safety

Hand Tool Ergonomics: September 2022 Safety & Hygiene Corner

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Question: What are the major ergonomic design considerations for hand tools?

Weight of the tool – Ideally, a worker should be able to comfortably operate a tool without experiencing fatigue or discomfort. The tool’s center of gravity should be aligned with the center of the gripping hand. In other words, tools should feel “easy” to hold in the position it will be used. Use a counterbalance to support a tool that is above recommended weight limits or awkward to use.

Handles – With the exception of tools for precision work, the handles and grips of hand tools should be designed for a power grip.

Handle shape – Select tools that allow you to keep the wrist straight or in a neutral position when using it.

Handle diameter – Handle diameter recommendations vary. In general, cylindrical handles at 1.5 inches offer a better power grip, with a range from 1.25 to 2 inches. For precision grips, a diameter of 0.45 inches is recommended, with a range of 0.3 to 0.6 inches.

Handle length – A handle that is too short can cause unnecessary compression in the middle of the palm. It should extend across the entire breadth of the palm. Handles around 5 inches are generally recommended. Keep in mind that the use of gloves requires longer tool handles.

Separation between handles – Tools such as pliers or tongs are equipped with two handles. The recommended distance separating the handles is between 2.5 to 3.5 inches. Tools with larger or smaller spans will reduce one’s maximum grip strength.

Materials and texture of handles – To ensure a good grip on a handle, sufficient friction must exist between the hand and the handle. Hand tools should be made of non-slip, non-conductive and compressible materials.

Always conduct a risk assessment before making any change. If you would like additional resources or to request ergonomic assistance, please contact your local BWC Ergonomist or request their services on-line at Request a consultation | Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (ohio.gov).

Brought to you by the Ohio BWC safety consultants.

August 2022 Newsletter

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Welcome to our monthly newsletter for August 2022!

Our goal for the newsletter is to connect our members to relevant safety resources, all linked together in one convenient location every month. We hope you find this resource useful and valuable!

Please share with your colleagues!

SAFETY RESOURCES:

  1. The Need for Leadership: [Video] Kevin Mowers, President of Crestcom- Extended Management, Inc., joined us to talk about the need for leadership, training & development for employees at every level. (35:31)
  2. Lockout Tagout: An introduction to the control of hazardous energy. A short video by Ally Safety. (3:21)
  3. 5 Ways to Empower Frontline Workers and Improve Industrial Safety: Article by Safeopedia.
  4. OSHA emphasis program targets warehousing, storage and distribution yard operations: Article by Safety + Health Magazine.
  5. Hoist Inspection: August 2022 Safety & Hygiene Corner.
  6. Ohio BWC Virtual Training: Through December 2022.
  7. PCSC Podcasts: Our podcasts are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Podbean, Stitcher, & TuneIn/Alexa! Access local & relevant workplace safety information right through your phone! Subscribe today!

PCSC NEWS:

  1. NEO Safety Expo – October 20th: This training qualifies as an external training credit. A certificate of completion must be submitted to the PCSC manager before the end of FY23 in order to receive credit.
  2. FY23 In-Person Sponsorships are Now Available! Sponsorship of a Portage County Safety Council meeting is a cost-effective way to get your business noticed! Follow the link for more info.
  3. Next In-Person Meeting: September 8, 2022 – Manufacturing and Society Demand Both Safety and Productivity, presented by Mark Eitzman, Safety and Project Manager, Integrated Mill Systems, 11:30am-1:00pm, at The Ravenna Elks, located at 776 N. Freedom St in Ravenna, OH. Lunch is $20 for members, $25 for non-members & walk-ins.

July 2022 Newsletter

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Welcome to our monthly newsletter for July 2022!

Our goal for the newsletter is to connect our members to relevant safety resources, all linked together in one convenient location every month. We hope you find this resource useful and valuable!

Please share with your colleagues!

SAFETY RESOURCES:

  1. My family’s trauma changed my world: Article by Ohio BWC.
  2. Heat Stress Toolbox Talk: A short video by Ally Safety. (7:25)
  3. First Aid for Chemical Exposure Incidents: Article by Safeopedia.
  4. Everything You Need to Know About Safety Data Sheets: Article by Safeopedia.
  5. Trench Safety – Intro and Competent Person: A short video by the Ohio BWC. (3:27)
  6. Avoid the sting: Working outdoors with insect. Article by Safety + Health Magazine.
  7. Keyboard Ergonomics: July 2022 Safety & Hygiene Corner.
  8. Ohio BWC Virtual Training: July-December 2022.
  9. PCSC Podcasts: Our podcasts are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Podbean, Stitcher, & TuneIn/Alexa! Access local & relevant workplace safety information right through your phone! Subscribe today!

SAFETY NEWS:

PCSC NEWS:

  1. Enrollment Deadline is July 31st! Renew or enroll by July 31st to qualify for the rebate. Click here to learn how to join now or here for rebate qualifications.
  2. 2022 Programing Survey Results: See the results from this month’s member survey. Thank you to everyone who responded. Our steering committee uses the information to plan & schedule safety training opportunities throughout the year.
  3. FY23 In-Person Sponsorships are Now Available! Sponsorship of a Portage County Safety Council meeting is a cost-effective way to get your business noticed! Follow the link for more info.
  4. Next In-Person Meeting: August 11, 2022 – Getting to the Root: How to Discover the Underlying Issues After an Injury, presented by Nicholas Coia, MPA, Industrial Safety Consultant Specialist, Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, 11:30am-1:00pm, at The Ravenna Elks, located at 776 N. Freedom St in Ravenna, OH. Lunch is $20 for members, $25 for non-members & walk-ins.

Keyboard Ergonomics: July 2022 Safety & Hygiene Corner

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Click here to view with graphics.

Q: Is there a recommended way of typing or using my keyboard to prevent sore wrists?

A: Yes.  Keep your wrists straight and use a soft wrist rest or keep your wrist from leaning or resting on a hard surface.  Avoid bending wrist when using keyboard.   The goal is to keep neutral posture, arms should be parallel, not resting on anything.

Also, consider frequent rest breaks and stretches to prevent aches and pains.

Others tips for avoiding injury include, maintain proper posture, set up your workstation correctly, pay attention to the position of your hands, monitor your technique.

The BWC has ergonomists that can come to your facility or consult with you virtually to help you though issues like these or other workstation set up concerns.  Please contact your safety council liaison to get you connected.

*Brought to you by the Ohio BWC safety consultants.

Loading Powered Industrial Trucks: June 2022 Safety & Hygiene Corner

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Q: Does OSHA require inspections of the flooring of trucks, trailers, and railroad cars by Powered Industrial Truck Operators prior to loading and unloading operations?

A: Yes. OSHA states in 1910.178(m)(7) “Brakes shall be set, and wheel blocks shall be in place to prevent movement of trucks, trailers, or railroad cars while loading or unloading. Fixed jacks may be necessary to support a semitrailer during loading or unloading when the trailer is not coupled to a tractor. The flooring of trucks, trailers, and railroad cars shall be checked for breaks and weakness before they are driven onto.”

The condition of the trailer’s floor can severely impact the forklift’s ability to maneuver. Check to make sure the trailer has the weight-bearing capacity to hold the combined weight of its load plus the forklift weight. Also, check the trailer walls and ceilings for damage that could compromise the vehicle’s integrity. Lastly examine the cross members of the undercarriage for missing pieces, excessive corrosion, or permanent deformation.

*Brought to you by the Ohio BWC safety consultants.

May 2022 Newsletter

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Welcome to our monthly newsletter for May 2022!

Our goal for the newsletter is to connect our members to relevant safety resources, all linked together in one convenient location every month. We hope you find this resource useful and valuable!

Please share with your colleagues!

SAFETY RESOURCES:

  1. The Real Reason Employees Hate Safety Programs: Article by Safeopedia.
  2. Heat Stress Toolbox Talk: A short video by Ally Safety. (7:25)
  3. Stay Cool! Article by Ohio BWC.
  4. Leading vs. Lagging Indicators: [Audio] Justin Deflumeri, MS, GSP, Owner of Optimal Safety Inspections, joined us to chat about leading vs.lagging indicators. Justin also shares fun stories on how he often makes safety fun and more engaging. (23:38)
  5. ANSI/ISEA standard on workplace first aid kits gets update: Article by Safety + Health Magazine.
  6. OSHA Heat Stress Standard: May 2022 Safety & Hygiene Corner.
  7. Don’t saw off safety: Safety Tips by Safety + Health Magazine.
  8. Ohio BWC Distance Learning: March-June 2022.
  9. PCSC Podcasts: Our podcasts are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Podbean, Stitcher, & TuneIn/Alexa! Access local & relevant workplace safety information right through your phone! Subscribe today!

PCSC NEWS:

  1. The Rebate is Back!!! Renew or enroll by July 31st to qualify for the rebate. Click here to learn how to join now or here for rebate qualifications.
  2. In-Person Meetings/Luncheons Restart July 14th! Starting July 14, 2022, the Portage County Safety Council will meet in-person every second Thursday, 11:30am-1:00pm, at The Ravenna Elks, located at 776 E. Freedom St in Ravenna, OH. Lunch will be $20 for members, $25 for non-members.
  3. FY23 In-Person Sponsorships are Now Available! Sponsorship of a Portage County Safety Council meeting is a cost-effective way to get your business noticed! Follow the link for more info.
  4. Next Virtual Meeting – May 26, 2022: Machine Guarding: Back to the Basics, presented by Brian Basbagill, CSP, Senior Consultant, Safex. Sponsored by Metis Construction.

Mental Health Awareness Resources:

  1. Free Campaign Poster: Feel free to download, print and display at your workplace! The poster is 11×17 and in PDF.
  2. Mental Health Resource Guide: Provided by the Mental Health & Recovery Board of Portage County, this is a comprehensive guide to local mental health resources.
  3. Community Resource Guide: Provided by Portage County Jobs & Family Services, this is a comprehensive guide to local community resources that includes other services such as food, housing, clothing, basic needs and emergency type services, etc.
  4. Local Mental Health Fact Sheets: A list of community resources & facts sheets provided by the Mental Health & Recovery Board of Portage County.
  5. Let’s Talk About PTSD. Kelly Younkins, a Clinical Consultant and a Clinical Supervisor for Family & Community Services, Inc., joined us to talk about PTSD for Mental Health Awareness Month. (37:20)
  6. Let’s Talk About Suicide. Katie Cretella, Director of Clinical Services, Trumbull County Mental Health & Recovery Board, joined us to talk about suicide for Mental Health Awareness Month. (23:30)