ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. -- The depot's Safety Office experienced numerous changes during 2013 -- beginning with a realignment to the Directorate of Risk Management to the addition of a satellite office in the Nichols Industrial Complex and ending with a move into a new headquarters in the depot's west area.
During that time, new programs were implemented, such as Target Zero, to highlight areas needing improvement and make every work area across the installation safer.
Progress is showing.
"Accident rates across the depot have decreased over the last few months," said Rachael Long, a safety intern for the depot.
Some of the top causes of injuries and accidents remain the same as in past years. These are overexertion, being struck by or against an object, and slips, trips and falls.
OVEREXERTION
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Association, anytime a load weighing more than 50 pounds is lifted, a second person must assist or a crane or other lifting device should be employed.
Failure to do so could result in an overexertion injury.
According to the National Safety Council, physical overexertion is the most common cause of workers compensation claims. These types of injuries usually occur through repetitive motion, such as typing, lifting heavy objects or working in an awkward position.
"The key is keeping your body as close to a neutral position as possible," said Daley Speer, safety engineer for the Safety Office.
STRUCK BY OR AGAINST OBJECTS
Employees can avoid being struck by or against objects through attention to their surroundings and proper tool selection.
"At least two or three incidents last year involved the improper selection of a cutting wheel," said Long.
Speer reminds employees to also wear face shields when working with grinders.
"It is good to have safety glasses on, but you can still be struck in the face," he said.
Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE, is often job specific. While a particular building may only require safety shoes, certain work areas within the building may house processes which require additional protections. Therefore, the Safety Office reminds employees to follow each process' Job Hazard Analysis.
"This is especially important when an employee is loaned out to another area to perform a different job," said Anthony Phillips, a depot health physicist.
SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS
Housekeeping, according to Speer, is the key to avoiding slips, trips and falls.
Other tips include:
• Hold hand rails when going down stairs
• Make sure ladders are tied off
• Clean up spills immediately
• Always have one hand free when carrying anything
• Watch for wet surfaces or ice in parking lots
• Be careful in areas of limited visibility
NEAR MISSES
One way to avoid a potential accident is to report all near misses. If an accident is narrowly avoided, it should be reported using the Incident Report Red Button on the depot's Intranet.
OFFICE AREAS
Accidents and injuries don?'t only exist in the industrial area. Office workers also have to be cautious of their ergonomic posture while working, especially since repetitive motion injuries may, over time, become illnesses, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
"Make your work space fit the work," said Long. "Don't make your body fit the work area."
The Safety Office will increase inspections for the Voluntary Protection Program this year.
Employees are reminded to always adhere to safety rules, wear the proper PPE, ensure equipment needing guards have them and be aware of the surroundings at all times.
"Safety is not some of the time, but all of the time," said Speer.
For safety questions or concerns, call Ext. 7541.
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