A Shortcut that reduces your safety on the job is not a shortcut but a sure path to accidents and injury.

Consider these scenarios:

An electrician is up on a ladder finishing up a job.  He needs to connect a wire that’s about four feet to his right before he’s done for the day.  Instead of climbing down, moving the ladder to the spot where he needs to work and then climbing back up, he decides to take a shortcut to save some time.  He reaches as far as he can to grab onto the wire, and as he does, he loses his balance.  He falls to the deck below, and the ladder falls on top of him.

A welder boss has one last weld to make.  As she finishes the weld, she needs to chip the last bit of slag off before she’s done for the day.  Earlier, she took off her safety glasses because she was sweating and the glasses were fogging up.  Now she can’t find them and she knows the job will only take her 2 minutes, so instead of continuing to look, she begins to chip.  As she’s chipping away, a piece of slag flies through the air, hits her in the eye, and scratches her cornea.

Every time you take a shortcut to save time, you’re rolling the dice, AND… if you keep taking these gambles, sooner or later you’re going to lose.

What can you do to prevent this?

Tips for Preventing Distracted Driving

• Fully focus on driving.  Do not let anything divert your attention, actively scan the road, use your mirrors and watch out for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Store loose gear, possessions, and other distractions that could roll around in the car, so you do not feel tempted to reach for them on the floor or the seat.
• Make adjustments before you begin your trip.  Address vehicle systems like your GPS, seats, mirrors, climate controls and sound systems before hitting the road.  Decide on your route and check traffic conditions ahead of time.
• Finish dressing and personal grooming at home – before you get on the road.
• Snack smart.  If possible, eat meals or snacks before or after your trip, not while driving. On the road, don’t eat, pull over for a snack.
• Secure children and pets before getting underway.  If they need your attention, pull off the road safely to care for them.  Reaching into the backseat can cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
• Put aside your electronic distractions.  Don’t use cell phones while driving – handheld or hands-free.  Never use text messaging, email functions, video games or the internet with a wireless device, including those built into the vehicle, while driving.
• If you have passengers, enlist their help so you can focus safely on driving.
• If another activity demands your attention, instead of trying to attempt it while driving, pull off the road and stop your vehicle in a safe place.  To avoid temptation, power down or stow devices before heading out.
• Drivers should use caution while using voice-activated systems, even at seemingly safe moments when there is a lull in traffic or the car is stopped at an intersection, because potentially dangerous distractions can last longer than most drivers expect.

As a general rule, if you cannot devote your full attention to driving because of some other activity, it’s a distraction.  Take care of it before or after your trip, not while behind the wheel.

Failure to Plan

Everyone associated with the Stratus Team plays a part in planning work.  Project Managers lead teams that develop scopes of work.  Typically this includes outlining sequential tasks, identifying risks, assessing risk, confirming the right tool will be used, and preparing for the work.  But there’s more…

In general, we do a good job at planning and communicating our work.  But do we adequately plan for contingencies if the work doesn’t go as planned?  Have we adequately planned for credible emergency response scenarios?  Have we communicated the plan so that everyone knows what to do?  Have we communicated to other SIMOPS in the area?  Are we effectively engaged in STOP WORK when necessary?

Each part of a team has a role in planning each project.  We must all work together so that people in the field as well as office support understand the hazards and risks of our work.  We need to make sure technicians don’t work on electrically energized equipment, drilling locations have been cleared of utilities, and that our equipment is functional and safe.

What can you do to prevent incidents?

Preparation and planning are processes that never end.  Even when the task is complete, workers should review and document what went well and what didn’t.  We want to capture and communicate lessons so we can learn from them and not repeat mistakes.

You’ve heard the old saying…“Plan Your Work and Work Your Plan”.  The motto of this portal is “If you don’t know what is going to happen, there is no way to stop it. Plan ahead for safety”.  Well planned work greatly reduces the risk of accidents.  Having a plan to respond and minimize the impact of potential incidents is key to protecting people, the environment, and our assets.

Distractions

The risks associated with distracted driving have received all kinds of attention in recent years.  However, distractions – and the risks they pose to workers – are not limited to those found on the roadways or in our parking lot.

Workplace distractions, regardless of type, have a dangerous effect.  When people are distracted, they are not paying attention and fail to see hazards, which can lead to injuries.  In a perfect world, distractions don’t exist, but since we’re stuck in this imperfect universe, we must focus on our task and do it safely. Of course, that means getting rid of everything that can make us lose track or lack focus.

While operating equipment, have you ever replayed in your mind unpleasant scenes at home?  You could miss noticing a co-worker coming close to your equipment just because you’re engrossed over that argument you had with your wife.  Or, imagine you’re going on a big week long fishing trip this weekend and you’re anticipating all the fish you’ll catch, while literally climbing on a ladder.  Maybe you’re drawing a sample and you decide to havea little chat with a co- worker.  No harm in that right?  Think again.

When you notice you’re distracted, you may consider taking a break or getting some fresh air to blow those distracting thoughts away.  You could finish that nice chat with a co-worker then get the sample.  Low risk or high risk, focusing on the task is critical, and you should set aside thoughts about personal matters and deal with them later.  Lastly you may want to speak to a co-worker (possibly your supervisor) and share with them the difficulty you are having in managing the issue or person that is distracting you so the job can continue safely.

Housekeeping is a broad term that refers to the routine maintenance and upkeep of our sites.  Good housekeeping reduces injuries and accidents, improves morale, reduces fire potential, and can even make operations more efficient.  Housekeeping should be an integral part of every work day.  Think of the 5 “S’s”…sort, set, shine, standardize, and sustain.

What can you do to prevent poor housekeeping?

• Make sure your work area is clean BEFORE you start the job.  If it’s not, clean it.  This includes weather related cleanup, such as shoveling snow, spreading salt, etc.
• As much as possible, bundle route-tripping hazards such as hoses, power cords, weld leads, etc., together, to cut down on the number of tripping hazards.  Even better, tie them to handrails, overhead supports, etc., to eliminate the tripping hazards altogether.
• Get scrap/waste boxes delivered to the job site as needed, to minimize “double handling” of material.
• Have a hose connected for draining or approved container available when opening equipment when you suspect there may trapped liquids present.  This will minimize cleanup later and help protect the environment.
• If you find an area with a spill, barricade it so that no one else will slip and fall.  Report the spill immediately to your supervisor and FOLLOW UP to make sure it gets cleaned up.
• Clean up waste as you generate it.  Bring garbage bags with you for scrap insulation and jacketing, use buckets for collecting bolts, etc.  This will minimize “double handling”.
• Don’t block access to emergency equipment, such as hydrants and hose reels, with debris from your job.  If an emergency arises, the equipment won’t be available for immediate use.
• Roll up hoses, power cords and weld leads as soon as you are finished with them.  Don’t leave tools or equipment lying around.

Nothing more powerful will make Stratus look better than a clean and organized job site.

Some Trivia Questions (answers are below):

1. Where and when was the first universal emergency telephone number established?
2. When was 911 established as the national emergency number in the United States?

Emergency Services Phone Numbers

The site’s Health and Safety Plan (HASP) or applicable Emergency Response Plan (ERP) must include information about how emergency services should be contacted. One of the most common ways is to call 911 (in the US and Canada) but, refer to your plan for applicable emergency numbers to call.

When emergency services phone numbers were first established, the calls came from wireline phones and had effective ways to quickly identify the location where the emergency phone call was coming from. This enabled emergency services to be dispatched quickly and effectively when the call was made. With the rapid increase in the use of mobile phones along with the use of the internet for phone calls (VoIP), the process of identifying the location of emergency callers has become more challenging. In the US, it is estimated that 70% of 911 calls are placed from wireless phones. The Federal Communications Commission has developed a Guide for 911 Wireless Services that includes information about the challenges posed by wireless phones, along with useful tips for calling 911.

Other Notification Phone Numbers

In addition to emergency services numbers, there are additional notification phone calls that may also need to be made when it is safe to do so. These may include regulatory agency notifications, internal company notifications, notifications to Client personnel, spill response contractors, property owners, other public officials, etc. People change and phone numbers can change, so it is important to periodically review the plans to ensure that the information is current.

Can you hear me now?

Finally, all of the important phone numbers are useless if there isn’t a way to call the phone numbers. If your site uses wireline phones, you may not have any problems making emergency phone calls. However, you should also consider having a back-up plan in case an emergency impacts your ability to make phone calls from the wireline phone.

If you are relying on mobile phones to make emergency calls, make sure that the site has adequate signal strength to successfully make the calls. In some locations, signal strength may vary greatly depending on the service provider. At remote sites, there may be a need for signal boosters, satellite phones or radios to ensure effective communication can occur. The time to verify that phone calls can be made is during plan development and drills, not when an emergency occurs.

Trivia Answers:

1. The first emergency services number was established in London. The 999 service was launched on 30 June 1937.
2. The 911 number started in 1968 but it took about 30 years for it to be available for 95% of the country. The first 911 call was placed in Haleyville, Alabama.

So how do we prepare?  We conduct an Emergency Drill!!

“Remember – when disaster strikes, the time to prepare has passed” – Steven Cyros

What is a drill?  Drills are supervised activities that test, develop, or maintain skills in a single response procedure, and the possible/probable interaction with local government agency functions.  They help prepare for more complex exercises in which functions are coordinated and tested.

There are many reasons to conduct a drill: 1) its never been done before, 2) there is a new plan or procedure, 3) there is new staff or leadership, 4) there is a new facility or system, 5) there is a newly identified threat, or 6) there is a new assisting local or regulatory agency.

There are many different levels of drills and exercises to conduct depending on what you want to test and the complexity of your potential emergency:

1. Basic Drill
   1. Tests a single aspect of a program such as a fire drill, evacuation drill or testing emergency phone numbers.
2. Tabletop Exercise
   1. Integrates several drill considerations by simulating an emergency situation in an informal environment.
   2. It promotes discussion as participants examine problems based on existing plan documents.
3. Functional Exercise
   1. Fully simulated interactive exercise.
   2. Tests one or more functions in a time pressured situation focusing on policies, procedures, roles and responsibilities.
4. Full-Scale Exercise
   1. Tests total response capability by evaluating the operational capability of emergency systems in an interactive manner.
   2. Involves mobilization of emergency personnel.

Be prepared for your drill. The following steps may help you in developing your Emergency Drill:

1. Assess needs – What needs to be tested? How much prep time and resources will be needed?
2. Define the Scope – Identify the top 1 or 2 high priority threats to the site. What functions need to be tested? What type of drill will you conduct?
3. Write a Statement of Purpose and Objectives

“The purpose of the Critical Incident Exercise is to evaluate the following emergency functions…by involving these personnel and agencies…in a _____________ (exercise type)…simulating a _____________ (threat)…at ___________ (geographic location).”

4. Compose a Narrative – Detail what will be drilled. Build a scenario around it with specific examples of the threat you will be testing. Include a list of expected people involved.
5. Identify Expected Actions – The expected actions depend on your scenario. This list allows you to guide and evaluate the drill results. The site HASP or Emergency Response Plan are good resources for your expectations.
6. Document, Debrief, Share Lessons – Plan to conduct a post drill meeting. Document what was tested and how it went. Delegate action items for area of improvement. Share what you learned!! Plan the next drill.

You may be amazed what you discover during a drill. Sometimes the most unexpected people fall apart when a the drill starts.  You may discover that the training people have on emergencies isn’t remembered when it comes time to act. You may discover that your plan has holes that you didn’t anticipate (see below).  This is why we have drills.  Or, you may confirm that everyone knows what to do and who to call… which is the good news if those skills are actually needed.

So when is your next drill?

EXAMPLE FINDING: A few years ago I was involved in a project in tornado alley.  There were 50 people onsite, and we planned for everyone to muster into the only subgrade basement on site if needed.  We practiced this to make sure everyone would fit, and during the drill we asked, “What do you see missing?”  We had water, some food, flash lights, but the answer we got was easily overlooked.  “Where do we go to the bathroom?”

Implementing your first aid kit into your risk assessment can ensure that reasonably anticipated supplies are available to treat most injuries and illnesses that could be expected to occur in the workplace.

Here’s what should be in your job site First Aid Kit pursuant to the ANSI Z308-1 standard for a small workplace:

1 Absorbent Compress 4×8 in. minimum

5 yds. Adhesive Tape

10 Antiseptic applications 0.14 fl. oz. each

6 Burn Treatment applications 1/32 oz. each

4 Sterile Pads 3×3 in. minimum

2 pair Medical Exam Gloves

1 Triangular Bandage 40 x 40 x 56 in. minimum

16 Adhesive bandages 1×3 in

Other items to consider:

Include any personal items such as medications and emergency phone numbers or other items your health-care provider may suggest.

2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)

1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)

1 instant cold compress

2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)

Scissors

1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)

1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)

5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)

Tweezers

Flashlight (Make sure the flashlight batteries work)

Sun Screen

Eye Wash (large bottles)

Employers should periodically reassess the demand for the supplies found in company first aid kits and make a conscious effort to adjust their First Aid Kit inventory accordingly.  And most importantly, check expiration dates and replace any used or out-of-date contents.

Here is an example shared by BP:

“A few months ago I was driving with my family when a motorcycle passed us on a four lane road. About 20 seconds later as I came around a sharp curve in the road, I noticed the same motorcycle in a ditch and the driver lying face down and unconscious in the grass about 30 feet away. I immediately stopped to help and I was the first one on the scene. There were no other vehicles involved. I called 911 (the emergency number in the US) from my mobile phone to report the incident and requested an ambulance. As I explained where I was located to the dispatcher, he couldn’t figure out which ambulance service to call because we were on the border between two towns. I was amazed how difficult it was to get help! About 20 minutes later, police and ambulance services from both towns finally arrived. While at the scene, they were trying to figure out which jurisdiction they were in and who should transport the injured person. The person finally regained consciousness and was taken to the hospital. I was shocked and amazed by the confusion that I was witnessing! How could this happen?”

The actions that are taken in the first few minutes of an emergency can be critical. A quick warning to people to stop work, shelter or evacuate can often save lives. A prompt call for help to local emergency services with accurate information about the site operations, location and type of emergency is important for the dispatcher so that the right responders and equipment can be sent.

The first step in emergency preparedness is planning. A few years ago I was involved in a project in tornado alley.  There were 50 people onsite, and we planned for everyone to muster into the only subgrade basement on site if needed.  We practiced this to make sure everyone would fit, and during the drill, someone asked “What do you see missing?”  We had water, some food, flash lights, but the answer we got was easily overlooked.  “Where do we go to the bathroom?”

When developing an emergency response plan, the hazards and the risks need to be fully assessed to identify potential emergency scenarios. An understanding of what can happen will enable you to determine emergency resource requirements and to develop effective plans and procedures. The plan should include a description of the notification and activation process along with options for response. The emergency information should either be incorporated into the site Health and Safety Plan (HASP) or included in a stand-alone Emergency Response Plan based upon applicable regulatory requirements, scope of work or site risks.

Part of the planning process should also include verification that the emergency phone numbers and resources or equipment that will be relied upon during an emergency are accurate and available.

• When was the last time that you reviewed your site’s emergency response plan?
• Do you know what to do in in an emergency?
• Do you know where the nearest hospital is located?
• Do you know how to initiate an emergency response?

Go refresh yourself not only from the heat, but how to manage the heat.

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