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Can you really slip on a banana peel?

/ safetyb4beer

Frozen slipping

Seriously, how many people slip on a banana peel?   According to Mythbusters it take a lot of decaying banana peels to slip.  However, falls are one of the leading causes of unintentional injuries in the United States, accounting for approximately 8.9 million visits to the emergency department (2011 National Safety Council Injury Facts).  Think about when you slipped on a puddle or ice and looked around to see if someone saw you!

Preventing slips, trips and falls are pretty easy.  Just stay on top of it.

  • Once surfaces are wet, there is very little traction. Don’t assume the ground is always dry.  If you see a puddle, mop it up.
  • Use spill blankets from spill kits to soak up oil but also let the maintenance department know so they can figure out what piece of equipment or pipe is leaking.
  • Always keep aisle ways free and clear.   Wrap up cords and hoses if you see them.
  • Make sure to see your feet when going down stairs (laundry baskets anyone?).
  • Use good footwear for the right traction.  Check the treads on your chucks.   Chris-cross pattern is good with rubber soles.
  • Remember:  When a floor is wet, the type of shoe can do very little.  Be clean!

Make a Rocket Instantly: Compressed Gas Safety

/ safetyb4beer

Rocket Marvel

Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety:  Whether welding or cutting or using CO2, compressed gases must be respected.  Compressed gas cylinders can become rockets due to the high amount of pressure these gases are under in these cylinders.  So give some R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
– Secure cylinders at all times
– Cap valves when cylinders are not in use
– Use carts designed for moving cylinders
– Always inspect for dents/damage, send back to the vendor immediately when damage is discovered.

OSHA regulatory requirements for compressed gases are found in several standards.  Training is required and a best practice for employees handling compressed gases.

P.S. If you don’t believe me a cylinder under pressure can become a rocket, watch this video, you’ll get the drift in just a few minutes:

Happy Febrewary

/ safetyb4beer

the_lego_movie_2014-wide

Did you know OSHA has a recordkeeping requirement in February?  Starting of February 1st through April 30th, companies with 10 employees or more in certain industries, including breweries, need to post the completed OSHA 301 form in an area visible to employees.   The purpose of this form is to give employees an idea of the number of injuries/illnesses occurring in the facility.  The form can be taken down on April 30th.  To get instructions and the form go to:

Click to access new-osha300form1-1-04.pdf

Happy Brew Year!!!- OSHA releases final recordkeeping requirements

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homer_working_in_office_by_foxalex

Not sure which new OSHA rules go into action in 2015 and if the rules apply to breweries?  Beginning January 1, 2015, employers (regardless of the number of employees) will be required to report to OSHA within 24 hours all in-patient hospitalizations, amputations, and loss of an eye.  If the employee is taken to the hospital but is not admitted, OSHA does not need to be contacted but the injury may need to be documented on the employer’s OSHA log (pending on treatment and work relationship).

The final rule also updates OSHA list of partially exempt industries and industry classification to the North America Industry Classification System (NAICS).  For most breweries the NAICS code is 312120.  OSHA feels under the rule, the agency will be able to to better target enforcement and consultation services.

For more information go to:https://www.osha.gov/recordkeeping2014/OSHA3746.pdf

Cheers!
Janet