Practical EHS Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
One accident is bad enough. But when the same thing happens again… well, that’s too much! Here are some suggestions for preventing repeat accidents. When an accident occurs, the first thing that needs to be done, of course, is treat any injuries. Then a series of key steps must be taken: Secure the area of […]
OSHA has specific and strict rules about lockout/tagout. Today, we present some questions BLR has received about this issue and the answers BLR safety experts have given. Q. Can a duplicate key for the purpose of lock removal under LOTO be held in a secure area with a procedure in place for access to the […]
At one time, workers with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) who were capable of working did so in sheltered workshop-type environments—but that is changing. Employers in many industries now hire workers with intellectual or developmental disabilities to work in integrated environments. These workers may not be able to complete the same training courses as other […]
Yesterday, we reviewed reasons for PPE noncompliance and a few tips for encouraging compliance. Today, we offer 10 additional tips for encouraging employee compliance. 1. Establish and consistently enforce a policy requiring the use of assigned PPE. Make sure all employees are aware of the rules and the consequences of noncompliance (that is, in addition […]
You can treat heat stress, but preventing it is even better. Here are the steps you need to know to do both. Yesterday’s Advisor began a discussion of heat-related problems workers may face as June stretches into July, August, and September, traditionally the hottest months of the year. Heat problems kill some 4,000 Americans yearly, […]
Q: I have a client that would like to install sink-mounted eyewash station in their commercial kitchen. What are the requirements for these type of units to meet OSHA standards?
Human error is the major cause of electrical accidents. Accidents happen when workers don’t recognize electrical hazards or fail to take precautions to protect against those hazards. Key provisions of OSHA’s general industry electrical standard for employee safety are contained in the safety-related work practices sections (29 CFR 1910.331-335). These sections give you specific requirements […]
OSHA’s illumination standards for construction (29 CFR 1926.56) and shipyard employment (29 CFR 1915.82) are intended to ensure that specific work areas or areas where workers are stationed or passing through are provided with lighting that is sufficient to enable the workers to see hazardous conditions and avoid injury. The standards set minimum lighting requirements […]
OSHA estimates that 1 million forklifts are used in workplaces across the United States. Each year, nearly 100 workers are killed and another 20,000 are seriously injured in forklift-related incidents. Deadly Danger # 1—Forklift Turnovers Close to one out of every four fatalities occurs when a forklift tips over. Forklifts can easily tip if they […]
As supervisor, you need to convey safety instructions to your employees. Whether it is in the form of a safety meeting, a quick demonstration, or in writing, your instructions must be clear and concise to be effective. Oral Instructions Few supervisors realize that there is a knack to instructing. The way you speak has a […]