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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Just thinking out loud. Installment 4 Next issue, managing the program. The likely incentive program manager candidates include the safety manager and/or HR. But there are more people involved as well; site managers, supervisors, lead man, etc. Here is a potential logistical hurdle. Say one of the criteria for the incentive program is each employee [...]
Just thinking out loud. Safety Programs: To Incent or not to Incent. That is the question. Installment 3 People have their own ideas of what influences them. Some folks like football, others golf, some fishing, knives, hunting gear, make up, luggage, etc. You get the idea. So what types of reward items can a company [...]
Just thinking out loud. Safety Programs: To Incent or not to Incent. That is the question. Installment 2 Incenting safety can be tricky. What should be incented? Accidents? Injuries? Equipment damage? Well, no. None of these things can be directly incented. While these elements are the goal of any safety system there is are legal [...]
Just thinking out loud. Safety Programs: To Incent or not to Incent. That is the question. This discussion addresses safety programs, specifically incentive programs. What is an incentive program? It is a program providing tangible rewards to employees for observing the company’s safety program. Some background. Business is a competitive creature and is constantly seeing [...]