“Workplace Safety” APBA Guardian Angels Thursday, September 12, 2013

RISK MANAGEMENT A pro-active approach to your day-to-day operations to help limit and reduce property, liability, & workers’ compensation exposures for your parish, school, & the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.

When it comes to safety & risk management… Ignorance is not bliss!!

Why should you be concerned?  Injuries are never a good thing ◦ Injured party  Disruption in work/life… potentially life-changing  Economic impact ◦ Church/School  Image/reputation  Jobs  Fairness to other members of your program ◦ All share in risk & costs ◦ All should work to reduce risk & costs

What type of injuries are occurring at our churches & schools? *Slips, Trips, & Falls -Approximately 50% of our workers’ compensation claims are from slips, trips & falls *Overexertion / strains -Improper lifting -Lifting too much *Repetitive motion -Improper tools / work area *Equipment Accidents -Improper / no safety guards -No / improper training

 What category of employees are getting hurt? ◦ *Teachers ◦ *Maintenance Workers ◦ *Food Service Employees ◦ *Child Care Workers ◦ *Administrators

◦ Create a Safety Committee at your Parish  Who should be on the committee  Parish Business Administrator  Principal  Maintenance Supervisor  Any other parishioner who wants to be involved or has safety experience  Consult with Catholic Mutual Group

How can we prevent employee injuries? Implement a Workplace Safety Program

A Workplace Safety Program should include the following… * Method for identifying, evaluating, and documenting hazards *Method for timely correction of safety and health dangers identified *Method for emergency response / first aid *Initial safety orientation on rules, policies and job specific procedures for employees

A Workplace Safety Program should include the following… *Job specific training for employees before they perform potentially dangerous work *Periodic refresher training

Slips, Trips & Falls Common causes of Slips, Trips & Falls *Not watching where you are going – being distracted

Slips, Trips & Falls Common causes of Slips, Trips & Falls *Not wearing proper shoes -No high heels, flip flops, open toe shoes

Slips, Trips & Falls Common causes of Slips, Trips & Falls *Not wearing proper shoes Catholic Mutual Group has a “Shoes for Crews” program with discounts available

Slips, Trips & Falls Common causes of Slips, Trips & Falls *Using ladders improperly

Slips, Trips & Falls Common causes of Slips, Trips & Falls *Using unsafe ladders -All old wooden ladders should be discarded *Obstructions on stairs and walkways *Inadequate lighting *Slippery & uneven surfaces

Slips, Trips & Falls Identifying the hazards *Stairs need to be in safe condition *Stairs should have a non-slip surface *Handrails need to be in place, secure and utilized *Stairways require good lighting Level surfaces can cause falls *Is the area wet or worn? *Is the area snow covered? -Sand & salt at every entrance *Has the area been waxed or polished? *Does the area show signs of grease or spills? -Spills must be cleaned up immediately

Overexertion / Strains Main cause of Overexertion / Strains Improper Lifting Eight Steps to a Safe Lift 1)Size up the load 2)Plan the job 3)Establish base support 4)Bend your knees 5)Get a good grip 6)Keep the load close 7)Lift with your legs 8)Pivot; don’t twist

Equipment Accidents *Getting caught, cut, or pinched by moving parts Avoidance *Never work on equipment without training *Never work on equipment without proper safety equipment & guards *Remove jewelry and loose fitting clothing when working around moving parts - Tie back hair

Equipment Accidents Avoidance *Personal Protective Equipment -Safety Glasses -Gloves -Footwear -Hearing Protection -Lifting Belts