Extreme heat is the top weather-related cause of death in the United States. As we enter the peak of summer, we know it gets hot in the car, especially after the car has been sitting in a parking lot. Due to the greenhouse effect, where the sun’s UV rays enter...
Falls are among the most common causes of serious work-related injuries and deaths. Employers must take measures in their workplaces to prevent employees from falling off overhead platforms, elevated workstations, or into holes in the floor and walls. Falls are the second leading cause of occupational fatalities and disabling injuries...
Employees often bring their cell phones to work, a choice that could potentially cause numerous hazards on the job. Cell phones can be a dangerous distraction, causing us to lose focus on the task at hand. When used inappropriately, these devices can get employees in trouble at work as well...
Confined spaces are areas that contain or have the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere, have limited means of entry and exit, and although they are large enough for a worker to fit, they are not designed for continuous occupancy. Confined spaces require permits to enter due to their inherent...
Combustible dust is finely separated or divided dust that poses a fire or explosion hazard when suspended in air in the right concentrations. Even some materials that would not normally burn can burn in dust form. The particles must be small enough to float in the air, and the material...
If you have flown on a plane lately, you know that TSA asks you if you have any lithium-ion batteries in your checked baggage. You are only allowed two personal use lithium-ion batteries, but that is in your carry-on luggage. There is a good reason for this. Lithium-ion batteries contain...
Amputations are some of the most serious workplace injuries and have long-lasting consequences impacting quality of life. Amputations can be caused by a variety of activities and equipment and occur most often when workers operate unguarded or inadequately safeguarded machinery. Dangerous Machinery Machinery that poses amputation risks includes mechanical power...
There are dangers inherent in working with or around tubular and compact fluorescent bulbs. These kinds of bulbs contain small amounts of metal mercury sealed inside. Metallic mercury poses health risks from both skin exposure/contact and inhalation of mercury vapor into the lungs. Metal mercury is liquid at room temperature...
Every Belt – Every Ride In 2004, a campaign called “Every Belt – Every Ride” was launched by OSHA in conjunction with the DOT’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (the NHTSA). The main object of the campaign was to encourage federal workers to wear seatbelts every time they ride in...
OHSA and the EPA encourage employers to conduct a root cause analysis when an incident or near miss occurs to investigate the reason why it happened, and to prevent a similar occurrence from happening again. A root cause analysis allows an employer to discover the underlying and systemic causes of...