Practical EHS Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
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.
Gas-monitoring instruments are designed to protect personnel from unseen hazards that may exist in workplace environments, including confined spaces. It is vital to worker safety that these instruments are maintained and calibrated properly. Instrument inaccuracy because of improper or irregular calibration can lead to serious accidents. Exposure to excessive levels of toxic gas or an […]
Yesterday, we provided tips for improving workplace lighting to boost safety and productivity. Today, we offer some tips from Facebook on indoor lighting as well as advice from DOE on outdoor lighting. Facebook, which is always a consistent innovator in technology and media, is now leading the way in energy efficiency, says BLR Legal Editor […]
Light is a force that has a powerful impact on the human body. Studies have shown that dedicated applications of lighting can have an effect on all aspects of a worker’s experience, including reduction in accidents, illness, eyestrain, and absenteeism. Lighting in the average workplace ranges from 50 to 500 lux (a measurement of illumination […]
A Government Accountability Office (GAO) study finds that safety incentive programs may discourage reporting of injuries and illness, and suggests better OSHA guidance is needed. According to the GAO, little research exists on the effect of workplace safety incentive programs and other workplace safety policies on workers’ reporting of injuries and illnesses, but several experts […]
“While OSHA appreciates employers using safety as a key management metric, we cannot condone a program that encourages discrimination against workers who report injures,” says OSHA. In a memorandum for staff, OSHA has detailed its policies regarding employer practices that can discourage employee reports of injuries, which violates the OSH Act. The memo was […]
This checklist can assist with PPE-related duties and help ensure that your PPE program complies with regulations and protects employees from hazards. Survey work areas for hazards and potential hazards such as: Chemical exposures Tool and equipment hazards Pinch points Sharp objects Rough surfaces Falling or dropped objects Bump hazards to heads and toes Respiratory […]
Yesterday, we presented a number of questions about OSHA regulations. Today, we conclude our Q&A session with more questions and more answers. Q. I have read that the GHS requirements for OSHA’s hazard communication rule do not require in-house chemical containers (those that will never be shipped or leave the workplace) to be labeled with […]
Today and tomorrow, we present questions about OSHA regulatory requirements on a number of different issues, and the answers from BLR’s safety experts. Q. Do hand and power tools have annual inspection criteria above and beyond the need to inspect prior to use? A. There are no OSHA requirements under the hand and power tool […]
You can’t eliminate the stress your employees bring to work, but you can identify and eliminate organizational stressors. And you can provide tools and information to help workers manage their stress on their own. Stress management expert Susie Mantell (www.relaxintuit.com) is a firm believer in the power of incremental steps when trying to manage stress […]
Stress is a big problem in the workplace, and the signs are everywhere. Ever awaken at 3 a.m. in a sweaty panic over a work problem, a presentation you have to make, or looming deadline? Maybe you’ve lost your temper with the kids when the real problem was related to work. The signs and symptoms […]