ILLNESS AND INJURY PREVENTION PROGRAM

Transcription

1 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ORIG. DATE: REV. DATE: 8/00 AUTHOR ID#: 116 TOPIC: ILLNESS AND INJURY PREVENTION PROGRAM INDEX INTRODUCTION INJURY & ILLNESS PREVENTION POLICY STATEMENT SAFETY PROGRAM OVERVIEW RESPONSIBILITIES PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT INFORMATION DISSEMINATION REPORTS AND STATISTICS APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT SAFETY HEALTH AND WELFARE EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE AND COUNSELING PROGRAM EDUCATION AND TRAINING RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

2 ILLNESS AND INJURY PREVENTION PROGRAM INTRODUCTION: Firefighting is one of the most dangerous occupations in the country. Thousands of firefighters are injured in the line of duty and hundreds more are forced to retire due to occupational diseases and disabilities. Statistics reveal almost two hundred lose their lives each year in the line of duty. Because statistics and research reveal many occupational accidents and illnesses are preventable through an effective education and training program, the California Occupational Safety and Health Act (CAL/OSHA) of 1973 and SB 198 was enacted to ensure that California workers receive such programs. PROCEDURE: General Industry Safety Order (GISO) #3203 requires each employer to establish and maintain an accident and illness prevention program for employee protection. This program must include but not be limited to: 1. Training for employee in general safe work practices. 2. Specific instruction for employees in hazards unique to each employee's work assignment. 3. Schedule periodic inspections of the work place to identify unsafe conditions and work practices. The employer is to correct unsafe conditions and work practices found as a result of these inspections. The San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District (SRVFPD) recognizes the health and safety issues of their personnel, and with the expansion of minimum elements required by OSHA, will develop and maintain a specialized and comprehensive accident and illness prevention program. Development and conscientious implementation of such a program will reduce accidents, illnesses, property damage and will result in higher efficiency at a reduced rate. It is the intention of this district to employ, train, educate and maintain as high a degree of safety and health provisions for its employees as possible. The overall goal will be to ensure that our personnel reach retirement in as healthy a condition as possible, through accident prevention and sound health and fitness programs. 1. It is the policy of the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District to provide training, equipment, policies and systems to prevent accidents, and to protect employees from job related injuries and illness. 2. The San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District will maintain an injury and illness prevention program consisting of the following elements: Page 2 of 17

3 a. Regular inspections of equipment and facilities for health and safety hazards. b. Training and instruction of personnel in the use and hazards of equipment, facilities and safety hazards for employees' functional job assignments. c. A system of communicating with employees on health and safety matters. d. A method for employees to report safety and health hazards. e. A Safety Committee to study causes of on the job accidents and safety complaints and to make recommendations for correction. f. Permanent files of employee injuries, records of exposure to toxic and hazardous substances, medical examinations, employee training, accident and safety inspection records and actions taken to correct safety hazards. g. A sound mental and physical fitness program. 3. The Fire Chief shall be responsible for maintaining a safe working environment and for implementing an injury and illness prevention program for all employees. 4. The Safety Administrator shall be responsible for coordinating the Injury and Illness Prevention Program. 5. Supervisors will be responsible for conducting regular and periodic inspections of equipment and facilities, to identify work site hazards and unsafe working conditions, and to make recommendations for correction of hazards. 6. Fire Captains will be responsible to train personnel in Fire District safety procedures and to enforce District safety regulations and orders. 7. All Employees are responsible for complying with safety orders and policies established by the Fire District. Pursuant to Administrative Procedures, Rules and Regulations and/or existing Memorandum of Understanding, violation of District safety regulations or orders may result in disciplinary action. 8. The Fire District shall provide protective clothing and equipment for each employee whose duties require said clothing and equipment. Employees are responsible for maintaining protective clothing and equipment in clean and operable conditions at all times, and to use such equipment when required by District policy. 9. Policies and Procedures relating to safety will be available for all employees to review. 10. Specific Bulletin Board space will be maintained at each work site to inform employees about safety related matters. Page 3 of 17

4 DIVISION: 11. Employees are encouraged to report any and all unsafe working conditions or practices without fear of reprisal. Employees may report, anonymously if they desire, unsafe working conditions or practices to their supervisor or the Safety Committee, on appropriate district forms. 12. A Safety Committee consisting of District employees and Administration representatives will meet regularly to review, investigate and recommend action as necessary on the following items: a. Work Site Inspection Records b. Employee Safety Inspection Requests and Suggestions c. Accident, Injury and Illness Reports and Records d. Employee Health and Safety Training Programs e. Fire District Safety Orders, Policies and Procedures 13. The Duty Battalion Chief for each shift will take action as necessary to correct safety hazards and/or amend District Safety Policy in a timely manner as health and safety hazards are identified. Safety Program Overview STRUCTURE: SYSTEMS: The program will, under the direction of the Assistant Chief of Safety Division, consist of a Safety Committee composed of a Program Coordinator, Functional Supervisor (Committee Chair) and an undetermined number of members; sufficient to handle department's objectives and sub-committees. Systems design will provide for securing information and awareness to all personnel in the areas of health-fitness and safety. The systems devised must focus on daily safety awareness. Special attention will be given to new employees upon their arrival, and subsequent years of service. 1. Information-dissemination, bulletin boards established and maintained 2. N.A.F.E.R.S. Membership 3. OSHA - Develop Communication and use as technical advisors 4. Periodic officers meetings with a focus on safety 5. Investigations - Accidents - Health Problems - Fitness -Etc. 6. Professional Intervention - Employee assistance program Page 4 of 17

5 STAFFING: SKILLS: 7. Regular Safety Committee Meetings - To track our progress 8. A structured training program Our Safety Division will be a cross section of personnel assigned to a sub-committee with specialized tasks. It will consist of two or more members per sub-committee, including, but not limited to: 1. Protective clothing and equipment 2. Information dissemination 3. Reports and statistics 4. Apparatus and emergency equipment 5. Health, welfare and physical fitness 6. Employee assistance and counseling 7. Education and training 8. Research and development All line and staff members will be trained in areas of proper safety practices, fitness and health skills. Training will be accomplished through a variety of methods listed below: 1. Seminars 2. Written materials 3. Research and Development 4. Professional Resources - Doctors - Dieticians - Employee Assistance PROGRAM STYLE: Due to the broad categories involved in a total health and safety program, the program style must also be broad in its administration. All data gathered in reference to health and safety must be analytical in nature. Page 5 of 17

6 SHARED VALUES: The public cannot be served by unhealthy or unfit individuals or organizations. All personnel must realize that without exception, safety and health extends itself into three general areas. The physical health and fitness; intellectual health and fitness; and our emotional (feelings) health and fitness. These areas are interconnected and must be approached as such, if our values as members of this organization are to be shared. Hence, by all personnel sharing in these values, we can be assured of healthy personnel up to and during retirement. RESPONSIBILITIES Employee safety is a district goal. Not only do employee injuries interfere with orderly functioning of the organization but also, disabilities and deaths can cause substantial personal and monetary loss. FIRE CHIEF: Evaluate the results of the program constantly and continuously. SAFETY ADMINISTRATOR (Administrative Assistant Chief): 1. Assign responsibility for accident prevention including describing the duties and responsibilities of the program coordinator, line supervisors, safety committee and employees. 2. Establish realistic goals and periodically revise them to ensure continuous and maximum program effectiveness. 3. Evaluate the results of the program constantly and continuously. PROGRAM COORDINATOR (Battalion Chief, Training): His role includes the following: 1. Establishing objectives to accomplish district goals. 2. Monitor safety committee's activities to maintain proper direction. 3. Attend safety meetings to maintain communications between safety committee and management. 4. Add or delete committee staffing as needed, to accomplish District's objectives. 5. Establish quality control systems. 6. Receive committee's accident injury reports and act in accordance within jurisdictional guidelines. Page 6 of 17

7 7. Rotate sub-committee members to ensure balance, maximum use of expertise and stimulate interest. As Chairman of Safety Committee he/she will: 1. Schedule safety meetings. 2. Attend seminars and designate sub-committee's attendance to those pertinent to their division. 3. Assign committee members to investigate accidents. 4. Revise and update safety program guide. 5. Review and update administrative bulletins, S.O.P.'s and information sheets concerning health and safety. 6. Coordinate annual inspection of personnel's protective clothing in April of each year. BATTALION CHIEFS, DIVISION SUPERVISORS: Each Battalion Chief must accept responsibility for safety activities within their division. Their duties should be within the context of the District's goals and objectives. They will: 1. Communicate management's goals to supervisors. 2. Observe, evaluate and counsel with supervisors. Retrain where indicated. 3. Train new supervisors. 4. Review accident reports on their respective shifts and sign appropriately prior to routing to Personnel (Re: Captains and Acting Captains). 5. Receive and review accident reports from all personnel on respective shifts. 6. Implement the correction of any unsafe conditions as they arise utilizing direct action and if necessary, referral to safety committee, etc. 7. Communicate district safety problems to management and provide feedback. COMPANY COMMANDERS: This being the first level of supervision, employee behavior regarding safety should receive the utmost attention. They will: 1. Stimulate interest in safe work habits through personal example. Page 7 of 17

8 2. Supervise and evaluate employee performance. 3. Observe and correct unsafe employee acts through training. 4. Should a safety problem be identified, implement corrective action A.S.A.P. Assess problem thoroughly, determine its volatility, then act on it. 5. Report and investigate all injuries by employees under their supervision. 6. Carry on continuous safety training with all employees under their direction. 7. Conduct regularly scheduled safety meetings. ALL EMPLOYEES: With special reference to safety, employees will, as part of their condition of employment: 1. Perform their jobs in accordance with established safe procedures, recognizing responsibility for their own safety and that of fellow employees. 2. Report all injuries and near misses to supervisor. 3. Report all observed hazards and institute their elimination. 4. Actively participate in the health and safety program. SAFETY COMMITTEE: Safety Committee members are required to attend and participate in all scheduled meetings. Members are to notify the Program Coordinator if they will be absent. The next employee on the Safety Committee eligibility list will replace any member missing 3 meetings in a row or 5 in one year. Safety Committee members will: 1. Recommend the adoption of safety policies and procedures to management. 2. Participate in developing safety training programs. 3. Review accident statistics and injury reports, in order to identify accident trends and make recommendations for correction. 4. Review specific injury case histories where warranted. 5. Provide feedback from personnel to committee. 6. Function as members in one of the following categories: Page 8 of 17

9 A. Protective clothing and equipment B. Information dissemination C. Reports and statistics D. Apparatus and emergency equipment E. Health, welfare and physical fitness F. Employee assistance G. Education and training H. Research and development DIVISION: Protective Clothing and Equipment INTRODUCTION: One of the most important contributions to protecting a firefighter is providing guidance on adequate protective clothing and equipment. A firefighter's protective equipment is the primary defense against the hazardous environment in which he/she works. The San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District regards training in safety consciousness, awareness, protective clothing and equipment the most important aspect of firefighting and other emergencies. The wearing, use and maintenance of protective clothing and equipment is both the District's and the individual's responsibility. Many firefighters have been injured needlessly due to non-use or carelessly using his or her protective equipment. Through training, research and established procedures, each member of the District can eliminate possible injuries. OBJECTIVES: 1. To establish a written procedure covering the proper use and wearing of safety equipment as required in the orders of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board, Title 8, CAL/OSHA. 2. To establish proper maintenance of safety equipment using manufacturer's recommendations or District S.O.P. 3. To establish procedures for replacement of equipment through District S.O.P. and by determination of Company Officer. Page 9 of 17

10 DIVISION: Information Dissemination INTRODUCTION: Information dissemination should be regarded as one of the most valuable tools in the success of any program. Too often important data is only passed to and from parties involved. Wide distribution of statistics, safety information, results of accidents, etc. will be San Ramon Valley's way of advertising and exposing all employees to pertinent information. OBJECTIVES: SYSTEM: 1. Establish and maintain a Safety Bulletin Board for all work places. 2. To maintain current posting of safety information. 3. To increase overall awareness of the importance of safety. The Bulletin Board will be of a size no less than 48" x 48". It will be divided into several sections. Each section will have a specific heading. Information to be posted shall be sent to the stations on a periodic basis in the form of a packet. The work place supervisor will be responsible for making sure the information is posted. Each piece of information will have a disposition stating "Post on Safety Bulletin Board. Read and place in Operations Safety Guide Section, etc.". CONCLUSION: All personnel will receive the valuable information as it is disbursed. Furthermore, we must be able to retrieve it when needed for review or reference. By maintaining our Bulletin Boards and Operations Procedures Safety Guide and Intranet, we will accomplish this objective. Page 10 of 17

11 DIVISION: Reports and Statistics INTRODUCTION: A structured program of inspection, reporting and review is necessary to thoroughly analyze the members work place in relation to unsafe acts and/or conditions. OBJECTIVES: SYSTEM: 1. Identify existing or suspected safety hazards in the work place, on the training ground, on the fire ground, during inspections, and while performing all other duties. 2. Provide a vehicle to review reports of unsafe or hazardous conditions or acts and recommend necessary corrections. 3. To inform all personnel of any unsafe acts or conditions to prevent accidents and injuries. 4. To provide a means to report unsafe acts or conditions even if any injury has not yet occurred. (near misses) 5. To provide a procedure to request a change in methods or procedures if they are thought to be unsafe, dangerous or hazardous. 6. To provide a system to study records and reports of injuries as a means to prevent future accidents and injuries. This division will rely on information derived from the Supervisors meetings, utilizing safety or health action request as well as information from injury reports, to analyze conditions, acts, and accidents. This information will be reviewed by personnel and committees to reduce and prevent future accidents. EMPLOYEE SAFETY INFORMATION FORM: An Employee Safety Information Form request will be completed by any member of the District upon discovery of an unsafe act or condition. This may be in addition to reporting items found during monthly safety inspections. Once completed, the form is sent to the Safety Committee Coordinator for processing. Should this process unduly delay a need for more prompt attention, the On-Duty Battalion Chief must be notified. The identity of the reporting party and the signing of the form by the reporting party is optional. Page 11 of 17

12 CONCLUSION: DIVISION: Once information is received and studied and solutions developed, the goal will be to significantly reduce injuries to the personnel of the District. Apparatus and Equipment Safety INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this division is to assimilate available information of apparatus accidents and how to prevent them. Determining what causes accidents is the first step in planning measures to prevent future accidents. OBJECTIVES: SYSTEM: 1. Identify existing safety hazards or suspected hazards involving apparatus or equipment. 2. Research any new equipment or related practices that may be safer than we currently use. 3. Recommend change in District policy, apparatus modification or equipment purchases if research and development information is conducive to District needs. 1. Through accident investigation or letters of concern from personnel, problem areas will be identified. 2. By attending safety classes, seminars and keeping abreast of current publications and bulletins, new equipment and practices may be studied for our possible use. 3. Through the findings of accident investigation and the research of the new equipment and practices, recommendations may be made. CONCLUSION: Once information has been researched and preventative measures have been developed, the results will be presented to the members through the Training Division. This information may also be forwarded to the apparatus committee for their consideration with regard to apparatus modification or purchase. Page 12 of 17

13 DIVISION: Health and Welfare INTRODUCTION: Statistics show there is a direct correlation between firefighter injuries and physical conditioning. The biggest problems in implementing physical fitness programs has been the attitude of employees towards the program itself. To combat this problem, San Ramon Valley Fire has made it possible for each employee to engage in an exercise program daily. The program is designed to develop and maintain an adequate cardiovascular fitness level. Also, it is essential, due to the nature of the occupation to be properly conditioned to meet stress demands as well as engage in proper eating habits and weight control. In important part of the overall goal. OBJECTIVES: SYSTEM: 1. Make each employee aware of the importance of health & fitness. 2. Encourage smoking elimination. 3. Stress management. 4. Develop fitness levels for all employees. 5. Develop employee physical conditioning awareness. 6. Direct employees to professional and medical counseling assistance. 1. Widely advertise program through posters, films, and seminars. 2. Disseminate dietary information. 3. Encourage and direct employees to utilize Employee Assistance Program (EAP) where applicable. 4. Include a health and welfare session in firefighter recruit training. 5. Stress need for complete physical and require when appropriate. Page 13 of 17

14 CONCLUSION: DIVISION: The overall goal of the health and welfare program is to have each employee reach and maintain a maintenance level of fitness. To be successful, the program needs the support and participation of all levels of fire department organization. Effective supervision of the program is also essential. The intent of the program should not be to "weed" out unfit employees, but to bring all employees into compliance with physical standards. All employees will be made aware of various assistance programs available and encouraged to participate. Employee Assistance & Counseling Program INTRODUCTION: No one gets through adult life without problems. Many times, the way we handle these problems result in more stress and make the problems worse. Not recognizing or dealing with these problems can lead to more serious consequences. The heaviest burden of concern can be eased if the problem can be shared by a trained professional counselor. OBJECTIVES: SYSTEM: 1. To ensure all personnel and their families are aware of the mechanics and procedures of the employee assistance and counseling program. 2. To bring an awareness of the type of assistance and counseling program. 3. To assure all employees and their families that the service is confidential. Services The services are as broad as alcoholism, problem drinking and drug abuse to financial management, emotional stress, or other personal problems or concerns. The hardest thing we have to face is admitting to ourselves that we have a problem and that we need help. It isn't easy to admit to another person that we are having trouble handling our problems alone. What is a tremendous burden to one person can become a lighter load when shared with someone professionally trained to counsel and help others on personal problems. Service Provider The District will use an independent organization which provides preventative health services to many types of employee groups. Its counseling staff will have had years of successful experience in handling human problems. Page 14 of 17

15 Cost There is no charge for the counseling service. Many times, a single phone call can provide the information needed. Often a few hours with a trained counselor can result in a plan to correct the causes of the problem. Where more extensive help is needed, the Employee Assistance Program, after clarifying the problem and developing an agreed-upon resolution plan, can make arrangements for counseling beyond the sessions provided through the program. When To Seek Help As soon as you think there is a problem you can't handle, seek counsel. Many personal problems don't get better without outside assistance. Often the longer you wait to seek help, the more serious the problem becomes. How To Obtain Services Call the EAP via the phone number posted throughout the District. The person there will set an appointment with the proper counselor. All contact with the Employee Assistance Program is strictly confidential and handled in the same way as the privileged information you give your doctor, lawyer, or clergyman. Employees who use the Employee Assistance Program are assured that their problems and its source, treatment or disposition will remain confidential. CONCLUSION: DIVISION: Today, all too often, life situations create worry, anxiety, stress, or depression. Problems often spread from part of our lives to effect our relationships, health, and work. Problems can gain a grip on us, if we don't realize we need help in coping with them. San Ramon Valley Fire is making counseling services available to all employees and their families. It is hoped that they will avail themselves of this confidential service to assist them in solving their problems. Education and Training INTRODUCTION: Employee Health and Safety can only be achieved through the efforts and cooperation of all personnel. Training personnel in the skills and values of Health and Safety practices will be a main area of activity within the Fire District. OBJECTIVES: 1. Increase personnel awareness to the extent that injury and sickness will become a primary prevention activity. Page 15 of 17

16 SYSTEM: 2. Provide monthly agenda of safety and health meetings. 3. Design by July 1 of each year, the entire annual Health and Safety training activities of the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District and present to the Training Division. 4. Each member of the Safety Committee to attend a minimum of one training seminar or workshop applicable directly to their division. 5. That all Safety Committee members attend an accident investigation course approved by the District. 6. That all members of the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District's staff and Safety Committee become certified safety officers as adopted by Incident Command System and NIIMS program, as practical. The Health and Safety Program will rely heavily on information handling. Each work place supervisor will conduct a formal safety meeting each month. Included within the scope of the meeting will be an agenda, accident and injury reports, information on Health and Safety and a Safety Committee Report advising personnel of the various items being addressed by the Committee. The various visual aides available to the District will be utilized as an integral part of our safety training. These will be scrutinized and selected visual aides will be presented on a regular basis. Each year, the Safety Committee will provide an annual schedule to the Training Division for information and use to plan and organize the completed annual schedule. Frequent communication between the safety and training divisions will be necessary to ensure that the schedule is followed. The advanced training of our Safety Committee in the areas of accident investigation and prevention is an essential part of this system. When courses become available, committee members, will be able to attend wherever practical. Safety at emergencies will be enhanced by the Staff's certification as Safety Officers as defined in the Incident Command System & NIIMS Program. Where certification is available to us, select staff members will be certified. This broad certification will be necessary to avoid informational and philosophical differences. CONCLUSION: It is obvious that training and safety focus is a constant activity and will be with us indefinitely. The success of any program depends largely upon the resources and cooperation of all personnel. The training and education of our personnel in the areas of safety will play a major role in preventing accidents and injuries now and in the future. Page 16 of 17

17 DIVISION: Research and Development The purpose of this division is to thoroughly research, test and evaluate all safety equipment, and develop procedures with the assurance all local, state and federal regulations are met prior to implementation. OBJECTIVES: SYSTEM: 1. Consistently improve on personnel's safety. 2. Provide personnel with the best available safety equipment. 3. Operate within all State, Federal and local safety regulations. 4. Realize economical advantage of personnel safety to the District. 5. Improve on personnel's morale. 6. Provide information for decision making. 1. Review and revise all safety programs. 2. Maintain association and communications with Cal Osha, NIOSH, County Health, NAFERS, etc. 3. Maintain open communication lines between Safety, Training and Apparatus Committee. 4. Extend invitations to vendors and manufacturers for demonstrations. 5. Thoroughly train all personnel on new equipment and procedures. CONCLUSION: "WE MUST KNOW, NOT GUESS". A safe worker is a happy worker. Safety is a high priority condition. Through proper research, development and implementation, this condition is achieved. Page 17 of 17