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
Safety managers, ATTENTION! Check hazards, provide safety training, and ensure proper use of PPE. Safety managers will best succeed by planning ahead for dangers such as fire, chemicals, slips and falls, and other sources of potential on-site injury. Proper safety instruction for workers and managers is critical. When hazards are identified, all…
Dan Clark | June 9, 2014 | Podcast, PPE, Safety Inspection, Safety Instruction | Safety, 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
Safety recognition programs for employees, implemented correctly, can be successful in reducing injuries and saving money. But, if executed poorly, can do more harm than good. Employees may try to rig the system to get a reward for better safety reports. Some workers will work slower to increase safety. Also, if managers…
Dan Clark | May 29, 2014 | Podcast, Safety Inspection, Safety Recognition | 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
Increase efficiency by red-tagging items you don’t need immediately. Store them or get rid of them. Red tagging is part of “Sort”, one of the five elements of a Japanese system of streamlining manufacturing called 5S. The five elements of 5S are Sort, Set In Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain. If you’re…
Dan Clark | May 28, 2014 | 5S, Podcast, Red Tags | 5S, Facility Efficiency, Lean Manufacturing, Organized Workplace, Safety, Tool Organization, Workplace Safety
Mining companies and miners must always be involved with mine safety. The past few generations of miners have had many safety improvements, but more are needed. Companies and miners should prevent cave-ins with proper ground control, including pillar design, roof supports and horizontal stress supports. Confined space fire and explosions can be…
Dan Clark | May 27, 2014 | Mining Safety, Podcast | Electrical Safety, Emergency Evacuation, Facility Marking, Fire Safety, Mining Safety, Safety, Workplace Safety
