Safety Briefing for January 2006

Topic: LOCKOUT AND TAGOUT PROGRAMS

Introduction: Since we continue to have major injuries involving employees failing to lockout
machines properly, we decided to stress this issue each year during the beginning of the year. All across
our country, workers suffer amputations, electrocutions, severe burns and scars, disfigurements, and even death
because they do not properly lockout equipment or machinery.
Background: No employee, new or experienced is immune from lockout injuries. The lack of experience or
improper training can cause instantaneous pain. Most employees have a strong desire to be productive and may
decide to take short cuts. Safety should never be sacrificed for production. Insurance companies are taking a
hard line approach and canceling policies when companies fail to produce or enforce lockout programs.
What must an employee know: It is critical that each machine has written procedures to properly place all
power sources in a Zero Energy state. Procedures must include each power or energy source, identify the
location of disconnects, switches, or valves, and procedures must explain how to correctly lockout out each
power source. Taking the extra minute to properly shut down and lockout the power sources is the only way to
insure you will not get injured. Employers are responsible to enforce the use of lockout procedures.
What Should You Cover?

The most important and most overlooked information is the company safety policy. Ensure your
employees are aware of your policy and consequences for non-compliance.

Make sure your employees understand the hazards associated with the job (job safety analysis) they will
be assigned.

For employees operating machinery and equipment, Lockout training that includes all energy
hazards, must be the top priority.

Each machine must have specific procedures to identify the power or energy sources that must be
locked out so the machine is in a Zero Energy state.

Train employees to lockout thermal, gravity, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, or mechanical
power or energy sources.

Stress the importance of good housekeeping to eliminate potential hazards.

Explain safety rules and emergency procedures. Point out the location of first-aid facilities.

Explain how and when to use personal protective equipment and how to care for it.

Inform employees to report unsafe conditions to you, as well as any accidents, even if there are no
injuries or property damage.

No safety-training program is complete without follow-up. Monitor employees during critical

procedures. A new set of eyes may point out additional hazards that might have been overlooked.

$AFETY PAY$

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Safety Briefing for February 2006

Topic: DRILL PRESS SAFETY
Introduction: I BET YOU DIDNT KNOW that machinery parts in motion account for over 35% of
all industrial accidents. Workers continue to be injured in machinery related incidents at alarming
rates. For example, in just one year, North Carolina employees experienced more than 2,300 injuries.
Background: A drill press in motion presents a turning motion hazard. These hazards have led to a
number of fractures, lacerations, and amputations.
What an employee know: Drill presses are dangerous if not used properly. Ensure you are properly
trained prior to operating a drill press. Some safe work practices to know when using a drill press:
Wear appropriate safety glasses.

Ensure that the drill press has a start/stop button within easy reach of the operator.

Remove burrs and chips from a drilled hole. When making deep holes, clean out the hole
frequently.

Use a clamp or drill vise to prevent work from spinning.

Lubricate drill bit when drilling metal.

Reduce the drilling pressure when the drill begins to break through the material. This action
prevents drill from pulling into the work and breaking.

Keep drill bits clean and sharp. Dull drills are a common cause of breakage.

Keep floor around the drill press free of oil and grease.

Keep the working surface clean of scraps, tools and materials.

Keep guards in place and in good working order.

Some things you should avoid doing?

Do not wear any loose clothing. Roll sleeves above the elbow to prevent them from being caught in
revolving parts. Confine long hair.

Do not wear gloves, rings, watches, or bracelets while working with a drill press.

Do not set speeds, adjust, or measure work until machine is completely stopped.

Do not leave chuck key in drill chuck. Make adjustments and remove key immediately.

Do not hold work by hand when drilling holes larger than 12 mm (1/2 in.) in diameter.

Do not place hands under the stock being drilled.

Do not leave the drill press running unattended.

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Safety Briefing for March 2006

Topic: Working Around Electricity
Introduction: I BET YOU DIDNT KNOW electrical accidents are caused by a combination of three
possible factors - unsafe equipment and/or installation, workplaces made unsafe by the environment, and unsafe
work practices.
Background: Employees must be aware of the electrical hazards to which they will be exposed. Employees
must be trained in safety-related work practices as well as any other procedures necessary to keep them safe
from electrical hazards.
What must an employee know:

Lockout and tagout all electrical circuit breaker boxes prior to performing any maintenance on equipment or
machinery.

Inspect tools, power cords, and electrical fittings for damage or wear before each use.

Never staple or nail cord to a structure. This could damage cords, causing fire or shock hazard.

Use cords or equipment rated for the level of amperage or wattage you are using.

Always use the correct size fuse. Replacing a fuse with one of a larger size can cause excessive currents in
the wiring and possibly start a fire.

Be aware that unusually warm or hot outlets may be a sign of unsafe wiring conditions.

Always use ladders made of wood or non-conductive materials when working with or near electricity or
power lines.

Place halogen lights away from combustible materials such as cloths or curtains. Halogen lamps can
become very hot and may be a fire hazard.

Risk of electric shock is greater in damp areas. Install ground fault circuit interrupters they will interrupt
the electrical circuit before a current sufficient to cause death or serious injury occurs.

Make sure exposed receptacle boxes are made of non-conductive materials.

Know where the breakers and boxes are located in case of emergency.

Label all circuit breaker and fuse boxes clearly. Each switch should be identified to its corresponding outlet,
appliance, or machine.

Do not use outlet or cords that have exposed wiring.

Do not use power tools with the ground plug or guards removed.

Ensure there is 36 inches of clearance in front of all circuit breakers or fuse boxes.

Do not touch a person or electrical apparatus in the event of an electrical accident. Always disconnect the
current first.
$AFETY PAY$

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Safety Briefing for April 2006

Topic: EMPLOYEE NEAR MISS INCIDENT REPORTING

Introduction: I BET YOU DIDNT KNOW a near miss incident is similar to an accident except that it does
not necessarily result in an injury or damage.
Background: No matter how trivial they are, near miss incidents should be reported as soon as possible

to a supervisor just as you would report an accident.

What must an employee know: Employees should be encouraged and reminded periodically to report

near misses that occur, so corrective action can be made to prevent a similar incident that may result in
a serious injury.
Why should employees report near miss incidents? The fact that many incidents come within inches of
being disabling injury accidents makes failing to report them all the more serious.
When near miss incidents are not reported, their causes usually go uncorrected. That means they may
happen again, perhaps producing tomorrow's disabling injury or fatality. This can be illustrated by the
case of the employee who slipped on a floor made slippery by a small leak in a hydraulic line. The
employee did not suffer an injury. However, two days later, the line was still leaking. Another
employee then slipped on the same liquid and fell and broke a leg. Had the worker reported his own
experience promptly, the chances are that the defective hydraulic line would have been corrected
before the accident happened.
Some of the reasons employees fail to report incidents: (do your employees feel this way?)
Fear of the supervisor's disapproval.
Not wanting to lose time from the job on piece-work assignments.
Not wanting the near miss incident on their work records.
Not wanting to be embarrassed by co-workers from ridicule or sarcasm.
Reluctance to spoil the unit's safety record.
Not wanting to be the subject of an incident investigation.
Questions to ask about an incident:
What causes the incident/near miss?
What are the circumstances surrounding the near miss?
Is there a safety rule covering the situation?
Did the almost-victim know the rule?
Were any safety devices, clothing or equipment used improperly or not used at all?
Have there been other near-misses of the same type?
Was the employee aware of the hazard?
Did the employee know the safe procedure?
The answers to these questions should be included in the incident report. They will suggest ways to
prevent a recurrence and assist in establishing a safer workplace environment.

$AFETY PAY$

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Safety Briefing for May 2006

Topic: SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS
Introduction: I BET YOU DIDNT KNOW that working in logging, sawmill, and other
woodworking industries that one of the most common type of accidents is a slip, trip, and fall accident.
Background: In the U.S, slips, trips, and falls account for over 20,000 fatalities each year. Yet, very
few companies have a program specifically designed to prevent such accidents.
What must an employee know: Training should be provided on what to look for and the proper
corrective measures to take when hazards are identified.
Slips

Slips occur when there is too little friction between a person's feet and the walking surface.

Many factors can cause a slip: oil, hydraulic fluid, diesel fuel, and water are most common.

To prevent slips, avoid walking in areas that pose slipping hazards if at all possible.

Always promptly clean up spills of slippery substances.

If an area is a constant problem, re-route foot traffic in order to avoid it.

Trips

Trips occur when a person's foot contacts an object and they are thrown off balance.

Tripping is obvious--anytime something is in your walkway it could cause you to trip.

Look for objects that project into the walkways (inside facilities and logging sites).

Poor lighting and uneven walking surfaces lead to many tripping accidents.

Make it a practice to always look and remove objects that could cause a trip.

Falls

Falls can be caused by a number of things. Slips and trips frequently result in a fall.

Falls occur from improper use of ladders, climbing over lumber conveyors, and carelessly
climbing in and out of work vehicles can result in a fall-usually a very serious one.

Falls can happen when people climb objects without using fall protection equipment.

Working on an elevated lumber sorter without proper fall protection has led to serious injuries.

Always use fall protection equipment when it is required.

Periodically conduct safety meetings that discusses slip, trip, and fall hazards.
$AFETY PAY$

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Safety Briefing for June 2006

Topic: WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF FIRE
Introduction: I BET YOU DIDNT KNOW that most fires start out small, but after a few minutes they

can be out of control.

Background: Reacting to a fire can be easier if you are prepared and know what to do. Employers

should train employees and practice emergency fire evacuation plans at least annually.
What must an employee know: Employees must be familiar company fire evacuation plan and have

completed annual fire extinguisher training.

Surviving a fire situation can easier than you may think if you follow your company evacuation plan,
completed fire extinguisher training, and follow some simple rules:

THINK FAST AND ACT WITH CAUTION: When you first discover a fire determine what
to do immediately. If the fire is small and you have the proper fire extinguisher, PUT IT OUT.

SOUND THE ALARM: Do not underestimate any fire. If the fire is too much for you to
handle, report it immediately.

WARN OTHERS: Warn all people in the area immediately so they can get to places of safety.
This is especially important in the case of fires in buildings. Loggers may use 2-way radios.

ACCOUNTABILITY: Once everyone is out of the building or away from the equipment
make sure everyone is accounted for. If someone is missing report it immediately.

STAND BY: Stay near, but at a safe distance from the fire. Meet and tell the fire fighters
where the fire is. They can waste valuable minutes if they have to find it themselves.

FIRE FIGHTING: Everyone is responsible for preventing fires. But everyone is not obligated
to fight major fires. In general, never join in the fire fighting unless you are trained or a fireman
requested your assistance.

CORRECT EXTINGUISHERS: Different fire extinguishers are recommended for each type
of fire. Some may be rated for multiple types of fire.

CLASS A: fires (wood, textiles, rubbish) use foam or water.

CLASS B: fires (grease, motor vehicle, flammable liquids) use foam, dry chemical,
carbon dioxide or vaporizing liquid.

CLASS C: fires that involve electrical components. Caution: never use a water-type
extinguisher on live electrical equipment.

$AFETY PAY$

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Safety Briefing for July 2006

Topic: Workplace Eye Safety
Background: Eye injuries in the workplace are very common. According to Prevent Blindness
America, more than 2,000 people injure their eyes at work each day. About 1 in 10 injuries require
one or more missed workdays to recover. At least 10-20 % of these work related injuries will cause
temporary or permanent vision loss.
Experts believe that the right eye protection could have lessened the severity or even prevented 90% of
eye injuries in accidents.
What must an employee know: Common causes for eye injuries are:
flying objects such as bits of metal or glass,
tools,
dust particles,
chemicals,
harmful radiation
any combination of these or other hazards.
What must an employee do?
Employees can do several things to help prevent an eye injury:

Know the eye safety dangers at work-complete an eye hazard assessment

Eliminate hazards before starting work.

Use machine guarding, work screens, or other engineering controls

Use proper eye protection

Workers must wear safety eyewear whenever there is a chance of eye injury. Anyone working in or
passing through areas that pose eye hazards must wear protective eyewear.
The type of safety eye protection you should wear depends on the hazards in your workplace.
If you are working in an area that has particles, flying objects, or dust, you must at least wear
safety glasses with side protection (side shields).
If you are working with chemicals, you should wear goggles.
If you are working near hazardous radiation (welding, lasers, or fiber optics) you must use
special-purpose safety glasses, goggles, face shields, or helmets designed for that task.

$AFETY PAY$

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Safety Briefing for August 2006

Topic: Truck Driver Safety
One item released from the US Federal Highway Administration tells a chilling story about truck
driver safety.

EVERY 21 MINUTES: A road departure fatality occurs.

Each day across America millions of truck drivers haul products to support our economy. Trucking
plays a huge role in the wood products industry from logs to finished furniture. Trucking is the way
our industry moves its products to market. Once the truck leaves the logging job, warehouse, plant or
mill, drivers are on their own and away from direct supervision. There is a huge amount of
responsibility and liability based upon the drivers decisions and actions.
Recently a number of truck wrecks, some proving fatal, have occurred. Each driver killed was a
family member that did not go home at the end of the workday. Some of the most common causes of
accidents involve driver distractions such as talking on a cell phone or cb radio, becoming sleepy from
long hauls, and boredom.
In order to reduce the number of road departure fatalities hold regularly scheduled safety meetings to
help keep safety awareness at a high level. Some topics to discuss include:
Make sure all medical requirements are met for drivers with commercial licenses.
Do a thorough pre-trip inspection of the truck and trailer.
Has scheduled maintenance been completed?
Are the brakes and tires serviceable?
Check the load often. Tighten binders and chains frequently.
Know your load. A double bunk load of cut logs pulls and handles differently than a load of treelength wood. Pallets and finished furniture handle differently then wet or dried packs of lumber.
Use your seat belt.
Drive alert and avoid distractions.
Do not use cell phones while driving.
Constantly scan your mirrors. Be aware of blind spots.
Adjust your speed for the driving conditions you encounter.
Be aware of following distances, your truck doesnt stop on a dime.
Accidents can be prevented. Lowering risk through safety awareness reduces the chance of an
accident. Taking the time to hold safety briefings with your trucking employees will demonstrate your
concern for them. Drive safely.
$AFETY PAY$

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Safety Briefing for September 2006

Topic: Workplace Fire Safety
Introduction: I BET YOU DIDNT KNOW according to National Safety Council, losses due to
workplace fires in one year totaled $3.1 billion. Of the more than 5,000 persons who lost their lives,
an estimated 360 were workplace deaths.
Background: There is a long and tragic history of workplace fires in this country. One of the most
notable was in North Carolina, where 25 workers died in a fire. Locked fire exits and inadequate fire
extinguishing systems were the contributing factors.
What must an employee know?: Employees should conduct workplace fire inspections for
compliance with fire safety standards. OSHA standards require employers to provide proper exits, fire
fighting equipment, emergency plans, and employee training to prevent fire deaths and injuries in the
workplace. Topics that should be addressed:
Fire Exits:

Each workplace building must have at least two means of escape for fire emergency. Fire
doors must not be blocked or locked to prevent emergency use by employees.

Exit routes from buildings must be clear and free of obstructions and properly marked with
signs designating exits from the building.

Portable Fire Extinguishers

Each workplace building must have the proper type of fire extinguisher(s) for the fire hazards
present.

Only approved fire extinguishers are permitted in workplaces, and they must be kept in good
operating condition. Proper maintenance and inspection of this equipment is required of each
employer.

Emergency Evacuation Planning

A written emergency action plan that includes the evacuation routes used and procedures to be
followed by employees. The written plan must be available for employee review.

Procedures for accounting for all evacuated employees must be part of the plan. Stress the
importance of accounting for each person. Have designated meeting spots so emergency
personnel do not have to search for an employee that was out sick for the day.

An employee alarm system must be available for emergency alerting for evacuation. The alarm
system may be voice communication or sound signals such as bells, whistles or horns.

Fire Prevention Plan

A written fire prevention plan that details the area(s) of concern to guard against fires.

Procedures for storage and cleanup of flammable materials waste must be included in the plan.

Procedures for controlling workplace ignition sources must be addressed in the plan.

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Safety Briefing for October 2006

Topic: Handling Compressed Gas Cylinders
Introduction: Using, storing and handling compressed gas cylinders exposes individuals to two types
of hazards. The first hazard is the contents (corrosive, toxic, flammable, etc.) The second hazard is
the fact that gases in the cylinder are under pressure. Mishandled cylinders may rupture violently,
release their hazardous contents or become dangerous projectiles.
Background: Recently, an industrial explosion that killed several people and injured thirty others
involved a single oxygen cylinder. The cylinder top was found high in a ceiling structural beam, the
bottom was buried deep in the ground, and the center portion disintegrated and became flying shrapnel,
blowing off arms, legs and decapitating one of the victims. No one could imagine a single oxygen
cylinder doing this much damage.
What must an employee know: Employees need to be trained on the safe handling and storing
procedures for cylinders. The following information can help you stay safe:
Read the cylinder label to identify contents as cylinder color is not always an identifying factor.
Read the MSDS and know the safety and first-aid requirements for the contents.
Identify the hazards associated with the contents and take the precautions listed on the
label/MSDS.
Remove unlabeled cylinders from service. Have the supplier contacted to provide the correct
information or pick up the cylinder.
Do not expose a cylinder to spark-producing electrical tools, cigarettes, open flames, or allow
cylinders to become part of an electrical circuit."
Cylinders must be secured at all times to prevent falling over (chain, plastic coated wire cable,
commercial cylinder strap).
Always store cylinders in an upright, secured position, and in a well ventilated area.
Move cylinders with a suitable hand truck.
Cylinder caps should be secured when moving a cylinder, whether it is full or empty.
Do not attempt to make repairs to cylinders or valves.
Do not use cylinders that are dented, cracked, or have other visible damage.
Do not use cylinders as rollers.
Do not drop cylinders or allow them to bump violently against each other.
Inspect the cylinders, making sure they do not have an expired hydrostatic pressure test date.
Do not use grease or oil on oxygen cylinders and do not use greasy or oily gloves on oxygen
cylinders.
Do not store a cylinder where it will be exposed to weather extremes.
Store flammable gas cylinders separate from oxygen cylinders.
Do not store flammable gas cylinders near exits or escape routes.

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Safety Briefing for November 2006

Topic: Give Cold Weather PPE a Warm Welcome
Introduction: I BET YOU DIDNT KNOW that in the United States, OSHA requirements for coldweather gear are only general. The personal protective equipment (PPE) standard for general industry
describes an employers obligation to provide protection for virtually all occupational hazards,
including temperature extremes.
Background: Employers and supervisors should review cold-weather safety procedures with their
employees before the cold weather comes and throughout the winter months. Often workers put
themselves in danger when they forget to take the necessary precautions needed to work in cold
weather. If supervisors remind them about the dangers, they are more likely to think about it and take
appropriate action.
What must an employee know: While working in cold weather, make sure you wear good protective
clothing. This is the best way to help guarantee your safety.
Follow body basics. One of the secrets to winter warmth is layering. Thermal long underwear
provides a snug-fitting layer against the skin and wicks perspiration away from it. For
outerwear, wind and moisture resistance are essential for workers comfort. Jackets made with
a Gore-Tex shell provide excellent protection from cold weather, as well as comfort.
Start at the bottom. For feet, wool or wool blend socks are better for warmth than cotton, and
keep your feet drier. For particularly cold conditions, put wool socks over a lightweight fabric
such as polypropylene.
Heavy-duty insulated boots are a good bet for the cold. Some are reinforced with steel toes for
work use, and many styles contain felt liners that you can pull out to dry. Waterproof boots can
prevent frostbite in wet conditions. However, in cold, dry conditions they can trap perspiration
and increase the chance of injury.

Handy ways to combat cold. Hands need as much protection as feet, even though the
protection must occasionally come off during the course of work. Insulated leather
gloves work gloves are both sturdy and warm. Also, first-finger mitts, in which the
index finger and thumb have their own openings but the remaining fingers are grouped
together for warmth.

Face value. The bitter cold on an employees face and neck can be a big safety
concern. For neckwear, choose chokers rather than scarves. Scarves can become
entangled in equipment. A balaclava or partial face covering can keep sensitive noses
and cheeks warm. Specially designed wind guards and facemask also provide good
protection from the cold.

Top it off. Finally, dont forget the hat. More body heat escapes through the head
than anywhere else on the body. A hat that covers the ears or a combination of hat and
headband will keep workers warm. Hats made of wool or synthetic material are the
best.
Remember, there may be a trade-off between freedom of movement and safety. It is not easy to
convince workers that bundling up will actually help them perform better in the cold, but hopefully the
above tips will help to increase their awareness and help them stay warm.

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Safety Briefing for December 2006

Topic: Workplace Fire Safety
Introduction: I BET YOU DIDNT KNOW according to National Safety Council, losses due to

workplace fires in one recent year totaled $3.1 billion. Of the more than 5,000 persons who lost their
lives, an estimated 360 were workplace deaths associated with fires.
Background: There is a long and tragic history of workplace fires in this country. One of the most
notable was in Hamlet, North Carolina, where 25 workers died in a fire in a poultry processing plant.
Locked fire exits and inadequate fire extinguishing systems were the determining factors.
What must an employee know: Employees should conduct workplace fire inspections for compliance

with standards for fire safety. OSHA standards require employers to provide proper exits, fire fighting
equipment, emergency plans, and employee training to prevent fire deaths and injuries in the
workplace.
Some of the areas that should be addressed:
Fire Exits:

Each workplace building must have at least two means of escape for fire emergency. Fire
doors must not be blocked or locked to prevent emergency use by employees.

Exit routes from buildings must be clear and free of obstructions and properly marked with
signs designating exits from the building.

Portable Fire Extinguishers

Each workplace building must have the proper type of fire extinguisher(s) for the fire hazards
present.

Only approved fire extinguishers are permitted in workplaces, and they must be kept in good
operating condition. Proper maintenance and inspection of this equipment is required of each
employer.

Emergency Evacuation Planning

A written emergency action plan must include evacuation routes used and procedures to be
followed by employees. Procedures for accounting for all evacuated employees must be part of
the plan. The written plan must be available for employee review.

An employee alarm system must be available for emergency alerting for evacuation. The alarm
system may be voice communication or sound signals such as bells, whistles or horns.

Fire Prevention Plan

A written fire prevention plan that details the area(s) of concern to guard against fires.

Procedures for storage and cleanup of flammable materials waste must be included in the plan.

Procedures for controlling workplace ignition sources must be addressed in the plan.

Include gathering points for roll call if an incident occurs.

Post telephone numbers for easy reporting.

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THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN SAFETY !!!!!!!