This time of year in Western New York very often feels like winter is never going away. With cold temperatures and snow still hitting us, most would agree that they’d like to fast forward to spring and summer. The good news is, Spring is just around the corner. Until then, now is a good time for employers to review hazards and dangers of working in cold conditions with their employees.

Without proper protection, working outside for extended periods of time can be extremely dangerous. It is also important to reinforce driving safety rules for snowy weather, as well as how to best avoid slips, trips, and falls. Continue reading to learn about safety tips for the winter construction season.

Practice Safe Driving:
Driving conditions are much more dangerous at this time of year. According to the US Department of Transportation, 24% of weather-related vehicle crashes occur on snowy, slushy, or icy pavement. In the construction industry, driving work vehicles or heavy equipment requires extra caution and focus.

10 Winter Driving Tips and Reminders:

1. Inspect all aspects of the vehicles before use
2. Clean, repair, or replace anything not working properly prior to use
3. Allow vehicles to warm up, especially in frigid conditions, before use
4. Brush off snow and ice from all parts of the vehicle, especially mirrors, lights, and windows
5. Wait until windows are fully defrosted before driving
6. It is much harder to stop on a slippery road, so be sure to follow at a safe distance
7. Avoid sudden motions like sharp breaking, turning, or quickly accelerating
8. If your vehicle begins to skid when you drive, ease off the break and accelerator and steer towards the direction in which you want the vehicle to safely stop
9. Beware of hard-packed snow on the road, as this can be as slippery as ice
10. Slow down when approaching areas with bridges and overpasses, as these tend to freeze sooner than others

Winter Storm Preparation:
In the event a winter storm is anticipated to take place, it’s important to take action and be prepared. Cleanup the worksite before the snowfalls to ensure hazards don’t get buried by the snow. If it starts snowing during the workday, find and mark any hazards that might be along a driving or walking path on the job site.

Wear Warm Personal Protective Gear
It’s crucial that when working outdoors, workers have on protective and warm gear. This includes, an insulated jacket, insulated boots, gloves, hats, and layered clothing.

Avoid Slips, Trips. and Falls:
Slips, trips, and falls happen frequently in the construction industry (especially when there is ice covering the ground.) Wear proper work boots with rough or heavy treads when working in wintry conditions to help prevent slips and falls. In addition, be careful climbing into and out of any vehicle.

If you have been injured at work, do not hesitate to get the workers’ compensation you are entitled to and deserve. Our experienced attorneys at Losi and Gangi will make sure you are represented fairly throughout every step of your case. Call us today at 716-854-1446 for a free consultation.

Article adapted from: https://weeklysafety.com/blog/winter-driving-on-site

Summer is peak construction season. With higher temperatures and the sun beating down, it is extremely important construction workers are protecting themselves. Although sunny skies and hot weather doesn’t exactly scream danger, it should not be underestimated. Heat strokes and heat exhaustion are common occurrences for construction workers.

Heat Stroke

Put simply, a heat stroke is when your body overheats and isn’t able to cool itself down. The more complex explanation of why this happens is because when exposed to extremely high temperatures, the body’s natural temperature regulating mechanisms fail. This then causes an outbreak of a fever or even a loss of consciousness. The main sign of a heat stroke is high body temperature, specifically a core body temperature of 104 F or higher.

Other signs of Heat Stroke include the following:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Racing heart rate
• Headaches
• Not responsive
• Flushed or red skin
• Confusion, irritability, slurred speech, etc.

If you think someone may be experiencing heat stroke, seek medical help immediately.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion on the other hand, is a less severe version of a heat stroke. Similarly, this occurs when your body is overheated and unable to cool itself down. Heat exhaustion can transcend into a heat stroke if one ignores it and assumes it will go away on its own. It is extremely important to not take the signs of experiencing heat exhaustion lightly! If you notice your skin feels cool and you have goosebumps (despite being outside in the heat) then something is wrong. This is oftentimes an early sign that you are experiencing heat exhaustion and in need of a break from the sun.

Other symptoms indicating heat exhaustion include:

• Intense sweating
• Fainting, dizziness, fatigue
• Low blood pressure
• Nausea, headaches
• Cool skin with goose
• Muscle cramps

So, how do construction workers avoid heat strokes and heat exhaustion this summer? Here are 5 suggestions to help keep workers safe from the sun.

Take Breaks – Your work can wait. By taking frequent breaks and resorting to time in the shade, your body will get the chance to cool down and recover before your return back to the sun. Working straight throughout your shift with no breaks is unsafe.

Drink A LOT of Water – It may sound like common sense to recommend drinking water, but it’s significantly important and a lot of people don’t drink enough of it. Dehydration is the number one cause of overheating and it can lead to fainting or passing out on the job. This could be life-threatening if you are working at a height or with hazardous equipment. Make sure to have water on site that is easily accessible to you. Also, it is a good idea to bring an insulated water bottle that will be able to stay cool outside, despite the high temperatures.

Stay Healthy – Eating healthy, exercising, sleeping well, and taking care of your body will help you stay stronger on the job and make you better equipped to handle the extreme temperatures.

Dress Appropriately  – Construction workers must always wear personal protective equipment on the job site, no matter the conditions. However, lighter, more breathable materials will help keep you cooler. Workers may also want to wear sunglasses to keep their eyes protected from the bright sun as well as a hard hat to protect their head from direct sunlight. Other items to consider include a nape protector or bandana to shield your neck from direct sunlight. Last but not least, be sure to apply sun screen in the morning and regularly throughout the day to protect your skin from getting burnt!

Check the weather and plan accordingly – Check to see when the hottest part of the day is. This way, you can schedule your work around this particular hour or hours  (if possible) and try to get your tasks done in milder conditions, like the morning or the evening. Although busy work schedules don’t always allow for this flexibly, it is good to keep in mind if you do have the option.

At Losi and Gangi, we want to ensure you are protected and safe. If you experienced a heat-related illness while on the job, contact us [link] or call us today at 716-854-1446 for a free consultation. Our experienced attorneys will make sure you are represented fairly throughout every step of your case.

Article Adapted from: https://www.degemmill.com/summer-safety-tips-construction/

Prioritizing workers safety is key in helping reduce the rate of injuries and deaths in the construction industry. Did you know that falls are the leading cause of death and injury among construction workers? According to OSHA, Falls account for 34 % of all construction deaths. Eliminating falls in construction would save more than 300 lives every year. 

Three Points of Contact

Placing a strong focus on training and educating workers on the proper techniques while operating construction equipment is crucial. Techniques like three points of contact can make a great difference when it comes to reducing falls. The three points of contact rule means that three out of four limbs are in contact at all times with wherever piece of equipment you are using (vehicle, ladder, platform, etc).

The idea behind the three points of contact rule is to create a triangle with the body. For instance, two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand. See image below to get a better illustration : 

In addition to the three points of contact rule, other safety tips workers should keep in mind while working at heights include :

• Keep your hands free while climbing and don’t try to carry items 
• Go slow and keep your focus while climbing up/down
• Make sure to wear appropriate footwear with a good grip 
• Do not jump off any platforms or heights
• Always be facing the ladder or piece of equipment that you’re climbing
• Wear fall protection gear
• Frequently evaluate and inspect equipment 

Also, when working on equipment like aerial lifts, construction workers should never climb on the platforms edge. Guardrails are used to protect workers from falling and workers should not be leaning over or reaching over the edge. Doing so not only puts the worker in risk of falling, but also the lift at risk of tipping over. Although, it is tempting to want to lean over to reach something that is just out of your reach, it could be life-threatening. The best and safest solution is to lower the lift and move the entire machine. 

At Losi and Gangi, we believe that maximizing the safety of everyone is always the number one priority at any worksite. If you have recently suffered from a fall on the job, contact Losi and Gangi at 716-854-1446 for a free consultation. We will make sure you are represented fairly throughout every step of your case. 

Article Adapted from : bigrentz.com

Demolition, according to OSHA, is the dismantling, razing, destroying, or wrecking of any building or structure or any part thereof. It is also a common cause of workplace injuries due to the dangers and hazards that come along with the job. Having proper safety procedures in place is vital to keeping workers safe.

The following is a list of tips and suggestions to avoid getting hurt while working on a demolition project. First and foremost, there should be a plan in place before any demolition project is started. So, before you begin destroying and wrecking structures there are things that must be done to ensure it is safe to begin work.

1. Maintain a Clean Job Site : A messy job site with too many things in the way creates for more problems and a higher chance of an accident occurring. Keep your site clean and remove debris as you work so you don’t have to do it all at the end. 
2. Shut off Utilities : Turn off all electricity, sewer, gas, water, and other utility lines before starting.
3. Start at the Top : The safest approach when demolishing exterior walls and floors is to start at the top of the building and work your way down. 
4. Remove Asbestos : No demolition should be started until all asbestos has been safely removed. Specialized contractors should be contacted to safely remove asbestos and any other hazardous materials.
5. Clear all Walkways : Make sure workers can navigate the site freely and create pathways that are out of danger zones.

Next, In order to minimize the chance of accidents and injuries from arising during the job, there must always be proper planning, personal protective equipment, and training in place.

PROPER PLANNING

Plan ahead to get the job done safely. Having a proper plan helps not only to keep everyone on the same page, but also helps to ensure that there are protocols to follow in a situation where danger arises. Here are some ways you can prepare for a demolition job and have a proper plan of action in place : 

• An engineering survey completed by a competent person before any demolition work takes place. This should include the condition of the structure and the possibility of an unplanned collapse.
• Locating, securing, and/or relocating any nearby utilities. For help, call 811 before you dig.
• Fire prevention and evacuation plan.
• First Aid and Emergency Medical Services.
• An assessment of health hazards completed before any demolition work takes place.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

Personal Protective Equipment can play a great role when it comes to protecting yourself from an injury and wearing the right gear can make all the difference. The following protection gear should be worn when working on a demolition project :

• Hard Hat
• Safety Goggles
• Hearing Protection
• Leather Gloves
• High Visibility Shirt
• Safety Vest
• Work Pants
• Safety Toe Work Boots

TRAINING

Being trained once on safety procedures is not enough — It’s important to refresh and review trainings so workers stay top of mind on how to keep safe. It is recommended that all employees participate in annual baseline refresher trainings.

If you have recently suffered an injury working on a demolition project or any construction worksite, contact Losi and Gangi at 716-854-1446 for a free consultation with one of attorney experienced in construction work injuries. We will make sure you are represented fairly throughout every step of your case. 

Article Adapted from: 

https://www.osha.gov/demolition

In the past few years there was been a significant increase in the number of warehouse and warehouse workers in the world.  In the United States alone, there are more than one million warehouse workers!  These employees can be exposed to many hazards and it is important to train your staff so that everyone stays safe while at work.

Back injuries are one of the most common workplace injuries and in warehouses, they usually arise from improper lifting techniques.  Improper lifting or twisting while carrying a heavy load can lead to sprains, torn muscle or cartilage and displaced vertebrae.  The most repetitive lifting your employees do, the more at risk your employees are for back injuries.  Mechanical lifting methods, like a pallet jack or dolly, should be available on site but if you do not have any mechanical lifting methods, you should train your employees on ways to reduce the risks of a manual lift.  Safe manual lifting practices include:

• Planning lifts before getting started
• Checking the load for information tags
• Using the handles on the load or adding some if not already available
• Testing the load’s stability and weight
• Asking for assistance if the load is too heavy or awkward for one person
• Wearing gloves and long sleeves to protect hands and forearms
• Bending your knees to lower yourself in front of the item, instead of bending your back
• Keeping the load between your chest and knees

By properly handling and storing materials it will help reduce the risk of multiple hazards including slips, trips and falls, fires and dropped objects.  To prevent boxes and materials from falling, they should be stacked evenly in a straight line with the heaviest materials on the bottom.  Employees should only remove items from shelves one at a time.  By blocking, interlocking or limiting the height of the pile, this will help loose materials from falling.  Materials should be stored safely to help prevent fire hazards, explosions and pest infestation.  Keep the floors clean and free of slip and fall hazards.

Forklifts and trucks can be located on a loading dock and where heights and heavy lifting can take place.  Open loading dock doors should be blocked off when not in use and the edges of the dock should have visual warnings and signage.  Never jump off or climb up a loading dock; use the ladder or stairs.

If the warehouse has chemicals or compressed gas, each chemical should have a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) associated with it.  The SDS will tell you how to handle and safely store the chemical.  Employees should never attempt to use or clean up a chemical even after reading the SDS, unless they have been trained on how to properly handle the chemical.  An emergency plan should be put into place which delegates what roles people should be responsible for in case of an emergency.  The plan should include emergency exit locations, evacuation procedures and the location of all emergency equipment including fire extinguishers.  This plan should be reviewed thoroughly and constantly revised so that your team is up to date on all safety precautions.

To reduce the risk of fires, flammable and explosive materials must be stored in appropriate storage areas away from other materials and any source of ignition.  Chemicals should be stored according to manufacturer recommendations and relevant fire codes.  Smoking and open flames should be prohibited in the warehouse especially in battery charging or compressed-gas storage areas.

Providing your employees with mechanical equipment to help them lift heavy or bulky objects can help speed up the process and reduce the risk of injuries but come with their own risks.  Forklifts alone cause approximately 8,500 injuries and 90 deaths each year across all industries.  Lifting equipment involves pinch point hazards and cranes create overhead, struck by and dropped object hazards.  Before allowing any employee to use any equipment, you should properly train them and make sure they are following manufacturer instructions.  Forklift is a term commonly used for a group of vehicles that OSHA classifies as “powered industrial trucks.”  The most common types of powered industrial trucks (PITs) are electric and internal combustion engine rider trucks.  Forklift tractors, narrow aisle trucks, motorized pallet jacks and rough terrain forklifts all classify as PITs.  Employees should be trained on using a forklift from the controls, to any specific hazards that are found in the workspace.

Warehouses are a necessity in many industries but they come with their own risks such as heavy machinery and hazardous substances.  Training is an important part of running a safe warehouse and will be an effective communication tool for your staff.  Your employees will be working in a safe environment and will know what their role is within the warehouse.

If you have recently suffered an injury in a warehouse contact Losi Gangi at 716-854-1446 for a free consultation.  We will make sure you are represented fairly throughout every step of your case.

Article adapted from: https://safetyskills.com/warehouse-safety/

Five Steps to Developing an Effective Workplace Safety Program

If you are an employer of any size, it is important to prioritize and put workplace safety first to protect both your employees and your financial assets.  You should have a workplace safety plan put into place but if you don’t, here are five steps you should be following to ensure your employees are safe while at work

Step 1: Demonstrate Company’s Commitment to Workplace Safety

Make workplace safety a company-wide value.  Add a sentence in your company’s mission statement so it becomes top of mind.  Management should reflect these values not only in their words but their actions.  They should conduct a thorough investigation and give detailed reporting of every workplace accident while encouraging employees to follow proper safety procedures. 

Step 2: Assess Workplace Risks and Hazards

You will need to get a professional assessment of the everyday hazards specific to your workplace.  Management should release a company wide survey to give employees the opportunity to express their concerns confidentially.  Since the employees work in these conditions every day, it is important to get their opinions and they can often give insight about risks that aren’t obvious to someone who isn’t privy to them on a daily basis.  During both the professional and employee assessments, make sure to create a distinction between workplace hazards (building layout and design), activity hazards (anything related to machinery) and environmental hazards (air quality, chemicals, fumes, etc.)

Step 3: Create a Written Protocol for Employees

Once you have determined all workplace hazards, you can sort to create the blueprint for your safety program.  Employee job descriptions must be clear in writing and must state specifically the issues and requirements regarding safety and health responsibilities.  By having these requirements in writing, it saves room for error when employees are unclear and may need further explanations of their job requirements. 

Step 4: Emphasize Employee Education

After the safety guidelines have been created, you need to relay the information to your employees.  Training should be done when employees are first hired but once new procedures or equipment have been introduced, you should be training your employees on the new protocol.  If you notice new hazards or an employee has transferred, training should be done to refresh the current team.  By constantly reviewing and training your employees, they will be up to date on proper safety guidelines and less mistakes will be made.

Step 5:  Implement and Evaluate 

You should be investigating all workplace accidents no matter how small you may think they are.  Most incidents are usually preventable and once you determine the cause you can figure out a solution so that this does not happen again in the future.  Accidents open the door to making working conditions safer for the employees in the future.  All employee feedback whether anonymous or not should be kept at the forefront.  Workplace duties and employees are always evolving and new safety risks can rise every day.  This is sometimes faster than most employers realize and you don’t want it to be too late where an accident could be fatal. 

Once you put these steps into place, your workplace safety program should be executed immediately to your employers.  Hold dialogue between employees and employers and encourage questions to be asked.  If you have been injured at work due to an unsafe workplace call Losi & Gangi today at 716-854-1446 and speak with one of our attorneys.  

Article adapted from: https://www.ehsinsight.com/blog/5-steps-to-developing-an-effective-workplace-safety-program

As an employee you have the right to a safe working environment, no matter the nature of your job. Most of our clients at Losi & Gangi have been personally injured as a result of construction accidents, slip and fall accidents, motor vehicle accidents or other job-related injuries. Here are some tips on how to prevent injury when working in a factory:

– Keep Workspaces Clean
A cluttered, unclean work area makes it difficult to maneuver around and workers are more prone to hazards when it is messy in the workspace.  Keep shared areas clean and tidy to prevent any accidents.

– Proper Signage
There should be proper signs around work areas in noticeable places and in spaces where specific procedures should be practiced.

– Report Dangers and Accidents
It is important that employees report dangers and accidents that they come in contact with so that others do not come across the same issues.

– Provide Proper Training
Make sure all staff are properly trained for their jobs including how to use equipment and follow safety procedures.

– Provide Proper Equipment
Employees must have on proper safety equipment for the job at all times.

– Avoid Shortcuts
A lot of people take shortcuts when they’re familiar with their job or are in a hurry. Even though some safety precautions may be time consuming, they can be the difference of a life or death situation.

– Get the rest you need
Drowsiness and overworked employees contribute to a lot of the accidents that happen in factories. Be sure to get as much rest as possible to perform the job tasks to your full capability.

We don’t want to see you get hurt, but if it happens on the job, our workers’ compensation attorneys at Losi & Gangi are here to represent you fairly and accurately. Get in touch with us today at 716-854-1446

More information is available at the following website:
https://www.business.com/articles/workplace-accidents-how-to-avoid-them-and-what-to-do-when-they-happen/