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Don’t let Employees Sweat the Summer Heat

A summertime workplace check-up is in order. Outdoor workers aren’t the only ones at risk when temperatures rise. Work areas in which employees wear protective clothing or hot environments such as bakeries or laundries need to be part of your warm weather review, too.

When temperatures soar, the US Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) urges employers to take these precautions to minimize the risk of heat:

  • Provide plenty of drinking water–as much as a quart per worker per hour–to help reduce the risk of heatstroke;
  • Use general ventilation and good spot cooling at points of high heat;
  • Train first-aid workers to recognize and treat the signs of heatstroke, which can be fatal;
  • Consider a worker’s physical condition when determining fitness to work in hot environments.
  • Acclimate workers to the heat. Begin with short exposures followed by longer periods of work. New employees and workers returning from an absence of two weeks or more should have a five-day period of acclimatization. Start with half the normal workload and time exposure the first day and gradually build up to 100%;
  • Alternate work and rest periods, with longer rest periods in a cooler area;
  • Consider that certain medical conditions, medical treatments and medications increase the risk from heat;
  • Monitor temperatures, humidity and workers’ responses to heat at least hourly.

Source: OSHA’s website www.osha.gov.

Information that should be gathered in case of an accident

First you should follow you company policies and procedures. This is a general outline of the kind of information you should gather in case you are in involved in an accident. Take pictures whenever possible to provide an accurate and detailed record of the event.

Witness Information: 

  • Name
  • Address
  • Phone number
  • Email address
  • Statement from any witness or witnesses.

 

The other driver Information

  • Owner Name
  • Address
  • Phone numbers
  • Owner’s Email address
  • Name of driver
  • Address
  • Phone numbers
  • Driver’s email address

 

Vehicle Information

  • Make
  • Model
  • Color
  • Year
  • Plate number
  • State (include license plate in photo if possible)

 

Insurance Information

  • Name of Insurance Company
  • Policy number
  • Take a picture of the insurance card if possible.

 

Damage to the other vehicle

  • Front
  • Rear
  • Left
  • Right
  • Is the vehicle drivable?
  • Description of damage

Critical Security Issues in the Repo Industry

 

1.     Be aware of what is around you and your surroundings. People can be a threat to your personal safety. Some people may have violent intentions. Don’t take risks when it comes to your personal security and the security of the people around you. Someone could be approaching you from behind. Stay alert and aware. Be prepared for your own self-protection.
2.     Keep your doors locked.

 

If you are in the truck, keep your doors locked to prevent any unwanted entrance by unauthorized individuals.
3.     Keep control of your keys

 

Don’t let anyone have the keys to your truck. Don’t leave the truck unattended with the keys in the ignition.
4.     Do not engage in any violent or aggressive behavior towards any one even if you are provoked.  Respect the personal space of the people you meet. Do not start a conflict. Keep calm and steady. Deescalate any impending situation. Slow everything down so you can retreat and recover.
5.     Take a lot of pictures.

 

Take pictures both inside and outside the vehicle. Secure the personal property of the customer.
6.     Keep your cell phone with you always. If you are confronted or need to call for assistance, you must have your phone within immediate access.
7.     Plan for your escape and exit Don’t get yourself cornered where there is no escape. Know how you will retreat from any potentially violent situation.
8.     Pay attention to your security and come back safe. Better be secure and safe than sorry. If you are not quite sure, ask questions; Find out what you should do before you do it. No matter what, don’t get hurt. If you are in doubt, double-check it to be sure.

Safety and Security First! All the Time!

Parking Lot Safety for Associates

 

  1. Always park in the designated associate parking area.
  2. Be watchful for cars and trucks when walking through the parking lot.
  3. Be watchful for potholes, cracks, parking bumpers and other tripping hazards.
  4. During evening hours, ask your manager to provide an escort if you are concerned about walking in the dark.
  5. If you observe lights that are not functioning, report them to your manager.
  6. Don’t pass up debris; Pick it up.
  7. If you observe people loitering in the parking lot, advise your manager.