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T O O L B O X T A L K S

January 2016

Six Tips to Improve your Safety Toolbox Meetings

For some companies, toolbox meetings can be a real drag with disinterested staff and the safety manager trying desperately to

motivate staff and change behavior.

Research has found that there are three factors that contribute to a great team - energy (how team members contribute to a team as a

whole), engagement (how team members communicate with one another) and exploration (involves communication that members

engage in outside their team).

To improve your tool box talks, so that people are working together, you need to focus on making the meetings more positive. By

doing this you will increase the energy, engagement and exploration. Let's take a look at how you transform your safety meetings.

1. Explain the new positive approach - Let everyone know that from now on, safety tool box meetings are going to be different. That

you're all going to start being positive about safety, as by being positive you will all greatly improve your safety record and enjoyment of

work. As the leader of the group, you want to make this approach sounds fun and inclusive. Keep people in check who are distrustful

or fearful of the new positive approach. Ensure that you notice when something is being left unsaid or someone cannot get their say

and encourages people to speak or cover issues that are being ignored.

2. Focus on 3 positives to 1 negative comment - To lift morale of your workforce, an easy method is to focus on three positive

comments for every one negative comment. Let people know that they are expected to raise three positive comments about how safety

is going with only one negative.

3. Focus on what is best for the company or group rather than people overly focusing on themselves. As the leader, you need

to let people know that they need to act in the best interests of the group. if you realize that someone has brought up an issue that is

for their own personal agenda, then you need to clarify this and get them to work on a group solution. If group members criticize

someone or the company get them to open with "I might suggest..." rather than criticizing. Encourage people to ask questions when

they do not understand issues or someone's point of view (rather than resorting to negative comments).

4. Start with Gratitude - This is going to be difficult one for some, but being grateful is an extremely powerful way to make people feel

happy and comfortable with one another. Start your meeting with your staff thinking about positive things. This enables them to bring

more ideas and workable solutions to any problems discussed in meetings.

5. Tell stories to reaffirm correct safety behavior - Once you've started these meetings, as the leader you need to give examples of

the types of behavior that you want to see repeated. Become a story finder and look out for examples during your week.

6. Announcing Safety Rewards - When it comes to enhancing performance and motivating staff - the best reward is positive

feedback. We all like to hear we are doing a good job. And we're not likely to cheat or exhibit unethical behavior, just to hear our boss

give us a good rap. Make sure the feedback explains why the behavior was good. You could also reward people with certificates. Just

avoid giving money or presents.

Summing it Up

To get disengaged staff more engaged in toolbox talks, you can really improve the energy levels by making the meetings more

positive. By introducing things to be thankful for at the start of the meeting and ensuring that your meetings have at a minimum three

positive comments to one negative, you will really start to change the dynamics of the meetings. As the leader, chair the meetings so

that everyone has a chance to give feedback and that all participants feel safe to talk. It will change things in a way you thought were

not possible.

January 1, 2016

Winter Storm Preparedness

Winter storms can range from a moderate snow over a few hours to a blizzard with blinding, wind-driven

snow that lasts for several days. Some winter storms are large enough to affect several states, while others affect only a

single community. Many winter storms are accompanied by dangerously low temperatures

and sometimes by strong winds, icing, sleet and freezing rain.

Regardless of the severity of a winter storm, you should be prepared in order to remain safe during these events.

Know the Difference

Winter Storm Outlook - Winter storm conditions are possible in the next 2 to 5 days. Winter Weather Advisory - Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. When caution is used, these situations should not be life threatening. Winter Storm Watch - Winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours. People in a watch area should review their winter storm plans and stay informed about weather conditions. Winter Storm Warning - Life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours. People in a warning area should take precautions immediately.

CONTRACTORS TRAINING INSTITUTE / LEAD RENOVATOR TRAINING

How to Prepare for a Winter Storm

Winterize your vehicle and keep the gas tank full. A full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing.

Insulate your home by installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic from the inside to keep cold air out.

Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year.

If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

Put Together a Supply Kit

Water—at least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day

Food—at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food

Flashlight

Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)

Extra batteries

First aid kit

Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc.)

Multi-purpose tool

Sanitation and personal hygiene items

Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)

Cell phone with chargers

Family and emergency contact information

Extra cash

Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)

Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)

Tools/supplies for securing your home

Sand, rock salt or non-clumping kitty litter to make walkways and steps less slippery

Warm coats, gloves or mittens, hats, boots and extra blankets and warm clothing for all household members

Ample alternate heating methods such as fireplaces or wood- or coal-burning stoves


Remaining Safe During a Winter Storm

Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or other local news channels for critical information on snow storms and blizzards from the National Weather Service (NWS).

Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas and make sure that their access to food and water is not blocked by snow drifts, ice or other obstacles.

Running water, even at a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing.

All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside and kept clear.

Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.

Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.

Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much costlier repair job if pipes freeze and burst.

Go to a designated public shelter if your home loses power or heat during periods of extreme cold.

Avoid driving when conditions include sleet, freezing rain or drizzle, snow or dense fog. If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle.

Before tackling strenuous tasks in cold temperatures, consider your physical condition, the weather factors and the nature of the task.

Protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in several layers. Stay indoors, if possible.

Help people who require special assistance such as elderly people living alone, people with disabilities and children.

Caution: Carbon Monoxide Kills

Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. Locate unit away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.

The primary hazards to avoid when using alternate sources for electricity, heating or cooking are carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock and fire.

Install carbon monoxide alarms in central locations on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas to provide early warning of accumulating carbon monoxide.

If the carbon monoxide alarm sounds, move quickly to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door.

Call for help from the fresh air location and remain there until emergency personnel arrive to assist you.

Contractors Training Institute / Lead Renovator Training

Office (248) 698-6900 Fax (248)694-2091

eMail: [email protected]

January 1, 2016

Preventing Hypothermia

Winter is coming and the temperatures outside are starting to slide. Beside the general frustration of it all, there is a serious hazard associated with being outside in the winter - hypothermia. Hypothermia is a lowering of the body's core temperature, commonly caused by getting wet and chilled. As the body temperature drops, damage to the vital organs such as the brain can occur. Hypothermia can be fatal, so it is important to avoid these conditions and get prompt medical help if it develops. These are some symptoms of hypothermia:

chills shivering confusion loss of co-ordination inability to speak clearly and irrational behavior

The victim can lose consciousness, indicating a serious case of hypothermia. The way to prevent hypothermia is to stay warm and dry: Dress warmly but wear layers so you can take clothing on and off as conditions change. Too much clothing can make you sweaty, setting the stage for chills. Keep your head covered because a significant amount of body heat can be lost from the head. If you need a hardhat liner for warmth in the winter, make sure it is approved for use with your hardhat so it does not interfere with protection. The combination of wet and cold is particularly dangerous, so carry extra clothing including socks and gloves if there is any chance yours will get wet.



Office (248) 698-6900 Fax (248)694-2091


January 1, 2016

Winter Road Safety Kit Checklist

Everyone should carry a Winter Survival Kit

in their car. In an emergency, it could save

your life and the lives of your passengers.

Here is what you need:

a shovel

windshield scraper and small broom

flashlight with extra batteries

battery powered radio

water

snack food including energy bars

raisins and mini candy bars

matches and small candles

extra hats, socks and mittens

First aid kit with pocket knife

Necessary medications

blankets or sleeping bag

tow chain or rope

road salt, sand, or cat litter for traction

booster cables

emergency flares and reflectors

fluorescent distress flag and whistle to attract attention

Cell phone adapter to plug into lighter


Winter Driving…Skids..

Good drivers know the special hazards of winter driving, but should be reminded about the

danger of skidding when speed is too high.

One of the most terrifying experiences in winter driving is the skid. If it happens at high speed,

the result could be a disastrous crash. It is urgent to slow down at the first hint that the road is

slick. Most skids could be avoided by adjusting to the conditions, and it is possible to recover

from skids if you know how.

The experienced driver knows that skids are likely on curves and turns, so slow down ahead of

time, then apply power slightly into the curve. Steering is steady, with no abrupt change in

direction and, especially, no abrupt braking.

Plan ahead of time for lane changes; check your rear view mirrors, check your blind spots and

signal your intentions to traffic behind and swing over in a long, gradual tangent. Make the

move with the smallest possible steering change and with a light foot on the gas.

If you go into a skid, remember two cardinal rules don't steer against the skid and don't hit the

brakes. Instead, steer in the direction the vehicle is sliding until you feel recovery of traction,

then slowly straighten the wheels and keep rolling.

If braking is necessary before rolling traction is recovered, apply the brake pedal carefully so

as not to lock the wheels and intensify the skid. You have better control in a skid situation if

your vehicle is equipped with anti-lock brakes.

The expert driver is constantly on the lookout for areas that might induce skidding, such as

unexpected ice patches or piles of wet leaves, to be found especially in shady areas or on

overpasses. Keep in mind that wet ice, warmed by the sun, is twice as treacherous as "cold"

ice.

Above all, the expert driver knows that a safe stop on icy or snow-packed roads is a tricky

maneuver which requires skill and good judgment. First of all, anticipate stops. Slow down

gradually, well ahead of intersections, conscious of the fact that approaches to stopping places

are apt to be polished and slick, because of stopping and starting traffic.

Since accidents are so common in winter, the expert driver makes a double allowance for the

sake of safety. First, drive on slippery roads at reduced speed; and second, increase following

distance behind the vehicle ahead. This gives an extra space cushion for safe stopping, in

case there is trouble ahead.


Tricky traction, as every driver knows, makes a difference between winter and summer driving.

So every driver should learn how to get the best possible traction when the going is slippery.

When you drive into deep snow, you may find that stepping on the gas only provides a

spinning of the wheels, with little, if any, forward movement. In such cases, one should avoid

over-powering. A light foot on the gas pedal and a high gear is preferable.

If you get stuck in the deep snow, you may only spin your wheels trying to get out. Sometimes

it helps to twist the steering wheel back and forth to push away snow in front, and then try

again – lightly. A sprinkling of sand or light gravel in front of drive wheels, or a traction mat of

wire mesh, or a strip of carpet may be necessary.

Easy rocking, back and forward, may help regain traction, but first know whether such shifting

from forward to reverse and back again might damage your particular transmission. Even a

shoveling out of snow may be necessary when you're stuck.

Braking distance depends directly on the kind of contact the vehicle tires make with the

slippery surface of the road. Your tires should have good tread surfaces. There will be times

that snow tires, and even chains, may be best to help keep your vehicle under control during

those blustery winter storms.


Office (248) 698-6900 Fax (248)694-2091


January 1, 2016

GOGGLES & GLOVES

GOGGLES

There is nothing new about wearing

goggles for eye protection. Every job is

using them to a greater or lesser degree.

But the question always arises as to who

should not be asked to wear eye protection.

There is no job throughout construction that

does not carry a potential eye hazard. hi

analyzing eye injury cases, it is found that

the most common are caused from foreign

bodies in the eye, flying objects, dust, and

horseplay. The jobs include office workers,

laborers, operators, warehousemen,

millwrights, drivers, mechanics, carpenters,

and so on down the line.

Actual reported cases describe accidents in

which a laborer was cleaning out one thing

or another when some of the contents of a

chemical nature splashed in his eyes and

resulted in the loss of his sight. Goggles

were not worn, since they were not

considered necessary for that type of work

or worker. But follow this injury and others

like it and you will find that most could have

been prevented if the right eye protection

had been used.

GLOVES

Your hands are your wage earners.

Hands are hurt more often than any other

part of the body.

Hand injuries don't have to occur. As

talented as your hands are, they can't think,

they're your servants, and it is up to you to

think and keep them out of trouble.

Be sure you wear the right kind of gloves

for the particular kind of work you are doing.

When you wear gloves, you aren't trusting

to luck and you're not taking unnecessary

chances.

Wear gloves when you are doing a job that

needs them, but, not around moving

machinery.

Time spent in preparing your hands for the

job will not only save trouble for you but will

probably save time in doing the job.

There's No Such Thing As Being Too Safe!


Date:

Person Conducting Meeting:

Company Name:

Problem Areas or Concerns:

Attendees:

Be Safe This Winter, We Want Everyone To Go Home Alive.

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