Hazards: 1926.502(i)(1) Covers located in roadways and vehicular aisles shall be capable of supporting, without failure, at least twice the maximum axle load of the largest vehicle expected to cross over the cover. 1926.502(i)(2) All other covers shall be capable of supporting, without failure, at least twice the weight of employees, equipment, and materials that may be imposed on the cover at any one time. 1926.502(i)(3) All covers shall be secured when installed to prevent accidental displacement by the wind, equipment, or employees 1926.502(i)(4) All covers shall be color-coded or […]

Dear Reader, Of all the elements in a Safety and Health Management System, Leadership Engagement is by far the most important. A recent cross-sectional study of 155 construction companies in South Africa revealed that leadership visibility and behavior affect safety culture and safety performance in the construction industry (Skeepers & Mbohwa, 2015). Another study of construction companies in Indonesia recognized that one of the main drivers of improving safety performance is safety culture. Safety leadership has been identified as a significant factor shaping safety culture itself. Project owner safety leadership […]

Hazard:  Live electrical parts are not guarded against potential contact by a person/employee working at or near the energized equipment. Applicable Standard (s): 29 Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) 1910.303(b)(1)(viii) Electric equipment shall be free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees. The safety of equipment shall be determined using factors that can contribute to the practical safeguarding of persons using or likely to come in contact with the equipment. 29 CFR 1910.303 (g)(2)(i) Except as elsewhere required or permitted by this standard, […]

We’re accustomed to dealing with the occupational hazards we can see, hear, feel, or smell. But radon is detectable only by testing, and it’s present in some amounts almost everywhere. This naturally occurring gas has been found in every state, including Florida, and becomes hazardous to our health when concentrated. The following are common questions and answers about radon gas.   What is radon? Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, invisible, and chemically inert gas that comes from the decay of radium in the soil. Radium is a decay product of […]

I could reference multiple sources regarding the importance of management involvement in a safety management system and developing a safety culture. However, I believe sharing an experience would better get the point across. I worked with a company years ago that had over ten recordable injuries, some of which included lost time. When I met the contact, they asked that I close the door so no one could hear our conversation. This was a “red flag” that something was amiss. The contact reluctantly communicated that several supervisors and managers were […]

Dear Reader, A safe and healthful workplace depends on an effective management system to proactively prevent workplace injuries, illnesses, and deaths. Besides OSHA’s Recommended Practice for Safety and Health Programs, other bodies such as the International Organization for Standards (ISO 45001) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI/ASSP Z10)  all recognize that a safety and health management system […]

I could reference multiple sources regarding the importance of management involvement in a safety management system and developing a safety culture. However, I believe sharing an experience would better get the point across. I worked with a company years ago that had over ten recordable injuries, some of which included lost time. When I met the contact, they asked that I close the door so no one could hear our conversation. This was a “red flag” that something was amiss. The contact reluctantly communicated that several supervisors and managers were […]

Finding: The boat maintenance and repair facility was not equipped with approved personal flotation devices.  Hazards: Drowning from slips, trips, and fall hazards.  Standard(s): 1915.73(e) When employees are working near the unguarded edges of decks of vessels afloat, they shall be protected by personal flotation devices, meeting the requirements of § 1915.158(a). 1915.77(e) When employees are boarding, leaving, or working from small boats or floats, they shall be protected by personal flotation devices meeting the requirements of § 1915.158(a). 1915.158(a) Personal flotation devices. 1915.158(a)(1) PFDs (life preservers, life jackets, or work vests) worn by each affected […]