Safe Work Practices

 

These Safe Work Practices are provided for your information and education. They are intended to provide you with basic safety and health information that will assist you in avoiding injury while performing your daily activities.

These Safe Work Practices are from the educational section of the Injury Prevention Program of Union Payroll Agency Inc. and are required by section 3203 of Title 8, the mandatory safety legislation of CAL OSHA. Your support in reading these Safe Work Practices and following them in your day to day activities is greatly appreciated.

General Safety Guidelines

1. It is important that all employees report all work related injuries and illnesses to their immediate supervisor as soon as possible after they become aware of the injury or illness.

2. Everyone should exercise extreme care and consideration in the performance of their duties to see they do not cause injury to others or create work hazards which could cause injury to others.

3. No one should try to lift or move heavy/bulky objects which could cause injury to the back or other body parts. You are requested to seek assistance.

4. Personal tools, equipment, extension cords, chemicals or electrical heaters should not be brought to work without management authorization.
  1. If necessary to use a fire extinguisher or if one appears to have been used without your knowledge, report it to the facilities management as soon as possible to be recharged or replaced.
  2. When you become aware of a facility or equipment defect, report it to the facilities manager for proper corrective action. Failure to report faulty conditions may result in injuries.
  3. Be sure all food or liquid spills are wiped up immediately rather than left for someone else.
  4. Never attempt to repair electrical equipment or appliances while in service. Tag them out of service and notify proper authority to effect repair.
  5. Cabinets can be very dangerous if used improperly. Opening two drawers simultaneously can cause a cabinet to crash to the floor. Whenever possible, cabinets should be bolted together in tandem, secured to the floor or wall.
  6. Flammable liquids should always be stored in appropriate, closed containers. Large supplies should be stored in UL-Approved cabinets or other appropriate means described by the Fire Department. Flammable liquids should never be left unattended. Earthquakes can cause spills resulting in fire.
  7. Due to the ever pending possibility of earthquakes, heavy objects should be stored on lower shelves while lighter and less dangerous items can be stored on middle and upper shelves.
  8. Bookshelves, storage cabinets and other elevated storage areas should be well secured. Bolted to the floor, wall or unitized in such a way to reduce possibility of tipping during an earthquake.
  9. Defective furniture, worn carpet, defective chairs, loose handrails or other facility defects which could contribute to an accident should be reported to building services for proper corrective action. If possible, remove objects from service.
  10. Everyone should take time time to be educated regarding emergency procedures for responding to fires, earthquakes or first aid emergencies.
  11. Exercise extreme caution during blackouts. Use your flashlight if necessary.

 

Proper Lifting Techniques

  1. Posture: Your back and neck have natural curves which should be kept flexible. Good posture maintains those curves and reduces stress on your muscles, ligaments and the shock-absorbing discs between the bones in your spine.
  2. Plan: Lift mentally first, planning your route and the place you will put down the load. When the load is heavy or bulky, get help. Ask a co-worker or use equipment to ease the task. ( Mechanical lift, hand truck, cart etc. )
  3. Lifting: Establish good footing as you approach the object you intend to lift. Bend your knees, not your back and get a good grip. Plan to hold the object close to your body. Tighten your stomach as you lift. Lift smoothly with your legs not your back.
  4. Moving: Stand straight as you move the object. Donít twist your body while lifting; rather, turn your feet. Keep your balance. If you have a problem, ask for help. Be sure of your footing and pathway.
  5. Putdown: Be equally careful when putting the object down. Reverse the steps for lifting. Avoid trying to reach above the shoulder level to put a heavy object away.
  6. Exercise: Maintain a healthy lifestyle. The lighter your own weight, the less weight you are lifting when you bend over to pick up objects. Doctors suggest walking as an exercise for your back and general health. Stay loose; stay healthy.

    7. I HAVE READ THOROUGHLY AND UNDERSTAND UPAíS SAFE WORK PRACTICES DOCUMENT. I WILL ALWAYS MAINTAIN SAFE WORK PRACTICES AS OUTLINED WHILE REPRESENTING UPA AND WILL REPORT ANY INFRACTION TO MY SUPERVISOR IMMEDIATELY.

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