Practical EHS Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
Because of the potentially serious health effects of airborne contaminants and other hazards, OSHA’s respiratory protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134) establishes rigorous requirements for the safe use of respirators. Respirators protect workers from a host of workplace hazards, including insufficient oxygen, and harmful dust, fog, smoke, mists, gases, vapors, and sprays. Without this essential PPE, […]
Does the confirmation of the new OSHA administrator mean the dawn of a new era of greater regulation and stricter enforcement? It’s too early to say for sure. But here’s a look at what might be headed your way. What can you expect from OSHA under David Michaels? Listen to what Michaels himself says in […]
Whether David Michaels is the right person to head OSHA was a hotly debated topic in recent months. With his confirmation, we take a look at his credentials and what people are saying—pro and con—about the new OSHA chief. As we start the new year and consider the impact of the confirmation of David Michaels […]
Yesterday, we shared some views and suggestions about safety incentive programs gleaned from the EHS Forum on our sister website, Safety.BLR.com. Today, we continue with more of the Forum members’ views on incentive programs, both pro and con. Safety Kaizen “We have a ‘safety kaizen’ monthly competition. Employees compete with other departments using the kaizen […]
If you’re thinking about establishing a safety incentive program, or want to improve an existing one, here are some comments—pro and con—from your colleagues, courtesy of their postings in Safety.BLR.com’s EHS Forum. Safety Bingo “I work for a construction company and we have played Safety Bingo for the last 5 years. Our program is divided up […]
There may be only a few occasions when team lifting is necessary. But if your workers know the rules for team lifting, they’ll be able to move big, awkward loads more easily—and more safely. When two or more workers move a load together, the risk of accidents and injuries increases. To protect workers involved in […]
Although many workers swear by back belts, claiming these devices help prevent lower back injury and pain, neither OSHA nor NIOSH tout the use of back belts. They say there are no good data showing that back belts prevent injury. While OSHA does not prohibit the use of back belts, it doesn’t encourage their use, […]
Hundreds of deaths occur every year as a direct result of electrical accidents at work. What is even more tragic is that most of these fatalities could be easily avoided. Simple training can teach employees how to work safely with electricity. Your employees must understand that: Normal workplace or household current can be lethal. Electrocutions […]
Some employees work directly with electricity and face the greatest risk of shocks, burns, and electrocution. Others may be exposed only indirectly, but they, too, can be injured or killed. That’s why all employees should be trained to understand electrical hazards and take proper precautions. OSHA ranks electrical hazards as among the most dangerous and […]
There are hazards even in the safest workplaces. And one of the best ways to eliminate these dangers is through effective housekeeping. There’s a double payoff for emphasizing housekeeping and general maintenance—they make your workplace safer and more efficient. There are hidden hazards in even the safest-looking workplace. And most of them can be eliminated […]