Publications/T.I.P.S. Sheets

Together Improving Processes and Safety (T.I.P.S.) Sheet Program

Studies have shown that frequent workplace safety discussions save lives, prevent injury, and protect property. The discussions should be short, succinct, and simple to understand. 
 
The Risk Pool’s Loss Prevention Department has developed the T.I.P.S. Sheet Program to provide a template for Members’ staff to have those discussions and show that the Member has a culture of safety in the workplace.
 
Loss prevention staff regularly prepares the sheets to share with members by email through their fund contact. We ask the fund contact to forward the sheet to their appropriate employees for review. 
 
Supervisors can follow this easy formula for a short meeting before the day’s work commences:
 
1.     Talk about upcoming work projects.
2.     Decide how to prevent or mitigate potential safety issues.
3.     Understand the proper tools and equipment for the job.
 
A minimum of three minutes should be dedicated to talk about activities, hazards, safe work practices, and procedures for the work to be performed. Even that miniscule time investment has been shown to save lives and prevent injuries.  
 
Click on one of the following T.I.P.S. sheet categories to see related sheets or other publications to start getting safer today:

Members can contact your Loss Prevention Department Representative with questions, comments, or T.I.P.S. Sheet and other publication topic ideas.

Related Links

Texas Municipal League

Americans with Disabilities Act

Job Accommodation Network (JAN) - West Virginia University

https://askjan.org/
Provides information about job accommodations and the employability of people with disabilities. JAN also provides information regarding the ADA, job accommodation facts, publications, and links to other sites.

National Program for Playground Safety - University of Northern Iowa

http://playgroundsafety.org/
Provides a national action plan, safety information, statistics and a link to the CPSC Handbook on Playground Safety.

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation - Architectural Barriers Program

https://www.license.state.tx.us/ab/ab.htm
The Department of Licensing and Regulation oversees accessibility in publicly and privately financed buildings and facilities. Note: The Department enforces the Texas Architectural Barriers Act, not the Americans with Disabilities Act.

U.S. Access Board - United States Architectural and Transportation Compliance Board

https://www.access-board.gov
Independent federal agency site for accessibility. Site contains Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards, guidelines for buildings and facility design, transportation vehicle guidelines, publications and other resources.

U.S. Department of Justice - Americans with Disabilities Act - ADA Home Page

https://www.ada.gov
Includes information on enforcement, technical assistance programs and materials (including commonly asked questions), new or proposed regulations, ADA mediation and settlement information.

Employment Issues

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

https://www.eeoc.gov
Contains information on employment discrimination, workplace safety, workers' compensation and representative chapters of 29 U.S. Code – Labor, pertinent to employment. The 'Quick Start for Employers' is a good starting point.

National Institute on Drug Abuse

https://www.drugabuse.gov/
This site and its links promote drug-free workplaces. It contains information on specific drugs, and general topics on drug abuse and treatments.

Texas Municipal Human Resources Association

https://www.tmhra.org
TMHRA sponsors training classes and seminars, along with providing a newsletter and other services to members.

Texas Workforce Commission

https://twc.texas.gov/
Provides information on wage and labor laws, Texas Labor Workforce statistics, welfare reform information, as well as conference and meeting schedules and a newsletter.

US Department of Labor

https://www.dol.gov
Provides general information on the US Department of Labor, press releases, labor regulations, and data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The 'E-Laws' section is a tool to access frequently asked questions and information on federal labor laws.

Environmental Protection

Environmental Protection Agency

https://www.epa.gov
Publications, projects, programs, news and events, laws and regulations.

Environmental Protection Agency – CEPPO

https://www.epa.gov/emergency-response
The EPA's Chemical Emergency Management and Prevention Office provides information on accident prevention and chemical risk management plans that some water and wastewater plants must do under law.

Environmental Protection Agency — Documents

https://www.epa.gov/nscep/
The National Environmental Publications website will allow one to search the database for pertinent environmental documents.

Local Government Environmental Assistance Network

http://www.lgean.org
Providing environmental management, planning, funding, and regulatory information for local government elected and appointed officials, managers, and staff.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

https://www.tceq.texas.gov/
The State agency responsible for enforcement of environmental laws. Includes laws, rules and regulatory guidance documents.

Vermont Safety Information Resources

http://hazard.com
Information on Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

Ergonomics

Centers for Disease Control

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ergonomics/
Information and studies on ergonomics and musculoskeletal disorders.

ErgoWeb

https://ergoweb.com
Site contains case studies, reference materials, consulting services, on-line training software, and an ergonomics buyer's guide.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

https://www.osha.gov
Ergonomic program guidelines, prevention for work-related musculoskeletal disorders, and statistics.

UCLA Ergonomics

https://irm.ucla.edu/ergonomics
Articles that provide office and laboratory ergonomic tips, back safety information, information on work-related musculoskeletal disorders, and related links.

Fire Protection and Firefighter Safety

Firehouse Magazine

https://www.firehouse.com
Online magazine on firefighter issues includes information on current events and fire incidents throughout the country.

International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA)

https://www.ifsta.org
Provides an online catalog service for fire service training materials, and also links to National Fire Protection Association as well as magazines and publications.

National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors (NAFED)

http://www.nafed.org
NAFED represents over 1000 fire equipment distributors, suppliers, and affiliates. This site also provides links to Internet fire resources.

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

https://www.nfpa.org
Fire resource links, NFPA Catalog, events calendar, codes and standards, and product information.

ResponderSafety.com

http://www.respondersafety.com
Site is dedicated to emergency responder safety along roadways. Videos, articles, and incident updates.

Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX)

https://teex.org/Pages/fire-and-emergency-services.aspx
A listing of TEEX fire programs, training courses, and products. The site also includes resources and services that are provided.

Texas Forest Service

http://txforestservice.tamu.edu
The Texas Forest Service administers cost sharing assistance programs for volunteer fire departments. Information on the programs can currently be found under 'Volunteer Fire Department Support."

United States Fire Administration (USFA)

https://www.usfa.fema.gov
Entity of the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency that provides fire safety information, training, publications, for fire and emergency services.

General Safety and Health

American Red Cross

http://www.redcross.org
Contains a site directory for safety and health links, and provides a list of services that include armed forces emergency services, biomedical services, disaster services, international services, as well as nursing.

National Institute of Health

https://www.nih.gov/health-information
Contains health information resources such as clinical trial databases, publications, health hotlines, special programs, and the National Library of Medicine.

National Safety Council

https://www.nsc.org
Provides information on workplace and home safety, offers publications on driving, first aid/CPR, and many more topics.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

https://www.osha.gov
While local governments in Texas are not subject to OSHA regulations, there are many important references provided by OSHA, such as confined space entry, excavations and other standards.

SafetyInfo.Com

https://www.safetyinfo.com
Safety information for business and industries. On a subscription basis, this company offers safety programs, hand-outs for safety training, compliance information for EPA, OSHA standards, safety checklists, and other safety references and links.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality — Hazard Communication Branch

https://www.tceq.texas.gov/permitting/tier2
Provides information on the Hazcom regulation for those that fall under the Act, and includes reporting forms and a model program for Texas public employers.

Texas Department of Insurance — Division of Workers' Compensation

http://www.tdi.texas.gov/wc/
The Workers' Health and Safety division of the TDI provides access to a video lending library, publications and guidelines on addressing safety issues, and information on seminars. The site also provides access to rules and regulations regarding workers' compensation in Texas.

National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse

https://www.workzonesafety.org
Contains publications and information regarding work zone traffic control safety.

Government/Legal

Consumer Products Safety Commission

https://www.cpsc.gov
CPSC is an independent Federal regulatory agency that helps keep American families safe by reducing risk and injury from consumer products. Publications include playground safety, bleacher safety, skateboarding, and many others.

Department of Transportation

https://www.transportation.gov/
Provides links to State and local government transportation organizations such as Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and others.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

https://www.epa.gov
The EPA site contains background information, press releases, speeches, newsletters, projects and programs, laws and regulations, and other topics that concern the environment.

Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (EEOC)

https://www.eeoc.gov
Contains guidelines on sex and national origin discrimination, laws and regulations that are enforced by EEOC, Compliance Manual, Federal Sector information, and links to other employment related sites.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

https://www.fema.gov
https://training.fema.gov
Federal agency that provides disaster relief nationwide to victims. Site includes information on disaster assistance such as Public Assistance Program, Rapid Response Information System and individual assistance programs that help people and businesses to recover after a disaster.

Municipal Code Corporation

https://www.municode.com
The MCC is not a government organization and does provide services for a fee, but the website has links to municipal ordinances for review.

State of Texas

https://www.texas.gov
Links are provided for employment, Texas Department of Health & Human Services, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Laws and Courts, Education, and State Government, which provides a listing of Texas State Agencies.

Texas Legislature Online

https://capitol.texas.gov/
Links to Texas Statutes, Administrative Code, and Constitution, along with search capabilities on legislative bills.

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

https://www.hhs.gov
Contains a listing of Health & Human Service related agencies, a Healthfinder for topics such as AIDS, cancer, government health news and categories for specific age groups, as well as a Gateway for information on Federal Grant programs, and other resources.

U.S. Federal Government Agencies Directory

https://www.usa.gov
Links to every federal agency on the Internet including the Executive, Judicial, and Legislative Branches as well as a listing of Boards, Commissions and Committees.

Health and Wellness

American Medical Association

https://www.ama-assn.org
Offers a Doctor Finder, consumer health information, journals and American Medical News, online catalogs, books, products and software services, and access to the American Medical Accreditation Program.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

https://www.cdc.gov
Contains A-Z health topics, publications, software and products, data and statistics, subscriptions and other health-related sites.

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

https://www.nih.gov
Site provides NIH health resources such as consumer health publications, clinical trials, health hotlines, MEDLINE, and information index. The site also contains a NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, and links to National Institutes and Offices of Health.

Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS)

https://www.dshs.texas.gov/
DSHS site provides a listing of Boards and Councils on health issues, a disease prevention topical listing, laws and regulations, license and certifications required for various occupations and businesses, and other health-related sites.

WebMD

https://www.webmd.com
Provides health information and tools for managing health. Also includes information on medicines.

Industrial Hygiene

American Industrial Hygiene Association

https://www.aiha.org/Pages/default.aspx
Provides publications, products, and periodicals that are related to the industrial hygiene field as well as news, public relations and government affairs.

American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers

https://www.ashrae.org
International organization whose purpose is to advance the arts & sciences of heating, ventilation, refrigeration, and air conditioning for the public's benefit through research, continuing education, and publications.

Environmental Protection Agency - Indoor Air Quality

https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/
This website contains information and links regarding indoor air quality including guidelines on managing air quality in public buildings.

Texas Department of Health - Indoor Air Quality Branch

https://www.dshs.texas.gov/iaq/default.shtm
The TDH Indoor Air Quality Branch has guidelines on indoor air quality and links to other resources. The Indoor Air Quality Program provides information on indoor air pollution to private residents, public schools, small businesses, and government entities (including county and city health departments).

Law Enforcement

Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS)

https://www.nationalcops.org
Concerns of Police Survivors, Inc. provides resources to assist in the rebuilding of the lives of surviving families of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty as determined by Federal criteria. The website has a document that lists benefits available to families of Texas peace officers killed in the line of duty.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

https://www.fbi.gov/
Site contains Uniform Crime Reports, a 'Most Wanted' listing, a kidnapping and missing persons page, also links to the US Department of Justice.

International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)

http://www.theiacp.org
Provides information on conferences, training programs, membership, and a staff contact listing for the services provided. Also links to federal government sites, judicial sites, and law enforcement agencies by nation, region and state.

National Crime Prevention Council

https://www.ncpc.org
Provides training and conference information, publications, program ideas, community initiatives, and several links for other crime prevention related sites.

Officer.com

https://www.officer.com
News, training articles, and links for law enforcement agencies.

ResponderSafety.com

http://www.respondersafety.com
Site is dedicated to emergency responder safety along roadways. Videos, articles, and incident updates.

Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE)

http://www.tcole.texas.gov
Site offers Commission course information, rules, statutes, and newsletter.

Texas Police Chiefs Association

http://www.texaspolicechiefs.org
The TPCA provides a recognition program and sample policies to its members, along with updates for Texas police chiefs.

Texas Department of Public Safety

http://www.dps.texas.gov/
The Department of Public Safety administers the sexual offender database, provides motor vehicle record information free of charge to local governments (forms are on the website), and handbooks for drivers of commercial motor vehicles and automobiles in PDF format.

U.S. Department of Justice

https://www.justice.gov/
Contains US Attorneys' Manual, legal documents, reports and publications, also links to a listing of fugitives and missing persons. The site also offers information on body armor grants.

U.S. Department of Justice Programs

https://ojp.gov/
Site offers information regarding Bulletproof Vest Partnership program and Body Armor Safety Initiative. The site also offers information on body armor grants.

Parks and Recreation

American Red Cross

http://www.redcross.org
Source for aquatics programs, first-aid and CPR information, general water safety and lifeguarding, as well as HIV/AIDS education.

Aquatics International

http://www.aquaticsintl.com
Free subscription to aquatics professionals. Resources for planning, maintaining, managing and promoting aquatics facilities.

Centers for Disease Control - Healthy Swimming

https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming
Educational materials regarding recreational water illnesses.

Jeff Ellis and Associates, Inc.

https://www.jellis.com
Provider of risk management programs for waterparks and a lifeguard certification. Has online newsletter.

National Aquatic Safety Company

http://nascoaquatics.com
Provides information on aquatic safety such as courses, procedures and training for lifeguards and their instructors. There is also an online newsletter and lifeguard manual.

National Program for Playground Safety

http://playgroundsafety.org/
Safety information for playgrounds, US Consumer Product Safety Commission Handbook, resources for playground equipment and manufacturers, and a listing of websites related to public playground safety.

National Swimming Pool Foundation

https://www.nspf.org
The NSPF provides the Certified Pool Operator certification. A list of classes is on its website.

Playworld Systems, Inc.

https://playworld.com
A company that sells playground equipment. Safety information and a free guideline are offered.

National Recreation and Park Association

https://www.nrpa.org
Information for parks professionals, buyer's guide, programs for youth, playground safety and an active search for parks nationwide.

Texas Parks & Wildlife

https://tpwd.texas.gov
Offers information on hunting, fishing, boating, nature, conservation and hunter education classes. Also links to related site such as Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, the EPA, and National Park Service, etc.

Texas Recreation and Parks Society (TRAPS)

http://www.traps.org
Site offers educational and networking opportunities for parks and recreational service professionals. The site contains a buyer's guide, calendar of events around the state, publications, and training and certifications opportunities.

Texas Public Pool Council

http://www.tppc.org
The TPPC provides information and education to aquatic professionals. The organization also sponsors a discussion group.

Texas Department of State Health Services

http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/poolspa/default.shtm
The source for the Texas Department of State Health Services swimming pool codes along with other aquatics links.

Public Works

American Public Works Association

https://www.apwa.net
Contains a resource center for all areas of public works such as utilities, transportation, water/wastewater—etc. Offers publications, a catalog, videos, and information on conferences.

American Society of Civil Engineers

http://www.asce.org
Provides information on government relations that federally impact engineers, regulatory issues, legislation, publications, as well as a listing of conferences and continuing education opportunities.

Public Works.com

https://www.publicworks.com
Provides news on the public works industry. Included also are resources for trade shows and conferences, on online special events page, free product information, and discussion forums.

Texas Local Technical Assistance Program

https://teex.org/Pages/default.aspx
Provides resources on road and highway safety, including the free Lone Star Roads newsletter and a video lending library.

National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse

https://www.workzonesafety.org
Provides information to improve motorist, worker and pedestrian safety in roadway work zones.

Risk Management

Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters Society

https://www.cpcusociety.org
Contains information on membership, a press release directory of educational events, public service announcements, and links for several insurance sites.

Nonprofit Risk Management Center

https://www.nonprofitrisk.org
Provides information to non-profit staff and volunteers through publications, training, consulting, briefs on liability, insurance and risk management, and conference information.

Public Risk Management Association

https://primacentral.org/
Contains information on conferences and seminars, offers books, manuals, guides, videos—etc. through a Risk Management Resource Center, and a governmental affairs page which monitors federal legislative and regulatory activities.

Public Entity Risk Institute (PERI)

https://primacentral.org/peri/
Provides a clearinghouse on risk management and insurance, local government, safety and health, disaster management, and others. Also provides a news center for programs and activities of PERI.

Risk Insurance Management Society (RIMS)

https://www.rims.org/Pages/Default.aspx
Offers a listing of conferences and events, courses for professional development, publications, and links to governmental and risk management sites.

Safety Associations and Organizations

American Society of Safety Engineers

https://www.assp.org
Provides safety standards, conference information, a national registry of safety professionals, publications and links to safety related sites.

American Society for Testing and Materials

https://www.astm.org
Contains a listing of standard specifications, a directory of scientific and technical consultants, a tracker for standard changes, and publications.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

https://www.nhtsa.gov
Site for car and passenger safety information, regulations and industry standards, injury prevention, crash tests, recalls, and ratings.

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh
Provides a guide for chemical hazards, health hazard evaluations, conferences and special programs, publications, and a topic index.

National Safety Council

https://www.nsc.org
Provides resource topics concerning public safety, the environment, community and workplace safety. Listing of upcoming conferences, safety calendar, publications and an online library.

Security

Federal Emergency Management Agency

https://www.fema.gov/resource-document-library
https://training.fema.gov
Listing of FEMA's reference materials.

National League of Cities

https://www.nlc.org
The National League of Cities has free publications and resources on security issues.

Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms

https://www.atf.gov
Information on handling bomb threats.

Building Owners and Managers Association

https://www.boma.org/
Building security publications.

American Water Works Association

https://www.awwa.org
The AWWA has videos and publications regarding utility security.

Department of Homeland Security

https://www.dhs.gov
The mission of the Department of Homeland Security is to guard against terrorism, secure U.S. borders, enforce immigration laws, and improve readiness for, response to and recovery from disasters.

Texas Division of Emergency Management

http://www.dps.texas.gov/dem/index.htm
The Texas Division of Emergency Management coordinates the state emergency management program. Resources include updates on disasters in Texas, severe weather, emergency preparedness, hazard mitigation and other topics.

Transportation

American Public Transportation Association

https://www.apta.com/Pages/default.aspx/
Listing of conferences and events, legislative action center with information on congress, transit-related bills, votes, House and Senate Floor and links to international transit sites.

Bureau of Transportation Statistics

https://www.bts.gov
Airline information including a FAA Statistical Handbook of Aviation, National Transportation Library with books, articles, and technical reports, and international transportation statistical programs and analytical reports and studies.

Texas Department of Transportation

https://www.txdot.gov
Site contains public transportation information such as vehicle specifications, Texas Transportation Codes, information on operating credentials, and oversize/weight permit requirements.

US DOT Federal Highway Administration

https://www.fhwa.dot.gov
Highway reports and publications, legislation and regulations, state transportation sites, and a listing of federal highway programs.

US DOT Federal Transit Administration (FTA)

https://www.transit.dot.gov/
Links to National Transit database and Office of Safety and Security website, information on Transportation Equity Act for 21st Century (TEA21), FTA calendar of events, and research and technical programs.

Utilities

American Gas Association

https://www.aga.org
Clearinghouse for gas energy information. Site contains a listing of advocacy issues, publications, industry codes and standards, conferences and workshops, and links to other natural gas-related sites.

American Public Power Association (APPA)

https://www.publicpower.org
Organization dedicated to serving publicly owned electric utilities. Safety videos, a manual, and other publications are available for purchase.

American Water Works Association

https://www.awwa.org
Links to water utility sites, a small utility network for rural communities, information on legislative and federal regulations on drinking water, Water Wiser (a water efficiency clearinghouse) and other water related websites.

National Association of Clean Water Agencies

http://www.nacwa.org
Provides information on regulations and legislation for wastewater utility professionals. Also has a bookstore, including a free tool for analyzing vulnerability to disasters and threats.

North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC)

https://www.nerc.com/Pages/default.aspx
Provides information on NERC committees and regional councils, planning standards, NERC operating manual, compliance programs, and links to utility, electric and nuclear sites.

US Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/about-phmsa/offices/office-pipeline-safety
Safety information for natural gas industry, including issues such as risk management, operator qualification, and other federal laws.

Public Utility Commission of Texas

http://www.puc.texas.gov
Information on rules and laws for electric and telecommunications, utility publications, consumer protection information, utility implemented legislative bills, and links to other government and utility sites.

Southern Gas Association

https://www.southerngas.org
A source of training and development programs for natural gas utilities.

Texas Engineering Extension Service

https://teex.org/Pages/default.aspx
TEEX provides education and training on water and wastewater certification, electric utility safety, work zone traffic control, along with law enforcement and firefighter training.

Texas Gas Association

http://www.texasgas.com
Promotes education through various workshops and training sessions for the Texas Gas Industry. The site also provides links to several gas industry related sites.

Texas Railroad Commission — Pipeline Safety

http://www.rrc.state.tx.us/pipeline-safety/
Information on the Pipeline Safety Division, which oversees safety regulation of gas utilities in Texas. Includes links to pipeline safety rules.

Transportation Safety Institute - Federal Department of Transportation

https://www.transportation.gov/transportation-safety-institute
This agency provides information on traffic safety, pipeline safety, including publications and a guidance manual for operators of small natural gas systems.

Texas Water Utilities Association

http://www.twua.org
The TWUA offers publications and training for water utility personnel.

Water Environment Federation

https://www.wef.org
Information on wastewater treatment and water quality. Conferences and workshops on water trends and technology. Federal water regulations and legislation, periodicals, magazines, newsletters, and links to the Water Environment Research Foundation.