HomeMy WebLinkAboutPolicies - BOCCGRANT COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS AGENDA MEETING REQUEST FORM
(Must be submitted to the Clerk of the Board by 12:00pm on Thursday)
REQUESTING DEPARTMENT: RISK MBCIag@tll@Ilt
REQUEST SUBMITTED BY: Blair Kok
CONTACT PERSON ATTENDING ROUNDTABLE: Ball' Kok
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION: DYES *NO
GATE: 8/1 /25
PHONE: 754-2011
tTYPE(S) OF DOCUMENTS
SUBMITTED:
(CHECK ALL
THAT APPLY)
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Grant County Accident Prevention Program which aligns the County with State
requirements, specifically WAC 296-800-14005, mandates a formal and written
accident prevention program.
DATE OF ACTION:i—
APPROVE: DENIED
D1:
D2:
D3:
ABSTAIN
ONO ❑N/A
DEFERRED OR CONTINUED TO:
WITHDRAWN:
0 N/A
4/23/24
Grant County
Accident Prevention Program
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W A 5 H i N G T 0 N
Contents
Com m itm ent to Safety................................................................ a .... ...... a .. ............ . 3
Safety and Health Responsibilities...........................................................................4
GeneralSafety Rules..............................................................................................6
NewEmployee Orientation......................................................................................7
Reporting Accidents &Safety Hazards......................................................................8
Accident Investigation Procedures.........................................................................10
SafetyCom m ittee...............................................................................................11
First Aid/CPR(WAC 296-800-150)...........................................................................13
Emergency Preparedness.....................................................................................14
SafetyBulletin Board............................................................................................17
Personal Protective Equipment (WAC 296-800-160)...................................................17
Hazard Communication Program (WAC 296-901)......................................................20
Hearing Conservation Program (WAC 296-817).........................................................23
Lock-Out/Tag-Out Program (WAC 296-803)..............................................................27
Confined Space Entry Program (WAC 296-809).........................................................30
Asbestos and Other Regulated Building Materials.....................................................34
Respiratory Protection Program (WAC 296-842)........................................................36
Fall Protection Program (WAC 296-155-245).............................................................40
Blood Borne Pathogens- Exposure Control Plan (WAC 296-823)...................................43
Ergonomics........................................................................................................ 47
21 Page
Outdoor Heat Exposure (WAC 296-62-095-296-62-09560)..........................................50
Wildfire Smoke (WAC 296-62)................................................................................52
Material Handling & Lifting.................................................................................... 55
Housekeeping (WAC 296-800-220)......................................................................... 58
SlipTrips & Falls.................................................................................................. 59
Electrical Hazards (WAC 296-800-280).................................................................... 61
Ladders(WAC 296-876)........................................................................................62
Machinery (WAC 296-806)•...............................................................................•.... 64
Forklift(WAC 296-863).........................................................................................66
Aeria l Lifts.......................................................................................................... 69
Welding.............................................................................................................72
HandTools -Care & Use......................................................................................... 73
Power Tools (WAC 298-807)................................................................................... 74
MotorVehicle Driving (WAC 296-865)......................................................................76
SecuringLoads...................................................................................................78
Vehicle Accident Reporting Procedure....................................................................79
Traffic Control and Flagging...................................................................................82
Violencein the Workplace....................................................................................83
Safety Training (WAC 296-126)...............................................................................85
FacilityInspections..............................................................................................86
Appendix...........................................................................................................88
%. o m m itm e nt to Safetl
The safety and well-being of every employee in Grant County is our top priority. We are
dedicated to protecting our employees and property from accidental harm through the
development of a comprehensive Accident and Illness Prevention Program.
Management is fully committed to ensuring the success of this program by allocating
the necessary time and resources to comply with all current and future safetyand
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health regulations. Our goal is for every employee to work in a safe, productive
environment and return home daily, injury -free, to their families and friends.
To uphold this commitment, it is our job to maintain a safe and healthyworkplace and
actively workto eliminate anyforeseeable hazards that could lead to personal injuries,
illnesses, fires, security breaches, or property damage. All activities will be carried out
in full compliance with the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) and
the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA) requirements.
The County will provide to you the appropriate training, necessary equipment, and
establish safe work procedures to ensure that all tasks are completed safely and
efficiently. While the responsibility for enforcing this policy lies with management,
Grant County expects all elected officials, department heads, supervisors, and
employees to support and advocate for these safety goals.
Elected Officials, Department Heads, and Supervisors are responsible forensuringthe
safety of their teams. In order to ensure these goals are met, regular workplace
inspections should be conducted bythem to identify hazards, monitor employees for
unsafe practices, and take prompt action to address any risks. Additionally, Elected
Officials, Department Heads, and Supervisors are trained to lead by example, showing
a strong commitment to safety by adhering to policies, laws, regulations, and best
practices.
Furthermore, all employees are expected to adhere to the established safety rules,
regulations, and procedures while carrying out their responsibilities. We encourage
every staff member to stay committed to our safety objectives, set a positive example,
and actively participate in making Grant County a safer workplace for all.
(WAC 296-800-110)
Elected Officials/Department Heads Responsibilities:
Leaders playa key role in creating an environment where safety is prioritized as an
integral part of both personal and professional responsibilities. They are responsible for
implementing systems and programs that reflect the County's commitment to safety.
• Take responsibility for the safety and health program within their department,
ensuring its success and effectiveness in practice.
• Report allfatalities, amputations, loss of an eye, or any hospitalizations to the
nearest Department of Laborand Industries officewithin 8 hours (1-800-4BE SAFE).
• Ensure a County -wide Safety Committee is established and fulfilling its
responsibilities as outlined in this program.
• Guarantee sufficient employee time, supervisor support, and budget allocation for
safety equipment, training, and program implementation.
41 P a -ae
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• Conduct annual evaluations of supervisors to ensure they are effectively carrying
out their responsibilities as outlined in this program.
• Ensure thorough investigations of incidents and that corrective actions are taken to
prevent similar hazardous conditions or behaviors.
• Maintain and post a record of injuries and illnesses as required by this program.
• Lead by example by following established safety rules and attending required
training.
Ensure subcontractors are aware of and complywith the County's contractor site
safety program.
• Include safety performance as part of each employee's and manager's
performance evaluation annually.
• Recognize and reward safe practices among employees.
Supervisor Responsibilities:
Supervisors are responsible forfostering a safe work environment for the employees
they oversee. Their key responsibilities include:
• Ensure that each employee receives an initial orientation to the Accident Prevention
Program before starting work.
• Ensure employees are trained or competent in safely operating equipment or
performing tasks before they begin work.
• Ensure employees receive the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE)
before starting tasks requiring it.
• Conduct daily walk -around safety checks of thework area and correct any hazards
found.
• Observe employees while they work, address unsafe behaviors promptly, and
provide additional training and corrective actions as necessary.
• Lead by example by following safety rules and attending required training.
• Investigate all incidents in your area and reportfindings to management.
• Discuss with management any changes to work practices or equipment thatwould
enhance employee safety.
• Enforce all safety rules and procedures within yourteam.
Employee Responsibilities:
Every employee shares responsibility for their own safety and that of their coworkers.
Employees should treat safety as a critical part of their job by actively identifying
potential hazards and considering risks before they happen. Key responsibilities
include:
• Observe and complywith all safety signs, rules, and regulations as outlined in this
program.
• Report allwork-related injuries immediately.
51 P V
t
• Identify, correct, or report unsafe conditions or hazards.
• Report all near -miss incidents to your supervisor immediately (within 24 hours).
• Incorporate safe practices into alltasks and activities.
• Attend and actively participate in safety meetings.
• Always use personal protective equipment (PPE) as intended. Before each use,
inspect the PPE to ensure it is in good working condition.
• Never remove or disable any safety device or safeguard designed to protect
employees.
• Operate equipment safely and only if you are trained and qualified to do so.
• Report any damage or malfunction of equipment immediatelyto your supervisor.
• Speakwith management about any safety orwork environment concerns.
• Suggest improvements to safety procedures to your supervisor, safety committee
representative, or management.
GeneraL Safety
To maintain a safe and efficient working environment at Grant County, the following
safety rules and regulations must be followed. Non-compliance with these rules may
result in disciplinary action.
Employee Responsibilities:
• Report all injuries or incidents to their supervisor immediately (within 24 hours),
regardless of severity, including any ergonomic or cumulative trauma issues.
• Any unsafe act or condition must be reported immediately to your supervisor.
• Always use proper body mechanics when lifting.
• Practice good housekeeping around workstations by keeping debris, cords, loose
paper, etc., off the floor.
• Keep drawers of desks and file cabinets closed when not in use. Only one drawer or
file cabinet should be open at a time to prevent tipping.
• Stack shelves in a way that prevents heavy objects from falling off. Do not overload
shelves.
• Keep aisles, fire extinguishers, electrical panels, emergency eye wash stations, and
first aid kits clear of obstructions or equipment.
• Do not place broken or sharp objects in wastepaper containers.
• Alcohol, illegal drugs, and marijuana are prohibited on County property. (Lexipol
Policy 605)
• Smoking is prohibited inside all buildings and vehicles, and within 25 feet of any
doorway, breezeway, or vent on County property.
• All secondary chemical containers, such as cleaning bottles and fuel or solvent
containers, must be clearly labeled with the material name and appropriate hazard
warnings.
• Food and beverages are not permitted in work areas where hazardous chemicals are
used.
• Horseplay, scuffling, fighting, and similar behaviors are prohibited.
• Running is prohibited in work areas.
• Aisles and emergency exits must remain unblocked at all times.
Violation of these safety guidelines may result in corrective action or
disciplinary measures.
Disciplinary Policy:
Employees are expected to exercise good judgment in their work and adhere to
established safety rules. Our disciplinary policy is designed to address violations of
safety rules by providing clear consequences. The goal of this policy is not to punish,
but to bring unsafe behavior to the employee's attention so that corrective actions can
be made. The following actions will be taken for repeated violations of the same safety
rule or behavior:
• Level 1—Verbalwarning, notation in supervisor's record, and instruction on proper
actions.
• Level 2—Written warning placed in the employee's file, along with instruction on
proper actions.
• Level 3 — Suspension without pay, finalwritten warning in the employee's file, and
instruction on proper actions.
• Level 4 — Discharge of employment.
d These procedures will be enforced in accordance with the applicable union
contract or personnel rules. Immediate termination may occur if a safety
violation places the employee or others at risk of permanent disability or death.
New EmpLoyee Orientation
The supervisor or designated person is responsible for using the Employee Safety
Orientation Checklist to ensure new employees, including those new to a location, are
thoroughly oriented on job -specific health and safety requirements. This orientation,
along with documentation, must be completed before the employee is allowed to begin
work.
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Components of Orientation:
• Overview of the County's Accident Prevention Program.
• Safety programs, policies, and rules relevant to the job.
• Identifying workplace hazards.
• Procedures for reporting hazards and accidents.
• Proper lifting techniques and the use of available lift aids.
• Ergonomic practices for office and operational tasks.
• Safe use of tools, equipment, and procedures to complete work assignments
efficiently and safely.
• Housekeeping procedures.
• Fire protection and emergency evacuation procedures, including the fire evacuation
team and actions to take during a fire alarm.
• Locations, types, and proper use of fire extinguishers.
• Emergency contact numbers.
• Locations of first aid kits and related training.
• Driver safetytraining.
• Proper housekeeping procedures.
• Purpose and proper use of any personal protective equipment (PPE) required forthe
job.
Reporting Accidents & Safety Hazard4
• Employees must report any injury orwork-related illness to their immediate
supervisor, regardless of the severity. All employee injuries need to fill out the Grant
County Employee Safety Incident Report Form which is located in on the Intranet
under the HR tab, go to "Forms" and then "Safety". The link to the form is chrome-
extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcgLcLefindmkaj/https://www.grantcountywa.gov/D
ocumentCenterNiew/2403/Safety-Incident-Report-Form-PDF?bidld=
Employees who experience an on-the-job injury must follow these
steps:
• Notify your Supervisor immediately about the injury or accident.
• Seek medical attention if necessary.
• Complete any required paperwork and return it to the Risk and Safety Coordinator,
Human Resources orthe designated person within 24 hours.
The Supervisor's Responsibilities:
• Investigate any serious injury or illness following the procedures outlined in the
"Accident Investigation" section.
• Complete an "Accident Investigation Report" form.
• Submit the "Accident Investigation Report" to the Risk and Safety Coordinator,
Human Resources within 24-48 hours.
• Submit L&I report within 8 hours for certain types of injuries/hospitalizations
(inpatient hospitalization orworkptace fatality). 24 hours of non -hospitalized
amputation or loss of an eye of any employee.
Human Resources Responsibilities:
• Review the Employee's Report, Accident Investigation Report, and any associated
L&I claim forms to determine if the injury must be recorded on the OSHA Injury and
Illness Log according to the instructions forth at form.
• Enter a recordable incident into the OSHA log within 7 days after the company
becomes aware of it.
• If the injury is not recordable on the OSHA log, add it to a separate incident report
log for non -OSHA recordable injuries and near misses.
• Prior to the monthly safety committee meeting, make new injury reports and
investigations available for review bythe Safety Committee, along with an updated
OSHA and Incident Report Log. The Safety Committee will examine the log for
trends and may choose to conduct a separate investigation into any incident.
• OSHA Log ' •
Human Resources will post a signed copy of the OSHA log summaryforthe
previous year on the safety bulletin board between February 1 and April 30.
The log will be kept on file for at least 5 years. Employees may request to view
the OSHA log at anytime during the year.
o Return to Work/Time Loss Certification:
The injured employee must take the Activity Prescription Form (APF) form to
their physician. The form must be completed by the physician and returned
to the employee's supervisor within 24 hours. If the physician indicates that
the employee is unable to return to regular workthe next day, the following
form must also be completed:
Light Duty, Modified, or Transitional Work Form;
L!� This form must be completed by the physician and returned to HR, the
supervisor, or the designated person for review and to initiate the Americans
with Disability (ADA) process.
Return to Work Policy/Family and Medical Leave (Policy 620):
In the event of an injury, the Countywill collaborate with the employee's medical
provider to facilitate their return to work as soon as it is medicallyappropriate.The
County will. futfill its obligation to reasonably accommodate employees with temporary
disabilities, including reassign mentto Light -duty tasks (if available), in consultation with
the medical care provider while the employee is recovering. HR Consultants work with
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the injured worker and Supervisors/Department Heads/Elected Officials as needed for
the accommodations request.
The County may require the employee to undergo a medical examination atthe
County's expense, performed by a physician selected bythe County, to determine if the
employee can safely return to work and perform the essential duties of their position.
Remember: An employee cannot return to work unless they have been cleared
to do so.
Reporting Hazards:
Employees are expected to take immediate action to correct any unsafe conditions,
equipment, or work practices. If the employee or a co-worker cannot correct the unsafe
condition, it must be reported to the supervisor.
Report to your Supervisor:
• Unsafe work practices
• Unsafe working conditions
• Accidents of any kind, includingvehicle accidents
• Near misses
• Property damage
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All accidents and near misses must be thoroughly investigated. The severity of the
accident will determine the depth of the investigation. The goal of the investigation is to
gather factual information that may lead to corrective actions, ultimately preventing
future accidents.
Who Conducts the Investigation?
• Elected Official/Department Head
• Immediate Supervisor or designated person
• Safety Com m ittee
Investigation Procedures:
The investigation should begin as soon as possible afterthe incident. A comprehensive
investigation report should include the following steps:
• Report the accident
• Arrive at the scene
• Gather information
o Preserve evidence
101
o Interview witnesses
o Take photographs
o Draw sketches
• Identify root causes
• Determine corrective actions
• Provide recommendations
• Write a report
Corrective Actions
Every accident investigation should lead to some form of change or control to
prevent future incidents. Recommendations for change may include:
• Engineering controls/changes: These involve physical modifications to the work
environment to reduce risks.
• Administrative controls/changes: These include updates to procedures, operations,
or training to improve safety.
The Safety Committee will review all accident investigation reports to ensure that
the recommended corrective actions have been implemented.
An effective Accident Prevention Program plays a crucial role in reducing the likelihood
of unforeseen incidents. For such a program to succeed, it requires the cooperation of
both the employer and the employees. One key method for involving all personnel in
safety efforts is through the establishment and active functioning of the Safety
Committee. This committee serves as the communication bridge between management
and employees.
Purpose:
The Safety Committee's primary objective is to assist and support management in
creating and maintaining a safe and healthy workplace. The committee offers a
structured platform for employees to engage actively in maintaining safety and
improving the work environment.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Safety Committee is responsible for the following:
• Conducting accident investigations with an accident review committee: Reviewing
accident claims, employee claims, and near -miss incidents, and performing
investigations periodicallyto identify and address the root causes of unsafe acts or
conditions. Findings and results from these investigations will be reported backto
the rest of the safety committee to ensure transparency and collective action in
addressing safety concerns.
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y3 c e
• Conducting self -inspections: Committee members inspectwork areas to identify
unsafe practices or conditions.
• Reviewing safety and health inspection reports: Assisting in addressing any unsafe
conditions or practices highlighted in inspection reports.
• Assessing the accident and illness prevention program: Discussing
recommendations for program improvements.
How the Safety Committee is Organized:
• Committee Members: Committee members are elected by employees and typically
serve a term of at least one year.
• Management Representation: The number of management personnel on the
committee is always fewer than orequal to the number of hourly employees.
• Work Area Representation: Members represent each work area within the facility.
The committee size can range from 3-5 members to 15-20 members.
• Meeting Schedule: The committee holds meetings on a designated day and time
(last Wednesday of the month at 8:30am) Meetings occur at BOCC Chambers and
Virtual.
• Agenda and Minutes: An agenda is prepared in advance and followed during
meetings. Minutes are recorded for each meeting.
• Meeting Duration: Meetings are scheduled to start at 8:30am and end on time at
9:30am, though they may extend beyond one hour by majorityvote of the
committee.
Membership Roles:
• Chair: Elected annually bythe committee, the Chair is responsible for:
o Starting and ending meetings on time.
o Summarizing discussions and calling for votes.
o Ensuring minutes are taken.
o Ensuring the agenda is distributed to members two weeks before each
m eeti n g.
• Secretary: Elected annually by the committee, the Secretary is responsible for:
o Preparing and distributing meeting agendas two weeks prior to meetings.
o Recording and distributing meeting minutes to committee members.
o Assisting the Chair as needed.
Terms:
• Employee -elected members serve a term of up to one year. If a vacancy occurs, a
new member must be elected before the next scheduled meeting.
Individual Member Responsibilities:
Each committee member is expected to:
• Attend all meetings.
• Actively participate in discussions.
• Report hazards or unsafe practices observed byfellow employees.
• Communicate the company's safety efforts to employees.
• Provide education and instruction on safety matters.
Agenda Items:
Typical agenda items for Safety Committee meetings include:
• Approving the previous meeting's minutes.
• Addressing any unfinished business.
• Reviewing recent incidents or accidents.
• Reporting on special assignments.
• Reviewing inspection reports.
• Presenting special features or safety presentations.
• Introducing new business.
• Setting the agenda and scheduling the next meeting.
M i notes:
The meeting minutes should:
• Document attendee names.
• Summarize all topics discussed.
• Be filed for at least one year.
• Be posted on the safety bulletin board forvisibility.
By organizing and maintaining an active Safety Committee, employees and
management can work together to foster a safer work environment for everyone.
FirstAid/CPR (WAC 296-800-150)
If you or a co-worker is involved in an accident, follow these steps:
• Ensure no further harm is caused to yourself or the injured person.
• Seek first aid or medical assistance immediately (dial 911 if necessary).
• Transport the injured individual to the nearest medical facility, if required.
• Report the incident to your supervisor or designated person without delay.
• Complete the required accident reports.
Who is Qualified to Provide First Aid?
• If you are trained and currently certified in First Aid/CPR, you are qualified to
administer First Aid/CPR to an injured person.
131 a
If Involved in a Situation Involving Blood:
First Aid nits/Stati ons:
• Avoid direct skin contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM)
by allowingthe injured person to assist as much as possible. Always weargloves
from the first aid kit when providing aid.
• After helping, remove any clothing with blood on it.
• Thoroughlywash your hands with soap and waterto remove any blood.
• Immediately report anyfirst aid incidents involving blood/OPIM to your supervisor.
First Aid Kit/Station Requirements:
• Ensure first aid supplies are easily accessible to all employees.
• Store supplies in containers that protect them from damage, deterioration, or
contamination.
• Containers should be clearly labeled, easily accessible (not locked), optionally
sealed, and appropriately stocked based on the number of employees and the
specific work environment.
• They must be stored in a containerthat protects the contents from damage,
deterioration, or contamination, and should be portable enough to be transported to
an injured or ill person when needed.
In Case of Fire:
An evacuation map is posted in each building, showing the location of exits, fire
extinguishers, first aid kits, and designated assembly areas outside. Afire evacuation
drill will be conducted annually. Allfire extinguishers will be inspected and serviced
yearly, including checks for pitting, cracks, and corrosion.
• Class A Fire Extinguishers must be placed so that no point is more than 75 feet away
from the nearest extinguisher.
• Class B & C Fire Extinguishers must be placed so that no point is more than 50 feet
away from the potentialfire hazard.
• All County facilities and County CDL vehicles are equipped with fire extinguishers.
If You Discover a Fire:
• Immediately alert someone else nearby.
• Call or have them call 911 and notify a supervisor.
• If the fire is small (such as a wastebasket fire) and the smoke is minimal, you maytry
to put it out with a fire extinguisher.
• If the fire grows or there is heavy smoke, stop attempting to fight the fire.
e
• Evacuate the area and notify other employees to do the same by locating the
nearest fire pull station and pulling the lever down to alert the building there is afire.
• Proceed to the designated assembly point outside the building.
If You Are a Su pervisor Notified of Ei re i n You r Area:
• Instruct all visitors to evacuate the location.
• Instruct all employees to evacuate to the designated assembly area and ensure
everyone is evacuated from your area by locating the nearest fire pull station and by
pulling down lever to alert emergency services and the rest of the building there is a
fi re.
• Confirm that 911 has been called.
• Determine if the fire has been extinguished. If the fire is growing or if there is heavy
smoke, ensure employees who are attempting to fight the fire evacuate
immediately.
• Notify supervisors in other areas to evacuate the building.
• Go to the assembly point and confirm allyour employees are accounted for.
• If an employee is missing, do not re-enterthe building. Inform the fire department
that someone is unaccounted for and may still be inside.
In Case of Earthquake:
The west coast of the United States is prone to earthquakes, and there will be no
advance warning. The initial shaking will serve as yourwarning. An earthquake drillwill
be held annually during the first week of October.
In the Event of an Earthquake:
If You Are Inside a Building:
• Drop under a desk ortable, cover your head, and hold on.
Stay away from windows, heavyfurniture, bookcases, or glass dividers.
Once the shaking stops:
o Department Directors and Elected Officials or designated personnel will
check for damage and assess evacuation routes.
o Begin evacuating the area to the designated assembly point as quickly as
possible, keeping in mind the possibility of aftershocks.
o Offer assistance to those who need help, including the elderly or mobility -
impaired individuals.
o Supervisors must account for all employees in theirwork group as quickly as
possible.
151Pa cse
o First Aid -certified employees should assess injuries and assist in evacuating
injured employees. Do not attempt to move seriously injured individuals
unless they are in immediate danger of further injury.
o If you detect a gas odor, inform a supervisorto turn off the gas atthe main,
and open windows forventilation.
o Supervisors and First Aid employees should not re-enter the building after
evacuation is complete.
o Do not approach ortouch downed power lines or any objects that may be in
contact with them.
o Usethe phone only for emergency purposes.
If You Are Outside:
• Move away from buildings, trees, and power lines to avoid falling debris or hazards.
If You Are in a Moving Vehicle:
• Stop your vehicle as quickly and safely as possible.
• Move the carto the shoulder or curb, away from utility poles, overhead wires, and
underpasses.
• Stay inside the vehicle with the parking brake engaged. while the car may shake
violently, it is a safe place to remain untilthe shaking stops.
• Tune into the radio for emergency broadcast information.
• If a power line falls on yourvehicle, remain inside until a trained professional can
safely remove the wire.
• Once it is safe to resume driving, stay alert for hazards caused bythe earthquake,
such as:
o Breaks in the pavement
o Downed utility poles and wires
o Rising water levels
o Fallen overpasses or collapsed bridges
Stay calm, follow these procedures, and prioritize safety during and after an
earthquake.
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A bulletin board will be maintained at each County location to display posters and
notices that must be posted by law, statutes, and relevant information for employee
awareness. This board will include the following:
• Safety -related information as required by local, state, and federal agencies.
• Safety and health protection guidelines forthe job.
• Workers' Compensation details.
• Wage and hour information.
• Unemployment Compensation notices.
• Equal Employment Opportunity Rights - including theAmericans with Disabilities
Act (ADA).
• Prohibition of discrimination in employment practices.
• Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) -applicable for employers with 50 or more
em ployees.
• Washington State Paid Family &Medical Leave (PFMQ
• OSHA Log of Injury and Illness.
• Emergency Phone Numbers for quick reference.
1�' Each County location will have a bulletin board that is regularly updated to display
legally required postings and relevant employee information. The responsible
department at each location is in charge of maintaining and updating the bulletin
board. For any potential updates or questions about required postings, please
contact Human Resources.
Personal Protective Equipment (WAC 296-800-160)
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) includes items such as goggles, helmets, head
covers, gloves, rubber slickers, disposable coveralls, safety shoes, protective
shields, and barriers that protect the eyes, face, head, body, arms, hands, legs, and
feet. The goal of PPE is to minimize exposure to workplace hazards that can cause
injury or illness.
• To comply with the requirements of the Department of Occupational Safety and
Health Act (DOSH) and the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA), a
Hazard Assessment was conducted for all jobtasks in accordance with 296-800-
16005. However, PPE alone should not be the sole method of protection. It should
be used only after all other feasible methods of hazard reduction have been
implemented.
• Grant County is committed to ensuring the safety of its employees by addressing
identified hazards through the following actions:
• Exploring alternative methods to complete hazardous tasks.
171
• Reducing the use of hazardous materials or processes.
• Implementing engineering controls to reduce or eliminate hazards.
• The Hazard Assess mentwas performed to identify potential hazards or sources of
risk at each workstation in the County's work environment. By addressing these
hazards, we aim to create a safer, healthier workplace for all employees.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Policy:
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essentialto safeguard employees from
workplace hazards that may cause injury or illness.
• When workplace hazards cannot be eliminated through other controls, PPE is
required to protect the eyes, face, head, body, arms, hands, legs, and feet.
• PPE acts as the last line of defense and should not be considered a substitute for
engineering controls, administrative controls, or safe work practices. It should
always be used in conjunction with these other protective measures. Remember,
PPE does not eliminate the hazard, and if the equipment fails or is improperly used,
exposure to the hazard may still occur.
Responsi b i Citi es:
Supervisor/Lead Worker:
• Ensure that required PPE is provided to employees, properly maintained, and worn
as necessary.
• Wear and/or use all provided PPE for its intended purpose.
• Follow all safety policies, procedures, and instructions related to PPE.
Hard Hats and/or Head Protection: Hard hats or head protection must be worn in
the following situations:
• Construction sites with overhead hazards (e.g., cranes, backhoes, scaffolding).
• Trenches, hazardous confined spaces, or areas determined bythe Department
Head, Supervisor, or Safety Officer.
A Employees with long hair must wear hair netting or other protection when
working around machinery to prevent hair entanglement,
Reflective Clothing:
Approved reflective and protective clothing must be worn when:
• Employees are working in public rights -of -way or near vehiculartraffic.
• Employees are working during nighttime operations.
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• Visibility hazards are identified by the Department Head, Supervisor, Safety Officer,
or designee. Note: All flaggers must have a flagging card and wear a hard hat,
reflective outer garment. Police personnel are exempt during emergency traffic
control, but reflectorized clothing is recommended.
Eye and Face Protection: Eye and face protection must be worn when:
Flying objects, glare, liquids, or injurious radiation are present, or a combination of
these hazards exists.
• Refer to County Chlorine Program, Confined Space Program, and Respiratory
Program when handling chlorine.
Respiratory Protection:
• Respirators must be provided and worn when necessaryto protect employee
health. Employees must adhere to the Respiratory Protection Program for proper
use and training.
Full Body Harness and Lifelines:
• Workers at heights or on water must use full -body harnesses, lifelines, or life nets
when working above ground orwater surfaces where no temporary floors or
scaffolds are in place.
• Employees entering confined spaces like sewers or tunnels must notifytheir
supervisor and wear a full -body harness attached to a lifeline held by a fellow
worker.
• Employees working over or on water where drowning risks exist must wear a U.S.
Coast Guard -approved lifesaving device.
Shirts and Protective Clothing:
• All employees must wear shirts or protective clothing above the waist. Safety chaps
must be worn by operators when using chain saws.
Safety Shoes and Boots:
• Employees must wear safety shoes or boots when provided by the County,
according to the hazard assessment.
Hearing Protection:
Hearing protection must be worn when noise levels exceed 85 dBA.
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Responsibilities for PPE Maintenance and Usage:
Director or Department Designee:
• Ensure the required PPE is provided, properly maintained, and used by employees
according to policy.
Employees:
• Wear and/or use PPE as required and follow safety policies and procedures related
to its use.
Disciplinary Actions
Grant Countytakes employees'safetyseriously and expects compliance with this
PPE policy. Supervisors and employees must ensure PPE is enforced and used
properly. Non-compliance will result in disciplinary actions as follows:
• Level 1 : Verbal warning, notation in supervisor record, and instruction on proper
actions.
• Level 2: Written warning in employee file and instruction on proper actions.
• Level 3: Suspension without pay, finalwritten warning in employee file, and
instruction on proper actions.
• Level 4: Discharge of employment.
These procedures will be implemented as perthe employee's union contract or
personnel rules.
An employee maybe subject to immediate termination when a safety violation
places the employee or coworkers at risk of permanent disability or death.
Hazard Communication Program (W__ AC 296-901 P
Grant County is committed to ensuring the safety of its employees by preventing
exposure to hazardous chemicals that could result in injury or illness. In compliance
with all state health and safety regulations, each employee will be informed about
the chemicals they may encounter, the associated hazards, and the necessary
precautions to protect themselves while performing their job. To facilitate this, the
County has implemented a comprehensive Hazard Communication Program, which
applies to all work units within the County.
This written program will be accessible for review by any interested employee and is
managed through each department or division.
Container Labeling:
Each department or division is responsible for ensuring that containers of hazardous
chemicals are properly labeled. The labels should meet the following requirements:
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• Chemical Identification: Clearly label the contents of the container.
• Hazard Warning: Provide an appropriate hazard warning.
• Manufacturer Information: Listthe name and contact information of the
manufacturer.
Secondary Containers:
For non -original containers, labels must include:
• Contents: The name of the chemical and its associated hazards.
• Hazard Pictograms: Appropriate hazard symbols, such as flammable, corrosive, or
toxi c.
How to Read and Interpret Labels:
Labels must contain the following information:
• Chemical Identity: This can be a chemical name, code number, or trade name.
• SignalWord: Indicates the severity of the hazard (e.g., "Warning!" or "Danger!").
• Hazard Statement: Describes the major hazards associated with the chemical (e.g.,
"Highly flammable" or "Harmful if inhaled").
• Precautionary Statement: Provides instructions to minimize risk (e.g., "Avoid
breathing fumes" or "Wash thoroughly after handling").
• First -Aid Instructions: Guidance on how to address exposure to the chemical.
• Antidotes: Recommended actions that can be taken by non -medical personnelto
counteract chemical exposure.
• Fire, Spill, and Leak Instructions: Instructions for responding to fire, spill, or leak
situations.
• Notes to Physicians: Important medical information fortreating chemical exposure.
• Handling and Storage Instructions: Special instructions on how to safely handle and
store the chemical.
Safety Data Sheets (SDS):
Each Department is responsible for maintaining its own SDS sheets as part of the
County -wide SDS program. This team ensures the following:
• Obtain necessary SDSs for all chemicals.
• Review incoming SDSs for new or significant health and safety information.
• Distribute new information to affected employees.
Incoming SDSs will be reviewed for:
• Chemical Identification: Name of the chemical.
• Hazard and Emergency Information: Contact information for emergencies.
• SDS Preparation Date: The date the SDS was prepared.
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• Hazardous Ingredients: The chemical and common names of hazardous ingredients
(unless a trade secret).
• Exposure Limits: The safe exposure levels for chemicals.
• Physical and Chemical Characteristics: Information about the chemical's
properties.
• Health Hazards: Potential effects on skin, lungs, eyes, and nervous system.
• Carcinogenic Potential: Whether the chemical is carcinogenic.
• First -Aid Procedures: Actions to take in case of exposure.
• Safe Handling Procedures: Safe methods for using and handling the chemical.
• PPE Requirements: Personal protective equipment needed when using the
chemical.
SDS Books will be maintained at each County location, online on the MSDSonline
portal, and SDSs will be available to employees during all work shifts. if an SDS is
unavailable or new chemical lacks an SDS, employees should immediately
contact the Central Safety Committee.
Employee Information and Training:
Human Resources is responsible for overseeing the training program that ensures all
County employees both current and new are informed about hazardous chemicals
and related safety procedures. In addition, each department is required to provide
training to their employees that covers:
• An overview of the Hazard Communication Standard.
• Identification of hazardous chemicals present in theworkplace.
• Understanding physical and health risks associated with chemicals.
• Recognizing symptoms of overexposure.
• Detection of hazardous chemicals in the work area.
• Procedures for reducing or preventing exposure, including PPE use and work
practices.
• Steps taken bythe Countyto minimize or prevent exposure.
• Emergency procedures in case of chemical overexposure.
• Instructions on how to read labels and review SDSs for hazard information.
• Location of SDS files and the written Hazard Communication Program.
Before introducing a new chemical hazard, employees in the affected department will
be given training on the chemical as perthe above guidelines.
Hazardous Non -Routine Tasks:
From time to time, employees may be required to perform hazardous non -routine tasks
(e.g., confined space entry, tank cleaning). Before beginning such tasks, employees
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will receive information about the hazardous chemicals they may encounter, as well as
safety procedures to follow.
Informing Contractors and Multi-EmployerWorksites:
County management is responsible for informing contractors and subcontractors
working at County job sites about hazardous chemicals that may be present. This
includes:
• Providing a copy of the Hazard Communication Program.
• Making SDSs for hazardous chemicals available or providing them at a central
Location.
• Informing contractors of any precautionary measures necessaryto protect
employees during normal operations or emergencies.
• Explaining the labeling system used at the work site.
County management will also obtain SDSs for any chemicals that contractors bring into
th e wo rkp la ce.
List of Hazardous Chemicals:
Information about hazardous chemicals used by County employees can be found in the
SDS books located at each County location or online on the MSDSonline portal. A
comprehensive list of all known hazardous chemicals used by County employees for
particular jobs is available online on the MSDSonline portal.
Rearing Conservation Program (WAC 296-817)
This procedure ensures that employees exposed to noise levels at or above 85 decibels
(dBA) receive necessary protective equipment, engineering controls, and educational
information to prevent hearing loss or impairment. The goal is to safeguard employees
from permanent hearing disabilities due to prolonged exposure to high noise levels, as
well as to ensure compliance with OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health
Administration) and WISHA (Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act) standards.
Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL):
The following table outlines the permissible exposure limits for noise, as set by L&I,
OSHA and WISHA:
Duration per Day (hours) Sound Level (dBA)
8 hours 85 dBA
4 hours 90 dBA
2 hours 95 dBA
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Duration per Day (hours) Sound Level (dBA)
1 hour 100 dBA
0.5 hours 105 dBA
0.25 hours 110 dBA
0.125 hours 115 dBA
Note: The permissible exposure limits represent noise levels that employees can be
exposed to without adverse effects on their ability to hear and communicate
normally.
No employee should be exposed to impulse or impact noise above 140 dBA
peak sound pressure level.
Requirements:
Prolonged exposure to high noise levels can cause permanent hearing impairment,
which can hinderwork efficiency and potentially lead to a physical disability recognized
under State and Federal laws. However, this disability is preventable. Early symptoms of
hearing loss are often not recognized by individuals as theytend to affect higher
frequency sounds than those required for speech communication.
Hearing Conservation Program Components
Employees exposed to noise levels at or above 85 dBA will participate in the Hearing
Conservation Program, which includes:
A diornetric Testing.
o Initial/Base Line Audiogram: A hearing test will be conducted upon initial
exposure to establish a baseline.
o Annual Audiogram: All employees will undergo annual hearing tests to
monitor hearing changes.
Training:
o All employees working in areas where noise levels exceed the permissible
Limits outlined in WAC 296-817 must receive training on noise exposure and
hearing protection. This training must include information on the health
effects of noise, workplace noise control measures, proper use of hearing
protection, and evaluations of the hearing loss prevention program.
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Protection and Monitoring:
o Hearing Protectors: Only approved earplugs or earmuffs will be provided to
employees exposed to hazardous noise levels. These will be provided at no
cost to the employees and will be replaced as needed.
o Engineering Controls: If noise levels exceed 90 dBA, feasible engineering
controls will be implemented, such as replacing noisy equipment,
maintaining equipment, or enclosing the work area.
Responsibilities
Human Resources Department:
Monitor work sites for noise hazards in compliance with WISHA/OSHA/L&I
regulations.
• Provide oversight of the annual training for all employees in departments where
noise levels exceed permissible limits.
• Assist supervisors in developing noise control solutions.
Supervisors:
• Inform Human Resources in writing of any noise hazards that require monitoring.
• Ensure adherence to the procedures outlined in this program.
Monitoring Noise Exposure
When there is reasonable evidence that an employee's exposure to noise may exceed
an 8-hourtime-weighted average of 85 dBA, the supervisor must request noise
monitoring test. The Human Resources Department will perform the monitoring, and if
the exposure levels exceed the limits, the affected employees will be included in the
Hearing Conservation Program.
Audiometric Testing:
The supervisorwill schedule audiometric tests for employees exposed to hazardous
noise levels. These tests are used to establish baseline hearing and identify any pre-
existing conditions that may be aggravated by noise exposure.
Engineering Controls:
If monitoring reveals that noise levels exceed 90 dBA, the supervisor, incoordination
with the Risk and Safety Coordinator, will implement engineering controls such as:
• Replacing noisy equipment
• Installing mufflers or silencers
• Enclosing noisy equipment
• Increasing distance from the noise source
• Limiting employee exposure time
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If engineering controls are not effective, personal hearing protectors (earplugs
or earmuffs) will be mandatory.
Hearing Protection Devices (HPDs)-.
Hearing protectors will be provided at no cost to employees exposed to noise at or
above the permissible limits. The following situations apply:
• 85 dBA or greater (time -weighted average of 8 hours)
• Above 115 d BA
• Any impulse or impact noise at or above 140 dBA Peak
Employees will be offered at Least two types of hearing protection devices to choose
from, such as:
• Earplugs (foam orcustom-molded)
• Aural protectors (ear muffs)
Noise Reduction Ratings (NRRs)
The effectiveness of hearing protectors is measured by their Noise Reduction Rating
(NRR). The NRR is determined under ideal conditions, butfactors like improperfit
can reduce their effectiveness. To calculate the effective noise reduction in real -
world conditions, subtract 7 dBAfrom the NRR.
For example:
• If an employee is exposed to 88 dBA of noise, a hearing protectorwith an NRR of 15
dBA will reduce exposure to 88 —15 = 73 dBA, which is considered safe.
Training
Employees exposed to noise levels at orabove 85 dBA will receive annual training
on:
• The effects of noise on hearing: Understanding how noise exposure affects hearing
over time.
• Types of hearing protection: Learning about different types of hearing protection,
their advantages and limitations, and how to properly use, fit, and carefor them.
• Audiometric testing: Understanding the purpose of audiometric tests and the
procedures involved.
� Attendance records for the training will be maintained by the Human Resources
Department.
Sample Noise Levels:
The following are typical noise levels associated with various equipment and work.
environments. These levels are approximate and can vary based on the specific
equipment, its condition, and the environment in which it is used.
e
Tool/Equipment Decibel Level (dB)
Oxygen Torch 121 dB
Pneumatic Hammers 120 dB
Bulldozer 117 dB
Rock Concert 114 dB
Jackhammer 114 dB
Chainsaw 110 dB
Highways 110 d B
Power Mower 96 dB
Grinder (Electric) 99 dB
Forklift Idle 76 dB
Drill Press 68 dB
Thesevalues are forspecifictools and equipment under typical usage conditions. Noise
monitoring is essential for determining actual exposure levels at each worksite.
Conclusion:
The Hearing Conservation Program aims to prevent hearing loss from noise exposure in
the workplace. By adhering to the guidelines outlined in this procedure, including
monitoring noise levels, implementing engineering controls, and providing employees
with hearing protection, the risk of permanent hearing damage can be significantly
reduced. All employees are encouraged to actively participate in the program to ensure
their safety and well-being.
Lock-Out/Tag-Out Program (WAC 296-803)
The Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tag-out) procedure is designed to protect
employees white they conduct servicing and maintenance tasks on machines and
equipment. This is critical in preventing accidents that may occur due to the unexpected
activation or release of stored energy, which could lead to injuries or even fatalities.
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Definitions:
This procedure outlines the minimum requirements for isolating hazardous energy
sources to ensure compliance with L&I Standards and WAC 296-803 (Control of
Hazardous Energy Lockout/Tagout). It applies to energy control during the following
activities:
• Servicing or maintaining machines and equipment.
• Work on piping systems.
• Servicing motorvehicles or heavy mobile equipment.
Personnel Affected by This Safety Procedure:
This procedure applies to any employee who works with or around any of the following
energy sources:
• Electrical
• Mechanical
• Hydraulic
• Pneumatic
• Chemical
• Thermal
• Other, including Gravity
For example: Ant electrical equipment that has a receptacle detached from the
electrical source or an electrical device with a start/stop switch within the operator's
Line of sight and reach.
Energy Isolating Device:
An energy isolating device is mechanical device used to physically prevent the
transmission or release of energy. Examples include:
• Block va lves
• Double block valves with bleeders
• Blind blanks
• Blind flanges, breaks, and plugs
• Electrical disconnects
• Mechanical gags
Lockout and Tagout:
Lockout:
o The placement of a locking device on an energy isolating device to prevent its
operation until the lock is removed.
Tagout:
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o The placement of a tagout device on an energy isolating device to prevent
operation until the tag is removed. Tags must be substantial enough to prevent
accidental removal and clearly indicate that the equipment is shut down.
Grant County workers must hang picture 1. D. tags, which identify who is
performing the work, along with the equipment being shut down and the
expected duration.
Requirements for Lockout/Tagout Devices:
All devices used for lockout/tagout must be:
• Durable enough to withstand environmental conditions.
• Standardized in color, shape, and size.
• Capable of identifying the employee applying the device.
• Strong enough to prevent removal without the use of bolt cutters.
• Used exclusively for energy control.
In some facilities, where lockout is not possible, an additional safety measure must be
taken when using a tag to ensure the safety level is equivalent to that of a lock.
Securing Electrical Equipment:
The procedure for securing electrical equipment follows these steps:
• A maintenance work order is issued forthe required service or maintenance.
• The supervisor issues a permit forthe work.
• All authorized and affected employees must follow the lockout/tagout procedure.
Lockout/Tagout Procedure for Electrical, Hydraulic, Pneumatic, and
Chemical Energy Sources:
Electrica l:
o Stop the motor, open the disconnect switch, and attach a lock with a warningtag
indicating "DO NOT START," "DO NOT OPEN," "DO NOT ENERGIZE," etc.
Air:
o Disconnect the air supply or shut off the valve, tagging the valve in the "OFF" or
"CLOSED" position.
Hydraulic:
O Shut down the pump, bleed lines to release stored energy, and use blockingto
prevent equipment movement. Ensure hydraulic pressure is at zero before
starting work.
For shift changes, the new employee must applytheir lock before the outgoing
employee's lock is removed. If the incoming employee is not available, a supervisor's
Lock is used.
c e
Group/Multiple Lookout Systems:
For systems requiring multiple pieces of equipment to be locked out:
• The supervisor places locks on individual pieces of equipment from a group Lock -
box.
• All involved employees will place their locks on the lock -box and sign the Energy
Control Checklist.
When an individual finishes theirwork, they notify the supervisor, remove their lock, and
sign the clearance section of the checklist.
Restoring Machinery to Normal Operation:
Before restarting the equipment, the supervisor ensures:
• All personnel are clear of the area.
• All tools and equipment have been removed.
• Safeguards have been reinstalled.
• All locks and tags have been removed by the individuals who installed them.
• Lock -out clea ra nces are signed off.
• The equipment is started, and energy is restored.
Procedures for Cutting a Lock (Individual and Group):
If the authorized employee who applied the lockout device is unavailable, the supervisor
may remove the lock after:
• Verifying that the employee is not on site.
• Making reasonable efforts to contact the employee.
• Ensuring that the employee is informed once they return.
• Verifying that all lockout/tagout procedures were followed and conducting a safety
inspection of the equipment before the lock is cut.
Confined Space Entry Program
At present, Grant County employees do not engage in work activities that involve
entering or performing tasks within confined spaces. As such, there are no current
operations requiring confined space entry.
However, should the scope of work for Grant County change in the future to include
tasks that require entry into confined spaces, the County is committed to ensuring
the safety and compliance of its personnel and using the procedures below.
A confined space is a space that meets all the following conditions:
• Large enough for an employee to fully enter and perform work.
• Has limited means of entry or exit.
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• Not designed for continuous human occupancy.
A permit -required confined space (permit space) is a confined space that has one or
more of the following hazards or characteristics:
• Contains, or has the potential to contain, a hazardous atmosphere.
• Contains materials that could potentially engulf (drown or cover) an entrant.
• Has an internal configuration that could trap or asphyxiate an entrant, such as inwardly
converging walls or a floor that slopes downward to a smaller cross-section.
• Contains physical hazards, including engulfment, electricals hock, or moving parts.
• Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.
The hazards associated with confined spaces can lead to serious injuries or fatalities,
both forth e entrants and for any rescuers who may attempt to assist. Rescuers who are
not properly trained to recognize confined space hazards can fallvictim to the same
dangers, such as a hazardous atmosphere.
Employees are required to enter a confined space only after:
• Completing proper training.
• Evaluating the space.
• Completing a confined space entry permit or other necessary documentation (for
permit -required confined spaces).
• Meeting all safety and health precautions.
Responsibilities:
Safety and Health Professionals:
• Provide tech nicaIassistanceto divisions and departments in implementingthis
procedure.
• Review updates to the policy.
Assist divisions and departments with the annual evaluation of the program.
Divisions/Departments:
• Develop a written document identifying all confined spaces and determining
whether they are permit -required.
• Specify required entry procedures for confined spaces.
• Identify and train employees who may inadvertently enter confined spaces to
recognize and avoid potential hazards.
• Designate a Confined Space Program Administrator.
• Develop and implement safe entry practices and procedures.
• Ensure rescue teams are adequately trained or have an agreementwith an
emergency rescue service.
• Submit the program to the safety and health professionalfor review.
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Supervisors:
• Ensure no unauthorized entry into permit spaces.
• Ensure employees are aware of permit spaces and the necessary precautions.
• Confirm employees are properly trained before assigning them tasks involving
confined spaces.
Employees:
• Be aware of permit spaces they may encounter.
• Only perform authorized entries.
• Follow all procedures precisely.
• Participate in all necessary training.
Training is mandatoryfor employees who may enter confined spaces, as well as their
supervisors. Training should cover:
• Recognition of confined spaces and associated hazards.
• Procedures for safe entry and emergency response.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Rescue procedures.
Competency Determination and Certification:
Each employee involved in confined space entrywill be certified as proficient in their
duties. Proficiency will be determined through:
• Observation of job performance.
• A written exam.
• Other appropriate methods.
Certification will include the employee's name, the trainer's signature or initials, and
the training date. This certification will be available for inspection.
Contractors:
• Before contractors are allowed to enter confined spaces, division or department
representatives must:
• Inform them that the workplace contains permit -required confined spaces.
• Ensure that contractors follow all requirements for permit -required confined space
entry.
• Brief the contractor after the task is completed to discuss any hazards or unusual
conditions encountered.
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�, _.�
Confined spaces - Entry Procedures:
Alternative Methods:
A permit -required confined space maybe entered without a permit under the following
conditions:
• All hazards have been eliminated.
• All physical hazards have been removed, and continuous forced ventilation is used
to control any hazardous atmosphere.
Qualifications for Using Alternative Methods:
• No physical hazards (e.g., electrical, mechanical, drowning, etc.) should be present.
• Continuous forced ventilation must control any atmospheric hazards.
• These procedures can only be used for one work shift; a new authorization is
required for each shift.
• If atmospheric hazards are present or expected, full permit space entry procedures
must be followed.
Entry Procedure Using Alternative Methods:
• Use the Alternative Method Checklist to document entry details.
• Isolate the space to prevent hazardous materials or energies from entering.
• Ensure the space is cleaned, purged, flushed, orventilated to eliminate hazards.
• Guard floor or surface openings to prevent falls.
• Perform air monitoring in accordance with established procedures, ensuring
continuous monitoring or retesting throughout entry.
Safety Equipment:
Divisions and departments must provide and maintain the necessary equipment for
safe entry, including:
• Continuous forced air ventilation (electric or gas -powered blowers) to ensure proper
airflow.
• Barriers for floor or surface openings.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Adequate illumination to ensure safe work conditions and quick exit if necessary.
All employees must be trained to properly use the equipment, and protective
clothing and equipment should be checked for properfunction before use.
Air Monitoring:
Air monitoring is required before and continuously during entry into confined spaces.
Testing should be performed in the following order:
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• Oxygen levels (19.5% to 23.5%).
• Flammability(<10%LEL).
• Carbon monoxide (< 35 ppm).
• Hydrogen sulfide (< 10 ppm).
Pre -entry air testing should be conducted before removing any lids or ventilating the
space. Records of air testing should be kept for at least one year and reviewed
during the annual program evaluation.
Asbestos i Other Regulated
Grant County employees do not handle or disturb asbestos or other regulated
building materials. These tasks are outside the scope of County operations and are
contracted out to licensed and certified professionals. If this policy is needed,
Grant County will implement the Asbestos and Other Regulated Building Materials.
Overview: Hazardous building materials can be present in buildings of any age or
condition. These materials, when disturbed, can pose serious health and environmental
risks. Federal, state, and local health and safety regulations govern the maintenance,
disturbance, and disposal of these materials. Regulated building materials include
substances such as asbestos, lead, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), mercury,
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and crystalline silica. When these materials remain intact
or undisturbed, they do not present a health riskto workers or building occupants.
However, damage or disturbance of these materials can release harmful particles into
the air, posing risks through inhalation or ingestion. It is crucialthat maintenance,
demolition, and renovation activities follow all relevant health and safety regulations to
prevent exposure.
Applicability:
• General Applicability: Most Grant County employees do not handle hazardous
materials like asbestos, as appropriate management practices are in place. Friable
(easily crumbled) asbestos -containing products have been safely contained or
removed from Grant Countyfacilities.
• Employees at Risk: Certain employees, including building tradespersons,
custodians, and vehicle mechanics, may have a higher risk of exposure to airborne
asbestos and other regulated building materials due to the nature of theirwork.
• Evaluation of Projects: All renovation, demolition, or maintenance projects involving
the potential disturbance of building materials must be evaluated forthe presence
of asbestos and other regulated materials. Specific federal, state, and local
34 1 P a :,.�9..
regulations apply to these projects, covering areas such as training, work practices,
disposal, and other safety requirements.
Responsibilities:
Building Owners and Managers:
• Conduct hazardous materials surveys before initiating maintenance, janitorial, or
construction activities.
• Ensure that all asbestos removal and/or disturbance of regulated building materials
is carried out in compliance with applicable regulations.
• Since it is not possible to visually identify if a material contains asbestos or other
regulated building materials, qualified individuals must conduct specific sampling
and analysis to determine the presence of hazardous materials.
Project Managers:
• Develop and implement safety plans forthe management of regulated building
materials for all planning, leasing, selling, capital construction, demolition,
maintenance, repair, and renovation projects related to Grant County properties.
• Ensure that contractors handling asbestos removal are properly licensed and
authorized bythe State of Washington.
Vehicle Maintenance:
• Ensure that new vehicles and replacement parts do not contain asbestos. The
current state contract for new vehicles prohibits the use of asbestos in friction
products.
• Currently, vehicle mechanics are not trained or equipped to work with asbestos -
containing friction products or gaskets. This must be addressed if such work
becomes necessary.
Training:
Building Tradespersons and Custodians:
• All employees involved in working with or disturbing buildings containing asbestos
must receive annual asbestos awareness training. This training is essential for
recognizing potential hazards and understanding safe work practices.
Additional training requirements may applyto other regulated building materials.
35 1
Asbestos Removal Workers:
• Workers involved in the removal or disturbance of asbestos -containing materials
must possess a current State of Washington certification to perform such activities.
• Both initial and annual training are mandatoryto ensure workers are up to date on
proper safety protocols and handling techniques.
Conclusion:
It is essentialfor all employees, particularly those in high -risk areas such as building
trades, custodial services, and vehicle maintenance, to be adequately trained and
equipped to handle hazardous building materials in compliancewith applicable
regulations. Proper planning, training, and oversight will ensure that potential health
risks from these materials are minimized, promoting a saferwork environment.
Respiratory Protection Program (WAC 296-842�
Grant County currently does not perform work that requires the use of respiratory
protection under normal operations. If a situation arises where respiratory hazards
are present, the County will evaluate the exposure risk and, if necessary,
implement the Respiratory Protection Program outlined below.
This program outlines the fundamental requirements and procedures forthe respiratory
protection of Grant County employees. These guidelines apply to workers in areas with
hazardous levels of airborne dust, mists, vapors, gases, fumes, or oxygen -deficient
atmospheres, where the hazard cannot be eliminated or reduced to safe levels. Each
department with respiratory hazard operations will appoint a Respirator Program
Administrator responsible for overseeing the program, coordinating fit testing, and
ensuring that records are maintained within the department. Human Resources
supervises the overall development and implementation of the Respiratory Protection
Program and offers supportto departments in meeting its requirements.
Responsibilities:
Safetyand Health Professionals support departments and divisions by:
Providing technical assistance in conducting respiratory hazard evaluations,
including air monitoring.
• Helping supervisors with training on respirator care and use.
• Assisting supervisors with fit testing upon request.
• Supporting supervisors in obtaining medicalevaluationsfor respirator users or
employees exposed to hazardous airborne contaminants, as appropriate.
• Updating the Respiratory Protection Program as needed.
361Pa e
• Advising supervisors on respirator purchases when requested.
Department Respirator Program Administrators. -
Are responsible, with supportfrom department managers and supervisors, for:
• Contacting Safety and Claims Management to evaluate tasks that may require
respiratory protection.
• Restricting respirator use to employees who have received initial and periodic
medical clearance (except forvotuntary dust mask use).
• Ensuring employees undergo initial and annualfittesting and training onrespirator
use.
• Monitoring and ensuring proper use of respiratory protection by employees.
• Ensuring the sanitation and maintenance of respirators.
• Documenting monthly inspections of Self -Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
units and ensuring annual service inspection by an authorized service
representative.
• Purchasing NIOSH-certified respiratory equipment for county employees.
• Tailoring the written Respiratory Protection Program to the specific needs of their
department, as necessary.
• Revising and updating hazard evaluations wheneverthere are changes in work
processes that could impact employee exposure.
Employees:
Are responsible for:
• Using respirators in compliance with the program.
• Reporting respirator malfunctions or circumstances that may require a review of
respiratory protection.
• Caring for and maintaining their assigned respiratory equipment.
• Notifying management if their medical status changes, requiring an updated medical
evaluation for respirator use.
Voluntary Use of Respirators:
Departments may offer respirators for use in areas where respiratory hazard exposures
are below Washington State Department of Labor and Industries' Permissible Exposure
Limits (PELs), referred to as voluntary use. Filtering facepiece (dust mask) respirators
have no additional requirements forvotuntary use. However, voluntary use of other
respirator types (e.g., elastomeric respirators) must meet medical evaluation, cleaning,
disinfecting, and proper storage requirements. Air supplying respirators must meet the
breathing air quality requirements. Training is mandatoryto ensure voluntary respirator
use does not create a hazard. A department -specific written program addressing these
371P;:�e
in
requirements must be developed. Fit testing is not required forvoluntary use
respirators.
Training:
Respirator users and their supervisors must be trained in selecting the appropriate
respirator for each task that requires respiratory protection. Training must occur before
initial respirator use, whenever a respirator type or procedure changes, and annua lly
thereafter. The Safety and Health Professional will assist managers and supervisors
with providing training. Each user and supervisor must demonstrate competence in the
following areas:
• Why respirators are necessary: Understand respiratory hazards like chemicals,
exposure levels, potential health effects, and symptoms.
• Capabilities and limitations of the respirator: Know how the respirator protects and
why air -purifying respirators cannot be used in oxygen -deficient conditions.
• Impact of improper use or maintenance: Understand how poorfit, improper use, or
maintenance compromises respirator effectiveness.
• Respirator use: Know how to inspect, wear, seal check, use, and remove the
respirator.
• Cleaning and storage: Understand how to clean, disinfect, repair, and store the
respirator.
• Emergency procedures: Understand how to respond when a respiratorfails in an
emergency.
• Medical signs and symptoms: Be aware of symptoms that may limit or prevent
effective respirator use.
• Employer's regulatory obligations: Know the written program requirements,
respirator selection criteria, and medical evaluations.
Hazard Evaluation and Respirator Selection:
The Safety and Health Professional will help managers and supervisors conduct
respiratory hazard evaluations. These evaluations involve:
• Identifying tasks with significant exposure to respiratory hazards.
• Evaluating the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the hazards.
• Assessing exposure levels based on professional judgment and quantitative
methods (e.g., air sampling).
If respiratory hazard is identified, control measures will be considered. If control
measures are not feasible or cannot be immediately implemented, respiratory
protection will be selected. The selection of respirators will be based on the assigned
protection factor and the results of the hazard assessment.
381 P a �`�
ge
Medical Evaluation:
Employees required to wear respirators (except for voluntary use of filteringfacepieces)
must complete a medical evaluation questionnaire administered by a physician or
Licensed health care provider (PLHCP). The questionnaire must remain confidential,
and the completed forms cannot be reviewed by department supervisors. Based on the
responses, the PLHCP will determine whether afollow-up medical evaluation is
needed. Re-evaluations are required if anyof the following occur:
The employee reports medical symptoms related to respirator use.
• The PLHCP recommends re-evaluation.
• Changes in the workplace orthe employee's condition suggest a need for
reassessment.
Respirator Fit Tests:
Departments must arrange for respirator fit tests for employees who use tight -fitting
respirators. Fit testing should be conducted before the respirator is used and annually
thereafter, orwhenever a new respirator facepiece is used or changes occur in the
employee's facial characteristics. Fit tests must follow an L&I-approved qualitative or
quantitative protocol.
Procurement:
Based on respiratory hazard evaluations, supervisors will procure adequate quantities
and sizes of NIOSH-certified respirators. Supervisors must specifythat only NIOSH-
certified respiratory equipment is acceptable in the bid specifications and purchase
orders.
Respirator Use:
No employee may use a respirator if facial hair or other conditions interfere with the seal
between the face and the respirator. Respirators must be used according to written
procedures developed for emergency and rescue situations, with adequate training,
controls, and standby personnel in place for potentially dangerous environments.
Inspection, Cleaning, and Maintenance:
Employees must inspect their respirators before and after each use, checking for
proper fit, worn components, and any malfunctions. Respirators should be cleaned and
disinfected after each use if used by multiple workers, or daily if assigned to an
individual worker. All equipment must be stored properly to prevent damage and
contamination.
39 1 P
Program Evaluation:
The Respirator Program Ad ministratorwill periodically observe workplace practices to
ensure proper respirator use and evaluate the program's effectiveness. This includes
annual reviews and updates to maintain an effective program.
Documentation and Record keeping:
The program's master copywill be kept in Human Resources. Records of fit tests will be
maintained by each department until the next test is completed. HR will maintain
medical and hazardous exposure records-forthe duration of an employee's
employment, plus an additional 30 years.
Fall Protection Program (WAC 296-155-245)
This program outlines the procedures and requirements for ensuring fall protection for
County employees working at elevated heights or in areas with potential fall hazards. It
applies to work performed on elevated surfaces such as ladders, scaffolds, aeria l lifts,
roofs, and other elevated workspaces where a fall hazard exists at heights of 4 feet or
m o re.
Scope:
Grant County is committed to providing safe working environment by implementing fall
protection systems to prevent falls during work activities on elevated surfaces.
• This includes ensuring employees have access to proper fall restraint, fall arrest
systems, or positioning device systems when working at heights.
• Additionally, the program aims to reduce slips, trips, and falls atthe same level.
• All employees must maintain good housekeeping practices to mitigatethese
hazards and report any conditions that may cause slips, trips, and falls to the
appropriate maintenance unit.
• Subcontractors/Contractors working on County projects must complywith all
relevant L&I workplace safety regulations and provide their own fall protection plans
for review upon request by Grant County representatives.
Exceptions:
Employees are permitted to work without fall protection onlyfor inspection or
observation purposes, provided it is deemed safe.
40 1 P a g
Responsibilities:
Managers and Supervisors:
• Ensure that all fall protection requirements are met as outlined in the written
program.
• Ensure that new and current employees receive proper fall protection training.
• Identify elevated work areas with the assistance of the Risk & Safety Coordinator.
Employees:
• Comply with safety practices and operational rules for fall protection, as outlined in
this program.
• Report safety concerns or hazards to their supervisor or Risk & Safety Coordinator.
Safety Department:
• Conduct periodic inspections of elevated work areas to ensure safety equipment is
used properly and that safe practices are followed.
• Arrange forfall protection training and the safe use of elevating personal platforms.
• Oversee general compliance with the fall protection program.
Program Components:
The program covers the following work situations where fall protection is required:
• Ladders: Fixed, free-standing, temporary, or roll -away types.
• Elevating Personal Platforms: Scaffolds, aerial platforms, scissors lifts, forklift -
mounted platforms, cherry pickers, etc.
• Elevated Surfaces: Roofs, catwalks, skylights, boilers, chillers, etc.
• Vertical Openings: Ground -level entry into excavations, trenches, holes, pits,
vessels, or confined spaces.
Fall Protection Systems:
Fall protection systems must be provided for employees working in areas 4 feet or more
above the ground. Options forfall protection include:
Guardrails:
o Atop rail located 42 inches above the floor, with a mid -rail. Screens and mesh
can replace the mid -rail.
Personal Fall Arrest Systems:
o Includes body harnesses, lanyards, lifelines, connectors, and anchorage points
capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds.
Positioning Device Systems.-
0 Systems that allow workers to be supported on a vertical surface (e.g., walls)
with both hands free.
Warning Line Sys terns:
411P ce
o Installed ropes or lines around a roof area, acting as barriers to keep workers
from approaching edges.
Covers:
o Covers fastened over holes in the work surface to prevent falls.
If these standard systems are not feasible or may create a greater hazard,
alternative fall protection measures must be used.
Gu i d e!i nes for specific Equipment Use:
Ladders:
o Employees must inspect ladders for defects and use them properly.
o Ladder safety guidelines are provided in this manual.
Fall Arrest Systerns.
o Employees using fall arrest systems must understand the application limits,
proper tie -off techniques, and inspection and storage procedures.
o Personal fall arrest systems, including harnesses and lanyards, must be
inspected before use, and defective equipment must be removed from service.
l Systems must be inspected twice yearly or per manufacturers'
recommendations.
Aeria f Lifts:
o Employees using aerial lifts must understand the manufacturer's operating
instructions, pre -use inspections, and how to avoid hazards like overhead power
li nes.
o Employees must know how to safely move the lift and use fall protection.
Scaffolds:
o Employees working on scaffolds must understand fall and electrical hazards,
proper scaffold procedures, and load capacities.
o Ensure scaffolds are properly erected, maintained, and disassembled with
appropriate fall protection.
Wa lkinglWorking Surfaces:
o Maintain clean and dry working areas and use proper drainage where wet
processes are involved.
o Ensure false floors, platforms, mats, or dry standing places are available when
necessary.
4 2 15 yal
Reporting Requirements:
• Employees must immediately report anyfall hazards or unsafe conditions to their
supervisor or Risk & Safety Coordinator.
• Supervisors are authorized to issue warnings or take disciplinary action, up to
termination, for non-compliance with fall protection guidelines.
• These procedures will be enforced in accordance with the applicable union contract
or personnel rules.
Training Requirements and Competency Assessment:
No employee willwork in fall hazard areas or use fall protection devices until they have
attended a formalfall protection training program. This includes new employees and
those with previous experience. The training will coverfall hazards, proper use of fall
protection systems, and site -specific safety practices. Employees will need retraining if:
• Workplace conditions change.
• New fall protection systems or equipment are introduced.
• Employees display inadequate knowledge or behavior regardingfallprotection.
Training will include both classroom and on -site operational instruction.
Supervisors and employees will be required to demonstrate competency in using
fall protection systems before working at elevated heights.
This program aims to ensure that all employees are protected from fall hazards,
promoting safety and reducing the risk of injuries associated with working at heights. All
departments and contractors are expected to comply with this program and ensure the
safety of their employees.
BLood Borne Pathogens- Exposure Control Plan (WAC
296-823)
Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms that may be present in human blood and
have the potentialto cause disease or sickness in humans. These pathogens include,
but are not limited to:
• Human ImmunodeficiencyVirus (HIV), which leads to AIDS,
• Hepatitis B virus (HBV),
• Hepatitis C virus (HCV)
AppLicabiLity:
This Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan applies to all Grant County
employees who may be required to perform first aid or CPR in a workplace emergency,
431Pca cf e
but are not designated as first responders. This plan is designed to comply with WAC
296-823 and covers employees not included in a departmental or divisional Bloodborne
Pathogens Program. It addresses exposure incidents that occur unexpectedly. For roles
with specific duties that involve known occupational exposure to human blood or other
potentially infectious materials (as defined below), the respective department/division
must have a written Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan. Employees in these
roles willfollow the policies and procedures of that program.
Responsi b i liti es:
Managers and Supervisors:
Are responsible for:
• Ensuring their department has a specific bloodborne pathogens policy, if required.
• Ensuring that employees who maybe exposed to bloodborne pathogens receive
proper training.
• Ensuring that employees who experience an exposure incident during work follow
the procedures in this plan.
Employees.
Are responsible:
• For following the procedures outlined in this plan ortheir group's specific
bloodborne pathogens policy.
Definitions:
• Blood refers to human blood, human blood components, and blood products.
• Exposure incident is defined as contact with blood or other potentially infectious
materials through the eye, mouth, mucous membranes, non -intact skin, or
parenteral exposure due to job duties.
• Non -intact skin includes skin damaged bywounds, lesions, or conditions like
eczema or other forms of dermatitis.
• Occupational exposure refers to anticipated skin, eye, mucous membrane, or
parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials during job
duties.
• Other Potentially Infectious Materials (OPIM) includes body fluids such as semen,
vaginal secretions, cerebrospinalfluid, synovialfluid, pleuralfluid, pericardialfluid,
amniotic fluid, saliva during dental procedures, and anybody fluid visibly
contaminated with blood.
Parenteral contact refers to exposure via cuts or puncture wounds caused by
contaminated sharp objects like needles or broken glass.
44 1 P ,.
• Sharps are items like hypodermic needles, broken glass, jagged metal, razor
blades, and other sharp objects.
• Universal precautions is the approach to infection control, where all human blood
and certain body fluids are treated as if they are infectious for HIV, HBV, and other
bloodborne pathogens.
Assessing Exposure Incidents
• An exposure incident occurs if there is contact with blood or other potentially
infectious materials, through eye, mouth, mucous membranes, non -intact skin, or
parenteral exposure as part of job duties. If blood orfluids splash into eyes, mouth,
nose, or non -intact skin, this counts as an exposure incident.
• Contact with healthy, intact skin generally does not constitute an exposure incident,
provided the exposure is immediately washed off.
• First aid/CPR performed while following universal precautions does not count as an
exposure incident unless specific body fluid contact occurs.
Exposure Prevention and Control Procedures
• First aid providers should always take precautions to avoid direct contact with body
fluids. Use nitrite gloves and a CPR mask to prevent exposure during emergencies.
• All first aid kits should contain these items. After providing care, disinfect all
potentially contaminated surfaces.
• If no disinfectant cleaner is available, use mixture of one part chlorine bleach to
nine parts water.
• After an emergency, place contaminated clothing and materials in a plastic bag and
give it to paramedics ortake itto the hospitalwith the exposed employee.
Handling Potentially Contaminated Sharps
• What are Sharps?
• Sharps is a medical term for devices with sharp points or edges that can puncture or
cut skin. They maybe used at home, at work, and while traveling to manage the
medical conditions of people or their pets, including allergies, arthritis, cancer,
diabetes, hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, infertility, migraines, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis,
blood clotting disorders, and psoriasis.
Examples of sharps include:
o Needles — hollow needles used to inject drugs (medication) under the skin
o Syringes — devices used to inject medication into orwithdraw fluid from the
body
o Lancets, also called "fingerstick" devices — instruments with a short, two-
edged blade used to get drops of blood fortesting. Lancets are commonly
used in the treatment of diabetes.
o Auto Injectors, including epinephrine and insulin pens —syringes pre -filled
with fluid medication designed to be self -injected into the body
451 P y r�. e
o Infusion sets — tubing systems with a needle used to deliver drugs to the
body.
o Connection needles/sets —needles that connect to a tube used to transfer
fluids in and out of the body. This is generally used for patients on home
hemodialysis
x Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling
sharps.
• Before placing an object into a sharp container, place the container on the ground.
Then fill it with the sharps item(s) to dispose of. Do not hold the container in your
hand.
• Use pliers or tongs to safely place needles into the container.
• Never pickup sharps by hand, use puncture -resistant gloves.
• Be aware of others nearbywhen picking up sharps.
• Do notwalkwith a sharp in pliers ortongs. Place the sharp down if the container is
out of reach.
• If there are multiple sharps, gather them in one place with tongs or pliers first, an
then place them in a sharps container.
Post -Exposure Follow -Up Procedures:
• After an exposure incident, the exposed employee should:
o Wash the exposed area with soap and warm water.
o Report the incident to their supervisor immediately.
o Go to the nearest hospitalforfollow-up care, including hepatitis B vaccines,
antibiotics, tetanus shots, and anti -HIV medications.
o Inform hospital staff that the incident was work -related.
o Complete a Grant County Incident report form.
• The attending physician will provide a written opinion to the immediate supervisor,
which will only state that the employee has been informed of the evaluation results
and any required further action. All other medical details will remain confidential.
Training:
Grant County provides bloodborne pathogens training for all employees who may be
exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials. Training is incorporated into
the county's first aid program and covers the following:
• The regulatory text of the bloodborne pathogens standard.
• An overview of the epidemiology and symptoms of bloodborne diseases.
• Modes of transmission of bloodborne pathogens.
• The exposure control plan, including how employees can obtain a written copy.
• Recognizing tasks that may involve exposure.
• Methods to reduce exposure through engineering controls, work practices, and PPE.
• Information on the hepatitis B vaccine and who should receive it.
• Procedures for reporting exposure incidents and receiving medical follow-up.
• Understanding hazard signs and labels.
If an employee has not received bloodborne pathogens training, theyshould contact
their supervisor or safety training personnel for more information.
Ergonomics
Ergonomics is the scientific study of how humans interactwith theirwork environment.
It focuses on the physical, behavioral, and mental abilities and limitations of workers as
they use tools, equipment, and perform tasks within theirwork setting.
Purpose:
• Reduce the physical strain associated with specific tasks.
Enhance the comfort, health, and safety of the work environment.
• Boost productivity.
• Minimize human error in tasks.
• Improveoverallwork-life quality.
Goat:
• Ergonomics helps us work smarter, not harder.
• It involves adapting the job to the worker, rather than forcing the worker to fit the job.
Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs):
Musculoskeletal disorders are caused by cumulative trauma
Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs) occurwhen stress is repeatedly applied to the
musculoskeletal system overtime. Some common CTDs include:
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Tendonitis (forearm to hand)
• Epicondylitis (elbow)
• Rotator Cuff Syndrome (shoulder)
471 P a g -:
To prevent CTDs, it's important to understand the risk factors that contribute to these
disorders. These risk factors often interact over time and can lead to injury. The main
contributors to CTDs include:
Risk Factors for Cumulative Trauma Disorders:
Awkward Posture:
o Postures that are not natural, such as bending, twisting, reaching long distances,
or holding the neck at an awkward angle while on the phone.
Force:
o Repetitive gripping, grasping, or pinching actions, such as lifting large file folders
or sta pli ng.
High Repetition:
o Repetitive hand, arm, or shoulder movements, especiallywhen performed
frequently or for long durations.
Contact/Mechanical Stress:
o Direct pressure on nerves or soft tissues, such as prolonged contact with hard or
sharp surfaces (e.g., using a keyboard or mouse without adequate padding).
Static Load:
o Keeping muscles in one position for extended periods, like sitting or using a
mouse for long durations without breaks.
Vibration.
o Using tools like jackhammers that cause continuous vibration can contribute to
CTDs.
Temperature Extremes.-
0 Exposure to very hot or cold conditions that affect muscle and joint function.
Symptoms of Cumulative Trauma Disorders:
• Pain, numbness, or tingling in the thumb, first three fingers, or last two fingers.
• The need to shakeyour hand in orderto restore sensation.
• Any perceived weakness in the hand.
• Pain or discomfort in the wrist, elbow, and/or shoulder.
• Experiencing a clumsy or awkward feeling in the affected hand.
Workstation Design Guidelines:
To reduce CTD risk factors, use the following tips forworkstation setup:
Keyboard:
o Sit with shoulders relaxed and arms hanging comfortably by your sides.
o Bend elbows to a 90-degree a ngle, with your elbows level with your waist.
o Keep forearms straight, with palms hovering over your thighs. Wrists should
remain flat.
o Position the keyboard or tray underyour palms.
o Use a padded articulating tray that can accommodate both the keyboard and
mouse.
Mouse:
o Keep the mouse next to and at the same height as the keyboard.
o Use padded foam wrist supports to maintain a neutral wrist position and avoid
contact with hard surfaces.
Chair:
o Sit all the way back in your chair to distribute weight on your buttocks, not on
your thighs.
o Position your hips and knees at a 90-degree angle.
o Keep feet flat on the floor or use a footrest.
o Adjust the backrest to maintain lumbar support at the small of your back, and
ensure your head is aligned with your shoulders.
Monitor.
o Position them on itordirectly in front of you (not at an angle).
o The top of the monitor screen should be at eye level or slightly below. If you wear
bifocals, lower the screen.
o Maintain an optimal viewing distance of 20 to 30 inches from your eyes.
o Reduce glare by positioning the screen perpendicular to light sources or using an
a nti-gla re screen fi lter.
Telephone:
o Use a headset if you talk on the phone for more than two hours per day.
o Avoid using neck holder devices that force you into awkward neck or shoulder
positions.
o Place the telephone within easy reach to avoid excessive stretching.
o For copy -intensive tasks, keep the telephone at the same height as the monitor.
491P a ge
Shelves:
o Move frequently used items on shelves from above shoulder height to below
shoulder height.
o Use both hands when lifting large, heavy items like 3-ring binders.
Stretch Breaks and Micro -Pauses:
o Take regular stretches and exercise breaks from constant typing every hour.
o Change positions every 30 minutes to reduce strain on your neck and lower
back.
By implementing these ergonomic guidelines, you can help prevent cumulative trauma
disorders, reduce discomfort, and improve overall productivity inyourworkplace.
Outdoor Heat Exposure (WAC 296-62-095- WAC 296-62-
1• •1�
Overview:
Working in hot environments increases the risk of heat -related illnesses such as heat
exhaustion and heatstroke, both of which can be life -threatening. Prolonged exposure
to high temperatures can also lead to acute kidney damage and makes workers more
vulnerable to falls, equipment -related injuries, and other workplace hazards.
Objectives:
• Prevent heat -related illnesses.
• Minimize traumatic injuries linked to heat exposure.
• Enforce requirements for shade, rest, and acclimatization.
• Lower the threshold temperature at which preventive actions must be implemented.
Goal:
Reduce the risk of heat exposure to minimize falls, equipment -related injuries, and
other safety hazards on the job.
Washington State Department of Labor &Industries (L&I) Guidelines:
• Heat -related requirements are effective year-round whenever workers are exposed
to outdoor heat.
• These regulations do not applyto workers covered under Chapter 296-305 WAC,
Safety Standards for Firefighters.
Outdoor Temperature Action Levels:
• Non -breathable clothing: 52°F
501 P
• All other clothing: 80°F
Employee Guidelines for Preventing Heat -Related Illness:
Shade and Rest Periods:
• Adequate shade or cooling options must be provided when outdoor
temperatures meet or exceed action levels.
o Shade must be available for all employees during meal and rest periods, with
enough space forthem to sit comfortably out of the sun. The shade area should
be close to the work area.
o Direct sun exposure should be blocked during rest periods to assistwith cooling.
Hydration.
o Provide cool, clean drinkingwater in sufficient quantities forworkers to drink at
least a quart per hour at the relevant action temperature.
o The County supports the placement of hydration stations and hydration
education programs at employee events.
Observation of Employees:
o Employees not acclimatized to heat must be closely observed for at least 14
consecutive days. This includes new workers, those returning from absence, and
allworkers during heat waves.
o Heat Waves: Defined as days when temperatures are at or above the action level
and at least 10°F higher than the five-day average highs.
o Observation methods: Regular communication with employees working alone
(via radio, cellular phone, or other effective means) or use of a mandatory buddy
system.
o Acclimatization requires 7-14 days to develop and can be lost after seven days
away from heat exposure.
Coot -Down Rest Periods:
o At temperatures of 90®For higher, a 10-minute cool -down rest period every two
hours is required, along with close observation to identify signs of heat -related
illness.
o At temperatures 100°F or higher, rest periods increase to 15 minutes every hour.
These breaks can coincide with meal or rest periods and must be paid unless
taken during a meal break.
o Exemption: Emergency response operations may be exempt from mandatory
rest periods when restoring or maintaining critical infrastructure during crisis
situations.
Adjusting Work schedules:
51 1
o The County supports flexible work schedules, allowing shifts to start earlierto
avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures (e.g., 100°F and above) during
the afternoon.
Key Notes.
• Resting in shade and hydration are essential measures to prevent heat stress.
• Acclimatization to heat should be given priority to prevent heat -related illnesses.
• Regular observation and appropriate break schedules are critical to maintaining
worker safety in extreme heat.
iLdf ire Smoke (WAC 296-62)
Ove ry i ew:
Wildfire smoke poses a serious hazard in many industries, particularlyfor outdoor
workers who are at a higher risk of developing symptoms related to smoke exposure.
Given that each workplace is unique, it's essentialto have tailored strategies in place to
protect workers from wildfire smoke.
Purpose:
• Minimize health risks to workers by reducing their exposure time to wildfire smoke.
• Safeguard workers from exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5) present in wildfire
smoke.
Protect outdoor workers from harm caused by inhaling smoke pollution.
How to Protect Outdoor Workers:
• Provide enclosed buildings, structures, or vehicles equipped with filtered air.
• Relocate work to areas with less smoke.
• Reschedule work to avoid times with high smoke pollution.
• Avoid tasks that generate dust, fumes, or additional smoke.
• Reduce work intensity where possible.
• Allow for additional rest breaks to reduce exposure time.
• Provide respiratory protection, such as N95 respirators.
52 1 :- C-; � ;;
Z:. r
How to Protect Indoor Workers:
• The Washington State Department of Health offers guidance on improving indoor air
quality during wildfire smoke events. Visit their website here.
• Monitor air quality during potentially hazardous days by checking the EPA's AirNow
air quality index (AQ 1) at a no ac-
Summary of the Wi Ldfire Smoke Rule Requirements:
The following table summarizes the key requirements of the rule. Seethe wildfire smoke
rules for more details. The levels of smoke and particulate matter in the airwhich require
action are not changing.
Current
PM2.5
NowCa
st Air
Quality
Index
for PM2.5
Requirements at Current PM2.5
Level
0.0- 0-71 • Prepare a written wildfire smoke
20.4 response plan.
µg/m3
• Provide wildfire smoke training to
employees.
• Watch the PM2.5 conditions and
fo reca sts .
• Prepare a two-way communication
system and notify employees of PM2.5
conditions.
• Make provisions for prompt medical
attention and permit that medical
attention without retaliation.
20.5- 72-100 All of the above and:
35.4
• µgo m 3 Notify employees of PM2.5
conditions and forecasts.
• Ensure only trained employees
work outdoors.
53 1 PiD
• Consider implementing exposure
controls.
• Consider providing voluntary use
res p i rato rs.
35.5- 101-350 All of the above and:
250.4
µg/m3
• Implement exposure controls.
• Make N 9 5 respirators available f o r
voluntary use.
250.5- 351-848 All of the above and:
500.3
µg/m3
• Ensure workers experiencing
symptoms requiring immediate
medical attention be moved to a
location that ensures sufficient clean
air.
• Directly distribute N95 respirators to
employees for volunta ry use.
500.4- 849-956 All of the above and:
554.9
µgo m 3
• Implement a complete required use
respiratory protection program,
includingfit-testing, medical
evaluations, requiring employees to
be clean-shaven, and requiring the
use of particulate respirators.
555 957 or All of the above and:
µg/m3 more
• Require respirators with an assigned
or more protection factor (APF) of 25 or more.
N95 Respirators are not sufficient at
this level of smoke.
_ _ 541Page
Respirators:
• Correctly chosen and worn respirators and fitted properly, can significantly reduce
exposure to wildfire smoke. A common and effective respirator forthis purpose is
the NIOSH-certified N95 filtering facepiece respirator.
A Note: KN95 masks and other types of face coverings similar to those, do not
provide adequate protection against the tiny particles in wildfire smoke.
• Learn how to properly wear a filtering facepiece respirator by following OSHA's
"Seven Steps to Correctly Wear a Respirator at Work" here.
• The County provides respirators forvoluntary useto protect againstwildfire smoke
exposure. Referto WAC 296-842 Respirators for information and guidelines on safe
respirator use.
Employees must be fitted to the proper size mask and/or respirator before one
can be issued to them.
Worker Rights:
• Workers entitled to Washington state's paid sick leave protections may use accrued
paid sick leave if they, a family member, or a child's school or carefacility are
affected by exposure to wildfire smoke.
• Workers can also use accrued sick leave if their employer's worksite has been shut
down by a public official due to health concerns caused by wildfire smoke or high
temperatures.
For more details about WA State's Paid Sick Leave protections, visit
www.Lni.wa.gov/SickLeave.
• Workers can file complaints regarding safety, wage, hour, and leave issues by
contacting any L&I office, or by, calling 1-800-4BESAFE (1-800-423-7233), orvisiting
www.Lni.wa.gov/SafetyCompLaints.
Regulatory Requirements TBD: Rulemaking is currently in progress fora permanent
wildfire smoke workplace safety rule. https://www.Lni.wa.gov/safety-health/safety-
topics/topics/wildfire-smoke#training-and-resources
Material Handling & Lifting
Definition: Material handling refers to using any part of your bodyto lift, move, push,
pull, retrieve, carry, or climb with materials such as people, inventory, merchandise,
tools, raw materials, or supplies in the workplace. Overexertion during material handling
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can lead to sprains, strains, and other musculoskeletal injuries, causing pain and
discomfort.
Factors Contri b uti ng to Injury: Several factors can contribute to
musculoskeletal lnjuries,including:
• Poor physicalfitness
• Lack of flexibility
• Certain recreational activities
• Emotional stress
• Lack of rest
• Inadequate back support while sleeping
• Poor posture when sitting or standing for long periods
As an employee, you have the power to control many of these factors and should
prioritize them for overall health and well-being. As your employer, Grant Countywill
focus on the workplace factors that can be controlled, implementing engineering,
administrative, and training controls to eliminate or reduce hazards that may lead to
musculoskeletal injuries.
As an employee, you have the powerto control manyof these factors and should
prioritize them for overall health and well-being.
As your employer, the County's role is to focus on the workplace factors that can be
controlled; implementing engineering, administrative, and training controls to
eliminate or reduce hazards that may lead to musculoskeletal injuries.
Priorities for Risk Control:
• Eliminate the need for manualmaterial handling by using mechanical aids, such as:
o Lift to bles
o Lift trucks
o Hoists and cranes
O Drum and barrel dumpers
o Conveyors
• Modify the work area layout by:
o Adjusting work level height
O Adjusting worker height
o Providing materials at work level
o Minimizing the horizontal distance between the operator and the load
o Reducing the vertical distance the load travels
o Limiting stacking heights to shoulder level
O Keeping heavy objects at knuckle height
• Reduce job demands by decreasing the weight of objects:
5 6 1 P a.. e
o Assign tasks to two or more people
o Distribute loads across multiple containers
o Reduce containerweight
o Minimize hand force required
• Change the type of manual material handling activity by:
o Switching from lifting to lowering
o Switching from carrying to pulling
o Switching from pulling to pushing
• Maximize time for job performance by:
o Reducing the frequency of activities
o Incorporating work/rest schedules
o Utilizing job rotation
Rules of Thumb for Safe Material Handling:
• Weights over 30 pounds are typically excessive for both men and women.
• Pushing is preferable to pulling.
• Do not set items on the floor if they need to be picked up again later. Keep objects at
work level.
• The best heightfor manual handling is at mid -range (between knuckles and
shoulders).
Lifting Safety:
Lifting is one of the most dangerous activities forthe spine. The neutral position must be
used to reduce injury risks. A neutral position allows your larger, stronger leg muscles to
do the lifting.
• Avoid manual lifting whenever possible, as it is a common cause of workplace
injuries. Use mechanical aids whenever possible.
• The closer the object, the easier it is to lift.
• Avoid twisting while lifting to protect your back.
• Use lifting handles when available.
• Ensure you have firm footing before lifting.
How to Lift Properly:
• Squat down close to the object, maintaining the natural curve of your back.
• Test the weight of the object by lifting or tilting a corner.
• If the object is too heavy:
o Divide it into smaller loads.
o As k fo r h elp.
o Use a mechanical aid.
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• Grasp the object firmly, keeping it close to your body, and lift by straightening your
Legs while tightening your stomach and buttocks.
• Never twist or jerk your body.
Avoid lifting to the side or reaching too far.
How to Carry an Object:
• Select a clear route of travel and be aware of surface conditions.
• Keep a firm grip on the object and carry it close to your body.
• Ensure the load does not obstruct your view.
• Do not twist your body; change direction by moving your feet.
How to Set an object Down:
• Face the spot where the object will be placed.
• Squat down, maintaining the natural curve of your back.
• Lower the object first onto a corner or a support to avoid finger injuries.
• Lower the object into its final position, keeping your fingers out of the way.
`21 By following these guidelines, you can minimize the risk of injury while handling
materials, contributing to a safer and healthierworkplace.
,Housekeeping (WAC 296-800-220)
Maintaining good housekeeping and office safety is keyto fostering teamwork,
preventing accidents, and creating a productive and healthywork environment. Good
housekeeping is one of the most important aspects of workplace safety. Everyyear,
manyworkers are injured dueto tripping, stumbling, or stepping on objects left in their
path. While these accidents are often attributed to the worker's carelessness, they are
usually the result of poor housekeeping practices.
If you notice something out of place, take the time to put it away properly. Don't wait for
someone else to do it, even if they were the ones who left it there.
Key Safety Practices:
Report all injuries, no matter how minor, to your supervisor immediately.
• Use caution on stairs: Always walk carefully up and down stairs, and use the
handrail whenever possible.
Be cautious when opening doors in stairwells and when walking past doors in
sta i rwells.
• Keep floors, landings, and stairs clear of debris to preventtripping hazards.
5 8 1 �,.
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• Close drawers of desks and file cabinets when not in use to avoid accidents.
• Do not use boxes, chairs, or other objects as makeshift ladders.
• Eliminate tripping hazards like telephone cords, extension cords, and paper cartons
f rom the floor.
• Store materials properly: Place heavy objects on lower shelves to prevent them from
falling.
• Report unsafe conditions: Notifyyour supervisor of any hazardous equipment,
faulty electrical cords, or other safety concerns immediately.
By following these guidelines, you help maintain a safe, organized, and efficient
workspace for everyone.
SLip Trips & FaLLs
Slips, trips, and falls are among the leading causes of workplace accidents and injuries.
These incidents can occur at anytime and in any location. Hazards are present on
surfaces like asphalt, sidewalks, wooden floors, tiled or carpeted floors, stairs, a nd
moving surfaces such as escalators, elevators, and moving sidewalks.
Walking surfaces can become dangerous when people track in mud, snow, dirt, and
moisture, orwhen weather conditions make surfaces wet and slippery. Hazards can also
arise from holes in asphalt, unexpected obstacles in sidewalks, torn or curled carpets,
and liquid spills in places like bathrooms, kitchens, or break rooms.
Key Safety Practices:
• Stay aware of floor surfaces: Always watch your path for potential obstacles.
• Clean up spills immediately, even if you didn't cause them.
• Wear appropriate footwearfor the conditions, especially on slick or icy surfaces
(avoid heels on slippery areas).
• Report any hazards you come across to help prevent accidents.
Using Cell Phone usage while walking
General Guidelines
• Always stay aware of your surroundings when using a cell phone while walking.
• Avoid multitasking or engaging deeply in your phone to prevent distraction.
Using a cell Phone on Plat surfaces
• Keep your head up and eyes mostly on your path.
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• Limit phone use to quick checks (e.g., glance at notifications).
• If you need to read or type, stop walking and stand safely aside to avoid collisions.
• Avoid using headphones at high volume so you can hear ambient sounds like traffic
orwarnings.
Using a Cell Phone on stairs
• Never use your phone while actively walking up or down stairs.
• If urgent, stop at a landing or safe spot, hold the handrail, and then use your phone.
• Always hold the handrailwith at least one hand when navigation stairs.
• Be mindful of your footing and step placement; stairs require full attention to avoid
falls.
Additional Safety Tips
• Use voice commands or hands -free features whenever possible.
• Avoid distractions near intersections, road crossings, or crowded areas.
• Encourage others to follow the same protocol for their safety and yours.
Housekeeping and workplace Organization:
Poor housekeeping is a major contributor to slips, trips, and falls. Examples include
open drawers, boxes left in aisles, extension cords, clutter, or cramped spaces.
• Keep drawers closed when not in use, and only open one at a time.
• Clean up after yourself: Always put items away when you're finished using them.
• Avoid using extension cords in walkways or high -traffic areas.
• Report any hazards you encounter.
Lighting and Illumination:
Inadequate lighting can increase the risk of slips, trips, and falls. The lighting around
floor level should be even, without glare or harsh shadows, and there should be no
sharp contrasts between areas of different light levels.
• Report any lighting issues, such as burned -out bulbs or areas in need of
maintenance, to your supervisor or maintenance team.
Other Contributing Factors:
Several other factors can increase the likelihood of slips, trips, and falls:
• Age
• Illness
• Emotional disturbances
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• Fatigue
• Lack of familiaritywith the environment
• Poor vision
Bystaying aware of these potential hazards and taking proactive steps to maintain a
safe and organized workspace, you can help prevent slips, trips, and falls and
ensure a safer workplace for all.
Electrical Hazards (WAC 296-800-280)
To minimize the risk of electrocution in the workplace, follow these simple guidelines:
• Use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs).
• Inspect extension cords to ensure they are notfrayed or damaged.
• Ensure equipment is properly grounded.
• Secure and mount electrical receptacles.
• Cover panel boxes.
• Avoid using extension cords to suspend lighting.
• Never use extension cords as permanent wiring.
What is a GFCI?
• A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is aquick-acting circuit breaker designed
to protect against electrical shock. It detects even small imbalances in the
electrical circuit caused by current leakage to the ground. In a fraction of a second,
the GFCI cuts off the electrical power to prevent harm.
• The GFC1 continuously compares the amount of current flowing to an electrical
device with the amount returning from it. If the difference exceeds about 5
milliamps, the GFCI instantly interrupts the electrical flow, usuallywithin 1 /40 of a
second.
• Why does the GFCI cut the flow at 5 milliamps?
• It onlytakes as little as 100 milliamps of electrical current to cause serious injury or
death. By cutting the flow at 5 milliamps, the GFCI helps protect individuals from
potentially life -threatening electrical shocks.
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Ladders (WAC 296-876)
Supervision and Maintenance:
Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that all ladders in their assigned areas are
regularly inspected. Any defective ladders must be repaired or replaced immediately.
The Purchasing Department must ensure that all ladders purchased meet the ANSI
standards form eta torfiberglass ladders.
Ladder Placement:
• Secure Ladders: All ladders must be fully secured before being climbed. Portable
Ladders should be equipped with safety feet or sharp spurs, and where necessary,
should be securely lashed at both the top and bottom. Safety hooks should be used
to secure ladders at the top where appropriate.
• Proper Length: Only ladders of the appropriate length for theta sk should be used.
Altering a ladder in anyway is strictly prohibited.
• Step Ladders: Step ladders must be fully opened and locked in place before use.
• Proper Angle: The base of the ladder should be positioned 1 foot away from the
vertical plane for every 4 feet of height (a 4:1 ratio).
• Doors: Ladders should not be placed in front of doors that open toward the ladder,
unless the door is locked, blocked open, or guarded.
• Traffic Areas: If a ladder is placed in an open traffic area or at risk of being knocked
over, a worker must be stationed at the base of the ladder to ensure safety.
• Designated Use: Ladders should only be used fortheir intended purpose and should
not be used as platforms, scaffolds, or runways.
• Safety Feet: Rubber safetyfeet are recommended for use on hard surfaces (e.g.,
wood or concrete). Use safety spurs on softer surfaces.
Roof Access: Ladders used to access roofs must extend at least 3 feet above the
point of support.
• Fixed Ladders: Fixed ladders must be made of steel if a stairway cannot be built.
Ladders over 20 feet high must have a cage or basket guard (beginning no higher
than 8 feet from the ground). The ladder should have a minimum front clearance of
6.5 inches and a side clearance of at least 15 inches. Side rails on permanent
Ladders should extend 3 feet 6 inches above landings.
climbing Ladders:
Pre -Use Inspection:
62
o Always inspect the Ladder before use. Ifbiabroken, cracked, ordefective, tog it
fornapoirorremoval from the work area.
Climb Facing the Ladder
o Always face the Ladder when oUnnbingupordown.
Use Rungs:
o Climb using the rungs, not the side rails.
Proper Body Position:
o Keep your body centered between the side rails. Avoid reaching, and reposition
the ladder ifnecessary.
No Sliding or/ump'
o Never slide down, jumpoff, orrun onaladder.
Keep Hands Free:
o CarrysmaLL items in your pockets or on your belt. For Larger items, use a hand
Line.
Clean Ladders:
o Ensure the [adder ioclean and free from grease, oil, mud, snow, orany other
slippery material before climbing. Also, ensure your shoes are clean.
Climbing Limits:
o When working from a step Ladder over 5 feet high, do not stand on a step higher
than the third step from the top. For straight or extension Ladders, do not climb
higher than the third rung from the top.
/VoSha ring Ladders:
o Never climb aLadder that iaalready occupied b«another person.
Safety Chains.-
0 Use safety chains 10secure elevated platforms that have mmubipieaccess points.
Chains may beunhooked from platforms with only one access point when
unoccupied.
Safety Harness Requirement:
0 If working from a Ladder over 25 feat high, where both hands are required, wear a
safety harness with aLanyard securely attached tothe ladder.
Restricted Work etHeights:
o Donotper-fornntaokothatnaquireeyeproteo1ion,naapirotona'orhendiing
pressure equipment onaLadder higher than 25feet ebovethesurrounding
surface.
`21 Bvodh ering tothemeaafet« guidelin es, youoanreduce tharisks essoc/atedwith
ladder use and create a safer work environment.
Machinery (WAC 296-806)
Accidental contact with machinery can result in severe personal injury, amputations, or
even death. The following are common hazards associated with working near
machinery:
• Cuts or lacerations from sharp blades or edges
• Crushing injuries from moving parts
• Pinching or crushing from nips such as belts or pulleys
• Being caught or snagged by rotating equipment
• Machine failure f rom overloading or excessive wear
• Use beyond design capabilities
• Contact during maintenance or repair operations
Operator Training
Employees are not permitted to operate machinery until they have received proper
training. Training must include:
• Safe use and operation of each specific machine
• Understanding the operational capabilities and limitations of each machine
• Identifying hazardous points of operation and associated guarding requirements
• Learning the inspection and maintenance procedures to ensure the machine
remains in safe condition
• Following the manufacturer's manual and adhering to allguidelinesand
recommendations
• Keeping written records ofall training, including the operator's name, date of
training, and the name of the trainer
General Requirements for All Machines
Machine Stability.-
0 Ensure stationary machines do not move or change position during use. If
machinery can walk or move, secure it with rubber feet or pads. Machines that
can tip or fall must be securely anchored.
Flo orCondition:
64 1
o The area in front of machinery must not present slipping hazards due to oil, dirt,
or surface conditions. Non -slip matting, grating, or other treatments must be
used to prevent slips.
Clear Workspace:
o The surrounding area of the machine must provide enough space for employees
to safely handle materials and maneuverwithout interference from traffic, other
workers, or machines.
Emergency Controls:
o Each machine must have an easilyaccessibleemergency stop control from the
operator's normal position. Emergency stop buttons must be red, maintained in
good condition, and manually reset before the machine can be restarted.
Foot ControIs:
o Foot controls must be properly located or guarded to prevent accidental
operation.
Speed Control:
o All machines should be operated within their rated speed limits.
Machine Guarding
Machines should be guarded to protect workers from the following hazards:
• Nip or shear points
• Rotating or revolving parts
• Reciprocating or moving parts
• Flying objects (e.g., chips, fluids)
• Other hazardous points of operation
Types of Machine Safeguarding
Guards:
o Guards must be strong, durable, and designed to prevent body parts from
reaching hazardous areas. They should prevent parts from being ejected and not
introduce new hazards to the operator.
Devices.-
0 Devices must stop machine motion before an employee comes in contact with
moving parts. Devices must also require a manual reset before the machine can
be restarted.
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Sa fegua rding by Dis to n ce:
o Maintain a 7-foot vertical separation from hazardous working surfaces.
Horizontal distances should follow WAC 296-806 Table 200-2.
Safeguarding by Location:
O Guardrails must have smooth surfaces, be 39 to 45 inches high, with amid -rail,
and be able to withstand 200 pounds of force.
Specific Machine Hazards
Abrasive Wheels:
o Inspect abrasive wheels to ensure they are free of gouges, cracks, or other
damage. Damaged wheels must not be used.
o Visually inspect new wheels and perform a ring test before mounting.
o Ensure the wheel is the correct type for the machine.
o The safety guard must cover the spindle end and nut.
o The tongue guard should be within 1 /4 inch of the wheel.
o The work rest should be within 1 /8 inch of the wheel.
Lathes:
o Ensure a shield or guard is in place to protect the operator from chips or coolant.
o A chuck guard should be used whenever parts extend beyond the outside
diameter.
o Chips should never be removed by hand.
o For long pieces extending beyond the lathe, use barriers to prevent whipping and
restrain the material.
Table Saws:
o Only skilled employees should sharpen or replace blades.
o Use push sticks, blocks, or jigs to safelyfeed material.
o Each saw must have a guard that covers the exposed blade and is adjustable.
o The saw should have a spreader and anti -kickback fingers when ripping boards.
By following these guidelines, we can significantly reduce the risks associated with
machinery operations, ensuringa safer work environment for all employees.
Forklift (WAC 296-863)
The following hazards, among others, can result in serious injury or death:
• Tip-overs
• Driving off docks or platforms
• Objects falling from forks
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• Injuries during mounting or dismounting
• Overloading the forklift's capacity
• Uneven ground or surfaces
• Collisions with objects
• Pedestrian accidents involving forklifts
Operator Training
Employees will not be permitted to operate a forklift until they have received proper
training. Training must include:
• Formal instruction, such as lectures, discussions, interactive computer learning,
videos, and/orwritten materials
• Practicaltraining, including demonstrations from the trainer and hands-on exercises
performed bythe trainees
• An evaluation of the trainee's performance
• A re-evaluation every 3 years, with refresher training following an accident or unsafe
behavior
Written records must be maintained for all training and evaluations, including the
operator's name, date of training, date of evaluation, and the trainer's name.
Before p -Forklift
Pre -start Inspection:
Before each shift,a pre -start inspection must be conducted to ensure that the forklift
and all its components are in safe working order. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines
and check the following:
Fluid levels (oil, hydraulic, fuel, coolant)
• Fluid leaks
Wheels and tires
Battery and charger
• Operator controls
• Horn, gauges, mirrors, lights, and backup alarms
• Steering and brakes
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• Seatbelts
• Hydraulic, air, pneumatic, fuel, and electrical systems
• Missing or unreadable placards, warnings, or operational labels
• Mechanical fasteners and locking pins
• Backrest and forks or attachments
• Loose or missing parts
'! Do not operate any forklift with defective components until it is repaired by a
qualified person. Tag out defective forklifts and remove them from service until
repairs are made.
While operating a Forklift
Operation:
• Always operate the forklift according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Keep a copy of the manual on the forklift at all times.
• Do not operate a forklift if it is damaged, requires repair, or has unsafe conditions.
• Ensure allwarning labels and nameplates are present and legible.
• Keep forks lowered when not in use.
• Shut off power and set brakes when the forklift is unattended.
• Always wear your seatbelt.
• Never override safety devices (hydraulic, mechanical, or electrical).
Loading:
• Ensure loads are stable and properly secured.
• Do not exceed the forklift's load capacity.
• Position the forks as far underthe load as possible and tiltthe mast backward for
stability.
• When loading or unloading trucks, secure the trailer with chocks or blocks.
Traveling:
• Maintain a safe distance from ramps, platforms, and open edges.
• Drive at a speed that allows for a safe stop.
• Reduce speed when turning or driving on slippery surfaces.
• Keep the load trailing if it obstructs the operator's view.
• Use the horn to alert pedestrians when approaching corners or other obstacles.
• Do not drive with forks raised.
• on inclines, keep the load on the uphill side.
Refueling. -
Always shut off the engine before refueling.
• For propane forklifts, wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when
refilling tanks.
• Ensure propane refueling stations are protected from damage and have a fire
extinguisher readily available.
Batteries:
• Always wear PPE when maintaining batteries.
• Battery charging areas must have No Smoking signs posted and properfire
protection measures in place.
• Eyewash stations may be necessary depending on employee exposure.
Aerial Lifts
The followinghazards, amongothers, can resultin persona linjuryordeath:
• Falls from elevated levels
• Objects fallingfrom lifts
• Tip-overs
• Ejections from the lift platform
• Structural failures (collapses)
• Electric shock (electrocution)
• Entanglement hazards
• Contact with objects
• Contactwith ceilings and other overhead objects
Operating Training
Onlytrained and authorized personnel are allowed to operate aerial lifts. Trainees will
operate the lift under the supervision of a qualified person for sufficienttime to
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demonstrate proficiency. Trainingwill include all manufacturer requirements as well as
those specified under WAC 296-869-20025. Operators will be retrained as needed,
based on observations or evaluations.
Before Operating an Aerial Lift
Pre -start Inspection
Prior to each work shift, a pre -start inspection will be conducted to verify that the
equipment and all its components are in safe operating condition. Follow all
manufacturer's guidelines for inspection and maintenance. Employees are prohibited
from operating any aerial liftthat has defective components until it has been repaired by
a qualified person. Defective aerial lifts must be tagged out and removed from service
until repairs are completed.
Work Zone Inspections
Inspect the work zone for hazards and take corrective action to eliminate any risks
before and during the operation of an aerial lift. Items to lookfor include:
• Drop-offs, holes, or unstable surfaces like loose dirt
• Insufficient ceiling heights
• Slopes, ditches, or bumps
• Debris or floor obstructions
• Overhead electric power lines and communication cables
• Other overhead obstructions
• Hazardous locations and environments
• Severe weather conditions, such as high winds or ice
• The presence of people in close proximityto the work area
While Operating an Aerial Lift
Fall Protection:
• Ensure that all access gates or openings are closed.
• Always stand firmly on the floor of the bucket or lift platform.
• Never climb on or lean over guardrails or handrails.
• Do not use planks, ladders, or other devices to elevate yourworking position.
• Always use a body harness with a lanyard attached to the boom, bucket, or
manufacturer's designated tie -off point.
701Pa ge
• Do not tie off to adjacent structures or poles while in the bucket.
Operation/Traveling/Loading:
• Never exceed the load -capacity limits. Account for the combined weight of the
worker(s), tools, and materials.
• Do not use the aerial lift as a crane.
• Do not carry objects la rger tha n the platform.
• Never drive with the lift platform raised unless the manufacturer's instructions
permit this.
• Do not operate lower -level controls without obtaining permission from the worker(s)
in the lift, except in emergencies.
• Do not exceed the lift's vertical or horizontal reach limits.
• Do not operate an aerial lift in high winds that exceed the manufacturer's
recommended limits.
• Never override hydraulic, mechanical, or electrical safety devices.
Overhead Protection. -
Be aware of overhead clearance and any overhead objects, including ceilings.
• Avoid positioning aerial lifts between overhead hazards whenever possible.
• Treat all overhead power lines and communication cables as energized and
maintain at least a 10-foot (3-meter) distance.
• Power utility or power line workers must de -energize power lines in the vicinity of the
work.
S'tabilityin the WorkZone:
• Set outriggers on pads or a level, solid surface.
• Set the brakes when outriggers are used.
• Use wheel chocks on sloped surfaces, when it is safe to do so.
• Set up work zone warnings, such as cones and signs, when necessaryto alert
others.
Insulated Aeria I Lifts:
Insulated aerial lifts protect against electric shock and electrocution by isolating the
operator from the electrical ground. However, they do not provide protection if there is
an alternate path to ground, such as when touching anotherwire. To maintain the
effectiveness of the insulating device, do not drill holes in the bucket.
71 JPa ge
The following hazards, among others, can result in personal injury or death:
• Electrical shock
• Burns from open flame
• Eye damage or blindness
• Compressed gas cylinders
• Contact with chips or slag
• Fire or combustion
• Smoke orfumes
General Requirements
• Employees will receive training on the specific welding equipment and techniques
required fortheir tasks.
• Notify others in the area before starting any welding work.
• Inspect welding equipment at the beginning of each shift.
• Remove damaged equipment from service immediately.
• Ensure the work area is free ofallflammableorcombustible materials before
starting welding.
• Complete and authorize a hot work permit prior to beginning the work.
• Have fire extinguishing equipment readily available in the work area.
• Additional personnelwill be on standbyto respond to fire hazards if needed.
• Ensure natural or mechanical ventilation is in place to remove smoke and fumes.
• After welding is finished, inspect and monitorthe area for at least 30 minutes for any
potential fire hazards.
Protective Equipment
• Welding hoods will be provided bythe County and must be worn during operations.
• Employees must wear flameproof gauntlets or gloves while welding.
• Flame -resistant leathers such as aprons or jackets will be used when necessary for
the task.
• Head and shoulder protection must be worn for all overhead work.
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Gas Welding
• Store all cylinders upright, securely fastened, and with caps when not in use.
• Transport cylinders safely using vehicles or carts.
• Do not take cylinders into confined spaces.
• Keep oxygen cylinders at least 20 feet away from fuel -gas cylinders or any
combustible materials.
• Ensure hoses and cylinders are properly labeled or color -coded to identify the type
of gas.
• Follow proper procedures when connecting or disconnecting a regulator.
• Inspect all torches at the start of each shift.
Arc Welding
• Inspect all cables, leads, and grounding connections before each shift.
• Ensure that structures or frames used forgrounding are mechanically continuous
and adequate.
• Remove electrodes from holders when the equipment is unattended.
• Use screens or shields to protect other workers from the arc light.
Common Types of band Tools - Use the Right Tool for the Right Job:
• Wrenches: Open, pipe, socket
• Impact Tools: Drift pins, chisels, wedges
• Hammers
• Screwdrivers
• Cutting Tools: Knives, axes, saws, machetes
• Shovels
Rakes
Hoes
Inspection and Use Guidelines:
• Keep tools in a serviceable condition.
73 1 =r
3 y ; �%
• Inspect handles for cracks, splinters, ortaped repairs.
• Always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Avoid carrying sharp -edged tools in pockets.
• Keep cutting tools sharp.
• Always cutaway from your body.
Wrenches:
• Do not use wrenches if they are sprung or worn to the point where slippage occurs.
Impact Toots:
• Ensure toots are free from mushroomed heads.
Axes:
• Axes must be sharp.
• Inspect the head for burrs or deep grooves.
• Ensure the head is securely fastened to the handle. If in doubt, insert a wedge.
• Check handles for cracks, splinters, ortaped repairs.
Saws
• Ensure the saw body is straight.
• Check for sharpness and missing teeth.
• Inspect handles for cracks and ensure the blade is securely attached.
Knives:
• Knives must be sharp.
• Ensure there are no burrs or nicks.
• Always cut away from your body.
• Never cut on items held between your knees or legs.
Power Tools (WAC 298-807)
General Guidelines
All rotating shafts, spindles, belts, fittings, and other projections must be properly
guarded. Machinery designed for stationary use must be secured to prevent tipping over.
Common Types of Power Tools
Electric Power Tools (e.g.., drills, saves, grinders):
• Must be double insulated or grounded.
• Never hoist or lower tools using the electric cords.
• Inspect cords and connections before use; replace any damaged ones.
• Power saws must have guards to protect the operator from contact with moving saw
teeth.
• Use retractable guards when available.
Pneumatic Power Tools:
• Secure tool hoses with whip checks.
• Ensure connections are properly clipped.
• Do not exceed the manufacturer's recommended operating pressure.
• Hoses larger than 1/2" I.D. must have a safety device at the supply or branch line to
reduce pressure in the event ofa hose failure.
• For nailers and staplers operating over 100 psi, a safety device is required to prevent
firing unless the muzzle is in contact with the work surface.
• When cleaning with compressed air, the maximum safe pressure is 30 psi, and PPE
alongwith chip guarding must be used.
• Inspect all hoses and fittings; replace anythat are damaged.
Abrasive Wheels:
• Guards must be securely in place.
• Perform a ring test before use.
• Always wear safety glasses and a face shield.
• Safety guards must expose only the proper amount of the wheel surface.
B en ch Grin d ers:
• The tool rest must be positioned within 1 /8" of the grinding wheel.
• The tongue guard must be set within 1/4" of the grinding wheel.
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-865)
otorVehicLeDriving(WAC296
Driving and Vehicular Safety:
Identification of County Vehicles:
All Countyvehicles must be clearly identified as per RCW46.08.065, except for vehicles
used by the Sheriff's undercover detectives, Mental Health staff, and the Prosecuting
Attorney, or other vehicles exempted bythe Board of County Commissioners under RCW
46.08.065(3).
Drivers License:
No individual may operate a County or personalvehicle for official County business
without holding a valid driver's license. Any necessary endorsements or special
equipment validations must be obtained by employees whose job descriptions require
the operation of such equipment.
At the discretion of the Elected Official/Department Director, serious violations
(including but not limited to: DUI, physical control, vehicular assault, vehicular
homicide, driving with a suspended/revoked license, hit-and-run incidents, drug
offenses, operating without liability insurance, and DUI citations) may result in a
suspension of driving privileges, as recommended bythe Risk &Safety Coordinator.
This includes the suspension of an employee's right to drive anyvehicle, including their
persona lvehicle, for County business.
County drivers are required to submit their driver's license numbers annuallyto the Risk
& Safety Coordinatorfor a license verification check and record historyfrom the
Department of Motor Vehicles. Driving record information will be kept confidential a nd
will only be used bythe County for verifying the driving status of County drivers for
insurance purposes.
County Driver Responsibilities:
It is the responsibility of every employee who operates a County or personalvehicle
while conducting County business to do so safely. According to the National Institute
for Occupational Safety and Health (2022), motorvehicle crashes are the leading cause
ofwork-related deaths in the United States. Therefore, it is crucialfor employees to
understand their responsibilities as vehicle operators and remain safety -conscious at
alltimes.
• No County vehicle shall be driven by anyone other than a County officer or
employee.
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• County vehicles are for official business only; personal use of County vehicles is
prohibited.
• Only authorized personnel as outlined in the Grant County Sheriff's Office Policy &
Procedures Handbook, Civilian Ride Program, are permitted to ride in vehicles
assigned to the Sheriff's Office.
• County vehicles may not be taken out of Washington State without prior approval
from the County Commissioners.
• All employees and passengers mustwear seat belts when operating a County
vehicle, as required by RCW 46.61.688, the Mandatory Seat Belt Law.
• Drivers using personal vehicles for County duties must ensure they have valid motor
vehicle insurance. Endorsements for personal vehicles must be provided to Elected
Officials/Department Directors upon request.
• It is recommended that employees who drivetheir persona lvehicles for County
business three or more days a week consult their insurance agent to determine if
they need a business -use endorsement on their personal automobile policy.
Vehicle Maintenance and Care:
• County vehicles should be kept in good repair. Priorto operating anyCountyvehicle,
the operator is responsible for performing a pre -trip inspection to ensure the vehicle
is in safe operating condition.
• Any deficiencies or unsafe conditions found during the inspection must be reported
immediately to the Risk & Safety Coordinator and the Public Works Fleet Manager,
and the vehicle must not be used until repairs are made.
• A Vehicle Safety Inspection Checklist, provided bythe Departmental Safety
Representative or Risk & Safety Coordinator, is available on the Safety Committee
intranet page under the Forms section. A copy of this form should be kept in every
County vehicle.
• The interior and exterior of Countyvehicles must be kept clean by the operator.
• If required, County drivers must maintain records of mileage, minor repairs, fuel
usage, etc.
• Adequate precautions should betaken to protect Countyvehicles from damage or
theft.
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• Employees will be personally responsible for any fines incurred for violations of
Chapter 46.61 RCW (Rules of the Road), Chapter 46.44 RCW (Size, Weight, Load),
as well as any issues related to overloading, hanging materials (e.g., dirt, rock,
brush), unsecured loads, or spills.
Securing Loadj
Many county employees are tasked with transporting materials and equipment between
Locations. It is essential that these employees take the necessary precautions to
properly secure their loads. In accordance with Washington State code, RCW46.61.655,
it is required that Grant County employees secure their loads when loading, securing, or
transporting materials.
This program applies to all Grant County employees whose duties involve loading,
securing, or transporting materials as part of their job responsibilities.
Safety and Health Professionals wiiC:
• Provide and document general training upon request for employees in various Grant
County departments, divisions, and agencies whose roles involve loading, securing,
ortransporting loads.
• Include secured load laws and employees' responsibilities as part of the defensive
driving course offered to county employees.
Managers and Supervisors will:
• Collaborate with safety and health professionals to offer general training on
secured -load laws, employee responsibilities, and best practices for securing loads.
• Evaluate whether employees require additional, specialized training on load
securing beyond the general training and provide such training as needed.
• Document and track all secured -load training received by employees.
• Inform employees that failure to comply with this Order may result in disciplinary
actions, up to and including termination.
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All Grant County Agencies that own or operate a fleet of vehicles will:
• Purchase and maintain the necessary equipment and supplies for securing loads in
allvehicles within the fleet, ensuring each vehicle is equipped for proper load
securing.
• Ensure that the responsibility of County employees to secure loads is included in
the vehicle's operating manual.
Employees will:
Ensure that their load is secure at all times.
• Inspect vehicles and equipment before use and report any deficiencies that may
affect the ability to secure the load.
• Follow the agency's procedures for addressing and correcting any deficiencies
discovered.
Grant County provides a variety of training opportunities for employees. Departments
with staff responsible for loading, securing, and transporting cargo are required to
ensure those employees complete secured load training. This training covers
applicable laws, employee responsibilities, and examples of proper load securement.
Retraining is required every three years, or sooner if an employee is involved in an
accident, near miss, unsafe operation, or if there are changes in equipment or
workplace conditions.
VehicLe Accident Reporting Procedura..k
County Employee/Driver Operator Responsibilities:
In the event a County employee operating a County vehicle, or their personalvehicle
while on County business, is involved in an accident with another party, the following
actions must betaken:
• Provide First Aid: If necessary and possible, the County driver should immediately
administerfirst aid to any injured parties. While it is recommended that those
providing first aid/CPR have a valid first aid/CPR certification, RCW 4.24.300 states
that "Any person... who, without compensation or expectation of compensation,
renders emergency care at the scene of an emergency... shall not be liable for civil
damages resulting from any act or omission in the rendering of such emergency
ca re."
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• Notify Authorities: The driver/operator must immediately notifythe appropriate law
enforcement agency and their supervisor.
• Securing the Accident Scene: No vehicles or equipment should be moved within
the accident scene until law enforcement arrives, unless not moving the vehicle or
equipmentwould present a greater safety hazard.
• Exchange Information: The driver/operator should exchange driver's license,
vehicle registration, and insurance details with the operators of other vehicles
involved in the accident.
• Gather Witness Information: If possible, the driver/operator should gatherthe
names and addresses of all potential witnesses, including passengers from all
vehicles involved in the accident.
• Complete the Accident Reporting Kit: The driver/operator must complete the
Grant County Claims Reporting Kit, accessible as a form on the Central Safety
Committee website.
• Submit Required Forms: If the accident results in fatalities, personal injury, or
property damage exceeding $1,000, the driver/operator, in conjunction with the Risk
& Safety Coordinator and County Engineer/accident reconstructionist, must
complete the State of Washington Uniform Collision Report (MotorVehicLe Collision
Report) within 24 hours. This form is available from any law enforcement agency or
the Central Safety Committee webs ite.
• Submit Incident Report: The driver/operator must complete and submit the
Incident/Accident Report Form to the Risk & Safety Coordinator and the County's
insurance representative (WCRG) within 24 hours of the incident.
• Provide Access to Reporting Kit: The Central Safety Committee will ensure the
Grant County Claims Reporting Kit is available on the Central Safety Committee
website, which must be printed and placed in each Countyvehicle by the owning
department's manager.
Accident Report/Investigation:
Employee Responsibilities:
• Employees may be required to complete additional forms as requested by the Risk
& Safety Coordinator.
• Employees may be involved in follow-up interviews with Law Enforcement, the Risk
& Safety Coordinator, Safety Committee, Elected Officials, Department Directors, or
others. Employees are expected to be factual, truthful, and cooperative during these
interviews.
Elected Official/Department Director Responsibilities:
• The Elected Official/Department Director (ordesignee) is responsible for keeping
the injured employee informed of the investigation's progress.
The Elected Official/Department Director will assist the Risk & Safety Coordinator in
meeting investigation and review timelines.
Supervisor's Responsibilities:
The supervisor must immediately notify the Risk &Safety Coordinator with any
details known about the accident or illness involving the employee.
• If the employee is incapacitated and unable to comply with the requirements
outlined in the County Employee/Operator Responsibilities, the supervisor must
assist in completing reports, making notifications, and gathering relevant
information.
• The supervisor shall complete and forward to the Risk & Safety Coordinator the
portion of the Safety Incident Report Form within 24 hours of the accident.
The supervisor should assist the Risk & Safety Coordinatorwith the investigation
and may also involve the Central Safety Committee.
• The supervisorwill supportthe Elected Official/Department Director by providing
accurate information about the accident, serving as a communication link between
the Risk & Safety Coordinator and the employee, and keeping the employee
informed aboutthe investigation's progress.
Risk &Safety Coordinator Responsibilities:
The Risk &Safety Coordinator leads the investigation of all accidents, which includes:
• Securing the scene and collaborating with other agencies (e.g., law enforcement,
first responders) to gather information about the accident.
Assisting in collecting data, including photos, sketches, statements, interviews, and
reports.
• Compiling and organizing all collected information from the investigation.
Writing a final report summarizing the investigation's findings and conclusions.
• Advising Elected Officials/Department Directors on measures to eliminate the root
causes of the accident and mitigate contributing factors.
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Traffic and Flagging
Many Grant County employees perform tasks on public roads and highways, which
often disrupt the normal flow of traffic. When working in areas where vehicle traffic is
present, proper traffic control measures and devices must be used in compliance with
Part VI of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and WAC 296-155-
305. If signs, signals, and barricades do not offer sufficient protection, flaggers or other
appropriate traffic controls must be utilized. Raggers should only be employed when
other traffic control methods are not effective in managing traffic within the work zone.
This section applies to all county employees responsible for traffic control duties,
including those who may only occasionallytake on traffic control tasks, such as
temporarily replacing another crew member.
i
Safety and Health Professional:
Provide training to county employees responsible fortraffic control, upon request.
Managers and Supervisors:
• Assess the traffic control needs for each job, considering factors such as traffic
conditions, road conditions, time of day, weather, and other relevant elements. This
responsibility may be delegated to others.
• Ensure that workers assigned to traffic control duties are properly trained in traffic
control techniques, the use of devices, and their proper placement.
• Confirm that each traffic controlflagger has the required qualifications, training,
and equipment to perform their tasks according to the MUTCD.
• Ensure that flaggers have the following minimum equipment before approaching
any right-of-way to control traffic:
o A stop/slow paddle
o An ANSI Class 2 high -visibility garment or higher, worn as outer garment.
(coat, vest or shirt)
o A hard hat in an approved high -visibility color.
• During nighttime operations (half hour before sunset to half hour after sunrise),
flaggers mustwearwhite coveralls or coveralls with retro-reflective banding on the
Legs (rain gear pants often fulfiltthis requirement). The flagger's hard hat must
feature at least 12 square inches of retro-reflective material for 360-degree visibility.
• Flagger stations must be adequately illuminated during dark hours using floodlights
that do not cause glare hazardous to drivers.
Ensure that the required advance warning signs are in place, as stipulated by WAC
296-155-305.
• Flagging stations must be located at a sufficient distance ahead of the work zone so
that drivers have ample time to stop before entering the area.
• Flaggers must stand either on the shoulder or in a closed lane before stopping
traffic. Flaggers should only stand in lanes with moving traffic once allvehicles have
stopped, and must be positioned away from traffic or equipment approaching from
behind.
• A single flagger should not be positioned within an intersection. If flagging at an
intersection, each leg of the intersection must have its own flagger. Flagging
instructions must not conflict with traffic signals. If necessary, traffic signals must
be turned off or placed in flash mode, except during emergencies.
Employees:
• Perform traffic control/flagging duties in accordance with the MUTCD and WAC 296-
155-305.
• Report any deficiencies that could affect the abilityto manage traffic in line with the
MUTCD and WAC 296-155-305.
ri �mmre�
'! Only Bryan Hurst with Public Works is certified to train employees the State of
Washington Flagger Certification Course, which is required for any employee
whose duties include temporary traffic control. Training must be renewed every
three years.
VioLence in the WorkpLace
Introduction:
Workplace violence is a significant cause of fatalities and injuries in the United States,
with approximately 20 workers being murdered each week per the National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) report. Assaults and otherviolent acts are
among the leading causes of work -related deaths in many states. Forwomen, violence
is the leading cause of workplace fatalities. The following categories of violence
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represent different forms of workplace violence and the potential risk factors
associated with each, as well as ways to prevent or respond to these incidents:
• Violence by Strangers
• Violence by Customers or Clients
• Violence by Co-workers
• Violence by Personal Relations
Applicability:
• Grant County is dedicated to maintaining a safe, secure work environment and will
continuallyevaluate and improve ourWorkplace Violence Prevention Program to
safegua rd the hea lth a nd safety of a 11 em ployees.
Responsibilities:
Grant County is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its employees. We
have a zero -tolerance policy for workplace violence and are dedicated to preventing
violent incidents through the implementation of a Workplace Violence Prevention
Program (VVVPP). This program is a shared responsibility among all managers,
supervisors, and employees. We expect the prompt and accurate reporting of allviolent
incidents, regardless of whether physical injury occurs.
Our program aims to ensure that all employees follow safety practices designed to
create a secure workplace. Employees are expected to avoid engaging in verbal threats
or physical actions that pose a security risk to others. Key components of our WVPP
include:
• Educating all employees about the Workplace Violence Prevention Program (WVPP).
Assessing and enhancing workplace security measures.
• Identifying and addressing potential security hazards and risk factors linked to the
four types of workplace violence.
• Providing training and counseling to employees who need guidance in improving
their work practices to ensure workplace security.
Disciplining employees who fail to follow established safety practices.
• Offering training that addresses specific workplace security issues unique to our
environment.
• Posting and distributing workplace security information.
• Implementing a system for employees to report potential hazards or threats of
violence to management.
0 Establishing procedures to protect employees who report threats from retaliation.
• Ensuring compLiancewith aLLfederat and state record -keeping requirements.
• Conducting regular inspections to identify and assess security hazards and threats
of workplace violence, considering all four types Listed above.
• Reviewing and evaluating safety and security measures annualLyto ensure the
program's effectiveness.
Safety Training (WAC 296-126)
Safetytraining is a vital part of ourAccident Prevention Program and is mandatoryfor all
employees. New hires must complete required training before beginning their duties,
and ongoing training will be provided to current staff as needed. The following courses
are included in the safetytraining program, depending on the department and specific
job responsibilities:
0 New Employee Orientation
* Ergonomics
0 Material Handling
• Hearing Conservation
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Hazardous Communication
• Electrical Hazards
• Ladders
• Hand Tools
• Power Tools
• Machinery
• Lock-out/Tag-out
• Respiratory Protection
• Safe Lifting
• Emergency Preparedness
• Workplace Violence
• Fire Extinguishers
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• Welding
• Forklifts
• Aerial Lifts
• Scaffolds
• Fall Protection
Facility Inspections
Introduction:
Periodic safety inspections are a vital method for identifying and addressing potential
hazards in the workplace, as well as forfostering a culture of safety awareness.
• It is recommended that a supervisor or an employee familiarwith the work area
conduct regular in-house safety inspections, based on the type of work being
performed.
• Employees do not need to be safety experts to carry out these inspections; most
safety hazards can be recognized by anyone who is attentive and looks for them.
This policy applies to all departments and divisions within Grant County.
Responsibilities:
Each department, division, and work group are responsible for conducting workplace
inspections as needed.
• Employees are often most familiar with the conditions in theirwork areas, so they
should askthemselves, "Is it safe?" and considerwhether any improvements could
be made.
• If any conditions or procedures seem hazardous or unsafe, it is important to address
them immediately, if possible.
• Any hazards requiring further action should be reported to the employee's
supervisor or submitted to the Safety Committee for review.
• Imminent hazards should be reported immediatelyto the supervisor and the Risk &
Safety Coordinator.
For office inspections, the "Workplace Inspection Checklist" can be used for most
indoorwork environments. Upon request, Department Safety and Health Professionals
are available to assist with safety inspections and can help create or modify a checklist
tailored to specific workplace needs for periodic inspections.
Regulatory Compliance Inspections:
If an inspector from the Washington State Labor and Industries (L&I) visits the
workplace for an inspection, supervisors, as well as the HR and Risk & Safety
Coordinator, should be notified immediately. Typically, a DOSH inspection occurs in
response to an employee complaint. It is important to note that it is against the
Washington Administrative Code to discriminate against an employee forfiling a safety
or health complaint. During an inspection, the Compliance Safety Officer is authorized
to contact the person in charge of the job site and can interview employees privately.
L&I Inspection List
In the event of an unexpected visitfrom a L&I inspector, the following steps should be
fo Mowed:
• Notify the department's Safety and Health Professional or HR and Risk & Safety
Coordinator immediately. Inform a management representative from your
department. Determine the reason forthe inspection.
• Do not deny the inspector access to the workplace, but request that a Safety and
Health Professional and a department management representative be present
during the inspection.
• Once the inspection begins, answer all questions politely, honestly, and directly
while providing concise responses.
• Where possible, correct any deficiencies identified on the spot or before the
inspection concludes.
• Documentwhere the inspectortakes photographs and, if possible, take duplicate
photos.
• If the inspector takes any samples, ask for an explanation of what the sample is and
why it is being taken.
• If the inspector requests a copy of the OSHA 300 log of injuries and illnesses,
provide it as requested.
• At the end of the inspection, ask the inspector if any citations are expected and
document the exact regulatory citations, if applicable.
This checklist ensures that employees and supervisors handle inspections properly and
remain compliant with regulatory standards.
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ZD
Central Services
Developmental Services
Fairgrounds
New Hope
Public Works
Renew
Sheriff
Youth Services