The accumulation of oil or solvent soaked rags in the normal daily functioning of a shop, manufacturing, or construction 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 heat is not dissipated, it can build...
In many industrial workplaces, people must work in areas where different substances can be present, some hazardous to their health. There are facilities where the level of oxygen and the number of toxic substances in the air could change at any time. These substances could create health hazards that cause...
With the holidays upon us, we will probably be traveling a lot and, of course, traveling often includes sitting for periods of time waiting in addition to driving or flying to our destinations. This can increase our chances of developing a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). TVP is a type of...
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death if inhaled. When we experience power outages during emergencies such as hurricanes or winter storms, we often make use of alternative sources of fuel or electricity for heating, cooling, or cooking. Those alternative sources can...
According to a study from the National Institute of Safety and Health (NIOSH), in 2019 approximately 118,000 occupational injuries in and around the eye were seen in our nation’s emergency rooms. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that from 2011 through 2019 there were over...
One of our deadliest enemies can be fire. Fire has the capability to be devastating to us. It can mutilate our bodies and present catastrophic injuries that can kill us. Within just a few short moments a fire can destroy structures and materials that took years to accumulate or build....
According to the Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2023 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association, in the United States someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds. Every year, about 805,000 people in the United States have a heart attack. Of these, 605,000 are a first heart attack. 200,000...
Beware of Hypothermia When your body temperature sinks below 95 degrees Fahrenheit, you have hypothermia, a serious health hazard that occurs when body temperature is lowered too much. Get medical attention immediately. Move the victim inside to a heated location and begin warming the center of the body first. If...
Extremely cold air comes every winter into at least part of the country and affects millions of people across the United States. This Arctic air can be dangerous. Combined with brisk winds, dangerous cold wind chill values can result. People exposed to extreme cold are susceptible to frostbite and can...
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends washing hands with soap and water whenever possible because handwashing reduces the amounts of all types of germs and chemicals on hands. But if soap and water are not available, using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can help...