COVID-19 UPDATE   With the recent global developments of COVID-19, The Paint Manager would like to remind our community members how to best protect your health in accordance with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Additionally, we are announcing that all interior projects from The Paint Manager are currently suspended through August 2020.   We appreciate your understanding during this time, and we urge everyone to use the following CDC guidelines to protect your health and the health of others. Visit CDC.gov to learn more and be prepared.   How to Protect Yourself — CDC Guidelines:   Know How it SpreadsThere is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungsTake Steps to Protect YourselfCover coughs and sneezes.Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.Throw used tissues in the trash.Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.Wear a facemask if you are sick.If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.Clean and disinfect.Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent soap and water prior to disinfection

 

Following best workplace safety practices should be a daily commitment for everyone. According to the latest (2016) figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a total of 5,190 fatal work injuries were recorded in the United States – a 7-percent increase from the 4,836 fatal injuries reported in 2015.

 

To prevent this grim trend from increasing, it’s essential to build safety awareness and reinforce a culture of safety in the workplace – whether the environment is a construction site, industrial setting, agricultural, transportation or office. Here are 10 basic safety tips – and one extra – that should always be top-of-mind:

 

1.    Be alert! Keep your head up and avoid distractions, such as texting or other cell phone use. Being aware of your surroundings to avoid hazardous situations is one of the best ways to prevent an accident.

 

2.    Always use tools and operate machinery properly. It doesn’t matter how many years of experience you have, taking shortcuts is a leading cause of workplace injury. Examples include not wearing/removing protective clothing/goggles, using the wrong tool for the job or using scaffolding for a ladder.

 

3.    Wear the right personal protective equipment (PPE). Be sure it meets the OSHA requirements appropriate for your job and fits properly. If the PPE does not fit properly, it can make the difference between being safely covered or dangerously exposed.

 

4.    Keep clear access to all exits. Clutter blocking exits – especially emergency exits – can result in tragedy. Also, be sure not to block equipment shutoffs or use electrical rooms as a makeshift storage area. Supplies can block electrical installations when emergency access is necessary.

 

5.    Be sober! Substance abuse – be it illicit or prescription drugs, and alcohol – is responsible for around three percent of workplace fatalities. The effect they have on judgment, focus, alertness and motor control pose a danger to the user and others in the workplace. If this is an issue, help, and support may be available through your employer, healthcare provider or a not-for-profit organization.

 

6.    Work smarter, not harder. Use equipment such as a dolly, hand truck, wheelbarrow, forklift or crank instead of lifting and carrying heavy loads. Saving your back is more important than saving an extra minute or two.

 

7.    Practice good posture. Whether you’re on the shop floor or behind a desk, posture and movements make a big difference. Desk dwellers should keep shoulders in line with hips to avoid back problems, while everyone should restrain from stooping and twisting.

 

8.    Take a break! While it’s easy to get caught up in your work, taking time for regular breaks keeps you refreshed, focused and less likely to suffer injury brought on by fatigue.

 

9.    Practice and promote health and wellness. Employers may already have an in-house program to encourage a healthy lifestyle. If not, there are many resources available to educate and motivate employees to eat right, exercise and lead a better-balanced life to help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. An employee-led group can also take the initiative.

 

10. Report unsafe conditions or products to your supervisor. Businesses have a legal obligation to ensure a safe working environment. OSHA has a set of Guidelines with recommended practices to help promote a safer environment for workers in the construction industry.

 

Now for a bonus safety tip! Building a culture of workplace safety doesn’t stop at the front door or loading dock. Everyone within your organization should be encouraged to prevent accidents outside of work – which have a direct impact on absenteeism, restricted work, and productivity. Use company bulletins and other in-house communications to deliver safety messages on such topics as grill safety, home repairs, and snow shoveling. We also found these topics from Arbill to be extremely helpful: https://www.arbill.com/arbill-safety-blog

 

Remember: Workplace safety is everyone’s responsibility!

 

 

 

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