A ground fault occurs when the electrical current does not complete its circuit and unintentionally flows to the ground. Ground faults can cause fires and are dangerous when they flow through a person to the ground. The GFCI, as it is commonly called, is simply a fast-acting circuit breaker that...
Propane is an incredibly efficient and clean-burning fuel, making it an essential energy source on modern jobsites. However, because it is stored under high pressure as a liquefied gas, improper handling can lead to catastrophic workplace accidents, severe freeze burns, or explosions. For industrial workers, forklift operators, and site supervisors,...
In the United States, texting while driving is a major legal violation. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), 49 states, Washington, DC and many US territories have banned texting while driving. Montana is the only state that does not have a statewide ban on texting while driving. Law...
We all love a clean, fresh-smelling home, but many of the commercial products we rely on to eliminate dirt and germs carry hidden risks. Everyday household cleaners contain powerful chemical agents that can cause eye irritation, headaches, severe skin burns, and acute respiratory issues if handled incorrectly. Protecting your household...
Overhead shop cranes move heavy items in manufacturing and production areas. Although shop cranes are useful, “overhead” can sometimes be “out of sight and out of mind” when it comes to safety. Workers need training on crane hazards and operation, and they should never forget the safety hazards moving overhead....
Combustible dust is any “finely divided solid material that is 420 microns or smaller in diameter and presents a fire or explosions hazard when dispersed and ignited in air.” Materials such as sugar, flour, animal feed, plastics, paper, wood, rubber, furniture, textiles, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, paints and resins, dyes, coal, and...
Workers involved in the renovation, repair, tear down, and disposal of damaged or destroyed structures and materials can often encounter materials that contain lead. Repair, renovation, and demolition operations often generate dangerous airborne concentrations of lead, which is a metal that can cause damage to the nervous system, kidneys, blood...
This year, August 10-16 is OSHA’s designated Safe & Sound week. It is a week that spotlights safety and health resources, offers engaging challenges, and encourages development of safety and health programs. OSHA has a website dedicated to this week of awareness and growth opportunity: https://www.osha.gov/safeandsound The website contains fun...
Falls are the second leading cause of occupational fatalities and disabling injuries in the United States. Each year, over 500 workers die in fall-related accidents and over 300,000 workers suffer a disabling injury. Fall protection is any means or system used to protect employees from falling from an elevated working/working...
Heavy machinery is common in many industries, including constructions, mining, agriculture, energy, forestry and manufacturing. The types of machines and equipment vary widely, and heavy equipment operators must receive adequate training for each piece of equipment. These include dump trucks, asphalt pavers, backhoe loaders, excavators, dozers, rollers, lifts, excavators, and...