September 8, 2011

As planning begins for end of year move out and summer maintenance projects, make sure you don't overlook new and changing workplace safety hazards that may come with related job tasks. Below is a set of important points to consider as you begin your summer while being Safe at State:

General Housekeeping

Maintaining a clean and safe workplace is everyone's responsibility. During move in and move out of overnight guests, this can be a challenge due to the volume of activity at storage and collection areas. Whenever possible try to store furniture items as neatly and safely as possible, and do not over stack heavy items. Keep exit aisles and doorways free of clutter and debris. If you observe over filled garbage collection areas, notify a facilities partner to expedite pick up.

Back Safety

Back injuries are one of the most common and most preventable workplace injuries. As summer cleaning and maintenance activities pick up, so does the frequency that that many of us perform heavy and repetitive lifting. Following these basic rules of safe lifting can go a long way in keeping your back healthy and uninjured:

• Size up the load before you lift. Test by lifting one of the corners or pushing. If it's heavy or feels too clumsy, get a mechanical aid or help from another worker. When in doubt, don't lift alone.
• Bend the knees. Note that this item is the single, most important aspect of lifting.
• Place your feet close to the object and center yourself over the load.
• Get a good hand hold.
• Lift straight up, smoothly, and let your legs do the work, not your back.
• Do not twist or turn your body once you have made the lift.
• Make sure beforehand that you have a clear path to carry the load.
• Set the load down properly.
• Always push, not pull, the object when it's on a cart or dolly.
• If it's a long load, get some help.
• Split the load into several smaller ones when you can.

Tool Safety

Maintaining clean and safe facilities for our guests to enjoy their Spartan experience often involves the use of tools, whether for cleaning or repair. Because we use these items so often, we sometimes forget that they can cause injury if misused.

Never use hand or power tools which you are unfamiliar with or have not been authorized to use. If you are unsure about procedures for safe tool use, ask a supervisor for more information.

Using PPE should become a habit when using tools. Wear eye protection if there is a chance that chips, sparks, or debris could get into the eyes. Eye protection should be worn when using hammers, mallets, chisels, punches, or bolt cutters.

Tools should be inspected before and after each use. Look for tool damage or wear, such as: cracked or loose handles; dull, rounded, or chipped cutting surfaces and damage to gripping surfaces.

Keep your eyes on your work. If you become distracted, take a brief break from the task at hand until you can give it your full attention.

If you are authorized to use power tools such electric saws, always inspect machine guards before hand and verify that they are in proper working order. Missing or damaged guards compromise the safety of the machine, and must be reported right away. Do not operate power tools without adequate guards.