As spring turns into summer and brings on hot weather, we should all be aware of some tips to prevent heat stress. Remember, physical activity at high temperatures can directly affect health and indirectly be the cause of accidents. Statistics show a rise in temperature can affect workplaces in a...
A chemical fume hood is critical in a lab. A well-designed hood, when properly installed and maintained, offers a large degree of protection to the user, provided that it is used appropriately, and its limitations are understood. When Using a Fume Hood: Never allow your head to enter the plane...
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, toxic gas that interferes with the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood. CO is non-irritating and can overcome persons without warning. Many people die from CO poisoning, usually while using gasoline powered tools and generators in buildings or semi-enclosed spaces without adequate ventilation. Symptoms of...
We all hope we never need an eyewash station, but if an accident should happen, we want the station to be clean and accessible. If a foreign particle enters the eyes, an emergency eyewash station is the most important initial step in first-aid treatment. Chemical burns to the eye are...
There’s one hand tool that demands your respect over many others in the workplace, a tool that can cut you to the bone in and instant….the utility knife. In fact, nearly one-third of all injuries attributed to manual workshop tools in the US involve knives with retractable blades. Accidents Involving...
Many people have been seriously injured or killed by machinery and electrical equipment. Often, these tragedies happen because people carelessly try to repair or maintain the equipment without making sure its energy source has been shut off. Common Causes of Accidents: The machine or piece of equipment was not completely...
Welding is a routine job on many worksites. However, this common task has hazards that can result in serious injury and property damage. Welding operators, as well as bystanders, can be directly affected by these hazards. Fires on industrial sites are caused by a variety of activities including welding or...
A “near miss” or accident without injury is easy to shrug off and forget. But there is a danger in brushing off accidents that don’t hurt, harm, or damage. When a “near miss” happens, it should immediately send up a red warning flag that something was wrong, unplanned, unexpected, and...
Noise is unwanted sound that can affect job performance, safety, and your health. Psychological effects of noise include annoyance and disruption of concentration. Physical effects include loss of hearing, pain, nausea, and interference with communications when the exposure is severe. Here’s How to Protect Your Hearing: Reduce the noise reaching...
According to OSHA regulations, no one at a workplace is supposed to use a fire extinguisher unless they have been trained to do so. Though this may seem awfully restrictive, there are several good reasons for this rule. If an untrained person tries to extinguish a blaze, some serious mistakes...