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 [...]
Mine Safety Tool Box Talks. Mining is a rewarding and challenging industry. Keeping your miners safe is a constant effort. The Mine Safety Health Administration (MSHA) has developed a collection of tool box safety talks. These safety talks are useful presentations that can be used on a daily or weekly basis. These talks are simple [...]
Actual Safety Training. It’s not optional. You no doubt have heard that safety training of employees is a good idea. And safety training is a good idea. But did you know there are certain topics that the Occupational Safety Health Act (OSHA) requires? Its true. OSHA requires training if your employees operate forklifts, or work [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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) [...]