Best free webinars on OSHA subjects

I wanted to share with you the best free webinars on OSHA subjects that I have come across from Conn Maciel Carey LLP is a boutique law firm focused on Labor & Employment, Workplace Safety, and Litigation. https://www.connmaciel.com I just viewed, The Usual Suspects: How to Avoid the Five Most Expensive (and Frequently Cited) Types of General Industry Citations, and picked up a detail of LOTI periodic inspection that I had previously overlooked. https://www.connmaciel.com/osha-webinar-library?pgid=lrjgdssi-f8641c33-1200-4a59-9011-627ad2eb394d • Talk with all other authorized employees even though they may not be implementing the energy control procedure. 1910.147(c)(6)(i)(D) - Where tagout is used for energy control, the periodic inspection shall include a review, between the inspector and each authorized and affected employee, of that employee's responsibilities under the energy control procedure being inspected, and the elements set forth in paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of this section. Sign up for upcoming webinars or view previous years' recorded ones from their library. You can also sign up for blog updates like “The OSHA Defense Report.” It will definitely be worth your time. Stay safe and keep learning - Bob

NDIR Technology

Do you understand NDIR technology and know when it's needed in confined space, HAZMAT, leak detection, and other situations requiring air monitoring? 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐑 Introduced in the 1930s, non-dispersive infrared ("NDIR", commonly just referred to as "IR") sensors have been a staple in the gas detection industry for decades. These sensors operate based on the principle of measuring the absorbance of infrared light at specific wavelengths. Initially, it was a military technology and remained classified until the 1940s. The first widespread civilian use was in medical applications—specifically, measuring CO2 levels in patients to confirm proper intubation. Over the years, it’s been refined and improved, making it cheaper and more effective. If you break down the word itself: • "Non-Dispersive" means the light stays on a straight path and doesn’t scatter. •" Infrared Light" is a part of the electromagnetic spectrum that we can’t see with our eyes, but we can feel as heat. Prior to the development of NDIR sensors, catalytic bead sensors (aka "wheatstone bridge" or "pellistor") were primarily used for flammable gas detection. Since NDIR technology addressed many of the limitations found with catalytic bead sensors, they were a giant leap forward for gas detection technology, especially when used for detecting methane and other flammable gases. Many advantages come with using NDIR technology, but they also come with some drawbacks that you should consider. 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐬 (𝐀𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐬) • Can detect most hydrocarbons, as well as Carbon Dioxide (CO2) • Can operate in low-oxygen and inert environments • Not susceptible to sensor poisoning • Longer operational life and lower maintenance costs due to not consuming the target gas during measurement • Less susceptible to sensor drift and far more stable • Resistant to sensor poisoning • Require less power to operate • Can detect above the LEL 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬 (𝐀𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐬) • Inability to detect Hydrogen (H2), Acetylene (C2H2), and other gases that do not absorb IR light at the wavelengths used by NDIR technology • Generally more expensive • More susceptible to interference from high humidity, drastic temperature and pressure changes, fog, ambient IR light, and dust • The output from infrared sensors is inherently non-linear and response curves vary for different species of gas • Longer warm-up times

Emergency Alarm Switch

What kind of requirements are there on Emergency Alarm Activation Switches? The method by which the employees may activate the Alarm System in the plant.

Ensuring safety from dog attacks at your client's doorstep

When approaching a customer's front door and hearing the sound of dogs barking inside, it is crucial to take necessary precautions. In cases where there is a sturdy outswinging door, it is advisable to use your foot to keep it securely shut, thereby preventing the dogs from escaping and potentially biting. However, if the door is not outswinging, it is important to maintain a safe distance of approximately 10-12 feet. This distance allows you sufficient reaction time in the event that the owner opens the door and the dog manages to get out.

Bone Conduction vs. In-Ear or Over-the-Ear Headphones

What are the latest research, approaches, or policies regarding the use of bone conduction headphones in a work environment? Are people allowing them vs. fighting the use of in-ear or over-the-ear headphones and unpopular policy enforcement? The over and in-ear products are obvious risks in a warehouse or on a jobsite, but does bone conduction avoid situational awareness pitfalls, allowing employees to still listen to music, podcasts, etc.? For many (most?), some music or other background noise can help with job satisfaction and ultimately productivity. Can we balance that and safety with this "newer" technology? For the purpose of this discussion, assume noise exposure and related PPE is not a factor. (Pic for attention. Not a product promotion.)

SDS Sheets for Welding Rods - Fumes Produced

In reviewing SDS sheets for welding rods - I am missing something? The labeling does not seem to match the effects of the gases produced during the welding process. Can anyone help clarify this for me?

Reclassifying Confined Spaces

I am trying to figure out what permit-required confined spaces can be reclassified to non-permit required. For example, hoppers. They have the slopping configuration with product, so it is a engulfment and entrapment hazard. We can remove the product inside to make the hazard go away from engulfment, but entrapment is still there. From the regulations, it seems as if hoppers can NOT be reclassified? Any thoughts or feedback, please!

WHAT ARE YOU HEARNG ABOUT OSHA IN FED STATES?

I really want to stay away from politics here, as I have already lost two friends on this an cannot stand to lose many more! So I want to you to be careful about how you respond about this question and only say what you know to be true. Keep your feelings about it to yourself as I am not trying to start a fight. I am hearing rumors that there is not one OSHA CHSO left in the entire state of Wisconsin a Fed OSHA State. I have heard the OSHA Local Office in Appleton, Wisconsin is virtually closed. I also heard the Area Director and his Assistant have been released. I do know the Regional Training Manager in OSHA Region V Chicago took a buy-out, but she was retiring in October. Have not heard of a replacement. A friend called me and said he reported an amputation. Could not get anyone in the Milwaukee Office his preference. Had to call Washington, DC. They referred him to a CHSO in Chicago who may or may not come up to north of Milwaukee. I can not get an answer in Appleton after serval attempts by phone. Simply, put what is true and what it not? I am going to stop here and not comment. Just what is going on?

Why do people fear change so much?

I have been trying to start a test-pilot project with Samsara dashcams and you would think I want to sacrifice their firstborns. "Well, we don't want to hurt morale." It is a 60-day test and they are reacting in a way that I would not have imagined. I mean, I figured there would be some push-back based on the many webinars I have attended. But the question I have is, "If you are doing everything right and it's not a 'GOTCHA' program, why are they so resistant?"

Personal Health event question

Most recently we have two employees who both suffer from seizures. One is a custodian and the other operates a CMV. Both have had seizures on duty. Luckily no one was injured and none have led to an incident (personal injury or equipment damage). I am writing this to see what the rest of our safety community thinks is the right course of action. As I know a thing or two about seizures, they would need to see a neurologist and have a sleep-deprived EEG done to see if they are diagnosed as epileptic or if they just have epileptic tendencies. Also, they would do blood tests. After meeting with the neurologist, and going over the blood tests and EEG results, the neurologist would more than likely prescribe the employee a medication to try to prevent or lessen the severity of their seizures. Now this is where if you work in HR, you can move on to the next post. Okay, do I have only my Safety Professionals still here? Okay, let me ask my questions and offer some statements. So if HR is knowingly not following the guidelines for dealing with an employee post seizure, what do we do as Safety Professionals? I have shared the following guidelines with them but they kind of made up their own rule that if the employee is seizure-free for 3 months, then they can go back to driving. This is a clear violation of the guidelines. So how do you handle this as a Safety Professional? The Guidelines state: According to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, a CMV operator who experiences a seizure must be seizure-free for at least five years before they can drive again, especially if the seizure was a single unprovoked event; this period may include being off any anti-seizure medication as well. Now let's talk about liability, ownership, and accommodations. If HR follows its own guidelines, then this means the employee would be on "light duty" for three months. Having this employee on light duty for 3 months means that the division will be short one person. Not to mention, that Department does not have any light duty work. HR will not allow the manager to hire another employee to pick up the slack. In talking to the Manager of the employee, when HR told him to allow him to drive the stress level that the Manager was under was substantial. But now, the employee was seizure-free for 3 months, so HR said it was safe for him to drive again. Unfortunately, on his 92nd day, he had another seizure. So let's talk liability for a minute. What would have happened if that person ran over someone, crashed into another vehicle, or worse yet, crashed into a home or business killing someone? I imagine the lawyer would have a field day when they found out the employee had a seizure and we allowed him to drive. Additionally, how could you (as HR or the Manager) handle the situation when you have heard the employee is not following his doctor's recommendations using a CPAP machine at night, taking his medication, and carrying his inhaler with him at all times? How could you address an employee's personal health care without crossing the line? I welcome all comments and feedback. How would you handle the situation?

Hazcom written policy

I'm working on revising our written hazcom policy along with doing an annual review of our other safety policies. The question I have is in the past I had lumped all our companies into into the same policy document and covered any site specific info within the document. We have around 7 companies with many sharing the same building and even work space (shop and office). Am I able to still do that our should I create a hazcom policy document that is specific and lists each company separately (they have their own document)?

dock lock

So get this, we have a dock lock. The dock lock does not work cause it is old and debris piles up around it in the dock. Our maintenance guy doesn't want to take the time to fix it cause he claims other truck drivers damage it. We have wheel chocks. Can we do away with the dock lock all together and just use chocks? If we can, does the lock have to be removed altogether?

The Importance of Inspections

Inspections play a crucial role in maintaining safety, quality, efficiency, and compliance in various industries. Whether in manufacturing, construction, healthcare, or workplace safety, regular inspections help identify potential risks, prevent failures, and ensure smooth operations. 1. Ensuring Safety Inspections help detect hazards that could cause accidents or injuries. Regular checks ensure compliance with safety standards, reducing risks for employees and customers. Equipment and infrastructure inspections prevent malfunctions that may lead to dangerous situations. 2. Maintaining Quality Inspections ensure that products and services meet industry standards and customer expectations. Quality control checks help detect defects early, reducing waste and rework. Consistent inspections improve reliability and customer satisfaction. 3. Enhancing Efficiency Identifying and fixing minor issues early prevents costly repairs or replacements. Routine maintenance inspections extend the lifespan of equipment and infrastructure. Reduces downtime and keeps operations running smoothly. 4. Ensuring Compliance Inspections help organizations adhere to industry regulations and legal requirements. Non-compliance can result in fines, penalties, or even shutdowns. Keeping accurate inspection records demonstrates due diligence and responsibility. 5. Preventing Financial Losses Early detection of problems prevents expensive emergency repairs. Inspections reduce the risk of liability claims and legal actions. Businesses can avoid reputational damage caused by safety or quality failures. 6. Promoting Accountability Regular inspections ensure employees and management follow best practices. Encourages a culture of responsibility and continuous improvement. Helps identify areas for training and skill development. Conclusion Routine inspections are a proactive approach to safety, quality, and efficiency. They help organizations avoid risks, save money, and maintain compliance. By implementing regular inspections, businesses create a safer and more productive environment while ensuring long-term success. Would you like me to tailor this to a specific industry or use case? 🚀

Eyewash ?

We recently had a city water main break, the eyewashes are not allowed to be disrupted under normal conditions, this was an unforeseen disruption. Are eyewashes/showers supposed to be available at all times even if the entire plant is without water? We communicated a plantwide message to stop all chemical handling and other tasks that could result in an exposure that would need an eyewash/shower. We also provided portable bottle eyewashes and have a number of non-plumbed eyewashes that were still available. First time encountering this issue...

New Quiz: NFPA 70E Equipment Labeling

Head on over to the "quiz" section and test your knowledge on NFPA 70E's equipment labeling requirements. https://www.safetyknights.com/quiz/67c1e0fb77ea260015382363/nfpa_7

OT Restrictions

Any employers with restrictions on how much OT someone can work?

Awkwardly getting back into the game

Good morning, all. Waving a hand to all the safety experts and non-experts alike. Safety is becoming more and more my responsibility as my days go on. Safety seems to be a " Tip of the Ice Burg" situation where one safety item or concern literally opens upwards of 3-10 other issues in need of training, correction, creation of process etc. I hope to have the ability to carefully and humbly reach out for some assistance every so often. I understand that most of you probably do this as your main source of income so I will be considerate of your time and effort you have all put into the trade. Thank you for the attention and for the resources I have pulled so far.

February 27, 2025 | SK Analytics

Total user count: 4109 Signups this week: 2 Posts this week: 11 Comments this week: 31 Unique pageviews this week: 794 Active users this week: 332

Heat Illness program

Instead of reinventing the wheel, does anyone in the SK community have a written plan/program/policy for Heat Illness Prevention? I have looked over a plan from CAL OSHA but it's a little more than I want to put into our new safety manual. Also, if anyone has a slick PowerPoint to share with your employees about the new plan would be helpful as well.

🚀 Why E-PTW (Electronic Permit to Work) is a Game-Changer for Safety & Efficiency

In today’s fast-paced work environments, ensuring safety while optimizing operational efficiency is more critical than ever. One way to streamline and enhance both is by adopting Electronic Permit to Work (E-PTW) systems. Here are some key benefits that E-PTW brings to the table: Enhanced Safety: E-PTW systems provide real-time tracking of safety permits, ensuring that all necessary checks are made before high-risk activities begin. With automatic reminders and digital approval workflows, human errors are reduced, and safety compliance is ensured. Increased Efficiency: Gone are the days of manual paperwork and delays in permit approval. With E-PTW, permits are issued, reviewed, and approved in a fraction of the time, improving workflow and project timelines. Centralized Data Management: All permit-related data is stored digitally, making it easy to access, track, and review historical records. This leads to improved auditing, reporting, and overall transparency. Real-time Monitoring: Managers can monitor permits in real-time, ensuring that work activities are aligned with safety protocols. Immediate updates and alerts allow teams to take prompt action if something goes off-track. Better Compliance: By digitizing processes, E-PTW ensures all necessary regulations and safety guidelines are followed without manual oversight. This reduces the risk of compliance violations and legal issues. Environmental & Cost Savings: With fewer physical documents, the environmental footprint is reduced, and operational costs associated with printing and storing paper records are minimized. As industries continue to embrace digital transformation, E-PTW is an invaluable tool for improving safety, boosting productivity, and ensuring compliance. If your team hasn't yet made the switch to digital permits, it's time to rethink the future of work! #SafetyFirst #Innovation #DigitalTransformation #Eptw #PermitToWork #WorkplaceSafety #Efficiency #Compliance #Sustainability #TechnologyInWorkplace

Fall Protection Mechanical Presses

We have large Mechanical Presses where I work, we also have 30MT overhead cranes as well. Team members must grease fittings that are located on top of the mechanical presses. Has anyone run into similar issues with providing appropriate anchor points for fall protection?

February 20, 2025 | SK Analytics

Total user count: 4107 Signups this week: 9 Posts this week: 12 Comments this week: 24 Unique pageviews this week: 829 Active users this week: 330

After Drew's Quiz Try Mine on 1910.1030 Vaccinations.

https://www.safetyknights.com/quiz/67b51769489cc00015c86337/hep_b_vaccinations_must_be_offered_in_29_cfr_1

ISO 45001 - how do you track regulatory compliance

Hey y'all, we have our internal ISO 45001 audit coming up for my company, and we're trying to prepare as well as possible for it. When it comes to showing to the auditor that we comply with regulatory requirements (ie: OSHA), we have a gigantic spreadsheet with all the OSHA standards and line-by-line what they require and whether we meet them or not. This is helpful in a way, but it's also really TOO in-depth for an audit and I feel like it'll open us up to more questions than we want to deal with. What do other companies use to track/prove to ISO auditors that they meet regulatory requirements?

Test Your OSHA Inspection Knowledge

Head on over to the quiz section to test your knowledge on the OSHA inspection process. https://www.safetyknights.com/quiz/67b38def2517db001566cb98/osha_inspection_process

Leaving your pets and going back to work.

If you need to leave your dog home alone while returning to work, be mindful that some dogs may feel anxious when left for long periods. If uncertain about your dog's reaction, ensure they are in a secure area. Dogs with separation anxiety might attempt to escape, risking harm. My neighbor's dog once chewed through a garage wall to get out. Dogs, like their wolf ancestors, prefer cave-like spaces, and early crate training can make them feel safe and comfortable.

OSHA's Heat Standard: Should it Stay or should it Go?

With the talk about OSHA being abolished (see previous post), do you think that OSHA will publish an official rule around the Heat Illness Prevention Standard or do you think it will remain a National Emphasis program? I'd love to hear your thoughts

Federal OSHA abolished? Share your thoughts

Unless you've been living under a rock, you may have missed that Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ) recently introduced H.R. 86, the "Nullify Occupational Safety and Health Administration Act" seeking to repeal the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 and abolish OSHA. I work in a state (Wyoming) that already has very robust State-run OSHA & Workers' Compensation programs. I am curious to see what the Safety Knights community has to say. EHS Today has published a "Cliff Notes" version of the Pros and Cons. Check it out here: https://www.ehstoday.com/standards/osha/article/55266720/the-pros-and-cons-maintaining-safety-balance-in-efforts-to-disrupt-osha-in-2025 They are also hosting a poll in case you are interested.

Most dogs are generally submissive, with only a few exhibiting dominant traits, such as those used in police, military, or personal protection roles. These dominant dogs are outliers. Dogs have a fight or flight response, with flight being the most common reaction. A dog may exhibit fight drive when it feels scared or cornered. As pack animals, they follow a hierarchy, and encountering a truly dominant dog is quite rare. To find a suitable candidate for police work, hundreds of dogs are tested to identify one with the necessary pain tolerance, fighting drive, and dominant characteristics. These dogs must endure being punched, kicked, stabbed, and shot, yet still perform their duties effectively. It’s important to note that these dogs possess innate attributes that make them suitable for such roles; they are not simply trained.

February 13, 2025 | SK Analytics

Total user count: 4098 Signups this week: 6 Posts this week: 6 Comments this week: 11 Unique pageviews this week: 1437 Active users this week: 367

Canines, or are they humans?

When did our perception of dogs shift towards seeing them as more human-like than canines? I'm developing training for animal control and veterinary staff across several states, including kennel staff. In researching this project, I've discovered that academic studies have increasingly aligned canine behavior with human behavior. First, it's important to note that most academic research focuses on breeds like golden retrievers and beagles rather than fighting or working breeds. Generalizations about all dogs can't be made without examining aggressive breeds. Researchers avoid studying aggressive breeds due to potential risks. They've expanded fight and flight to include flee and freeze. I watched videos showing behaviors linked to these new terms, but it seemed like the usual fight and flight. Has anyone else observed this trend?

Steel Surface Grinding

Our customer is requiring that we surface grind most of our parts to get rid of any blemishes/defects. We are using handheld grinders with grit ceramic discs. We have operators wearing anti vibration gloves, N95 masks, foam lined safety glasses. Grinding structural steel for about 7 hours a day. What are the requirements for air tests? I usually work with our insurance for industrial hygiene but they have not been much of a help at this point. This task is new to our operation.

Multi Site FR Clothing

Does anyone have a recommendation for a national FR uniform exchange service? I know about Cintas, but I am wanting to look at several companies for competitive bids for about 20 factories with 4-5 people per factory covered.

BCSP Renaming SMS to SMP – Thoughts?

An update from BCSP: The Safety Management Specialist® (SMS®) will be renamed Safety Management Professional (SMP) starting March 3, 2025. BCSP claims the change better reflects the 10-year experience requirement, emphasizing expertise, leadership, and alignment with supervisory job titles. They’ve clarified that nothing else is changing—same accreditation, requirements, and exam (aside from periodic updates). On March 3rd, updated digital badges and wall certificates will be available, and BCSP will remind us to update resumes, email signatures, etc. What do you all think? Does this make sense, or is it just a branding move? Will this help with industry recognition? Curious to hear your thoughts.

February 06, 2025 | SK Analytics

Total user count: 4092 Signups this week: 2 Posts this week: 7 Comments this week: 28 Unique pageviews this week: 1285 Active users this week: 514

Pallets Stuck on Pallet Jacks

What techniques do you teach your employees or tools do you use to safely remove a jack from a pallet? Damaged pallets are a reality, whether they happen in your location or were damaged at the originating location / supplier. And that damage can make pulling a powered or manual jack out from the pallet difficult.

Contact Release Training - when is it necessary?

Our facility doesn't allow live electrical work as a blanket policy. Our maintenance teams still gt NFPA70e classroom training, but at a recent ASSP event covering NFPA topics, it mentioned contact release training as required. If we aren't doing live work, and the 70e training is moreso for awareness, do we need to go the extra step from a compliance standpoint?

Interactive Hazard ID Tools?

I'm looking for free interactive tools to use for training my manufacturing employees about hazard identification. Can anyone share ones they've used that have been effective? Thank you!

static shock

What is everyone's suggestions for static shock? We are plastic compounding and have combustible dust.

Heaters in the Warehouse

Anyone have good recommendations for heaters in the warehouse? I've seen bullet heaters but those are wildly misused and have see people burn their pant legs on those...