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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When thunder roars and lightning flashes, will your workers be safe on or off the job? Train them to recognize the hazards and take proper precautions. Thunder and lightning storms are such a common weather conditions during the summer months that people often ignore the risks. But according to the National Weather Service, lighting is […]
The one thing most workplace emergencies have in common is that you can rarely predict when they’ll strike. So effective warning systems are the best defense against widespread injuries and destruction. OSHA requirements for emergency alarm systems are detailed in 29 CFR 1910.38 (Emergency Action Plans) and 29 CFR 1910.165 (Employee Alarm Systems). Check your […]
Evacuating employees safely in a workplace emergency is a major issue in preparedness planning. And an important part of that planning for many employers is accounting for workers with disabilities. It’s hard enough for the average worker to make a safe escape from the workplace in an emergency. But the problem is much tougher for […]
Yesterday, we reviewed the purpose of OSHA-required emergency action plans, how to develop one, and who needs to have one. Today, we cover what should be included in your EAP and how to communicate this information to employees. At a minimum, OSHA requires EAPs to include: Means of reporting fires and other emergencies Emergency procedures […]
You never know when a workplace emergency will strike. Be prepared with an effective EAP. OSHA says the purpose of an emergency action plan (EAP) is to facilitate and organize employer and employee actions during workplace emergencies. This means that a well-developed EAP is essential for the safety of employees. It’s also essential for regulatory […]
Electrical accidents require fast but careful response to save injured workers and protect rescuers. Find out how to prepare your workplace and your workers for an electrical emergency. Electric shock occurs in one of three ways. Individuals, while in contact with the ground, must come in contact with: Both wires of the electric circuit One […]
The decision to close your workplace in an emergency should be an integral part of emergency planning and not a spur-of-the-moment afterthought. You should have a detailed plan for closing your facility, including: What circumstances will lead to a closing Who makes the decision How the decision is communicated What to do about employee compensation […]
OSHA has a lot to say about emergency preparedness and response. Do you know where to find all the rules? A hurricane blasts through South Florida causing more than $25 billion in damage. A fire rips through a food processing plant, killing 25. An explosion at a refinery injures 100 and leaves 15 dead. A […]
Although overall rates of workplace violence have declined in the past decade, homicides associated with customers and clients have increased. Employees who deal with the public are especially at risk. Johnny Lee, founder of Peace at Work, a nonprofit organization that focuses on violence prevention "in and through the workplace," notes a growing risk for […]
Healthcare and social-service workers face the threat of violence on the job every day. Read about a NIOSH study that’s assessing risks, and review OSHA guidelines for protecting employees. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the rate of violence against home healthcare and social-service workers is far higher than the rate for the working […]