Thursday, June 27, 2013

Workplace Safety

Helpful tips from the Texas Department of Insurance

WORKPLACE SAFETY

DRIVING SAFETY   |   FIRES IN DROUGHT CONDITIONS   |   PREVENTING FATAL FALLS

The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation (TDI-DWC) provides safety and health resources to employers, employees, and other entities that support the Texas workforce to eliminate the occurrence of occupational injuries and hazardous exposures. Through its Workplace Safety Programs, the TDI-DWC helps employers, employees, insurance carriers that underwrite workers compensation insurance and the policyholders of such carriers insurance with workplace safety and health issues.
For information about these programs and services, click on the appropriate area below or download our English or Spanish flyer.

What’s New

Safety Violations Hotline 

Safety Training Resources

Free Assistance with OSHA Regulations - (OSHCON Program)

Texas Occupational Injury, Illness and Fatality Data

Safety Awards

Newsletters

Other Resources

Accident Prevention Services Information for Insurance Carriers

Rejected Risk

Driving Safety

A variety of industries and occupations require employees to drive or to be exposed to hazards associated with driving. Transportation incidents have been the leading cause of work-related fatalities in Texas for the past ten years. Data from the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics illustrates the significance of these hazards in Texas.
  • Of the 433 occupational deaths in 2011, 39 percent (168 cases) involved transportation incidents. Of these cases, 106 were roadway transportation incidents, 14 were non-roadway incidents involving a motorized land vehicle occurring entirely off of a public roadway, 32 involved a worker being struck by a vehicle, and 7 were water vehicle incedents. Seven involved other types of transportation incidents.
  • The service providing sector had a total of 96 transportation-related fatalities, with the majority of those in the trade, transportation and utilities subsector.
  • The incidence rate of non-fatal transportation accidents in Texas in 2011 was 4.3 per 10,000 full-time workers.
  • The incidence rate of non-fatal cases where vehicles were the source of injury was 9.7 per 10,000 full-time workers.     
  • An estimated 3,160 non-fatal transportation accidents involved days away from work. 
To minimize the occurrence of these types of transportation-related incidents in the workplace, the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation (TDI-DWC) encourages employers to implement effective accident prevention plans that address driving and vehicular hazards.  In addition, the TDI-DWC encourages employers to implement and enforce written safety programs and policies for working in and around motor vehicles.

Other Resources

SAFETY INFORMATION FOR EMPLOYERS ABOUT DROUGHT CONDITIONS

Severe drought conditions can impact Texas workplaces in many ways.  The availability of water may affect an employers’ ability to perform normal business functions and processes or provide drinking water for employees who are working in extreme heat.  Drought conditions can also limit the ability of emergency personnel to fight wildfires and structure fires in or around places of business.  In addition, wildlife converging on worksites in search of water could expose employees to unexpected hazards such as animal and insect bites and attacks.
To address unusual circumstances associated with drought conditions, employers should:
  • Evaluate personal protective equipment and hydration needs for employees who are exposed to heat and wildlife;
  • Insure you have an effective fire prevention plan that takes into account unusually dry, hot and windy conditions;
  • Contact your local emergency personnel/fire department for guidance;
  • Ensure your emergency action plan is updated and that all employees are aware of the contents of the plan; and
  • Monitor local surface water and public water system conditions.
TDI-DWC Resources:
Free Audiovisual Loans (related safety training audiovisual materials can be found under "Fire Safety", "Emergency Preparedness and Response", and "Heat Stress")
Other Resources:

PREVENTING FATAL FALLS IN THE WORKPLACE

Falls can occur in any workplace industry or setting – industrial, construction or office.  Any walking/working surface in the workplace could be a potential fall hazard.  According to the 2011 Bureau of Labor Statistics, 67 work-related fatalities resulted from falls in Texas (the third leading cause of fatalities). One third of the falls occurred in the construction industry.
Employers should use appropriate controls such as personal protective equipment, fall arrest systems, ladders, scaffolds, safe lifting techniques, and housekeeping to prevent falls in the workplace.  Likewise, they should train all employees who may be exposed to fall hazards on how to recognize such hazards, and how to minimize their exposure to them.

TDI-DWC Resources

Other Resources

Translation by WorldLingo


 
Lewis Insurance
2525 S. Lamar Ste 11
Austin, TX
78704
 
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