Practical EHS Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
Since motor vehicle accidents are the most common cause of death in the United States, you have a vested interest in making sure your workers understand the risks of highway driving. Even if your workers don’t drive as part of their job responsibilities, they still probably spend a lot of time on the road whether […]
Workers who operate and maintain machinery suffer approximately 18,000 amputations, lacerations, crushing injuries, abrasions, and over 800 deaths per year. Most of these incidents are caused by improper guarding of workplace machines. In fact one of the most frequently cited OSHA regulations is machine guarding. One common method of protecting workers who use mechanical power […]
How can you make sure your employees follow safety regulations? Develop a consistent safety policy and discipline employees who violate it. Don’t wait for an accident to occur. If you wait to discipline until after an accident, workers may think that the company cares only about its safety record. Make sure you discipline employees every […]
When would a court support a “willful” citation? Find out how one federal appeals court ruled. As a construction company began work on the shell of a three-story building, a representative of the local utility showed up and said, “You can’t continue working here with those power lines so close by. They have to be […]
Which violations rise to the level of “willful” in the eyes of OSHA? Find out what compliance officers are trained to look for. According to the OSHA Field Inspection Reference Manual, a willful violation of OSHA standards occurs whenever the evidence shows either an intentional violation or “plain indifference” to the requirements of the regulations. […]
Compressed air can be very helpful for powering pneumatic tools and for transferring nonflammable liquids. You can even use it for cleaning equipment if you follow strict safety procedures. But, compressed air is also dangerous. How could plain old air be hazardous? Consider this: Compressed air can pop your eyeball from its socket. If directed […]
Yesterday, we reviewed safety tips for loading dock workers. Today, we go inside and highlight some key safety issues for warehouse workers. Make sure your safety training for warehouse workers includes these important points from 7-Minute Safety Trainer’s “Safety in the Warehouse” training session. Materials Storage Make sure shelves and racks are sturdy, in good […]
Remember what your mother told you? “A proper place for everything and everything in its place.” Well, Mom was right, especially at work where an effective housekeeping program can make a big difference in preventing accidents, fires, explosions, and occupational diseases. Good housekeeping provides other benefits as well: Encourages efficiency Utilizes space better Keeps inventory […]
Loading docks are busy places with a variety of activities and hazards. Without proper precautions, accidents and injuries are likely Loading docks can be hazardous places for employees to work. Hazards include: Slipping on wet or oily surfaces Tripping on broken floor surfaces Falling off dock edges Injuries from falls or unsecured dock plates Injuries […]
Summer is the peak season for lightning so, if you and your employees work outdoors, now is the time to check your safety precautions if caught in an electrical storm. All thunderstorms produce lightning and are dangerous. Lightning often strikes as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall. You are in danger of lightning […]