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NDLTAP
Safety TalkSafety Talk is a series of safety topics that can be used for safety meetings or distributed to employees for their information. Articles- May 2024 – Fatalities caused by falls from elevation continue to be a leading cause of death for construction employees, accounting for 395 of the 1069 construction fatalities recorded in 2022 (BLS data). Those deaths were preventable. The National Safety Stand-Down raises fall hazard awareness across the country...
- Apr 2024 – Join the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the Put the Phone Away or Pay campaign from April 1-8, 2024. This national high-visibility enforcement campaign comes during April, which is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
- Mar 2024 – National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) is an annual spring campaign held at the start of construction season to encourage safe driving through highway work zones. The key message is for drivers to use extra caution in work zones. NWZAW is April 15-19, hosted by the Maryland Department of Transportation...
- Feb 2024 – Asphalt is a petroleum product used extensively in some construction work. When asphalt is heated for use, it releases fumes that can be harmful to workers.
- Jan 2024 – All fuels, even diesel and “cleaner” fuels such as propane create carbon monoxide. This gas is a common byproduct of any combustion process. Carbon monoxide is an invisible gas with no taste or smell. It is especially dangerous if it builds up indoors. It is slightly lighter than air, so it can hang...
- Dec 2023 – Counties and cities in North Dakota use numerous types of heavy equipment. Each piece of equipment poses its own set of safety risks. Here are ten basic heavy equipment operator tips.
- Nov 2023 – With winter weather here, the following checklist maybe of help when your entity begins plowing roads/streets and removing snow and ice.
- Oct 2023 – We are all bound to slip and fall at some point in our lives. You can chalk it up to just being clumsy, or there may be more environmental factors at play. In regards to the latter, this is more pertinent during the winter season. Trying to traverse surfaces that have been frozen solid by ice is a delicate...
- Sep 2023 – Teamwork keeps works safety and production high on any job. Teamwork prevents accidents. All we have to do is think of the other person's safety as well as our own.
- Aug 2023 – When do people pay the most attention to signs? It seems to be while driving a car! Have you ever wondered why that is? Most likely it's because signs are the simplest way to direct, instruct, and warn people. During your commute to the jobsite today did you happen to notice all the signs along the way?...
- Jul 2023 – Maintaining awareness of people, other machines, and obstacles is important to safe motor grader operation. Operators of small and mid-size Motor Grader also face the challenge of safe operations in traffic, given that the machines are often driven to the work site. Also, in snow removal operations...
- Jun 2023 – Drive tractor mowers at high speeds can result in accidents because of the risk of overturning. Quick maneuvers in tight spaces and on slopes also cause a rollover as does using the brakes while turning. This safety talk addresses some tips to minimize risk.
- May 2023 – Several heat-related illnesses can affect workers. Some of the symptoms are non-specific. This means that when a worker is performing physical labor in a warm environment, any unusual symptom can be a sign of overheating.
- Apr 2023 – Excavations and trench cave-ins account for a growing number of fatalities and serious injuries in construction. Such accidents seldom have a single specific cause. Usually, there is a series of separate, yet related, causes resulting from such factors. With little or no warning, an improperly sloped...
- Mar 2023 – National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) has been successful in spreading awareness for work zone safety across
the country because of participation from organizations and individuals just like you. Hundreds of companies and
individuals reach out to ATSSA on social media each year using #NWZAW
- Feb 2023 – When do people pay the most attention to signs? It seems to be while driving a car! Have you ever wondered why that is? Most likely it's because signs are the simplest way to direct, instruct, and warn people. During your commute to the jobsite today did you happen to notice all the signs along the way?...
- Jan 2023 – The Recommended Practices are designed to be used in a wide variety of small and medium-sized business settings. The Recommended Practices present a step-by-step approach to implementing a safety and health program, built around seven core elements that make up a successful program.
- Dec 2022 – Remember, you are your car's best safety feature. Take precautions to ensure you arrive safely at your destination. If you become stranded in an unfamiliar area, do not leave your car. Light flares in front and behind the car and make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked by snow, mud or objects.
- Nov 2022 – This information is for workers and employers for reducing the spread of seasonal flu in workplaces. It provides information on the basic precautions for all workplaces, including additional precautions for healthcare settings.
- Oct 2022 – It is essential to understand the "Focus Four Hazards" and learn how to avoid them. Recognize, avoid and protect against these hazards to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities and create a safer work environment for everyone.
- Sep 2022 – Delegate staff and sign resources to set-up, maintenance and tear-down of temporary traffic control for the duration of the project. Schedule equipment to be used on the job site for routine maintenance. Review safe operating procedures for equipment to be used with operators.
- Aug 2022 – When thinking about flagging, the main thing to consider is safety. You want to do all you can to remain safe on the job and keep others safe. One thing you can do to be safer is to be visible when working on the roadway. The best way to be visible is to wear a safety vest.
- Jun 2022 – Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature: the body's temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. When heat stroke occurs, the body temperature can rise to 106°F or higher within...
- May 2022 – Lyme disease is an infection. The infection is transmitted by the bite of black-legged ticks commonly known as deer tick. Lyme disease, which can affect the skin, heart, nerves, or joints, is an infection that can be cured with antibiotic therapy.
- Apr 2022 – National Work Zone Awareness Week 2022 is scheduled for April 11-15. This year's theme is Work Zones are a Sign to Slow Down. Wear orange on Wednesday (April 13) to provide a visible reminder and to show your support for the families who have lost loved ones in work zone crashes.
- Mar 2022 – Power companies get very concerned when construction and maintenance equipment get close to or touches a power line. If you are working on a hoisting/rigging, excavating, grading or construction project within an electrical line right-of-way, keep in mind the risks associated with overhead high-voltage...
- Feb 2022 – Once the initial orientation to the work unit is over and the basic requirements of the job and the safety program have been covered, it's time to move the new employee into the work force and introduce the people he or she will be working with. Co-workers play an important role in getting the new person...
- Jan 2022 – With North Dakota's winter weather comes an increased risk of slips and falls due to icy or snow-covered sidewalks, parking lots and work areas. According to the National Safety Council, these injuries account for about 15% to 20% of all workers' compensation costs. Now is the time to ensure precautions...
- Dec 2021 – Stress is a common occurrence that many of us are faced with everyday,but we might not know how to deal with it. It can occur not only from negative life experiences, but also from positive ones.
- Nov 2021 – The main purpose of snow and ice removal is, of course, to provide safe travel for motorists. In doing this, those in maintenance must not overlook their own safety; neither must they overlook the possibility that in trying to provide safe roads and streets, they may be creating another safety hazard.
- Oct 2021 – The need to be seen is critical for worker safety. Low visibility is a serious hazard for all workers who perform work tasks near moving traffic. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Worker Visibility Final Rule; "All workers within the right-of-way of a Federal-aid highway who are...
- Sep 2021 – When cutting out brush and tree branches which have created sight and clearance problems, there are several hazards to deal with. They include moving traffic, hidden objects, unstable footing, poison ivy and oak, thorns, tools with sharp edges, chain saws, chippers, and difficult access to the work area.
- Aug 2021 – Trenches and excavations don't need to be deep or very large to create a life-threatening hazard. Soil is very heavy and failures can take place with little or no warning. A cubic yard of dirt weighs around 2,700 pounds and a cave-in is like dropping a small car from one foot above your head. You can...
- Jul 2021 – As the maintenance forces begin to shift their work focus from winter/spring to summer activities, it is time to begin thinking about our mowing operations. In this safety talk, we discuss 25 rules to practice for safe tractor mowing.
- Jun 2021 – As summer settles in across North Dakota, you're probably noticing that bees are especially active these days. It's their favorite season! And when they disappear as fall approaches, it will be time to be on alert for wasps and hornets.
- May 2021 – Berm (Shoulder) maintenance has three particular safety hazards including moving traffic around the operation, moving equipment inside the work area, and lots of dust.
- Apr 2021 – National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) has been successful in spreading awareness for work zone safety across the country because of participation from organizations and individuals just like you. Hundreds of companies and individuals reach out to ATSSA on social media each year using #NWZAW.
- Mar 2021 – It does us no good to be trained on how to use a portable fire extinguisher if it is not ready and available for use when needed. So here are a few of the steps we can all take to help ensure we maintain all of our portable fire extinguishers ready for instant use.
- Feb 2021 – Seat belts are the single most effective safety device to prevent death and injury in a motor vehicle crash. Seat belts restrain occupants in the vehicle's designed protective space, giving them room to live in the event of a crash and prevents them from colliding with other occupants in the vehicle....
- Jan 2021 – We use solvents practically every day in our lives. At work, we may use or be exposed to solvents when we come in contact with paints, coatings, while using dip tanks, thinners, degreasers, cleaners, glues or mastics. As a result of this widespread usage, it is important to know some of the hazards that...
- Dec 2020 – A winter survival kit could save your life. Here are 16 items to have in your winter survival kit, and some tips to follow if you are stranded.
- Nov 2020 – Portable generators can be a very useful piece of equipment during a power outage. Portable generators can also be very dangerous. If you plan on using a portable generator, it is essential that you take proper precautions for your safety and the safety of those working to restore the power. Here are...
- Oct 2020 – The four environmental conditions that cause cold-related stress are low temperatures, wind, dampness, and cold water. Two or more of these conditions together can make working outdoors very dangerous. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when working outdoors in cold weather.
- Sep 2020 – Heavy equipment is designed to handle very large volumes or heavy loads. Therefore, these are powerful machines that are dangerous to everyone around them if they are not operated correctly. It is important to remember the proper methods used to move them from one site to another and how to work around...
- Aug 2020 – There have been instances of brand new truck and tractor tires spontaneously, and violently, exploding with no apparent cause while still mounted on the vehicle. The forces involved in this type of explosion are very powerful and capable of causing serious injury to anyone in the immediate vicinity...
- Jul 2020 – Heat stress is a buildup of body heat generated either internally by muscle use or externally by the environment. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke result when the body is overwhelmed by heat. As the heat increases, body temperature and the heart rate rise painlessly. An increase in body temperature of...
- Jun 2020 – Many of us think that a hard hat is only required when working near the swing area of an overhead crane during bridge construction. However, this is not the case as a hard hat is required when working in low overhead clearance areas where there is a high risk of bumping your head and to protect from...
- May 2020 – The motor grader safety checklist provides information you can use to prevent accidents and injuries.
- Apr 2020 – With spring officially here according to the calendar and summer on the way, road crews will soon be working on paved roads to fill potholes and cracks. This important work keeps moisture from penetrating into the aggregate base which will extend the life of the road. Many of these roads may be in rural...
- Mar 2020 – First and foremost - BE VISIBLE. Wear bright, high-visibility clothing, meeting ANSI standards. Look for hazards. Always survey the work area for potential hazards. Besides the traffic, what's out there?
- Nov 2018 – Knead the toilet paper in your hands to loosen the inner cardboard core. Remove the core, compress the roll and place inside the coffee can. Pour one bottle of rubbing alcohol into the can, let it soak in and carefully light the top of the paper. It should burn with a clean flame.
- Oct 2018 – With winter weather comes snow fighting and with snow fighting comes fatigue. Unpredictable weather can lead to long difficult hours on the road with few breaks and little sleep. However, there are several things agencies and drivers can do to make sure crews are in good shape to combat Old Man Winter...
- May 2018 – The need to be seen is critical for worker safety. Low visibility is a serious hazard for all workers who perform work tasks near moving traffic.
- Feb 2018 – When snow falls, so do people. One of the most threatening winter hazards comes from snow and ice, which increases the potential to slip and fall. These falls can result in serious injuries including lacerations, broken bones, and even traumatic brain injuries.
- Jan 2018 – A limited number of grants are being offered to the Northland Chapter of the American Traffic Safety Services (ATSSA) How To Conference March 20-21, 2018 at the Delta Hotels by Marriot in Fargo. The scholarships are being offered through a partnership between North Dakota Local Technical Assistance Program...
- Aug 2017 – Do you use your phone, electronic devices, eat, drink, read, take photos, get into an enthusiastic conversation with your passengers, or put on make-up while driving? If you answered yes to any of these items, you are distracted and that could equal a driving violation resulting in steep fines and points...
- Jul 2017 – Hydration is NOT simply drinking water. It involves far more than that. You need to drink so that you allow your body to actually absorb water (hydrating). You may not be absorbing much of that water you're drinking because you don't have the essential minerals, electrolytes and salts to keep it in your...
- Jun 2017 – Whether clearing out dead trees, fallen trees and branches, or occasional operation, it is critical to use proper safety measures when operating a chainsaw. However, not everyone who is handed a saw is properly trained. According to the US Consumer Products Safety Commission, there are an estimated 30,955...
- Jun 2017 – You may have heard that sitting is the new smoking. While this may sound like ridiculously overblown hype, the author of the phrase isn't backing down. He is Dr. James Levine, Director of the Mayo Clinic-Arizona State University. Dr. Levine goes on to say that "sitting is more dangerous than smoking...
- Mar 2017 – During this time of year, the stresses and weaknesses in pavement surfaces are on full display. How do we combat these stresses to prolong and preserve the life and ride of our roadways? We fill and/or seal the cracks in the pavement and patch the potholes. While this may be a routine maintenance activity...
- Feb 2017 – Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. The good news? It is also one of the most preventable. Making heart-healthy choices, knowing your family health history and the risk factors for heart disease, having regular check-ups and working with your physician...
- Jan 2017 – According to the National Safety Council, one out of four vehicle accidents can be blamed on poor backing techniques. Backing accidents cause 500 deaths and 15,000 injuries per year. The use of safe vehicle backing tips by employers and employees can help prevent accidents while on and off the job.
- Dec 2016 – Frostbite and hypothermia are cold-related emergencies that may quickly become life or limb
threatening. Be aware of the wind chill. Dress appropriately and avoid staying in the cold too long.
- Nov 2016 – The three-point technique is a simple and effective way to minimize the risk of falling. Use this technique if you are entering the cab of a forklift, climbing onto the bed of a truck or climbing into/onto any other piece of equipment.
- Oct 2016 – Each year, between 5% and 20% of Americans get the flu and miss a staggering 70 million work days as a result. The indirect cost is between $3 billion to $12 billion a year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the flu spray is not effective and urges the shot instead. The problem: Studies...
- Sep 2016 – Forklifts are excellent labor saving devices. They save time and reduce the likelihood of injury associated with manual material handling activities. However, forklifts can become very
dangerous if operated by a reckless or untrained operator. All operators should receive safety training prior to being...
- Aug 2016 – Injuries in the workplace nationwide number approximately three million every year. This amounts to roughly 8,000 injuries per day, 350 per hour, or six injuries per minute. Workplace injuries cause pain, wage loss, inconvenience, and time off from work.
- Jul 2016 – The 4th of July is a great time to celebrate our nation's independence. However according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission it can also be a time of great concern relating to injury.
- Jun 2016 – In almost everything we do we take short cuts to make the process go easier and faster. These processes develop into work habits and are used at work but in everyday activities as well.
- May 2016 – Back injuries are one of the most common causes of work related disability. Back pain is the second-leading cause of lost work days, after the common cold. Once back strain occurs, it often returns. By learning a few back injury prevention techniques, you may be able to make your work day safer.
- Apr 2016 – Jobsite are not always at ground level. Sometimes, workers need to use aerial platforms, aerial ladders,
articulating boom platforms, vertical towers, or ladder trucks to reach their work. All work has hazards and
risks involved in it, but when you work at an elevated height, extra training and attention...
- Mar 2016 – Fatigue is the condition of being physically or mentally tired or exhausted. Extreme fatigue can lead to
uncontrolled and involuntary shutdown of the brain. Fortunately, there are ways to fight fatigue.
- Feb 2016 – Whether it's due to workloads, working side jobs for more income or after work activities the result is the same, many workers are arriving on the job overly-tired or sleep-deprived. Sleep deprivation or fatigue can affect a
worker's manual dexterity, reaction time, and alertness.
- Jan 2016 – Emergencies in the workplace cannot be eliminated, but if you have an emergency action plan in place and
have trained workers to respond quickly and appropriately you can optimize efficiency, relieve anxiety, and in
some cases, save lives.
- Dec 2015 – Many workers routinely use hand tools and don't think of them as dangerous, but accidents continue to occur. The greatest hazards posed by a hand tool are from their misuse or improper maintenance. It's up to you to select the right tool for the job and to use and care for it properly.
- Nov 2015 – Molds are microscopic organisms found every wherein the environment, indoors and outdoors. When present in large quantities, molds have the potential to cause adverse health effects.
- Oct 2015 – Gas cylinders require special safety precautions. Know what the chemical is inside the cylinder in order to work with it safely. Be aware of the mechanical hazards associated with keeping the chemical under pressure in a metal cylinder.
- Sep 2015 – The foot is something that doesn't get much attention unless there is a problem. Therefore, to avoid possible injury, it's important to think about safeguarding the foot before undertaking any job.
- Aug 2015 – When an accident happens, a first aid program that meets the requirements of the law and is tailored to the type and size of the workplace can literally make the difference between life and death, or between recovery and permanent disablement.
- Jul 2015 – Each year workers suffer shock when handling electrical tools and equipment. To protect workers against the hazards of electricity, teach them the basic facts about the causes of shock and death. One of the big problems in understanding the dangers of electrical shock is the mistaken belief that only...
- Jun 2015 – Grinders use powered rotating attachments to work metal and other materials. Bench grinders are mounted to a bench or tabletop while pedestal grinders are mounted to the floor on a pedestal. With an abrasive, wire brush, or buffing wheel attachment, grinders sharpen tools and shape, clean, or polish...
- May 2015 – You can't see radon, but it's not hard to find out if you have a radon problem in your home. All you need to do is test for radon. Testing is easy and should only take a few minutes of your time.
- Apr 2015 – Accidents are unplanned and unexpected events that cause injury, property damage, and/or financial loss in the workplace. Incidents or "near misses" don't result in loss, but have the potential to do so. Ideally, safety programs focus on preventing accidents and incidents, but if one occurs, have an...
- Mar 2015 – Chocking and blocking prevent accidental or unintended movement of mobile equipment and cargo while workers are loading, unloading, hitching, unhitching, or performing service or maintenance. Chocking the wheels of a truck, trailer, tractor, or other piece of mobile equipment provides a physical stopper...
- Feb 2015 – Use proper handling and safety procedures when it comes to car batteries. Follow these safety guidelines.
- Jan 2015 – Back injuries suffered in North Dakota's workplaces last year ran up a bill of millions of dollars. Those disabling back injuries were no laughing matter for the workers who lost time from work or from their personal activities. The sad truth is that most of the pain and lost time could have been prevented...
- Dec 2014 – Aggressive drivers are more likely to speed, make unsafe lane changes, ignore the right of way, and violate traffic signals. Aggressive driving behavior includes tailgating, unsafe passing, honking your horn, making rude gestures, or swearing at other drivers.
- Nov 2014 – Electric shock from welding can kill!! Any electric welder, AC or DC, has the power to cause electrocution if the electrode touches your bare skin while you are grounded.
- Oct 2014 – A backover incident occurs when a backing vehicle strikes a worker who is standing, walking, or kneeling behind the vehicle. These incidents can be prevented.
- Sep 2014 – Almost any kind of awkward or repetitive motion you make could lead to an injury over time. Actions like bending the wrists, twisting at the waist, reaching for materials, working with your hands above the shoulder level, or grasping objects can increase wear and tear on the body. This can result in...
- Aug 2014 – A safe workplace is no accident: A safe workplace just doesn't happen, it results from a team effort of a company and its employees.
- Jul 2014 – Bloodborne pathogens are pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease
in humans. The primary objective is to significantly reduce and/or eliminate infection as a result of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
- Jun 2014 – Hantavirus, which causes a very serious lung infection in humans, is carried by rodents, primarily the deer mouse. The first cases were identified in the Southwestern U.S. in 1993. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is potentially deadly and immediate intensive care treatment is essential once symptoms...
- May 2014 – Many businesses generate wastes that are considered hazardous or harmful to human health or the environment because they are flammable, corrosive, eactive, or toxic. Due to the harmful potential of hazardous materials, workers must remain aware of the safety hazards and proper handling and disposal procedures...
- Apr 2014 – A "close call" or accident without injury is easy to shrug off and forget. But, there is a danger in brushing off accidents that don't hurt, harm or damage. When a "close call" happens, it should immediately send up a red warning flag that something was wrong, unplanned, unexpected, and could happen...
- Mar 2014 – Water is the most destructive element to pavement. Water entering the roadway through cracks accelerates the deterioration of the roadway. In time, the water will undermine and weaken the roadway base material, creating cracks and potholes. Simply stated, crack pouring/sealing of cracks and joints in...
- Feb 2014 – Workplace violence is violence or the threat of violence against workers. It can occur at or outside the workplace and can range from threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and homicide, one of the leading causes of job-related deaths. However it manifests itself, workplace violence is a growing...
- Jan 2014 – Safe driving is an important part of being responsible enough to be behind the wheel of a vehicle. Going too fast, not wearing a seat belt, following the car in front of you too closely are all signs that a person may not be prepared for driving and surely shows that the person behind the wheel is...
- Dec 2013 – Hitch systems, towing packages, tongue weight, and driving permits - there's a lot more to towing a trailer than just hitching up and taking off down the road. Towing a trailer is no small responsibility and should be undertaken with great care and an eye toward safety first. The elements of a trailering...
- Nov 2013 – Anything that affects your health and your ability to focus on the task at hand can compromise safety at work and home. Too much stress does all these things. It's normal to feel some stress. Our bodies are wired to respond to threats and challenges with an adrenaline rush that helps us think and act...
- Oct 2013 – Everyone has a personal interest at stake in doing everything possible to prevent fires; a fire may not only result in personal injury and loss of property, but can also cause loss of earnings - your earnings.
- Sep 2013 – Your home may be your castle, but that castle must be maintained to keep your family safe.
- Aug 2013 – Hard hats are one of the most important pieces of safety equipment and are worn daily by millions because of the protections they provide. However, it is rarely part of an inspection, maintenance, or replacement program but should be. Many workers may be wearing a hard hat well past its useful life without...
- Jul 2013 – A safe workplace starts with you. Immediately report safety-related incidents and near misses in which you are involved. A near miss is an incident that did not result in any personal injury, property damage, or production interruption. It is a very important indicator of potentially harmful future accidents....
- Jun 2013 – An estimated 75 people will die this year as a result of a lawn mower related injury. Another 75,000 will wind up in the emergency room being treated for cuts and bruises, amputations and other life-altering injuries caused by mowers.
- May 2013 – High-visibility safety apparel means personal protective safety clothing that is intended to provide conspicuity during both daytime and nighttime usage.
- Apr 2013 – As a general rule, the use of a cell phone on-the-job and while operating a moving vehicle or equipment has restrictions/guidelines for use due to the distraction and lack of concentration presented to safe work performance. Whenever possible, use your cell phone when parked, or have a passenger use...
- Mar 2013 – Workplace housekeeping calls for keeping work areas, hallways, storage spaces, stairwells, bathrooms, break rooms and offices clean and safe. It includes insuring that these areas are neat and orderly; cleared of slip, trip, and fall hazards; and free from fire and chemical dangers.
- Feb 2013 – Traffic signs are installed on our highways for many reasons. They may inform us of the need to stop, the speed limit, street names or which direction to go. Warning signs alert us to unexpected hazards on our roads. Signs help us obey the laws, find our destination, and keep us from running off the...
- Jan 2013 – A Wellness Program is an organized program to assist and support workers in establishing healthier lifestyles. This can include increasing staff member awareness on health topics, scheduling behavior change programs, and/or establishing corporation policies that support health-related goals. The key...
- Dec 2012 – Cruise control can be used to automatically control the speed in your vehicle (usually over 25-35 miles per hour) without keeping your foot on the accelerator. It is a great tool to prevent driver fatigue, speeding, and help with fuel economy during long trips on flat, straight roads and highways. Cruise...
- Nov 2012 – Several of the fall hunting seasons are in progress. One of the most popular in North Dakota is the deer gun season which runs November 9-25, 2012. The ND 2012 deer season has 65,300 licenses available to hunters this year, 44,650 fewer than last year and the lowest since 1988. With the large number...
- Oct 2012 – There are a number of safety problems common to most workplaces and job sites that can be solved with a little common sense. Planning and thinking ahead can help eliminate most of these hazards. Take a close look at your workplace with these suggestions in mind.
- Sep 2012 – Driving a company/department vehicle may be different then operating your own vehicle. More rules certainly apply. Before you drive a company/department vehicle, make sure it is safe by conducting a vehicle safety inspection. Check the vehicle to be sure.
- Aug 2012 – The West Nile virus (WNV) is most often spread to humans from the bite of an infected mosquito. The WNV normally cycles between mosquitoes and birds. However, people may also be infected if they are bitten by a WNV-infected mosquito.
- Jul 2012 – Lyme disease is the most commonly reported tick-borne disease in the United States. Lyme disease is passed to humans by the bite of black-legged ticks (also known as deer ticks in the eastern United States) and western black-legged ticks infected with the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Worksites with...
- Jun 2012 – Silicosis is caused by exposure to respirable crystalline silica dust. Crystalline silica is a basic component of soil, sand, granite, and most other types of rock, and it is used as an abrasive blasting agent. Silicosis is a progressive, disabling, and often fatal lung disease. Cigarette smoking adds...
- May 2012 – Working with asphalt has a number of hazards including burns, irritations, fire potential, and breathing in harmful fumes. Over a half-million workers are exposed to fumes from asphalt, a petroleum product used extensively in road paving, roofing, siding, and concrete work. Health effects from exposure...
- Apr 2012 – There are several different factors involved in providing safety supplies for workers. You'll want to consider the work being done, possible hazards, and what safety products workers will need. Workers may only need one safety product or a combination depending on the hazards. When choosing safety equipment...
- Mar 2012 – Falls from portable ladders (step, straight, combination and extension) are one of the leading causes of occupational fatalities and injuries.
- Feb 2012 – Industrial solvents are powerful substances. No matter what kind of solvent you use, whether on a daily or infrequent basis, be sure you know the chemical properties, understand the health hazards, and follow the correct handling procedures before you use it.
- Jan 2012 – Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, toxic gas which interferes with the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood. CO is non-irritating and can overcome persons without warning. Many people die from CO poisoning, usually while using gasoline powered tools and generators in buildings or semi-enclosed...
- Dec 2011 – Respiratory protection must be worn whenever you are working in a hazardous atmosphere. The appropriate respirator will depend on the contaminant(s) to which you are exposed and the protection factor (PF) required. Required respirators must be NIOSH-approved and medical evaluation and training must be...
- Nov 2011 – How often have you heard the statement "Driving is a full time job." Many times we think we can do other things while driving. Most of the time we get away with this behavior, but it only takes a split second to change our lives forever.
- Oct 2011 – Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless, flammable, extremely hazardous gas with a "rotten egg" smell. It occurs naturally in crude petroleum and natural gas, and can be produced by the breakdown of organic matter and human/ animal wastes (e.g., sewage). It is heavier than air and can collect in low-lying and...
- Sep 2011 – The US Department of Labor lists falls as one of the leading causes of traumatic death, accounting for eight percent of all occupational fatalities from trauma. Any time a worker is at a height of four feet or more, the worker is at risk and needs to be protected. Last year, 4547 worker died from all...
- Aug 2011 – Operating a chain saw is inherently hazardous. Potential injuries can be minimized by using proper personal protective equipment and safe operating procedures.
- Jul 2011 – The back is a complex system consisting of five distinct spinal regions. The lumbar spine, the five vertebrae and six disks in the curved portion of the lower back, is the part most often injured. Lifting, bending, and twisting motions (on or off the job) can cause severe injury and pain. Because the...
- Jun 2011 – Cave-ins are perhaps the most feared trenching hazard. But other potentially fatal hazards exist, including asphyxiation due to lack of oxygen in a confined space, inhalation of toxic fumes, drowning, etc. Electrocution or explosions can occur when workers contact underground utilities. OSHA requires...
- May 2011 – The top four causes of construction fatalities are: Falls, Struck-By, Caught-In/Between and Electrocutions.
- Apr 2011 – Employees being struck by vehicles or mobile equipment lead to many work zone fatalities or injuries. Work zones need traffic controls identified by signs, cones, barrels and barriers.
- Mar 2011 – We encounter chemicals almost every day: filling your vehicle with gasoline, cleaning the house, applying pesticides and insecticides, using solvents or acids at work, etc. Many chemicals can cause injury or illness. As an employer, you must provide the following to your employees: a written hazardous...
- Feb 2011 – Crushed hands and arms, severed fingers and limbs, lacerations and abrasions - the list of possible machinery-related injuries is long and horrifying. Many hazards are created by moving machine parts. Safeguards are essential for protecting workers from preventable injuries.
- Jan 2011 – Job stress can be defined as the harmful physical and emotional responses that occur when the requirements of the job do not match the capabilities, resources, or needs of the worker. Job stress can lead to poor health and even injury. The concept of job stress is often confused with challenge, but...
- Dec 2010 – Snowplows conduct an important public service - providing the traveling public with the best possible winter driving conditions by plowing and sanding roads. Snowplow operators are concentration on their task and the road conditions in front of them. Please be patient and give the plows plenty of room...
- Nov 2010 – Workers who are exposed to extreme cold or work in cold environments may be at risk of cold stress. Extreme cold weather is a dangerous situation that can bring on health emergencies in susceptible people, such as those without shelter, outdoor workers, and those who work in an area that is poorly insulated...
- Oct 2010 – This session you will be able to: identify potential eye hazards; prevent eye injuries with protective eyewear; use, maintain, and inspect proper protective eyewear.
- Sep 2010 – Portable fire extinguishers apply an extinguishing agent that will either cool burning fuel, displace or remove oxygen, or stop the chemical reaction so a fire cannot continue to burn. When the handle of an extinguisher is compressed, agent is expelled out the nozzle.
- Aug 2010 – Sunlight exposure is highest during the summer and between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Working outdoors during these times increases the chances of getting sunburned. Snow and light-colored sand reflect UV light and increase the risk of sunburn. At work sites with these conditions, UV rays may reach workers'...
- Jul 2010 – Because power tools are so common in construction, workers are constantly exposed to a variety of hazards. The very tool that makes their job easy and efficient may one day be the cause of a tragic accident. It is good to be reminded of common-sense safety practices.
- Jun 2010 – Workers who are exposed to extreme heat or work in hot environments may be at risk of heat stress. Exposure to extreme heat can result in occupational illnesses and injuries. Heat stress can result in heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, or heat rashes. Heat can also increase the risk of injuries...
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