Obey the personal safety rules
Slips,
trips, and falls: Falls are the number one leading cause
of injury in
the workplace. A major cause of falls in the workplace
is the use of improper lifting techniques. You may work
with patients who need help getting around, or at a factory
where
you’re lifting boxes on a continual basis. No matter
who or what you may be lifting, there are some key points
to consider.
Proper Lifting Tips
- Make sure you use good posture, both sitting and standing.
- Assess the situation and plan the lift.
- Keep your materials and tools within easy reach to prevent
muscle strains.
- Make sure you have nonskid shoes and firm footing.
- Bend your knees, tighten your stomach, and keep your back
straight.
- Make sure you have a good grip on the item or person you’re
lifting.
- Lift smoothly. A smooth lift means that you avoid twisting
your body, lifting with your legs, not your back.
- Point your feet in the direction you want to go, and push
if possible rather than pull.
- Ask for help in lifting heavy objects.
What to do if you have
an accident:
- Report the accident to your supervisor immediately, even
if the accident does not require medical treatment. Your
supervisor
will complete an accident report form for your signature
as well at that of any witness(es).
- If you seek medical treatment for an on-the-job injury,
do not file it on your health insurance. Your supervisor
will provide
you with a statement to provide to your medical provider.
This statement will provide information to the medical provider
on how to file the claim with the Worker's Compensation Administration.
- If you feel the accident was caused by your employer’s
violation of mandated safety practices, call our office
for representation.
Vehicle Safety
The safe operation of your employer’s vehicle is a
major concern. Some tips on vehicle safety are listed below.
- Seatbelts should be worn by all drivers and passengers.
As you know, statistics show that seatbelts save lives and
reduce
the threat of serious injury.
- Parking should be done only in legal parking areas. The
vehicle should never be left running. Always remove the keys
and always
lock the doors of the vehicle. This practice can help
deter crime as well as reduce accidents.
- Speed limits must be obeyed. Additionally, pedestrians
have the right-of-way in crosswalks. Stop for all pedestrians,
not just
those in crosswalks.
In the event of an accident involving
an employer-owned vehicle, the following procedures should
be followed:
- Render First Aid, if qualified to do so, and arrange for
medical attention if necessary.
- Notify the proper law enforcement official immediately.
Do NOT move the vehicle unless absolutely necessary until
the proper
authority has investigated the accident.
- Exchange names, driver's license numbers and insurance
information with the driver of the other vehicle.
- Obtain the name, address and telephone numbers of any
witness(es) to the accident.
- Report the accident to your supervisor immediately.
- Make sure you obtain a copy of the Accident Report Form
completed by the law enforcement officer. Provide your supervisor
with
a copy of the report.
- If it is your employer’s policy, be prepared to
be drug tested.
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