to Choose a Harness
April 01, 2020
If guardrails or safety nets will not work on a job, use personal protective equipment (PPE) – fall-restraint systems, personal fall arrest systems or work positioning systems. Restraint systems prevent falling. Fall-arrest systems stop falls. All of these systems are mandatory when falling in the work area is possible. If a fall occurs, a properly fitted harness spreads the stopping force over thighs, pelvis, chest and shoulders. When choosing a harness, be sure to select the correct one…
MORE4 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…
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