Workplace Violence Warning Signs
Violence in our society seems to be ever increasing and the workplace is no exception. One out of four workers are likely to be threatened, attacked, or assaulted at work each year. However, employers can take steps to minimize the chance of violence in the workplace by improving the screening process for job applicants and establishing, conveying, and enforcing violence prevention programs that include educating workers to recognize early signs... [Read More...]
“The Beatings Will Continue Until Morale Improves”
“New Sheriff in Town” Accident rates continue to trend down. Fewer and fewer Americans die on the job. In light of this good news, what are Fed/OSHA and Cal/OSHA doing? They’re tightening the screws on employers. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis made good on her brash announcement that “there’s a new sheriff in town” by choosing David Michaels as her Assistant Secretary for OSHA, and Jordan Barab as his Deputy Assistant. Both are... [Read More...]
SEAT BELTS
Vehicle accidents are the number one cause of occupational deaths. Many factors contribute to these accidents. Recent studies have revealed that ‘driver failure’ is the primary factor in 85% of all fatality accidents. ‘Vehicle failure’ is the primary factor in the remaining 15%. Driver training and vehicle maintenance would appear to be the most critical elements in your organization’s vehicle accident prevention... [Read More...]
California SB 447 to Strengthen Cal OSHA”s Heat Stress Standard
Currently, Heat Illness Prevention is found under Title 8 Section 3395 of the California Administrative Code. The Heat Illness Prevention Standard affects all California employers who have employees working outdoors in any capacity. If California State Senator Dean Florez has his way, SB477 will add Heat Illness Prevention to the Labor Code. It should be noted that under existing law, it is a misdemeanor for an employer to violate a safety standard... [Read More...]
Hazard Communication
The Hazard Communication Standard addresses hazardous substance exposures to your employees. As an employer, you are responsible to develop, implement, and maintain a written hazard communication program. This requirement applies to any hazardous material of the Director’s List of hazardous Substances which is known to be present in a form that may expose your employees to it; under normal working conditions or in foreseeable emergencies. What... [Read More...]
Heat Illness Prevention – Radiant Heat
Radiant heat from hot surfaces, heat from hot processes and the heat from the sun can all cause workers to endure mild to serious illnesses, and in extreme cases, death. The summer weather is in full effect and it is important for workers to understand the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses so they may take the proper preventive steps. Employees who work in a hot environment should be trained in the causes, recognition, prevention and... [Read More...]
What Everybody Ought to Know about OSHA’s Fire Extinguisher Requirements
Providing an adequate number of properly maintained portable fire extinguishers and training your employees to use them could save your organization from experiencing dramatic losses from a fire. The requirements of OSHA’s portable fire extinguisher standard (29 CFR 1910.157) apply to all employers, with two exceptions. The first exception applies if you have a written fire safety policy that requires all employees to evacuate immediately when... [Read More...]
Mind Your Step Near Floor Openings
Floor openings on a job site can occur during construction, renovations or repairs. They’re hazardous because workers can fall through them and/or may be struck by objects that fall through openings. Workers should know about floor openings, guarding, and covers, and understand and use the fall protection appropriate to their worksites and job duties. One of the first ways to protect against floor opening hazards is to build floors or place... [Read More...]
USE OF YOUR FIRST-AID KIT
If adhesive bandages are about the only things taken from your first aid kit because you aren’t sure how to use the other provisions it contains then you need to take stock and do some training. First-aid kits are usually stocked with a variety of items possibly a number of your work crew don’t know what they are much less how to use them. As with any tool, you must know how to use these products to get the best results. When it comes... [Read More...]
Lead RRP Rule: “Opt-Out Provision”
Lead RRP Rule: The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and other construction industry groups will sue the federal EPA for removing the “opt-out” provision of the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule. The “opt-out” provision gave owners the right to direct contractors to bypass the RRP rule when there were no children under 6 or pregnant women in the home. The group will challenge the EPA’s... [Read More...]
