The Deadly Dozen Workplace incidents usually involve one or more contributing factors. Unsafe actions, unsafe conditions, inadequate planning, equipment problems, or failures in established procedures can create situations in which someone may be injured. Recognizing hazards before work begins—and correcting them when they develop—is an important part of preventing incidents. The following...

Trenches Trenches can expose workers to cave-ins, hazardous atmospheres, falling materials, water accumulation, mobile equipment, and other serious hazards. A trench can collapse suddenly and without warning, so workers must never enter an excavation unless it has been inspected and required protective measures are in place. Guide for Discussion Competent Person Inspections A competent...

Trenching and Shoring Trenching and shoring operations are common when installing buried utilities, pipelines, drainage systems, and other underground infrastructure. These operations can expose workers to cave-ins, falling materials, hazardous atmospheres, underground utilities, water accumulation, and mobile equipment. A trench cave-in can occur suddenly and without adequate warning. Soil is extremely heavy—a...

Compressed Gases Compressed gas cylinders are commonly used for welding, cutting, heating, maintenance, and other operations. Although cylinders are designed to safely contain gases under high pressure, improper storage, handling, or use can result in fire, explosion, chemical exposure, or a cylinder becoming a dangerous projectile. Treat every compressed gas cylinder as...

Guardrails Guardrails are one of the most effective methods of protecting workers from falls from elevated walking and working surfaces. Missing, incomplete, damaged, or improperly constructed guardrail systems can expose workers to serious or fatal falls. Guardrails may be installed around open-sided floors, roof edges, platforms, ramps, stair openings, floor openings, and...