Forklift Safety About 100 workers are killed each year as a result of forklift accidents. About 1/4 of these fatalities are caused by overturning. Other c ommon causes are workers being struck by materials, workers being struck by the forklift, and workers falling from the forklift. Basic Forklift Safety Practices:...
Heat Stress Hot conditions put your body under a lot of stress. Physical activity stresses the body even more. When heat is combined with physical activity, loss of fluids, fatigue, and other conditions can lead to a number of heat-related illnesses and injuries. Death is even possible. When the body...
Chemical Hazards – Chemical Spill Safety 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...
Chemical Hazards – Working Safely with Lead Lead exposure is a serious issue that many workers face every day. Lead exposure can happen in any industry and during a variety of job activities. Lead is common in a wide range of materials including paints and other coatings, lead mortars, and...
Air Compressors Compressed air is present across just about every industry. Companies are using compressed air for many functions, from running huge equipment to powering simple air tools. Compressed air is a valuable utility and is a safe power source when used properly. As with any other energy-carrying power source,...
Construction – Electrical Safety 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...
Hot Work Hazards 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...
Hazards of Silica Dust Silica is present in both work and non-work environments and exposure to crystalline silica dust has long been known to cause a disease called “silicosis.” When you inhale crystalline silica the lung tissue reacts by developing fibrous tissue around trapped silica particles. Appropriate Protection:...
Aerial Platform Safety Man-lifts and scissor lifts are two pieces of equipment that many workers can’t imagine working without. This equipment, if used correctly, provides quick and safe access to work areas that at one time could only be reached from scaffolding or a crane’s man-basket. These lifts, collectively called...
Insect Safety As summer approaches, you may notice an increase in the number of insects buzzing around outside. People with an allergy to stinging insects will want to take extra precautions this time of year. Up to 5 percent of Americans are at risk for a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic...