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By June 1, 2016, OSHA expects all employers to be fully compliant with GHS adoption.

Using Chemical Management Software to Improve Communications and Prevent Incidents

Knowing exactly what employees are assigned to do can help break down any communication barriers.

The proposed PEL of 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air as an eight-hour time weighted average is half of the current PEL for quartz, the most common form of crystalline silica, in general industry and far below the now-obsolete PELs for crystalline silica applied to construction and shipyards.

Respirable Crystalline Silica: Regulations and Considerations

OSHA requires that engineering controls be used to achieve necessary exposure reductions unless infeasible; organizations may not simply issue respirators and "be done with" their attempts to lower exposures.

The data NIOSH researchers developed show that firefighters in turnout gear do not fit well in today

Updating the NORA Public Safety Agenda

Cardiovascular disease, cancer, and chronic diseases are the first recommendation because stress is such a big factor affecting public safety workers' health.

Preventative maintenance schedules also can be applied to procedures that help prevent slip, trip, and fall injuries. (New Pig photo)

Preventative Maintenance Tasks That Help Prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls

Most of these preventative maintenance techniques can be rolled into routine good housekeeping plans. Others can be incorporated into regular and periodic safety inspections.

New head protection models that offer a see-through visor on the bill of a hard hat is one way of allowing workers to see the hazards that may be lurking above them. (Bullard photo)

Avoiding Hazards

I have heard so many stories from workers who have credited wearing a hard hat with saving their lives.

Treating marijuana the same as alcohol is impossible for several reasons. There are no measurements for marijuana impairment that relate across the board to how we understand alcohol impairment.

The Far-Reaching, Positive Impact of Workplace Drug Testing

Given that the United States represents 5 percent of the world's population and consumes 60 percent of the world's supply of illicit drugs, drug testing can be seen as an investment against the cost of low productivity.

Managing an OSHA-compliant respiratory program today means understanding the risk of toxic substances and environments that are not only more prevalent for many workers, but very dangerous should they not be adequately protected. (Grainger photo)

Seven Respiratory Hazards Every Safety Manager Should Understand

Different equipment protects against different risks. Ensure your equipment matches the risk.

The CSB

Pre-Incident Planning for Hazmat Emergencies

One of the CSB's recommendations to FEMA following the explosion in West, Texas, was to fund training for fire departments on pre-incident planning for fires at facilities storing fertilizer grade ammonium nitrate.



Lifting Leadership

I urge leaders to do a "restraining forces audit," assessing what is blocking improvements in higher level Safety performance and culture.

Northgate Markets used the InfoLink® Fleet Management System to ensure operators were properly completing and documenting shift inspections and also to monitor lift truck impacts. (Crown Equipment photo)

Fleet and Operator Management Systems: A Valuable Tool in Your Forklift Safety Toolkit

It's not just about the quality of the training, but also the accessibility of the training.

Given an appropriate tool, the employee is far more likely to record an incident or near miss, particularly when the relevant training and supporting processes are put in place. (SHE Software photo)

Facing the Future: How Innovative Software is Changing the Face of EHS Systems

Empowering employees to take responsibility and to get on board with the safety journey is a proven method of increasing engagement levels.

The summer construction season means workers and safety managers must be prepared for heat stress, falls, puncture and crushing injuries, and noise exposures.

Three Questions to Ensure Continuous Improvement of Your Incident Reduction Strategy

An observation program is a critical process that will provide the data to identify what and where risks are occurring.

A Timeline of Safety Progress: Aligning Others and Minimizing Change Resistors

This template can help you communicate your company story throughout your organization.

Make a thorough assessment of all fall hazards, including sides and edges, hoist areas, and skylights. (MSA photo)

The Importance of Testing and Meeting Fall Protection Standards

Although ANSI standards are voluntary, they represent the consensus of industry experts and frequently provide more detailed product performance guidelines.

SWANA Launches Safety Toolkit for Solid Waste Haulers

The toolkit includes safety guidance and material such as the "5 to Stay Alive" safety tips and "Top 10 Backing Best Practices." There is also a Safety Pledge for workers to sign and a Pledge to Get Home Safe mini poster.

Ohio Auditor Warns Opioid Abuse Straining Safety Net

"Medicaid is the safety net for our most-needy Ohioans," Auditor Dave Yost said. "That safety net is being stretched thin by the thousands of people who have lost their jobs, their health insurance, and are in desperate need of care. As much as we've done in Ohio to curb this epidemic, more needs to be done."

Baccus Recalls Stanley Workbench LED Light and Power Stations

The workbench and power stations are incorrectly wired, which can result in reverse polarity, posing electrocution and shock hazards, according to the recall notice.

Wyoming Seeks to Be NRC Agreement State

The agency would transfer responsibility for licensing, rulemaking, inspection, and enforcement activities related to the extraction and concentration of uranium and thorium milling and also the management and disposal of milling waste.

Ohio Agencies Join Forces for Workers' Safety

The Ohio State Highway Patrol's troopers will be out near highway work sites. If they see vehicles that don't pull over, they'll have "educational talks" with the drivers.

Injury and Illness Data Due July 1 from Some Employers, OSHA Reminds

Electronic submissions are required from establishments with 250 or more employees that are currently required to keep OSHA injury and illness records and establishments with 20 to 249 employees that are classified in specific industries with historically high rates of occupational injuries and illnesses.

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