Safety Tips

Employee Safety Tips

  • Survey your work site for safety hazards. Make sure you always have a clear path.
  • Use sidewalks and graveled pathways. Don't cut across areas with mud, loose soil or debris.
  • Correct those you can and inform supervisor of those you can't and post a warning.
  • Review your work procedures for possible injury causing activities.
  • Wear proper clothing (especially shoes) for the task and weather
  • Train on the power equipment you will use to do the job.
  • Check equipment often for wear and tear.
  • If there is a better, easier way to do it, suggest it to your supervisor.
  • If equipment will decrease the risk, use it!
  • Chairs are NOT Step Ladders

Guidelines for Safer Lifting

  • Position materials at a height that allows you to work within you power zone (between your shoulders and your knees)
  • Avoid lifting or lowering from the floor
  • Avoid handling unstable or heavy loads

Guidelines for Safer Carrying

  • Before carrying, always test load for stability and weight
  • Wear appropriate shoes to avoid slips, trips, and falls
  • Slide, push, or roll instead of carrying when appropriate
  • Carry only as much as you can safely handle by yourself
  • Keep loads close to your body
  • Make sure you have a clear view of the path you are taking
  • Use two hands to carry containers
  • Take rest breaks
  • Wear proper size gloves that fit. Gloves with rubber dots on the surface can increase grip stability on slippery surfaces.

Guidelines for Desk Ergonomics

  • When Keying
    • Shoulders should be relaxed and your elbows should be close to your body
    • Elbows are bent to at least 90 degrees
    • The tops of the "home row" keys are at the same height as your elbows, or slightly lower than your elbow
    • Your wrists are straight
  • Work Space Set Up
    • Make sure frequently used materials are near (your elbow remains at your side)
    • Materials that you use occasionally are no more than an arms length away
    • You are not reaching across your body to work

Avoiding Slips, Trips and Falls

As the winter weather arrives we all need to be extra cautious to avoid injury from slips, trips and falls. Wet or icy conditions can become hazards as the wet winter weather appears. Some important tips for avoiding injury are listed below. Please follow these tips provided by the Shasta-Trinity Schools Insurance Group.

Keep an eye out for hazardous walking conditions
  • Watch out for smooth, slick surfaces that have been waxed or have water and mud on them
  • Watch out for loose carpeting or flooring material
  • Watch out for icy or wet spots during fall and winter by spreading sand and clearing walks
  • Don't wait for a small spill to dry. MOP IT UP!
  • Don't let grease accumulate on floors. CLEAN IT UP!
Keep all areas clear of obstacles to human traffic
  • Arrange furniture to avoid bumping into it or tripping over it
  • Floors must be clear of all objects that can cause a slip or a fall
  • Drawers must not be left open
  • Wear nonskid soles
Keep employees safe by providing appropriate equipment for reaching higher items
  • Don't stack items one upon another to reach higher
  • Don't stand on chairs or desks to get higher
  • Ladders must match the task