One of the most important factors in accident and injury prevention is practicing good housekeeping. When work areas are orderly and clean, workers can do their job more efficiently.

A good housekeeping program will result in both immediate and long range results. There will be less tripping, slipping, bumping and dropping. You can lower your company’s accident rate.

Other benefits of a clean and orderly workplace are that it helps workers think clean. There will also be less frustration and work will be more enjoyable. Productivity will increase. Good housekeeping is an inexpensive way to improve employee attitudes and morale. It really is not that hard to set-up a plan. It may require a little enforcement in the beginning but over time it will become a habit for your employees because they will see the advantages of keeping things clean and in order.

By having a good housekeeping plan you can prevent injuries and accidents. Use these 8 tips to write your good housekeeping plan.

1. Tools, small parts and equipment should be neatly arranged.
2. Fire extinguishers, safety equipment and emergency exits are easily accessible.
3. Walkways, platforms and aisles are dry, clean and clean.
4. Drawers and cabinet doors should be closed when not in use.
5. Debris and trash should be put in trash containers immediately.
6. Flammable liquids and oily rags should be stored in fire proof containers or cabinets.
7. Immediately clean up liquid spills.
8. Store materials and supplies away from edges and at stable heights.

photo credit: rickOne

Formerly known as the Federal Water Pollution Control Act which was introduced in 1948, and amended in 2002, the EPA Clean Water Act sets the standards for businesses and regulates the discharge of any and all pollutants into United States waters. As a business owner you are not allowed, under any circumstances, to dump pollutants into US waters without a permit. Failure to obtain a permit plus illegal dumping equals a huge fine and possible shut down.

As a business owner, it is imperative that you know the rules and regulations of the EPA Clean Water Act. Products that can help you comply with the Clean Water Act  are absorbent booms, spill kits, spill containment berms and storm water products.

A full version of the EPA Clean Water Act can be viewed at http://www.epa.gov/region5/water/cwa.htm. The site includes information about: * Clean Water Act * Research and Related Programs * Grants and Commission of Treatment Works * Standards and Enforcement * Permits and Licenses * General Provisions* State Water Pollution Control Revolving Funds. A summary of the objectives of this act can be found in this article “The Clean Water Act - What You As A Business Owner Should Know”.

What is Nonpoint Source Pollution? Nonpoint source pollution is generated from land runoff resulting from precipitation. As the runoff moves over the land surface, it picks up and carries away natural and manmadepollutants and deposits them into waterways, wetlands and ground water. Human activity can dramatically increase nonpoint source pollution potential.

Why is nonpoint source pollution important to us? Abundant clean water is important to all citizens. Excessive runoff can increase sedimentation to streams. Increased sedimentation raises filtering costs for drinking water, increases flood potential by filling up streambeds, and chokes irrigation systems. Fish habitats can be altered by improper management activities. Removing shade from critical riparian or streamside areas can increase water temperatures, thus affecting fish and other aquatic life. The entire food chain in and near streams can be affected and damaged by land management activity. BMPs can reduce their impact.

Best Management Practices - What are they and why are they important? BMPs are practices chosen to reduce erosion and prevent or control pollution . BMPs have been in existence for many years in most industries. Forestry BMPs are directed primarily to control erosion. BMPs are proven methods to lessen the potential damage from land-disturbing activities.

There are many products that can help to prevent this type of pollution especially in urban areas. Storm drain filter inserts are becoming more popular. Many cities now reguire this type of product on shopping center parking lots and on drains around manufactoring and warehouse facilities. They are very cost effective. They can filter our trash, dirt and oil. Replacement requirement varies depending upon the amount of rainfall as well as the maintenance done on the area. Regular power sweeping or hand sweeping will greatly reduce the amount of trash that ends up in the drain filters when it rains. 

photo credit: pereiraalexandre20

Winter is just around the corner. Cold related illnesses can slowly overcome an individual who has been chilled by cold temperature, strong winds or wet clothing. You need to recognize the environmental and workplace conditions that can lead to cold-induced injuries and illnesses. Here are some basic ways to protect your workers.

• Proper clothing for cold, wet and windy conditions must be on hand. Hats and gloves inaddition to proper outer ware is needed.
• Frequent short breaks in warm dry shelters will allow the body to warm up.
• Work during the warmest part of the day.
• Avoid exhaustion or fatigue because a significant amount of energy is needed to keep your body warm.
• Drink warm, sweet drinks, not caffeine or alcohol.
• Eat warm, high calorie foods.
• Individuals with cardiovascular disease, diabetes and hypertension have increased risk in cold weather.

OSHA has a workplace safety and health guide that identifies risk factors and prevention measures for workers exposed to hazardous temperatures. This guide has a great graphic showing what dangers workers face as the temperatures drop. You can get the guide at http://www.osha.gov/publications/osha3156.pdf

This toolkit is written for operational managers, environmental managers, and practitioners who work to organize efforts to identify and stop environmental waste.  As a result, the toolkit may help make your environmental management system’s objectives as well as goals become a routine task of your business.

The focuse of the toolkit is on how to identify and pursue environmental end points in your processes through Kaizen Events, 6S (5S + Safety); and Value Stream Mapping. This toolkit is a living document whose future versions may be of great value. The EPA welcomes your comments and suggestions, as well as other ideas you have for Lean and environment strategies, tools, and resources which can be incorporated in later versions of the toolkit. Please contact EPA to share your experiences with Lean and the environment and/or to discuss partnership opportunities by using the form found at http://www.epa.gov/lean/auxfiles/contact.htm.

Operating a forklift is an important job. The federal goverment requires that all lift truck operators be trained and authorized by their organizatons. OSHA federal regulation CFR1910.178 states that “Only trained and authorized operators shall be permitted to operate a powered industrial truck.” It is a good idea to print these forklift saftey tips out and attach a copy by the steering wheel of each forklift.

1) Watch where you place your hands and feet. Be aware of and stay clear of pinch points such as the wheels and lift gears.
2) Stay under the overhead guard. Keep your hands and feet inside the forklift.
3) If your truck starts to tip over, DON’T JUMP! Stay in your seat, grip the wheel securely and brace yourself with your feet.
4) Always look out for others when moving and operating your forklift.
5) When operating the forklift watch out for pedestians, blind intersections and drive slowly.
6) When the forks are raised, never walk or stand under them.
7) Do not allow anyone to ride with you on lift unless it is made for more then one person.
 Forklifts are not elevators. Do not lift anyone unless you are using a special basket. 9) Do not let unauthorized persons operate your forklift and remove the key when unattended.
10) Use your horn when backing up, at intersections,when going through doors and anywhere you have limited or blocked vision.
11) Use you seat belt and check that the warning lights and backup alarm work before operating the machine.
12) Remember that you are the most important safety device on a forklift.

photo credit: rick

Here are some simple steps that you can take to help alleviate the pains, strains and long term medical problems that can develop over time by working on a computer on a daily basis. These ergonomic tips are easy to implement. By providing your employees with this information as well as the tools needed (wrist rests, foot rests and headsets) they can become more productive and save you on workers compensation costs. We suggest you have these tips printed up on a small card and place them at every computer station you have.

1) Adjust monitors so the area you spend the most looking at is straight ahead.
2) Hold forearms at a right angle to your body and parallel to the floor. Keep them close to your body.
3) Keep thighs parallel to the floor. Feet should be flat or on a footrest.
4) Try not to perform repetitive activities for too long.
5) Keep your mouse as close to you as possible.
6) Use wrist rests to support the palms and wrists.
7) Use overhead lights that give off soft and non-glaring illumination.
Use a telephone headset to eliminate strain caused by cradling a phone.

photo credit: laffy4k

If you work with pesticides, solvents, cleaners and fuel oils you probably generate hazardous waste. If your small business is one of those listed below you need to have a plan to handle your hazardous waste.
1. Agriculture
2. Auto repair
3. Dry cleaning
4. Manufacturing
5. Painting
6. Pest control
7. Photo finishing
8. Printing
9. Service Stations

The generator of hazardous waste is responsible for its disposal and proper handling. You need to know the regulations in your area, contract with a service to dispose of the material and have spill kits on hand incase of an accidental spill.

photo credit: richardmasoner

The six Best Management Practices (BMP) for commercial locations to prevent Storm water runoff pollution are.
1) Do not wash oils, soaps and greases into streets or storm drains. Wash vehicles or equipment in wash bays hooked up to the sanitary sewer.
2) Fueling islands should have a canopy or cover over them.
3) Barrels containing hazardous liquids should be in a sealed container, stored inside a building or under cover, and stored on secondary containment pallets in case of a leak.
4) Waste and processed water of any type must be discharged to the sanitary sewer.
5) Sweep, do not hose.Hosing off pavements washed pollutants into storm drains leading straight to the river.
6) Be sure to know spill cleanup procedures. Have spill kits nearby with a spill prevention plan prepared and procedures known by all employees.

photo credit: faceless b

Guidelines for Employers to Reduce Motor Vehicle Crashes has been developed by OSHA, NHTSA and NETS. The 10 steps to improve traffic safety performance are as follows:

1. Senior Management Commitment & Employee Involvement

2. Written Policies and Procedures

3. Driver Agreements

4. Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) Checks

5. Crash Reporting and Investigation

6. Vehicle Selection, Maintenance and Inspection

7. Disciplinary Action System

8. Reward/Incentive Program

9. Driver Training/Communication

10. Regulatory Compliance

Details on this Guideline can be found at http://www.osha.gov/Publications/motor_vehicle_guide.pdf