John Paglia, III
How can I improve my shop’s safety?
Slips, trips and falls are major contributors to workplace injuries and deaths. Specifically talking about maintenance shops, I would like to extend some often overlooked and obvious tips to help this area maintain an impeccable safety record. A great maintenance staff goes beyond just good mechanics. With new technologies finding their way into our fleets every day, it is important we continue to integrate our facilities in a safe and productive manner. Viewing the OSHA Web site, I found what they coined the “FATAL FOUR”. All of these injuries can unfortunately happen in our shops at any given point if we are not safety conscious. These four include:
- Falls—279 out of 806 total deaths in construction in CY 2012 (34.6 percent)
- Struck by Object—79 (9.8 percent)
- Electrocutions—66 (8.1 percent)
- Caught-in/between—13 (1.6 percent)
Falls
Falls can be prevented in a number of ways. Having the mechanics work area roped off and warning signs placed throughout helps protect the work area. It keeps unwanted visitors from affecting their safety. Maintaining a clean work area is also a great idea. Sweeping up and mopping up messes immediately/daily is a good practice. Loose dirt, oils, and water mixed with a concrete floor can have the same effects as skates on ice.
Lockout/Tag Out
Lockout/Tag out is a second step that protects shop safety. It’s another safeguard in place just in case someone disregarded access barriers to the shop and hopped in a truck. With the lockout tag out clearly marked on the steering wheel, the wheels chocked, and the ignition keys in a separate lockbox, unauthorized movement of the vehicle or moving parts is accomplished. Whether it’s a mechanic working on a cylinder in the body, or another under a truck on a simple service, with this in place everyone can work safer.
Shop Organization
Shop organization is vital in maintaining a clean safety record. An organized workplace is a safe workplace. Here is a short list of everyday reminders:
- Tools should not be left around
- Hoses should be on reels when not in use
- Fluids should be organized depending on what they are
- Spills should be cleaned up immediately
- Tire repairs should be kept to a central location if possible
- It never hurts to have an abundance of fire protection around either
Constant Interaction
As you can tell, the list could go on and on. Incidents/accidents occur when redundancy applies. If someone in your shop has the attitude of “it will never happen to me” I can assure you danger lurks around the corner. It is important that the maintenance shop is held accountable to follow strict guidelines. Constant interaction with your maintenance staff can pay dividends in the long run. As with everyone in your company, make sure these employees are rewarded if deserving. Do not be afraid to show simple signs of appreciation, these are the men and women who keep things rolling and may often times be overlooked.
John Paglia III is a 4th generation garbage man. Before he climbed the ranks to become Florida Express Environmental’s General Manager, he had a successful career in college and professional athletics. John has been around the garbage industry since his car seat days. Currently, John is focused on growing his company and offering the highest level of customer service and prolonging the world we live in today. John wakes up every day knowing the impact professional haulers have on their community is far greater than most realize. He can be reached at (352) 629-4349, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.floridaexpress.us.
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Image courtesy of Florida Express Environmental.