The Safety Brief is a compilation of short podcasts produced by Creative Safety Supply and Dan Clark, our resident all-around safety guru. In our podcasts we give short but valuable overviews and insights into how contractors and safety managers can be even more effective in protecting their workers.
Cleaning chemicals can be as dangerous as other workplace chemicals. Be aware of potential health hazards, even with “green” products with less odor. In this podcast, we talk about less toxic fumes of green chemicals used for cleaning, and their harsh predecessors. Also, we discuss how both categories can still be dangerous to the skin.…
Dan Clark | September 16, 2014 | Chemical Safety, Podcast
FR wear finally has an improvement. Now you can buy lightweight, comfortable, breathable garments made from a new polyester. Flame-resistant clothing has a well-earned reputation for being heavy, hot and uncomfortable. So much so, workers sometimes don’t wear it. In this podcast, we tell about modern polyester flame-resistant technology from Bulwark FR and Millikan. TRANSCRIPT: (:00) intro…
Dan Clark | September 11, 2014 | Flame Resistant, Heat Related Injuries, Podcast
Lockout-tagout (LOTO) is not just for major equipment repairs. Do it for maintenance, cleaning, and even retrieving stuck items, or it could be fatal. In this podcast we discuss the importance of not taking shortcuts. Workers and managers should always “do it right” and use lockout-tagout signs and labels. Implementing this element of 5S and…
Dan Clark | September 9, 2014 | Lockout-Tagout, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), Podcast
Ammonia hazards are more common than you think. Many companies use this dangerous substance for refrigeration, and workers need to know the risks. In this podcast, we describe anhydrous ammonia, and how it’s used in breweries, cold storage warehouses, processing milk, cheese and meat. Ammonia hazards include its high flammability, and toxicity to the skin,…
WMSD means pain. WMSD means Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorder. We cover WMSD in hands and arms in this podcast. Swinging a hammer all day can give you WMSD. So can using a computer keyboard and mouse. Repetitive motions, awkward postures and using heavy force can all cause WMSD. Find relief from these tasks to avoid prolonged…
Dan Clark | September 2, 2014 | Hand Safety, Podcast, Tool Safety
Earthquake at work? If a tremor happens, there’s a good chance it will hit when employees are on the job. Learn how to stay safe at work in this podcast. Think about it. Workers don’t have a pantry full of food at their workplace. Local transportation may be at a standstill, so workers could be…
Dan Clark | August 28, 2014 | Earthquake Safety, Falling Objects, Podcast
Available fault current is the maximum current in a short circuit. Electrical service panels must be labeled with the current, and the date it was calculated. If it changes, the label needs to be replaced with the new calculation and date. In this podcast we review the change in the NFPA 70 National Electrical Code…
Dan Clark | August 26, 2014 | Fault Current, National Electrical Code, Podcast
Powered industrial trucks, also known as forklifts, need clear labeling to keep operators and pedestrians safe. This podcasts details the three main types of labels, CAUTION, WARNING and DANGER. We also discuss the factory-supplied nameplate, and what’s on it. Good labeling increases visuality for the operator. They will be more aware of the truck’s limits…
Dan Clark | August 21, 2014 | Forklift, Podcast, Powered Industrial Truck, Signs and Labels
Machine safety at work requires constant attention. In our industrial age, there are many moving parts and sharp edges. Listen for tips on machine safety. In this podcast, we review nine rules to keep workers safe around machines. Important issues covered include lockout/tagout, loose clothing; flame resistant clothing, PPE, and more. In the battle of…
Dan Clark | August 19, 2014 | Hand Safety, Machine guarding, Podcast
Cooling shirts are a water cooled PPE for working in heat. They are used by industrial workers, athletes and medical professionals for comfort and to avoid heat illness. The shirts have a system of narrow tubes which circulate cool water through an ice pack. There are mobile and stationary types, offered by many manufacturers. Listen…
Dan Clark | August 14, 2014 | cooling shirt, Heat Related Injuries, Podcast
Warehouse traffic can be a safety battle. A battle of people vs. machines. Too often, the machines win. Struck-by accidents in 2012 alone claimed the lives of 199 people on the job. With better planning, those lives could have been saved. Listen to this podcast for ways to increase warehouse traffic safety. Here we detail…
Dan Clark | August 12, 2014 | Forklift, Podcast, Struck-by Accidents
N95 respirators are part of a family of respirators which filter airborne hazards. The letter N means the respirator does not filter oil. The 95 indicates the percentage of particulates it can filter. N99 and N100 filters are similar, but remove higher percentages of particulates. Those designated R are partially resistant to oil. Respirators with…
Dan Clark | August 8, 2014 | N95, Podcast, Respirator
Exit route violations are very common in OSHA inspections. Make access to unobstructed, well marked workplace exit routes a priority. We detail the finer points of exit routes in this podcast. We discuss the three parts to an exit route: exit access, the exit itself, and exit discharge. Hear about OSHA’s requirements for adequate lighting,…
Dan Clark | August 7, 2014 | Exit, Exit Routes, Podcast
OSHA 10 training is a 10 hour course on standards for safety in the workplace. In this podcast, we give an overview of the program. OSHA 10 training courses are offered in four categories. They are specialized for General Industry, Construction, Marine, and Disaster Site. Employers often make OSHA 10 training as part of their…
Dan Clark | August 5, 2014 | OSHA 10, OSHA Training, Podcast
NFPA labels help workers identify hazardous materials. In this podcast, employees can learn how to read the NFPA label, the “Fire Diamond,” to stay safe. The diamond shaped NFPA label has four color quadrants, each designated with a hazard range or symbols. Listen as we review the NFPA label details in less than three minutes!…
Dan Clark | August 4, 2014 | Fire Diamond, NFPA Labels, Podcast
Combustible dust is a major workplace danger. If you can write your name in the dust, and it’s combustible dust, you could have a dust explosion. Wood and food processing can create combustible dust. But so can the processing of some metal and non-organic materials. For a dust fire or explosion, five things are needed:…
Dan Clark | August 1, 2014 | Combustible Dust, Podcast
Forklift safety starts when the driver understands a forklift is not a car. Many of the basic safety rules apply, such as driving on the right and watching for pedestrians to avoid struck-by accidents. Avoiding distractions such as cell phones and texting is important too. Forklifts differ from highway vehicles in many ways. Their rear…
Dan Clark | July 31, 2014 | Forklift Safety, Podcast, Stacking And Storing
Stacking and storing materials on pallets or shelves must be done with a solid plan for warehouse safety. If not, workers could be crushed and pinned or otherwise injured. Collapsing loads can be avoided by observing the weight and height limits for stacks. Heavier items should be stacked low. Layer materials on pallets based on…
Dan Clark | July 30, 2014 | Falling Objects, Podcast, Stacking And Storing, Workplace Injuries
Fall protection is critical near ledges, manholes, catwalks, windows and other openings and holes. Falls are one of the leading causes of death and injury in the workplace, and here we give tips on how to avoid them. Good fall protection around openings and holes can come from removable and permanent railings, toe boards, floor…
Dan Clark | July 29, 2014 | Fall Protection, Podcast, slip and Fall
Fall protection is critical. Falls are the leading cause of death and injury in construction. In residential construction, risks can sometimes be underestimated because heights aren’t as great as in commercial construction. But short falls can be fatal. If a worker will be six feet or more above the next lower level, OSHA requires a…
Dan Clark | July 28, 2014 | Fall Protection, Podcast, slip and Fall
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