How to Conduct Hazard Assessments Before Creating Emergency Action Plans
A well-designed Emergency Action Plan (EAP) begins long before the first page is written. The foundation is a thorough hazard assessment—a structured process to identify, analyze, and control the risks that could lead to an emergency. Below is a step-by-step guide to building a compliant, practical, and continuously improving EAP program.
OSHA Required Training: What to teach, who needs it, and how often
OSHA training is not a one-size-fits-all program. You train people based on the hazards they actually face, at the moment those hazards become real, and again when something changes or when a standard sets a specific refresher cycle.
The Hidden Danger of Swing Hazards in PFAS Use
When employees work at height, a Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) is often the last line of defense between a worker and serious injury or death. But even when properly anchored, harnesses and lanyards introduce a less obvious—but equally dangerous—risk: the swing hazard.
CPR Training Requirements for Working in an Electrical Substation
Electrical substations are among the most hazardous work environments. Exposure to high voltage and arc flash means that if an incident occurs, survival may depend on immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Both OSHA regulations and NFPA standards require that CPR-trained personnel be available whenever employees are exposed to electrical hazards.
Radiation Safety Program Requirements: What Employers Need to Include
If you use radioactive materials, x-ray equipment, accelerators, or other ionizing radiation sources, you are expected to run a formal radiation safety program. At the federal level, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission requires each licensee to develop, document, implement, and review a radiation protection program that keeps occupational and public exposures as low as reasonably achievable, known as ALARA, and to review that program at least annually.
Alternate Methods to Lockout that OSHA May Treat as De Minimis
Lockout remains OSHA’s preferred way to control hazardous energy. That said, OSHA does allow very narrow use of alternate methods in specific situations. When those alternates clearly provide protection equal to or greater than strict, prescriptive compliance, OSHA may classify the deviation as a de minimis condition.
The Hidden Challenge: Assessing Low-Frequency Pushing, Pulling, and Lifting Hazards
When most people think about ergonomic hazards, they picture repetitive, high-frequency tasks—such as assembly line work or constant computer use. These are easier to evaluate because exposure levels and patterns are consistent and measurable.
But what about pushing, pulling, or lifting tasks that only occur occasionally?
Crane Inspection Requirements: OSHA vs. Industry Best Practices
Cranes are essential in construction, manufacturing, and maritime operations—but they also pose significant hazards if not properly maintained. Regular inspections are not just a compliance requirement; they are a critical safeguard against catastrophic accidents. Understanding the difference between OSHA requirements and industry best practices can help employers stay compliant and go beyond the minimum to keep workers safe.
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.