Gas Cylinder Safety Compressed gas cylinders require special handling because they present hazards from both the contents of the cylinder and the pressure under which those contents are stored. A damaged cylinder, valve, or regulator can cause a fire, explosion, toxic exposure, oxygen-deficient atmosphere, or uncontrolled release of energy. Never handle or...

Demolition Safety Planning Demolition work presents unique hazards because structures are intentionally weakened and dismantled. Conditions can change rapidly, creating risks from premature collapse, falling materials, hazardous substances, utilities, heavy equipment, dust, noise, and falls. Thorough planning must occur before demolition begins. Pre-Demolition Planning Before starting demolition, the employer should determine: The method...

Metal Plating Safety Metal plating safety is essential because plating operations can expose workers to hazardous chemicals, corrosive liquids, toxic metals, hot solutions, electrical hazards, moving equipment, and harmful dusts and fumes. Proper training, ventilation, personal protective equipment, and safe chemical-handling procedures are necessary to prevent injuries and occupational illness. Metal plating...

Contractor Safety Contractors often perform specialized work alongside company employees and other contractors. Without proper coordination, these activities can introduce hazards that affect everyone at the worksite. Effective contractor safety requires prequalification, clear responsibilities, hazard communication, training, coordination, and ongoing monitoring throughout the project. Contractor Prequalification Before selecting a contractor, evaluate the contractor's...

Common Workplace Injuries Workplace injuries can result in pain, lost work time, reduced productivity, and significant costs for both employees and employers. Many injuries are preventable when workers recognize hazards, follow established procedures, use the proper equipment, and avoid unnecessary risks. Some of the most common workplace injuries involve overexertion and back...

Flat Roofing Safety Flat or low-slope roofs may appear safer than steep roofs, but employees are still exposed to serious and potentially fatal falls from roof edges, openings, skylights, access points, and other elevated surfaces. Roofing materials, equipment, weather conditions, and changing work areas can create additional hazards. Before roofing work begins,...

Establishing a Hazard Communication Program Hazardous chemicals are used in many workplaces and may present health hazards, physical hazards, or both. OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) requires employers with hazardous chemicals in the workplace to establish an effective Hazard Communication (HazCom) Program so employees understand the chemicals they work...

Compactor and Baler Safety Compactors and balers are used to compress cardboard, paper, plastics, metals, garbage, and other materials into smaller loads for storage, recycling, or transportation. These machines use powerful hydraulic or mechanical rams and can cause crushing, amputation, caught-in, and fatal injuries if employees enter or reach into operating...