Environmental Health and Safety - Articles - Page 190

Editor’s Letter

Who “actively cares” for Congolese miners?

Empathy only goes so far

November 21, 2018

Just by putting “Congo miners” in the title here will have most readers flipping to the next page. I learned this lesson years ago writing an article about workplace safety, or the lack thereof, in China. “Why did you write this article?” asked a reader. “I don’t read ISHN for articles about China.” Another reader opined: “Everybody knows nobody values life in a country like China.”

Want better safety outcomes? Try servant leadership!

Check your ego

David Sarkus MS, CSP

November 20, 2018

Twenty-five years ago, as a young safety professional, I struggled to find a set of leadership practices I could call my own. In 1996, I wrote about many of the leadership practices I was already using but found more clearly established in Servant Leadership (Sarkus, 1996).

AIHA offers guidance on Calif. wildfire response, recovery

November 15, 2018

As the wildfires that have claimed at least 56 lives continue to rage across California, the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) is reaching out to the relevant government entities in the state, offering resources on wildfire response, assistance and recommendations for protecting the health and safety of residents and recovery workers.

Gas leak causes building evacuations in downtown St. Louis

November 14, 2018

A natural gas leak recently prompted evacuations of workers and road closures at 9th and Locust in downtown St. Louis. A hissing sound could be heard as gas escaped the line. Those who were evacuated could smell the gas.

Tips for protecting homes in California wildfire paths

November 14, 2018

Close windows, vents, doors, venetian blinds and heavy drapes. Remove lightweight curtains.
Shut off gas at the meter. Turn off pilot lights.
Open the fireplace damper. Close fireplace screens.

Tennessee cleanup workers exposed to hazmat can sue

November 14, 2018

A federal jury last week ruled that the company who hired workers to clean up a coal ash spill in Tennessee failed to protect them from the hazards involved. The ruling clears the way for workers affected by the highly toxic substance to seek damages from Jacobs Engineering, the company tasked with cleaning up a massive coal ash spill at the Tennessee Valley Authority's (TVA) Kingston Fossil Plant.

Human error & operational risk

Are you looking in the wrong place to manage non-compliant behaviors?

Peter Bridle

November 14, 2018

How confident are you that a costly, serious safety event isn’t just around the next corner? If your organization has ever been surprised or caught off-guard by a sudden deterioration in its safety performance, it may be that you’re simply not getting the whole picture when it comes to operational risk.

The top 5 deadly gases in the oil and gas industry

November 14, 2018

If you work in the oil and gas industry, then you know how dangerous the job can be. The conditions can be harsh and the weather unpredictable. Not to mention the hazards that exist with complex industrial equipment. But did you know that one of the most serious hazards you’re exposed to is something you can’t even see? That’s right. The invisible hazards we discuss here are some of the deadliest gases in the industry.

Don’t use gas stoves near California fires

November 14, 2018

Pay attention to local air quality reports. Listen and watch for news or health warnings about smoke. If you are advised to stay indoors, keep indoor air as clean as possible. Keep windows and doors closed unless it is extremely hot outside. Run an air conditioner if you have one, but keep the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside.

Employee safety discipline ain’t what it used to be

The focus is on “what failed?” not “who failed?”

Dave Johnson

November 12, 2018

A tricky thing, disciplining employees. Every safety pro has a story about discipline:“I had to terminate a woman in 1987 because her body odor was so repulsive, affecting other workers (and her boss… me),” says a pro who requested anonymity. “I remember progressive discipline... You bet I asked the HR manager for assistance.”