TechneTrain Articles for Manufacturing

Stepping it Up  OSHA is stepping up its efforts to enforce regulation compliance by increasing inspections, penalties and fines.  In addition, OSHA is once again focusing on Cr(VI) and other issues that likely affect your business...

Revisions to respiratory protection  OSHA recently made changes to its Respiratory Protection Standard.  By answering 6 FAQs regarding respirators, you will be better equipped to implement or update an existing respiratory program...

The ABCs of OSHA Compliance  A successful safety program is your legal obligation under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.  But what exactly does OSHA say you need to do and where do you start?

Keep on truckin'
Operating and maintaining a forklift truck safely  Lack of safe operating procedures and safety rule enforcement, as well as insufficient or inadequate training, lead to tens of thousands of injuries each year. Safe forklift practices through proper use, adequate maintenance, sufficient clearing for travel, and correct load stability are the best way to prevent these injuries...

Locking In Safety  Assessing the work environment, creating programs, and training staff to abide by those programs are the keys to maintaining a safe work environment and avoiding steep fines, worker injury, or death...

Respiratory Protection Standard Revisions  Effective November 22, 2006, OSHA made changes to its Respiratory Protection Standard.   The standard revision includes a table giving the Assigned Protection Factors for all types of respirators.  This is a good time to review your respirator program (or determine if you need one) to be sure you are adequately protecting your employees...  

Hexavalent Chromium  Hexavalent chromium compounds are most commonly used as a structural and anti-corrosive element in stainless steel, iron, and steel production, and in welding and painting.  Occupational exposures to Cr(VI) can occur from inhalation of mists (e.g., chrome plating, painting), dusts (e.g., inorganic pigments or Cr(VI)-painted surfaces), or fumes (e.g., stainless steel welding), and from dermal contact.  Exposure to Cr(VI) has been conclusively linked to lung cancer, asthma, nasal ulcerations and perforations, skin ulcerations (or chrome holes), and allergic and irritant contact dermatitis...

OSHA Issues Bulletin on Dump Truck Bed Hazards  Accidents related to the unintentional movement of dump truck beds have resulted in deaths...

Common Sense Tips for Lawnmower Safety  Unfortunately, lawn mowers can be a source of accidents and injuries.  While many of these are minor accidents that involve being burned or bruised, the more severe ones can result in the loss of a limb or even a life.  Fortunately, these accidents can be avoided by taking common sense precautions...

Hispanic Worker Safety  There are approximately 17.5 million Hispanic workers in the U.S., and these workers have vital roles in virtually every American Industry.  The responsibility for providing a safe and healthful workplace for all employees rests squarely on the shoulders of every employer.  Employers face some specific challenges when it comes to the safety of Hispanic workers, particularly in the bilingual training area...

Teen Worker Safety  It is an unfortunate fact that children do get injured, and even killed, in the workplace.  Approximately 80% of teens are employed at some point before they leave high school.  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health estimates that over 210,000 American children suffer occupational injuries every year, and over 70,000 of these injuries are serious enough to warrant emergency room treatment.  Teens are consistently injured at higher rates than adults, even though they are restricted from the most hazardous jobs...

Working in Hot Weather  Working in hot weather is a fact of life for many employees.  Strenuous physical activities in high temperatures and humidity have a high potential for inducing heat stress and subsequent illness among exposed workers.  It is the responsibility of the employer to understand all risks associated with the work environment and to ensure that employees understand these risks and comply with safe work practices...

Common Sense Tips for Ladder Safety  Ladders can be a source of occupational injuries.  Many minor accidents involve only cuts, bumps and bruises, but some result in broken bones, paralysis, or even death.  Common problems include poorly maintained ladders, unsafe usage, and incorrect positioning.  Fortunately, most ladder hazards can be avoided by taking common sense precautions that are also required by Federal OSHA regulations...

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