Skin Protection Should Be a Priority Skin protection should be a priority whenever employees may be exposed to chemicals, sunlight, extreme temperatures, biological agents, or other substances that can damage the skin. Because the skin provides an important protective barrier for the body, preventing exposure is much easier than treating an...

Portable Light Strings Portable light strings provide temporary illumination in construction, maintenance, industrial, and other work areas. Because they are frequently used in wet locations, confined spaces, and areas where cords and fixtures can be damaged, improperly maintained temporary lighting can expose employees to electrical shock, burns, fire, and explosion hazards. Inspect...

Employee Responsibility Workplace safety is a shared effort. Management is responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace, supervisors are responsible for implementing safety requirements and directing work safely, and employees are responsible for following established procedures and actively contributing to workplace safety. Being responsible means more than simply completing assigned work....

Safety Data Sheets - Understanding and Using SDSs Safety Data Sheets provide essential information about hazardous chemicals used or stored in the workplace. Employees who work with hazardous chemicals must know how to access SDSs, understand the information they contain, and use that information to protect themselves and others. Under OSHA's Hazard...

Slips, Trips and Falls - Preventing Workplace Injuries Slips, trips and falls are among the most common causes of workplace injuries. They can occur on walking and working surfaces, stairs, ladders, scaffolds, and elevated work areas. Many of these incidents can be prevented by recognizing hazards, maintaining good housekeeping, and following...

Safety Signs - Recognizing Workplace Warnings Safety signs are used to warn employees and others about hazards, communicate required precautions, and provide important safety instructions. Employees must recognize, understand, and obey posted signs, tags, barricades, and other warning devices. Guide for Discussion Why Safety Signs Matter Safety signs are not decorations. They are placed...

Electrical Hazards – Anatomy of an Accident Electrical work leaves little room for error. Experience, training, and familiarity with a task do not eliminate electrical hazards. In fact, familiarity can sometimes lead to complacency, shortcuts, or assumptions that a routine task will go as planned. This incident demonstrates how a combination of...

Ergonomics Ergonomics is the science of fitting the job to the worker rather than forcing the worker to adapt to poorly designed tasks, tools, equipment, or workstations. Applying ergonomic principles can reduce physical stress, fatigue, and the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Ergonomics considers the capabilities and limitations of workers as...

What to Do in Case of Fire A fire can spread rapidly, producing intense heat, smoke, and toxic gases. Knowing what to do before a fire occurs can prevent injuries and save lives. Employees should be familiar with the company's Emergency Action Plan, evacuation routes, alarm procedures, and designated assembly areas. Sound...

Personal Fall Arrest and Fall Restraint Systems Employees who work at heights must understand the difference between a fall restraint system and a personal fall arrest system. Although both are forms of fall protection, they protect workers in different ways. A fall restraint system prevents a worker from reaching a location where...