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The community for Health and Safety Professionals. Check out today's discussions.

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Branden Raczkowski
Apr 7, 2025

Save NIOSH

📫: Take a second to speak up for worker safety—click here to contact your legislators now and tell them to Make Safety Smart Again—Put NIOSH Back Where It Belongs: 🔗: https://ujoin.co/campaigns/3709/actions/public?action_id=5177 You gotta fight… for your right… to worker safety. 🎤 The cuts to NIOSH aren’t just budget lines—they're a gut punch to the foundation of occupational health. We're not just losing research—we're losing: 🛑 The experts behind respirator testing & fit protocols 🛑 Health Hazard Evaluations (HHEs) when workers are at risk 🛑 Long-term tracking of coal miner health and black lung 🛑 Research on silicosis, heat stress, and workplace cancer links 🛑 Guidance on protecting healthcare workers and first responders 🛑 Innovations in exoskeleton use, robotics, and wearable safety tech 🛑Tools and training that small businesses rely on to stay compliant 🛑 Mental health and workplace stress science that’s finally gaining ground Now? Almost entirely gone. This is a seismic shift with ripple effects for every EHS pro, every worker, and every employer who gives a damn about safety. But we don’t do quiet. We do action. NIOSH isn’t optional—it’s essential. Let’s be loud. Let’s be smart. Let’s make some noise for worker safety.

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Anonymous
Apr 25, 2025

EHS Compliance Gap Analysis Template, Resources

Hello Safety Knights! Received a request to perform a EHS compliance gap analysis for one of our manufacturing sites. Basically a self-assessment. They want to avoid outsourcing this work/paying any consulting fees and prefer to have it done in-house. However, I currently do not have any comprehensive templates to work off of. Anyone have any templates or resources they could share? Thank you!!

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Tom Fitzgerald MS PHR
Apr 24, 2025

My WEBSITE - Safety Fitz LLC

Safety Friends, Seven years ago I started my consulting business as a part-time gig! My family is quick to remind me that I am supposed to be taking it easy in my maturity, some call retirement. I use most of the money I make for my toys and travel, that I could never afford paying off my college loans, putting three daughters through school and college, marrying two off (one more to go on that one), a mortgage on a home, insurances, and all the other related bills. I enjoy getting out there and meeting people and mentoring them!! That all being said here is my question. I have had a website for my business since I started. I put it up myself. It is at www.safetyfitz.com The first couple years I tried to use it to generate leads for the business. I wrote several articles which I posted there. Cost me about $1500 to put it up and about a $1000 a year since. The first 2-3 years I checked it often. So far 7 years in I do not think I have gotten one customer through the website. The last couple years I hardly ever look at it. I do not seem to have the time to write articles as I have all the business I want right now. I just got my bill from Bluehost for another $1000. I have been thinking about just closing it down. I wanted to get your input before I do so. What do you think? Thank you! www.safetyfitz.com

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Kyle Slade
Apr 23, 2025

Big Win for PPE

Hey Everyone! I wanted to share a great way I found to get your workers to wear their PPE. We call the program the Safety Bucks Program. I hand out punch cards that look like dollar bills to everyone. Anytime I go out to the site and see that they are wearing all their PPE they will get a punch on their Safety Buck. In turn they can take those punches and exchange them for new safety items that I carry on my truck. I keep extra vests (5 punches), nicer safety glasses (5 punches), hard hats (10 punches), etc. This has absolutely changed my site walks. We have about 120 workers and I went from catching 5+ workers a day missing one or more pieces of PPE to maybe 5 a week. If you have any questions or ideas for this please let me know!

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Anonymous
Apr 23, 2025

Safety Interlocks

Need some guidance here. Recently had an OSHA inspection due to a reportable injury. The injury was part of a NEP so the inspection was pretty thorough. We have an older cold saw that they looked at and it is equipped with interlocks but the Inspector thinks the interlocks are not safety rated. What would make it safety rated? Would adding another interlock help? I am a bit confused on this one.

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Vipassana Mahale
Apr 23, 2025

How Safety Managers Can Conduct Instant Emergency Roll Calls in Microsoft Teams

Manually tracking employees during emergencies (fires, natural disasters, security threats) creates dangerous delays. Many organizations still rely on: - Spreadsheets (prone to errors) - Group chats (messages get buried) - Verbal roll calls (chaotic & slow) ____________________________________________________________________ The risks? - Delayed evacuations - Missing employees in crises - Compliance gaps with OSHA/safety regulations ___________________________________________________________________ A Faster Alternative: Digital Roll Calls in Microsoft Teams Some teams now use dedicated apps within Teams to: - Launch emergency status checks in seconds - See real-time updates (Safe/Help Needed/No Response) - Auto-escalate unresponsive cases - Maintain audit logs for compliance _________________________________________________________________________ Why Manual Methods Fail—Especially for Remote/Hybrid Teams - Hard to track dispersed employees in real-time - Missed responses during chaos - No documentation for audits Example: During a fire drill, one manager spent 20+ minutes chasing email replies—digital roll calls cut this to under 60 seconds. __________________________________________________________________________ Real-World Use Cases: ✔ Fire/evacuation drills ✔ Severe weather (hurricanes, floods) ✔ Workplace security threats ✔ Industrial accidents (spills, equipment failures) Has your team tried digital emergency roll calls? What methods work best for you?

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Alyssa St Pierre
Apr 16, 2025

Experiences with ergonomic mat companies wanted

Hello Knights! We are on the hunt for a custom ergonomic mat solution for our warehouse. We replaced mats about 3 years ago but in that time we've had 5 recordables due to ankle sprains because the mats that were purchased don't stay in place, and weren't big enough for the application. Any recommendations for companies that do a great job, and warnings about products that don't work too well are welcome.

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Branden Raczkowski
Apr 11, 2025

Chemical Substitution Examples

When I managed a Plating Shop back in the day - historically they had a UST filled with Trichlor. Big spill - turned into a brownfield facility. They made the switch to Bromopropane - but never did proper due diligence to ensure safe usage. When I arrived years later, I ended up making a recommendation at the time to get a better degreasing tank to minimize exposure, but was costly so they ended up opting to requiring PAPR's for the users. Hopefully today, they have found an even better substitution - since Bromopropane is on the Sunset list in Europe (not good stuff) Can anyone else talk about some good examples of chemical substitution they've made over the years?

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Anonymous
Apr 7, 2025

Office Chair for Tall Employee?

Hey everyone! I did an office ergo assessment on a rather tall employee and the seat pan was not able to extend far enough out to support their legs/thighs properly. I was wondering if anyone has recommendations for office chairs suited for taller employees? Perhaps the 6’3 to 6’7 range?

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Michael Holschbach
Apr 7, 2025

Wisconsin Safety Show in Wisconsin Dells

I am going this year and am wondering who else is going? Let's connect.

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Dan Abbotoy
Apr 4, 2025

Thank You

I can't say it enough—thank you to everyone who made the Safety Knights ♞ Heat Safety Summit possible! 🙌 Huge shoutout to our incredible sponsors for keeping the event free and accessible to everyone: 🔥SlateSafety® 🔥EcoOnline Global 🔥Protective Industrial Products 🔥OptiCare Connect And to our powerhouse lineup of speakers who brought their passion and expertise to the stage: 🔥Drew Hinton, PhD, CSP, CHMM, EMT 🔥Kamryn Johnson 🔥David Picton 🔥Richard Tipper MBE, FRSA 🔥Bruce Sylvas Jr 🔥Russell Pink 🔥Kerry Schimelfenig 🔥Chris Ward 🔥Tracie Wagman 🔥Tera Champion

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Anonymous
Apr 4, 2025

Lithium-Ion Batteries & Emergency Response

Happy Friday, Safety Knights! A fun, nuanced topic for you all on this lovely Friday! I am supporting a company that manufactures FPV drones. One of the main programs we are currently developing is emergency response measures in the event a lithium-ion battery pack begins smoking or catches fire/enters thermal runaway. A few questions I have for this community: 1. Best Extinguishing Agent: the company originally procured Class D fire extinguishers to extinguish any lithium-ion batteries that catch fire. However, it is my understanding that Class D fire extinguishers are not ideal and are meant for lithium-metal batteries and combustible metal/metal alloy fires. The company's batteries are not lithium-metal batteries. They have lithium-ion batteries with a flammable liquid electrolyte, a battery anode that is graphite/silicone monoxide based, and other metal components (according to the SDS.) For smoking batteries, the proposed approach is to place the smoking battery in a bucket of sand to smother it and ensure it doesn't catch fire (with mandatory use of respiratory protection and other PPE during this handling procedure.) For batteries that have caught fire/enter thermal runaway, I have read that dousing the battery in water is the general recommendation, however there is the caveat of it further reacting to the water and therefore causing a more severe reaction and releasing toxic gases. Any recommendations on best extinguishing agents or practices for smoking batteries and batteries on fire/entering thermal runaway? 2. Air Quality Monitoring: lithium-ion batteries emit toxic gases when they catch fire/enter thermal runaway. Any recommendations on cost-effective air monitoring devices (portable and/or fixed). The intent of the monitoring is to 1. understand the air quality for emergency response and to notify employees when it is safe to re-enter the work area AND 2. to have stationed by storage/charging areas where workers may not routinely be occupying (there is potential for a battery to catch fire without someone knowing, the air monitor would hopefully act as an alert system.) 3. PPE/Respiratory Protection: for those employees that are trained and equipped to respond to a li-ion battery fire, what type of respiratory protection is recommended? I was initially thinking full-face respirator (at minimum) but have also seen suggestions on using PAPRs or SCBAs. In addition, we have discussed using the following PPE: leather gloves (welders type), FR coveralls or other protective clothing that will ensure the employee does not catch fire or be exposed to potential electrolyte leaks. Lots of information to read and digest but would greatly appreciate any support and guidance on these topics. THANK YOU!!!

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Bob Beck
Mar 31, 2025

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

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Drew Hinton
Mar 28, 2025

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

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Tom Fitzgerald MS PHR
Mar 25, 2025

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.

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Mitzi Robinson
Mar 25, 2025

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.

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Tim Sanken
Mar 21, 2025

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.)

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Bob Beck
Mar 20, 2025

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?

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Anonymous
Mar 12, 2025

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!

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Tom Fitzgerald MS PHR
Mar 11, 2025

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?

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Randy Milliron
Mar 10, 2025

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?"

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Anonymous
Mar 7, 2025

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?

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Tom Johnston
Mar 6, 2025

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)?

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Anonymous
Mar 5, 2025

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?

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Anjuman Barui
Mar 4, 2025

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? 🚀

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Larry Loss Control
Feb 28, 2025

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...

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Drew Hinton
Feb 28, 2025

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

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Anonymous
Feb 27, 2025

OT Restrictions

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

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Loren Wingenfeld
Feb 27, 2025

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.

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Safety Bot
Feb 27, 2025

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

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Randy Milliron
Feb 21, 2025

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.

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Anjuman Barui
Feb 21, 2025

🚀 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

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Matt Clouse
Feb 21, 2025

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?

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Safety Bot
Feb 20, 2025

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

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Tom Fitzgerald MS PHR
Feb 18, 2025

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

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Amanda Eskew
Feb 18, 2025

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?

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Drew Hinton
Feb 17, 2025

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

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Mitzi Robinson
Feb 14, 2025

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.

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Randy Milliron
Feb 14, 2025

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

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Releases Heat Standard in 2025
Releases Heat Standard in 2026
Will continue NEP
Will not release Heat Standard
Total Votes: 17
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Randy Milliron
Feb 14, 2025

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.

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Mitzi Robinson
Feb 13, 2025

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.

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