Fall safety. Almost everyone learns about gravity as a kid. Climbing trees, roller blading, climbing fences. And of course, falling from these or other activities. Gravity has not changed much since we were kids to working adults. The big difference, adults are supposed to be smarter (or at least wiser) than kids. Recognizing a fall [...]
Mine safety for water hazards. Seconds matter. The Mine Safety Health Act requires that water floatation devices be easily accessible when a water hazard exits. Water rescue devices must be easily accessible. I take this to mean that 1) water rescue devices are very kept very close to potential water hazard exposures. 2) All employees [...]
Warning signs. As you no doubt know the safety rules in the Occupational Safety Health Act (OSHA) usually apply only in the work place. Namely, between employer and employee. OSHA makes the employer responsible only for worker safety. But as in life, there are exceptions. OSHA section 29 CFR 1910.145 says warning signs safety rule [...]
Knowledge equals safety. What does this simple statement mean? One word. Training. Employees trained to recognize hazards and unsafe conditions at work will know where risks to their safety and health exist. Knowing that a hazard exists means the employee can take appropriate steps to avoid/reduce/eliminate the risk to their safety. Training on how to [...]
Forklifts. Move stuff. Just be careful. Forklifts are marvels when it comes to moving stuff. Big stuff, small stuff, lots of stuff. Boy can forklifts move stuff. Forklifts come in all sizes, from small to huge. But forklifts need be operated by well trained operators and with great care. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 (l) outlines [...]
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 [...]
Backing incidents are just like front-facing strikes, only different. An operator is moving the equipment rearward and a person is walking, standing, or kneeling behind the equipment, unseen by the operator. Each year more than 70 people are fatally injured in back-over incidents. Such incidents or near misses occurring even where backup alarms in functioning. [...]
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 [...]
Electricity. What is the old saying I’ve heard, no cares about electricity but everyone cares about cold beer? If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of an electrical jolt you know it was an unpleasant surprise. And, such a jolt was at the end of a low voltage contact. Higher voltages and amps can [...]