Power Press Safety – The Mighty Power Press Power press safety is critical because mechanical power presses are powerful metalworking machines used for punching, blanking, forming, and stamping operations. A press can punch through sheet metal in a fraction of a second—and that same force can cause severe crushing injuries or...
Ionizing Radiation - Radiation in the Workplace Ionizing radiation is used in many workplaces for activities such as industrial radiography, medical imaging, measurement and testing, research, and specialized construction applications. Although radiation provides important benefits, exposure must be carefully controlled because excessive exposure can damage living tissue and increase health risks. What...
Give New Co-Workers Your Support! Starting a new job can be challenging. New employees must learn unfamiliar tasks, equipment, procedures, work areas, and safety requirements—often in a short period of time. Even experienced workers may be unfamiliar with a new employer's procedures or jobsite hazards. Experienced employees can help new co-workers become...
Electrical Cord Repair Safety – Is It OK to Repair Electrical Cords? Electrical cord repair safety requires knowing when a damaged extension or equipment cord may legally and safely be repaired—and when it must simply be removed from service. Improper repairs can create serious shock, electrocution, fire, and equipment hazards. Electrical tape,...
Hydroblaster Safety High-pressure water cleaning, or hydroblasting, is commonly used to remove paint, grease, scale, deposits, and other materials from equipment and surfaces. While hydroblasting can be an effective alternative to other cleaning methods, the extremely high pressures involved can cause severe or fatal injuries if the equipment is used improperly. High-pressure...
Time to Chock and Block Those Tires! Chock truck and trailer wheels before loading, unloading, or performing work that could cause the vehicle to move. Assuming a parked vehicle will remain stationary can result in serious injuries, fatalities, equipment damage, or a forklift falling between a loading dock and a trailer. Guide...
Empty Containers Can Still Be Dangerous An empty container is not necessarily a safe container. Drums, tanks, cans, pails, and other containers that previously held flammable or combustible liquids may still contain enough residual liquid or vapor to create a serious fire or explosion hazard. After the liquid has been removed, flammable...
The Dangers of Oily Rags Oily rags may look harmless, but improperly stored rags can create a serious fire hazard. Certain oils, paints, stains, and other products can generate heat as they oxidize. When contaminated rags are piled together or improperly stored, that heat may become trapped and build until the...
Excavations Are Serious Business Excavations and trenches do not have to be extremely deep or large to create life-threatening hazards. Soil is heavy, and a cave-in can occur suddenly with little or no warning. Once soil begins moving, there may be no time to escape. Every excavation is different. Soil type, moisture,...
Front-End Loader Safety Front-end loaders are powerful and versatile machines, but their size, weight, limited visibility, articulated steering, and changing center of gravity can create serious hazards. Operators must be trained and authorized to operate the specific equipment and must follow the manufacturer's operating instructions and site safety procedures. Common hazards include...