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 [...]
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 [...]
No one expects an emergency or disaster to occur. Some Pre-planing will make a major difference. Reasonable steps include training of employees, supervisors and labor alike on what thier role is in an emergency situation. The results will be mitigation of the negative impacts of an emergency or disaster. Emergency Crisis plans outline escape procedures, [...]
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 [...]
OSHA, there are differing rules for each industry. OSHA is comprised of four different safety laws. General Industry, Construction Industry, Agriculture Industry and Maritime Industry. Each industry has its own safety rules. And while some of the industries face similar hazards they each have their own unique safety rules. From a litigation standpoint, it is [...]
Safety on ladders and stairways. New and improved method of avoiding falls from ladders, stairs and equipment: 3 Points of contact! Work place injuries are a plague on business: Loss of a valuable employee, down time or slower progress on the project, economic costs. You’ve heard it all before. You know this first hand as [...]
When I first entered the safety profession as a safety manager for a construction company I recall my soon to be boss saying I’d be responsible for company safety practice. Well, I was up for that. I can help. But conversations with my boss and others after hire started showing some “differences” my definition of [...]