Incident Prevention Magazine

This month we continue with the remaining tools that will help you with error-free performance. First, a quick recap:
• Human error is normal, but can be provoked by practices found in the workplace and by traps in organizational processes, procedures and culture.
• When applied in the moment, a series of techniques called “tools” will catch errors or help avoid error traps.
• A tool can be used alone or multiple tools can be used depending on the complexity of the task.
• The challenge is developing the habit to routinely use tools. They are used every day by emergency room personnel, 911 center operators, pilots and air traffic controllers, nuclear plant personnel and employees of other businesses where errors create unwanted consequences. These tools are used around the world because they work.

Have you ever:
• Driven through a stop sign without realizing it because you were deep in thought?
• Lost your place while reading a book?
• Gotten distracted while performing a task and ended up having to do it again?
• Found yourself writing the wrong year on a check in January?
• Taken direction over the phone only to realize you’re lost when you attempt to follow what you wrote down?
• Built or assembled something only to find out you have to rebuild it because there are leftover parts?

Human error is natural, but can be provoked by workplace practices and traps in organizational processes, procedures and culture. Understanding human error helps us realize that we, as human beings, possess a wide range of capabilities, yet we also have many limitations.

Job Safety Analysis (JSA) and Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) are often talked about as separate activities, but are actually very much the same. The basic idea is that they both involve the careful study of each job step to identify potential or existing job hazards generated by equipment, environments or employee actions. The most efficient way to reduce or eliminate hazards is then determined.

Many electrical workers and engineers are familiar with the phrase “NFPA 70E,” but don’t have a good understanding of what the standard includes. The following Tailgate Topic is a summary of the standard and what it means to you as an electrical worker.

Job brief, pre-task brief, pre-job brief or tailgate conference – no matter the name, each item has the same purpose. The question is, how well do you brief to ensure your crew is prepared? This Tailgate Topic will cover the basics and maybe even raise a few questions.

Whatever you call your boom-supported lift – an aerial lift, bucket truck, cherry picker or the like – the purpose of the device is the same: to get people to elevated work positions. Even though aerial lifts allow elevated work tasks to be performed with ease, comfort and safety, improper lift operation can quickly result in injury and death. The following is an overview of aerial lift safety.

With the summer upon us, one concern that always seems to sneak up on workers during high heat periods are heat-related illnesses. Working in a hot, humid environment can be difficult or even fatal if you ignore the signs and symptoms of heat-related disorders.

Storms and heavy rains can produce significant flooding in some areas. These conditions can pose several unique hazards for injury and disease. This Tailgate Topic is intended to help you recognize and avoid these potential dangers to protect your health and safety.

The small generator is a godsend to those who need electric power where no electricity is found and the popularity of generator use by homeowners is growing by leaps and bound. Unfortunately, not everyone who owns a generator uses it in the safest manner. As a result, they create hazards for utility workers who may be working in close proximity to homes and equipment that may be fed or – even worse – backfed from a personal generator.

With the winter thaw occurring in many parts of the country, this TailGate Topic focuses on changing field conditions. Many times our tasks require us to work off the beaten path, placing us in muddy locations. Getting stuck becomes a reality when heavy vehicles are driven over muddy ground.

With winter upon us, one hazard frequently overlooked is machine safety—especially when the topic involves entanglement. With more clothing being worn to keep us warm, loose jackets and baggy clothing create opportunities for machinery and rotating equipment to grab a garment and pull an individual into the equipment.

When it comes to winter preparation, too many times our vehicles get overlooked until that first snowfall reminds us. Before the first snow catches you off guard, check your vehicle for proper and adequate winter accessories and equipment to ensure they are present and in good condition. Below is a list of items to assist vehicle operators with their inspections.

All employers should ensure that there are programs in place with written instructions to provide guidelines for the inspection, testing and maintenance of safety equipment located on the premises or supplied to employees.

Although insulated tools are designed and tested to protect the electrical worker, dirt and other contaminants can greatly reduce the protection of live-line tools. Following is an overview of care to keep your equipment in good working condition.

As we are in the midst of summer storm season, many hazards are encountered during storm restoration. One hazard that randomly reveals itself is a fall due to a wooden pole breaking under the lineman’s weight. Of course, “good” wooden poles don’t break; the area of concern is the wooden pole that has reached the end of its life cycle due to decay. But how do you know if a pole is safe to climb?