Toolbox Talk: Bicycle Safety

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Community Involvement, Safety, Toolbox Talks

Bicycle accidents are becoming all too common in our community.  Illinois Prairie Electric, Inc. cares about this issue not only because we ride bicycles, but because our employees encounter them on roads, in parking lots, and near job sites while driving.  Here are a few tips to keep in mind out on the roads this Spring:

Be aware of driveways that cross sidewalks. This is a common place for bicycles and cars to not see one another.

Don’t follow bicycles too closely. Bicycles can stop more quickly than cars, and damage to the smaller vehicle is often catastrophic.

Be cautious in residential neighborhoods. Bicyclists like to use quiet streets, so if you don’t stop completely before a stop sign, you risk hitting a silent vehicle in the intersection.  Look for cyclists and traffic before opening your door. When in motion, be aware of bicycles moving to the left to avoid the door zone directly adjacent to parked vehicles.

Finally, the Illinois Rules of the Road handbook states that motor vehicles must give bicycles at least 3 feet of space when passing.  Even with this guideline, riders are still being clipped by passing side mirrors.  Go one step further and give bicycles respect and distance—the same courtesies you would give to slow-moving farm equipment.  When passing, give them the full lane.  If it is not possible to pass safely, slow down and wait until it is safe.  This applies to urban and rural driving.

As more people become concerned about sustainable transportation and healthy living, there will be more bicycles on our community’s roads, sidewalks, and trails. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration writes that bicycles are “a legitimate form of transportation and bicyclists are legal drivers of vehicles” that have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles.

 

Toolbox Talk: Dressing for Work Outside

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Safety, Toolbox Talks

It’s February and you still have a few outside projects that need to be completed on your honey-do list, but, gee it’s cold outside! Before you head out the door, make sure you are dressed for the weather.   It may look nice from inside your house but looks can be deceiving!  Here are some tips on what to wear to keep you safe and warm.

Start from the inside out.  Insulated underwear and 2 medium weight socks are a good place to begin—2 medium weight socks are much better than 1 heavy pair.  The next layer begins with a long sleeve shirt—preferably wool—and a pair of pants that fit.  Pants that are too baggy or too long can cause you to trip or get caught on something.  Should you need a belt be sure to run any extra length through  remaining belt loops; this could save you from getting pulled into the piece of machinery you are working with. Next you will need a heavy duty pair of shoes with a thick sole, not your summer flip flops or your worn out tennis shoes with holes in them.

Finally a warm hat, work gloves-with no holes, of course, and a warm jacket that fits.  You might want to check for tears or dangling pieces to prevent your jacket from getting caught on something.

This may seem like a lot of prep work before even going outside, but if it saves you from one accident or frost bite, it is well worth the time. 

Now that your list is complete outside, take a minute and check any exposed skin for frost bite when you come back in.  If you see any skin that appears slightly flushed at first and then becomes white or grayish-yellow, you may have frost bite.  Warm the area slowly in cool water—do not rub with snow or your hand.   If you continue to have problems contact your physician.  Keep warm and keep safe!

 

Toolbox Talk: Step Up Safely

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Holiday Decorating, Safety, step ladders, Toolbox Talks

Time to drag out the ladder and complete those last few outdoor maintenance items before the winter sets in, but before you start to step up on that ladder, take a moment to make sure it is safe. 

Ladders are the biggest hazards of overhead work and proper ladder maintenance and ladder use are a must. 

There are a variety of ladders available 4-16 foot step ladders, single-section ladders from 8-20 feet, and extension   ladders from 12-60 feet, but up keep and safety is the same for them all.

Check to make sure all of the nuts and bolts are tight, the rungs are secure and spreaders work.

 Ladders need to be free of oil, grease and other slipping hazards and most of all if parts are broken replace them!

Before you begin choose a ladder that is appropriate for the work you are doing, that does not conduct electricity and one that is able to hold the weight necessary to complete the job.  Positioning your ladder is your next   concern.  Never set it up on a slick surface, but on a firm, level surface and be aware of all electrical wires and over head      clearance in your work area. Next to ensure side rails are supported, use a ladder pad to prevent slippage and   protect the surface it is leaning against. 

Now you are ready to begin!  Take time to make your equipment safe and keep yourself safe and remember call Illinois Prairie Electric, Inc. for all your indoor and outdoor electrical needs.

Toolbox Talk: Hearing & Eye Protection

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Eye Protection, Hearing Protection, Safety, Toolbox Talks

With the busy summer season approaching, Illinois Prairie Electric is concentrating on safety—and so should you!

Even small projects in the house or yard have the potential for mishaps. 

A properly-equipped tool bag includes safety glasses and ear plugs or ear muffs.

Ear and eye protection is necessary equipment when using lawn mowers, chain saws, and power tools. 

Consider the many things you do that involve flying particles: chipping, grinding, sanding, sawing, and hammering.  Even a tiny speck of dust flying from a power tool can injure your eye. 

Do you dislike wearing safety glasses?  There are many models and sizes available to fit the needs of your activity and comfort preferences.  If your goggles fog up, try a model with more ventilation, or coat them with an antifog liquid.  Side shields and wrap-around goggles may not be appropriate if you have to watch to your sides for heavy equipment.   

Keep lenses clean and replace them when scratched or cracked.  These not only interfere with your vision, but they weaken the glasses so that they may not withstand the heavy impacts they were designed for.

Never think that you can “get used to” noise and can afford to ignore it.  If you have to shout to be heard by someone three feet away, the noise around you is high enough to cause hearing damage.

Like glasses, ear plugs and muffs are available in many styles.  Some are even designed to be worn with eyeglasses, hard hats, or face masks.  Earmuffs must form a complete seal around the ear.  If using ear plugs, follow the directions carefully when inserting them.  If they are reusable, keep them clean to prevent ear infections.

More safety tips and printable flyers can be found at www.ipelec.biz/safety. 

**Post a photo of the safety supplies in your toolbag as a response to this post and win a FREE pair of safety glasses!

 

Toolbox Talk: Heat Stress & Sun Exposure

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Heat, Safety, Sun, Toolbox Talks

This week has been so hot and steamy, we want to make sure you avoid the dangers of heat stress and sun exposure. 

According to the United States Center for Disease Control (CDC), heat related stress kills over 300 persons per year. 

To avoid heat stress, be sure to drink plenty of water.  Illinois Prairie Electric, Inc. employees are encouraged to begin their day at the shop fixing coolers of iced water or Gatorade.  Refillable bottles make a good companion for any tool bag.  Remember, soda and carbonated drinks may taste good, but they will only  dehydrate you more!

When working outdoors, be sure to scope the area for sources of shade.  Permanent structures such as trees, fixed overhangs, or pavilions may be nearby, and can serve as a good place to take your breaks.  If nothing like this is available, consider using a small portable canopy to shade your work area. 

Sun exposure also poses a substantial threat during the summer months.  Make   applying sunscreen lotion to your face, neck, ears, and arms part of your morning routine.  Many lotions require reapplication every few hours, so throw a bottle of it in your tool bag.  A hat and long sleeves in a light, breathable fabric can also help to block out harmful sun rays. 

Signs of overexposure include the sudden onset of confusion or forgetfulness, irritability, belligerence, lightheadedness, lack of coordination, fatigue, and paradoxical chills. 

When these signs appear, stop activity immediately, move to a cool, shady area, and drink some fluids. 

During the summer months, special care should also be taken with children and the elderly.  Check on your neighbors and loan them fans if they don’t have air conditioning. 

More safety tips and printable flyers can be found at www.ipelec.biz/safety. 

What other summer safety suggestions do you have?  Post them as a reply to this post!