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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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Focusing Our Attention on Transportation Safety in Time for Back to School

As children and teenagers all across the nation start going back to school, it’s important to remember that practicing transportation safety can potentially save their lives. More people are starting to travel on similar schedules, creating traffic and other transportation problems that can be dangerous if not handled appropriately. Here’s everything you need to know about transportation safety in time for back to school from the experts at STC: 

Why Transportation Safety is So Important 

Even with massively reduced traffic due to the pandemic, there were still 400 vehicle crashes in school zones in the state of Texas in 2020. Those accidents resulted in 11 serious injuries and a large number of minor injuries. In 2019, there were 765 vehicle crashes in school zones in Texas, resulting in one death and 15 serious injuries. This is why transportation safety is so important. 

Our Favorite Driving Safety Tips 

As with any other time of the year, it’s important to always understand your surroundings when operating a motor vehicle. During the school year, there is an increase in traffic before and after school, with a large increase in the number of busses transporting students to and from school. It is crucial for drivers to stay vigilant of their surroundings by understanding how school zones may have deviated from years prior, and always understanding where children may be crossing the streets. 

More Back to School Safety Tips 

No matter the situation, a phone call or text message is never more important than the lives of those around you. Put your phone away, or on do not disturb, when operating a motor vehicle to ensure that you are not tempted to look away from the road for even a second, especially in school zones. Since bus stops or parent pick-up lines are usually located next to main roads, it is crucial to keep an eye out for any children that may dart across the road unexpectedly. 

No matter how you choose to remain vigilant of transportation safety for back to school, STC is always here to help keep you informed. We host a wide variety of safety-based content on our website that is designed to keep people safe on the job, at home and on the road. Want to learn more about transportation safety from the experts at STC? Check out our blog today!

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Prepare for High Temperatures this Summer with Heat Safety Tips 

Summer in the south means that temperatures are going to average 90º-100º on any given day, creating potentially dangerous situations for those that work outside. At STC, we are dedicated to providing all of the heat safety tips you will need to keep yourself and others safe this summer. Here’s everything you need to know about heat safety from the experts at STC: 

Hydration is Key to Summer Safety 

As you work in the summer heat, you are going to need to hydrate yourself frequently to make up for all of the fluids you are losing in the form of sweat. If you become dehydrated on the job, you can become fatigued, dizzy and prone to falling, creating dangerous situations. Ensure that everyone on your crew is drinking plenty of water throughout the day to keep them safe. 

Work Smarter, Not Harder 

One of the best heat safety tips to keep your crew protected from heat stress is creating a strategy for when you will work on the most intensive parts of your job. Generally, it is best to ensure that you work up to the hardest parts of your job throughout the day, completing the easiest tasks during the coolest parts of the day. It is also crucial to ensure that everyone on the crew takes breaks more frequently in the summer, preferably in the shade or air conditioning. 

Provide Heat Safety Tips in Your Training 

As you walk your team through their regular training, it is important to ensure that they are educated on the most essential heat safety tips. Teach them how to spot signs of heat stress for themselves and others so that they are able to prevent dangerous situations before they happen. Every team member needs to understand how to prevent heat stress by staying hydrated, wearing light clothing, eating healthy on the job and taking frequent breaks. 

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

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Utilizing Safety Management Software to Promote Safety in the Workplace

A frequent client concern of ours is usually something along the following lines: “I want to use a safety software solution or use an “add on” safety application within my project management tool, what’s right for my company culture and where do I start…?”  Here is everything you need to know about finding the right safety management software from the experts at STC:

Using Technology to Promote Safety in the Workplace

Technology is in fact improving safety in the workplace and we strongly advocate for its use. However, if every software company claims to have the best solution ever made and guarantees results (with a binding contract) …. where do you start?

When it comes to safety technology or any technology at that, it is not one size fits all. The “buffet” or “all-you-can-eat” approach to technology can be a disaster and leave you unsatisfied. Many companies commit to these great and robust solutions, yet rarely get back the anticipated return on investment, only use a fraction of its capability, and end up shelving the solution long before they are out of their contract terms.

Finding Safety Management Software That Fits Your Needs

The key to a successful implementation and ROI is knowing what your team is trying to accomplish before you enter a contract with a software company. Second, knowing how to create a “request for proposal” (RFP) highlighting your needs and selecting the software company that is best aligned with your goals, budget and cultural behaviors. Do not get oversold on features and shiny objects your team will not use. Safety isn’t complex, so don’t make it that way. Our best-performing clients have the simplest processes. What they get right is consistency and participation, which trumps the infrequent use of features all day.

If you need an unbiased evaluation or support with finding the right safety management software fit for your company, give us a call today!

We don’t sell software; we help you realize measurable outcomes.

Email:

information@thestcgroup.com

Customer Support:

Toll-Free: 1-855-389-SAFE

Frisco, Texas Office (Corporate): 972-347-3377

Atlanta, Georgia Office: 470-575-6404

Fax: 855-448-2353

 

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Prepare Your Employees for Warmer Weather with These Construction Safety Tips

At STC, we believe that the right education and training can help preserve human life in the workplace. Warmer weather is finally here but with the new season comes a new set of safety guidelines employees should follow for their own protection. Here are all of the construction safety tips you need to prepare your employees for warmer weather and summer safety:

Stay Prepared for Summer Safety

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

Choose Work Assignments Carefully

As a responsible employer of construction workers, there are quite a few things you can do to help prevent serious heat exhaustion in your employees. One of the best ways to ensure employees are protected is assigning the hardest work for the coolest parts of the day. This way, workers will be able to cool down after heavy work while it is still cold enough for them to do so.

When it is too hot outside, you should take the time to ensure that employees are taking regular breaks to rehydrate and cool down their bodies. If employees are not guaranteed regular breaks during peak heat hours in the summer, they could potentially overheat their bodies. Illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke can lead to serious injuries, illnesses and even cause fatalities.

Teach Employees Construction Safety Tips

All of your employees should be trained regularly with seasonal weather safety tips. Whether it’s rain, snow, heat or cold, employees should understand how to protect themselves against the elements in which they will be working. We recommend a quarterly instructor-led training session from professionals to help employees keep themselves and others safe on the job. 

No matter how you choose to teach your employees construction 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 construction safety tips? Check out our blog today!

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How Seasonal Weather Affects Construction Safety at Work Sites

Fall is here and winter is right around the corner, both bringing new weather conditions that can affect construction safety at work sites. The first step to preventing the new weather patterns from affecting your employees’ safety is understanding the signs of harmful conditions. Here is everything you need to know about seasonal construction safety from your partners at STC:

The Safety of Employees During Rainy Season

Fall in Texas has one of the highest levels of precipitation out of the entire year. Not only is it hurricane season, resulting in high volumes of rain and scattered storms, but it is also filled with several rainy periods throughout the season. This added layer of moisture can affect the safety of employees due to a higher chance of accidents and the possibility of damaged materials.

The Cold Winter Can Affect Construction Safety

As temperatures continue to drop, conditions at construction sites continue to present more dangers. Cold temperatures, especially those below freezing, can cause a variety of health issues for employees that are exposed to it for long periods of time. Prolonged exposure to the cold can cause a higher chance of heart attacks, windburn, wheezing and shortness of breath.

Weather Conditions Can Change in an Instant

While the weather conditions change due to the season, the new season can also cause them to change more quickly throughout the day than most weather stations can predict. It is essential that you provide employees with shelter or overhead protection for inclement weather. These shelters can also prove beneficial for protecting expensive equipment.

No matter how you choose to protect the lives of your employees, STC is here to help make it simple with all of the safety services you need. From managed safety services to instructor-led trainings and safety consulting services, we have everything you need to ensure every precaution is taken. Want to learn more about construction safety? Check out our blog today!

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Top 5 Driving Safety Tips for Distracted Driving Awareness Month

At STC, we believe that preserving human life means creating awareness around all aspects of workplace safety. In honor of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, we will be highlighting the dangers of distracted driving and five of our favorite driving safety tips. Here is what you need to know about keeping your employees safe behind the wheel at work from the experts at STC:

1. Save Your Cell Phones for Emergencies Only

According to recent data, nearly 390,000 injuries, and 1 out of 4 car accidents, occur each year from texting and driving. Even something as simple as a phone call can take your eyes off the road for up to 5 seconds. To keep yourself and others safe on the road, limit cell phone usage to emergencies only. This will allow you to focus on the road to make quick, potentially life-saving decisions.

2. Drowsy Driving is More Dangerous Than You Think

Falling asleep at the wheel is far more common than most people think. After a long shift on the job or an early morning commute, drowsy driving can easily turn into asleep at the wheel. Up to 37% of U.S drivers have reported falling asleep while driving, so if this happens to you, pull over. You are much safer taking a quick nap in your car while parked than driving while drowsy.

3. Store Loose Gear Before Hitting the Road

When you are on the job, it is common to store loose work materials in your car during transport. If these materials are not secured properly, they will move around in your car causing distractions for the driver. Storing loose gear in a safe space where it will not move around is a simple way to ensure that you are not distracted or losing focus while driving.

4. Make Adjustments Before You Start Driving

Since many companies require employees to share the same work vehicles, it is easy for mirror and seat positions to need adjustments when you get in the car. To keep yourself safe while driving, it is essential that you make these adjustments before driving. Simply check mirrors, seat positions and GPS before starting your car to save yourself some trouble on the road.

5. Teach All Employees Driving Safety Tips

Lastly, it is critical that every employee that enters a company vehicle is trained on your company-mandated driving safety tips. These driving safety tips can save your lives and prevent your company from receiving legal trouble from improper training. You can create simple checkpoints for employees to ensure that all necessary safety measures are followed.

No matter how you choose to protect the lives of your employees, STC is here to help you implement every precaution you need for every situation. Our safety consulting services and instructor-led safety trainings are designed to make preserving human life simple. Want to learn more about keeping employees safe on the job? Check out the STC blog today!

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What You Can Expect from STC at Dallas Build Expo 2020

As a major proponent of safety in the construction industry, our favorite time of the year is finally here. The Dallas Build Expo is coming to town on October 28 & 29 at Dallas Market Hall, and we plan on making the most of it with everything you need to know about safety. Here are some of the things you can expect from Safety Training & Compliance, STC, at the Dallas Build Expo in 2020:

What to Know About the Dallas Build Expo

Build Expo is the largest regional building and construction show in the nation and rated as the #1 trade show for general contractors. With over 150 exhibitors, 30 complimentary classes and 5000 pre-registered attendees, there are tons of learning opportunities for advancing your workplace. There are even thousands of new products and services that you can demo for free!

How STC is Preparing for the Build Expo

STC is dedicated to preserving human life by providing all of the information our clients need to know about OSHA compliance and workplace safety. We are gearing up for the Dallas Build Expo with the same mindset. We provide simple solutions to complex safety problems, from safety training to managed safety services, we are happy to help your business stay protected.

Come See Us to Learn More About STC

During the Dallas Build Expo, you can get all of your workplace safety questions answered by STC at booth 519. Our team will be more than happy to connect with you on all of your safety needs and more. You can learn more about our managed safety services, safety consulting or safety training to keep your business prepared for any situation that comes your way.

No matter how you plan to celebrate the Dallas Build Expo and learn about all of the latest innovations in the construction industry, STC is here to make every situation safer. Our team is dedicated to preserving human life and helping businesses of all kinds meet OSHA standards. Ready to register as an attendee for the Dallas Build Expo 2020? Register here today!

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