As the year comes to a close, we’re taking a look back at some of our highlights from 2023. Today, we’re sharing some of our favorite Back to Basics articles from this year.
Demolition Safety
Demolition is a dangerous process that yields many worker injuries and fatalities. According to OSHA, the hazards of demolition work can be controlled and eliminated with proper planning, the right personal protection equipment (PPE), the necessary training, and compliance with OSHA standards.
Read the full article here and view the accompanying infographic here.
Employer Responsibilities for Temporary Workers
Do you clearly understand your responsibilities as a host employer for the health and safety of temporary workers?
While you have sole responsibility for the health and safety of your permanent employees, you have a shared responsibility for the health and safety of temporary workers at your facility or worksite.
Under Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, host employers and staffing companies are both responsible for temporary workers’ health and safety. OSHA inspectors frequently cite both staffing agencies and host employers for workplace safety and health violations. In some instances, however, the agency has imposed higher penalties on the host employer than the staffing company that hired a temporary worker.
Read the full article here and view the accompanying infographic here.
What is the OSHA Form 300 and How Do I Use It?
If you’ve ever questioned what to record on your OSHA Form 300, short for OSHA Log of Injuries and Illnesses, here’s what you need to know.
In the event OSHA comes out and inspects your workplace for dangers and issues citations, one of the first things they’ll look at is your establishment’s injury and illness records, aka your OSHA Form 300.
Read the full article here and view the accompanying infographic here.
Remote Work Ergonomics
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work became increasingly more common and has been incorporated into many organizations. Employees can now either work entirely from home, or in a hybrid setting where they only visit the office sometimes. Safety professionals must be aware of the hazards that can occur in home offices and workspaces, specifically regarding ergonomics, and solutions for workers to avoid them.
Read the full article here and view the accompanying infographic here.
Essential Steps for Safely Responding to Natural Disasters
Severe weather emergencies and other natural disasters can strike any workplace or home, often without warning. In the United States alone, there are an average of 15 weather and climate disasters each year. If you’re not adequately prepared to respond to such events, the potential for injuries and even death is heightened.
However, when emergency responses have been anticipated, and you are ready to deal effectively with the most challenging situations, the chances are excellent that you can avoid a catastrophic situation.
Read the full article here and view the accompanying infographic here.
Toolbox Talk Participation
A strong safety culture starts with clear, inclusive communication from the top down and from the bottom up. Safety management and leaders must be able to talk openly with employees and build relationships with them, so that when incidents do occur, all parties are informed of procedures and have a support system for dealing with them. This kind of communication should happen during safety meetings and toolbox talks and can lead to better worker participation in safety programs.
Read the full article here and view the accompanying infographic here.