Written by: Adam Marty, PhD., Health Consultant A pallet of concrete was observed being used as an additional counterweight on a forklift. According to OSHA Standard 1910.178(q)(6), “Additional counterweighting of fork trucks shall not be done unless approved by the truck manufacturer.”  The standard also states that forklifts “shall not be altered so that the relative positions of the various parts are different from what they were when originally received from the manufacturer, nor shall they be altered either by the addition of extra parts not provided by the manufacturer […]

The Florida Chapter of the March of Dimes announced the recipient of its 2019 Lawton Chiles Service Award: Dr. William M. Sappenfield, director of the Florida Perinatal Quality Collaborative. The award recognizes an individual whose work has positively influenced the advancement of maternal and child health in the state of […]

November 14, 2019 marked the kickoff for the newest maternal quality improvement initiative developed by the Florida Perinatal Quality Collaborative (FPQC) – the Maternal Opioid Recovery Effort (MORE). Over 120 representatives from 23 hospitals, 11 Healthy Start Coalitions, several Medicaid managed care organizations and state agencies attended this day-long event […]

Written by: Michael Tartal, Safety Consultant A respirator used by employees was not maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. The respirator was covered with paint spray, dirt, and grit. In addition, the respirator was not properly stored. OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1910.134(h)(1) states that “The employer shall provide each respirator user with a respirator that is clean, sanitary, and in good working order. The employer shall ensure that respirators are cleaned and disinfected using the procedures in Appendix B-2 of 29 CFR 1910.134, or procedures recommended by the respirator […]

Worker safety has come a long way with the involvement of OSHA, the various On-Site Consultation Programs and the outreach training institutes. Today’s workplaces are much safer and healthier as a result. However, despite our progress, there continues to be a wide range of issues still left to be remedied as evidenced in the top 10 most frequently cited OSHA standard violations report. Here at USF SafetyFlorida, we are committed to reducing work related illnesses and injuries through on-site workplace consultations. Secondarily, we help small businesses profit from safer workplaces, […]

Written by: David Ashman, Safety Consultant Hazard: Damaged ladders should be taken out of service or tagged out and labeled. Ladders should not be altered or repaired unless it meets the manufacturer’s original design criteria. Applicable Standards: 1926.1053(b)(15) Ladders shall be inspected by a competent person for visible defects on a periodic basis and after any occurrence that could affect their safe use. 1926.1053(b)(16) Portable ladders with structural defects, such as, but not limited to, broken or missing rungs, cleats, or steps, broken or split rails, corroded components, or other […]

Written by: Katlyn Thomas, USF SafetyFlorida Safety & Health Consultant As the holiday season quickly approaches employers should focus on their responsibility to protect all employees, to include full time, part-time and temporary employees during the busy holiday season. Whether employees are stocking shelves, packing boxes, delivering products, or selling […]

Florida has the highest cesarean rate in the nation, and seventy-six Florida hospitals have responded by signing up to work to improve quality of care, create a culture that supports vaginal birth, and reduce their cesarean rate in low-risk, first time mothers. The quality improvement project is called PROVIDE, or […]