National Preparedness Month is an observance each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. 
In 2021, FEMA’s Ready Campaign and the Ad Council broke ground by producing the first-ever national preparedness campaign specifically targeting the Latino community for National Preparedness Month. Released during Hispanic Heritage month, the advertisements centered around the Latino community’s commitment to personal planning for occasions and family milestones as a bridge to also planning for disasters.
This one-of-a-kind campaign is committed to putting people first and reaching communities where they are. To continue these efforts, this year’s National Preparedness Month campaign will feature a call to action for the Black and African American community.
This year’s national public service announcements are being developed and will be released throughout the country this September, to help get preparedness information into the hands of those who live in underserved communities.
2023 Theme: Preparing for Older Adults
The Ready Campaign’s 2023 National Preparedness Month campaign will focus on preparing older adults for disaster, specifically older adults from communities that are disproportionally impacted by the all-hazard events, which continue to threaten the nation.
We know older adults can face greater risks when it comes to the multitude of extreme weather events and emergencies we now face, especially if they are living alone, are low-income, have a disability, or live in rural areas.
Emergency managers and all those who work with and support older adult communities to access the new webpage available in English and Spanish languages at Ready.gov/older-adults and Ready.gov/es/adultos-mayores for initial messaging, graphics and resources.

• Know what disasters could affect your area, which could call for an evacuation, and when to shelter in place, and plan what you need to do in both cases.

• Keep a NOAA Weather Radio tuned to your local emergency station and monitor TV and radio for warnings about severe weather in your area.

• Download the FEMA app and get weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five different locations anywhere in the United States.

​

Salem – If you have a brilliant idea for a workplace safety or health training or education project, but you're not sure where to go for funding to help make it a reality, consider Oregon OSHA's grant program. We are ready to hear your pitch.
The division is now accepting grant applications for the creation of innovative on-the-job safety or health training or education projects. Applications are due by 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 2. Oregon OSHA prioritizes unique projects that engage workers on essential workplace safety or health topics. Such projects may include an immersive training video or an eye-catching safety publication or a package of helpful safety and health guidelines and checklists.
Go online to learn about how to apply or contact Matt Kaiser, 971-599-9638, [email protected]
The grant program focuses on high-hazard Oregon industries, such as forestry, construction, or agriculture, or a specific work process to reduce or eliminate hazards. Any labor or employer association, educational institution that is affiliated with a labor association or employer association, or any nonprofit entity may apply.
Grants may not be used to pay for projects that are purely research in nature or for regular ongoing activities or those specifically required by law. Only new or substantially expanded activities will be considered for funding. The goal is not to reinvent the wheel or solve a problem that has already been solved. Instead, the goal is to take workplace safety and health training or education to a new level. Materials produced by grant recipients cannot be sold for profit, and all grant materials become public domain. Depending on the type of project, some of the materials will be housed in the Oregon OSHA Resource Center, while some materials will be available online.
Some examples of past grant projects include:

• A virtual reality training for health care providers to help identify hazards related to infection control and prevention in hospitals
• Creation of safe-design guidelines for anchoring systems used as part of logging operations
• An educational program for nurses to prevent ergonomic-related injuries
• Videos and related training aids describing the most prevalent health hazards in construction: silica, lead, noise, and asbestos
• Spanish-language flip charts designed to help prevent heat-related illness among forest workers

The Oregon Legislature launched the Occupational Safety and Health Education and Training Grant Program in 1990. Award recommendations are made by Oregon OSHA's Safe Employment Education and Training Advisory Committee, a group with members from business, labor, and government.

About Oregon OSHA:
Oregon OSHA, a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, enforces the state's workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. For more information, go to osha.oregon.gov.
The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon's largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. For more information, go to www.oregon.gov/dcbs/.

On behalf of the Southern Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Conference planning committee, it is my honor to invite and welcome you to our annual conference. Our conference is a joint effort and partnership between Oregon OSHA and the Southern Oregon Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP). We have been working on this conference for the last ten months. We have so many dedicated committee members that have been working hard to bring you the best conference possible. It’s been four years since we held a full in-person conference like this. We are determined to bring you a conference to match and probably exceed your hopes and expectations.  
 
I still believe that this is the premier safety conference of its kind in our region, regularly drawing attendees from all over the northwest. The Professional Development Workshop on Tuesday, October 17th, will be taught by Bob Edwards author, trainer and consultant on “Operational Learning and Practical Application of Human Organizational Performance Principles.” Wednesday morning Bob will kick off the day with a keynote message about, “How to think like an Organizational Performance Coach.” Our Thursday morning keynote will be presented by author, trainer and consultant, Libby Gill on “Leading Through Change, Challenge, and Chaos.” Throughout the conference we have 27 breakout sessions for you to choose from. No matter what industry you are in, we have something for you at this conference: manufacturing, healthcare, construction, agricultural, etc. No matter your role in your organization, we have something for you: management, frontline employee, safety committee, HR, supervisor, etc.  
 
Also, don’t forget the pre-conference CPR and Flagging certification workshops on Tuesday or the award ceremony on Thursday. Between the education and networking opportunities and the great food catered by Ashland Hills Hotel, this may be the best opportunity in the region for anyone with safety responsibilities at your organization. Please join us and celebrate safety in Southern Oregon! 
 
Sincerely, 
David Hanson, Conference Chair ​

​What is Warehouse Safety?
Warehouse safety is a set of regulatory guidelines and industry best practices to help warehousing personnel ensure a safe work environment and reinforce safe behavior when working in warehouses. For sustainable warehouse operations, health and safety should be prioritized as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) revealed that the fatal injury rate for the warehousing industry is higher than the national average for all industries.

Importance

Warehouses can be dangerous places to work in. It is important to understand common warehouse dangers and hazards because they can cause injuries and in extreme cases death. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported an average of 16 fatalities every year in the U.S. warehousing and storage sector and a reported injury and illness rate of 5 out of every 100 warehouse and storage workers.
OSHA Regulations and Standards

While there are no explicit OSHA warehousing regulations, warehouse operations fall under the general industry requirements which include the following OSHA standards:

• Hazard Communication – Warehouse operators should prepare and implement a written Hazard Communication (HazCom) program and warehouse workers who may be exposed to hazardous chemicals should know about them and how to protect themselves.
• Emergency Action Plan (EAP) – If warehouse owners do not have an in-house fire brigade, then they should have a detailed plan describing the actions warehousing employees should take in the event of a fire or other emergency situations.
• Fire Safety – Warehouse management employing more than 10 workers should have a written fire prevention plan, kept in the warehouse and made available to warehouse personnel for review.
• Exit Routes – Warehouses should have at least two well-designed and well-constructed emergency exit routes—located as far away as practical from each other in case one is blocked by fire or smoke—that are regularly inspected for maintenance, safeguards, and operational features.
• Walking / Working Surfaces – Warehouse and storage facility workers working at heights, especially on elevated platforms, should have fall protection systems to protect themselves from falls which is among the leading causes of serious work-related injuries and deaths.
• Medical and First Aid – OSHA requires warehouse operators to provide medical and first-aid personnel and supplies commensurate with warehouse hazards such as faulty pallet racks and racking falls due to unsafe use of forklifts, among others.

Hazards and Controls

Here are 8 of the most common warehouse safety hazards and safety tips and resources to help you identify and control them:
1. Forklifts
Forklifts are critical pieces of equipment used in warehousing and storage facilities. However, when operated incorrectly can cause serious damage to operators, nearby workers and property. Unsafe use of forklifts is the most often cited hazard in warehousing operations by OSHA. Below are a few basic warehouse safety tips to follow in forklift use:

• Ensure all forklift operators are competent and have completed certified training. Perform regular refresher training and evaluation when an operator is observed operating the vehicle in an unsafe manner.
• Perform daily pre-start forklift equipment inspections to check for controls and equipment damage.

2. Docks
One of the worst accidents a worker could suffer when working in a warehouse is being pinned or crushed between a forklift truck and the loading dock. This typically occurs when a forklift runs off the dock and strikes a person. Follow the tips below to improve safety for warehouse workers:

• Forklift operators must be attentive and drive slowly on dock plates, make sure dock edges are clear and safe to support loads.
• Always ensure that warning signs and mechanisms are in place to prevent people from getting near docks.

3. Conveyors
Conveyor equipment is commonly used in the transportation of goods from warehouse to warehouse. However, conveyors pose serious dangers to workers including getting caught in equipment and being struck by falling objects. To ensure warehouse safety, it is important to do the following:

• Ensure proper safeguarding equipment between the conveyor and the worker to protect against the entanglement of clothing, body parts and hair.
• Follow proper lockout tag-out procedures during conveyor maintenance and repairs.

4. Materials storage
Improper stacking of loads and storage of materials on shelves can result in unintended slip and trip hazards for nearby workers.

• Keep aisles and passageways clear and in good condition, this prevents workers from slipping, tripping, or falling.
• Loads should be placed evenly and properly positioned, heavier loads must be stacked on lower or middle shelves. Always remember to remove one load at a time.

5. Manual lifting/handling
The most common cause of physical injuries in warehouse and storage facilities involves improper manual lifting and handling. Failure to follow proper procedures can cause musculoskeletal disorders, especially if done with awkward postures, repetitive motions, or overexertion. Warehouse safety during manual lifting or handling can be ensured by doing the following:

• Plan ahead and determine if the need for lifting can be minimized by applying good engineering design techniques.
• Observe proper ergonomic posture when carrying or moving loads. If products are too heavy, ask assistance from a co-worker. Learn more about the principles of ergonomics in the workplace.

6. Hazardous chemicals
When handling hazardous chemicals in your warehouse or storage facilities, a hazard communication program should be implemented. Your hazard communication program should cover effective training on identifying chemical hazards; proper handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals; and the use of appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment). It is imperative that workers and management teams be knowledgeable in conducting better safety inspections and proper handling and storing of hazardous chemicals to ensure warehouse safety.


7. Charging stations
Charging stations in warehouse facilities are used to refuel or recharge all powered equipment to function. Units may be powered by gasoline, liquid petroleum gas (LPG), or battery. If warehouse safety guidelines are not followed, fires and explosions can occur.

• Charging stations should be away from open flames. Smoking should be prohibited. Fire extinguishers should be available and in good working condition in case of fire.
• An adequate ventilation system must be installed to disperse harmful gases. Proper PPE should be worn. Eye-washing and shower facilities should be present should employees get exposed to acids and chemicals.

8. Energized equipment
A Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) program must be implemented in all warehouse operations to ensure that all energized equipment is properly shut off and to prevent employees from being caught between mechanical parts or being electrocuted. All affected workers must be trained on LOTO procedures and how to apply and remove LOTO devices after performing maintenance to ensure warehouse safety. Check out this collection of digital LOTO checklists to learn more.
Tips and Best Practices

Depending on the type of business, there are specific safety rules to be followed due to hazards that are also specific to the type of work people do. However, there are also warehouse safety rules that should be adhered to by workers in any warehouse. Below are a few general tips to follow to ensure warehouse safety, regardless of business or industry.

• Reinforce proper ergonomics at all times.
  Warehouse employees do a lot of heavy lifting, and it is important that they are trained in the proper lifting procedures so that they avoid hurting others and themselves. Your warehouse safety program should cover ergonomics in the workplace. Aside from proper lifting and operation of lifting tables, remind employees to maintain proper posture in general. If they have to do manual lifting, train them in the proper techniques that will help protect the back and knees from injury.
• Ensure that all fire hazards are minimized and that appropriate fire safety measures are in place.
  If you have an operating warehouse facility, you probably have all the necessary fire alarms, extinguishers, and sprinklers as required by safety regulations in your area. While this is all well and good, it won’t matter if the people in the warehouse aren’t trained in their proper use. Schedule regular training and inspections to ensure that all employees are knowledgeable in fire safety processes and that all fire safety measures are in place and functioning as required.
• Minimize cutting dangers and enforce safe handling of sharp objects.
  Workers in a warehouse environment handle a lot of packing and unpacking tasks; they constantly use a lot of corrugated, metal, and plastic straps and plastic pallet wrappings. This is why it’s vital that they use proper PPE and safety knives to avoid serious injury or death. Safety knives should retract automatically, limit the exposed cutting surface, and not require too much sharpening. All workers should also be trained in the proper cutting techniques to ensure warehouse safety at all times.

 
 
Example of a Program Overview

Setting and maintaining warehouse safety programs is an ongoing process of identifying barriers to safe work and removing them from the warehouse operations. Any warehouse safety program should be tailored to the current condition, needs, and culture of the warehousing workers, but it should at least contain:

• Warehouse Safety Rules – includes OSHA requirements such as appropriate PPE, mandatory safety signages, HazCom program, fire prevention plan, and emergency action plan. You can also take advantage of a warehouse safety checklist to do regular safety observation checks to ensure safety protocols are being followed by employees in the warehouse. 

 

• Warehousing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) – especially applies to certain job tasks and for operating specialized pieces of machinery or new equipment
• Warehouse Safety Training – generally includes forklift operator certification, hazardous material handling and storage training, and proper ergonomics and hazard identification in warehousing
• Warehouse Inspections and Record-keeping – crucial warehousing checks such as racking inspections, 5S audits, daily pre-use forklift inspections, and warehouse tools and equipment preventive maintenance should be adequately documented and kept for a certain period, including safety meeting minutes, corrective actions to safety concerns, training initiatives, incident reporting, and investigative reports
• Warehouse Safety Committee – ideally composed of members from different departments as frontline ambassadors of safety on the warehouse floor

 
 
Topics to Discuss with Your Team

Improving warehouse safety takes small but consistent actions done by everyone in every area of warehouse operations, not just by safety personnel. Apart from having the required certifications and appropriate training, facilitating regular warehouse safety meetings or toolbox talks can help engage with frontline workers better, foster collaboration, and build a safety culture from the ground up.
Listed below are relevant warehouse safety meeting topics you can discuss with your team:

• Identifying and Complying with PPE-related Warehouse Safety Signages
• Warehouse Safety Equipment for Proper Handling and Storage of Hazardous Materials
• Distinguishing between Forklift Pre-operation and Operational Safety Checks
• Warehouse Health and Safety Regulations for Working at Heights
• Emergency Procedures for Warehouse Fires caused by Faulty Electrical Distribution

If safety procedures and workplace hazards are disregarded in warehouses to cut costs, it exposes workers to serious risks of accidents and injury. Providing workers training on hazard awareness, conducting safety inspections, and implementing warehouse safety measures can help maintain a safe, secure and healthy working environment.

​ Author: National Safety Council
​
Not including boating incidents, on average about 10 people die from drowning every day in the United States, according to Injury Facts® the annual statistical report on unintentional injuries produced by the National Safety Council.

Pool Safely This Summer; Take the Pledge
NSC and the Consumer Product Safety Commission are encouraging everyone to keep water safety top of mind and reduce child drowning in pools and spas. The Pool Safely campaign reminds everyone to follow five simple steps to stay safer in and around water.
More than 75,000 adults and children have signed the Pool Safely Pledge last summer. Take the Pledge today and get a free Pool Safely Toolkit.
The USA Swimming Foundation reports nearly 90 children younger than 15 drowned in a pool or spa from January through May 2018, and every year about 19 children drown during the July 4 holiday. CPSC also reports:

• 74% of drowning incidents for children younger than 15 between 2015 and 2017 occurred in residential locations
• Boys younger than 15 die from drowning at twice the rate as girls
• 351 children younger than 15 died in pools and spas in 2015
• Emergency departments treat about 6,400 pool and spa injuries in children younger than 15 every year

Teens and Young Adults Often Don't Think About Water Safety
While drowning deaths peak among one and two year olds, drownings continue to be the second leading cause of preventable death through age 15. According to NSC research, 353 people ages 5 to 24 drowned in 2017.
Swimmers should keep a few safety precautions in mind:

• Don't go in the water unless you know how to swim; swim lessons are available for all ages
• Never swim alone
• Learn CPR and rescue techniques
• Make sure the body of water matches your skill level; swimming in a pool is much different than swimming in a lake or river, where more strength is needed to handle currents
• If you do get caught in a current, don't try to fight it; stay calm and float with it, or swim parallel to the shore until you can swim free
• Swim in areas supervised by a lifeguard
• Don't push or jump on others
• Don't dive in unfamiliar areas
• Never drink alcohol when swimming; alcohol is involved in about half of all male teen drownings, according to KidsHealth.org

The Younger the Child, the Greater the Risk

Most parents think water safety is first and foremost on their minds whenever they are enjoying summer activities with their young kids. But when the unthinkable happens, caregivers often say, “I only looked away for a second.”
NSC statistics point to drowning as a leading cause of death for young children – mostly due to children falling into a pool or being left alone in the bathtub. Of the 3,709 drownings in 2017, more than 12% were children age 4 and younger, according to Injury Facts. Bathtubs, toilets and even buckets also can pose a danger for very young children.
Distractions Make for Tragedies
Parents are cautioned all the time about water safety, but drownings still occur. Always be aware and be in the present moment with your children. Following are a few water safety precautions:

• Never leave your child alone; if you have to leave, take your child with you
• Find age-appropriate swim lessons for your child, but keep in mind that lessons do not make your child "drown-proof"
• Lifeguards aren't babysitters; always keep your eyes on your child
• Don't let children play around drains and suction fittings
• Never consume alcohol when operating a boat, and always make sure everyone is wearing U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets
• Don't underestimate the power of water; even rivers and lakes can have undertows
• Always have a first aid kit and emergency contacts handy
• Get training in CPR
• If a child is missing, check the water first

Every pool, every lake and every warm summer day holds the possibility of new, fun summer experiences. All you need to add is your undivided attention.
 

​ 
Greetings ASSP Safety Community!
I am very happy to be writing my first President’s Message to all of you.  It was fifteen years ago that I attended my first ASSE meeting at Black Bear Diner with one of my safety mentors, Mary Hoskins.  That was before the name change to ASSP with “E” standing for Engineers instead of the current “P” for Professionals.  I cannot even describe how intimidated I was, I was not an engineer!  And at the time I was a Human Resources Manager that had been given safety responsibilities due to cutbacks in the wood products industry when the housing bubble broke in 2008.  So, not only was I not an engineer I also did not consider myself a knowledgeable safety professional.  I was so nervous I am not sure I heard any of the meeting as all I could hear was my heart pounding.  I could not wait to get out of there!
Fast forward three years and I attended my second ASSP meeting at the Red Lion.  I was working for a new organization and was looking for a safety professional for my team.  In those three years I gained more safety knowledge and credibility and was really able to engage in the meeting.  I was impressed with the professionalism and sense of community.  True care and respect was evident and the fellowship was very welcoming.  Shortly thereafter I became a member, with pride.  Not only did I find a safety professional for my team, I found a venue to learn and grow professionally and to build relationships with people I now consider friends.
The following year I was asked to join the Executive Committee to fill the role of Treasurer.  While my career was in HR and Safety, my educational back ground was in Accounting.  I love numbers and took to the role immediately, it felt so good to flex my accounting muscles again.  I spent the next eight years as Treasurer refining our accounting and budgeting practices with the help and support of the  Executive Committee.  Last year I decided I wanted to broaden my horizons and moved into the Vice President role anticipating becoming President for our 2023-2024 year.
I have learned so much serving on the Executive Committee.  Every year the make-up of the group changes slightly as new members move in and others move out.  Despite these changes so much stays the same.  True collaboration with the guiding principle of serving our safety community, psychological safety that fosters constructive dissent and reaching consensus, safety professionals that are generous with their time and selflessly volunteer.  I never imagined I would get so much back from volunteering my time.  And serving on the Conference Planning Committee has been even more fulfilling. 
We are holding our first full three day Southern Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Conference since 2019 due to the pandemic.  It will be held at Ashland Hills Event Center October 17-19.  I am so excited to see familiar faces and meet new attendees to the event.  And special thanks to Mike Hill and David Hanson along with the Conference Planning Committee for continuing to serve our safety community during the pandemic by providing online events in 2020 and 2021 and a hybrid conference in 2022.  With Mike’s assistance we also pivoted to virtual monthly meetings immediately starting in April 2020 in order to consistently serve our safety community.
 
In closing, I urge you to grasp opportunities to be part of the Southern Oregon safety community.  Join one of the monthly meetings, attend the Executive Committee prior to the monthly meeting to learn how the gears of the Executive Committee turn, and please join us at the Conference.  What you give will come back to you exponentially.  Thank you so much for being a part of our safety community and sharing the passion for protecting the safety of so many.  Hope to see you in October if not sooner!
 

​
Patti McGuire, Chapter President

​ 
This is my last president’s message as the president for the Southern Oregon Chapter of the ASSP. I have held several positions on the local chapter board and found some more “challenging” than others. I have been the president a few times and held other positions such as secretary, treasurer, VP, COMT chair, served on the conference committee since 2006, etc. All were rewarding in many ways.
 
“Challenging” is a curious word. I recall in the Air Force, when I was in Security Forces, we would “challenge” someone, which meant that we would request certain codes to validate the person’s authorization to be near or around certain assets. When I tried out for the Emergency Services Team, a military version of SWAT, we were told we would be physically “challenged” to our maximum ability. I remember hating to be “challenged” to a sparring match in Japanese Ju Jitsu because we were never “challenged” by a lessor trained opponent, only by superior classmates, and I always had my hat handed to me. When I had the opportunity to cross-train into the safety career field, I was overjoyed at the “challenge” of learning such an outstanding field. As you can see, a word such as “challenge” or “challenging” has many applications which is defined by the context in which used. 
 
So, when I say that I, “found some more challenging that others,” what did I mean? Well, in this context, I found the challenges to be an endeavor that would be rewarding. All positions were challenging and rewarding. The “challenging” context I’m referring to here is what comes with saying “yes I’ll serve, and I am excited to do so.” This brought rewards which ensured my positive view of the career field was cemented forever in my mind. In other words, I had to commit to being plugged in to the chapter activities, and I am just amazed at how much I have enjoyed it and will always hold it as a highlight of my career. I can sum up the rewards in one word: friendships. I absolutely cannot put into words how awesome it has been getting to be around those people willing to serve on the board. I cannot put into words how much I have enjoyed getting to know people in the safety community. I can say that my professional life and my career has been made to be so much more FUN than I ever expected. It’s because of those who make up the chapter board and those who attend the safety functions. I have been overwhelming blessed by this challenge.
 
As a result, I am very grateful to have had the opportunities to serve this safety community, and I thank all that I have gotten to know for being plugged in. I am stating all of this to show our members that it is worth your time and effort to participate in your safety community. I completely believe that you will find it challenging and rewarding—if you will just take the challenge!
 
 

Government Relations Update:
 
​
OSHA initiative aligns enforcement, outreach efforts to protect workers
​
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced that its Occupational Safety and Health Administration has begun a National Emphasis Program to prevent falls, the leading cause of fatal workplace injuries and the violation the agency cites most frequently in construction industry inspections.
The emphasis program will focus on reducing fall-related injuries and fatalities for people working at heights in all industries. The targeted enforcement program is based on historical Bureau of Labor Statistics data and OSHA enforcement history. BLS data shows that of the 5,190 fatal workplace injuries in 2021, 680 were associated with falls from elevations, about 13 percent of all deaths.
"This national emphasis program aligns all of OSHA's fall protection resources to combat one of the most preventable and significant causes of workplace fatalities," said Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Doug Parker. "We're launching this program in concert with the 10th annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction and the industry's Safety Week. Working together, OSHA and employers in all industries can make lasting changes to improve worker safety and save lives."
The program establishes guidance for locating and inspecting fall hazards and allows OSHA compliance safety and health officers to open inspections whenever they observe someone working at heights. An outreach component of the program will focus on educating employers about effective ways to keep their workers safe. If a compliance officer determines an inspection is not necessary after entering a worksite and observing work activities, they will provide outreach on fall protection and leave the site.
 
Learn more from Oregon OSHA: https://osha.oregon.gov/pages/topics/fall-protection.aspx
 
Learn more from OSHA: https://www.osha.gov/fall-protection
 
See the full directive here: https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/enforcement/directives/CPL_03-00-025.pdf
​

​ 
 Safety. It is a word that is very broad in its connotation. It can be used in many ways. Because of this, we have to be clear as what we mean when we are talking about safety.
 
Those who are working in the safety career field, promoting safety in the workforce, generally have an easier time expressing what they mean when they talk about safety. As an example, they don’t tell an employee to “just be safe while driving your forklift.” Rather, they inform the forklift driver of the safety rules of operation, teach how to operate, and evaluate understanding and application of the training. They tell the driver to wear a seatbelt, use driver gloves while operating, balance the loads carried, understand the safety triangle as it relates to load stability and maximum weight the forklift can handle, etc.
 
I believe that safety professionals do this because they understand that “be safe” does not cover all the risks which can be found in a single job such as driving a forklift. Often this understanding is based on the safety professionals’ inherent heart for safety—for the work safety professionals do. They understand that they need to get to the detail which makes safety actually understood by the person they are trying to have an effect on. 
 
Am I saying that safety professionals who get this are different from others? To some degree I am. I have met safety pros who just want people to not have accidents and injuries. But the majority I have met understand that there are actions that make people safe and these actions are more than the words “be safe!”
 
Take the time to evaluate how you see safety. If safety is in your heart, you will find yourself giving more helpful guidance and training to your teams. If you are not there yet, spend some time networking with other safety professionals. Get plugged in to the safety community such as the local chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals. The more heart you put into your safety career field, the more success you will have. By visiting with other safety professionals in your area, you can see more of what such safety looks like and how to make it happen.
 

 Chris Lawrence
Chapter President

​Plan, train, and be aware.
 
The National Lightning Safety Council reports that 11 people were killed by lightning last year.
Three of the deaths reported in 2021 occurred on the job: a 60-year-old construction employee in Wisconsin, a 19-year-old roofer in Florida and a 19-year-old lifeguard in New Jersey.
Although fatalities are rare, the danger is that lightning can strike with little or no warning. That’s why it can’t be ignored or taken lightly by employers or workers—particularly those who spend time outdoors.
                                         
“The last time you want to think about doing something about lightning is when it’s actually happening,” said Kevin Beauregard, director of the occupational safety and health division of the North Carolina Department of Labor.
Outdoor workers should practice extra caution during spring and summer. “We want to raise that awareness as we get into the months where these weather events are more prevalent,” said Kevin Cannon, senior director of safety and health services at the Associated General Contractors of America. “It’s about what you need to do to protect yourself.”
​
Risks and challenges
Occupations that have the highest risk of lightning strikes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, include construction and building maintenance, farming and field labor, heavy equipment operation, logging, pipefitting or plumbing, telecommunications or power utility field repair, and explosives handling/storage.
A direct strike isn’t the only risk to workers. If lightning strikes metal objects, such as pipes used for plumbing and reinforcements for concrete floors and walls, electricity can travel through them. An average strike, according to NWS, is around 300 million volts and about 30,000 amps. A household current is 120 volts and 15 amps.
“It’s something you can significantly decrease your chances of if you take shelter,” Beauregard said. NWS’s lightning safety awareness campaign urges people to go indoors “when thunder roars.”

However, a significant challenge in the construction industry is the numerous settings workers may be in when severe weather strikes. “You have to look at it from the different perspectives of those who are performing work primarily outside, such as civil contractors versus those who are building contractors,” Cannon said. “You may be, at times, working in a fully enclosed building, sometimes partially enclosed, sometimes just framed.”
Many outdoor scenarios include working at height, not only in construction but also telecommunications, utilities, and other industries.
“Say you’re up in a raised position—on a water tower, on top of a tower crane or scaffolding, or on a wind turbine,” Beauregard said. “It’s going to take you time to get down.”
That’s especially important because lightning can strike up to 10 miles from any rainfall, OSHA warns.
​
Prepare to act
OSHA’s standard on employee emergency action plans (1926.35)—which covers escape procedures and routes, evacuation, and training of workers—applies to lightning.
“An employer can’t control if there’s going to be a lightning strike or not,” Beauregard said. “But what they can control is making sure their employees are properly trained and they know what they should do in the event of an approaching storm or if they find themselves in a storm.” On a jobsite, educating workers about where to go when the threat of lightning rises is imperative.
“That preparation starts with identifying these types of events in your emergency plan, training to it, and then looking at your specific operations—outdoor vs. indoor,” Cannon said.
Oregon OSHA, which operates as a State Plan, says employers can find resources with their state program’s consultation services to help with minimizing, controlling, or eliminating hazards such as lightning strikes.
Among the key steps to stay safe, according to federal OSHA, is checking weather reports. “Prior to starting the work, know what the weather is going to be like that day so you can plan,” Beauregard said
Employers and workers can use cellphone apps—such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s weather app—to track weather conditions. In addition, employees should prepare by “understanding what the policies and procedures entail and put that into action,” Cannon said.