ArcFlash Newsletters/Safety Resources

We are pleased to share with you the following Safety Committee Newsletters on behalf of PowerForward DuPage. These articles are meant to encourage a safer work environment for all working craftsmen and women. Please click on any of the links below to view:

Consider Stretch and Flex at the Workplace for your Organization

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, 43% of all non fatal injuries are the result of strains and sprains. These injuries are responsible for 28% of all lost time from injuries at the workplace. Regular Stretch and Flex Programs have shown to help reduce these numbers.

Benefits include:

An increase in worker energy levels.
Increased flexibility.
Increased awareness.
Reduced range of motion injuries.
Reduced illness rates.
Improved body mechanics and posture.
Increased strength.
Increased circulation.
Reduced stress levels.

These are some of the benefits to a regular Stretch and Flex Programs. These programs also offer a chance to have brief safety and job site meetings. They foster better job site morale by offering fun and healthy activities at work. They increase job and safety awareness as well as improving communications and relationships between trades.

COVID-19 Guidance for the Construction Workforce

OSHA is committed to protecting the health and safety of America’s workers and workplaces during these unprecedented times. The agency will be issuing a series of industry-specific alerts designed to keep workers safe.

When working in the construction industry, the following tips can help reduce the risk of exposure to the coronavirus:

Encourage workers to stay home if they are sick.
Allow workers to wear masks over their nose and mouth to prevent them from spreading the virus.
Continue to use other normal control measures, including personal protective equipment (PPE), necessary to protect workers from other job hazards associated with construction activities.
Advise workers to avoid physical contact with others and direct employees/contractors/visitors to increase personal space to at least six feet, where possible. Where work trailers are used, all workers should maintain social distancing while inside the trailers.
Train workers how to properly put on, use/wear, and take off protective clothing and equipment.
Encourage respiratory etiquette, including covering coughs and sneezes.
Promote personal hygiene. If workers do not have immediate access to soap and water for handwashing, provide alcohol-based hand rubs containing at least 60 percent alcohol.
Use Environmental Protection Agency-approved cleaning chemicals from List N or that have label claims against the coronavirus.
To the extent tools or equipment must be shared, provide and instruct workers to use alcohol-based wipes to clean tools before and after use. When cleaning tools and equipment, workers should consult manufacturer recommendations for proper cleaning techniques and restrictions.
Keep in-person meetings (including toolbox talks and safety meetings) as short as possible, limit the number of workers in attendance, and use social distancing practices.
Clean and disinfect portable jobsite toilets regularly. Hand sanitizer dispensers should be filled regularly. Frequently-touched items (i.e., door pulls and toilet seats) should be disinfected.
Encourage workers to report any safety and health concerns.

For more information, visit www.osha.gov/coronavirus or call 1-800-321-OSHA (6742).

Injury & Illness Summaries Must Be Posted on February 1, 2021

On February 1, 2021 employers must post a current summary of the total number of job-related injuries and illnesses that occurred last year in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Employers are only required to post the Summary (OSHA 300 Form) — from February 1, 2021 to April 30, 2021.

The summary must list the total numbers of job-related injuries and illnesses that occurred in 2020 and were logged on the OSHA 300 form. Employment information about annual average number of employees and total hours worked during the calendar year is also required to assist in calculating incidence rates per OSHA. Companies with no recordable injuries or illnesses in 2020 must post the form with zeros on the total line. All establishment summaries must be certified by a company executive.

The form is to be displayed in a common area wherever notices to employees are usually posted. Employers must make a copy of the summary available to employees who move from worksite to worksite, such as construction workers, and employees who do not report to any fixed establishment on a regular basis. http://www.osha.gov/recordkeeping/index.html

Article VI section 6.08 of the IBEW Local 701 agreement requires that accident reports must be submitted to the IBEW Local 701 / NE NECA Safety Committee. Submitting the modified OSHA 300 log (see links below) fulfills your obligation as a contractor to submit accident reports. Please note that the modified form does not substitute the original OSHA form to be posted and is provided to you to assist compliance with the 701 agreement.

We have a modified version of the OSHA 300 log for your convenience which provides confidentiality of employees by omitting names. To view and/or print this form, please click on the following link: OSHA 300 Modified Log

Please complete all highlighted fields and return it to the PowerForward DuPage office, Attention: Safety Committee via fax (630) 393-3497 or email us at info@PowerForwardDuPage.com on or before February 1, 2021 reporting calendar year 2020 (in full).

If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact the LMCC/PowerForward DuPage Director, Lauren Mesich at 630.393.1701 Extension 5.