Practical EHS Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
No one wants it to happen, but an emergency, natural or manmade, can strike at anytime, 24/7. What’s more, it need not be a major, nationally-televised incident, such as a hurricane, earthquake, or act of political terror. An event as common as a local building fire can present just as large a challenge to you. These resources will help you create a plan for handling such crises, whatever their scope, and to carry it out in a way that best protects your employees and your company.
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In a recent directive OSHA provides guidance for employers about reducing workplace violence risks. Read about seven basic precautions that can help protect your employees. In a recent directive entitled Enforcement Procedures for Investigating or Inspecting Workplace Violence Incidents (CPL 02-01-052, September 8, 2011), OSHA outlines general recommendations for all industries and workplaces concerning violence […]
Yesterday, we began a quick review of Hands-Only CPR. Today, we continue with more questions and more answers from the American Heart Association about this first aid innovation. Q. How long should someone trained in conventional CPR that includes breathing do Hands-Only CPR before switching to conventional CPR? A. At this point, according to the […]
In Hands-Only CPR only chest compressions are used. Here are answers to frequently asked questions about this procedure from the American Heart Association. Q. What is Hands-Only CPR? A. Hands-Only CPR is CPR without mouth-to-mouth breaths. It is recommended for use by people who see an adult suddenly collapse in an "out-of-hospital" setting. It consists […]
Is your workplace prepared for an emergency or disaster? A new poll shows that many employers may not be as well prepared as they should be. More than a decade after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, only a third of surveyed organizations believe they are well prepared for threats and disasters, even though about […]
The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) says that more than 3,500 Americans die each year in fires, and approximately 18,300 are injured. Many of these deaths and injuries occur in the home, which is why your employees need a home fire escape plan. The theme of next week’s Fire Prevention Week is “Protect Your Family from […]
Next week (October 9-15) is Fire Prevention Week. What are you doing to prepare for the risk of fire in your workplace? OSHA requires most employers to implement a fire prevention plan to minimize fire risks and the need for evacuation. The plan must be in writing and available for employee review. According to OSHA’s […]
Yesterday, we talked about design requirements for emergency exit routes. Today, we review OSHA’s emergency exit maintenance, safeguarding, and operational requirements. OSHA standards require emergency exit routes to be maintained in safe and fully operational condition at all times. This means you must: Keep exit routes free of explosive or highly flammable furnishings and other […]
When assessing the potential for respiratory hazard exposure in the workplace, OSHA says the key issues are when, what, and how much. OSHA defines an exit route as “a continuous and unobstructed path of exit travel from any point within a workplace to a place of safety.” An exit route consists of three parts: Exit […]
If you are faced with an unforeseen emergency at work, such as a fire or explosion, you don’t want to waste precious moments trying to figure out what to do and who to listen to. That’s why all workplace emergency plans have a chain of command that links one person with overall responsibility for managing […]
You’ve seen the destructive force of tornadoes vividly illustrated on TV over the past couple of months. Are you and your employees prepared to survive such a catastrophic event? Many areas of the country have experienced severe tornadoes this spring, and the threat continues now that summer is here. Since tornadoes pose a major threat […]