They are so familiar, workers ignore ladder safety. Misuse accounts for tens of thousands of at-work accidents, and 100 deaths or more annually in the U.S. Here we review the two types of ladders, freestanding and self-supporting, and how employees can be safe using each. Even though staffers may balk at ladder training, they should be reminded of the correct footwear to use, weather considerations, when to have a person help as spotter, and more. …
One million people have back injuries in the workplace every year, according to OSHA. And most of those injuries are from lifting below the knees or over the shoulders. Storage of materials above 1.5 ft and below 5 ft could reduce risk. Employers could order lighter supplies—in 50 lb bags instead of 100 lb bags, for example. Requiring heavier materials be moved with a hand truck or forklift can also help eliminate back injuries. PPE …
It’s a killer you can’t see, taste or smell. Carbon monoxide poisoning can happen due to gas powered tools running in a confined space. But with common sense precautions, workers can stay safe. Carbon monoxide (CO) is the invisible gas given off from burning fossil and wood fuels. Even in small concentrations, it reduces oxygen carried in the bloodstream. Symptoms of headaches, dizziness and confusion come on quickly, often leaving no time to escape to …
This is the story of tragedy that could have been avoided with better safety housekeeping. Here, we detail a fatal accident at a sugar refinery in Wyoming, and review of the OSHA citations. A Gemba walk by managers, or a safety inspection by employees, could have identified the easily-resolved problems. Safety housekeeping is absolutely essential. No system in place to identify even minor safety problems? It’s time to establish one, and fix issues right away. …
Dan has compiled the 10 most common signage and labeling questions asked about keeping workers safe and avoiding fines. These questions are from a wide range of industries. The answers are a good starting resource for any professional concerned about facility safety. The size of signs. The colors of signs. OSHA compliance. NFPA vs. GHS. Lockout/tagout. Arc flash labeling. Confined space labeling. It’s all here. Handwritten vs. printed labels, what is required? The answer is …
An eyewash station is something you may need, but hope you will never use. But if there’s an emergency, it’s there to flush out the eyes fast to prevent injury or blindness. If you have hazardous substances, you may be OSHA-required to provide eyewash stations. Larger facilities may need more than one. Provide employees with training, and have necessary safety signs properly placed. Signage needs to be large and clear enough for a worked with …
Will universal safety standards cause more problems than they solve? Implementing rules across cultures and languages will have benefits, but also potential issues. GHS, the Globally Harmonized System of labeling hazardous chemicals is one example of standardized visual warnings being adopted worldwide. The United Nations began planning the program in 1992, and hoped to have it engaged by 2008. Many countries have yet to embrace it. Proponents of GHS and other systems say that all …
Helmets, ear protection, eye protection are all important. However, safety managers must ensure foot protection is a priority too. The foot is susceptible to many dangers at a jobsite. OHSA warns of punctures, crushing, sprains, slips, trips and falls. Feet can also be injured from electrocution, chemical burns and frostbite. Shoes or boots that offer protection from hazards should be worn as necessary. Protective footwear features include insulation to protect from heat and cold, and …
Summer brings a new set of workplace hazards. Workers will be affected by heat and humidity, in and out of the sun. Plan ahead in the spring for hot weather supplies and facility adaptation. Ventilation and liquids are important to keep employees cool and hydrated. Beware of insects and animals, which are both very active during this hottest season. OSHA requires that employers take action to have these workplace hazards removed. TRANSCRIPT: (:00) intro music …
Scaffolding safety is often hard to achieve, due to the structure’s temporary nature. Just like any other work at-height, it is dangerous. But, because it is a temporary structure, more can go wrong with scaffolding. Avoid slip and fall hazards by inspecting it regularly. OSHA requires all workers to be trained prior to occupying, building or moving a scaffold. Employees should also know if scaffolding might intersect with site hazards. Don’t let scaffolding give you …
