An important but often overlooked aspect of safety is what we decide to wear each day on the job….
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There has been much discussion about silica dust in the past few years. OSHA has issued a regulation to help protect workers from overexposure to this dust. It has been largely unregulated in the past, and because of this, many workers have been faced with overexposure to silica dust. The CDC reports that an estimated 1.7 million U.S. workers are exposed to silica dust on the job.
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Slips, trips, and falls are one of the leading causes of injuries and fatalities in the workplace. According to OSHA, slip, trip, and fall incidents cause 15% of all accidental deaths and are second only to motor vehicle incidents as a cause of fatalities on the job. These types of incidents can result in life-changing injuries to the employees who suffer them. These incidents are also very costly for businesses. HUB reports that the average slip and fall injury costs $20,000.
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Allergies are an issue that many people have to pay attention to every day both on and off the job. There are many sources of allergens that can cause an allergic reaction. Common allergens include pollen, dust mites, food, drugs, latex, animal dander, insect stings, and mold. A few of these allergens may be an issue while on the job. It is important to know what you are allergic to as well as communicating it to others in case of an exposure resulting in an emergency situation. In this safety talk, we will discuss two common allergens that could be the source of a severe allergic reaction on the job.
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It is no secret that opioid abuse in the United States is an epidemic. While these drugs have been a problem for years now there has been a recent national spotlight on the issue. It is important to understand how common this issue is, the side effects of abuse, and how abuse can affect an entire workplace.
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The list of possible medical emergencies you can experience in life is a long one. A common medical emergency that takes the lives of many people are emergencies that involve the heart. Heart attacks are extremely common; over 725,000 Americans experience a heart attack each year.
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We use batteries to power our cars, trucks, tractors, forklifts, construction equipment, and power tools. There are different types of batteries. For example, a lead-acid battery usually uses sulfuric acid to create the intended reaction. Zinc-air batteries rely on oxidizing zinc with oxygen for the reaction. Potassium hydroxide is the electrolyte in common household alkaline batteries. The most common electrolyte in lithium batteries is a lithium salt solution.
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There are many injuries while using hand tools on the job. Many of these injuries occur from improper use, but there are also injuries that involve a tool that was broken or in need of repair. What tool is being used will decide what needs to be inspected on it. In this safety talk, we will discuss basic handheld tools that are not electric or pneumatic.
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No one has all of the answers. If you do, you are under-utilized and underpaid. For the rest of us, there are always going to be times when we need help from someone else. It is important to feel comfortable asking for help when you need it or mentoring others when they need assistance.
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Continual learning is critical for success in any area of our lives; whether that is as a parent, spouse, employee, leader, community member, etc. Having a growth mindset when it comes to work separates those who stay stagnant in their position at work and those who eventually land better opportunities for themselves. Continually learning and expanding your knowledge in regards to what you do at work will allow you to be a safer and more efficient worker.
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Water is one of the most important substances on Earth. All plants, animals, and people need water to survive. Water serves very important purposes to our bodies and our bodily functions- some of which you may not even be aware of.
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The importance of adequate sleep cannot be overstated. Sleep has many effects on a variety of aspects of our health. The way you feel awake has a link to what kind of sleep you get at night. Poor sleeping habits can lead to an acute sudden incident, such as a car crash due to a tired driver, or chronic problems over the long term such as a number of health issues.
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It is an unfortunate reality that at some point you will be responsible for assisting during an injury or emergency situation in some capacity while on the job. When injuries occur at work it is important to know and understand some basic guidelines about getting help for an injured coworker.
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Ladders are an essential tool on many job sites and at home across the United States. Because of their widespread use and the inherent danger of working at heights, they are responsible for a significant number of injuries both on and off the job. Understanding the hazards of using a ladder, following the necessary safe work practices, and avoiding complacency can be a lifesaver.
Read MoreAsbestos is a material that was widely used in many building materials which are still found around us today. While it is still in use in a few different materials today, much of its use was stopped in the late 1980s after research revealed the negative health effects associated with its fibers. Many people have heard that asbestos is bad for human health, but do not understand how or why this is the case.
Read MoreWe all have habits that we follow on a daily or weekly basis. These habits have a major effect on our life. They also affect the choices we make at work. The choice to follow a safety procedure on any given day could be affected by a habit you have had for years.
Read MoreForklifts, or powered industrial trucks as they are referred to by OSHA, are a common piece of equipment found in many different industries. These pieces of equipment are primarily used to move materials and come in a variety of makes and models.
Read MoreNo matter what industry you are in, you are inevitably going to work around subcontractors or vendors quite often. The services of other companies are necessary to move work forward. Like any new addition or change in a workplace, subcontractors can create many hazards for everyone working there. It is important to consider the hazards created when utilizing subcontractors and what can be done to mitigate the hazards.
Read MoreTicks are small arachnids that bite to fasten themselves onto the skin and feed on blood. Ticks live in the fur and feathers of many birds and animals. There are many kinds of ticks in the United States and they can be found in virtually any area of the country
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Heat stress can be extremely dangerous on the jobsite. Outside of the direct consequences such as heat stroke, heat stress can cause incidents due to loss of focus or excessive fatigue on the job…..
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