Accident Prevention Most workplace accidents can be prevented when employees recognize hazards, follow established procedures, and take responsibility for working safely. Accident prevention starts before the job begins and continues throughout the workday. Everyone on the project has a responsibility to protect themselves, coworkers, contractors, customers, and the public. Basic Safety and...
Close Calls Take a Close Look at Close Calls A close call, also known as a near miss, is an unplanned event that did not result in injury, illness, property damage, or other loss—but easily could have. Close calls should never be ignored simply because no one was hurt. A close call is...
Active Shooter Preparedness An active shooter situation is a rapidly evolving emergency involving an individual actively attempting to kill or injure people in a populated area. These incidents are unpredictable and may end before law enforcement arrives. Knowing how to respond can improve your ability to protect yourself and others. Employees should...
Chemical Storage Safety Chemicals are routinely used in many workplaces, but improper storage can result in fires, explosions, hazardous reactions, spills, and serious employee injuries. Chemicals must be stored according to their hazards, compatibility, manufacturer instructions, and Safety Data Sheets (SDS). Before Storing Chemicals Before placing a chemical into storage: Read the container...
Caught or Crushed Injuries Caught-in and caught-between incidents occur when a worker or body part becomes pinched, squeezed, caught, compressed, or entangled between objects or within machinery. These incidents can cause bruises, cuts, fractures, crushing injuries, amputations, and fatalities. Caught or crushed hazards are not limited to industrial machinery. They can occur...
Bloodborne Pathogens Bloodborne pathogens (BBP) are microorganisms present in human blood that can cause disease. Employees may be exposed when blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) contact broken skin, the eyes, nose or mouth, or enter the body through a needlestick or other sharp object. Important bloodborne pathogens include Hepatitis B...
Back Injuries - Get Your Workers Back in Control Back strains and sprains are common workplace injuries, but many can be prevented. Heavy or awkward lifting, repetitive handling, overreaching, twisting, and poor body positioning can place unnecessary stress on the back and lead to painful injuries and lost work time. The back...
Arc Welding Safety Arc welding uses an intense electric arc to join, cut, or repair metal. The process creates several serious hazards, including electric shock, intense ultraviolet and infrared radiation, hot metal, sparks, fire, explosion, fumes, and gases. Welders should understand these hazards and use the proper equipment, ventilation, and PPE...
Aerial Platform Safety Aerial platforms provide access to elevated work areas that may be difficult or unsafe to reach by other means. However, working from an elevated platform introduces serious hazards, including falls, tip-overs, falling objects, overhead obstructions, electrical contact, and crushing hazards. Proper training, inspection, and operation are essential. Training and...
Amusement Park Hazards Amusement and theme parks are designed for fun, but employees work around moving rides, mechanical equipment, electrical systems, crowds, elevated areas, and stored energy that can cause serious injuries when proper precautions are not followed. Employees who operate, inspect, maintain, test, or repair amusement rides must be trained for...