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 [...]
Stop work authority What is stop work authority? Will this stop my production? Does this mean my project schedules are delayed hours? Days? Nope. In fact, stop work authority can save you, the employer, potentially 10’s or 100’s of hours of time and man hours spent handling the aftermath of a seriously injured employee. Think [...]
Recordkeeping, or boring paperwork. Employers are required to keep certain records. These records comply with federal/state safety regulations. Examples of some records the Occupational Safety and Health Act requires: include injury and lost work time, job transfer/modified duty, etc. Some other records employers should keep include safety program training courses presented to employees. Or simple [...]
Repurposing your safety manual. Safety manuals establish sound safety practices for your business. But did you know you can also use them as a source of safety toolbox talks? Yup. All the toolbox safety talks you need are right there on your desk (or in your truck). All you need is a sign-up sheet and [...]
Commercial property owners-Safety inspections. Simply look. If you operate or manage commercial or residential properties taking a couple of hours each quarter inspecting for unsafe conditions is a great idea. This simple step will/can save you from major headaches. Where to look. Look at electrical and boiler rooms, walk hallways, outside parking areas and walking [...]
Safety Resources Beyond OSHA. The world of safety is a large one and there are many resources employers and safety professionals can access for safety information. The following is a list of excellent resources in various areas of safety control. OSHA’s Alliance Program. Participants of this program have developed safety products on specific industries or [...]
Gravity, you and fall protection. Or know before you go. 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: [...]
Learn how to not burn around flammable gases. This safety task is fairly simple. According to OSHA identify potential sources of flammable gases. Then identify potential ignition sources. You identify potential sources by knowing what flammable gases could potentially be on site. Do this by examining your job site and identify activities involving: cutting of [...]
Drugs/Alcohol in the workplace. Drugs in our society, be they licit or illicit, are not uncommon. Operating equipment of any kind or the workplace is not suitable for drug use (including some prescription drugs). The reason being is that many drugs can affect or impair mental and physical function. On the job, one must be [...]
Backing incidents. Prevention. Backing incidents are just like front facing strikes, only different. An operator moving equipment in reverse has limited line of sight because parts of the equipment block his/her view. Any person who is walking, standing or kneeling behind the equipment will be unseen by the operator. Each year more than 70 people [...]