Ensure distraction-free driving

Backpack-laden children will soon be out in force walking to school buildings from homes and parked cars, or riding bikes, scooters, or skateboards. Unfortunately, children aren’t always the most safety conscious. That’s why it is up to drivers to be vigilant, avoiding distractions like phones, eating and drinking, or even attempting to use GPS while in motion. Pay extra attention when backing up as well, as you never know when a child might pop up unexpectedly behind you.

Beware of glare

Although most associate sunnier days with summer, it is actually in fall when the glare is at its worst, due to the sun’s position in the sky being lower during fall and winter months. The lower position of the sun hits the eyes of drivers at a more direct angle, sometimes completely obscuring a driver’s view of the road, other vehicles, and pedestrians. Unfortunately, peak glare time for the A.M. often corresponds to the times when schoolchildren might be walking or driving home from school. In order to increase visibility even when the glare gets severe, keep your windshield clean, remove any obstructions from your dashboard, and be sure to keep polarized sunglasses in your vehicle at all times.

Watch for school zones & bus stops

Although it is typically better to stick to highways and interstates to avoid back-to-school traffic, there will be times when taking backroads is unavoidable. Therefore, it is important to be aware of any school zones and bus stops you may encounter, especially when it may be less clear where schools are located when driving on backroads. When possible, avoid school zones altogether. If you can’t avoid them, give yourself extra time as the speed limit is at least 10 MPH slower.

Just being aware of these safety challenges can go a long way to improve the well-being of schoolchildren and drivers alike.

If you are an employer in the retail industry (e.g., pharmacies, supermarkets, and big box stores), the following tips can help reduce your employees’ risk of exposure to the coronavirus:

• Encourage workers to stay home if they are sick.
• Provide a place to wash hands or alcohol-based hand rubs containing at least 60% alcohol.
• Maintain regular housekeeping practices, including routine cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces and equipment with Environmental Protection Agency-approved cleaning chemicals from List N or that have label claims against the coronavirus.
• Practice sensible social distancing, maintaining six feet between co-workers and customers, where possible. For example, some worksites have already begun to demarcate six-foot distances with floor tape in checkout lines. Workplaces where social distancing is a challenge should consider innovative approaches, such as opening only every other cash register, temporarily moving workstations to create more distance, and installing plexiglass partitions.
• Use a drive-through window or curbside pick-up.
• Provide workers and customers with tissues and trash receptacles.
• Train workers in proper hygiene practices and the use of workplace controls.
• Allow workers to wear masks over their nose and mouth to prevent them from spreading the virus.
• Encourage workers to report any safety and health concerns.

For more information, visit www.osha.gov/coronavirus or call 1-800-321-OSHA (6742).

Thank you and stay safe!

The Trillium brand of companies is privately owned by René Poch and provides more than 30 years of industry leading recruitment and staffing services through its divisions including: Trillium Staffing, Trillium Construction Services, Trillium Driver Solutions, Trillium Technical, and Trillium Environmental. With approximately 100 offices nationwide and nearly 400 internal recruitment professionals, the Trillium brand is proud to be recognized by Staffing Industry Analysts as a Top 25 Largest Industrial Staffing Firm in the U.S., a Top 100 Largest Staffing Firm in the U.S., a Top 100 Fastest Growing Staffing Firm in the U.S., and a 2018 winner of National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For. For more information please visit www.trilliumstaffing.com.

If you are in the manufacturing industry, the following tips can help reduce the risk of exposure to the coronavirus:

• Encourage workers to say home if they are sick
• Establish flexible work hours (e.g., staggered shifts), if feasible.
• Practice sensible social distancing and maintain six feet between co-workers, where possible.
• For work activities where social distancing is a challenge, consider limiting the duration of these activities and/or implementing innovative approaches, such as temporarily moving or repositioning workstations to create more distance or installing barriers (e.g., plexiglass shields) between workstations.
• Monitor public health communications about COVID-19 recommendations for the workplace and ensure that workers have access to and understand that information.
• Train workers on how to properly put on, use/wear, take-off, and maintain protective clothing and equipment.
• Allow workers to wear masks over their nose and mouth to prevent spread of the virus.
• Encourage respiratory etiquette, including covering coughs and sneezes.
• Discourage workers from using other workers’ tools and equipment.
• Use Environmental Protection Agency-approved cleaning chemicals from List N or that have label claims against the coronavirus.
• Promote personal hygiene. If workers do not have access to soap and water for handwashing, provide alcohol-based hand rubs containing at least 60 percent alcohol. Provide disinfectants and disposable towels workers can use to clean work surfaces.
• Encourage workers to report any safety and health concerns.

For more information, visit www.osha.gov/coronavirus or call 1-800-321-OSHA (6742).

Thank you and stay safe!

The Trillium brand of companies is privately owned by René Poch and provides more than 30 years of industry leading recruitment and staffing services through its divisions including: Trillium Staffing, Trillium Construction Services, Trillium Driver Solutions, Trillium Technical, and Trillium Environmental. With approximately 100 offices nationwide and nearly 400 internal recruitment professionals, the Trillium brand is proud to be recognized by Staffing Industry Analysts as a Top 25 Largest Industrial Staffing Firm in the U.S., a Top 100 Largest Staffing Firm in the U.S., a Top 100 Fastest Growing Staffing Firm in the U.S., and a 2018 winner of National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For. For more information please visit www.trilliumstaffing.com.

Ten Steps All Workplaces Can Take to Reduce Risk of Exposure to Coronavirus

All workplaces can take the following infection prevention measures to protect workers:

1. Encourage workers to stay home if sick.
2. Encourage respiratory etiquette, including covering coughs and sneezes.
3. Provide a place to wash hands or alcohol-based hand rubs containing at least 60% alcohol.
4. Limit worksite access to only essential workers, if possible.
5. Establish flexible worksites (e.g., telecommuting) and flexible work hours (e.g., staggered shifts), if feasible.
6. Discourage workers from using other workers’ phones, desks, or other work tools and equipment.
7. Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces, equipment, and other elements of the work environment. Use Environmental Protect
8. Agency (EPA)- approved cleaning chemicals with label claims against the coronavirus.
9. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use of all cleaning and disinfection products.
10. Encourage workers to report any safety and health concerns.

For more information, visit www.osha.gov/coronavirus or call 1-800-321-OSHA (6742).

While a number of states across the country are still on full shutdown with stay at home orders in place, there are still frontline workers out in the middle of this pandemic taking care of the sick, working at grocery stores, hauling consumer goods, etc. For all of those deemed essential during this unprecedented time, please stay safe and thank you!

The Trillium brand of companies is privately owned by René Poch and provides more than 30 years of industry leading recruitment and staffing services through its divisions including: Trillium Staffing, Trillium Construction Services, Trillium Driver Solutions, Trillium Technical, and Trillium Environmental. With approximately 100 offices nationwide and nearly 400 internal recruitment professionals, the Trillium brand is proud to be recognized by Staffing Industry Analysts as a Top 25 Largest Industrial Staffing Firm in the U.S., a Top 100 Largest Staffing Firm in the U.S., a Top 100 Fastest Growing Staffing Firm in the U.S., and a 2018 winner of National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For. For more information please visit www.trilliumstaffing.com.

On average, adults lose almost 10 cups of water a day simply by doing everyday tasks.  When we sweat, we also lose electrolytes, which are minerals such as sodium, potassium and calcium that help maintain the proper balance of fluids in the body.

Key points to reducing your risk of dehydration:

1. Know the signs of dehydration, which include symptoms such as excessive thirst, sleepiness or tiredness, dry mouth. muscle weakness, headache, and dizziness or lightheadedness.
2. If you feel like you may be showing signs of dehydration, don’t ignore it! Immediately take a break and give yourself time to recover. Dehydration can lead to heat stroke or even death.
3. The best defense against dehydration is prevention.  Simply consume lots of fluids and foods high in water such as fruits and vegetables.
4. Determining how much fluid is complex because so much depends on age, physical condition, activity level, location, and body chemistry. The best approach is to make a conscious effort to stay hydrated.
5. The color of your urine is one of the best ways to tell how hydrated you are.  Dark yellow to amber urine means you may have mild to severe dehydration. You can usually tell you have healthy hydration levels if your urine is very light in color.  You may also urinate less than normal when dehydrated.
6. In hot weather, skip coffee or soda, or other caffeinated drinks and make water your beverage of choice. Consider supplementing water with sports drinks or fruits and vegetables to replenish electrolytes.
7. During periods of heavy exertion, stay cool and take frequent water breaks. Adjust your intake to match your activity level and working conditions.  A cup of water every 10 to 15 minutes might be necessary.

The Trillium brand of companies is privately owned by René Poch and provides more than 30 years of industry leading recruitment and staffing services through its divisions including: Trillium Staffing, Trillium Construction Services, Trillium Driver Solutions, and Trillium Technical. With approximately 100 offices nationwide and nearly 400 internal recruitment professionals, the Trillium brand is proud to be recognized by Staffing Industry Analysts as a Top 25 Largest Industrial Staffing Firm in the U.S., a Top 100 Largest Staffing Firm in the U.S., a Top 100 Fastest Growing Staffing Firm in the U.S., and a 2017 and 2018 winner of National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For. For more information please visit www.trilliumstaffing.com.

{Pictured Above: Trillium Construction field employees showcasing the proper use of sun protection while on the job site.}

For those of you that work outside for a living, protecting yourself from the harmful effects of constant exposure to the sun is extremely important. Trillium Construction’s Safety Committee put together some valuable information for anyone who will be working outdoors this year. Take heed of these recommendations and stay safe out there!

At one time or another we’ve all had a bad sunburn and we know how bad it can hurt. In addition, prolonged, unprotected exposure can damage your skin and cause premature lines, freckles, sun spots, and skin cancer.

The best way to protect your skin from UV light is by wearing a sunscreen when you are outside. Here are some sunscreen facts and tips:

• Using sunscreen can reduce your chances of burning but it is not going to allow you to spend unlimited time outdoors without risk of skin damage.
• Sunscreen must absorb into the skin to be effective. Apply it about 30 minutes prior to going into the sun so as to let the sunscreen absorb into the skin.
• It is widely recommended that people use sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15-30. An SPF of 30 can block up to 97% of the harmful UV rays. Going higher than 30 on SPF hasn’t shown to make a positive difference.
• Sunscreen needs to be reapplied every 60-90 minutes, sooner if you’re in the water. (This is true even if you use “waterproof” sunscreen, as it is not truly waterproof, just water resistant.).
• Not all sunscreens protect you from UVA and UVB light. Check the label and use one that is protects the skin from both.
• You can get a sunburn through your clothes! For example, a white t-shirt gives only the same protection as a sunscreen with an SPF of 5; and it’s even less effective if it is wet.

The Trillium brand of companies is privately owned by René Poch and provides more than 30 years of industry leading recruitment and staffing services through its divisions including: Trillium Staffing, Trillium Construction Services, Trillium Driver Solutions, and Trillium Technical. With approximately 100 offices nationwide and nearly 400 internal recruitment professionals, the Trillium brand is proud to be recognized by Staffing Industry Analysts as a Top 25 Largest Industrial Staffing Firm in the U.S., a Top 100 Largest Staffing Firm in the U.S., a Top 100 Fastest Growing Staffing Firm in the U.S., and a 2017 and 2018 winner of National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For. For more information please visit www.trilliumstaffing.com.

Dress properly

• Wear several layers of loose-fitting clothing to insulate your body by trapping warm, dry air inside. Loosely woven cotton and wool clothes best trap air and resist dampness.
• The head and neck lose heat faster than any other part of the body. Your cheeks, ears and nose are the most prone to frostbite. Wear a hat, scarf and turtleneck sweater to protect these areas.
• Wear warm socks, insulated gloves and snow boots if possible

Frostbite: What to look for

• The extent of frostbite is difficult to judge until hours after thawing. There are two classifications of frostbite:
• Superficial frostbite is characterized by white, waxy or grayish-yellow patches on the affected areas. The skin feels cold and numb. The skin surface feels stiff and underlying tissue feels soft when depressed.
• Deep frostbite is characterized by waxy and pale skin. The affected parts feel cold, hard, and solid and cannot be depressed. Large blisters may appear after re-warming.

What to do

• Get the victim out of the cold and to a warm place immediately.
• Remove any constrictive clothing items that could impair circulation.
• If you notice signs of frostbite, seek medical attention immediately.
• Place dry, sterile gauze between toes and fingers to absorb moisture and to keep them from sticking together.
• Slightly elevate the affected part to reduce pain and swelling.
• If you are more than one hour from a medical facility and you have warm water, place the frostbitten part in the water (102 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit). If you do not have a thermometer, test the water first to see if it is warm, not hot. Re-warming usually takes 20 to 40 minutes or until tissues soften.
• What not to do
• Do not use water hotter than 106 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Do not use water colder than 100 degrees Fahrenheit since it will not thaw frostbite quickly enough.
• Do not rub or massage the frostbite area.
• Do not rub with ice or snow.

If Your Car Breaks Down in Winter

Remember these tips so you can act wisely in case of emergency. 7 Tips to help you survive in freezing temperatures.

Car breakdown?

• If you’re stranded in a car and can’t drive further, don’t get out. Call for help if your car broke down. Run the engine occasionally for warmth but keep a window Be sure the exhaust pipe isn’t blocked by snow.

Run out of gas?

• f the car runs out of gas, keep all the windows shut. Stay on the lookout for help. Make sure your windows are cleared of snow so passing drivers can see that there’s someone in the car.

Stuck for a while?

• Exercise or move your arms and legs for warmth and keep yourself awake. Don’t go to sleep under any circumstances

Caught outside?

• f you’re caught outside while on foot, head to the nearest shelter. Tie a scarf over your nose and mouth to protect your ears and face and to prevent suffocation from the wind and snow.

Stuck in a snowbank?

• If your vehicle is really stuck, don’t wear yourself out shoveling it out, according to the News Wheel. Instead, save your energy and concentrate on staying warm.

Ice scraper breaks?

• Prepare for a broken ice scraper ahead of time by making sure to include a back-up scraper and brush in your vehicle. Even better, also invest in a windshield protector that will make de-icing much easier.

Getting thirsty?

• The last thing you want to do when you’re stranded is eat snow directly, according to the News Wheel. The energy your body expends warming up the snow makes it harder for you to retain body heat. If you happen to have an empty container, though, you can place snow inside of it and drink it after it melts.

We know you can work out in the elements, but for how long?

• Take breaks in shelters, away from the wind and cold
• Drink warm liquids slowly
• Make sure your clothes are dry. Take a change of clothes in your car
• Don’t forget to pack some extra socks
• Cover all skin safely possible
• Allow more time to commute to your destination
• Fill up with gas
• Have plenty of food, water & milk for several days

The Trillium brand of companies is privately owned by René Poch and provides more than 30 years of industry leading recruitment and staffing services through its divisions including: Trillium Staffing, Trillium Construction Services, Trillium Driver Solutions, Trillium Marine, Trillium Technical, Trillium Environmental, Trillium Hospitality and Trillium Techs. With approximately 100 offices nationwide and nearly 450 internal recruitment professionals, the Trillium brand is proud to be recognized by Staffing Industry Analysts as a Top 25 Largest Industrial Staffing Firm in the U.S., a Top 100 Largest Staffing Firm in the U.S., a Top 100 Fastest Growing Staffing Firm in the U.S., and a winner of National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For. For more information please visit www.trilliumstaffing.com.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, riding a bus to school is 13 times safer than riding in a passenger vehicle and 10 safer than walking to school. The reality is that more children are hurt outside the bus. Given that pedestrian – vehicle injuries are a leading cause of death for school age children, it’s vital that truck drivers pay attention to posted signs, signals and traffic. Below are tips to help keep our kids safe this school year:

• Watch for school zones – Look for signs and flashing lights during school hours.
• Slow down in school zones and stay alert – Children are unpredictable.
• Watch for crossing guards.
• Watch for school buses – All states have strict laws regarding passing a stopped school bus.
• Never pass on the right side of the bus.
• Adjust driving hours if possible.
• Minimize use on secondary roads, use freeways and highways when possible.
• Have a heightened sense of awareness on rural highways and state routes for stopped buses.
• Be aware of traffic congestion in college towns.
• Don’t block the crosswalk.
• Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians.
• Don’t honk your horn or rev your engine to rush a pedestrian, even if you have the right of way.
• Make sure your headlights are on.
• Take extra care to look for children near schools, residential areas, parks and playgrounds.

While drivers are always safety conscious, it is important they not take it for granted. Don’t be tempted to make a call or fall victim to any other distraction that may take your eyes off the road. We all need to adopt a safety-first mindset if we are to keep accidents at a minimum and our children safe.

The Trillium brand of companies is privately owned by René Poch and provides more than 30 years of industry leading recruitment and staffing services through its divisions including: Trillium Staffing, Trillium Construction Services, Trillium Driver Solutions, Trillium Marine, Trillium Technical, Trillium Environmental, and Trillium Techs. With approximately 90 offices nationwide and nearly 400 internal recruitment professionals, the Trillium brand is proud to be recognized by Staffing Industry Analysts as a Top 25 Largest Industrial Staffing Firm in the U.S., a Top 100 Largest Staffing Firm in the U.S., a Top 100 Fastest Growing Staffing Firm in the U.S., and a 2015 winner of National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For. For more information please visit www.trilliumstaffing.com.

“Passion and Humanity gives me the day to day drive to do the right thing. I do not want anyone to get hurt or get that dreaded call that your loved one is not coming home. If I have touched or taught one person with a safety message I feel I have been productive. In the safety world, everybody knows when you do the wrong thing or do not do something to save a life, nobody knows when you have done the right thing and save a life, limb or eye. It’s the humane thing to do and we choose NOT to look the other way!”

– Jamie Ellis, Safety Manager

Trillium employs a full time Risk Management team including several safety managers to help ensure we partner with safety minded clients helping us to provide our employees with not only exciting but also safe job opportunities.

“Behavior Based Safety is what drives me. If people have safe behaviors in their life, this will translate into safe habits for peers, children and a quality work force and work structure. Safety is a team effort! Everyone has to be involved in the safety arena.”

-Stephen Woodworth, Safety Manager

While choosing safe job sites is crucial, even the safest of job sites pose potential risks. Before our employees even enter a job site they undergo basic job site safety. We gladly participate in client sponsored safety events, and even provide additional safety training including:

• Workplace Violence
• Forklift Certification / Train the Trainer
• Confined Space
• Health Hazards in Construction: Heat Illness, Silica & Noise
• Fall Protection
• “Mock” OSHA Inspections
• OSHA 10 Hour: Construction, General Industry, and Maritime
• Cold Weather Safety
• Lock Out / Tag Out
• Machine Guarding
• Hot Work: Welding, Cutting, Brazing, and Burning

For more information on our Safety Training programs click here.

Want to learn more about how you can gain access to Trillium’s national network of top level talent? Contact us today! If you are a stand out in your profession and seeking contingent or long term career opportunities, visit our job seekers section for more information!

Trillium, a national leader in staffing and recruitment is a valued staffing partner to over 5,000 companies nationwide. Trillium is privately owned by Oskar René Poch.

]]> /blog/safety-concerns-as-construction-season-booms/ Thu, 13 Jun 2013 14:32:03 +0000 /blog/?p=998 Continue reading →]]> With construction in it’s peak for most of the country, now is a great time to assess your risks and safety protocols. As recently as this week headlines are filled with work related injuries including work related fatalities. How can you avoid putting your staff at risk?

This week the construction of the new “Levi’s Stadium”, future home of the 49er’s was plagued with a work related fatality. A local contractor lost one of their long time elevator workers when he was struck by a falling counterweight while standing on a ladder at the bottom of an elevator shaft. Even with 43 years of experience on the job and what has been reported as appropriate PPE for the job, this 63 year old was lost. The $1.3 billion project with approximately 1,000 tradesmen on site was shut down for two days. How can you protect your team before it’s too late?

Host and engage your staff in regular safety meetings. Even the most qualified and experienced of tradesmen need to be reminded of safety procedures, cautions, and be aware of what is taking place on the job site. Regularly screen employees for PPE and question them on their safety precautions. Encourage all contractors on site to report any safety concerns or possible dangers to the on site safety manager immediately. Some of the safest sites include those who offer bonuses to those who report safety concerns and offer rewards for long periods of time on site without injury.

While maintaining and regularly evaluating your job sites for safety concerns can be time consuming and cost additional investment dollars, the return on investment is undeniable. Simple investments such as reflective vests, bright colored hard hats, additional safety fencing, and mirrors can save costly injuries quickly. Be sure to include all temporary workers who are on site in your regular safety meetings and practices. Everyone on site, regardless of their length of employment should have a part in maintaining a safe job site.

Want to learn more about how you can gain access to Trillium’s national network of experienced construction workers? Contact us today!  If you are a stand out skilled trades worker seeking short or long term career opportunities, visit our job seekers section for more information!

Trillium, a national leader in staffing and recruitment is a valued staffing partner to over 5,000 companies nationwide. Trillium is privately owned by Oskar René Poch.