March 2016 OHS

March 2016

  • HEAD PROTECTION: How to Select a Hard Hat to Fit Everyone's Comfort Zone
  • HEARING PROTECTION: Is 85/3 In the Cards?
  • HEARING PROTECTION: Take the Pledge to Protect Your Hearing Health
  • IH/HAZMAT: Controlling the Situation: Actionable Steps to Help Mitigate Hazmat Incidents
  • HEAT STRESS/SUMMER HAZARDS: Improving Indoor Environments with HVLS Fans
  • LOCKOUT/TAGOUT: A LOTO Tools Tutorial
  • LOCKOUT/TAGOUT: The Role of Alternative Procedures in a Successful Lockout Program
  • PROTECTIVE APPAREL: The Science of Laboratory Safety
  • PROTECTIVE APPAREL: Inherent vs Treated: The Building Blocks of Flame-Resistant Fabrics
  • FIRE SAFETY: Are You Fire Ready?
  • FIRE SAFETY: Fire Drills: Evaluating Employee Exit Strategies
  • TRANSPORTATION SAFETY: Improve Driver Safety with GLS Fleet Tracking
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Cover Story

Typically the fire department arrives anywhere from 4 to 10 minutes from the time of the 911 call. It is important to have accounted for all employees, visitors, and contractors.

Fire Drills: Evaluating Employee Exit Strategies

By Chris Koester

A major issue with conducting pre-announced fire drills is that employees know the drills are not a real emergency alert and therefore, have no sense of urgency.


Features

A culture of awareness as well as the proper work practices and procedures are essential components in preventing accidents, but they can only go so far to protect lab workers from hazards. (Workrite Uniform Company photo)

The Science of Laboratory Safety

By Mark Saner

A recent surge in FR lab coat usage has led to an increase in FR options for lab workers.


Even with hearing conservation programs in place, there are still numerous recordable hearing loss events.

Is 85/3 In the Cards?

By Joseph J. Werbicki

An overwhelming body of documented evidence suggests that the current PEL should be lowered to 85 dBA and the exchange rate be lowered to 3 dB.


Depending on the quantity and nature of the hazmat spill, there are a number of reporting and notification requirements that must be enacted in a limited amount of time.

Controlling the Situation: Actionable Steps to Help Mitigate Hazmat Incidents

By Glenn D. Trout

Accidents happen, but taking proactive steps ahead of an accident ensures your facility is prepared and reduces the chances of a larger incident from occurring.


Huge bales of fiber—from 400 to 700 pounds each, depending on the fiber—are delivered to a yarn plant for processing. (TenCate Protective Fabrics photo)

Inherent vs Treated: The Building Blocks of Flame-Resistant Fabrics Matter

By Dominique Adams

Whether purchased by individuals, supplied by the company, or leased through a laundry service, FR clothing arrives for wear.


Employers should make every effort to not only observe OSHA standard 1910.147, but also make sure complying with the standard is as easy and efficient as possible. (ZING Green Safety Products photo)

A LOTO Tools Tutorial

By Eric Prinzing

A centralized lockout station prevents confusion and clutter. Maximizing space, in addition to streamlining operations, also helps to make a facility safer.


In many cases, just knowing they are being tracked and receiving text message and email alerts themselves can have a significant positive impact on drivers

Improve Driver Safety with GPS Fleet Tracking

By Jessica Stoddard Zyk

Knowing which drivers commit unsafe behaviors the most or least allows a manager to reward and reinforce safe driving habits, provide additional training on safe driving, and coach drivers to safer driving habits.


Employers

Are You Fire Ready?

By Robert A. Ernst

If you expect your workers to use firefighting equipment, you should give them appropriate equipment and train them annually to use the equipment safely.


HVLS fans move larger volumes of air while using less energy than high-speed fans and produce a less disruptive wind speed. (Rite-Hite Fans photo)

Improving Indoor Environments with HVLS Fans

By Dan Anderson

The use of HVLS fans has gained increased attention as a practical, affordable solution to improving air movement, reducing heat stress, and creating overall better environmental control.


Newer styles offer multiple adjustment points, allowing the wearer to fine-tune hat height as well as make front, lateral, and rear adjustments for a truly personalized fit. (Honeywell Industrial Safety photo)

How to Select a Hard Hat to Fit Everyone's Comfort Zone

By Katie Twist-Rowlinson

Recent research and design innovations coupled with advances in materials are paving the way for a new era of head protection.


Good detail is provided in the current ANSI Z244.1 Standard, with an expanded section in the new version of this standard due for release in 2016.

The Role of Alternative Procedures in a Successful Lockout Program

By Todd Grover

Before any alternative methodology is selected, a hazard assessment should be performed for each task.


The cost of hearing protection on any given day in 2016 is far less expensive than hearing aids later on, in both in dollars and sense.

Take the Pledge to Protect Your Hearing in 2016

By Theresa Y. Schulz

Even as hearing protection has improved in basic terms, such as weight, comfort, fit, and protection, we are seeing the introduction of more and more features.


Departments

Opening Personal Mindfulness

By Robert Pater

Leaders have to first embrace reality, then help others do the same.


In-Vehicle Technologies to the Rescue

By Jerry Laws

NHTSA Administrator Dr. Mark Rosekind and U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx announced a proposed $4 billion federal investment to accelerate the development of safe vehicle automation.


For Loyalty, Trust, and Engagement, Manage Experiences

By Shawn M. Galloway

I'm willing to pay more for service that delights me and continues to exceed my expectations. A simple search in your favorite browser will show a plethora of research that demonstrates I'm not alone in that regard.


Artificial Intelligence