Posts Tagged ‘safety signs’

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Five ways to remind employees to work safe

July 14, 2010

Looking for ways to remind your employees to work safe? Want to energize and revitalize your workplace safety program?  Here are five tools to do just that.

1. Safety Reminder Signs: Hang motivational safety reminder signs around your facility to keep employees focused on safety. Consider putting them in locations where accidents are likely to occur or where employees should be extra cautious. Also consider putting safety reminder signs on machines and other potentially hazardous equipment.

2. Certification Cards/Tags: It is important that employees can recognize certified and trained individuals in case of an emergency or to find answers to safety-related questions. Certification cards or tags will identify trained/certified employees. Certification cards and tags can also boost the morale of the trained employees because they are seen as experts in a certain aspect of workplace safety. This can in turn motivate employees to request additional training and/or certification opportunities.

3. Award Labels & Pins: Award labels and safety pins can serve as constant reminders of workplace safety when worn on clothing, uniforms or hard hats. Pins or labels can feature general safety slogans. They can also indicate the number of years a worker has gone without an accident or how many years they have been trained/certified in a particular activity.

4. Scoreboards: Scoreboards remind employees of the company’s dedication to safety and shows how well a group or team is doing to meet the company’s safety goals.  Having progress toward maintaining a safe workplace visibly displayed in a facility can go a long way in encouraging employees to pay attention to safety in their daily jobs.

5. Banners & Posters: Banners and posters are a large and prominent way to promote accident prevention, good housekeeping or teamwork. Banners and posters can be hung in large areas where there are multiple employees for a quick, general safety reminder. Wallcharts are also a great way to inform employees of safe practices and can be used in training sessions or posted around the facility.

Customization
If you are looking for a way to create a unique safety training program at your facility, consider customizing any or all of the tools listed above. Customization allows you to add your logo, wording, colors, and more to any product to make them more effective or create a sense of teamwork and company commitment.

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Posted in Signs, Tags, Labels, Safety Compliance, Safety Labels, Safety Tags, OSHA | Leave a Comment »

Danger signs,Caution Signs,Warning Signs…what’s the difference?

April 14, 2010

When is it appropriate to use a Danger, Warning, or Caution sign, tag or label when communicating workplace safety?

OSHA Safety Signs and LabelsYou may already know that OSHA requires certain safety communication (safety signs, labels, tags) throughout your facility. You may already know that OSHA even requires specific safety sign, tag and label headers to be used. But, did you know that certain OSHA headers are to be used in specific situations? Do you know when to use a certain OSHA signs, tags or labels?


Danger signs, labels and tags- Standard colors are red, black, and white. Danger signs, labels and tags shall be used in major hazard situations where an immediate hazard presents a threat of death or serious injury to employees. Danger signs, tags and labels shall be used only in these situations.

Caution Signs, labels and tags-Standard color of the background shall be yellow; and the panel, black with yellow letters. Any letters used against the yellow background shall be black. Caution signs, labels and tags shall be used in minor hazard situations where a non-immediate or potential hazard or unsafe practice presents a lesser threat of employee injury. Caution signs, labels and tags shall be used only in these situations.

Warning  Signs, Labels and tags:   A warning sign or label need not be posted at an individual tank, compartment or work space within a work area if the entire work area has been tested and certified: not safe for workers, not safe for hot work, and if the sign or label to this effect is posted conspicuously at each means of access to the work area.

Safety Instruction Signs: OSHA requires safety signs in places where there is a need for general instruction and safety measure suggestions. Required colors for this classification of sign are green and white, normally a green panel with white lettering. Where a white background is dominant on a safety sign, lettering must then be black.

Biological Hazard Signs: Biological hazard signs are used to warn against what OSHA defines as “infectious agents presenting a risk or potential risk to the well-being of man.” These signs are to be placed to warn of the actual or potential presence of a biohazard. Biological hazard signs can be used to identify dangerous containers, rooms, equipment or experimental animals that are or may be contaminated.

A quick note about signs…

All signs shall be furnished with rounded or blunt corners and shall be free from sharp edges, burrs, splinters, or other sharp projections. The ends or heads of bolts or other fastening devices shall be located in such a way that they do not constitute a hazard.

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Posted in OSHA, Safety & Security Solutions, Safety Labels, Signs, Tags | Leave a Comment »

“It won’t happen to my company?!?” OSHA doesn’t know me.

April 1, 2010

That’s what a mid/small business in Delaware City Delaware thought…until they were cited for 27 alleged serious workplace safety violations with proposed penalties totaling $133,500!!

Can you afford that? I don’t know many businesses that can. Think your  business is too small for OSHA? Wrong again, OSHA is looking for anyone and everyone, and is well aware that small businesses are more susceptible to violations than anyone. When the owner is the marketing director, accountant, and safety manager, chances are things get missed..know what I mean.

Formosa Plastic Corp. violations included the company’s failure to properly contain polyvinyl chloride dust particles, evaluate contractors’ safety programs and procedures, properly inspect process equipment, provide fire retardant clothing for employees, require employees to wear adequate eye protection with side shields, provide proper training and provide employees with an infirmary, clinic or person trained in first aid. Additionally, inspectors identified hazards involving a lack of machine guarding, a deficient process safety management program, inadequate lockout/tagout procedures for energy sources and unguarded machinery, floor holes and walkways. OSHA issues a serious citation when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result and the employer knew, or should have known, of the hazard.

It’s important to remember that OSHA works for the government, not you. They official work for the U.S. Department of Labor. Think of it like this – when the government is short on cash, the police tend to ticket more…well, OSHA can act as a government income center as well, a very big one in fact. OSHA is out with their eyes wide open ready to give out proverbial “ticket”. Im not saying this is a bad thing or that the government is out to get us, it’s actually a great thing. It’s time for companies of all sizes to take another look at their safety programs; tighten them up, update, meet or exceed industry safety standards. There is no doubt that workplace safety requirements like safety signs, safety tags, lockouts, safety labels, PPE supply, etc have taken a back seat as we concentrated on getting through the recent economic downfall over the past few years. It is clearly time to revisit the safety situation, and OSHA is pushing the envelope.

My message is simple..Update your workplace safety system.

For a few reasons…

  1. It’s probably long over do
  2. Your employees need a safer workplace
  3. OSHA is on the prawl and you can’t afford the fines

FYI – Here are the top 10 OSHA violations for smaller business

  • #10 – Hazard Communications
  • #9 – Training
  • #8 – Training Requirements
  • #7 – Head Protection
  • #6 – Wiring Design and Protection
  • #5 – Ladders
  • #4 – Aerial Lifts
  • #3 – Fall Protection
  • #2 – Specific Excavation Requirements
  • #1 – General Requirement

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Posted in Safety & Security Solutions | Leave a Comment »

Is this your company’s workplace safety training? I hope not.

March 24, 2010

I am of course making light of the manner, I do realize that this type of workplace safety training does not exist anymore….I should say I hope!

With that said….

How far have we really come?

This video was shot in 1944…that’s 66 years ago! That’s a long time to perfect workplace safety. Think of it like this…

The accident frequency rate (injuries per 1 million hours worked) was roughly 18.5 in 1945 according to the economic history services.  In 2008 according to OSHA, the accident frequency rate was 19.5!

NOTE:OSHA’s report is actually based on injuries per 200,000 hours at 3.9. Here is the math (1 million/200k = 5)3.9 = 19.5.

What is your company’s Accident Frequency Rate? Try this..

(N/EH) x 200,000

N = number of injuries and illnesses
EH = total hours worked by all employees during the calendar year
200,000= base for 100 equivalent full-time workers (working 40 hours per week, 50 weeks per year)

I can’t honestly tell you what is a good number to benchmark is because technically it should be zero injuries. But, I know that is difficult so I would try and stay below the 2008 average of 3.9. A lot of companies set a goal of 3, so try and get there!

How do you get there?

One way is to improve safety communication. That’s Emedco’s specialty.

throughout your facility try to improve your….

Also be sure to train your employees on your safety procedures.

Good luck improving your workplace safety!

Emedco

 

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Posted in Safety & Security Solutions, Signs, Tags, Property and Security Signs, Lockout Tags, Inspection tags, Status Tags, Safety Tags, Custom Tags, Asset Tags | 1 Comment »

Safety Products for Everyone, Informational Safety Blogs For You.

March 12, 2010

Emedco, Inc Safety product selection = vast and diversified

Emedco’s safety products fall in several product categories, used in many different industries, and purchased by hundreds of different buyers types. We have customers who buy strictly traffic signs, customers who concentrate on machine safety, customers who ensure their facilities pipes are marked with the correct pipe makers, customers who’s job it is to follow OSHA safety standards and buy OSHA signs, tags and labels…the list goes on and on.

Blog.emedco.com is designed to provide helpful information in a broad area of industry. For example, if you are a traffic and parking sign buyer you might catch a blog post that appeals to you only once in a while, when in reality you might appreciate updated information from Emedco, about your needs only, on a weekly basis. Wouldn’t that be helpful?  We understand, and that’s why we created product category specific, informational blogs/websites just for you.

  • Bookmark the safety blog that fits you’re needs
  • Stay updated on valuable information that relates only to you
  • Contribute with comments and feedback

Here are the category specific blogs…if you find one you like, follow it and let us know what you think.

Traffic and Parking Signs

The Traffic and Parking blog is designed to provide helpful information in regards to Traffic and Parking safety signage. Use this blog to find out about the latest Traffic and Parking sign regulations and safety standards. Learn about traffic sign reflectivity, sign materials, sign post installation and more. Read about industry standards when is comes to purchasing the following… Stop Signs, Speed limit signs, Do Not Enter Signs, Yield Signs, One Way Signs, Warning Signs, Pedestrian Crossing Signs, School Crossing Signs, Street Signs, No Parking Signs, Reserved Parking Signs, Custom Signs, Fire Lane Signs, No Idle Signs, and much more.

Security Solutions

Security Solutions is made up of techniques & products that help businesses & industries restrict access to their facilities, protect their buildings & grounds and identify vehicles & visitors on their property.  All in a effort to end theft, crime on their property and keep their employees safe. This Security blog will be updated weekly with useful tips, latest trends, newest product information and any helpful information on how to keep your business safe and secure. It also will contain latest news regarding statistics on business crimes and latest ways to prevent them from happening to you and your business.

Property and Asset Identification

Industries and businesses use Property ID Labels & Tags as identification for their assets including computers, laptops, furniture, equipment, inventory and anything that needs to be keep track of. This Property ID blog will be updated weekly with useful knowledge, latest trends, newest product information and any helpful tips on how to identify, track and safeguard your valuables. It also will contain most recent news regarding statistics on business crimes and latest ways to prevent them from happening to you and your business.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) blog is designed to provide helpful information in regards to PPE regulations, issues, industry news and aid you in product selection.  Use this blog to learn how to identify hazards in your workplace, choose appropriate PPE  and how to continually train your employees to use and maintain the equipment. Learn about: Sign, Tags and Labels, Safety Eyewear, Hearing Protection, Head Protection, Respirators, Hand Protection, Protective Clothing, Ergonomics (i.e. Back, Wrist and Knee support), Protective Wear Dispensers & Stations, and more!

Traffic Control

The Traffic Control blog keeps you informed on traffic safety regulations and new products. It is important to keep your parking lot updated, maintained and as safe as can be as many accidents and injuries occur outside the building. 

Exit and Fire Safety

The Exit and Fire safety blog discusses fire safety regulations and provides important information on new and innovative products. Learn about glow signs and tapes, fire extinguisher tags, emergency exit signs, exit procedures and more.

Pipe and Valve Marking

What is pipe and valve marking? What do you need to do to be up to speed on the latest ANSI pipe and valve regulations?  This blog will address both of these questions as well any news and information relevant to pipe and valve safety.

This blog will also discuss pipe and valve marking products, such as snap-around markers, self-adhesive markers and banding tapes and how they can be used in your facility.

Machine Safety and Status

This blog focuses on the importance of machine safety and accident prevention in the workplace.  We will cover news and information related to OSHA regulations, stopping injuries from occurring and general safety issues.  Feel free to ask questions and leave comments.

Smoking Policy

The Smoking Policy blog is designed to provide helpful and timely information regarding state smoking legislation and workplace issues.  Stay compliant with your state’s Clean Indoor Air legislation changes.

We will also discuss sign and receptacle product information and how they can be used in your facility.

Confined Space

The Confined Space blog is designed to provide helpful information in regards to Confined Space regulations, issues, industry news and aid you in product selection.  Use this blog to learn how to control entry, mark hazards and protect workers.  Choose from a diverse selection of appropriate products such as: Confined Space Signs, Tags, Labels, Floor Marking Strips, Barricade Tapes, Permit Stations, Manhole Warning Barriers, Compliance Centers, Confined Space Portable Floor Stands, Certification Wallet Cards and Labels, ENTRYTAG 3-Stage System, and more!

Safety Training and Compliance

Safety training can set the stage for an employee’s work practices throughout their career with a company.  This blog focuses on the importance of safety training and compliance, covering news and information related to labor laws, OSHA regulations, accident prevention, and disaster preparedness. This blog also provides tips and tools to aid you in developing training, motivating employees, and promoting a safe workplace year round.

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Posted in Confined Space Safety & Training, Exit & Fire Safety, General Safety, Personal Protective Wear (PPE), Pipe Marking, Safety & Security Solutions, Security Signs, Smoking Policy & Products, Tags, Traffic and Parking Signs, Training | 4 Comments »

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