Posts

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!

Photo Sourced from Getty Images: #1207998410

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!

Photo Sourced from Getty Images: #1175702132

In honor of our 10-year anniversary, we partnered with Upbring, a Texas-wide child-well being organization. We believe that there is no better way to celebrate our decade of workplace safety than to exemplify our first core value, passionately help others win, by developing a community partnership with Upbring. 

With North Texas Giving Day upon us, STC and Upbring want to highlight our partnership as the community gets into the spirit of giving. At STC we work to preserve human life in the workplace, while Upbring works hard to save children’s lives. Creating this meaningful partnership allows both STC and Upbring to elevate our communities. 

How Upbring Helps

Upbring works to heal communities by shifting perspectives and re-imagining systems. Their work increases child wellness, vitality and safety. STC’s partnership with Upbring seeks to highlight the community and cultural shifts needed to improve the well-being of children across the state. Upbring offers services including foster care, adoption, children’s centers and education. 

Upbring also started a Supervised Independent Living program, BeREAL, designed to help young adults on their journey to independence through education, planning and mentorship. 

How You Can Help

Because of generosity from supporters like you, Upbring is able to provide apartments that are move-in ready for future professionals who are seeking stability and support in their BeREAL program. 

In the spirit of North Texas Giving Day this week, STC hopes to continue highlighting our community partnership with Upbring and the transformational work they do. Learn more about Upbring and help us create change in our community today by making a donation at https://stcsafetyconsultants.com/upbring

More about STC

No matter how, or when, you choose to celebrate safety successes in the workplace, STC is here to help make safety the top priority in your organization. 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!

 

Photo Sourced by Getty Images: #1126785367

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!

Photo Sourced from Getty Images: #690173576

Earlier this month, we at STC had the opportunity to visit the #1 event for exhibitions and education for the roofing and exterior construction industries! We are so grateful for the opportunity to have taken our message of safety in the workplace to the International Roofing Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada! Here is everything you need to know about our time at the IRE:

A Fantastic Networking Opportunity

Thank you to everyone who took the time to visit with us and talk about safety in the workplace at the International Roofing Expo! Our entire team is grateful to have met everyone we spoke to at the event, and we are looking forward to potentially working with you in the future. We pride ourselves on taking safety to the next level for each of our clients in various industries. 

The International Roofing Expo

We had the pleasure of visiting with hundreds of other exhibitors at the International Roofing Expo to learn more about the latest trends in the industry. Our entire team has come back with a renewed enthusiasm for roofing and a ton of invaluable information on what’s going on in the industry. We are grateful for the opportunity to share that knowledge with our customers.

We Are Your Partner in Safety 

We work hard to deliver a partnership that builds culture in the workplace, while also increasing efficiency across safety procedures. Our team is always here for you if you need help increasing safety in your workplace, complying with OSHA or training staff on safety. We offer a variety of services that can help you prevent any accidents or injuries at the worksite. Explore our services on our website and let us know how we can work with you to improve your workplace safety. 

No matter how you choose to prepare your employees for roofing 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 prepare your employees for every situation. Want to learn more about what it’s like to work with the experts at STC? Check out our blog today!

 

Image sourced from STC

At STC, we believe that safety is the most important aspect of every job. Last week, we had the opportunity to celebrate safety in the workplace during one of our favorite weeks of the year, Safe + Sound Week! This is such an important week because we get to celebrate the importance of safety in the workplace. Here is everything you need to know about Safe + Sound Week and how we celebrated at STC:

What is Safe + Sound Week

Safe + Sound Week is an event celebrated nationwide over the course of a week in August. This is an event for recognizing the successes of workplace health and safety programs. During this week, companies around the country get their employees together to celebrate their success and provide information and ideas about keeping their workplace safe. 

Why Every Organization Should Participate

By participating in Safe + Sound Week, you are making an effort to recognize the importance of safety in the workplace for your organization. By implementing health and safety programs, and celebrating their success, your organization will be actively preventing injuries and fatalities in the workplace. No job is too safe to skip over safety measures, so it is crucial that each employee understands that each of their actions can make your workplace safer. 

How STC Celebrated Safe + Sound Week

Each of our employees makes a lifelong commitment to safety, and Safe + Sound Week is when we get to look back on our successes. We consider each day that an employee goes home to their family a success, because the safety procedures at their work helped make it happen. Every day, employees all over the world suffer through injuries and fatalities at work that could have been prevented. We make it our mission to ensure that safety is the number one priority. 

No matter how, or when, you choose to celebrate safety successes in the workplace, STC is here to help make safety the top priority in your organization. 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!

Photo Sourced from Getty Images: #1257203132

At STC, we encourage each of our employees to go above and beyond to take safety seriously in every aspect of their work. This month, we have two employees that have received external or internal awards to validate that they are performing to the best of their abilities. We are so proud of how far they have come in their dedication to safety excellence. Here is everything you need to know about one of our employee’s being honored with the Rising Stars of Safety Award

The Rising Star of Safety Award 

Each year, the National Safety Council honors a group of future leaders younger than age 40 dedicated to making workplaces safer with the Rising Stars of Safety award. This year, we are proud to announce that STC’s own Alan Hurtado has been honored with the award for his dedication to safety excellence. We are so proud of the work Alan has done to provide safety leadership in our organization, and his dedication to continuous improvement in safety. 

Making a Difference in Safety 

Alan is one of 37 recognized safety professionals by the National Safety Council in 2021. The NSC Rising Stars program showcases up-and-coming leaders who are making a difference in the field of safety. His enthusiasm, skill and leadership will inspire future safety leaders and colleagues, helping people live their best lives free of preventable death and injury. 

Most Improved Player Award 

Internally at STC, Ryan Brence received Most Improved Player for the 1st Half of 2021. Ryan has shown an unwavering dedication to safety in every aspect of his career and it is an honor to have him on our team. We could not be prouder of how far he has come and how far he has shown that he is willing to go to make safety a priority for every client. 

Our team has made a massive difference in our organization, and through our services, we believe they could do the same for you. 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! 

 

Photo sourced from Getty Images: # 1215866584

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! 

Photo Sourced from Getty Images: #1308386875

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

 

Photo Sourced from Getty Images: #928077544

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! 

 

Photo sourced from Getty Images: #1148244566