Practical EHS Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
Earth Day is April 22 this year, so this is a good month to talk with employees about conserving energy at work. Whether they work in an office, a warehouse, a factory, or other workspace, employees can take many steps to save energy. Workers can start saving energy on their commute to work. Inform workers […]
It’s just dust. How could it be dangerous, let alone explosive? Any combustible material can burn rapidly and explode in a finely divided form. Dust suspended in air in the right concentration can become explosive. The force from such an explosion can cause employee deaths, injuries, and destruction of entire buildings. In addition to explosion […]
OSHA is currently in the process of developing a combustible dust standard. Meanwhile, the agency has issued guidance to help industry recognize and control hazards. And OSHA may pursue enforcement actions under the general duty clause and hazard communication standard. For at least half of its 10-year existence, the U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) has […]
OSHA routinely surveys employers to collect data on workplace injury and illness rates. This year, the spotlight turns on 15,000 workplaces with the highest rates. A letter has been sent to about 15,000 workplaces with the highest numbers of injuries and illnesses resulting in days away from work, restricted work activities, or job transfers, known […]
Hazardous chemicals and substances play leading roles in OSHA’s list of regulatory priorities for 2010. Here’s a quick review of expected rulemaking. What’s new with OSHA? OSHA Chief Dr. David Michaels says, "We’re moving from reaction to prevention, beefing up enforcement, and moving the regulatory agenda forward." Regulatory priorities for this year have been set […]
In 2007, OSHA issued new rules for who pays for personal protective equipment (PPE) in the workplace. Of course, this issue is very important to employees, so it’s a good idea to clarify for them exactly when the employer pays and when the employee pays for PPE used in the workplace. Employers must pay for […]
Permit-required confined spaces are regulated strictly by OSHA because the hazards are so great. Here’s a quick review of OSHA’s requirements for permit spaces. As we said in yesterday’s Advisor, which reviewed confined space hazards, OSHA defines confined spaces as tanks, silos, sewers, and similar spaces large enough to work in, but difficult to get […]
Confined spaces can be deadly unless employees are aware of hazards and understand safety measures required to prevent accidents and injuries. OSHA defines confined spaces as work areas with certain features. They are: Large enough to enter and work in Limited entry and exit areas Not designed to be occupied for extended periods Examples of […]
It would be tragic if a worker’s family member became ill because of chemical contamination brought home from the workplace. Train your workers to prevent the spread of contamination. In yesterday’s Advisor, we quoted safety consultant Fred Rine, who says about workplace safety: "If employees don’t understand the ‘why,’ not just the ‘how,’ they’ll never […]
Industrial workplace safety and health depend on getting employees involved in the process. When they’re asked to contribute to the safety of others, employees are more likely to work safely themselves. "If employees don’t understand the ‘why,’ not just the ‘how’ [of workplace safety], they’ll never get beyond a certain point," says Fred Rine, founder […]