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...
Workers in construction are at risk for exposure to crystalline silica, a common mineral found in construction materials like concrete, brick, mortar, sand, and stone. If you have ever seen a sidewalk being jackhammered, and concrete dust blowing in the air, you have probably seen respirable crystalline silica. When workers...
A “whistleblower” is a person who informs about illegal, unsafe, or unhealthy activities that another person, group, company, or organization is doing. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), has a Whistleblower Protection Program that enforces the provisions of more than 20 laws protecting employees from retaliation for reporting workplace...
Although we’ve seen it in the cartoons and in the movies a million times, not many people actually slip on banana peels. But while the results may produce a few chuckles in the theater, falls are nothing to laugh at. In fact, some estimates put the number of disabling injuries...