Conveyors are used to transport materials horizontally, vertically, at an angle, or around curves. Hazards depend on the type of conveyer, the material conveyed, the location of the conveyor, and how close the conveyer is to workers. Conveyors eliminate or reduce manual material handling tasks, but they introduce amputation hazards...
Air tools are powered by compressed air and include chippers, drills, sanders, spray guns, air ratchets, grinders, nibblers, needle scalers, and many more. Handling Air Tools Safely: Permit only experienced and trained people to operate pneumatic tools. Inspect each tool before connecting to the air supply. (Check safety mechanisms, look...
Compressed air is present in just about every industry for many functions, from running huge equipment, to powering simple air tools. It is a valuable utility and is a safe power source, when used properly. However, compressed air should be used with caution and handled with care to avoid unexpected...
Electricity is an essential source of energy for most work-related operations. However, fewer sources have a greater potential to cause harm than electricity. Working safely with electricity is possible if you are trained in, understand, and follow certain basic ground rules. It doesn’t take a lot of electricity to kill...
The decision to take a shortcut can be influenced by many different factors. But at the end of the day, shortcuts are a choice – one can chose to take a shortcut or chose the safe and recommended way of doing something. It is important to realize this fact and...
Over consumption of caffeine and other energy producing ingredients found in energy drinks such as taurine can lead to health issues. Recently, a South Carolina high school student collapsed and died after consuming a very high dose of caffeine in a short time: coffee, soft drinks, and an energy drink....
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 defined as any means or system used to protect employees from falling from an...
In the workplace, ‘good housekeeping’ is the term used for keeping the worksite clean and free of hazards that can cause injury. Housekeeping is a safety concern that is often overlooked or taken for granted. Far too many accidents happen because people did not keep their work areas neat and...
As summer continues, you may notice a lot of insects buzzing around outside. People with an allergy to stinging insects will want to take extra precautions this time of year. Many people are at risk for a severe, potentially life- threatening allergic reaction from insect stings. Unfortunately, most people are...
Chemical spills can be in the form of liquids, solids such as pellets, or gases or vapors. They can be flammable (quick to burn or explode), corrosive (damaging to human tissue or other materials), or toxic (poisonous to humans and other living things). The time to deal with a chemical...