Workplace Safety News and Notes - June 2014

Here's a collection of recent safety news and resources, with links to more information:

Emergency Planning and Safety Incentive Webcasts on June 25
OH&S Magazine is hosting two free workplace safety webcasts on June 25. Evacuation and Emergency Planning will focus on OSHA requirements for emergency action plans and fire protection plans. Safety Incentive Programs Done Right! will provide insights needed to design and conduct highly effective safety incentive programs that motivate workers to be proactive and take ownership of all aspects of safety. Get details and register here.

Red Cross Launches Spanish-Language Lifesaving Apps
Six free Spanish-language apps make mobile devices a lifeline for emergency information, including first aid and natural disasters. They give users instant access to expert advice for emergencies. Disaster preparedness apps offer local and real-time information for severe weather or disaster threats and step-by-step instructions on what to
do before, during and after a hurricane, tornado, earthquake, wildfire or flood. The apps easily toggle between English and Spanish. They are free and available for iPhones and Android devices in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. Read more here.

New OSHA Resource to Reduce MSD Injuries Among Healthcare Workers
Safe Patient Handling: Preventing Musculoskeletal Disorders in Nursing Homes is a new brochure that addresses the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders among nursing home and residential care workers. Musculoskeletal injuries are the single biggest worker injury in the healthcare sector. The new resource will help make employers and workers aware of activities that pose the greatest hazards to workers and what can be done to decrease risks. Find out more here.

CCOHS Presents Tips for a Safe Ride: ATVs and Work
This new 4.5-minute podcast from Canada's OSH department explores safety issues of using ATVs in the workplace and shares tips on how to prevent injuries. Listen here.

The ROI of Safety
A recent article in Safety + Health magazine explains that workplace improvements may not be immediately justified outside of safety reasons, but they could yield business benefits in the future. "Safety’s not just a nice thing to do,” says an NSC expert. “It has a lot of economic relevance as well.” Read the article here. 

NETS Issues New Guide to Road Safety 
The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) just published NETS Comprehensive Guide to Road Safety. The guide covers key performance indicators, organizational requirements, business case development, continuous improvement, programs and policies. It's an excellent starting point for companies and organizations of all sizes wanting to put in place a road safety program for their operations. It also lets fleet safety managers compare their existing programs to those of leading employers in road safety. Download the guide here.