OSHA's New Direction: Why Employers Must Still Prioritize Safety
09/03/2025
Employers would be well advised to keep the focus on maintaining a safe workplace, even with OSHA being less proactive.
Employee Benefits of Workplace Safety
06/20/2023
It's so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day demands, that it can become too easy to lose track of the basics behind workplace safety. This is just a reminder post that everything starts with the employee and resonates throughout the organization from there.
National Farmers Safety Week
09/20/2022
Did You Know That We Are In the Midst of National Farmer Safety Week?
Well, we are and, frankly, no other occupation or employer needs a heightened awareness of the unsafe conditions on the average farm, whether a family farm or an industrial farm. In the 1993, when the Agricultural, 1928, standards were written, there were fewer industrial farms (the really large farms of dairy or grain products) than there are at present. The last change to these standards was in November of 2021, and before that it was in 2011.
Which Limit Applies When?
08/30/2022
I recently reviewed a report from an Indoor Air Quality study for a residential client. What caught my eye was the Volatile Organic Chemical, Carbon monoxide, and Carbon dioxide results were compared to Occupational Exposure Limits. There are several reasons why this is...
For PPE, There Is No Such Thing as One Size Fits All
07/28/2022
The first day of my Ergonomics course at the University of Michigan Professor Strong explained how chairs, mostly not adjustable in those days were built for a 6' tall male. Which explained a LOT. He went on to point out that 6' males were not the majority at the time so this...
Ten Tips To Surviving An OSHA Visit
06/12/2022
Even though the number of OSHA Enforcement Officers as a ratio to the number of businesses is extremely small, one could show up at your door without notice. In that case, you need a plan because, trust me, you don't want an Enforcement Officer to know your employees don't know who is in...
Are You Exempt From OSHA's Recordkeeping Requirements?
06/11/2022
Some industries are exempt or partially exempt from complying with 1904, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA's recordkeeping standard. The exempt industries are considered to be...
Talk is Expensive, Action is Cheap
05/17/2022
Recently I was on the American Society of Safety Professionals discussion board. It's a great place for new Safety Professionals to connect with their more experienced colleagues. One frustrated member posted a request for assistance. He stated:
"I have found in each...
OSHA Submits Proposed Rule for Improving Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses
04/10/2022
In a previous blog article, we indicated that there will be more to come with regards to OSHA electronic reporting requirements. They have now taken the next step in that direction.
In...
Personal Protective Equipment: The Weakest Link in Employee Protection
03/27/2022
Look at the Big Picture and Follow Through
When Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is provided without training and oversight, the PPE itself can become the hazard. The process starts with Hazard Assessment and Control. PPE is supposed to be a temporary protection...