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| K & R Safety Net Vol. 2 No. 4 SAFETY, MAKE IT HAPPEN Toll Free: 1-866-487-9787 ~ Main: 623-487-9787 ~ New Mexico: 505-513-0401 Fax: 623-773-3407 ~ Email: kandrsafety@cox.net |
Safety Practices Pay
When you think of dice or cards, you naturally think of gambling – you know that there is a risk of losing money
when betting on the horses, you run the same risk.
But you could get hurt or seriously injured when gambling with your own safety.
For instance, if you engage in unsafe acts there is a gamble that the accident might cause you to lose time from
work, suffer an amputated finger, toe, foot, hand arm, leg or other injuries.
So, do safe practices really pay off for any of us? I think you will have to admit the answer is yes? If you don’t
admit it now, I hope you will be convinced.
Safe practices really do pay off for us/employees as well as for the company.
In other words observing safe practices may be, in part, prompted by your knowledge that avoiding any injury on
the job will save you money.
I hope that a cost consciousness will be part of your reasons for working safely. I mean an awareness of the
cost to you in pain and suffering, and also a loss of money caused by a serious accident.
Speaking of cost consciousness, the management of a company has its share of it. You could not expect
otherwise. In fact, management is so cost conscious because that gives us assurance that we will have jobs
for a long time. Jobs are tied in with the successful and economical operation of the company.
It is true that our management puts a lot of money into the safety program and management is interested in
safety. Management does get benefits from the money it puts into the safety program. How do they profit
financially?
Well, one way is trough a reduction in insurance cost. Companies carry workmen’s compensation insurance
through an insurance company. Our accident prevent program can help to reduce losses that would otherwise
be paid out in compensation payments. Money is saved!
Then there is the reduction in indirect costs. Management realizes that accidents take men from the job: that
training new men costs money: that damage materials, equipment and tools cost money: the equipment idled
by an accident also raises production costs. There are many other incidental costs that can be classed as
indirect losses.
The company benefits by an increase in operating efficiency; if the, accident record is good.
You know that when accidents are prevented, production usually goes up. The things that eventually cause
accidents are continually causing inefficiency in operations.
So you can see why a company is sold on a well-planned accident prevention program. Management knows
that safety and safe practices really pay off because the figures prove it.
It is true that the company must put some cash into the safety program in order to save money in the long run.
You and I can lose money if we take risk or gamble with our own safety. You may get away with an unsafe act a
number of times, but sooner or later it will catch up with you.
Does it cost you money when you are off from work, losing time as a result of an accident? It surely does-you do
get compensation payments for disabling work injuries, but the amount is only a percentage of your pay.
I do not believe that there is a person working who would knowingly consent to a reduction in pay. Yet that is
exactly what you are doing when you lay yourself wide open for an accident.
With that as my final point, I know that we are all bound to agree that safe practices really pay off. I feel sure that
none of you will be willing to take that shortcut or gamble in any of your work operation.
Highway Construction Safety
Most roadwork being done today is on existing rights-of-ways. This greatly increases the chances of a tragedy.
Obviously there is a greater opportunity for collisions around construction sites, especially where the
construction is being done on an existing roadway.
First, traffic moves very close to the construction site, where heavy equipment and material constantly move in
and out.
Second, redirecting traffic often causes confusion in drivers.
As workers in the field, get so used to being near moving traffic that it can slip into the back of their minds. It
becomes background noise. It is easy to lose track of where they are.
But, all they have to do is step out once. Make a split-second error, and ………
Be alert…Stay alert. Slow down and pay attention.
Imponderable
What is the purpose of the pinholes around the sides of screw caps on soft-drinks bottles?
The sole purpose of these holes are to vent the pressure from the bottle when it is opened. As the cap is
unscrewed, it is important to release this “head space” pressure as fast as possible; without these tiny holes,
there would be a danger of the cap flying off. Anyone who has ever been hit by an errant champagne cork will
applaud this safety feature.
**Life’s Imponderables by David Feldman**
Rental Car Insurance
For years, we have been advising our clients to purchase Hired Car Physical Damage on their business Auto
policy and to reject the “insurance” offered when you rent a car. Since Hired Car Physical Damage covers rented
vehicles the same as it would an owned vehicle, why pay more for Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) or a Collision
Damage Waiver (CDW)?
We have recently learned that there are pitfalls only on the Business Auto policy for coverage. If the vehicle wasn’
t rented by the business, the Hired Car Physical Damage coverage won’t respond to claims. Your employees
should put the business name on the agreement and use a business credit card, if possible.
In addition, another problem is that each year the liabilities assumed under rental agreements increase. At one
time, renters were responsible only for actual damage to or theft of the vehicle. Over the years, the rental car
companies have also added loss of use, which means that if the car is in the shop for two weeks after an
accident, you are liable for the revenue the rental car company has lost. Storage fees may be passed on to you.
Same value for a vehicle that has been in an accident. If you purchase the LDW or CDW offered by the rental car
company, they will waive your responsibilities for damages.
Taking the coverage from the rental car company and removing it from your Business Auto policy would be a
good solution if you could rely on the rental car coverage to be there. Unfortunately, there are provisions in every
rental contract that can void the coverage. For example, coverage is often voided if the driver has a single drink
before driving, if the driver is under the age specified in the rental contract, or if the car is taken on unpaved roads.
What about Personal Auto Policy? Doesn’t that offer some protection?
Some Personal Auto policies won’t cover if the car is an SUV, van, or pickup being used for business. The
Personal Auto policy won’t cover if the employee doesn’t carry Comprehensive and Collision (this might be the
case if he drives an older vehicle or just chooses not to insure damage to the vehicle). Some Personal Auto
policies exclude loss of use and all exclude diminution of value. And, if the Personal Auto policy pays, it will be
on the driver’s loss record and might result in cancellation of coverage.
What about my credit card? Won’t that pay for the loss if my insurance doesn’t?
To activate coverage, the cardholder must be the primary renter and must decline the LDW/CDW. Nothing is
standard with credit card coverage, and it may be charged from time to time at the credit card company’s whim.
If you violate any terms of the rental agreement, the credit card coverage is voided when you need it most. Many
credit card exclude rented SUVs, and some exclude any weather-related damage like flood and hail.
So what should I do?
We recommend that you deal with one rental company at a corporate level, if at all possible. This will establish
that the rentals are for business use and that the business is doing the renting, not the employee.
* Review the contracts of at least three rental car companies and choose the one that best suits you. Sign a
blanket agreement for all rentals and keep a copy on file.
* Take the LDW/CDW coverage or make a conscious decision to self-insure exposures that the agreement
specifies you are liable for and that Hired Car Physical Damage does not cover. (They probably include loss
of use, diminution of value, storage fees, provided by your Business Auto policy. Ask us to check on this for
you. Depending on how often your firm rents vehicles and what the charge is (sometimes more tan $20 per
day), self-insuring might be a good option.
* If you purchase LDW/CDW, make you employees aware of the “Prohibited Uses” or other section that
explains actions that will void coverage, the LDW/CDW will not apply, in spite of the fact that you paid for it.
* Continue to carry Hired Car Physical Damage on your Business Auto policy.
**Information provide by Dave Harrold of The Mahoney Group - Phoenix
Quotes
He that goes to bed thirsty rises healthy. (George Herbert)
Never go to bed mad. Stay up and fight. (Phyllis Diller)
I can accept failure, but I can’t accept not trying. (Michael Jordan)
Useless Information
The microwave was invented after a researcher walked by a radar tube and a chocolate bar melted in his pocket.
Mr. Rogers was an ordained minister.
The average person falls asleep in seven minutes.
Lessons Learned
Recordable. Employee strained back and waist while moving dirt with shovel. Employee did not report the injury
immediately. Injury may have been aggravated due to continued movement. Remember to report injuries
immediately. Rotating personnel may have minimized the injury during extended routine tasks and position the
body to minimize the amount of twisting that is needed.
First-Aid. Employee using sledgehammer while stripping forms. Employee struck finger. Medical treatment
was not necessary. This is a routine incident and impacts each of us in some manner. Focusing on each task
will assist in minimizing the frequency and severity.
Thoughts To Start The Work Day
Do you realize how important your safety is to you and to your family? Are you ‘on the alert’ every minute of the
day … to the dangers of using unsafe procedures? Many safe procedures have been designed to protect you on
the job. These safe procedures are vital to you and your hands. Safe procedures protect hands against injuries
such as sharp edges, improperly conditioned hand tools, improperly handled materials and pinch points.
Be on guard every minute of the day. Failure to observe safe procedures … just one time … can cause injury to
those vulnerable ‘tools’ … YOUR HANDS.
If you have learned the safety know-how of your job and learned it well, it will be easy for you to catch anything
some other fellow does that isn’t as safe as it should be. If you see it and don’t say anything and he gets hurt,
aren’t you partly to blame? Think it over.
Keeping an eye out for the other fellow’s safety can help you too… a lot, sometimes. We all make mistakes. We
slip up once in a while. After all, we’re only humans. But if each of us is keeping the other fellow’s safety at
mind, and he is doing the same for us, he’s likely to catch our slips. You help him - he helps you. One hand
washes the other. Believe me, it pays.
To the Supervisor
Your job in management embraces many duties… and not the least of these is your responsibility for
safeguarding the well being of the workers in your charge. No other obligation is of greater importance than this.
As a supervisor, it is your duty to police your men and your job. You are to be on alert, at all times, for unsafe
conditions, equipment and unsafe actions.
You are to:
1. Recognize the hazards of the work operation for the day.
2. Discuss you procedures for the day.
3. Check for all personal protective equipment required on the job and for particular
tasks at hand.
4. Check vehicles and equipment for both mechanical and safety problems. Fix them or
remove them from service before starting work.
5. You are to take immediate remedial action when necessary
As an added aspect of an effective safety program, it is imperative that you talk to your men, from time to time, on
safety performance. We would suggest that you try to do this at least once a week.
You are not expected to be a finished speaker. You should, however, make it clear that you have the courage of
your convictions – and that you intend to do everything in your power to protect your men – and the equipment in
your charge – from accident and injury.
Employee Safety Responsibilities
The primary responsibility of Employee’s is to perform his or her duties in a safe manner, in order to prevent
injury to themselves and others.
As a condition of employment, Employees SHOULD become familiar with, observe and obey Company rules
and established policy for health, safety and preventing injuries while at work. Additionally, Employees SHOULD
learn the approved safe practices and procedures that apply to their work.
Before beginning special work or new assignments, an Employee should review applicable and appropriate
safety rules.
If an employee has any questions about how a task should be done safely, he or she should be instructed NOT
to begin the task until they discuss the situation with their Supervisor. Together, they will determine the safe way
to do the job.
If, after discussing a safety situation with their Supervisor, an Employee still has questions or concerns, he or
she should contact the next level supervisor.
NO EMPLOYEE IS EVER REQUIRED to perform work that they believe is unsafe, or that they think is likely to cause
injury or a health risk to themselves or others.
**Information provide by Dave Harrold of The Mahoney Group - Phoenix
If you have any questions, comments, suggestions or would like to be added to our newsletter mailing list
please contact us.
March April June
When you think of dice or cards, you naturally think of gambling – you know that there is a risk of losing money
when betting on the horses, you run the same risk.
But you could get hurt or seriously injured when gambling with your own safety.
For instance, if you engage in unsafe acts there is a gamble that the accident might cause you to lose time from
work, suffer an amputated finger, toe, foot, hand arm, leg or other injuries.
So, do safe practices really pay off for any of us? I think you will have to admit the answer is yes? If you don’t
admit it now, I hope you will be convinced.
Safe practices really do pay off for us/employees as well as for the company.
In other words observing safe practices may be, in part, prompted by your knowledge that avoiding any injury on
the job will save you money.
I hope that a cost consciousness will be part of your reasons for working safely. I mean an awareness of the
cost to you in pain and suffering, and also a loss of money caused by a serious accident.
Speaking of cost consciousness, the management of a company has its share of it. You could not expect
otherwise. In fact, management is so cost conscious because that gives us assurance that we will have jobs
for a long time. Jobs are tied in with the successful and economical operation of the company.
It is true that our management puts a lot of money into the safety program and management is interested in
safety. Management does get benefits from the money it puts into the safety program. How do they profit
financially?
Well, one way is trough a reduction in insurance cost. Companies carry workmen’s compensation insurance
through an insurance company. Our accident prevent program can help to reduce losses that would otherwise
be paid out in compensation payments. Money is saved!
Then there is the reduction in indirect costs. Management realizes that accidents take men from the job: that
training new men costs money: that damage materials, equipment and tools cost money: the equipment idled
by an accident also raises production costs. There are many other incidental costs that can be classed as
indirect losses.
The company benefits by an increase in operating efficiency; if the, accident record is good.
You know that when accidents are prevented, production usually goes up. The things that eventually cause
accidents are continually causing inefficiency in operations.
So you can see why a company is sold on a well-planned accident prevention program. Management knows
that safety and safe practices really pay off because the figures prove it.
It is true that the company must put some cash into the safety program in order to save money in the long run.
You and I can lose money if we take risk or gamble with our own safety. You may get away with an unsafe act a
number of times, but sooner or later it will catch up with you.
Does it cost you money when you are off from work, losing time as a result of an accident? It surely does-you do
get compensation payments for disabling work injuries, but the amount is only a percentage of your pay.
I do not believe that there is a person working who would knowingly consent to a reduction in pay. Yet that is
exactly what you are doing when you lay yourself wide open for an accident.
With that as my final point, I know that we are all bound to agree that safe practices really pay off. I feel sure that
none of you will be willing to take that shortcut or gamble in any of your work operation.
Highway Construction Safety
Most roadwork being done today is on existing rights-of-ways. This greatly increases the chances of a tragedy.
Obviously there is a greater opportunity for collisions around construction sites, especially where the
construction is being done on an existing roadway.
First, traffic moves very close to the construction site, where heavy equipment and material constantly move in
and out.
Second, redirecting traffic often causes confusion in drivers.
As workers in the field, get so used to being near moving traffic that it can slip into the back of their minds. It
becomes background noise. It is easy to lose track of where they are.
But, all they have to do is step out once. Make a split-second error, and ………
Be alert…Stay alert. Slow down and pay attention.
Imponderable
What is the purpose of the pinholes around the sides of screw caps on soft-drinks bottles?
The sole purpose of these holes are to vent the pressure from the bottle when it is opened. As the cap is
unscrewed, it is important to release this “head space” pressure as fast as possible; without these tiny holes,
there would be a danger of the cap flying off. Anyone who has ever been hit by an errant champagne cork will
applaud this safety feature.
**Life’s Imponderables by David Feldman**
Rental Car Insurance
For years, we have been advising our clients to purchase Hired Car Physical Damage on their business Auto
policy and to reject the “insurance” offered when you rent a car. Since Hired Car Physical Damage covers rented
vehicles the same as it would an owned vehicle, why pay more for Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) or a Collision
Damage Waiver (CDW)?
We have recently learned that there are pitfalls only on the Business Auto policy for coverage. If the vehicle wasn’
t rented by the business, the Hired Car Physical Damage coverage won’t respond to claims. Your employees
should put the business name on the agreement and use a business credit card, if possible.
In addition, another problem is that each year the liabilities assumed under rental agreements increase. At one
time, renters were responsible only for actual damage to or theft of the vehicle. Over the years, the rental car
companies have also added loss of use, which means that if the car is in the shop for two weeks after an
accident, you are liable for the revenue the rental car company has lost. Storage fees may be passed on to you.
Same value for a vehicle that has been in an accident. If you purchase the LDW or CDW offered by the rental car
company, they will waive your responsibilities for damages.
Taking the coverage from the rental car company and removing it from your Business Auto policy would be a
good solution if you could rely on the rental car coverage to be there. Unfortunately, there are provisions in every
rental contract that can void the coverage. For example, coverage is often voided if the driver has a single drink
before driving, if the driver is under the age specified in the rental contract, or if the car is taken on unpaved roads.
What about Personal Auto Policy? Doesn’t that offer some protection?
Some Personal Auto policies won’t cover if the car is an SUV, van, or pickup being used for business. The
Personal Auto policy won’t cover if the employee doesn’t carry Comprehensive and Collision (this might be the
case if he drives an older vehicle or just chooses not to insure damage to the vehicle). Some Personal Auto
policies exclude loss of use and all exclude diminution of value. And, if the Personal Auto policy pays, it will be
on the driver’s loss record and might result in cancellation of coverage.
What about my credit card? Won’t that pay for the loss if my insurance doesn’t?
To activate coverage, the cardholder must be the primary renter and must decline the LDW/CDW. Nothing is
standard with credit card coverage, and it may be charged from time to time at the credit card company’s whim.
If you violate any terms of the rental agreement, the credit card coverage is voided when you need it most. Many
credit card exclude rented SUVs, and some exclude any weather-related damage like flood and hail.
So what should I do?
We recommend that you deal with one rental company at a corporate level, if at all possible. This will establish
that the rentals are for business use and that the business is doing the renting, not the employee.
* Review the contracts of at least three rental car companies and choose the one that best suits you. Sign a
blanket agreement for all rentals and keep a copy on file.
* Take the LDW/CDW coverage or make a conscious decision to self-insure exposures that the agreement
specifies you are liable for and that Hired Car Physical Damage does not cover. (They probably include loss
of use, diminution of value, storage fees, provided by your Business Auto policy. Ask us to check on this for
you. Depending on how often your firm rents vehicles and what the charge is (sometimes more tan $20 per
day), self-insuring might be a good option.
* If you purchase LDW/CDW, make you employees aware of the “Prohibited Uses” or other section that
explains actions that will void coverage, the LDW/CDW will not apply, in spite of the fact that you paid for it.
* Continue to carry Hired Car Physical Damage on your Business Auto policy.
**Information provide by Dave Harrold of The Mahoney Group - Phoenix
Quotes
He that goes to bed thirsty rises healthy. (George Herbert)
Never go to bed mad. Stay up and fight. (Phyllis Diller)
I can accept failure, but I can’t accept not trying. (Michael Jordan)
Useless Information
The microwave was invented after a researcher walked by a radar tube and a chocolate bar melted in his pocket.
Mr. Rogers was an ordained minister.
The average person falls asleep in seven minutes.
Lessons Learned
Recordable. Employee strained back and waist while moving dirt with shovel. Employee did not report the injury
immediately. Injury may have been aggravated due to continued movement. Remember to report injuries
immediately. Rotating personnel may have minimized the injury during extended routine tasks and position the
body to minimize the amount of twisting that is needed.
First-Aid. Employee using sledgehammer while stripping forms. Employee struck finger. Medical treatment
was not necessary. This is a routine incident and impacts each of us in some manner. Focusing on each task
will assist in minimizing the frequency and severity.
Thoughts To Start The Work Day
Do you realize how important your safety is to you and to your family? Are you ‘on the alert’ every minute of the
day … to the dangers of using unsafe procedures? Many safe procedures have been designed to protect you on
the job. These safe procedures are vital to you and your hands. Safe procedures protect hands against injuries
such as sharp edges, improperly conditioned hand tools, improperly handled materials and pinch points.
Be on guard every minute of the day. Failure to observe safe procedures … just one time … can cause injury to
those vulnerable ‘tools’ … YOUR HANDS.
If you have learned the safety know-how of your job and learned it well, it will be easy for you to catch anything
some other fellow does that isn’t as safe as it should be. If you see it and don’t say anything and he gets hurt,
aren’t you partly to blame? Think it over.
Keeping an eye out for the other fellow’s safety can help you too… a lot, sometimes. We all make mistakes. We
slip up once in a while. After all, we’re only humans. But if each of us is keeping the other fellow’s safety at
mind, and he is doing the same for us, he’s likely to catch our slips. You help him - he helps you. One hand
washes the other. Believe me, it pays.
To the Supervisor
Your job in management embraces many duties… and not the least of these is your responsibility for
safeguarding the well being of the workers in your charge. No other obligation is of greater importance than this.
As a supervisor, it is your duty to police your men and your job. You are to be on alert, at all times, for unsafe
conditions, equipment and unsafe actions.
You are to:
1. Recognize the hazards of the work operation for the day.
2. Discuss you procedures for the day.
3. Check for all personal protective equipment required on the job and for particular
tasks at hand.
4. Check vehicles and equipment for both mechanical and safety problems. Fix them or
remove them from service before starting work.
5. You are to take immediate remedial action when necessary
As an added aspect of an effective safety program, it is imperative that you talk to your men, from time to time, on
safety performance. We would suggest that you try to do this at least once a week.
You are not expected to be a finished speaker. You should, however, make it clear that you have the courage of
your convictions – and that you intend to do everything in your power to protect your men – and the equipment in
your charge – from accident and injury.
Employee Safety Responsibilities
The primary responsibility of Employee’s is to perform his or her duties in a safe manner, in order to prevent
injury to themselves and others.
As a condition of employment, Employees SHOULD become familiar with, observe and obey Company rules
and established policy for health, safety and preventing injuries while at work. Additionally, Employees SHOULD
learn the approved safe practices and procedures that apply to their work.
Before beginning special work or new assignments, an Employee should review applicable and appropriate
safety rules.
If an employee has any questions about how a task should be done safely, he or she should be instructed NOT
to begin the task until they discuss the situation with their Supervisor. Together, they will determine the safe way
to do the job.
If, after discussing a safety situation with their Supervisor, an Employee still has questions or concerns, he or
she should contact the next level supervisor.
NO EMPLOYEE IS EVER REQUIRED to perform work that they believe is unsafe, or that they think is likely to cause
injury or a health risk to themselves or others.
**Information provide by Dave Harrold of The Mahoney Group - Phoenix
If you have any questions, comments, suggestions or would like to be added to our newsletter mailing list
please contact us.
March April June
May – Clean Air,
Correct Posture,
Healthy Vision &
National Electrical
Safety Month
May 1-8, 2004 –
National Safe Kids
Week
May 4, 2004 –
World Asthma Day
May 5, 2004 –
Cinco De Mayo
May 9, 2004 –
Mother’s Day
May 16-22, 2004 –
National
Emergency
Medical Services
Week
May 22, 2004 –
National Safe
Boating Week
May 24, 2004 –
National Buckle
Up America Week
May 31, 2004 –
Memorial Day
(Observed)
Correct Posture,
Healthy Vision &
National Electrical
Safety Month
May 1-8, 2004 –
National Safe Kids
Week
May 4, 2004 –
World Asthma Day
May 5, 2004 –
Cinco De Mayo
May 9, 2004 –
Mother’s Day
May 16-22, 2004 –
National
Emergency
Medical Services
Week
May 22, 2004 –
National Safe
Boating Week
May 24, 2004 –
National Buckle
Up America Week
May 31, 2004 –
Memorial Day
(Observed)