About Safety

Accident reporting

Any injury at work—no matter how small—must be reported immediately to your supervisor and receive first-aid attention. Serious conditions often arise from small injuries if they are not cared for at once.

Safety rules and guidelines

To ensure your safety, and that of your co-workers, please observe and obey the rules and   guidelines appropriate to the general populace or specific jobs:

• Observe and practice the safety procedures established for the job.
• In case of sickness or injury, no matter how slight, report at once to your supervisor. In no case   should an employee treat his or her own or someone else’s injuries or attempt to remove foreign   particles from someone else’s eye.
• In case of injury resulting in possible fracture to legs, back, or neck, or any accident resulting in     an unconscious condition, or a severe head injury, the employee is not to be moved until medical   attention has been given by authorized personnel.
• Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry around machinery. It may catch on moving equipment and cause a serious injury.
• Never distract the attention of another person, as you might cause him or her to be injured. If necessary to get the attention of another person, wait until it can be done safely.
• Where required, you must wear protective equipment, such as goggles, safety glasses, masks, gloves, hair nets, etc. appropriate to the task.
• Safety equipment such as restraints, pull backs, and two-hand devices are designed for your protection. Be sure such equipment is adjusted for you.
• Pile materials, skids, bins, boxes, or other equipment so as not to block aisles, exits, fire fighting equipment, electric lighting or power panel, valves, etc.Fire Doors and Aisles Must be Kept Clear!
• Keep your work area clean.
• Use compressed air only for the job for which it is intended. Do not clean your clothes with it, and   do not fool around with it.
• Observe “No Smoking” regulations.
• Shut down your machine before cleaning, repairing, or leaving it.
• Tow motors and lift trucks will be operated only by authorized personnel. Walk-type lift trucks will   not be ridden and no one but the operator is permitted to ride the tow motors.
• Do not exceed a speed that is safe for existing conditions.
• Running and horseplay are strictly forbidden.
• Do not block access to fire extinguishers.
• Do not tamper with electric controls or switches.
• Do not operate machines or equipment until you have been properly instructed and authorized to   do so by your supervisor.
• Do not engage in such other practices as may be inconsistent with ordinary and reasonable   common sense safety rules.
• Report any unsafe condition or acts to your supervisor.
• Help to prevent accidents.
• Use designated passages when moving from one place to another; never take hazardous     shortcuts (i.e., between moving equipment or across roadways).
• Lift properly—use your leg muscles, not your back muscles. For heavier loads, ask for     assistance.
• Do not adjust, clean, or oil moving machinery.
• Keep machine guards in their intended places.
• Do not throw objects.
• Clean up spilled liquid, oil, or grease immediately.
• Wear hard-sole shoes and appropriate clothing (i.e., shorts or mini dresses are not permitted).
• Place trash and paper in proper containers and not in cans provided for cigarette butts.
  
  

Safety checklist

It is every employee’s responsibility to be on the lookout for possible hazards. If you spot one of the conditions on the following list—or any other possible hazardous situation—report it to your supervisor immediately.

• Slippery floors and walkways
• Tripping hazards, such as hose links, piping, etc.
• Missing (or inoperative) entrance and exit signs and lighting
• Poorly lighted stairs
• Loose handrails or guard rails
• Open, loose or broken windows
• Dangerously piled supplies or equipment
• Unlocked doors and gates
• Electrical equipment left operating
• Open doors on electrical panels
• Leaks of steam, water, oil, other liquids
• Blocked aisles
• Blocked fire extinguishers, hose sprinkler heads
• Blocked fire doors
• Evidence of any equipment running hot or overheating
• Oily rags
• Evidence of smoking in non-smoking areas
• Roof leaks
• Directional or warning signs not in place
• Safety devices not operating properly
• Machine, power transmission, or drive guards missing, damaged, loose, or improperly placed
  
  

Safety equipment

Your supervisor will see that you receive the protective clothing and equipment required for your job. Use them as instructed and take care of them. You will be charged for loss or destruction of these articles only when it occurs through negligence.

Safety shoes

The organization will designate which jobs and work areas require safety shoes. Under no circumstances will an employee be permitted to work in sandals or open-toe shoes. A reliable safety shoe vendor will visit the entity periodically. Notices will be posted prior to the visits.

Safety glasses

The wearing of safety glasses by all shop employees and volunteers is mandatory. Strict adherence to this policy can significantly reduce the risk of eye injuries.

Seat belts

All paid and volunteer staff must use seat belts and shoulder restraints (if available) whenever they operate a vehicle on organization business. The driver is responsible for seeing that all passengers in front and rear seats are buckled up.

Good housekeeping

Your work location should be kept clean and orderly. Keep machines and other objects (merchandise, boxes, shopping carts, etc.) out of the center of aisles. Clean up spills, drips, and leaks immediately to avoid slips and falls. Place trash in the proper receptacles. Stock shelves carefully so merchandise will not fall over upon contact.