A review of the Hazard Communication Standard Hazard Communication – Understanding Chemical Hazards The purpose of a Hazard Communication Program is to ensure employees understand the hazards of chemicals they may encounter at work and know how to protect themselves. Chemical safety can seem complicated, but employees do not need to...

General Safety – “Take Two” Many workplace incidents occur because a hazard is corrected temporarily without identifying why the hazard existed in the first place. Fixing the immediate problem is important, but preventing it from happening again requires looking for the underlying cause. Consider this example: You are walking through the work...

Attitude and Behavior Safety depends on more than rules, equipment, and training. Our attitudes influence the decisions we make and the way we behave on the job. A worker may understand the correct procedure but still take an unnecessary risk because of rushing, frustration, overconfidence, complacency, or simply believing that an...

Scaffold Inspections - Scaffolding Safety Scaffold inspections are essential because scaffolds are temporary structures that may be affected by use, weather, damage, improper assembly, or unauthorized modifications. Under OSHA construction requirements, a competent person must inspect each scaffold and its components for visible defects before each work shift and after any...

Don’t Let This Be You – Electrical Safety Electrical work on or near energized power lines can result in severe burns, amputations, permanent disability, or death. Experience alone does not eliminate the hazard. Even highly experienced electrical workers can be seriously injured when established procedures are not followed or when communication...

Traveling Safely With a Load Transporting materials, tools, equipment, or other cargo creates hazards that must be addressed before the vehicle moves. An improperly loaded or unsecured load can shift, fall from the vehicle, affect steering or braking, contribute to a rollover, or strike other motorists. The driver is responsible for making...

Backing Into Trouble Walking backward may seem harmless, but on a busy jobsite it can quickly lead to falls, struck-by incidents, caught-between injuries, and collisions. The risk increases when carrying materials, guiding vehicles, or working around loading docks, equipment, racks, and other obstacles. Many backing incidents have one thing in common: the...

Cargo Dock Safety Cargo docks and warehouses are busy work environments where forklifts, pedestrians, trucks, trailers, and materials frequently interact. An incident can injure employees, damage equipment, destroy cargo, and interrupt operations. Many dock incidents involve powered industrial trucks, loading and unloading activities, or manual material handling. Forklift Safety Only trained and authorized...