Weather plays a huge role in our ability to work safely when working outdoors. While rain, snow, ice, and hot temperatures are often discussed, less focus is given to the hazards wind can create for workers. It is important to realize the different hazards high winds can pose and what can be done to work safely in these conditions.
Read MoreAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, from 2013-2017 there were 97 trenching fatalities in the construction industry – an average of 19 per year, from a low of 10 deaths in 2014 to a high of 33 in 2016 [BLS, 2019]. Excavations are a common sight on construction sites all across the United States. This work can come with numerous hazards, but excavation work can be made safe by following basic safety guidelines.
Read MoreThe sun is essential to all life on Earth, however, too much exposure to the sun can be harmful to us. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet light, also called UV rays, emitted from the sun can many skin conditions as well as skin cancer.
Read MoreWe use our hands for virtually all work tasks that we do. Because of how often we use our hands, they are put in the line of fire where they can be injured. Hand injuries are the second leading type of injury on the job in the United States.
Read MoreWater is one of the most important substances on Earth. All plants, animals, and people need water to survive. Water serves very important purposes to our bodies and our bodily functions- some of which you may not even be aware of.
Read MoreEvery single year there are 735,000 Americans who suffer heart attacks according to the CDC. Out of that number, 525,000 of them are first-time heart attack victims. Heart disease and heart attacks are an unfortunate reality in our country.
Read MoreSpiders are feared by many people all around the world. For the most part, they are harmless creatures to humans. However, there is a small number of species that are known to be a danger to humans. In the United States, there are two kinds of spiders that are normally mentioned as a danger to a person’s health if bitten. These spiders are of the recluse type and the widow type.
Read MoreOur hearing is precious to us. Once we diminish or lose our hearing we can never fully recover it. Both on the job and at home there are many sources of noise that can damage our hearing. These sounds can damage sensitive structures in the inner ear and cause noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Approximately 26 million Americans have some type of noise-induced hearing loss.
Read MoreEvery day an untold amount of loads of various materials, tools, equipment, etc. are transported and offloaded at construction sites all around the world. While the task of taking a load off of a trailer is usually a straightforward process, there are many things to consider. Just like any other task, there needs to be proper preplanning to ensure a safe and efficient process.
Read MoreThe hazards associated with electricity affect the majority of workplaces. Whether you are in general industry, construction, or even farming- electrical hazards are present. It is important to be able to recognize the electrical hazards around you and know how to mitigate them.
Read MoreDiesel engines are used frequently on construction sites, mines, and other types of work sites. Diesel engines power everything from water pumps to heavy equipment that allows for day-to-day activities to be completed efficiently
Read MoreEvery single year slip, trip, and fall injuries are some of the most common and costly injuries that occur in the workplace. Many people probably assume that falls from heights cost companies more every year than falls on the same level, but this is not the case.
Read MoreLightning is a serious hazard both on and off the job. There is an average of 25 million lightning strikes that occur in the United States each year alone. Individuals need to identify and plan for the potential of lightning before beginning a work activity or any leisure activity during storm season.
Read MoreOur eyes are one of our greatest assets. They give us the ability to see the world around us. If we do not protect our eyes from injuries while at work we could easily lose that ability.
Read MoreThere are many arguments both for and against having the goal of experiencing no injuries over a year’s time or indefinitely on the job. At the management level and the field level, many employees feel that experiencing zero injuries over a long time is incredibly unrealistic.
Read MoreBurn injuries are common both at home and in the workplace. The American Burn Association states that there are over 40,000 hospitalizations each year due to burns. There are a few different types of burn injuries.
Read MoreWe face many hazards today anytime we operate a motor vehicle, personal or company. Weather, poor road conditions, and wildlife are some common hazards on the road today. Other drivers on the road also create many hazards. One very deadly activity taking place far too often is drowsy driving.
Read MoreStriking fixed objects with moving equipment or vehicles is common in manufacturing settings, on construction sites, and for occupations such as delivery drivers.
Read Morethat could When addressing hazards in the workplace most of the focus is put towards the physical hazards harm us. For example, hazards such as slips and trips, electrocution, heavy equipment, struck-by incidents, etc. are the topics focused on when looking for things that can seriously injure or hurt us. While there should be an emphasis on the many physical hazards in our workplaces, human performance factors that affect our work need to also be addressed.
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