Accidents from the operation of aerial platforms must be a priority for everyone who uses them because of the high probability for a severe injury or fatality. Aerial lift accidents are the cause of about 2% to 3% of all construction-related deaths, according the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Lifts with...Full story

Accidents from the operation of aerial platforms must be a priority for everyone who uses them because of the high probability for a severe injury or fatalities. Aerial lift accidents are about 2% to 3% of all construction-related deaths, according the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Fatalities from accidents involving all...Full story

The population of the United States continues to get older. About 29% of the U.S. is age 55 or older, and many are working for more years than earlier generations did. As they age, workers face new health and workplace injury risks, especially strain and soreness, and they are more...Full story

Lifting, carrying, and reaching are leading causes of workplace injuries. Because lifting is very much a part of everyday life, we have a tendency to lift without much consideration — until there’s an injury.

By learning proper lifting techniques and the basics of back safety, you may be able to save...Full story

Box cutters, knives, and other sharp tools that are used for cutting can cause painful injuries. While most cuts require only medical treatment, a serious and deeper laceration can damage a ligament or tendon and cause a much more serious injury. When you think about it, laceration prevention is pretty...Full story

Compressed gas cylinders are widely used and present both fire and explosion hazards. Unsecured cylinders can rocket into people or through walls if they tip over, suffer damage to the valve, and release contents under high pressure.

The following general rules apply to all cylinder storage. Refer to the National Fire...Full story

Compressed gas cylinders — whether it’s just one cylinder, or multiple units — are widely used in manufacturing and commercial operations. Oxygen and flammable gas cylinders stored alone present a lesser hazard than when stored together, where they can feed off each other if there’s something wrong. While oxygen is...Full story

It only takes a few adjustments...

• Keep your neck straight.
• Keep your shoulders relaxed.
• When typing, keep forearms parallel to the floor and wrists straight.
• Make sure your back has full contact with the backrest (sit all the way back in your chair)and that your lower back fits into curved lumbar support.
• Keep your thighs...Full story

Summer is the time when teachers and support staff begin a nearly three-month break from the rigors of their jobs. Summer is also a time when custodians are busy with additional cleaning to prepare the building for the upcoming school year.

During this time period, custodians’ tasks include increased heavy lifting...Full story

Identifying and offering transitional work after an injury or illness benefits both the injured worker and the employer. An Early Return to Work program can lead to:

• Better health outcomes for injured workers.
• An earlier return to full-time duties that is more challenging and fulling.
• Prevention of interruptions to salary and a return...Full story

A formal safety committee should be appointed to assist management on matters relating to the control of accidents, injuries, and incidents. To maintain continuity and control, the safety coordinator should be assigned as a permanent staff consultant to the safety committee. Note that committees do not dictate policy nor relieve...Full story

Medical treatment should always be obtained if there is any question about an injury. It is still important to have some knowledge about first aid for situations where it truly applies, or until a doctor can be seen. Here are some basic tips for different situations.

Eyes

Wear safety glasses with side...Full story

Food service employees are involved in specialized activities that put them at greater risk for specific workplace injuries. Below are some suggestions to help you avoid hazards found in food service areas:

General Kitchen Rules

• Be aware of the location of the nearest fire extinguisher; it may come in handy. Read the...Full story

People work around forklift trucks every day. They can become second nature, and it’s easy to not pay attention to horns or flashing lights. Lift trucks can kill or seriously injure those driving or near a forklift. One mistake can cause a serious injury or worse.

Safe operation of the lift...Full story

On average, trays of bread weigh between 12 and 30 pounds. Attempting to lift several trays at a time, combined with the tray size, can increase stress on the body. As noted by the chart, this makes body position and the following techniques very important to follow.

• Get a good grip...Full story

Good health is critical to strain and sprain prevention. Stretching and flexibility is an important part of staying healthy. Stretching increases flexibility, improves circulation, and decreases muscle tension. These guidelines do not provide an exercise program. It is very important to consult your physician regarding exercises. Also consult your physician...Full story

Metal working and forming operations can work with a wide variety of metals and alloys. Each presents its own risks to health. Hexavalent chromium (CrVI) can pose a significant hazard to people who work with stainless steel or other alloys. It is a hazard that must be addressed even when...Full story

On the date of the fire, a plumber was repairing a leak in a pipe elbow in a remote area. After pulling most of the foam insulation away, he finished soldering and left. Someone spotted smoke an hour later. ...Full story

A well-organized and clean operation lowers production costs by making it easier to focus on value-added production work. It also reduces non-productive time spent searching for material and tools and makes better use of floor space. A clean operation reduces non-value-adding tasks like emergency cleanup work, time spent looking for...Full story

According to the Centers for Disease Control, hundreds of injuries and fatalities occur annually from ladder related accidents.” Every ladder accident poses the risk for a severe injury or even fatality.

Improper use of a ladder can lead to injuries or more severe harm from falls and slips. A person climbing...Full story