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How to Conduct a Risk Assessment in a Manufacturing Facility

Manufacturing facilities, with their intricate machinery and processes, have a pressing need for proactive safety measures. One crucial step in this direction is conducting regular risk assessments. An effective risk assessment not only upholds OSHA guidelines but also ensures that every individual’s safety is not compromised. Here’s the info from the experts at STC:

Understanding the Importance of Risk Assessments

Risk assessments form the foundation for creating safer workplaces. By identifying potential hazards and analyzing the likelihood of their occurrence, organizations can implement measures that align with OSHA’s guidelines. This proactive approach preserves human life, ensuring that every worker goes home safely at the end of the day. STC firmly believes that understanding risks is the first step towards managing them.

Steps for Risk Assessment in a Manufacturing Facility

Safety Training & Compliance recommends a systematic approach for risk assessments in manufacturing facilities:

  • Identify the Hazards: Begin by observing processes, reviewing equipment manuals, and engaging with workers to pinpoint potential threats.
  • Determine the Risk: Analyze the severity and likelihood of each hazard. Consider factors like frequency of exposure and existing preventive measures.
  • Implement Control Measures: Prioritize risks and apply controls. This could be in the form of protective equipment, training, or changes to operations.
  • Review and Monitor: Safety is an ongoing effort. Regularly revisit the risk assessment, updating it for new machinery, processes, or changes in the environment.

The Role of Continuous Training in Mitigating Risks

While risk assessments are pivotal, the importance of continuous training cannot be overstated. By educating employees on potential hazards and safety measures, you empower them to be proactive guardians of their own safety. Safety Training & Compliance stresses that knowledge, combined with practical implementation, forms the bedrock of a secure manufacturing environment.

In conclusion, risk assessments are an indispensable tool for manufacturing facilities, focusing on preserving human life and adhering to OSHA guidelines. It’s an iterative process requiring vigilance, commitment, and continuous learning. Want to learn more about conducting effective risk assessments? Check out our blog today!

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National Preparedness Month: How to Ready Your Workplace for Emergencies

September is National Preparedness Month, a time to focus on being ready for any emergencies that may arise in your life, including those that occur in the workplace. Ensuring a safe work environment is a priority for any organization. In alignment with FEMA’s “Ready Campaign,” STC aims to arm companies with the necessary tools and knowledge to mitigate workplace risks effectively. Here’s what you need to know from the workplace safety experts at STC:

Understanding the Importance of Workplace Preparedness

First and foremost, workplace preparedness is not just a compliance requirement; it’s a proactive approach to safeguarding human life and company assets. Following OSHA guidelines, organizations must develop an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) that addresses various types of emergencies like fires, severe weather, and even human-caused events such as active shooter situations. Through training and drills, employees will be better prepared to respond in the event of an emergency, reducing panic and ensuing chaos.

Building a Robust Emergency Action Plan

Creating a comprehensive EAP is crucial for any organization. It should include clearly outlined procedures for reporting emergencies, evacuation plans, and a list of responsibilities assigned to designated personnel. Remember, the key to an effective EAP lies in its details. STC can provide guidance in developing and implementing a robust EAP that not only meets compliance standards but also significantly improves your workplace safety culture.

Training and Equipment: The Cornerstones of Safety

Even the best EAP is ineffective without proper training and the right equipment. Employees should undergo regular training sessions that include practical exercises like fire drills or CPR demonstrations. It’s equally important to have accessible and well-maintained emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and emergency lighting. STC’s comprehensive training programs can help ensure your employees are well-equipped to handle any emergency, reinforcing the commitment to preserving human life in the workplace.

In conclusion, National Preparedness Month serves as an excellent opportunity to evaluate your workplace’s readiness for emergencies. By understanding the importance of preparedness, building a robust EAP, and investing in proper training and equipment, you’re taking critical steps towards creating a safer, more secure work environment. Want to learn more about National Preparedness Month and how to ready your workplace for emergencies? Check out our blog today!

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What You Need to Know About the Covid Vaccine Mandate for Businesses

At STC, we are committed to providing our clients with everything they need to know about the latest topics in safety. Recently, there has been news circulating about a new OSHA regulation requiring vaccines or weekly covid tests for businesses with more than 100 employees. Here is everything you need to know about preparing your business for the covid vaccine mandate:

What the Covid Vaccine Mandate Means for You

The covid vaccine mandate will only affect businesses that employ 100 or more people. The aim of the mandate is to slow the spread of covid-19 by ensuring that employees are less likely to catch the virus in their workplaces. Essentially, if your business has 100 or more employees, each employee will be required to be fully vaccinated or provide proof of weekly testing.

When Will This Mandate Take Place

Barring a long-lasting injunction, the OSHA regulation states that employers will have to comply with the rule in phases. By December 4, employers will need to develop a compliance plan, offer paid time off for vaccinations and require unvaccinated workers to wear masks. By January 5, all employees must either be fully vaccinated or provide evidence of weekly covid testing.

An Ever-Changing Vaccine Mandate

As the dates for the covid vaccine mandate become closer, there is new information circulating regularly. The future of the covid vaccine mandate is not completely certain at this point, but we are dedicated to providing our clients with the new information as it is released. Keep an eye on our website and our social media pages to ensure you are as updated as possible!

No matter how you choose to prepare your employees for the vaccine mandate, STC is here to help guide you through every step. We offer a wide variety of managed safety services, from onsite safety staffing to safety consulting to help prepare your employees for every situation. Want to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine in the workplace? Check out our blog today!

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OSHA Announces New Rules to Protect Workers From the Hazards of Extreme Heat

At STC, we are committed to keeping our clients informed on the latest news happening in our industry. Recently, OSHA passed a new rule regarding working temperatures in an attempt to limit the number of heat illness cases and fatalities. Here is everything you need to know about the new rules regarding heat illness and how they might affect how your business operates:

Expanded Measures to Protect Workers

The enhanced and expanded measures from OSHA are intended to protect workers from the hazards of extreme heat, both inside and outside. The new regulations specifically target those who work in conditions of 80˚ Fahrenheit or more either inside of their facility or outside on the job. Their new tactics will include an intervention and enforcement initiative to protect workers.

Implementing an Enforcement Initiative

The new enforcement initiative on heat-related hazards will be used to prevent illness and protect workers from heat-related illnesses while they are working in hot environments. In addition, OSHA will also be implementing a National Emphasis Program on heat inspections and launching a more regulated rulemaking process to develop a workplace heating standard.

The Hazards of Extreme Heat

While the new regulations will help regulate working conditions for employees, we see it as a win for workers everywhere who have had to work in hazardous conditions. In 2019 alone, 43 workers died from heat illness and at least 2,410 others suffered serious injuries and illnesses. Since heat illness is a highly preventable injury, the new regulations are a much-needed change.

No matter how you choose to start regulating these rules into your workplace, STC is always here to help you make it simple. We offer a wide variety of managed safety services, instructor-led training and safety consulting services that will help build a safety culture around your business. Want to learn more about the hazards of extreme heat from the experts at STC? Check out our blog today!

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New Guidance from OSHA on Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 

As pandemic safety starts to become an afterthought for many vaccinated individuals, it is still crucial for everyone to work on preventing the spread of COVID-19 in their everyday lives. For those on the job, OSHA has recently released new guidelines for how to stay vigilant about the spread of the virus. Here is everything you need to know about the new guidance from OSHA on preventing the spread of COVID-19 from the safety experts at STC: 

Understand Who is Vaccinated in Your Workplace 

OSHA has stated that, unless noted by local laws, rules, and regulations, most employers no longer need to take steps to protect their fully vaccinated workers who are not otherwise at-risk from COVID-19 exposure. The new guidelines from OSHA are strictly for those that have not been vaccinated. If everyone in your company is vaccinated, these guidelines do not apply. 

Help Employees Identify Opportunities to Get Vaccinated 

There are many reasons a person may choose to not get vaccinated, but for those that are waiting for an easily-accessible vaccine option, it is important to help them identify those opportunities. There are a number of great resources available for each state, and in many instances, each county, on how to easily get vaccinated. Ask around to see how workers are getting vaccinated in your area and share that information with every employee. Vaccinations are key for preventing the spread of COVID-19 and keeping all of your employees safe. 

Guidelines for Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 

For employers who are actively working to keep their unvaccinated employees safe, the usual guidelines apply. Wearing face coverings, social distancing and practicing good personal hygiene are key to ensuring that employees are safe. To keep your workplace safe, it is best practice to provide employees with face masks, opportunities for social distancing and sick days if they do become infected with the virus. Many companies are also providing each of their employees the incentive of paid time off so that they are able to get their vaccinations in a timely manner. 

No matter how you are preventing the spread of COVID-19 in your workplace, it is crucial to stay vigilant to the new guidelines released by OSHA and the CDC. STC is always here to help keep your workplace safe. Our managed safety services, onsite cna services and safety consulting services are designed to make safety simple. Want to learn more about STC? Check out our blog today! 

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Celebrating National Safety Month with Five Quick Tips for Workplace Safety

At STC, we believe that safety is the most important part of every job, no matter how big or small it may be. That’s why we are so excited to celebrate National Safety Month this June, and continue our dedication to preserving human life every day of the year. To celebrate National Safety Month, we are gearing up with five quick tips for workplace safety from STC: 

 

  1. Be Aware of Your Surroundings 

Whether you are working in an office or at a job site, there are always potentially dangerous situations that may arise. It is crucial to stay vigilant of your surroundings at all times so that you don’t hurt yourself or others while completing your necessary tasks for that day. 

 

  1. Stay Up To Date On All Things Safety 

The COVID-19 pandemic is a great example of how workplace safety can change regularly. Keeping people safe means that OSHA updates its guidelines as they learn new information. Stay up to date on everything safety-related in your industry to keep yourself and others safe. 

 

  1. Don’t Take Shortcuts on Essential Procedures

When it comes to safety, sometimes the smarter way of working is always the harder way of working. Safety procedures and precautions are set in place for a reason, and most of the time when someone gets hurt, it is because they have neglected to follow all safety precautions. 

 

  1. Always Wear Personal Protective Equipment 

If your employer, or OSHA, requires you to wear specific personal protective equipment (PPE) on the job, it is crucial that it gets worn. You never know when a mistake will happen, and you want to be prepared for those instances beforehand by wearing all essential safety equipment. 

 

  1. Training is Key for Celebrating National Safety Month 

The most effective way to ensure that your employees are staying safe is having them complete comprehensive safety training regularly. You can’t protect yourself from something you know nothing about, so we recommend that all employees are trained on safety in the workplace. 

 

No matter how you choose to prepare your employees for National Safety Month, STC is here to help guide you through every step. We offer a wide variety of managed safety services, from onsite safety staffing to safety consulting to help prepare your employees for every situation. Want to learn more about celebrating National Safety Month? Check out our blog today! 

 

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Bringing Awareness to Workers Memorial Day & OSHA’s 50th Anniversary

At STC, we believe that the work we do makes a difference in the lives of those we do it for, and this month will serve as a reminder of that fact. This year, April 28th will serve the dual purpose of Workers Memorial Day and OSHA’s 50th anniversary. As we work to honor both events, here is everything you need to know about the two momentous days from the safety experts at STC:

 

Honoring Lives for Workers Memorial Day

Workers Memorial Day serves as a day of remembrance for the lives that have been lost while on the job. Each year, companies around the world continue to lose employees to a variety of fatalities, many of which are preventable with the right training and equipment. Please join us in honoring the lives lost at worksites this Workers Memorial Day, April 28th, by making safety a priority in your workplace and keeping your employees educated in their own safety. 

 

Celebrating OSHA’s 50th Anniversary

While April 28th will serve as a day for remembrance, it will also serve as a day for celebrating OSHA’s 50th anniversary. When OSHA became law 50 years ago, the workers of the world united in a massive win for the safety of their jobs and themselves. After fifty years of passing laws, they have continued to make positive changes in the safety of many industries. We are honored to work closely with laws that work to continue our mission, preserving human life. 

 

Our Commitment to Preserving Lives

In 2021, STC is proud to be celebrating our 10-year anniversary and a decade of safety excellence. We have worked with a wide variety of clients in many different industries to help them create safer work environments, protect their employees and build internal safety cultures. We are proud of our work, and we will always continue to make our mission possible. 

 

No matter how you choose to protect the lives of your employees, STC is always here to make it simple. We have been committed to protecting lives since day one of operation. We offer a variety of managed safety services, from onsite safety staffing to safety consulting to help prepare your employees for every situation. Want to learn more about STC? Check out our blog today!

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Our Guide to Fall Protection Training in Honor of National Ladder Safety Month

At STC, we are committed to preserving human life by keeping people educated on all of the safety precautions they need to protect themselves. Since it is National Ladder Safety Month, there is no better time to share some information on fall protection training from our safety experts. Here is everything you need to know about fall protection training from STC:

Fall Protection and Ladder Safety are Essential

Did you know that falls are the leading cause of death at worksites? The truth is that these kinds of fatalities and injuries are highly preventable when all of your employees are well trained in fall protection. In 2010 alone, there were 226 fatalities caused by falls in the construction industry. These deaths account for more than one-third of the fatalities for the entire year. That’s why it is so crucial to educate your employees on the importance of fall protection and prevention.

Fall Protection Starts with the Right Equipment

As with any job, keeping yourself safe on ladders will require you to plan ahead. When in the planning phase of your project, it is crucial to determine what parts of the job will require workers to stand on ladders or scaffolding. When you know how far your employees will need to climb, you can ensure that you have the appropriate ladders for them to stay safe on the job.

Provide Fall Protection Training to All Employees

Whether your employees are life-long veterans of the industry or just starting out, they will all need to have completed fall protection training before climbing the ladder. You never know when things will start to go wrong on the job site, so you should prepare every employee to handle those situations professionally. When they have the right information and equipment, there is a much higher chance that they will come out of those situations unharmed.

No matter how you choose to keep your employees safe, STC is here to help you make safety simple. We are dedicated to providing Managed Safety Services, Safety Consulting Services and Instructor-Led Training to keep all of your employees safe on the job. Want to learn more about the importance of creating a strong safety culture? Check out our blog today!

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STC’s COVID-19 Vaccine Guide for Your Workplace

As the COVID-19 vaccine slowly rolls out across the country, many people have the opportunity to make their work lives and personal lives much safer. We have worked hard to gather all of the details you need to ensure that you are able to keep your family, coworkers and clients safe through this time. Here’s everything you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccine from STC:

Who Can Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?

The vaccine is in short supply and only being given to those in the 1A or 1B groups. As of right now, the only people eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine are healthcare workers, people over the age of 65 and people 16+ with underlying health conditions. As more vaccines become available, many other groups will become eligible to receive their covid vaccine as well.

How Does the Vaccine Work?

Currently, there are two different vaccines available, both being reported to be 95% effective. These vaccines are not meant to prevent you, or those around you, from getting the virus. Essentially, the vaccine is meant to provoke an immune response, so that your body is better able to fend off the virus if you come into contact with someone who has already been infected.

Is the COVID-19 Vaccine Safe?

Yes, the vaccine has gone through all of the phases of testing and regulatory approvals it needed before entering the market. While this process was sped up due to the severity of the virus, this does not mean that important steps were missed along the way. The vaccines do not contain the live virus, meaning that you cannot contract or spread COVID-19 from the vaccine.

Where Can I Get the Vaccine?

It is expected that people will be able to receive vaccinations for free from their doctors, local pharmacies, hospitals and other medical professionals soon. If you are in groups 1A or 1B, you can go ahead and register for your first dose of the vaccine now, but your wait time will depend on local availability. Depending on which vaccine you receive, there may be a 21-28 day waiting period before you can receive your second, and final, dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

No matter how you choose to keep your workplace safe from COVID-19, it is crucial that every employee understands when and where they can receive their vaccine. STC is always here to help keep your workplace safe. Our managed safety services, onsite cna services and safety consulting services are designed to make safety simple. Want to learn more about STC? Check out our blog today!

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The Guide to Returning to Work After the COVID-19 Pandemic

As things slowly start to look up in terms of the COVID-19 pandemic, it will still be a long time before things can return to normal. There are quite a few safety precautions that will stay in play long after the pandemic has ended, and many that are not going away any time soon. Here is everything you need to know about returning to work after the COVID-19 pandemic from STC:

Safety Should Always Be Priority

Whether you have received the coronavirus vaccine or not, COVID-19 safety should always play a major role in how you operate at work. Many others still have not received their vaccines, and even when they do, they can still contract and spread the virus. While health implications are far less severe, many companies, including OSHA, will still require mask-wearing in the future.

Keeping Up With Safety Guidelines

While many companies have continually updated their safety guidelines throughout the pandemic, these guidelines will continue to change in the near future. Experts are still unsure of how the virus will continue to mutate and spread through the general population. The risk of contracting and spreading the virus will continue to pose a risk. We recommend keeping up with the latest information from the WHO, OSHA and CDC to update your guidelines accordingly.

Continuing COVID-19 Safety Precautions

As businesses reopen and many people are returning to work, it is still important to maintain COVID-19 safety precautions. Even if every employee has received their vaccine, there will be a risk of spreading the virus to someone who has not. This virus is not going away when the majority of the population has been vaccinated, and it will continue to affect our everyday lives. Things such as COVID monitors, sanitation and handwashing will still be necessary.

No matter how you choose to protect yourself, your business and your employees from the coronavirus, STC is always here to help you make it simple. We offer a wide range of managed safety services such as onsite CNA staffing, safety-consulting services and instructor-led training. Want to learn more about dealing with COVID-19 at work? Check out our blog today!

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