The increase of strain risk isn’t just a matter of the weight being lifted or task being done. You can reduce the strain risk by paying attention to the following factors:

• Manage repetition: Try to eliminate redundant lifts or movements through pre-planning the task and staging materials closer to where work...Full story

Toilets are heavy, awkward, and hard to grip. The tank alone is typically between 25 and 40 pounds, while the bowl is 50 pounds or more — meaning an entire toilet weighs 70 to 100 pounds, and that weight isn’t distributed evenly.

Lifting and moving a toilet requires preparation to avoid...Full story

We use our shoulders every time we lift, reach, or move our arms. Shoulders are versatile; however, they also very complicated and engage muscles, ligaments, and tendons constantly. Even though shoulders are strong, they are also easier than you think to overload and injure, sometimes requiring lengthy healing time or...Full story

People burn material outdoors for many reasons including fire pits for recreational use, or to burn debris, brush, or leaves. If not managed properly outdoor fires can quickly grow and spread out of control. As they grow, outdoor fires are very difficult to control and fire departments are often too...Full story

Cuts, punctures, and lacerations are some of the most common injuries in the food service industry, and they hurt. This pain can last for days and directly impact both work and home lives.

These injuries frequently come from the handling, cleaning, and maintenance of knives and slicing equipment.

Here are 11 simple...Full story

We use knives and other sharp blades nearly every day, both at work and at home. If they’re not used correctly, they can cause painful injuries. Serious cuts, punctures, or lacerations can even damage ligaments and tendons. These injuries frequently come from the handling, cleaning, and maintenance of knives and...Full story

Nearly every manufacturer, and many other businesses, use welding in production or maintenance as part of their operation. To weld safely, a welder needs to consider the welding method, amount of welding, metal that is being welded, and duration of the weld.

Welding Hazards

Hazards associated with welding include:

• Respiratory hazards from inhalation...Full story

How will this turn out? Will she get up, break a bone, or suffer a head injury? It will only take a millisecond to find out. Winter in the Midwest is always a challenge and any fall accident can be serious. One minute, it’s dry and the next there is...Full story

Any building that’s located in an area with below freezing weather and snow is subject to damage from frozen pipes, water leaks, or roof collapses that can damage buildings and interrupt business or a home. These losses also occur during cold or snowy periods which makes repair and restoration difficult...Full story

Woodworking businesses can operate for years without realizing that the risk for a catastrophic fire or explosion is building every day. Wood dust presents a high fire or explosion severity that can endanger employees, severely damage buildings, or interrupt customer service. Evaluate your hazards now and don’t wait until after...Full story

Violence against teachers and school aides has become an increasing problem in schools today. Students with behavioral disorders, drug and alcohol abuse, gang involvement, conflicts at home, or conflicts with their peers can display aggressive behavior towards educators. When dealing with students who have aggressive tendencies, we need to first...Full story

If you had to create a fire hazard that ignites easily in nearly all forms, burns vigorously, and is difficult to extinguish, you would have magnesium or titanium. Magnesium and titanium both create very unique and severe fire risks for any operation that machines, handles, or stores these materials. Magnesium...Full story

Organizations often have friendly competitions between staff members. These friendly competitions can often end in serious injuries for the participants. Some organizations have gone so far as to ban employees from participating in these types of competitions. Some common injuries that can occur during these activities include:

• Twisted knees and ankles...Full story