Think Safety!

Accident reporting
Any injury at work—no matter how small—must be reported immediately to your supervisor and receive first-aid attention. Serious conditions often arise from small injuries if they are not cared for at once.

Safety rules and guidelines
To ensure your safety, and that of your co-workers, please observe and obey the rules and guidelines appropriate to the general populace or specific jobs:

Observe and practice the safety procedures established for the job.
In case of sickness or injury, no matter how slight, report at once to your supervisor. In no case should an employee or volunteer treat his own or someone else’s injuries or attempt to remove foreign particles from someone else’s eye.
In case of injury resulting in possible fracture to legs, back, or neck, or any accident resulting in an unconscious condition, or a severe head injury, the employee is not to be moved until medical attention has been given by authorized personnel.
Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry around machinery. It may catch on moving equipment and cause a serious injury.
Never distract the attention of another person, as you might cause him or her to be injured. If necessary to get the attention of another person, wait until it can be done safely.
Where required, you must wear protective equipment, such as goggles, safety glasses, masks, gloves, hair nets, etc.
Safety equipment such as restraints, pull backs, and two-hand devices are designed for your protection. Be sure such equipment is adjusted for you.
Pile materials, skids, bins, boxes, or other equipment so as not to block aisles, exits, fire fighting equipment, electric lighting or power panel, valves, etc. Fire Doors and Aisles Must be Kept Clear!
Keep your work area clean.
Use compressed air only for the job for which it is intended. Do not clean your clothes with it and do not fool around with it.
Observe “no smoking” regulations.
Shut down your machine before cleaning, repairing, or leaving it.
Tow motors and lift trucks will be operated only by authorized personnel. Walk-type lift trucks will not be ridden and no one but the operator is permitted to ride the tow motors.
Do not exceed a speed that is safe for existing conditions.
Running and horseplay are strictly forbidden.
Do not block access to fire extinguishers.
Do not tamper with electric controls or switches.
Do not operate machines or equipment until you have been properly instructed and authorized to do so by your supervisor.
Do not engage in such other practices as may be inconsistent with ordinary and reasonable common sense safety rules.
Report any unsafe condition or acts to your supervisor.
Help to prevent accidents.
Use designated passages when moving from one place to another; never take hazardous shortcuts (i.e., between moving equipment or across roadways).
Lift properly—use your legs, not your back. For heavier loads, ask for assistance.
Do not adjust, clean, or oil moving machinery.
Keep machine guards in their intended place.
Do not throw objects.
Clean up spilled liquid, oil, or grease immediately.
Wear hard-sole shoes and appropriate clothing (i.e., shorts or mini dresses are not permitted).
Place trash and paper in proper containers and not in cans provided for cigarette butts.

Safety checklist
It is every paid and volunteer staff member’s responsibility to be on the lookout for possible hazards. If you spot one of the conditions on the following list—or any other possible hazardous situation—report it to your supervisor immediately.

Slippery floors and walkways
Tripping hazards, such as hose links, piping, etc.
Missing (or inoperative) entrance and exit signs and lighting
Poorly lighted stairs
Loose handrails or guard rails
Loose or broken windows
Dangerously piled supplies or equipment
Open or broken windows
Unlocked doors and gates
Electrical equipment left operating
Open doors on electrical panels
Leaks of steam, water, oil, other liquids.
Blocked aisles
Blocked fire extinguishers, hose sprinkler heads
Blocked fire doors
Evidence of any equipment running hot or overheating
Oily rags
Evidence of smoking in non-smoking areas
Roof leaks
Directional or warning signs not in place
Safety devices not operating properly
Machine, power transmission, or drive guards missing, damaged, loose, or improperly placed

Safety equipment
Your supervisor will see that you receive the protective clothing and equipment required for your job. Use them as instructed and take care of them. You will be charged for loss or destruction of these articles only when it occurs through negligence.

Safety shoes
The organization will designate which jobs and work areas require safety shoes. Under no circumstances will an employee or volunteer be permitted to work in sandals or open-toe shoes. A reliable safety shoe vendor will visit the organization periodically. Notices will be posted prior to the visits.

Safety glasses
The wearing of safety glasses by all shop employees and volunteers is mandatory. Strict adherence to this policy can significantly reduce the risk of eye injuries.

Seat belts
All paid and volunteer staff must use seat belts and shoulder restraints (if available) whenever they operate a vehicle on organization business. The driver is responsible for seeing that all passengers in front and rear seats are buckled up.