Hidden Hazard Accidents

Have you ever bumped into another person or had a dinner tray
cart pushed into you? Have you ever been hit by a falling or
flying object? These accidents can result in more than bruises!
They can cause serious injuries. In 1979, a total of 1,883
lost-time claims were filed with The Industrial Commission of
Ohio by Ohio hospital employees. Of these claims, 211 were for
injuries that happened when people were struck by moving objects.
Lost work days because of these accidents in 1979 numbered 5,472.
A few precautions will reduce your chances of becoming one of
these statistics.

How would you like to have a big stack of linen tumble down on
top of you? Of course you wouldn't, and neither would anyone
else. The best way to prevent this is to avoid stacking materials
too high; stack it in such a way that it absolutely cannot fall.
Even if you take time to stack items properly, you can't depend
on everyone else taking the same care. You should make a habit of
inspecting the environment for this type of hazard; this can
prevent an accident.

A door is another moving object that often strikes people. Most
people know what it feels like to approach a door, perhaps with
arms full, and have the door open suddenly from the other side.
Some have learned the hard way that if windowless doors open
toward you, it's best to approach them with caution. Never stand
in front of such a door for an extended period of time. If you
must work in such an area, prop the door open and secure it, or
place a sign on the opposite side of the door. It goes without
saying that you shouldn't use a ladder where a door opens toward
it unless you can be sure, by locking the door or propping it
open, that the door will not be opened. Of course, out of
consideration for those on the other side, you should not push a
door open rapidly or forcefully. When approaching double doors,
follow signs indicating which door to use.

People, too, can be safety hazards if they do not watch where
they are going. While walking, don't get so engrossed in a
conversation that you don't notice threats to your safety that
are right in front of you.

When approaching a corner or intersection in a hallway, walk in
the center of the hallway instead of next to the wall where you
cannot see or be seen by those traveling in other directions.
Perhaps the employees in your work area can reduce the chances of
bumping into each other by agreeing to walk only on the right
sides of hallways. Think about how this type of accident can be
avoided; the next person you bump into could be carrying hot
coffee or sharp objects.

There is a possibility of bumping into or being bumped into by a
cart of some kind.  You may not be injured, but who wants to take
chances? If you happen to be moving a cart, especially a large
one that you cannot see over or around, don't push it, pull it.
Never push a cart; it's too easy to accidentally push a cart into
someone when you can't see where you're going.

People can also be struck by, and are frequently severely injured
by, objects flying out of machinery, such as pieces of wood or
metal. Whatever they are, they're likely to travel at a high
velocity, which increases the likelihood of injuries. Proper
machine guarding is one of the best protection against flying
objects.

These safety suggestions must be followed by everyone to meet our
goal of making the workplace as safe as possible for everyone. We
should remember that our actions affect everyone in our
department. Let's work together so everyone can be assured that
our workplace is a safe one. .
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