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.
Cold Weather - Cold Stress
February 18, 2021
It is that time of the year when the temperatures start falling and outdoor work becomes much less appealing. Cold temperatures can cause more than simple discomfort. They can create major health hazards such as cold stress or ergonomic injuries. Cold stress occurs by lowering the skin temperature and eventually the internal body temperature. Furthermore, cold weather can stiffen your joints and reduce blood flow to extremities making ergonomic…
MOREOSHA - Guidance on Mitigating and Preventing COVID-19 in Workplace
February 12, 2021
OSHA’s guidance encourages employers to implement a COVID-19 prevention program as the most effective way to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The guidance emphasizes employee involvement, communication and training as best practices. Per OSHA, important components of a COVID-19 prevention program include: .Assigning a workplace coordinator responsible for COVID-19 plan implementation. Conducting a hazard assessment to identify potential COVID-19 workplace hazards. Implementing measures to…
MOREHazardous Chemicals in the Workplace
December 28, 2020
Employees of all kinds work with or are exposed to many different types of hazardous chemicals in the workplace. There are over 750,000 different types of hazardous chemicals used in the workplace every year. If, as an employer, you have hazardous products/chemicals in the workplace, it is your responsibility to provide the proper Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and training for your employees for each hazardous chemical before they are exposed. The manufacturer of the…
MORESafety Signs and Awareness in the Workplace
December 01, 2020
When developing an effective safety program, it is important to understand the “Hierarchy of Controls”. These are the types of hazard controls ranging from the most effective type of control to the least effective type of control in the following order: elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative and personal protective equipment (PPE). Usually the most effective form of controlling hazards is by using a combination of multiple…
MOREChemical Safety
November 17, 2020
Chemicals are one of the major hazards in the workplace and a chemical safety program should be in place where hazardous substances are used. Chemical hazards and toxic substances present a wide range of health and physical hazards. Creating and maintaining a chemical safety program can not only help to prevent accidents and injuries to employees but may also avert any OSHA penalties due to lack of compliance. Maintaining a proper chemical safety program…
MORERestaurant Safety Tips
November 10, 2020
Cutting and dicing foods are a daily occurrence for most restaurants. Items such as knives, slicers and grinders can be the culprits for a number of the injuries in a restaurant. Broken dishes and glasses are very common to cause injuries as well. There are a few measures that can be taken to help in avoiding these types of injuries: Cut Resistant Gloves Sharpening the equipment to improve performance and cut down employee fatigue Training for proper cutting…
MOREEmergency Action Plans
October 23, 2020
Employers should have an active emergency action plan in place so that in the event of an emergency situation such as an accidental chemical release, severe weather or fire, employees will have an understanding of the proper measures to follow so that the situation can be navigated as safely as possible. Since we are in the month of October and fresh off the heels of fire prevention week, we will touch on emergency actions plans as they pertain to a fire emergency in the…
MOREFire 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…
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