12 months of safety tips
We've got a year's worth of resources and training to help you get back to safety basics.
Whether you need topics for your safety committee meetings or you just want to step up your workplace safety game, we’ve got a year’s worth of focus points for you.
What you’ll find below is just the tip of the iceberg. Visit saif.com/safety for a library of resources, webinars, and classroom training.
SAIF is Oregon's not-for-profit workers' compensation insurance company. Since 1914, we've been taking care of injured workers, helping people get back to work, and keeping rates low by focusing on workplace safety. Together with our partners, we strive to make Oregon the safest and healthiest place to work.
JANUARY
| Keep your safety committee fresh with our safety tips
If you have more than 10 employees, you generally must have a safety committee. Under 10? You’re still required to have regular safety meetings. But these don’t have to be boring.
Need ideas for topics? Start by signing up for regular safety tips, sent straight to your inbox. From there, read up on safety committee requirements and how to keep your group energized and engaged.
When a worker gets hurt on the job, Oregon law requires employers to determine what caused the accident and take steps to prevent it from happening again. But the answer may not be obvious.
Find out how to get to the root of the problem with a short training video and additional resources.
Do you know what the riskiest parts of your workplace are? While some hazards are obvious, others—like unsafe work practices and worker well-being—may be hiding in plain sight.
We have resources on how to identify hazards, what to expect from inspections, and how to address workplace risks at saif.com/hazardID.
Ergonomics isn’t just about picking the right chair for your office space (though that’s important, too). Every job has ergonomic hazards that can cause injuries. From repetitive use injuries to sprains and strains, these are some of the most common injuries in Oregon workplaces.
Check out our tool for brainstorming ergonomic solutions to make lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling safer, and read more at saif.com/ergo.
MAY | Hazard communication (GHS)
From corrosive cleaning agents to aerosols and explosives, every workplace has chemicals on hand. But understanding which chemicals and ingredients pose a risk can feel like trying to read another language. The United Nations Globally Harmonized System (GHS) helps label dangerous chemicals with easy-to-understand graphics and warning words.
Download this poster in English or Spanish for a quick explanation of each graphic and an example of what GHS labels require.
JUNE | Noise/hearing conservation
Whether you’re mowing the law or attending a concert, your hearing could be at risk. SAIF recommends wearing hearing protection when a noise is above 85 decibels. A power mower can be around 107 decibels, and a loud rock concert 115.
Sounds complicated? We have you covered—check out our guide to decibel levels and more materials at saif.com/noise.
JULY | Heat stress/cold stress
Whether the conditions are too hot or too cold, weather can be an invisible hazard for workplace safety. Luckily our resources are just right for making sure your employees stay safe, no matter the conditions.
Visit saif.com/heat to learn how to prevent heat illness. Preparing for colder months? Check out saif.com/cold.
Even if your workplace isn’t directly in the path of a wildfire, your employees still may be facing another hazard: Poor air quality.
Find out how you can keep employees safe in smoky conditions, and how to prepare before, during, and after a wildfire, at saif.com/wildfires.
We use electricity every day at home and at work, but we don’t always understand the risks.
Find out how to work safely around electricity when you visit Electrical safety.
Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of fatalities for Oregon workers. Whether you drive for work or just to and from work, we have resources on how to make it safely to your destination.
Watch videos on distracted driving, learn about our safety training checklist, and get tips for driving in extreme weather at saif.com/safedriving.
When you’re tired at work, your productivity can dip and your injury risk can rise. Chronic fatigue can have serious health consequences, including obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Simple changes in your workplace can help prevent fatigue and improve employee health.
Saif.com/sleep has everything you need to know about how your workers are impacted by fatigue, and what you can do to help.
When it comes to workplace safety, mental health is as important as physical health. One of the most impactful things you can do to improve mental health at work is to talk openly about it, making it easier for employees to seek help when they need it.
Whether you want details on how to make a psychologically healthy workplace, or relaxation videos to help reduce stress, visit saif.com/relax.
Don’t stop now! Check out the safety and health page on saif.com for more topics.