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General Protective Apparel
Dr. Strangeglove
TRUE TALES FROM SAFETY TRAINERS
Dr. Strangeglove
Several years ago, one of our trainers was giving a class on personal protective equipment. He was showing them cut-resistant gloves and decided to demonstrate how effective they were. He took a knife and ran it across one of his palms. He showed the class, but a [...]
Who’s ‘Qualified’ to Work Near Electrical Hazards? Part 2 of 4
Only “qualified” persons are permitted to work with or near electrical hazards. Last week, I identified the regulations and standards that say this. The rest of this series will discuss what those regulations and standards say. This installment looks at the scope of the qualification requirement and the hazards to which it applies.
The 50-Volt Threshold
One [...]
How to Spot Red Flags in Your Company
One of the many hats safety professionals have to wear is that of accountant. If accounting makes your head spin, fear not. Here are some simple strategies you can use when checking the books to determine if your company is engaging in any questionable accounting or financial practices.
Strategy 1: Follow the Cash
Always follow the cash [...]
Personal Liability of Officers for OSHA Violations, Part 1 of 2
Earlier this year (Editor’s Note: 2005), OSHA did something very significant. But its actions attracted little publicity. So you might not have heard about them. What did OSHA do? It cited two New Jersey corporations for willful violations. One citation carried a $96,300 fine; the other a $196,000 fine.
Although these are fairly steep fines, this [...]
What Every Worker Should Know About Ammonia
Ammonia is a common hazardous chemical used in all kinds of settings. In hospitals, laboratories and other healthcare facilities (my professional backyard), ammonia is contained in compounds called quaternary ammonium salts, which because of their strong disinfectant properties are used as high-level cleaners and disinfectants on floors and on certain medical [...]
It’s a Great Time to Test the Job Market
Dear SafetyXChange Members,
You probably know that overall U.S. GDP growth in the fourth quarter of 2005 was tepid. But the job market is sizzling. Let me briefly sketch it out for you.
Confidence Is Soaring
ExecuNet has developed a Recruiters Confidence Index (RCI) to measure how placement professionals view the state of the [...]
Let the Debate Begin
By the SafetyXChange Members
Thanks to everyone who commented on Elizabeth Johnston’s series on the need for PPE tailored to the female form. Here is a sampling of what you had to say.
Amen, Sister
I say AMEN to Elizabeth!
Women definitely get a RAW DEAL (pun intended) in the PPE market. From SCBA face pieces that DON’T FIT [...]
Female Workers and the PPE Challenge
By Elizabeth Johnston
Last week, we observed that there are more women than ever before working in occupations traditionally dominated by men. Today, let’s look at one of the implications of that socio-economic phenomenon: the growing demand for safety protective work clothing and equipment designed for the female worker.
The Need for Equipment Tailored to the [...]
Women in Male-Dominated Occupations, Part 1
By Elizabeth Johnston
Historically, workplace health and safety, like the workplace itself, has been dominated by males and male issues. But economic and cultural developments over the last few decades have created more and better opportunities for women to enter the workplace as blue collar workers. Workplace safety systems need to accommodate this influx of [...]
NFPA 70E and Citations for Not Following Voluntary Standards
Question: Can you be cited for not following voluntary standards even though they’re not part of the OSHA law or regulations?
Answer: Yes. It can and does happen. A leading example is the National Fire Protection Association Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace (NFPA 70E). I’ll discuss how you can be cited for not following [...]
