safety-bulletin

Pinch points

A pinch point occurs when two objects come together to create an area where a body part, most commonly fingers or hands, can be caught, crushed, or pinched. Pinch points can cause minor bruises and cuts to severe crushing injuries, broken bones, amputations, permanent nerve damage, and life-threatening injuries. Common pinch points include: Gates, doors,…

safety-bulletin

Hand Injuries

The most common type of injuries at UCOR this year are associated with hands. With 11 hand injuries so far, these injuries have more than doubled from the previous year. Two of these events resulted in lacerations that required medical attention beyond first aid. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, an estimated 1…

safety-bulletin

Dangerous distractions

Distractions that divert attention from a task compromise safety by impairing attention, reaction times, and decision-making. Statistics suggest that being distracted makes us nearly 50% more susceptible to accidents. Distractions can make us not pay attention and fail to see hazards, which can lead to injury. Every day, our brains juggle countless tasks while navigating…

safety-bulletin

Stored energy

Energy remaining in machines and equipment after shutdown can expose workers to risk during maintenance or servicing. If not properly controlled, this energy can lead to serious injuries or fatalities (SIFs). Before starting work, consider potential sources of stored energy that may include: Mechanical – objects under tension or compression (springs/bungees) Hydraulic – pressurized liquids…

safety-bulletin

Being observant

Distractions make it easy to miss important details and potential hazards that can negatively impact safety. As our focus decreases, the chances of being injured increases. Have you tripped over or struck against something you did not see? Have you been startled by someone you didn’t know was in your area? Have you ever driven…