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Article
Safety Opportunities
November 1, 2008 By: Roger Maxson Paperboard PackagingThe U.S. Dept. of Transportation estimates that accidents and congestion result in about $230 billion of annual losses in the U.S., mostly in wasted fuel, emergency response costs, insurance claims and medical bills. Doing away with accidents would take a huge bite out of those losses. Industry experts say the "intelligent highway" is coming. The wireless communication protocol will change automotive transportation.
 Emergency Response SOP |
If they can set up our cars to talk to each other, why can't we set up our corrugated equipment to talk to our employees? We in the corrugated industry have similar issues that need to be addressed. Here is a very simple process to do that.
The proven process below will make your plant a safer place to work and could save a life. This Emergency Response Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Code Red process is a safety opportunity that can be implemented in your plant with very little effort.
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Below find a list of key employee members and their duties to perform in this safety process. The key part is the rescue cart, which is a list of items to be kept on a portable cart. Place it in the plant where easy access to it can be accomplished when needed. Safety is number one in our industry, is it number one in your plant?
Notification of an Emergency
The following is a general guideline describing the responsibilities and goals of an Emergency Response Team.
When an employee becomes aware of a need for "Code Red," that employee should go to the nearest phone, dial 500, and in a loud and clear voice announce a "Code Red" and give the location. This should be done twice.
The Emergency Response Team will then proceed safely to that area, making sure that their work areas are left safe. (No machines running unattended, lockouts done, etc.)
Upon arrival at the emergency site, the Response Team will first make sure that it is safe to approach the injured employee. For example: If the employee was injured due to an unsafe condition, the team should not risk their personal safety by being exposed to the same unsafe condition while attempting to aid the injured employee.
Once it has been determined that person can be safely approached, the Response Team should quickly evaluate the employee's injury/illness and determine if an ambulance or other agencies are required. A designated person should then contact the required agency immediately. The injured employee should then be cared for as needed. Moving the person should be avoided unless not moving them could cause further harm or injury.
 Inventory of Rescue Cart |
In cases of involving entrapment or entanglement with equipment, the maintenance team members will determine the safest and fastest way to extract the employee.
If an ambulance is called, the team member who made the call will meet the ambulance outside and direct emergency vehicles to proper entrance.
After the emergency incident has been concluded, the Response Team will make sure that the site of the accident is made safe and that all emergency equipment is cleaned and returned to its proper place or replaced as necessary. The Response Team will also be prepared to assist with any documentation of the accident that may be required by the company or other agencies.
