U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao launched the fourth year of OSHA’s youth public awareness campaign at Rockefeller Plaza in New York City recently. "The Teen Summer Job Safety Campaign educates teenagers on the importance of workplace safety and health habits that will help protect them and their coworkers at work," Secretary Chao said.

OSHA will host and participate in local events and activities around the country to help keep teenagers safe and healthy on the job. Activities include career fairs, youth programs, expos, career days and training seminars. OSHA and its regional partners are striving to reduce work-related injuries among teens by teaching them on-the-job safety and integration of principles into their work tasks from this early age.

The campaign is part of OSHA's Young Worker Initiative, which provides information and resources to teenagers, parents, educators and employers to ensure safe and rewarding work experiences for these summer employees. More information about workplace safety for teens is available at www.osha.gov/teens.

OSHA annually reports the leading causes of workplace injuries during its fiscal year (October through September). This year, the 2007 “top 10” list of most frequently cited standards will look familiar — the top spots have remained relatively unchanged for the past three years. This stability is good news for risk managers and safety directors. It provides a compass as to where to focus your safety efforts to protect both employees and the bottom line.

Standard

1. Scaffolding (construction)        29 CFR 1926.501

2. Fall protection                          29 CFR 1926.501

3. Hazard communication             29 CFR 1910.1200

4. Lockout/Tagout                        29 CFR 1910.147

5. Respiratory protection             29 CFR 1910.134

6. Powered industrial trucks         29 CFR 1910.178

7. Electrical                                   29 CFR 1910.305

8. Ladders (construction)              29 CFR 1926.1053

9. Machine guarding                      29 CFR 1910.212

10. Electrical systems design        29 CFR 1910.303

Approximately 300,000 injuries per year are due to slip trip and fall accidents.  According to the US Department of Labor this contributes to 8% of all job related activities.

Something to watch out for include -

1. Keeping walkways clear

2. Tape down cables, cords and hoses or keep them out of the way

3. Mark or clean up Wet Areas - put down rubber mats or put up a sign in the area

4. Keep floors swept to remove dust and dirt

5. Use the handrails on stairs and be sure to use ladder safety rules.

These are some of the things to discuss with employees and make them aware of.  Although it may seem like minor accidents, they can create loss time from work and large workers' compensation claims.

For training materials or more informaiton please contact the Safety Department at StaffScapes at 303-466-7864.   Stay Safe.