Practical EHS Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
If your organization has cut—or is thinking of cutting—its training budget during these hard economic times, tell the top brass to think again. Experts say that’s probably the worst move they could make. In a down economy, the first place many employers look to cut costs is in their training budget. They figure that training […]
Our Safety Training Tips editor says that in order for your safety training to be effective, you need to have clear communication with trainees. That’s an obvious goal, but it may be hard to achieve with workers who speak English as a second language (ESL). However, OSHA says that an employer’s responsibility to provide employees […]
Many, or perhaps even most, workplaces have something on the premises that would be correctly termed a “confined space.” If you have regulated confined spaces, you need to have a confined spaces program to protect workers. OSHA defines a confined space as a space that is large enough and configured in such a way that […]
OSHA’s permit-required confined spaces standard (29 CFR 1910.146) establishes safety requirements for confined spaces operations from entry to rescue. Compliance with the regulation, however, often raises important questions. Here’s a “best of” selection of the questions BLR® customers have asked us about confined spaces safety requirements, along with some very important answers. Does a company […]
Safety must always be the top priority when driving. Employees driving company vehicles have to understand that, and a comprehensive cell phone policy will reflect your concern Drivers today love their electronic toys. Cell phones and navigation devices allow them to stay connected and find their destinations. These wireless devices have become indispensable, especially with […]
OSHA says that distracted driving is a factor in 25 percent to 30 percent of all traffic crashes. Researchers say that cell phone use while driving is among the biggest distractions—even with hands-free phones. Here’s yet another study about the hazards of using a cell phone and driving. This one, conducted by University of Utah […]
You could have the best safety training program on the planet, but if your employees aren’t engaged with the program, they won’t be safer after training. That’s why our Safety Training Tips editor says that motivating employees to take part in training is key. Of course, many safety training sessions are mandatory, but just getting […]
Properly conducted accident investigations analyze and eradicate the hazards that cause accidents. Investigations also educate and motivate to prevent future incidents. Accidents happen. Despite your best efforts, zero accident policies, and well-trained employees, things sometimes go wrong. So what happens after an accident or near miss happens in your facility is a question you have […]
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in one recent year there were 5,488 fatal occupational injuries and 1,158,900 injuries involving days away from work. Add to that all the accidents that resulted in minor injuries, and you have somewhere in the vicinity of 4 million plus recorded workplace accidents. Thorough analysis and understanding of […]
Forklift accidents are costly in both human and economic terms. But those are costs you won’t have to pay if you train your forklift operators to recognize hazards and follow proper operating procedures. Most accidents with forklifts involve pedestrians. The most common hazards include: Having an obstructed view—the operator cannot see the pedestrian because of […]