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As COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the country, it is important to take additional precautions to help protect yourself, family, and the local community. Even if you are considered low risk according to the CDC, it’s important to be cognizant of the effects that this virus may have on individuals who are considered high risk […]
What is Coronavirus? (CDC) Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).
The world of safety compliance should not be confusing. Rules are in place to maintain a safe workplace. This week we are going to look at machine guarding. The OSHA standard is 1910 Subpart O Machinery and Machine Guarding. Moving machine parts have the potential to cause severe workplace injuries, such as crushed fingers or […]
Knowing your family’s health history is an effective way to stay healthier. A family health history is a written record of the diseases and health conditions present in your family.
Ready to spring forward? Daylight Savings Time 2020 will begin for most of the U.S. on Sunday, March 8th, at 2 a.m. Nowadays, with our cell phones, computers, and electronics changing their time automatically, it can be easy to forget the opportunity to perform important annual upkeep in your home. To keep your family and […]
The world of safety compliance should not be confusing. Rules are in place to maintain a safe workplace. This week we are going to look at working around powered industrial trucks / material handlers. The OSHA standard for general industry is 1910.178 and 1926.602 for the construction industry.
New Ladder Safety StandardsThe new rule brought forward by OSHA sets out a requirement for employers to haveladder safety or personal fall arrest systems for fixed ladders that extend more than 24feet. It phases out the use of cages or wells for fall protection, and everything is to beimplemented under a very precise timeline. The […]
Workplaces today are full of opportunities for workers to be exposed to fall hazards. Many of these exposures are so significant that workers could be killed. There are typically three schools of thoughts – fall management, fall restraint, or fall arrest.
The employer and employee both have requirements that must be met, so that all workers are safe at work. Training is one way to ensure that workers are able to recognize and avoid hazardous situations in the workplace. We all complete trainingthroughout the year for learning a skill, continuing education, licensure, operational requirements, and Safety. […]
The world of safety compliance should not be confusing. Rules are in place to maintain a safe workplace. This week we are going to look at respiratory protection. The OSHA standard is 1910.134.
The world of safety compliance should not be confusing. These are in place to maintain a safe workplace. This week we are going to look at ladder safety. A ladder is defined as a portable structure with a series of steps or bars that allow a person to climb or stand upon while gaining access […]
Over the next few weeks we will be looking at safety compliance. The world of safety compliance should not be confusing. These are in place to maintain a safe workplace. This week we are going to look at scaffolding. Scaffold is any temporary elevated platform, supported or suspended, and its supporting structure used for supporting […]
Are you a gambler? Are you willing to risk it all? Do you “knowingly” commit unsafe acts or risky behaviors? Who loses the most? Who is affected by YOUR actions? Will you saysomething?
Make sure you’re safe when you are working alone. Here are some Do’s and Don’ts to keep in mind.
As we settle into the Holiday season and we celebrate with those holiday parties, keep safety a priority. Travelling with family and friends exposes everyone to risks of bad weather, bad conditions, busy traffic, frustrated and impaired drivers.
When winter temperatures drop significantly below normal, staying warm and safe can become a challenge. Exposure to cold temperatures, whether indoors or outside, can cause serious or life-threatening health problems. Infants and the elderly are particularly at risk, but anyone can be affected.
In efforts to reduce traffic and pollution in major cities, alternative transportation is becoming more and more popular. In most cities, the average person now has accessto more alternative transportation options than ever before. Some of these options might include: E-bikes (Electric Bikes), E-scooters (Electric Scooters), and ride sharingsuch as Uber, Lyft, and Zip cars.
Festive celebrations, flickering lights and winter decorations are hallmarks of the holiday season, but they alsopresent fire risks that can quickly turn this festive time of year into a devastating one. Below we look at someways that we can prevent house fires this holiday season.
Happy Thanksgiving! Below are some tips to keep in mind as you and your family prepare for the holiday feast.
You’ve heard extensive talk about a safety culture that promotes a safe workplace where employees take ownership of their personal safety, as well as others. You’ve heard about the need for safety at home, work, and play and how important it is to go home to your loved ones every day. You’ve heard discussions about […]
Moving from a safety policy to a safety culture requires guidelines that are aligned with the organizational brand, mission statement, principles, and values.
Daylight Saving Time has ended. Even after getting an extra hour of sleep, ourinternal body clocks can take up to a week to acclimate to this schedule shift. Thismay result in feeling temporarily sluggish which can impact our reaction time,decision making skills, and concentration. Studies have shown that accidentsincrease around this time. By being aware […]
Each year there are around 28,000 injuries related to leaf disposal!Hand tools account for over 50,000 injuries per year. More than 250,000 people fell while at heights.There are over 204 billion leaf bearing trees in the United States or around 650 trees per person.
Everyday activities including work, play, school, shopping, travel, and just abouteverything we do involves some sort of safety risk. So how do we protect ourselvesand others from these potential injuries?
October has been designated “Fire Prevention Month” to commemorate the infamous Great Chicago Fire that occurred in October of 1871. More than 300 people died in that fire and almost one-third of Chicago burned.
Fire extinguishers must be certified annually in accordance with local, state, and national codes and regulations. This is a thorough examination by a licensed Fire Extinguisher Inspector. The certification process requires inspectors to verify the extinguisher is fully pressurized, free from damage, and weighed appropriately. Annual inspections also require a pull test on the pin […]
Inspections, Investigations and Audits are a necessary part of the Safety process and therefore should be completed to the best of your ability. Compliance Inspections cause a lot of grief, but should be viewed as learning opportunities and improvements. There should be nothing to fear if you are doing what is expected and required. Investigations […]
You feel it in the air. Labor Day has passed, leaves are starting to turn, days are getting cooler, and pumpkin spice is taking over the coffee shops. Fall is here, which also means school is back in session. Each school year 23.5 million children return to school nation-wide. During this time, school children are […]
Save yourself, Save your project, Save your team, Save your client, Save your company.
Everyone has been involved in a safety issue at one time or another at work or on a project. How many times was the issue due to an accident? How many violations were revealed during an OSHA inspection? What about your company’s internal safety audit, what did it find? Did you see someone else at […]
Think about your daily responsibilities and the people who are counting on you to come home safely. Working safe is a very small price to pay for being able to improve and maintain your lifestyle. There is no job that is worth the risk of injury.
Complacency can be defined as self-satisfaction, often combined with a lack of awareness of hazards. Complacency is extremely hazardous in the workplace. We get so used to things being done the same way that we do not always look at the hazards that may surround us. We also may underestimate the risk of tasks that […]
Situational awareness is being aware of what is happening around you in terms of where you are, where you are supposed to be, and whether anyone or anything around you is a threat to your health and safety.
Outdoor workers can be exposed to hot and humid conditions and are at risk of special hazards. Employers and employees should know the potential hazards in their workplaces and how to manage them.
A review of the OSHA stats regarding fatalities readily highlights trends on how workers are being hurt or killed. In fact in the latest report, three of the first five incidents listed, show workers who died from some sort of fall. It is important to remember here that non-work related injuries and fatalities often mirror […]
Here are a few examples showing how ladders are commonly misused. Many injuries and fatalities occur every day while working from ladders at relatively low heights. Working at any height is dangerous if safe ladder practices are not followed.
A near miss is an unplanned event that did not result in injury, illness, ordamage – but had the potential to do so. Only a fortunate break in thechain of events prevented an injury, fatality, or damage; in other words, amiss that was, nonetheless, very near. Other familiar terms for these events is a “close […]
Thousands of earthquakes occur every day. However, major earthquakes are much less common. There is no effective warning system for earthquakes, so it is important to have an emergency plan in place and know how to behave when an earthquake strikes.
By identifying these hazards, and understanding how they happen, we can take steps to protect ourselves. According to OSHA, an Electrical Hazard can be defined as a serious workplace hazard that exposes workers to burns, electrocution, shock, arc flash / arc blast, fire, or explosions.
At SSOE, we believe in our employee’s wellbeing. We understand that our employees are our most valuable asset.
Employees need to wear the proper respirator when working in environments with insufficient oxygen or where harmful dusts, fogs, smokes, mists, fumes, gases, vapors, or sprays are present. These types of hazardous exposures may causecancer, lung impairment, other diseases, or even death.
Aerial lifts include scissor lifts, articulating booms, bucket trucks, and cherry pickers. Many workers are killed or seriously injured because: Employees were not wearing a harness and fell out of the equipment. They were in the equipment when it tipped over and rode it to the ground. They were operating in close proximity to overhead […]
High-visibility clothing started in the highway industry where workers were exposed to vehicle traffic and needed to be seen in all light conditions. Today, high-visibility clothing is worn in any situation where we want visibility on a worker and can be required on all construction projects to bring attention to the user.
Summer Time!! Yes folks, it’s that time again! Time for warm weather, grilling, picnics, water activities, travel, and outdoor fun! If you practice common sense and safety in all of your activities you will keep looking good, feeling good, and you won’t miss out on any of the fun.
When packing and making plans for a work road trip or vacation, don’t forget toinclude “Safety” in all your preparations and activities. Vacations offer time to escape from everyday concerns and provide time to rest and rejuvenate our bodies and minds. However, many of the hazards associated with everyday life will also follow you on […]
New Ladder Safety StandardsThe new rule brought forward by OSHA sets out a requirement for employers to haveladder safety or personal fall arrest systems for fixed ladders that extend more than 24feet. It phases out the use of cages or wells for fall protection, and everything is to beimplemented under a very precise timeline. The […]
In the United States there are two regulatory agencies that can cite employers for not properly protecting employees. Both agencies fall under the United States Department of Labor; Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). These regulatory agencies are responsible for enforcing the safety and health laws to protect […]
Fatalities caused by falls from elevation continue to be a leading cause of death for construction employees, accounting for 366 of the 971 construction fatalities recorded in 2017 (BLS data). Those deaths were preventable.
Just as motorists are allowed to drive their vehicles on public roadways, farmers are legally allowed to operate their farm equipment on those same roads. In rural areas, you may encounter farm equipment, and other slow moving vehicles. The best thing to remember as you follow a slow moving vehicle is to be patient and […]
Orange You 4 Safety? #orange4safety
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving; talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, changing the radio station, loud music, grooming, young children in the back seat, watching a video – anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving. Police […]
A Helping Hand….
Slips, Trips, and Falls can happen anywhere at work, home, or play. Often times these will happen when we are in a hurry, taking shortcuts, or simply not paying attention. All of these can be avoided if we just slowdown. Our lives can get so busy that we’re thinking of other things, therefore leaving us […]
It’s SSOE’s policy to provide employees, visitors, and contractors with a safe and healthy environment.
Many people are concerned about the possibility of a public health emergency such as a natural disaster, act of terrorism, or disease outbreak. You can take steps now to help you prepare for an emergency and cope if an emergency happens. To help you prepare,we’ve provided step-by-step actions you can take before-hand to protect yourself […]
Do you know how to do your job correctly? How do you know?
Ready to spring forward? Daylight Savings Time 2019 will begin for most of the U.S. on Sunday, March 10th, at 2 a.m. Nowadays, with our cell phones, computers, and electronics changing their time automatically, it can be easy to forget the opportunity to perform important annual upkeep in your home. To keep your family and […]
Last week we introduced you to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which is specialized clothing or equipment worn for protection against health and safety hazards. PPE is designed to protect many parts of the body, i.e., eyes, head, face, hands, feet, and ears. Following are a few more details regarding PPE.
What is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)? PPE is equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses. These injuries and illnesses may result from contact with chemical, radiological, physical, electrical, mechanical, or other workplace hazards.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous, colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. It has no detectable odor and is often mixed with other gases that do. Carbon monoxide can be inhaled without even knowing it. CO is emitted from burning natural gas, gasoline, kerosene, oil, propane, coal, or wood. Forges, blast furnaces, and coke ovens produce CO, […]
Many times, a violent act is preceded by a threat. The threats can be explicit or veiled, spoken or unspoken, specific or vague. Observed behavior might suggest the potential for some type of violent act to occur. Off-handed remarks or comments made to people close to the individual may suggest problematic behavior. Dealing with threats […]
Slips, trips, and falls are the second highest cause of accidental deaths and injuries, behind motor vehicle accidents. Each year, almost two million disabling injuries and thousands of minor injuries occur on stairways. While slips, trips, and falls are the cause of numerous injuries and deaths every day, they are among the easiest to correct.
Winter weather and slippery conditions are here. Walking on snow and ice coveredsidewalks, parking lots, and work sites cause a substantial number of falls for workers and pedestrians. It is important to avoid routine behaviors and to be on guard for changing conditions and hazards. Wet or icy surfaces, uneven pavement, snow covered hazards, glare, […]
Stop and think about your favorite winning sports team. How do they do it? Do they have a superstar that will always carry the team? Sometimes but not likely! Consistently winning teams are made up of individual players who all maintain a high level of intensity and share a collective mindset that they will not […]
Making Those New Year’s Resolutions? They often include health, finances, safety, and career.
As we settle into the Holiday season and we celebrate with those holiday parties,keep Safety a priority. Travelling with family and friends exposes everyone to risks ofbad weather, bad conditions, busy traffic, frustrated, and impaired drivers.
The cold and snowy winter weather is just around the corner and so is the need toprepare and protect yourself during the hazardous winter driving. No one wants tobreak down any time, but especially not in the cold or snowy weather. Now is a goodtime to get your car serviced and your mind thinking and […]
Most employers require their employees to wear eye protection at all times while they are working. The “at all times” mandate for eye protection occurred after employers recognized that employees failed to use eye protection when required. Many times injury to the eye is not repairable and there is not a way to replace the […]
Criteria for the Traditional Hard Hat and New Helmet:Hard hats come in several different types and are all rated under ANSI Z89.1. Type 1 is a top only impact protection. Type 2 offers both top and side impact protection.Hard Hats are also broken into three classes relevant to possible electrical exposures under ANSI Z89.1.
Who is responsible for the creation of safety rules?It was the guy we’ve all heard about who cut off two of his fingers after he removed the guard on a saw. He was helped by the machinist who didn’t have the time to go back to the lunch room for safety glasses and lost an […]
Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home fires involving cooking equipment. With an average of 455 daily fires, cooking is the leading cause of homefires and home fire injuries according to NFPA’s Home Fires Involving Cooking Equipment Report & NFIRS data.
Here are some reminders during yard cleanup.
Daylight Saving Time has ended. Setting all the clocks, watches, and appliances to the new time is the easy part. The hardest part of ending Daylight Saving Time might be adjusting our “body clocks” to the time change. Studies have shown that it can take anywhere from a couple of days to a week for […]
Halloween is just around the corner! Here are some tips for trick-or-treating with your children as well as some scary safety statistics that are sure to make you shiver with fear.
If an emergency occurs, the need to communicate is immediate. An important component of the preparedness program is the Crisis Communication Plan. A Crisis Communication Plan is an established set of guidelines on how to communicate with employees, clients, and the media. Adhering to the plan protects the company and employees, and effectively allows the […]
October has been designated “Fire Safety Month” to commemorate the infamous Great Chicago Fire that occurred in October of 1871. More than 300 people died in that fire and almost one-third of Chicago burned. Out of the Chicago ashes grew the realization that stricter building standards, with special attention to fire safety, should be included […]
October is National Fire Prevention Month, a time when we should all be aware of ways to help learn fire safety.
Annual Inspection CertificationFire extinguishers must be certified annually in accordance with local, state, and national codes and regulations. This is a thorough examination by a licensed FireExtinguisher Inspector. The certification process requires inspectors to verify the extinguisher is fully pressurized, free from damage, and weighed appropriately. Annual inspections also require a pull test on the […]
A concussion is a mild form of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump,blow, or jolt to the head. Concussions can also occur from a fall or a blow tothe body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth. After a concussion,some people lose consciousness for a short time. However, most concussions donot […]
As the United States and Mexico prepare for the hurricane season, we already have a major storm approaching the east coast with others in the loom. In addition, China prepares as a monster typhoon approaches. Preparing for a hurricane / typhoon can be challenging securing your property and making plans but after things are secured, […]
Do you take chances at home, work or play? Have you ever cut corners and done something at risk? Are you a gambler and willing to take chances? Safety policies and procedures are not suggestions. It is mandatory to follow all safety procedures at all times – no exceptions! No one can protect you more […]
Part of a Safety Always culture is to be safe at work, home, and play. School is starting up and we want to remind everyone about taking extra precautions while traveling. Our kids need to be kept safe also! When driving behind a bus, allow a greater following distance than if driving behind a car. […]
Wildfires can happen anywhere! Whether caused by humans or nature, wildfires can start and spread very quickly. If a wildfire started near your home or in an area you are traveling, would you know what to do?
Electrical hazards led to 82 construction worker deaths in 2016. By identifying these hazards, and understanding how they happen, we can take steps to protect ourselves. According to OSHA, Electrical Hazards can be defined as a serious hazard that exposesworkers to burns, electrocution, shock, arc flash / arc blast, fire, or explosions.
Struck-by hazards led to 93 construction worker deaths in 2016. By identifying these hazards, and understanding how they happen, we can take steps to protect ourselves. According to OSHA, Struck-by Hazards are defined as injuries produced by forciblecontact or impact between the injured person and an object or piece of equipment.
Caught-in or -between hazards led to 72 construction worker deaths in 2016. By identifying these hazards, and understanding how they happen, we can take steps to protect ourselves. According to OSHA, Caught-In or -Between Hazards are defined as injuries resulting from a person being squeezed, caught, crushed, pinched, or compressed between two or more objects, […]
Fall Hazards led to 384 construction worker deaths in 2016 (38.7% of construction site fatalities). By identifying these hazards, and understanding how they happen, we can take steps to protect ourselves. According to OSHA, Fall Hazards are defined as anything at your work site that couldcause you to lose your balance or lose bodily support […]
Any worker exposed to hot and humid conditions is at risk of heat illness, especially those doing heavy work tasks or using bulky protective clothing and equipment. Some workers might be at greater risk than others if they have not built up a tolerance to hot conditions, including new workers, temporary workers, or those returning […]
Electric Shock Drowning happens more than we know about. This is only a small portion of what you need to know. Please visit the websites below for more information. Be empowered, not electrocuted!
It’s the season for picnics, parties, and fireworks! Practicing common sense will make the festivities more enjoyable for you and those around you. Here are a few reminders about heat, food, alcohol, and firework safety to prevent sickness and injury, and help keep the fun going all summer long.
Your body depends on water to survive. Every organ, cell, and tissue in your body needs water to work properly. Your body uses water to regulate its temperature, remove toxic substances, and help the absorb essential nutrients.
Warmer weather and longer days are beckoning us to get out and be active. Your inner child may be telling you to run, jump, and play — but is your body ready? If you haven’t exercised in a while you can increase your risk for injury during physical activity. It’s important to have a realistic […]
Most of us spend a significant amount of time at work, rarely thinking about the precautionary measures in place to create our secure environment. Companies develop policies, programs, and committees to keep their employees and property safe. The primary security risks are theft, vandalism, and violence (random or targeted).
Setting up workstations properly will prevent repetitive injuries and the potential for strains, sprains, and pains.
Summer Time!! Yes folks, It’s that time again! Time for warm weather, grilling and picnics, water activities, travel, and outdoor fun! If you practice common sense and safety in all of your activities you will keep you looking good, feeling good, and you won’t miss out on any of the fun.
For most of us, our vehicles are an essential part of our lives. What would happen if your car vanished without warning? Most automobile thefts or break-ins are either a crime of opportunity or a result of a thief canvassing a location or situation. Here are some common sense tips to help prevent automobile theft […]
You are notified that a tornado is heading toward your location, the fire alarm system in the building is activated, or there is a notification to evacuate the building you are in. These are just a few example situations where you should either evacuate a building or take shelter in a building.
After all the engineering and administrative controls have been exhausted, PPE is left to be the last line of defense against injuries. Choosing the correct Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and wearing it properly can go a long way towards preventing injury to yourself and to others.
Workers’ Memorial Day is observed every year on April 28. It is a day to honor those workers who have died on the job, to acknowledge the grievous suffering experienced by families and communities, and to recommit ourselves to the fight for safe and healthful workplaces for all workers. It is also the day OSHA […]
On average, more than 700 people die in crashes that occur in construction and maintenance work zones. This includes more than 100 workers at these road construction sites. When traveling through construction zones, remember…we’re all in this together.
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