Loading ...January, 2008
Using Police Techniques to Sniff It Out: Part 2 of 3
Look around your workplace. Up to five percent of your workers may be working under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Some may have taken prescription medications and not even be aware that they’re impaired and thus a potential risk to themselves and others. Others know exactly what they’re doing and are going to [...]
The North American Standards, Part 1 of 2
Until recently, the United States and Canada lagged behind the rest of the industrialized world in developing occupational safety and health management system (OHSMS) standards. But that’s no longer the case. There is now a national consensus OHSMS applicable to organizations of all sizes and types on both sides of the U.S.-Canadian border. This series [...]
Compliance Risks of Software and Other Training Products, Part 1 of 2
Buying training materials such as tapes, DVDs, videos or written programs from outside vendors offers a lot of advantages. But be warned: Virtually all mass marketed training programs can leave your company open to OSHA/OHS citations.
Meeting OSHA Training Requirements
Many OSHA standards require employees to receive training and instruction ensuring that work is performed in a [...]
Overcoming the Problems, Part 3 of 3
We spent the first two parts of this series discussing how to overcome the problems that typically arise when bosses are younger than their subordinates. Let’s wrap things up by focusing on how to turn age differences into something positive.
Finding Common Ground
Both parties to the young boss/older subordinate relationship owe it to each other to [...]
Using Police Techniques to Sniff It Out, Part 1 of 3
Police officers have extensive training and experience in catching and helping convict people of driving while impaired by alcohol or other drugs. But did you know that you can adapt some of the same techniques that police use to help your supervisors identify drug and alcohol abuse by your own employees? Thomas Page, a former [...]
The New Business Case for Safety, Part 4 of 4
If your strategy is to maximize productivity, your safety program must account for not only the visible and dramatic injuries and illnesses that cause absences but also the little things that impair performance. It needs to address not only forklifts but also fatigue, not only head protection but also headaches. A safety program, in other [...]
An Overview of Machine Guarding
Machine guarding is a basic in anyone’s safety education. Even if a person does not work with machinery in an industrial plant, it’s important to understand about guards, since these safety devices also prevent contact with the dangerous parts of power tools, landscape equipment and electrical devices. If you plan to discuss machine safety guards [...]
Overcoming the Problems, Part 2 of 3
It’s not easy having a boss who’s younger than you; it’s not easy being the boss of somebody who’s older than you. As we discussed last week, the preconceptions that both sides bring to the table can make the relationship unworkable. Let’s talk today about how to overcome these problems.
Building Bridges – the Older Subordinate
If [...]
New BC Law for Young Workers: Who Needs ‘Em? Let’s Talk.
I like to think of myself as a pretty easygoing person. But as a safety professional, I’m passionate about what I do, and I tend to think that injury and death put a damper on the whole “living life” thing. And, as the mother of five young adults, and a Safety Officer, I’m a strong [...]
The New Business Case for Safety, Part 3 of 4
How does your health and safety program contribute to this company’s profitability?
Five years ago, most safety directors would have answered the question by citing the cost savings attributable to prevented injuries and illnesses. Many still would. And they wouldn’t be wrong. But, as we discussed last week, there are inherent weaknesses in tying the value [...]
