By Mike Grissom
A recent increase in accidents and injuries at SLAC serves to remind us
that every manager has a key role in environmental protection and worker
safety at SLAC. Even a simple activity such as climbing a ladder or
putting gasoline in a lawn mower can prove hazardous enough to cause
serious personal injury. Three steps managers can take to manage risk
include:
• Learning to recognize hazards
• Taking actions to control hazards
• Verifying hazards are well controlled
Learn to Recognize Hazards
As part of the corrective action following the January 28 ladder
accident at SSRL, the Hazard Analysis Working Group (HAWG) is developing a
process to improve
hazard identification, including general and task-specific hazard
analyses. The requirements for HAWG are on the Web at http://www.slac.stanford.edu/esh/isms/perfmeas/FY03OutPM051203.pdf
Even before HAWG completes its work, SLAC managers can access existing
resources and tools that promote hazard awareness:
• Recall and refresh the hazard recognition process from your
professional/technical training
• Consult with your Division/Department/Group ES&H Coordinator (also
know as Safety Officer)
• Consult with ES&H Division subject matter experts about workplace
hazard recognition
• Take appropriate ES&H courses on hazards known to exist in your
workplace
• Refer to other online tools, such as the Hazards Analysis web site at
http://www.slac.stanford.edu/esh/isms/hazanalysis.html
Take Action to Control Hazards
SLAC managers are responsible for ensuring all work under their
supervision is adequately controlled. Good work planning includes the
control of hazards. Methods for controlling hazards include:
• Designing and implementing engineered controls (i.e., machine guards
to protect against rotating parts)
• Developing appropriate administrative controls (such as posting signs
and installing area control ropes)
• Ensuring availability of necessary personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Confirming all employees have taken required safety training.
Managers must review every employee’s ETA annually and update as needed
during the performance evaluation period.
Verify Hazards are Well Controlled
All SLAC managers are required to periodically conduct walk-throughs
(also known as ‘safety inspections’) of the areas under their supervision,
and the required frequency depends on the type of work area. Where there
are particularly hazardous activities, there should be a walk-through
every quarter; in office buildings and other areas with lower hazard
activities, annual inspections are adequate.
The walk-throughs should verify that engineered controls are in place
and functioning properly, administrative controls are observed, and any
needed PPE is used in the correct manner. If significant deficiencies are
found (i.e., subcontractors or staff working on elevated surfaces without
adequate fall protection), then the work should be stopped until the
proper safety systems are put in place.
