As explained in our two earlier chapters, in this series we are focusing on some of the recommendations issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of the United States Department of Labor, a referent for those of us who work to improve safety in industries and to reduce workplace accidents.

Today, we’ll be discussing OSHA’s Safety Practices Once Tractor Trailers arrive at their destination –  Indications that are well worth taking into account when manoeuvring any type of cargo vehicle – be it truck, trailer or forklift – whenever these are in operation in our industries such as in the cases of  loading docks or storage areas.

The following tips apply to three different movements:

1. When parking
   a) Park on level ground and close to the receiving door or site
   b) Set and test brakes
   c) Place wheel chocks between the tandem wheels of the trailer
   d) Do not attempt to stop a rolling vehicle.
   
   
2. When Backing up
   a) Get out and look
   b) Use flashers, horn, and backup alarms
   c) Check both side mirrors
   d) Roll down windows to hear
   e) Know your vehicle’s blind spots
   f) Use a spotter
   g) Back up slowly
   
   
3. When coupling and uncoupling
   a) Only trained workers should perform this procedure
   b) Ensure stable footing when releasing the fifth wheel or adjusting tandems
   c) Wear bright visible clothing
   d) Set parking brakes and perform tug test
   e) Keep clear of tires and frames
   f) Check for vehicular traffic near you
   
   

All these suggestions added to our prior knowledge will undoubtedly be extremely helpful in improving occupational safety in our industries and preventing workplace accidents.

Continue reading part 4

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Do you need Claitec’s advice on any other matter?

Please, don’t hesitate to contact us, we are here to help!

Second instalment on OSHA coming soon!

As explained in part one of this series, the following articles will be focused on trying to understand some of the recommendations issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of the United States Department of Labor, a referent for those of us who work to improve safety in industries and to reduce workplace accidents.

The following are some valuable tips highlighted in the OSHA Pocket Guide for warehouse workers to keep in mind:

First, it is important to note that the Guide indicates that fatal accidents occur in greater proportion in warehouses than in other industrial spaces. As earlier explained, these facts are associated with the incorrect use of forklifts, problems in organising and storing stock, the misuse of personal safety elements, problems complying with previously established safety standards, and shortcomings in fire control systems and repetitive motion injuries, among several other factors.

The Guide also analyses a wide variety of potential risks that lurk around in warehouse spaces and it presents a list of the most frequent risks, including those associated with forklifts and miscommunications, such as not explaining procedures clearly, not keeping track of tools or substances being processed, and not providing up-to-date training.

In addition, some of the most frequent potential risks are also related to electrical wiring and to the design of the electrical system, problems with openings, blind spots and doors, and air pollution problems.

The OSHA Pocket Guide offers a detailed analysis of each of these risks and a number of recommendations to be implemented in order to solve them.

We can’t recommend you consult this document enough.

We are sure that you will find valuable elements to help you continue advancing in your quest towards occupational safety and the reduction of workplace accidents in your industry.

Continue reading part 3 here

Do you have any questions about this topic?

Do you need Claitec’s advice on any other matter?

Please, don’t hesitate to contact us, we are here to help!

When talking about occupational health and safety and the prevention of industrial accidents, there is a key reference that is well worth knowing and keeping in mind – the United States Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
That’s why in this post and in future instalments, we would like to discuss its role and other relevant aspects of this organisation what are relevant to the safety of your business.

The objective of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is “to guarantee safe and healthy working conditions for working men and women by establishing and enforcing standards and providing training, outreach, education and assistance”.

OSHA’s standards are rules that “describe the methods that employers must follow by law to protect their employees against hazards.” According to the administration itself, before OSHA can issue a safety standard, this must be subjected to an extremely broad and lengthy process that includes a high degree of public participation, notification, and evaluation.  

The construction, marine, agricultural, and general industry standards issued by OSHA protect employees from a wide range of serious hazards. Among other things, these standards limit the amount of hazardous chemicals that employees can be exposed to, it dictates the use of certain safe practices and equipment, and it requires employers to keep certain hazards in the workplace under control.

Some examples of OSHA’s standards are:

• The requirements to provide fall protection.
• To prevent landslides during ditching activities.
• To prevent exposure to some infectious diseases,
• To ensure the safety of employees entering restricted spaces.
• To prevent exposure to such harmful chemicals as asbestos and lead.
• To install safety guards on machinery.
• To provide respirators or other safety equipment.
• To offer training for certain dangerous jobs, as detailed by the agency itself on its website.
  
  

OSHA’s standards promote greater care in the occupational safety and protection of operators against occupational accidents – something which is very much in line with the measures Claitec enforces on a daily basis.

Continue reading part 2 here

Do you have any questions about this system?

Do you need Claitec’s advice on any other matter?

Please, don’t hesitate to contact us, we are here to help!