b'The SHIELD sm The SHIELD smUpcoming 2021 WPMAEXPO Presidential Sponsor & Educational Session Presenter for Business OwnersRisk ManagementWHAT CAUSES ACCIDENTS?Would you call yourself or someone you knowsite, keep your attention on the activity happening all accident prone? While the whole notion ofaround you. If walking through a site where vehicles or being naturally susceptible to mishaps andheavy equipment are being used, stay out of their paths. injuries is debatable, on-the-job injuries have aProper awareness from all parties on a site is critical to avoid impact injuries.number of recognized causes. Falls are a common cause of injury.Stress, fatigue, job dissatisfaction, emotion, and personalMake sure your footing is firm when on problems create short-term or isolated situations that can result in chance accidents. But other factors relateda raised surface, such as a platform or to day-to-day operations are more likely to cause acci- ladderdents. Concentrate on this type of hazard to help protectWear slip-resistant shoesyourself and your co-workers.Physical overloadis the result of:Work at a pace that allows you to lifting improperly exercise proper safety techniquesstraining Clear obstructions and make sure walkways are well litoverreaching Follow all safety guidelines for using bending ladders and scaffoldstwistingUse handrails on stairsother movements that make your body Machine accidents are causedmove in ways it wasnt designed by moving parts.Avoid these types of injuries by using proper tech-Never use a machine on which youre niques. Dont lift loads beyond your capability. Liftingnot trained.or reaching tasks that require you to be in an unnatural or uncomfortable position should prompt you to reposi-Never wear jewelry or loose clothing tion yourself to avoid strain, ask for assistance, or usearound machines that rotate, slide, mechanical help. press, etc. Use head-wear to control Impact injuriesoccur when someone hits or is hitlong hair.by an object. An acute awareness of your surroundings will go a long way toward helping prevent this typeBe sure guards and shields are in place, and proper lockout procedures are used.of accident. Avoid walking under surfaces where work is being performed to stay out of the landing zones ofAlways watch what youre doing, where youre going, This article is for gen- falling objects. If being in such an area is unavoidable,and whats happening around you. Doing so can help eral information and riskwear personal protective equipmenthard hats,you eliminate worksite injuries, which will help you and prevention only and should not be considered legal orgloves, eye protection, rugged clothing, etc. If you areothers be safe at work. Sother expert advice. The rec- driving a vehicle or piece of heavy equipment on a job ommendations herein may help reduce, but are not guaranteed to eliminate, any or all risk of loss. The information herein may be subject to, and is not a substitute for, any laws or regulations that may apply. Qualified counsel should be sought with questions spe-cific to your circumstances.2020 Federated Mutual Insurance Company.Published Date:August 18, 202040 www.wpma.com / Autumn 2020'