Commitment to Safety - It Takes a Village

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Commitment to Safety

Within every job site, there is the potential for danger. At It Takes a Village, we uphold safety as one of our main concerns. It is our goal to ensure a safe working environment at all times, and to maintain a constant training program for all employees and volunteers. Through monthly trainings, safety meetings and inspections, we aspire to make our workplace as safe as possible.

To be successful in our goals, safety must be viewed as a team effort. The participation of every employee and volunteer is needed for us to be the best. It is our commitment to encourage everyone to practice good safety habits, to follow all appropriate procedures, and to know the importance of keeping our workplace safe.

Good safety habits are about following proper procedures and performing tasks correctly, such as in practicing proper lifting techniques or in using the cleaning products correctly.

Keeping aware and alert entails activities such as keeping an eye out for, and cleaning up clutter as they happen, or alerting a supervisor of a potential safety hazard when you see one. In doing all this, we can help keep our workplace a safe one and reduce the risk of accidents to everyone involved. Listed below are common factors involved in most workplace accidents or injuries: Incorrect handling techniques such as not following instructions for equipment,

chemicals, use of ladders, etc. Improper personal protective clothing Equipment in poor condition Poor housekeeping Handling too much weight Horseplay, recklessness, or showing off Pre-existing physical conditions THE FIVE RULES OF SAFETY

1. Always remain alert, aware and informed 2. Report all potential safety hazards to your supervisor 3. Report all accidents, no matter how minor, to your supervisor 4. Never take any unnecessary risks 5. If you are unsure STOP, and ask for assistance

All employees and volunteers are responsible for complying with safe and healthful work practices.

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Emergency Evacuation Procedures In the event of an emergency, our ultimate goal is to ensure the safety of all people at the location: employees, volunteers, customers and any other people who rent space within the building. As an employee or volunteer we ask that you do several things in the event of an emergency:

Stay calm Direct customers out of the building Always meet at the designated meeting area: The white Cummington town sign,

located on the grassy area at the far end of the parking lot, next to route 9 (see photo below).

We have an evacuation diagram posted on each door and on the wall in the back stock area. Two important points to remember in the event of an emergency are: Never put yourself in unnecessary danger Always head to the designated employee meeting area The manager on duty will be taking roll of all employees and volunteers on the shift in the event of a disaster. If you are not at the designated meeting area, we will assume that you are trapped and hurt within the building, and send a rescue team into the building. If you have wandered off to a different area, you may put other people’s lives in danger.

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Reporting Injuries One of our main goals is the prevention of accidents. We work hard to ensure that our employees and volunteers are well trained and that our work environment is as safe as possible. It is a constant challenge and remains our top focus.

When somebody does get hurt, we take it very seriously. It is therefore important that a manager is told immediately if someone has gotten hurt. This goes for everything from an obvious gushing wound to the less obvious small cut or back strain. All injuries, no matter how insignificant seeming, must be reported to a manager promptly.

The swift reporting of all injuries is necessary so that we can ensure the proper and complete care for the injured employee, volunteer or guest. All employees in need of medical attention due to a work related incident must address the incident as soon as possible. Urgent care facilities and the closet emergency room is posted on the wall. To avoid complications, it is important to report an accident immediately. As a result of an accident or incident of any kind, we are required to fill out and retain an official report of what happened. We will need your help in this process. Copies of our incident and accident reports are available in our safety binder available on site. Failure to report an accident, no matter how small it seems, may result in disciplinary action. This policy is in place, not to be punitive in nature, but rather to protect you and the well-being of others on site.

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Fires & Fire Extinguisher Safety In the event of a fire, our highest concern is for everyone’s personal safety. If a fire seems to be out of hand, uncontrollable or growing quickly, please evacuate the area immediately. In the event of a small fire, please only use a fire extinguisher if it is safe and you know how to use one. Before Fighting a Fire Always: Make sure the Fire Department has been notified (call 911) Make sure that everyone has left, or is leaving the building. Assess the situation – is the fire contained? – or is it bigger than one extinguisher

can handle? Make sure that you have an unobstructed escape route to which the fire will not

spread Know your Fire Extinguisher: There are three different classes of fire extinguishers, and each class is capable of fighting a different sort of fire: Class A: Ordinary combustibles – wood, cloth, paper, rubber and many plastics Class B: Flammable Liquids – grease, gasoline, oil and tar Class C: Electrical Equipment – wiring circuit breakers, fuse bases, machines and

appliances. Our extinguishers are coded Class “B” or “C.” These are “multi-purpose” extinguishers and can safely be used to fight any kind of fire. **Never use a Class “A” extinguisher or water to fight an electrical fire. Fighting the Fire: Always remember this word: PASS Pull the pin: this unlocks the operating lever and allows you to discharge the

extinguisher. Aim low: Point the extinguisher nozzle (or hose) at the base of the fire. Squeeze the lever below the handle: this discharges the extinguisher agent. Sweep from side to side: Moving carefully toward the fire, keep the extinguisher

aimed at the base of the fire and sweep back and forth until the flames appear to be out. Watch the fire area to see if the fire re-ignites.

Extinguishers must be inspected monthly; the date the inspection was performed and the initials of the person performing the inspection must be recorded.

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Slips, Trips & Falls The workplace is a fast-paced atmosphere where any item or debris on the floor can cause an accident.

To help prevent slips, trips and falls: 1. Remain alert and aware at all times, when walking through the Village Closet 2. Be aware of items on the floor 3. Pick up all miscellaneous debris immediately 4. Wipe up all spills immediately 5. If mopping, leave a path to walk through and post wet floor signs 6. Never walk on a wet floor

In the event of a large spill: 1. Do not leave the spill unattended- have another associate stand and watch the spill,

alerting other associates and customers of the danger 2. Post a wet floor sign immediately 3. Mop up the spill immediately, bringing a mop bucket to the site of the spill 4. Remove the wet floor sign only once the area has fully dried Spills are everyone’s responsibility, regardless of their position and involvement in the cause of the spill. A spill should never be ignored. Do not wait for someone else to notice and take care of a spill or debris. Take top precedence at all times with spills and floor debris.

When a slip, trip or fall does occur, a manager must be notified immediately, whether an injury has occurred or not.

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Utility Knife Safety There’s one hand tool that can cut you to the bone in an instant . . . the utility knife. Utility knives are extremely handy on the job, but they can also be handy in causing serious injuries. Nearly 40 percent of all injuries attributed to manual workshop tools in the US involve knives with retractable blades. Many accidents involving utility knives occur for the following reasons:

Drawing the knife towards you instead of away from your body. Working with a dull blade. Trying to cut more than the knife can handle. Improperly storing the knife with the blade extended. Failing to wear personal protective equipment. Neglecting to inspect the tool before use.

Problems also arise when some employees don’t have or can’t find a utility knife supplied by the company. As a result, they tend to use whatever is handy, such as a pocket knife or other tool with a sharp edge. This can quickly turn hazardous if the tool slips or is used incorrectly. The following are safety precautions to keep in mind when using utility knives:

Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes in case a blade breaks. Always use a sharp blade. They are safer than a dull blade. Wear cut resistant gloves and sleeves (at least Level 3) to protect your hands and

arms. Hand a utility knife to a co-worker with the handle first. Use one of the newer model self-retracting blade knives. Ensure the blades are properly positioned in the handle before use. Keep extremities out of the cutting path. Don’t apply too much pressure on the blade. Follow manufacturer’s instructions when changing blades. Don’t use utility knives to pry loose objects. Dispose of dull or broken blades in a puncture-resistant container.

Broken Glass Broken glass can cause accidents and severe injuries Never use your hands to pick up glass fragments Always carefully sweep up broken glass, followed by vacuuming Never place broken glass in a trash can Broken glass must always go straight to a dumpster

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Blood Exposure Below are Hilltown Village Inc.’s procedures related to blood exposure, which comply with regulatory and safety standards. These procedures were established to reduce the risk of exposure to blood and body fluids. These procedures also educate employees on proper emergency care when exposed to blood and other potentially infectious materials. Personal Protective Equipment — Hilltown Village Inc. must provide serviceable personal protective equipment and require employees to wear this protective equipment whenever there is potential for occupational exposure. Protective equipment includes gloves, and goggles.

Blood & Body Fluid Spill Clean Up Procedures - It is vitally important that any infectious spill be taken seriously. The following procedures should be used as a guide: Secure the spill area to prevent other individuals from wandering through the area

and spreading the spill until clean-up is completed Wear appropriate protective equipment as listed above Decontaminate the area with an acceptable sanitizing agent. Use bleach, Lysol or

similar sanitizer as available Clean the area with absorbent toweling Dispose of non-reusable clean-up materials and decontaminate reusable items such

as dustpans or mops Thoroughly wash any exposed skin with soap and water

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Chemical Hazards

Employer Responsibilities: To maintain a safe and healthy workplace by providing employees with information about hazardous chemicals used in their course of work. We commit to training our employees and volunteers about the precautions needed to safely use these chemicals and about emergency first aid. It is very important to read labels and follow all instructions as specified. Employee rights under the Hazard Communication (Right to Know) Laws include being able to quickly access Chemical Information Lists and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). An MSDS sheet gives pertinent information about a chemical used at the site. The MSDS sheet will list: the name, chemical makeup, manufacturer’s name, possible hazards and first aid treatment required, for each chemical used. Your manager will show you the location of the MSDS folder. Please always follow these requirements as it pertains to chemicals: DO NOT MIX CHEMICALS Do not use chemicals unless authorized and trained by your manager. Unauthorized

or misuse of such materials can cause injury to yourself or others Attend to spills immediately - Spills can cause serious injury Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) You are required to wear the protective equipment provided Keep PPE clean and put back after using

Never mix cleaners with anything but water Never fill any spray bottle with the wrong chemical All spray bottles must be properly labeled If a chemical gets on your skin or in your eyes flush immediately for fifteen minutes

and let a manager know right away Common Surface cleaners used around the units. Multi-surface Cleaner–is used on vertical surfaces such as walls, counters, toys, and other items displayed for customers. We also use a form of multi-surface cleaner for the floors. Multi-surface cleaner is a safe chemical in its diluted form, but some people have an allergic reaction. Notify a manager if a reaction occurs. Glass Cleaner-is what we use for glass. Do not mix with anything but water. Avoid direct contact, wear disposable gloves when using this product. Sanitizer- What we use to sanitize surfaces such as counters, and areas in the bathroom. We do not use undiluted bleach in the process of sanitization. We do, however, use wipes and sprays that MAY contain bleach. Please use caution when using these products, such as wearing PPE’s and keeping away from your skin, eyes and mouth. Some people may experience an allergic reaction.

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Back Safety Training

Back pain is one of the industry’s most expensive problems, yet many companies and organizations are not taking effective action to deal with it. The facts bear this out. Currently, in the U.S. alone, back injuries cost employers more than $1 billion annually in sick pay and wages for replacement personnel. A large majority of back injuries are due to improper lifting techniques. Listed below are basic principles to be followed when you lift--remember these rules and apply them in your work and in your home. Be aware of all hazards involved in lifting heavy objects. Employees must know their own strength. We will train you in the proper techniques for lifting weight that is not beyond your limitations. Please notify the manager if you have any pre-existing physical condition. The following actions will aid in preventing back injuries/strain: 1. Reducing the size and weight of incoming packages and donations 2. Reducing the size of storage containers (totes, bins, garbage pails, etc.) so that

when full, they will not be too heavy 3. Using wheel carts instead of carrying containers 4. Arranging storage and display areas to keep heavy items on middle or lower

shelves between, ideally between 29”-57” off the floor 5. Reducing the distance that the object has to be moved by redesigning storage

facilities

When it’s time to lift: Plan ahead. Check the load. If the load is big and bulky, get help - know your own

strength. Work together. Use two or more people to move heavy objects (TEAM LIFT).

Look over your path of travel, making sure it is clear. Determine how the object is to be grasped before you lift it. Maintain a comfortable stance with your feet when lifting. Keep your feet

approximately shoulder distance apart Establish a firm grip, Use the entire extension of the fingers, not just the tips. Use

the palm of your hand Bend your knees. Keep your back straight when lifting and use your own powerful

leg muscles to lift with. Carry the load close to the center of your body and make the weight part of you.

Don’t leave a gap between yourself and the load. Pull your chin in and keep your back straight. Do not twist when lifting a load. Turn with your feet, not your torso. Setting the load down is important, too. To lower the load, use your leg muscles and

bend your knees. Once the load is securely positioned, release your grip. Stay in good physical condition and always BEND YOUR KNEES.

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Back Safety Training continued

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Step Stool/Ladder Policy A Ladder-type Step Stool is a self-supporting, foldable, portable ladder that is non-adjustable in length, 32-inches or less in overall size, with flat steps and without a pail shelf.

Proper Use It is intended for use by one person at a time. Requires level ground support for all four of its side rails. Step Stool must not be

used unless its base is spread fully open and the Spreaders locked. Ladder-type Step Stools are not to be used as Single Ladders or in the partially open position.

In order to prevent tipping the Step Stool over sideways due to over-reaching, the user must climb or work with the body near the middle of the steps or top cap. The Step Stool should be set-up close to the work. Never attempt to move the Step Stool without first descending, relocating the Step Stool, and then re-climbing. Do not attempt to mount the Step Stool from the side or step from one ladder or Step Stool to another unless the Step Stool is secured against sideways motion.

When ascending or descending the Step Stool, always face the Step Stool. The braces on the rear of a Step Stool are not intended for climbing or standing and must not be used for that purpose.

The anti-slip feet at the bottom of the Step Stool side rails must be present and in good condition prior to using. The Step Stool must not be used on ice, snow or slippery surfaces unless suitable means to prevent slipping is employed.

A Step Stool must never be placed upon other objects such as boxes, barrels, scaffolds, or other unstable bases in an effort to obtain additional height.

To protect children, do not leave a Step Stool set up and unattended.

Proper Care A thorough inspection must be made when the Step Stool is initially purchased

and each time it is placed into service. Clean the climbing and gripping surfaces if they have been subjected to oil, grease or slippery materials. Working parts, bolts, rivets, step-to-side rail connections, and the condition of the anti-slip feet (safety shoes) shall be checked. If structural damage, missing parts, or any other hazardous defect is found, the Step Stool must not be placed into service and should be discarded or competently repaired. Moreover, Step Stools with bent or broken side rails must be destroyed.

In the event a Step Stool is discarded, it must be destroyed in such a manner as to render it useless. Another person must not be afforded the opportunity to use a Step Stool that has been deemed unsafe.

Do not store other materials on the Step Stool while it is in storage.

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Smoking Policy Hilltown Village Inc. maintains a tobacco-free workspace. No smoking or other use of tobacco products is permitted in any part of the building, in any of the parking areas, or within 50 feet of the property. All employees are expected to abide by this policy in all respects while at work.

Drugs and Alcohol

In compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, Hilltown Village Inc. has a commitment to provide a safe and productive work environment consistent with the standards of the community in which we operate. Alcohol and drug abuse poses a threat to the health and safety of employees, volunteers and clients. Employee Assistance: Hilltown Village Inc. will support employees who voluntarily seek help for drug and alcohol problems before becoming subject to discipline or termination under this policy. Such employees will be allowed to use accrued paid time off, placed on leaves of absence, referred to treatment providers and accommodated as required by law. Policy and Work Rules: Employees should report to work fit for duty and free of any adverse effects of illegal drugs or alcohol. This policy does not prohibit employees from the lawful use and possession of prescribed medications. Employees must, however, consult with their doctors about the medications' effect on their fitness for duty and ability to work safely, and they must promptly disclose any work restrictions to their supervisor. Employees should not, however, disclose to Hilltown Village Inc. underlying medical conditions unless directed to do so. Whenever employees, contractors, or volunteers are present on Hilltown Village Inc. premises or are conducting company-related work offsite, they are prohibited from: Using, possessing, buying, selling, manufacturing or dispensing an illegal drug (to

include possession of drug paraphernalia) Being under the influence of alcohol or an illegal drug as defined in this policy Possessing or consuming alcohol Hilltown Village Inc. may not allow employees to perform duties while taking

prescribed drugs if they are adversely affecting their ability to safely and effectively perform such job duties. On example of this would be driving to make a delivery or donation pick-up. Employees taking a prescribed medication must carry it in the container labeled by a licensed pharmacist or be prepared to produce it if asked.

Use of drugs and alcohol while working may result in possible discipline, up to and including discharge.

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Theft/Crime Prevention

You are responsible for your own belongings Keep your belongings in the back stock area in the designated area, or in a hallway

locker with a lock Leave valuable items at home The back area is off limits to guests and their children IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING. If you see any suspicious activity, report

it immediately Employees caught stealing will be disciplined, up to and including termination

Intruders The safety of our families, children, staff, volunteers and tenants at the Berkshire Trail Elementary School is of paramount importance. We make every effort to keep our setting secure from intruders. The external school doors should remain locked at all times If you see suspicious activity, same something immediately If an armed or threatening intruder comes on to the property it is very important

that we report it immediately to 911 and take protective actions. If you see an armed intruder and you are in the Closet:

Remain in the Village Closet classroom stock area and immediately lock all doors, if possible.

Call 911 and alert the Police Department. Try and remain calm so you can give an accurate description of the person or person(s). Note type of dress, height, weight, sex, and any other characteristics/physical items that are particular to the individual(s). Report the type of weapon (if known) and direction of travel or building entered.

Ensure the windows are locked Turn off lights and all audio equipment. Stay out of the open areas and be as quiet as possible. Try to remain as calm as possible.

Should you run? If you think you can safely make it out of the area, then do so. If you decide to run, stay low and do not run in a straight line. When away from immediate area of danger, summon help and warn others.

If you SEE something, SAY something.

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Housekeeping and Closing Procedures: Inside the Village Closet Space 20 minutes before closing time, stop any “projects” (reorganizing, donation sorting,

pulling for deliveries) and begin recovery. Any clothes that are stacked on top of bins, fold and put away Put toys away and straighten toy area Straighten shelves, coat racks, bookshelf, top of bookshelf Surfaces (tables, tops of bins, desk) should be clean and clear Any unprocessed donations or clutter goes into the kitchen for next time. Clean up any food debris or crumbs Sweep inside the closet and in the hallways(and mop as needed) Break down any boxes Tie up trash (replace bag in bin) Tie up stained clothes bag (replace bag in bin) Hallway: Sweep and mop as needed, especially between the Closet door and the water fountains, as well at the entrance. On snowy or rainy days, sweep out any outside debris that may have come inside the elementary school front door. Bathroom: Wipe down sinks Empty trash and replace bag in bin Refill toilet paper, soap and paper towels as needed Sweep and mop floor as needed Before Leaving: Take trash and recycling with you, including broken down boxes (Mollie will take

stained clothes bags once a month) Turn lights off in the Village Closet and hallways Ensure that all windows are closed and locked Ensure the space looks clean from the door window Lock closet door and ensure the front door is locked