Winter weather presents many hazards including slippery roads (ice/snow). In my first year in Colorado, I remember being told a safety driving practice beneficial to us former flatlanders. When traveling downhill on a road, slow down during in the straightaways and ease off the brake in turns. Reason: Loss of traction. As you know, maintaining [...]
Gravity is everywhere. Now there’s a profound statement. My whole life, I was reminded of gravity whenever I fell or tripped. I suspect this is applies of all people. This knowledge applies especially to those who work at heights. If your job involves working on ladders, scaffolding or other elevated working surfaces understanding that fall [...]
If you drop a 100 pound weight 1 foot and bring it to a sudden stop the amount of energy is between 900 to 1,100 pounds. Imagine 3 250 pound NFL linebackers sitting on you. Remedy: Wear personal fall arrest equipment when working at heights or make sure a fall protection railing is in place. [...]
When I first started as a safety professional, I always heard the safety tip that when working around large mobile equipment like front end loaders, to make eye contact with the operator. The thinking was that by making eye contact with the operator you would be seen and not be run over. Well, now I [...]
When I first entered the safety profession I heard other safety guys talking about the hazards of slips, trips and falls, or falls from working at height, or unguarded moving machinery. Everyone had a pet safety hazard and solution. Boy was I surprised to learn the number one cause of workplace death and injury was [...]
Safety around large mobile equipment. When I first started as a safety professional, I always heard that when working around large mobile equipment like front end loaders, to make eye contact with the operator. The thinking was that making eye contact with the operator you would be seen and not be run over. Well, now [...]
Gravity is everywhere. Now there’s a profound statement. My whole life, I was reminded of gravity whenever I fell or tripped. I suspect this experience applies to all of us. This knowledge applies especially to those who work at heights. If your job involves working on ladders, roofs, scaffolding or other elevated working surfaces it [...]
There is no place in the work place for drugs/alcohol. Ahh, come on, drugs are very where; more and more states are legalizing marijuana. And everyone enjoys a beer now and then. Let’s be adult about this. Well, not so fast. First, some quick stats: 65% of all work place incidents are drug/alcohol related; And [...]
Inspect and examine your work place before starting work. Or know before you go. If you are a mine operator you know that the Mine Safety Health Act (MSH Act) requires a workplace exam to be conducted before employees start their day. 30 CFR 56.18002 requires mine operators to not only conduct when work place [...]
Are there age limits on people working at a mine site? Or, know before you go. So you operate a mine. You are always seeking good employees. Mining is hard work and finding enthusiastic employees is a challenge. You are approached by a motivated young person (age 17) who impresses you and you feel this [...]