Skin irritations, respiratory problems, and fire are among the most common hazards posed by painting operations. Besides adequate administrative and engineering controls, proper PPE (personal protective equipment) should be provided to workers to protect them from these hazards. Employers should seek the assistance of a Shipyard Competent Person (SCP), a Certified Marine Chemist (CMC), or [...]

1.   MSHA Update: Fire Prevention in Mining Sites with Better Conveyor Belts Better selection of conveyor belts may just save a life. As a matter of fact, they can save hundreds of lives in a mining site by preventing fire hazards. That is, if they have an improved flame-resistant quality. The Mine Safety and Health [...]

Changes are underway for the standards in respirator fit testing procedures.  Just recently, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) proposed two revised fit test procedures for determining the effectiveness of facemasks.  Check out the TEST Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the Jan. 21 Federal Register. Related Links: OSHA Announces Top 10 Most Cited Violations [...]

The construction industry benefits from the many wonders of laser technology. In construction sites, laser is used in leveling and elevations alignment applications, as well as in precision cutting and grading. General Safety Measures The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set general requirements for the use of laser. These requirements are under the [...]

Among  various jobs in the maintenance industry, gardening is probably the most fun.  Not only can you work outdoors, you also get the chance to be in touch with nature. If you think about it, gardening can be one relaxing job. But you can barely relax when you’re faced with hazards like heat stress, blindness, [...]

1.  Vehicle Safety During Winter:  Safe Use of Snow Chains The holidays have come and gone yet we’re still left with the torturing cold of winter. For many of us, going on the road does not just mean shoveling up snow and getting rid of ice. It also means driving with double caution. Driving slowly [...]

In the U.S., there are about 7,000 warehouses employing more than 140,000 workers. Unfortunately, hundreds of fatalities also come from this industry. Injuries and deaths in warehouses are caused by improper use of forklifts, materials handling, inappropriate PPE (personal protective equipment) and more factors that employers fail to address. OSHA Citations According to the Occupational [...]

After raving about Storm yesterday, I’m back with a sequel to blizzard or winter storm preparations. Today, I’ll be serving you with a list of safety measures when facing a winter storm while on the job. No mutants in outlandish costumes this time, but just some things to remember and apply in case you get [...]

If I were to become one of the X-Men, Storm would definitely be my choice. Who else has the power to control all weather conditions in the whole universe? Okay, it might also be because of her gorgeous body, flawless skin, elegant tresses and her unrivaled ability to pick locks. But hey, even without those traits, she’s one [...]

Happy New and Safer Year, everyone! With the swift dash of December and the holiday rush that came with it, I’m sure you have been pretty beat the past few weeks.  Up to now, your email inbox probably holds some holiday leftovers with all the spam and friendly greetings you received last month. Today, I’ll give you [...]