Earthquakes in many areas of the country may be inevitable, but damage from them is not. The steps you take before, during and after an earthquake will help make you be safer and reduce injuries, damage and losses. First and foremost, plan for the personal safety of you and your family. By having a solid personal safety plan in place, you will be better able to help your employer if you are not worrying about your loved ones. The resource section of this guide contains links to a variety of sites which will help you to better prepare for an earthquake.

​April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month.  Join the National Safety Council during the month of April to help make our roadways and our people safer. Whether you’re driving a fire truck, patrol car, dump truck, or just headed home after work, attentive driving is more important than ever.
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Tack Action Today Commit to driving distraction-free by taking the NSC Just Drive Pledge. 

​The use of electronic devices behind the wheel is all too common these days. In fact, many of these devices are being built into our vehicles, making them very tempting to use. However, they are also extremely dangerous – even if you’re using them hands-free. While you may understand the danger these devices pose and avoid using them yourself while driving, you’ve probably been in a vehicle with another person who has driven distracted. Did you say anything?
 
We’ve all been in one of the following scenarios where we weren’t sure what to say in order to preserve our safety and the safety of those around us. It’s your right to get to where you’re going safely. 

Consider the financial impact a distracted driving incident could have on your organization.
​

• The driver and power utility company that owned a vehicle involved in an accident were found liable for nearly $22 million after testimony indicated that the employee may have been on a cell phone at the time of an accident.
  
  
• A highway authority settled for $16 million after the operator of a streetsweeper talking on his cell phone veered out of the shoulder, and struck a passing vehicle rear-ending a vehicle, disabling an elderly woman.
  
  
• A state trooper in Illinois responding to an accident exceeded 120 mph on a highway while talking on the phone to his girlfriend and using email before losing control of the car. The resulting crash killed two teenage sisters, whose family was awarded $8 million.

Research also indicates that aggressive driving on your part or by other drivers can be distracting because it takes your mind away from driving. The following tips can help you avoid being an aggressive driver:
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• Don't change lanes without signaling and don't cut off other drivers.
  
  
• Don't drive in the passing lane unless you are passing. If another vehicle is approaching, signal and move to the right.
  
  
• Don't tailgate. Always observe the three-second following rule.
  
  
• Don't use your horn or high beams to retaliate against other drivers.
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• If you encounter an aggressive driver, get out of the way as quickly and as safely as possible. Even if the driver's actions offend you, trying to engage them may escalate the situation.

How prevalent is distracted driving? Take a look for yourself. You’ll see drivers on their phones. You’ll see them attending to children in the back seat. You’ll see them checking directions on their GPS devices. You’ll catch them eating. You’ll see them daydreaming. But don’t take too long to look, because that would make you a distracted driver as well. Distracted driving is a bad habit many drivers have developed, and the best way to put the brake on it is through continued driver education and monitoring. 

National High Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – Distracted Driving Awareness​

​If not used properly, electricity can cause electrical shock and burns to you and your employees. It can also create fires and explosions that destroy property. All electrical installations should be performed by licensed electricians to the standards of the National Electric Code. The following information may help your organization address some common electrical hazards. 

Exposed wiring is one of the most common electrical hazards, and in many cases it is the easiest to correct. Areas to check for exposed wiring include: 
​

• Junction boxes without cover plates 
• Extension cords and power cords 
• Electrical boxes with missing knockouts 
• Electric powered machinery 
• Conduit runs that may have been damaged 
• Locations where nonmetallic sheathed cable is used below seven feet 
• Locations where wires have been run outside of conduit 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends taking the following actions: 
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• All panels should be labeled with the voltage, current and usage
• All control and distribution panels should remain closed at all times and opened only by authorized personnel
• A clear space (of at least three feet) should be maintained around all electrical panels to allow for access in an emergency

Extension cords are used in almost every organization to temporarily power items such as fans, power tools and lighting fixtures. Consider the following when using extension cords: 
​

• Do not run extension cords through holes in walls, ceilings, floors, doorways, windows, roof hatches or other similar openings
• Do not use extension cords as a substitute for permanent wiring; if an extension cord is used to power the same piece of equipment for longer than 30 days, a licensed electrician should install permanent wiring
• Do not conceal extension cords behind building walls, ceilings or floors
• Protect extension cords from damage such as sharp edges and entanglement in machinery; do not leave extension cords on floors where they can be run over by carts
• Do not permanently attach (e.g., staple or nail) extension cords to a building surface 

Inspect all extension, tool and appliance cords on a regular basis for damaged insulation, exposed wiring and damaged plugs. Cords with missing ground prongs should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible to maintain proper grounding.
Additionally, three-prong to two-prong adapters should not be used to connect a three-wire, grounded electrical device to a non-grounded circuit. If you use two-prong extension cords in your facility, they should be removed and replaced with grounded three-prong extension cords as soon as possible. 

Power strips and surge protectors are commonly used to provide electricity to multiple pieces of equipment from one electrical outlet. While very handy, these devices can be serious electrical hazards if not used properly. If power strips or surge protectors are present in your facility, follow the guidelines:
​

• Only use surge protectors for electronics (e.g., computers, telephones, printers, etc.) as they are not designed to support resistive loads from items such as power tools, fans or lighting fixtures 
• Do not use power strips as a substitute for permanent wiring; if the same device is plugged into the same power strip for more than 30 consecutive days, additional permanent outlets should be installed
• Devices approved only for indoor use should not be used outdoors or in wet or damp interior locations
• Do not "daisy-chain" (i.e., plugging one power strip into the receptacle of another power strip) power strips and surge protectors as overloaded circuits increase the risk of fire

When working with electricity, it is important to understand the principles of a proper lockout/tagout program. Lockout/tagout is a system to prevent the release of energy or operation of machinery or equipment. The system also warns other employees that equipment is being worked on. 

• Lockout—The placement of a device that blocks the flow of energy from a power source to a piece of equipment
• Tagout—The placement of a tag on or near the lockout device to warn others not to restore energy to the equipment

According to OSHA regulations, lockout/tagout should be used whenever an employee is required to remove or bypass a guard or other safety device or is required to place any part of his or her body in the "point of operation" of the machine or where an associated danger zone exists during the machine's operating cycle. Lockout and tagout should always be performed together. While a lockout-only system is generally effective, a tagout-only system does not provide the maximum protection for employees and contractors. 

Arc flash is a term used to describe an electrical explosion caused by an arcing fault. The electrical explosion results in a thermal, pressure and sound wave that can cause extensive equipment damage, severe injury and death.
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A recent claim involved an arc flash incident on a high school campus. The arc flash occurred at a 100-amp, 480 volt fused disconnect switch during troubleshooting activities. Personnel were injured, the campus lost power for the day and equipment repair costs totaled approximately $140,000. If appropriate safety and maintenance practices had been followed, this incident may have been avoided.

​An arcing fault is caused by the breakdown of insulating material (usually air in low voltage systems) between energized components and the ground. Arc fault current is usually low. Therefore, protective devices, such as fuses and circuit breakers, take a protracted period of time to open to stop the fault. The arcing fault continues until the arc flash occurs.

​Arc flash is not the same as electrocution. Electrocution occurs when a person comes in contact with an energized component. Electrocution can cause significant injuries and death, but typically will not cause extensive equipment damage. Since there is a significant amount of awareness concerning electrocution, people are careful to follow all safety procedures and use safety equipment when around energized equipment. Arc flash is a recently recognized electrical hazard. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E, fifth edition, was one of the first standards to specifically address arc flash hazards. It was published in 1995. 

​Industry awareness of arc flash hazards, arc flash mitigation techniques and safety standards are continuing to evolve.

It is important to recognize that arc flash can happen on low voltage and high voltage systems. The following factors determine the extent of the hazard:

• Amount of energy the power system can deliver
• Time to sense a fault and open a protective device
• Distance a person is from the flash

​
These factors should be evaluated in an arc flash study. The results of an arc flash study aid in the establishment of flash protection boundaries, selection of personal protective equipment (PPE) and selection of arc flash hazard labels.

​Back injuries are the most common workplace injury, second only to the common cold as the most frequent excuse for missing work. While there’s still no cure for the common cold, there are ways to avoid back injuries. 

To help prevent back injuries, you must understand what causes them. Contrary to popular belief, anyone can be at risk for back injury, not only workers who lift heavy objects. Your physical health has a lot to do with protection against back injury.

• Poor body mechanics. The way your body adjusts to keep its balance can be upset if you sit or stand in an unnatural position, twist abruptly or awkwardly, or lift something incorrectly.
  
  

• Poor muscle tone. Weak, under-exercised muscles rob the back of its support and increase the chance of injury.
  
  

• Extra weight. Excess weight can exaggerate the curve of the spine and strain the back.
  
  

• High heels. These deepen the curve of the lower back and force the pelvis to make up for this by tilting backward.
  ​

• Personal factors. Stress, anxiety, and depression can cause muscles to tighten and throw your back into a spasm. 

The harder you work, the less likely you will be to have a back injury. Take the following into consideration:

• Perform tasks to strengthen the appropriate muscles and reduce the likelihood of injury. Avoid manual tasks that your body isn’t used to.
  ​
  

• Exercise the abdominal and leg muscles. The stronger they are, the less your back has to work.
  
  

Proper posture is also beneficial. The following guidelines can help:

• Lying down. Lying is the least stressful position for the lower back. Lie on your side, on a firm mattress, with your knees bent.
  
  

• Standing. Try to keep your ears, shoulders and hips in a straight line.
  
  
• Sitting. Keep your feet flat on the floor. Adjust the chair height so that your elbows are even with the work surface. Make sure you have lower back support. 

The best way to avoid back injury is to pay attention any time you lift, carry, reach or push. While everyone has a favorite lifting technique, some basic rules apply:

• Do you need to lift the object?
  
  
• Check the weight of the load.
  
  
• Decide whether you can lift the object alone or will need help.
  
  
• Keep the object or load close to you.
  
  
• If you have to squat, keep your back straight. Bend at the waist, hips or knees. Never lock your knees.
  
  
• Get a firm footing and keep your feet parted, one alongside and one behind the object. Your rear foot will help in the upward thrust of the lift.
  
  
• Center the object as well as your body weight. Let your whole body bear the weight, not just your back.
  
  
• Let your legs do the work. Your leg muscles are several times stronger than any other muscle in your body.
  
  
• Grip the object firmly with the palms of your hands around the corners of the object. Keep your arms and elbows tucked into the sides of your body.
  
  
• Do not arch your back. This makes the nerve roots open to pinching and can cause strains in weaker muscles.
  
  
• Avoid twisting your back. If you need to lift and then turn, point one foot in the direction you want to go before you lift. To put an object down, follow the same procedures in reverse.
  ​
  
• Warm up before you lift. Limber muscles are less likely to snap or tear. A five-minute stretching program at the start of the day can prevent many injuries

​Always push, do not pull, your load. One foot should be behind the other with your weight balanced between them. Keep your spine straight and use your leg muscles to move the load. If you have to pull, be careful. You can strain your neck, shoulder or back. 

​Ergonomic experts try to find the easiest way to do work to help relieve stress on your body, especially your back. Small improvements can greatly reduce your chances of back injury. For example, if you bend over to retrieve a part from a bin, place the bin at a higher level. This way, you do not have to bend so much. Try to reduce or avoid repetitive motions. Muscle fatigue can lead to overexertion, which is responsible for one-fourth of all work injuries. Take a break or temporarily change tasks to regain strength. 

​Before you start carrying a load, plan the lift. Consider the task, the load, your individual capability, and the environment. Plan where you will walk. The path should be clear of obstacles so that you don’t slip or fall. If equipment such as a dolly is available, use it. Take extra care on platforms, ramps and loading docks. If you can’t see in front of you, get help. When you carry a load, remember to balance it. Try to divide smaller loads into two and carry them at your sides, one in each hand. Ask for help if you have to carry a heavy load. Never carry a load backward; it can throw off your balance. 

​Keep supplies you use regularly at an easy-to reach height. If you need to reach for an item, use a ladder or a step stool. To lift something from the floor to above waist level, carefully lift the load halfway, then change your grip to lift the item higher.

The ability to leverage current events is a dream scenario for modern day cybercriminals. These criminals use events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, to fuel their malicious intent. With the global pandemic comes the desire to stay updated with the most current information. However, it can be difficult for Internet users to navigate this information and separate fact from fiction. It is also difficult to ensure that links and resources are reliable. The reality is that malicious activity comes through just about every communication channel: email, social media, text and phone messages, and of course, misleading and malicious websites.
 
Here are some common examples of what you need to be on the lookout for in the months to come: 

1. Malicious Websites: Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, cyber threat actors have consistently capitalized on global interest surrounding the latest information on the virus. These threat actors take advantage of Internet users by registering website domains related to COVID-19. Fake websites and applications typically claim to share news, testing results, or other resources, however, they ONLY want your credentials, bank account information, or to infect your devices with malware.
   
   With many organizations and employees continuing to work from home, users may let their guard down and be more susceptible to emails from unverified senders. NEVER give out your personal information, including banking information, Social Security Number, or other personally identifiable information (PII) over the phone or email.
   
   
2. Phishing Emails: Expect phishing emails to be on the rise Cyber threat actors will utilize COVID-19 phishing emails in an attempt to convince the recipient to either reveal sensitive information (i.e. bank account information), or simply try to convince the recipient to open a malicious link or attachment, allowing them to potentially access your system. COVID-19 vaccine-themed phishing emails may include subject lines such as vaccine registration, information about your vaccine coverage, locations you can receive the vaccine, ways you can reserve a vaccine and vaccine requirements.
   
   While some phishing emails might be easy for you to detect, never get complacent when reviewing your emails. Expect to receive well-composed phishing attempts that are impersonating well-known and trusted entities, such as government agencies, healthcare providers, or pharmaceutical companies. NEVER open any link or attachment from a source that you cannot clearly identify as being legitimate!
   
   For instance, email phishing campaigns in the past have targeted state-level agencies impersonating the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These emails have requested recipients to click on links in order to view a secured message pertaining to COVID-19 vaccine information. Links such as these could easily direct the user to a webpage that attempts to collect PII, including name, address, date of birth, driver’s license number, phone number, and email address.   
   
   Some notable indications an email, text, or phone call may be a phishing attempt - Inspiring a sense of urgency to click a link or provide information, is overly formal or written in a overly complicated manner, requests for sensitive information or that you review a link or attachment, and ask users to follow a non-standard process, or a process you might find odd!
   
   
3. Fraudulent Charities: For as long as the pandemic is around there will always be consistent attempts by threat actors to create fraudulent charities seeking donations for illegitimate or non-existent organizations. Fake charity and donation websites will try to take advantage of one’s good will, especially during such hard times. Always do your research before donating and providing any information. 
   
   
4. Unemployment Scams: As tax season is quickly approaching, be wary of identity theft scams involving fraudulent claims, especially surrounding unemployment benefits. This scam has especially skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic as unemployment claims in general have been on the rise. The most typical scams to be on the lookout for (but are not limited to) include telling recipients that they’ve won contests, a cash prize, or are eligible for an award for applying for unemployment. 

Recommendations: Phishing remains a prominent attack vector for almost all cyber threat actors. Your cybersecurity best practices will always be your first line of defense against phishing. Here are some recommendations you can take to shield yourself from these threats:
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1. Ensure your Internet-connected devices are not connected to any public Internet (open WIFI).
2. Report any suspicious emails to your organization’s IT department
3. Enable strong authentication tools, such as Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
4. Continuously update your passwords and update any default unsecure settings Ensure backup protocols are in place with your devices.
5. NEVER give out your personal information, including banking information, Social Security Number, or PII over the phone or email
6. Always verify a charity’s authenticity before making donations. For assistance with verification, utilize the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) page on Charity Scams. This information can be found here: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0074-giving-charity
   
   

In order to administer effective first aid, it is important to maintain adequate supplies in each first aid kit. First aid kits can be purchased pre- stocked with the necessary supplies, or one can be
made by including various first aid items:
 

• Medical exam gloves.
• Adhesive bandages available in a large range of sizes for minor cuts, abrasions and puncture wounds.
• Butterfly closures to hold wound edges firmly together.
• Rolled gauze for securing dressings and/or pads to hard-to-bandage wounds and allow freedom of movement.
• Nonstick sterile pads which are soft and super absorbent for bleeding and draining wounds, burns, and infections.
• First aid tapes which are adhesive, waterproof and clear. Cloth and paper first aid tapes recommended for sensitive skin, because they are less irritating than adhesive tapes.
• Tweezers.
• First aid cream.
• Thermometer.
• An analgesic or equivalent; and an ice pack.

​It is very important for you to get immediate treatment for every work-related injury, regardless of how small you may think it is. Many cases have been reported where a small, unimportant injury, such as a splinter or puncture wound, quickly led to an infection, threatening the health of the employee. Even the smallest scratch is large enough for dangerous germs to enter the body. Therefore, immediately examine and treat every work-related injury. What is first aid? It is simply those things you can do for the victim before medical help arrives. The most important procedures are outlined in this bulletin.

​Never move the victim unless there is a risk of fire, explosion, or another unsafe condition. The major concern with moving a victim is making the injury worse, which is especially true with spinal cord injuries. If you must move the victim, try to drag him or her by the clothing around the neck or shoulder area. If possible, drag the victim onto a blanket or large cloth and then drag the blanket.

Bleeding is the most visible result of an injury. Each of us has between five and six quarts of blood in our body. Most people can lose a small amount of blood with no risks, but if a quart or more is quickly lost, it could lead to shock and/or death. One of the best ways to treat bleeding is to place a clean cloth on the wound and apply pressure with the palm of your hand until the bleeding stops. You should also elevate the wound above the victim’s heart, if possible, to slow down the bleeding at the wound site.

Once the bleeding stops, do not try to remove the cloth that is against the open wound as it could disturb the blood clotting and restart the bleeding. If the bleeding is very serious, apply pressure to the nearest major pressure point, located either on the inside of the upper arm between the shoulder and elbow, or in the groin area where the leg joins the body. Direct pressure is better than a pressure point because direct pressure stops blood circulation only at the wound.

​Only use the pressure points if elevation and direct pressure haven’t controlled the bleeding. Never use a tourniquet (a device, such as a bandage twisted tight with a stick) to control the flow of blood except in response to an extreme emergency, such as a severed arm or leg. Tourniquets can damage nerves and blood vessels and can cause the victim to lose an arm or leg.

Shock can threaten the life of the victim if an injury is not treated quickly. Shock occurs when the body’s important functions are threatened by not getting enough blood, or when the major organs and tissues don’t receive enough oxygen. Some of the symptoms of shock are:

• A pale or bluish skin color that is cold to the touch.
• Vomiting.
• Dull and sunken eyes
• Unusual thirst. 

Persons in shock require immediate medical treatment, but until medical help arrives, all you can do is prevent the shock from getting worse. You can maintain an open airway for breathing, control any obvious bleeding and elevate the legs about 12 inches unless the injury makes it impossible. You can also prevent the loss of body heat by covering the victim (over and under) with blankets or clothing. Do not give the victim anything to eat or drink because this may cause vomiting. Generally, keep the victim lying flat on their back. A victim who is unconscious or bleeding from the mouth should lie on one side so breathing is easier. Stay with the victim until medical help arrives.

Ask the victim to cough, speak, or breathe. If the victim can do none of these things, stand behind the victim and locate the bottom rib with your hand. Move your hand across the abdomen to the area above the navel, then make a fist and place your thumb side on the stomach. Place your other hand over your fist and press into the victim’s stomach with a quick upward thrust until the object is dislodged. – Video 

There are many different types of burns. They can be thermal burns, chemical burns, electrical burns, or contact burns. For thermal, chemical, or contact burns, the first step is to run cold water over the burn for a minimum of 30 minutes. If the burn is small enough, keep it completely under cool water. Flushing the burn takes priority over calling for help. Flush the burn first. If the victim’s clothing is stuck to the burn, don’t try to remove it. Remove clothing that is not stuck to the burn by cutting or tearing it. Cover the burn with a clean, cotton material. If you do not have clean, cotton material, do not cover the burn with anything. Do not scrub the burn or apply any soap, ointment, or home remedies.

​Also, don’t give the burn victim anything to drink or eat, but keep the victim covered with a blanket to maintain a normal body temperature until medical help arrives. If the victim has received an electrical burn, don’t touch the victim unless they are clear of the power source. If the victim is still in contact with the power source, electricity will travel through the victim’s body and electrify you when you touch the victim. Once the victim is clear of the power source, your priority is to check their breathing for any airway obstruction and check their circulation.

Administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if necessary - Video. Once the victim is stable, begin to run cold water over the burns for a minimum of 30 minutes. Don’t move the victim, scrub the burns or apply any soap, ointment, or home remedies. After flushing the burn, apply a clean, cotton cloth to the burn. If a cotton cloth is not available, don’t use anything. Keep the victim warm and still and try to maintain a normal body temperature until medical help arrives.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are two different illnesses, although they are commonly confused as the same condition. Heat exhaustion can occur anywhere there is poor air circulation, such as around an open furnace or heavy machinery, or even if the person poorly adjusts to very warm temperatures. The human body reacts to heat by increasing the heart rate and strengthening blood circulation.

Simple heat exhaustion can occur due to loss of body fluids and salts. The symptoms are usually excessive fatigue, dizziness and disorientation, normal skin temperature with a damp and clammy feeling. To treat heat exhaustion, move the victim to a cool place and encourage drinking of cool water and rest. Heat stroke is a much more serious illness and occurs when the body’s sweat glands have shut down. Some symptoms of heat stroke are:
 

• Mental Confusion.
• Collapse.
• Unconsciousness
• Fever with dry, mottled skin. 

A heat stroke victim will die quickly, so don’t wait for medical help to arrive — assist them immediately. First move the victim to a cool place out of the sun and begin pouring cool water over the victim’s body. Fan the victim to provide good air circulation until medical help arrives.

The first thing to do in the event of poisoning is get the victim away from the poison. Then provide treatment appropriate to the form of the poisoning. If the victim is conscious, call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. If unconscious, immediately call 911. If the poison is in solid form, such as pills, remove it from the victim’s mouth using a clean cloth wrapped around your finger. If the poison is a gas, you may need a respirator to protect yourself.

​After checking the area first for your safety, remove the victim from the area and take them to fresh air. If the poison is corrosive to the skin, remove the clothing from the affected area and flush the skin with water for 30 minutes. Take the poison container or label with you when you call for medical help because you will need to be able to answer questions about the poison. Try to stay calm and follow the instructions you are given. If the poison is in contact with the eyes, flush the victim’s eyes with clean water for a minimum of 15 minutes.

​As with getting medical attention for all work-related injuries, it is equally important that you report all work-related injuries to your supervisor. It is critical that the employer check into the causes of every work-related injury, regardless how minor, to find out exactly how it happened. There may be unsafe procedures or unsafe equipment that should be corrected.

Most of us have experienced or witnessed some form of bullying, even if it was back in middle school or on the playground. We might think this goes away with age, but bullying remains a serious issue affecting workplaces all across the country. According to a recent survey by the Workplace Bullying Institute, 19% of Americans are bullied in the workplace and another 19% witness it.

​Bullying and harassment in the workplace can include a wide variety of actions, gestures and words. In general, bullying and harassment involve some sort of unwanted behavior directed toward an individual or group in the workplace, occurring once or over a period of time. 

​Traditionally, harassment in the workplace has referred to inappropriate words, actions and conduct made on the basis of race, religion, age or other protected categories. Federal law prohibits such harassment, but there are not always protections against ‘bullying’ behavior. Bullying can take many more forms, including verbal, physical and even psychological taunts, with the ultimate difference being that it is not based on a protected status. Still, if the behavior is unwanted, it is unwelcome in the workplace. 
​
Examples of bullying behavior include:

• Mocking, intimidating or humiliating an employee, publicly or privately.
• Purposefully excluding employees or co-workers from meetings or work events.
• Withholding crucial information or time so that an employee cannot successfully accomplish a task and is subsequently reprimanded.
• Knowingly taking credit for the work of another employee or co-worker.
• Unfairly criticizing an employee.

 
According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, harassment becomes unlawful when dealing with the inappropriate conduct becomes a condition of continued employment or the behaviors are severe or pervasive enough to create a work environment which any reasonable person would consider hostile, abusive or intimidating. Unlawful harassing behavior can include offensive jokes, physical assaults or intimidation made on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.
 
Bullying and harassment in the workplace can affect morale and job performance, particularly if the target does not feel he or she can do anything about it. 

​In addition to affecting employee morale, workplace bullying can create safety hazards. According to a recent study led by a Portland State University researcher, bosses and supervisors who engage in bullying behaviors can create less safe work environments. If a worker is made to feel inessential, he or she may be more likely to take shortcuts, overlook safety steps and become complacent, creating unnecessary risks.
 
Bullying and harassment can also create psychological and physical health risks for the employee being targeted. From stress and anxiety to physical issues like high blood pressure and fatigue, the effects can be serious. In situations with prolonged bullying, employees may end up changing departments or leaving the company, leaving the bully in place to continue these inappropriate behaviors.

The targets of bullying and harassment in the workplace often feel powerless to respond, but it is important to address these behaviors and protect employees. If your workplace has an existing policy for reporting these behaviors, follow the proper steps. If not, bring the behavior to the attention of your supervisor, human resources representative or both, depending on who is involved. According to the Workplace Bullying Institute, the majority of workplace bullies are bosses, so workers must have an option to report inappropriate conduct to someone besides their direct supervisor.
 
If you experience bullying from a boss or co-worker, do your best to remain calm and avoid keeping it bottled up. Never wait to report it and talk to someone. Everyone has the right to a workplace free of hostility and bullying behavior.
 
Make sure to do your part to create a bullying-free workplace:
 

• Treat all co-workers with respect.
• Be inclusive of co-workers when setting up meetings and work events.
• Offer positive feedback and support instead of negative criticism.
• Avoid spreading gossip, rumors and misinformation about co-workers and work issues.

​Every year in the U.S., more than 100 people die in ladder-related accidents, and thousands suffer disabling injuries. According to OSHA, falls from portable ladders (step, straight, combination, and extension) are among the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities. However, these falls are preventable when employees know how to inspect, use, and maintain ladders.

Inspect ladders at a three to six month interval, or as determined by your employer and document the inspection in writing. Documentation is easily achieved by dating and initialing an inspection sticker on one of the ladder’s side rails. Before using any ladder, check for:
 

• Loose, worn, or missing rungs, cleats, bracing, or side rails.
• Loose nails, bolts, or screws.
• Wood splinters.
• Corroded metal parts.
• Broken or partially broken welds where rungs meet the side rails.
• Damaged or missing foot pads.
• Water, oil, grease, mud, or other slippery substances on the ladder or your shoes. 

Do not use a ladder in poor condition. Instead:
 

• Report it to a supervisor.
• Mark it with a “Do Not Use” tag immediately.
• Have the ladder repaired, removed, or destroyed.

Do not use a ladder when stairs, ramps, or runways are available. If using a ladder, choose the right type and size for the task.
​

• Select a ladder that can hold at least four times the maximum load. Do not go over the load rating. Always include your weight plus the weight of all tools, materials, and equipment when calculating the maximum load.  If the load rating sticker on a ladder is missing or unreadable, replace it, or get a new ladder. Ladder ratings are as follows:

​Most drivers spend less than 1% of their driving time in reverse, yet national statistics indicate that about one-quarter of all collisions occur while backing. Backing incident rates are even higher among public sector drivers, accounting for over 50% of all on-the-job vehicle collisions. Though backing incidents often occur at low speeds, collisions while driving in reverse can result in severe and fatal injuries. Nationally, back over incidents kill an estimated 200 people annually and injure more than 12,000. Backing carries its own set of driving risks. 

Drivers' poor techniques cause most backing accidents. Limited vision out of back windows or around long truck beds and equipment bodies can result in drivers not seeing other vehicles, obstacles, coworkers, or pedestrians. Whether in a parking lot, on the road, or at a construction site, workers who learn the proper steps to driving in reverse can help prevent backing accidents.

Encourage drivers to avoid backing a vehicle unless necessary. Use these added safety tips when parking.

• Choose pull-through parking spaces when available. Driving forward into a pull-through stall can keep motorists from having to back out of a parking space. If a pull-through parking space is not available, back into the stall when arriving, rather than backing out of it when leaving.

• Look at the surroundings. Scan the area and look for hazards, such as poles, trees, buildings, or people. Avoid parking near traffic lanes or pedestrian areas. Continually check all mirrors while backing.

• Perform a walkaround. Walk around the vehicle before backing it and after it has been parked for a while. Look for children, animals, soft or muddy areas, potholes, tire hazards, or other possible dangers. Every backing situation is different. Drivers may back out of the same spot day after day, but new hazards can arise.  Many organizations require drivers to place an orange construction cone near the back of the vehicle, reminding them to complete their walk around and pickup the cone before backing.

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• Do not delay after the walk-around. Return to the vehicle and start backing within a few seconds after finishing the walkaround. Do not give people or obstacles time to change behind the vehicle before backing.

Most drivers back infrequently and, therefore, lack a high level of confidence in doing it. For drivers who are unsure of their backing ability, take the time to practice. Set up some cones to back around or find an empty parking lot to learn how to back into stalls. Get to know your vehicle and its blind spots. Use the following backing tips to reduce and prevent crashes:

• Never Assume. Never assume people will stop or not walk behind a backing vehicle. If a driver sees someone in the mirror, stop until the individual is clear and in a safe position. 

• Know the clearances. When preparing to back, always look for low-hanging trees, electrical wires, or any other potential clearance related problem. 

• Use a spotter, if available. If a reliable person is available to guide the driver back, use them. Roll the window down to hear any verbal instructions or warnings. Agree on hand signals before starting. Keep the spotter in sight, preferably in the driver's side mirror. Encourage the spotter not to walk backward while giving instructions. Stop backing if the spotter is not in the driver's sight. 

• Avoid distractions. Turn off the sound system when preparing to drive in reverse. Silence the phone and remove all other distractions that can draw attention away from safely backing. 

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• Back slowly. Creep or use an idle speed when backing. Drivers should cover the brake with their foot and keep the backing distance to a minimum.

Vehicle backing is particularly dangerous in workplace settings. Large vehicles, such as semi-trucks, construction vehicles, and vehicles equipped with trailers, present more severe backing hazards. These vehicles have significantly larger blind spots than standard vehicles and, if hauling a trailer, pivot in the opposite direction when backing. Practice and proper backing safety training can reduce the chances of collisions and save companies millions of dollars in damages, lawsuits, and insurance costs. 

In addition to the steps mentioned above, the following tips can provide extra safety when backing large vehicles and vehicles with trailers.

• Use the steering wheel as a visual reminder. Backing up a trailer can be counterintuitive because the trailer moves in the opposite direction of the vehicle. When backing a trailer, it can jut out at a 90-degree angle from the vehicle. At its worst, the trailer can double back around until the vehicle and the trailer are touching sides, a situation known as a jackknife. One trick to better visualize the opposite movement of a trailer is to think of the steering wheel's top part as moving the vehicle and the bottom part as moving the trailer. When a driver steers right, the top of the wheel goes right, and the bottom of the wheel goes left, meaning the trailer will go to the left, and vice versa. 

• Trucking professionals always use G.O.A.L. (Get out and look!) While mentioned earlier, the wider blind spots on trucks and road equipment make it even more important that drivers of large vehicles get out and examine the area. Hazards previously missed – like debris, pallets, nails, screws, and bolts – may become apparent. Look for trailer tails that are not closed and any other obstacle that may make backing hazardous. Remember, drivers cannot see directly behind them when backing a trailer. 

• Clear the area of any movable obstacles. If a piece of equipment or any other moveable obstacle is too close to the driver's approach path, ask to have it moved. It does not matter if other drivers get past it every day. They are not the ones behind the wheel at the time.

• Use the three points of contact system. To reduce or prevent injuries, use a three-point contact system when entering and exiting a large vehicle. The three points of contact system means that three of an individual’s four limbs – two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand -- are in contact with the vehicle at all times. 

• Use landmarks to help gauge direction while backing. Any visual aids that remain stationary during backing can help drivers with their approach angle. Even painted lines or cracks in the pavement can serve as guides. 

• Increase the vehicle's visibility to others. Turn on the vehicle's hazard lights and hit the horn a few times before backing. If a driver lacks confidence in their backing abilities, their instinct may be to avoid having others notice them. However, drivers need to caution people to stay clear, even if the vehicle has a backup alarm. As backup alarms become more common, the warning sound can lose its authority. 

• Choose a spotter wisely. It is best if someone who understands how the vehicle functions - like another vehicle operator. Spotters should be familiar with what the driver sees and experiences while in the driver's seat. 

• Watch the vehicle's tires and axles. Too often, drivers focus solely on the back of the trailer and whether it is moving in the right direction. However, the vehicle's tires and axles can give the driver a more accurate sense of direction. 

• Do not hesitate to start over. It can be nerve-racking to stop traffic while trying to back a large vehicle but remain patient. Taking three attempts, five attempts, whatever it takes, is better than colliding with something or someone. 

• It is okay to say, “No.” Some environments pose too many risks. Unless the hazards can be reduced, do not enter dangerous backing areas.