1) Caption Action – Send your safety related caption for this photo to: secteam@securo.co.nz  or fax to: 09 307 3360.  I never met a chocolate I didn’t like:  Be in to win a very special treat from Bennetts Chocolatier – Famous NZ handmade chocolate. 
 

This month’s photo:

 

 

Last Month’s Photo:

Congratulations: Adam Hall  MRC Transmark Limited (New Zealand)

“You are sure this is where you hid the car keys?

 

 

2) New Employee Safety

New employees include people who transfer to a new position, return to work after an extended absence, operate a new piece of equipment or implement a new procedure.

 

They need to be made aware of how serious safety training is from their first day at a new job. There are many reasons new employees are more likely to get injured than experienced workers. For one, management frequently assumes new employees have more knowledge pertaining to the job than they actually do. In turn, employers may not provide thorough and complete training. New employees may also put themselves at risk because they hesitate to ask questions for fear of appearing incapable in front of peers or supervisors.

 

Start early, and be thorough 

The sooner new employees start practicing safe work behaviours, the more likely those behaviours are to become habits. Don’t just explain what to do; take time to explain what not to do and what the consequences may be if safe work procedures are not followed. 

 

Follow-up training should be part of the new employee orientation process. Those first days at a new job are filled with many new procedures, rules and activities. Frequent follow-up gives new employees the opportunity to ask questions with less hesitation. It takes more than one day to turn a new employee into a safe, productive worker.

 

Provide a clear and concise safety policy

New employees need to know there is a comprehensive commitment to safety throughout the company. Put your commitment in writing, and make it visible for new staff, as well as current personnel. It is critical that new employees avoid taking risks. Encourage them to ask questions if they do not understand safety procedures. New employees have to trust that management will not reprimand them for seeking help.

 

Management takes the lead

Management often relies on employees to report unsafe conditions or hazards in the workplace. Therefore, employees must feel comfortable approaching a manager or supervisor about these conditions. If management demonstrates a commitment to safety, new employees are likely to follow their lead.

 

Observe often, and provide feedback

While new employees are learning and adapting to the job, it is essential to observe and monitor their work practices and behaviours. Observation helps to determine whether new employees are taking safety training to heart. It also creates an opportunity for supervisors to provide feedback on a new employee’s performance.

 

Make safety resources available

Providing employees with clear, written communications on a company’s safety expectations and practices is key to ensuring there is a consistent message about workplace safety.

 

Remembering these precautions when introducing a new hire to the company’s safety practices can greatly increase efficiency, productivity, morale and profitability. More importantly, it can prevent accidents and injuries.

 

3) Hard Hats

The effectiveness of any PPE on the job is limited when the product is not properly worn, maintained, and replaced when needed. 

 

General Inspection

The hard hat consists of two components: the shell and the suspension. Both require inspection during assembly and before each use. During shell inspection, you should look for cracks, nicks, dents, gouges, and any damage caused by impact, penetration, abrasions, or rough treatment. Additionally, if your hard hat is made of thermoplastic (polyethylene, polycarbonate) materials, inspect the shell for stiffness, brittleness, fading, dullness of color, or a chalky appearance. If the shell exhibits any of these conditions or if it is obviously otherwise damaged, it should be removed from service and replaced immediately.

 

Inspecting for Effects of UV Exposure

Although ultraviolet inhibitors are added to some hard hat shells, all hard hats are susceptible to deterioration from UV exposure. It is important that you never store a hard hat in the rear window of a vehicle, or anywhere that it is exposed to sunlight when not in use.

 

Field Testing for Degraded Shells

Compress the shell inward from the sides about 1 inch with both hands, release the pressure without dropping the shell. The shell should quickly return to its original shape, exhibiting elasticity. There should be no residual deformation.  If the shell does not exhibit elasticity similar to that of a new shell, or if it cracks because of brittleness, it should be replaced immediately.

 

Inspecting Your Suspension

The main purpose of a hard hat's suspension is to absorb the shock of a blow to the top of the hard hat. The suspension should be inspected closely for cracks or tears, frayed or cut straps, loss of pliability, or other signs of wear. Whether your hard hat has a 4-point or 6-point suspension (the number of keys that are engaged in the hard hat's shell), all keys should fit tightly and securely into their respective key slots.

 

Replacement Program

Many employers replace all employees' caps every five years, regardless of outward appearance.

 If the user environment is known to include higher exposure to temperature extremes, sunlight, or chemicals, hard hats should be replaced routinely after two years of use. Most hard hats have manufacture date codes molded on the underside brim of the cap so you can easily determine the age of the cap.

 

Use of Adhesive Stickers

Stickers won't harm the hard hat's performance under normal conditions, but limit their use so the helmet shell can be inspected for signs of damage regularly.

 

If you are ever in doubt about the use or maintenance of your hard hat, contact the manufacturer directly for instructions and recommendations. The cost of maintaining and replacing your hard hat is well worth the benefits.