Accident Investigation Accidents are unplanned events that may result in injury, property damage, equipment damage, or other workplace losses. Near misses may not result in injury or damage, but they provide an important warning that a more serious incident could occur under similar circumstances. The primary purpose of an accident investigation is...
Poison Oak – Leaves of Three, Let Them Be! Poison oak is a common outdoor hazard, particularly for employees working in construction, landscaping, utilities, surveying, forestry, and other areas where vegetation is present. Contact with poison oak can cause an itchy, painful rash that may become severe enough to require medical...
Cleaning Pesticide-Contaminated Clothing Clothing worn while mixing, loading, or applying pesticides can become contaminated with pesticide residues. If contaminated clothing is handled, stored, or laundered improperly, pesticides may remain on the clothing, contact the skin, or contaminate other clothing and household laundry. Always follow the pesticide label and Safety Data Sheet (SDS)...
Workplace Violence Workplace violence can occur in any workplace. While every incident cannot necessarily be predicted or prevented, recognizing risk factors, maintaining appropriate security measures, reporting concerning behavior, and knowing how to respond can reduce the potential for employees to be harmed. Workplace violence may include threats, intimidation, harassment, physical assault, or...
Portable Power Drills - Safe Handling and Operation Safe handling of portable power drills is essential because these commonly used tools can cause serious injuries when they are damaged, improperly operated, or used for the wrong application. Hazards include electric shock, flying particles, cuts and punctures, entanglement, kickback, and injuries caused...
Lead Safety in Construction Lead safety is critical in construction because workers may be exposed when disturbing lead-containing paints, coatings, metals, solder, piping, or other building materials. Activities that generate lead-containing dust or fumes can result in serious occupational exposure. Where Lead Exposure May Occur Construction activities with potential lead exposure include: Renovating...
Latex Allergy Prevention Latex allergy prevention is important for workers who are frequently exposed to products containing natural rubber latex, particularly gloves. While most people can use latex products without problems, repeated exposure can cause some individuals to develop allergic reactions that may become serious. Recognize the Symptoms Workers who regularly handle natural...
Silica Exposure - Preventing Silicosis Silicosis is a serious, permanent lung disease caused by breathing respirable crystalline silica dust. Crystalline silica is found in many common construction materials, including concrete, brick, block, mortar, stone, rock, sand, and soil. When these materials are cut, drilled, ground, crushed, chipped, or otherwise disturbed, very small...
Power Press Safety Power presses can cause severe crushing injuries, fractures, and amputations when employees come into contact with the point of operation or other moving components. Proper machine guarding, safe operating procedures, employee training, inspection, and maintenance are essential whenever power presses are used. Never operate a power press unless you...
Insect & Spider Bites Employees who work outdoors, around landscaping, in storage areas, or near wood, debris, and other undisturbed materials may encounter bees, wasps, hornets, spiders, and other biting or stinging insects. Most bites and stings cause only minor irritation, but some can result in severe allergic reactions or other...