Every flu season, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) gets questions from pregnant workers about the flu and flu vaccines. Here are the answers to some of your most frequently asked questions, including getting the flu shot at work and administering flu shots to patients.
Full article: Can pregnant workers receive and administer flu vaccines? Yes!
Source: Safety Best Practices
Oil industry association updates guidance on GHS
Given the expanding international market in chemical substances and mixtures, a global system of classification and labeling was proposed at the 1992 Earth Summit by the International Labour Organization, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and many other governments and stakeholders. In response, the United Nations developed the ‘Globally Harmonised System’ (GHS) which is a single worldwide system for classifying and communicating the hazardous properties of industrial and consumer substances and mixtures.
Full article: Oil industry association updates guidance on GHS
Source: Safety Best Practices
NSC reminds parents and drivers to avoid Halloween hazards
With crowds of trick-or-treaters expected in neighborhoods around the country, the National Safety Council (NSC) urges caution for everyone out on the roads during the Halloween holiday.
Most crash-related pedestrian fatalities occur when it is dark, according to NHTSA, and pedestrian deaths spike Halloween night. Increased pedestrian traffic, alcohol consumption and lower visibility because of costumes and masks, as well as shorter daylight hours, increase the risk of crashes or incidents.
Full article: NSC reminds parents and drivers to avoid Halloween hazards
Source: Safety Best Practices
Occupational exposure banding and workplace chemicals
For workers in a variety of industries, exposure to chemicals is commonplace. American workers handle, transport, or encounter thousands of chemicals every day, from cleaning products to industrial solvents. Although many of these chemicals have important uses, they can also be harmful to workers who are exposed to them.
Full article: Occupational exposure banding and workplace chemicals
Source: Safety Best Practices
NSC to employers: Allow NO cannabis use among workers in safety sensitive positions
Employers who are struggling to understand how the evolving cannabis legalization landscape will impact their workplaces are getting some guidance from the National Safety Council (NSC).
Regardless of whether cannabis consumption is allowed by their state, the NSC says employers should prohibit cannabis use for those in safety sensitive positions.
Full article: NSC to employers: Allow NO cannabis use among workers in safety sensitive positions
Source: Safety Best Practices
It’s National Bosses Day. Who is your dream boss?
Having a “dream job” is an aspiration for many people, but without a good boss, a dream job can become a nightmare. Our front-line supervisor or manager plays an unparalleled role in creating and sustaining safe work environments, health supportive-policies, and psychosocial safety. The best bosses partner with workers to design healthy jobs that provide meaning and social support and are rewarding –in all senses.
Full article: It’s National Bosses Day. Who is your dream boss?
Source: Safety Best Practices
A quick guide to welding safety
It only takes a cursory examination of a welding torch to understand there are some real safety concerns with this craft. Welding is a 100-plus-year-old practice that’s still a fundamental component of machine work and industry today.
Full article: A quick guide to welding safety
Source: Safety Best Practices
Should employees fight a small fire? Or evacuate?
It’s mid-shift, and your workplace is humming with activity. Suddenly, a fire breaks out. It’s relatively small – at least for the moment. Employee safety is your first priority, of course. Ordering an immediate evacuation is the obvious action to take.
Or is it?
Full article: Should employees fight a small fire? Or evacuate?
Source: Safety Best Practices
Quick guide to selecting workplace PPE
Safety professionals in a wide range of industries are well aware of the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE).
When it comes to protecting eyes and faces, the employer or safety manager must assess the workplace and determine if there are hazards present that that necessitate the use PPE by workers. [29 CFR 1910.132(d)]
Full article: Quick guide to selecting workplace PPE
Source: Safety Best Practices
Enhancing safety training with digital technology
About 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses were reported by private industry employers in 2017. That’s over 100,000,000 production days lost due to work-related injuries. Because of this, safety training is a very important part of the onboarding process for a new hire – especially for those working in an environment with many machines or hazardous materials.
Full article: Enhancing safety training with digital technology
Source: Safety Best Practices