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June is National Safety Month
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D.O.T.
& YOU
By Jo McGuire, TSS Senior Projects Manager
During National Safety Month, it is important for us to remember that the federal laws governing mandatory drug testing for U.S. Department of Transportation safety-sensitive employees were implemented as a safety measure to protect the public.
49 C.F.R. Part 40 ensures that our children's school bus drivers, our airline pilots, our railroad engineers and our over-the-road truck drivers are operating free of drugs and alcohol.
It is easy for us to see the rules as more interference by big government and many resist following the guidelines. But we should not be so quick to thwart the drug-testing guidelines when we take a step back and ask ourselves why these rules are in place.
Prior to 49 Part 40, this nation experienced a series of tragedies: the U.S.S. Nimitz disaster, the Chase, Maryland Conrail tragedy, and the U.S.S. Valdez oil spill are three examples where lives were lost, resources wasted and harm came to others through employee drug and alcohol use.
In the United States, 40% of workplace fatalities involve employee substance use.
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, employees in a mandatory drug testing program have 50% less drug use than those who are not.
Drug testing quite literally saves lives. It also saves money on accidents, injuries and worker's compensation claims. When considering your drug testing budget, remember that the cost of a drug test is mere pennies compared to a workplace tragedy and the investment is well worth the outcome of safety for your workplace, your employees and the community you serve.
At the end of the day, if we put SAFETY FIRST, the drug test is part of your strategy for healthy employees who are ready to work, productive in their duties and willing to help you reach your workplace goals.
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Signs & Symptoms for Supervisors
By: Jo McGuire
June 19, 2018
$129 First Person / $89 Second Person
How do you determine whether a Reasonable Cause situation exists in the workplace? This training will not only make the parameters clear to you but will also discuss the latest trends in employee substance use, how to approach the employee, document the situation, drug testing protocols and what the expectations are for record-keeping.
(120 min)
If you receive the drug & alcohol testing results for your company, you are required to know the responsibilities outlined in 49 CFR Part 40. We'll cover the rules, random selection, document retention and much more! Certificates of completion will be given for attending this course. (90 min)
The Fatigued Workforce
July 10, 2018
$39 per person
What is fatigue? Understanding body rhythms and the importance of sleep. How to face the problem in the workforce. (60 min)
Fall Protection
Presenter: Eric Bartholomew
July 17, 2018
$39 per person
Covering regulations, systems, inspections and training opportunity. (60 min)
Distracted Driving
Presenter: David Martin
August 7, 2018
$29 per person
What are the common distractions and hazards? Back to school means kids walking! What does your company policy say about corporate vehicles and phone use? (45 min)
Signs & Symptoms for Supervisors
By: Jo McGuire
August 21, 2018
$129 First Person / $89 Second Person
How do you determine whether a Reasonable Cause situation exists in the workplace? This training will not only make the parameters clear to you but will also discuss the latest trends in employee substance use, how to approach the employee, document the situation, drug testing protocols and what the expectations are for record-keeping.
(120 min)
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All webinars are
10:00 am AK Time
1:00 pm CS Time
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To register, please email:
or call:
877-225-1431
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Paternity
& DNA Testing
TSS, Inc. offers a wide variety of services. Learn more about Paternity and DNA testing as well as our other services by
clicking here
.
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Satisfied with our services? Let others know by leaving a review.
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The National Safety Council (NSC) has developed a theme for each of the four weeks. In recognition of National Safety Week, TSS, Inc. is pleased to provide tips and information relative to each of the themes.
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Week One: Emergency Preparedness
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We see daily news reports regarding emergency situations around the country and we must ask ourselves if we are prepared. Some emergencies are more complex than others but emergency situations can happen at any time, making it crucial that we are prepared for the unexpected long before it happens. Whether it's at work or at home, planning for possible emergencies could make the difference.
- Research and prepare for natural disasters common to your area, such as heavy rain and wind, fire, floods, earthquakes or tornadoes.
- Create a home emergency plan with your family know where you would meet and how to safely get there.
- Be a good participant in emergency drills at work and school by following instructions and paying attention to lessons learned.
- Store important phone numbers, including those of family members, with other important documents such as insurance information in a fire-proof safe or safety deposit box.
- Learn first aid and CPR for children and adults.
- Create an emergency kit for both your home and car, and stock your emergency kits now.
Emergency kits can help you prepare for the worst, but only if they are properly stocked and regularly refreshed. Your home emergency kit should be very accessible and contain:
- Food and water for each family member for three days as well as a can opener and nonperishable foods, such as tuna and peanut butter
- Hand-crank or battery-powered flashlight and radio with extra batteries
- Full first aid kit, including hand sanitizer and garbage bags
- Don't forget your pets. Plan for them as well.
- Whistle to signal for help so rescuers can locate you
Car emergency kits should contain:
- Properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench, tripod jack and jumper cables
- Tool kit, compass (if you know how to use one), duct tape and cell phone charger
- Flashlight with extra batteries, a rain poncho and a fire extinguisher
- Reflective triangles and vest, brightly colored cloth to make your vehicle more visible
- First aid kit and enough nonperishable food and water for three days
- Cold weather items such as: snow brush, shovel, windshield washer fluid, warm clothing, cat litter for traction and blankets
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We ask a lot of ourselves each day, and over time this can put a strain on our own wellness. Try these tips to help improve your wellness at every stage of life. Focus on Your Wellness Each Day
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator or go for a walk at lunch to work physical activity into your daily schedule
- Take advantage of workplace wellness programs
- Choose healthy snacks each day
- Find nearby options for exercise classes through your local parks department
- Take breaks throughout your day to refresh your body and mind - if you sit for long periods, stand up and stretch for a few minutes at a time
- Get regular medical checkups, such as an annual physical and age-appropriate tests
- Ask a professional about the right tests, exercise and nutrition choices for your physical fitness and age
- Talk to your doctor about alternatives to opioid pain medications
Watch out for fatigue. Fatigue is far more than just being tired. If you're missing out on the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep each day, you could become sleep deprived and be at higher risk for the negative effects of fatigue.
- Chronic sleep deprivation causes depression, obesity, cardiovascular disease and other illnesses
- Fatigued driving is impaired driving - losing even two hours of sleep is similar to the effect of having three beers
- Be aware that night shifts and rotating shifts put you at a higher risk of fatigue
- To help combat fatigue, make your bedroom more conducive to sleep; a quiet, dark room that is not too hot and not too cold will help you relax and get to sleep sooner
- Avoid chemicals that affect sleep; caffeine, nicotine and alcohol can all contribute to sleep problems
- Help your loved ones get the proper amount of sleep - children and teens typically require even more sleep than adults
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According to the U.S. Department of Labor, slips, trips, and falls make up the majority of general industry accidents. 15% of all accidental workplace deaths are a result of a slip, trip, or fall. One quarter of all reported injuries in the workplace each fiscal year fall under the category of slips, trips, and falls and 65% of all workdays lost are a result of a slip, a trip, or a fall.
Slips and trips occur when traction is lost between someone's shoe and the surface they are walking on, or when someone inadvertently comes into contact with an object in their line of travel, which may lead to a fall. Some common items or situations that may cause slips, trips, and falls are:
- Wet/Slippery Floors
- Floors Coated with Power, Sawdust, Etc.
- Uneven Surfaces
- Loose Carpet, Flooring, Mats
- Poor Condition of Footwear (Wet, Muddy, Oily)
- General Clutter, Trash, Etc.
- Open Desk or File Cabinet Drawer
Here are some guidelines to help you create a safer work environment:
* Put good housekeeping practices into effect. A clean, orderly work environment is a sign of a safe work environment. Make sure there's a routine in place with daily cleaning and organizing responsibilities assigned.
* Make efforts to reduce slippery surfaces. Keep up on outdoor sidewalks and parking lots. Wipe-up minor/non-toxic spills as soon as possible (some spills may need addressed by qualified associates). Use signage to mark wet or slippery floors.
* Avoid creating obstacles in aisles and walkways. Proper housekeeping should entail keeping walkways and forklift paths free from any obstacles. Avoid running cables, cords, and hoses across designated walking or forklift isles.
* Make use of proper lighting. A well-lit work area is essential. Use proper lighting in walkways, staircases, hallways, etc. Upon entering a dark room, turn lights on first before proceeding. Get fixtures, cords, and switches fixed as needed.
* Wear the proper shoe or boot. Many industrial workplaces require some sort of steel-toed footwear. Footwear should be slip-resistant (have good traction). Keep shoes or boots tied. Make sure they fit properly.
* Behavior. Ultimately, every person in the workplace needs to keep safety in mind at all times. Don't be in a hurry. Don't take short cuts. Stay off cell phones while walking, and watch where you're going!
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Vehicle Safety Checks
Have you taken the time lately to really give your automobile a good safety assessment? You don't need to be a mechanic to check over the basics. Use this handy checklist to help ensure that you and your passengers are as safe as possible in your ride!
- Rear-View Mirrors - Are they in good condition, and adjusted properly?
- Safety Belts - Are they working properly, front and back?
- Windshield Wiper Blades and Fluid - Plenty of wiper fluid? Are the wipers themselves in good condition?
- Horn - Does it work?
- Headlights - All working? Properly adjusted?
- Brakes - Noticing any squeals or inadequate stopping power?
- Emergency Brakes - Working?
- Turn Signals - Working?
- Tires - Proper air pressure? Good tread?
- Oil and Coolant - Levels good?
- Brake Lights - Functioning?
- License Plate Lights - Make sure these are working!
- Properly Installed Muffler System - Make sure nothing is loose, rattling, etc.
- Windshield and Window - Clean, and no cracks?
- Proof of Insurance and Vehicle Registration Card - Make sure these are in your vehicle
Distracted Driving Awareness
According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every day more than 9 people are killed, and more than 1,060 people are injured in automobile crashes that are reported to involve a distracted driver. Don't drive distracted!
There are three primary types of driving distractions: Visual, Manual, and Cognitive.
Avoiding visual distractions:
- Keep your eyes on the road!
- Pull over if you need to read directions.
- Put your cellular phone in "Do Not Disturb" mode.
- Avoiding manual distractions:
- Keep your cell phone out of easy reach.
- Make all adjustments to steering wheel, seat, etc. before you begin driving.
- Don't reach for items while on the road.
- Avoiding cognitive distractions:
- Avoid phone calls - even "hands-free."
- Keep your focus on the road.
- Keep your emotions in check.
T. S. S., Inc. offers a live or on-line based employee awareness training on a wide variety of workplace and community safety topics. Contact one of our offices for more information or visit www.tss-safety.com
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We offer world-class education and screening services for workplace and community safety.
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120 Carlanna Lake Rd, Ketchikan, AK 99901 * 907-247-1431
8800 Glacier Hwy #105, Juneau, AK 99801 * 907-523-8402
501 Main St, Craig, AK 99927 * 877-225-1431 [APPT. ONLY]
906 Main St, Keokuk, IA 52632 * 319-524-5051
416-R N 24th St, Quincy, IL 62301 * 217-223-2300 [APPT. ONLY]
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