Write a toolbox talk on Respect others and stay safe

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# A Road Construction Industry Consortium Awareness Program # Flagger Safety ## What Is the Main Hazard of Flagging? Motorists kill about 20 flaggers a year. Many more are injured. Flagging can be dangerous due to: • High speed traffic. • Angry or aggressive drivers. After seeing a flagger, a motorist going 60 mph needs almost 400 feet to stop. Stopping Distance Dry Pavement 70 Miles 60 Per 50 Hour 40 30 0 [redacted identifier] [redacted identifier] ## How Can We Protect Ourselves? The best way to protect ourselves is to be visible and to wear protective clothing. Wear high visibility clothing: • Orange, yellow, or green vest. • Only retro-reflective vests at night. 6 # Roadway Safety # Struck or Crushed ## How Are Road Workers Struck or Crushed? Tools and materials are two major hazards. To avoid being struck by tools: • Use point of operation guarding on portable hand tools. • Use a chain saw safety program. • Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). To avoid being struck or crushed by materials: • Keep out of lifting areas, from beneath loads. • Use safe methods for rigging, hoisting, and setting steel plates, jersey barriers, manhole frames and covers. • Use PPE ― hard hats, footwear, eye protection. Trees and equipment maintenance are also hazards. To avoid being struck by trees, restrict worker access during felling, trimming, loading. Use protective struc- tures on equipment. Use safe hoisting, rigging for logs and limbs. To avoid being struck by equipment parts, do lockout/tagout and hazardous energy control during maintenance, repair, clean- ing, and inspection. 23

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# What should a newcomer know about occupational health and safety laws in Canada? (cont.) ## What are the rights of workers? (cont.) The right to know means that as a worker, you have the right to be informed by the employer of known or likely hazards in the workplace, and to be provided with the information, instructions, education, training, and supervision necessary to protect your health and safety. This information should be provided before the work begins. ## Right to Participate This right allows workers to have input on the steps taken by the employer to ensure health and safety. Workers can provide input on what would make the workplace safe by: - participating as a member of the health and safety committee (if the workplace requires one). - being a health and safety representative for the workplace when given the opportunity. - reporting any concerns whenever you encounter a health and safety matter that could cause harm to your health and safety or the health and safety of your co-workers. - making suggestions to the committee or employer on how to make your workplace safer. Please see the various OSH Answers documents about Health and Safety Committees for more information about a committee's duties and responsibilities. ## Right to Refuse Any worker has the right to refuse unsafe or dangerous work as long as they have "reasonable cause" to believe that the work presents an immediate, imminent, or serious threat to the health or safety of themselves or another person. Generally speaking, unsafe or dangerous work can include working with or near equipment or machinery, the physical condition of the workplace, or not having the appropriate training or qualifications to perform the work safely. It may also include exposure to workplace violence that may endanger a worker. Please see the OSH Answers Health and Safety Legislation in Canada - Three Rights of Workers and Health and Safety Legislation in Canada - Right to Refuse for more inform…

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# Workplace Health and Well-being - Comprehensive Workplace Health and Safety Program (cont.) ## 2. Psychosocial work environment (cont.) Organizational culture is defined as the attitudes, values and beliefs that guide workplace behaviours and influence the work environment on a daily basis that affect the mental and physical well-being of employees. Organizational culture focuses on factors that affect the interaction between people, their work, and the organization. This element is the most interconnected with the protection and promotion of employee mental health and overall health. Some key examples are: - civility and respect shown by co-workers and managers - fairness in the way all people are treated - appreciation and recognition - honesty and transparency shown by management and workers - support for work-life balance - trust between management and workers Organization of work covers aspects of the way work is designed, such as: - demands or workload - communication quality and quantity - control, decision latitude or influence over how the work is done - fairness in the way work is distributed - clarity of roles and expectations - support provided in terms of resources - how organizational change (large or small) is managed and communicated in the organization - psychological fit between the employee's interpersonal and emotional competencies, their job skills, and the position they hold - opportunities for growth and development When these factors are absent or handled poorly in the workplace, they become sources of stress, or "stressors", for employees. There is evidence showing many of these factors create two to three times greater risk of injuries, workplace conflict and violence, back pain, heart disease, some forms of cancer, depression and anxiety. ## 3. Workplace health promotion (wellness/well-being) Workplace Health Promotion programs, also referred to as well-being or wellness programs, provide a proactive approach to …

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# A Road Construction Industry Consortium Awareness Program # Working Outdoors ## What Is Our Risk from Sun Exposure? Skin cancer is the most seri- ous risk. You are at greater risk if you have lighter skin with freckles or moles. Work at higher elevations and work around relfective material like concrete or water also increase your risk. You can protect yourself with: SPF 25 • A long-sleeved shirt and pants in neutral colors. • A broad-brimmed hat with a neck flap. • Safety glasses with tinted polarizing lenses. • SPF 15-25 sun block applied 30 minutes before work and reapplied every 2 to 3 hours. • Frequent checks of skin for early signs of cancer and seeing a dermatologist for check-ups. ## How Are Plants and Animals Hazardous? Plants and animals can cause rashes, illness, and even death. Outdoor work can expose you to animal bites, such as from dogs or snakes, and to plants like poison ivy and poison oak. To prevent problems: • Steer clear of any animals. • Learn to recognize, avoid poisonous plants. • Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants. • Check for tick bites each day. • Get prompt treatment. 18 # Roadway Safety Prevent lead poisoning by: • Removing paint before cutting or welding. • Using long- handled torches. • Using local exhaust ventilation. • Wearing the proper respirator. • Washing face and hands before eating, smoking, or drinking. • Showering and changing clothes before leaving work. • Getting your blood level tested periodically. ## Are There Other Health Hazards? Other health hazards include common substances like sol- vents and carbon monoxide or special products such as sealants and paints. To avoid health hazards: • Review the product Material Safety Data Sheets. • Limit exposure as much as possible. • Stay upwind of hazardous exposures. • Make sure hazard controls like fans are working. • Wear protective gear like respirators and skin coverings. • Promptly report health complaints to your supervisor. MSDS 1…

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# MIOSHA Fact Sheet # Situational Awareness MIOSHA Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration Workers must navigate through a vast array of hazards. Amidst all the workers, equipment, and materials, lies a lurking danger: the risk of being struck by, crushed by, or caught in between. A simple way to understand this is to know that when somebody is in the wrong place at the wrong time, they have placed themselves in the zone of danger and lack situational awareness. Zone of danger hazards are taking a high toll on Michigan workers. In 2023, there were 24 fatalities due to zone of danger accidents. There are an infinite number of scenarios that can happen when we put ourselves in the zone of danger: something could fall, a rope or chain under tension can snap and strike someone or something, heavy equipment can suddenly move, or a vehicle could fail to stop when expected. Temporary loss or lack of situational awareness is an identified cause of many accidents. Often there is so much activity in a work environment, or workers become absorbed in their own thoughts, that they fail to spot things that could pose a serious threat to health and safety. In these situations, it is essential to maintain a high level of situational awareness to stop accidents and near misses. ## Tips to Prevent Zone of Danger Incidents and Improve Situational Awareness • Train workers to recognize and avoid hazards continually and never to rush through tasks. • Plan work. Think about what could go wrong and if anyone will be in harm's way. This should be a habit before starting each task performed. • Instruct workers to look in every direction for objects that could strike or crush them. • Do not get between a rock and a hard place. Keep all parts of workers' bodies out of places where something moving could crush them against something else. For example, never stand between a moving vehicle and a wall. • If working near a roadway, never turn your back on traffic and a…

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# Roadway Safety (cont.) A Road Construction Industry Consortium Awareness Program # Health Hazards ## How Do Health Hazards Harm Us? Toxic substances can enter the body by three routes: • breathing, • swallowing, and • absorption through the skin. BREATHE SWALLOW ABSORB BLOOD► BONE BRAIN - GLANDS FAT-MUSCLE LIVER - KIDNEY HEART The effects of toxic substances in the body may be: • short-term (acute). - such as eye irritation or dizziness, or - delayed (chronic) - such as cancer or chronic lung disease. ## How Harmful Is Silica? Silica is in many construction dusts such as concrete and rock. Tasks that expose workers to large amounts of silica include sand blasting, rock drilling, and con- crete drilling and grinding. 8 # Roadway Safety # Runovers and Backovers Can We Be Safe Near Equipment and Traffic? Being struck is the biggest danger in road work. Workers on foot must remain alert at all times. Check surroundings often. Listen for warnings. Keep a safe distance from traffic. Stay behind barriers where possible. Look out for each other. Warn coworkers. ## What Other Precautions Do We Need? MM Class II Class I Class III Employers must provide proper personal protective equipment (PPE). Workers must wear it: . Proper class of safety vest at all times in the work zone. - High-visibility clothing and headgear. ## What About Construction Equipment? Treat equipment and vehicles with caution: • Stay out of "blind spots." • Communicate with operators by radio and/or eye contact. 21

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# Health and Safety Legislation in Canada - Newcomers and OHS Awareness (cont.) ## What should a newcomer expect when they begin working? (cont.) Please see the OSH Answers Employee Orientation Checklist for more information. # What should a newcomer know about occupational health and safety laws in Canada? There are fourteen jurisdictions in Canada - one federal, ten provincial and three territorial each having its own occupational health and safety legislation. Occupational health and safety (OHS) legislation in each jurisdiction outlines the general rights and responsibilities of the employer, the supervisor and the worker through an Act or statute and related regulations. Regulations made under an Act define the application and enforcement of an Act. Although there are many similarities in the legislation, there are differences that reflect the uniqueness of each jurisdiction. These laws have a similar approach to workplace health and safety. In Canada, the approach is called the internal responsibility system. The internal responsibility system is the underlying philosophy of the occupational health and safety legislation in all Canadian jurisdictions. Its foundation is that everyone in the workplace - both workers and employers - is responsible for his or her own safety and for the safety of co-workers. Acts and regulations do not always impose or prescribe the specific steps to take for compliance. Instead, it holds employers responsible for determining such steps to ensure health and safety of all workers. Please see the OSH Answers Health and Safety Legislation in Canada - Internal Responsibility System for more information. ## What responsibilities do employers, managers, and workers have? The occupational health and safety legislation in your jurisdiction outlines the employer's obligations and responsibilities. Managers and supervisors act on behalf of the employer, and therefore have the responsibility to meet the duties of the employer. Empl…

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# SAFETY AWARENESS F1 Date Posted: 08/28/2016 Safety Awareness is like almost everything else we do, learned and not instinctive. We aren't born with awareness for safety concerns... in fact anyone who has a young child or grandchild knows this as they see them going around doing unsafe things constantly. People learn through various means. Some learn by doing, others by watching, and some by reading. Others learn by their mistakes or the mistakes of others which is one reason we post and talk about near misses and the accidents that we've had. ## SAFE BEHAVIORS • Before you begin a job, you consider how to do it safely. • You make sure you know how and when to use personal protective equipment. • As you work, you check your position to reduce strain on your body. • You ensure other workers and those in the area are not exposed to hazards. • While you are working, you become aware of any changes in the area. • You talk with others about safety. Safety is a way of life and should be thought about so often that it becomes second nature. Recognizing hazards is an important part of keeping you and your co-workers safe ## MAKING HAZARD RECOGNITION SECOND NATURE • Review safety procedures for your job and work area on a daily basis. • Understand how unsafe acts can lead to accidents. • Participate in safety training every opportunity you get. • Use your safety knowledge in all aspects of your job. • Help instruct new workers in identifying potential hazards. ## IDENTIFY UNSAFE ACTS • Be aware of your surroundings. • Many hazards are obvious to those who open their eyes and minds to see them. • Correct Potential Hazards • Hazard recognition is valuable only when corrective action is taken. • Report all potential hazards to your supervisor. • Work with your supervisor to make sure the hazard is corrected and communicate with co-workers so they don't cause any potential hazards. • Be the safety coordinator for your work area and stress the importance…

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# Foot Comfort and Safety at Work (cont.) ## What are some specific examples of workplace foot injuries? (cont.) There is no workplace where a worker is immune to foot injury. However, the hazards differ according to the workplace and the types of tasks the worker does. The first step in developing a strategy to reduce foot problems is to identify the relevant hazards at the workplace. Foot injuries then can be prevented by assessing the hazards and looking for preventative measures through proper job design and/or workplace design, and identifying proper foot wear. ## How can the job design improve foot safety? Aching, flat or tired feet are common among workers who spend most of their working time standing. The most important goal of job design is to avoid fixed positions especially fixed standing positions. Good job design includes varied tasks requiring changes in body position and using different muscles. Job rotation, job enlargement and teamwork are all ways to make work easier on the feet. - Job rotation moves workers from one job to another. It distributes standing among a group of workers and shortens the time each individual spends standing. However, it must be a rotation where the worker does something completely different such as walking around or sitting at the next job. - Job enlargement includes more and different tasks in a worker's duties. If it increases the variety of body positions and motions, the worker has less chance of developing foot problems. - Teamwork gives the whole team more control and autonomy in planning and allocation of the work. Each team member carries a set of various operations to complete the whole product. Teamwork allows workers to alternate between tasks which, in turn, reduces the risk of overloading the feet. - Rest breaks help to alleviate foot problems where redesigning jobs is impractical. Frequent short breaks are preferable to fewer long breaks. ## How can the workplace design improve foot safety? Redes…

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# What happens when it is lacking? When work-family role conflict occurs (that is, roles within the workplace and outside it are overwhelming to a person or interfering with one another), health and well-being are undermined by accumulating home and job stress. This imbalance can lead to: - constant tiredness - bad temper - inability to progress - high job stress resulting in dissatisfaction with work and being absent either physically or mentally These effects can then lead to additional stress-related illness, as well as higher cholesterol, depressive symptoms, and overall decreased health. The impact on the organization can include increased costs due to benefit payouts, absenteeism, disability, and turnover. Not all employees will have the same work-life balance issues. Age, culture, gender, family and marital status, caregiver demands, socioeconomic status, and many other factors affect an employee's work-life balance. Organizations will benefit from having flexible arrangements to address this issue. ## Civility and Respect A workplace where employees are respectful and considerate in their interactions with one another and with customers, clients, and the public. Civility and respect are based on showing esteem, care and consideration for others, and acknowledging their dignity. ## Why is it important? A civil and respectful workplace is related to greater job satisfaction, greater perceptions of fairness, a more positive attitude, improved morale, better teamwork, greater interest in personal development, engagement in problem resolution, enhanced supervisor-staff relationships, and reduction in sick leave and turnover. Organizations characterized by civility and respect create a positive atmosphere of high spirits and work satisfaction. This civility allows people to enjoy the environment, whether they are staff, clients, or customers. ## What happens when it is lacking? A workplace that lacks civility and respect can lead to emotional exhaust…

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# SAFETY COMMUNICATION Date Posted: 05/13/2025 # Safety Communication Effective communication is crucial for a job to run safely and efficiently. When communication is insufficient or missing, it can lead to adverse consequences for employees and the company. It is important to recognize the safety communication tools for work tasks and the work environment to ensure proper messages are conveyed. Safety communication is the process of communicating different hazards and risks to all employees in a workplace. The goal is to reduce the chances of accidents by making workers aware of the risks they face throughout operations. It also ensures that all employees are familiar with the workplace's safety operations, procedures, and controls and understand how to work with them. Though it may seem complicated and arduous, safety communication is essential in creating a safe and functional job site. ## PITFALLS OF POOR SAFETY COMMUNICATION Effective communication is crucial for any team to function efficiently and safely. Miscommunication among team members can lead to misunderstandings that can cause dangerous and unsafe situations. Lack of clarity is another issue that can arise, as it is essential that all team members have the same understanding of the message being conveyed. Unclear instructions from supervisors can lead to accidents or injuries, which is why it is important to give clear and concise instructions. Poor listening skills can also be hazardous as team members may miss out on crucial information or instructions, leading to mistakes or accidents. Additionally, communication can become a hazard if team members exhibit hostile or argumentative behavior. This can lead to tension and conflict, making it difficult for workers to effectively communicate with one another. ## TIPS FOR COMMUNICATING SAFETY EFFECTIVELY • Listen Well: The best communicators are the best listeners. This includes listening to spoken words and understanding what is being done ar…

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Kiprc KENTUCKY INJURY PREVENTION AND RESEARCH CENTER Kentucky Occupational Safety and Health Surveillance - April 2020 # HAZARD ALERT # Intentional Self-Harm in the Workplace ## What is the hazard? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, workplace suicides in the United States totaled 304 in 2018 - an increase of 11 percent from the previous year and the highest number since the bureau began tracking the data in 1992¹. From 2009 to 2018, 40 Kentucky workers died by suicide while in the workplace. Did you know: The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that each year approximately one million people die from suicide - one every 40 seconds². ## The "Do's” and “Don'ts” of establishing suicide awareness in the workplace. The Do's-Practices that may prove helpful: • Do emphasize help-seeking and provide information on finding help. - Do emphasize preventative actions one with suicidal thoughts can take. • Do list the warning signs, as well as risk and protective factors of suicide. • Do highlight effective treatments for underlying mental health issues. ## The Don'ts-Practices that may prove problematic: • Don't glorify or romanticize suicide, people who have died by suicide, or methods of suicide. • Don't normalize suicide by presenting it as a common event. • Don't present suicide as an inexplicable act or explain it as a result of stress only. • Don't focus on personal details of people who have died by suicide. For more information on these "do's" and "don'ts", visit the Suicide Prevention Resource Center at www.sprc.org. ## Recommendations for workers living with suicidal thoughts or behavior: - Create a work environment that fosters communication and a sense of belonging and respect to reduce the stigma of discussing mental illness and mental well-being. - Establish an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that provides confidential counseling and referrals for employees who may be experiencing personal hardships. - Provide mental…