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COATINGSPRO NOVEMBER 2017 23 WORK IT SAFE Although employers cannot control roadway conditions, they can promote safe driving behaviors by ensuring workers recognize the hazards of winter weather driving. For example, employees need to be aware of driving on snow/ice covered roads; they need to be properly trained for driving in winter weather conditions; and they must be licensed (as applicable) for the vehicles they operate. Employers should set and enforce driver safety policies. Employers should also implement an effective maintenance program for all vehicles and mechanized equipment that workers are required to operate. Crashes can be avoided. Employers should ensure that properly trained workers, or a mechanic when needed, inspect the following vehicle systems to determine if they are working properly: Brakes: Brakes should provide even and balanced braking. Also check that brake fluid is at the proper level. Cooling System: Ensure a proper mixture of 50/50 antifreeze and that water in the cooling system is at the proper level. Electrical System: Check the ignition system and make sure that the battery is fully charged and that the connections are clean. Check that the alternator belt is in good condition with proper tension. Engine: Inspect all engine systems. Exhaust System: Check exhaust for leaks and ensure that all clamps and hangers are snug. Tires: Check for proper tread depth and make sure there are no signs of damage or uneven wear. Check for proper tire inflation. Oil: Check that oil is at the proper level. Visibility Systems: Inspect all exterior lights, defrosters (windshield and rear window), and wipers. Install winter windshield wipers. For more information, contact: OSHA, www.osha.gov anticipating issues, and planning the session will make your presentation much stronger. 5. Change Your Approach What's worse than listening to someone read a toolbox talk from a sheet of paper? Not much, actually. Even if you've prepared an otherwise great talk, your audience will quickly tune out if you sound like you're lecturing or droning on. Focus on engaging workers, not on talking at them. Because it doesn't matter how good your safety talk is if no one's paying attention. An engagement-first approach will boost results. According to the Journal of Engineering Education, a study from Bucknell University on active learning found that it "leads to better student attitudes" and that "discussion, one form of active learning, surpasses tradi- tional lectures for retention of material, motivating students for further study, and developing thinking skills." 6. Combine Statistics With Engaging Stories e goal of most toolbox talks is to help workers keep safety in mind throughout the day. A statistic is rarely compelling enough to do that on its own. See for yourself in the examples below. Imagine gathering your employees at the start of their shift — which scenario do you think is more memorable? Scenario A: You tell workers the company's data shows that 75 percent of hand injuries are caused by taking eyes and mind off task. Because hand injuries are a big problem in the workplace and it is statistically the most likely way they will get injured on the job, they should stay focused on what they're doing. Scenario B: You tell workers about Jerry, an employee at another site who always said he could do his job in his sleep. He knew 75 percent of hand injuries at the company were caused by eyes and mind not on task. One day, Jerry was using a grinder and let his mind wander because the task was so routine. e grinder drifted a bit and hit a bump. It kicked up and cut through his glove and tendons. Jerry lost the use of his hand. Most folks think Scenario B would be more likely to resonate with workers — especially if you follow it up by asking what can be learned from Jerry's story. 7. Be SMART in Your Message Goal-setting gurus recommend setting SMART goals. (e acronym stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely.) It's good advice, but it isn't usually applicable to folks who are responsible for safety on a day-to-day basis. But when it comes to toolbox talks, supervisors have their own SMART Courtesy of the author Safety Watch