Top 10 loss control tips for 2013: Job hazard analysis
By Dennis Truitt
Many of us are looking for the best way to improve safety in the workplace.
To that end, we take certain measures to mitigate risk and to control loss. Yet, we often wonder, "Are we taking the right measures?" and "Is it working?"
In answering concerns like these, it is best to start by identifying and defining the term "loss control," so we have an accurate scope of what we are working toward. According to the Glossary of Insurance Terms, loss control is defined as: "All methods taken to reduce the frequency and/or severity of losses including exposure avoidance, loss prevention, loss reduction, segregation of exposure units and noninsurance transfer of risk."
That description is fairly comprehensive. It also puts quite a bit of pressure on our shoulders in terms of identifying areas we can improve upon. By evaluating our mitigation tactics we can provide a safe workplace and eliminate loss. We will review the best places to start by identifying the top 10 loss control tips for 2013.
1. Hazard identification and mitigation
2. Job hazard analysis
Now that you have identified the potential risks posed to your firm, it is time to dig a little deeper. Begin the process by using a standardized checklist to make sure that everyone is using the same system and is on the same page. Your goal to get the program off the ground should be creating comfort with the process of analysis.
Once that standard is created, the comfort level is high and all users have mastered the tool, you can begin to modify the specifics to meet your firm's goals.
Consider creating job hazard analyses (JHAs) for specific tasks. This can be done by:
1. Analyzing the steps to perform a task or job function
2. Stop, step back and try to visualize each step to determine what could go wrong – where are the obvious and also hidden hazards?
3. Look for direct and indirect exposure potential:
a. Fall to (same level or lower level)
b. Caught (in, on or between)
c. Contact with (chemicals, electricity, heat/cold, radiation, caustics/toxics and noise)
d. Bodily reaction from (voluntary motion or involuntary motion)
e. Struck (against or by)
f. Rubbed or abraded by (friction, pressure and/or vibration)
4. Checking to see if there are any potential environmental impacts
5. More specific to skill or craft may be used more by personnel performing these job functions
Remember to focus on your priority, which is to have sound hazard identification and mitigation in place to prevent incidents in the first place. Efforts which allow you to expand upon that desired outcome: prevention — should be considered.
Stay tuned for Part 3: Hand/finger safety programs.
Dennis Truitt is the vice president of account management at PICS. Truitt offers more than 20 years of industrial health, safety and environmental management experience. Prior to joining the PICS team, he held several senior-level health and safety positions in the refining industry.
http://multibriefs.com/briefs/exclusive/top_10_loss_control_2.html
By Dennis Truitt
Many of us are looking for the best way to improve safety in the workplace.
To that end, we take certain measures to mitigate risk and to control loss. Yet, we often wonder, "Are we taking the right measures?" and "Is it working?"
In answering concerns like these, it is best to start by identifying and defining the term "loss control," so we have an accurate scope of what we are working toward. According to the Glossary of Insurance Terms, loss control is defined as: "All methods taken to reduce the frequency and/or severity of losses including exposure avoidance, loss prevention, loss reduction, segregation of exposure units and noninsurance transfer of risk."
That description is fairly comprehensive. It also puts quite a bit of pressure on our shoulders in terms of identifying areas we can improve upon. By evaluating our mitigation tactics we can provide a safe workplace and eliminate loss. We will review the best places to start by identifying the top 10 loss control tips for 2013.
1. Hazard identification and mitigation
2. Job hazard analysis
Now that you have identified the potential risks posed to your firm, it is time to dig a little deeper. Begin the process by using a standardized checklist to make sure that everyone is using the same system and is on the same page. Your goal to get the program off the ground should be creating comfort with the process of analysis.
Once that standard is created, the comfort level is high and all users have mastered the tool, you can begin to modify the specifics to meet your firm's goals.
Consider creating job hazard analyses (JHAs) for specific tasks. This can be done by:
1. Analyzing the steps to perform a task or job function
2. Stop, step back and try to visualize each step to determine what could go wrong – where are the obvious and also hidden hazards?
3. Look for direct and indirect exposure potential:
a. Fall to (same level or lower level)
b. Caught (in, on or between)
c. Contact with (chemicals, electricity, heat/cold, radiation, caustics/toxics and noise)
d. Bodily reaction from (voluntary motion or involuntary motion)
e. Struck (against or by)
f. Rubbed or abraded by (friction, pressure and/or vibration)
4. Checking to see if there are any potential environmental impacts
5. More specific to skill or craft may be used more by personnel performing these job functions
Remember to focus on your priority, which is to have sound hazard identification and mitigation in place to prevent incidents in the first place. Efforts which allow you to expand upon that desired outcome: prevention — should be considered.
Stay tuned for Part 3: Hand/finger safety programs.
Dennis Truitt is the vice president of account management at PICS. Truitt offers more than 20 years of industrial health, safety and environmental management experience. Prior to joining the PICS team, he held several senior-level health and safety positions in the refining industry.
http://multibriefs.com/briefs/exclusive/top_10_loss_control_2.html
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