Eye And Face Protection Answers From OSHA

March 8, 2016 by Dan Clark

2 min read Eye and face protection must be worn correctly by the worker and provided by the employer. Hear OSHA’s answers to important questions in this podcast. There are so many workplace hazards affecting eye and face safety. Here are some of the questions and answers from OSHA’s Eye and Face Protection eTool. 1. When do companies have to provide eye and face protection for workers? A: Whenever eye injuries might happen at work and engineering controls …

Hot Work? You Need A Urine Color Chart

March 3, 2016 by Dan Clark

2 min read Hot work dehydrates employees. A urine color chart can help workers monitor hydration by checking the shade of yellow. So says government agency NIOSH, the National Institute For Occupational Safety and Health. NIOSH has a new study, the first in 30 years. They say, during hot work, use urine color charts. Workers in a hot environment should monitor their urine color. Pale yellow is normal, deep amber like is bad. The worker needs to hydrate. …

Occupational Skin Disease Stopped Cold

February 18, 2016 by Dan Clark

2 min read Occupational skin disease (OSD) is caused by hazardous agents directly affecting the skin or creeping through it to wreak havoc with other body parts. In this podcast, Dan Clark tells how to prevent occupational skin disease, the 2nd most common type of occupational disease. The human body’s largest organ is your skin. It’s 10 percent of the body’s mass. All that surface area easily exposes it to hazardous agents — dermal exposure. Occupational skin disease …

5 Reasons For PPE Vending Machines

January 26, 2016 by Dan Clark

3 min read PPE vending machines in the workplace can increase safety and lower cost. Hear about the many types of machines and the five arguments for installing one. Personal protective equipment dispensed by machine can be a big benefit for workers. They have quicker access to the safety gear and don’t have to interrupt a manager, increasing efficiency. A PPE vending machine also better manages inventory. See links to suppliers in the transcript below. TRANSCRIPT: (:00) intro …

Arc Blast Hierarchy Of Controls

January 12, 2016 by Dan Clark

3 min read Arc blast dangers can be minimized with a Hierarchy Of Controls. Hear the difference between arc flash and arc blast, plus the five methods to prevent them. The surface of the sun is cooler than an arc blast. This explosive electrical hazard can easily kill and injure. In this podcast we present the Hierarchy Of Controls to prevent arc blast: Elimination/Substitution; Engineering Controls; Administrative Controls; Work Practice Controls Personal Protective Equipment. The hearing protection requirement …

5 Tips For Snow Safety At Work

January 7, 2016 by Dan Clark

3 min read Snow safety avoids on-the-job cold stress and slips, trips and falls. Plan ahead for the next flurry with the right PPE, equipment and vehicles. A snowfall adds additional hazards for outdoor workers. In this podcast, hear about the four major cold stresses caused by exposure to winter weather. Host Dan Clark offers tips on avoiding slips, trips and falls in snow. He also has advice on workers pacing themselves in cold weather, driving for work …

Arc Flash and Winter Underwear

December 15, 2015 by Dan Clark

2 min read Arc flash can melt synthetic underwear right to your skin. Wear arc-rated base layers, socks and briefs beneath an arc-rated jacket. An arc-rated coat may seem like an all-protective shield, but don’t be fooled. Thermal hazards are just waiting to overheat your non-arc-rated undergarments! What about spandex waistbands? In this podcast, Dan Clark reviews the 2015 OSHA clarifications on the flammability of spandex. Also, hear about the polyester molecule that’s flame-resistant in modern arc-rated wear …

Respirator Fit Tests And Medical Evaluations

December 3, 2015 by Dan Clark

3 min read Respirator fit tests are required by OSHA. But the employer must also do a medical evaluation of an employee before they wear a respirator on the job. A worker does not need to see a doctor, but he or she must answer an extensive list of questions which is then reviewed by a medical professional. A link to the OSHA-required questionnaire is in the transcript, below. Also in this podcast, Dan Clark details the two …

7 Hazards Of Oil And Gas Extraction

November 10, 2015 by Dan Clark

3 min read Oil and gas extraction can knock a worker on his butt. Or much worse. Hear about the on and off-site hazards of this high-risk job and how to avoid them. Vehicle, struck-by and fall accidents are some of the seven hazards facing oil and gas extraction workers. In this podcast, Dan Clark shares the dangers and best practices for prevention in this active sector. Also hear what OSHA and NIOSH have planned to stem the …

Anti-Vibration Gloves A Gimmick?

October 6, 2015 by Dan Clark

3 min read Anti-vibration gloves don’t do much to protect hands and arms from tool and machine shaking. Hear about the initial studies and NIOSH’s recommendations. NIOSH, The National Institute For Occupational Safety And Health, says those purported anti-vibration gloves do a poor job of isolating vibrations from sanders, grinders, pavement tampers and other equipment. In this podcast, Dan Clark explains NIOSH’s preliminary tests, and what companies and workers should do while waiting for the results of the …