BMSA's Safety First! 
March 2018
A S afe Workplace 
Is S ound Business


OSHA has recently updated the Guidelines for Safety and Health Programs it first released 30 years ago, to reflect changes in the economy, workplaces, and evolving safety and health issues. The new Recommended Practices have been well received by a wide variety of stakeholders and are designed to be used in a wide variety of small and medium-sized business settings. The Recommended Practices present a step-by-step approach to implementing a safety and health program, built around seven core elements that make up a successful program.

The main goal of safety and health programs is to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses, and deaths, as well as the suffering and financial hardship these events can cause for workers, their families, and employers. The recommended practices use a proactive approach to managing workplace safety and health. Traditional approaches are often reactive - that is, problems are addressed only after a worker is injured or becomes sick, a new standard or regulation is published, or an outside inspection finds a problem that must be fixed. These recommended practices recognize that finding and fixing hazards before they cause injury or illness is a far more effective approach.

To view the full program and resources click here.

(Source: www.osha.gov, March 2018)

Spring Thaw May Create A Roller Coaster Ride For Your Trucks
Seasonal weight restrictions could result in detour


Spring weather often creates driving challenges. Specifically, the change in ground temperature can damage roads and vehicles and result in "roller coaster" rides from "wavy roads."

Consequently, motor carriers and drivers need to monitor the many state and provincial spring weight restrictions or risk damage to the road and/or the rig.  Be ready for an alternate route.  In order to preserve the integrity of the roadways, many states impose seasonal weight restrictions as early as late February and some lasting into May.  As drivers travel through regions that are experiencing spring thaws, they need to watch for posted signs indicating allowable weights. Signs may also indicate a reduced speed limit.

Trip planning may involve visiting some state websites to know if a specific highway is accessible to your vehicles. In addition, if a driver comes upon a weight restriction, he or she will need to find an alternative route, possibly contacting dispatch for assistance.

To ignore postings may result in more than just fines. It may result in damage to the roads, your vehicle, and/or cargo, and could result in an accident if the roadway is difficult to maneuver.

(Source: J.J. Keller E-news, March 2018)
Top 3 Visual Violations for LBM Commercial Motor Vehicles

Most LBM commercial motor vehicles are pulled over for a safety inspection because of improper load securement, the driver's talking on the telephone, or failure to wear the seat belt.

In all three instances, a safety patrol officer can make a visual confirmation before pulling the truck over for an inspection.

For more information on these three issues click here.

For D.O.T Final Rule on cellular phones by CMV divers click here.

(Source:  NLBMDA Workplace Safety & Risk Management E-Letter , Feb. 2018)
Calendar of Events
 
2018

March 25-27 : Roundtable 1 (Charlotte, NC)

April 18-20: CFO Roundtable 
(Kansas City, MO)

April 19-20: Emerging Leaders Roundtable 2 (Nashville, TN)

April 19-20: Operations Manager Roundtable (B)
(Fair Play, SC)

April 22-24: Roundtable 3 (Greensboro, NC)

April 25-27: Sales Managers Roundtable (Charleston, SC)

April 26-27: Operations Manager Roundtable (A)
(Durham, NC)

May 1-2: Yard & Delivery Managers Workshop
(Burlington, NC)

May 3-4: Emerging Leaders Roundtable 1
(Asheville, NC)

May 16-18: Roundtable 7 (Nashville, TN)
 
July 26-29: 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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