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 [...]
“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 [...]
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 [...]
Most folks under 40 have heard of “netiquette”. That is the behavior for those online, using social networking, etc. For example, be nice, show respect, even to those with whom you may disagree. No name-calling. Well, I can hear you asking what does online etiquette have to do with safety. Glad you asked. The workplace [...]
Client versions don’t always match up with evidence. Sometimes it’s oversight, poor or selective memory, or just plain ignorance. It happens. Legal practitioners always keep this concern in the back of their mind when accepting a case. Too bad there’s no way to “crystal ball” the case before you commence discovery, set depositions, or set [...]
Static electricity. As a child did you ever shuffle your stocking feet on a carpet and then touch someone, a sibling perhaps? Fun huh. Well, at least for one of you. Static electricity is introduced to most of us in this way. But static electricity in the workplace, particularly around flammables and combustibles, presents a [...]