Portable Light Strings – Electrical Safety Portable light strings are commonly used to provide temporary illumination in construction, maintenance, confined spaces, and other work areas. Because these lights may be exposed to moisture, physical damage, combustible materials, and hazardous atmospheres, improper use can result in electrical shock, electrocution, burns, fires, or...
Electrical Hazards – High-Voltage Electrical Burns Electrical contact can cause some of the most severe injuries encountered in the workplace. Electrical injuries may include shock, electrical and thermal burns, arc-flash injuries, cardiac arrest, internal tissue damage, falls, and electrocution. Electrical burns can be particularly dangerous because the injury visible on the skin...
Electrical Equipment Guarding and Workspaces Electrical equipment such as panels, switchboards, transformers, disconnects, and junction boxes can expose workers to serious electrical hazards. Contact with energized parts can cause shock, burns, arc-flash injuries, falls, or electrocution. Proper guarding and adequate working space help prevent accidental contact and allow qualified employees to...
Dairy Worker Safety If you work with dairy animals or work in and around dairy operations, make sure you’ve been trained to recognize potential hazards and prevent possible injuries or illnesses. Get training on specific safe work practices for each task, material, and equipment. Know what personal protective equipment (PPE) you...
Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs) Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs), also called repetitive strain injuries or work-related musculoskeletal disorders, can develop when muscles, tendons, nerves, and joints are repeatedly exposed to stress without adequate recovery. These injuries commonly affect the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, neck, and back. Unlike an injury caused by a single...
Chemical Hazards – Composite Safety Composite manufacturing and repair can expose employees to hazardous chemicals, vapors, fibers, dust, and particulates. Common materials include resins, catalysts or hardeners, fiberglass, carbon fiber, aramid fibers such as Kevlar, and structural core materials. Employees shall understand the hazards of the specific products they use and...
Cold Weather Driving Driving in cold weather presents hazards that can change quickly and with little warning. Snow, ice, freezing rain, reduced visibility, and low temperatures can significantly affect vehicle traction, steering, braking, and stopping distance. Drivers should adjust their driving to the conditions rather than relying on posted speed limits...
Cold Medication & Drowsiness Cold and flu season is here again. Now is a good time for our annual warning about using over-the-counter cold and flu medications during work hours. Sometimes, cold remedies and work are not a good mix. The most common side effect of over-the-counter cold and flu medicine is...
Chemical Hazards Hazardous Materials Identification System Hazardous chemical labels provide important information about workplace chemical hazards. Employees must understand the labeling system used at their workplace and know how to obtain more detailed information from the chemical's label and Safety Data Sheet (SDS). The Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS) is one labeling system...
Dermatitis Dermatitis is inflammation of the skin caused or aggravated by exposure to irritating or sensitizing substances or other workplace hazards. Symptoms may include redness, itching, dryness, cracking, swelling, blistering, or a rash. Work-related dermatitis can develop after a single significant exposure or gradually after repeated contact. Some workers may also become...