March 2015 Copyright J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. Volume 5 Issue 3

Warning Signs & Tags . . . . 1

Safety Focus: Poor Job Performance? Maybe It’s Workaholism . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Practice Proactive Health Through Screenings . . . . . 4

Warning Signs & TagsOSHA doesn’t take it for granted that everyone knows the meanings behind warning signs and tags, and neither should you . The general industry standard on specifications for accident prevention signs and tags (1910 .145) includes provisions to instruct and inform employees . A related standard, at 1910 .144, sets a safety color code for marking physical hazards .All signs must have rounded or blunt corners and should not have any sharp edges, burrs, splinters, or other sharp projections . The ends or heads of bolts or other fastening devices must be located in such a way that they do not constitute a hazard .The wording of any sign should:• Be easily read and to the point;• Contain sufficient, easy-to-

understand information;• Make a positive suggestion; and• Be accurate in fact .

Danger SignsDanger signs are used to indicate immediate danger and that special

precautions are necessary .Danger signs use the colors red, black, and white .Other items use

the color red to indicate danger . Safety cans or other portable containers for flammable liquids are painted red . Red lights are used to mark barricades or temporary obstructions . On machinery, emergency stop buttons or controls are colored red .

Because fire represents a danger, fire protection equipment is also typically red in color .

Caution SignsCaution signs are used to warn against potential hazards or to caution against unsafe practices .The standard color of the background on caution signs is yellow, and the panel is black with yellow letters . Any letters used against the yellow background must be black . Caution signs indicate a possible hazard against which proper precaution should be taken . The color yellow is used to mark physical hazards where employees could strike against something, stumble, fall, trip, or be caught between items .

Biohazard SignsMaterials that are biohazards can cause diseases . Containers, rooms, equipment, materials, and experimental animals that are or may be contaminated with biological hazards are marked using a biohazard sign or tag . The biohazard symbol is made up of interlocking circles that form a triangular shape . The bloodborne pathogens standard requires these signs to be fluorescent orange–red in color .

(continued on page 2)

The best way to reduce

losses is to increase safety

awareness.

Eye on SafetyInside this issue:

2 Copyright J . J . Keller & Associates, Inc . March 2015

One common place to find the biohazard symbol is on the sharps disposal containers found in many public restrooms . These containers are used to dispose of used hypodermic needles that people use to inject insulin or medications .

Safety Instruction SignsSafety instruction signs are used where there’s a need for general instructions and suggestions about safety measures .Safety instruction signs have a green panel with white letters .

OSHA Specific Posting Requirements Many OSHA rules have their own requirements for signs and tags . For example, the general materials handling rule requires that signs be used to indicate clearance limits under and around obstacles (see 1910 .176(e)) . Often, OSHA requires regulated areas where certain chemicals are used (such as asbestos, carcinogens, lead, formaldehyde, etc .) to be marked with signs .

Accident Prevention TagsAccident prevention tags are used to identify hazardous conditions and to provide a message about the hazards . They’re also used to meet specific tagging requirements in other OSHA standards . Tags must be affixed as close to the hazards as safely possible, using string, wire, or adhesive that prevents their loss or unintentional removal . Tags are made of card, paper, pasteboard, plastic, or other material . They contain a signal word (either “Danger,” “Caution,” “Biological Hazard,” or “BIOHAZARD”) to get your immediate attention . They also contain a major message to indicate the specific hazardous condition or instruction (such as “High Voltage” or “Do Not Start”) . The signal word has to be large enough so that it can be read from 5 feet away . The major message can be a pictograph, or text, or both . Danger tags are used where an immediate hazard presents a threat of death or serious injury .Caution tags are used where a non-immediate or potential hazard or unsafe practice presents a lesser threat of injury . Warning tags (orange in color) may be used to represent a hazard level between caution and danger .You have to know the meaning of the various tags used throughout the workplace and the special precautions you are to follow when the tags are used .A common example of an accident prevention tag is a tagout tag used to warn people to stay clear of machinery that’s being serviced or repaired . OSHA sets up separate

requirements for tagout tags . For example, they need to be attached using a non-reusable nylon cable tie or equivalent .

Floor Markings You expect to see warning signs on the wall, but another good place to alert people to hazards is on the floor .OSHA’s standard on general requirements for walking-working surfaces requires permanent aisles to be appropriately marked (see 1910 .22(b)(2)) . This is often done with yellow stripes to outline the boundary of the aisle . Remember the color yellow indicates “caution .”

SymbolsWord-only signs and labels do not always communicate the hazards and the safety message to all employees . Safety symbols have proven their ability to provide critical information for accident prevention and for personal protection . Signs, labels, and symbols have become common methods for conveying hazardous situations and safety practices throughout the workplace .Safety symbol criteria come from ANSI standard Z535 .3, which provides general criteria for the design, evaluation, and use of safety symbols . The criteria identify and warn against specific hazards, and provide information for avoiding personal injury . The standard provides four types of symbol designs for communicating different messages . The symbols are usually displayed as a black or red safety image on a white background . Symbol types include:• Hazard alerting. This symbol should be drawn within

a yellow equilateral triangle when a surround shape is desired .

• Mandatory action. This symbol is represented by a white image within a solid safety blue or black circular surround shape .

• Information. This symbol should be placed in a square or rectangular background, when a surround shape is desired .

• Prohibition. The surround shape is mandatory . This consists of a circular band with a diagonal slash from upper left to lower right . The color must be a black image, safety red or black circular band with a slash, and white background .

Warning signs, tags, and symbols are designed to convey safety and hazard information quickly . If you see an area where a sign is missing or where one should be posted, let your supervisor know .

Warning Signs & Tags (continued from page 1)

March 2015 Copyright J . J . Keller & Associates, Inc . 3

Safety Focus: Poor Job Performance? Maybe It’s Workaholism Working hours in North America and the U .K . have steadily risen in the last 20 years . Workaholics work hard, but still have poor job performance — mainly because of high mental and physical strain, according to a study in the November 2013 Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, official

publication of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) .

Alexander Falco, PhD, and colleagues of University of Padova, Italy, analyzed survey responses from a sample of more than 300 private-sector workers . Workaholism is defined as working excessively and working compulsively — workaholics “work hard, rather than smart .”

Signs and SymptomsThe workers in the study had “moderate” levels of workaholism overall . Workaholics showed evidence of high job strain, with physical and mental symptoms such as digestive, memory, and sleep problems .

In turn, high strain was associated with worse job performance — thus workaholism led indirectly to decreased performance, via increased mental and physical strain . After accounting for strain, there was no direct link between workaholism and job performance .

There was a similar indirect effect on absenteeism, with high job strain leading to increased absences . But this was partly offset by a negative direct effect — perhaps reflecting workaholics’ reluctance to miss any work time, even when ill . Since the direct effect was stronger, workaholics tended to have fewer absences, on balance .

Common ProblemWorkaholism is reported in eight to 25 percent in various groups of workers, and has significant negative effects on health as well as personal and work life . Understanding how workaholism affects work-related outcomes could help lead to new ways of mitigating a common problem that’s costly for employers .

“Our study highlights the central role of psychophysic strain in the relationship between workaholism and job performance,” Dr . Falco and coauthors write . Because workaholics devote so much time to their work, lack of adequate recovery time leads to “breakdown at an emotive or cognitive level,” and ultimately to strain-related symptoms .

The researchers discuss possible steps to prevent workaholism, such as workplace changes to achieve a better balance between work and private life, as well as approaches to identifying workers at risk and providing treatment for diagnosed workaholics .

Workaholism can negatively affect the health of workers . This is associated with lower working performance and greater sickness absences .

Is Hard Work a Route to Success?Hard work has historically been viewed as a way to become successful and earn more money .

Notions of hard work are predominantly held by the middle class and poor people and originate from the industrial revolution and certain religious beliefs which viewed hard work both as a virtue and the only way to success .

Who Are Likely Workaholics?There is no typical profile, but it appears that the Baby Boomer generation has a greater tendency towards being workaholics than Generation Y workers . Workaholics often seek perfection and will keep working in order to try and achieve that . The trouble is, perfection is usually unattainable and the individual trying for perfection feels badly if perfection isn’t attained . Adding to this, a workaholic might feel that he or she is the only one capable of getting the high-end results, resulting in added work and added hours .

Managers and executives are more likely to be workaholics, but they may not feel that their work/life balance is satisfactory . They don’t take their vacation days and, even if they do, they still connect with work or think about work issues while away . They have an addiction to work that is hard to escape .

As businesses and organizations take leaner approaches to operations and resources to conserve costs, they will continue to try and do more with less . If you have workaholic tendencies, additional work may always be there . However, if you plan better and limit time spent on certain tasks, you may take the first steps to improved work/life balance .

4 Copyright J . J . Keller & Associates, Inc . March 2015

It’s wise for men and women of all ages to take charge of their health . Health screen-ings are one way to do this . Health care providers don’t have a crystal ball to see into the future of your health, but proper screenings can help catch a disease in its early stages when chances for successful treatment are greatest .

Ask your health care provider about the risks and benefits of screenings for:

Colon cancer - Screening typically starts around age 50, however, if you have a fam-ily history of colorectal cancer, your health care provider may decide to have you tested earlier .

Depression - Your emotional health is as important as your physical health . Talk to your health care provider if you are feeling down, sad, or hopeless, or are losing inter-est in things you once enjoyed .

High blood pressure - The condition itself usually has no signs or symptoms, and you can have it for years without realizing it, making it important to get tested . High blood pressure can damage your heart, blood vessels, and kidneys .

High cholesterol - If you are age 35 or older, you should have your cholesterol checked . You may need it checked sooner if

you smoke, are obese, or have diabetes or high blood pressure .

Breast and cervical cancers (women) - It’s important to discuss whether you need a mammogram with your doctor . They typically start at age 42, but this may vary depending on certain factors . You should also ask about testing for cervical cancer; the frequency can depend on your age and other risk factors .

Prostate cancer (men) - Discuss the risks and benefits of this test with your health care provider . On average, the discussion should start around age 50, but could be sooner if you are at high risk .

While health care providers are not clair-voyants, they are able to test for illnesses early - most likely making treatment easier and reducing the impact of the illness .

Annual physicals allow your health care provider to establish a baseline for your overall health and see changes that occur over the course of a year . A physical gives you the opportunity to be screened for diseases, update vaccinations, learn about improving your health, and establish a relationship with a health care provider in case of illness . Choose someone you are comfortable with and can talk to about all your concerns .

“Whether you think you can,

or you think you can’t,

you’re right.”

Henry FordAmerican

Industrialist1863-1947

Health screenings help you take charge

of your health.

Practice Proactive Health Through Screenings

Check out our website! www.silverstonegroup.com

Established in 1945, SilverStone Group is a full-service, resource management company offering customized services for business and private clients . We begin each relationship by learning all there is to know about you and your business . Only then do we bring our expertise to bear, tapping the collective wisdom of our 200-member staff .

Our business was built on the Midwestern ethic of hard work, honesty, integrity and fairness -- and on the idea that the client’s needs should come first . It’s the right thing to do -- and it’s just good business .

Joe Freeman, CSP, ARM Safety Engineering Manager SilverStone Group 402.964.5583 jfreeman@ssgi.com