BMSA's Safety First! 
August 2019
There Is No Fall Breeze Just Yet!



It's still extremely hot and does not look to be cooling off anytime soon! The following is a guide to keep you and your employees healthy and safe during extreme heat.

Heat-related Illnesses and First Aid

Heat stroke, the most serious form of heat-related illness, happens when the body becomes unable to regulate its core temperature. Sweating stops and the body can no longer rid itself of excess heat. Signs include confusion, loss of consciousness, and seizures.  Heat stroke is a medical emergency that may result in death! Call 911 immediately.

Heat cramps are caused by the loss of body salts and fluid during sweating. Low salt levels in muscles cause painful cramps. Tired muscles-those used for performing the work-are usually the ones most affected by cramps. Cramps may occur during or after working hours.

Heat rash, also known as prickly heat, is skin irritation caused by sweat that does not evaporate from the skin. Heat rash is the most common problem in hot work environments.

For more information click here.

(Source: OSHA.gov, August, 2019)
What are Find and Fix Hazards?

According to OSHA, it's an ongoing process of identifying potential hazards, investigating the root cause and proactively correcting these hazards in order to create a safer work environment. Here are a few steps they recommend to Find and Fix Hazards in your workplace:

  • Send email or video blasts: Send your workers emails or make a set of short videos to alert them to the different types of hazards they may face on the job and resources where they can learn more.
  • Create signage in highly visible areas:
    • Launch a regular hazard control "tip sheet" focusing on a different topic each month or season.
  • Create challenges, contests, and competitions: Workers are more likely to participate in training, listen to speakers, or provide input if they are actively engaged.
    • Have workers and managers work together on developing SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures).
    • Hold a checklist challenge and reward the employees who identify the most potential hazards.
    • Have employees hunt for safety and health information in the workplace (safety data sheets, emergency shut-off valves, etc) and award prizes to those who find the most items.
Get more information and ideas here .

(Source: OSHA.gov, August 2019)
Stay Connected With BMSA! 

5 Elements of Forklift Safety

Key points
  • OSHA's standard on powered industrial trucks - 29 CFR 1910.178 - requires training programs to include components of formal instruction, practical training and a workplace performance evaluation.
  • Operators should inspect forklifts before each job, checking seat belts, tires, lights, horn, brakes, backup alarms, fluid levels, and moving and load-supporting forklift parts.
  • A forklift is not a personal vehicle. Be mindful of a forklift's open operator structure, speed limitations and stability differences. Operators should always wear seat belts and never engage in horseplay.
To get more forklift training tips click here.

If you are looking for additional forklift resources such as pre-use inspection checklists and training documentation, you'll find it in BMSA's updated Safety Manual.

(Source: Safety+Health magazine, June 2019)
Calendar of Events
2019

Sept. 25-27:
Leadership Graduates Roundtable
(Greenville, SC)

Sept. 29 - Oct. 1:
Roundtable #1
(Charlotte, NC)

Oct. 8-10:
NLBMDA ProDealer Industry Summit
(Colorado Springs, CO)

Oct. 9-11:
CFO Roundtable
(North Myrtle Beach, SC)

Oct. 10-11:
Operations Manager Roundtable A
(Hilton Head, SC)

Oct. 16-18:
Roundtable #3
(Charlotte, NC)

Oct. 24-25:
Sales Manager Roundtable
(Hilton Head, SC)

Nov. 6-8:
Roundtable #7
(Raleigh, NC)

Nov. 7-8:
Operations Manager Roundtable B
(Charlotte, NC)

Nov. 14-15: 
Purchasing Manager Roundtable
(Asheville, NC)

Nov. 19:
BMSA Marketing & PR Boot Camp
(Charlotte, NC)

Dec. 4-6: 
Roundtable #5
(Charlotte, NC)

Feb. 5-6, 2020:
BMSA's Annual Learning
Exchange & LBM Expo
(Hickory, NC)