Unplanned release of a chemical can have devastating effects. Skin and eye burns, damage to the lungs, fire and explosion, corrosive damage to materials, pollution of air, soil, and water, and danger to the public are just some of the possible consequences of a chemical spill. Chemical spills can be...
Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms, normally carried in infected blood and bodily fluids, that can cause diseases, some fatal, such as Hepatitis B and C, as well as HIV. Bloodborne pathogens must find a direct route of entry into the body for infection to be possible. Bodily fluids can also splash...
Working outside in the winter can be a dirty job, but many of us have to do it. Are you ready for winter work? Anyone working in a cold environment may be at risk of cold stress. Prolonged exposure to freezing or cold temperatures may cause serious health problems such...
Safety with Power Tools Failing to properly use and maintain electric-powered tools causes thousands of cuts, punctures, pinches, amputations, and electrocutions each year. Tools can seriously injure or kill the user if not properly maintained or used. Everyone who uses tools must learn to recognize the hazards associated with the...
Electric Pallet Jack Safety Electric pallet jacks make quick work of moving loads around the workplace. Pallet jacks protect your back from strains and injuries by moving heavy and awkward loads and objects that would be unsafe to lift manually. But, as with any powered tool, if used improperly, electric...
Compactor and Baler Safety Compacting and baling machines have uses in many industries, but are involved in a number of fatalities and serious injuries. Many workers have been killed while attempting to clear a jam from an operating compactor, or inadvertently activating equipment that was not properly de-energized. Safety precautions:...
Compactor and Baler Safety Compacting and baling machines have uses in many industries, but are involved in a number of fatalities and serious injuries. Often, lack of proper lockout/tagout procedures is to blame. Many workers have been killed while attempting to clear a jam from an operating compactor or inadvertently...
Automated External Defibrillators According to OSHA there are 220,000 victims of sudden cardiac arrest per year in the United States. Of these, about 10,000 sudden cardiac arrests occur in the workplace. Are you prepared to save someone’s life in these instances? Waiting on emergency personnel to arrive only results in...
Hantavirus Safety Hantavirus infection is caused by a virus that is found in some field rodents, especially deer mice in the United States. The virus is rarely transmitted to people; when it is, the virus can cause severe illness—even death. People can contract the disease when they breathe the virus,...
Preventing Backovers A backover incident occurs when a backing vehicle strikes a worker who is standing, walking, or kneeling behind the vehicle. These incidents can be prevented. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 70 workers died from backover incidents in 2016. These kinds of incidents can occur in...