Owners and operators of refineries, chemical plants and manufacturing facilities must change the way employees work as quickly as possible, and it is clear yesterday’s traditional operating model of onsite availability has evolved – not just due to current circumstances, but because of “The Great Resignation,” retirement of experienced plant workers is creating a shortfall of key skills.

Werner is celebrating six years of sponsoring National Ladder Safety Month, which takes place every March. This annual event is dedicated to promoting the safe use of ladders at home and on the jobsite through training, resources, and ongoing education. 

Over the last two years, we have all sought ways to protect ourselves and those around us from harmful bacteria and viruses, and these efforts will likely continue well into the future. These additional precautions, which have become an integral part of daily routines, will translate into professional environments as employees begin to return to their workspaces in the new year. 

It's important to note that power outages can affect all types of industries and bring operations to a screeching halt, contributing to a loss in productivity, revenue and material. Some electrical failures can even increase the risks of workers facing serious or life-threatening injuries. 

The U.S. Department of Labor announced today a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking by the department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration to improve worker safety and health by ensuring the agency’s general industry and construction industry rules reflect current industry practice and state-of-the-art technology. 

An employee of a frozen-pizza manufacturer suffered a fatal injury while cleaning a machine on July 20, 2021. An inspection by the OSHA determined that Rich Products Corp.’s failure to implement energy control procedures – commonly known as lockout/tagout – exposed its third-shift sanitation workers to serious hazards.

How do employers monitor the health and safety of personnel without encroaching on their privacy and productivity? What’s more, how do you ensure they’re wearing the proper protective gear at all times and also check that they’re utilizing safety protocols and utilities appropriately? The answer lies with wearable devices. 

In many ways, sustainability is a safety professional's best friend. Sustainable practices are almost always inherently safer than unsustainable ones, and approaching your day-to-day operations from the perspective of sustainability will likely help you create a safer workplace. 

Business inflection points are key events offering significant opportunities for change. Our actions at those times determine whether the opportunity is squandered or capitalized. The onboarding process for new plant workers is one moment that determines how a business is perceived and the safety culture imbuing an organization.