In Texas, cowboy boots are popular, and I would get a pair for work each year. Talk about a poor choice of footwear for a chemical worker.

An exit sign may not seem too important unless you are that person in a smoke-filled room trying to find your way out of a building.

Protection is priority one, but comfort is key, too

There are various types of respiratory protection. You must identify the hazard to determine the type of respiratory protection needed.

“The right to know” is the basis of the hazard communication standard (29 CFR 1910.1200), which sets down guidelines for communicating hazardous chemical information to your workforce. A good HAZCOM plan should cover four basic areas.

There are certainly pros and cons when dealing with data and paperwork. The best way to assure an OSHA inspector that you have a good safety program is by being able to provide any and all documentation that they request. Here’s an overview of eight types of information that you shouldn’t be without.

We’ve all seen the TV shows set in hospitals where the patient’s heart monitor is beeping along and all of a sudden it quits and the nurse hollers out “Emergency, the patient has flat lined!” The doctor rushes in, rips back the patient’s gown and grabs a couple of paddles.

Fall protection … a topic that can include everything from handrails to fall arrest systems. Taking that into consideration, you can see the challenges of performing effective fall protection training.

Wes (a good friend of mine) and I were inspecting a vessel to make sure it was safe for entry. We had to climb ladders from level to level, and it was August on the Texas Gulf Coast, so it was hot and humid. We were acclimated to the heat because we were out in it daily. We were aware of the problems that could occur when working in the heat; we had actually presented classes on the subject.

How to achieve employee “buy-in,”control costs and avoid waste

Don’t you hate to wear gloves? I know I do. When cold weather comes I put my gloves in my coat pocket, but unless it’s awfully cold I never use them. I think it is because even the best gloves seem bulky. Did you ever try to switch a car radio station while wearing gloves? It doesn’t work too well.