By: Taylor Schechter, HSE Manager July 23, 2020 Whether you are a construction worker on the job, or out to soak up the sun on your stay-cation or summer vacation (if you dare travel during a pandemic), everyone is at risk for heat illnesses. Extreme heat can cause a variety of injuries and illnesses from sunburn to heat stroke. To those whose professions are outside, it can be a risk.  Every year, thousands of workers become ill while working in extreme heat or humid conditions. In response, the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) developed a three-word campaign in 2011 to educate on the dangers of working in the heat: Water. Rest. Shade.  The good news is that there are several precautions you can take to keep yourself, your coworkers, and your family safe during these high temperatures. Heat Syncope - What it is? Heat syncope, or fainting, is a [...]

Environmental Hazards – Poisonous Plants By: Taylor Schechter - Health, Safety & Environmental Manager As the warmer weather comes, there are many additional environmental hazards to be aware of. Knowledge is the most important defense against any hazard. If you are able to recognize the environmental hazards you can protect yourself from anything you may encounter when working outside. It is important to identify the specific hazards that vary by state. Here in Pennsylvania, we are exposed to three types of poisonous plants. Here’s how to identify them: Poison Ivy Poison ivy have a few different appearances. Look for jagged edges, a smooth shiny surface, and a reddish color. The rash looks like patches, streaks of red, and raised blisters. Wash the exposed skin or clothing immediately to prevent spreading. Poison Oak               Poison Oak leaves are fuzzy and green, most grow [...]

By: Taylor Schechter - Health, Safety & Environmental Manager Every year in May we recognize the millions of individuals who experience a mental illness. This year, it is more important than ever to take care of our mental health due to the uncertainty and worry that is caused by the Coronavirus. RFI is highlighting #Tools2Thrive – what individuals can do to prioritize their mental health, build resiliency in the face of trauma and obstacles, support those who are struggling, and work towards a path of recovery. 1 in 5 people experience a mental illness during their lifetime, but everyone faces challenges in life that can negatively impact their mental health. If you find that you are struggling with your mental health, there are practical tools that everyone can use to improve their mental health and increase resiliency regardless of the situation you are dealing with. Living a [...]

COVID-19 Prevention By: Taylor Schechter - Health, Safety & Environmental Manager The world has been struck by a pandemic unlike anything we’ve seen before. Companies all over the country have been taking precautions to stop the spread of the coronavirus. So, what is Rutkoski Fencing doing? Due to being considered essential, RFI has put many provisions in place to keep our employees safe. If you’re company is still working, here’s what you can do. Stay Home Many tasks can be done through telecommuting and meetings can be done over the phone. Having employees work from home is the most effective way of flattening the curve and protecting your employees. For employees who can not work from home, pay close attention to their health. If anyone starts to exhibit symptoms or feels sick, have them get tested and stay self-quarantine until they receive a test result. Develop a [...]

February is American Heart Month! By: Taylor Schechter, Safety & Compliance Manager Many think of February as the time for flowers, candy, and Valentines day cards. While many others are wearing red for a different reason. February is American Heart Month, to raise awareness about heart health and urge those around you to prevent heart disease. About 17 million people in the U.S. have coronary heart disease. It the most common form of heart disease and can often be prevented. By following these tips, you can keep your heart healthy and spend many more Valentines Days with those you love! Get Active Exercise has many benefits, including strengthening your heart and improving your circulation. It can also help you maintain a healthy weight and lower cholesterol and blood pressure. All of these can lower your risk of heart disease. 30 minutes of activity a day can impact [...]

Training is in Session! By: Taylor Schechter, Safety & Compliance Manager This month, RFI and Merut held a company wide training to refresh our workers on how to safely perform many job duties that they experience every day. Last month we posted all the different ways training can benefit the employees and the company (https://www.rutkoskifencing.com/benefits-of-safety-training/) One of the best ways to ensure safety is to ensure that the employees have all the knowledge they need to be able to do their job the right way. During this training we covered many topics. Risk Management First, we reviewed Risk Management – how to assess the risk in the tasks that they do. We held an open discussion about the tasks on our JSEA and discussed the “hierarchy of controls” for eliminating and reducing hazards. We reminded workers of their Stop Work Authority; everyone has the right to stop [...]

Holiday Safety Tips The holidays are here! The days are getting colder, shorter and more festive! While this snowy season brings holiday cheer, decorations, and good food it may also bring new hazards into your home.  Here are some tips to keep you and your family safe during the holidays. Protect yourself against fire hazards – never use lit candles near trees or flammable material, keep the tree at least 3ft away from fireplaces and radiators, choose a tree that is labeled fire resistant, check your holiday lights for damaged wires, and turn the lights and decorations off when not in use. Food safety – when preparing a meal, wash your hands, any utensils, the sink, and anything else that touches raw meat. Reheat leftovers at at least 165°F. Keep your pets in mind too! Some Christmas plants, flowers, and desserts may be toxic to cats and [...]

Benefits of Safety Training In order provide a safe and proactive work environment, Rutkoski Fencing has dedicated a significant amount of resources to ensure our workers have the knowledge to recognize the hazards they may encounter on the job and how to mitigate them. Safety training is among the most beneficial life-saving systems a company can put in place. Here’s why: It Increases Employee Awareness & Reduces Complacency There are hazards in everything we do, from the moment we wake up to when we go to bed. There are hazards in the office and on the job site. Training employees to recognize hazards will increase their awareness, not only at work, but in their daily lives. Over time, people become complacent if they are used to doing the same task consistently. Safety training is a good way to remind workers to break up the routine, and refocus [...]

At Rutkoski Fencing, driving is a big part of many of our employees’ daily lives. Often driving large trucks, heavy equipment, and long hours to job sites. We make sure to train all our drivers on all the dangers that can occur while driving. Once of the largest risks drivers take is driving while drowsy or fatigued. Drowsiness and fatigue can be caused by medications, working long hours, lack of sleep, depression, physical and mental overexertion, and even boredom. Know the warning signs: Tired or sleepiness/ Inability to stay awake – Heavy eyelids Difficulty concentrating – trouble remembering the last few miles driven; missing exits or traffic signs Slower reaction time Increased error in judgment Drifting from your lane and hitting a rumble strip. Driving drowsy poses the same risks as driving while intoxicated. Being awake for 18 hours straight makes you drive like you have a [...]