Power Tool Safety Accidents involving portable power tools happen all the time. You’ve all heard of cases where a chip flew off a drill and hit someone’s eye, or of someone getting a shock because a tool had a faulty ground. And then there’s the person who lost a finger...
Safe Storage and Disposal of Oil or Solvent-Soaked Rags The accumulation of oil or solvent-soaked rags in the normal daily function of a shop or manufacturing environment can be a major safety issue. Oil-soaked rags are a spontaneous combustion hazard because as the oil oxidizes, heat is released. If the...
Pinch Point Safety Each year workers suffer approximately 125,000 caught or crushed injuries that occur when body parts get caught between two objects or entangled with machinery. These hazards are also referred to as “pinch points.” The physical forces applied to a body part caught in a pinch point can...
Heat Disorders – Dehydration 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....
Handling 55-Gallon Drums Safely With the average 55-gallon drum weighing between 400-600 pounds, manually transporting, decanting, or otherwise handling drums is not only physically demanding, but also a potentially dangerous task for any worker. Risk Factors: At least four serious injuries can occur if a 55-gallon drum is not handled...
Personal Fall Protection 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. Whenever feasible, employers should always set up temporary floors, guardrails, toeboards, or other physical...
Hazard Awareness Many small things influence our lives. Not paying attention to them can sometimes have disastrous consequences, especially when it comes to safety. Fortunately, most of us have been trained to keep an eye out for the “big hazards” that could cause injury. But, sometimes, it’s the little or...
Air Compressor Safety Compressed air is present across just about every industry. Companies use 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...
Hot Work Safety 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. It is important for everyone to have a basic knowledge of welding...
Aerial Work Platforms 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...