Protecting employee’s hands from workplace injury is important. But did you know hand protection goes beyond cuts and bruises? Did you know employers are required to assess the types of hand hazards employees face and provide the appropriate hand personal protective equipment? Yup. If employees are/can be exposed to harmful chemicals (skin absorption, chemical burns) [...]
Training, it’s not just for newbies. Training and refresher training is an excellent method of keeping in front of employees. This applies to top management to new hires. Training keeps employees abreast of not only OSHA safety regulations but your company’s safety policies and practices. Knowing how to safely carry out work tasks is simple, [...]
What you can’t see (or smell) can hurt you. What is being discussed here is workplaces where hazardous and toxic gases are known to be present or may be present. The operative words here are “known to be present or may be present”. Here’s why. There are gases which are odorless and are not toxic [...]
Learn how to not burn. This safety task is fairly simple. According to OSHA identify potential sources of flammable gases and then identify potential ignition sources. You identify potential sources of flammable gases by knowing what flammable gases which could potentially be on site. Do this by examining your job site and identify activities involving [...]
OSHA General Duty Clause. You are likely familiar with OSHA and the safety rules it sets forth. And you also likely know that OSHA can enforce those express safety rules in non-complying conditions. But did you know that OSHA can issue citations for unsafe conditions not specifically listed in its safety rules? The OSHA General [...]
While OSHA generally governs safety rules for the workplace there is one industry not subject to OSHA safety rules. That is mining. Mining safety is governed by the Federal Agency Mine Safety and Health Administration. MSHA functions much the same way OSHA does but there are several notable exceptions. First, MSHA is required by law [...]
Workplace safety expert witnesses, oil and gas, manufacturing, mining and construction. As you know experts’ witnesses provide subject matter expertise for lawyers, judges, and juries. The goal of using an expert witness is to shed light on topics not commonly known to the general person/public. The subject matter of safety is no different. While it [...]
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 [...]
Mining Safety-Site Specific Training. Keeping visitors safe on your mine site. Mine operators typically have nonminers on the mine site, like truck drivers, who haul/transport the mined products off-site for end users. Mine Safety Health Administration (MSHA) has a rule addressing the safety training for such mine site visitors. This is called “site-specific” safety training. [...]
You may be aware of OSHA Emphasis Programs wherein OSHA will focus its inspection attention on certain industries or practices. One of the OSHA Emphasis Programs for the Region VIII is the oil and gas industry. If your business is in the Region VIII (Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah or Wyoming) and work [...]