 After a near miss or incident when asked what happened your most common reply is “ I thought it would work”  This is only the tip of the iceberg. The first question should be “Why didn’t it work?”  Surprisingly more often the answers are  “ I didn’t have the right tool”  “The tool broke” or  “The tool slipped”  All of which are preventable incidents.

 Not enough can be said about using the right tool.  It is the most common cause for hand injuries.  One of the most common reasons for not using the right tool is not wanting to take the time to get it.  Think about the time you will lose when you go to the doctor and miss out on work.

 Prying with screw drivers  Hammering with wrenches  Chipping or scraping with screw drivers  Using pliers as a wrench  Using scissors to open boxes  Using a rolling chair instead of a ladder or step stool  Moving heavy or large items with out proper back support or with assistance from others

 Knives and saws must be sharp, if not then more force is applied increasing the risk of a slip type injury – Most common  Replace or repair as the tools break, split, or become unsafe in anyway  Store your tools in the right place that is in a safe location, where you can find them when you need them.  This saves time looking for them  Also prevents damage to tool  Prevents injury from misplaced tool

 Using proper PPE is the most important safety step to keeping both you and your family safe  Every job has a tool or gear that protects you from injury or illness  USE THEM – What ever your job may be there is a way to do it right and get it done safely.

 But still cheaper than  Doctor visits  Lost work time  Law suits  Insurance increases  Can you put a price on losing your arm, hands, or possibly your life

 Are these scenarios safe or unsafe?  Smoke detector is beeping, employee A gets annoyed easily and mentions to employee B that the battery needs changed. Employee B quickly jumps up and stands on the desk to reach up to pull the battery out.

 This action was unsafe.  Instead- They should have used a proper step stool or ladder to replace the battery.  Or contact the facility manager or safety coordinator to have it replaced or inspected for defaults

 Hurray they are finally delivering the new freezer you ordered. The company advertised that they deliver, upon arrival you all realize that the freezer needs to be unloaded and moved with larger equipment then you have on hand. You have been anxiously awaiting so you grab a co worker and with your 2 wheeled dolly you manage to get it unloaded and squeezed through the door.

Even though there was no immediate injury here, there could have been a major injury and property damage done. First they did not have the proper equipment, if they would have done their homework to make sure the company delivering would be able unload and “install” the item before arriving, they would have known weather or not they needed to be prepared and have a machine to unload. Second if they were not able to unload with out using machinery or proper tools and PPE then hire out to a company that does. Better to hire out and spend money to keep your back toes on the line then to have them crushed so you can’t walk a line.

 It should be every CVTC employees goal to always put safety first.  Getting the job done fast and quick is no way to get ahead. Getting the job done the right way means getting the job done the safe way.

 If you have any safety questions or concerns me or call the admin office.  Directors remember that it is your responsibility that your department has all the equipment needed and trainings provided to the staff to do their jobs the right way.

ENJOY THE BEAUTIFUL WEATHER! LOTS OF WATER!! Remember its to warm to leave pets in the car with out windows rolled down and ice water bottles for them