Below are examples of “measurable” and “auditable” safety activities that have proven to be effective when properly implemented, managed and measured. A) Job Safety Analysis –   Each operation is required to perform _____(#) JSA’s a ________ (shift, day, week, month, quarter, etc.).  These JSAs are required to be signed off by the Department Manager and filed for retention. ...

Over the years, I have had opportunities to work with some of the best HAZMAT Teams in North and South America on some really large scale incidents and through these experiences I have learned more than I could ever teach.  But one thing that causes so many teams so many problems is their on-scene medical monitoring.  Here are some very easy and cheap methods to help rectify these potential...

To get a more clear answer we turn to OSHA’s Compliance Directive for HAZWOPER Enforcement (CPL-02-073-2007).  But first, let’s look at how the standard defines “emergency response”… “Emergency response” is defined in 29 CFR 1910.120(a)(3) as follows: “Emergency response . . . means a response effort by employees from outside the immediate release...

HAZMAT Teams will fall under 1910.120(q), but there are sections of section(q) that direct us to other sections of 1910.120. One of these sections is the medical monitoring requirements for the team members. In this article, I will try and layout exactly what OSHA requires for each team member. NOTE: Text from the 1910.120 and other OSHA standards discussed in this article will be italicized. Members...

Many THANKS to my NEW & RENEWING Corporate Partners in Safety! since 2005 since 3/2011 since 2007 since 3/2011 2011 Fatality Tracker Electrical 11 (2010 = 90) (2009 = 100) Forklift/Manlift Mobile Equipment  31 (2010 = 110) (2009=88) Mining 62 (2010 = 480) (2009...

If your facility has a HAZMAT team (e.g. they respond to chemical spills and releases) then your facility, and more specifically your response team fall under Section (q) if 1910.120. … HomeRead More »

The new “program requirements” will apply to ALL Outreach Training Programs, with separate procedures for each specific program. … HomeRead More »

After an airplane incident we are always reminded that air travel is so much more safe than ground travel, but the argument that allows some to make these statements is based on Accident Frequency and not overall risk.  Think of my Russian Roulette argument I put forth in a previous article and ask yourself…is playing Russian Roulette with .22 caliber pistol more safe than playing with a...

Many THANKS to my NEW & RENEWING Corporate Partners in Safety! since 2005 since 3/2011 since 2007 since 3/2011 2011 Fatality Tracker Electrical 11 (2010 = 90) (2009 = 100) Forklift/Manlift Mobile Equipment  31 (2010 = 110) (2009=88) Mining 62 (2010 = 480)...

I need to put a disclaimer on this one…this video is from Canada. Although their LOTO principles are the same as OSHA’s, you must refer to your country’s LOTO standards to ensure your facility complies with the applicable regulations. If your country does not have OHS standards, you should consider adopting some for your facility, as LOTO saves limbs and lives! … HomeRead...

Sawmill Accident Investigation. This slide show describes two accidents, each where a worker lost a limb following an improper lockout. … HomeRead More »