Hearing protection devices (HPDs) such as earmuffs and earplugs can be an effective measure to protect hearing in noisy work environments. However, hearing protection devices are only effective if they are properly sized and carefully fitted into or over the ear. There are several common types of hearing protection devices:...
Hearing loss is the No. 1 sensory disability in the world. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 22 million workers are exposed to potentially damaging noise at work each year. Whether you work at a sports venue, on a tarmac, or operating a jackhammer – hearing loss is...
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 pallet jacks can become...
Did you know that over 2/3 of all accidents involve housekeeping in some way, shape, or form? Approximately 2.5 million disabling injuries happen in the service industry every year with a cost of over 100 billion dollars. In recent years OSHA has issued more than 1,100 citations for violations of...
Electrical extension cords are responsible for thousands of injuries each year, resulting hospital emergency room visits. Many of these injuries, fractures, lacerations, contusion, or sprains, involve people just tripping over an extension cord. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that about 3,300 residential fires originate in extension cords...
Safety signs are too important to be ignored. They provide us with vital hazard information in several ways: through colors, words, and pictures. Signs tell you where the hazards are and how to protect against the danger. Safety signs come in all sizes, colors, and shapes. Knowing what these signs...
With the fall and winter holidays approaching, we should give some thought to activities that include both indoor and outdoor decorating. It is the time of year that we literally place lights and decorations on every place we can put them. Unfortunately, this wonderful, festive time of decoration is also...
Conveyors are used to transport materials horizontally, vertically, at an angle, or around curves. Hazards depend on the type of conveyer, the material conveyed, the location of the conveyor, and how close the conveyer is to workers. Conveyors eliminate or reduce manual material handling tasks, but they introduce amputation hazards...
Air tools are powered by compressed air and include chippers, drills, hammers, sanders, spray guns, air ratchets, grinders, nibblers, needle scalers, and many more. There are several dangers associated with the use of air tools. First and foremost is the danger of getting hit by one of the tool’s attachments...
Compressed air is present across just about every industry. Companies use compressed air for many functions, from running huge equipment to powering simple air tools. Compressed air is a valuable utility and is a safe power source when used properly. As with any other energy-carrying power source however, compressed air...