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.
Safely 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…
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…
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…
MOREWhat is a First Report of Injury?
October 23, 2019
A First Report of Injury (FROI) is a document required by the state of Alabama to be filled out when an injury on the job occurs. This form is to be filled out by the employer, supervisor, manager, HR director, or a designated responsible party. The form collects information regarding the injured worker and how the accident occurred. This is one main part of filing a claim and must be submitted within 24 hours of the accident occurring. There are several ways you can file this report…
MOREMid-Year Review
July 01, 2018
Calendar year 2018 is half over. In the business world, the end of the second quarter serves as a great time to review the first half of the year. Explore things that did or did not work, look for areas of strength and weakness, then make proper modifications to finish out the last two quarters of the year strong. This mid-year review also applies to safety programs. Continuous improvement of safety programs should always be a focal point. Reviewing accidents and injuries on a regular basis…
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