From the Executive Director

Juan A. Navejar Jr.

Last month, I took a fall coaching Lil Dribbler’s basketball. While teaching the kids about layups, I wound on the floor picking myself off of excruciating pain from my knee to my ankle. To make a long story short, I went to the emergency room for a strained RCL and a sprained ankle.
Too often we get in a hurry at home and rush about. But ever wonder what would you do if fell in a workplace?
Hazards in the workplace occur more often than we think about. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the government agency that sets the standards for job safety including inspection frequency, so these guidelines need to be followed.
While we can’t prevent accidents, we can however create awareness about safety in the workplace.
Here are some examples that can be implemented at no cost, thus saving you from having to file Workman’s Comp:
Train the employees in all safety procedures and equipment. Post written instructions that are clear and written in the different languages so all your employees can read them. The person who does the training needs know the equipment and job well. It should be consistent training across the board. Even the most obvious safety procedures need to be addressed, such as wearing a hard hat and proper use of tools of the trade.
Look for items around the work area that could pose a problem such as cords under a desk. Many times computer cords are stretched behind the desks without giving a second thought. These could be a tripping hazard. Remove power cords out of walking areas or secure them according to OSHA standards to the floors if there is no other option. Use fall equipment when fall hazards cannot be eliminated. Use the proper fall equipment for the job you are doing, again according to OSHA standards.
While we may not all use ladders in the workplace, step stools can prevent problems when reaching for items over our heads. Never stand on the top rung of a ladder or the top step of a stepladder. Before anyone climbs a ladder, the ladder should be secured and stabilized.  
Inspect your employees’ use of safety equipment and safety procedures to see if they are doing this appropriately. If they are not, instruct them on how to do it correctly. Keeping an eye out for employees who cut corners around the safety procedures may prevent injury or even save a life. Write the employees a warning if they are skipping the safety steps because it is easier. This will make it more likely that they will do it correctly next time if they want to keep their job. This will also be an example for the other employees.
Keeping safe in the workplace is simple, use common sense. If it does not look safe, then it probably isn’t.