SAFETY ALERTS

Continually communicating safety throughout the organization can be a daunting task, Cal-OSHA Injury and Illness Prevention Program requires employers to have a means of communicating safety to the employees on a regular basis. The use of memos, posters and stuffers are a few ways of communicating safety along with, regular safety meetings, tailgate meeting and forma safety training. CWIRM would like to offer you the following means to use in addition to your current programs.

By utilizing your CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch) system, texting or alpha paging systems, your company can effectively communicate specific safety messages throughout each shift. Consistently reinforcing the safety rules and reminders to your work force, you can develop employee awareness of safe work practices in your organization, assisting in reducing losses.

How to implement this program into your organization:

A. Input Safety alerts into the CAD just as your staff would input a pre-scheduled call. Prefix the call number with “SA” create 3 or more separate alerts per day.

B. Dispatch sends these alerts to ALL units, management and support staff at the pre-scheduled times. The following is a list of examples that can be used, developing additional alerts internally as the program progresses or as circumstances merit.

1. Plan the lift or transfer prior to moving a patient, and always use the proper equipment.
2. Always use a backer when the vehicle is in reverse.
3. Drive defensively and be courteous to other motorists
4. Reduce speeds to meet road conditions.
5. Use seatbelts in cab and patient compartment.
6. When driving always maintain a “Cushion of Safety” around the vehicle and 4-5 second following distance from the vehicle in front.
7. Use proper lifting technique and utilize the lift assist policy when needed
8. Always use the appropriate personal protective equipment
9. Be sure to wash your hands after each call and frequently throughout the day
10. Keep both hands on the gurney or Wheelchair when moving a patient

C. On a monthly basis, Query the Prefixed “SA” call numbers from the system, this report should contain the Date, Time, Message and Recipients. The printout can then be placed in a binder as a record to be used in conjunction with your company’s other safety communicating methods. This is a cost effective tool to assist you and your staff in the reducing of both frequency and severity of losses, assisting in building a safety culture throughout your organization, resulting in reducing or eliminating losses and controlling insurance premium.

For a FREE RISK MANAGEMENT Consultation, simply fill out this form and and type in Safety Alert in the comments box and we will contact you.