ASSE From the Show Floor

Managing fatigue comes to the forefront

Tue, 27 Jun 2017 14:00:00 -0400

On the expo floor at ASSE’s Safety 2017, Caterpillar displayed one of the latest tools in the battle against unsafe fatigue on the job. In-cab monitoring is a way to keep operators alert and safe.

The BBS debate goes on as the practice evolves

Tue, 27 Jun 2017 00:00:00 -0400

Behavior-based safety has been practiced since the Ford Motor Company used it to increase seat belt usage in 1970s. Controversy has dogged it ever since, especially in the 1980s and 1990s when the BBS bandwagon attracted a small army of consultants.

“You can’t fix stupid”

Tue, 27 Jun 2017 00:00:00 -0400

On Thursday, June 22, Dr. Tim Ludwig drew an audience of 500 attendees at ASSE’s Safety 2017 to his presentation on stopping the ever-popular blame game as a safety practice and instead striving for a better understanding of human behavior.

Science is key for FR safety

Tue, 20 Jun 2017 00:00:00 -0400

A flash session on the expo floor Tuesday at Safety 2017 focused on the science behind flame-resistant clothing. Speaker Scott P. Francis told attendees to beware of simple terms. He said for flame-resistant, arc flash PPE, words like 88/12, inherent, certified do not tell you anything about specific fabric or fabric manufacture. It’s important to know what fabric your garment is made from and who makes the fabric, Francis said. “Fabrics perform very different so you should know the specifics on protection, comfort and value.”

Executive summit panel

Mon, 19 Jun 2017 00:00:00 -0400

This year’s Executive Summit provides attendees the perspective of industry and corporate leaders in regards to the OSH profession. The event offers opportunities for executive-level networking and leadership development as well as updates on economic trends and business strategies. Understanding this perspective significantly benefits OSH professionals and improves their effectiveness in directing safety and health programs in their organizations.

Standout sessions

Fri, 16 Jun 2017 00:00:00 -0400

While all sessions at Safety 2017 are sure to be interesting and educational, there are some standouts in the schedule, which should not be missed.

BBS at a crossroads

Fri, 16 Jun 2017 00:00:00 -0400

A spirited Plenary Session on Wednesday, June 21, will be held town hall-style, featuring some of the most recognizable names in safety. They will focus on the controversial topic of behavior-based safety (BBS) to understand the human side of safety performance improvement in a time of political transition and de-regulation.

Fatigue risks in the workplace

Mon, 27 Jun 2016 00:00:00 -0400

In today’s workplace, fatigue is four times more likely to contribute to workplace impairment than drugs or alcohol, Susan Sawatzky of In-Scope Solutions said Monday. Yet this prevalent health and safety risk is still largely under-recognized by the majority of organizations and industries, she said.

Fines, fatalities and falls

Mon, 27 Jun 2016 00:00:00 -0400

When it comes to ladder safety, avoiding fines and fatalities is a big concern. Three of OSHA’s top ten “serious” violations in 2015 were related to falls. Every day, one person dies in a ladder-related accident. Fall prevention is a focal point for safety leaders.

Managing a crisis

Mon, 27 Jun 2016 00:00:00 -0400

Are you ready to handle a crisis? Certified safety professional Ryan Burr and lawyer Kristin R.B. White want you to be prepared to answer “yes” to that question.

Leadership tips for frontline supervisors

Mon, 27 Jun 2016 00:00:00 -0400

Frontline supervisors are the lynchpin of safety, Judy Agnew said during a session Monday morning on safety leadership. She offers five tips for frontline supervisors to better engage the workforce, which not only improves individual performance but leads to a safe work environment for all.

Humor in safety

Mon, 27 Jun 2016 00:00:00 -0400

Tim Page-Bottorff, CSP wants you to know that safety doesn’t have to be boring. When conducting safety training, the best way to engage your audience is with humor, he said. Stories are the best way to get started, Page-Bottorff said on Monday during a flash session on the expo floor.

Preventing falls is big business