The success of any accident prevention program depends on the sincere, constant and active participation and support of all employees. If you see a hazard, report it to your supervisor immediately.

• If you don’t know the safe way, stop and find out. Unsafe conditions and practices must be reported to a supervisor immediately.
• Work-related injuries, no matter how slight, must be reported to a supervisor as soon as possible and prior to going off shift.
• If personal protective equipment is provided to you (ie. hearing protection, gloves, goggles, masks, respirators, hoods, etc.), you are expected to wear it.
• If you have an unsafe or threatening encounter with another person, call for assistance and/or report the incident to your supervisor.
• Horseplay and practical joking create safety hazards and therefore are strongly discouraged.
• Missoula County is a drug free and alcohol free workplace. All Missoula County employees are absolutely prohibited from unlawfully manufacturing, distributing, dispensing, possessing or using controlled substances in the workplace.
• Smoking is prohibited except in designated smoking areas.
• Never attempt to lift or push objects that may be too heavy for you. ASK FOR HELP WHEN YOU NEED IT.
• Keep the places around you clean at all times.
• Aisles and walkways must be maintained and remain clear at all times.
• Slippery floors cause falls. Keep the floor clean and dry.
• Learn the location of all AEDs, fire equipment, fire exits and alarm boxes in your department, and learn the evacuation policy and procedure of your department.
• Learn how to access 9-1-1 through your department phone system.

With smoky summers and winter inversions, indoor air quality is important for all employees.

Here are some ways to improve the indoor air in your office:

• Do not block air vents or grilles.
• Comply with the office and building smoking policy.
• Water and maintain office plants properly.
• Dispose of garbage promptly.
• Notify your building or facility manager immediately if you suspect an indoor air quality problem.

More resources are available from Missoula Public Health and the EPA.

Ergonomics is the interaction between workers and the objects they use in their work environment. Workers are presented with several ergonomic hazards daily at work. These hazards can include: faulty work station layout, improper work methods, improper tools, excessive tool vibration, and job design problems. Ergonomic hazards can lead to injuries and/or accidents that can cause serious pain, disability, lost work time, low-quality work, loss in production, and a loss of money. Employers have the responsibility to protect their employees from ergonomic hazards whenever possible.

Ergonomic assessments are available to employees by request.

Missoula County employees use Rave Panic Button, a cell phone app that is designed to shorten response times and improve employee and visitor safety when an emergency occurs. With the push of a button, the Rave Panic Button app dials 9-1-1, while simultaneously sending emergency push notifications to Missoula County employees who have the app activated on their phone. Click here to register and activate the app.

Missoula County offices are equipped with first aid kits to address minor injuries at work. 

Preventing back injuries in the workplace is a major safety challenge. No approach has been found for totally eliminating back injuries caused by lifting; however, injuries can be reduced in numbers and severity with effective training, ergonomic design, proper lifting techniques, and worker fitness.

Assess the Situation

Before lifting or carrying a heavy object, assess the situation. Ask yourself the following questions

• Can you lift this load safely or is it a two-person lift?
• How far will you have to carry the load?
• Is the path of travel clear of clutter, cords, slippery areas, overhangs, stairs, curbs, or uneven surfaces?
• Will there be doors that are closed? Ask someone to hold the door open or place a wedge under the door to keep it open.
• Once the load is lifted will it block your view, will you be able to see over the top of the load?
• Can the load be disassembled, carried in pieces, then reassembled? Should you be wearing any personal protective equipment, such as gloves or safety shoes? 

Before You Lift

“Size up the load.” Test the weight by lifting a corner of the object. If it is too heavy or if the object is an odd shape, stop.

• If there is any doubt, ask for help. Two or three lifting a heavy object is safer than trying to do it yourself.
• Use a handtruck, dolly, pushcart, or mechanical lifting device.
• Consider using gloves that will improve your grip and protect your hands.
• Never lift anything unless you are sure that you can do it safely using proper lifting techniques.
• Avoid over loading.
• Stretch out or warm up your back to increase circulation.

Lifting the Load

When lifting always keep your back straight or slightly arched. LET YOUR LEGS DO THE LIFTING!

• Start by placing your feet close to the load. Get firm footing.
• Center your body over your feet.
• Tighten your stomach muscles.
• Squat down like a weightlifter, bending your knees and keeping your back straight or slightly arched.
• Grasp the load securely with your hands, and pull the load close to you. The farther the load is from your body the heavier it is.
• Smoothly lift straight up. Never twist your body while lifting, keeping your head up.
• Look straight ahead, not down while lifting.
• Always lift with your legs, your leg muscles are powerful; the muscle bundles in the legs are each 8 to 10 inches or more in diameter, compared with the very thin ¼ - ½ inch layer of muscles along the back.

Guidelines for hand tools:

• Use the right tool for the job.
• Report defective tools to supervision for repair or replacement
• Do not use impact tools with burrs or mushroomed heads. Dress tools to remove burrs, chips and deformations.
• Use only properly insulated tools when working around electricity and electrical equipment.
• Do not use tools with broken or splintered handles.
• When handling sharp pointed tools or tools with sharp cutting edges, points and cutting edges should always be pointed away from persons handling them.
• Do not use screwdrivers as pry bars.
• Return tools to their proper storage location after use.
• Persons using or working near others using hammers, chisels, punches or wedges are required to use eye protection.

Guidelines for power tools:

• Electrically powered tools designed for use with a three wire grounded plug end must only be used with a grounded circuit receptacle. Do not alter equipment or plugs. Do not use adapters. Do not use two wire or ungrounded extension cords.
• Electrical tools and equipment must be repaired by a qualified technician.
• Guards switches and safety devices must not be removed, altered or made ineffective.
• Eye protection is required during grinding, chipping, drilling, cutting or any other activity that may create danger to the eyes from flying particles.
• Hearing protection is required during activities and at areas with noise above allowable levels.
• Electrical cords should be protected from oils and acids and from damage from heat, cuts, pinches, kinks and stress at end terminals.
• Visually inspect electrical tools for proper ground connections and sound cord insulation before each use.
• Never overload electrical tools.
• Disconnect the power cord before making adjustments, changing bits or blades and clearing jams.