Cold Storage Safety Cold storage areas include refrigerators, freezers, coolers, and other temperature-controlled rooms used to store or process food, materials, or products. Employees working in these areas may be exposed to cold stress, slippery surfaces, material-handling hazards, oxygen-deficient atmospheres, equipment hazards, and the possibility of becoming trapped inside. Employees should be...

Latex Safety – Preventing Allergic Reactions Latex safety is important for workers who regularly use gloves or other products containing natural rubber latex. Although most people experience no problems, repeated exposure can cause some workers to develop latex sensitivity or an allergic reaction. Recognize Latex Allergy Symptoms Workers exposed to natural rubber latex...

Cleanroom Safety Cleanrooms maintain controlled levels of airborne particles, temperature, humidity, and other environmental conditions required for specialized manufacturing, research, and laboratory operations. Although cleanrooms are designed to protect sensitive processes and products from contamination, employees may be exposed to chemical, compressed gas, electrical, pressure, cryogenic, ergonomic, and other hazards. Safe cleanroom...

Electricity Electricity is present on nearly every jobsite and in virtually every workplace. Because it is so common, electrical hazards can easily be overlooked. Contact with electricity can cause shock, severe burns, falls, fires, and electrocution. Always treat electricity with respect and never assume that “low voltage” means safe voltage. Electrical Safety...

Architectural Landscaping Safety Architectural landscaping can involve much more than planting and soil preparation. Projects may include carpentry, excavation, irrigation, concrete and stone work, grading, material handling, and powered equipment. Because several types of work may occur at the same time, employees should understand the site hazards and plan each task...

Excavations Cave-ins are one of the most serious hazards associated with excavation and trenching work. Other hazards include falling materials, underground utilities, hazardous atmospheres, water accumulation, mobile equipment, and falls into the excavation. Excavation work must be planned and inspected by a competent person. Never enter an excavation until required protective systems...

Automobile Repair Services Safety Automobile repair work includes inspections, maintenance, diagnostics, fluid changes, parts replacement, and major mechanical repairs. These activities can expose workers to moving machinery, chemicals, hot surfaces, fire and explosion hazards, vehicle lifts, electrical systems, and ergonomic strains. Employees should be properly trained to use shop equipment, tools, and...

Ergonomics - Preventing Repetitive Motion Injuries Repetitive motion injuries can develop when muscles, tendons, nerves, and joints are repeatedly stressed without enough time to recover. Repetitive movements, awkward postures, excessive force, vibration, and poorly selected tools can gradually cause discomfort or injury to the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, neck, back, and...