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Safe Sounding Workplaces

Using sound mapping software rather than measurements means you can predict future noise levels and take pre-emptive steps to control the noise.

Fatal Fall Brings $40,096 Fine

OSHA investigated the company after an employee installing patio screen enclosures died from a fall. L.I. Aluminum was issued four serious citations for failing to provide fall protection to employees working at heights of 10 feet or more; exposing employees to falls; and failing to train employees on fall hazards and the proper use of ladders.

Lockout leadership can be the missing link that drives continuous improvement leading to meaningful change in the safety culture of the adapting workplace. (The Master Lock Company photo)

Lockout Leadership as a Path to Advancing the Practice

It is much more effective to share with workers the ways and means the company has decided to do things, rather than let impersonal government regulations drive critical behaviors.



Even if employees do remember all of the layers of protective equipment they need, the inconvenience of having to put on and take off multiple items may deter them from wearing all of the necessary PPE. (Workrite Uniform Company photo)

PPE Tips for Encouraging Wearer Compliance

The best way to prevent costly injuries is to promote safe work practices, provide the necessary PPE, and do everything possible to encourage wearer compliance.

New fiberglass materials are available and can reduce the weight of your ladder by 20 percent. Most ladder companies now offer a lighter-weight version of some ladders. (Little Giant Ladder Systems photo)

Ladders—A Need for Change

The safest way to design a product is to design out the dangers. If it’s impossible to design out all of the dangers, then you guard against those dangers.

Top-Line Concerns

Head and face hazards are a constant for workers in construction, waste management, and in some manufacturing settings.

Driverless Vehicle Testing, Use OK in California

"This is a major step forward for autonomous technology in California," DMV Director Jean Shiomoto said. "Safety is our top concern, and we are ready to begin working with manufacturers that are prepared to test fully driverless vehicles in California."

HVLS fans are gaining recognition as an efficient way of improving air movement, reducing heat stress, lowering energy costs, and creating a better overall environment. (Rite-Hite photo)

Reducing Heat Stress with HVLS Fans and Dock Seals

Dock equipment keeps conditioned air inside. HVLS fans circulate air to boost employee comfort, safety, and efficiency.

Comfort differs greatly from person to person, making it a poor benchmark to judge garment suitability. It should not be the sole determining factor. (Westex by Milliken photo)

Exploring Measures to Protect Your Employees from Heat Stress

There are a number of ways to guard against heat stress, and those can be divided into preventative measures, protective measures, and proper attire.

Anybody can choose to go above and beyond what OSHA requires. In this case, going above and beyond could reduce the chance that something is done incorrectly.

Do You Really Need a 5,000-Pound Anchor Point to Satisfy OSHA?

You may be eliminating perfectly good anchor points where it’s already difficult to achieve proper fall protection.

Energy Inspector General Faults Beryllium Controls at Los Alamos National Laboratory

The IG's Feb. 20 report concluded LANL did not fully implement an effective Prevention Program as required, did not complete hazard assessments with sampling plans for each record in its 2016 beryllium inventory, and released potentially contaminated areas for other use without a formal evaluation to ensure any residual contamination was within acceptable limits.

Red Light Enforcement Funds Going to 35 Pennsylvania Cities

The state's Automated Red Light Enforcement program works to improve safety at signalized intersections by providing automated enforcement at locations where data shows red light running has been a problem. Total funding since 2010 has reached $62.87 million for 366 safety projects.

GAO Report Identifies Challenges to Counterfeit and IP Enforcement

"The risks associated with the types of counterfeit goods we purchased can extend beyond the infringement of a company's intellectual property rights," the report says. "For example, a UL investigation of counterfeit iPhone adapters found a 99 percent failure rate in 400 counterfeit adapters tested for safety, fire, and shock hazards and found that 12 of the adapters posed a risk of lethal electrocution to the user."

P3 Program Participants at Work

The agency noted that the increasing threat of infectious diseases spurs the need for breakthrough technologies and capabilities to protect first responders and equip them with therapeutics to stop infectious agents.

California Governor Signs Dam Safety Bill

The bill's author, Assemblyman James Gallagher, said the new law will ensure "that California leads national and global efforts to update and modernize dam safety requirements."

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