Welding is a routine job on many worksites. However, this common task has hazards that can result in serious injury and property damage. Bystanders, as well as workers involved directly with welding, can be affected. Experts estimate that 6% of all fires on industrial properties are caused by welding or...
Atmospheric 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...
Cell phones can be a dangerous distraction in the workplace, just like other workplace distractions such as horseplay and chattering with co-worker’s, cell phones can cause us to lose focus on the task at hand. When used inappropriately these devices can get employees in trouble at work as well as...
Effective housekeeping can eliminate some workplace hazards and help get a job done safely and properly. Poor housekeeping frequently contributes to accidents by hiding hazards that cause injuries. Effective housekeeping is an ongoing operation: it is not a hit-and-miss cleanup done occasionally. Periodic “panic” cleanups are costly and ineffective in...
Your respirator may be the most important tool of your job. It protects your most precious asset, your health. Yet more often than not, respirators find their way to the bottom of tool bags where they become damaged and/or very dirty inside and out. Both of these conditions compromise the...
The OSHA First Aid standard requires trained first-aid providers at all workplaces of any size, if there is no “infirmary, clinic, or hospital in near proximity to the workplace which is used for the treatment of all injured employees.” If an employee is expected to render first aid as part...
When a worker is suspended in a fall harness, the body has no way of going horizontal. The blood keeps pooling and cannot flow properly. This is suspension trauma. And unless the worker is rescued promptly, venous pooling and orthostatic intolerance occurs. This may result in serious damage to the...
Use of fire extinguishers can come with many risks, so workers must be trained on how to safely use them to put out a fire. The most important thing in to do during a fire situation is to get yourself to safety and call the proper authorities to combat the...
In the workplace, bloodborne pathogens (BBP) may be transmitted when blood or other infectious body fluids come in contact with mucous membranes (your eyes, nose, mouth), non-intact skin (due to cuts, abrasions, burns, rashes, paper cuts), or by handling or touching contaminated materials or surfaces. Responding to Injuries: Ensure your...
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...