OSHA Archives - Shafer Equipment Company

Face Mask Guidelines on Job Sites

January 26, 2022 Shafer Equipment Company

The CDC has stated that COVID-19 spreads primarily via transmission of respiratory droplets from person to person. They recommend that all individuals over the age of two wear a cloth face mask in public settings where social distancing measures are difficult to achieve. With the possibility of asymptomatic virus carriers, cloth face masks have become accepted as an important measure for preventing the spread of COVID-19.

OSHA recognizes that cloth face masks can be an important protective measure in preventing the spread of COVID-19, but also provide some caveats for construction industry employees.

Cloth Face Masks Are Not Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Cloth face masks are not a substitute for other types of required face coverings. Many construction sites have respiratory hazards, such as particulate or vapor hazards, that typically require the use of a hazard-specific respirator. When this is the case, respirators should be used, and cloth face masks should not be worn with or as a subsitute for a respirator.

Wearing a Single Cloth Face Mask All Day

OSHA has also pointed out that it may not be practical for a construction employee to wear a single cloth face mask all day. A construction worker’s mask may become wet, soiled, or otherwise visibly contaminated during the workday. OSHA suggests that construction employers should make replacement face masks readily available for use.

The Importance of Certified Operators on the Job Site

January 21, 2022 Shafer Equipment Company

Having certified equipment operators on the job site can benefit your company in many ways. Operators that have proper training on the equipment they operate are not only safer, but can help your bottom line through increased productivity. They account for more efficient shifts and less time and money lost. When you make safety and training a top priority, your company will attract and retain quality employees.

Your company can limit its exposure to workplace hazards when your crew of workers are trained on machine maintenance, proper operation and safety practices. This can significantly reduce or eliminate on-site accidents and injuries while keeping group health insurance costs low. Below are just a few benefits to offering proper equipment training.

Certification

Having professional certification for heavy equipment operators ensures best-practice methods are familiar to your crew. When operators receive certification that meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements, this can potentially lower your company’s insurance costs.

Better Employees & Boosted Performance

Companies that offer equipment training present a competitive edge when attracting skilled equipment operators. Employees appreciate companies that make safety and machine knowledge a top priority. This usually results in better machine care, fewer mistakes, and a higher quality product.

Shafer Equipment Company can provide your company with the training services and resources it needs to give your employees the tools they need to do their job more effectively. For more information on training services offered click here.

The Top 5 Forklift-Related OSHA Violations

January 14, 2022 Shafer Equipment Company

Unsafe Operation

Some of the most common reasons for a citation are driving with an elevated load, driving too fast and too close to platform edges, and not following loading dock safety procedures.

Failure to Provide Refresher Training

Forklift operators must receive refresher training every three years or sooner if they are involved in an accident, or when reported for reckless behavior. Forklift operators may also require additional training when asked to operate a different class of forklift, or if changes in the workplace have introduced new hazards.

Missing or Inadequate Operator Certification

All forklift operators must have an OSHA-approved forklift certification for the class of forklift they operate.

Failure to Remove Unsafe Forklifts From Service

Whenever a forklift is found to be defective, in need of repair, or in any way unsafe, the forklift must be taken out of service until it is restored to a safe operating condition.

No Pre-Operation Inspection

All forklifts must undergo inspection to ensure the safety of the operator and detect minor issues before they become expensive repairs.