1. Workplace Safety For Employees Slide Show Notes
Today we’re going to talk about workplace safety. We are required by law to minimize workplace hazards in an effort to prevent work-related injuries and illness among our employees.
We will examine the costs—both human and economic—of workplace accidents and cover key issues involved in workplace safety, including the role of OSHA, our own safety policies, and the basic steps we can all take to prevent accidents in our facility.
You play a critical role in helping to achieve our safety and health objectives. Without your active participation we cannot achieve our goal of creating a safe and healthy workplace for us all.

2. Session Objectives You will be able to:
Understand why safety is such an important workplace issue
Identify the requirements of OSHA and the law
Know what our safety policy requires
Take an active role in promoting workplace safety and health
Slide Show Notes
The objective of this training session is to protect your safety and health on the job. A the end of the training session you will be able to:
Understand why safety is such an important workplace issue
Identify the requirements of OSHA and the law
Know what our safety policy requires
Take an active role in promoting workplace safety and health
At the end of this session, you’ll take a short quiz to test your understanding.

3. Session Outline Importance of workplace safety
Facts about OSHA and its mission
Legal and policy requirements
How you can contribute to workplace safety and health
Key safety concerns and precautions to prevent accidents and injuries
Slide Show Notes
We’ll discuss:
The importance of workplace safety
Facts about OSHA and its mission
Legal and policy requirements
How you can contribute to workplace safety and health
Key safety concerns and precautions to prevent accidents and injuries
Feel free to ask questions during the presentation if anything is unclear or needs further explanation.

4. Why Safety Is Such an Important Issue
Over 6 million American workers are injured every year
Injuries and illnesses cost American businesses over $100 billion a year
Slide Show Notes
Safety is one of our most important workplace concerns for some very good reasons.
The human cost of accidents is of paramount concern to us all. Every 5 seconds an American worker is injured or becomes ill on the job. That translates to 18,000 injuries a day, over 125,000 a week, and upwards of 6 million a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The economic cost of workplace accidents is also high—over $100 billion annually. These costs are the result of such things as lost productivity in the form of millions of lost work hours; workers’ compensation claims and increased insurance premiums; damage to equipment, buildings, and vehicles; overtime to cover for disabled workers; and training expenses for replacement workers.

5. Why Safety Is Such an Important Issue (cont.)
We are required by law to provide a safe workplace
Safety promotes productivity and morale
Slide Show Notes
In addition to the human and economic costs, there are the costs of noncompliance with federal and state safety laws. The law requires us to provide you with a safe workplace. Federal and state agencies can and do impose stiff fines on companies that violate safety and health regulations.
Furthermore, keeping you safe keeps you on the job, and that’s a good thing for all of us. When we work together to create a safer place to work, we’re all more productive and satisfied with our jobs.
Review your OSHA 300 Log of workplace injuries and illness for the past year with trainees. Discuss the most common types of accidents. Ask trainees to identify their key safety concerns for their work areas.

6. Facts About OSHA OSHA is an agency of the federal government
It is responsible for promoting workplace safety nationwide
OSHA was created by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970
It has the authority to oversee compliance with safety and health laws
Slide Show Notes
Any discussion of workplace safety must begin with a review of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA.
OSHA is an agency of the federal government.
Its mission is to promote safety and health in workplaces nationwide. The agency is responsible for making sure that we provide you with a safe workplace.
OSHA was created by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of This law requires us to provide employees with a workplace free from recognized hazards that cause, or are likely to cause, death or serious physical harm to employees.The law gives OSHA the right to establish national safety and health standards for all businesses and industries.
The agency has the authority to make sure that we comply with the requirements of the federal regulations.

7. What OSHA Does Develops and enforces safety standards
Encourages employers and employees to reduce workplace hazards
Conducts research in occupational safety
Establishes the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees
Approves state occupational safety and health programs
Slide Show Notes
Congress has given OSHA five key responsibilities.
OSHA’s job is to develop safety and health regulations and to enforce the rules. To enforce compliance with the regulations, OSHA has the authority to inspect workplaces, penalize employers for safety and health violations, and require that prompt action be taken to correct safety problems.
Although the agency has considerable enforcement powers, it prefers to work with employers and employees to reduce workplace hazards that may cause injury and illness. It emphasizes a proactive approach to safety and health.
In an effort to promote safety and health in the workplace, OSHA conducts research and provides employers with the latest information and techniques for reducing workplace accidents.
OSHA establishes the rights and responsibilities of both employers and employees under the law.
The agency is also responsible for approving state occupational safety and health programs. State standards must be at least as stringent as OSHA’s regulations, but states may also establish stricter standards.

8. OSHA Standards
OSHA regulates most aspects of workplace safety and health
Compliance is mandatory
OSHA will help us comply with the regulations
The state also regulates workplace safety
Slide Show Notes
Now let’s take a closer look at OSHA’s standards.
OSHA standards regulate most aspects of workplace safety and health. To name just a few major areas: fire, electrical, hand and power tools, machinery, hazardous materials, materials handling and storage, and emergency response.
Compliance with the regulations is mandatory. In some cases, OSHA spells out exact methods of compliance. In others, the agency leaves it up to us to decide how we will meet the requirements of the standard, as long as we achieve the desired level of protection.
OSHA will work with us through its safety experts and help us comply with the safety and health regulations.
Our state government also regulates workplace safety. When state safety and health rules are stricter than OSHA standards, the state rules apply.

9. Our Safety Policy Purpose Understanding Enforcement Slide Show Notes
In addition to compliance with safety laws, we must also comply with company safety policy.
The purpose of our safety and health policy is to protect you from workplace hazards. Our policy is the foundation of our safety program and must be followed by all employees at all times.
It’s important for you to understand exactly what the safety and health policy requires and what you need to do to protect yourself and your co-workers from the hazards you may face while working.
You should know that we will strictly enforce safety and health requirements throughout the facility. We are required by law to do so. Discipline may be required at times as part of the enforcement process. We cannot allow anyone to take risks that could endanger themselves or their co-workers.
Review key safety and health policies with trainees.

10. Requirements of the Law and Our Policy
Questions?
Slide Show Notes
Are there any questions? Does everyone understand OSHA requirements and the requirements of our safety and health policy?
Conduct an exercise, if appropriate.
Now let’s talk about your role in promoting workplace safety and health.

11. Safety Attitude Think safety Look for hazards Fix or report hazards
Slide Show Notes
A safe workplace begins with safety conscious employees.
In order to maintain a safe workplace, everyone in every department needs to be thinking about safety as they work. Everyone needs to be safety conscious, aware, and alert at all times. Encourage co-workers to be thinking about safety, too.
Always look for hazards, such as objects left in aisles or on stairwells, wet spots on floors, open file cabinet drawers, leaking containers, frayed cords, hot equipment next to flammable materials, etc. Keep your eyes and ears open for potential problem so you can prevent accidents.
Fix the hazards you can fix, such as wiping up spills or closing drawers. Report hazards that you are not qualified to handle and do so right away before other employees could get hurt.
Discuss your organization’s hazard reporting policies and the names and contact information of qualified personnel that employees can report safety hazards to.

12. Good Housekeeping Keep items in their proper place
Clean or report spills
Clear clutter
Keep items off stairways and out of aisles
Report safety problems
Use common sense
Slide Show Notes
Safety is directly related to neatness. Items that are out of place and not where you expect them to be can cause accidents and injuries. So you need to keep your work areas neat and organized. Always return tools and supplies to their proper places for the next person.
Wipe up water or coffee spills as long as you’re sure the liquid is harmless. Make sure to report any spills of substances that you can’t identify.
Keep work areas free of clutter and unnecessary objects that can interfere with the work process or cause accidents.
Make sure aisles, walkways, and stairwells are always free and clear of objects.
Report safety issues, such as loose flooring or ceiling tiles, frayed or curled carpeting, and so on.
Use common sense, such as never taking shortcuts, staying away from the edges of loading docks, and not using broken or unstable ladders.
Describe some accidents and employee injuries that have occurred in your workplace that were caused by good housekeeping issues. Ask trainees to explain how these accidents could have been prevented.

13. Personal Protective Equipment
Use the right equipment for the job
Inspect PPE before every use
Make sure PPE fits
Follow manufacturer’s instructions
Clean and store properly
Slide Show Notes
Personal protective equipment, or PPE, is essential to a safe and healthy workplace. Be sure to follow these PPE rules.
Use the right PPE for the job. Whether it’s gloves, shoes, glasses, or hard hats, make sure you use PPE made of the right materials and with the right safety ratings for the job you need to do.
Always inspect PPE before every use. Look for holes, tears, wear, cracks, etc. If you find anything wrong, don’t use it. Report the problem and get PPE that’s in good shape.
Make sure your PPE fits you properly. Perform whatever fit tests particular PPE require and make adjustments until the PPE fits.
Follow the PPE manufacturer’s instructions regarding inspecting, fitting, using, cleaning, and storing the equipment.
Clean and maintain PPE properly and regularly. Store it so that it will not be damaged and so that it can be found by the next person who will use it.
Discuss your organization’s PPE policy. Also display samples of the PPE that is commonly used in your organization. Explain when each piece of equipment is required, and have different trainees demonstrate how it is correctly worn. Be sure to also discuss inspecting, storing, and cleaning procedures.

14. Electrical Safety Use extension cords properly Don’t overload outlets
Don’t run them across stairs or aisles
Don’t fasten them with nails or staples
Don’t overload outlets
Don’t use plugs with bent or missing prongs
Obey locks, tags, barricades, and electrical warning signs
Slide Show Notes
Electricity is so commonplace, its dangers can sometimes be taken for granted. Safety conscious employees will always take precautions when using electricity.
Use extension cords properly and safely by:
Not running them across stairs or aisles and creating a tripping hazard.
Not fastening them to walls or floors with nails or staples and risking damage to the cords’ insulation.
Don’t overload outlets and create a fire or burn hazard.
Don’t use broken plugs with bent or missing prongs.
Obey electrical safety warnings, whether they’re signs, barricades, locks, or tags.
Talk about the electrical equipment you use in your company and the hazards associated with it. Remind trainees that only specially trained and authorized employees can repair electrical equipment.

15. Back Safety Reach properly Lift properly
Object from floor
Object from overhead
Oversized or heavy object
Long or awkward objects
Use material handling equipment
Do stretching exercises
Slide Show Notes
Keep your back healthy and pain-free by following commonsense safety precautions on and off the job.
Minimize reaching by keeping frequently used items within arm’s reach, moving your whole body as close as possible to the object, and standing up when retrieving objects on wall shelves. Get a stepstool or ask a taller person to reach items that cause you to strain to reach.
Lift items properly, including never bending at the waist or neck and never twisting your body.
For items on the floor, stand close to the object with a wide stance, bend at the knees keeping your back straight, wrap your arms around the object, and hold it close to your body as you stand up straight.
For items above your head, use a stepstool or ladder, slide the load down close to your body, and let your arms and legs carry the weight.
For oversized or heavy objects, team lift by designating a team leader, timing the lift together, and keeping the load level as you lift.
For long or awkward objects, carry them over your shoulder.
For items too heavy to lift, use material handling equipment, such as dollies, carts, and hand trucks.
Keep your back in shape with regular stretching exercises.
Ask a couple of knowledgeable, experienced trainees to demonstrate proper lifting techniques.

16. Ergonomics Arrange your workstation Sit properly
Avoid repetitive motions when possible
Take breaks
Keep wrists straight
Use proper equipment
Slide Show Notes
Ergonomics is the science of fitting jobs to workers. This precaution protects you from musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) that can cause serious and sometimes permanent injuries.
Arrange your workstation so that you can work comfortably and safely.
Sit with both feet flat on the ground and your back fully supported.
Avoid repetitive motions, when possible, by arranging your tasks in a way that allows a variety of motions.
When you must perform repetitive tasks, take your scheduled breaks to give your muscles and tendons a rest.
When typing or doing other repetitive tasks with your hands and fingers, keep your wrists straight. Don’t bend them up or down or rest them against anything; doing any of these motions increases pressure and wear and tear on the nerves and tendons in your wrist and arm.
Use proper equipment to protect yourself from MSDs, such as cushioned mats to prevent strain from standing for long periods, gloves to prevent injury from vibrating tools, and tools with textured grips.

17. Ergonomics (cont.) Know symptoms of MSDs
Pain
Tingling
Stiffness
Weakness
Numbness
Swelling
Get medical attention for MSD symptoms
Slide Show Notes
You also need to know the symptoms of MSDs. Symptoms include:
Pain, including a burning sensation or aching
Tingling
Stiffness
Weakness
Numbness
Swelling
Report MSD symptoms right away and seek medical attention for them. It’s important to treat them quickly since they are cumulative injuries and the longer they go untreated, the worse the damage can get. The damage might even become permanent.
Review your company’s policy on ergonomics and reporting MSD symptoms. Let trainees know who to report symptoms to. Distribute copies of any medical forms your company has for reporting.

18. Hazard Communication Read chemical labels Read MSDSs Use proper PPE
Follow safety procedures
Seek immediate medical attention if exposed
Slide Show Notes
By law we must tell you about chemical hazards in the workplace.
Read chemical labels for every substance you use. Check:
The chemical’s identity
The name and contact information of the manufacturer
The substance’s physical and health hazards
Precautionary measures
First-aid instructions
Safe handling and storage instructions
Read material safety data sheets for detailed information including:
Hazardous ingredients
Physical/chemical characteristics
Fire and explosion hazard data
Reactivity data
Health hazard data
Control measures
Use proper PPE when handling hazardous substances, including gloves, eye protection, respirators, proper shoes.
Always follow established safety procedures and the instructions on the label and in the material safety data sheet.
Seek medical attention if you are exposed to a hazardous substance.

19. Machine Safety Obey tags Make sure guards are in place Report problems
Wear correct PPE
Focus on work
Slide Show Notes
Machines are a part of every worksite, including offices, warehouses, factories, and plants. Make sure you know how to work safely with and around the machines in our workplace.
Obey tags and signs on machines that say they are locked out, receiving service, being maintained, etc. Never try to operate a machine against posted warnings and instructions.
Before using any machine, make sure the appropriate guards are in place. Also make sure the guards are undamaged and working properly.
Report any problems that you discover with machines. Don’t try to fix it if you’re unqualified. Don’t try to compensate for or work around the problem.
Wear the correct PPE for the machine you are using. This includes face shields or goggles for machines that cause flying debris or ergonomic gloves for vibrating machines.
Always focus on your work when using a machine. Keep your eyes centered on the point of operation where the work of the machine is happening. Also use your peripheral vision to make sure no part of the machine is malfunctioning or that co-workers are not getting too close to impede the work or endanger themselves or you.

20. Office Safety Keep drawers closed Sit upright in chairs
Don’t horse around with furniture or supplies
Keep flammables away from hot office equipment
Slide Show Notes
Offices can be dangerous places to work, too. People who work there need to maintain a safety attitude.
Make a habit of closing desk and file cabinet drawers immediately after you’ve retrieved or put back what you need. Don’t leave them open even for a few minutes because that’s all it takes for someone to trip over them, fall backwards over them, or scrape themselves on them.
Don’t lean back so far in office chairs that they might tip over.
Don’t horse around with office furniture or equipment, such as racing chairs on wheels down the hallway or playing catch with staplers. Be careful when handling paper to avoid paper cuts.
Don’t stack paper or other flammables next to hot copy machines or printers. Don’t store paper towels or other flammables right next to hot coffeemakers.
Trainees may think offices are pretty safe places. To make them realize that offices can be hazardous, too, give examples of accidents or near-misses that have occurred in your company’s office areas.

21. Basic Safety Issues Questions? Slide Show Notes
Are there any questions? Do you understand the basic safety precautions we’ve discussed?
Conduct an exercise if appropriate.
Now let’s talk about emergency response and important workplace security issues.

22. Emergency Situations Know location of fire alarms and extinguishers
Know what alarms sound like
Know how to use extinguishers
Know at least two evacuation routes
Know meeting place outside building
Slide Show Notes
It’s important for you to be prepared for emergencies so that injuries and damage can be avoided as much as possible in emergency situations.
You need to know the locations of fire alarms and fire extinguishers as well as how to set off the alarm in an emergency.
You also must recognize the alarms when they sound so they can respond immediately.
You need to know when and how to use the fire extinguishers that the company provides.
You should have two evacuation routes in case of emergency because one of your exits may be blocked by fire, smoke, or other obstacles.
You also need to know where to assemble once you are outside the building.
Briefly review your organization’s emergency action plan and distribute copies of floor plans showing the locations of emergency exits, alarm boxes, and fire extinguishers.

23. First Aid Call for professional medical help Bring help to victim
Check victim’s ABCs
Check victim’s vitals
Interview victim
Use appropriate first-aid measures
Slide Show Notes
Everyone should know the basics of first aid.
In emergency medical situations, you need to call for professional medical help right away before attempting to help.
It’s also important to bring help to the victim and not to move the victim to get help, because you could cause further injuries.
After calling 9-1-1, conduct a primary survey for life-threatening injuries by checking:
A – the victim’s airway by tipping the head back to open the airway
B – the patient’s breathing
C – the patient’s circulation by checking for a pulse
Also look for profuse bleeding or shock.
Next, conduct a secondary survey for other medical problems by:
1 – Checking vital signs
2 – Doing a head to toe exam
If the victim is conscious, interview the victim about the accident, what hurts or what is the matter, and about other medical problems that might be contributing to the situation.
While waiting for professional help to arrive, use appropriate first-aid measures, such as applying pressure to stop bleeding.
Identify the location of first-aid kits in trainees’ work areas, and tell the names of company employees trained in CPR and first aid.

24. Infectious Diseases and Bloodborne Pathogens
Wash hands often
Use precautions when giving first aid
Treat all blood as contaminated
Use PPE
Clean up thoroughly
Get medical attention if you’re exposed
Slide Show Notes
Airborne infectious diseases, such as the flu, tuberculosis, and SARS, and diseases caused by bloodborne pathogens, such as HIV and hepatitis, are health problems that you can encounter at work. Here’s how to avoid these serious conditions.
Wash hands frequently throughout the day, including before and after eating and drinking, after sneezing or blowing nose, and when handling cash.
Use precautions when giving first aid. Use a mask to avoid airborne infections and gloves to avoid bloodborne pathogens.
Treat all blood as if it is contaminated, and protect yourself from exposure.
Use PPE, such as disposable masks labeled HEPA or N-95 when exposed to sick co-workers and protective gloves when helping sick people or when cleaning contaminated objects or surfaces.
Clean contaminated items thoroughly. Use supplies appropriate to the situation, including PPE, disinfectant solution, liquid absorbent powder, and disposal bags.
Get medical attention immediately if you’re exposed.
Tell trainees what personal protective equipment (PPE) your company provides—for example, latex gloves and rescue breathing shields. If your company has a bloodborne pathogens cleanup kit, tell trainees where it’s located.

25. Security Follow company procedures Keep doors locked
Don’t loan keys or access cards
Report unknown people
Report security gaps
Slide Show Notes
We take security very seriously, and hope that you do, too.
Our company has a variety security procedures in place to protect our plant and our employees. In order for them to work, we need everyone to follow these procedures all the time with no exceptions.
Keep all doors locked. Never prop them open—even for “just a minute.”
Don’t loan out your company keys or access cards. Accompany familiar co-workers where they need to go if they’ve forgotten their keys.
Report unknown or unfamiliar people to the proper authority in your company.
Report security gaps, such as burned out lights, missing signs, and damaged security cameras or fencing.
Review your organization’s security policy, and provide trainees with phone numbers to contact security personnel.

26. Workplace Violence Take threats seriously
Recognize signs of potential violence in co-workers
Report signs
Arrange a danger signal with co-workers
Remain calm with emotional people
Alert proper authorities
Slide Show Notes
Unfortunately, we live in violent times, and some of that violence spills over into the workplace.
You should always take threats seriously. Whether a co-worker, customer, or contractor makes a threatening remark or joke, take it seriously and deal with it appropriately.
You also need to recognize the signs of potential violence. These include:
Verbal threats
Comments that people are out to get him or her
Excessive or sudden interest in weapons
Excessive or sudden interest in violence in the news
Blaming others for problems
Report any signs you observe to the proper company personnel.
Arrange a danger signal you can give to co-workers to indicate that a customer or co-worker is exhibiting threatening behavior and may act out in the next few minutes.
Remain calm when people get emotional, angry, or upset. Don’t mimic their behavior by arguing back or raising your voice.
Alert proper authorities when violence occurs in the workplace.
Review your organization’s violence prevention policy. Tell trainees who they should contact in the event of threats or violent incidents.

27. Terrorism Protect your computer Handle mail with caution
Cooperate with precautions
Follow procedures during an incident
Shelter in place
Slide Show Notes
Know how to prevent terrorist acts and how to respond if one occurs.
Computer networks are vulnerable to infiltration, so you need to protect your computer by following company policies that include:
Never installing unlicensed or pirated software
Never visiting improper websites or downloading questionable files
Never giving out passwords and changing passwords frequently
Deleting suspicious s
Handle business mail and packages with caution. Report unattended packages to your supervisor. When receiving mail, look for:
Misspelled common words on the label
No return address or a postmark that does not match return address
Oily stains, discolorations, or odor
Lopsided or uneven envelopes
Protruding wires or aluminum foil, or a ticking sound
Cooperate with precautions such as evacuation drills.
Follow procedures during an incident including securing the facility and protecting yourself and co-workers.
Shelter in place if advised to do so by the authorities. This involves going to the designated shelter room, shutting and sealing windows and doors with duct tape, and listening to a radio for further instructions.

28. Key Points to Remember Workplace safety is a top priority
Compliance with OSHA regulations is a legal requirement
Company policies and rules must be followed
You play a key role in promoting workplace safety and health, and we need you to be actively involved in all our safety programs
Slide Show Notes
These are the main points you should take away from this training session. Do you have any questions about workplace safety or your role in helping to make our facility a safe and healthy place to work?
Give trainees the quiz, if appropriate.
Now it’s time for the quiz.