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Partner with Employees for Forklift Safety

Forklifts are the workhorses of many warehouses, and both employers and forklift operators must do their parts to ensure their safe operation. The forklift is one of a variety of industrial trucks powered by electric motors or internal combustion engines, and it is probably the most widely used in general industry. Requirements for both employers […]

Safety Incentives: Yea? Or Nay? Nay!

Yesterday we looked at the case for using incentives to bolster safety in the workplace. Today we look at arguments against safety- incentive programs, and at the foundation of workplace safety—safety attitude. The OSHA Compliance Advisor, a twice-monthly newsletter produced by BLR, took a comprehensive look at the cases for and against safety incentive programs. […]

Safety Incentives: Yea? Or Nay? Yea!

Are safety incentive programs right for your organization? Today we’ll look at the case for safety incentives; tomorrow we’ll look at the case against. The value of incentive programs has been hotly debated in the safety community. Advocates say they help employees stay focused on avoiding hazards. Opponents say such programs are a poor substitute […]

4 Keys to Effective Safety Communication

Communicating occupational safety and health information effectively is crucial to preventing employee injuries and illness. But how can you be sure your message is getting across? Our Safety Training Tips editor has some helpful tips for more effective safety communication. Remember the four keys to success. Effective safety communication is:1. Interactive. It flows both ways. […]

Understanding the ‘Employer Pays’ PPE Rule

Yesterday’s Advisor examined some of the exceptions and loopholes in the seemingly simple “employer pays” rule for personal protective equipment (PPE). Today we look at some of the other gray areas of the recent rule. As of May 15, 2008, employers were required to comply with an OSHA final rule requiring them to provide—at no […]

Employers Must Pay for PPE … Sometimes

On February 13, 2008, an OSHA rule took effect that requires employers to pay for personal protective equipment (PPE) for their employees. Sounds simple enough, right? Hah! As with any regulation covering such a broad and complex area, the “employer pays” PPE rule is rife with exceptions and clarifications. Our sister website, Safety.BLR.com, took a […]

Working Safely Around Hazardous Waste

Yesterday  we reviewed hazardous waste regulations, control strategies, and container maintenance and storage best practices. Today we look at what your employees need to do to stay safe when working with or around hazardous wastes, and at management’s role in making sure that happens. It goes without saying that any employee who works with or […]

Hazardous Waste: What You Need to Know

Hazardous materials remain hazardous even after they’re used. And other materials can become hazardous with use. Today we’ll review safety information about hazardous wastes that will help you protect your employees from harmful exposure. Hazardous Waste Defined According to the OSHA Required Training for Supervisors monthly newsletter, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) defines […]

Winter Wonderland? Or Hazard Trap?

The approaching winter can mean weather woes for you and your workforce. Because the week of November 10–14 is Winter Hazard Awareness Week, you’ll probably want to emphasize some winter safety tips in safety meetings next week. Here are some suggestions from our Safety Training Tips editor. Keep your workers safely on their feet. Preventing […]

Employee Discipline: Essential Considerations

Yesterday we explored the benefits and drawbacks of using carrots (rewards) or sticks (punishments) to motivate safe employee behavior. But sooner or later, discipline will be needed, so today we’ll look at the key elements of a disciplinary procedures policy. When an employee’s performance is below expectations or his or her conduct on the job […]