The shipping and trucking industry has had to work within unique OSHA standards for years. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, logistics companies will have to adapt to new, changing regulations. Not everything is a matter of law, and some guidelines may be unclear, so this isn't always a straightforward task
As construction professionals, it feels like we’re always thinking about safety — and yet, our industry is still one of the most high-risk. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), one in five worker deaths occurs in construction, accounting for nearly a quarter of all worker fatalities in the United States.
Workplace deaths caused by falls from elevated work locations are consistently second only to those caused by motor vehicle accidents. Last year OSHA issued more citations for fall protection violations than for any other category.
Although largely invisible, indoor air quality is a key concern for any industrial facility. During summer months, workers must be shielded from the dangers of heat stress, while in winter cold drafts and dry air may cause problems.
Industry safety regulations and the evolution of voluntary performance standards have ensured that fire-resistant (FR) clothing is more readily available. For many industries, FR gear is a requirement to ensure worker safety, and keeping FR clothing in good repair is crucial for reducing on-site injuries and extending the life of the garments.
Adjusting to the “new normal” during the Covid 19 pandemic means implementing new safety practices or improving those you currently have in place. Most of us are already following guidelines from the CDC and WHO such as wearing masks, washing and sanitizing hands more frequently and practicing social distancing. But have you evaluated your current spill response plan?
The market for safety footwear has expanded over time as more workplaces have required foot protection from impact, electric shock and chemical hazards as well as enhanced slip resistance in both indoor and outdoor work environments.
Let’s face it — no matter how much we try to avoid them, spills happen. Common spills involve substances such as gasoline, oil, solvents, and cleaning chemicals. While small, in-house spills might be easy to clean up quickly, some fluids can be toxic when ingested or exposed to skin and can be hazardous to the environment.
In parts one and two of this three-part series, COVID-19’s hazard analysis, risk assessment and hazard controls were covered within the risk management construct. However, these functions only cover the first, planning half of the continual improvement cycle.