SAFETY MOMENT, OCTOBER 26

Decorations cannot block the way out

The hazard

Halloween brings costumes, decorations, treats and longer nights. None of that is dangerous on its own. The trouble starts when it mixes with machines, vehicles and busy walkways. A few minutes of thought now keeps the holiday fun and the crew whole.

The action

Fake cobwebs, hay bales, inflatables and boxes of candy have a way of ending up in hallways and doorways. Keep every exit route clear, even for a short time. Keep decorations away from heaters, lights and hot equipment, and keep fire extinguishers easy to reach. (29 CFR 1910.37(a)(3))

ASK THE CREW

Where are our exits and extinguishers, and is anything in front of them today?

Takeaway: Enjoy Halloween, but keep exits clear, protective equipment on and jokes away from the work.

From the talk: Halloween safety. Read it in full, free, with the questions and the sign-in sheet.

1926.21

See today's safety moment

HOW TO USE IT

How to give a safety moment

Gather the crew where they work, before the shift or the meeting starts. Read the hazard out loud.
Ask the question and let two or three people answer. What they say about their own work counts for more than what you read.
Name the action and point to one place on today's job where it applies, so everyone knows what to do differently.
Write the date and the names on a sign-in sheet.

A safety moment is short and does not replace the full talk. When you want to go through a topic with the crew, pick a free toolbox talk.

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