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 in the workplace, just like other workplace distractions such as horseplay and chattering with co-workers. Cell phones can cause us to lose focus on...
Air Sampling 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. A confined space is one that is large enough to enter and perform assigned work in. It has limited or restricted ways to...
What are the best ways to prevent cold stress injuries and illnesses, and what is the best clothing to wear in cold environments? Cold stress isn’t just a hazard for outdoor workers. Anyone working in a cold environment may be at risk for cold stress. This could include an indoor...
An excavation is any man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression in an earth surface formed by earth removal. A trench (trench excavation) is a narrow excavation (in relation to its length) made below the surface of the ground. In general, the depth is greater than the width, but the width...
Cold stress or hypothermia can affect workers not protected against it. When the body cannot maintain its warmth, serious cold-related illnesses and injuries can occur. This may lead to permanent tissue damage or even death. It is natural for your body to try to maintain its core temperature (chest and...
Gasoline is readily available and routinely used by people in their vehicles and motorized equipment. In spite of the routine use of gasoline, many people are unaware o or unappreciative of the dangers of gasoline. Gasoline is dangerous because it is highly volatile. The fumes are capable of ignition up...
Whenever you operate a powder-actuated tool (PAT), safe work practices must always be followed. These tools are designed to drive nails or other fastening devices into material such as concrete, steel, and masonry, which are not easily penetrated. These devices use explosive charges similar to a firearm. Since the charge...
For some of you, welding is a hands-on job, but welding safety is really up to everyone. It involves not only the welder, but also those working in the vicinity of welding operations. We also need to watch out for hazards should a contractor enter our facility to do a...
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 Aerial Work Platforms,...
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that often goes undetected, striking victims caught off guard or in their sleep. More than 400 people in the U.S. die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than 20,000 visit the emergency...