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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 merchandise, temporary or seasonal employees […]
Combating The Opioid Crisis in America Dear Reader: The opioid abuse crisis in the workplace demands our immediate attention. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) drug overdose related deaths are on the rise in the United States. In 2017, more than 70,000 people died from drug overdoses. Almost 68% of those […]
By: Noel (Mac) McCatty, USF Safety Consultant It is a requirement of OSHA that employees be given a safe and healthy workplace that is reasonably free of occupational hazards. However, it is unrealistic to expect accidents not to happen. Therefore, employers are required to provide medical and first aid personnel and supplies commensurate with the […]
Co-written by: Dr. Thomas Bernard, University of South Florida Faculty andDavid Ashman, USF SafetyFlorida Safety Consultant Although summer has officially ended and autumn is here, the hot weather has been relentless in the sunshine state, especially in the southern region. The blistering heat has broken record highs this year alone. Those working outside in construction […]
Hazard:Falls from portable ladders are a major source of injury in the workplace. They are usually more serious than other physical injuries in the workplace, and more costly for everyone in terms of time loss, compensation costs and human suffering. Applicable OSHA Standards violated: 1910.23(c)(7) Ladders placed in locations such as passageways, doorways, or driveways […]