Safety tips for coming June & July

Safety tips for coming June & July 

PPE for first responders and recovery workers
When a natural disaster, biological incident or other event occurs, first responders and recovery workers often rush to the scene. That means it’s crucial they have the proper personal protective equipment ready and know how to use it.
To aid in this, employers need to develop a disaster-specific safety and health plan. Part of that plan, according to OSHA, is conducting a hazard assessment to determine what hazards workers could encounter and then reassessing if conditions change.
 
Other parts of the plan:
• Clearly detail the responsibilities of workers
• Follow the Hierarchy of Controls
• Determine what PPE workers will need
• Train each worker required to use PPE in a language they understand
• Provide medical exams and/or fit testing, as required by OSHA standards
• Regularly review and update workers’ PPE needs as job tasks and hazards change
 
Workers play a role as well. They need to:
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using, maintaining, inspecting, cleaning and storing PPE.
• Know which type of PPE is needed.
• Understand the limitations of PPE.
• Know how to put on, adjust, wear and take off PPE.

Drive safely in the rain
Rain can reduce or impair your view of the road, the Nevada Department of Transportation points out. Combined with reduced tire traction on wet roadways, “It’s easy to see that driving in the rain needs to be treated with extra caution.”
Only drive in heavy rain when necessary, advises, and always leave extra time to safely reach your destination. In addition, be sure to dry the soles of your shoes after getting into your vehicle when it’s raining, because they can slide from the pedals while you’re driving.
 
Other recommendations include:
• Turn on your headlights to see and be seen.
• Be aware of and avoid flooded areas – never attempt to cross running or flooded water.
• Reduce your speed. Speed limits are based on normal road and weather conditions, not rainy conditions.
• Defrost windows before and while driving, if necessary.
• Use your wipers. Many states require their use in rain or snow.
• Keep a safe distance from other vehicles, leaving more space on wet roads.
• Turn off your cruise control to reduce the risk of hydroplaning.
• Brake earlier and with less force than you would in normal driving conditions. Also, slow down when turning.
 
Finally, if you have difficulty seeing the roadway and/or other vehicles when it’s raining, pull off the road to a safe location until conditions improve.