Bryan Haywood

Why does OSHA (and IFC and NFPA) require 1910.110(h)(6)(i)(h)

We don’t see this often, but the number of facilities that do not know of this fundamental OSHA/IFC/NFPA requirement for their fixed LPG storage tank(s) is sad.  How one defines “high water table or flood conditions” is open for discussion as no one has reallty DEFINED or QUANTIFIED the phrase as of yet.  The video…...

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Thao’s conviction: active failure vs latent organizational failures

I keep using this tragedy as a teaching/learning tool. This officer was convicted and sentenced to 4-years in prison for aiding and abetting manslaughter for holding back the crowd during George Floyd’s murder. TAKE THE POLITICS OUT OF IT and ask…. Why didn’t he step in and do something? This is the difference between “latent…...

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Why people do not follow procedures

The conditions that increase the risk of violations can differ from those that produce errors. Violations are often associated with time pressure, poor procedures, poor supervision, and shortages of equipment or spares. The table below shows some reasons people gave for not following procedures in one study…. Membership Required You must be a member to...

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Examples of error-producing conditions (Error Traps) and their Risk Factor(s)

Some error-producing conditions are more powerful than others.  The table below shows estimates of how different conditions create the risk of error. Poor instructions or procedures are said to triple the rate of error.  Lack of experience with the task is estimated to result in a 17-fold increase in the risk of error…. Membership Required...

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Identifying a human error is a starting point, not a conclusion

If we aim to learn from the error and to lessen the chances of it happening again, we need to consider the organizational context that surrounds the person’s action, including equipment, procedures, people, the environment, and management. There are two aspects to managing error:… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View...

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Using the Hierarchy of Controls to reduce risks

When an organization has identified hazards and established the risks those hazards pose, it must have a process(es) in place to ELIMINATE hazards, or where this is not possible, to reduce the risks associated with the identified hazard(s), using the hierarchy of controls. At the top of the hierarchy of controls is ELIMINATION. This is…...

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Establishing the scope, function, role(s), and responsibilities of the organization’s safety professional(s)

Earlier this year, I wrote about using the old ANSI/ASSE Z590.2-2003 (R2012) Criteria for Establishing the Scope and Functions of the Professional Safety Position standard when establishing the scope, function, role(s), and responsibilities of the organization’s safety professionals.  This older standard does an excellent job of keeping things simple and provides a nice framework from…...

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Safety Thought of the Week… Difference between leadership and authority

“It is important to establish the difference between leadership, which is acquired, and authority, which is assigned. An optimal situation exists when the two are combined. Leadership involves teamwork, and the quality of a leader depends on the success of the leader’s relationship with the team. Leadership skills should be developed for all through proper…...

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A little trivia/history for the Chlorine/CHLOREP ER fans

A little trivia/history for the Chlorine/CHLOREP ER fans… What year was the first Emergency B-Kit available? Hint: it is 2-weeks older than I am! Answer below in images…… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...

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Extension cords, UL label, and “portable equipment”

If there is one device that causes more electrical issues in workplaces, it has to be electrical extension cords.  There are few audits in our 20+ years of business where we did not find multiple concerns around the use of electrical extension cords. These issues generally center around either their IMPROPER use or the cords…...

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Layers of Protection for Flammable Liquids

The protection provided by the 2021 IFC is to prevent flammable and combustible liquids from becoming ignited. This is accomplished by one or more of the following layers of protection:… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...

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Cell manufacturing, Acetone, a plastic office mat, and an office chair ends in serious injuries

I was asked to participate in a serious flash fire accident cause and origin investigation earlier this year.  The worker received severe injuries from the flash fire; they survived with life-altering injuries to their lower extremities.  The flash fire involved Acetone vapors from a manufacturing cell, an office chair, and a plastic chair mat.  Can…...

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