Practical EHS Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
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 […]
April is Injury Prevention Month, a good time to remind your workers of the critical role they play in the prevention of workplace injuries. Because they do the job every day, they know better than anyone else what could potentially result in a workplace injury or illness. Remind employees that they know best: The machinery […]
Annual physical exams for some or all employees may be a good idea for many reasons. But make sure your policy is clearly communicated to employees and meets legal requirements. There are many legitimate reasons for requiring employees to have annual physical exams—for example, to ensure that individuals are physically capable of performing the required […]
Wellness programs seem like a simple, appealing way to reduce skyrocketing healthcare costs. But be aware that some programs can run afoul of federal and state laws. Wellness programs encourage employees to adopt or maintain healthy lifestyles—or at least take the first steps toward learning about healthy alternatives. Choosing healthier alternatives to reduce cholesterol levels, […]
A back injury on or off the job could put one of your workers on the sick list for days or even weeks. Don’t take chances when back safety is concerned. Train all your employees to prevent back injuries. One of the most important ways employees can prevent back injuries is to lift correctly. The […]
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that back injuries account for 1 in 5 workplace injuries/illnesses. Back problems also account for many lost workdays. Simple steps to care for the back can prevent injury. According to the Department of Environmental Health and Safety at Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI), risk factors for back injuries […]
More Americans than ever—some 50 million—report suffering from chronic pain and may be taking pain medications. This reality can have a profound effect on safety in the workplace, not only because some of these meds have potentially dangerous side effects, but also because more people are becoming addicted and may continue using the drugs even […]