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...
Electricity is an essential source of energy for most work-related operations. However, fewer sources have a greater potential to cause harm than electricity. Working safely with electricity is possible if you are trained in, understand, and follow certain basic ground rules. By its nature, electricity will take the path of...
Everyone takes a shortcut at one time or another. You could cross the street between intersections instead of using the crosswalk. Or, it could be that you jump a fence instead of using the gate. But in many cases, a shortcut can involve danger. The decision to take a shortcut...
Caffeine is commonly used in today’s society to get more energy, to feel more alert. While caffeine has been around for hundreds of years, caffeinated energy drinks have been gaining in popularity over the past few decades. Energy Drink Hazards: Over consumption of caffeine and other energy producing ingredients found...
Falls are among the most common causes of serious work-related injuries and deaths. Employers must take measures in their workplaces to prevent employees from falling off overhead platforms, elevated workstations, or into holes in the floor and walls. Falls are the second leading cause of occupational fatalities and disabling injuries...