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Jessica Barrett

Jessica is a freelance writer and editor from Toronto, Canada. She specializes in creating content for nonprofits and has written for organizations working in human rights, conservation, education, and health care. She loves traveling and food, speaks Spanish, and has two dogs, one of whom she rescued while living in Mexico.

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Articles by Jessica Barrett

Walking through a metalworking plant Walking through a metalworking plant Walking through a metalworking plant Walking through a metalworking plant


Statistics about slips and trips aren't always promising, but they can help us develop a prevention strategy. Find out more.

Safety sign Safety sign Safety sign Safety sign


Safety signs may be simple, but a lot of thought goes into selecting and placing them. Find out what you need to know about them.

Keen Work Boots Keen Work Boots Keen Work Boots Keen Work Boots


To keep you safe, your work boots also need to be comfortable. Find out how to select comfortable work boots and troubleshoot common...

Back support belts Back support belts Back support belts Back support belts


Back support belts can help reduce back injuries, but only if used properly. Find out what you need to know before using them.

Busting hydration myths Busting hydration myths Busting hydration myths Busting hydration myths


Does coffee dehydrate you? Learn the answer to this and other basic hydration questions.

Indoor hot works Indoor hot works Indoor hot works Indoor hot works


Did you know that indoor and outdoor heat aren't the same? Find out how they differ and what it means for worker safety.

Engaged workers and data tracking Engaged workers and data tracking Engaged workers and data tracking Engaged workers and data tracking


Workers engagement and data tracking are closely linked. Find out how.

New hearing protection tech New hearing protection tech New hearing protection tech New hearing protection tech


Hearing protection is about more than just earplugs and earmuffs. Find out how new tech is improving hearing PPE.

Safety sleeves Safety sleeves Safety sleeves Safety sleeves


Gloves aren't always enough. Find out what you need to know about protective sleeves before purchasing some for your workplace.

Factors that affect women's safety in the workplace Factors that affect women's safety in the workplace Factors that affect women's safety in the workplace Factors that affect women's safety in the workplace


Despite gains in employment equality, some factors continue to put women at greater risk than men. Find out what they are and how to...

Workplace sexual harassment Workplace sexual harassment Workplace sexual harassment Workplace sexual harassment


Sexual harassment is detrimental to mental and physical health. Find out what steps employers should take to prevent it from happening in...

What you need to know about head protection What you need to know about head protection What you need to know about head protection What you need to know about head protection


Hard hats seem simple, but they shouldn't be treated casually. Find out when you need them, what type you need, and how to use them.

Layering FR garments Layering FR garments Layering FR garments Layering FR garments


Selecting FR clothing is fairly simple - until you decide to layer them. Find out what you need to know before layering FR gear.

How to properly wear earplugs How to properly wear earplugs How to properly wear earplugs How to properly wear earplugs


Earplugs are standard issue PPE on many worksites, but are they being worn properly? Find out how to use them right and really protect your...

Using wearables to enhance workplace safety Using wearables to enhance workplace safety Using wearables to enhance workplace safety Using wearables to enhance workplace safety


Wearable tech is about more than just counting your steps or keeping track of your heart rate. Learn about the safety benefits of wearable...

Hydration tips from the research on athletic performance Hydration tips from the research on athletic performance Hydration tips from the research on athletic performance Hydration tips from the research on athletic performance


We can learn a lot about hydration by studying the people who push their bodies to the limit. Find out what research on athletic...

Tips for beating heat stress in hot working environments Tips for beating heat stress in hot working environments Tips for beating heat stress in hot working environments Tips for beating heat stress in hot working environments


Preventing heat stress involves more than just drinking water. Check out these surprising things you can do to stay safe while working in...

Heavy PPE can contribute to dehydration Heavy PPE can contribute to dehydration Heavy PPE can contribute to dehydration Heavy PPE can contribute to dehydration


It's not just the heat. Here are some conditions that could put workers at higher risk of dehydration - without them even realizing it.

Summer Work Hazards Summer Work Hazards Summer Work Hazards Summer Work Hazards


Summer brings a number of safety challenges for outdoor workers. Here are the biggest ones.

Warehouse barriers can mitigate forklift hazards Warehouse barriers can mitigate forklift hazards Warehouse barriers can mitigate forklift hazards Warehouse barriers can mitigate forklift hazards


More than 110,000 workers are involved in forklift-related accidents every day. Find out which type of barrier you need to make your...

Forklift maintenance best practices Forklift maintenance best practices Forklift maintenance best practices Forklift maintenance best practices


Operating a forklift is risky, but too few people realize that inspecting and maintaining it also comes with hazards.

Preventing forklift injuries Preventing forklift injuries Preventing forklift injuries Preventing forklift injuries


Using forklifts in your workplace introduces a number of dangers to the drivers and their co-workers. Find out how to keep workers safe...

Top Canadian safety training courses Top Canadian safety training courses Top Canadian safety training courses Top Canadian safety training courses


Canadian safety professionals have hundreds of training courses to choose from. To help you sort through them, we've selected a few of the...

Fatigued warehouse worker Fatigued warehouse worker Fatigued warehouse worker Fatigued warehouse worker


Fatigue is a serious safety hazard but it's often invisible. Find out how to spot fatigue in workers and what you can do about it.

Fall safety for oil and gas work Fall safety for oil and gas work Fall safety for oil and gas work Fall safety for oil and gas work


Oil and gas workers face many dangers, especially when working at height. Find out how to reduce the risks.

How to select the right fire extinguisher How to select the right fire extinguisher How to select the right fire extinguisher How to select the right fire extinguisher


Selecting a fire extinguisher is not as easy as it looks. Find out about the different classes of fire and which type of extinguisher is...

Reducing noise in the workplace Reducing noise in the workplace Reducing noise in the workplace Reducing noise in the workplace


PPE is your last line of defense against noise hazards. Find out what controls you should implement first.

Protective clothing must fit properly to ensure worker safety Protective clothing must fit properly to ensure worker safety Protective clothing must fit properly to ensure worker safety Protective clothing must fit properly to ensure worker safety


One-size-fits-all protective clothing is not as simple as it sounds. Find out why a proper fit matters.

6 Important Items that Get Left Off Too Many Safety Budgets 6 Important Items that Get Left Off Too Many Safety Budgets 6 Important Items that Get Left Off Too Many Safety Budgets 6 Important Items that Get Left Off Too Many Safety Budgets


Are you cutting too much out of your safety budget? If you're leaving these items off, you just might be.

Safety symbols Safety symbols Safety symbols Safety symbols


Safety symbols deliver important information, but they only work if everyone knows what they mean. Find out how to understand the symbols...

How to Deal with Winter Weather on the Construction Site How to Deal with Winter Weather on the Construction Site How to Deal with Winter Weather on the Construction Site How to Deal with Winter Weather on the Construction Site


Construction sites are risky places, but even more so in the winter. Learn about winter construction site hazards and how to deal with them.

How to Stay Safe When Spray Painting and Coating How to Stay Safe When Spray Painting and Coating How to Stay Safe When Spray Painting and Coating How to Stay Safe When Spray Painting and Coating


Spray painting has risks that aren't present when using a roller or paintbrush. Find out how to keep workers in industrial painting...

A Spotlight on Mold Remediation A Spotlight on Mold Remediation A Spotlight on Mold Remediation A Spotlight on Mold Remediation


Mold issues should be dealt with immediately, but mold remediation carries its own risks. Find out what it takes to treat mold safely and...

Confined Space Safety 101: First Steps You Need to Take Before Sending Workers into a Confined Space Confined Space Safety 101: First Steps You Need to Take Before Sending Workers into a Confined Space Confined Space Safety 101: First Steps You Need to Take Before Sending Workers into a Confined Space Confined Space Safety 101: First Steps You Need to Take Before Sending Workers into a Confined Space


Safety in confined spaces is particularly challenging. Find out what you need to know before sending workers into one.

Machinery with plastic guards Machinery with plastic guards Machinery with plastic guards Machinery with plastic guards


Machine guards are a simple and effective way of preventing severe injury. Find out what you need to look for when selecting yours.

Biological hazards in the workplace Biological hazards in the workplace Biological hazards in the workplace Biological hazards in the workplace


Biological hazards are common but rarely discussed. Find out how to identify them and keep your workers safe.

How to protect workers from indoor heat stress and cold stress How to protect workers from indoor heat stress and cold stress How to protect workers from indoor heat stress and cold stress How to protect workers from indoor heat stress and cold stress


Indoor work environments can put workers at risk of heat stress and cold stress. Learn about the risks and how to control them.

Securing transport loads Securing transport loads Securing transport loads Securing transport loads


Imbalanced or off-centered loads are a serious risk. Find out how to secure cargo the right way.

Steps to conducting a risk assessment Steps to conducting a risk assessment Steps to conducting a risk assessment Steps to conducting a risk assessment


Risk assessments are a cornerstone of workplace safety. Find out how to conduct and effective and thorough one.

Improving employee engagement with tech Improving employee engagement with tech Improving employee engagement with tech Improving employee engagement with tech


Disengaged workers are associated with a 49% increase in workplace accidents. Find out how technology can help you keep your employees...

Rebar is a major cause of impalement on construction sites Rebar is a major cause of impalement on construction sites Rebar is a major cause of impalement on construction sites Rebar is a major cause of impalement on construction sites


First Aid isn't all about nicks and cuts. Find out what to do when one of your workers has suffered a crushing injury, accidental...

Disposing of spent caustics Disposing of spent caustics Disposing of spent caustics Disposing of spent caustics


Caustic waste is harmful to humans, damaging to the environment, and causes trouble for wastewater treatment plants. Learn how to dispose...

Administering first aid for minor and severe cuts Administering first aid for minor and severe cuts Administering first aid for minor and severe cuts Administering first aid for minor and severe cuts


You've got first aid kits posted in your workplace, but do you know exactly how to use them? Find out how to respond to minor and severe...

First aid for bone fractures First aid for bone fractures First aid for bone fractures First aid for bone fractures


Bone fractures are one of the most common seriously workplace injuries. Do you know what to do if a worker suffers one at your business?

Grinding operations create dust Grinding operations create dust Grinding operations create dust Grinding operations create dust


Dust in manufacturing can be toxic or combustible, especially when it accumulates. Find out how to control the spread of dust in your...

Whistleblower policies Whistleblower policies Whistleblower policies Whistleblower policies


Your whistleblower program does more than just provide an avenue for reporting. It can also strengthen your workplace's safety culture....

Construction site Construction site Construction site Construction site


Compared to most professions, construction comes with a high risk of injury and fatality. Find out how to keep workers safe on the...

How to control welding hazards How to control welding hazards How to control welding hazards How to control welding hazards


Welding is an inherently hazardous job, but there are things you can do to make it safer. Learn about the risks and how to mitigate them.

Uneven ground conditions Uneven ground conditions Uneven ground conditions Uneven ground conditions


Uneven ground surfaces don't look dangerous but they account for a number of trip and fall incidents. Learn more about mitigating this risk.

Hazmat team Hazmat team Hazmat team Hazmat team


Does HAZWOPER apply to you? Find out if it does and what responsibilities this entails.

Safety certifications 101 Safety certifications 101 Safety certifications 101 Safety certifications 101


With so many safety certifications to choose from, it's hard to know where to start. Learn more about certifications and how to know which...

Q&A by Jessica Barrett

Does every layer of winter workwear need to be flame resistant? Does every layer of winter workwear need to be flame resistant? Does every layer of winter workwear need to be flame resistant? Does every layer of winter workwear need to be flame resistant?


When possible, it's a good idea to make every layer flame resistant.When it comes to layering FR clothing, both the outerwear and the...

When do I need high-visibility safety apparel? When do I need high-visibility safety apparel? When do I need high-visibility safety apparel? When do I need high-visibility safety apparel?


For workers on job sites where traffic is a concern, there’s one question that tends to be paramount over all others: how well can...

How often should you replace high-visibility clothing? How often should you replace high-visibility clothing? How often should you replace high-visibility clothing? How often should you replace high-visibility clothing?


High visibility clothing is an essential part of the PPE package for workers who need to ensure that others can see them on the job site....

Are stand-up forklifts safer? Are stand-up forklifts safer? Are stand-up forklifts safer? Are stand-up forklifts safer?


As you might expect, there’s no clear-cut answer to this question. Both sit-down and stand-up forklifts have their safety benefits...

Number of wheel chocks required Number of wheel chocks required Number of wheel chocks required Number of wheel chocks required


Loading docks can be dangerous places, and using wheel chocks is one way to help mitigate hazards like trailer creep (learn about 5 Loading...

Reducing CO levels from forklifts Reducing CO levels from forklifts Reducing CO levels from forklifts Reducing CO levels from forklifts


Carbon monoxide poisoning in warehouses is more common than you might think. And since CO is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, it’s...

What kind of PPE do forklift operators need? What kind of PPE do forklift operators need? What kind of PPE do forklift operators need? What kind of PPE do forklift operators need?


While engineering and administrative controls are always the first line of defense against injuries in the workplace, personal protective...

Regular forklift inspections Regular forklift inspections Regular forklift inspections Regular forklift inspections


Forklifts are dangerous, heavy machines. While they only account for about one percent of all warehouse or factory accidents, they make up...

Lockout tagout for forklift maintenance Lockout tagout for forklift maintenance Lockout tagout for forklift maintenance Lockout tagout for forklift maintenance


Before we talk about when you should lockout a forklift, let’s discuss what the term even means.Locking Out a ForkliftLockout/tagout...

Is it possible to promote safety culture with temporary workers? Is it possible to promote safety culture with temporary workers? Is it possible to promote safety culture with temporary workers? Is it possible to promote safety culture with temporary workers?


Creating a strong culture of safety among your permanent staff is important, but it’s equally as important with temporary or contract...

Is post-accident drug testing permissible? Is post-accident drug testing permissible? Is post-accident drug testing permissible? Is post-accident drug testing permissible?


In December 2016, OSHA introduced a final rule (29 CFR 1904) that revised their regulations on recording and reporting occupational...

Should management take part in safety training? Should management take part in safety training? Should management take part in safety training? Should management take part in safety training?


Creating a safe workplace isn’t just about training lower-level workers to identify safety hazards and enabling them to take action...

What respirator do you need for the summer? What respirator do you need for the summer? What respirator do you need for the summer? What respirator do you need for the summer?


While some respirators are intended for cold weather use, you won’t generally find ones specifically for use in hot weather. During...

How to choose a cooling vest How to choose a cooling vest How to choose a cooling vest How to choose a cooling vest


For workers in hot environments, keeping cool is about more than just comfort – it’s about and protecting their health and...

What's the difference between caution and warning signs? What's the difference between caution and warning signs? What's the difference between caution and warning signs? What's the difference between caution and warning signs?


It can be tricky to determine the meaning of signs, especially when the words all seem to be synonyms with each other. But don’t be...

Regarding a fit test, what is the rainbow passage and why is it said? Regarding a fit test, what is the rainbow passage and why is it said? Regarding a fit test, what is the rainbow passage and why is it said? Regarding a fit test, what is the rainbow passage and why is it said?


When it comes to respirators, fit testing is critically important, and OSHA advocates for it on a regular basis. Though it can be laborious...

What are positive and negative pressure seal checks and how are they performed? What are positive and negative pressure seal checks and how are they performed? What are positive and negative pressure seal checks and how are they performed? What are positive and negative pressure seal checks and how are they performed?


It’s important to understand that respirators aren’t a one-size-fits-all piece of PPE. If a respirator doesn’t fit...

Must I be medically evaluated and cleared to use a respirator? Must I be medically evaluated and cleared to use a respirator? Must I be medically evaluated and cleared to use a respirator? Must I be medically evaluated and cleared to use a respirator?


To maintain the safety of all workers, OSHA standards mandate that every employee required or volunteering to use a respirator undergo a...

Know the difference between AR and FR clothing Know the difference between AR and FR clothing Know the difference between AR and FR clothing Know the difference between AR and FR clothing


The world of PPE can be confusing, and it's not always easy to choose the right gear for a particular application. But when it comes to...

What is the difference between primary and secondary flame resistant (FR) garments? What is the difference between primary and secondary flame resistant (FR) garments? What is the difference between primary and secondary flame resistant (FR) garments? What is the difference between primary and secondary flame resistant (FR) garments?


We use flame resistant (FR) protective clothing to protect against hazards like electric arcs, flash fires, and combustible dust. But not...

How often should I inspect a loading dock? How often should I inspect a loading dock? How often should I inspect a loading dock? How often should I inspect a loading dock?


Loading docks can be dangerous places. In fact, about a quarter of all reported warehouse injuries occurring on loading docks. The causes...

Safety training for loading dock workers Safety training for loading dock workers Safety training for loading dock workers Safety training for loading dock workers


The loading dock is one of the most dangerous areas in a warehouse. About a quarter of all industrial accidents happen there – and...

What should I do when facing multiple hazards? What should I do when facing multiple hazards? What should I do when facing multiple hazards? What should I do when facing multiple hazards?


A hazard is defined as any practice, behavior, or physical condition that can cause injury, illness, damage to property, damage to...

What is the best way to handle fogging in a Level A suit face visor? What is the best way to handle fogging in a Level A suit face visor? What is the best way to handle fogging in a Level A suit face visor? What is the best way to handle fogging in a Level A suit face visor?


Getting comfortable in your Level A safety suit is no easy feat. When you're working, you might notice your visor starting to fog up...

What is silica and why is it hazardous? What is silica and why is it hazardous? What is silica and why is it hazardous? What is silica and why is it hazardous?


A natural mineral found in the Earth, the most common form of silica is quartz. It’s a widely used industrial material and is...

What is the difference between acute and chronic chemical exposure? What is the difference between acute and chronic chemical exposure? What is the difference between acute and chronic chemical exposure? What is the difference between acute and chronic chemical exposure?


Chemical exposure of any kind can be dangerous. Generally, there are three routes of exposure through which a toxic substance can enter the...