Module 01 Wisdom in the workplace and ladder safety

Hello and welcome to practicing wisdom in the workplace. This course is an overview to safety in the workplace; specifically, for the live entertainment industry. It this course we will be discussion topics from labels to respirators. We will learn how to obtain a safety data sheet, interpret the content and respond by procuring the correct personnel protection equipment.

How can you get into trouble in the workplace? Haste make waste, jury rigging and poor attitudes, or goofing off all lead to accidents in the workplace.

Time management is essential inside and outside of work. Rest while off. Good attitudes and being diligent at work, with safety concerns lead to positive outcomes.

What external influences can lead to danger at work? Chemical usage, legal or illegal can impair anyone. Personnel consumption outside of work hours can infect your ability to function during your regularly scheduled work time. Medications can hamper your ability to function especially when combined with recreational drugs or lack of sleep. These all can lead to accidents in production workshops.

In live entertainment we tend to work long hours. People can get sloppy or make poor choices, such as working alone or operating equipment they are not qualified to use. Good employers put systematic processes in place to make your work environment safe. Hazard assessment, safety training, proper procedures, site orientations, and worker training, should all be a park of your regular working environment. And once you get trained, please practice due diligence.

If you are not sure what the correct training process is; ask. Your supervisor should be aware and responsible for orientation training. They should be providing all the documentation such as safety data sheets, and maintain shop safety and discipline at your venue. Supervisors also fill in accident documents, and follow up with any changes necessary when any accident occurs. They must recognize the root cause and make recommendations, and implement changes to keep you in a safe work environment.

One important resources is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration[i]. Local municipalities govern the relationship between employers and employees. Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. They also set standards and enforce them. We will be studying this resource throughout the semester.

Under the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act[ii], you have a legal right to workplace free of recognized health and safety hazards. The Occupational Health and Safety administration creates regulations that are adopted by local agencies such as state and city municipalities.  You as an employee have a legal right to any information that your employer has about any exposure you may have had such as toxic chemicals or noise. You also have a right to any medical records your employer has concerning you. Under the Occupational Health and Safety Administration you have a legal right to complain to your employer or OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration) about dangerous work conditions.

Hazardous communications[iii], it’s designed to protect workers. It requires employers to develop a program to inform and train workers who may be exposed to hazardous substances. Employers must provide a documented program, an inventory of materials, safety data sheets. They must help you read and interpret labels, provide training records. And provide access to safety data sheets for all the employees.

This course will examine hazardous communications, current labeling laws and safety data sheets, respiratory protection including airborne contaminants, personnel protection equipment, safety data sheet interpretation, personnel protection devices, occupational noise, electrical safety, and safe lifting.

Remember when working always identify, analyze and prioritize potential hazards and risks.

I advise you to take a role in understanding any documents that relate to the materials you handle.

And remember training and good record keeping at the beginning of a project, will save you time, and put your workplace in alignment with good safety practices.

[i] “UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.” Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 25 Nov. 2017, 11am, www.osha.gov/about.html.

[ii] “UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.” Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 25 Nov. 2017, 11am, https://www.osha.gov/workers/index.html

[iii]“UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.” Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 25 Nov. 2017, 11am, www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/index.html