CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and highly toxic gas produced by incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels. Because it cannot be detected by sight or smell, workers may be exposed without realizing that a hazardous atmosphere exists. Common workplace sources include gasoline-, diesel-, propane-, and other fuel-powered: ...

Power Tool Safety Power tools make many jobs faster and easier, but they can cause serious injuries when they are improperly used, damaged, or poorly maintained. Common hazards include cuts, amputations, electrical shock, flying particles, burns, noise, vibration, and entanglement. Only employees who have been properly trained and authorized should operate power...

Landscaping Safety Landscaping safety requires year-round attention because workers routinely use power and hand tools while being exposed to traffic, insects, weather, temperature extremes, and other outdoor hazards. Safe work practices and proper personal protective equipment (PPE) can prevent cuts, punctures, amputations, strains, and environmental injuries. Power Equipment Safety Mowers, blowers, trimmers, trenchers,...

Electrical Hazards Electricity is a serious workplace hazard because electrical contact can cause shock, burns, arc-flash injuries, fires, electrocution, and secondary injuries such as falls. A worker who receives an electrical shock may lose muscle control or be thrown off balance, creating additional hazards when working from ladders, scaffolds, or elevated...

Scaffolding Safety - Safe Scaffold Work Practices Scaffolding safety requires proper inspection, erection, access, fall protection, and work practices to protect employees from falls, falling objects, structural failure, and electrical hazards. Scaffolds provide access to elevated work areas, but they can present serious hazards when improperly erected, altered, overloaded, or used. Guide...

Fire Protection and Control Fires can develop quickly and may result in serious injuries, fatalities, and property damage. Good housekeeping, proper storage of combustible and flammable materials, safe electrical practices, and prompt correction of fire hazards can significantly reduce the risk. Employees should know how to report a fire, when to evacuate,...

Forklift Pedestrian Safety Forklifts are essential for moving materials, but they create serious hazards for employees working or walking nearby. Because forklifts are heavy, maneuver differently from automobiles, and often operate in congested areas with limited visibility, collisions can result in severe or fatal injuries. Pedestrians working around forklifts must remain alert,...

Hazardous Material Disposal Many workplaces generate wastes that can be harmful to employees, the public, or the environment. Hazardous wastes may be ignitable, corrosive, reactive, or toxic and require special handling from the time they are generated until their final treatment or disposal. Employees who generate or handle hazardous waste must understand...

Garage Door Installer Safety Garage door installation and repair involves several significant hazards, including high-tension springs, heavy and awkward door sections, electrical equipment, ladders, power tools, sharp metal edges, and overhead work. Installers must understand these hazards and use proper tools and work practices before removing, installing, adjusting, or servicing a...