BMSA's Safety First! 
November 2016
CAUTION: SEVERE WEATHER DRIVING AHEAD
 
If you live in an area that gets wintery weather, does the first snowfall of the season seem to bring on a rash of fender benders and crashes? Even though we all know what happens to the roads in cold weather, that first dose of winter can be a real eye-opener on how to drive on snowy, wet, and slippery roads or, when visibility is poor.
 
Don't drive unless absolutely necessary. If driving is unavoidable:
  • Slow down and plan ahead. Allow some extra travel time so you're not rushed and tempted to take risks.
  • Leave tailgating for the football game. Following too closely in perfect driving conditions is risky enough, but it's just asking for trouble when driving is hazardous. 
  • Pay attention. Driving in poor conditions is no time for even the slightest distraction. Keep your mind on your driving, hands on the wheel, and eyes on the road. Put your phone out of reach. Learn your route ahead of time to reduce reliance on distracting navigation devices. Or have a passenger navigate.
  • Make sure your lights and wipers work properly. Top off your windshield washer fluid. Inflate the tires to the recommended level. Use chains if your state allows or mandates them.
  • Get enough rest. Fatigue and winter driving are a dangerous combination. Add in nighttime driving and it can be a recipe for disaster.
  • Drive defensively. Watch out for others whose driving may not be sensible for the conditions. 
(Source: Federated Insurance)
OSHA Guide Designed to Help Small Businesses Comply With Construction Industry's Silica Final Rule

OSHA has released a  Small Entity Compliance Guide for Construction that is intended to help small business employers comply with the agency's  Final Rule to Protect Workers from Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica.  The guide describes in easy-to-understand language the steps that employers are required to take to protect employees in construction from the hazards associated with silica exposure.  All covered must:
  • Provide respiratory protection when required.
  • Restrict silica exposure from housekeeping practices where feasible.
  • Implement a written exposure control plan.
  • Offer medical exams to workers who will need to wear a respirator for 30 or more days a year.
  • Communicate hazards and train employees.
  • Keep records of medical examinations.
Enforcement of the final rule in construction is due to begin June 23, 2017.

(Source: For Construction Pros, 11/15/16)
Merchandise Stocking and Stacking Safety

It is in the nature of retail hardware and lumber  operations to stock merchandise and stack it so it  is easily accessible and readily available for sale. Each  year, there are reported injuries to both customers and  employees alike, due to falling merchandise. Typically,  these preventable accidents happen when products are  being stacked or unstacked.  Store owners must take all reasonable steps to ensure  their operations are kept free from products, substances  and equipment that pose an obvious threat of danger  and injury. Falling merchandise typically involves one or more of the following characteristics:

High Stacking  - In many  hardware and lumber  operations, additional  inventory is stacked on  shelves above the sales floor  to maximize space. Displays  often are stacked too high  increasing the number of  products that are at risk of  falling.

Unsecured Merchandise  -  Not all stores use physical  restraints to secure  overhead stock. Safety  devices such as safety ties, fencing and shelf extenders can greatly  reduce the possibility of product falling.

Improper Training  - Often employees are not adequately  trained, if at all, on proper stocking techniques. Many  incidents can be prevented if employees are trained how to  safely stack products.

No Warning of Danger  - Using  a spotter when products are being stacked is a very effective  way to protect customers. An additional way to limit  injuries to customers is to place warning signage  and cord off areas being stocked.  Restrict stocking to times when the store is not open to the  public or when store traffic is minimal.

Outside Events  - Falling merchandise can be triggered by  many external factors such as: being stacked in an unstable  manner, stacking different size and shape products on top  of each other, stacking heavy merchandise on top of lighter  weight merchandise.  If  merchandise is too large for the shelf or is hanging off the  edge of the shelf, it can fall to the ground due to vibrations  from inside or outside of the location.

Click here to read more.

(Source: Member Insurance, November 2016)
Are You Up for a Challenge?

80% of Safety Managers and workers get at least one of these questions wrong: 
  • True or false? As a pedestrian worker, it's primarily your job to avoid forklifts rather than the driver avoiding you.
  • True or false? A forklift can be considered "unattended" even if its operator is within 25 feet of the lift.
  • True or false? Unlike a car or truck, forklift cabs are relatively open, so they don't have blind spots.
  • True or false? Forklifts are designed with safety in mind, so they can stop quickly if need be.
Get the answers. Click here ! 

(Source: Safety Compliance Alert)
Calendar of Events

December 7 : Inventory Control Workshop (Raleigh, NC)
 
2017 :
 
January 30: Intro to Building Material Sales (Hickory, NC)

January 31 : BMSA Board & Executive Committee Meetings (Hickory, NC)
 
January 31-February 1: Basic Blueprint Reading and Material Take-Off (Hickory, NC)
 
February 1-2 : BMSA's Building Products Show (Hickory, NC)
 
February 2 : Advanced Estimating and Material Take-Off (Hickory, NC)
 
March 1-2 : Installed Sales Roundtable (Charleston, SC)
 
March 22-2 4: CFO Roundtable (Nashville, TN)
 
March 27-29 : NLBMDA Legislative Conference (Washington, D.C.)
 
March 30-31 : Leadership Development Roundtable #2 (Asheville, NC)
 
April 2-4 : Roundtable 3 (High Point, NC)
 
April 19-21 : Roundtable 1 (Asheville, NC)
 
April 27-28 : Sales Manager Roundtable (Charlotte, NC) 
 
May 9-10 : Leadership Development Roundtable #1 (Nashville, TN)
 
May 17-19 : Roundtable 7 (Asheville, NC)
 
July 27-30: BMSA's Summer Conference (Virginia Beach, VA)
Stay Connected With BMSA! 

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Matthews, NC 28105 
800-849-1503 
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