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…
Dan Clark | June 16, 2014 | Ladder Safety, Podcast | OSHA, Safety, Workplace Safety
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…
Dan Clark | June 13, 2014 | Back Injuries, Podcast | Kaizen, OSHA, PPE, Safety, Workplace Safety
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,…
Dan Clark | June 11, 2014 | Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, Podcast | OSHA, Safety, Safety Signs, Workplace Safety
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…
Dan Clark | June 5, 2014 | OSHA inspection, Podcast, Safety Housekeeping | Facility Marking, Gemba, Labeling, Organized Workplace, OSHA, Safety, Safety Signs, Tool Organization, Workplace Safety
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.…
Dan Clark | June 4, 2014 | Podcast, Safety Labels | Facility Marking, Labeling, NFPA, OSHA, Regulations & Compliance, Safety, Safety Signs, Workplace Safety
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.…
Dan Clark | June 3, 2014 | Eyewash, Podcast | OSHA, Regulations & Compliance, Safety, Safety Signs, Workplace Safety
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…
Dan Clark | May 29, 2014 | GHS, Podcast, Universal Safety Standards | Facility Marking, GHS, Hazcom, Labeling, OSHA, Safety, Workplace Safety
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…
Dan Clark | May 28, 2014 | Falling Objects, Podcast | OSHA, PPE, Safety, Spill Cleanup, Workplace Safety
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…
Dan Clark | May 23, 2014 | Heat Related Injuries, Podcast | OSHA, Safety, Workplace Safety
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…
Dan Clark | May 22, 2014 | Podcast, Scaffolding Safety, slip and Fall | OSHA, Regulations & Compliance, Safety, Workplace Safety
