Why Emergency Drills Matter More Than You Think
When emergencies happen, people don’t rise to the occasion—they fall to the level of their training. That’s why routine emergency drills, like evacuation and tornado shelter exercises, are one of the most important preparedness tools a company can implement.
Choosing the Right Earplug: An In-Depth Guide for Safety Professionals
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) remains one of the most prevalent occupational illnesses in the United States, with over 22 million workers exposed to hazardous noise each year (NIOSH, 2023). Yet, despite robust Hearing Conservation Programs (HCPs), failures in selecting and fitting appropriate hearing protection devices (HPDs) still lead to preventable auditory damage.
Earplugs, as a form of insert-type HPD, are often the first line of defense. But the “one-size-fits-all” approach to earplug selection is dangerously outdated. To be effective, earplugs must match the noise environment, the anatomical characteristics of the user, task-specific risks, and even psychological and behavioral factors that affect use and compliance.
How Frontline Supervisors Shape Workplace Safety: Research-Backed Actions that Make a Difference
Frontline supervisors are the linchpin of workplace safety. While senior management sets policies and allocates resources, it’s the frontline supervisor who translates those decisions into real-world actions. Research consistently shows that supervisors play a critical role in influencing safety outcomes—both directly, through behaviors and decisions, and indirectly, by shaping the safety climate perceived by workers.
Understanding OSHA’s Lead Standard: Exposure Risks, Testing Methods, and Compliance Requirements
Lead exposure remains a significant occupational hazard across various industries, including construction, manufacturing, and demolition. To mitigate these risks, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established comprehensive standards, notably 29 CFR 1910.1025 for general industry and 29 CFR 1926.62 for construction, to regulate and control lead exposure in the workplace.
Sprains, Strains, and the Tools to Stop Them Before They Start
Sprain and strain injuries are some of the most common—and costly—incidents in the workplace. These musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) don’t just happen in heavy industry; they show up in offices, warehouses, healthcare, and construction. But simply reacting to these injuries isn’t enough. Today, safety professionals have access to a growing set of tools and evaluation methods to proactively identify risks and prioritize controls before workers get hurt.
What OSHA Really Requires in a Fire Prevention Plan—and How to Build One That Works
When it comes to workplace safety, fire is one of the most catastrophic risks. According to OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.39, any workplace that is required to have a fire prevention plan must meet a specific set of criteria. While the regulation is brief, compliance—and actual effectiveness—requires deliberate planning, documentation, and ongoing attention.
Forklift Trailer Entry Safety: Best Practices and Emerging Dock Technologies
When a forklift operator enters a trailer to load or unload goods, the risk of a catastrophic accident increases dramatically. A collapsed trailer, an unsecured dock, or even a miscommunication can lead to serious injuries or fatalities. This post outlines the essential safety steps every facility should follow—along with some of the latest technology designed to prevent dock disasters.
Are New Earplug Technologies Safe? What the Future Holds for Hearing Protection
The world of hearing protection is rapidly evolving, and earplugs, once considered simple foam inserts, have undergone a remarkable transformation. Today’s options go beyond basic noise reduction. They include smart features like real-time noise filtering, Bluetooth connectivity, and adaptive sound control. As exciting as this is, it raises an important question: are these new technologies actually safe, and what should employers and safety professionals do to keep up?
Understanding the Shift in ANSI Fall Protection Standards: From 900 lbs to 1,800 lbs Maximum Arresting Force
In the realm of workplace safety, standards evolve to reflect better understanding and technology. A significant change in the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) fall protection guidelines is the increase in the maximum arresting force (MAF) from 900 pounds to 1,800 pounds. This adjustment has profound implications for equipment selection and anchorage point evaluation.
Rigging Safety: What You Need to Know About Wire Rope and Synthetic Slings
In construction, manufacturing, and heavy industry, rigging equipment is critical to safe lifting operations. Wire rope and synthetic slings are among the most common lifting devices, and each comes with unique inspection requirements, failure indicators, and service limitations. This guide will walk through the key safety principles of rigging, helping you avoid dangerous lifts and stay compliant with OSHA and industry standards.
Why Every Company Needs an Inspection Program—and How to Build One That Works
Inspections are the backbone of a proactive safety culture. They catch issues before they become incidents, identify trends before they escalate, and reinforce accountability at every level. Yet, many companies treat inspections as a checkbox exercise or something to get through rather than a strategic tool.
Why Electricians Must Carefully Inspect Their Rubber Gloves—And How to Do It Right
For electricians, rubber insulating gloves are often the last line of defense between life and death. They're not just another piece of PPE. They're critical safety equipment designed to prevent electrical current from traveling through the body. But even the best gloves can fail if they’re damaged, contaminated, or improperly tested.
Failing the Fit Test: What It Really Says About Your Hearing Protection Program
When a worker fails a hearing protection fit test, it’s tempting to chalk it up to user error or a poor plug choice. But if several workers are failing the test, or if the same worker fails more than once, it’s not just about the plug. It’s a warning sign that your hearing protection program is out of balance.
How to Conduct a Noise Risk Assessment and Select Hearing Protection That Actually Works
Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most widespread occupational illnesses, and it’s irreversible. But it’s also preventable—if you’re using the right strategy. Too many organizations focus only on measuring noise and handing out earplugs. The real value comes from using data to make smart decisions about inclusion in a Hearing Conservation Program (HCP) and matching protection to risk.
Designing Pneumatic Systems with Adequate Safety Performance for Robot Cells
Integrating pneumatic components into robotic work cells presents both opportunities and risks. While pneumatic actuators and valves are essential for tasks like clamping, positioning, or tooling, they must be designed with safety in mind—especially when used in collaborative or hazardous robot operations. To ensure worker protection and regulatory compliance, these systems must achieve a Safety Performance Level (PL) appropriate for their risk—often PL d or PL e.
Choosing the Right Fire Brigade Level for Your Facility
Fire safety is a non-negotiable priority in every manufacturing environment—but not all facilities require the same level of emergency preparedness. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recognizes multiple levels of workplace fire brigades, each with specific requirements related to training, equipment, documentation, and organizational commitment. Choosing the right level for your site involves balancing risk, regulatory requirements, and operational capabilities.
Protecting Workers from Heat Stress: A Practical Guide for Employers
As temperatures rise each summer, so do the risks associated with heat stress—especially for employees who work outdoors or in hot indoor environments. Heat stress is more than just an uncomfortable condition; it can lead to serious illnesses like heat exhaustion, heat stroke, or even death if not properly managed. For employers and safety professionals, addressing this hazard isn’t just best practice—it’s a legal and moral obligation.
Workplace Safety Risk Assessment Techniques: A Practical Guide
When it comes to preventing injuries and ensuring compliance, nothing beats a solid workplace risk assessment. Whether you're a safety professional fine-tuning your program or a small business just getting started, knowing how to identify and control hazards is foundational. At Vanguard EHS, we believe risk assessments shouldn't just be a compliance checkbox—they should be a core strategy for protecting your people and your business.
Understanding the Safety Standards: ANSI B56.5 vs. ANSI R15.08 for Mobile Robots and AGVs
As workplaces increasingly adopt automation, understanding the applicable safety standards for mobile robots becomes essential. Two commonly referenced standards—ANSI/ITSDF B56.5-2019 and ANSI/RIA R15.08—are often mentioned in the same breath. While they share common goals, they apply to different technologies and use cases. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences and similarities safety professionals need to know
The Critical Role of Leadership Presence in Jobsite Safety Performance
In high-risk industries, safety is not just a policy—it’s a lived experience shaped by leadership. One of the most powerful, yet often underestimated, drivers of safety performance is the physical presence of leaders on the jobsite. Leadership presence isn't about micromanagement or surveillance; it’s about visibility, engagement, and modeling the behaviors that define a strong safety culture.