Safety Culture Archives

Changing the Equation: Don’t Just Focus on the Direct Costs of Accidents

There was an accident here recently and one of the workers is off for at least six weeks. He's the only person on our shift with the training to operate the heavy machinery. Now, I'm stuck waiting…

Wear Workout Gloves

When you work out, sweat on your hands can affect your grip on the bar. If you’re lifting heavy on a move like the bench press, this can pose a danger. Workout gloves enable you to maintain a firm…

Asbestos Dos and Don’ts

Many people believe asbestos is a problem of the past. It was once a serious risk, but now it's done and dusted, so we never have to worry about it again. Unfortunately, that isn't the case. Even…

A Stark Reminder of the Importance of Tool Tethering

They say nothing in life is certain except for death and taxes. But Cody Tilley (and workers like him) would probably add gravity to that list, too.Tilley was working 30 feet in the air, applying …

Guardrail Systems

"I was really excited about starting my new construction job and was very pleased to be assigned to work with a journeyman. I figured I would be able to learn a lot from this guy. As we were…

Dangerous Construction Site Atmospheres

The conditions under which work is carried out on construction sites is largely dictated by the weather, ranging from soaking wet to hot, dry and dusty. In all cases, suitable protection for the…

Know About Lockout-Tagout

Lockout Tagout is a globally used system that ensures that hazardous power sources are isolated and rendered inoperative. A lock is placed on a device or power source, preventing the hazardous power…

Caught Working Safe

Our Rohit Team created a parody in support of workplace safety!

Young Worker Safety

New workers are more vulnerable to workplace hazards. If you are new to the job, it is especially important that you learn and follow established workplace practices. You must always wear the proper…

Employers have a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of all of their workers, whether they are working with many colleagues or are alone on the job. By developing policies that take lone worker…

Keep Safe When Using an ATM

When using an ATM by yourself, park your car in a well lit area. If possible, have someone with you. Fill out any necessary forms ahead of time. If you feel unsafe, leave the area. Report any…

Don’t Stockpile Hazardous Materials

If released, hazardous waste can contaminate water supplies. Minimize the risk by purchasing the smallest quantities you can. Eliminate surplus materials rather than stockpiling them. Maintain an…

Workstation Stretching

Lack of movement while sitting behind a computer can bring on muscle pain and strain. Every hour you should take a micro break. Break up your tasks so that you are moving around every 20-30 minutes.…

Store Hazardous Materials Safely

It is vital to properly store all hazardous materials, especially if you are in a flood zone area. Store products in their original container. Clearly label all containers, use water proof storage…

Know Your Way Around a Safety Data Sheet

OSHA Hazards Communication Standard requires chemical suppliers to to provide a comprehensive Safety Data Sheet. This should be carefully scrutinized. It includes general information about the…

Follow Common Sense Safety Practices

Keeping safe in the workplace is largely a matter of common sense. That, however, is often an uncommon quality on the job. Keep safe by doing the basics well. Wear proper shoes. Use glasses and face…

Use a Windsock

Many workers are being asked to carry out their duties at work sites that have airborne hazards present. A windsock is a conical textile tube that indicates the wind direction. If your workplace…

What is Regulated Medical Waste?

Regulated medical waste classifies waste materials that pose a danger of infection. Separate Federal and State regulations exist for the control of medical waste. Medical waste includes liquid or…

Understanding Hard Hat Classifications

Hard hats are a common sight in industrial facilities, on construction sites, and on the heads of crews doing maintenance and repairs. To the untrained eye, those hard hats all look the same. They…

Handling Suspicious Mail

Suspicious mail has become an increasingly common workplace hazard. Take note of the following tell-tale signs; the use of low value stamps, insufficient postage, lack of a return address, over…

Have an Emergency Response Plan

You need to prepare a workplace emergency response plan before it is needed. An emergency action plan needs to be tailored to your worksite, involve a hazard assessment and spell out an evacuation…

Be Prepared to Encounter Blood or Body Fluids

If you need to administer first aid in an emergency and blood or body fluids are present, make sure that you use the correct PPE. You should have access to latex gloves, goggles, CPR mouth barriers,…

Avoid Repetitive Fatigue

Working extended shifts are a common cause of repetitive fatigue. Reduce fatigue by limiting extended shifts, and increasing break and mealtimes when shifts are extended. Jobs that require heavy…

Recognizing Workplace Stress

Learning how to deal with workplace stress can prevent physical and emotional health problems. Recognize the signs of stress and then track what is causing the stressful situation. Prioritize and…

Ensure You Have an Effective Machine Guard

Moving machine parts cause many severe workplace injuries, such as crushed fingers, hands, amputations, blindness and fatalities, each year. Machine guards are engineered to protect workers from…

Regularly Inspect Your Hand Tools

Hand tools encounter a lot of wear and tear, which calls for regular maintenance to avoid injury. Look out for cracked wooden handles, mushroomed hammer heads and worn tool housings. If you see a…

Are You Sleep Deprived?

Most healthy adults need between 7.5-9 hours of sleep each night to perform at their best. You will function better and perform your work more safely if you get adequate sleep. Increase your sleep…

Maintain Your Personal Protection Equipment

Your personal protection equipment (PPE) keeps you safe. And in return, you should take care of it too. Properly maintaining your PPE isn't just about being neat and tidy. It will extend its…

Working Alone

It is especially important that employers put in place a health and safety working environment for employers who work on their own. There is no regulation that prohibits an employee from working…

Make Safety A Team Effort

Safety needs to be a key component of everything an organization does. This means that all employees should be well aware of the safety requirements surrounding their duties and those of other…

When in Doubt, Seek Help

Many workers do not like to ask for assistance, viewing it as a sign of weakness. As a result they are likely to forge ahead when they are unsure of how to proceed. This can be dangerous. We you are…

Take Personal Work Responsibility

On the job, you have a responsibility to give your best effort at all times. A lapse in concentration, an attempt to take shortcuts or a messy and unorganized workspace are potential safety hazards.…

Maintain Your Hand Tools

Tools are essential in almost every line of work. They help you get the job done - and get it done more efficiently. But to get it done safely, your tools need to be in good condition. Hand…

Know Your Exits

In an emergency you do not have a lot of time to take in your surroundings. That is why getting familiar with the layout of buildings you are making smart safety sense. When you enter a store, hotel…

Take Extra Care with Chemicals

Carelessness around chemicals can be deadly. The necessary controls regarding storing, handling and mixing chemicals should be adhered to at all times. Anyone working with chemicals needs to be…

Be Aware of Pinch Points

Pinch points are places where a body part or a piece of clothing can get caught up in machinery, between equipment or between a lid and a container when closing. Pinch point injuries can be very…

Be Prepared for an Emergency

In an emergency situation, most people freeze. You need to be prepared to take action. That means that you are aware of how to recognize and activate and emergency alarm. You should also be well…

Protect Yourself from Bloodborne Pathogens

Bloodborne pathogens are infectious materials in blood that can cause disease in humans. These include Hepatitis B and C and HIV. Protect yourself by treating all blood and body fluids as if they are…

Protect Your Hands

Wearing gloves is just one aspect of protecting your hands on the job. Any scrapes or scratches that break the skin have the potential to cause an infection. Every time you get a scratch you should…

Safe Chemical Handling

Hazardous chemicals can not only cause harm, but do so in a number of ways. Handling chemical products can put you at risk of adverse health effects from: Dermal exposure (contact with the…

Sick Building Syndrome

Sick building syndrome refers to the condition where you feel unwell while at work. However, when you leave, the symptoms clear up. The longer you stay in the building where your work is located, the…

Construction Site Safety Checklist

Before work in undertaken on a construction site, there are a number of matters that should be checked: Provide site security – it is especially important to stop children from getting into the…

Preventing Chemical Exposure

For every hazardous chemical, measures must be developed to ensure that under all foerseeable operating conditions no one, whether employee, visitor, contractor or member of the public, is exposed to…

Chemical Emergency Procedures

Every place of work that uses, stores or handles hazardous substances should prepare an emergency plan to cover all reasonably foreseeable events such as fire, major spillage or toxic release. The…

Chemical Hazard Training

Workers handling or using chemical substances should be provided with information about the substance and training in the techniques necessary to minimize the risk faced. As a result, training and…

Placement of Warning Signs

When designing and placing warning signs, follow these basic criteria:Only use warning signs when and where neededMake sure that all warning signs are clearly understandable and that they stand out…

Noise Control Techniques

Noise pollution is a major workplace hazard which affects many workers. Once the nature and magnitude of a noise problem has been identified, a noise control program can be put in place. The three…

Practical Noise Reduction Tips

A number of practical techniques can be used as part of normal day-to-day operational and maintenance procedures that will achieve significant reductions in the noise emitted, will cost very little…

Water Safety

Drowning is responsible for taking the lives of 300 people every year in the United States. Furthermore, most of those drownings occur in the summer months. Young people are most likely to drown or…

Stay Secure

When you think of workplace hazards, what's the first thing that comes to mind? Chances are it's something physical. An electrical shock from faulty equipment, falling from a ladder, getting a…

Small Hand Tool Safety

Small hand tools are a leading cause of on the job accidents. Reduce your risk by following some simple safety guidelines.Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment at all times, even if…

Walk for Health

Walking is something that has immeasurable health benefits, but that many desk bound people do too little of. Many people do not realize that walking burns almost as many calories as jogging does. It…

Workplace Inspections

Within an organization, there are several ways by which risks may be identified. These include workplace inspections, which are undertaken with the aim of identifying risks and promoting remedial…

Preventing Truck Operation Hazards

Overturning is a definite risk when operating a truck or forklift on the factory floor. This often occurs when maneuvering with the load elevated or at too high a speed. Other causes of overturning…

What is a Competent Person?

Often, when the law requires particular items of a workplace to be thoroughly examined and tested it requires that the works be carried out by a competent person. There is no precise guidance in law…

Degrees of Hazard

An awareness of the differing degrees of hazard will enable appropriate control measures to be developed and implemented. Immediate physical danger can manifest itself through very short term injury…

Hazard VS Risk

The hazard presented by a substance is its potential to cause harm. A hazard is associated with the degrees of danger, and is quantifiable. The risk from a substance is the likelihood that it will…

Job Safety Analysis

Job safety analysis is an accident prevention technique that should be used in conjunction with the development of a set of job safety instructions, safe systems of work and job safety training. Work…

Tailgate Safety Meetings

Tailgate safety meetings are short daily meetings that take place on field projects. The main purpose of these meetings is to alert workers of any potential hazards, accidents and unsafe working…

Supervisors as Role Models

It is critical that supervisors in all work situations fully assume the mantle of being a role model in terms of safety. Whether you know it or not, your employees are constantly looking to your…

Good Hygiene

Good hygiene on the job is all about preventing accidental exposure caused by the inhalation or ingestion of hazardous substances. Workers who consistently apply good hygiene practices when working…

Be Hydrogen Sulfide Aware

Hydrogen sulfide is a flammable, colorless gas that smells similar to rotten eggs. Odour, though, is not a reliable indicator of the hazard posed because our sense of smell can become fatigued. When…

Office Safety

The office can prove to be a dangerous work place. It can result in cuts, burns, slips, trips, falls, crush injuries, repetitive strain injuries and eye strain. To keep yourself and your fellow…

Leave the Job Hazard Free

If you like to go into the wilderness, you probably know the unspoken rule of camping: Leave the site better than you found it. Once you gather your belongings, pack up your tent, and head back…

Chemical Storage Safety

Working with chemicals comes with certain risks. And there are a number of measures you can take to mitigate those risks when handling hazardous materials. You can, for instance, wear…

Put Engineering Controls in Place

An engineering control is a change that is made to a workstation, tool or piece of equipment in order to eliminate or reduce exposure to a chemical or physical hazard. It may also involve changing…

Construction Equipment Dangers

Heavy equipment is found on every construction site. Excavators, cranes, and forklifts allow teams to move materials efficiently and get projects done on time. Having them on the jobsite also…

Working with Hearing Loss

Around 10% of workers have some degree of hearing loss. Employer's can show consideration by placing their desk in a quiet area, rearranging foot traffic routes to reduce noise levels, and have the…

Travel Safe Packing Tips

When packing for a trip, ensure that you pack your own bag. Leave sharp objects, such as scissors, at home. Charge your technology before packing it and have it ready for inspection. Carry your own…

Safe Travel Tips

Travel smart by labeling your luggage, and make an inventory of luggage contents and carry it with you. Make copies of all of your important documents and carry them with you, and leave an extra copy…

Parking Lot Safety

Your work parking lot can be a dangerous place, especially at night. Cut your risk factor by using the building's main entrance, parking in the most high-visibility area you can and walking in and…

Supervise Children Around Water

Children can drown in just a few inches of water. So, it is imperative that they are supervised at all times when they are in and around water. Backyard pools must be fully fenced, with a self…

Customize Your Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment includes respirators, safety glasses, gloves, helmets, chemical suits, steel toe boots and fire resistant clothing. Wearing them is imperative, but so, too, is making…

Step Up and Stop Unsafe Work Practices

Unsafe practices can easily creep into the workplace. Sometimes it’s due to worker inexperience. Other’s it may a result of time pressure to complete a job. Regardless of the cause, if you notice…

Cell Phone Distraction

Smartphones have expanded into every area of our lives, including work. Although we now tend to use them less for talking and more for texting and browsing, they're still a major source of…

A Healthy Safety Culture Shifts Safety from a Priority to a Value

Labeling something a 'priority' means that it can be rearranged. It’s human nature to shift priorities according to the pressing demands of the moment. But values remain constant. The vision of…

Silence Means Consent

If you witness at-risk behaviour and you ignore it, or walk by it, your silence has told that person their behaviour is acceptable. Peer pressure is extremely effective in changing group and…

Safety Induction Video – 36 Workplace Health and Safety Training Topics

Safety Induction Video - 36 Workplace Health & Safety Training Topics