SAFETY TIP TUESDAY- NCESD
Provided by the North Central ESD Workers Compensation Trust
PREPARING YOUR WORKSPACE FOR SUMMER
Pest-proof Your Workspace
Messy workspaces can attract unwanted pests so be sure to pest-proof your workspace before leaving for the summer.
- Take home any unused snacks or foods. If you leave food in your workspace, including any food-based art supplies, be sure to secure it in a hard plastic container with a snap-tight lid.
- De-clutter your workspace. If you haven't used it within the past year, get rid of it.
- Store materials/supplies in hard plastic containers with snap-tight lids; not corrugated cardboard boxes.
- Remove stuffed furniture. It can harbor an abundance of allergens and dust mites & makes great nests for mice and other rodents!
Avoid Overloading the Garbage
- Don't discard books & other heavy items in the garbage. Leave them near the trash can in a box marked "garbage."
- Use several small boxes to collect paper for recycling.
- Obtain another garbage can if the container becomes full to prevent injuries to those individuals who normally empty the garbage/recycle containers.
Moving Supplies and/or Furniture
Protect yourself from being injured while moving supplies & furniture by following these simple safety tips:
- Analyze the Load. Get help for heavy or awkward loads or divide heavy loads into several smaller loads to reduce the weight.
- Use mechanical devices, i.e., a cart, dolly, or hand truck, whenever possible.
- Use Your Eyes. Check the path you will take for any obstacles that could get in the way. And, make sure you can see over the load.
- Warm Up. Stretch your legs and back before lifting anything.
- Don't rush. Pace yourself and take small breaks between lifts as needed.
- Use proper body mechanics. Bend & lift with your knees, not your back; keep the load close to your body; & avoid over reaching, stretching & twisting.
Ladder Safety
- Don't use a chair or desk as a substitute for a ladder regardless of the height of the task! Take time to get a ladder if you need to extend your reach.
- Inspect the ladder before using it for signs of damage or excessive wear .
Don't position a ladder in a traffic area, passageway, or in front of a doorway.
Fully open stepladders & lock both spreaders.
Face the ladder & use both hands while climbing. Don't carry tools/materials in your hands while climbing up or down a ladder.
Maintain 3 points of contact (2-hands & 1-foot or 2-feet & 1-hand).
Don't lean. Keep your body centered between the side rails.
Never stand on the top step of a stepladder or top 3 rungs of an extension ladder.
Have a SAFE Summer Break!
North Central ESD Workers' Compensation Trust
Email: brooket@ncesd.org
Website: www.ncesd.org
Location: 430 Olds Station Road, Wenatchee, WA, United States
Phone: 509-667-3635