The Tech Box

Comprehensive Safety Recommendations for Your Workplace

July 13, 2023

Maintaining a safe work environment is crucial to prevent workplace injuries and mortalities. FBA provides multiple safety guidelines for various aspects of workplace safety, including Powered Industrial Trucks (PIT), Exposure Control Plans (Bloodborne Pathogens), and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), among others. Visit our website here to view all of our recommendations.

By following these guidelines, employers can better ensure the well-being of their team members and comply with relevant regulations, such as OSHA standards.

Our Powered Industrial Truck Compliance recommendations cover many aspects of safety and regulations. All employees assigned to operate powered industrial trucks must receive comprehensive training, including operating instructions, warnings, and precautions for the specific type(s) of trucks they use.

Refresher Training: Employees must undergo refresher training and evaluation every three years or under certain conditions:

  • Unsafe operation observations.
  • Involvement in accidents or near misses.
  • Evaluation indicating the need for additional training.
  • Assignment to a different type of truck.
  • Changes in the workplace that could affect safe operation.

Certification: Each location must maintain written certifications of completed training, including operator details, training and evaluation dates, and the names of trainers and evaluators.

Exposure Control Plan (Bloodborne Pathogens):

FBA offers an exposure prevention written program and an exposure control plan that can either be used as a reference or as part of your official documentation. Employers should implement an Exposure Control Plan to protect employees from bloodborne pathogens. Consider the following elements:

Determining Exposure: Assess the risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

Implementing Controls: Apply various methods to control exposure, including:

  • Universal precautions.
  • Engineering and work practice controls.
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Proper housekeeping practices.

Post-Exposure Evaluation: Establish procedures for evaluating and addressing exposure incidents promptly.

Communication and Training: Inform employees about hazards, provide training, and ensure understanding of protocols.

Recordkeeping: Maintain training, hazard assessments, and routine audit documentation.

Personal Protective Equipment is a last resort when other controls are not feasible or sufficient. Follow these guidelines for PPE implementation:

  • Written Program: Develop a program addressing PPE hazards, selection, maintenance, and training.
  • Employee Identification: Identify employees impacted by the PPE policy.
  • Training and Inspections: Administer proper training, retraining, and periodic inspections of PPE usage.
  • Recordkeeping: Maintain documentation of training, annual reviews, and routine audits.
  • Applicable Standards: Comply with OSHA standards regarding specific PPE requirements, such as eye and face protection, respiratory protection, head protection, foot protection, electrical protective equipment, hand protection, and fall protection.

Industry Best Practices:

  • Eye Hazards: Use face shields, even for short grinding operations.
  • Head Protection: Use bump caps or ball caps with plastic inserts in manufacturing areas.
  • Hand Protection: Develop a comprehensive Hand Safety Policy and provide cut-resistant gloves.
  • Fall Protection: Assess and address fall hazards when employees must climb on equipment.

Training, certification, and regular evaluations are crucial for safely operating powered industrial trucks. Implementing an Exposure Control Plan and providing appropriate PPE can mitigate risks associated with bloodborne pathogens. Following industry best practices for PPE usage ensures a comprehensive approach to workplace safety for your team members. By implementing these safety guidelines, employers can prioritize the well-being of their team members and comply with relevant safety regulations.

Thanks,
Chase

Chase Kammerer is the Technical Services Manager at Fibre Box Association (FBA). If you have technical questions about the corrugated industry, you can reach him directly at ckammerer@fibrebox.org.