Stacking Materials Safely – Avoid a Pile of Trouble Safe stacking of materials is essential whenever boxes, bags, pallets, or other supplies are stored or moved. Poorly stacked materials can shift, collapse, or fall, causing struck-by injuries, property damage, and forklift or material-handling incidents. Guide for Discussion Start With a Stable Foundation Every safe...

Cuts and Burns Cuts, scrapes, punctures, and burns are common workplace injuries. Even injuries that appear minor should receive appropriate attention because damaged skin can allow infection, contamination, and additional tissue damage. Employees should know the location of first aid supplies, understand the company's injury-reporting procedures, and obtain assistance from trained first...

Smoke Detectors – A Life Saver Smoke detectors provide critical early warning of a fire, giving occupants valuable time to escape before smoke, heat, and toxic gases make evacuation difficult or impossible. Proper installation, testing, maintenance, and replacement are essential for smoke detectors to provide effective protection. Guide for Discussion Why Smoke Detectors...

Snow Removal Safety Snow removal can expose workers to strains and sprains, slips and falls, cold stress, and hazards from snow blowers and other equipment. Safe snow removal starts with assessing conditions, using proper equipment, and avoiding overexertion. Guide for Discussion Snow Blower Safety Snow blowers make snow removal easier, but rotating components and...

Heavy Equipment Safety Heavy equipment such as excavators, loaders, graders, rollers, and bulldozers is essential on many construction sites, but its size, weight, power, and limited visibility can create serious hazards. Operators must be trained, qualified, and authorized to operate the specific equipment they use. Employees working on the ground must...

Over-the-Counter Medications – Working Safely Over-the-counter medications are commonly used to relieve cold, flu, allergy, headache, and other minor symptoms. Although these medications are available without a prescription, they can still cause side effects that affect workplace safety. Some medications may cause drowsiness, dizziness, slowed reaction time, blurred vision, or difficulty concentrating....