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Preventing Struck-by Incidents: A Guide to the National Stand Down

As a company that values human life and safety in the workplace, Safety Training & Compliance (STC) understands the importance of preventing struck-by incidents. According to OSHA, struck-by incidents are one of the leading causes of death and injury in the workplace. That’s why we’re sharing a guide to the National Stand Down and how it can help prevent struck-by incidents.

What is the National Stand Down?

The National Stand Down is an annual event organized by OSHA that encourages employers and workers to take a break from work and focus on preventing struck-by incidents. During the Stand Down, companies can hold safety meetings, training and demonstrations to educate workers on best practices and procedures to avoid struck-by incidents.

Why is it important?

Struck-by incidents can occur in any industry and have severe consequences, including injury or death. By participating in the National Stand Down, companies can raise awareness and educate workers on preventing these incidents. The Stand Down is also an opportunity to evaluate current safety procedures and make necessary improvements to prevent future accidents.

How to participate?

To participate in the National Stand Down, employers can register on OSHA’s website and receive resources to help plan and execute their own Stand Down event. Companies can also access various educational materials, such as toolbox talks, training videos, and presentations, to share with their workers.

We believe every worker has the right to a safe and healthy workplace. By participating in the National Stand Down and promoting struck-by prevention best practices, companies can make significant strides toward reducing the number of struck-by incidents in the workplace. To learn more about National Stand Down and other workplace safety initiatives, visit our blog today!

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Winter Safety Tips to Keep Employees Safe in Harsh Weather

As the winter season approaches, it’s important to take steps to ensure the safety of your employees in harsh weather conditions. From snow and ice to freezing temperatures, there are a number of hazards that can arise during the winter months. Here are a few winter safety tips to keep in mind as you work to keep your employees safe during this time of year from STC:

Dress for the Season

Encourage employees to dress appropriately for the weather. This includes wearing layers to stay warm, as well as waterproof and slip-resistant boots or shoes to prevent falls on icy surfaces.

Create a Game Plan

Have a plan in place for employees who need to work outside in cold weather. This might include providing warm shelter, access to hot beverages, and frequent breaks to come inside and warm up.

Clear Any Potential Dangers

Ensure that all outdoor walkways and parking lots are cleared of snow and ice. This will help prevent slips and falls, as well as make it easier for employees to get to and from their vehicles safely.

Always Stay Prepared

Have a supply of rock salt or other ice-melting chemicals on hand to treat slippery surfaces. This will help to make walkways and parking lots safer for employees and customers.

Discourage Dehydration

Encourage employees to stay hydrated, as the cold weather can lead to dehydration. Make sure that there is plenty of water available, and encourage employees to drink frequently throughout the day.

Stay Vigilant of Weather Changes

Keep a close eye on the weather forecast and be prepared for adverse conditions. This might include having a plan in place for employees who may need to leave work early or come in late due to dangerous driving conditions.

By following these winter safety tips, you can help keep your employees safe during the colder months. Remember, it’s always better to be proactive when it comes to safety, so don’t wait until a problem arises to take action.

No matter how you choose to prepare your employees for winter, 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 keep you prepared for the new season. Want to learn more about keeping your employees safe from potential dangers? Check out our blog!

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The Proper Vehicle and Seatbelt Safety Guide from STC

At STC, we believe that it’s essential to do everything as safely as possible. From driving to work in the morning to driving on the job, safety plays an important role in proper vehicle function. No matter when or where you are going, you need to remember to use a seatbelt. Here’s what you need to know about proper seatbelt safety from the team at STC:

National Seatbelt Day

In honor of National Seatbelt Day being this month, we are making a heavy emphasis on the importance of wearing your seatbelt when a car is operational. No matter where you are or where you’re going, there’s a safe way to get there and that always includes a seatbelt. You never know when something unexpected will happen on the road so always be sure everyone in your car is always wearing a seatbelt. There’s never a safe time to not wear your seatbelt. 

The Dangers of Driving

Commercial safe driving is imperative for maintaining workplace safety. In 2019 alone, distracted driving claimed 3,142 lives while speeding took the lives of ​​9,378 people, more than 26% of those involved in automotive fatalities. Always remember to keep your attention on the road while following posted traffic precautions to potentially save yourself and others from adding to these statistics in the future. You never know when a seatbelt could save your life.

Wearing Seatbelts On the Job

Much like cars, when you are operating heavy equipment, you will need to utilize the safety of a seatbelt as well. Avoiding injuries while on the job is essential to construction equipment safety, and following basic safety training procedures will keep you injury-free. Board the equipment by maintaining three points of contact and never jump into or out of the cab, especially once it’s in operation. Also, always wear seatbelts so you’re not knocked around or flung from the cab in an accident. When working, stay aware of your surroundings. Every safety procedure is important!

No matter how you choose to prepare your employees for seatbelt safety, 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 keep you prepared for any situation. Want to learn more about keeping your employees safe from potential dangers? Check out our blog!

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How to Stay Prepared for Hurricane Season Along the Coast

At STC, we are dedicated to helping our clients stay prepared, no matter the situation. For residents of Southern Texas, Florida and Georgia, you are already aware that hurricane season is approaching quickly. Not only can a single hurricane rearrange your personal life for weeks, but it can also cause some unexpected delays in projects at work. Here’s everything you need to know to stay prepared for the upcoming hurricane season with the experts at STC:

Wet Season on Jobsites

Hurricane season and wet season go hand-in-hand on job sites along the coast. Unexpected water on job sites can cause a ton of problems related to safety and equipment handling. Whether the water is from a hurricane or another storm, it’s essential to clear out any water before beginning work on a particular site, so no one gets hurt in the process.

Hurricane Season on the Job

In many southern states, hurricane season is almost guaranteed to bring some heavy winds, rain and flooding. Have you done all that you can to keep yourself, your family and your job site as safe as possible this hurricane season? Cities will employ the use of fluid-transfer pumps during the wet season, but it’s possible many job sites along the coast may need them as well.

How to Prepare for Hurricanes

Luckily, when a hurricane is approaching a specific area, they have been tracked, monitored and reported for at least 24 hours before it hits land. This gives residents of southern states plenty of time to take action. For businesses and houses alike, it’s essential to board up any and all windows in an effort to minimize damage. Some businesses may employ the use of fluid-transfer pumps to move floodwaters, while others move equipment and merchandise to a higher level. Either way, it’s crucial that you take precautions before a hurricane hits land.

No matter how you choose to prepare your home and business for hurricane season, 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 keep you prepared for any situation. Want to learn more about keeping your employees safe during hurricane season? Check out our blog!

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Celebrating National Preparedness Month with Emergency Response Tips from STC

At STC, we are dedicated to helping our clients be as prepared as possible for whatever may come their way. Natural disasters, routine illnesses and workplace fatalities are all emergencies that can completely uproot a job site if you aren’t prepared. Here’s everything you need to know about celebrating National Preparedness Month the right way with STC:

National Preparedness Month

Each year, we observe this month as a chance to spread awareness about the importance of being prepared for natural disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. Depending on which part of the country you are in, you know which natural disasters pose the biggest threat. Spend the month thinking ahead by preparing for those natural disasters you know could strike at any moment. You’ll be glad you did if anything should occur!

Making Plans to Stay Safe

From tornadoes in Texas to hurricanes in Florida, there are plenty of natural disasters that have the ability to completely dismantle our everyday lives. We believe it’s always best to stay prepared for anything that may come your way, no matter the situation.

Do you know where to evacuate in case of an emergency?

Do you have emergency grab-and-go kits prepared?

Do you have a plan for pets in case of emergency?

These are essential questions to ask yourself in honor of National Preparedness Month! Make the most of this month by making sure you are always prepared for anything.

Workplace Safety Programs

No matter what kind of industry you’re in, establishing a workplace safety program can save you time and money down the road. These programs are geared to prevent injuries, illnesses, and even deaths on the job, as well as stopping financial hardships and suffering often experienced by workers and their families, as well as the company. If you’re struggling to develop a workplace safety program that puts employees first, STC is always here to help!

No matter how you choose to prepare your employees for potential dangers, 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 Preparedness Month? Check out our blog today!

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Celebrating Ultraviolet Safety Month with Our UV Protection Guide

At STC, we believe in keeping employees safe in every situation. July is Ultraviolet Safety Month, so we will focus on highlighting the importance of UV and heat protection, especially in the harsh summer temperatures we have been experiencing the last few months. Here’s everything you need to know about protecting yourself from UV Rays during Ultraviolet Safety Month!

The Importance of UV Protection 

As the summer heat continues to rise, the importance of UV protection cannot be overstated. To celebrate Ultraviolet Safety Month, we are working to create awareness about the importance of protecting our eyes and skin from the side effects of UV rays. Follow these crucial steps to protect yourself and others on your crew from UV light exposure:

  • Wear at least 15 SPF sunscreen or higher during the day
  • Cover exposed skin with sleeves, pants, hats and sunglasses
  • Try staying in the shade when the sun is the most intense

The Effects of Prolonged Exposure

Whether the UV light is coming from a natural source or an artificial source, the effects are the same. Prolonged exposure to UV light can lead to multiple forms of cancer, premature aging of the skin and a weakened immune system. It can also affect vision, cause sunburns and cause cataracts to form. It’s crucial to keep yourself, your family and your crew safe from UV rays. 

Heat Continues to Be An Issue

While we continue to work through record-breaking heat, it’s important to remember that the hottest month of the year is yet to come. August is known to be particularly hot with some of the hottest days ever recorded in the United States. Keep your crew safe by making an even bigger effort to protect them from UV light, heat illness and even death. We are working through this heat together and our biggest goal is to ensure the safety of everyone on our team and yours. 

No matter how you choose to protect yourself from UV rays, STC is always here to help you make safety 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 protecting workers from extreme heat with STC? Check out our blog!

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Summer Safety Tips To Keep Your Crew Safe with STC

As summer starts to heat things up with record-breaking heat waves, it is crucial that every employee stays safe in these dangerous working conditions. Heat illness can set in a lot faster than most people think, so we’ve put together a list of quick tips to keep your crew safe. Here are some essential summer safety tips from the safety experts on the STC team:

Always Stay Hydrated, No Matter What

Hydration is key to preventing heat illness in your crew. People working in harsh summer conditions can lose a lot of hydration due to sweat and exposure to the summer sun. To keep your entire crew safe, it’s important to provide essentials such as water, electrolytes and plenty of breaks throughout the day to ensure everyone has a chance to cool off and stay hydrated.

Stay Up-to-Date on OSHA Guidelines

OSHA is notorious for regularly updating and improving safety guidelines, so it’s important to follow them as closely as possible to keep your crew safe. Recently, they introduced enhanced and expanded measures to protect workers from the hazards of extreme heat, both inside and outside. If you feel like you’re falling behind on all of the constantly updating guidelines, check back into our blog where we outline new guidelines as they are introduced.

Summer Safety Tips for Construction

Summer is one of the best seasons for finding construction jobs, but one of the hardest seasons for workers. Staying prepared for summer weather can keep your employees safe from severe injuries, illnesses and even death. Help your employees protect themselves from extreme heat by ensuring they are taking regular breaks and wearing light, breathable clothing.

No matter how you choose to implement these summer safety tips, 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 protecting workers from extreme heat with STC? Check out our blog!

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Coming Together for the 2022 BOMA Show in Atlanta

At STC, we work hard to ensure we provide accurate information at every turn by always staying up to date in the industry. That’s why we are so excited to meet with all of you in Atlanta at the 2022 BOMA Show! On May 11th, we are bringing our message of safety in the workplace to the largest annual trade show for property managers, building engineers and commercial property owners in Georgia. Here’s what you need to know about attending the BOMA Show with STC:

Keep Up to Date with the Industry

At the 2022 Atlanta BOMA Show, there is guaranteed to be countless opportunities for learning more about the industry’s latest innovations and trends. With hundreds of exhibitors, networking opportunities and well-known sponsors, you can be sure that you’ll walk away from the BOMA Show with plenty of ideas for enhancing your own business. Whether it’s safety or sales that you’re concerned about improving, the BOMA Show will have something for you.

Something for Everyone at the BOMA Show

The BOMA Show is a fun-filled day with exciting events like silent auctions, great networking opportunities and educational exhibitions. Attendees enjoy great prize-winning opportunities such as iPads, vacation packages and Yeti coolers. As the largest annual one-day gathering of commercial real estate building owners, managers, engineers and vendors in the state of Georgia, the BOMA Show is sure to have something fit for a variety of industry professionals.

Visit with STC at Our Booth

Safety should always be a major concern, no matter the industry. STC is dedicated to preserving human life in the workplace and we would love to talk to you about it at the BOMA Show. You can visit the STC team at our exhibition booth to learn more about our managed safety services, passion for safety in all of its aspects and how our passion can benefit your company.

No matter how you choose to spend your time at the 2022 Atlanta BOMA Show, STC is always here to spend time with your organization to answer questions. 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 STC? Check out our blog today!

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The Importance of Distracted Driving Awareness Month with STC

At STC, we are not only committed to keeping you safe on the job site, but also on the road. April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, which has quickly become one of the deadliest epidemics on our roads. In the age of technology, there are countless distractions that could lead to potentially fatal accidents. Here’s everything you need to know about keeping safe on the road during Distracted Driving Awareness Month from the safety experts at STC:

Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Each year, we celebrate Distracted Driving Awareness Month to bring attention to the importance of driving safely. In 2019 alone, 3,142 people died behind the wheel due to distracted driving. This is a problem that not only affects the driver, but also passengers, other drivers and pedestrians who have no way to defend themselves from an oncoming vehicle. 

The Extent of Distracted Driving 

Distracted driving is more than just using your cell phone while driving. Whether it’s eating at the wheel, managing a navigation app or trying to store loose items in your vehicle, there are a large number of distractions that many people do not even consider. Basically, if you are doing anything in your vehicle that takes your attention away from the road, you are distracted. 

Driving Safety Tips from STC

As always, it’s crucial that you keep your eyes on the road at all times. This means saving that text for later, picking music before entering the vehicle and storing loose items before hitting the road. You never know when someone in front of you may hit their brakes or an animal may run into the middle of the road. It’s best practice to keep your attention on the road, always. 

No matter how you choose to protect yourself and others from traffic accidents caused by distracted driving, STC is always here to help your employees understand what it takes to stay safe. We offer a wide variety of managed safety services, from onsite safety staffing to safety consulting to help prepare your employees for every situation, on the road and on the job site. Want to learn more about how STC can benefit your business? Check out our blog today!

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All of the Winter Safety Tips You Need to Keep Your Employees Safe

At STC, we are dedicated to keeping you and your employees safe in every situation. The Farmers Almanac predicts that the south is in for another tough winter, with high possibilities for sleet and snow, similar to the winter storm in Texas this February. Here are all of the winter safety tips that you will need to know to keep your employees safe from the cold this winter:

Drive Safely in the Snow

As most of the south shuts down amid a rough winter storm, some people do not have that luxury. If you, or your employees, will be required to drive during snow or ice, it is crucial that you prepare yourself and your vehicle. Follow these tips to stay safe while driving in the winter:

  1. Check your battery. Battery power can drop as temperatures drop.
  2. Check the tread on your tires to ensure at least 2/32 of an inch.
  3. Drive slower, as black ice is hard to see and can cause your car to spin out.
  4. Check the tire pressure. Tire pressure can drop as the temperature drops.

Do Your Best to Stay Warm

Many workers will still be required to work outside as temperatures drop, sometimes even as they get below freezing. It is crucial that every employee bundles up to protect themselves from the freezing temperatures, preferably with thermal clothing and thick jackets. Cold-related illnesses are far more common than most people think, even in warmer areas like the south.

Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide can pose a serious threat to human life that is virtually undetectable without the right equipment. Each year, carbon monoxide poisonings result in more than 400 people deaths and 50,000 illnesses. This poison is produced by burning fuel in vehicles, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, portable generators or furnaces. It is crucial that every workplace is equipped with well-maintained carbon monoxide detectors to prevent these illnesses and fatalities.

No matter how you choose to teach your employees winter safety tips, 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 seasonal weather safety tips from the experts at STC? Check out our blog today!

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