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The best way to prevent arc flash or to protect workers in the event of an accident is through effective training. In addition to being “qualified” under OSHA’s electrical standard, workers who may be exposed to arc flash hazards need to understand why arc flash occurs, how to prevent it, and safe work practices to […]
Each year, more than 2,000 workers are treated in burn centers with severe arc flash injuries. The cost of treatment per injured worker can exceed $1 million, not counting litigation fees, insurance increases, and the costs of accident investigations and possible penalties. An arc flash is a short circuit through the air. In an arc […]
Yesterday, we talked about OSHA-required fire prevention plans. Today, we turn our focus to workplace fire prevention policies. A comprehensive fire prevention policy backs up your emergency plans and formalizes your fire prevention program. A clear, comprehensive, and well-communicated fire prevention policy is the foundation of any workplace fire prevention program and gives purpose and […]
There are some 100,000 workplace fires every year in the United States, resulting in losses in the billions of dollars. And the human toll is high as well. The National Safety Council estimates that fires and burns account for 3 percent of all occupational fatalities. Because of the substantial risks and costs associated with workplace […]
Over the last 2 days, we have looked at the dangers of asbestos and measures you can take to safeguard your workers. Today, our Safety Training Tips editor turns to the broader topic of airborne contaminants. Airborne contaminants come in many varieties, such as fumes, vapors, dusts, and gases. But they all have one thing […]
Given the risks of working with asbestos, safety must always be a priority. Effective employee training and other precautions such as engineering controls and personal protective equipment (PPE) are necessary to keep workers safe. OSHA’s asbestos standard (29 CFR 1910.1001) requires you to inform employees who might be exposed to asbestos about the hazards and […]
The high-profile prosecution of chemical manufacturer W.R. Grace and three of its executives underscored the dangers that asbestos poses to workers, communities, and the environment. After a hotly contested trial, a jury last month returned a not guilty verdict against W.R. Grace and three of its executives. The company and executives had been charged with […]
OSHA has a lot to say about emergency preparedness, and that means you have to identify all the requirements so that you can prepare your workplace and your workforce to meet the standards. Effective workplace emergency planning is the key to saving lives, preventing injuries, and protecting facilities from damage. So it’s clearly something all […]
When an emergency strikes your workplace, there’s no time for hesitation-or for trying to figure out what to do. To survive an emergency, you and your workforce have to already know what to do. Emergency plans must be well developed, well practiced, and ready to be put into action at a moment’s notice. Emergency planning […]
In case you missed the opportunity to talk to your employees about sun safety last week (June 1-7 was Sun Safety Week), you still have time. The summer sun has yet to get its fiery hottest, and our Safety Training Tips editor says that now is a great time to hold a safety meeting to […]