Category: Special Topics in Safety Management

Safety is a process, and as such, needs to be managed. This section offers resources to create a viable safety program, sell it to senior management, train supervisors and employees in using it, and then track and report your progress. Look also for ways to advance your own skills in these areas, both for your current job, and those that follow.

Violence prevention

EHS On Tap: E51 M.O.V.E. to Prevent Workplace Violence

Workplace violence prevention should be a priority for every environment, health, and safety professional. Although you may feel certain it could never happen at your organization, planning for the possibility of a violent incident is essential for ensuring that your employees stay as safe as possible. On our latest podcast episode, we’re talking to a […]

Silica dust at construction site

Crystalline Silica: OSHA Revises Its National Emphasis Program

On February 4, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) revised its National Emphasis Program (NEP) for enforcement of the construction, general, and maritime industry standards for respirable crystalline silica exposure. OSHA canceled the 2008 Crystalline Silica NEP in October 2017. The replacement NEP addresses enforcement of OSHA’s amended standards for respirable crystalline silica—promulgated March […]

Respirator Fit Test

The Respiratory Protection Standard: From Dust to Smoke to Coronavirus

Nationwide, approximately 1.4 million workplaces provide at least some of their employees with respiratory protection. Studies indicate that at these workplaces, gaps exist in their written respiratory protection program, their understanding of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements, or the administration of the program. These gaps lead to issues in mandatory compliance or recommended […]

Coronavirus rendering

Coronavirus: What EHS Professionals Need to Know

Media reports of a respiratory illness caused by a newly discovered coronavirus are pervasive and relentless. How concerned should employers be about infections at your workplace or jobsite?

Eyewash Station

Don’t Use a Common Water Hose as a Portable Eyewash Station

Experts at Safety.BLR.com® were recently asked, “I need information on portable eyewash stations. Can we use a tank and water hose?” Unless the water is appropriately treated and at the right temperature, the answer is no. Read on for more details on portable eyewash stations.

Roofing fall protection

Over $1 Million in Fall Hazard Penalties Sought by OSHA

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited a Jacksonville, Florida, roofing contractor for fall hazards at three construction sites and is seeking $1,007,717 in penalties. OSHA cited Florida Roofing Experts, Inc., owned by Travis Slaughter, under its egregious citation policy with eight willful violations of the fall protection standard.

Dock manager, lone worker

Lone Worker Safety Products: What’s the Return on Investment (ROI)?

If you read the title of this article and thought to yourself, “The answer is right there—the ROI is worker safety!” you are correct—partially. The main incentive for purchasing lone worker safety products is, of course, to protect lone workers. However, there are other business factors at play.

Boosting PPE Compliance in the Workplace

Each year, countless accidents, injuries, and fatalities occur as a result of missing personal protective equipment (PPE) or the failure to properly wear the provided PPE. PPE minimizes exposure to biological, chemical, physical, safety, and ergonomic hazards, and it is the last line of defense between a workplace hazard and the worker. As important as […]