Electrical Safety – How About Your Workplace? Electrical hazards exist anywhere employees work with or around power lines, electrical equipment, wiring, portable tools, temporary power, or energized components. Electrical incidents can cause shock, severe burns, arc-flash injuries, falls, fires, and electrocution. Past NIOSH investigations of occupational electrocutions demonstrate an important lesson: electrical...
Respirator Program - Respiratory Protection A respirator program is required when employees must use respirators to protect against hazardous airborne contaminants, oxygen-deficient atmospheres, or other respiratory hazards. Respirators are considered an important line of defense, but whenever feasible, hazards should first be eliminated or controlled through engineering and work-practice controls. Respirators must...
Electrical Sources in Hazardous Locations Electrical equipment can become an ignition source when it produces sparks, arcs, or excessive heat in an atmosphere containing flammable gases, vapors, combustible dusts, or ignitable fibers. Proper electrical installations and equipment are essential for preventing fires and explosions in these areas. Hazardous locations require specially designed...
Employee Safety Suggestions – Solving Workplace Safety Problems Employees often have the best understanding of workplace hazards because they perform the work every day. Employee participation can help identify hazards, improve work practices, and develop practical solutions before an injury occurs. Employees should be encouraged to identify hazards, report concerns, and recommend...
Steel Strapping Safety Steel strapping is commonly used to secure sheet metal, lumber, crates, boxes, and other heavy or compressed materials during storage and transportation. Although effective, steel strapping can store significant tension. When cut, the strap or the material it restrains can release suddenly and cause serious cuts, eye injuries,...
Forklift Safety - Safe Operation and Equipment Hazards Forklift safety requires trained operators, properly maintained equipment, and constant awareness of pedestrians, loads, travel surfaces, and surrounding hazards. Forklifts are essential material-handling equipment, but their weight, limited visibility, rear-end steering, and ability to carry elevated loads can result in serious injuries, fatalities,...
Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) Electricity can cause severe shock, burns, electrocution, and fire. Construction work presents an increased electrical risk because temporary wiring, extension cords, portable tools, wet conditions, and damaged equipment are frequently present. A Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is a fast-acting protective device designed to reduce the risk of serious...
Personal Protection Quiz – Selecting Suitable Eye Protection Choosing the correct eye and face protection depends on the hazards associated with the work being performed. Safety glasses, goggles, and face shields provide different types of protection and are not interchangeable. Test your knowledge with the following questions. Question 1 – Grinding While using an...
Come-A-Longs, Lever Hoists, and Chain Hoist Safety Hand-operated hoists, including come-a-longs, lever hoists, and manual chain hoists, are commonly used to lift, position, tension, and move materials or equipment. Typical applications include positioning pipe or plate, moving machinery, installing equipment, and supporting maintenance and repair work. Although these devices are relatively simple...
Defensive Driving – Are You? Defensive driving means staying alert, anticipating hazards, and being prepared for the mistakes of other drivers. Whether operating a company vehicle or your personal vehicle for work, your decisions behind the wheel can prevent crashes, injuries, and fatalities. Defensive Driving Practices Always wear your seat belt. Use...