OSHA Injury Posting Requirements

OSHA Injury Posting Requirements

Jan 30, 2023

It’s that time of year again when employers need to post and submit last year’s injury and illness data.  Here is a list of timeframes and more information about which companies this affects:

Posting Injury and Illness Data

All employers who are required to maintain OSHA logs must post a copy of their OSHA 300A log from February 1 through April 30.  This needs to be placed in a common area where an employee can easily see it.  Make sure you have a company executive sign and certify it before posting.


Electronic Submittals to OSHA

osha injury reporting recordkeeping compliance chart for 2023

Employers with more than 250 employees and employers with 20-249 employees under certain NAICS codes are required to submit their 300As to OSHA’s Injury Tracking Application (ITA) website.  Here’s a list of those special industries covered by the recordkeeping rule:  Covered Industries.

In order to post to the website, you’ll need two separate accounts.  First is an account with the Injury Tracking Application website.  The other, new as of October 2022, you’ll have to have an account at Login.gov, a secure website the federal government uses for many different applications.   You need to make sure you use the same email address for both so that the records can be connected.

Information can be manually uploaded, uploaded via a CSV file (available as a template from the OSHA ITA website), or transmit it electronically through an API.

If your company has multiple locations, or establishments as they are referred to, you need to report for each establishment, but can use the same ITA account to do it.  A third party can help do this for you, but accuracy and completeness of data is still your company’s responsibility.

Even if you have 0 recordables, you still need to report, and if you miss the March 2 deadline, you can still submit at any time of the year.  Just be aware you’re not compliant until you do.  If you submit early and find out there was an injury last year that became recordable, they would like for you to update the information, but it’s not required.

What’s Recordable, What’s Not?

If you have questions or need help in determining what’s recordable and what’s not, iSi can help.  We can advise on a case-by-case basis, and we have conducted presentations that cover some of the trickier examples that we can provide through our training program.  Contact us for pricing on either of those.

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Chemical Hygiene Plan: What You Need To Know

Chemical Hygiene Plan: What You Need To Know

Nov 25, 2022

What is a chemical hygiene plan?

A Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) is a written document required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). It outlines specific safety procedures that workers must follow while working with hazardous chemicals, in order to minimize risk of exposure to potentially dangerous substances.

The CHP covers topics such as personal protective equipment, engineering controls, safe work practices, health and hygiene, medical surveillance, chemical labeling and storage, spill response plans, hazardous waste disposal and more. It is important to have a comprehensive and up-to-date CHP in place as it ensures that workers are aware of the hazards associated with their job duties and how to protect themselves against them.

What are the objectives of a chemical hygiene plan?

A Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) is an organized and comprehensive plan designed to protect laboratory workers from the potential health hazards posed by hazardous chemicals in the work environment. It outlines safety protocols for working with hazardous materials, identifies any special procedures or precautions that need to be taken when dealing with them, and provides guidance on how to safely handle common laboratory operations such as waste disposal and emergency response.

A CHP establishes the safety procedures that must be followed in order to ensure that laboratory personnel are adequately protected from hazardous chemical exposure, while also ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

The main objectives of a CHP include minimizing employee exposure to hazardous chemicals, reducing the potential for accidental spills or exposures, identifying appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for each type of operation, and providing training for personnel on the appropriate use of hazardous materials.

What should a chemical hygiene plan include?

A CHP should include a written policy outlining the responsibilities of personnel, recommendation on protective clothing and equipment, training requirements for workers, methods for labeling and storing chemicals, emergency procedures in case of spills or other incidents, and equipment maintenance protocols.

In addition, the CHP should document any hazardous chemical exposures that have occurred. By following these guidelines, workplaces can ensure that personnel are adequately protected from exposure to hazardous substances and minimize the risk of injury or illness due to chemical use.

What does a chemical hygiene officer do?

A Chemical Hygiene Officer (CHO) is an important role in any organization that works with hazardous chemicals. Their primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of personnel and protect the environment by designing and implementing chemical safety programs, policies, standards, and procedures.

The chemical hygiene officers also oversee compliance with all applicable laws related to health and safety in the workplace. They are responsible for monitoring chemical use, storage, and disposal; performing safety audits; conducting safety training; and providing expert advice on safe chemical handling practices.

In addition to these core duties, the CHO may coordinate with other departments such as Human Resources and Environmental Health & Safety in order to ensure compliance across the organization and present health and safety requirements.

What is the OSHA chemical safety plan?

The OSHA Chemical Safety Plan is a set of steps that employers must take to ensure the safety and health of their workers, as well as the workplace itself, when handling hazardous chemicals. It outlines the preventive measures that employers should implement in order to protect employees from exposure to hazardous materials.

This plan includes training for workers on proper handling and storage of chemicals; personal protective equipment (PPE); emergency response plans; and other safety measures. Proper implementation of the OSHA Chemical Safety Plan can help to reduce incidents and injuries caused by hazardous chemicals, as well as ensure a safe environment for all employees. The plan also serves to keep businesses compliant with federal regulations set forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

What is the OSHA laboratory standard for chemical exposure?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets a standard for chemical exposure and protective laboratory practices in the workplace. This includes keeping employees safe from any kind of hazardous chemical, whether it be by inhalation, ingestion or skin contact. OSHA enforces this standard through its Hazard Communication Standard, which requires employers to provide workers with information about the chemicals they use, including proper storage, labeling and handling instructions.

The OSHA lab standard also sets limits on the amount of exposure an employee can have to certain chemicals, ensuring that workers remain safe from any potential harm. To make sure these standards are met, employers must provide adequate training and ensure that employees follow safety protocols when working with hazardous materials.

What are the 10 steps to chemical safety?

Chemical safety is an important part of any workplace environment. Knowing and understanding the 10 steps to chemical safety can help ensure that all employees are safe while handling hazardous materials.

  1. The first step to chemical safety is to identify potential hazards by reviewing the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). The MSDS includes detailed information about the properties of a given chemical, including its health hazards, protective measures, and emergency response information.

  2. The second step is to use the right personal protective equipment (PPE) when working with hazardous materials. This may include safety glasses, respirators, gloves, lab coats, and other items that are necessary for safe handling of chemicals.

  3. Thirdly, it’s important to keep all containers of chemicals labeled and sealed properly. Labels should include the name of the chemical, concentration, date prepared, and appropriate hazard warnings.

  4. The fourth step is to practice good housekeeping in the lab or work area by keeping all areas clean and free from debris that might contaminate products. All spilled materials must be removed from the work area as soon as possible.

  5. The fifth step is to make sure that all employees are trained on the proper handling of chemicals in their work area. This includes understanding how to use protective equipment and safety measures to reduce exposure.

  6. The sixth step is to provide good ventilation in the lab or work area. Poor ventilation can increase exposure to hazardous materials, so it’s important to keep areas well-ventilated.

  7. Seventhly, emergency equipment should be readily available in case of an incident. This includes items like fire extinguishers, eye wash stations, and spill kits to contain hazardous materials.

  8. The eighth step is to create a culture of safety by ensuring that all employees are aware of the dangers associated with handling hazardous materials. All workers should understand the proper safety procedures, and regular training should be conducted to reinforce these procedures.

  9. The ninth step is to monitor employee exposure levels by providing personal protective equipment and conducting periodic air quality tests. This will help ensure that all workers remain safe while working with hazardous materials.

  10. Finally, the tenth step is to document all safety measures taken in a detailed hazard assessment report. This report should include a description of the potential hazard, control measures taken to limit exposure, and any additional safety precautions that were implemented.

By following these 10 steps to chemical safety, employers can ensure that their employees remain safe while handling hazardous materials in the workplace.

What are 4 hazardous chemicals?

Chemical safety is an important topic in any work environment, as exposure to hazardous chemicals can have serious effects on a person’s health and wellbeing. To protect workers and customers alike, it is essential that businesses identify the potential risks associated with their products or services, and take steps to minimize them. One way to do this is by identifying the four main classes of hazardous chemicals: corrosives, flammables, oxidizers, and toxic materials.

Corrosives are substances that can cause severe damage to the skin or eyes upon contact. These can include acids, alkalis, and other caustic materials. Flammables are extremely combustible liquids or gases that can ignite easily and burn rapidly under certain conditions. Oxidizers are substances that can cause rapid or spontaneous combustion when they come into contact with flammable materials. Finally, toxic materials are substances that can cause chronic or acute health problems if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin.

What are the five rules of chemical safety?

Chemical safety is a critical part of all standard operating procedures. It helps ensure the safety and health of personnel, as well as protects equipment and materials from potential hazards. There are five basic rules of chemical safety that must be followed in order to minimize risk and maintain a safe working environment.

  • Read the labels and material safety data sheets (MSDSs) for any chemicals that you plan to use. Be sure to understand the hazards of each chemical as well as the proper disposal or storage requirements.
  • Wear the appropriate protective clothing and equipment when working with dangerous chemicals. This includes gloves, goggles, and an apron or lab coat. Additionally, it is important to ensure that your work area is well-ventilated.
  • Never mix chemicals, even if they are similar. This can lead to unpredictable and potentially hazardous reactions.
  • Store chemicals properly in order to prevent spills or other accidents. Always follow the manufacturers’ instructions regarding recommended storage temperatures and containers.
  • Always clean up any spills immediately and properly dispose of all chemicals after use. This includes cleaning any equipment or surfaces that may have been exposed to hazardous materials.

Adhering to these five basic rules of chemical safety can help ensure a safe working environment for everyone in your laboratory.

What is a common hazardous chemical in healthcare?

Healthcare workers are exposed to all kinds of hazardous substances. These can range from pesticides used in the garden, to chemical cleaners used in bathrooms and kitchens, to toxic drugs and medicines. One of the most common hazardous chemicals found in healthcare is formaldehyde.

Formaldehyde is a colorless, odorless gas that has many industrial uses such as preserving specimens for research laboratories and embalming. It can also be found in some furniture, carpets, cleaning supplies and even cosmetics.

In healthcare settings, formaldehyde is often used as a disinfectant to prevent the spread of infections. Exposure to high levels of formaldehyde can cause respiratory irritation, headaches and nausea. Healthcare workers must take extra precautions to protect themselves from exposure by wearing personal protective equipment such as respirators, eye protection and gloves.

Additionally, employers should use ventilation systems to reduce exposure levels in the workplace. By following these simple steps, healthcare workers can help protect themselves from dangerous chemical hazards and potentially hazardous chemicals.

Another hazardous chemical that is often found in healthcare is ethylene oxide. Ethylene oxide is a colorless gas with a sweet odor and bitter taste. It is used in healthcare as a sterilizing agent for medical equipment and supplies.

However, exposure to high levels of ethylene oxide can cause skin irritation, headaches and dizziness. Healthcare workers must take precautions to protect themselves from any potential health risks associated with this chemical by wearing protective clothing such as respirators, masks and gloves when handling ethylene oxide. Proper chemical hygiene training and a chemical hygiene plan are crucial for employee safety.

What are 5 top laboratory hazards?

Laboratories are places for experimentation and research, but they can also be dangerous. Understanding the potential hazards that exist in a laboratory is essential to ensure safety. The five top laboratory hazards include chemical exposure, fire, radiation, biological agents, and electrical shock.

Chemical exposure is a significant hazard in any laboratory situation due to the use of hazardous materials such as acids, solvents, and other hazardous compounds. It is important to wear the appropriate protective gear such as safety glasses, gloves, and an apron when working with chemicals to reduce potential exposure.

Fire can cause serious damage in any laboratory setting due to the presence of volatile materials. Laboratories should be equipped with fire extinguishers and personnel should be trained on how to use them. In addition, flammable materials should be stored in proper containers and away from direct sources of heat.

Radiation is a potential hazard in laboratories that use radioactive materials or radiation-generating devices such as X-ray machines. It is important for personnel using these devices to wear protective gear such as lead aprons and glasses, and follow safety protocols.

Biological agents can also be a hazard in certain laboratory settings. It is important to wear protective clothing when working with biological materials and to practice proper hygiene such as washing hands regularly and avoiding contact with eyes, nose, or mouth. Additionally, it’s important to dispose of infectious waste properly and use safe disposal methods for sharp objects such as needles.

What are the 10 lab safety rules?

It is important to understand the 10 lab safety rules in order to ensure a safe and productive laboratory environment. The 10 lab safety rules are:

  1. Wear proper protective gear – including clothing, eye protection, and gloves – whenever handling chemicals or working with equipment that generates heat, sparks, and open flames.
  2. Read labels carefully before using any chemical or equipment.
  3. Follow the instructions provided and adhere to safety protocols in the lab and laboratory safety manual.
  4. Keep chemicals away from sources of heat, ignition, and open flames.
  5. Know how to properly handle and dispose of hazardous materials according to safety protocol.
  6. Know the location of emergency exits, fire extinguishers, spill kits, eyewash stations, and first aid kits.
  7. Never work alone in the lab; always ensure that someone else is present in case of an emergency.
  8. Do not touch or taste any chemicals without permission from a qualified supervisor.
  9. Report any accidents or spills to your supervisor immediately.
  10. Clean up all equipment and materials after use and before leaving the laboratory with prior approval.

Adhering to these 10 lab safety rules is essential for ensuring a safe and productive workplace in any laboratory setting. Always be aware of the potential hazards and use caution when handling hazardous materials or working with dangerous equipment.

How often should a workplace or laboratory chemical inventory conducted?

It is important to conduct a workplace or laboratory chemical inventory at least once a year. This helps to ensure that all chemicals stored onsite are accounted for, and any expired or unwanted materials can be safely disposed of. Additionally, employers should update the list as soon as a new container of hazardous material is received.

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OSHA Considering Changes and Updates to the PSM Standard

OSHA Considering Changes and Updates to the PSM Standard

Nov 17, 2022

OSHA Considering Changes and Updates to the PSM Standard

 

OSHA has been accepting comments on several proposed changes to its Process Safety Management, or PSM standard.

PSM is an OSHA regulation that is concerned with processes at your facility that use highly hazardous chemicals.  PSM provides a compliance framework to evaluate each process with the end goal of no spills, fires, explosions, reactions, releases or other incidents arise from their use.  The official standard can be found at 29 CFR 1910.119.

PSM hasn’t been updated since its creation in 1992.  OSHA has been reevaluating PSM, and EPA has been similarly been reevaluating their Risk Management Plan, or RMP standard since the 2013 West, Texas fertilizer storage facility explosion.  Just like the difference between OSHA and EPA, PSM is meant to protect workers while RMP is meant to protect the environment.

Potential changes to PSM could include:

  • Clarifying the exemption for atmospheric storage tanks;
  • Strengthening employee participation and stop work authority;
  • Requiring the development of written procedures for all elements specified in the standard, identification of records required by the standard, and a records retention policy (previously referred to as “Written PSM Management Systems”);
  • Including oil-well and gas-well drilling and servicing as part of the standard and resuming enforcement for oil and gas production facilities;
  • Expanding coverage and requirements for reactive chemical hazards;
  • Updating and expanding the list of highly hazardous chemicals in Appendix A;
  • Requiring continuous updating of collected information (paragraph (d));
  • Requiring formal resolution of Process Hazard Analysis team recommendations that are not utilized;
  • Better defining what critical equipment means, what equipment deficiencies are, and expanding paragraph (j) to cover the mechanical integrity of critical equipment;
  • Clarifying the scope of the retail facilities exemption;
  • Defining the limits of a PSM-covered process;
  • Better defining recognized and generally accepted as good engineering practices (RAGAGEP) and requiring evaluations of any updates to them;
  • Requiring safer technology and alternatives analysis;
  • Requiring consideration of natural disasters and extreme temperatures;
  • Amending paragraph (k) of the Explosives and Blasting Agents Standard to cover dismantling and disposal of explosives and pyrotechnics;
  • Clarifying that paragraph (l) covers organizational changes;
  • Amending paragraph (m) to require root cause analysis;
  • Requiring coordination of emergency planning with local emergency-response authorities;
  • Requiring third-party compliance audits; and,
  • Including requirements for employers to develop a system for periodic review of and necessary revisions to their PSM management systems (previously referred to as “Evaluation and Corrective Action”).

This action is currently in the comments stage, and stakeholder meetings were held in October 2022 with comments accepted through mid-November 2022.  We will keep you updated when anything final is published.

Do you need help with PSM?  Does this apply to you?  iSi can help!  Contact us today for more information.

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Mastering the Essential EHS Audit Checklist: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the Essential EHS Audit Checklist: A Comprehensive Guide

Oct 16, 2022

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When it comes to environmental health and safety (EHS) audits, having a comprehensive checklist is essential. Audits are designed to show the effectiveness of an organization’s existing EHS management system as well as identify any areas that need improvement. A good audit will be comprehensive in scope and include elements such as environmental compliance, risk assessment, occupational safety, air quality monitoring, and emergency preparedness.

The challenge for many organizations is creating or finding an EHS audit checklist that covers all the necessary elements. To help get you started, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to mastering the essential EHS audit checklist. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about best practices and key components of successful EHS audits.

First, you’ll want to make sure that your EHS audit checklist is aligned with the organization’s goals and objectives. A comprehensive checklist should include all of the basic elements that are required by law or identified within the scope of an organization’s operations. This includes ensuring compliance with national and local environmental regulations, assessing workplace safety risks, monitoring air quality on site, and preparing for emergency situations.

Next, you’ll need to consider how often audits will be conducted. Depending on the size and complexity of the organization’s operations, this could range from once a year to multiple times per year. It may also be necessary to conduct periodic follow-up audits in order to ensure that any changes or improvements made since the last audit are still in place.

Finally, when conducting an audit it’s important to document everything that is found. This includes any potential hazards and exposures, compliance issues, and recommendations for improvement. Having a comprehensive audit report is essential for making sure that all corrective actions are properly implemented and tracked over time.

By following the above steps and having a detailed EHS Audit checklist in place, you can ensure that your organization is meeting all of the necessary standards for environmental health and safety. With the proper preparation and planning, you can have confidence that your audits will yield accurate results and provide you with the actionable insights needed to make improvements where necessary.

EHS Audit Checklist Templates

EHS audit checklists are an invaluable tool for organizations to ensure their health and safety processes are in line with industry standards. They help organizations identify potential risks, areas of improvement, and areas that need additional attention. EHS audit checklist templates provide a consistent structure for conducting audits and allow the organization to easily evaluate compliance across multiple departments and locations.

With the use of these templates, organizations can quickly identify which areas require further action or review. In addition, using an EHS audit checklist template ensures that all essential elements required for a successful safety program are included in the assessment process. This helps to ensure that any issues identified during the audit can be addressed in a timely fashion and prevents any unnecessary delays that could put workers at risk.

Who needs to use a health and safety audit?

A health and safety audit is necessary for any workplace, no matter the size or industry. It is important to make all employees aware of what measures need to be taken to reduce risks in the workplace.

Employers and business owners should use audit findings to ensure that their employees are safe from potential hazards. Additionally, supervisors and managers should also regularly monitor the implementation of safety protocols as part of a comprehensive risk management plan. The ultimate goal is to create an environment where everyone can work productively with minimal risks and hazard exposure. This includes providing appropriate protective gear for all employees as well as have all employees trained on safety policies.

By conducting regular audits, employers not only make sure their workers are well protected but also demonstrate good corporate citizenship towards regulatory authorities. Furthermore, these reviews may help identify areas of improvement so that effective preventive measures can be put in place. In sum, anyone with a stake in the safety and well-being of employees should incorporate health and safety audits into their overall risk management strategy.

EHS Audit Software:

EHS Audit Software is an essential tool for Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) professionals to monitor and ensure compliance with regulations. It automates the auditing process, providing insight into risk areas and helping organizations improve their processes.

EHS Management Software provides a comprehensive interface to facilitate efficient data collection, tracking and reporting of regulatory compliance-related activities. This makes it easier to identify deficiencies in safety protocols, quickly address potential hazards, and take proactive steps to mitigate future risks.

With the help of this software, organizations can ensure that they provide a safe workplace environment for all employees while minimizing both environmental impacts and financial costs associated with non-compliance.

EHS Audit Management Software Benefits

EHS Audit Management Software Benefits provides organizations with powerful tools to streamline their environmental, health and safety auditing processes. It helps them save time and resources while ensuring compliance with local regulations, industry standards, and best practices.

The software allows for automatic scheduling of audits and tracking of results, which can help identify gaps in safety protocols more quickly. This ultimately helps to reduce the risk of accidents, environmental damage, and costly fines. With centralized data storage and reporting capabilities, it also enables organizations to track their compliance progress over time, enabling them to continually strive for excellence in safety.

EHS Audit Management Software Benefits is a powerful tool that can help organizations protect their employees, customers, and environment while ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations.

Pre-Audit Phase

The Pre-EHS Audit Phase or audit planning is an important part of the overall Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) audit process. During this phase, a company will assess its current EHS operations and compliance in order to identify any areas that may present possible risks or noncompliance issues.

This helps ensure the organization meets all applicable regulations and safety requirements, and helps reduce potential liability risks when an EHS auditor arrives. During the Pre-EHS Audit Phase, organizations often review their compliance records and processes, evaluate current systems, develop new procedures and protocols as needed, and produce a detailed report of findings.

This helps ensure the organization is properly prepared for the actual EHS audit itself. The Pre-EHS Audit Phase is essential to ensuring organizational safety and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

An effective Pre-EHS Audit Phase also helps an organization identify potential risks and areas of improvement before the actual audit begins. Through this assessment, organizations can develop specific strategies to improve their safety and compliance operations going forward, as well as develop plans for problems that may arise during the EHS audit itself.

What should be included in a health and safety audit checklist?

A health and safety audit checklist should include items that are relevant to the particular work environment being audited. This can vary depending on whether the workplace is an office, factory, warehouse, or other premises.

Generally, items that should be included in a health and safety audit checklist would be physical hazards such as trip/slip risks, poor lighting conditions, inadequate ventilation, and hazardous substances. Additionally, potential health risks such as noise levels, temperature/humidity levels, ergonomics, and the availability of safety wear should be considered.

All employees should also have access to first-aid kits and emergency procedures in case of accidents or incidents. Finally, employers should consider if necessary protective measures are in place to protect employees from violence or harassment. By including these items in a health and safety audit checklist, employers can ensure that their workplace is safe and compliant with relevant regulations.

What is a health and safety audit?

A health and safety audit is an independent assessment of a workplace to assess how well it complies with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards. It evaluates existing practices and procedures in the workplace to make sure they are working properly and efficiently.

The aim of a health and safety audit is to identify any potential hazards or risks that could lead to injury or illness, as well as any areas where improvement is needed. A health and safety audit can help organizations meet their legal obligations and ensure the workplace remains safe and healthy for everyone.

It can also provide important data that can be used to develop effective strategies to reduce accidents, incidents, and other risks in the workplace.

Deficiencies and Corrective Actions

EHS corrective actions are an important part of creating a safe and healthy working environment. These corrective steps involve identifying workplace health and safety hazards, addressing the risks associated with those hazards, and taking steps to eliminate or mitigate any potential harm to workers and the environment caused by these hazards.

Corrective actions can include changing procedures, providing additional training, implementing new rules or regulations, or carrying out engineering modifications to equipment and machinery.

It’s important for employers to take corrective steps in order to protect their workforce, comply with regulations, and ensure a safe working environment. By taking corrective actions, employers can reduce the risk of injury and illness caused by workplace hazards.

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Our team of experts can help you with whatever compliance issues you may be facing. Whether it is understanding the complexities of a given regulation or recognizing where your company needs to improve, we have the necessary skills and experience to provide assistance. We will take the time to understand your unique needs and develop tailored solutions that address those needs. For facilities looking for help navigating the often perplexing regulatory landscape, contact us today!

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Health and Safety Consultants

Health and Safety Consultants

Oct 9, 2022

Consultants provide essential services to businesses, organizations, and individuals. They help ensure workplace safety by providing advice on health and safety regulations and policies, developing risk assessments, inspecting equipment or premises for safety hazards, conducting staff training sessions and developing emergency response plans.

These are knowledgeable in areas such as occupational health and safety regulation compliance, industrial hygiene principles, ergonomics, hazardous material management, fire protection engineering, accident investigations, construction site hazard recognition and more. Their expertise helps mitigate the risk of injury or illness within a work environment.

Additionally they can assist organizations in meeting all legal requirements for health & safety legislation in their respective countries or regions. Ultimately their work helps protect workers from potential hazards that may arise from working conditions.

Furthermore, safety consultants and safety professionals can provide a valuable service to businesses looking to expand or introduce new processes or practices. They can provide advice on the best practices for their particular industry, as well as how to best implement them with minimal risk of disruption to the operations.

Ultimately, this helps make sure that employees are working in an environment where their safety is paramount. Engaging with a qualified Health and Safety Consultant is essential for ensuring that an organization meets its legal obligations in terms of health and safety regulations and requirements.

Additionally, it allows companies to minimize risks, create a safe work environment for their staff, and ultimately protect their reputation should an incident occur.

OSHA Compliance Solutions

OSHA Compliance Solutions is a comprehensive suite of tools and services designed to help businesses stay in compliance with all applicable Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. The service includes access to the most up-to-date federal and state information, as well as an online library of safety training materials, safety programs, safety manuals, instructional videos, and other resources for your safety manager to use.

With these tools, businesses can easily create compliant work environments that protect employees from safety risks and injury. Additionally, OSHA Compliance Solutions can recommend a safety consulting company in which offers consulting services and technical assistance to further support companies’ compliance efforts.

These services include onsite visits for inspections or consultations, as well as identify workplace hazards and provide recommendations for corrective action plans when necessary. Your company will also be presented safety data sheets from these experienced safety professionals. OSHA Compliance Solutions helps businesses ensure their workplaces are safe, efficient, and in compliance with federal and regulations.

OSHA Training Solutions

OSHA Training Solutions is an industry leader in occupational safety and health training. With expertise on a wide range of topics related to workplace safety, OSHA Training Solutions provides comprehensive training courses, both online and in-person, to help employers meet their safety and health compliance requirements.

Their courses are designed to cover topics such as ergonomics, fall protection, hazardous materials handling, risk assessment, health programs, machine guarding, fire safety and more. They also offer a vast selection of online resources that provide easy access to up-to-date information on the ever changing regulations governing workplace safety. OSHA Training Solutions is committed to providing outstanding customer service and quality training solutions to ensure that workers stay safe while on the job.

With their commitment to excellence and dedication to helping employers protect their workforce from injury or illness, OSHA Training Solutions has become an industry leader in occupational safety and health training.

OSHA Compliance Evaluations

OSHA Compliance Evaluations are conducted in order to assess the safety and health conditions of a workplace and ensure that it is compliant with federal standards. During such evaluations, an inspector will look for potential hazards review company policies and procedures, inspect work areas, and verify compliance with OSHA regulations.

These evaluations also serve as an opportunity for employers to address any existing or potential safety risks before they become larger issues. Ultimately, OSHA Compliance Evaluations make workplaces safer places by identifying and preventing potentially dangerous situations.

Additionally, these evaluations can help employers save costs associated with employee injury or illness due to unsafe working conditions. By conducting assessments regularly, companies can protect the health and well-being of their workers while also avoiding violations of regulatory standards.

OSHA Inspection Guidance

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides inspection guidance to ensure compliance with federal safety standards. During OSHA inspections, OSHA inspectors conduct workplace inspections to assess compliance with safety regulations and identify any potential hazards that could cause harm to workers.

Inspectors may also speak with employers and employees during the inspection process in order to gather more information on working conditions. The inspector will then issue a report which includes recommendations for improvements or corrections based on their findings, along with a citation of violations if any were found. Employers must take the necessary steps to address the concerns raised in the report in order to come into full compliance with all applicable regulations.

By providing timely guidance and enforcement, OSHA helps keep workplaces safe from injury and illness, protecting both employers and employees.

Written OSHA Program Preparation

Written OSHA Program Preparation is an important part of any workplace safety program. It involves the development and implementation of policies and procedures for keeping workers safe from potential hazards. This includes identifying and addressing potential safety issues, training employees on safe practices, documenting all safety measures, and regularly auditing the system to ensure amenability with federal regulations. Taking these proactive steps helps to protect workers and create a safer work environment.

By setting up an effective written OSHA program, employers can ensure that their workplace is compliant with all applicable laws and regulations, while also protecting the safety and wellbeing of their employees. Written programs provide a roadmap for achieving workplace safety goals as well as creating an environment where employees understand the risks associated with their work and feel empowered to take action for protecting themselves and their colleagues.

Safety Data Sheet Preparation

A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a key document required by all employers to ensure the safety of workers in hazardous working conditions. SDSs are prepared to provide information about the properties of a particular substance or mixture, including its health and safety hazards, protective measures for handling, storing, using and disposing of it safely.

SDSs also include details on how to respond in case of an emergency involving the product. Preparation of SDSs requires knowledge of hazardous substances as well as knowledge of composition, toxicology and occupational health. Since many hazardous materials can exist in a number of different forms, it is important to ensure that the SDS accurately reflects the particular product’s characteristics. Furthermore, information must be regularly updated in line with changes in legislation and any new or revised hazard assessment data.

Health and Safety Program (HSP) Development

Health and Safety Program (HSP) Development is a comprehensive process that involves identifying potential risks, developing strategies to reduce risks and implementing those strategies in the workplace. A successful HSP requires proper planning, training, assessment and reporting of safety issues. The goal of HSP development is to protect workers from injury or illness associated with their job duties.

Emergency Response Plans

Emergency response plans are important to have in place for any organization, as they help to outline the steps that should be taken in the event of an emergency. These plans should include information about how to respond and evacuate a building safely, who is responsible for different aspects of the plan, and how to contact emergency services. This response plans should also consider potential risks, such as natural disasters or hazardous materials spills, and outline procedures for responding effectively.

Having a well-developed emergency response plan helps ensure employees are safe during an emergency situation, while also preventing costly damages if an incident occurs. Additionally, proper training on these plans allows staff members to become familiar with their roles so they can act quickly in the face of danger.

On-Site Health and Safety Management

On-site health and safety management is an essential part of any successful business. Effective management of workplace safety can help reduce risks, minimize injury and illness, protect employees’ rights to a safe work environment, and ensure that businesses meet all applicable safety regulations.

An effective on-site health and safety management system should include procedures for identifying hazards in the workplace, setting standards for worker protection, providing training for workers on how to safely conduct their job duties, responding quickly to reported or observed unsafe conditions or practices, conducting periodic inspections of the facility for potential hazards, and maintaining records documenting compliance with OSHA regulations.

LOTO Procedure Development

LOTO (Lock Out/Tag Out) Procedure Development is an essential element of workplace safety. Properly designed and implemented LOTO Procedures help to ensure that hazardous sources of energy are effectively isolated from equipment, thus preventing potential injuries or damages.

When creating a LOTO Procedure, it is important to accurately identify all potentially hazardous sources of energy, determine the proper type of lockout device needed for each source, and develop step-by-step instructions on how to properly de-energize and lock out the machine. Additionally, procedures should be regularly reviewed and updated as necessary in order to ensure they remain up-to-date and effective.

By following these steps in the development process, businesses can greatly reduce their risk exposure while also protecting their employees from potential hazards.

For more detailed information, businesses should consult OSHA regulations on LOTO Procedure Development as well as their own corporate safety policies. With the proper development and implementation of LOTO Procedures, businesses can ensure a safe and secure workplace environment while also adhering to all relevant safety regulations.

By investing in the proper protocols and procedures upfront, businesses can make sure that they are providing their employees with the necessary protection against hazardous energy sources. This is an important step toward ensuring a safe work environment for everyone involved.

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Fit Testing Questions Answered

Fit Testing Questions Answered

Sep 23, 2022

Once you conduct an evaluation to determine what type of respirator your workers will be required to use to protect them from the contaminants around them (that is, what type, Assigned Protection Factor (APF) needed, what filters and/or cartridges are required, etc.), there are three general steps that come next: a medical evaluation to ensure they’re medically capable of wearing one, fit testing to determine which size most comfortably and accurately fits, and training.  In this blog, we dive into the fit testing side.

Respirator fit testing is conducted on tight-fitting respirators to make sure the respirator gets a good seal on the employee’s face so that no contaminants will leak into the mask.  They may not always be the most comfortable or convenient things to wear, but fit testing finds a balance of comfort and protection at the same time.

Qualitative or Quantitative?  What’s the Difference?

Fit-testing methods are referred to as qualitative or quantitative.

In qualitative fit-testing, once the person being fit tested has his/her mask on, the tester introduces items such as saccharine, Bittrex, banana oil or irritant smoke near the mask to see if the person can smell or sense it.  This method relies on the worker’s ability to sense odor or irritants. NIOSH currently doesn’t recommend irritant smoke for fit-testing.  Qualitative fit testing is only for half-face, full-face and N95 filtering facepiece respirators that have an APF of 10.  An APF is the level of protection the respirator will provide if it’s functioning and wore correctly.  For example, an APF of 10 means the user can expect to inhale no more than one tenth of the contaminant present. Qualitative fit-testing is easy, fast and fairly inexpensive.  It’s considered to be only a pass or fail type of test.

Quantitative respirator fit-testing uses a machine to measure pressure loss inside the mask or to count quantities of particles to calculate a fit factor.  Quantitative testing is considered more accurate than qualitative fit-testing.  Quantitative fit-testing must be conducted for respirators requiring an APF over 10.  Full-face tight fitting respirators that are quantitatively tested have an APF of 50.  An APF of 50 means the user can expect to inhale no more than one fiftieth of the contaminant present.

​When Do I Need to Fit-Test Someone?

Employers are to ensure employees wearing tight-fitting facepiece respirators are fit-tested:

  1. Before use
  2. Whenever a different respiratory facepiece is used (size, model, make, style)
  3. Annually

Why is Fit-Testing Required Each Year?

A study published by NIOSH has affirmed the need for OSHA’s annual requirement for fit-testing for filtering facepiece respirators and other tight-fitting respirators.

In its study, NIOSH followed 229 subjects over three years’ time, making fit and physical characteristic measurements every 6 months. It was found that after one year, 10% of the subjects had changes in fit. In two years it was 20%, and in the third year, it was up to 26%. OSHA’s intended threshold for fit changes, when it made its rules in 1998, was 7% annually.

NIOSH also found that subjects who had lost 20 or more pounds had respirator fit changes. The greater the weight loss, the higher the chance that the respirator fit changed. Thus, NIOSH recommends those persons who lose 20 or more pounds get priority fit-test scheduling, even it is less than a year since their last fit-test.

In addition to weight loss and gain, other events such as dental changes, facial scarring and cosmetic surgery can affect respirator fit as well.

Note: NIOSH’s study can be found at: https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2016/01/05/fit-testing/

What Difference Does Respirator Brand Make in Fit Testing?

Different brands also fit differently, so a size a worker may wear in one mask may not be the same size in another brand.  If the person wears glasses, hearing protection or other items around their head during the job, they must wear them during the fit test.

What Facial Hair is Acceptable in a Fit-Test?

Beards and facial hair on men are back in style, but beards and respirators do not get along.  Certain kinds and lengths of facial hair including beards, sideburns, some mustaches, and even a day or two of stubble can interfere with the seal.  According to NIOSH, presence of facial hair under the seal causes 20 to 100 times more leakage.  Gases, vapors and particles will take the path of least resistance and will flow right through the hair into the mask and into the lungs.

Our Physician is Booked Now, Can I Go Ahead and Do the Fit Test Before I Get My Respirator Physical?

No!  Respirator physicals (medical evaluations) need to be done before the fit test to ensure the person getting tested is even medically qualified to wear one.  Wearing a respirator can put a strain on the heart and lungs and it is very important that an employee has been evaluated by a medical professional to prevent causing any damage to the employee.

How Often is Respirator Training Required?

Respiratory protection training is required ANNUALLY, that is, within 12 months.  Doing this training around the same time as the physical and the fit testing can help reinforce proper care techniques for the respirator.  This training should cover how to properly don (put on) and doff (take off) them, their limitations and capabilities, why a respirator is needed, how to use them in an emergency or when they malfunction, how to inspect and remove the seals, how to clean and store it properly, how to recognize medical signs and symptoms that may limit or prevent its effective use, and the general requirements of the respiratory protection standard.

Additional training shall be conducted if there are any changes in your workplace, changes in respirator that would make previous training obsolete and when a worker’s actions show additional training is required to ensure their safe use.

What Documentation Do I Need to Keep?

Once you’ve had someone fit tested, you need to ensure you maintain records of the fit test.  The documentation needs to include:

  • The name of the person tested,
  • Type of test conducted
  • Specific make, model, style and size of respirator tested
  • Date of the test
  • Pass/fail results for qualitative fit testing, or the fit factor and strip chart recording from a quantitative fit test
  • A written copy of your Respirator Protection Program

Where Can I Find the Requirements for Fit-Testing? 

OSHA governs the usage of respirators and sets forth its standards in 29 CFR 1910.134 for general industry, and for construction, standard 29 CFR 1926.103 references back to the general industry standard, saying its requirements are identical.  The specific protocols and instructions on how to conduct a fit test are in Appendix A of that standard.

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SMETA Audits

SMETA Audits

Sep 20, 2022

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SMETA AUDIT: What you need to know

What is a Smeta audit?

SMETA or Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit is the leading global ethical audit and assurance methodology that helps companies to assess their suppliers’ performance against a set of criteria.

It covers labor, health & safety, environmental and ethics standards which are all important for responsible business practices. SMETA audits provide companies with an objective evaluation of supplier operations and highlight any areas for improvement. This helps

What are the 4 pillars of Smeta audit?

  1. Labor Standards

  2. Health and Safety

  3. Business Ethics

  4. Environmental Assessment

The 4-pillar SMETA audit, developed by the Sedex organization, is a globally accepted audit system used to assess a company’s ethical and sustainability practices. It requires organizations to adopt business practices beyond traditional labor standards in order to ensure that their operations are socially responsible.

The two mandatory pillars of the audit are Labor Standards and Health & Safety. Two additional pillars – Business Ethics and Environment – were introduced to further strengthen the social responsibility aspect of the audit.

Business Ethics encompasses areas such as anti-corruption, bribery, data protection, human trafficking prevention, gifts & entertainment and whistleblowing policy. These measures protect companies against unethical practices which can have serious reputational consequences for an organization if left unchecked. Ethical trading initiative and responsible business practice for all company’s is a necessity.

The Environmental pillar focuses on environmental management, renewable energy, efficient use of resources and waste minimization. Companies must demonstrate that they are taking all possible steps to minimize their impact on the environment and meet the expectations of society such as implementing sustainable business practices.

The 4-pillar SMETA audit is an effective way for companies to review their current practices around labor standards, health & safety, business ethics and environment. It provides a comprehensive view into a company’s social responsibility policies ensuring that operations are ethical, responsible and sustainable in the long run.

By completing this audit successfully, organizations can ensure that their products or services adhere to high levels of quality while also meeting sustainability benchmarks. This helps them build trust with partners, customers and other stakeholders while demonstrating corporate social responsibility.

How long is a Smeta audit valid for?

The SMETA audit report is a valuable tool for businesses to assess their ethical practices and ensure that their performance meets the highest standards. However, the validity of the audit report can vary depending on what timeframe the client decides upon.

Most clients opt for an annual audit cycle and set one year as the period of validity for the SMETA audit report.

How do I get a SMETA audit?

If you’re looking to complete a SMETA audit, the first step is registering and having an active account on the Sedex platform. With the right membership, your business can easily access the resources needed to successfully complete a SMETA audit.

What is the difference between Smeta audits and Sedex?

  1. Sedex is the name of the organization

  2. SMETA is the name of an audit methodology

Sedex’s SMETA audit methodology is widely regarded as the gold standard in ethical supply chain auditing. It is used by Sedex members and their suppliers to help them identify areas for improvement and ensure compliance with local laws, global standards, and corporate responsibility policies.

The audit consists of four sections (Labour Standards; Health & Safety; Environment; Business Ethics) that together provide a comprehensive view of supplier operations. Through SMETA audits, companies can identify and address potential risks in their supply chainsa as well as global supply chains quickly and efficiently.

By addressing any issues they find in their audits, companies can demonstrate commitment to responsible sourcing practices and mitigate business risk.

SMETA audits are conducted on-site by experienced auditors who assess the performance of suppliers in each of the four sections. During the audit, auditors review documents, interview staff, conduct physical inspections, and observe work practices to provide a comprehensive view of supplier operations. After the audit is complete, Sedex will provide a report that summarizes the findings and recommendations for improvement.

Who can conduct Smeta audit?

A SMETA audit will be conducted by an independent third-party auditor. The auditor will analyze the company’s management systems and practices, to ensure that they adhere to the ETI Base Code and local laws. The auditors will review internal policies, management processes, employee training records, and other documents related to labor rights and standards.

In addition, the auditor will observe activities in the workplace such as working hours, working conditions, fire safety regulations, payment of wages, etc., in order to identify any areas of potential non-compliance with ethical trading standards.

After the audit is complete, a report is generated which includes an assessment of compliance with ETI Base Code requirements. Companies who have passed an independent third-party audit typically can demonstrate that their workforce is protected under international labor rights and standards. This provides a degree of assurance to customers and other stakeholders that the company is committed to ethical trading practices.

The audit process helps companies identify areas for improvement, as well as provides an opportunity to address any malpractices that may exist in their supply chain as well as the global supply chain. It also ensures that companies are held accountable for their labor and work standards, helping them build trust with stakeholders and create a positive public image for the business. Furthermore, the successful completion of a audit can open up new opportunities for companies looking to do business abroad by demonstrating compliance with international labor rights and standards.

Conclusion:

SMETA audits, developed by Sedex Global, have become one of the most widely accepted ethical audit methods in the world. It is a comprehensive auditing system that provides an internationally recognized standard for assessing working practices within your supply chain. SMETA is based on four pillars: labor standards (including human rights), health and safety, environment, and business ethics.

The aim of this audit is to ensure compliance with any applicable laws and regulations as well as industry-accepted best practice standards including those related to CSR performance and sustainability initiatives. The audit helps you identify any potential risks or areas where improvement can be made in order to meet these standards and stay compliant with laws or regulations.

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What Is Compliance Reporting & Why Is It Important?

What Is Compliance Reporting & Why Is It Important?

Sep 13, 2022

What is a Compliance Report?

A Compliance Report is a document that details the adherence to laws and regulations in a particular organization or industry. It outlines the measures taken by an entity to ensure that it is in compliance with all applicable rules and regulations. It can include information on audits performed, corrective action taken when violations are found, and the overall effectiveness of an entity’s compliance program. The report can be used by internal stakeholders to assess the company’s level of compliance, as well as by external stakeholders to ensure that the company is meeting all requirements. In the entire compliance process, compliance Reports are essential for any business or industry seeking to protect itself from liability and ensure its operations are compliant with industry best practices.

Regulatory Compliance Reporting vs. Internal Compliance Reporting

Regulatory compliance reporting and internal compliance reporting are both important parts of a business’s operations. Regulatory compliance reporting is the process by which organizations report data to various government agencies and other third parties, while internal compliance reporting is used to track an organization’s own policies and procedures. Regulatory compliance reports are required for certain industries, such as banking, healthcare, and finance, and must adhere to certain government regulations. Internal compliance reports are used within an organization in order to track it’s own internal procedures and ensure that they are being followed.

Both types of reporting can help a business stay organized and on top of their compliance obligations. However, it is important to remember that regulatory compliance reports must always be up-to-date and accurate in order to avoid potential fines or other legal repercussions. Internal compliance reports, while important, are not subject to the same regulations and can be used as a way to ensure that an organization’s policies are being properly followed. A thorough compliance report is important to a successful business, and understanding the differences between them is essential.

Why Compliance Reporting Is Important:

Compliance reporting is an essential part of any modern business. It ensures that organizations are abiding by the laws and regulations in place to protect consumers, workers, investors, and the environment. Compliance reporting allows companies to demonstrate their commitment to safety and sustainability, while also giving them a competitive edge in the marketplace. Additionally, it helps organizations identify potential risks before they become significant issues.

Compliance reports also provide stakeholders with a clear understanding of the company’s operations and performance and can be used to determine whether further action is necessary. Ultimately, compliance reporting helps organizations stay in line with government regulations while ensuring that their reporting practices are ethical and responsible.

What are the different types of compliance reports?

Compliance reports made by a compliance officer are documents that organizations use to document their adherence to regulations and laws. They provide insight into the procedures and processes in place to ensure legal compliance. There are many different types of compliance reports, including financial statement audits, environmental health and safety (EHS) audits, information security assessments, privacy impact assessments, and more.

Depending on the industry or type of organization, there may be additional types of compliance reports that are reviewed and issued. Companies with a well-documented compliance program should make sure that all types of compliance reports are up-to-date and accurate. By doing so, they can minimize the risk of non-compliance and any potential legal penalties.

What industries are often subject to compliance reporting?

Compliance reporting is a requirement for many industries, including but not limited to financial services, healthcare, and government agencies. Financial service providers are typically subject to compliance regulations related to banking and investing practices, while healthcare organizations must adhere to strict laws surrounding patient privacy and security. Government entities have their own set of rules that need to be followed in order to comply with local or federal laws.

All of these industries must adhere to certain standards in order to remain compliant with the law and protect consumer interests. Compliance reporting is also important for companies that handle sensitive data, such as customer information or confidential employee records. By adhering to compliance regulations, businesses can ensure their data is properly protected and not used for any malicious purposes. Additionally, it helps them remain transparent and accountable when it comes to how they use customer information. Compliance reporting is an important part of making sure businesses are operating fairly and ethically.

Benefits of Effective Compliance Reporting

Effective compliance reporting offers many benefits to businesses and organizations. Compliance reporting helps companies stay abreast of regulations in their industry and keep up with the constantly changing legal landscape. Having effectual compliance reporting also ensures that organizations are in line with local, state, and federal laws. It also allows for greater transparency, better communication between management and employees, and improved risk management.

With compliance reporting, businesses are better able to identify areas of risk and then take action accordingly. Additionally, effectual compliance reporting and compliance initiatives can help protect an organization from legal liability and minimize the risk of costly fines or penalties. By taking the time to develop a comprehensive compliance program, organizations benefit from increased efficiency, improved customer satisfaction, and higher employee morale.

What should a compliance report include?

A compliance report should include a summary of the organization’s activities to ensure it meets legal obligations, regulatory requirements, and contractual obligations. It should identify any current or potential gaps in compliance and provide recommendations to mitigate risks. The report should also highlight any changes that may have occurred since the last reporting period that could affect compliance. Additionally, the report should assess the effectiveness of existing processes and procedures and recommend actions to improve them, as well as describe any corrective actions taken in response to non-compliances.

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is an important piece of European Union legislation that sets out strict data protection rules for businesses. It provides a framework for individuals to have control over their personal data, and gives them the right to access, delete, or amend this information at any time. The GDPR also requires organizations to inform people about how their information will be used, how long it will be used and who it may be shared with. Furthermore, it imposes strict rules on organizations to ensure that they protect the data of their customers. With these measures in place, organizations can build greater trust in their services by demonstrating a commitment to respecting people’s privacy.

How to develop a robust compliance reporting process?

The development of a robust reporting process is essential for any organization that needs to comply with the law and adhere to internal policies. Such a process should include the regular review of existing compliance procedures, training on those procedures, adequate communication channels, and periodic audits or assessments. Additionally, organizations need to ensure they have sufficient resources in place to monitor all aspects of their compliance processes and report any non-compliance.

This should include a system of tracking changes in regulations or other requirements that could affect compliance, as well as procedures for reporting instances of non-compliance to the appropriate authorities. Finally, organizations or your chief compliance officer must invest in continual learning and development of their staff to ensure they are up-to-date on the latest compliance regulations and can effectively communicate them within the organization.

What are 3 financial reporting risks?

Financial reporting risks refer to the uncertainty that investors and creditors may face when trying to assess the performance of an entity. The risk of inaccurate reporting can arise from a variety of sources, including accounting errors, fraud, misstatements or omissions in documents and financial statements, inadequate internal control mechanisms, or incorrect assessment of market conditions. The three main financial reporting risks are 1) accuracy risk, 2) materiality risk, and 3) fraud risk.

Accuracy risk pertains to the possibility of accounting errors or incorrect statements made in financial documents. Materiality risk involves the potential for disclosures not being properly defined or presented in a meaningful way by management that could lead to an inaccurate assessment. Lastly, fraud risk is associated with intentional misstatements or omissions which are made to mislead investors or creditors. It is important to understand these financial reporting risks in order to make the right investment decisions and ensure a successful understanding of an entity’s performance.

What is misleading reporting?

Misleading compliance reporting is a practice where organizations act as if they are following applicable laws and regulations, but do not actually meet the required standards. Compliance reports aim to assess whether an organization has taken measures to ensure that it is adhering to pertinent legal rules and regulations. Unfortunately, there are cases in which these reports can be inaccurate or even deliberately misleading about the level of compliance achieved by the organization. In these cases, organizations may be falsely representing their compliance efforts to stakeholders, regulators, and other interested parties.

Misleading reporting can have serious repercussions, including legal ramifications and financial losses due to failure to meet standards or false representation. It is important for companies to ensure that all compliance-related information is accurate and up-to-date, to avoid any such issues. Failure to do so can result in significant penalties and other sanctions. Therefore, organizations must take measures to ensure that all compliance-related information is accurate and up-to-date in order to maintain an accurate record of their compliance efforts.

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EHS Software for Healthcare

EHS Software for Healthcare

Aug 21, 2022

What is EHS healthcare?

EHS healthcare is a type of healthcare that focuses on the environmental, health and safety aspects of an individual’s wellbeing. It encompasses a wide range of preventive and proactive approaches to ensure individuals stay healthy both in and out of the workplace. With this type of healthcare, emphasis is placed on a comprehensive risk assessment to identify potential hazards or risks associated with a particular area, such as air quality, water supply, hazardous materials and other environmental factors.

Additionally, the goal of EHS healthcare is to provide educational resources to individuals in order to empower them with knowledge on how best to stay safe and healthy in their environment. Furthermore, EHS healthcare includes activities such as monitoring and responding to health-related incidents, performing safety drills and inspections, providing instruction on health topics, and preparing safety plans. Ultimately, this type of healthcare helps people stay safe and healthy while living in a potentially hazardous environment.

What does EHS stand for?

EHS stands for Environment, Health and Safety. It is an important acronym in the corporate world as it emphasizes the importance of protecting people and the environment through a set of policies, procedures and regulations. EHS promotes a safe workplace for employees and visitors, as well as a healthy environment to live and work in.

These measures help reduce risks associated with potential accidents or incidents. Additionally, they help ensure compliance with local, state and federal regulations, which can help a business avoid costly fines. Ultimately, EHS creates a safer and healthier environment for everyone.

What are the EHS standards?

The EHS (Environment, Health & Safety) standards are guidelines and regulations that aim to ensure the safety and well-being of workers, customers, and communities in a given environment. They cover areas such as hazardous materials management, process safety management, emergency response planning, air pollution control and monitoring, noise control and monitoring, waste management practices, occupational health and safety programs, and much more.

Organizations that follow these standards are able to reduce the risk of accidents, increase productivity, and better protect their workers from potential harm. EHS standards are designed to be comprehensive and flexible; they can be tailored to the needs of any particular organization or industry, making them an effective tool for creating a safe working environment.

What is a the purpose of the EHS management system?

The purpose of an Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) management system is to ensure that organizations are aware of and comply with relevant environmental, health and safety laws, regulations and standards. It also helps organizations perform risk assessments to identify risks associated with their operations and develop strategies to mitigate those risks.

EHS management systems also provide a framework for the development of policies and procedures that ensure the health and safety of employees and minimizes potential impacts on the environment. Ultimately, EHS management systems help organizations protect their people, assets, and reputation while remaining compliant with relevant laws and regulations.

Furthermore, an effective EHS management system can provide a competitive advantage to organizations by giving them an edge in terms of demonstrating their commitment to environmental responsibility.

Environmental, Health, and Safety for Healthcare

Healthcare facilities must adhere to strict Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) standards in order to ensure the safety of their employees, customers, and visitors. These standards include ongoing training for staff on hazardous materials management, waste disposal, air quality monitoring and control, proper handling of medical waste and hazardous chemicals, as well as emergency preparedness protocols.

Facilities are also required to comply with local, state, and federal regulations regarding air quality, water quality, hazardous materials management, indoor air quality, and noise levels. By adhering to EHS standards in healthcare settings, providers are able to protect their patients from potential harm caused by environmental factors.

5 Top Safety Risks in the Pharmaceutical Industry

The pharmaceutical industry is an incredibly complex and regulated environment, and safety risks for workers are abundant. From hazardous chemicals to dangerous manufacturing processes, the risks must be managed vigilantly.

The five top safety risks in the pharmaceutical industry include exposure to hazardous materials, inadequate ventilation systems, improper handling of biohazardous waste, machine-related injuries, and slips or falls on wet surfaces. Exposure to hazardous materials can have serious health consequences for workers, so safety protocols must be strictly followed.

Inadequate ventilation systems can lead to a buildup of dangerous gases and particulate matter, negatively impacting the health of those working in manufacturing plants. Improper handling of biohazardous waste can also pose a serious risk by contaminating environments with disease-causing agents.

What is the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the Pharmaceutical Industry?

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the Pharmaceutical Industry is a set of safety gear used by workers to minimize potential harm and exposure to dangerous materials. PPE can include items such as gloves, masks, respirators, ear plugs, protective clothing and glasses/goggles.

Depending on the type of job or task being performed, different types of PPE may be required. For instance, a worker operating in a sterile environment might be asked to wear a face mask or respirator while handling hazardous chemicals. PPE is designed to both protect the user and patient and reduce the risk of contamination from one job site to another.

By implementing proper safety protocols, such as wearing appropriate protective clothing and equipment, workers can help ensure safe working environments that are free of potential hazards. It is important for employers to provide workers with the proper PPE so they can do their jobs safely and effectively.

Environmental Compliance in Healthcare

Environmental compliance in healthcare is a critical issue. Healthcare organizations must take steps to ensure that their practices and operations are not only legal, but also adhere to sustainability principles. This includes proper handling of hazardous materials, waste management, and energy efficiency. Healthcare facilities must comply with laws governing air, water, and land pollution as well as safety standards for employees and visitors.

Additionally, healthcare organizations must develop and implement an environmental management system to track and manage their environmental performance. By ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, healthcare facilities can contribute to local communities by protecting the environment and public health. Thus, proper environmental compliance is essential for all healthcare organizations.

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Incident Reporting Software

Incident Reporting Software

Aug 20, 2022

What is safety incident tracking software?

Safety incident tracking software is an important tool for organizations to maintain safety and security in the workplace. It records and monitors all reports related to safety incidents, providing real-time visibility into potential risks.

This helps organizations identify trends, assess root causes of accidents, and take preventive measures. This tracking software also keeps a record of corrective actions taken by management that can used as a reference for future incidents. This allows for more informed decision making, increased accountability and ultimately an improved safety culture within the organization.

Additionally, it helps organizations comply with applicable safety regulations and standards. Incident tracking software can help organizations create a safer environment, reduce their liabilities, and provide peace of mind to employees.

What are the types of incident reporting software?

Incident reporting software provides organizations with the ability to document and track a workplace incident, helping them investigate issues and prevent future occurrences. It is a valuable tool for businesses of all sizes as it enables them to efficiently manage incidents and reduces the risk of costly liabilities. There are several types of incident reporting software available, each designed to meet specific needs.

These include web-based systems that allow reporting to be done online, desktop versions that can be installed on computers in the workplace, and mobile applications that are accessible on smartphones and tablets. Regardless of the type, all incident reporting software offers features such as customizable forms for recording incidents, tracking information, notifications of new incidents, and reports to analyze data.

What is safety incident reporting tool used for?

A safety incident reporting tool is used to track incidents, collect information about them, and report on the data that has been gathered. This kind of tool enables organizations to quickly identify potential hazards and take corrective action before accidents occur or escalate.

The data gathered by the reporting tool also helps with compliance and provides an audit trail for insurance purposes. Additionally, it can be used to measure the effectiveness of safety measures and provide data for developing better workplace safety initiatives. In short, a safety incident reporting tool is an invaluable tool that helps organizations to monitor and improve safety in their workplaces.

By having access to detailed data about an EHS incident, organizations can also identify trends and common issues that arise, allowing them to take proactive steps to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

Additionally, having access to such data can be used by management and safety teams to develop better safety initiatives and ensure that employees are aware of their own responsibilities for maintaining a safe working environment. In short, using a safety incident reporting tool is an invaluable way of helping organizations protect their employees and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.

What is the incident recording system?

The incident recording system is a critical component of workplace safety management. It is used to document incidents, near misses, hazardous conditions or any other type of event that may contribute to an unsafe working environment.

The system allows employers and employees to report details about the workplace incident, such as time and date, location, witnesses involved, type of injury, as well as develop a root cause analysis. This information is then stored in a centralised database, making it easy to quickly review the incident and analyse patterns in order to identify potential hazards.

With such an effective system in place it is easier for employers to prevent future incidents from occurring. Additionally, the system helps ensure that any legal or insurance regulations are followed correctly.

What are the 4 types of incident reports?

  1. Accident Report
  2. Property Damage Report
  3. Security Incident Report
  4. Behavioral Incident Report

Incident reports are written summaries of events that have occurred in a workplace, business, or organization and can be divided into four categories. The first type of incident report is an accident report, which documents any accidents or injuries that occur onsite.

This information can then be used to identify potential risks and take measures to reduce them in the future. The second type is a property damage report, which records any damage to the premises or equipment that has occurred due to dangerous working conditions or negligence. Thirdly, security incident reports document any threats to personnel, data, or assets.

Finally, behavioral incident reports are used to record incidents of verbal abuse, harassment, and other forms of disruptive behavior in the workplace. All four types of incident reports help to create a safe working environment and keep track of any issues that may arise.

Types of workplace incidents:

Workplace incidents are events that occur in the workplace and can have a variety of effects on employees, customers, visitors, and the organization as a whole. Incidents range from minor grievances to serious violations of safety regulations or corporate policies. Common types of workplace incidents include physical assaults, bullying or harassment, property damage, threats or intimidation, fraud and theft, violence or intimidation, and sabotage. It is important for organizations to have policies in place to address each of these incidents appropriately. This ensures that all employees are treated fairly and with respect, while helping to maintain a safe and productive working environment.

Organizations should also have protocols in place for reporting workplace incidents, such as making sure reports are documented accurately and filed promptly with the appropriate authorities. This helps to ensure that incidents are avoidable and can be properly managed if they do occur. By following these protocols, organizations can help to protect both the safety and morale of their employees.

In summary, workplace incidents vary greatly in severity and type, but all are important for organizations to take seriously. Having clear policies and procedures in place is essential to ensure a safe and productive work environment, while also protecting the rights of all employees. It is important for organizations to be vigilant in identifying potential incidents and taking appropriate steps to address them in order to maintain a secure work environment.

What is an incident management software?

A safety incident management software is an application specifically designed to help organizations and businesses respond quickly and efficiently to any type of incidents, such as natural disasters, technical issues, or other emergency situations.

This software simplifies the process of gathering information related to an incident from different sources and aggregating it in a single platform for easier decision-making. Incident management software also provides the necessary tools such as an incident management module, to report incidents, create plans, assign tasks, and track progress towards resolving the incident in a timely manner. Ultimately, this type of software helps businesses investigate incidents and reduce the impact and duration of workplace safety incidents as well as improve overall business continuity.

What is safety incident management?

Safety Incident Management is a process used to identify, assess, and mitigate safety incidents. This process helps organizations protect their personnel by responding quickly and effectively to safety incidents that could potentially cause harm or injury.

It enables organizations to create a comprehensive system for managing injuries, accidents, and other safety-related issues in the workplace through documenting safety incident data. Safety incident management also allows organizations to develop corrective actions and strategies for preventing similar incidents in the future. Overall, it is a critical process that ensures safety and health in the workplace.

What is the ITIL incident management system?

The ITIL incident management system is an effective way to proactively manage service interruptions and minimize their impact. It helps organizations predict, detect, identify, diagnose, and resolve incidents as quickly as possible.

With the help of the ITIL incident management tool, organizations can develop standardized processes for resolving software and hardware incidents in a timely manner. The process includes notifying team members, escalating issues to appropriate personnel, and logging incidents for analysis.

By using the ITIL incident management tool, organizations can ensure that their services are running smoothly and customers receive prompt support when needed.

It also helps organizations develop proactive measures such as training employees on how to use the system and implementing preventive maintenance procedures to reduce service interruptions.

Need help?

Our team of experts can help you with whatever compliance issues you may be facing. Whether it is understanding the complexities of a given regulation or recognizing where your company needs to improve, we have the necessary skills and experience to provide assistance.

We will take the time to understand your unique needs and develop tailored solutions that address those needs. For facilites looking for help navigating the often perplexing regulatory landscape, contact us today!

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Safety Auditors: There is more to it than you think!

Safety Auditors: There is more to it than you think!

Aug 18, 2022

Safety Auditors: There is more to it than you think!

What is a safety audit?

A safety audit is a comprehensive review of a company’s safety practices, procedures and compliance with safety regulations. The goal of a safety audit is to identify potential hazards and risks that could adversely impact the company’s employees, property or operations.

Safety audits are typically conducted by experienced safety professionals who have knowledge of applicable safety laws and regulations. The auditor will review the company’s program elements, such as its policies, workplace health procedures, training programs and recordkeeping systems. The auditor will also observe workplace conditions and interview employees to get their feedback on the company’s program.

Based on the findings of the audit, the auditor will make recommended changes to policies and procedures.

What is the primary role of safety auditors?

Safety auditors play a vital role in ensuring the safety of workplaces. Their primary purpose is to identify health and safety hazards, assess the effectiveness of the measures in place to control those hazards, and ensure compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.

By performing these audits, safety auditors help to protect workers from potential injuries and illnesses. Additionally, safety audits can also help to improve the overall efficiency of a workplace by identifying areas where improvements can be made. The audit team members will provide you with an audit report, documented proof, industry practice requirements, federal requirements, inspection reports, training requirements, basic findings, written programs and document reviews.

The National Safety Council advises companies to conduct a safety audit, maintain employee training, report audit findings, plan for corrective actions, report completed corrective actions and strive for continuous improvement.

What are the three types of safety audits?

There are various specific safety audits. Some focus more on identifying hazards and others focus more on risk management.

Compliance Audit

A compliance audit is an important part of ensuring that a company adheres to safety standards and regulations. A compliance auditor reviews a company’s safety performance, workplace programs and rules to ensure that they are in line with OSHA standards or other safety regulations.

Compliance audits can help identify potential hazards in the workplace and ensure that corrective action is taken to eliminate them. Audits can also help verify that employees have received proper safety training and that effective safety procedures are being followed.

Regular compliance audits are essential to maintaining a safe and compliant workplace. They can help prevent accidents and workplace injuries, and ensure that employees are aware of and following all relevant safety rules and regulations.

Safety Program Audit

If you’re looking to ensure that your safety program is effective, a safety audit is a way to go. By thoroughly evaluating your program’s design and implementation, you can identify any areas that need improvement and make necessary changes.

Safety audits are an important part of maintaining a safe workplace, so don’t hesitate to get started on one today. You’ll be glad you did when you see the positive results in your company’s safety record.

A safety program audit is a comprehensive evaluation of a company’s safety practices and procedures. The purpose of an audit is to identify any areas where improvements can be made in order to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.

Management System Audit

A management system audit is a combination of both a compliance audit and a program audit. This audit aims to evaluate the existing performance of the entire safety procedure and determine its alignment with the company policy and regulatory norms.

A management system audit helps integrate the standard auditing procedure and worker interviews, compliance reviews and workplace observation. It is an intertwined system whose collaboration helps project an overall image of the organization’s safety plan.

This type of safety audit is important because it can help identify gaps in the safety program that need to be addressed. Additionally, it can help ensure that the safety plan is aligned with company policy and regulatory norms. Conducting a management system audit can help improve the overall safety of the workplace and strengthen program administration through the normal management chain.

 

How do you prepare for a safety audit?

When it comes to preparing for a safety audit, there are a few key things you can do to ensure that the process goes smoothly. First, make sure that you have a clear understanding of the purpose of the audit and what specific areas will be covered. This will help you focus your preparations and ensure that you are providing the most relevant information from your company specific program.

Next, collect all of the necessary documentation ahead of time. This should include safety policies and procedures, facility safety inspections, safety services, safety meeting topics, regulatory violations, previous audits, hazard identification, emergency response, employee training records, affected managers and incident reports. Having this information readily available will save time during the audit itself. Finally, it is always helpful to review your organization’s safety performance in advance of an audit. This will give you a good idea of where your strengths and weaknesses lie, and what areas or specific program may need more attention.

By following these simple tips, you can be sure that you are as prepared as possible for your safety audit.

What is involved in a safety audit?

Safety audits are a comprehensive assessment of your company’s procedures, policies, and practices. Workplace safety audits are conducted by an external auditor and/or safety professionals and audit team, who will evaluate all aspects of your programs to ensure compliance with safety regulations. A safety audit can be an invaluable tool for identifying potential hazards and risks involved in occupational safety and occupational health. By conducting workplace safety audits, you can ensure that your workplace is safe for both employees and customers.

After they perform audits, the audit team members will provide a completion and review date, a concise report, applicable regulations and health programs, set a hazard communication standard, record keeping, and program requirements. They will likely put you in touch with EHS professionals and other qualified consultants to make sure your company is properly executing the new set of regulations.

When should you do a safety audit?

The best time to do a safety audit is during a time when work practices and work environment can be observed as they are normally conducted and when there will be the least number of distractions in a productive workplace.

To conduct thorough audits and safety inspections, it is best to use a checklist. There are many different types of audit checklists with the number of items on the list varying from only a few to hundreds depending on the complexity of the audit. Each type of checklist has its specific purpose.

 

What 4 areas are included in safety audits?

There are four basic questions safety audits and safety inspections should answer:

1. What is the company’s policy?

2. What procedures are in place to ensure compliance with the policy?

3. What training do employees receive on the policy and procedures?

4. How effective is the policy and procedure in preventing accidents and promoting safe work practices?

What is the difference between health audits and safety audits?

Health and safety audits are two very important processes that help ensure employees and the workplace are safe. Here’s the biggest difference between these two safety processes: Safety inspections look for risky behaviors and hazards that might lead to accidents. Health audits, or industrial hygiene audits, look for worker health exposures to the chemicals, dusts, fumes, noise or other atmosphere around them while they work.

What are some corrective actions?

1. Protect employees from further incidents by creating safety programs

The most important and obvious purpose of corrective action is to prevent the same incident from happening again. Is employee training effective? YES. Conducting regular facility inspections, along with increasing employee knowledge through training, protects your employees from any harm or serious injuries that can occur if the incident reoccurs.

2. Cost-saving and economic benefits

Minimizing incidents can also help your company boost the bottom line by preventing property loss or damages caused by incidents, and lower workers compensation claims.

3. Boost productivity

A safe working environment is every employee’s right. Beyond the legal obligation, demonstrating care through corrective actions makes your employees feel protected and valued. This can improve morale and boost productivity.

4. Protect your company from legal liability

Implementing and keeping a record of correctional actions taken has the potential to protect your company from litigation or fines from a regulatory body.

Should your company be investigated in court for an incident, corrective action records can act as proof that you have fulfilled your legal responsibilities. They also demonstrate to the court your company’s commitment to controlling hazards and the organization’s health.

5. Facilitate insurance claims

Corrective actions can also provide your insurers with the essential information needed to process a claim after an incident successfully.

Conclusion

After the safety audit is complete, the auditor will compile a report of their findings. This report will include recommendations for improvements to the company’s safety program. The company can then use this report to make changes to their program and improve their overall safety execution.

How Can We Help? Ask a Question or Request Info or Pricing

Do you need an idea of where you stand with EPA or OSHA regulations?  Do you need full-time or temporary personnel to manage the day-to-day compliance tasks?  Would your employees benefit from onsite environmental training?  Our team of environmental consultants, safety consultants and industrial hygienists would love to help. Call (316) 264-7050 today!

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Lithium Batteries: Safety Hazards and Their Impact on Businesses

Lithium Batteries: Safety Hazards and Their Impact on Businesses

Aug 12, 2022

More lithium and lithium-ion batteries are being used in products today and just like any material, if we understand how to use it safely, it should not pose any problem. (Note: Lithium batteries are single-use batteries and lithium-ion batteries are the rechargeable kind.)

Lithium-containing batteries, when damaged. defective or used improperly, can present a fire and/or an explosion hazard.  Small items such as a laptop can typically have 6 lithium cells in them, while an electric vehicle can use 7,000 lithium-ion cells. This change in size greatly increases the risk and effects of a fire. If an electric vehicle catches on fire in your garage, you most likely do not have a way to deal with a 3,632° F fire.

Should I Really Worry About My Battery Catching on Fire?

If your battery stays intact, and does not allow moisture to get inside, or as long as there is not an issue with overcharging where the temperature runs away, you should be fine. The issue is that lithium and water don’t like each other. In fact, in its pure form, water causes lithium to react, sometimes violently, creating sparks and lots of heat, as well as hydrogen gas.

Lithium-ion batteries are a little different than the pure form of lithium in that they are filled with a lithium compound, and not pure lithium. Because of this, the material in many batteries are not quite as active with water. But when you have 7,000 cells in one place, if one catches on fire, a chain reaction can occur that you cannot control. Also fighting that fire with water may not be the best solution when water can cause it to react more.

This can be the same for industry. Lithium-ion batteries are being used in everything from pumps and instruments, to cars and equipment, hand tools, computer servers, and so many more products. Even your wireless mouse may have lithium-ion batteries.

If you just throw that away in the trash, not only are you potentially violating waste regulations and DOT shipping regulations, you may also be creating a fire hazard for the waste removal truck the landfill that it goes to.

DOT Issues Advisory Warning for Lithium-Containing Batteries

Recently DOT has found the issue with shipping lithium-containing batteries for recycle or waste has gotten out of hand. The Pipeline Hazardous Materials and Safety Administration (PHMSA), which is the HazMat division of the DOT, has issued a safety advisory on the dangers to help people out. The advisory warns that shippers and carriers need to take extra (and sometimes different) precautions when shipping damaged, defective or recalled lithium-containing batteries.

During recent compliance inspections, DOT inspectors have been finding improperly packaged and shipped lithium-containing batteries for disposal or recycling.  Some examples include:

  • Not packaging to prevent short circuiting
  • Mixing damaged batteries with others in the same packaging for recycling/disposal
  • Shipping pallets of batteries in boxes and drums with inappropriate package identifications

From a hazardous waste perspective, EPA recommends that lithium batteries be managed under the Universal Waste regulations.

Battery Disposal Rules – for Consumers

Regular citizens should take used, damaged, defective or recalled lithium-containing batteries to recycling facilities geared for accepting them, or your local household hazardous waste collection point. Do NOT throw them away with your other garbage.  If there is an item that’s recalled that has the battery in it, follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions and disposal instructions. Pay attention to any warnings.

Find an authorized provider to ship any lithium-containing batteries because they are considered to be hazardous materials.  When the post office asks if you are shipping hazardous materials, lithium-containing batteries makes that answer yes.

Battery Shipping and Disposal Rules – for Businesses

If you are a business, there are a number of regulations you need to follow to properly deal with lithium-containing batteries.  First, they can only be shipped by ground methods, so that’s by truck, rail or vessel. Overnight shipments or any shipment that could potential go via air methods are out of the question.

There are also specific regulations and procedures you need to follow to properly package, label and ship them.  There are regulations about the type of box you send them in because those packages must have special permits for this role.   There are special labels and markings that need to go on the packages and special ways they need to be packaged. Workers who will be participating in any function of the process are required to have proper training specific to their role, and that training is required every 3 years.  Emergency response information must also be included in the package process.

Training and Consulting Resource

iSi conducts hazardous materials shipping for businesses as well as conducts training to properly ship hazardous materials via ground, air, and vessel.  If you are a business that has question about how to deal with your lithium-containing batteries or if your workers need training, contact us today!

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Keith Reissig
Keith Reissig

Contributing:

Ryan Livengood

International Hazardous Materials Logistics Manager | EHS Regulatory Trainer

As a former corporate environmental, health and safety manager, Ryan has a vast experience in working with both environmental and safety compliance issues in multiple states.  His specialties include national and international dangerous goods transportation, hazardous waste, environmental compliance, industrial hygiene and safety compliance. He is also an ISO 14001 Lead Auditor.

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iSi’s Top 12 General Industry Safety Audit Findings

iSi’s Top 12 General Industry Safety Audit Findings

Aug 11, 2022

Safety regulations are enforced by OSHA, and in some states such as California and Indiana, by a state safety agency. How do you make sure you have your bases covered? A safety audit can determine your current status and what your vulnerabilities are. iSi’s general industry safety audits are conducted like a mock OSHA inspection for the 29 CFR 1910 general industry regulations. There is a wall-to-wall walkthrough, a records review of written programs, training programs, and past inspections, and interviews with employees.

Some of the below cited items start in the OSHA regulations, but detailed actions are prescribed by other regulations such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) or American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standards. Others are based on items we see our clients cited for in OSHA inspections which we have added to our audits.

The following are our top 12 specific findings we see most when we do our general industry safety audit.

12. Safety Showers and Eyewash Stations

Facility safety showers and eyewash stations are not being inspected on a regular basis.  1910.151(c) discusses suitable facilities, but ANSI standard Z358.1-2014 specifies weekly visual inspections of both showers and eyewash stations.

11. Lifting Slings

We find that often there is no formal program in place to conduct a periodic inspection of all lifting slings. This must be conducted annually. 1910.184 includes guidance on the use of slings and item (d) covers inspections.

10.  Machines

At number 10 is fixed machines. We find fixed machines are not securely mounted to the floor or the bench top to prevent them from “walking.” 1910.212 is the standard for all machines and machine guarding. Item (b) covers the anchoring requirements.

9.  Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE evaluations and hazard assessments must be conducted for each task. We find that these are either not conducted or not documented. The potential for workplace hazards must first be assessed and if PPE is needed, PPE must be selected, communication decisions must be communicated to affected employees and PPE must be fitted to each employee.

A written certification must be created which identifies the workplace evaluated, the person certifying the evaluation, the date the assessment was conducted, and signification that the document is a certification of hazard assessment.

These rules are found in 1910.132(d).

8. Fire Extinguishers

Are your fire extinguishers mounted too high, not mounted at all or are they blocked from access? 1910.157(c) is the standard which covers this issue.

7.  Emergency Lighting

Emergency lighting, in many locations, is not being tested every 30 days for 30 seconds or for 1.5 hours annually. Lighting can be found in Subpart E, Means of Egress, Maintenance, Safeguards, and Operational Features for Exit Routes, 1910.37(a)(4) and the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code 7.9.3.1.

6.  Lamps

We find that lamps less than 8 feet from the floor are not protected from accidental contact. Lamps need to be guarded and protected from accidental contact. This can be found in 1910.305(a)(2)(ix). Although a particular height requirement is not specified in this regulation, you should consider the reach of your tallest employees and length of the parts and/or tools being used in the area.

5.  Forklifts 

We see many issues with forklifts. The most common issue we find with forklifts no documentation of daily inspections, or no inspections being conducted. However, more recently we have been seeing issues with employees not wearing seatbelts, controls where the labeling has worn off, the use of non-factory attachments, and not updating data plates, tags and decals with revised capacity, and operation and maintenance data. Forklift standards are found in 1910.178.

4.  Grinder Wheels 

Machine guarding issues are a common item we see. One of the most prevalent ones relates to grinder wheels. The gap between the grinder wheels and the work rest plate should not be more than the maximum allowed 1/8 inch. The adjustable tongue guards shouldn’t be more than the maximum allowed 1/4 inch from the tongue guard. These regulations can be found in Subpart O, Abrasive Wheel Machinery, 1910.215(a)(4) and (b)(9).

3.  Electrical Panels 

With electrical panels, we often see the minimum required areas of clear space around the panels is not being maintained. Sufficient access must be maintained for safe operation, access, and maintenance. The rules, including a distance chart to help you determine proper clearances can be found in Subpart S, 1910.303(g).

2.  Hazard Communication

Within the hazard communication (hazcom) standard, there are requirements for secondary containers. We find many secondary containers of hazardous chemicals are not labeled correctly or have illegible writing on them. The regulation comes under the “labeling” section of 1910.1200. All containers, either primary or secondary, need to be labeled and contain product identifier and words, pictures, symbols or a combination of them. Portable containers, that is, containers you transfer chemicals to and intend for immediate use are not covered by this requirement.

1.  Access to Medical Records

The number one item we find in our audits relates to access to medical records. Employees are required to receive information on their access to medical records. This is required initially upon hire, and then annually thereafter. The regulations can be found in 1910.120(g)(1). Included with this requirement is notifying employees the existence, location and availability of records covered by 1910.120, the person responsible for maintaining and providing access to records, and each employer’s rights to access those records. As an employer, you need to keep a copy of 1910.120 and its appendices and make copies readily available, upon request, to employees.

This information can be covered within your annual training classes, or can be a written notice of information in an email, or a memo that is posted with your OSHA logs and other OSHA-required notices. The important part is that you document that you completed this requirement and how.

Where Do You Go From Here?

iSi can help you get a baseline on your safety compliance status by conducting a walkthrough. From there, we will create a matrix of issues we see with the corresponding regulatory standard. We can also help you prioritize the ones which are most critical to be taken care of.

Request a quote for a general industry safety audit today! Need more information about these issues?  Contact us at (888) 264-7050 or email us!

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OSHA Safe + Sound Site Provides Free Resources for Your Safety Program

OSHA Safe + Sound Site Provides Free Resources for Your Safety Program

Aug 3, 2022

OSHA's ssafe+sound week logo

What is Safe + Sound Week?

OSHA has designated August 15-19, 2022 as Safe + Sound Week.  It’s held each August to recognize workplace safety and health programs and to create awareness for worker safety, and OSHA provides a wide variety of resources, social media tools and other information to help you celebrate.

The Safe + Sound effort is focused on encouraging workplaces to have a safety and health program.  It says that your program needs to have three main goals:  Worker Participation, Management Leadership and a process for Finding and Fixing Hazards.  OSHA provides a wide variety of resources on its Safe + Sound website for each one of these areas to help you reach this goal.  These tools are available all throughout the year.  The Safe + Sound Week is an opportunity to highlight the successes you have been able to accomplish, and at the very least, give you a way to promote safety to your company and to the public.

Below is a list of tools available both to help you bring awareness during Safe + Sound week, and to help you strengthen your program throughout the year.

Resources:  Safe + Sound Week

OSHA’s Safe + Sound Week website gives you a wide variety of resources to help plan, promote and celebrate Safe + Sound Week to your employees and to the public.

Some of these resources include:

  • Register your company nationally as a participant and see who else from your state is participating
  • Examples of workplace events and activities to have at your facility
  • Shareable logos and badges
  • Social media toolkits and photo and content frames
  • Safety and Health Matters to Me thought bubbles for employees to complete
  • Banners for Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn
  • Virtual meeting (Zoom) backgrounds
  • Shareable images that can be used for posters, bulletin board posts, or inclusion in your safety newsletters

Resources:  Strengthening Your Program Throughout the Year

OSHA’s Safe + Sound campaign website offers a number of educational flyers and guidance documents to help you strengthen your program throughout the year.   Some of these include:

  • Free webinars
  • OSHA Safety and Health Program Recommended Practices manual
  • ASSP Guidance Manual:  Keep Your People Safe in Smaller Organizations
  • Guidance documents and ideas
  • Worker participation worksheets and Better Safety Conversations worksheet
  • Leadership worksheets and challenge activities
  • Management safety pledge
  • Find and fix hazard identification tools

Certificate of Completion 

If your company would like to participate in Safe + Sound Week, you can sign up at https://www.osha.gov/safeandsoundweek/.  Your company will be added to the list of participating companies for your state.  Afterwards, you can download a certificate and a virtual challenge coin to recognize your organization.

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Warehouse Inspection Checklist

Warehouse Inspection Checklist

Jul 22, 2022

Why is warehouse safety important?

Warehouse managers have a difficult job. Not only do they need to keep their facility running smoothly, they need to ensure the safety of their workers, and facilitate warehouse operations.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), warehouse managers face a number of potential hazards in their workplace, including unsafe use of a forklift, improper stacking, and unsatisfactory fire safety provisions. These line items plus many more will be included in an osha inspection.

How to use a warehouse safety checklist?

Maintaining compliance with industry safety standards is critical for any business, but can be especially difficult for small businesses. One way to ensure compliance especially before a company is required to do a formal safety audit is to use safety inspection checklists that are compliant with OSHA standards. iSi offers a checklist free of charge to help companies start their compliance journey.

Additionally, using pre-written checklists can help reduce the amount of time spent on safety inspections, allowing business owners to focus on their core operations. Finding a warehouse safety checklist is the first step to this process.

What should be checked during warehouse safety inspections?

Forklifts:

In any warehouse, forklift accidents are a major concern that can facilitate numerous hazards. Forklift operators need to be properly trained and aware of potential safety risks, especially while loading docks. In order to avoid injuries, it is important to maintain haulage equipment, make sure it is in good working order, never exceed 5 mph outside or in a warehouse, examine the area before driving a forklift, and perform regular checks on all equipment.

Docks and Dock doors

Injuries can occur when warehouse employees are struck by items or equipment falling from the dock or while loading dock doors, when the forklift runs off the dock, or when employees engage in “dock jumping.” It is important for the safety of workers to drive slowly, never go in reverse, and wear a hard hat. Ladders and stairs should meet OSHA’s guidelines, and “dock jumping” should be prohibited.

Material Storage

A good item to examine on the warehouse safety checklist is material storage. Warehouses are often dangerous places to work, as the slightest mistake can lead to a worker being injured. In order to keep workers safe, it is important that warehouses implement safety measures to prevent falls and other injuries from occurring. One such way to prevent falls and protect employees is by positioning items evenly throughout the warehouse and on storage racks.

This means that when workers walk through the warehouse, they will not have to navigate around large piles of boxes or other items. This is important for the safety of the workers. Placing heavier loads in lower distances will also help to keep workers safe, as it will be easier for them to maintain their balance when carrying heavy objects. Implementing these simple safety measures can help keep your workers safe and injury-free.

Charging Station

In the warehouse, one of the most important safety steps you can take is to identify hazards and know how to prevent them. According to OSHA, there are a number of things that you can add to your warehouse safety inspection checklist to maintain warehouse safety, including banning smoking and open flames, keeping an adequate inventory of fire extinguishers, and properly positioning forklifts before charging.

Chemicals

In order to be compliant with local, state, and federal regulations, it is important for warehouses to have safety data sheets (SDSs) on hand. SDSs are documents that contain all the relevant information about hazardous materials and chemicals, including its hazards, proper storage and handling, first-aid and firefighting measures, toxicological information, and more.

For warehouses that store hazardous chemicals, it is especially important to be up to date with all regulations. This is because hazardous materials and chemicals can pose a danger to employees if not handled properly. In order to prevent accidents, employees will need regular training and management should preform regular inspections.

Warehouses should make sure they have up-to-date SDSs for all of their chemicals. Having these documents on hand will help ensure a safe work environment and the warehouse is in good standing with all regulations.

Person lifting or handling

For employees who are performing regular lifting and handling of heavy objects, quick is not safe. Most cases of back pain are caused by strain or injury to the muscles, ligaments, or discs in the back. The good news is that these injuries can often be prevented by using proper lifting techniques as well as storing heavy or cumbersome items preoprly on storage racks.

Security System

As technology advances, more and more businesses are turning to warehouse security systems to protect their investments. With the installation of alarms and surveillance cameras near all access points, business owners can rest easy knowing that their facilities are under 24/7 monitoring. While there are many companies that offer these services, it is important to do your research before selecting a provider.

One of the first things you will want to consider when hiring a security company is their experience in servicing storage areas and other sensitive locations. It is also important to look at the quality of their equipment. In addition, the company should offer cloud storage so that you can access videos from anywhere at any time.

Finally, be sure to ask about the company’s customer service policies. You should expect 24/7 support in case of an emergency.

Fencing

Most people know that fences provide a layer of security by keeping unauthorized individuals out of a designated area. What many people don’t realize, however, is that fences also need to be routinely inspected in order to ensure they are still structurally sound and haven’t been compromised. Just as you would perform maintenance on your car or home, it’s important to inspect your fence on a regular basis and identify safety hazards to prevent any unwanted access or damage from happening.

Employees

Employees that can identify when something doesn’t seem right can be your best protection against potential security breakdowns. This should be a part of your hazard communication. Security breaches can happen anywhere, at any time, so it’s important to have a plan in place for how to handle them. That means having employees who are alert and paying attention to their surroundings, and who know what to do if something seems suspicious.

What are the most common warehouse safety hazards?

Fire Safety

A warehouse is a large, open space where goods are stored and processed. Because of the nature of their work, warehouses pose a unique fire risk. In order to ensure that your warehouse is as safe as possible in the event of a fire, it is important to take some precautions.

The most important thing you can do is make sure that your warehouse is well-marked with clear exit signs and that there are adequate fire extinguishers available. You should also store flammable materials in a safe place and make sure that wires are properly insulated. Having proper emergency exits, fire exits, and fire alarms can and will save lives as well as products.

Falls

It’s no secret that safety is of utmost importance in the workplace. Every employee should be aware of the proper safety protocols to follow in case of an emergency. In addition, it’s important to take measures to ensure the safety of employees while they are working.

This may include using safety railings, harnesses, and other protective devices. It’s also beneficial to cordon off uneven or damaged areas while repairs are being made.

Heavy machinery

Heavy equipment is often essential to completing construction or other tasks. However, working with this equipment can be dangerous if not done properly. It is important that you take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you when using heavy equipment. All vehicles

Some tips to keep in mind are: being aware of your surroundings, safely entering and exiting equipment, sustaining communication with other workers, using appropriate spotter signals, creating buffer zones, and workers knowing when to stop so that they are not in a dangerous situation.

Trip hazards

It’s no secret that the warehouse industry is a dangerous one. Every year, workers in a warehouse are injured and killed on the job because of common hazards. In an effort to reduce these numbers, it’s important for employers to be aware of the most common warehouse safety hazards and take steps to correct them.

One of the most common types of accidents in a warehouse is a slip or trip. This can be caused by many things, such as poor lighting, loose materials on the floor, spills, or uneven flooring.

To avoid these accidents, it’s important for employers to take steps to improve visibility and make sure that all surfaces are even and free of hazards. Implementing hazard signs and caution tape can also help increase awareness among workers.

Overexertion

What are overexertion injuries? For example, injuries caused by lifting, pushing, pulling, holding, carrying, or throwing objects all fall under the category of overexertion.

To help prevent overexertion-related accidents, your workers must receive proper safety training. In particular, learning how to lift and carry objects without injury is a vital part of warehouse worker training.

Carrying heavy items improperly can result in a number of different types of injuries: back strains and sprains, hernias, neck strains and sprains, shoulder strains and sprains. Injuries like these can keep your workers off the job for weeks or even months at a time. That’s why it’s so important to make sure your workers know how to safely lift and carry boxes and other items in the warehouse setting.

Falling objects

Working in a warehouse almost guarantees that some materials will be stacked on racks above everyone’s heads. Hard hats, hard hats, hard hats… is the number one thing every person should be wearing to prevent injury. Therefore, it’s possible for items to fall from those racks and cause injuries or get lost in the flue space. In order to prevent these things from happening, a safety protocol should be put into place.

That protocol should include the use of a safety harness, regular inspections of the racks, and employee training on how to properly stack materials.

Lack of Awareness

The biggest hazard in warehouse safety is lack of awareness. When you go through your warehouse safety checklists make sure your warehouse workers, co-workers, and managers are practicing situational awareness.

To help maintain this level of awareness, your team should know all current regulations and latest regulations as well as provide effective training to all workers. When you provide training make sure to include hazard communication with warehouse workers and take preventive measures to keep everyone safe.

If an incident arises, take immediate corrective actions and safety procedures, create reports of the incident and leave the warehouse in good condition.

How do warehouse inspections work?

Warehouse safety inspections, also known as warehouse audits, are an important part of maintaining a safe and efficient working environment in a warehouse setting for warehouse staff. By following a set of documented processes, employers can ensure employee safety, protect inventory from theft or damage, and optimize workflows and procedures. A warehouse safety checklist can help to guide warehouse workers through the necessary steps to complete an effective inspection. Inspections is a warehousing industry standard.

Conclusion:

Having a warehouse is an important part of any business, and it’s essential to make sure they are functioning properly. A warehouse inspection checklist can help you do just that.

A good inspection checklist will cover all the key areas of a warehouse, from the inventory to the security systems. It should also be customized to your specific needs, so that you can be sure nothing is missed.

A well-executed warehouse inspection can help you identify any potential problems before they become serious issues. It can also help you ensure that your warehouse is running as efficiently as possible, which can save you time and money in the long run.

Where Do You Go From Here?

iSi can help you get a baseline on your environmental compliance responsibilities and help you prioritize the ones which are most critical to be taken care of.  Request a quote for an environmental audit today!  Need more information about these issues?  Contact us at (888) 264-7050 or email us!

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OSHA’s Hexavalent Chromium Standard Case Study and Regs

OSHA’s Hexavalent Chromium Standard Case Study and Regs

Jul 8, 2022

iSi works with a number of different companies, and when we see results of regulatory inspections, we like to use them as examples to perhaps help give other companies some insight into what to do with their own compliance.  Quite a few companies are subject to OSHA’s Hexavalent Chromium Standard for either General Industry or Construction, so many that OSHA has had a National Emphasis Program for this for quite a few years.

The types of operations with hexavalent chromium exposures include:

  • Manufacturing of Aircraft, Stainless Steel, Paint, Chemicals, or Pre-Cast Concrete
  • Metal Finishing and Preparation
  • Electroplating
  • Painting or Sanding of Painted Parts
  • Welding of Stainless Steel
  • Iron and Steel Mills and Foundries
  • Printing
  • Construction
  • Chemical Mixing
  • Waste Handling
  • Tanning Leather
  • Handling Catalysts

OSHA Inspection Case Study

A metal finishing company that iSi works with has been working to comply with the hexavalent chromium standard, having iSi conduct their quarterly monitoring and issuing employee notices while the company handles the other elements of the program.  After an employee complaint, OSHA arrived onsite to look at hexavalent chromium compliance.   This is the type of company already on OSHA’s target list for the emphasis program.  The result of the inspection was three violations of the standard.

The first violation was for not having required change rooms.  The company did have a locker area for the employees to change at, and it was in a separate area behind their 3 paint booths.  OSHA found fault with this because there was no demarcation between where the paint booths ended, and the clean room began.  The contaminated portion wasn’t clearly marked.  There also wasn’t separate storage for protective clothing vs. street clothes, only the lockers.  A second violation was cited for this area because there was no sink in the immediate area for washing. OSHA decided the sink that was being used to clean up was too far causing potential contamination to areas outside the regulated area. These two items were cited together since they were part of the same portion of the standard, and the original fine was at a Serious level for $8,192.

The third item was a citation for finding hexavalent chromium in the break area.  There are no set limits on the amount of hexavalent chromium that can be found on surfaces.  Wipe samples indicated levels of 0.05 µg/m3, a very low level detected.  However, it was still enough to be detected and the company was fined for a Serious violation at $5,461.

The total fine was $13,653, which is OSHA’s minimum fine amount for any Serious violation.  With many violations, the company was given a chance to reduce the fine through an Expedited Informal Settlement Agreement, still leaving a violation of over $8,000.

So what are the hexavalent chromium standard’s rules for General Industry and Construction?

The Rules – General Industry
29 CFR 1910.1026

The permissible exposure limit (PEL) for hexavalent chromium is 5 micrograms per cubic meter (5 µg/m3) in an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA). There is also an Action Level that triggers parts of the standard that begins at 2.5 µg/m3.

Make an Exposure Determination

Companies are required to make an Initial Exposure Determination by conducting employee exposure sampling to determine your exposures, including enough breathing zone samples to characterize a full shift, do representative sampling for each shift the exposure can occur using the employee with the greatest potential exposure, or use other air monitoring, historical data and performance-oriented sampling.  If the results are at or above the Action Level, periodic monitoring is required every 6 months, and if they’re above the PEL, monitoring is required quarterly. Notify your employees within 15 business days of the results of monitoring, and if you’re above the PEL, you need to include what corrective action is being taken.

You’re not allowed to rotate employees’ job assignments in order to not meet the PEL requirements.

Establish Regulated Areas

Formally establish the area where employee exposures can be expected above the PEL and then clearly demarcate and label that area from the rest of the workplace to alert employees of its boundaries.  Limit access to this area to only authorized personnel. Regulated Areas can not be used for eating, drinking or smoking nor can any of these items be taken into a Regulated Area such as a pack of gum or cigarettes in an employee’s pocket.

Engineering Controls and PPE

Your first responsibility is to use engineering controls where possible, and if not feasible, reduce the levels as low as you can and then use personal protective equipment (PPE), such as respirators.  The aircraft industry is required to use engineering/work practice controls to reduce exposures to at least 25 µg/m3.  If employees are not exposed for more than 30 days/year, then this requirement does not apply.

Protective Clothing and Equipment (PPE)

Contaminated PPE and other waste and debris must be removed at the end of the shift or completion of tasks and placed into sealed, impermeable bags or containers.  No PPE leaves the workplace and can be laundered as long as those who are laundering are alerted to the harmful effects of hexavalent chromium, that it cannot become airborne and requires minimal skin and eye contact.  Remove contaminated PPE from the change rooms and ensure these bags and containers are properly labeled per Hazard Communication requirements.  PPE cannot be shaken or blown down to remove the dust.

Also, for EPA purposes, all waste material needs to have a waste determination and any debris or waste may be considered hazardous due to the chromium levels.  Make sure you have a determination for these materials.

Hygiene Areas

Provide changing rooms with separate storage for contaminated clothes and equipment and the employees’ street clothes.  Provide washing facilities, with employees washing prior to eating, drinking, smoking, chewing tobacco/gum, applying makeup or using the restroom.  Employees are not to do these activities within the marked off regulated area.  Any eating or drinking areas need to be as free of hexavalent chromium as practicable, and employees are not to wear contaminated clothing/equipment in those areas.

Housekeeping

All surfaces need to be as free as possible of hexavalent chromium.  Clean using wet methods or HEPA vacuums first, and only use dry shoveling/brushing/sweeping where the HEPA vacuum wasn’t effective.  No compressed air can be used to blow the dust.

Initial and Annual Medical Surveillance

Employees who exceed the Action Level must be provided, at no cost to the employee, initial and annual medical surveillance for those with the following situations:

  • Greater than 30 days of exposure (within 30 days for initial, then annually)
  • Exposure in an emergency (within 30 days)
  • Those exhibiting symptoms of exposure (within 30 days)
  • Those terminated (if exposed within past 6 months)

Hazard Communication (Hazcom) and Training Requirements

Include hexavalent chromium in your Hazcom program, including container labeling, SDSs, and training.  Training for hexavalent chromium needs to include all of the requirements of the standard as well as provisions for medical surveillance.

Recordkeeping

You must keep records of your air monitoring data (who – names and job positions, when, where, method used, results, PPE used, other data used) as well as medical surveillance records and training records.

Most Hexavalent Chromium Exposures – General Industry

Electroplating – Hard chrome plating, decorative chrome plating, anodized chrome plating when placing and removing products into and from the bath, rinsing with water, and replenishing bath with chromate solution or powder.

Welding – Welding stainless steel, welding in confined spaces on stainless and carbon steel, indoor welding without engineering controls. Exposures come from welding fumes generated from the base metal and applied coatings, electrode coatings, high-chromium nickel alloy electrodes and chromium-containing filler metals.

Painting – Spray painting, abrasive blasting for the removal of chrome containing paint/primer, sanding or grinding on chrome-covered materials. Hexavalent chromium found in paint include strontium chromate and zinc chromate, and even the blasting grit will contain paint waste-containing chrome.

Foundries, Steel Mills, Molten Metal Operations — Furnace and crane operations, molten metal pouring and transfer, tapping, surface conditioning, hot rolling, torch cutting and gouging, and welding.

The Rules – Construction
29 CFR 1926.1126

The hexavalent chromium rules for the construction industry are pretty much the same as those in general industry, with the following exceptions:

  • Employee notices of monitoring must be provided to employees within 5 days rather than 15
  • The sections on Regulated Areas and Housekeeping are not included in the construction standard.

Most Hexavalent Chromium Exposures – Construction

Painting and Surface Operations – Removal of chromate-containing paint and primer for surface preparation of existing steel (bridges, water towers, and industrial buildings), abrasive blasting and equipment maintenance for site cleanup following abrasive blasting.

Welding and Thermal Cutting – Welding stainless steel and welding in confined spaces or indoor conditions, for both stainless steel and carbon (mild) steel (industrial piping and vessels; architectural facades; constructional structures; boilers; indoor architecture; petrochemical structures; shipbuilding; and turbine blades.), brazing, thermal cutting and boilermaker work.

Concrete Operations – Certain mixes, such as Portland Cement, are know to contain hexavalent chromium and operations such as mixing, pouring or cutting dry cement may release the chromium to the air and become a breathing hazard.

What does your hexavalent chromium area look like?  Are you following the regulation requirements and monitoring your employees?  iSi works with many companies who are required to comply with this standard, so we’re well versed in how to help.  Contact us today!

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OSHA Compliance Checklists

OSHA Compliance Checklists

Jun 23, 2022

OSHA Compliance Checklists

What is a OSHA compliance checklist?

From large corporations or small business owners, a safety checklist is a tool that can be used to identify potential hazards in any given situation. OSHA provides a variety of checklists for different industries and applications, each of which can help to ensure the safety of workers and others in the area. Some may also know this as an OSH act. Some of these OSHA checklists include occupational safety checklist, OSHA inspection checklist, self inspection checklists, inspection checklists, osha inspection checklists.

By taking the time to review these checklists and implementing them into your safety procedures, you can help to create a safer workplace for everyone involved.

What is the OSH Act?

The Occupational Safety and Health Act has been successful in helping to identify workplace hazards improving workplace safety and health conditions around the country. OSHA standards have prevented countless injuries, illnesses, and deaths. However, there is always room for improvement. employers and workers need to continue to work together to identify and address potential hazards in the workplace.

The Occupational Safety and Health Act is a law passed by the U.S. Congress in 1970 to ensure safe workplace conditions around the country. It established the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which sets and enforces workplace health and safety standards. The OSH Act covers all private sector employers and employees, as well as some public sector employers and employees. The act covers workplaces that are under federal jurisdiction, such as those in interstate commerce or those that are part of the federal government.

The Occupational Safety and Health Act has been successful in improving workplace safety and health conditions around the country. OSHA standards have prevented countless injuries, illnesses, and deaths. However, there is always room for improvement. Employers and workers need to continue to work together to identify unsafe work practices, address recognized hazards in the workplace, and develop effective safety policies. By doing so, we can make sure that all workplaces are safe and healthy places to work and uphold industry standards.

What should you include in OSHA compliance checklist and the OSHA inspection checklist?

1. Fire protection equipment-sprinkler alarm systems, access to equipment, fire extinguishers, hoses, hydrants, fire alarm system, fire doors, local fire department contact information, portable fire extinguishers

2. Buildings- floors, stairs, roofs, walls, elevators, windows, doors

3. Hazardous products-toxic/health hazards, biohazardous infectious, bloodborne pathogens, environmental, flammable, explosive, oxidizing, gases under pressure, corrosive

4. Electrical switches-grounding, connections, electrical systems, breakers, cables, outlets, connectors. Be sure to rid the area of electrical hazards, hazardous chemicals, and hazardous energy.

5. Environment-gases, fumes, sprays, lighting, noise, ventilation

6. Hand tools-saws, power tools, wrenches, screwdrivers, explosive actuated tools

7. Containers-disposal receptacles, barrels, scrap bins, carboys, gas cylinders, solvent

8. Materials handling-hoppers, carts, dollies, bins, etc.

9. Production equipment-presses, lathes, robotics, mills, shapers, cutters, borers

10. Pressurized equipment-tanks, piping, hoses, couplings, valves, hydraulics, etc.

11. Personal protective equipment-safety glasses, respirators, gloves, hard hats, etc.

12. Personnel support equipment-ladders, catwalks, staging

13. Powered equipment-compressor equipment, engines, electrical motors, industrial trucks

14. Storage facilities-shelves, cabinets, closets, yards, floors

15. Walkways and roadways-aisles, ramps, docks, vehicle ways, confined spaces, permit required confined spaces

16. Lifting components-handles, eye-bolts, lifting lugs

17. Safety devices- emergency switches, cutoffs, mirrors, sirens, signs

18. Controls-start up switches, speed controls, manipulating controls

19. Protective guards-guards, railings, drives, chains, gear covers, pulleys, belt screens, work station

20. Hygiene & first aid facilities-washrooms, health poster, safety showers, eye wash stations, first aid supplies, illness data or illness records, self inspections etc.

21. Psychosocial hazards-workload (pace of work/too much/too little), hours of work, fatigue, issues that interrupt concentration, excessive noise, poor communication and work practices, conflicting demands, working in conflict with others, working in social isolation, or working alone and implemented health program.

What are 6 OSHA inspection checklist priorities?

  1. The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) is designed to protect employees who may be exposed to hazardous chemicals in the workplace. The standard requires employers to prepare and implement a written Hazard Communication Program and to comply with other requirements, such as providing employees with information and training on the hazards of chemicals in the workplace.The HCS applies to all employers with employees who may be exposed to hazardous chemicals or identify hazards in the workplace. Employers must ensure that their Hazard Communication Programs are up-to-date and meet the requirements of the standard.
  2. An emergency action plan is a key element of any workplace safety program. OSHA recommends that all employers have an emergency action plan in place to ensure the safety of employees in the event of a fire or other emergency.A plan is mandatory when required by an OSHA regulations standard and are important to OSHA inspectors. An emergency action plan should be designed to meet the specific needs of the workplace and should have routine inspections to ensure it remains effective.The purpose of an emergency action plan is to provide a framework for responding to a range of emergencies, including fires, chemical spills, hazardous substances, power outages, and natural disasters. The plan should detail the steps that employees should take to evacuate the premises safely and quickly in the event of an emergency.
  3. Fire protection and safety is an important part of job safety. OSHA recommends that all employers have a Fire Prevention Plan. A plan is mandatory when required by an OSHA standard.There are a number of elements that should be included in a Fire Prevention Plan. These include:-Identifying potential fire hazards in the workplace-Developing procedures for preventing and responding to fires

    -Training employees in fire safety procedures

    -Conducting regular fire drills

    -Implement a health program and safety related work practices

    By taking these steps, employers can help ensure the safety of their employees in the event of a fire.

  4. Employers must comply with OSHA’s requirements for exit routes in the workplace. This includes providing safe and unobstructed exits, maintaining exit routes, and ensuring that employees can safely evacuate in an emergency.Exit routes must be designed and constructed to provide a means of egress from the workplace in the event of an emergency. There are three basic components to an exit route:-The path of travel to the exit-The exit itself

    -The path of travel to the assembly point outside of the building

    Employers must also provide signs and lighting that clearly mark the exit routes, and keep them clear at all times. In addition, employers must train employees on how to use exit routes safely. Fewer employees makes this process more difficult. It is important to uphold industry standards. It is also smart to have employee representatives or a safety committee help build employee exposure to emergency response in the workplace.

  5. Walking/working surfaces are one of the leading causes of serious work-related injuries and deaths. OSHA issued a final rule on November 18, 2016 on walking-working surfaces and personal fall protection systems to better protect workers in general industry from these hazards by updating and clarifying standards and adding training and inspection requirements.Some of the key provisions of the final rule include:* Requiring employers to evaluate the workplace to identify hazards and select appropriate fall protection measures* Providing specific training requirements for employees who work on walking/working surfaces

    * Adding new requirements for the use of personal fall protection systems

    * Clarifying when guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems must be used as fall protection

  6. OSHA requires employers to provide medical and first-aid personnel and supplies commensurate with the health hazards of the workplace. The details of a workplace medical and first-aid program are dependent on the circumstances of each workplace and employer.Employers, especially in general industry, must ensure that their employees have access to medically trained personnel and supplies at all times. Employees should be aware of the location of these resources, and how to access them in an emergency. First aid kits should be easily accessible, and employees should know how to use them.In addition to having access to medical personnel and supplies, employers must also ensure that their workplaces are safe. This includes providing adequate ventilation, controlling exposure to hazardous materials, personal protective equipment, and maintaining a clean and orderly work environment. A simple safety and health program should include topics such as these.

How should you and your team prepare for an OSHA audit?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) can conduct an OSHA inspection at any time, without advance notice. Therefore, it’s important to always be prepared for OSHA inspection with a checklist. Here are some ways you can get ready:

1. Keep up with OSHA standards and requirements. Make sure you are aware of all the latest changes and updates.
2. Review your safety procedures regularly. Conduct a self audit on your own, and identify any areas that need improvement. CREATE A SELF-INSPECTION CHECKLIST. Follow up with regular inspections of your audit findings.
3. Educate your employees on OSHA standards and your company’s safety procedures. Make sure they know how to properly handle potential hazards.
4. Be proactive in addressing any safety concerns that arise. Don’t wait for an OSHA inspector to point out problems – address them as soon as possible.

With a self-inspection checklist, you can be confident that you and your team are prepared for an OSHA inspection and attain OSHA compliance.

What triggers an OSHA audit?

There are several things that can trigger an OSHA audit, including:

-Workplace fatalities
-Reportable serious injuries (hospitalization, amputation, loss of eye)
-Employer reporting of these incidents within 8 hours (which always triggers an inspection)
-Complaints from employees or other individuals about safety hazards at the workplace
-Inspection of similar workplaces in the same industry (targeted inspections)
-Previous citations for safety violations

If any of these things occur, it’s possible that OSHA will show up to audit your workplace. It’s important to be prepared for an inspection and to have all of your safety documentation in order.

What are the 4 areas to check during a safety audit?

There are four areas that should be checked during OSHA inspections: regulatory and best industry practice requirements, program requirements, compliance documentation, and employee training. By answering these questions, you can ensure that your safety program is comprehensive and effective for any company in general industry.

Conclusion:

Having and maintaining a well-developed safety and health program for your company in general industry should always be a priority along with OSHA checklists Now that you have seen a few examples of safety checklists, you can start to see how they can be useful in identifying potential hazards. Remember, these are just a few examples – there are many different types of checklists available, so be sure to find one that is relevant to your industry and workplace. The most important thing to a company is the safety and health of the employees. By taking the time to review and implement a safety checklist and self-inspection checklist for employees, you can help to create a safer environment for everyone involved. Thanks for reading!

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Health and Safety Checklist: What You Need To Know

Health and Safety Checklist: What You Need To Know

Jun 22, 2022

What is a safety checklist?

Safety inspection checklists are an important part of any safety inspection program. By using a safety checklist, safety professionals can identify potential hazards in the workplace and take steps to mitigate those hazards.

Each workplace has its own set of unique hazards, and it is essential that health and safety professionals be able to select the appropriate checklist for their specific workplace in order to ensure full compliance with all applicable safety standards.

There are a wide variety of OSHA-approved checklists available for use by safety professionals, and each checklist is designed for a specific industry or application. Some of the most common types of checklists include: chemical processing, electrical work, construction, maritime operations, and agricultural operations.

What should be included in safety inspection checklists?

Housekeeping inspection:

Maintaining a clean and healthy work environment is essential for the safety of employees. A housekeeping inspection checklist can help employers ensure that their workplace health is up to code with regard to health and safety regulations.

The checklist contains a variety of items related to cleanliness, sanitization and personal protection practices, which can be applied to a range of industries. Professionals may use the checklist to maintain a particular level of health regulation on their work site. The housekeeping inspection checklist may be especially helpful for those professionals working in food services, healthcare and manufacturing industries.

Self-inspection for general industry:

Safety checklists are a critical component in any workplace for any company. No matter what industry you work in, it’s important to have a safety checklist to make sure you are adhering to all the necessary safety standards. In some industries, such as construction, there are more regulations in place that dictate what safety measures must be taken.

However, in other industries, such as general industry, there may be less regulation and workers may not be as familiar with safety best practices. That’s why it’s important for every workplace to have their own self-inspection checklist tailored to their specific industry.

One great resource for creating a self-inspection checklist is the General Industry Safety Standards Checklist from OSHA. This checklist includes a wide variety of items that should be checked for safety compliance in general industry workplaces. Some of the items are similar to those found on the construction self-inspection checklist, but there are many more general items included as well. Having this comprehensive list available can help professionals ensure that their workplace is safe for employees.

Self-inspection for construction:

Construction workers have one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. Every day, they face potential injuries from heavy equipment, falling objects, and hazardous materials. In order to minimize these risks, construction companies have safety protocols in place that employees are required to follow. A large part of following safety protocol is having a well-organized and comprehensive safety checklist.

The purpose of this safety checklist is to provide a comprehensive overview of all the items that should be considered when implementing a health and safety plan for a construction site. Not every item on this list will apply to every work site; instead, it is meant as a general guide for safety management on construction projects. Some of the topics covered by this checklist include: personal protective equipment (PPE), first aid kits and supplies, fire prevention, and chemical handling.

Each section of the document contains specific details about what needs to be done in order for employees working on the construction area to stay safe. It is important for both management and employees alike to familiarize themselves with this checklist so that everyone understands their role in keeping everyone safe while on the job site.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) inspection:

The PPE inspection checklists are comprehensive resource that can help professionals identify potential hazards in the workplace. The checklist contains a variety of items, including those that relate to compliance with providing, maintaining, using and updating equipment that protect employees from occupational hazards such as safety glasses, gloves, and suits for proper ventilation.

While many industries use the PPE safety inspection checklist in conjunction with others, it is an important tool for workplaces looking to provide employees with additional protection from potential risks.

Electrical inspection:

It’s no secret that electrical safety is a critical issue in many industries. In fact, electrical accidents are one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities in the United States. The electrical inspection checklist is a valuable resource for professionals in any field who want to ensure the safety of their employees and coworkers.

The electrical inspection checklist pdf includes organization, exposure, consistency, any potential explosive, hazardous substances and chemicals. Some of the most important items on the list include guidelines for proper storage of materials and ensuring that electrical infrastructure is up to code and having fire extinguishers on hand. By following these guidelines, professionals can rest assured knowing that they have done everything possible to create a safe work environment.

Truck safety inspection:

It’s no secret that vehicular accidents can cause serious delays, not to mention fatalities. What may be less known is the fact that many of these accidents could be mitigated with a simple safety inspection checklist.

Professionals in transportation and supply management industries can use this checklist to maintain the safety of long-haul and delivery vehicles. The checklist includes items that relate to the evaluation and maintenance of a vehicle’s viability and condition, which may help identify potential mechanical issues for repair and maintenance. Ultimately, this may mitigate accidents, incidents, and transportation delays.

Fall protection:

The Fall Protection Safety Inspection Checklist is a comprehensive document that covers all the necessary items related to fall protection. The checklist can be used by professionals in various industries, but is especially beneficial for construction workers who navigate high scaffolding and elevated structures on a daily basis.

The checklist contains specific sections for Fall Arrest Systems, Fall Restraint Systems, Fall Prevention Plans, and more. Each section includes a variety of tasks or steps that should be completed in order to ensure safety. Areas to focus on are floors, stairs, platforms, storage in facilities, and more.

What is a risk assessment?

Risk assessments are critical process in ensuring the safety of people, property, and the environment. By identifying hazards and assessing the risks associated with them, Risk assessors can develop mitigation plans to control or eliminate potential dangers. While Risk assessment is often thought of in terms of industrial or workplace safety, it is also an important tool for personal safety and security.

What are the 5 things a risk assessment should include?

  1. Identifying hazards and potential hazards
  2. Assess all risks including situational
  3. How to control and manage the risk
  4. Record your findings and outcomes
  5. Review and maintain controls

What are safety records?

‘Safety records’ or reports are documented occurrences of the safety management processes and activities, safety recommendations, related remedial actions and their follow-up.

What type of records are required for health and safety checklist?

OSHA Form 300, OSHA Form 300A, and OSHA Form 301.

Conclusion:

Inspections are important. It is widely accepted that safety checklists are an important part of any safety inspection program. A well-constructed safety checklist can help safety professionals identify potential hazards in the workplace and take steps to mitigate hazards. However, not all workplaces are the same, and it is essential that health and safety professionals be able to select the appropriate checklist for their specific workplace in order to ensure full compliance with all applicable safety standards.

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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): The Basics

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): The Basics

Jun 21, 2022

What is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?

PPE is essential in protecting workers from potential harm and is mandatory in many industries. Employers must provide PPE to all their employees free of charge if they are likely to be exposed to hazards during work. The different types of PPE used depend on the risk assessment carried out by the employer, which will determine the level of protection needed for each individual employee.

Common examples of PPE include safety helmets, gloves, safety goggles, ear defenders and respirators. In some cases, employers may also need to provide fire retardant clothing or specialist footwear such as steel toe capped boots.

It is important that employers follow guidelines set out by regulatory bodies when providing PPE, as failure to do so could result in serious injury or even death. It is also important that employees use the PPE provided correctly and understand the associated risks of not doing so.

What different industries require PPE?

Transportation

The most common type of PPE used by truck drivers are:

  • Safety glasses or goggles
  • Steel toe boots
  • High visibility clothing

It is important to be aware of any hazardous materials that you may come into contact with while making a delivery and to make sure that you are wearing the appropriate PPE. In some cases, full-body suits may be necessary to protect against hazardous materials.

Chemical

  • Face shields/Face mask
  • Respiratory protective equipment
  • Chemical splash goggles
  • Gloves
  • Aprons/Overalls

PPE should always be used where there is a risk of exposure or contamination of corrosive liquids. It is important to ensure that PPE is appropriate for the task, fits properly, and is maintained in good condition. To determine appropriate types of PPE, it may be necessary to have a qualified person assess the nature and extent of potential hazards.

Food

  • Gloves
  • Safety glasses
  • Face shields
  • Hairnets

PPE is an essential part of any restaurant, cafe, or bar staff’s uniform and should be worn at all times while on the job. Employees who don’t wear the right PPE can easily get injured from sharp knives or hot dishes, increasing both their risk of harm and the potential liability of their employer.

Healthcare

  • Gloves
  • Gowns
  • Eye protection
  • Disposable N95 respirators, surgical masks, face shield

PPE for healthcare workers is essential for occupational safety. The CDC (Center for Disease Control) recommends gloves, gowns, eye protection, and face shields/masks as the basic requirements for any and all healthcare workers.

Wearing PPE such as basic respiratory protection, protective clothing, a surgical mask, protective eyewear, and lab coats, when worn correctly, can significantly help prevent workplace hazards and biological hazards, thus helping protect workers and health workers.

Oil and Gas

  • Eye protection
  • Hearing protection
  • Hand/Foot protection
  • Flame-resistant clothing
  • Gas detection monitors

Essential PPE for oil and gas workers significally reduce employee exposure to physical hazards present as well as notify them on things they cannot see.

Automotive

  • Peripheral safety goggles
  • Cut-resistant gloves

Peripheral eye protection is especially important in the Automotive Industry, as liquids like fuel and oil can drip down the face, and working in dusty environments with fiberglass, or metal fragments can work their way around non-sealed safety glasses.

Sealed glasses and goggles provide the best protection against such hazards while allowing unrestricted vision to perform service tasks. Motor vehicle technicians and mechanics should always wear proper eye protection whenever doing repairs, as the risks of serious injury or permanent vision damage are simply too great to ignore.

It is also important for anyone working in an automotive environment to get regular vision exams to ensure that any issues can be caught and treated early. Cut-resistant gloves will help prevent skin damage and skin hazards.

Construction

  • Protective gloves
  • Hearing protection to prevent occupational hearing loss
  • Full face shields when cutting, grinding, or chipping
  • Goggles for chemical splashes
  • Proper respiratory equipment and protection
  • Fall protection equipment when working above 6 feet

In addition to these PPE requirements, all construction site employees must be aware of the site-specific health hazards associated with working on a construction or renovation site. Employees should know what types of hazardous substances are present and how they can protect themselves.

Appropriate PPE such as respirators, gloves, boots, and chemical protective clothing may need to be worn depending on the particular job site. Make sure that you understand all safety procedures before beginning work and follow them at all times.

It is the responsibility of each employee to take appropriate steps to protect themselves from any potential harm.

Finally, make sure that you report any unsafe conditions or practices immediately to your supervisor or the project manager in charge of the site. Safety first – always!

Manufacturing

  • Gloves
  • Hard hat
  • Goggles
  • Full-body suits
  • Face shields

When working in a manufacturing facility, it is important to wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect yourself and protect employees around you.

This includes gloves, protective hearing gear, hard hats, goggles, respirators, and full-body suits. Wearing PPE can help protect you from various hazards in the workplace. Some facilities may require using a self contained breathing apparatus or powered air purifying respirators as well as other equipment designed for a specific purpose.

What are some examples of PPE?

Masks and Respiratory Protective Equipment

When choosing a respirator, it’s important to understand the differences between APRs and ASRs. Air-purifying respirators (APRs) filter out contaminants from the air that is breathed through them. These types of respirators are most effective when used in environments with low levels of contamination, since they are unable to protect against high concentrations of airborne contaminants. Some examples are:

Protection for the Face and Eyes

Eye and face protection is important in any workplace setting to not only protect against eye injuries, but also for ensuring optimal employee productivity. Depending on the work environment and tasks that need to be completed, there are four primary types of eyewear available to help minimize risk.

General safety goggles are designed with side shields that provide a greater area of coverage, and some models may even include a wraparound frame. They are suitable for most workplace conditions, including those with light debris or dust particles in the air. Another example of safety goggles is laser safety goggles.

Head and Shoe Protection

Wearing a hard hat with a chin strap is the best way to ensure that an employee’s head remains protected when working in hazardous situations. The chin strap will keep the hat secured and prevent it from falling off in case of a fall or other accident. Hard hats must also be inspected regularly for any cracks, dents, scratches, punctures or other signs of damage.

Damaged hard hats must be replaced immediately to ensure an employee’s safety. Employees should also check the fit of their helmet before beginning work. A well-fitting hard hat will provide maximum protection and comfort for employees working in hazardous conditions. Safety equipment can only help you if you use it properly.

Gloves

Different types of gloves include: Leather, Canvas or Metal Mesh Gloves, Fabric and Coated Fabric Gloves, Chemical- and Liquid-Resistant Gloves, and Insulating Rubber Gloves. Gloves are used in many different scenarios and provide protection against anything from infectious materials, contaminated body fluids, bloodborne pathogens, and bacterial contaminants, to physical hazards such as cuts and abrasions.

What is required for OSHA standards for PPE?

Employers should assess the workplace to determine if PPE is necessary. If it is, employers should provide employees with appropriate protective equipment and ensure its use. Employers must also make sure that the protective equipment is well-maintained and kept clean.

Additionally, employers must train employees on how to properly wear and care for their eye and face protection in order to ensure its effectiveness. Employees should also be informed about potential hazards in their work environment, as well as any limitations of the protective equipment they are using.

If an employee needs prescription lenses while wearing safety glasses, employers may have additional requirements to meet OSHA standards. It is important to note that non-prescription safety glasses do not provide adequate protection against hazardous materials.

Employers should ensure that employees who require prescription lenses have access to appropriate protective equipment and can safely perform their job duties without endangering themselves or others.

If an employer has determined that protection is necessary, they must also provide employees with a copy of OSHA’s standard 1910.133 which outlines the requirements for protection in the workplace.

This document contains detailed information on types of hazards, selection criteria, performance requirements, instructions for use and care, as well as other helpful information employers need to know when providing appropriate face protection to their employees. The World Health Organization and OSHA reiterate that employees must wear PPE and proper equipment in order to protect them properly.

Why do you and your employees need PPE?

  1. Liability

  2. Long-term issues

  3. Keep what you got!

  4. Increase quality work environments

Conclusion:

When it comes to workplace safety, personal protective equipment (PPE) is an essential piece of the puzzle. PPE protects workers against hazards in the environment that could cause physical harm or injury. Industries such as manufacturing and mining are particularly hazardous, and effective use of PPE can help prevent accidents and injuries from occurring.

To ensure maximum protection, it is important that workers always wear the correct type of PPE for the job they are doing. This could include safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats and other items that are designed to protect against specific hazards.

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Laboratory Safety Checklist

Laboratory Safety Checklist

Jun 9, 2022

What You Need To Know:

What is a safety audit checklist?

A safety audit checklist is a document used by companies to ensure their workspaces are compliant with industry health and safety standards.

The purpose of a safety audit checklist is twofold: first, to ensure that all areas of potential danger have been identified and addressed; and second, to provide a record of due diligence in the event of an accident or injury.

Many companies use safety audit checklists as part of their regular safety program, while others only implement them in response to an incident.

What should be included in a lab safety checklist?

Lab safety is of utmost importance in any laboratory setting. A lab safety checklist helps to identify and minimize chemical, biological, physical and radioactive hazards present in a laboratory facility.

It helps ensure that the laboratory complies with environmental standards to prevent overexposure to hazardous chemicals, injuries and respiratory-related illnesses or fatalities.

What are the 5 major areas of lab safety?

Cuts:

Laboratory accidents are one of the most common types of workplace accidents. In severe cases, nerves and tendons may be severed.

Often, these injuries occur as a result of attempting to force a cork or rubber stopper into a piece of glass tubing, thermometer or distilling flask thus the result can be broken glass.

To prevent this accident from occurring, workers should make a proper-sized hole, lubricate the cork or stopper, and use gentle pressure with rotation on the glass portion along with any removal of broken glass after an incident.

Toxic fumes:

Chemical fumes can be extremely dangerous, and it is important to take the necessary precautions when working with them especially while working inside. Fumes can cause serious health problems if they are inhaled, so it is important to make sure there is proper ventilation in the lab and to maintain a safe distance when pouring chemicals. Fumes can also be an environmental health issue.

Skin Absorption of Chemicals:

It is important to be aware of the physical injuries that can occur in the laboratory. Chemicals can cause burns, and even if they are not corrosive, exposure can cause allergic reactions or other problems if absorbed by the skin. This can cause acute or immediate effect on the person.

Remember that gloves may be permeable to certain chemical reagents – even without visible deterioration – so trade out any gloves that have come into contact with such chemicals for a new pair immediately. Never touch your face or eyes until your hands are clean of all chemicals or solvents.

Explosions and fires:

In a lab, it is important to be aware of the dangers of flammable liquids. Vapors can travel long distances and may ignite if they reach a flame or spark. Be sure to keep a fire extinguisher on hand and ensure each individual in the laboratory knows its exact location to prevent fires from spreading.

The appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), like a flame-resistant (FR) lab coat, should also be worn.

Chemical or thermal burns:

Chemicals are an important part of laboratory work. They can be used to create reactions or to purify substances. However, they also can be dangerous if not handled correctly. Burns, chemical spills, and unsafe laboratory conditions are all potential hazards and you should immediately report any incident with you chemical or thermal burns.

It is therefore important to exercise caution when working with chemicals and to always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

What are the major overlooked lab safety issues and hazards?

Ergonomic safety:

Musculoskeletal disorders or MSDs are a serious problem in the workplace, and they can be caused by many different things.

One of the most common causes is repetitive awkward postures, which can occur when employees are not properly trained on ergonomics safety. This type of injury can lead to discomfort and loss of productivity, and it is important for employers to take steps to prevent them.

Laboratory waste disposal:

One of the most important aspects of ensuring a safe and healthy work environment is properly managing hazardous waste. Improper disposal of these materials can have serious consequences for both employees and the environment.

Pathogenic diseases and chemical reactions are just two examples of the many dangers posed by hazardous waste if it is not handled correctly. By implementing a comprehensive waste management program, employers can mitigate many of these risks.

Dress code safety:

Proper dress codes can be overlooked when trying to protect students and protect employees. In order to maintain a safe laboratory environment, adding the dress code to the daily lab checklist is a must.

Employees must ensure all safety equipment including goggles, face shields, safety gloves, body, and respiratory protection are in good condition before entering the laboratory.

Proper labels:

Labels are an important part of, not only general safety but also laboratory safety. Putting a proper label on gas cylinders or any substance that is harmful will ensure compliance and meet laboratory standards which will eliminate lab risks.

Record of an incident:

Another overlooked issue that should be on the lab maintenance checklist is proper record-keeping. You should be keeping records of the following: Damaged equipment, equipment malfunction, toxic contamination, radioactive materials leaked, chemical exposures, chemical spills, laboratory cleanliness, maintenance of labs, and any other issues along with the person responsible.

Conclusion:

Laboratory safety, chemical safety, biological safety, radiation safety, and general safety begin with a proper checklist. Starting with regular self inspections can help tremendously but don’t shy away from outside help if you feel you need it. Safety officers and safety consultants can help you with basic requirements for you laboratories, maintain laboratory health, help you achieve a good inspection checklist, cultivate emergency procedures, and ultimately prevent laboratory risks to help you avoid unwanted legal action again your company. Following tips safety consultants provide is paramount. Maintaining a lab, keep it in peak condition, and keeping employees safe is always the utmost priority.

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Trailer Safety

Trailer Safety

Jun 7, 2022

Trailers are often used in the workplace — by operations personnel down to even the sales department who may move their exhibits from show to show.  The construction industry uses a lot of trailers to move equipment. 

With the summer season, our employees may be using trailers to haul boats, ATVs, campers, or extra large smoker grills.  U-Hauls can be rented by anyone for moving from house to house or to move a kid to or from college, to haul cars or other items.

Here are some trailer safety tips to help avoid a potential accident:

  • Choose the right tow vehicle and trailer for the load. Review the tow capacity and ensure it’s capable of handling the weight of the trailer and what you’re going to be towing on it.  Exceeding the capacity can severely affect handling, braking and damage your vehicle’s suspension. Check the hitch for the maximum trailer and maximum tongue weights it can safely support.
  • If you’re going to be carrying additional loads or passengers in the vehicle, check the gross vehicle weight rating issued for your vehicle and make sure the load will not exceed that rating, nor that the combination of the trailer and vehicle weights will be exceeded.
  • Make sure you have the proper hitch ball for the trailer. Incorrectly sized hitch balls are the #1 cause of trailer accidents.
  • When hauling loads, 60% of the load on the trailer should be placed on the front half of the trailer, with a tongue weight of 10-15% of the total weight that’s loaded on the trailer. Ensure weight is evenly distributed on the left and right sides of the trailer.
  • Straps are critical — broken or cheap straps can fail fast. Use ratchet straps for anything heavier than an average person and use more than one strap in case one comes loose.  The working load of the strap should be more than the weight of what you’re hauling.  For vehicles, strap vehicles at four points of the trailer corners.
  • Check your tires on both the vehicle and the trailer. Underinflation can cause rolling resistance and forces the engine to work harder and consume (now more expensive) fuel.
  • One of the most common trailer issues is lights — make sure your lights work before you leave, make sure the load doesn’t obscure them and take spare bulbs and fuses with you.
  • Check your brakes and make sure the breakaway cable is properly attached to your tow vehicle. In the event the trailer somehow disconnects from the hitch, the cable will trigger the trailer brakes.
  • Always cross safety chains so that they form a cradle for the tongue to fall down onto.
  • Adjust your mirrors so that you can have a clear view of the entire trailer, to the end.
  • Carry spare parts such as at least one trailer spare tire as well as extra wheel bearings and hubs.
  • When unhooking the trailer from the tow vehicle, use wheel chocks in front of and behind the trailer’s tires to ensure it doesn’t roll away.
  • Towing can stress your engine, so make sure your vehicle has all of its fluids to prevent overheating. Make sure your vehicle has proper levels of coolant, oil and transmission fluid.
  • Be patient when passing and take extra care when changing lanes.
  • Don’t speed and know the speed limits of the trailer and of your state/local area. Some areas have specific speeds for trailers.
  • Stop gradually when possible and allow for plenty of stopping distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. It takes longer to stop when pulling a load. Scan the road ahead to anticipate potential problems.
  • Watch out for trailer sway. High winds, large trucks, downhill grades and high speeds can lead to your trailer swaying.  If you’re not careful, it can swing like a pendulum.  Consider using a hitch stabilizer or a sway control unit to help alleviate this issue.
  • Don’t drive in if there’s no way out. It’s easy to get blocked in, so make sure there’s plenty of space to make a complete turnaround.

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What is OSHA’s National Emphasis Program on Heat Hazards?

What is OSHA’s National Emphasis Program on Heat Hazards?

Jun 2, 2022

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Heat plays a large part in how we plan our day. We often put off work that creates heat or highly strenuous tasks to a time when the weather is more conducive to our needs. However, that cannot always be done. Sometimes a task must be done on a rigid schedule or is of an emergency nature so that work cannot be put off to a later, cooler, time of day. To that end, OSHA has developed a National Emphasis Program (NEP) to give some guidance to companies on how to work in the heat and keep employees safe.


What is OSHA’s NEP on Heat Hazards?

OSHA will conduct programmed (pre-planned) inspections in targeted high-risk industries on any day that the National Weather Service has announced a heat warning or advisory for the local area.

The NEP went effective on April 8, 2022 and will remain in effect for 3 years unless canceled or extended by a superseding directive.

The NEP establishes heat priority days when the heat index is expected to be 80 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. During these days OSHA will:

  • Initiate compliance assistance in the list of targeted high-risk industries; and,
  • Inspect any alleged heat-related fatality/catastrophe, complaint or referral regardless of whether the worksite is within the list of targeted high-risk industries.


What are the Targeted High-Risk Industries?

OSHA’s NEP on heat hazards targets over 70 high-risk industries based on:

  • Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) on incidence rates of heat-related illnesses
  • Elevated numbers of fatalities or hospitalizations reported to OSHA
  • Highest number of heat-related General Duty Clause violations over the last 5 years

These include but are not limited to:

General Industries That are Likely to Have Heat-Related Hazards:

NAICS Code        NAICS Industry Sector Title

1121                      Cattle Ranching and Farming
1151                      Support Activities for Crop Production
2131                      Support Activities for Mining
3118                      Bakeries and Tortilla Manufacturing
3211                      Sawmills and Wood Preservation
3241                      Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing
3251                      Basic Chemical Manufacturing
3272                      Glass and Glass Product Manufacturing
3311                      Iron and Steel Mills and Ferroalloy Manufacturing
3314                      Nonferrous Metal (except Aluminum) Production and Processing
3315                      Foundries
3323                      Architectural and Structural Metals Manufacturing
3329                      Other Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing
3361                      Motor Vehicle Manufacturing
3362                      Motor Vehicle Body and Trailer Manufacturing
3363                      Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing
3364                      Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing
3365                      Railroad Rolling Stock Manufacturing
3366                      Ship and Boat Building
3369                      Other Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
3371                      Household and Institutional Furniture and Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturing
4239                      Miscellaneous Durable Goods Merchant Wholesalers
4241                      Paper and Paper Product Merchant Wholesalers
4242                      Drugs and Druggists’ Sundries Merchant Wholesalers
4243                      Apparel, Piece Goods, and Notions Merchant Wholesalers
4244                      Grocery and Related Product Merchant Wholesalers
4245                      Farm Product Raw Material Merchant Wholesalers
4246                      Chemical and Allied Products Merchant Wholesalers
4247                      Petroleum and Petroleum Products Merchant Wholesalers
4248                      Beer, Wine, and Distilled Alcoholic Beverage Merchant Wholesalers
4249                      Miscellaneous Nondurable Goods Merchant Wholesalers
4413                      Automotive Parts, Accessories, and Tire Stores
4442                      Lawn and Garden Equipment and Supplies Stores
4881                      Support Activities for Air Transportation
4882                      Support Activities for Rail Transportation
4883                      Support Activities for Water Transportation
4884                      Support Activities for Road Transportation
4889                      Other Support Activities for Transportation
4921                      Couriers and Express Delivery Services
4922                      Local Messengers and Local Delivery
4931                      Warehousing and Storage
5311                      Lessors of Real Estate
5617                      Services to Buildings and Dwellings (includes landscaping services, tree removal and tree trimming services)
5621                      Waste Collection
5622                      Waste Treatment and Disposal
5629                      Remediation and Other Waste Management Services
6231                      Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities)
7211                      Traveler Accommodation
8111                      Automotive Repair and Maintenance
8113                      Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment (except Automotive and Electronic) Repair and Maintenance
8114                      Personal and Household Goods Repair and Maintenance

Construction Industries That are Likely to Have Heat-Related Hazards

NAICS Code        NAICS Industry Sector Title

2361                      Residential Building Construction
2362                      Nonresidential Building Construction
2371                      Utility System Construction
2372                      Land Subdivision
2373                      Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction
2379                      Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction
2381                      Foundation, Structure, and Building Exterior Contractors
2382                      Building Equipment Contractors
2383                      Building Finishing Contractors
2389                      Other Specialty Trade Contractors

Industries not Included in General Industry or Construction That are Likely to Have Heat-Related Hazards

NAICS Code        NAICS Industry Sector Title

1112                      Vegetable and Melon Farming
1113                      Fruit and Tree Nut Farming
2213                      Water, Sewage and Other Systems (may be State or local jurisdiction)
4411                      Automobile Dealers
4412                      Other Motor Vehicle Dealers
4821                      Rail Transportation (may be Federal jurisdiction)
4885                      Freight Transportation Arrangement
4911                      Postal Service
5611                      Office Administrative Services
5612                      Facilities Support Services
5613                      Employment Services
5614                      Business Support Services
5616                      Investigation and Security Services
5619                      Other Support Services
6117                      Educational Support Services
7225                      Restaurants and Other Eating Places
8112                      Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance
9281                      National Security and International Affairs (includes Customs and Border Patrol, and Transportation Security Administration)


What Will the OSHA Auditors Be Inspecting When They Come to Your Facility?

During heat-related inspections, inspectors will:

  • Review OSHA 300 Logs and 301 Incident Reports for any entries indicating heat-related illness(es). 
  • Review any records of heat-related emergency room visits and/or ambulance transport, even if hospitalizations did not occur. This may require the use of a Medical Access Order.
  • Interview workers for symptoms of headache, dizziness, fainting, dehydration, or other conditions that may indicate heat-related illnesses, including both new employees and any employees who have recently returned to work.
  • Determine if the employer has a heat illness and injury program addressing heat exposure, considering the following:
    • Is there a written program?
    • How did the employer monitor ambient temperature(s) and levels of work exertion at the worksite?
    • Was there unlimited cool water that was easily accessible to the employees?
    • Did the employer require additional breaks for hydration?
    • Were there scheduled rest breaks?
    • Was there access to a shaded or cool area?
    • Did the employer provide time for acclimatization of new and returning workers?
    • Was a “buddy” system in place on hot days?
    • Were administrative controls used (earlier start times, and employee/job rotation) to limit heat exposures?
    • Did the employer provide training on heat illness signs, how to report signs and symptoms, first aid, how to contact emergency personnel, prevention, and the importance of hydration?
  • Document conditions relevant to heat-related hazards, including:
    • The heat index and additional weather data from that day, e.g., heat alerts from the NWS, data from the OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool App, saving a screenshot on a mobile phone or tablet. Additional information may be needed for indoor heat investigations.
    • Observe and document current conditions and those at the time the incident occurred (for unprogrammed inspections), including:
      • Observed wind speed
      • Relative humidity
      • Dry bulb temperature at the workplace and in the shaded rest area
      • Wet-bulb globe temperature at the workplace, (ensure the equipment has been properly calibrated prior to use)
      • Cloud cover (no clouds, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%)
      • The existence of any heat advisories, warning or alerts the previous days
    • Identify activities relevant to heat-related hazards. These can include, but are not limited to:
      • Potential sources of heat-related illnesses (e.g., working in direct sunlight, a hot vehicle, or areas with hot air, near a gas engine, furnace, boiler or steam lines).
      • The use of heavy or bulky clothing or equipment, including personal protective equipment.
      • Estimate workload exertions by observing the types of job tasks performed by employees and whether those activities can be categorized as moderate, heavy or very heavy work, considering both average workload and peak workload.
      • Duration of exposure during which a worker is continuously or repeatedly performing moderate to strenuous activities.
    • OSHA believes a review of any potential heat-related hazards should be included in any programmed or unprogrammed inspection where radiant heat sources exist in indoor work areas or at outdoor work areas on heat priority days. OSHA advises inspectors to conduct compliance assistance and document it where heat-related hazards do not warrant issuing citations.
    • Inspectors can use the OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool App as a resource.

How Can You Prevent Heat Illness at Work?

Dangerous heat exposure can occur indoors or outdoors, in any season. Employers can keep workers safe by following these simple safety practices:

  • Follow the 20% Rule — on the 1st day, don’t allow employees to work more than 20% of a shift at full intensity in the heat. Increase their time by no more than 20% a day until they are used to working in the heat.
  • Provide cool drinking water – encourage workers to drink at least one cup every 20 minutes, even if they are not thirsty.
  • Rest breaks — allow workers time to recover from heat in a shady or cool location.
  • Dress for the heat — have workers wear a hat and light-colored, loose fitting, breathable clothing if possible.
  • Watch out for each other — encourage workers to monitor themselves and others for signs of heat illness.
  • Look for any signs of heat illness, including fainting, dizziness, nausea, and muscle spasms, and act quickly — when in doubt, call 911.
  • Offer training on the hazards of heat exposure and how to prevent illness.
  • Develop an Emergency Action Plan on what to do if a worker shows signs of heat-related illness.


Need Help in Getting Your Documentation in Order?

Do you need assistance in developing a formal heat illness and injury program compliant with this initiative? Do you need assistance in determining your potential heat exposures? iSi can help! Contact us today!

 

Contributing:

Keith Reissig

Industrial Hygienist | Project Manager

Keith brings over 20 years of industrial hygiene and safety experience to iSi and its clients. An industrial hygienist, Keith jokes that he "sucks air for a living."  He specializes in workplace exposure testing and sampling strategies, safety compliance, ergonomics and training in a variety of topics in both the industrial hygiene and safety field.

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Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Compliance

Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Compliance

May 12, 2022

Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Compliance is important for companies. EHS compliance is a term used to describe a company’s efforts to meet environmental, health, and workplace safety standards set by government agencies or other groups.

ehs compliance

Companies must meet environmental, health and safety standards set by government agencies or other groups in order to be EHS compliant. These standards help protect employees, the public and the environment from potential risks. By adhering to these standards, companies can avoid costly penalties and damages.

What is EHS Compliance?

EHS compliance is important for companies because it ensures that they are following standards set by government agencies or other groups. There are many benefits to becoming EHS compliant, including reducing the risk of fines, improving workers safety, protecting the environment and increasing sustainability.

Why Companies Should Maintain EHS Compliance

There are many reasons why companies should become EHS compliant. Some of the benefits include reducing the risk of fines, improving worker safety and protecting the environment. Becoming EHS compliant and keeping a regulatory compliance management system can also help business save money in the long run by reducing the number of accidents and avoiding costly fines through applicable EHS regulations.

EHS compliance water test

How to Become EHS Compliant

There are a few steps businesses can take to become EHS compliant. The first step is to identify the EHS standards that apply to your company. Once you know what standards you need to meet, you can create a plan to become compliant. This may include hiring an EHS consultant to help you develop and implement a strategy to become EHS compliant. Through consulting, an audit program, workplace safety training and annual reviews, your company can become and continue to be EHS compliant. To ensure EHS compliance decrease business risk, it is proved wise for businesses to have management systems in place to stay up-to-date on EHS regulations and the ongoing compliance process. In leading companies, a good management system or even EHS managers can create a compliance culture to help mitigate risk, impact workers safety, verify compliance, improve employee training and integrate EHS regulatory requirements in every day business at your firm.

What are the Six Steps to Compliance?

  1. Stay up to date on changing laws and regulations
  2. Invest in auditing by hiring an outside consulting firm
  3. Enforce new procedures to keep workers safe
  4. Develop training content to support operations
  5. Schedule audits quarterly or annually
  6. Create a culture of accountability with upper management

Laws & Regulations

Strict guidelines are put in place to help maintain corporate standards. Environmental regulations can change at the federal and state level. This causes company regulations to change annually requiring businesses to adhere to ever changing requirements. It may seem like a daunting task but there are a myriad of resources available to your organization. Take time to review the latest press releases from the regulatory compliance bodies applicable to your business operations (create a Google News alert for this). Though these press releases might be stuffed with legal language, they also provide actionable insights for EHS Managers.

EHS compliance auditor

What is an EHS Audit?

An EHS audit will allow a business to set up and maintain proper management systems and comply with. An EHS management system will not only help keep a business in compliance but it will also address EHS risks, EHS issues, help you avoid fines, keep employees safe, and track regular inspections for you. A good audit will include review of business operations and compliance programs.

For example, a safety auditor will look for specific risk related to workers exposure to respiratory hazards, physical hazards such as sources of hazardous energy and confined spaces, training programs and written programs.  Environmental auditors will look for required reporting and inspections, permits, discharges and programs.

What is Auditing Protocol?

Whether your are trying to improve your sustainability metrics or EHS management is your sole concern, a solid auditing protocol is one of the top responsibilities of a good auditor. The protocol should always start with a review of previous non compliances for the organization, identify what procedures were implemented, and document the impact of those changes to operations. An auditor will create a matrix documenting current programs, identify any employees’ training non compliances, and evaluate the internal resources available to the compliance programs.

EHS audit

Conclusion

EHS compliance is important for your business to comply with industrial regulations. For many firms, regulatory compliance with these industry regulations is required in order to keep their business license up-to-date. iSi has an audit program and virtual audits which can help firms, organizations, and most business owners become and stay compliant. While cultivating a safe working environment, you will also be able to stand by your company’s reputation. Contact us today to learn more.

Need Assistance?

Let iSi’s EHS team help you improve your company’s EHS compliance outlook.  How can we help?  Contact us!

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Fall Protection for General Industry

Fall Protection for General Industry

May 5, 2022

OSHA annually has a Stand Down for Falls in Construction.  If your company is not in construction, but in general industry, this is a good time to review fall protection issues at your own facility.  Falls can occur anytime you have workers at heights regardless of the type of work they are doing.  Here are some tips to remember for general industry:

  • In general industry, the rule for fall protection is that it’s needed when you’re at or above 4 ft. or when someone is working over hazardous machines or equipment.
  • When using scissor at 4 ft. or above, fall protection is needed. Even at lower heights, guardrails may be used, but still leave the potential for falling.  It’s a best practice to wear fall protection when using these machines and these machines have secure anchor points already ready to go for use.
  • Use fall protection any time you’re using an aerial lift.
  • Know your calculations on distance to know how to choose the right length of lanyard to protect your workers in a fall. You need to account for the fall, deceleration distance, harness elongation, swing hazards, the length of the D-ring to the bottom of the feet and a safety factor distance above the ground.
  • Have a rescue plan to prevent suspension trauma and teach workers what they need to do to keep their blood circulating while suspended until help arrives. It only takes 5 minutes for them to become lightheaded, nauseous or unconscious.
  • Only use anchorage points that have been designed to be so and have been certified to meet or exceed OSHA regulations. Engineered anchor point systems typically exceed regulations and are a safe option.  Do NOT use bad anchor points such as vents, stand pipes, railings, guardrails, air vents/ductwork, fixed ladders, skylights, light fixtures, electrical conduits, or air conditioning units.
  • Use of ladders create fall injuries. Know how to properly use a ladder, keep 3 points of contact at all times, check ladders for damage, and set them on a solid, stable base.
  • When was the last time you inspected your fall equipment? Make sure you are visually inspecting it before use and then conducting additional documented annual inspections.  If ANYTHING looks odd, remove it from use.
  • Have your workers been trained in fall hazards? They must be trained prior to being exposed to that hazard, must understand the training and be retrained any time they exhibit inadequacies in knowledge or use of fall protection systems or equipment.

Below are some fall protection-related resources you can draw upon:

Toolbox Topic Material from the National Safety Council

OSHA’s Fall Protection Page:  https://www.osha.gov/fall-protection

Example Training Resources for Falls in General Industry

This Week’s OSHA’s National Safety Stand Down to Prevent Falls in Construction

If you need help with fall protection safety compliance, contact us today!

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6 Key Steps of an Effective Incident Investigation Process

6 Key Steps of an Effective Incident Investigation Process

May 2, 2022

Why Conduct Incident Investigations?

When investigating a worksite incident, it is essential to record all findings accurately and thoroughly. This includes documenting the accident scene, identifying any possible witnesses, and interviewing involved parties to verify facts. All of these steps will help employers and workers understand what happened and identify potential hazards in order to prevent future incidents from occurring.

Who should do the investigating?

It is equally important to involve managers and employees in the incident investigation. Managers can provide oversight of the process, as well as draw on their experience to identify potential contributing factors from when the incident occurred. Employees also bring valuable insight – for instance, workers may be able to identify specific unsafe practices or conditions that led up to the incident.

Six steps for successful incident investigation:

The 7 steps of investigation includes:

STEP 1 – IMMEDIATE ACTION

Once the area is safe, first aid and medical care has been given for the people involved and the scene has been preserved, a thorough investigation will begin. Evidence will be collected from multiple sources which may include CCTV tapes, photographs of the scene or other physical evidence such as samples. This evidence must be carefully documented and stored securely in accordance to local laws and regulations.

STEP 2 – PLAN THE INVESTIGATION

It is important to develop a clear plan for investigating any incident. The plan should consider the resources required, who will be involved, and how long it is expected to take. Depending on the severity or complexity of the incident, an investigation team may be necessary in order to ensure that all aspects of the case are thoroughly examined.

An accident investigation is important for any workplace incident, not only for human error but for equipment and management systems errors as well. With a proper investigation, a safety committee will need to involved or established as well as a single investigator.

STEP 3 – DATA COLLECTION

The investigation of any incident requires a thorough analysis of all available information. This might include interviewing witnesses or victims and an injured worker, reviewing documents related to the event, examining equipment or machinery that was involved in the incident and studying the incident scene.

The data collected from these sources can provide invaluable insights into what happened during the incident and help investigators determine the cause. To collect data, comb over every sequence of events and gather information regarding human errors as well as equipment errors. Weather conditions should be documented as well along with safety problems, property damage, serious injury, witness statements, near misses, work environment, other incidents, and other relevant information that will be helpful to the investigation team.

STEP 4 – DATA ANALYSIS

The root cause of an incident is typically the result of multiple failures, decisions, and processes that have been allowed to exist in an organization’s environment. To properly recognize the root cause requires a thorough investigation into the systemic factors at play.

The direct causes are more obvious, but it’s important not to overlook their connections to underlying influences. By looking closely at both direct and underlying causes, it becomes possible to identify where improvement can be made and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. In order to understand the data, you’ll need to review records such as inspection reports as well as review all injuries recorded, the me

STEP 5 – CORRECTIVE ACTIONS

Root cause analysis also helps organizations to recognize any potential areas for improvement, ensuring that similar incidents do not happen again in the future. By understanding and addressing the root causes of an incident, organizations can gain greater visibility into their processes and ensure long-term success.

Additionally, significant cost savings can be achieved through effective root cause analysis as it provides a valuable opportunity to review existing processes and address any deficiencies before they become costly later on. Ultimately, when used correctly, root cause analysis can help an organization get ahead of problems before they occur and reduce risks associated with them and other hazards.

Corrective actions might include personal protective equipment changes or updates due to equipment failure. Doing a ‘quick fix’ would be an example of what not to do as a corrective action. Cutting corners can cause repeat incidents and come with serious consequences.

STEP 6 – REPORTING

Once the investigation is concluded and all outstanding issues are closed out, it is important to communicate the findings so that lessons can be shared. In order to do this, organizations should use formal incident investigation reports, alerts, presentations and meeting topics.

Regular safety inspections, regular maintenance, implement corrective actions and a safety program, being sure to follow up with organizational requirements on safety and training both management and employees on safety in incidents are crucial when reporting and maintaining reporting.

Why look for the root cause?

Root Cause Analysis can be used to help organizations recognize and rectify the underlying causes of problems they may be facing. The first step in this process is to identify the negative events that are occurring and determine if any patterns or trends exist among them.

What are the steps involved in investigating an incident?

  • Secure the area
  • Plan the investigation
  • Collect all information
  • Analyze collected data
  • Find the root cause
  • Execute corrective actions
  • Document and share the results

What should I know when making the analysis and recommendations?

If your analysis is just another step of managing incidents. Be sure to allocate the appropriate resources and time to complete a full analysis in these situations:

  • When issues occur or can be expected to occur more than once
  • When an outage has or can affect many users
  • When the system isn’t functioning as designed

What is OSHA Process Safety Management Management of Change?

MOC’s (Management of Change) establish and implement written procedures to manage changes made to process chemicals, technology, equipment, procedures and facilities. OSHA’s Process Safety Management (PSM) standard requires companies to perform MOC’s when changes are made that could affect how safely a process runs.

This procedure should outline all points involved in making changes to the process, such as reviewing safety concerns, assessing risks, identifying potential hazards, selecting appropriate control measures, monitoring results, and updating records.

Which are the three types of MOC?

The three most common types of MOC are administrative, organizational, and technical.

What are the steps of MOC process?

8 Steps to a MOC Process

  1. Identify Proposed Changes.
  2. Risk Assessment.
  3. Determine if Hazards/Risks Can Be Controlled.
  4. Evaluate Making a Change.
  5. Implement Change If Safe.
  6. Pre-Startup Safety Review (PSSR)
  7. Train Workers on Change.
  8. Execute and Monitor Change.

 

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Fatigue Management

Fatigue Management

Apr 1, 2022

We’re all tired. There are so many things weighing on us — taking on more tasks and trying to keep up at work when there are not enough workers to get everything done, continuous pressure to maintain levels of service when supplies are delayed and staffing is short, COVID, Daylight Savings time, we’re approaching one of the busiest times of the year in the school calendar, you have stuff at home that’s not getting done, and on and on. When you get tired, mistakes and accidents happen.

Most adults need 7-8 hours of sleep in every 24 hours to feel well rested and without it, a sleep debt is built up. This debt may result in impaired performance, reduced alertness and higher levels of sleepiness and fatigue. A sleep debt can only be repaid with restful sleep. Fatigue contributes to accidents by impairing performance and in extreme cases causing people to fall asleep. Fatigue related “micro sleeps” are very hard to predict or prevent and can place the individual and others at risk.

According to the National Safety Council, more than 43% of workers are sleep-deprived, and fatigued worker productivity costs employers $1,200 to $3,100 per employee annually. Employees on rotating shifts are particularly vulnerable because they cannot adapt their “body clocks” to an alternative sleep pattern.

Fatigue Management Programs

More and more companies are including fatigue management in their list of safety programs.  For major manufacturers and industrial facilities that use contractor pre-qualification services like ISNetworld, Fatigue Management Programs are a requirement for contractors.

Fatigue Management Programs can be simple.  They can line out the responsibilities of supervisors, employees and the company.  They also discuss the hazards of fatigue, provide a overview of risk controls and make a plan for training.

Even if you don’t want to create a formal Fatigue Management Program, you still may want to consider including safety sessions about it to your teams.  Here are some elements you can include in your training:

Signs and Effects of Fatigue

Signs of fatigue include long eye blinks, repeated yawning, frequent blinking, bloodshot eyes, poor reaction time, slow speech, loss of energy, and an inability to concentrate.

Fatigue can result in a lack of attention, difficulty following instructions, reduced ability to think clearly, and slower response to changing circumstances.

Chronic fatigue can also lead to many different long term health issues such as high blood pressure, increased risk for diabetes and heart disease, weakened immunity, poor balance, mood changes and memory issues.

What Your Company Can Do:  Risk Controls to Consider

Rest, of course, is the most important control measure for managing fatigue. For companies, consider the following:

  • Is a ten hour or longer break between work shifts provided?
  • Are safety critical tasks planned during “circadian low” hours, 2am-6am and 2pm- 4pm?
  • Are complex tasks planned on the first or final shift of a nightshift work cycle?
  • Does the break between work shifts provide a sleep opportunity of 7 or more hours of continuous sleep?
  • Is a minimum of one break provided between each 4 hours of work with one break of sufficient length to have a meal (i.e. 30 minutes)?
  • Are more frequent short breaks allowed during strenuous activities?
  • Are on-call responsibilities limited?
  • Is ready access to drinking water provided?
  • Do Call-Out/On Call schedules provide for adequate rest before returning to a regular work shift?

What the Worker Can Do: Combating Fatigue

  • Try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule — if you’re sleeping more on days off, you’re not sleeping enough on work days. Try to go to bed and wake up at roughly the same time per day, even on the weekends.
  • Try to get a minimum of 7 hours per night
  • Don’t eat big meals close to bedtime, but if you’re hungry before bed, don’t go to bed hungry as that will affect sleep too — have a healthy snack.
  • Caffeine, nicotine and alcohol can all affect sleep patterns
  • Make your bedroom conducive to sleep — quiet, dark, not too hot or too cold
  • If you have daytime sleepiness, snoring or breathing pauses, get checked out for sleep apnea
  • Just like kids need a bedtime routine, so do you. Establish a relaxing bedtime routine and stick to it.
  • Avoid stressful activities before bedtime and don’t associate your bedroom and sleeping with anxiety
  • Don’t go to bed for sleep unless you’re truly sleepy — trying to sleep is counterproductive and can make it harder to fall asleep.
  • Avoid long naps during the day that may throw off your nighttime schedule.
  • Avoid blue light exposure at night (from electronic devices) – use glasses that block blue light or install an app that blocks it.
  • When was the last time you changed your mattress and pillow? Are they causing pain? Upgrade your bedding every 5-8 yrs.

Working together to try to incorporate just even a few of these into our lives and work days should make a real difference in workplace health and wellness — both physically and mentally.

If you need help developing a Fatigue Management written safety program, we can help.  Contact us today!

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OSHA’s Noise Regional Emphasis Program for General Industry and Construction

OSHA’s Noise Regional Emphasis Program for General Industry and Construction

Mar 24, 2022

OSHA has reissued a noise hazard regional emphasis program for Region VII.  OSHA inspectors will be conducting targeted inspections for noise for certain NAICS categories in both general industry and construction.  Even though this particular emphasis program is for Region VII (Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, and Nebraska), OSHA has noise-related regional emphasis programs in all states except for those that fall in the Western and Pacific Regions (9 and 10).

OSHA says it’s targeting workplaces with excessive noise levels in order to prevent permanent hearing loss.  They say 22 million workers are working in hazardous noise levels and 53% do not wear hearing protection.  In a NIOSH study, 52% of noise-exposed tested construction workers admitted to not wearing hearing protection, and 25% of tested workers had a hearing loss that affected their day-to-day activities. Hearing loss is an OSHA recordable injury.  Even short-term exposures can cause ringing in the ears, reduced productivity and stress.

Who Will Be Inspected?

OSHA has made a list of the NAICS codes from both general industry and construction that they have found commonly have noise hazards.  Data was gathered from a couple different sources.  First, they looked at inspections conducted between 2018 and 2020 where there were citations for noise.  They found the industries who had the most citations for these issues, and have sorted them from the most inspected group to the least inspected group.  OSHA also created the State Workers Compensation Data Profile.  This collected data of the NAICS groups that were reporting noise-related injuries and illnesses through workers compensation cases within that same time period.  These lists were combined to generate a master list of NAICS groups.

These are the NAICS groups that have been identified for the targeted inspections:

GENERAL INDUSTRY NAICS

2111:  Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution
3119:  Other Food Manufacturing
3211:  Sawmills and Wood Preservation
3219:  Other Wood Product Manufacturing
3241:  Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing
3261:  Plastics Products Manufacturing
3315:  Foundries
3323:  Architectural and Structural Metals Manufacturing
3327:  Machine Shops; Turned Product; and Screw, Nut and Bolt Manufacturing
3328:  Coating, Engraving, Heat Treating and Allied Activities
3329:  Other Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing
3364:  Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing
4239: Miscellaneous Durable Goods Merchant Wholesalers
4811:  Scheduled Air Transportation
4922:  Local Messengers and Local Delivery

CONSTRUCTION NAICS

2361:  Residential Building Construction
2362:  Nonresidential Building Construction
2372:  Land Subdivision
2373:  Highway, Street and Bridge Construction
2379:  Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction
2382:  Building Equipment Contractors
2383:  Building Finishing Contractors
2389:  Other Specialty Trade Contractors

Inspections – What Will OSHA Look For?

OSHA will start the inspection by reviewing programs and records, including your:

  • OSHA 300 logs for threshold hearing shifts and other health hazards
  • Noise sampling data, including past noise surveys that include sound level measurements
  • Exposure Monitoring Program
  • Hearing Conservation Program
  • Hearing conservation training records
  • Audiograms for the past 3 years
  • Records in conjunction with access to employee exposure and medical records (1910.1020)
  • Information on temporary workers so they can evaluate your program in relation to them
  • Information on PPE provided and whether it’s voluntary or required and where
  • Schematic diagram of your facility (for noise mapping) and departments where noise may be an issue
  • Union representatives will be questioned on noise and hearing conservation efforts

Inspectors Will Conduct Sampling

From there, OSHA will conduct a walk around to observe your processes and find opportunities for noise mapping.  They will take pictures of workers not wearing their hearing protection correctly, or those in noisy areas not wearing any protection at all.  They will also interview workers in areas where there are greater than 80 dba of noise found. 

Inspectors will conduct noise mapping with a sound meter and, depending on their findings, may need to conduct additional noise dosimetry on individual workers.  OSHA instructions for their inspectors advises inspectors to try to do noise dosimetry the very first day they’re there, and to get the dosimeters on the workers as soon as possible.  Only 6 or more hours are necessary to support a citation.  Thus, they may want to do dosimetry immediately to get as many hours of data as possible. However, guidance also suggests they do the dosimetry on your second shift workers if the inspection gets started later in the day. If they need additional sampling in other areas, they will come back for additional follow-up sampling for full shifts on other days.

Protect Your Company With Side-by-Side Sampling

As an employer, it’s advisable that you conduct side-by-side sampling of any noise sampling or dosimetry OSHA is conducting.  This means you would have someone conduct noise sampling alongside the inspector to assure that the samples collected are similar to what OSHA is collecting.  You can also choose to put a dosimeter on the same employees to duplicate and check noise dosimetry.  It’s your right as an employer to do this and may help in negotiations later if there are discrepancies between your results and those of OSHA’s.

iSi Can Help You Prepare and Get Your Program in Order

iSi can help you get your documentation in order in the event you are going to be inspected.  This includes:

  • Industrial hygiene audits and assessments to see where you stand with occupational health and exposure-related OSHA regulations
  • Conducting noise mapping and dosimetry so you have your required records on file
  • Developing Exposure Monitoring Programs
  • Reviewing OSHA logs for recordable hearing losses and helping you determine which hearing losses are recordable
  • Written Hearing Conservation Programs
  • Hearing conservation training
  • PPE evaluations
  • Side-by-side noise sampling during inspections
  • Safety professionals for to be onsite and assist during OSHA inspections

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What’s on OSHA’s To-Do List? OSHA Publishes Current Regulatory Agenda

What’s on OSHA’s To-Do List? OSHA Publishes Current Regulatory Agenda

Feb 25, 2022

OSHA’s regulatory agenda has been published with a list of priorities the agency is working on.  Twice a year the federal agencies publish their regulatory priorities.  These are typically listed by what stage each is currently in.  What is on OSHA’s regulatory agenda, and what changes and additions may you see coming up?

Final Rule Stage

These are the ones closest to being issued as a final rule.

Walking Working Surfaces
1910.28(b)(11)(ii), 1910.29(f)(1)

Feedback about provisions of the 2016 final rule being unclear led OSHA to work to update some formatting errors in Table D-2 and to revise language about the requirements for stair rail systems to make them clearer.

Procedures for Handling Retaliation Complaints Under Whistleblower Protection Statuses, Under the Anti-Money Laundering Act, and Under the Criminal Antitrust Anti-Retaliation Act
Multiple

These three are basically the same, laying groundwork for procedures on how to handle and investigate complaints and protect retaliation against whistleblowers.

Proposed Rule Stage

Improved Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses
1904.41

This proposed rule would require establishments already reporting OSHA 300As electronically to submit the OSHA 300 and 301 information electronically as well.  This was an original feature of the standard, but was removed in 2019.  Those who are required to report electronically are employers with 250 or more employees.

Hazcom Updates
1910.1200

The last Hazard Communication Standard incorporated the 3rd Edition of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS).  GHS has been updated several times since 2012, and OSHA wants to update the standard to reflect the 7th Edition of GHS.

Amendments to the Crane and Derricks in Construction Standard
1926

  • Correct references to power line voltage for direct current (DC) voltages as well as alternating current (AC) voltages;
  • Broaden the exclusion for forklifts carrying loads under the forks from “winch or hook” to a “winch and boom”;
  • Clarify an exclusion for work activities by articulating cranes;
  • Provide 4 definitions inadvertently omitted in the final standard;
  • Replace “minimum approach distance” with “minimum clearance distance” throughout to remove ambiguity;
  • Clarify the use of demarcated boundaries for work near power lines;
  • Correct an error permitting body belts to be used as a personal fall arrest system rather than a personal fall restraint system;
  • Replace the verb “must” with “may” used in error in several provisions; correct an error in a caption on standard hand signals; and
  • Resolve an issue of “NRTL-approved” safety equipment (e.g., proximity alarms and insulating devices) that is required by the final standard, but is not yet available.

Occupational Exposure to Crystalline Silica in Construction
1926.1153(c)

OSHA wants to seek information on the effectiveness of the dust control measures currently included in Table 1.  They also want to find out if there are any other tasks or tools that would be effective to add to Table 1.  Employers who follow Table 1 correctly are not required to measure workers’ exposure to silica and are not subject to the permissible exposure limit (PEL).

 Welding in Construction Confined Spaces
1926.353

OSHA wants to amend the Welding and Cutting Standard to remove any ambiguity about the definition of a confined space.  The explanation portion of the 2015 Confined Spaces in Construction standard discusses how the welding standard and the confined spaces standard work together.  Although the confined spaces standard states that it encompasses welding activities, the welding standard does not expressly identify a definition of “confined space”.

PPE in Construction
1926.95

Clarification of requirements for the fit of PPE in construction.

Updates to Lockout/Tagout
1910.147

OSHA recognizes technological advancements in computer-based controls of hazardous energy conflict with the LOTO standard.  These controls are increasingly being used and there are consensus standards for their design.  Other countries are also accepting their use.  OSHA wants to look into harmonizing the current standard with those other countries.  There is a current RFI out which is seeking information to understand the strengths and limitations of these devices and their potential hazards to workers.

Powered Industrial Truck Design Standard Update
1910.178, 1926.602

OSHA is proposing to update the referenced ANSI standard from ANSI B56.1-1969 Safety Standard for Powered Industrial Trucks to also include the latest version of ANSI/ITSDF B56.1a-2018, Safety Standard for Low Lift and High Lift Trucks.

State Plans – Arizona and Massachusetts
1952

In the Arizona rule, OSHA is considering revoking Arizona’s State Plan because they didn’t issue an Emergency Temporary Standard for COVID within the 30 days OSHA gave them to adopt their own standard.  State Plans are required to issue regulations as strong as or stronger than federal OSHA.

Massachusetts is applying to have a State Plan applicable only to state and local government employees.

Specific Industries

Medical – Infectious Diseases
1910

This rule is meant to identify standards to protect workers in health care, emergency response, prisons, homeless shelters, drug treatment programs, medical examiners, labs, and other occupational settings where there’s a high risk of transmission of infectious diseases such as TB, MRSA, SARS, chickenpox, shingles and COVID.

Shipyard Fall Protection – Scaffolds, Ladders and Other Working Surfaces
1915.71-1915.77, subpart E

The current subpart E section of the standard is not comprehensive in its coverage of fall hazards in shipyards. OSHA issued a Request for Information and is considering updating existing standards and dividing the rulemaking into three subparts: subpart E, Stairways, Ladders and Other Access and Egress; subpart M, Fall Protection; and subpart N, Scaffolds.

Communication Tower Construction and Maintenance
1926 and 1910

Communication tower work has a high fatality rate and construction is expected to greatly increase.  OSHA has been collecting information and has determined current fall protection and personnel hoisting guidance may not adequately cover this work.  OSHA will be determining if a separate standard is needed, including covering structures that have telecommunications equipment on it or attached to them such as rooftops, buildings, water towers and billboards.

Tree Care
No Specific Reg Cited

There is no standard for tree care operations, which is a high hazard industry.  The tree care industry has petitioned to have a rule, and OSHA has collected information from affected small entities on what may be included in a potential standard.

Prerule Stage

Heat Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings
No Specific Reg Cited

This has gotten more publicity in the past few years.  In our blog in 2019 we wrote about a House bill that would require OSHA to develop a formal heat standard.  The effort and debate continues.  OSHA says that given the potentially broad scope of regulatory efforts to protect workers from heat hazards, as well as a number of technical issues and considerations with regulating this hazard (e.g., heat stress thresholds, heat acclimatization planning, exposure monitoring, medical monitoring), a Request for Information would allow them to begin a dialogue and engage with stakeholders to explore the potential for rulemaking on this topic.

Blood Lead Level for Medical Removal
1910.1025, 1926.62

OSHA is looking at reducing the trigger level for removing personnel from lead exposures.  Current levels require medical removal at 60 µg/dL in general industry, 50 µg/dL in construction and the return of employees to a former job status at below 40 µg/dL.  OSHA will be seeking public input on levels, identifying possible areas of the lead standard that need to be revised and how to improve worker protection where preventable lead exposures continue to occur.

Emergency Response
1910

Current OSHA standards don’t reflect the full range of hazards that emergency responders encounter nor the advancements in PPE, in technology, nor the major developments already being accepted by the emergency response community and consensus standards.  OSHA is considering updating these based on information gathered through a request for information and public meetings.

Process Safety Management and Prevention of Major Chemical Accidents
1910.119

OSHA has been looking at potentially modernizing the PSM standard and related standards since 2013.  Stakeholder meetings are next on the list.

Mechanical Power Presses Update
No Specific Reg Cited

The current OSHA standard is over 40 years old and does not address the use of hydraulic or pneumatic power presses or any other technological changes. OSHA previously published an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Mechanical Power Presses (June 2007) in which it identified several options for updating this standard.  It’s still on the list.

Prevention of Workplace Violence in Health Care and Social Assistance
No Specific Reg Cited

This has been on the list since 2017 and is related to impacts of workplace violence, prevention strategies and other information in health care and social assistance.  OSHA was petitioned for a standard preventing workplace violence in health care by a broad coalition of labor unions, and in a separate petition by the National Nurses United.  A small business study (like those conducted for specific industries) is next on the list.

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The Top 5 Respiratory Protection Issues Cited by OSHA in 2021

The Top 5 Respiratory Protection Issues Cited by OSHA in 2021

Dec 3, 2021

The list of the most cited OSHA standards is out for 2021.  As you may know, the list contains the same issues each year, usually just in a different order.  Fall protection in construction is number one for the 11th year in a row. Hazard communication, usually towards the top of the list, surprisingly fell to 5th.   Respiratory protection in general industry is the new overall number two for this year, and the top issue found in general industry.

So what are the issues most commonly cited for respiratory protection?   

1. 1910.134(e)(1) Medical Evaluations

The most commonly cited relates to medical evaluations. Employers are to provide medical evaluations to determine the employee’s ability to use a respirator, before fit-testing and before they’re required to use the respirator in the workplace. 

There is a medical questionnaire in Appendix C that you can choose to use, or you can choose to do a medical examination instead as long as the examination contains the same information found in the questionnaire.  As an employer, you cannot look at the answers, and must provide employees with instructions on how to deliver or send the completed questionnaire to a physician or other licensed health care professional (PLHCP) for review. 

Seasonal and temporary workers are required to have evaluations if their jobs require respirator use.  Those workers who voluntary choose to wear dust masks (after you’ve determined there is no hazard in that area) are not required to have medical evaluations but must be made aware of the limitations of the dust mask as outlined in Appendix D of the standard.

2.  1910.134(f)(2) Fit Testing

Employers are to ensure employees wearing tight-fitting facepiece respirators are fit-tested:

  1. Before use
  2. Whenever a different respiratory facepiece is used (size, model, make, style)
  3. Annually

Fit-testing is done qualitatively or quantitatively.  Qualitative fit-testing uses items such as saccharine, Bittrex, banana oil or irritant smoke to determine protection.  It relies on the person being tested’s ability to sense odor or irritants. Qualitative fit testing is only for half-face, full-face and N95 filtering facepiece respirators that have an Assigned Protection Factor (APF) of 10.

Quantitative respirator fit-testing uses a machine to measure pressure loss inside the mask or to count quantities of particles to calculate a fit factor.  Quantitative testing is considered more accurate than qualitative fit-testing.  Quantitative fit-testing must be conducted for respirators requiring an APF over 10.  Full-face tight fitting respirators that are quantitatively tested have an APF of 50 .

3.  1910.134(c)(1) Written Program

In any workplace where there is respirator use, there needs to be a written program with site-specific procedures. The program is to be administered by a “suitably trained” program administrator.  Whenever conditions in the workplace changes, the program should be updated.  If you have people voluntarily wearing respirators, you still are required to have a program.

The program is to contain the following elements:

  • Procedures for selecting respirators;
  • Medical evaluations of employees required to use respirators;
  • Fit testing procedures for tight-fitting respirators;
  • Procedures for proper use of respirators in routine and reasonably foreseeable emergency situations;
  • Procedures and schedules for cleaning, disinfecting, storing, inspecting, repairing, discarding, and otherwise maintaining respirators;
  • Procedures to ensure adequate air quality, quantity, and flow of breathing air for atmosphere-supplying respirators;
  • Training of employees in the respiratory hazards to which they are potentially exposed during routine and emergency situations;
  • Training of employees in the proper use of respirators, including putting on (donning) and removing them (doffing), any limitations on their use, and their maintenance; and
  • Procedures for regularly evaluating the effectiveness of the program.

Annual reviews are not required, but reviews should be done periodically in accordance with the complexity and factors of your hazards, types of respirators used, and worker experience using them. Workplace changes are an automatic trigger for updates.  For instance, if your workplace conditions change such as different exposure amounts or types, if you change respirators, or change fit-testing protocols, an update would be necessary.

In your review, employees should be questioned on factors affecting their performance such as difficulty in breathing, limits of motion, impacts to vision/hearing/communication, discomfort and if they have any concerns on effectiveness.

4.  1910.134(k)(1) Training

Employers need to make sure employees can demonstrate their knowledge of the following:

  • Why the respirator is necessary
  • How proper fit, usage and maintenance can compromise its protective effect
  • Limitations and capabilities of a respirator
  • How to use it in an emergency
  • What to do if it malfunctions
  • How to inspect, don, doff and check its seals
  • How to properly clean, disinfect and store the equipment
  • How to recognize medical signs and symptoms that may limit or prevent the respirator’s effectiveness; and,
  • The general requirements of this section of the standard.

Employees need to be trained BEFORE using a respirator in the workplace, and ANNUALLY (within 12 months). Training needs to include the above elements each year. Besides the annual training requirement, retraining is required whenever there are changes in the workplace, when you see the employee has inadequacies in his/her knowledge or use of it, or any other case in which it looks like the employee would benefit from retraining.

To determine the employee’s understanding, you can ask the employee in writing or orally about the information and observe their hands-on use of respirators.

5.  1910.134(d)(1) General Requirements

The general requirements are the general rules for selection of respirators. That is, it is the employer’s duty to:

  1. Select appropriate respirators based on the hazards to which they’re exposed and the workplace factors that will affect them such as temperature/humidity, need for unimpeded vision, need for communication with other workers, usage in conjunction with other PPE, amount of time to be worn, etc.

  2. Select NIOSH-certified respirators and use them in compliance with the conditions of that certification. So don’t use parts for one brand on a different brand of respirators and for airline respirators use in accordance with operating procedures and hose specifications.
  3. Evaluate the respiratory hazards of the workplace. This includes quantifying exposures, identifying the contaminant’s chemical and physical form. You must do an analysis to determine if respirators are needed.  If it’s not possible to identity or estimate, the atmosphere should be considered to be IDLH, or immediately dangerous to life or health.
  4. Select respirators in a sufficient number of models and sizes so that they are acceptable and correctly fit. Not everyone’s face is the same.  We’ve found in fit-testing that not only are there size variances between people, but some just cannot successfully fit test in certain brands and shapes of respirators.

Need Help?  Have Questions?

After reviewing these 5, does your program have all of these bases covered? 

If you have questions, or need help shoring up your respiratory protection program, iSi is here to help!  We can write or review your written programs, help you determine workplace exposures, help with sampling plans, help with respirator selection, and conduct training. Contact us today!

Need Help?

Do you need help with any of these respiratory protection issues, respirator selection, quantitative fit-testing or training?  We can help!

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Keith Reissig
Keith Reissig

Contributing:

Ryan Livengood

International Hazardous Materials Logistics Manager | EHS Regulatory Trainer

As a former corporate environmental, health and safety manager, Ryan has a vast experience in working with both environmental and safety compliance issues in multiple states.  His specialties include national and international dangerous goods transportation, hazardous waste, environmental compliance, industrial hygiene and safety compliance. He is also an ISO 14001 Lead Auditor.

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8 Key Details You Need to Know About OSHA’s Vaccination and Testing Standard

8 Key Details You Need to Know About OSHA’s Vaccination and Testing Standard

Nov 11, 2021

OSHA’s recently announced Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) on vaccination and testing was issued on November 5, 2021, and within days it was stayed by 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. While the legality of the standard, aka 29 CFR 1910.501, remains in question, it would still be a good idea for your business to become familiar with the standard’s requirements, in the event it is allowed to continue.

Here are 8 key details of the standard you need to know:

1. 100 Employees Requirement

The ETS applies to companies with 100 or more employees. This counts 100 employees at the enterprise level, but only U.S. employees. The number is based on heads, not equivalent hours. The host employer does NOT count temporary worker hours (this goes on staffing agencies’ head counts). Determining head count starts at worker start dates of November 5, 2021 and later. If you reach 100 employees at any one time, your company will fall under the requirements throughout the life of the ETS (which is supposed to end on May 4, 2022).

2. Determining Vaccination Status

Employers must determine the vaccination status of every employee. Employers must also maintain current knowledge of the aggregate number of fully vaccinated employees and total number of employees at the workplace. If requested by OSHA or an employee, this information must be made available within 4 hours.

3. Testing

If you decide not to require vaccines for all employees, the standard allows unvaccinated employees to do weekly testing. Employers are not responsible for the costs of testing.

There is a hard 7-day limit in testing. That is, the employer must have a copy of a new COVID test result on 7th day. The employee cannot come to work on the 8th day without a test result.

Pool testing for weekly testing will be allowed. This means you can collect the same type of specimen from several people and conduct one antigen laboratory test on the combined pool of specimens (e.g., four samples may be tested together, using only the resources needed for a single test). If pooling procedures are used and a pooled test result comes back negative, then all the specimens can be presumed negative with the single test. If results come back positive, additional testing per employee to determine which one in the pool is the positive one would be required. Pool testing would reduce testing costs and results time.

4. Rules for the Unvaccinated

There is no more 6-foot distance rule when it comes to masking. All unvaccinated workers would be required to wear masks. They could only remove masks when they are alone in a closed room with the doors closed, when eating/drinking, when wearing a respirator, for identification purposes (security ID), when their job duties require seeing their mouth or when a face covering would present a serious injury or death. Unvaccinated workers who become close contacts would no longer have to be removed from the workplace.

5. Written Policy

Employers must have written policy in place that covers either mandatory vaccinations or a vaccination/testing option.

6. Training/Informing Workers About the ETS

Employers need to provide certain information to employees about the ETS and any method of information is acceptable as long as it includes the following information:

  • Information about the ETS
  • Employer policies/procedures
  • Vaccine information by providing the specific document “Key Things to Know About COVID-19 Vaccines”
  • Multiple sections of the OSH Act which protects against discrimination, reporting injuries/illnesses, retaliation, and about criminal penalties associated with knowingly supplying false information.

7. Recordkeeping

Vaccine and weekly testing records will be considered medical records which need to be maintained in a confidential manner. However, unlike other OSHA medical record requirements, vaccine and weekly testing records would only need to be maintained for the life of ETS.

8. Compliance Date

At the moment, the compliance date is December 6, 2021 for all provisions except weekly testing. The compliance date for weekly COVID testing is January 4, 2022.

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iSi will be monitoring developments with federal OSHA ETS and will update this article, or provide additional information in our blog as information continues to develop.

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Curtis Leiker, CSP
Curtis Leiker, CSP

Contributing:

Curtis Leiker, CSP

Certified Safety Professional |  ISO 45001 and 14001 Lead Auditor

Curtis Leiker, CSP is a project manager at iSi Environmental. Besides assisting companies with ISO 14001 and 45001 implementation, Curtis manages environmental and safety programs, reporting and compliance issues for aviation, general industry and agricultural facilities. He’s able to see the big picture, but focus on the details and enjoys working to solve EHS issues.

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