There is a lot of talk these days about spring cleaning at home and work. Window washing, closet overhauls and looking under the refrigerator. Perhaps this is a good time to take a look at your safety plan. And safety plans are not just for work! Here are a few tips for work and home that you will find useful. HOME •Check fire extinguishers and smoke detectors for effectiveness. •Do you have an escape ladder for second story evacuation? And have you practiced using it? •Where will your family meet in the event of home evacuation? •If you live in a multi-family dwelling, such as a condominium or high rise, do you know the safety plan and has it been practiced? •When was the last time you had a CPR/First Aid class? And is your babysitter trained? •Have little ones in the house? Get on their level to see what they see. You might be surprised at what you find. •Gardening is well underway. Keep those chemicals secure and in well marked containers. POISON CONTROL NUMBER IS 800-222-1222 – Post this number on or near the telephone. •Slips, trips and falls can be nasty. Make sure walkways inside and outside are clear of cords and other items at all times. •Always walk completely around your car before getting inside. Numerous children are killed every summer by unintentional run overs. •Heat related deaths due to leaving children in the car are 100% avoidable. Never leave your child in a vehicle unattended, no matter what the reason. •Seniors should keep a list of medications available in the event of an emergency. A family member or friend should know where to find that list. WORK •OSHA reports that the most frequent citations are written for violations in the following areas: General Duty Clause (5a001), Guarding floor and wall openings, Hazard Communication, Electrical – Wiring Methods, Medical Services and First Aid training. Time for a good check-up on these OSHA regs to make certain that you have met these requirements. •A Department of Health and Human Services study has indicated that drug users are 2.5 times more likely to be involved in a workplace accident and 3.6 times more likely to be involved in an off-the-job accident, resulting in time loss from work. The University of Arkansas did a study in Benton, AR and found that a meth using employee costs employers $47,500 per year! WOW, who can afford that? •Does your workplace have a safety plan? NOW is the time to review it. BEFORE you need it. •Review your chain of command for reporting accidents and the policies that are in place for drug testing in regard to accidents. •Are all your eye wash stations operational? First Aid kits clean and filled? •New regs are now in place for visibility standards – ANSI 107. A good review is in order. Reduce accidents by being visible. •Obesity in America is rampant. Workers who were overweight filed at least one additional claim and experienced 46 more lost workdays per 100 Full Time Employees than health workers. Perhaps now is the time to review the vending machines and add some healthier choices. At Alaska Ship and Dry Dock, Ketchikan Alaska, the office workers there decided to remove the donuts and add fresh fruit, oatmeal and other healthy choices. Response has been great and they do not miss the donuts! •Do you have a plan in place if an employee asks for assistance with a drug problem? Let’s develop that now, instead of in panic mode. There are many other helpful ideas that TSS would be happy to share with you. Safety is our job. Our well trained staff can assist you in making your workplace safe and comfortable for your crew. It is my hope that your 2009 summer is all you wish for and most of all, SAFE. As always ~ Safe Journeys ~ Renee