Employee
Safety Resources

What are some ways to treat heat illness?

• Take the affected employee to a cooler area (e.g., shade or air conditioning).
• An ice bath is the best method to cool an employee rapidly in an emergency. Create the ice bath by placing all available ice into a large container with water and placing the employee into the ice bath.
• Remove outer layers of clothing, especially heavy protective clothing.
• Place ice or cold wet towels on the head, neck, trunk, armpits, and groin.
• Use fans to circulate air around the employee.
• NEVER leave an employee with heat-related illness alone. The illness can rapidly become worse.
• When in doubt, call 911.
  
  

  Heat Illness PDF

The National Weather Service (NWS) uses a heat index (HI) to classify environmental heat into four categories:

• Caution (80°F – 90°F HI);
• Extreme Caution (91°F – 103°F HI);
• Danger (103°F – 124°F HI); and,
• Extreme Danger (126°F or higher HI).

Know your rights – Heat Illness Prevention

Any machine part, function, or process which may cause injury should be guarded and not allow someone to reach over, under, around or through. Machine guards and similar devices protect against injuries which can be caused by the machine operation, such as those listed in the PDF handout below.

Machine Guard PDF

When working in any type of facility with moving equipment, it is important to make safety a priority. While some dangers are obvious, others are often overlooked and can result in significant injuries. One example is working near moving machinery with loose clothing. An untucked shirt, a tie, an unbuttoned jacket or even loose shoelaces, can get caught in the moving machinery and pull individuals into harm’s way.

Loose Clothing PDF

No matter how well a workstation is designed, problems may arise if attention is not paid to the way the work
is done. Some work activities involve very few changes in body position. This lack of movement can lead to
muscle pain and strain. It is recommended that a person change positions every hour spent sitting or standing
at a workstation. Stretching exercises, examples listed below, can also help prevent muscle pain and strain.

• Back, sides, and legs
• Hands and forearms
• Neck and shoulders

Forklifts are powerful machines that can be dangerous if not operated properly. By following these safety tips, you can help prevent accidents and injuries.

Before operating a forklift:

• Only workers who are properly trained and certified should operate a forklift.
• Inspect the forklift for any damage or defects.
• Wear appropriate safety gear, including a hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toed boots, and a reflective vest.
• Be aware of your surroundings and watch for pedestrians and other vehicles.
• Never operate a forklift while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  
  

While operating a forklift:

• Drive slowly and carefully.
• Use your horn and lights to signal your intentions.
• Never overload the forklift.
• Keep the forks low to the ground when not in use.
• Don’t raise or lower the load while traveling.
• Be aware of your blind spots.
• Never drive with passengers.
• Never leave the forklift unattended with the engine running.
• Stay inside the forklift and keep your body close to the controls. Don’t let your legs, feet, or hands hang outside of the forklift.

After operating a forklift:

• Park the forklift in a safe location.
• Lower the forks to the ground.
• Turn off the engine and set the parking brake.
• Secure the forklift with a wheel chock.
• Report any damage or defects to your supervisor.

As with all PPE, wearing the proper type of gloves is vital when it comes to protecting your hands.

Do you know which gloves to use?

How about these Nine Rules of Hand Safety?

Back injuries are a major workplace safety hazard. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), back injuries account for one of every five workplace injuries or illnesses. 

Back Injury Prevention PDF