Who Regulates Workplace Safety Training?

One of the central regulatory bodies for workplace safety and training is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which was established in 1971 by the United States Department of Labor. OSHA works to address safety procedures, health regulations, and safety guidelines that help save lives and prevent injury to workers in many industries.

What Annual Training Requirements Does OSHA Have?

There are several standards that employers must train in yearly. These include fire protection, first aid training, asbestos reduction, hearing protection, and hazardous waste. OSHA also requires refresher training every year on other relevant topics.

What Should OSHA Safety Training Include?

Specific workplace safety training varies according to the industry and company, but some things that employers should focus on are:

• Emergency procedures
• Personal protective equipment uses
• Fire and electrical safety
• Chemical and hazard risk assessment

Workers also require training in health and wellness, record keeping, machine and safety equipment use, and specialized training.

What Are the New Changes to Training?

As of 2024, OSHA released enhanced training requirements for specific industries to help both employers and employees be better prepared to prevent and handle safety hazards. Because of innovations, new technology, and ever-evolving workplace procedures, OSHA constantly updates its safety standards.

Supervisors are often aware of these changes, but the knowledge doesn’t get to employees. This is one reason why OSHA’s workplace safety training standards have become more rigorous.

Training Frequency

The Administration is now asking for more frequent safety training in several different industries. The emphasis is moving from sporadic training to a more regular schedule so that employees receive consistent updates. This will foster continuous learning and constant improvement at work.

Intensity of Training

OSHA is also asking for more rigorous training. The more in depth training is and the broader range of topics it covers, the more valuable it can be in preventing injury in the workplace. With more intense training, employees can better understand safety protocols and are more likely to follow them.

Up-to-Date Information

As chemical handling and hazardous material storage and disposal become more regulated, and as companies implement cutting-edge technology, OSHA guidelines are updated, and training on these guidelines is intensified as a proactive approach to preventing accidents and exposure.

This is especially relevant in the manufacturing and construction industries. Training helps employees to work safely in tech-driven processes while handling new machinery.

More Inclusive Training

As modern businesses shift towards remote work or gig jobs, OSHA has also added and expanded upon the mandatory safety training requirements for these kinds of workers. It is committed to keeping all workers safe, regardless of their field or workspace.

What Other Changes Has OSHA Made for 2024?

Along with workplace safety training, OSHA is also examining mental health in the workplace, updating record-keeping, raising fines, and increasing enforcement. All of these changes will help keep workers safe as employers implement these focuses in the relevant staff training.

Mental Health

OSHA emphasizes that the mental well-being of workers dramatically impacts the overall safety of a workplace. The current approach is more holistic. They are encouraging employers to implement mental health programs to support their employees and identify the connection between physical safety and mental health.

Record-Keeping

In an unprecedented step, OSHA is moving toward modernization as they now mandate comprehensive record keeping that is digitally accessible. This will aid employers and OSHA in better monitoring and analyzing workplace safety trends and facilitate access to them. Digital records also promote transparency and create a more streamlined process for record-keeping, which will help both companies and OSHA to make targeted improvements.

Stricter Enforcement

OSHA’s 2023 emphasis on enforcement will continue in 2024, especially in high-risk industries. Increased enforcement techniques include more frequent inspections and more significant penalties for non-compliant companies. OSHA upped the fines for non-compliance and safety violations in 2024. This encourages employers to work towards better adherence through increased workplace safety training measures.

E-Learning and Gamification

The new guidelines also encourage the use of e-learning platforms for OSHA training. Online learning is often more flexible and interactive, letting workers learn at their own pace and in a way that is more accessible for many.

Gamification, which uses challenges, competition and rewards in the training process, is also highly encouraged, as it heightens employee engagement, fosters a sense of unity, competition and enjoyment, and motivates individuals to excel in safety practices.

What Do These Changes Mean for Employers and Employees?

Policy changes and required procedures carry implications for employers and employees.

Employers

The greater focus on safety means that employers may need to invest in safety infrastructure to better comply with new requirements. This can mean investing in physical infrastructure, tools, or programs necessary for workplace safety training.

Companies must also become familiar with the updated standards and modify any workplace policies as needed. Regular review and updates of safety procedures and protocols to align with OSHA standards are key to avoiding penalties and death or injury at work.

Employees

Knowledge is power, especially for employees. OSHA regulates safety but also affords protections and rights to workers. As employees actively participate in safety training in the workplace and become informed of these rights, they will be able to keep themselves and others safer.

How Can Employers Help Employees Stay Informed on OSHA’s Changes to Workplace Safety Training?

OSHA’s changes are monumental yet vital to furthering workplace safety and training in an ever-evolving world. The best way for employers to keep employees up to date and compliant with new OSHA standards is to first become informed themselves. One easy way is to follow our ComplianceSigns safety blog, which gives workplace safety tips and informs of safety news.With any change in workplace safety training or standards, it’s essential to utilize the correct safety signage. Check out our extensive collection of OSHA-compliant safety signs and posters on our website.

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With road construction season starting to pick up due to warmer temperatures, it’s time to increase public awareness by getting involved in National Work Zone Awareness Week.

National Work Zone Awareness Week is held in April as an annual campaign partnership between state departments of transportation (DOT), national road safety organizations, government agencies, private companies, and individuals like you.

As an employer, you can remind your workers about their responsibility to slow down, pay attention, and be cautious while driving in a work zone – not just in April – throughout the entire year!

Take your time and slow down when driving in an orange zone to prevent an accident!

Driving safely in a work zone is important not only for the workers but also for drivers moving through it. Statistics from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) show about 10-15% of work zone fatalities are workers, which mean that about 85-90% are drivers.

The numbers of accidents that occur in work zones are astonishing. From 2021-2022, commercial motor vehicle and fatal work zone crashes that involved speeding increased. One work zone fatality occurs for every 4 billion vehicle-miles of travel and for every $112 million worth of roadway construction expenditures. Per the Fatality Analysis Reporting System and FHWA, these are the numbers for 2021:

• 106,000 – Estimated total work zone crashes
• 42,000 – Estimated work zone injuries
• 956 – Number of work zone fatalities 
• 323 – Fatal work zone crashes involving a commercial motor vehicle
• 281 – Fatal work zone accidents with speeding as a factor
• 164 – Fatal pedestrian crashes in work zones
• 156 – Fatal work zone crashes involving a rear-end collision
• 120 – Estimated daily work zone injuries

You can reduce the chance of work zone crashes by following these 9 tips provided by Work Zone Safety:

1. Pay attention to work zone signs
2. Leave enough space between you and the motorist in front of you
3. Be prepared to stop or slow unexpectedly
4. Expect to stop when you see a FLAGGER AHEAD sign
5. If stopped or slowed in a traffic queue, consider turning on your flashers to warn traffic coming up behind you
6. Watch for traffic and workers going into or out of the work zone
7. Get into the open lane as soon as possible at lane closures
8. Be aware of motorists racing to get ahead of you or trying to turn in front of you at the last second
9. Use alternative routes to avoid work zones whenever feasible

National Work Zone Awareness Week is a great opportunity to remind your employees to be patient and take their time driving through work zones. There is very little room for error and a few extra minutes could mean the difference in saving a life.

• Learn more about Work Zone Awareness Week
• Browse transportation safety and traffic control signs at ComplianceSigns.com

The post Work Zone Safety is Everybody’s Responsibility appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

Employer Liability

A National Safety Council (NSC) report provides eye-opening information on employer liability and the case for comprehensive cell phone policies. The paper includes sections with case studies, lawsuit awards, federal and state regulations and laws, employer roles, public perceptions and more. Here are some key excerpts from the report:

• An employer may be held legally accountable for negligent employee actions if the employee was acting within the scope of his or her employment at the time of a crash. The key phrase “acting within the scope of his or her employment” can and has been defined broadly in cases of crashes involving cell phones.
• If employers can show that they implemented a total ban policy, educated employees, monitored compliance and enforced the policy, they will be in a more defensible position than if they had not followed these practices.
• The best practice is to ban use of any cell phone device while driving in any vehicle during work hours or for work-related purposes.

The NSC has developed a cell phone policy kit with materials to assist employers with every step of policy development and implementation:

• Building management support to implement a total ban
• Getting employee buy-in to improve compliance
• Educating employees with ready-made promotional pieces

The kit includes a sample total cell phone ban policy and materials to educate management and employees about the risks of hands-free and handheld phones.

Improve Distracted Driving Awareness

Stop texting and driving

Though several distractions cause accidents, cell phones are a big one. NHTSA claims that sending or reading a text while driving 55 mph is like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed. So…not recommended.

Ensure your employees keep their eyes on the road while driving for work and during their commutes with a don’t text and drive poster.

Encourage forklift safety

Nearly 95,000 employees are injured each year due to forklift accidents, so your operators must be aware of their surroundings when driving. Driving a forklift while distracted could result in a crash that causes inventory to fall on the forklift or a collision with someone walking through the warehouse.

In other instances, distracted driving could cause the forklift to roll right off the loading dock. None of these situations end well for your operator. So make sure they are aware and drive with care.

Promote safe driving in construction zones

More than 20,000 workers are injured at road construction sites each year, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Not only do your employees need to use caution when driving construction equipment, but they need to keep their eyes on the road when entering, exiting, or driving by construction zones. Work Zone Awareness Week occurs during Safe Driving Month to help keep road workers safe.

Encourage safe driving in construction zones and promote awareness when operating construction equipment, especially when backing up. Check these Tips for Backing Up Vehicles Safely.

Keep workers safe on their commute 

Your responsibility for employees’ safety starts and ends the minute they walk through the door, so their commute to and from work isn’t technically your domain. But if you care about your workers—and you should—April is a great time to remind them to drive safely by hanging a safety poster near the exit closest to your parking lot.  

Host a distracted driving awareness meeting

Distracted Driving Awareness Month means you get to host a safety meeting. Ensure you have all the materials you need to drive your point home: Accidents caused by distracted driving are preventable. During Distracted Driving Awareness Month, urge your employees to keep their eyes on the road and drive carefully. 

Free Distracted Driving Resources:

• Download the NSC Safe Driving Kit here.
• Visit the NSC Distracted Driving Awareness Month page for more resources.
• Browse cell phone and texting rules signs at ComplianceSigns.com.

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The Hazardous Materials Identification System identifies chemical hazards and how to handle them using a color bar label. The National Paint Coatings Association (now known as the American Coatings Association) developed this hazard rating system. Although it may seem confusing when initially looking at the labels, understanding the components makes them easier to read. Here’s everything you need to know about reading an HMIS label.

An HMIS Label Uses Numerical Classifications To Identify Hazards

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration uses the HMIS system for both public and worker identification of chemical hazards and safety threats. There are specific labeling requirements for a variety of hazardous materials, so you will see HMIS labels on a number of items in transit. These labels can be either a placard or a sticker. They may appear on individual units like drums, barrels or bottles, or they could identify an entire shipping container or box.

Each label has a unique appearance depending on the age of the label and the ratings of the hazardous material. All labels feature four colored and clearly labeled rectangular stripes. The stickers show the hazard type and the level of danger using a number.

Numeric Classifications

An HMIS label relies on a numeric classification system to indicate levels of danger. There is an ascending progression, with the lowest danger level starting at zero and the highest danger level using the number four.

OSHA advises companies to avoid mixing numerical classification systems when one system uses ascending progression and the other relies on descending order. This can cause confusion as the numbers seem to contradict one another.

Comparison With the NFPA Fire Diamond

The HMIS system may look similar to the 704 identification system used by the National Fire Protection Association, but these labels have different purposes. The NFPA uses the Safety Square or Fire Diamond to guide emergency personnel and firefighters on the flammability of hazardous materials and the type of safety equipment necessary when working with the material. The HMIS system complies with the labeling standards of OSHA.

HMIS Labeling Has 5 Common Features

A standard label will contain the following elements:

1. The name of the hazardous material
2. Blue stripe labeled “HEALTH” and marked with two squares
3. Red stripe marked with one square to indicate flammability
4. Orange stripe marked with one square indicating physical hazard
5. White stripe indicating personal protection elements

A label could include more fields for listing additional information, such as the manufacturer of the hazardous material. Within each of these categories, you may get other information about the hazard and the way to handle it through another code.

The Blue Stripe: Health Hazards

The top blue stripe features two squares, with one showing the hazard level and the other distinguishing between chronic or acute-only health hazards. There are five hazard levels, ranging from no significant health risk to the potential for life-threatening or permanent damage from exposure:

• 4: Severe
• 3: Serious
• 2: Moderate
• 1: Slight
• 0: Minimal

If the second square has an asterisk symbol, it identifies the material as a chronic health hazard.

The Red Stripe: Flammability

There are five flammability levels indicated by the yellow strip on the HMIS label. The numeric hazard levels start with zero, indicating no fire hazard. It moves to one for slight hazard, two for moderate, three for serious and four for severe fire hazard.

The Orange Stripe: Physical Reactivity Hazards

The third stripe in HMIS labeling shows how the potential for a reaction with the material. OSHA defines seven reactivity hazards:

1. Compressed gases
2. Organic peroxides
3. Explosives
4. Oxidizers
5. Water reactives
6. Unstable reactives
7. Pyrophoric materials

The label uses a category of zero to four to identify the physical hazard present. These move from no physical hazard at zero up through slight, moderate, serious, and finally severe physical hazard, at number four.

The White Stripe: Personal Protective Equipment

OSHA sets the standards for the personal protective equipment needed to help minimize a person’s exposure to injury or illness-causing hazards. The fourth stripe on an HMIS label shows which type of PPE is necessary for safely working with or handling the material. Instead of numbers, the labels use a letter code to show the combinations of PPE. Site-specific codes are indicated with letters L to Z.

Basic safety starts with “A,” requiring only safety glasses for handling. Protective gloves and a protective apron are added for “B” and “C.” At the “D” level, the material requires a face shield, gloves and an apron. Further levels call for additional equipment like a dust or vapor respirator and splash goggles. Level “K” requires a hazmat suit, gloves, hazmat boots and an airline respirator mask or hood.

Outdated HMIS Labels May Still Be in Use

Depending on the products or materials, you may come across a label that looks like it’s part of the HMIS system but has slight variations. The first version of HMIS labeling was released under the NPCA brand before the name and brand changed to the ACA.

There are two prior versions of the labels termed HMIS I and II. Under these systems, a yellow stripe represented a Reactivity hazard with levels rating from zero to four. Under the current system, an orange stripe replaces the yellow one and labels that danger as a physical hazard. The change was intended to distinguish the HMIS system from the Fire Diamond and to better comply with OSHA’s definitions of physical hazards.

Another change from the HMIS I and II systems is the definition of hazard levels under Flammability. While the older system used numeric ratings identical to the system established for the Fire Diamond’s red section, the revised system is current with the definitions set by OSHA’s standards.

Use an HMIS Label and Other Signage To Put Safety First

Proper use of an HMIS label is only one of the many things you should do to promote employee safety in your work environment. Posting appropriate signage is also important. Turn to ComplianceSigns, LLC for a wide range of safety notices and other markers. Order your safety signs today.

The post How To Read an HMIS Label Like an Expert appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

How much ladder accidents cost

Falls are in the top three most disabling workplace injuries, and $17.1 billion is spent on workplace falls, according to the 2018 Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index. And ladders are #6 on OSHA’s top 10 most cited violations list.

ALI believes ladder accidents are preventable, but without better safety planning and training and continuous innovation in product design, we will continue to see far too many fatalities.

National Ladder Safety Month goals include:

• Increase the number of ladder training certificates issued by ALI
• Lower the rankings of ladder-related citations on OSHA’s yearly “Top 10 Citations List”
• Decrease ladder-related injuries and fatalities
• Increase the number of competent ladder inspector training sessions
• Increase the number of companies and individuals that inspect and properly dispose of old, damaged or obsolete ladders

Ladder safety will also be an important component of OSHA’s annual National Safety Stand-Down in May.

Have you tried the NIOSH ladder safety app that includes straight and step ladders?

Key elements of ladder safety:

What is a ladder weight rating?
A ladder’s weight rating is the combined weight of the climber and whatever the climber is carrying. Do not forget to account for equipment or accessories when selecting a ladder with the proper weight rating.

A taller ladder does NOT equate to a higher weight rating
To ensure you are using the right ladder for the job, check the Duty Rating of your ladder. The Duty Rating is the total amount of weight your ladder will support: Your weight plus the weight of your clothing and protective equipment plus the weight of tools and supplies you are using.

Ladder and fall safety applies at any height
More often than not, ladder injuries are caused by people using them incorrectly. An American Ladder Institute survey found 3 of 4 participants felt ladder accidents in their workplace could have been avoided with training.

Here’s how you can get involved and help improve safety
at your workplace:

• Learn more and sign up for Ladder Safety Month materials. 
• View free safety training modules.
• Plan for the National Safety Stand-down in May. 
• Review OSHA Standard 1926.1053 on stairways and ladders. 
• This study of workplace ladder falls offers insights. 
• Browse ladder safety signs and labels.

The post March is National Ladder Safety Month appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

February is American Heart Month – the perfect time to review or implement a workplace AED and CPR training program at your company. Here are a few good reasons why:

• 90% of cardiac arrest victims who receive an AED shock in the first minute of an attack live
• One-third of safety managers report lives have been saved with CPR training
• 65% of employees would view their employers more positively if they offered CPR training

Causes of sudden workplace cardiac arrest

• Heart attack
• Electrocution
• Asphyxiation (loss of consciousness and death caused by inadequate oxygen in the work environment, such as in a confined space)
• Many victims have no prior history of heart disease and are stricken without warning

Why AEDs belong in every workplace

What is an AED?

An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a medical device designed to analyze the heart rhythm and deliver an electric shock to victims of ventricular fibrillation to restore the heart rhythm to normal. Ventricular fibrillation is the uncoordinated heart rhythm most often responsible for sudden cardiac arrest.

4 good reasons to have a workplace AED program

• Workers may suffer sudden cardiac arrest while on the job.
• Onsite AEDs save precious treatment time, and can improve survival odds because they can be used before emergency medical service (EMS) personnel arrive.
• A heart rhythm in ventricular fibrillation may only be restored to normal by an electric shock.
• The AED is compact, lightweight, portable, battery operated, safe, and easy to use.

Placement of AEDs

AEDs should be conveniently installed to ensure response within 3-5 minutes:

• Areas where many people work closely together, such as assembly lines and office buildings
• Close to a confined space
• Areas where electric-powered devices are used
• Outdoor worksites where lightning may occur
• Health units where workers may seek treatment for heart attack symptoms
• Company fitness units and cafeterias
• Remote sites, such as off-shore drilling rigs, construction projects, marine vessels, power transmission lines, and energy pipe lines

AED training

Your workers can easily be trained to:

• Recognize sudden cardiac arrest and notify EMS personnel
• Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
• Provide early defibrillation with an AED
• Care for the victim until EMS personnel arrive

Workplace AED Program Resources:

A variety of resources are available to help you plan and implement CPR and AED training programs in your workplace:

• Implementing an AED program.
• Find a Red Cross CPR course in your area.
• Learn about workplace CPR and first aid training programs.
• Visit the OSHA AED topic page.
• View AED Defibrillator signs at ComplianceSigns.com.

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Every year, exposure to harmful chemicals causes over 190,000 illnesses and injuries in U.S. businesses. Whether your company is large or small, personnel who come into contact with corrosive chemicals need to know how to use a spill kit. What is a spill kit and how do you use it effectively?

How To Use a Spill Kit

A chemical spill kit is a set of items for cleaning up hazardous chemicals safely. Spill kits have three purposes:

• Containment: To prevent hazardous spills from spreading
• Neutralization: To minimize the risks from spilled chemicals
• Removal: To dispose of hazardous materials properly

Follow safety guidelines and refer to the appropriate Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to achieve these objectives.

Communicate

When a spill occurs, Inform qualified personnel, such as the safety team. Cordon off the area using caution tape, floor signs or barricade safety tags per OSHA requirements.

Identify

Find out which chemical is involved, then check SDS cleanup guidelines. When your organization follows OSHA labeling requirements for hazardous chemicals, personnel can identify products quickly. Our helpful Chemical Sign Selector Tool makes it easy to find GHS labels, hazmat signs, NFPA diamonds and pictograms.

Gear Up

Cleanup personnel should wear full personal protective equipment. This may involve chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, lab coats and aprons.

Neutralize

Use the appropriate compound to neutralize hazardous chemicals, such as sodium bicarbonate or soda ash for acids and ascorbic or citric acid for bases. Follow SDS dilution guidelines.

Contain

Prevent the spill from spreading using a physical barrier. Chemical-resistant brooms, scoops or brushes can help.

Absorb

Use absorbent materials from your spill kit to clean up the neutralized chemicals, working from the outside toward the center. Kits may contain paper towels, cat litter, absorbent pillows or safety pads.

Dispose

Dispose of paper towels, sweeping compound, rags, absorbent pillows and other cleanup materials. Use a plastic container with appropriate markings for hazardous materials.

How To Maximize Safety With Spill Kits

Manufacturers, research labs and industrial businesses work with hazardous chemicals frequently. Knowing how to use a spill kit correctly is essential for safety.

Identify Spill Kits Clearly

Store spill kits in areas where chemical spills are likely, such as on the wall near production lines. Use prominent spill kit signage so your personnel can see the closest kit immediately in an emergency.

Create a Positive Workplace Culture Around Spill Kits

About one in three lab workers don’t inform a supervisor about workplace accidents. Encourage employees to be swift and proactive when spills occur instead of assigning blame.

Check Spill Kits Periodically

Make sure neutralizing substances in your spill kit remain effective. Check expiration dates and replace items as needed.

Provide Spill Kit Training Sessions

Tools and training are both important. Show employees what to do and coordinate practice cleanup sessions.

Use the Correct Spill Kit

A chemical spill kit can be used for many acids, bases and solvents. Mercury spills need specialized cleanup kits. For water-reactive chemicals, flammable liquids, hydrofluoric acids and toxic materials, contact emergency personnel immediately.

How To Use a Spill Kit for Worker Safety

Put people ahead of other concerns. Follow safety guidelines without exceptions. Consult each chemical’s SDS for detailed instructions on how to use a spill kit for cleanup. Browse our chemical safety signs to warn your personnel effectively.

The post What Is a Chemical Spill Kit and How Do You Use It? appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

Importance of Safety Signage in Pipeline Operations

Pipeline safety signage plays a critical role in the safety measures employed in pipeline operations. They serve as visual guides to pipeline workers, making them aware of potential hazards, reminding them of crucial safety protocols, and providing emergency evacuation routes. Through safety signs, pipeline personnel can recognize the danger zone, taking precautions before initiating any work activity. Effective safety signage can avert incidents, such as explosions and fires, damaging the products being transported, the pipeline infrastructure, and the environment.

Overview of Must-Have Safety Signs for Pipeline Workers

Based on the nature of the hazards present in the pipeline’s physical environment, OSHA demands five must-have safety signs for pipeline workers. These signs include caution signs, no smoking signs, high voltage warning signs, emergency exit signs, and PPE signs. Pipeline workers must pay attention to these warning signs to avert accidents and adhere to the set safety measures.

1. Caution Signage

Caution signs are designed for pipeline workers to be alert to any potential hazards at their specific work area. They come in yellow or orange background and are highlighted in black letters with a hazard symbol on the left side. They warn workers of an unusually specific type of hazard or situation that requires special attention to maintain safety in their work environment. It is essential to have specific caution signs, such as “Watch Your Step,” “Welding In Progress,” and “Slippery Surface.” According to the PHMSA regulations, employers must place caution signs in areas where there is a possibility of tripping, slipping, or falling and other hazardous activities.

2. No Smoking Signage

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires that pipeline operators prohibit smoking within a minimum of 50 feet of the pipeline’s operation and maintenance areas. No smoking signs are typically placed in these areas to indicate to workers and visitors where they are prohibited. Smoking near pipelines could trigger explosive accidents, increasing the risk of damaging the pipeline facilities and the surrounding environment. No smoking signs are designed using red and black lettering on a white background to help workers and visitors recognize their purpose. The PHMSA requires that pipeline facilities must have no smoking signs in areas where there is a risk of an ignition source.

3. High-Voltage Warning Signs

Electrical hazards are likely to occur in pipeline environments, with frequent use of electrical equipment. High voltage warning signs are essential for marking areas that pose electrical hazards and reminding workers to take necessary precautions. The warning signs are designed with triangular shapes on a yellow background with black letters. In compliance with OSHA regulations, workers must label the voltage capacity near electrical equipment, transformers, and power stations to reduce the chances of accidental contact with electricity.

4. Emergency Exit Signage

Emergency exits should be strategically located in pipeline facilities to help workers exit the area in case of emergencies. The exit signs come in green and white lettering on a rectangular background with arrows pointing to the emergency exit direction. Employers must provide a possible exit route that allows workers to escape to a safe distance during pipeline fires or leaks.

5. PPE Signage

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential in pipeline operations to minimize injuries caused by falls, slips, or potential exposure to hazardous chemicals. PPE signs indicate appropriate safety clothing, including eye protection, headgear, gloves, and footwear. The PPE signs come in blue, black, and white lettering on a white background to notify workers when PPE is required to initiate work in specific areas.

Protect Your Workers and the Public

Pipeline operators must make sure that each worker adheres to the best safety practices when working in pipeline environments. The must-have safety signs outlined in this blog, from caution signs, high voltage warnings, no smoking signs, PPE signs, and emergency exit signs, are crucial in ensuring the safety of pipeline workers and the community. By having a proper safety signage program in place, pipeline operators can mitigate the risks associated with pipeline operations. We invite you to browse compliancesigns.com for all your safety signage needs, including customized signs tailored to meet your unique preferences.

The post The 5 Must-Have Types of Safety Signage for Pipeline Operations appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

One crucial element that often goes unnoticed but plays a vital role in pipeline safety is safety signage. In this article, we will emphasize the crucial role of pipeline safety signage and discuss best practices for selecting, placing, and maintaining safety signage in pipeline-related projects.

The Significance of Safety Signage

Safety signage serves as a visual communication tool, conveying essential information and warnings in an easily understandable manner. In the context of pipeline safety, it can prevent accidents, reduce risks and ensure regulatory compliance.

Consequences of Neglecting Proper Signage

Neglecting proper safety signage in pipeline-related projects can have severe consequences, both for businesses and the community as a whole.

• Accidents: Inadequate or absent safety signage can lead to accidents, injuries, and even fatalities among employees and the public. Accidental damage to pipelines due to lack of warning signs can result in hazardous leaks and environmental disasters.

• OSHA Compliance Fines: Non-compliance with OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulations can lead to hefty fines for businesses. The absence of appropriate safety signage is a clear violation of these standards and can result in significant financial penalties.

• Potential Lawsuits: Neglecting proper safety signage can expose businesses to potential lawsuits from injured employees or affected parties. Such legal actions can lead to substantial financial liabilities and damage to a company’s reputation.

Selecting the Right Safety Signage

The first step in enhancing pipeline safety is to choosing the right signage. It’s important to select signs that align with the specific hazards and risks present in your work environment. ComplianceSigns.com offers a comprehensive selection of pipeline safety signs, including:

• Caution – Buried Gas Line Below. These signs are essential for identifying underground gas pipelines to prevent accidental digging or construction over these lines.
• Emergency Shut-Off Valve. These signs are crucial for marking the location of emergency shut-off valves along the pipeline.
• Danger – High-Pressure Gas Line. For areas with high-pressure gas pipelines, these signs serve as an important warning to ensure safety precautions are followed.
• Call Before Digging. For areas around pipelines help prevent unsafe digging.

Selecting the right signs and using appropriate wording and symbols is vital to effective communication, and that’s what your signs need to do, right?

Pipeline and Utility Safety Signs

Placement of Safety Signage

Once you have selected the necessary safety signs, proper placement is key. Signs should be highly visible, easily recognizable, and strategically located in areas where they will be most effective. ComplianceSigns.com provides durable sign materials that withstand various environmental conditions, ensuring longevity and visibility.

For instance, the “Caution – Buried Gas Line Below” sign can be affixed to posts, fences, or buildings near the gas line’s location. Proper placement helps prevent accidental damage to the pipeline during construction or excavation activities.

Maintenance and Compliance

To maintain the effectiveness of safety signage, regular inspections and maintenance are essential. Ensure that signs remain free of damage, graffiti, or obstructions. ComplianceSigns.com signs are designed to withstand outdoor elements and provide long-lasting durability, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Additionally, staying compliant with industry-specific regulations is crucial. ComplianceSigns.com offers signs that meet industry standards and regulatory requirements, making it easier for businesses to ensure they are following the necessary guidelines.

Prioritizing Safety

It’s no overstatement to say that safety signage plays a vital role in pipeline safety. By selecting the right signs, placing them strategically and maintaining them properly, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and environmental hazards.

At ComplianceSigns.com we can help you with a wide range of safety signage products designed to meet the needs of businesses in various industries. Their dedication to quality and compliance ensures that you can trust their products for enhancing safety in your pipeline-related projects. Make safety signage a priority, and protect your workforce, the public and the environment.

Related Resources:

• Utility work is one of the 10 most dangerous jobs
• 5 safety monitoring tips for heavy equipment
• Create a maintenance schedule for heavy machinery
• Visit the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration site
• Find Pipeline and Utility Signs at ComplianceSigns.com

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Seasonal flu contributes to some 17 million lost workdays and 200,000 hospitalizations every season. Each year, some 5 to 20 percent of the population gets the flu, and in recent years, flu activity has remained elevated for 21 weeks! Employers can play an important role in preventing flu, helping protect employee health and reducing losses in productivity and revenue.

Here’s important information from OSHA and the CDC on how to protect workers from seasonal flu when their jobs involve contact with coworkers and the general public. This information provides a baseline for infection control during a seasonal flu outbreak, but it may not be enough to protect workers during a pandemic.(There are different specific recommendations for Healthcare workers.) The CDC urges all businesses to help keep employees healthy during flu season. ComplianceSigns provides flu vaccinations for our employees, and we encourage you to do the same.

Basic Flu Precautions for Most Workplaces

Encourage Workers to Get Vaccinated for the Flu

Encourage workers to get the seasonal flu vaccine when it is available. Consider hosting a flu vaccination clinic in your workplace. Vaccination is the most effective means of preventing flu and protecting workers from seasonal flu. Vaccines take time to become effective, so early vaccination is important. Don’t wait until people are sick to hold a vaccination clinic.

Encourage Sick Workers to Stay Home

Encourage sick workers to stay home. The CDC recommends that workers who have a fever and respiratory symptoms stay at home until 24 hours after their fever ends (100 F or lower), without the use of medication. Not everyone who has the flu will have a fever. Other symptoms could include a runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting.

Develop flexible leave policies that encourage workers to stay home, without penalty, if they are sick. Discuss other human resource policies with staff, including administrative leave transfer between employees, pay policy for sick leave, childcare options, and what to do when ill during travel.

Develop a Policy for Workers and Clients Who Become Ill in the Workplace

Develop a policy on how to deal with workers and clients who may be ill with the flu and communicate it to your workers. Determine who will be responsible for assisting ill individuals in the workplace and make sure that at least one person can serve as the “go to” person if someone becomes sick in the workplace. Consider how to separate ill workers from others, or give them a surgical mask to wear until they can go home.

Promote Hand Hygiene and Cough Etiquette

Post handwashing signs that tell workers, visitors, and clients the steps for proper hand hygiene and cough etiquette. Handwashing is the easiest and most effective defense against illness, and a 2017 found 44% of men said they were more likely to wash their hands after seeing a sign that requires employees to wash before returning to work. Workers, visitors, and clients should have easy access to supplies such as:

• “No touch” wastebaskets for used tissues;
• Soap and water;
• Alcohol-based hand rubs;
• Disposable towels;
• Cleaning and sanitation materials.

Keep the Workplace Clean

Frequently clean all commonly touched work surfaces, work areas, and equipment (e.g., telephones, doorknobs, lunch areas, countertops, copiers, etc.). Use your standard cleaning agents and follow the label directions. No additional disinfection beyond routine cleaning is recommended by CDC. Provide disinfectants and disposable towels for workers to use to clean their work spaces and surfaces and to keep work areas clean.

Educate Workers About the Flu

Train employees about how flu can be transmitted in the workplace and what precautions they can use to protect themselves from seasonal flu. Provide information about the following:

• Signs, symptoms, and complications of the flu
• Policies and procedures for reporting flu symptoms, using sick leave, and returning to work
• Vaccination
• Any required work practices

The CDC has identified groups that have a higher risk for complications from seasonal flu (e.g., elderly, pregnant women, small children, persons with asthma, etc.). Inform workers that some people are at higher risk of complications from flu and suggest that they talk to their doctor about their own risk and what to do if they become ill.

Address Business Travel and Flu Sickness While Traveling

Reconsider business travel to areas with high illness rates. The CDC recommends the following measures for workers who becomes ill while on travel:

• Advise workers who become ill while traveling or on temporary assignment to notify their supervisors.
• Workers who become ill while traveling and are at increased risk of flu complications and others concerned about their illness should promptly call a healthcare provider.
• Advise workers to check themselves for fever and any other signs of flu-like illness before starting travel and to notify their supervisors and stay home if they feel ill.

Be Prepared

Following these precautions can help protect your workers – and your business – from seasonal flu regardless of flu level. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shares updated guidance annually for protecting individuals from seasonal flu. Each year the vaccine is revised to protect against the influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common in the current season.

Pandemic flu remains a concern for employers and workers. A pandemic can occur at any time and can be mild, moderate, or severe. Although the pandemic H1N1 flu in 2009 was considered by CDC to be mild, it created significant challenges for employers and workers and showed that many workplaces were not prepared.

Seasonal Flu Resources for the Workplace:

• Visit the OSHA Seasonal Flu page.
• Visit the CDC Flu Season page. 
• Flu information for businesses and employers. 
• Browse Hand Washing Signs at ComplianceSigns.com.

The post Workplace Safety and the Flu – How To Protect Workers appeared first on SafeWork Insider.