DOAS Loss Control Bulletin€¦ · Document. If you can get access to a camera, now is a good time...

15
DOAS Risk Management Services Division Loss Control Office Contact us by email: [email protected] or call (404) 656-6245 for additional information. Topic of the Month… Accident Investigation Good accident/incident investigation is an essential part of any safety program. An accident is an unforeseen and unplanned event or circumstance that often results in personal injury or damage to property (Websters). Clearly there most “accidents” could be prevented with some effort. The unexpected actions of people, equipment, supplies, or surroundings cause most accidents. Accident investigations determine how and why these unexpected actions occur. Accident investigations should be conducted with accident prevention in mind; investigations are not to place blame. A detailed investigation of most any accident will normally reveal two causes of accidents: surface causes and root causes. Surface causes are the hazardous conditions or unsafe work practices that directly or indirectly contributed to the accident. Root causes are the management/safety/loss control system weaknesses or failures that allow the existence of hazardous conditions and unsafe work practices. An employee slips and falls due to oil on the floor, the oil is the surface cause. The root cause may be a leaky forklift hydraulic line from lack of maintenance. The key word here is “Details.” A good investigator will gather as many details as possible, as soon as safely possible. You want to record your details before something changes or gets moved. Priorities for incident investigation: First concern is the injured party. If the injured party needs extrication from a piece of equipment, do not be concerned about saving “evidence”. Get the person out and then to treatment. Secure the accident scene. The area should remain intact until investigation is complete. Keep other employees and/or spectators away from the area, especially if there is blood or other bodily fluids. Identify any witnesses. Even if what they saw was minimal, have them write out a statement. Many times, witnesses think that they didn’t see much, but when all of the statements are put together often the puzzle comes together. Obtain statements immediately. Don’t wait till the end of the shift! Witnesses should be kept separated until they write their statement. If witnesses “compare” notes it could lead to them writing down things that they didn’t really see. Ask them to give as much detail as possible. Here are some examples: o 1. “Jimmy was standing on the catwalk and he slipped and fell and broke his leg.” o 2. “Jimmy was standing on the catwalk when the main hydraulic line broke and sprayed oil all over his legs and the catwalk. When he tried to jump out of the way, because his shoes were wet with oil, it caused him to slip and fall and break his leg.” o 3. “Jimmy was standing on the catwalk and was throwing wet paper towels at his assistant Pete. When Pete threw one back at him, Jimmy stepped over the catwalk rail to get out of the way and stepped on a hydraulic line. When the hydraulic line broke, it caused Jimmy to fall and break his leg.” You can see from that, there are three clear differences. #1 Kind of goes nowhere, it is very basic. #2 is able to show no fault of the employee and #3 shows that “Pete” was a factor due to his horseplay. It is these kinds of details that can big a big impact on an investigation. Document. If you can get access to a camera, now is a good time to take pictures. The first two should both be at different angles, and form a distance of about 20 to 30 feet away and then come in for detailed photos. Better to have too many than not enough. Determine the chain of events that lead to the incident, put together a time line. Complete the report write up. THE PAYOFF for this work? Developing Corrective Actions” that will prevent future similar incidents. Communicate your findings to your entire organization. There is simply no reason to repeat the same mistakes over and over. Thanks for your time. Let’s work together to make Georgia a safer place to work. DOAS Loss Control Bulletin January 2018

Transcript of DOAS Loss Control Bulletin€¦ · Document. If you can get access to a camera, now is a good time...

Page 1: DOAS Loss Control Bulletin€¦ · Document. If you can get access to a camera, now is a good time to take pictures. The first two should both be at different angles, and form a distance

DOAS Risk Management Services Division Loss Control Office Contact us by email: [email protected] or call (404) 656-6245 for additional information.

Topic of the Month… Accident Investigation

Good accident/incident investigation is an essential part of any safety program. An accident is an unforeseen and unplanned event or circumstance that often results in personal injury or damage to property (Webster’s). Clearly there most “accidents” could be prevented with some effort. The unexpected actions of people, equipment, supplies, or surroundings cause most accidents. Accident investigations determine how and why these unexpected actions occur. Accident investigations should be conducted with accident prevention in mind; investigations are not to place blame. A detailed investigation of most any accident will normally reveal two causes of accidents: surface causes and root causes.

Surface causes are the hazardous conditions or unsafe work practices that directly or indirectly contributed to the accident.

Root causes are the management/safety/loss control system weaknesses or failures that allow the existence of hazardous conditions and unsafe work practices.

An employee slips and falls due to oil on the floor, the oil is the surface cause. The root cause may be a leaky forklift hydraulic line from lack of maintenance. The key word here is “Details.” A good investigator will gather as many details as possible, as soon as safely possible. You want to record your details before something changes or gets moved. Priorities for incident investigation:

First concern is the injured party. If the injured party needs extrication from a piece of equipment, do not be concerned about saving “evidence”. Get the person out and then to treatment.

Secure the accident scene. The area should remain intact until investigation is complete. Keep other employees and/or spectators away from the area, especially if there is blood or other bodily fluids.

Identify any witnesses. Even if what they saw was minimal, have them write out a statement. Many times, witnesses think that they didn’t see much, but when all of the statements are put

together often the puzzle comes together. Obtain statements immediately. Don’t wait till the end of the shift! Witnesses should be kept separated until they write their statement. If witnesses “compare” notes it could lead to them writing down things that they didn’t

really see. Ask them to give as much detail as possible. Here are some examples: o 1. “Jimmy was standing on the catwalk and he slipped and fell and broke his leg.” o 2. “Jimmy was standing on the catwalk when the main hydraulic line broke and sprayed oil all over his legs

and the catwalk. When he tried to jump out of the way, because his shoes were wet with oil, it caused him to slip and fall and break his leg.”

o 3. “Jimmy was standing on the catwalk and was throwing wet paper towels at his assistant Pete. When Pete threw one back at him, Jimmy stepped over the catwalk rail to get out of the way and stepped on a hydraulic line. When the hydraulic line broke, it caused Jimmy to fall and break his leg.”

You can see from that, there are three clear differences. #1 Kind of goes nowhere, it is very basic. #2 is able to show no fault of the employee and #3 shows that “Pete” was a factor due to his horseplay. It is these kinds of details that can big a big impact on an investigation.

Document. If you can get access to a camera, now is a good time to take pictures. The first two should both be at different angles, and form a distance of about 20 to 30 feet away and then come in for detailed photos. Better to have too many than not enough. Determine the chain of events that lead to the incident, put together a time line. Complete the report write up.

THE PAYOFF for this work? Developing “Corrective Actions” that will prevent future

similar incidents. Communicate your findings to your entire organization. There is simply no reason to repeat the same mistakes over and over.

Thanks for your time. Let’s work together to make Georgia a safer place to work.

DOAS Loss Control Bulletin

January 2018

Page 2: DOAS Loss Control Bulletin€¦ · Document. If you can get access to a camera, now is a good time to take pictures. The first two should both be at different angles, and form a distance

DOAS Risk Management Services Division Loss Control Office Contact us by email: [email protected] or call (404) 656-6245 for additional information.

Topic of the Month…Severe Weather Preparedness!

Severe Weather Awareness Week in Georgia is February 5 – 9, 2017. The events highlight the need for emergency preparation. Unfortunately, Georgia has had to use some of these systems already in FY2018. So far in FY2018 the State of Georgia has had over 100 claims with losses exceeding $6,000,000 in losses. Georgia had over $11,000,000 in Total Incurred Losses in FY2017. The losses were dramatically reduced because of the preventive steps taken by the agencies involved. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) have the responsibility of handling Federal and State emergency events. GEMA’s Ready Georgia, a statewide emergency preparedness campaign, offers tools that residents can use to create an emergency supply kit, develop a communications plan and stay informed about potential threats. Ready Georgia’s interactive website, www.ready.ga.gov (http://ready.ga.gov/) provides detailed information on Georgia-specific emergency preparedness and allows users to create a personal profile and receive a customized checklist and family communications plan. Employers can use the Ready Your Business guide to create custom contingency plans, and children can visit the ReadyKids page for age-appropriate information, videos and games. For preparedness on the go, families can also download Ready Georgia’s free mobile app at http://www.ready.ga.gov/mobileapp to learn how to prepare for emergencies, create family communications plans and more. Is YOUR emergency plan for your home and your agency location prepared and is it up to date? GEMA and FEMA offer a lot of information to help develop a plan on how to deal with emergencies. Do you know what to do in case of an emergency at your agency, at your location? Is your home one of the 50+% in the U.S.A. that has no emergency plan? Do you know what steps to take to start an emergency plan? Ready.GA.gov offers some of the following guidelines for homes. Also look at http://www.nws.noaa.gov/com/weatherreadynation/ambassadors.html#.VqosrVLzMrx Which is the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration Weather Ready site. Supply Checklist for Severe Weather emergencies:

□ Do you have a stored water supply of at least 3 gallons per day per person?

□ Do you have a three-day non-perishable food supply for your family?

□ Do you have a manual can opener, batteries, flashlights and a NOAA alert radio?

□ Do you have a fully stocked First Aid kit?

□ Are you prepared for a cold weather emergency if the power goes

out?

Fire & Medical emergency preparation for your location or home:

□ Are there two ways out of your home or office?

□ Have you established a meeting point once you have evacuated?

□ Do you have a First Aid kit? Are Emergency numbers posted?

□ Do you know who has First Aid training at your location?

Flooding preparation:

□ Do you know what items you want to take with you during an evacuation?

□ Do you have emergency contact numbers in case roads are flooded in your area or at your

location?

These are the short list of items. A few minutes of preparation can save a life or make you far more comfortable in case of severe weather.

Thanks for your time. Let’s work together to make Georgia a safer place to work.

DOAS Loss Control Bulletin

February 2018

Page 3: DOAS Loss Control Bulletin€¦ · Document. If you can get access to a camera, now is a good time to take pictures. The first two should both be at different angles, and form a distance

DOAS Risk Management Services Division Loss Control Office Contact us by email: [email protected] or call (404) 656-6245 for additional information.

Topic of the Month…Bugs and Critters

Each year Georgia State employees are bitten/stung by bees, spiders, ticks, chiggers, dogs, cats, snakes, mosquitos and more. State of Georgia employees have already had over 100 Worker’s Compensation Claims associated with Animals. Many of these encounters are not preventable but many could be prevented. When a mosquito or tick bites, it may transfer a disease-causing agent, such as a parasite, bacterium, or virus. Venomous snakes, spiders, scorpions, and stinging insects can be found in most of Georgia. They are especially dangerous to workers who have allergies to the animal. Anaphylactic shock is the body’s severe allergic reaction to a bite or sting and requires immediate emergency care. Thousands of people are stung each year, and as many as 40–50 people in the United States die each year from severe allergic reactions. Venomous snakes include rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths/water moccasins, and coral snakes. Stinging insects include bees, wasps, hornets, and fire ants. Venomous spiders include black widows, brown recluse spiders, and hobo spiders. Prevention Tips: For ticks: cover up, tuck you pants into socks or boots (limit exposed skin), lighten up! (light color clothing makes it easier to see them), use an insect repellant on clothing. Chiggers: When in wooded areas that may be chigger-infested, try not to brush up against vegetation. When hiking, walk in the center of trails, rather than along the sides. Wear long sleeves and long pants that can be tucked into your socks or shoes. Use insect or tick repellent, especially around the tops of your shoes, shirt neck, cuffs, and waistband. Shower as soon as you go indoors. Wash your clothes in hot water. Spiders: preventive steps: Inspect or shake out any clothing, shoes, towels, or equipment before use. Wear protective clothing such as a long-sleeved shirt and long pants, hat, gloves, and boots when handling stacked or undisturbed piles of materials. Minimize the empty spaces between stacked materials. Remove and reduce debris and rubble from around the outdoor work areas. Trim or eliminate tall grasses from around outdoor work areas. Store apparel and outdoor equipment in tightly closed plastic bags. Keep your tetanus boosters up-to-date (every 10 years). Spider bites can

become infected with tetanus spores. Bees: Minimize your exposure: Take care when drinking sweet beverages outside. Wide, open cups may be your best option because you can see if a bee is in them. Inspect cans and straws before drinking from them.

Tightly cover food containers and trash cans. Clear away garbage, fallen fruit, and dog or other animal feces (flies can attract wasps). Wear close-toed shoes when walking outside. Don't wear bright colors or floral prints, which can attract bees. Don't wear loose clothing, which can trap bees between the cloth and your skin. When driving, keep your windows rolled up. Be careful when mowing the lawn or trimming vegetation, activities that might arouse insects in a beehive or wasp nest. Have hives and nests near your area removed by a professional. Snakes: Avoid places where snakes may live. These places include tall grass or brush, rocky areas, fallen logs, bluffs, swamps, marshes, and deep holes in the ground. When moving through tall grass or weeds, poke at the ground in front of you with a long stick to scare away snakes. Wear chaps if there is a high probability of snakes in the area. Watch where you step and where you sit when outdoors. Wear loose, long pants and high, thick leather or rubber boots. Shine a flashlight on your path when walking outside at night. Never handle a snake, even if you think it is dead. Recently killed snakes may still bite by reflex. Dogs: Have owner secure animal before your arrival if possible. Be polite and respect the dog's personal space. Never approaching an unfamiliar dog, especially one who's tied or confined behind a fence or in a car. Don't pet a dog—even your own—without letting him see and sniff you first. Don't disturb a dog while she's sleeping, eating, chewing on a toy, or caring for puppies. Be cautious around strange dogs. Always assume that a dog who doesn't know you may see you as an intruder or a threat. Cats: Generally, will stay away from strangers. If cornered will bite and scratch. Cat bites are serious injuries and require prompt medical attention. This is by no means a comprehensive list of bite prevention measures.

Thanks for your time. Let’s work together to make Georgia a safer place to work.

DOAS Loss Control Bulletin

March 2018

Page 4: DOAS Loss Control Bulletin€¦ · Document. If you can get access to a camera, now is a good time to take pictures. The first two should both be at different angles, and form a distance

DOAS Risk Management Services Division Loss Control Office Contact us by email: [email protected] or call (404) 656-6245 for additional information.

Topic of the Month…Distracted Driving Month

April is National Distracted Driving Month. Every day we see 10, 20, maybe 30 people talking on their cell phones while driving. And for most of us that is only for our morning and afternoon commute. While on the cell phone you are 4 times as likely to be in an accident (Per the National Safety Council.) You can sign up and receive all of the materials at : http://www.nsc.org/learn/NSC-Initiatives/Pages/DDAM-2016-materials.aspx?hsCtaTracking=eddb472b-3ecd-4a03-99c5-ce1c1b2f7bf6%7C689f402d-9487-4517-8bf6-122b362ac233 Distracted driving can sometimes start before we even get in the car. How many of us check the area before moving the car or truck? Remember the G.O.A.L. memory tool,

Get Out And Look! Look around the vehicle before you move it. Make sure there are

no obstacles in your way before moving the vehicle. Other than glass breakage, the number one cause of Auto Physical Damage claims is hitting fixed objects. No matter what story they come up with - the tree, pole, or rock did not move to get in the way of the vehicle.

The State of Georgia is having 6+ Auto Physical Damage claims per day on average. Over 570 of these claims were glass breakage. Many of these could be prevented by maintaining at least a 3 or 4 seconds following distance. We had about another 100 claims where we rear-ended the other vehicle and another 100 Hitting fixed objects. Are We managing our distractions? With the increase in

claims, the cost has increased as well. We have spent more in claims than we have collected in premiums as of December. Your attention must be on the road, not on the roadside distractions or vehicle distractions. We need to keep our minds on what is in front of us. Always keep our minds focused on driving and be ready for “what if” scenarios; What if the guy in front of you suddenly brakes? What is the guy doing behind me etc.? A little fore-thought goes a long way. Please remember the life you save may be your own. If we can help please give us a call.

Thanks for your time. Let’s work together to make Georgia a safer place to work.

DOAS Loss Control Bulletin

April 2018

Page 5: DOAS Loss Control Bulletin€¦ · Document. If you can get access to a camera, now is a good time to take pictures. The first two should both be at different angles, and form a distance

DOAS Risk Management Services Division Loss Control Office Contact us by email: [email protected] or call (404) 656-6245 for additional information.

Topic of the Month…Office Safety

Many of us think that if we work in an office you don’t have to worry about Safety. Unfortunately, that is not the case. We have had over 4,500 injuries so far in FY2018. Many occurred in an office area. A safe office environment requires hazard control, good housekeeping, maintenance, and safe work practices. Arrange your office to allow clear walkways and aisles throughout the rooms and near exits. Do not store heavy items or hang pictures over your head in your office or cube. Close file cabinet drawers, file doors, and pull-out work tables when not in use. To avoid jamming your fingers or hands, make sure that cabinet and desk drawers do not open into walls or other furniture. Close drawers and doors with the flat of your hand. Slips & Falls -Clean up liquid spills immediately and mark the hazard area with a “wet floor” sign until the floor dries. Prevent falls in the office by keeping walkways and floors clear of trash, cords, cables, and other items. Clean up work areas after each project and periodically throughout the day. Walk slowly, and be aware of your surroundings. Use handrails when going up and down stairs. Wear proper footwear at the office; a non-slip sole and a back strap are the safest. Chairs use them for sitting ONLY! Storage - Arrange your storage so that the heavier items are stored between knee and shoulder height and keep lighter-weight items on upper shelves. Keep a sturdy step stool or ladder in storage areas to avoid reaching. Ergonomic - Request an ergonomic evaluation from your supervisor if you feel discomfort while at your desk or performing other tasks at work. Use good body mechanics when lifting and moving items. Use a cart or hand truck rather than carrying items. When you must carry files, limit your load to your capability. Avoid bending at the waist when accessing low files. If you must access low files, either stoop down or get on your knees. Avoid twisting and reaching for files or other materials in your work station. Move your whole body to prevent back strain. Report hazards to your supervisor and make sure that they get corrected. Fire Safety - Be prepared for an emergency in your building. Know your building emergency procedures, evacuation routes, and assembly area. Know how to use a fire extinguisher and when it is safe to do so. Keep exits and aisle walkways clear to allow a quick evacuation. Use only approved electrical equipment in the office. Examine electric cords and plugs for breaks, tears, and frayed wires before use. Do not use extension cords as a permanent source of electrical power. Do not create chains of extension cords and surge protectors (“daisy-chains”). Security - Employees should never leave personal and/or valuable items in plain sight while they are away from their desks. First Aid - Every worker should know the location of a first-aid kit they can use for minor ailments such as small cuts. The kits should be well-stocked and up-to-date. Like any other work place you cannot “ASSUME” offices are safe. But with a little effort we can all have a safe work environment. .

Thanks for your time. Let’s work together to make Georgia a safer place to work.

DOAS Loss Control Bulletin

May 2018

Page 6: DOAS Loss Control Bulletin€¦ · Document. If you can get access to a camera, now is a good time to take pictures. The first two should both be at different angles, and form a distance

900012738 0218 © 2018 National Safety Council

Emergency situations can happen at any time, making it crucial that you are prepared for the unexpected long before it happens.

Plan for Possible Emergencies• Research and prepare for natural disasters common to

your area, such as floods, earthquakes or tornadoes

• Create an emergency kit for both your home and car

• Create a home emergency plan with your family and learn how to shut off your utilities

• Be a good participant in emergency drills at work and school by following instructions and paying attention to lessons learned

• Store important phone numbers, including those of family members, with other important documents in a fire-proof safe or safety deposit box

• Learn first aid and CPR for children and adults – check out the NSC First Aid app

• Know how to respond to an active shooter with free NSC training NSC at nsc.org/communitytraining

Stock Your Emergency Kits Now Emergency kits can help you prepare for the worst, but only if they are properly stocked and regularly refreshed.

Your home emergency kit should be very accessible and contain:• Food and water for each family member for three days as

well as a can opener and nonperishable foods, such as tuna and peanut butter

• Hand-crank or battery-powered flashlight and radio with extra batteries

• Full first aid kit, including hand sanitizer and garbage bags

• Plastic sheeting and duct tape for broken windows or a leaky roof

• Whistle to signal for help so rescuers can locate you

Your car emergency kit should contain:

• A properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench, tripod jack and jumper cables

• A tool kit, compass, duct tape and car charger for your cell phone

• A flashlight with extra batteries, a rain poncho and a fire extinguisher

• Reflective triangles and vest, and brightly colored cloth to make your vehicle more visible

• A first aid kit and enough nonperishable food and water for three days

• Cold weather items such as a snow brush, shovel, windshield washer fluid, warm clothing, cat litter for traction and blankets

Preparefor the Unexpected

1 step for safety: Change the batteries in your smoke alarms at least once each year. A working smoke alarm cuts your odds of dying in a home fire in half, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Page 7: DOAS Loss Control Bulletin€¦ · Document. If you can get access to a camera, now is a good time to take pictures. The first two should both be at different angles, and form a distance

900012739 0218 © 2018 National Safety Council

We ask a lot of ourselves each day, and over time this can put a strain on our own wellness. Try these tips to help improve your wellness at every stage of life.

Focus on Your Wellness Each Day• Take the stairs instead of the elevator or go for a walk at

lunch to work physical activity into your daily schedule

• Take advantage of workplace wellness programs and choose healthy snacks each day

• Find nearby options for exercise classes through your local parks department

• Take breaks throughout your day to refresh your body and mind – if you sit for long periods, stand up and stretch for a few minutes at a time

• Get regular medical checkups, such as an annual physical and age-appropriate tests – ask a professional about the right tests, exercise and nutrition choices for your physical fitness and age

• Talk to your doctor about alternatives to opioid pain medications – learn more at nsc.org/takeaction

Watch Out for Fatigue Fatigue is more than just being tired. If you’re missing out on the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep each day, you could become sleep deprived and be at higher risk for the negative effects of fatigue.

• Chronic sleep deprivation causes depression, obesity, cardiovascular disease and other illnesses

• Fatigued driving is impaired driving – losing even two hours of sleep is similar to the effect of having three beers

• Night shifts and rotating shifts put you at a higher risk of fatigue – if possible, work with your employer to align your sleep and work schedules to get restful sleep

• To help combat fatigue, make your bedroom more conducive to sleep; a quiet, dark room that is not too hot and not too cold will help you relax and get to sleep sooner

• Avoid chemicals that affect sleep; caffeine, nicotine and alcohol can all contribute to sleep problems

• Help your loved ones get the proper amount of sleep – children and teens typically require even more sleep than adults

PrioritizeYour Wellness

1 step for safety: Get seven to nine hours of sleep each day and consider asking your doctor about sleep disorders; more than 70 million Americans suffer from them, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Page 8: DOAS Loss Control Bulletin€¦ · Document. If you can get access to a camera, now is a good time to take pictures. The first two should both be at different angles, and form a distance

900012740 0218 © 2018 National Safety Council

We may not consider slipping at home or tripping on the sidewalk to be serious risks, but they can be deadly. Falls are the third leading cause of unintentional-injury-related deaths for all ages and the number one cause of death for those 65 and older, according to injuryfacts.nsc.org.

How to Prevent FallsTake these simple steps to prevent falls both at home and in your community:

• Remove clutter, including electrical cords and other tripping hazards, from walkways, stairs and doorways

• Install nightlights in the bathroom, hallways and other areas to prevent tripping and falls at night

• Always wear proper footwear and clean up spills immediately

• Place non-slip adhesive strips on stairs and non-skid mats in the shower and bathroom

• For older adults, install grab bars near showers and toilets, and install rails on both sides of stairs – older adults can also take balance classes, get their vision and hearing checked each year and talk with their doctors and pharmacist about fall risks from medication

Distracted Walking – A Serious Risk Today, nearly everyone has a cell phone and consequently distracted walking has become a serious risk. One study, published in the Journal of Safety Research, found that over a 10-year period, distracted walking was responsible for more than 10,000 serious injuries.

To limit this risk:

• Avoid cell phone use while walking, especially near crosswalks – talk with your friends and loved ones about this risk as well

• Pay special attention in busy areas, such as airports and shopping centers, and even your own house – more than half of distracted walking incidents happen at home

• Avoid other distracted walking risks, such as listening to headphones, when walking near intersections and other busy areas

• When driving, look carefully for pedestrians distracted by their phones – slow down and pay special attention in school zones

PreventSlips, Trips and Falls

1 step for safety: Avoid looking at or using your phone while walking. If you need to use your phone, find a safe area to stop walking and remain in place until you are finished.

Page 9: DOAS Loss Control Bulletin€¦ · Document. If you can get access to a camera, now is a good time to take pictures. The first two should both be at different angles, and form a distance

900012741 0218 © 2018 National Safety Council

We all believe ourselves to be safe drivers, yet up to 94 percent of motor vehicle crashes involve human error. Follow these tips to help stay safe on the roads.

Avoid Dangerous Driving BehaviorsPrevent injuries on the road by keeping your focus on the driving task:

• Avoid impaired driving, whether by alcohol, lack of sleep or drugs, including over the counter and prescription medication

• Avoid cell phone distracted driving, including hands-free

• Practice with your teen drivers and teach them to avoid distraction

• Make sure all occupants are properly secured in age-appropriate restraints

• Never leave a child alone in a car and always keep your car locked when not in use

• If you drive for work, talk with your employer about safe habits – do not take calls while behind the wheel

• Regularly check your vehicle for recalls at CheckToProtect.org and stay up to date on the safety features in your car by visiting MyCarDoesWhat.org

Use Safety Features CorrectlyModern cars are filled with safety features that can help protect the driver, passengers and even pedestrians, but they must be used correctly. Look through your vehicle manual to learn which features are available and make use of them to stay safe while behind the wheel.

• Do not rely on safety features to replace you as the driver – you are still your car’s best safety feature

• Make sure you understand your vehicle safety features before using them – not all vehicle safety features operate the same way

• Maintain your vehicle to keep safety features working correctly, including clearing the vehicle of mud, ice and snow

• Pay attention to vehicle alerts and warnings

• Educate teens and all inexperienced drivers about the safety features present in the vehicle and how they work

AlwaysDrive Safe

1 step for safety: Always wear a seatbelt. In 2016, 48 percent of vehicle occupants killed on the road were unbelted, according to injuryfacts.nsc.org.

Page 10: DOAS Loss Control Bulletin€¦ · Document. If you can get access to a camera, now is a good time to take pictures. The first two should both be at different angles, and form a distance

DOAS Risk Management Services Division Loss Control Office Contact us by email: [email protected] or call (404) 656-6245 for additional information.

Topic of the Month…FY2018 Injury Review

Fiscal Year 2018 ended on June 30, 2018. During FY2018, 5,625 (4.59%) fellow State of Georgia employees were injured. Of those, 1,427 (1.16%) were injured severely enough to lose a week of work. We saw a four percent increase in injuries overall in FY2018. Fall, Slip, Trip was still the leading cause of injury with 24% of our total injuries. We had a one percent increase in Falls, Slip, Trips: do we really need to read email and text while walking?

Please take this opportunity to review your three leading causes of injury and put plans in place to conduct training on those topics in FY2019. Based on the chart above most agencies should be completing the following Safety National Courses:

1. Falls, Slip, Trip; FY2018 Injury Costs expected to exceed $16,000,000 2. Strains & Sprains or Back Injury Prevention Costs expected to exceed $12,000,000 3. Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVA) Costs of each expected to exceed $4,800,000

THANK YOU! For your efforts to reduce injuries. One method to address the wide

array of injuries the State of Georgia is a good Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) Program. Please see our training presentation for more information. If we can help you with your Safety training, please contact us at [email protected].

Thanks for your time. Let’s work together to make Georgia a safer place to work.

DOAS Loss Control Bulletin

BulletineBulletin July 2016

Page 11: DOAS Loss Control Bulletin€¦ · Document. If you can get access to a camera, now is a good time to take pictures. The first two should both be at different angles, and form a distance

DOAS Risk Management Services Division Loss Control Office Contact us by email: [email protected] or call (404) 656-6245 for additional information.

Topic of the Month…Self Evaluations

Safety Self-Audits, Safety Self-Inspections, Risk Management Evaluations; whatever you call

them some type of systems check must be part of your Safety/Loss Control program. Waiting

for DOAS or central office to come perform these inspections just allows longer exposure of the

hazard to your employee. If you have a hazard with no control in place and you have employee

exposure you will probably have an injury. The unknown factor is; when? So, do we identify

and control the hazards now or wait until someone is injured? Think about it, how many of the

1,300 Falls, Slips, Trips that happened last year could have been prevented by an area

inspection? How many times have we stepped around the cord until one day after we trip on it

before we move the cord and remove the hazard? Audits also help to identify the effectiveness

of safety program management and can be used as a guide to assure a safe workplace.

Someone needs to start the process. Usually the higher up the management level the better.

But, all levels need to be on the lookout for potential hazards and putting controls in place where

possible. It does no good to make a long list of problem areas if there is no support, time,

funding, to address the issues. Many are housekeeping items and can be addressed quickly.

All safety deficiencies found during audits and inspections should be corrected as soon as

possible. Documentation of corrections should be made on the audit or inspection sheet, and

conditions that present a hazard are to be corrected or controlled immediately.

Daily Walk-throughs: is an undocumented inspection that is

made daily prior to startup and shift change to ensure the

facility and equipment are in safe conditions for employees and

clients. Any noted unsafe areas should be attended to

immediately, prior to employees working and clients living in

the area. If the area cannot immediately be made safe for

employees and clients, a notice shall be given to the affected

employees and clients. Work orders to correct the situation

will be issued immediately.

Monthly Safety Committee Inspection: Each month members of

the Safety Committee could tour part of the entire facility. This

tour is to ensure Safety Committee Members are familiar with all

areas of the operation. Problem areas, committee

recommendations and deficiencies will be recorded and provided

to management.

Equipment Inspections are conducted to ensure specific safety

equipment is in good working order and will function when

needed. Examples and frequencies are:

Monthly: Smoke Detectors, Emergency Lighting Test, Fire

Extinguisher Inspections, Weekly: Emergency Eye washes.

Inspections are one tool we can use to make our workplace safer. Don’t we owe to ourselves and our fellow employees to use all the tools at our disposal to make our workplace a safer place to work?

Let’s work together to make Georgia a safer place to work.

DOAS Loss Control Bulletin

August 2018

Page 12: DOAS Loss Control Bulletin€¦ · Document. If you can get access to a camera, now is a good time to take pictures. The first two should both be at different angles, and form a distance

DOAS Risk Management Services Division Loss Control Office Contact us by email: [email protected] or call (404) 656-6245 for additional information.

Topic of the Month…Material Handling Aids

Manual material handling related injuries are one of the most frequent and costliest types of injuries in the workplace. In the State of Georgia, it is the second leading cause of injury. Strain and sprain injuries from FY2018 are expected to cost the State over $10,000,000. Manual material handling is defined as moving containers, parts, equipment or other items by lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, filling, emptying or carrying them. Manual material handling can also be thought of as those activities where items are moved from one place to another in the workplace. So why not make it easier on ourselves? Use the equipment to carry loads rather than carry the material yourself. When items are delivered to your area have them placed on a cart rather than placed on the floor. This makes for easier delivery to you and easier delivery to the items destination as well. This simple practice eliminates lifts. We had over 222 injuries last year where people were lifting items.

Hand trucks are one of the most versatile items when it comes to moving materials. Always make sure the items are placed on the hand truck properly. Make sure you can see where you are going. Plan a path of travel. Get the proper hand truck for the materials you are moving. Secure the load if necessary. Trying to grab items falling from hand truck or cart can lead to injuries. Container Weights: Can we reduce container weights? Do we have to move a whole box of copy paper? Or can we move what we need and handle a couple of reams of paper. Trash: Do we really want employees hauling 55 or 33 gallons of trash at one time? Can they reach the

dumpster upon taking the trash outside? High dumpster sides are good for the trash hauler, not so good for your janitorial staff. Wheelbarrows is another aid to moving materials. However, like the other equipment, it requires some planning for their use. Is load placed properly to prevent tipping? Is it over loaded? Is your path clear of obstacles? The list of devices that can help you in your job is extensive. All, require some planning, from procurement, to placement so that they are available when needed. And like anything else mechanical devices require the proper maintenance for ease of use and longevity of the equipment. What material handling equipment do you need in your work place? Is that a well-kept secret? Or have you told your supervisor? Material handling equipment can only do its’ job of injury prevention, when it is available and properly used.

Thanks for your time. Let’s work together to make Georgia a safer place to work.

DOAS Loss Control Bulletin

September 2018

BulletineBulletin

July 2016

Page 13: DOAS Loss Control Bulletin€¦ · Document. If you can get access to a camera, now is a good time to take pictures. The first two should both be at different angles, and form a distance

DOAS Risk Management Services Division Loss Control Office Contact us by email: [email protected] or call (404) 656-6245 for additional information.

Topic of the Month…National Fire Prevention Month

Did you know that fire departments respond to a home fire every 86 seconds? On average, in the USA, seven people lose their lives per day to house fires. Annually the USA suffers losses exceeding $6,700,000,000 to fires. The State of Georgia lost over $1,300,000 to fire damage in FY2018, over $3,000,000 in FY2017. In addition, the State lost another $3,000,000 to Flood and Water damage in FY2018. The problem with fires is they are typically catastrophic and we don’t know when they will occur. Since we all have our “Stuff” in our offices most of it will burn or melt. This year the NFPA’s theme for Fire Prevention week is LOOK. LISTEN. LEARN. Please apply these guidelines to your workplace as well as your home. LOOK, for hazards around your workplace and correct or remove those hazards, if they cannot be removed make sure controls are in place. Electrical extension cords are used routinely in nearly every workplace. Extension cords are a “temporary” measure not a permanent solution. In cooking areas, is there an automatic suppression system in place? Has it been serviced as required? Candles have no business in the workplace. Many people have brought candles for “aromatherapy”, they still have an open flame, still must be monitored, kept away from combustibles and put out when no one is around. LISTEN, to the alarms in your building and know what to do. Do not ignore the alarms. LEARN, two ways out of your building. Many people ride the elevator daily with little awareness of where the stairwell is located. Is there a second stairwell or exit? Is it clearly marked and accessible? The BEST way to fight a fire is to PREVENT IT!

DOAS Loss Control Bulletin October 2018

Let’s work together to make Georgia a safer place to work.

Page 14: DOAS Loss Control Bulletin€¦ · Document. If you can get access to a camera, now is a good time to take pictures. The first two should both be at different angles, and form a distance

DOAS Risk Management Services Division Loss Control Office Contact us by email: [email protected] or call (404) 656-6245 for additional information.

Topic of the Month… BIG 3 Injuries & Holiday Safety Tips

BIG 3 Injuries – Falls, Cuts, Strains in FY2018 the State of Georgia had over 2,000 injuries and spent over $20,000,000 on these three types of injuries. Many happen during the Holiday season at home and at work. Proper equipment is one of the key elements to injury prevention for all three, proper ladders, proper cutting tools and proper footwear. Holiday Traveling – With the increase in traveling around the Holidays, please

remember these driving Safety Tips:

Buckle up and use child safety seats.

Increase your following distance.

Check behind your vehicle before backing up.

Plan your trip to include rest stops

Get plenty of rest before driving.

At Holiday Parties, if you drink, don’t drive!

We have already had nearly 1,200 Georgia

drivers die in auto crashes in 2018.

Christmas Trees – Carefully choose a tree that is not too dry – one without loose needles. Bend

needles to make sure they do not break. To preserve the tree’s freshness, cut a one- or two-inch diagonal slice off the bottom. Place the tree in a sturdy stand and check the water level daily. Keep the tree away from heat sources (vents, fireplace, etc.) to avoid drying. Don’t block entrances or exits. Place the tree outside soon after the holidays and recycle – do not burn it. At the end of the holidays, wash artificial trees or vacuum the ones with pre-hung lights and store in plastic bags.

Lights – Examine holiday lights for proper operation, damage and/or missing parts before hanging them.

Keep lights away from curtains and/or flammable materials. Make sure cords and plugs do not come into contact with water. Do not run cords under carpet, rugs, or behind furniture. Never connect more than three sets of lights to an extension cord. Unplug all lights when unattended. Decorations – Keep garlands and fragile glass ornaments out of the reach of small children. Check

older ornaments to ensure they are free of toxic materials such as lead paint.

Fireplaces & Other Fire Hazards – Always use a fire screen. Don’t burn trash in the fireplace. Don’t

wear loose clothing or synthetic materials prone to melting when tending a fire. Keep flue open until all embers have burned out. Dispose of ashes in a metal container. Make sure the fire is out before leaving it unattended. Keep lit candles away from curtains and out of reach of children. Never place lit candles on or near a Christmas tree. Check smoke detectors once a month.

Holiday Cooking – Keep hands and work areas clean and free of contaminants. Keep hot foods hot

and cool foods cool. Cook food thoroughly and store promptly to avoid food poisoning.

Safe Shopping – Avoid carrying large bulky packages that block your vision or may cause you to fall.

Use services offered by many stores such as an escort to your car or delivery to your office. Keep money

and/or credit cards separate from wallets or purses. Keep purses and/or wallets closed and close to your

body at all times. If possible, conceal them under your coat. Don’t leave purchased items in clear view.

Thanks for your time. Let’s work together to make Georgia a safer place to work.

DOAS Loss Control Bulletin

November 2018

Page 15: DOAS Loss Control Bulletin€¦ · Document. If you can get access to a camera, now is a good time to take pictures. The first two should both be at different angles, and form a distance

DOAS Risk Management Services Division Loss Control Office Contact us by email: [email protected] or call (404) 656-6245 for additional information.

Topic of the Month… Auto Physical Damage & Winter Driving

In FY2018 the State of Georgia paid for over 800 glass breaks, a 100+% increase over the 355 glass breaks in FY2017. But 4% of the State vehicles windshields were replaced in one year. Ideally, your windshield should last as long as your car. Of course life happens and cracks, collisions, and other damages can make replacing your windshield unavoidable. Here are some tips to protect you wind shields: Give it some personal space. We get it, when you’re running late or eager to get where you are going in rush hour traffic, keeping a good amount of space between you and other cars isn’t the first thing on your mind. But consider this, keeping a safe distance not only decreases your chances of getting into a fender bender (or worse), it also gives you time to avoid flying objects like rocks, debris. The more space you leave between your car and other vehicles, the more time you have to prevent objects from hitting your windshield. This is especially true for gravel and construction vehicles; Don’t Tailgate Gravel Trucks! Many of these trucks have signs “Stay Back 200 feet” “Driver not responsible for vehicle damage” 200 Feet equals: 2/3s of a football field, 12.5 car lengths and surprise 243 feet is the 3 second following distance at 55 mph. Keep it comfortable. As glass is exposed to extreme temperatures, it expands and contracts, so excessive heat weakens glass overtime. It’s best to park in a shaded shelter or garage whenever you can to minimize exposure to the elements. Buy it, it’s a nice gift. All cars appreciate a new set of windshield wipers every now and then. Keep an eye on the wiper blades to make sure they’re effectively removing water from the windshield. If you notice patchy areas or misshapen blades, it’s time for a new pair. National Highway Transportation Board recommends wiper replacement at least annually. Treat it to a spa day. You wash, buff, and wax your car, but are you taking care of your windshield? Harsh chemicals can ruin any tinting or protective coatings. Treat it right with gentle, ammonia-free cleaning products to keep it clean and strong. Avoid sudden temperature changes. Do not use boiling water to defrost your windshield. Turn on the defroster and let the windshield warm up slowly. Use an ice scraper to remove ice. You can scratch or chip your windshield using table knives or metal spatulas to remove ice. Plastic ice scrapers are cheap or try spray deicers to melt the ice on your windshield…you may not even need to use a scraper. NEVER drive until your windshield is completely clear! Keep the Glass Clean. Running the wipers or using an ice scraper over stuck-on dirt is a common cause of windshield scratches. It is also easier to see small rock chips on a clean windshield than a dirty one. Check that the washer fluid reservoir is full. Use a winter washer fluid that has anti-fog and ice mix in the solution. Water or thinned solutions will freeze and damage lines and pumps. Get rock chips repaired. That rock chip you got last July could very well crack out your windshield in December! Sudden temperature changes may cause small chips to start cracking. Call us with the chip before it cracks! SLOW DOWN! Winter driving requires more time to avoid ice hazards especially when there is a potential for black ice.

Thanks for your time. Let’s work together to make Georgia a safer place to work.

DOAS Loss Control Bulletin

December 2018