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.

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!

Need Help?

Need an extra hand to get your safety issues covered? How about policies/programs developed or training conducted?

Get Help Here
t

Questions?

Does this apply to your company?  Do you have questions?  Contact us!
Ask a Question

Receive News to Your Inbox

We send our articles by email whenever we add a new one.  Don’t miss out!  Sign up for our blog today.
Subscribe

Request a Quote

iSi can provide assistance in this area. How can we help?  Ask us for a price quote.
Request Pricing

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.

Need Help?

iSi can help with respiratory protection questions and conduct both quantitative and qualitative fit-testing!

Get Assistance
t

Questions?

Does this apply to your company?  Do you have questions?  Contact us!
Ask a Question

Receive News to Your Inbox

We send our articles by email whenever we add a new one.  Don’t miss out!  Sign up for our blog today.
Subscribe to This Blog

Request a Quote

iSi can provide assistance in this area. How can we help?  Ask us for a price quote.
Request Pricing

SMETA Audits

SMETA Audits

Sep 20, 2022

​

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.

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!

l

Need an Audit?

Are you thinking about getting an environmental audit? Let us help!

Pricing/Info
t

Questions?

Does this apply to your company?  Do you have questions?  Contact us!
Ask a Question

Receive News to Your Inbox

We send our articles by email whenever we add a new one.  Don’t miss out!  Sign up for our blog today.
Subscribe to This Blog

Request a Quote

iSi can provide assistance in this area. How can we help?  Ask us for a price quote.
Request Pricing

Workplace Safety Audit Guides

Workplace Safety Audit Guides

Sep 19, 2022

Work Site Safety Audits

A Work Site Safety Audit is an important part of any workplace. It helps to identify potential hazards and risks, and ensures that all safety protocols are being followed. The audit includes a comprehensive review of the environment, as well as any equipment or materials used in the area. It can also include interviews with employees and other stakeholders to assess their understanding of safety policies and procedures.

Safety Audits vs. Safety Inspections: What’s the Difference?

Safety audits and safety inspections serve different purposes. Safety audits are more comprehensive and review the overall safety program of an organization, while safety inspections focus on specific worksites or processes.

Audits evaluate compliance across multiple areas such as employee training, equipment maintenance, hazardous materials management, accident investigation/reporting procedures, emergency response plans, etc., whereas inspections are conducted to ensure that existing regulations and requirements are being met in a particular area (e.g. confined space entry, machine guarding).

Safety audits provide organizations with valuable feedback on their current safety practices and allow them to identify any potential risks before they become significant issues. Inspections can help find violations quickly and lead to corrective actions when needed. Both types of assessments are important components of an effective safety management system.

3 Types of Safety Audits

There are three primary types of safety audits: administrative, environmental, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Administrative audits assess compliance with safety policies and procedures; environmental audits evaluate the physical environment for conditions that may pose a risk to personnel; and PPE audits review the effectiveness of an organization’s PPE program in providing adequate protection for workers.

All three types of safety audit provide valuable insight into the overall safety performance of a company, helping to ensure that it is meeting its commitment to providing safe working conditions.

How to conduct a safety audit?

Conducting a safety audit is an important step in improving the safety of any workplace. It allows organizations to assess their current protocols and identify areas for improvement. When conducting a safety audit, it is important to consider all potential hazards and develop safety regulations and safety procedures to eliminate or control hazards.

This can include everything from evaluating how equipment is used and maintained, to reviewing employee training programs and procedures. Additionally, health and safety audit companies should pay attention to the environment around the facility, ensuring that employees are working in safe conditions with reasonable access to emergency exits.

After identification of risk areas, action plans should be developed and implemented in order to make sure that all necessary steps have been taken in order to provide a safe working environment for everyone involved. Finally, employers should regularly review their safety audit report and audit data and make adjustments to ensure that the workplace remains safe for all workers.

By doing this, businesses can prevent major accidents from occurring and create a safer work environment for everyone. Through consistent safety audits, organizations can be sure that they are taking every measure to ensure the wellbeing of their employees.

The Steps of a Successful Safety Audit

A safety audit is an important part of any successful workplace safety program. It helps to identify risks and implement controls that protect workers and facilitate compliance with relevant legislation.

The steps involved in a successful audit include planning the review process, conducting interviews, collecting data, analyzing results, revising policies and procedures as needed, and finally reporting findings to key stakeholders. To ensure optimal results, it’s important to consult experts who have knowledge of applicable regulations and industry best practices.

With audit findings, workplaces can create safer environments for all personnel. Doing so will go a long way towards preventing accidents or injuries from occurring. Ultimately this leads to increased productivity and improved morale among employees.

The benefits of conducting regular audits are clear and there are many resources available to help employers ensure their workplace safety programs meet or exceed standards. With the right approach, any organization can benefit from a successful safety audit process.

By taking the steps necessary to conduct an effective safety audit, companies can have peace of mind that they are putting their employees first while complying with relevant laws and regulations. Additionally, an audit helps organizations identify areas of potential improvement in order to strengthen existing policies and procedures and create a more secure environment for workers.

This is essential to creating a culture of safety within any organization. Conducting regular audits helps ensure safe working conditions and ultimately better outcomes for everyone involved.

Prepare for the Audit

It is important to thoroughly prepare for an audit, as it will help ensure that the process runs smoothly. Start by gathering all relevant documents and financial statements in one place. It is also beneficial to have a checklist of items that need to be addressed during the audit.

Additionally, make sure you are aware of any applicable laws and regulations related to your industry and business operations.

Access Expert Safety Auditors + EHS Software and Training with KPA

KPA’s Expert Safety Auditors and Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Software and Training solutions are designed to help businesses keep their employees safe, comply with regulations, and reduce risk.

What are the Benefits of Performing a Safety Audit?

Performing a safety audit is an essential part of any workplace safety program. Regularly performing safety audits helps to identify potential risks, ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations, minimize accidents and injuries, and keep workers safe. Safety audits also help to reduce costs associated with legal fees, insurance premiums, medical expenses, lost time due to injuries or illness, and other related costs.

In addition to this financial benefit, regular safety audits can increase employee morale by demonstrating the commitment of management towards workplace safety. Overall, the benefits of performing a safety audit are clear – improved worker health and reduced potential liability for employers.

How frequently should safety audits be conducted?

When it comes to safety audits, the frequency of their execution can vary depending on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, these audits should be conducted at least once a year. However, this timeframe may need to be adjusted depending on the industry, environment and context of the business in question.

What Are the Best Practices in Conducting Safety Audits?

Safety audits are essential for any work environment, and there are best practices that should be followed when conducting them. First, safety audits should be conducted regularly to ensure all areas of the workplace are up-to-date on safety standards.

It’s also important to involve personnel who can provide a fresh perspective and spot potential hazards. Additionally, auditors should document their observations as they conduct the audit, which allows for an objective assessment of safety practices.

Finally, it’s important to take any corrective actions needed following the audit in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. Following these best practices can help create an effective safety audit that ensures all areas of the workplace are up-to-date on standards and that potential hazards are identified and addressed quickly.

What is a Compliance audit?

A Compliance audit is a systematic review of an organization’s policies, procedures, and operations to ensure that they are in alignment with legal and regulatory requirements. It is a comprehensive evaluation of the effectiveness of internal controls across all areas of the business.

The main goal of this audit is to identify potential risks or weaknesses in the processes so that corrective action can be taken accordingly.

Use Competent and Objective Auditors

Competent and objective auditors play an essential role in ensuring the accuracy of financial documents. Auditors are responsible for evaluating the accuracy of financial records, assessing internal controls, analyzing transactions to detect errors, and providing assurance that the financial statements present a fair view of the company’s performance.

They must have expertise in accounting principles and be able to assess potential risks with objectivity. Auditors must also be able to clearly communicate their findings and recommendations in a way that is understandable to management.

An effective auditor will use a range of different techniques, such as reviewing documents, interviewing staff, using electronic data analytics tools and performing testing procedures, to ensure accuracy and completeness of the financial records.

What Are the Key Elements of a Safety Audit?

A safety audit is an essential tool for any organization that wants to ensure the health and safety of its employees. The key elements of a safety audit are identifying potential hazards, assessing the risk associated with these hazards and determining how best to reduce or eliminate them. To do this, workers must be trained in hazard identification, risk assessment methods, and prevention techniques to control risks.

Additionally, policies and procedures must be created and enforced to reduce the chance of harm or injury occurring in the workplace. Finally, safety audits should include regular follow-up reviews to ensure that any changes have been effective in improving safety. By using a comprehensive approach to safety management through a safety audit, organizations can help protect their staff from potential hazards and prevent accidents from occurring.

What is the difference between an auditor and assessor?

The main difference between an auditor and an assessor is the purpose of their respective roles. An auditor is responsible for verifying that financial information or systems are accurate and in compliance with laws, regulations, and standards.

An assessor’s role is to measure or evaluate a system, process, project, or organization against a set of criteria. Additionally, auditors are usually outside third-party professionals, while assessors can be internal staff employed by the organization they are evaluating. Ultimately, an auditor is interested in determining the truth of a situation, while an assessor is focused on understanding how well it meets standards or criteria.

Both roles play a valuable role in ensuring that financial and operational information is accurate and meeting legal requirements.

Does OSHA require safety audits?

Yes, OSHA does require safety audits for employers to ensure that their workplaces are safe and in compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). By conducting regular safety audits, employers can identify potential hazards and take measures to reduce them.

This helps protect employees’ physical health by reducing the risk of workplace injuries, as well as their mental health by creating a positive working environment. OSHA safety audits allow employers to identify potential hazards and make sure that their workplace is in compliance with the OSHA standards, thus protecting both employees’ physical and mental well-being. Additionally, regular safety audits can help employers save on costs by reducing liability in case of an accident or injury.

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!

l

Need an Audit?

Are you thinking about getting an environmental audit? Let us help!

Pricing/Info
t

Questions?

Does this apply to your company?  Do you have questions?  Contact us!
Ask a Question

Receive News to Your Inbox

We send our articles by email whenever we add a new one.  Don’t miss out!  Sign up for our blog today.
Subscribe to This Blog

Request a Quote

iSi can provide assistance in this area. How can we help?  Ask us for a price quote.
Request Pricing

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.

Need Assistance?

What can iSi’s team of EHS Consultants do for you?  Contact us!

Pricing/Info
t

Questions?

Does this apply to your company?  Do you have questions?  Contact us!
Ask a Question

Receive News to Your Inbox

We send our articles by email whenever we add a new one.  Don’t miss out!  Sign up for our blog today.
Subscribe to This Blog

Request a Quote

iSi can provide assistance in this area. How can we help?  Ask us for a price quote.
Request Pricing

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Audit Policy

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Audit Policy

Sep 4, 2022

United States Environmental Protection Agency Audit Policy: 101

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is committed to protecting and preserving the environment for all of us, which means ensuring that businesses across the country are following EPA policies. To do this, the agency performs audits on companies in order to ensure compliance with EPA standards.

This includes checking documents and records, sampling chemicals and other materials, evaluating waste management practices, testing equipment, observing production processes, interviewing employees, etc. The goal of each audit is to identify any potential violations or areas of non-compliance with the law.

After completing an audit, the EPA will issue a report outlining its findings and recommendations. Typically, the report will include areas of non-compliance, along with suggestions for corrective action to ensure compliance in those areas. Companies are then required to submit a written response to the audit and provide evidence that steps have been taken to address any issues identified by the EPA.

It is important for companies to be aware of their responsibility and obligation when it comes to environmental protection. The Environmental Protection Agency Audit Policy provides businesses with an opportunity for self-evaluation and proactive strides towards ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and laws. As such, it is essential that companies remain up-to-date regarding changes in policy or procedure, regularly review their operations and practices, and work diligently to resolve any violations or problems discovered during audits. By doing so, companies can help to ensure a safe and healthy environment for everyone.

An important part of the Environmental Protection Agency Audit Policy includes being able to respond effectively to any audit report issued by the agency. Companies should contact an environmental attorney who is knowledgeable about the requirements outlined in the EPA’s Audit Policy, as well as any applicable state or local laws that may be relevant. In addition, they should develop a detailed plan of action outlining how they intend to resolve any issues identified during an audit and provide evidence of their compliance with all applicable standards. By doing so, businesses can help demonstrate their commitment to protecting the environment and set a positive example for others in their industry.

At the end of the day, businesses have a responsibility to protect the environment and ensure compliance with all applicable laws. Companies who take advantage of this policy are helping to set a positive example for others in their industry and create a healthier future for everyone.

EPA’s Interim Approach to Applying the Audit Policy to New Owners | US EPA

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed an Interim Approach to Applying the Audit Policy to New Owners, which provides tailored incentives for new owners of facilities that have been found to be non-compliant with environmental laws prior to acquisition. This approach allows new owners to make a “clean start” by addressing any noncompliance that began before they obtained ownership of the facility.

This Audit Policy incentives include compliance assistance and technical advice, potential reduction in penalties and civil enforcement actions, reimbursement for environmentally beneficial projects, and protection from certain criminal prosecution related to pre-acquisition violations. These incentives are designed to encourage responsible parties at newly acquired facilities to address existing noncompliance issues quickly and effectively through voluntary disclosure or corrective action. By taking advantage of EPA’s Audit Policy incentives, new owners can ensure compliance with environmental statutes and make a fresh start.

What are the benefits of an EPS audit?

The EPA believes that having audits conducted allows organizations to make better-informed actions, optimize performance levels, and ensure sustainable success over the long term..

An EPS audit is a valuable tool for assessing the financial health of an organization. It provides an objective overview of a company’s performance and can help identify areas where improvements or corrective actions may be needed. An EPS audit can also serve as an key preventative measure, providing insight into potential problems before they become catastrophes.

At the same time, it can help to enhance processes and procedures that are already in place by giving management a comprehensive look at their current operations and financial position.

What types of companies are required to perform and environmental audit?

Environmental audit reports are useful to a variety of businesses and industries, local, state and federal government facilities, as well as financial lenders and insurance companies that need to assess environmental performance. Audit reports can be extremely useful for businesses, governments, and financial lenders in understanding the environmental performance of a given facility. They provide detailed information on air emissions, water usage, waste management systems, hazardous materials management practices and storage procedures.

This data is key to ensuring that facilities are meeting regulatory requirements and following industry best practices. Additionally, environmental audit reports may be necessary to meet contractual requirements with customers or other third parties. Finally, financial lenders may use these reports to assess risk associated with a particular project or investment opportunity in order to make informed decisions on whether to lend money or not. Ultimately, environmental audit reports are an essential part of ensuring continual compliance as well as business sustainability.

Who conducts EPA audits?

EPA audits can be conducted by internal auditors, external auditors, and third-party verification organizations.

Internal auditors usually have knowledge and expertise in the specific area being audited, such as environmental protection, energy efficiency or sustainability. External auditors are independent third-party experts who assess and evaluate compliance with EPA ordinances Finally, third party verification organizations provide impartial assessments to verify the effectiveness of an organization’s systems for meeting specific standards. Each type of audit provides its own unique benefits, ensuring that thorough and comprehensive evaluations of facility operations take place.

Through careful review and assessment of procedures, policies and practices, these audits ensure that organizations remain compliant with EPA statutes.

How often are EPA audits required?

Once every three years.

According to the regulations at 40 CFR §§68.58(a) and 68.79(a), owners or operators must certify that they have completed a compliance evaluation of their prevention program every three years in order to ensure that established procedures and practices are adequately maintained and followed.

This process requires the tangible review of all applicable documents, including but not limited to safety protocols, emergency response plans, operating manuals, training records, inspection reports and other relevant documentation.

By completing this certification process on a regular basis, owners or operators can maintain regulatory compliance while helping to protect their employees and fix environmental issues.

What is an environmental audit protocol?

Audit protocols can help facilities evaluate their compliance with environmental laws. They provide guidance on how to develop a plan of action to address any issues and may include information on testing, monitoring, or other practices that are necessary for the facility’s success in meeting environmental requirements.

The protocols should be seen as a supplement to existing permits, statutes and laws; however, these guidelines must still be followed in order to ensure legal compliance. Audit protocols also provide a framework for more efficient evaluation of compliance status, helping facilities save time and resources when assessing their operations.

Why is it necessary for businesses to be sustainable?

Sustainability is becoming increasingly necessary in the business world, as businesses look to adopt greener technologies and practices that benefit both their bottom line and the environment. Sustainable businesses are able to make better use of resources while reducing costs, resulting in greater profits and job security for employees. Smaller businesses can also benefit from sustainable practices, as they often find it difficult to compete with larger organizations due to lower capital investments. An example of such is the The Clean Air Act (CAA) (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.) is a comprehensive Federal law that regulates all sources of air emissions.

By adopting more efficient methods and technologies, smaller businesses have the potential to become competitive players in the market. Furthermore, sustainability has a positive impact on employment by ensuring better working conditions for employees; this helps create a more stable economy and helps protect human health. Ultimately, sustainability is essential for creating an economically viable future for businesses, employees, and the environment. By taking strides towards a more sustainable business model, companies can create long-term value for their stakeholders and ensure a brighter future for everyone.

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!

Need Assistance?

Does this new change pertain to your company? Our team can help you figure it out and can help with other air compliance issues.

Pricing/Info
t

Questions?

Does this apply to your company?  Do you have questions?  Contact us!
Ask a Question

Receive News to Your Inbox

We send our articles by email whenever we add a new one.  Don’t miss out!  Sign up for our blog today.
Subscribe to This Blog

Request a Quote

iSi can provide assistance in this area. How can we help?  Ask us for a price quote.
Request Pricing

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.

Need Assistance?

What can iSi’s team of EHS Consultants do for you?  Contact us!

Pricing/Info
t

Questions?

Does this apply to your company?  Do you have questions?  Contact us!
Ask a Question

Receive News to Your Inbox

We send our articles by email whenever we add a new one.  Don’t miss out!  Sign up for our blog today.
Subscribe to This Blog

Request a Quote

iSi can provide assistance in this area. How can we help?  Ask us for a price quote.
Request Pricing

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!

l

Need an Audit?

Are you thinking about getting an environmental audit? Let us help!

Pricing/Info
t

Questions?

Does this apply to your company?  Do you have questions?  Contact us!
Ask a Question

Receive News to Your Inbox

We send our articles by email whenever we add a new one.  Don’t miss out!  Sign up for our blog today.
Subscribe to This Blog

Request a Quote

iSi can provide assistance in this area. How can we help?  Ask us for a price quote.
Request Pricing

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!

Need Assistance?

Are you thinking about getting a safety or health audit? Let us help!

Pricing/Info
t

Questions?

Does this apply to your company?  Do you have questions?  Contact us!
Ask a Question

Receive News to Your Inbox

We send our articles by email whenever we add a new one.  Don’t miss out!  Sign up for our blog today.
Subscribe to This Blog

Request a Quote

iSi can provide assistance in this area. How can we help?  Ask us for a price quote.
Request Pricing

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!

Program Assistance

Are you having issues with any of these?  We can help get you up to speed!

Get Help Here
t

Questions?

Does this apply to your company?  Do you have questions?  Contact us!

Ask a Question

Receive News to Your Inbox

We send our articles by email whenever we add a new one.  Don’t miss out!  Sign up for our blog today.

Subscribe to This Blog

Request a Quote

iSi can provide assistance in this area. How can we help?  Ask us for a price quote.

Request Pricing

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!

Program Assistance

Are you missing some of these items in your program too?  We can help get you up to speed!

Get Help Here
t

Questions?

Does this apply to your company?  Do you have questions?  Contact us!

Ask a Question

Receive News to Your Inbox

We send our articles by email whenever we add a new one.  Don’t miss out!  Sign up for our blog today.

Subscribe to This Blog

Request a Quote

iSi can provide assistance in this area. How can we help?  Ask us for a price quote.

Request Pricing

Sustainability Software

Sustainability Software

Jul 16, 2022

Sustainability software is a powerful tool for businesses and organizations that are looking to become more sustainable and reduce their carbon footprint. This type of software collects data on energy usage, waste disposal, water consumption, and other environmental factors in order to measure the sustainability performance of an organization or business.

It can provide detailed reports showing which areas need improvement as well as suggest ways to reduce emissions and optimize resource use. By collecting this data, companies can set goals and reach them with greater accuracy and efficiency than ever before.

With sustainability programs, organizations have the power to make a real difference in the world around them while also saving money in the long run by reducing their energy costs. In short, it’s a win-win proposition for everyone involved.

Sustainability software is an important tool in the fight against climate change. By taking a more holistic view of sustainability, companies can make decisions that will benefit everyone – from individuals to corporations, and even entire nations.

The data provided by these solutions helps organizations and businesses understand where they stand with regards to their ESG goals and objectives, while also providing them with the tools they need to achieve their desired results. With the right software in place, organizations are well on their way towards making sustainable progress for years to come.

What is Sustainability Software?

Sustainability software is a type of technology that helps organizations reduce their environmental footprint. It provides tools and resources for companies to track, monitor, and improve the sustainability performance of their operations. By utilizing data-driven insights, businesses can make informed decisions about how to reduce waste, increase energy efficiency, and ultimately create a sustainable future.

Sustainability software also helps organizations stay in compliance with regulatory bodies by providing visibility into their current eco-friendly initiatives. With this kind of software available, it’s never been easier for businesses to make meaningful changes toward creating a more sustainable world.

10 sustainability management software providers to consider:

  1. IBM

  2. Metrio

  3. Microsoft

  4. FigBytes

  5. Ecometrica

  6. Benchmark Digital Partners

  7. Diligent ESG

  8. OneTrust

  9. Persefoni

  10. SAP

Sustainability and ESG Data & Reporting

Sustainability data and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) data are an increasingly important part of corporate responsibility. Companies are now under pressure to demonstrate their commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct in all of their operations. As a result, sustainability reporting and ESG reporting have become key components of effective corporate governance.

Companies must be able to clearly articulate the steps they are taking to reduce their environmental impact, address issues related to employee welfare, or improve governance structures. By doing so, companies can help ensure that stakeholders have faith in their commitment to responsible business practices and set themselves up for long-term success, especially with ESG and sustainability reporting.

Not only does this type of reporting help ensure that a company is adhering to best practices but it also helps them stand out in the market and attract more customers. In today’s globalized economy, businesses must prioritize sustainability reporting and ESG reporting if they want to thrive in an ever-changing landscape. These should act as your company’s reporting solutions which will generate reports that drive data reliability and sustainability goals.

Key features in sustainability management software

Sustainability management software is designed to help businesses and organizations track, measure, and manage their sustainability efforts. The key features in this type of software include data collection capabilities, reporting metrics tools, visualization dashboards, risk analysis tools, and integration with other systems.

Data collection allows organizations to collate information from numerous sources including internal business operations, external environmental sources, and more. Reporting metrics provide insights into the organization’s sustainability performance and how it can be improved.

Visualization dashboards allow users to easily comprehend complex data in an interactive format. Risk analysis tools offer more sophisticated insights into potential risks associated with a business or organization.

Lastly, integration with other systems allows for seamless integration of various data sources and a unified view of sustainability performance. With all these features, organizations can better understand the impacts of their sustainability initiatives and how to improve them.

Benefits From Professional Sustainability Management Solutions

Leading sustainability software providers can help businesses achieve their environmental and social objectives, as well as reduce costs. These solutions provide businesses with tools to improve their efficiency and reduce energy consumption, thus reducing their carbon emissions and overall carbon footprint.

Additionally, by understanding the impacts of their operations and taking appropriate action, businesses are able to increase the value of their products or services more sustainably. Furthermore, sustainability management solutions can help businesses with their public relations, as they demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility.

With Metrio sustainability reporting software, you can easily collect, analyze, disclose, report and communicate your ESG data. Our software enables organizations to compare and save data in a centralized platform, enabling better decision-making and improved corporate sustainability performance.

Finally, by understanding the current and potential impacts of their operations, businesses can create positive relationships with stakeholders by implementing responsible strategies for long-term sustainability which ultimately empowers organizations.

Sustainability Progress – The Need is High, But Progress is Slow

Sustainability Progress is an integral part of achieving a more sustainable global future. It involves making changes to our lifestyles, businesses, and communities that promote environmental responsibility and long-term economic growth.

Through setting and monitoring progress goals with specific targets, companies can track their own performance while demonstrating commitment to corporate sustainability objectives. Stakeholders are able to assess and evaluate a company’s commitments to sustainability, enabling better decision-making and improved corporate transparency.

Net-Zero Emissions Targets are a Top Priority

Net-Zero Emissions is an important concept in the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prevent further climate change. This goal seeks to achieve a balance between releasing carbon into the atmosphere and removing it from the atmosphere by using strategies such as renewable energy production, carbon accounting, energy efficiency measures, and carbon capture and storage technologies. This can help campnys measure and manage their portfolio exposure to climate risks and financed emissions as they navigate the risks and opportunities in the net-zero transition.

The ultimate aim is for society to reach a point where the level of greenhouse gas emissions released is equal to the amount that is taken out, thus creating a cycle of zero net emissions. Emissions management software can help achieve this goal.

Tackle your Scope 3 Challenge

As with any challenge, the first step to success is understanding the problem. When it comes to tackling Scope 3 emissions, this means gaining an in-depth knowledge of your business’s sources of emissions and the different strategies you can use for reducing them. Once you have a clear picture of what needs to be done, you can start mapping out your Scope 3 emissions reduction plan, taking into account all of the relevant stakeholders and resources.

Ultimately, as part of a good sustainability strategy, you’ll need to develop a comprehensive action plan for reducing emissions, based on the best practices for energy efficiency and low-carbon operations. Setting targets and timelines will help you stay focused and motivated towards achieving your goals.

Finally, consider how you can collaborate with other companies in order to share expertise and resources, which will make it easier to reduce emissions across your entire supply chain. With careful planning and commitment, you can make strides towards meeting your Scope 3 emission reduction objectives.

Are you ready to start your Corporate Sustainability journey?

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!

Need Assistance?

Does this new change pertain to your company? Our team can help you figure it out and can help with other air compliance issues.

Pricing/Info
t

Questions?

Does this apply to your company?  Do you have questions?  Contact us!
Ask a Question

Receive News to Your Inbox

We send our articles by email whenever we add a new one.  Don’t miss out!  Sign up for our blog today.
Subscribe to This Blog

Request a Quote

iSi can provide assistance in this area. How can we help?  Ask us for a price quote.
Request Pricing

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.

How can we help you?

If you need help determining which plans apply to you, need help writing one of these plans, or just want a review, contact us!

Call (316) 264-7050 today!

Need Assistance?

Are you thinking about getting a safety or health audit? Let us help!

Pricing/Info
t

Questions?

Does this apply to your company?  Do you have questions?  Contact us!
Ask a Question

Receive News to Your Inbox

We send our articles by email whenever we add a new one.  Don’t miss out!  Sign up for our blog today.
Subscribe to This Blog

Request a Quote

iSi can provide assistance in this area. How can we help?  Ask us for a price quote.
Request Pricing

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.

Need Help?

Contact us!

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!

Need Assistance?

Are you thinking about getting a safety or health audit? Let us help!

Pricing/Info
t

Questions?

Does this apply to your company?  Do you have questions?  Contact us!
Ask a Question

Receive News to Your Inbox

We send our articles by email whenever we add a new one.  Don’t miss out!  Sign up for our blog today.
Subscribe to This Blog

Request a Quote

iSi can provide assistance in this area. How can we help?  Ask us for a price quote.
Request Pricing

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.

Besides our weekly EHS blog articles, every other week we email out a general safety topic sheet that you can share with your teams.  Want to be added to the list?  Sign up here.

Download the Safety Sheet

Download this Trailer Safety article to share with your employees.

Download Here

Subscribe to Our Safety Tips

We email safety topic sheets that you can share with your teams every other Monday, and we also send out our other blog articles weekly.  Subscribe today!

Add Me to the List
t

Questions?

Does this apply to your company?  Do you have questions?  Contact us!
Ask a Question

Receive News to Your Inbox

We send our articles by email whenever we add a new one.  Don’t miss out!  Sign up for our blog today.
Subscribe to This Blog

Request a Quote

iSi can provide assistance in this area. How can we help?  Ask us for a price quote.
Request Pricing

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

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

Jun 2, 2022

Are You Ready?

iSi can help you make sure you’re on the right track in getting the necessary documentation and processes in place.

Help/More Info

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.

Email  |  LinkedIn

t

Questions?

Does this apply to your company?  Do you have questions?  Contact us!
Ask a Question

Receive News to Your Inbox

We send our articles by email whenever we add a new one.  Don’t miss out!  Sign up for our blog today.
Subscribe

Request a Quote

iSi can provide assistance in this area. How can we help?  Ask us for a price quote.
Request Pricing

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!

Pricing/Info
t

Questions?

Does this apply to your company?  Do you have questions?  Contact us!
Ask a Question

Receive News to Your Inbox

We send our articles by email whenever we add a new one.  Don’t miss out!  Sign up for our blog today.
Subscribe to This Blog

Request a Quote

iSi can provide assistance in this area. How can we help?  Ask us for a price quote.
Request Pricing

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!

k

Fall Protection Compliance

From written programs to inspections to training, iSi can help with fall protection safety compliance issues.

Ask for Help Here
t

Questions?

Does this apply to your company?  Do you have questions?  Contact us!
Ask a Question

Receive News to Your Inbox

We send our articles by email whenever we add a new one.  Don’t miss out!  Sign up for our blog today.
Subscribe to This Blog

Request a Quote

iSi can provide assistance in this area. How can we help?  Ask us for a price quote.
Request Pricing

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.

 

Download Article to Share With Your Team
t

Questions?

Does this apply to your company?  Do you have questions?  Contact us!
Ask a Question

Receive News to Your Inbox

We send our articles by email whenever we add a new one.  Don’t miss out!  Sign up for our blog today.
Subscribe to This Blog

Request a Quote

iSi can provide assistance in this area. How can we help?  Ask us for a price quote.
Request Pricing

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

Contact us today for a quote!

Noise Services

We can help you with noise compliance testing, programs and evaluations, contact us!

Get Help Here
t

Questions?

Does this apply to your company?  Do you have questions?  Contact us!

Ask a Question

Receive News to Your Inbox

We send our articles by email whenever we add a new one.  Don’t miss out!  Sign up for our blog today.

Subscribe to This Blog

Request a Quote

iSi can provide assistance in this area. How can we help?  Ask us for a price quote.

Request Pricing

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.

OSHA Assistance

Need help determining where you stand with OSHA compliance?  What about an extra hand to get it all done? We can help!

Get Help Here
t

Questions?

Does this apply to your company?  Do you have questions?  Contact us!

Ask a Question

Receive News to Your Inbox

We send our articles by email whenever we add a new one.  Don’t miss out!  Sign up for our blog today.

Subscribe to This Blog

Request a Quote

iSi can provide assistance in this area. How can we help?  Ask us for a price quote.

Request Pricing

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!

Get Help Here
t

Questions?

Does this apply to your company?  Do you have questions?  Contact us!

Ask a Question

Receive News to Your Inbox

We send our articles by email whenever we add a new one.  Don’t miss out!  Sign up for our blog today.

Subscribe to This Blog

Request a Quote

iSi can provide assistance in this area. How can we help?  Ask us for a price quote.

Request Pricing
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.

Email 

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.

###

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.

Stay Up-to-Date on EHS News and Tips

Subscribe to our blog  newsletter today!

Sign Up Here
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.

Email  |  LinkedIn

t

Questions?

Does this apply to your company?  Do you have questions?  Contact us!
Ask a Question

Receive News to Your Inbox

We send our articles by email whenever we add a new one.  Don’t miss out!  Sign up for our blog today.
Subscribe

Request a Quote

iSi can provide assistance in this area. How can we help?  Ask us for a price quote.
Request Pricing

Health Hazard OSHA Regional Emphasis Program Looks at Industrial Hygiene-Related Issues

Health Hazard OSHA Regional Emphasis Program Looks at Industrial Hygiene-Related Issues

Oct 22, 2021

OSHA has issued a new regional emphasis program for its Region VII states (Kansas, Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska) that is targeting industries considered to be in the Top 50 for creating worker health hazards.  Called, “Top 50 Workplace – Health Hazard,” some of the other OSHA regions have similar emphasis programs, or more targeted programs.  Region VII didn’t have a mechanism to inspect for health hazards, so they created this one.

Effective and Enforcement Dates

It is effective October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2026.  Enforcement begins January 4, 2022.

What is This About?

This regional emphasis program is related to industrial hygiene.  Industrial hygiene deals with worker occupational health and tests the exposures workers have to potential health hazards. Besides protecting workers from safety injuries, OSHA’s goal is to protect workers from health hazards too.  Many health hazards are longer term issues that cannot be found by just looking at a company’s injury/illness data.

Exposures to certain substances may not cause health issues and cancer for a number of years.  For example, health issues from asbestos exposure may not arise for 15-50 years after exposure, formaldehyde 2-15 years, benzene 1-10 years, hexavalent chromium 20 years and nickel 13-24 years.

OSHA looked at inspection data from the past 3 years and ranked types of companies by the number of serious violations.  They narrowed that list to the Top 50 by NAICS code.  From there, they’re putting all the companies that fall within that list into a random picker to develop their first inspection list.  All of the companies on that list will be inspected before a new list is generated.  If all the companies on the list are not inspected within 3 years, then they’ll carry over to the new list.  OSHA will generate a new target list every 3 years at a minimum.

What Will Be Inspected?

By knowing what OSHA will be looking for, you’ll have an idea of what you need to do and the procedures to have in place in order to be ready.  Inspectors will ask to see your company’s:

  • Exposure monitoring* program;
  • Exposure monitoring records;
  • OSHA 300 logs to identify threshold hearing shifts, skin disorders, respiratory conditions, poisonings and other illnesses;
  • Safety and health programs for ventilation, occupational noise exposure, nonionizing radiation, hazardous materials from Subpart H, PPE, permit-required confined spaces, medical services and first aid, toxic and hazardous substances from Subpart Z and Hazcom; and,
  • Your programs for temporary employees. OSHA sees temps as more vulnerable to these types of hazards. And then,
  • After the records review, OSHA will conduct a comprehensive walk around of your facility and will be looking for areas where they can conduct occupational exposure sampling to run the tests themselves. That testing will occur as soon as possible. This includes wipe sampling, full-shift and short term monitoring and area sampling.  Note: If OSHA shows up for this type of inspection, make sure you do side-by-side sampling with them so that if there are any discrepancies, you’ll be able to point them out.

*Exposure monitoring includes sampling for your employees’ exposure to various health hazards found in your facility.  This could be chemicals and substances such as asbestos, heavy metals, and formaldehyde, solvents and paints, hazardous dusts, welding fumes, noise, vibration, temperature, ventilation and particulates.

Remember that there is a number of OSHA emphasis programs already set in place. If your company is the target of one of them they can happen any time OSHA is already onsite for something else.  In the directive for this health hazard emphasis, they mention that if you fall under multiple emphasis areas, they’ll stack them and do them all at once in one comprehensive inspection.  In Region VII, there’s already a regional noise and respiratory hazards emphasis program.  Also in this region there’s a powered industrial truck emphasis so just having a forklift onsite could start the ball rolling on an inspection.

OSHA’s Goals – The Inspections’ Report Card

Knowing OSHA’s goals with these inspections can give you additional insight into what their inspectors will be looking for.  Each regional office is required to file a report on their efforts with this emphasis, and in it, they’ll be looking to prove their worth on these efforts, and how their staff helped improve overall workplace health.  Some of the data goals include:

  • Total number of health hazards abated;
  • Total number of overexposures identified;
  • Total number of personal air monitoring samples conducted (full shift, short-term, area samples);
  • Total number of wipe samples taken;
  • Total number of noise samples conducted;
  • Total number of workers removed from health hazards;
  • Total number of workers found overexposed to each substance found in 1910.1000-1910.1029; and,
  • Total number of safety hazards abated/workers removed from safety hazards (that they found at the same time they were there doing the health inspection).

The Top 50

This is the list of the Top 50 NAICS code industries who will be inspected.

What’s Next?

Is your company on this list and what do you need to do in order to be ready if your name is drawn?

iSi can help you get ready with program development, exposure monitoring plans and strategies, onsite exposure monitoring and onsite representation during the inspection.  Learn more about industrial hygiene here, or contact us today!

 

l

Is Your Company on the List?

We can help with the needed IH monitoring plan, onsite sampling and other assistance.  Contact us today!

Let's Talk
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.

Email  |  LinkedIn

t

Questions?

Does this apply to your company?  Do you have questions?  Contact us!
Ask a Question

Receive News to Your Inbox

We send our articles by email whenever we add a new one.  Don’t miss out!  Sign up for our blog today.
Subscribe

Request a Quote

iSi can provide assistance in this area. How can we help?  Ask us for a price quote.
Request Pricing

Recognize the Signs of Heat Illness

Recognize the Signs of Heat Illness

Jul 21, 2021

recognizing the signs of heat illness

Hot working conditions can bring increased risks of heat illness, especially when heat-producing equipment is used. 

OSHA has added an item in its Spring Regulatory Agenda called “Heat Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings” to start the wheels in motion for a potential heat-related regulation.  Right now it’s only in the Request for Information stage, but congressional members and public citizens have been petitioning for a standard for a while.  Some state plan states have already included heat-related rules in their standards.  

Heat is the leading weather-related killer.  The most important thing to remember about a person suffering from heat illness is to get them out of the heat ASAP. Take them to a shaded or air-conditioned area. A running vehicle with air conditioning works if no shaded area is available. Always stay with a victim of heat illness until medical personnel arrive. Be aware of yourself and your team for any symptoms and take the appropriate action immediately.  

Heat rash can appear on skin as small or large clusters of red bumps.

  • What to do:
    • Get to a cool, dry place.
    • Keep rash dry; use powder to soothe.

Heat cramps bring pain or spasms to muscles.

  • What to do:
    • Halt physical activity until cramps go away.
    • Get to a cool place.
    • Drink water or electrolyte drink.
  • Seek medical attention if the victim:
    • Has cramps lasting longer than 1 hour.
    • Has heart problems.
    • Is on a low-sodium diet.

Heat exhaustion occurs when the body’s temperature can’t cool down. Think of this as a situation where extreme conditions exhaust the body. It is severe and can occur in one day or over multiple days when in a consistently hot environment.

  • Watch for:
    • Heavy sweating
    • Cold, clammy, pale skin
    • Fast and weak pulse
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Headache
    • Weakness or tiredness
    • Dizziness
    • Fainting
    • Muscle cramps
  • What to do:
    • Get to a cool place.
    • Loosen clothing.
    • Sip water; do not chug.
    • Place cool cloths or cold packs under arms or on neck.
  • Seek medical attention if the victim:
    • Is vomiting.
    • Experiences worsening symptoms.
    • Experiences symptoms lasting longer than 1 hour.

Heat stroke occurs when body temperature is excessively high. Think of this as a situation that causes the body to stroke or seize up completely. This is a serious medical emergency that can cause shock, brain damage, organ failure, and death. It could be caused by heat exhaustion that was not properly treated.

  • Watch for:
    • Red, hot, dry skin (no sweating)
    • Fast and strong pulse
    • Nausea
    • Throbbing headache
    • High body temperature
    • Dizziness or confusion
    • Slurred speech
    • Losing consciousness
    • Seizures
  • What to do:
    • Call 911 – follow their advice.
    • Get to a cool place.
    • Loosen clothing.
    • Place cool cloths or cold packs under arms or on neck.
    • Do not provide anything to drink.

Dehydration can be a common cause of heat illness. Maintaining hydration is important, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Drinking water or electrolyte drinks are highly preferred to sugary and heavily caffeinated drinks. OSHA recommends drinking small amounts of cool water often before getting thirsty; 4 cups every hour during heat index values between 103°F – 115°F. Another recommendation is not to exceed 12 quarts of water per day.

An important reminder is that every person and situation is different. Some people require more water than others. These intake amounts depend on several things including the type of work being done, how much you’re sweating, and your personal risk factors. Don’t chug a large amount of water in the morning and call it good for the day; the important thing is maintaining hydration. You don’t flood your vegetable garden once at the beginning of the month and neglect it the rest of the month. If you do, you probably don’t have much of a harvest.

It’s the supervisor’s duty to have a plan in place during days of extreme heat. If possible, rescheduling a job to a cooler day or even a cooler part of the day could make a difference. Getting a job done on time is important, as is maintaining client satisfaction. However, no part of a job is worth risking the health and safety of your team and clients should understand that.

 

T

OSHA Heat Regulation

Monitor OSHA’s progress on a potential heat illness prevention standard here.

Rule Info
drew lyon
drew lyon

Contributing:

Drew Lyon

Project Manager | Meteorologist

Drew Lyon’s experience and training encompasses environmental reporting, day-to-day EHS compliance assistance at manufacturing facilities, wastewater compliance, hazardous waste management, environmental field sampling and safety. She is also a meteorologist, providing weather-related guidance to clients and our team.

Email  |  LinkedIn

t

Questions?

Does this apply to your company?  Do you have questions?  Contact us!
Ask a Question

Receive News to Your Inbox

We send our articles by email whenever we add a new one.  Don’t miss out!  Sign up for our blog today.
Subscribe to This Blog

Request a Quote

iSi can provide assistance in this area. How can we help?  Ask us for a price quote.
Request Pricing

Go Orange for Work Zone Safety & Struck-By Hazard Awareness Week

Go Orange for Work Zone Safety & Struck-By Hazard Awareness Week

Apr 22, 2021

With spring and summer, along with the barbeques, pool parties and vacation days that come with warm weather, so does one other inevitability:  road construction.  The week of April 26-30, 2021 is National Work Zone Awareness Week.  Road construction occurs all throughout the year, but tends to start ramping up in the warmer spring and summer months.  So now is a good time to review some good safety practices on construction zone safety.

Work zones separate construction activities and construction workers from traffic, allowing both to work in harmony.  However, construction zones create a different traffic pattern and can sometimes be confusing areas.  On top of that, there are workers and machinery moving about.  Speed reduction areas, delays for pilot cars, and even route changes can affect our time schedules too.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 2019 fatalities rose 11% from 2018.

  • There were 762 fatal crashes in work zones, 324 on arterial roads and 287 on the interstates
  • There were 842 fatalities in work zones, 690 of those fatalities were drivers and passengers
  • Of the fatal crashes, 33% were commercial motor vehicles
  • 31% of fatalities involved speed
  • 24% of fatalities were rear-end collisions

National Work Zone Awareness Week Events and Materials and Go Orange

You are encouraged to participate in Go Orange Day on Wednesday April 28, 2021 and wear orange to spread the message of work zone safety with your friends, family, coworkers and community.  There are a ton of resources out there to share with your workers as part of your weekly safety messages and meetings.  Here are some links to some sites for national and state event information and resources you can download:

National WorkZone Safety Information Clearinghouse (National and State Site Links)

Download a Flyer to Share with Your Workers from the National Work Zone Week Site

Download iSi’s 1-page Safety Toolbox Flyer With Safety Tips to Share With Your Team 

National Work Zone Awareness Week Website

Participate – National Work Zone Awareness Event Tool Kit

Struck-By National Stand-Down Week

Along with National Work Zone Awareness Week, NIOSH’s National Occupational Research Agenda’s (NORA) Construction Sector Council is promoting the National Stand-Down to Prevent Struck-By Incidents.  Struck-by hazards have been OSHA’s leading cause of death and non-fatal injuries since 1992.

NORA will be hosting 2 webinars on Monday April 26.  One is about cranes and lifting and the other is preventing struck-by incidents.  To register, download this flyer about the event.

You can also find a wide variety of training materials, infographics and other resources on struck by hazards here on the Center for Construction Research and Training Website.

###

If your company would like assistance with creating toolbox topic presentations/materials or new employee training, contact us for a price quote!

 

t

Questions?

Does this apply to your company?  Do you have questions?  Contact us!
Ask a Question

Receive News to Your Inbox

We send our articles by email whenever we add a new one.  Don’t miss out!  Sign up for our blog today.
Subscribe to This Blog

Request a Quote

iSi can provide assistance in this area. How can we help?  Ask us for a price quote.
Request Pricing

OSHA Proposes Changes to Hazcom Standard

OSHA Proposes Changes to Hazcom Standard

Mar 19, 2021

UPDATE:  OSHA has announced an informal public hearing for Sept. 21.  If you’d like to testify or question witnesses, submit your notice by June 18.

OSHA has announced it’s planning on making changes to its Hazcom Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) and they are soliciting your comments, due by May 19.

OSHA’s changes are to help align the standard with Global Harmonization Standard (GHS) Revisions 7 and 8.  OSHA is also wanting to correct issues it’s found since the last update in 2012 and to make the standard more in line with related federal agencies such as DOT and international trading partners such as Canada.

Here are the items currently up for comment:

 Relabeling Containers and “Released for Shipment” Dates

Right now the standard says that once a chemical manufacturer, importer, distributor or employer knows there is hazard information changes significant enough to affect the SDS, the SDS needs to be updated.  Labels must be revised within 6 months and containers shipped thereafter must have that information on its labels.

OSHA is proposing chemicals released for shipment and awaiting future distribution wouldn’t need to be physically relabeled to incorporate that new information.  Instead, the chemical manufacturer/importer will still need to provide an updated label for each individual container with each shipment. This would help containers with long distribution cycles.  This also reduces the chemical exposure and ergonomic hazards for workers who would be going in and actually physically relabeling containers.

As a result of this, labels on shipped containers will be required to note the date the chemical is released for shipment.  The standard will specifically call out chemicals released for shipment and awaiting further distribution as part of the no relabeling requirement, so they’ll need a date on them to meet that requirement.

Bulk Shipments

Labels for bulk shipments can be placed on the immediate container, or you will be able to transmit them with the shipping papers or bills of lading electronically as long as there’s a printed version available to the people on the receiving end of the shipment.

Changes to bulk shipments are an effort to facilitate inter-agency cooperation with DOT.

Labeling for Small Containers

Labels for small containers less than or equal to 100 mL must include just the product identifier, pictogram, signal word, chemical manufacturer’s name and phone number, and a statement that the full label info for the hazardous chemical is provided on the immediate outer package.  This will be applicable for those containers where it’s not feasible to use pull-out labels, fold back labels or tags with the full information on them.

There will be no labeling requirements for containers less than or equal to 3 mL if the manufacturer, importer, or distributor can demonstrate that any label would interfere with the normal use of the container.  A product identifier that can be identified and linked with the full label info on the immediate outer package would be required on that small container.  OSHA uses an example that a glass vial could be etched with the product identifier instead of needing the label.

Immediate outer packaging would then need to include the full label information, and a statement indicating when not in use, the small containers inside must be stored in this outer packaging that has the label on it.

Trade Secrets

Allow manufacturers, importers and employers to now withhold a chemical concentration range as a trade secret.  Use prescriptive concentration ranges instead of actual concentration or concentration range when they’re claimed as a trade secret.  This change is categorized as help to better work with trading partners as this is something that Canada does.

OSHA wants to know from commenters if this is something that you have worked with and does this give enough information downstream for manufacturers to conduct hazard classifications and protect workers.

 SDS Terminology

A terminology change will replace the word “design” with “stored.”  This will allow SDSs to be stored in a way that covers groups of hazardous chemicals in a work area. They believe the word “designed” is confusing because now SDSs have specific design requirements (16 section format) so they don’t want anyone redesigning an SDS for groups of chemicals in a work area.

Appendix D Changes

  • Changing Section 2 of the SDSs to emphasize that hazards identified under normal conditions of use that result from a chemical reaction must appear on the SDS, even though the hazards don’t need to be listed on the label. This would be a reorganization of the info on the SDS.
  • The Hazcom Standard currently requires SDS Section 3 to include chemical name and concentration/concentration ranges of all ingredients classified as health hazards. OSHA wants to know if this should be expanded to include not only the health hazard classified chemicals, but all classified chemicals such as physical hazard chemicals to help manufacturers better understand hazard potentials when handling these chemicals. This would be similar to what the REACH regulations require in Europe.
  • OSHA would also like to hear comments about using electronic labels, RFID and QR codes on chemical packaging as a form of communicating hazards fully and in real-time. If your company is using electronic labeling, they’d like to know what kind of system you’re using and what benefits you’ve been able to see from it.

Other Appendix Changes

  • Considering revisions in the Skin Corrosion/Irritation section to expand non-animal testing, recognizing in vitro test methods, and reorganizing that chapter. (Appendix A)
  • Adding a new hazard class for desensitized explosives (Appendix B)
  • Adding hazard categories for unstable gases and pyrophoric gases in the Flammable Gasses class and nonflammable aerosols in the Aerosols class (Appendix B)
  • Making editorial, clarifying and reorganizing changes and using more standard language in line with GHS Revision 8. (Appendix C)
  • Requiring prioritization of certain precautionary statements related to medical response. Currently some of the medical response statements give options such as call poison control center or call a doctor or choose between medical advice vs. medical attention.   This can lead to confusion on which choice is best, so they want to standardize that with the best option. (Appendix C)

Definitions and Terminology

  • In the SDS section, a terminology change will replace the word “design” with “stored.” This will allow SDSs to be stored in a way that covers groups of hazardous chemicals in a work area. They believe the word “designed” is confusing because now SDSs have specific design requirements (16 section format) so they don’t want anyone redesigning an SDS for groups of chemicals in a work area.
  • Adding definitions for Combustible Dust, Bulk Shipments, Immediate Outer Packaging, Released for Shipment and Physician or Other Licensed Health Care Professional
  • Revising definitions of a Gas, Liquid and a Solid to align with GHS Revision 7
  • Revise the definition of a hazardous chemical to delete the reference to pyrophoric gases because those will now be a physical hazard in the Flammable Gas hazard class

Training Required

OSHA believes in its economic impact analysis that training updates will be minimal and only apply to certain types of employees.  OSHA says that additional HAZCOM training will be needed to alert those who work with impacted aerosols, desensitized explosives, nonflammable gasses not under pressure, and flammable gasses about the changes in the SDSs.  Those where labels may change may require some additional training and instruction on what to do such as with bulk packagings and small containers.

How Often Should There be Changes?

OSHA is soliciting feedback on how often changes should be made to the Hazcom Standard.  GHS is updated every 2 years. OSHA wants to stay current with GHS revisions.  Only the European Union has updated their guidelines in less time than OSHA (2016) while other countries have only said they planned on it, but haven’t done anything yet.

OSHA would like to know if they should install a regular schedule of updating every 4 years, every 2 revisions of the GHS, or if they should wait until there are significant changes before doing any updates.

Where Can You Make Comments?

You may submit comments identified by Docket No. OSHA-2019-0001, electronically at http://www.regulations.gov, which is the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal.  Formal comments were due in May 2021, however, If you’d like to question witnesses or testify at OSHA’s informal hearing on September 21, 2021, submit your request by June 18, 2021 to the regulations.gov site.

v

Need Help With OSHA Issues?

Do you need assistance safety, training or IH issues?  We can help!

Let's Talk
t

Questions?

Does this apply to your company?  Do you have questions?  Contact us!
Ask a Question

Receive News to Your Inbox

We send our articles by email whenever we add a new one.  Don’t miss out!  Sign up for our blog today.
Subscribe

Request a Quote

iSi can provide assistance in this area. How can we help?  Ask us for a price quote.
Request Pricing

5 Ways OSHA’s Top 10 Can Make Your Safety Job Easier

5 Ways OSHA’s Top 10 Can Make Your Safety Job Easier

Mar 4, 2021

5 Ways OSHA’s Top 10 Can Make Your Safety Job Easier

Getting Value Out of the “Same Old List”

OSHA’s Top 10 Violations for 2020 have been announced.  So what!   OSHA’s Top 10 hasn’t changed much in the past 5 or 6 years and most of the time it’s the same violations with the order switched around.  The only “exciting” part is to see if a newcomer violation got on list.  The list still didn’t even really change in a pandemic year either.

Well as un-newsworthy as this is, believe it or not, the annual confirmation that it’s the same stuff can actually make your job easier.

First, What’s on the List?

Below is a list of the Top 10 OSHA Violations for 2020

  1. Fall Protection – General Requirements (1926.501): 5,424 violations
  2. Hazard Communication (1910.1200): 3,199 violations
  3. Respiratory Protection (1910.134): 2,649 violations
  4. Scaffolding (1926.451): 2,538 violations
  5. Ladders (1926.1053): 2,129 violations
  6. Lockout/Tagout (1910.147): 2,065 violations
  7. Powered Industrial Trucks (1910.178): 1,932 violations
  8. Fall Protection – Training Requirements (1926.503): 1,621 violations
  9. Eye and Face Protection (1926.102): 1,369 violations
  10. Machine Guarding (1910.212): 1,313 violations

Respiratory protection moved 2 spots up the list this year along with eye and face protection up one spot as well.  Ladders moved up a spot too.  Your top 2 violations were the typical fall protection and hazcom.

Well…It’s the Top 10 for a Reason

First, companies continue to have problems with these issues.  Many of them can be affected by employee behaviors such as how they choose to wear (or not wear) their PPE, conducting (or not) inspections, using (or not) injury saving controls, and situational awareness pitfalls.  As a result, some of these are going to be easier to come across on any given day.

Next, these top 10 may also be considered the low hanging fruit of inspections.  If these are the most common violations, then you could surmise inspectors are going to be looking at these.  Further proof comes from OSHA’s national, regional and local emphasis programs.  Emphasis programs allow an inspector to add to their investigation. For example, if you are having an inspection related to an employee complaint for respirators and there is an emphasis program in your area for powered industrial vehicles, OSHA inspectors can broaden their inspection if they see a forklift in your building.

A check of OSHA’s current emphasis programs includes items from the top 10.  Out of 10 OSHA regions, there are emphasis programs for:

  • Amputations (including machine guarding) – National Emphasis
  • Falls – 9 Regions
  • Powered Industrial Vehicles – 5 Regions
  • Electrical – 2 regions
  • Respirators – 1 region
  • Construction Worksites – 10 regions

Make Your Job Easier Tip 1:  Break it Down

The top 10 have specific standard references with them and from there we can see it’s a mix of general industry and construction standards.  All 10 areas of safety are important.  However, if you break the list down by the standard your company typically operates under, your focus areas are nearly cut in half and this becomes much more manageable. 

General Industry-Related ViolationsConstruction Industry-Related Violations
Hazard CommunicationFall Protection – General Requirements
Lockout-TagoutHazard Communication**
Respiratory ProtectionScaffolding
Powered Industrial TrucksLadders
Machine GuardingFall Protection – Training
Face and Eye Protection

**The 1926 standard for hazard communication refers to the 1910 standard.

Make Your Job Easier Tip 2:  Instant Safety Topics!

Dealing with the immediate site-specific injury-causing issues should always be your first focus.  However, you likely have safety committees, employee safety briefings, toolbox meetings, newsletters to write, safety emails to send, etc.  The shortened list can now be easy go-to topics. 

Get your co-workers and safety teams talking about them.  As mentioned before, some of these items are going to be related to their behaviors and decisions anyway.  Head off the top 10 one person at a time and don’t feel bad if you need to continue to cover them.  The world of sales tells us that most people need to hear about something 7 times before it sticks.

Make Your Job Easier Tip 3:  Get Your Documentation in Order

A number of these areas have specific training and/or inspection requirements.  Document, document, document! 

For training, keep records of who took training, when training was conducted, who the trainer was and what the content of the training included.

For inspections, find a way to document these and have a process in place for taking equipment which fails out of service. This will be important information for you during an inspection and can go a long way in staying away from the top 10.

Make Your Job Easier Tip 4:  Incorporate These Into Your Walkthroughs

If you’re not doing so already, set aside a little bit of time each week to conduct a safety walkthrough and incorporate these items into your checklist.  Routine walkthroughs will allow you to keep up on what’s going on at your site, gives you a chance to correct deficiencies, and gives you an opportunity to take advantage of teachable moments to the workers in those areas.  Get your employees involved in inspecting their workplace.  Have them be on the lookout for these same issues in walkthroughs and peer-to-peer observations.

Make Your Job Easier Tip 5:  Get Help

You are not Superman/Superwoman.  There are too many tasks, crises, and other forces that can get in the way of getting it all accomplished. A good manager needs a supporting cast.  If you can get someone at your company to help you with tasks, that would be great.  However, if you cannot, consider getting an outside company or safety professional to help. Consultants like iSi are here for a reason.  We have people on-staff who have been in your position and have experience with the regulations.  We can often do what needs to be done (and done correctly) in a fraction of the time it would take for you to do it, or for you to train someone else internally to do it.  This can be as simple as getting help a writing program or conducting training.  It could be having an audit done to see where you stand on compliance or a bigger project such as revamping a safety program or day-to-day onsite assistance.

In Conclusion

Use the data from the Top 10 as your instant to-do list.  If you can tackle the items that pertain to you, you can help do your part in avoiding those common fines and maybe shaking up the list for next year.

Need Help?

Need help with any of OSHA’s Top 10 issues, or anything else in the safety field?  We can help with checklists, audits, programs, training & more!

Get Help Here
t

Questions?

Does this apply to your company?  Do you have questions?  Contact us!
Ask a Question

Receive News to Your Inbox

We send our articles by email whenever we add a new one.  Don’t miss out!  Sign up for our blog today.
Subscribe

Request a Quote

iSi can provide assistance in this area. How can we help?  Ask us for a price quote.
Request Pricing

Explaining How OSHA Fines are Calculated, as OSHA Raises Penalty Prices for 2021

Explaining How OSHA Fines are Calculated, as OSHA Raises Penalty Prices for 2021

Jan 15, 2021

OSHA has raised its maximum and minimum penalty dollar amounts with a cost of living adjustment.  These new rates go into effect January 15, 2021:

OSHA fines

There are maximum and minimum amounts, but most fall somewhere in between.  So how are OSHA fines calculated?

The Violation Categories

Serious violations are considered high, medium or low severity.  Other-Than-Serious violations are minimal severity.

Willful violations are cited when employers knowingly fail to comply or when they act with indifference to employee safety.

Repeated violations occur when an employer has been previously cited for the same or substantially similar condition.  For serious violations, these are ones that have been a part of OSHA’s regionwide inspection history where an OSHA Notice was issued within the past 5 years.  For other-than-serious violations, it’s for those where the establishment being inspected received an OSHA Notice within the past 5 years.

The Posting Requirements violation is issued when you fail to follow through on your requirement to post your OSHA Notice at or near the place where each violation occurred for 3 working days, or until the hazard is abated (whichever is longer).

Failure to Abate violations occur when you receive a Notice of Unsafe or Unhealthful Working Conditions and a follow-up inspection finds that you did not do your required posting, did not correct the violation and/or did not adequately protect employees and make appropriate progress in correcting the hazard before the abatement date that was listed on your notice.

Calculating Violation Amounts

There are a number of factors that actually can determine how much your penalty will be.  There are four major categories of factors that go into the calculation:

  • Gravity of violation
  • History of violations
  • Good faith efforts of the employer
  • Business size

Gravity Based Penalty Amounts

First, the gravity of the violation is calculated.  The Gravity Based Penalty (GBP) Amount looks at the level of severity (low, medium and high) and the probability, that is likelihood an injury or illness will occur (greater or lesser).

Severity + Probability = Gravity Based Penalty Amount

Here are the Gravity Based Penalty Amounts for 2021:

Gravity-based penalties for OSHA 2021


History Reductions

Combined or grouped violations can be considered one citation item. Multiple violations of the same standard can also be combined into one citation item.  Expect the one with the highest gravity factor (severity or probability) to be used to determine the GBP.

A 10% reduction in penalty costs can be given to companies who have been inspected by OSHA and have had no serious, willful, repeat or failure-to-abate violations.  If your company hasn’t been inspected within 5 years, you’re not eligible for this discount.  If you’ve had a serious high gravity citation that became a final order, you could actually see a 10% increase in your costs.

Good Faith Reductions

A maximum discount of 25% can be given for good faith efforts.  The maximum 25% discount requires you to have a written health and safety management system.  This would include a system outlining:

  • Management commitment and employee involvement
  • Hazard identification worksite analyses
  • Hazard prevention and control measures
  • Safety and health training
  • Addressing needs of workers less than 18 years old (if applicable)
  • Addressing needs of workers who speak limited or no English (if applicable)

A 15% reduction may be given if the employer has a documented and effective safety and health management system with only incidental deficiencies.

Good faith discounts will NOT be given for high gravity, willful, repeated, and failure to abate violations, or if you’ve reported a fatality, inpatient hospitalization, amputation or an eye loss.

Business Size Reductions

A maximum 70% reduction can be gained based on your company size.  OSHA wanted to create a scale where they could minimize the impact to small businesses.  This reduction applies to businesses with 250 or less employees total nationwide.   Companies with 1-10 employees can get the 70% reduction, 11-25 employees a 60% reduction, 26-100 is 30%, and 101-250 is 10%.

Quick Fix Reductions

If you’re able to make an immediate correction to an individual violation and that correction is 1) permanent or substantial (e.g., not just moving someone out of the way), 2) not blatantly obvious (e.g., wearing a hard hat or safety glasses), and 3) not a high gravity serious/willful/repeat/failure to abate violation, you can get a 15% Quick Fix reduction.  This one is applied after the good faith and history adjustments are made.

Limits of Discounts

Different discounts can be rescinded or altered depending on the circumstance or type of violation.

Repeated violations will only be reduced for size.  Repeated violations can actually have their penalties increased, and those increases are also based on size.

Willful violations are only eligible for a size and history discount.  Willful violations have their own size chart of reduction percentages.

Serious violations classified as higher severity/greater probability are only eligible for the size and history.

Other Penalties

OSHA has additional calculation guidelines for a number of other circumstances including:

  • Unabated violations;
  • Daily penalty multipliers;
  • Partial abatements;
  • Violation-by-violation egregious penalties;
  • Multi-employer worksites;
  • Federal Agency significant cases;
  • Failure to post citations;
  • Failure to notify authorized employees of an advance notice of inspection;
  • Injury and illness reporting and recordkeeping;
  • Failure to provide access to medical and exposure records;
  • Failure to notify and tag; and,
  • Failing to certify abatement.

You can find all of the details about these penalties and reductions in OSHA’s Field Operations Manual section on penalties.

2021 adjustments and rates can be found in OSHA’s Enforcement Memo dated January 8, 2021.

If you find yourself needing help sorting these out, or if you’d like to get started on a safety and health management system to get started on a potential good faith discount, contact us!

Safety Management Programs

You can score deductions with a safety and health management system.  We can help you develop one, or at least help with the pieces. 

Let's Talk
t

Questions?

Does this apply to your company?  Do you have questions?  Contact us!
Ask a Question

Receive News to Your Inbox

We send our articles by email whenever we add a new one.  Don’t miss out!  Sign up for our blog today.
Subscribe to This Blog

Request a Quote

iSi can provide assistance in this area. How can we help?  Ask us for a price quote.
Request Pricing

iSi Finds Success With Virtual EHS and ISO Compliance Audits

iSi Finds Success With Virtual EHS and ISO Compliance Audits

Dec 18, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic really threw a curveball at all businesses, forcing them to think differently about how to provide services and products to their customers.  Although the pandemic has been a major disruption, something good has come out of it for iSi.  We’ve been forced to think outside of the box to develop alternatives to business as usual.  In some cases it’s made us more efficient and has worked out nicely for our clients too.   One such success story at iSi has been virtual audits.

Traditional Audit Tactics Out the Window

Business disruptions unfortunately don’t disrupt environmental, health and safety (EHS) compliance obligations.  Businesses still need to ensure they’re complying with EPA and OSHA regulations correctly, and for those companies who are requirements to achieve ISO Certification, those requirements still go forth.

iSi conducts several different types of audits, from records reviews, to facility walkthroughs, to a combination of the two, to ISO standards-based audits.  Traditional EHS and ISO audits often have involved travel to facilities to spend one or more days onsite.  With COVID, travel to and from different locations has been reduced, discouraged, and even forbidden in certain locations without quarantine.  Many of our client sites have been closed to outside visitors either completely, front doors are locked, and in some instances entry has been limited to a contractor approval process.  Interviewees are working on limited schedules, or working from home, making traditional methods that much more difficult.

Records Reviews

With travel affected, we needed to find an alternative to being onsite.  Records reviews were the first and best items in our process to start with virtually.  Clients can scan and upload records for reviews.  Over the past year, iSi has implemented a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System, allowing us to improve multiple processes throughout the company including project management, document storage, web conferencing, online training, digital file transfer, electronic billing, and more, and so we’re set up to do a lot of different things electronically.  iSi and its clients can upload and review documents back and forth electronically with a lot of ease.

Walkthroughs and Interviews

Although walkthroughs are a very valuable piece to our audits, we find that we can use alternatives here too.  iSi has HD smart glasses so that our client can literally be our eyes onsite. The glasses have camera, video, and communications capabilities so that the client can record a walkthrough through the glasses and still communicate back and forth with our auditor remotely.  Even better, they are safety rated so that they can be used as safety glasses in industrial facilities.  In lieu of the glasses, clients can also record videos of certain areas of their facilities, conduct live streaming videos, or take photos for our auditors to inspect.

The pandemic has forced us all to get more familiar with video conferencing software.  Interviews and discussions can be done remotely through video conferencing.  This has allowed us to still get to know our clients and has given us the chance to discuss important topics or answer questions, just as if we were sitting there side by side.

We’ve also been able to give clients guidance on how to use certain pieces of equipment by giving visual demonstrations on camera and providing step-by-step instructions.

ISO Audits

Virtual audits have been most seamless for our ISO projects.  For example, iSi recently conducted a third-party ISO internal audit for a worldwide aircraft components manufacturer to identify existing EHS Management System conformance to the ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018 standards.

iSi reviewed the corporate EHS management system and the corporate office’s EHS management system. These systems were compared against the ISO standard, legal/regulatory standards, internal policies and procedures, and customer needs.

The audit was completed virtually through Microsoft® Teams, a communication and collaboration platform. Employee interviews were done through video meetings, and documents were reviewed through screen sharing and e-mail.  Management interviews were conducted virtually and over the phone with the corporate CEO, Investor Relations, and Senior Leadership such as the Executive Vice President and Human Resources, as well as various environmental and safety committees.

All the while, iSi’s auditor remained at our headquarters in Wichita, Kansas while conducting the audit at the client’s facility in Connecticut.

Following the audit, a report of findings and deficiencies was prepared and these reports were all delivered electronically.

iSi was able to conduct a very comprehensive ISO audit for this client, covering topics such as

  • External and Internal Issues
  • EHS Policies, Procedures, Objectives Compliance Obligations
  • Current Processes
  • Leadership Commitment, Culture and Management Roles
  • Employee Participation and Worker Needs
  • Available Resources
  • Internal and External Communication Systems and Evaluation Processes
  • Continual Improvement Efforts
  • Organizational Roles and Responsibilities
  • Reporting
  • Conformance to Regulatory and ISO Standards
  • and More

The Future of Virtual Audits

Although we don’t think we’ll be doing virtual audits exclusively from now on, we do see the benefits of this new alternative.  It’s allowed us to become more organized and more in tune with the electronic resources we have at our disposal.  It’s also saved our auditors a ton of time in not having to travel far distances, instead reinvesting that time into the project itself.  This, in turn, also have been a cost savings and a time savings for our clients too.

In our business, there’s nothing like the interpersonal relationships that are built between our teams and our clients throughout a project.  However, virtual audits has still allowed us to develop these and haven’t gotten in the way as much as one may think they would.

The efficiencies learned and gained are bound to help future projects going forward.  Perhaps these experiences have shown us there will be less need in the future to be onsite for those visual audits or walkthroughs, while the other parts of the audit will be done remotely, saving time and efforts for both parties.

Time will tell what the future of audits will look like, but at iSi we are happy that we have found something positive to take away from this crazy time.

l

Visit Our Audits Page!

Learn more about our audits and what we can provide!

Audits Page

Contact Us for Your Next Audit!

Our audit team can help your company too – either in-person or virtually!  Where does your compliance stand?  Let’s get the conversation started!

Let's Talk
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.

Email  |  LinkedIn

t

Questions?

Does this apply to your company?  Do you have questions?  Contact us!
Ask a Question

Receive News to Your Inbox

We send our articles by email whenever we add a new one.  Don’t miss out!  Sign up for our blog today.
Subscribe

Request a Quote

iSi can provide assistance in this area. How can we help?  Ask us for a price quote.
Request Pricing

Pin It on Pinterest