Cal/OSHA requires employers to provide safety training in a language that is understandable to their workers.  With today’s multilingual workforce, the attempt to comply with this regulation can be a challenge.  In order to assure that all workers understand important safety information, employers first must be aware of their workers’ native languages.  They also need to assess their workers’ ability to understand English in written and verbal forms. Then they need to provide instruction in those native languages, provide translators, or translate the safety materials. In order for employers to identify the best way to communicate to their multi-lingual work force; they can test worker understanding using simple and complex written documents and verbal instructions. Workers may be uncomfortable demonstrating that they don’t understand the information presented in English.  They may be reluctant to ask for instructions in their own language or for repeated English instructions.  A worker may nod their head or say “yes” while you explain something, but may not understand you. Ask the worker to repeat instructions back to you.  Ask them to demonstrate the technique, etc. that you just taught them. Encourage workers to ask for help or clarification when they need it. If an employer translates or offers training in another language, the same materials and amount of detail must be covered as the English language training.  Interactive training provides workers with hands-on experience and allows them a chance to ask questions.  Give simple, direct verbal instructions such as “wear your hardhat” instead of “hard hats are required onsite to protect your health and safety” and give directions in the order that they should be performed.  For example, “First, open the door. Then, remove the hardware.”  Don’t say, “Remove the hardware after you open the door”. Workplace documents that must be translated include hazard warning signs and lockout-tagout devices and signs.  Safety and hazard signs should have pictures and words that everyone can understand.  Confirm that all of your employees understand the signs’ directions.  If the job has many technical terms for material and equipment, teach workers what the words mean. Translate company safety policies and procedures.  Translate equipment manuals and instruction booklets.  Provide material safety data sheets (MSDS) in appropriate languages so your workers … [Read more...]

Pushing and pulling are common work activities in many work environments. You may be required to push and pull large and small items, levers, cables, boxes, carts and more. Using material handling devices like carts, dollies or hand trucks rather than carrying material is a good idea, but pushing and pulling these devices can strain your back, shoulders and arms if not handled properly. Many things affect the force needed to start and maintain movement of a load including: the weight of the load, the height where the force is applied (handles, conveyor height), posture (bending forward or twisting when pulling), the direction of the force applied (straight on or at an angle), the slope and condition of the surface, the condition of the item to be moved, and the grip of the worker’s shoes on the floor surface. Use the following tips to reduce the risk of injury when pushing and pulling: Eliminate the need to push or pull by using mechanical or gravity fed rollers, mechanized carts, vacuum lifts or powered equipment. Push rather than pull. Pushing a load is generally less stressful on your body because you use the weight of your body and maintain a more neutral posture. When you pull, your body is often twisted and you frequently use only one hand. Use devices that reduce the coefficient of friction between the object being moved and the surface area. For example, mount appropriate casters on carts and movable furniture, assure smooth unbroken surfaces on counters and shelves, use slip sheets for moving patients and sliders for moving heavy items on carpet. Ensure that surfaces are clean and free of debris to reduce physical barriers to movement. Use a vehicle or conveyor that can accommodate the size and weight of the load you are moving. Ensure that the design and type of conveyance is well maintained and appropriate for the item to be moved. Ensure that you are not exceeding the recommended force for pushing your cart or hand truck. Measure the forces and follow recommended guidelines. When possible apply force from approximately elbow height. Add handle extensions or provide vertical handles, ensure that conveyor heights are correct, add platforms to workstations or redesign workplaces so that vertical pulls are not above shoulder height or below knee height. When pushing or pulling heavy objects be sure to use good body mechanics: Tighten your stomach muscles Bend your knees Lean in slightly toward the object you … [Read more...]