Posts

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!

Photo Sourced from Getty Images: #1097225100

/by

Creating Safer Workplaces: The Purpose and Value of Incident Investigations

As safety consultants, we understand that accidents, injuries, and near misses can be stressful, frustrating, and even scary for everyone involved. However, it’s important to remember that incident investigations serve a vital purpose in preserving human life through workplace safety. Here’s what you need to know about the purpose and value of incident investigations from STC:

The Importance of Following OSHA Guidelines

At STC, we know that OSHA requires employers to conduct accident investigations for all OSHA-recordable injuries. Additionally, insurance providers require incident documentation for incidents that result in or may result in a claim. But incident investigations serve a much greater purpose than just fulfilling legal requirements.

The Prime Objective: Preventing Future Incidents

The primary objective of an incident investigation is to prevent future incidents. It’s not about placing blame or applying discipline. Incident investigations help us gather factual information about who, what, where, when, and how an incident occurred. Once this information is collected, we can analyze the incident and identify the root causes.

Analyzing Root Causes: A Deeper Look

Root causes are the underlying reasons for an incident. For example, if an employee cuts their hand because they weren’t wearing gloves while handling sharp material, it may seem like simple employee negligence. However, upon further analysis, it may be revealed that the employee needed to be provided with gloves, or the supervisor never wears gloves and doesn’t require their team to wear them. In this case, it would require re-evaluating our training program and identifying new corrective actions.

Sharing Valuable Lessons Learned

We must share valuable lessons learned with the entire company and our peers. In the construction industry, workers and crews are divided across a geographic area and may have yet to contact those on-site where the incident occurred. Likely, the same problems you’re experiencing on one site are also happening on others.

In conclusion, incident investigations serve a vital purpose in preserving human life through workplace safety. They are not about placing blame or applying discipline but instead identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions to prevent future incidents. At STC, we strive to create safer workplaces by following OSHA guidelines and sharing lessons learned.

Want to learn more about incident investigations? Check out our blog today.

Photo Sourced from Getty Images: #1344775187

/by

The Most Effective Ways to Give Construction Safety Briefings

At STC, we believe that construction safety briefings are an essential part of any construction project. They provide an opportunity for project managers and supervisors to communicate important safety information to workers, and ensure that everyone is aware of the potential hazards and risks that may be present on the job site. But how can you ensure that your safety briefings are effective and provide the necessary information to keep workers safe? Here are nine tips for giving an effective construction safety briefing from the safety experts here at STC:

  1. Make them interactive: Construction safety briefings should not be a one-way lecture. Encourage participation from workers by asking questions, soliciting feedback, and allowing for discussion. This helps to engage workers and ensure that they are paying attention and understanding the information being presented during the construction safety briefing.
  2. Keep them concise: No one wants to sit through a long, tedious construction safety briefing. Keep your briefings as short and to-the-point as possible, focusing on the most important information.
  3. Use visual aids: People often retain information better when it is presented visually. Consider using visual aids such as slides, videos, or demonstrations to help illustrate important points during the construction safety briefing.
  4. Make them relevant: Make sure that the information presented in the construction safety briefing is relevant to the specific tasks and risks faced by the workers in attendance. This helps to ensure that the information is applicable and useful to them.
  5. Review frequently: Safety protocols and procedures can change, so it is important to review safety information regularly through construction safety briefings. Consider scheduling regular construction safety briefings to review and update workers on any new or revised procedures.
  6. Encourage questions: Encourage workers to ask questions during the construction safety briefing, and make sure to take the time to answer them thoroughly. This helps to ensure that workers have a clear understanding of the information being presented and can ask for clarification if needed.
  7. Follow up: After the construction safety briefing, follow up with workers to ensure that they understand the information and are implementing it on the job. Consider setting aside time for one-on-one training or coaching if needed.

No matter how you choose to create engaging safety briefings, STC is here to ensure that you have all of the tools you need. 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!

Photo Sourced from STC

/by

Why You Should Update Your End-of-Year Safety Plans and Procedures

As the end of the year approaches, it’s important to take some time to review and update your workplace safety plans and procedures. While it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, taking a few minutes to review and update your safety protocols can help ensure a safe and healthy work environment for your employees. Here’s everything you need to know about updating your end-of-year safety plans and procedures with STC:

Identifying Potential Risks and Hazards

One of the key benefits of regularly reviewing and updating your safety plans and procedures is that it helps to identify potential risks and hazards that may have been overlooked in the past. This can include everything from identifying new types of equipment or materials that may pose a risk, to identifying changes in the way work is being carried out that may have introduced new hazards. By proactively identifying and addressing these risks, you can help prevent accidents and injuries in the workplace.

Creating Awareness Around Safety

Another benefit of updating your safety plans and procedures is that it helps to ensure that your employees are aware of the latest safety protocols and procedures. This is especially important as new employees may not be familiar with the specific protocols and procedures in place at your workplace. By providing regular training and updates on safety procedures, you can help ensure that your employees are prepared to work safely and effectively.

Keeping Up with Equipment and Supplies

In addition to reviewing and updating your safety plans and procedures, it’s also important to ensure that all of your safety equipment and supplies are in good working order. This includes things like fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and personal protective equipment (PPE). By regularly checking and replacing any damaged or expired equipment, you can help ensure that your employees have the tools and resources they need to stay safe on the job.

No matter how you choose to prepare your workplace for 2023, 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!

Photo Sourced from Getty Images: #1334138262

/by
,

How Safety Plans and Procedures Can Lower Your Business Insurance Costs

At STC, we are committed to consistently delivering the right information to save our clients time, money and grief. Instilling the right safety plans and procedures in your workplace will not only keep your workers as safe as possible, but also save you money in the long run. Here’s everything you need to know about how safety plans and procedures can lower your insurance:

Lowering Business Insurance Costs

Most industries involve some form of risk to workers, but did you know that you can actually save money by implementing policies to mitigate those risks? When risk is involved in business, so is insurance. By implementing safety policies and adhering to them on a daily basis, there are tons of ways that you can save money. By avoiding the legal fees associated with workplace accidents, you will save money on litigation and worker’s compensation insurance.

How a Good Safety Record Helps

It’s simple, insurance companies are more willing to offer you lower insurance rates if they know you are dedicated to safety. You have to earn their trust by demonstrating years of good safety records before they are willing to offer you lower rates, however. That’s why implementing safety policies and procedurs from day one is always recommended.

Saving Money on Business Insurance

Working closely with your insurance provider or agent is a good way to ensure you are able to realize lower rates. The truth is that insurance companies use a wide variety of tools to calculate costs and safety plays the biggest factor in those costs. The statistics used by insurance providers will save you costs down the road, all while keeping your employees safe.

No matter how you choose to prepare your workplace for lower insurance, 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!

Photo Sourced from STC

/by

Four Fire Safety Tips from the Experts at STC

At STC, we are committed to keeping our clients safe in every situation. Fire safety is certainly no exception. Whether it’s a risk of wildfires or burns on the skin, fire is incredibly dangerous to personal safety in all its forms. Here’s what you need to know to keep yourself and others safe by practicing proper fire safety at all times:

Test Smoke Alarms Regularly

When working with any sort of flammable substances or equipment inside, it’s crucial that you are positive your smoke detection equipment is always functioning properly. No matter what industry you work in, it’s always best practice to regularly check your smoke alarms to ensure the batteries are working, charged, and ready to alert you of potential danger.

Create an Escape Plan

It’s easy to let the ebbs and flows of everyday work distract you from creating proper safety procedures in the workplace. It’s essential to always have a plan in case of emergency, especially dealing with fires in the workplace. If a fire starts, your employees should already know exactly where to go to avoid any potential dangers related to the fire.

Practice Proper Fire Safety

Whether it’s heating, electrical, or smoking, fires can start from a wide variety of sources. To keep your workplace safe, you need to know what potential hazards come from each source. There are proper precautions, as outlined by OSHA, for every source so be sure to keep up with updated guidelines to keep your workplace as safe as possible.

Always Check Your Surrounding Area

Things like chemical spills, improper ventilation and improper storage can cause fires to start easily and spread rapidly. You need to examine every inch of your working area before beginning work with something that could potentially cause a fire. If the hazard can be removed, remove it. If it can’t be removed, it’s best to work elsewhere if possible.

No matter how you choose to prepare your workplace for proper fire 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!

Photo Sourced from Getty Images: #1332514392

/by

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!

Photo Sourced from Getty Images: #1062305448

/by

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!

Photo Sourced from Getty Images: #1324909390

/by
,

Building a Strong Community Partnership with Upbring

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

/by
, , ,

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!

Photo Sourced from Getty Images: #1214992637

/by