Archives

The MSDS: A One-Stop Resource for Chemical Safety

OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard requires you to have an MSDS for every hazardous chemical in your workplace, ensure employee access to MSDSs, and train employees to use them effectively to protect their safety and health. Rudimentary forms of the material safety data sheet (MSDS) have been available since the 19th century. Some experts trace their […]

Electrical Safety for ‘Unqualified’ Employees

OSHA says that most electrical servicing and repair tasks should be limited to workers who have been fully trained on electrical hazards and procedures. Today our Safety Training Tips editor tells you what the rest of your workers need to know about electrical safety. Who’s “unqualified”? Because of the potential for fatal accidents when electricity […]

Working Safely with Paint—By the Numbers

Yesterday we talked about paint hazards and safety training requirements. Today we continue with a look at some specific training points. The chemicals that help make paint flow, set, and dry effectively, or that make painted surfaces smooth or durable, can create health and safety problems that can have a dangerous impact on your workplace […]

Brush Up on Paint Safety

Even the most common substances can be hazardous if they’re used without taking commonsense precautions. While paint is not a particularly high-risk substance, it does contain ingredients that can cause health and safety problems. And certain types of paints, such as those containing polyisocyanates, are even more hazardous. Although OSHA doesn’t single out paint as […]

The 3 Keys to Defensive Driving

Yesterday we discussed road rage—a serious highway hazard. Today we’ll look at how to get your employees to be safe, defensive drivers. Most people think they are, but the truth is that many of your workers probably don’t know or don’t regularly practice the concepts of defensive driving. According to BLR’s Interactive CD Course: Defensive […]

Road Rage–A Serious Highway Hazard

Road rage has become an epidemic on highways and byways across the nation. Angry, stressed-out drivers taking out their aggressions behind the wheel may be one of the most dangerous highway hazards any driver has to handle. Do you know of anyone, including yourself, who hasn’t been ticked off by a tailgater, a lane hog, […]

There’s Been a Bad Accident—What Now?

Proper training is the key to a prompt and effective response to workplace accidents. Our Safety Training Tips editor gives you some tips for getting your workers prepared. Make sure employees can act fast. There are four basic steps employees have to take very quickly in the event of a workplace injury. They must: Call […]

Is Your Accident Reporting Policy All It Should Be?

Yesterday we talked about the importance of accident reporting—not only in assisting with safety compliance but also in preventing future accidents. Today we look at key policy considerations. Without an effective policy, your accident reporting procedures might fail to meet requirements. BLR’s Essential Safety Policies identifies the following elements as indispensable to an effective accident […]

Accident Reporting: Not Just More Paperwork

There are many good reasons for keeping thorough and up-to-date records of accidents and injuries that occur on the job. The primary reason, of course, is compliance with the law. But a thorough reporting and recordkeeping system can also provide you with valuable information concerning accident patterns and prevention. OSHA requires every covered employer to […]

How to Prepare for an OSHA Inspection

Yesterday we looked at what to expect from an OSHA inspection. Today we move on to how to prepare for an inspection. Being well prepared will help you get the best outcome should OSHA come knocking at your door. In theory, OSHA inspections do not need a reason to happen. Any organization can be visited […]