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Confined space attendants serve as lifelines to safety for confined space entrants. That’s makes the attendant’s job a crucial responsibility—one that only well-trained, reliable, and highly motivated employees can handle. Confined space attendants’ primary responsibility is the safety of the entrants. That means attendants must: Be knowledgeable about all the potential hazards of the confined […]
Yesterday, we talked about the impact and benefits of proposed revisions to the hazcom standard. Today, we look at the costs of compliance. OSHA reports that the compliance costs associated with the proposed revisions to the hazard communication standard would generally be incurred by affected industries as one-time transition costs over the phase-in period of […]
OSHA has proposed a rule that would align its hazard communication standard (HCS) with provisions of the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). Proposed modifications to the hazard communication standard include: Revised criteria for classification of chemical hazards Revised labeling provisions that include requirements for use of standardized signal […]
December 6 to 12 is National Handwashing Awareness Week, and our Safety Training Tips editor reminds us of the importance of washing one’s hands to help prevent the spread of germs and disease. Every year when flu season arrives, we are reminded of the importance of washing our hands frequently as a way to help […]
Yesterday, we described the first three guidelines for hazmat employee training. Today, we continue with points four through seven. 4. Select a training tool. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) guidance for hazmat employee training lists four training delivery methods: Web-based Computer-based Classroom Hands-on/mentor training Decisions on which of these, or which combination, […]
Hazmat training requirements under the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) regulations are nonspecific. But one thing is crystal clear: Employers are legally responsible for making sure hazmat employees are properly trained. Performance-based standards have a nice, industry-friendly sound to them until you realize you are the one responsible for designing and implementing a […]
Yesterday, we identified a number of common workplace fire hazards and some key fire prevention rules for employees. Today, we’ll talk about 10 simple but highly effective fire prevention strategies that can help make your workplace truly fireproof. We’ve boiled basic workplace fire prevention down to 10 essential elements. They are: 1. Inspect all areas […]
On an average day, there are more than 200 workplace fires in this country. Annually, those fires kill hundreds of workers, injure many thousands more, and cost American businesses billions of dollars in damage and lost productivity. Unfortunately, there are dozens of ways workplace fires can start. You have to be on top of potential […]
Do you have the resources and the qualified personnel to accomplish your training goals in-house? Our Safety Training Tips editor says that you may find that after analyzing your company’s training needs you don’t have the best training materials or most qualified personnel in house. There are a variety of reasons why you might decide […]
Machinery that’s powerful enough, sharp enough, and fast enough to bend metal and cut wood is obviously able to do serious damage to human flesh and bone. That’s why machine guards are required at all points where workers could possibly come in contact with dangerous moving parts. The general requirements section of OSHA’s Machinery and […]