Courthouse Employee

Safety Manual

INTRODUCTION

WELCOME!!! This manual was developed to assist county governments in committing its employees to SAFETY. It is our goal to provide a workplace for the employees of our county that is free of recognizable hazards and to eliminate the number of unsafe acts and conditions. We feel that there is no other important asset to our county than the safety of our employees and residents.

The suggestions and regulations within this manual are based upon the safest practices that individuals in our line of duty have followed for many years. Although county governments in Missouri are currently exempt from OSHA regulations, it is our intent to follow these regulations. We see these as the minimum guidelines to follow to develop an effective safety program. Along with these regulations, we observe that GOOD COMMON SENSE is also another priority to preventing unsafe acts and conditions. If everyone works together, our goals can be achieved.

To be safe, each person must have an “attitude” that diligently maintains a sense of urgency about the task at hand. One little slip at the wrong time can have disastrous consequences.

The guidelines in this manual are provided to help you keep that safe balance and develop a safe culture for yourself, your family and co-workers for the rest of your life. If you do not understand the proper safety procedure, see your supervisor. Do not guess what the proper procedure is.

This manual is intended to be a template for your county’s own personalized program. It will need to be modified to suit the particular size and needs of your entity. We would also recommend that you have the completed program reviewed by local counsel prior to implementation. The safety guidelines provided are considered the minimum suggestions for the particular situation. Your particular situation may require additional measures to insure adequate protection.

Let’s keep the workplace safe for you, co-workers and the public.

This manual is periodically revised and updated. The most current copy is available as a download at the MAC Trust website.

THINK – SAFETY FIRST!!!

Date Implemented ______

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

I.GENERAL SAFETY AND HEALTH INFORMATION

A. SAFETY FIRST

B. WHAT TO DO WHEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT

C. INFORMATION

II.GENERAL SAFETY RULES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES

A. HORSEPLAY AND CARELESSNESS

B. ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE

C. MEDICAL SERVICES AND FIRST AID

D. SEXUAL HARASSMENT

E. NO SMOKING POLICY

F. HOUSEKEEPING

G. FIRE PREVENTION

III.EMPLOYEE HEALTH

A. EMPLOYEE RECORDS

BPHYSICAL FITNESS

C. INJURED EMPLOYEE - RETURN TO WORK

D. EMPLOYEES WITH DISABILITIES

E. EATING AND DRINKING IN THE WORKPLACE

F. EMPLOYEE ORIENTATION - HAZARD COMMUNICATION

IV.COMPUTER USE

A. GENERAL

B. CHECK

V.LADDERS AND STEP STOOLS

A. GENERAL

B. LADDERS

VI.MOTOR VEHICLES

A. GENERAL

B. DRIVER’S QUALIFICATIONS

C. DRIVER RESPONSIBILITIES

D. SAFE DRIVING PRACTICES

VII. MATERIALS

VIII. ERGONOMICS and CUMULATIVE TRAMA DISORDERS (CTD’S)

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

READ AND ACKNOWLEDEMGENT STATEMENT

I. GENERAL SAFETY AND HEALTH INFORMATION

A. SAFETY FIRST

This manual has been implemented to provide safety and health information to you the courthouse employee. It should be used as a guideline to perform your job functions in the safest manner possible. Along with education and training, your experience as a courthouse worker will add to your performance. We feel that SAFETY is our number one priority and it should be yours too.

Please utilize the information in this manual very carefully. Take time to ask yourself, "How does safety work in my job?" Hopefully, you will have answered this question by the end of your work shift.

B. WHAT TO DO WHEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT

All injuries no matter how minor should be given first aid and a notation made in the daily log. Accidents should be reported immediately to the department supervisor and the loss prevention coordinator. Items needed for report include:

1. Name of injured employee(s).
2. Time/Date.
3. Place
4. Description of the accident.
5. Nature of injury/illness.
6. Names of witnesses.

7. Phone numbers of witnesses.

All injured employees shall report to the county designated doctor or medical facility. If injury is life-threatening designation will be waived. Only work related injuries are compensable. Any fraudulent action by the employee will be thoroughly investigated and subject to a fine up to $10,000 by the Missouri Workers' Compensation Law.

C. INFORMATION

If you should have any questions regarding a work related injury/illness or compensation of an injury, please ask your supervisor or contact an individual on the county emergency number sheet. (Included in manual)

II. GENERAL SAFETY RULES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES

A. HORSEPLAY AND CARELESSNESS

All acts of horseplay, carelessness, and neglect by an employee will be subject to disciplinary action of the supervisor and department heads.

B. ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE

The county will not tolerate any drug and alcohol use, which in any manner endangers the health and well-being of its employees or threatens its goals for a safe and healthy workplace. Prescription drugs should only be taken according to physician requirements. Please notify supervisor if you are using prescription or over-the-counter drugs. Any employee abusing such substances will be subject to disciplinary action of the county department heads. Our county is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace free from the influence of alcohol and drugs.

C. MEDICAL SERVICES AND FIRST AID

At each work-site there should be someone who has a valid certification in CPR and first-aid. If the designated physician or medical facility is not accessible in time and distance, this individual should administer first-aid. First aid kits are to be placed in all county vehicles and not to be removed from such vehicle unless there is an emergency. These kits should be properly supplied at all times. Please notify your supervisor when your kit has been used.

D. SEXUAL HARASSMENT

It is our policy that all employees are responsible for assuring that the workplace is free from sexual harassment. If you feel that you are being harassed by a co-worker, elected official or outside vendor, then immediately contact either the County Clerk or the Presiding Commissioner.

E. NO SMOKING POLICY

In order to provide a safe and healthy workplace for our employees, we ask for the thoughtfulness and cooperation of both smokers and nonsmokers. We hope that you will observe the county's no smoking policy in county buildings and offices. Also, you should recognize no smoking signs in and around hazardous areas. Please use common sense and courtesy before and during your smoking habits.

F. HOUSEKEEPING

Housekeeping is mandatory at every job-site. We use the term "housekeeping" as a condition of arrangement, cleanliness, orderliness, and efficiency. It is an important element in measuring one's job performance. We recommend that all employees follow these good housekeeping rules:

  1. Keep aisles and work places clear. Materials should be neatly secured and stacked so that people passing will not be injured. Scissors and envelope openers should be kept in boxes, racks or trays when not in use.
  2. Waste, oily rags and other flammable materials should be stored in the metal receptacles or trash containers.
  3. Scrap paper, paper clips, or staples should be cleaned-up regularly and not allowed to accumulate on the floor or your work-desk.
  4. Never over-stack papers on your file cabinet. Always close your filing cabinet door while not in use.
  5. Report wet or slippery conditions immediately to building janitor. Take time to barricade area to protect others from walking through area.
  6. Keep exits clear at all times. Fire doors should never be blocked nor made inoperative. Fire extinguishers should be readily accessible and free of obstructions.
  7. Don’t store combustibles under stairways.

G. FIRE PREVENTION

Fire can destroy your life, assets, and your job. Don't let it take away your paycheck. Fire prevention is another way of providing safety and security. It is your duty to report all possible fire hazards to your supervisor. Fire extinguishers are provided in hallways on each floor and in hazardous areas. These should be used only to fight small fires. Before a fire gets out of hand have someone call the nearest fire department for assistance. Then evacuate yourself and others that are in the building. Remember, machines and buildings can be replaced -- you cannot.

III. EMPLOYEE HEALTH

A. EMPLOYEE RECORDS

Each employee should be given an orientation as to the hazards involved in his or her job and records kept in the employees personnel file. The personnel file should also include accident history and any notices of disciplinary action.

Every employee should also have a medical file that contains medical records, with access limited to those persons who have an actualneed to know. The medical file and personnel file should be kept separate.

B. PHYSICAL FITNESS

Employee physical fitness is as important to the job as it is at home. We ask that you take care of your mind and body so you can lead a happy and healthy life. We feel that your proper health will lead to a more productive lifestyle and more output on the job. Please eat right and exercise your body and mind.

C. INJURED EMPLOYEE - RETURN TO WORK

As soon as an injured employee has permission from the physician that they can return to work or perform light-duty work, they should immediately notify their supervisor. This will help the county get you back to work and on the payroll as soon as possible.

D. EMPLOYEES WITH DISABILITIES

It is the policy of the county to provide a workplace free of recognizable hazards and to accommodate the workplace for those employees that have disabilities. If you feel that there is a dangerous situation or if you have a complaint, please notify your immediate supervisor.

E. EATING AND DRINKING IN THE WORKPLACE

Food and beverages should not be consumed in the boiler room area and especially around fuels, oils, solvents, and other chemicals. Eating and drinking should only be done in designated areas. Water fountains are provided for your convenience.

F. EMPLOYEE ORIENTATION - HAZARD COMMUNICATION

Each employee will be notified of the hazards that exist in their duties. This will include safety rules, safety devices, reporting accidents, emergency numbers, housekeeping, chemicals and several more. If you have not had this training, please notify your supervisor.

IV. COMPUTER USE

A. GENERAL

You are responsible for the equipment in your office. Computers can be very expensive and costly to repair or replace. Take care of your equipment and it will take care of you. Remember to clean your computer's screen periodically. Remove any dust or dirt from the computer's keyboard.

B. CHECK

To prevent injuries involving backache, eyestrain, fatigue, or musculoskeletal problems we recommend that you perform the following preventative measures:

  1. Check the lighting in the office. Position the screen away from glare
  2. Take vision breaks away from your screen for a few minutes.
  3. Look around the room or out the window to exercise your eyes.
  4. Adjust your keyboard, chair, desk, and screen to suit your height.
  5. Stretch your hands and wrists before, during and after using a computer.

If you should have a problem with your computer, workstation, desk, chair, lighting, or environmental conditions in your office, immediately contact your department supervisor to correct the problem.

V. LADDERS AND STEP STOOLS

A.GENERAL

Ladders and step stools should be used when retrieving materials that are out of reach. Never use chairs, desks, or shelves to recover materials from above. Check with your supervisor to locate a ladder or step stool for your use.

B.LADDERS

  1. Ladders shall be used at a lean ratio of 4:1 unless the ladder has been fixed or attached to a stationary object.
  2. Ladders shall not be placed in doorways, passageways, or driveways unless properly barricaded or marked.

VI. MOTOR VEHICLES

  1. GENERAL

You are responsible for reporting mechanical failures of your county vehicle. Such mechanical failure will need immediate repair.

Any accident involving county owned vehicles should be reported immediately to your supervisor.

  1. DRIVER'S QUALIFICATIONS

All operators of department vehicles shall comply with the following:

  1. All operators shall carry their valid Missouri Drivers License with them at all times. Any change of status of the license must be reported to your supervisor before operation of equipment.
  2. The use of county owned vehicles must be authorized by the department head.
  3. Any operator under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription drugs will not be allowed to operate a vehicle.
  4. All operators are required to wear their seatbelts and prescription glasses or contacts at all times. Failure to use seatbelt may result in immediate termination from employment.
  5. DRIVER RESPONSIBILITIES
  1. Pay attention to driving the vehicle and avoid all distractions.
  2. Always wear your seat belt.
  3. The driver must abide by the current motor vehicle laws and department rules and regulations concerning safe driving practices.
  4. A pre-trip inspection should be done before operating vehicle. Check tires, fluids, windshield, and be sure it’s clear to move the vehicle.
  5. Drivers are responsible for the cleanliness of their vehicle and a borrowed vehicle
  6. Report all accidents and promptly fill out an Accident Investigation Report.
  7. Make sure cargo is securely attached to vehicle.
  8. Check that gravel is properly tarped and covered before leaving quarry or county garage.
  9. Drivers should not allow passenger to ride on bumpers, tailgates, handles, running boards, hood, or to allow passengers to jump out of vehicle before it comes to a complete stop.
  10. The use of cell phones, 2 way radios, and AM/FM headphones is prohibited when operating vehicles.
  1. SAFE DRIVING PRACTICES
  1. Be aware of the traffic situations far ahead on both sides and to the rear of the vehicle.
  2. Always signal mechanically or physically before turning or coming to a complete stop.
  3. Check clearance on both sides of vehicle before backing out of garage, taking turns, and loading and unloading vehicle.
  4. When parking the vehicle, make sure to turn wheels against the curb and to put the parking brake on. Other means of parking can be done by blocking the wheels or lowering the blade or bucket.
  5. Check road conditions and be aware of the weather at all times.
  6. Be courteous to other drivers if you are driving below the speed limit.

VII. MATERIALS HANDLING

  1. LIFTING

Materials handling is the movement and storage of equipment used by people. It is essential that you evaluate each material handling job and perform the task SAFELY and efficiently. In order to do this you must recognize yours and the machines limits for lifting.

  1. HUMANS

It’s not what you lift but how you lift it. This applies to the lifting, lowering, or moving of heavy equipment, or loads.

  • Back injuries. Sometimes the safe way to lift is the easiest way to lift.
  • Incorrect lifting methods require unnecessary effort and often cause injury.

Remember and utilize these lifting techniques:

  1. Check the area and image a safe path to move the material.
  2. Size up the load. If it’s too heavy, ask someone for help.
  3. Then, get a secure footing.
  4. Bend at the knees to grasp the object.
  5. Keep your back straight and as nearly upright as possible.
    Get a firm hold.
  6. Keep the load as close as possible to your body. If the load is large and cannot be placed between your knees as they are bent, bend at the hips and waist with your knees relaxed. It is more important to keep the load close than it is to bend your knees.
  7. Lift gradually by straightening the legs; keep back as straight as possible.
  8. Avoid twisting and turning while carrying or putting the load down.
  9. Use same procedure to unload material.
  1. MACHINES

Use proper equipment for moving or lifting the load. Make sure that such equipment as, hooks, ropes, slings, chains, and levers are free of defects.

  1. Always lookout for the other guy.
  2. Make sure the load is stable and secure. Don't overload your equipment.

B. STORAGE

The proper storage of equipment is crucial to protecting yourself and the stored materials. When piling materials, you should always check the base to see if it is firm.

Always cross tier materials and make sure they are level. Check to see if the material is still secured after movement.

  1. Store flammable materials away from heat sources.
  2. Do not store combustible materials under stairways.
  1. Tie off papers that are stored in bulk.
  2. All hazardous chemicals are marked and labeled.
  3. Books are secured with bookends and not overstocked.
  4. Tools and office supplies are placed in shelves, cabinets or drawers with sharp items shielded to prevent Bloodborne Pathogen exposure.

VIII. ERGONOMICS and CUMULATIVE TRAMA DISORDERS (CTD’S)

Practice safety in this area to prevent future pain and loss of mobility by practicing these suggestions.

  1. Never pound with your hands; use the proper tool.
  1. Minimize contact with hard or sharp surfaces. This is especially important at the wrists and elbows.
  1. Forceful applications put strain on the muscles and tendons. You create force when you push, pull or lift materials. Avoid excessive force applications by using mechanical devices if possible and ask fellow workers for help. Contact force occurs when you press against a hard surface like a tool handle or work table.
  1. Tools that vibrate are harder on the hands, arms and body; wear gloves and use tools with padded handles.
  1. Using tools in cold conditions can contribute to damage; wear insulated gloves with good padding designed for the application and select tools with padded handles.
  1. Grasping small objects with force can lead to discomfort; increase the size of the portion of the object you are grasping or use an ergonomically correct tool. Grasp the object with the whole hand and not just the fingers.
  1. Working on objects above your shoulders or below your waist for long periods of time can lead to stress on the body; try to move the work into the mentioned area.
  1. Avoid working in uncomfortable positions for long periods of time. Rotate personnel through uncomfortable jobs and try to redesign jobs so the operator can work in a more comfortable position.
  1. Avoid any posture significantly different from “neutral”. “Neutral” is considered to be the position about halfway through the available range of motion of the joint.
  1. Avoid keeping the body in one position for extended periods of time. Vary the work routine to mix various types of activities throughout the work shift. Take breaks and move around to allow good blood-flow to affected parts. Taking a short break and moving around helps the muscles relax and recover. Stretching movements can help your back by squeezing and unsqueezing the intervertebral discs, which results in better filtration of fluids into and out of the cones of the discs. Discs stay plumper and, in the long run, healthier.
  1. On repetitive tasks such as pounding with a hammer or operating a screw driver, try to use pneumatic or electrical tools to reduce the repetitive motion on your body.
  1. Try to avoid what is called palmar compression. Tools that constantly put pressure on the palm of the hand can cause damage with constant compression of this area. Wear gloves, redesign the tools, rotate jobs, and be creative.
  1. Your back has a normal “S” curve when looking at it from your side. It is important to try to keep your back in the normal “S” curve when applying forces such as lifting or shoveling. Avoid being bent over when shoveling. Get a shovel with a long enough handle so you can keep your back in its normal curve.
  1. Avoid sudden, fast motions involving a jerk or snap while doing your job.
  1. When you’re fit your blood carries more nutrients to the muscles, tendons, and nerves. This keeps your body healthy and helps repair any minor tissue damage that otherwise might lead to a CTD. Stay fit by eating right and exercising. If you smoke, quit now. Your circulation is likely to improve, helping tissues stay healthier and heal faster.

Most CTDs are preventable and curable. It’s important to catch them early and modify behavior. Some people get CTDs because their bodies are vulnerable to them. For example they can be related to diabetes, overweight, thyroid conditions, hormone conditions, arthritis, previous injuries, smoking and other conditions. The good news is that we can control most of the work factors that may cause them. CTDs can happen because of non-work activities, hobbies, sports, driving, and even sleeping positions can contribute to them, so include a look at off-the-job factors as well in your loss prevention activities. The body you have got is the only one you’ll get, so take care of it.