Lock Out Tag Out is a well-known safety practice aimed at protecting workers from the unexcepted release of energy. The word ‘energy” includes electricity, pneumatic (pressurized air), hydraulic (pressurized oils/water), kinetic (springs under tension). In other words, anything that if released unexpectedly can cause harm to workers or equipment. Some tips on how to effectively [...]
Drugs/Alcohol in the workplace. Drugs in our society, be they licit or illicit, are not uncommon. Operating equipment of any kind or the workplace is not suitable for drug use (including some prescription drugs). The reason being is that many drugs can affect or impair mental and physical function. On the job, one must be [...]
Accident investigations. Or, how to avoid incidents and save money. Taking some time to learn why and how an injury or equipment damage incident occurred is extremely beneficial. First, it helps to learn why an incident occurred. Second, it saves money. Properly conducted, a post-incident investigation will bring to light why and how an incident [...]
“Any fool can know. The point is to understand”. Safety talks are opportunities to pass on knowledge and understanding. Safety talks discuss an activity and then how to safely handle the task. For example working at heights. Understanding that fall protection need be in place and what types of fall protection are known to be [...]
Fall injuries. This blog is a little different from many of my earlier blogs. It relies solely upon my experience as a safety manager for companies over the years. It is a laymen’s comment. The discussion is about fall injuries and why they are so problematic. First, a fall injury may arise from a simple [...]
Noise. Hearing levels in people declines when exposed to certain levels of noise over a period of time. The extent of hearing decline depends on the level of noise and duration of exposure. OSHA says 85 decibels (dBA) or higher over an 8-hour work shift is excessive. If you have a smartphone you can download [...]
2019 LOTO 1910./147, https://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_General_Facts/factsheet-lockout-tagout.pdf So your company works repairing water, oil, hydraulic, pneumatic or electrical devices. Each of these items can be “stored energy”. Your employees from time to time undertake a task that directly contacts a system handling any of the above. Employees must have a clear understanding of how to safely work with [...]
Falls. What goes up must come down. An old saying you’ve likely heard before. It is true because gravity is everywhere. But did you know 38% of all deaths in the construction work place are falls. And, fall injuries typically constituted the longest recovery time as well as the long term disability. Falls can occur [...]
Repurposing your safety manual. Safety manuals establish sound safety practices for your employees. But did you know you can also use them as a source of safety tool box talks? Yup. All the tool box safety talks you need is right there on your desk (or in your truck). All you need is a sign-up [...]
Mine Safety: What you don’t know can hurt you. Or Know the hazards. Mine safety, what you don't know can hurt you. Almost every aspect of repair or servicing activity involves the potential for injury arising from the unexpected release of energy. To avoid contacting unexpected release of energy a Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) [...]