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Equipment and Technologies

How Bluetooth improves worker safety

There are an untold number of ways technology has been created and modified to improve worker safety. Innovation has truly made some dangerous workplace situations safer.

As worker safety continues to remain on the mind of employers, one piece of technology seeks to provide even more safety for employees.

The power of Bluetooth
If you own one of the newest smartphones, you've likely heard of Bluetooth. Essentially, these devices, when Bluetooth is enabled, transmit information over short length radio waves, according to the Bluetooth organization. TechTarget says, when Bluetooth is enabled, devices interconnect wirelessly. It was first introduced in 1994 and interestingly enough, one company does not own the technology. Instead, some of the world's leading device manufacturers formed the Bluetooth Special Interest Group. They work together to advance the technology and ensure all users stay informed of the latest updates.

In recent years, Bluetooth has become synonymous with connecting wireless headphones to smartphones. The same concept applies to the workforce, but on a much larger scale.

Lose the cables
At the consumer and industry level, Bluetooth-enabled devices are appealing because wires are seldom involved, according to Sensear. This detail therefore eliminates potential safety hazards. For example, if you have an employee who wears ear protection, he or she will not have to worry about wires tangling or getting caught on small objects.

A worker using Bluetooth.Construction workers will benefit from Bluetooth technology.

Monitor employee's safety
One of greatest aspects of Bluetooth is its potential. The technology is constantly being upgraded and offers employers numerous radio profiles, Sensear​ noted. Device manufacturers have taken advantage of the potential and have created tools to monitor employee safety. Product offerings from Motorola and Blackline Safety help protect workers, no matter what industry they're working in.

However, to combine Bluetooth and safety, employers have to understand what difficulties workers are facing. For instance, construction companies may lose precious time while waiting for employees to check in the office, only to then make their way to the job site. Using various Bluetooth products, employees can be tracked in a safe, secure and private manner. This therefore eliminates the check-in process as managers can easily account for their workers.

As another example, Bluetooth can monitor employees' safety. The wide appeal of Bluetooth is recognized by the ability to install it on numerous devices, such as mobile phones and Motorola's MOTOTRBO radios. According to SEI Wireless Solutions, Bluetooth can be combined with specific software to send workers "Alive Check" messages. If the worker responds without issue, there is no harm. It's even designed to automatically keep track of important metrics. This system, like others, are appealing because of the flexibility offered and because Bluetooth is readily available on so many devices.

Impact on industries
Incorporating Bluetooth technology into the workplace is an excellent way to monitor the safety and well-being of employees. It is low cost, energy efficient and works well with personal and work-issued devices. Instead of relying on phone calls for check-ups, employers can utilize Bluetooth to remotely and wirelessly ensure everyone is safe.

Emergency Response, Equipment and Technologies, Medical Management, Professional & Technical Personel, Respiratory Protection, Training, Compliance, and Certification

Staying hydrated on the work site

Heat-related illnesses are a serious hazard on industrial work sites, especially those that are outdoors during summer months. With temperatures in some locales soaring past 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the need for workers to stay hydrated is a constant concern.

Because industrial workers are also exposed to operational hazards, many are required to wear personal protection equipment (PPE). However, multiple layers of stifling equipment combined with high-heat environments can create potentially fatal situations. Under these circumstances, the risk of dehydration increases dramatically, which can negatively impact workers' ability to maintain focus, posture and operational functionality on the job.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted the human body has roughly 2.6 million sweat glands, and for workers to appropriately replace lost fluids, they should drink water every 15 minutes.

So what should managers and employers do to keep their employees protected from dehydration?

Keeping cool in high-heat environments
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration suggested workers who are exposed to temperatures between 103 and 115 degrees drink four cups of water per hour. Water is the preferred choice of beverage over soft drinks or coffee because caffeine actually depletes electrolytes more quickly and causes dehydration to worsen.

Furthermore, if workers are exposed to direct sunlight, the heat index can actually rise another 15 degrees, OSHA noted, making it even more important for them to remain hydrated.

It's also advised that workers take more frequent breaks under these high-temperature and stressful situations. Employers should provide necessary shade or cooling facilities on-site so workers are able to cool down before re-entering the work environment.

Noticing the warning signs
Employers and on-site managers should be capable of spotting dehydration before it becomes a serious health issue.

According to OSHA, those most at risk of dehydration are employees:

  • Who are directly under the sun
  • Who are working for hours at a time
  • Who are wearing PPE

Some of the more prominent warnings that workers are dehydrated are:

  • Excessive fatigue
  • Trouble focusing
  • Sunken eyes
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Dry mouth
  • Extreme thirst
  • Darkly colored urine

One of the best ways to identify just how much water is needed to replenish dehydrated workers' fluids is to assess the color of their urine. Employees can do this on their own to evaluate their dehydration level.

There are five stages of dehydration based on color, ranging from clear to dark yellow. On the low end of the spectrum, workers should consume 8-12 glasses of water per day, while those who are severely dehydrated should promptly drink an entire large bottle of water to protect against heat stroke.

Emergency Response, Equipment and Technologies, Medical Management, Professional & Technical Personel, Training, Compliance, and Certification

Preventing heat-related illnesses in the workplace

During times of intense heat, workers can be at serious risk of illness, over-exhaustion and potentially even death. As summer temperatures soar, employees who work outdoors are especially susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Similarly, workers in indoor environments that require high temperatures can also fall victim to excess heat exposure, which is why employers should take steps to ensure all safety precautions are followed and necessary heat prevention programs are in place on job sites.

High temperatures can raise the body’s core temperature considerably without workers even knowing. And if employees aren’t aware of their internal conditions, then employers won’t be either. By noticing the warning signs and being aware of just how damaging heat can be to safety and productivity, employees can be protected from harsh working conditions.

Those at risk
Industrial workers both inside and outdoors are likely at risk of heat illness at some point during their normal workdays. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention listed the following types of work environments are commonly plagued by high heat:

  • Factory
  • Construction
  • Boiler room
  • Agricultural

“New employees may be at the highest risk of heat-related il​lness.”

Further, welders, mechanical operators and service technicians are at risk as well.

One of the largest challenges employers face is that work under these conditions must be completed in a safe manner and in full confidence that employees will voice their opinions and stresses. Workers in these fields are aware that heavily used machinery and furnaces give off a lot of heat, but it may be difficult to discern how much is too much.

In addition, workers who at one time may have been used to such conditions can become gravely affected by heat if they are away from the job for a week or so, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Workers coming back from vacation need time to readjust their bodies to such extreme temperatures. Likewise, new employees may be at the highest risk of heat-related illness simply because they are not acclimated to such conditions.

Recognizing warning signs
Excess sweating is natural under stressful conditions, but extreme heat can be deadly. Common examples of heat illnesses from the CDC include:

  • Cramps
  • Rashes
  • Vomiting
  • Fainting
  • Dizziness
  • Exhaustion
  • Headache
  • Muscle ache
  • Confusion

Employees who exhibit these symptoms or behaviors should be removed from work sites immediately and given proper care. The above warning signs are indicative of much larger dangers that may facilitate more serious consequences. For instance, workers whose core temperatures exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit may suffer heat stroke or syncope.

Workers suffering from heat-related illnesses while operating heavy equipment or being suspended high in the air are at risk of grievous injury as well. Brought on by the effects of heat, workers can become dizzy, lose focus on the task at hand and potentially fall or lose a limb to a machine.

When workplace temperatures rise, employees must take extra precaution. When workplace temperatures rise, employees must take extra precautions.

Prevention is key
OSHA has spearheaded its own workplace efforts to protect employees from extreme heat exposure. Known as the Heat Illness Prevention Campaign, OSHA provides training tools, tips and educational resources to employers that can be implemented on work sites.

A few of these pieces of advice are:

  • Job sites should always have water facilities near every worker
  • Lighter, breathable clothing should be worn
  • Workloads should slowly be increased to ensure workers aren’t exposed to high levels of heat at one sudden moment
  • Local ventilation points should be present in high moisture areas
  • Employees should have access to air-conditioned rooms, even when outdoors or suspended in the air
  • Appropriate work cycles and workloads should be spread evenly across crews
  • Cooling devices (dry ice, compressed air, self-contained, portable A/Cs) in PPE should be mandated on high-risk jobs

Many of the negative effects of heat can be mitigated by employers who delegate tasks appropriately and provide adequate on-site resources. Workers should be permitted to take multiple extended breaks when temperatures are higher. Similarly, the availability of food and water is a must.

Employees who are hydrated and nourished with a recent meal are much more capable of warding off the impact of heat exposure. Workers shouldn’t feel singled out or punished for speaking about the demands of the job or if they are unsure of their personal well-being.

By working laterally with workers, employers and managers can keep operations running smoothly while promoting safe practices in high-risk environments.

Emergency Response, Equipment and Technologies, Professional & Technical Personel, Training, Compliance, and Certification

Confined Spaces in Construction ruling goes into effect Aug. 3

Beginning Aug. 3, a new Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulation designed to protect construction workers from hazards associated with confined spaces will go into effect. The ruling, Confined Spaces in Construction, is initially a temporary policy, whereby employers in the construction industry have 60 days to show good faith efforts toward complying with the law. The new standard would be fully enforced starting Oct. 2.

During the lead​-up to full enforcement, OSHA will not issue citations to employers not in compliance with the ruling if they can prove they are either (1) ordering equipment needed for compliance; (2) scheduling training sessions for all employees; or (3) educating employees about the dangers of confined spaces.

This temporary delay of enforcement was created to give employers more time to ramp up their compliance procedures and to ensure all safety measures are being implemented in an efficient way. Further, this window of time also provides employers with additional time to order new safety equipment and design training programs for employees.

“Safety measures in construction would be brought up to par with those in manufacturing and general industry.”

Updating construction safety standards
Relative to other industries that are considered highly risky for workers, the construction industry has an additional set of safety challenges altogether. This is particularly true as it pertains to confined spaces.

While workplace safety in confined spaces is heavily regulated and employers have a multitude of procedures in place to protect workers, construction sites are more fluid, thus requiring more stringent protocols, according to David Michaels, the assistant secretary of labor for Occupational Safety and Health.

The ruling would bring safety measures in construction up to par with those in manufacturing and general industry.

“Unlike most general worksites, construction sites are continually evolving, with the number and characteristics of confined spaces changing as work progresses,” Michaels stated. “This rule emphasizes training, continuous worksite evaluation and communication requirements to further protect workers’ safety and health.”

With the regulation in place, employers would be required to identify all confined spaces on a work site and ensure employees are safe when working within these spaces. Employers would also have to provide workers with all of the safety information they need prior to employees beginning work in a confined space.

Defining confined spaces
Though confined spaces exist in nearly every industrial sector, construction workers on certain projects may be less skilled, and thus less informed of safety precautions or the hazards they are susceptible to. These spaces by definition have enough room for a worker to inhabit it, yet contain limited entry or exit points in case of emergency, OSHA noted. Further, confined spaces are not meant for workers to occupy for long periods of time.

Common examples of these confined spaces in construction are:

  • Elevator pits
  • Crawl spaces
  • Attics
  • Sewage systems
  • Manholes
  • Boiler rooms
  • Storage tanks
  • Vaults
  • Pipes

While working under these conditions, construction crews are exposed to a host of life-threatening hazards, including:

  • Toxic substances
  • Explosions
  • Electrocution
  • Asphyxiation
Workers will have stronger safety guidelines in place because of the ruling.Workers will have stronger safety guidelines in place because of the ruling.

New changes
In addition to updated safety training and greater disclosure of confined spaces on work sites, there are five other requirements employers must follow, which OSHA clarified as:

  1. More detailed provisions to coordinate activities between multiple employers on the same site. In this manner, all employers are aware of workers’ duties and responsibilities, as well as which employees will be working within confined spaces.
  2. A competent person must assess the work site and evaluate all confined and permit spaces.
  3. Continuous monitoring of the atmosphere around the work site.
  4. Continuous monitoring of engulfment hazards, i.e. electronic sensors could alert workers in confined spaces at the first sign of hazards so they have enough time to evacuate.
  5. Suspension of permits if events impact the entry conditions listed on the initial permit and employers do not update them accordingly.

OSHA also clarified requirements under existing General Industry rules, including:

  • Employer who instruct workers to enter a confined space without following the complete permit system must prevent workers from coming into contact with hazards either by removing or isolating these dangers beforehand.
  • Employers must arrange advance notice from emergency service responders if responders are unable to reach a work site within a reasonable amount of time following an employee hazard.
  • Employers should present training in a way that all language and vocabulary is understood by employees.

OSHA added new definitions to go along with the ruling, which are:

  • Entry rescue – a type of rescue employers can use, as opposed to exit rescue
  • Entry employer – a person who instructs workers to enter a confined space

“Employers should focus on procuring safety equipment and coordinating training sessions.”

Improving on-site safety
As workplace conditions are more closely regulated, employees should be informed of and protected from hazards during their normal work duties. Using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Business Insurance reported construction worker deaths are roughly three times higher than the average across all other industries.

Additionally, Labor Secretary Thomas E. Perez stated the new rules will significantly improve worker safety in confined spaces.

“In fact, we estimate that it will prevent about 780 serious injuries every year,” said Perez.

Employers have limited time to begin training workers, so it’s important they move quick on complying with the new law. During the 60-day non-citation period, employers should focus on procuring the necessary safety equipment that will be needed and coordinating all training sessions with employees. Upon the final Oct. 2 compliance deadline, those who are still not cooperating with the new ruling may be issued a $7,000 penalty for each compliance violation or $70,000 for willful or repeated violations, Business Insurance noted.

Emergency Response, Equipment and Technologies, Fire Protection, Gas Detection, Medical Management, Professional & Technical Personel, Respiratory Protection, Training, Compliance, and Certification, Turnaround & Shutdown

Emergency response protocols just as important as workplace safety

Though work sites have been made safer through stricter standards and advanced personal protection equipment, some cases of workplace injury are unavoidable. For instance, an employee who doesn't properly follow applicable safety guidelines may put him or herself in harm's way, regardless of an employer's best efforts. Further, if a lockout/tagout procedure is overlooked at the end of a shift, workers on the next shift may be injured. The result of these errors is that work sites can be as dangerous as they are allowed to be. But with additional safety precautions and necessary oversight, individuals can be protected from hazards.

One aspect of complete safety is what happens after an accident occurs. In many instances, the response to the initial injury can determine the outcome of an employee's well-being. Ignoring the procedures that follow an emergency can be equally as detrimental as having workers unduly exposed to hazards in the first place.

"Employers should have a verified emergency action plan."

Managers, safety auditors and employers on industrial job sites are well-equipped to handle emergency situations. The key is to have a defined response process in place so everyone involved knows the proper actions to take.

Preparing for the worst
The first part of any quality response system is to have the necessary equipment, medical apparatuses and services in place in case any type of accident would happen. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration noted the most common emergency situations are:

  • Natural disasters (floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, fires)
  • Explosions
  • Radiological accidents
  • Chemical spills
  • Toxic gas releases
  • Civil disturbances
  • Workplace violence

Among these types of emergencies, some cannot be controlled. But in any case, they should be planned for. Employers should have a verified action plan to help employees understand how to respond to emergencies. Included in such a plan should be escape routes, contact information of appropriate managers or safety workers and protocols for how to shut down on-site production, whether it be turning off equipment or sounding an alarm, OSHA stated.

With this critical information in place, accidents can be dealt with in a safe and effective manner, potentially limiting further loss, destruction or injury.

Distributing safety equipment
In any emergency situation, those in the vicinity need access to adequate safety equipment. Whether it's a commercial construction site, a manufacturing plant or an industrial warehouse, workers should know where to find and how to use PPE.

This means hard hats, goggles, respirators, gloves and other types of body protections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also noted hearing and skin protection should be incorporated into a response plan.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency categorized PPE into four distinct categories based on the severity of the hazard. For more extreme cases, chemical-resistant clothing, face shields and self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA) are necessary. For the most dangerous situations, full-body chemical- and vapor-protective suits should also be on hand.

"Third-party service providers can offer safety, communications and monitoring support."

In these scenarios, the distribution of this equipment is critical because hurried, frantic workers may not be thinking clearly about their safety or the dangers they face. Though companies vary in their approach to coordinating these efforts, it's suggested that an internal safety professional organizes and distributes protective gear.

Working with service responders
Not every work site is capable of dealing with high-risk dangers or disasters. Though they may have necessary procedures and equipment in place, employers also need an external responder that is immediately alerted of problems.

Many industrial employers work laterally with HAZMAT teams, police and fire departments and local ambulatory crews, OSHA noted.

Third-party service providers can also offer safety, communications and monitoring support to ensure all precautions are being taken and emergency responders are duly notified. Whether it's supplying employers with the most advanced respiratory devices, surveillance instruments or hazard-detection systems, service providers are a critical component of any response plan.

Under dire conditions, telephones or alarms may not work if they are obstructed or damaged in any way. This means attempts to contact emergency responders can be slow or impeded. However, an external control center or radio support can send out calls for help despite internal site failures.

Employers who position themselves for a safe and speedy response to disasters can keep their work sites running smoothly and avoid further human errors.

Equipment and Technologies, Fall Protection, Training, Compliance, and Certification

3 Major Compliance Priorities for OSHA’s Power Generation Safety Standard

As power companies update their safety plans for this year, they should include the updates to the electric power generation, transmission and distribution standard implemented by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The deadlines for compliance with the new safety standards for the power sector are approaching for several provisions. 

Not only do power sector employees have to deal with fire and electrocution hazards, they also risk falling from great heights, resulting in the new regulations that account for many of these workplace hazards. Employers should be able to pinpoint workers who are at risk for hazards such as electric arcs and supply them with the proper equipment and information about these risks to reduce injuries and fatalities. 

"The long-overdue final rule updating a 40-year-old standard will save nearly 20 lives and prevent 118 serious injuries annually," Assistant Secretary for Labor for OSHA David Michaels said in a statement. "Electric utilities, electrical contractors, and labor organizations have long championed these much needed measures to better protect the men and women who work on or near electrical power lines."

In addition to saying the rule prevents dozens of lives and injuries by the rule, OSHA projects the final rule could reach $179 million in monetize benefits each year.

With the new rules poised to take effect soon, employers should keep these three safety rules in mind:

"By April 1, workers must use equipment to stop their fall or help position themselves."

Providing workers with personal protective equipment for falls
By April 1, workers must use equipment to stop their fall or help position themselves when they work at elevated locations, such as poles, towers and other structures, more than 4 feet above the ground. Before the rule goes into effect, employers are tasked with training employees to make sure they know when to use fall arrest equipment. This is equipment will help protect employees who work in aerial lifts as well as often change positions while working on poles and other high areas. 

Calculating and enforcing minimum approach distances
Since power workers tend to encounter energized equipment that could pose fire and electrocution hazards, employers should ensure employees do not get too close in case they are not properly protected. By April 1, employers must determine the maximum anticipated per-unit transient overvoltage for voltages over 72.5 kilovolts. Companies can use the calculator provided by OSHA to help determine the minimum approach distance based on the maximum phase-to-phase system voltage and other features of their worksites. 

Guarding against the dangers of electric arcs
Finally, the OSHA rule also includes provisions to safeguard employees who face electric arc hazards, such as requiring employees put on flame-resistant PPE. 

Companies must also comply with the standard that requires the use of flame-resistant clothing when they are working with heat energy that surpasses 2 cal / cubic meter squared by April 1. 

Other parts of the rule include host employers required to share safety information with contractors. The new electric power generation rules can also help employers assess their workplace and choose the right rescue equipment when facing flame or electrocution hazards. 

Equipment and Technologies, Fire Protection

CSB Calls for OSHA Standard for Combustible Dust Hazards

The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board called for stricter regulations for combustible dust again this year after a factory fire injured seven workers in 2012. 

Combustible dust is often a hidden fire hazard for industrial workplaces as any combustible material that is in a finely divided form could burn quickly in the right conditions. These materials include agricultural products, chemicals, metals and plastics. 

Between 1980 and 2005, there were 281 combustible dust-related events that contributed to 119 worker fatalities and 718 injuries, according to data from the CSB.

The employer in the incident mentioned by CSB did not properly control combustible dust in the facility, resulting in a fire at a factory. 

"Although OSHA's investigation of this accident deemed it a combustible dust explosion, it did not issue any dust-related citations, doubtless hampered by the fact that there is no comprehensive combustible dust regulatory standard," CSB Chairperson Rafael Moure-Eraso said in a statement. 

"Companies could reevaluate their safety programs regarding combustible dust to lower the chance of explosions and fires."

Now the CSB is calling for the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration to establish a standard that is in compliance with National Fire Protection Association codes to contain combustible dust. The CSB also suggested having OSHA include more industries under its current National Emphasis Program to reduce dust hazards.

With CSB renewing its call for establishing a standard for this safety hazard, companies could reevaluate their safety programs regarding combustible dust to lower the chance of explosions and fires. 

When Combustible Dust Fires Occur
Employees who are unsure about the signs of safety hazards like combustible dust could be unaware that they are at risk for injury or fatality should an accident occur. Recognizing the signs of a potential combustible dust fire could prevent incidents that might harm employees and the surrounding facility. According to OSHA, combustible dust poses fire and explosion risks if the following conditions exist:

1. Combustible dust is present
2. There is an ignition source for the dust
3. Oxygen is in the air
4. The dust is in a high enough concentration
5. The dust cloud is contained

Since the CSB recommended companies perform a hazard analysis to adhere to the codes of the NFPA, employers should implement proper dust control measures that address these five conditions, which includes making sure dust containment equipment is well-maintained. 

Install Dust Control Systems
In addition to monitoring the conditions that could support a dust-related fire or explosion, companies also need to put into place systems to contain and reduce the concentration of dust.

After implementing these dust control systems, employers should ensure proper maintenance of equipment, such as dust collection systems, which are crucial to maintain a safe environment for workers. The CSB noted the company that experienced a flash fire that burned seven workers in 2012 did not test its dust collection systems. 

Further, companies should reevaluate their ventilation system design, which could help lower the concentration of dust in the air, lessening the risk it comes into contact with a ignition source. 

By looking into their tools for reducing combustible dust and communicating the warning signs of potential dust fires, companies can curb workplace injuries and fatalities to increase employee productivity and protect their bottom line. 

Equipment and Technologies, Training, Compliance, and Certification

Tips to Educate Workers on Occupational Exposure to Asbestos

While workers may not realize it, there is the possibility that a hidden danger like asbestos in the workplace can disrupt their health and well-being. Defined as a mineral fiber that occurs in rock and soil, asbestos is often found in manufactured goods, fabrics and friction products, and building materials, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Workers will often not notice that they have had contact with asbestos, which could pose a risk to them. Given the health hazards of asbestos, employers could educate their workers about the dangers of this material and train them to remove or avoid this substance in workplaces. 

Recently, the Senate passed a resolution recognizing the 11th annual educational week called "National Asbestos Awareness Week." The week is part of a bigger campaign to raise awareness about this hazardous material called Global Asbestos Awareness Week.

Occupational Exposure to Asbestos
Occupational exposure to asbestos is common: the World Health Organization stated there is an estimated 107,000 fatalities worldwide each year due to asbestos exposure. Health effects of asbestos include lung-related diseases and cancers. 

Industrial workers, especially in the steel industry, are often exposed to asbestos on the job, Asbestos.com reported. Steel sheet workers have a high rate of indirect contact with asbestos because sheet metal may have been coated with asbestos to make it fireproof. They might also be exposed to asbestos whenever workers applying insulation use materials that include asbestos.

Tips to Prevent Asbestos Exposure
Since workers could regularly have contact with asbestos without being aware of it, employers should train workers to both recognize the hazards of asbestos exposure and also control the level of contact. 

Here are four tips to help train workers:

1. Identify possible sources and locations of asbestos
Since there are several ways employees are exposed to asbestos, employers should make sure workers learn where they could come into contact with this material, whether it is handling building materials or products containing asbestos. 

2. Communicate the presence of asbestos in the workplace
As part of a checklist on the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's site, employers could make sure that they communicate to employees the materials that have asbestos. 

3. Provide workers personal protective equipment
Some workers may be more exposed to asbestos to others, which is why employers should supply personal protective equipment like respirators and eye wear to limit exposure. Additionally, companies should train employees on how to properly remove this PPE in case they have been in contact with asbestos. They should also remind them to replace these with clean PPE to avoid further contact. 

"The exposure limit for asbestos is 0.1 f/cc meter of air on an eight-hour shift."

4. Remind them of exposure limits
According to OSHA, the exposure limit for asbestos is 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter of air on an eight-hour shift. This exposure is also restricted to 1.0 f/cc for a 30-minute limit for asbestos. With the knowledge of exposure limits, employees are more likely to remove themselves from a situation if they feel they are overexposed to asbestos before they are at risk for experiencing negative health effects. 

Equipment and Technologies, Training, Compliance, and Certification

Total Eye Safety Crucial for Chemical Workplaces

Because powerful chemicals are present in industrial facilities, employers must provide comprehensive protection, including for workers' eyes, against potentially harmful substances. Since chemicals could spill and splatter when employees handle them, companies should ensure workers always wear protective eye equipment that could reduce the number of eye-related injuries in the workplace.

In 2012, there were 20,300 occupational eye injuries that led to job absences, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health said about 1 in 3 injuries result in a hospital emergency visit. These injuries ranged from eye strain to other injuries that could have lasting health effects like long-term vision problems. In addition to protecting against instances where employees could get debris or contaminants in their eyes, employees should also guard against dangerous chemicals that could affect their ability to interact with their surroundings if they get inside workers' eyes.  

With workers in the chemical industry at risk for eye accidents and injuries, employers could improve eye protection in the workplace by following these tips:

1. Identity Eye Safety Hazards
Direct contact with chemicals accounts for a huge number of eye injuries, according to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Since exposure to chemicals, vapors and fumes could result in eye incidents, companies could identify areas and workers in the facility at risk for chemical exposure. For example, workers who work with industrial chemicals or cleaning supplies are at risk for chemical burns from substances splashing, according to NIOSH. These places could include storage areas for chemicals as well as sections for chemical production. Firms could look at their past history of incidents, as well as talk to employees who are familiar with the ins and outs of their work stations, including their potential hazards. 

"Companies should ensure PPE properly fits around workers' faces."

2. Choose the Right Eye Protection Equipment
Another way companies can lower the rate of eye injuries is by making sure they supply workers with appropriate eye protection equipment. These include personal protective equipment like chemical splash goggles and face shields to prevent chemicals from splattering or misting onto workers' eyes and face. Companies should ensure PPE properly fits around workers' faces, covering every surface equipment is designed to protect while still remaining comfortable for workers. Employers may ask employees to test goggles or face shields for fit before workers wear them during possible chemical exposure. 

3. Teach Workers About Eye Wash Stations
Finally, companies should prepare workers for emergencies that could result in chemical exposure and eye injuries. In the event workers do have contact with harmful chemicals, employers should install eye wash stations near places where employees could be at risk for accidental contamination. The eye wash stations are required to be in all hazardous areas as well as include first-aid instructions near danger areas, according to OSHA. employers should train workers about where the nearest eyewash station is in case they need to quickly go to one of these devices and their vision may be limited at the time. 

Emergency Response, Equipment and Technologies, Fire Protection, Training, Compliance, and Certification

How to Have a Comprehensive Fire Protection Plan on the Job

A proper fire protection plan starts with establishing preventative measures to enforce in the workplace. With a variety of hazardous chemicals and substances in the industrial sector that could cause fires or explode, employers should minimize facility damage and potential for employee harm with a comprehensive fire protection plan.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, the authority on fire, electrical and building safety, there were an estimated 118,000 non-home structure fires in 2013, resulting in $2.7 billion worth of damage. There was also 100 fatalities and 1,875 injuries among civilians in the same year.

Since there is a high risk of business interruption and worker injury or deaths from fires, employers should have certain key elements in their occupational safety program to address these problems.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration encourages employers to establish fire protection procedures that will help reduce fire and explosion hazards and lower the chance of employee harm.

"Stop the three elements of the fire triangle."

Procedures to Control Ignition Sources
OSHA's fire prevention recommendations will help stop the three elements of the fire triangle from happening at once, which could cause a fire or explosion.
Controlling potential ignition sources is crucial and employers should be on the look out for the following:

  • Flammable or combustible liquids
  • Static electricity
  • Lit cigarettes
  • Torches and torch-applied materials

Employers should implement their fire prevention plan to account for these ignition sources, such as putting flammable or combustible liquids in safety cans or containers.

Another common risk in the workplace is the presence of combustible dust. Not only is combustible dust found in several industries – from wood to agriculture – the small particles that make up this material may be difficult to detect. When combined with an ignition source and other factors, this dust may catch fire or explode.

Fire Extinguishers That Are Easily Accessible
To effectively lower the chance of significant damage due to fire, employers should put fire extinguishers where they are easily accessible. OSHA recommends placing one or more fire extinguishers on each floor and at least one extinguisher adjacent to the stairway for multistory structures. The fire extinguishers should be rated 2A or above.

Depending on the probability of a fire, employers may have to put fire extinguishers closer to at-risk work areas. When there are more than five gallons of flammable or combustible liquids or five pounds of flammable gas at a jobsite, companies should position a fire extinguisher within 50 feet of this material, according to OSHA.

Maintenance for Fire Alarm Systems and Firefighting Equipment
Following the NFPA's Maintenance and Use of Portable Fire Extinguishers, OSHA stated that portable fire extinguishers will have to be inspected on a regular basis and maintained if necessary.

Educate workers on how to recognize warning labels or signs that indicate that materials, areas of the workplace or other hazards increase the risk for fires. Employees should be aware of which dangerous or flammable chemicals they are handling, their negative health effects and how to properly handle, transport or use these substances to carefully avoid fires.