Safety & Health Best Practices - Articles - Page 17

NSC reminds parents and drivers to avoid Halloween hazards

Pedestrian fatalities spike after dark, and injuries are 100% preventable

October 28, 2019

With crowds of trick-or-treaters expected in neighborhoods around the country, the National Safety Council (NSC) urges caution for everyone out on the roads during the Halloween holiday. Most crash-related pedestrian fatalities occur when it is dark, according to NHTSA, and pedestrian deaths spike Halloween night. Increased pedestrian traffic, alcohol consumption and lower visibility because of costumes and masks, as well as shorter daylight hours, increase the risk of crashes or incidents.

A NIOSH Science Blog post

Occupational exposure banding and workplace chemicals

Thomas J. Lentz PhD Melissa Seaton MS

October 28, 2019

For workers in a variety of industries, exposure to chemicals is commonplace. American workers handle, transport, or encounter thousands of chemicals every day, from cleaning products to industrial solvents. Although many of these chemicals have important uses, they can also be harmful to workers who are exposed to them.

NSC to employers: Allow NO cannabis use among workers in safety sensitive positions

October 22, 2019

Employers who are struggling to understand how the evolving cannabis legalization landscape will impact their workplaces are getting some guidance from the National Safety Council (NSC). Regardless of whether cannabis consumption is allowed by their state, the NSC says employers should prohibit cannabis use for those in safety sensitive positions.

A NIOSH Science Blog post

It’s National Bosses Day. Who is your dream boss?

Chia-Chia Chang MBA, MPH

October 16, 2019

Having a “dream job” is an aspiration for many people, but without a good boss, a dream job can become a nightmare. Our front-line supervisor or manager plays an unparalleled role in creating and sustaining safe work environments, health supportive-policies, and psychosocial safety. The best bosses partner with workers to design healthy jobs that provide meaning and social support and are rewarding –in all senses.

A quick guide to welding safety

Mistakes could have serious consequences

Megan R. Nichols

October 14, 2019

It only takes a cursory examination of a welding torch to understand there are some real safety concerns with this craft. Welding is a 100-plus-year-old practice that's still a fundamental component of machine work and industry today.

Should employees fight a small fire? Or evacuate?

October 10, 2019

It’s mid-shift, and your workplace is humming with activity. Suddenly, a fire breaks out. It’s relatively small – at least for the moment. Employee safety is your first priority, of course. Ordering an immediate evacuation is the obvious action to take. Or is it?

Quick guide to selecting workplace PPE for eyes, face

October 10, 2019

Safety professionals in a wide range of industries are well aware of the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE). When it comes to protecting eyes and faces, the employer or safety manager must assess the workplace and determine if there are hazards present that that necessitate the use PPE by workers. [29 CFR 1910.132(d)]

Enhancing safety training with digital technology

Nick Vuoto

October 9, 2019

About 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses were reported by private industry employers in 2017. That’s over 100,000,000 production days lost due to work-related injuries. Because of this, safety training is a very important part of the onboarding process for a new hire - especially for those working in an environment with many machines or hazardous materials.

Texas manufacturer improves root cause analyses, gets SHARP

October 7, 2019

Like many small businesses starting out, SigmaPro Engineering and Manufacturing, LLC had a safety program in place, but they were unsure if it met all of the state and federal requirements. The small electronic connector manufacturing facility in northern Fort Worth, Texas found the Texas Occupational Safety and Health Consultation Program (OSHCON) on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) website and set up a consultation with a Texas OSHCON safety consultant in their area.

States use training, videos, WaterSense program to improve water conservation efforts

Widespread shortages expected

October 7, 2019

Training landscapers in water efficiency, using “edutainers” to teach water conservation tips to children and encouraging consumers to buy WaterSense products are among the strategies states are using to head off – or at least, minimize - water shortages expected in the years ahead. “Forty states anticipate experiencing fresh water shortages in certain regions within their borders over the next decade,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler.