Lead exposure can occur during a variety of job activities. Lead is common in a wide range of materials including paints and other coatings, lead mortars, and base metals, which may be welded on or abrasive blasted. Lead presents a potentially serious occupational health hazard when the lead-containing particulates become...
It used to be thought that only children were exposed to lead poisoning hazards which occurred mostly from eating lead-based paint chips from doors or windows in the home. This is no longer the case. Studies conducted over the past few years now suggest many adults are exposed to lead...
Cell phones can be a dangerous distraction. When used inappropriately these devices can get employees in trouble at work as well as potentially cause serious injury. Recognizing and Responding to Unsafe Cell Phone Use: To avoid committing unsafe acts, we must make safety our top priority in every task we...
Employees often bring their cell phones to work, a choice that could potentially cause numerous hazards on the job. Cell phones can be a dangerous distraction in the workplace, just like other workplace distractions such as horseplay and chattering with co-workers. Cell phones can cause us to lose focus on...
Air testing is required for two distinct purposes: evaluation of the hazards of the permit space and verification that acceptable conditions exist for entry into that space. Evaluation Testing: The atmosphere within a confined space must be tested using equipment that is designed to detect the chemicals that may be...
Air Sampling is required for two distinct purposes: evaluation of the hazards of the permit space and verification that acceptable conditions exist for entry into that space. A confined space is one that is large enough to enter and perform assigned work in. It has limited or restricted ways to...
What are the best ways to prevent cold stress injuries and illnesses, and what is the best clothing to wear in cold environments? Cold stress isn’t just a hazard for outdoor workers. Anyone working in a cold environment may be at risk for cold stress. This could include an indoor...
Prolonged exposure to cold and/or freezing temperatures while on the job may cause serious health problems such as trench foot, frostbite, and hypothermia. In extreme cases, exposure to cold temperatures can lead to death. Important Tips to Prevent Cold Stress: Wear proper clothing for cold, wet, and windy conditions; Take...
An excavation is any man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression in an earth surface formed by earth removal. A trench (trench excavation) is a narrow excavation (in relation to its length) made below the surface of the ground. In general, the depth is greater than the width, but the width...
You can be trapped before there is time to react. So, it is important that every excavation be prepared correctly, allowing you to complete your job safely and efficiently. Remember that every trench is different. Soil type, moisture content, depth, configuration, proximity to existing structures, and location of spoil piles...