When the weather is cold, it is important to show up for the job prepared. The fact that your workwear will need insulation that will allow you to complete tasks comfortably while staying warm is obvious, but we may not always know how much or how little insulation we need. Another question we may ask ourselves while we prepare for work in frigid temperatures is, will the clothing keep us protected from cold for the intended life of the product? Continue Reading…
What’s the difference between a mandatory regulation and a voluntary requirement? That’s a big question to answer and an important one to tackle. Understanding the difference can be difficult, but it also might not be necessary. Because understanding what “voluntary” means when it comes to workplace safety might not be as “voluntary” as you might think. Companies that have a correct understanding of what OSHA’s expectations are regarding voluntary requirements will be a leader when it comes to keeping workers safe and costs under control. Continue Reading…
It’s important that each workplace have safety guidelines and policies. And one of those policies should be an incentive program that rewards workers for safe practices and behaviors on the job. There are a couple different types of these safety incentive programs which go about striving for the goal of worker safety in different ways. Many workplaces do have these incentive programs. But many of them might actually be causing more harm than good.
There’s a new report out from the Government Accounting Office (GAO), and it is asking OSHA to make changes as a result of recent research into these safety incentive programs. The GAO report raises serious concerns about the effect that workplace safety incentive programs have on the reporting of accidents and injuries in the workplace. Continue Reading…
Should you listen to music while on the job, or not? It’s a question employees consider more and more in this digital age, and it’s important for employers to consider as well. Developing a workplace policy for listening to music, among other workplace safety policies is a good recommendation for employers, for reasons of productivity as well as safety.
There’s an argument to be made that workers are more motivated at work when they are listening to music. Especially in quieter, non-hazardous environments, like an office. Music can mask background noise, so the employee can focus, and it also improves the employee’s mood and productivity. Some employees even have a better perception of their company as a result. So in these cases, using a personal listening device, like an iPod, can actually be a benefit to both employer and employee. Continue Reading…
A lot can change in 15 years. A lot has changed in 15 years. Social media websites like Facebook and Twitter have become an everyday part of life for most Americans. The hybrid car has gone from design-floor dream to viable option for the average person. And cut protection for your hands has gone from one single option to many.
In 1997, para-aramid was the fiber for cut-protection gloves. This yellow fiber wasn’t just a valuable asset for workplace protection of your hands, it was the only valuable asset for workplace protection of your hands. But like social media sites and hybrid cars, times have changed. Now, even though para-aramid continues to be an industry leader, the alternative options have exploded. Continue Reading…
If you run a manufacturing plant, construction site or transportation company, you know that implementing a safety clothing program is only half the battle. Your employees have to actually wear the protective items to keep them safe. Unfortunately, the fact is, they too often don’t comply.
In fact, this problem is rampant. An online survey conducted by a Kimberly-Clark Professional found that 89 percent of safety professionals polled had observed WorkingPeople failing to wear the proper workwear and/or personal protective equipment (PPE) when they should have been. Stunning. And almost 30 percent said they observed it on multiple occasions. We need to keep our work force safe. Continue Reading…
Adapt this list of reminders to your working environment. Be sure to consider company policies and local, state, and Federal codes before establishing a written electrical safety program.
