Welding Safety Welding operations can expose workers to a combination of serious safety and health hazards. Welding produces intense heat, sparks, fumes, gases, noise, and radiation and may expose workers to electrical shock, burns, fire, explosions, and hazardous atmospheres. Whether performing electric arc welding or oxygen-fuel gas welding, follow these basic precautions. General...

Eye Protection Seeing Is Believing An eye injury can happen in the blink of an eye. Flying particles, chemicals, dust, sparks, and harmful light can cause serious injury or permanent vision loss. Proper eye and face protection is essential whenever these hazards are present. Eye protection—including safety glasses, goggles, face shields, and welding...

Prevent Injuries from Falling Objects Falling objects can cause severe injuries or fatalities. Tools, materials, equipment, and stored products can fall from elevated work areas, scaffolds, platforms, racks, ladders, or lifting operations and strike employees below. The best protection is to prevent objects from falling and keep employees out of areas where...

Common Sense Safety Many workplace hazards can be prevented through planning, good housekeeping, proper equipment, and attention to basic safety practices. Take time to look around your work area, recognize hazards, and correct unsafe conditions before they result in an injury. Maintain Good Housekeeping A clean and orderly workplace reduces the risk of...

Preventing Heat-Related Illnesses Heat-related illnesses can occur when the body gains heat faster than it can cool itself. Working in hot or humid conditions, performing strenuous physical activity, wearing protective clothing, or working in direct sunlight can increase the risk. Heat illness can progress rapidly and may become life-threatening. Employees should know...

Repetitive Motion Injuries - Computer and Office Ergonomics Repetitive motion injuries can develop when the same movements are performed repeatedly, particularly when combined with awkward postures, excessive force, prolonged computer use, or insufficient recovery time. Proper workstation setup, good work habits, and early reporting of discomfort can help prevent these injuries. What...

Fire Safety In Case of Fire Fire safety is everyone’s responsibility. Employees can help prevent fires by recognizing hazards, maintaining safe work areas, and reporting unsafe conditions before they result in an emergency. Employees should know the location of fire extinguishers, alarms, exits, evacuation routes, and designated assembly areas before an emergency occurs....

Foot Safety Step Into Safety Foot injuries may receive less attention than many other workplace injuries, but they can result in significant pain, lost work time, and permanent disability. Employees may be exposed to falling or rolling objects, crushing hazards, sharp materials, slippery surfaces, chemicals, electrical hazards, and uneven terrain. The best time...

Emergency Wash Stations Hazardous chemicals can cause serious eye and skin injuries within seconds of exposure. Emergency eyewash stations and safety showers provide immediate flushing to help remove hazardous materials and limit the severity of an injury. Emergency washing equipment is not a substitute for personal protective equipment (PPE). Employees must continue...

Jacks, Lifts, and Hoists – Give Them the Safety Priority They Deserve Jacks, vehicle lifts, and hoists make it possible to raise and move loads that would otherwise be impossible to handle safely. However, failure, overloading, improper positioning, or unsafe operation can result in crushing, caught-between, struck-by, and fatal injuries. Never assume...