Our Safety Blogs

What is Safety? Are you ever curious when someone tells you to be safe? Like when your mother used to say, “be safe Michael.” We all probably hear it every day, all through our lives, even as adults. You get in your car you hear “drive safe” or “be safe;” when you leave the house your spouse may yell “Be safe honey.” When you’d ride your bike as a kid or walk across the street, the same thing, “be careful or be safe.” Then, when you get to work you hear “work safe” by your supervisor, and the management always tells you “being safe is our number one priority.” When I was in the fire service we would be subjected to oral interviews and the interviewers would always want to hear the word, safety, they just wanted to hear it. We hear it all the time. The word ‘safety’ always felt like an empty term to me years ago, now it has much more meaning. What does safety really mean and how do you define it? After years of being in the construction field and the fire service, I think I've finally figured it out! Unbeknownst to the many people who have told you to be safe throughout your life; they are actually telling you to recognize hazards, evaluate your risks, and control such hazards! Some of you may recognize this as a JHA (Job Hazard Analysis). It’s also called JSA (Job Safety Analysis), THA (Task Hazard Analysis) and sometimes you’ll see acronyms such as RACE, ARECC, and typically what we refer to at HAZWOPER OSHA Training as the Three-Stage Safety Model. Each of these famed acronyms revolves around basically the same formula:  Recognize + Evaluate + Control = SAFETY The three-stage safety model is not a ‘Risk Assessment.’  However, it is similar in some ways. The most notable difference is that JHA’s are micro in nature, whereas the risk assessment is macro. Thus, the key difference is scope. Furthermore, JHA’s are limited to an individual or group task while risk assessments typically assess safety hazards across the entire workplace or business. The risk assessment provides a broader view of all types of risks across the entire business. However, generally speaking, a JHA performed in the construction industry typically involves a general task or series of tasks to accomplish an objective for a particular time period (usually a half-day or full-day). Meanwhile, JHA’s undertaken in the general industry usually concentrate on individual movements in one particular task and break each movement down to determine the potential risk involved within sub-tasks. Let’s talk about what actually constitutes a hazard. What is a Hazard?  Before discussing the aforementioned formula, let’s first understand what a hazard is. According to OSHA, “a hazard is associated with a condition or activity that, if left uncontrolled, can result in an injury, illness, or death.”   Hazard Recognition  The most difficult aspect of the Three-Stage Safety Model is to possess the ability to recognize a hazard in the first place. Whether it’s recognizing a car coming around the corner while crossing a street, or looking both ways before crossing, or working in a confined space while being unaware of the potential dangers inside. If you don’t have a trained eye, knowledge, or experience to recognize a hazard, subsequently, nothing else matters. I’ve found over the years; a majority of people don’t possess the ability to recognize a hazard in the first place. Some have worked around the same hazard(s) for many years and were just very fortunate to have encountered no accident(s). Recognizing a hazard is derived from years of experience, education, and a trained eye. Once you gain that knowledge, hazards seem to stick out like fireworks going off in front of your eyes, they become easy to recognize.  Hazard Evaluation  Once someone can recognize a hazard, they usually evaluate risk at their own level of comfort. Sometimes they misjudge that risk and don’t take the necessary controls to mitigate that risk and suffer the consequences of injury, illness, or death, and if fortunate, a near miss (or hit). When a hazard is found, OSHA states that you must ask yourself “what can go wrong, what are the consequences, how could it happen, what are contributing factors, and how likely is it that the hazard will occur?” Once the risks at hand are determined, then it's time to gauge your control options, and this is where NIOSH’s Hierarchy of Controls plays a vital role in workplace safety and health.  Source: NIOSH. (n.d.). Hierarchy of Controls. Website. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hierarchy-of-controls/about/index.html Hazard Controls  The last stage in the model is ‘Control’. This is where the Hierarchy of Controls, as we’ve expressed in our HAZWOPER OSHA courses, comes into play with the image of the upside-down pyramid. The ’Hierarchy of Controls’ starts with the most effective controls at the top of the pyramid, with the least effective controls coming in at the bottom. The top of the pyramid (elimination, substitution, and engineering controls) basically removes the human being from the source of danger or hazard. Work practices or administrative controls, together with personal protective equipment (PPE) at the bottom of the pyramid, insert the human being at the source of danger but advise precautions while doing so. These control measures have proven to be very effective over the years.  Is There More? However, I personally feel the pyramid is not complete. Ultimately, you are responsible for your own safety. Therefore, I believe that below the PPE level, at the bottom of the pyramid should be an added layer termed “individual safety.” This is where all the cumulative and instinctual safety messages come into play. Moreover, consider this point; it is not only individual safety, but when you work unsafe, you put your co-workers and everybody around you in an unsafe environment. Remember, your mother was telling you to be safe, she unknowingly was telling you to recognize hazards, evaluate risks, and control such hazards. This is the knowledge we should follow throughout our lives. Remember, Mom is always right!  At HAZWOPER OSHA, our online courses consistently carry this safety theme and the Three-Stage Safety Model throughout. Stay safe everybody! Now you know what it means. Stay tuned for my next Blog: Do You Really Know Your 4-Gas Meter?     Michael J. Conroy, Retired Battalion Chief, Chicago Fire Dept. with 32 years of experience, is also a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and Construction Health & Safety Technician (CHST). Mike is also an OSHA-Authorized Trainer and a certified Fire Dept. Safety Officer. Mike has vast experience and holds advanced certifications in confined space, fall protection, rigging, excavation rescue, and all the hazardous material disciplines, among many other certifications in the safety field. Mike will continue to write and speak on safety topics and share his years of safety experience through this media.  

Silica Exposure Awareness for Occupational Safety What is Silica? Silica, also known as silicon dioxide (SiO₂), is a naturally occurring mineral in the earth’s crust; often found as stone and sand. Silica occurs in two forms – crystalline silica and amorphous (non-crystalline) silica. Crystalline silica is hard, with a high melting point, and is chemically inactive. Quartz is the most common form of crystalline silica found and used in the creation of various products. Cristobalite and Tridymite are the other two known forms of crystalline silica. Silica is found in a variety of products, and there are various uses for silica, globally. Crystalline silica is used to make pottery, ceramic, and glass products. Also, when sand, stone, or rocks are used to produce other materials; for example, concrete, mortar, bricks, etc., these transformed products also contain silica. Crystalline silica is also found in granite and paints. Amorphous silica on the other hand is often found in the form of silica gel, and is used in food additives, food wrappings, toothpaste, and cosmetics; as this form of silica has been found to have no adverse health effects at levels found naturally in the environment or commercial products. What is Respirable Crystalline Silica? Respirable Crystalline Silica is the tiny airborne particles formed when crystalline silica or any silica-containing materials including rocks, stones, concrete, brick, block, and mortar is manipulated by cutting, drilling, sawing, grinding, crushing, or breaking. This dust is deemed to be 100 times smaller than sand grains found on a beach; and is often referred to as ‘silica dust’. Silica dust can easily be inhaled and get into the human respiratory tract causing harm to the health of those exposed to respirable crystalline silica while working with silica-containing materials. Silica and the Construction Industry Workers in the construction industry are the most exposed to respirable crystalline silica as they participate in work activities that require them to cut, saw, grind, and drill silica-containing materials. Such work activities include mixing concrete and mortar, cutting bricks and blocks, abrasive blasting with sand, crushing and grinding stones or rocks, sanding or drilling into concrete walls, cutting granite, etc. Also subjected to the hazards of silica exposure are the employees of brick, concrete block, and stone or granite countertop manufacturers. Furthermore, people working in excavation and trenching operations are also exposed to respirable crystalline silica due to work activities such as sifting sand; and crushing, grinding, and moving rocks that may disturb silica particles. OSHA’s Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard for the Construction Industry As such, all construction industry workers must obtain adequate knowledge about working with silica and the dangers of silica exposure. Accordingly, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has developed and implemented the respirable crystalline silica standard for the construction industry (29 CFR 1926.1153) to support employers in their endeavors to protect employees from silica hazards and limit worker exposures to respirable crystalline silica by adopting the appropriate methods and safeguards. OSHA’s construction industry respirable crystalline silica standard provides flexibility to employers on the different protection methods – specified exposure control methods based on the Silica Table 1 provided in the standard or alternative exposure control methods based on distinct workplace measurements of worker exposure to silica dust and the best ways to limit the permissible exposure limit (PEL) in the workplace by using the  Hierarchy of Controls. OSHA’s respirable crystalline silica standard for the construction industry specifically requires employers to: Create and implement a written silica exposure control plan. This plan should identify the silica exposure tasks and detail the methods used to protect workers from silica exposure. The plan must also explain the procedures to restrict access to work areas where high exposures may occur. Ensure a competent person is responsible for implementing the written exposure control plan. Identify and use reasonable appropriate alternative housekeeping practices to avoid housekeeping practices that could increase workers’ exposure to silica. Ensure workers who are required by the standard to wear a respirator for 30 days or more annually, undergo medical exams every three years. These medical surveillances examinations should include chest X-rays and lung function tests. Provide workers with the appropriate training on work operations that result in silica exposure and ways to limit exposure. Maintain records of exposure measurements, the relevant objective data, and medical examination records of workers as required. Silica Used in Other Industries Silica exposure and awareness are not limited to construction industry workers. Employees in other industries working with silica-containing materials are also in danger of exposure to crystalline silica and silica dust. Popular examples include hydraulic fracturing (fracking) operations and foundry work that requires workers to use sand. Moreover, makers of pottery, ceramic, and glass products are also exposed to silica dust. Therefore, employees exposed to silica in other industries must also be provided with adequate information on silica exposure and gain the appropriate silica awareness training. These industries, too, are governed by OSHA. OSHA has developed and issued respirable crystalline silica standards for the general industry and maritime (29 CFR 1910.1053) that employers can use to put in place the necessary precautions to reduce silica exposure levels of employees. Silica Exposure Risks and Controls Exposure to respirable crystalline silica can result in several health hazards. These illnesses include silicosis, lung cancer, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), kidney disease, activation of latent tuberculosis infections, and autoimmune diseases. Thus, employers must provide the necessary precautions in the workplace to reduce employees’ exposure to silica by implementing a range of appropriate measures as recommended by the OSHA standards. The measures may include a combination of engineering and work practice controls, housekeeping procedures, respiratory protection, medical surveillance, hazard communication, silica air monitoring measures, and silica methods of sample analysis. Silica Awareness Training An effective way to create awareness of silica exposure and related silica health hazards in the workplace is to provide relevant training to employees. Our silica awareness online training course will enable employers to fulfill the training requirements as outlined in the Federal OSHA Regulations 29 CFR 1910.1053 and 29 CFR 1926.1153. Our training program aims to acquaint workers with the hazards associated with exposure to respirable crystalline silica and the hazard control measures that must be implemented to minimize exposure within safe limits to comply with the relevant OSHA respirable crystalline silica standards. So, enroll today, and learn more about the regulatory requirements of working with crystalline silica-containing materials and the exposure control methods that must be implemented in the worksite to ensure compliance and safeguard the health of workers.   Reference: SafeSilica. (n.d.). Crystalline Silica: The Science. Website. https://safesilica.eu/crystalline-silica-the-science/ OSHA. (n.d.). Silica, Crystalline. Website.  https://www.osha.gov/silica-crystalline OSHA. (n.d.). Construction. Complying with the construction standard. Website https://www.osha.gov/silica-crystalline/construction  

California’s Oil Spill: A Marine and Ecological Calamity The recent news of the California oil spill contaminating acres of beach, polluting oceans, and harming marine life and wetlands brings to light the importance of being ready for the unexpected! The oil spill attributed to a pipeline leak off the coast of Orange County is expected to pollute the marine ecology and also taint the stretch of beach from Huntington Beach to San Diego County! While the spill was expected to be much larger when the oil pipeline leak was first discovered, more detailed evaluations in the last week have resulted in officials revising their original estimation of a 126,000-gallon spillage to between 24,696 gallons and 131,000 gallons at a maximum (Fry, Gerber, and Winton, 2021). Despite this lower estimation of the oil leak into the Pacific Ocean, the ecological damage to marine life, wetlands, birds, and other species, as well as the Southern California beach shores will be severe. The destruction is already being reported in leading news media. In addition, the closing of the beaches will also impact people and their recreational activities. Oil spills are known occurrences globally. In February of this year, a massive oil spill was reported in the Mediterranean off the coast of Israel (Cohen, 2021). However, this month’s (October 2021) California oil spill has occurred after 52 years, following the 1969 Santa Barbara spill that resulted in bringing about much tighter environmental laws and regulations related to oil spill disasters. This was also a turning point in federal environmental legislation with the establishment of regulatory bodies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1970 and the creation of the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act in 1970 and 1972, respectively (Larson, 2021).

Fire Prevention and Protection A fire can occur anywhere at any time. While we take every precaution to safeguard against fires, be it at home, in schools, in offices, at restaurants, in hotels, in warehouses, or manufacturing facilities; the possibility of a fire occurring remains a concern for everyone. This is mainly because fires often take place quite unexpectedly; starting with just a spark or due to the mixing of two or more chemicals that results in an adverse reaction. Of grave concern is that once a fire starts, the spread can be quite rapid, and a few seconds or minutes could make the difference between life and death! Thus, it is not surprising that all people make every effort to safeguard against fires occurring and put in place measures to alert the people in the vicinity in case of a fire. Let’s see what can be done to prevent fires, increase fire safety in homes and workplaces, and what processes we can put in place to safeguard families, friends, coworkers, and employees in case of a fire. Tips for Preventing Fires in Homes Install smoke alarms and/or smoke detectors in the kitchen, bedrooms, basement, and other rooms. Install a sprinkler system that could auto-activate when a fire is detected. Ensure that you test the smoke alarms and home sprinkler systems at least once a month, to check for defects or the need for new batteries. Sit with your family (children included) and discuss what should be done in case of a fire. Plan how they should leave the home and where they should gather, and how to contact the fire department. Put up a poster in common areas where emergency contacts are identified with their phone numbers. This will help scared children and stressed elders to call for help without hassle in case of a fire. Be careful when using equipment and tools that spark and could cause a wildfire. Examples include welders, lawnmowers, weed-eaters, chain saws, grinders, and trimmers. When using candles, matchsticks, lighters, and other similar fire-starting items make sure to keep the surrounding areas clear and free of materials that could easily catch fire. When using flammable chemical products or other fuels in homes, follow instructions and apply best practices that safeguard against causing fires. Ensure electrical wiring is checked regularly to prevent fires from occurring due to faulty wiring. If an electrical short occurs when using any electrical equipment, immediately stop using it, and get it checked and repaired or replaced. How to Prevent Fires in Workplaces Preventing fires in workplaces can be much trickier than safeguarding against fires occurring in homes. Many workplaces (for example, factories, goods manufacturers, laboratories, educational institutions, etc.) use various chemicals and flammable materials which can increase the occurrence of fires. Some works tasks such as those carried out in the construction industry, by maintenance services, and facilities management also use electrical tools and equipment that can cause sparks that could result in wildfires! Even offices, shopping malls, and apartment buildings use a combination of everyday cleaning solutions and electrical tools, some of which are fire hazards. In workplaces, it is the responsibility of employers to ensure the safety of employees. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to implement fire protection and prevention programs in the workplace. Such programs guide and direct employees on the possible causes of fires and what must be done to prevent fires from occurring. These plans also help with workplace fire safety efforts. To ensure the fire protection and prevention plans are adhered to and executed properly, employers must provide the relevant training to employees. Such training would enable employees to understand workplace fire hazards, protocols to follow in an emergency, how to properly use firefighting equipment, and the evacuation procedures that must be put into operation. As a part of these fire preventions safety plans and programs, employers must also ensure: Clearly marked emergency exits that are kept clear at all times, so that workers can evacuate the facility without delay in case of a fire. In areas where electrical power may not be reliable, Tritium Exit Signs provide a dependable, non-electrical solution by illuminating in the dark without the need for wiring or batteries. Put up relevant emergency exit signs and a diagram indicating the evacuation route to be followed in case of an emergency such as fire. Install and maintain all relevant fire detection equipment and fire suppression systems such as fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, water outlets, fire hoses, etc. Ensure the proper storage and handling of flammable and combustible materials and substances to minimize the risks of fires from occurring. Use containers as stated in OSHA regulations. The recommendation is to use only approved, closed containers for the storage of flammable or combustible liquids. For example, safety cans or containers that are approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Appointing a fire safety officer as per regulatory requirements. Planning and executing fire drills to prepare employees on what should be done if a fire breaks out in the building. In addition, employees can also contribute to workplace fire prevention and fire safety by: Adhering to the relevant fire prevention and protection procedures and policies in place at their workplace. Being vigilant when using equipment or flammable materials that can cause fires. Reporting electrical or other hazards that can cause fires. Ensuring electrical outlets and circuits are not overloaded. Bringing to the employer’s notice malfunctioning electrical equipment, open electrical wires, or any other hazards that may cause fires. Making sure no damaged electrical outlets or electrical cords are being used to carry out work tasks. Being alert and careful when working in areas such as laboratories, kitchens, and rooms with high voltage equipment that are fire-prone. Following instructions and the information provided in the safety data sheets (SDS) on the proper storage and handling of flammable materials. Keeping combustible substances (e.g., chemicals) or materials (e.g., paper, hazardous waste, etc.) at a safe distance from electrical equipment. Annually getting the relevant training on fire safety and prevention measures.   References: OSHA Fact Sheet (2020, August). Fire Safety. Website. https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA3527.pdf NFPA. (n.d.). Fire Prevention Week. Website. https://www.nfpa.org/Events/Events/Fire-Prevention-Week

Safety Measures When Working at HeightsPeople involved in the construction industry are very familiar with the phrase “working at heights”. Many tasks require workers to work at an elevation invariably increasing their exposure to falls and other height-related hazards. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in the last few years, falls from working at heights are recognized as a leading cause of death for construction workers. OSHA also strives to inform employers and employers of the dangers lurking when construction work and other maintenance is done at higher elevations which can be harmful to human health and safety.Many occupations require people to work at heights, and employers must ensure the safety of their workers when they carry out such work tasks as part of their occupational health and safety plans.Working at Heights ExplainedWorking at heights usually means that a job task is being carried out at a vertical or horizontal working or walking surface. A common example of a vertical surface on which work is done at heights is a ladder, while scaffolding is an example of a horizontal working surface. Due to work being carried out at a higher level than the ground, workers are at greater risk of falls which may result in a severe injury or even fatality. A person working on a roof, on electrical poles, on overhead bridges/walkways, or even on rigs would be considered to be working at heights.This is the reason OSHA has identified regulations for fall protection for people who undertake work tasks at heights. According to OSHA’s regulatory standards, workers must wear appropriate fall protection equipment when they work at heights, while whenever possible work areas should put in place engineering and administrative controls to safeguard workers from falls or falling objects. For instance, OSHA’s scaffolding standard recommends workers using a suspended scaffold, an aerial lift, or a bucket truck raised at a height of more than 10 feet above the surface to utilize personal fall arrest systems such as wearing a full-body harness. Furthermore, OSHA also guides and directs on a range of measures to be used for fall protection and other hazards related to working at heights utilizing the Hierarchy of Controls as developed and presented by NIOSH.OSHA’s Fall Protection RegulationsTo protect workers from falls, OSHA has developed fall protection regulations for:the construction industry in 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M,the general industry (29 CFR 1910),shipyard employment (29 CFR 1915),marine terminals (29 CFR 1917), andthe longshoring industry (29 CFR 1918).Furthermore, OHSA’s construction industry standard (29 CFR 1926) also considers fall protection when regulating other areas such as Steel Erection (29 CFR 1926 Subpart R). OSHA’s scaffolding regulations (29 CFR 1926 Subpart L) also contribute to the safety of people working at heights as its regulations are geared to safeguard workers who erect, dismantle, and use scaffolding to complete their work tasks.Safety Suggestions when Working at HeightsWhenever possible, employers should minimize the requirement for working at heights or reduce the need for workers to work at heights. However, when it comes to construction work it is quite inevitable that workers will have to work at heights as it is the nature of work! In this case, all necessary precautions, including engineering, administrative, and work practice controls as well as the use of necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) such as fall arrest systems and safety harnesses should be used to lessen the risks of working at heights.Installing guardrails and railingsWhen working on scaffolding or other open surfaces or platforms, ensure that guardrails and midrails are installed and used as recommended by OSHA. This will safeguard employees by reducing fall hazards. Furthermore, ensuring supported scaffolds are built and used as per standard regulations will further reduce the risks of scaffolds tilting or collapsing thereby minimizing risks to employees.Ensure ropes and other equipment are in good working orderWhen using suspended scaffolding to undertake work at heights, employers should ensure that the ropes and non-rigid, overhead supports are all in good working order. As required, these must be checked by a competent person before workers use a scaffold to carry out their work.Wearing the appropriate PPEWhen working at heights, employers must ensure workers are given the appropriate personal fall arrest systems. Equipment such as the full-body harness, an integral part of the personal fall arrest system, must fit correctly to ensure effectiveness. As such, workers must be fit-tested before they wear such equipment when carrying out job tasks.Ensure worker protection from falling objectsWhen people work at several elevations, there is the risk of tools and other objects falling from a higher level to a lower level or even to the ground. Thus, employers must put in place warning signs and other mechanisms such as safety nets to reduce accidents caused by a falling object.Regularly inspecting PPE and the worksiteA good practice to adopt, and one recommended by OSHA, is to regularly inspect protective equipment used by workers. In addition, equipment such as ladders should be checked for damage, while scaffolding must also be checked to ensure they are safe for use before the start of a work shift. If engineering controls such as safety nets and safety canopies are used, these must also be checked for tearing and other damage.Training for employeesLast, but never least, is training! Employers should provide training to their employees when they work at heights. Annual training helps people understand the need for safety at the workplace and provides pertinent information for individuals to practice safety while at work.One such training is the OSHA Competent Person for Fall Protection Training, and another is OSHA Scaffolding Safety Training course. We offer these courses in various formats - online training, in-person on-site group training, and virtual instructor-led training (ILT) - at very reasonable prices. Our courses are mobile-friendly with the flexibility to jump from one device to another in the midst of your online training.We believe that safety matters and are happy to partner with you to support your safety aspirations.

Core Elements of an Effective Safety ProgramOver the span of almost 40 years, involved in varying degrees of safety-related activities and working or consulting for numerous companies, I’ve developed what I believe are the basic core elements of an effective safety program: leadership, strategy, engagement, management buy-in, and culture. I’ve found many companies fail at safety, either because they don’t have proper leadership, or an effective strategy or formula to make it succeed, lack of employee and management engagement, and consequently, never able to develop a safety culture. Let’s delve a little deeper into these elements.Leadership  A trait that is not necessarily taught but learned through observation. Some people seem to be natural-born leaders. My observation over the years of effective and ineffective safety leaders is as such. An effective leader, in terms of personal traits, is firm and expects a level of production from employees. An effective leader is not afraid to get their hands dirty in the trenches. An effective leader engages employees and lets them know he/she is looking out for their well-being, not just in words, but by actions. This also includes putting systems in place to ensure documents are accurate and trustworthy, supported by reliable document verification checks. An effective leader empowers employees and allows their input to be heard and put in place as necessary. An effective leader channels employee concerns to other company leaders and managers. An effective safety leader can also tow or navigate the line of production and safety in a compromising fashion. Lastly, an effective leader earns the respect from not only employees, but also from fellow leaders and peers, not by title, but through actions.  Conversely, an ineffective leader lacks most of these personal traits, and therefore, will not effectively lead. I’ve found during times of organized chaos; effective leaders will prevail. My years in the fire service taught me that in times of organized chaos (what we call larger-scale emergency scenes) true leaders will show themselves, while ineffective leaders suddenly become silent, take a step back and move into the shadows, and are not to be heard from. They lose the respect of the firefighters. Believe it or not, people yearn to be led. Given a great leader, you feel like you’d run through a brick wall for them or follow them through the gates of hell with a fire extinguisher. I’ve been privileged to work for some of those leaders.Strategy  A safety strategy is critical for sustained business success. Let’s face it; a company needs to produce it core business product or execute its overall strategy in order to remain a viable business. I’ve found many companies have a safety position filled for the purpose of having a safety position filled! As such, these individuals have no influence on company decision-making, nor any influence on actual safety in the trenches or line production. When production and safety butt heads, production seems to always win. This is where an effective safety leader comes into play, where he/she must put their political hat on and make difficult but correct decisions. A Safety Professional needs to be involved in the highest levels of decision-making positions within the company. A Safety Professional needs to have input in just about every decision of the company, and therefore, should be right near the top of any company’s chain-of-command or organizational structure. They cannot be ignored or sidelined. In some organizations, the Safety Professional is placed just below the CEO and above division heads on their organizational chart. This action shows the leadership’s commitment to safety and health within the organization.  Another important consideration when formulating the safety strategy is: Does the company utilize active safety or passive safety? Active safety is real-time and includes safety audits and training with follow-up and support from upper management to include the CEO and top supervisors. Without their support, the company’s occupational safety plan and program are in peril. Everybody needs to buy in to have an effective safety program. Passive safety is like the ineffective leader; stand back and rely on past or historical trending records for the company’s safety program, rather than playing a hands-on role and staying ahead of the curve, and not behind it.  What happens when a business lacks any safety strategy? Consequently, safety fails; and ultimately people are injured, sometimes seriously or even fatally. Unfortunately, some companies, having experienced safety-related mishaps, may still not learn their lesson. This is typically seen in larger companies that often absorb such costs as production loss, higher insurance costs, workmen’s compensation claims, legal fees, and remedial training costs among others. On the contrary, smaller companies may not be able to absorb such costs and lose their businesses altogether.  Fortunately, some companies do learn from their mistakes and start prioritizing safety and pushing the position higher up the organizational chart. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve made recommendations over the years to management, only to be ignored, leading to a serious or fatal injury occurring directly related to not heeding my advice. On the other hand, I’ve also worked with many companies where safety was at the forefront of almost every business decision, which resulted in a pleasant environment for any safety manager. Knowing the upper management heeded my advice just made the working environment feel less anxious and gave me the authority to do the right thing and not worry about workplace safety taking a backseat. I didn’t feel like I was stuck between a rock and a hard place. I’m sure every Safety Professional understands what I’m saying!  REMEMBER: Nobody Wins When Someone Gets Hurt!Engagement Generally, words of motivation do not engage people to be safe. Simply telling someone to be safe does not engage or motivate an employee. Safety incentives only encourage cheating amongst employees to be safe, it does not engage them. I previously mentioned active safety. Engaging employees directly by training and performing safety audits is a good example. Engaging with employees is the time where management and line personnel get to know each other and expectations are disclosed. This is the time to be firm and layout consequences for unsafe workplace practices. This is also the time to build a rapport with company members. This is where workers share and gain valued input and develop some ownership into organizational safety processes and practices. This relationship-building exercise makes employees feel respected and part of the team. They feel empowered and don’t feel like they are just only workers. They have skin in the game and the Safety Professional acts as their liaison with the upper management. When a company considers the well-being of their personnel and listens to their members, employees know it too! And trust me, they will respond in kind. As for training employees, what better way is there to lay out your company’s Safety & Health Program as it pertains to OSHA safety regulations! The Safety Director puts forth the company safety blueprint to all its employees and engages with them as an open forum. Again, this is where accountability, ownership, and skin in the game comes in. However, finding the time to train employees and taking them out of the production line becomes a real problem. Over the years, I’ve found this to be problematic. Consequently, companies have been transitioning to outsourcing some of their safety training to online safety training providers. Online training provides the necessary tools for a company to train its workers to operate safely at the worker’s own pace without interrupting business production. Online safety training delivers programs that encompass safety standards such as OSHA, HAZWOPER, EPA, DOT, etc., directly to the employee via mobile phones and laptops making training convenient for workers, while also providing wallet ID cards and immediately downloadable course completion certificates for accountability. Management should consider a convenient and reliable online safety training partner to supplement their Safety & Health Program.Management Buy-In Without full cooperation from management, the safety program will not thrive! I was once involved as a safety consultant for a company where the management expected me to dictate safety for their company without their involvement. Past experiences made them (the management) afraid of the employees' union and lawsuits. Everyone had ceded to employees, or union stewards making the majority of safety-related decisions. Thus, the management wanted me to step in and basically manage all safety responsibilities because they were afraid to manage it themselves. How do you think that worked out? Was enough emphasis given to safety and health measures? Now consider a scenario that I actually faced - working for a company that won’t allow you to say anything to third-party vendors, that they hired, when you see concerning scenarios related to safety and health. My experiences reiterate that it is paramount for the top brass or upper management to be completely immersed in providing a safe and healthful work environment for their employees [OSHA General Duty Clause 5(a)(1)].  Culture Creating a safety culture takes time, patience, and a culmination of the core elements. An experienced safety consultant can generally tell right away when approaching a construction site or lobby of a general industry structure, whether they have an established safety culture or not. When I was performing safety audits for companies, I could practically smell it! Where does culture start? Right from the top to then permeate downwards through the rest of the organization. If upper management doesn’t buy-in to the importance of a safety culture, forget it, it’s like banging your head against the wall!  The first apparent aspect of a safety culture not being in place is always the lack of, or improper signage, usually noticed from the exterior. I’ve come across instances where companies seemed like they were advertising their lack of safety practices! I recall seeing ladders not 36” above the roof edge and not tied-off, people on the roof with no fall protection gear, warning lines not in use, scaffolds missing mid-rails, people not tied-off in aerial lifts, scissor lifts with no chain in place, and the list just goes on... These scenarios were like an advertisement to OSHA to come fine us! Mind you, I was still on the street and hadn’t even set foot on the property.  The aforementioned screams: There is NO Safety Culture Here!  They might as well have had a banner hanging on the side of the structure stating the same. By the way, I used to tell my company supervisors to load-up on safety signs and caution tape; it goes a long way in protecting your company and workers, and is inexpensive.   Remember, a safe work culture doesn’t happen overnight. It’s like a fine wine, it takes time to age and ferment, and if you do it right, you really have something special. Culture is really the culmination of the core elements of leadership, strategy, engagement, and management buy-in. Again, it can take years and patience to develop a proper safety culture once all the ingredients are added properly. The finished product is well worth the wait.Stay safe everybody!  Stay tuned for my next blog: What is Safety?  Michael J. Conroy, Retired Battalion Chief, Chicago Fire Dept. with 32 years of experience, is also a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and Construction Health & Safety Technician (CHST). Mike is also an OSHA-Authorized Trainer and a certified Fire Dept. Safety Officer. Mike has vast experience and holds advanced certifications in confined space, fall protection, rigging, excavation rescue, and all the hazardous material disciplines, among many other certifications in the safety field. Mike will continue to write and speak on safety topics and share his years of safety experience through this media. 

DOT HazMat Transportation Training Handling and transporting hazardous materials (HazMat) is quite common globally. What is not so common, and equally applied, is the precautions and regulations to be followed by people handling hazardous materials across their lifecycle and value chain. In the United States, the safety and health of employees are a top priority and are governed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Hence, employers and employees must undergo different forms and types of safety training when their occupations endanger their health and livelihood. Many workers regularly receive OSHA safety training when working with hazardous materials. Employers and safety managers stress and even mandate the need for DOT HazMat training as conditions of employment for employees involved in the transport of hazardous materials, hazardous chemicals, or other dangerous goods. What exactly is U.S. DOT HazMat training, and who is required by federal law to undergo such training? First, let us understand what DOT HazMat training is, and subsequently, let’s find out who needs it. What is DOT HazMat Training? The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has regulated how hazardous materials can be transported across the United States, whether by highway, rail, waterways, or air. Furthermore, the DOT regulations for hazardous materials transportation also guide and direct the proper handling, packaging, marking, and placarding of hazardous materials packages and vehicles; to ensure the safety of both the people directly involved in the process, as well as the public. Unregulated transportation of hazardous materials over the years has resulted in endangering human life and harming the environment. To counteract such disasters from occurring, the U.S. DOT issued a set of hazardous materials regulations and training requirements that fall within the purview of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). This training is often referred to as DOT HazMat training, and the detailed guidelines are mandated under Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR). Who Needs DOT HazMat Training? All employers and employees involved in the handling, packaging, marking, labeling, storing, loading, unloading, and placarding of hazardous materials for transport must undergo the mandatory training as set out by the DOT guidelines. This applies across all transportation networks when utilizing vehicles, trains, airplanes, or vessels. Furthermore, people who receive and forward packages of dangerous goods and hazardous chemicals; and those who manufacture packaging for the transportation of HazMat are also required to undergo the mandated DOT HazMat training. Workers whose jobs require them to perform quality checks on materials and packaging used for the transportation of hazardous materials must also be trained per DOT guidelines. Note that the training is necessary for both workers who physically handle hazardous materials or are in proximity to such materials (such as truck drivers and their assistants), as well as immediate supervisors and managers, and those who oversee the entire transportation process of hazardous materials. Consequently, employees of shippers and carriers must also receive relevant DOT HazMat training to ensure the transportation safety of hazardous materials. When is DOT HazMat Training Required? The DOT has also recommended when HazMat training is necessary for employees engaged in the transportation of hazardous materials. Employees whose job function directly affects the safe transportation of hazardous materials must receive training within 90 days after employment, or a change in job function. DOT HazMat training is also not a one-off training. All HazMat employees involved in the hazardous materials network must receive training at least once every three years to ensure knowledge remains current and relevant. However, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), those employees employed in the transportation of hazardous materials by air must be given recurrent training once every two years. Why the Emphasis on DOT HazMat Training? The United States transportation network facilitates the transportation of millions of people and over one million shipments of hazardous materials; daily (DOT, n.d.). This does not include the nation’s 2.8-million-mile pipeline transportation system consisting of natural gas and hazardous liquids that account for 64% of our nation’s energy commodities (DOT, n.d.). Consequently, when transporting dangerous goods and chemicals on roads, bridges, railways, and by air and water routes, the health and safety concerns of the populace remain a number one priority. Such focused efforts are justified, as many hazardous material categories are flammable, corrosive, explosive, and even poisonous, amongst many other hazards. These characteristics can lead to numerous direct and indirect health hazards to human beings, wildlife, and the environment. Furthermore, with the increasing security concerns across the globe, such consignments of hazardous materials can be appropriated for wrongful use. Thus, people responsible for driving and carrying hazardous materials on commercial motor vehicles, railways, and other vessels must understand the implications and methods to protect themselves and their dangerous cargo. Another important consideration is the accidents occurring during the transportation of hazardous materials. According to the U.S. DOT, “approximately 1,500 transportation incidents occur annually when undeclared hazardous materials are shipped.” With the possibility of this many accidents when transporting hazardous materials, consider the wide disaster radius that could lead to untold adverse consequences to people’s lives and the environment. Hence, employers and employees across the hazardous materials transportation value chain must receive relevant and recurrent training to increase safety and shipping compliance. Such continuous training will enhance the knowledge of transportation regulations and transportation security requirements, leading to higher levels of safety during the transportation of hazardous goods. The business of transporting hazardous substances also increases the risk factors for organizations and employers. Incidents occurring during the transportation of hazardous materials lead to higher business liabilities such as loss of personnel and productivity, increased insurance costs, workmen’s compensation claims, legal fees, and costs for undertaking remedial measures. Adhering to the regulations as set forth by the DOT, and receiving the DOT HazMat training, will support the health and safety of employers and employees in the workplace. Remember, nobody wins when there are casualties in the workplace. Please keep your people SAFE and never forget “SAVING LIVES MATTERS.” How and Where to Enroll for the DOT HazMat Web-Based Training? HAZWOPER OSHA Training has developed comprehensive training programs for transporters and shippers of hazardous materials to more easily understand and comply with the DOT’s Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR). Our HazMat online safety training covers: General awareness of the transportation of hazardous goods; Understanding the requirements of and interpreting the Hazardous Materials Table (HMT); Insight on the preparation of shipping papers; The requirements for suitably labeling, marking, and packaging hazardous materials packages; How to appropriately placard vehicles transporting hazardous materials; Understanding the carrier requirements for different modes of transportation when transporting hazardous materials via highway, rail, air, and water; Understanding of the inherent threats and security requirements when transporting hazardous materials; and Function-specific training when transporting hazardous materials by air, water, and land. Our DOT HazMat Transportation: Advance General Awareness Training course will enable employers to safeguard their employees from harm while implementing relevant precautionary measures during the transportation and transfer of hazardous materials. Click here to see our entire DOT HAZMAT Transportation training series. Don’t hesitate to ensure the safety of your organization and employees. Enroll in the DOT HazMat online training today!   Reference U.S. Department of Transportation. (n.d.). Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). Website. https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/

OSHA Investigates Death due to Fall Arrest System FailureOn June 16, 2021, OSHA’s investigation of the death of a 21-year-old laborer due to falling 50 feet while erecting scaffolding at a Brooklyn building project resulted in OSHA proposing a fine of $300,370 for two willful and two serious safety violations. The incident which took place in November 2020 was investigated by OSHA. The resulting decision found that the death of the young laborer was due to the fall arrest harness of the worker not being tethered as per regulatory requirements during the building construction. It is a widely known fact that falls account for a large number of worker injuries and deaths annually in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS); falls, trips and slips caused 880 worker fatalities in 2019, while 711 of these fatalities were due to workers falling to lower levels (2019).OSHA concluded that the 21-year-old laborer, who fell nearly 50 feet as he installed a supported tubular welded frame scaffold during construction of a seven-story Brooklyn building was due to the failure of Everest Scaffolding Inc., to safeguard the laborer by making sure that his fall arrest harness was attached as per OSHA requirements.OSHA cited the company with the following four violations:Failure to evaluate the feasibility of using fall protection and failure to use feasible fall protection during the erection of a supported scaffold.Not providing adequate training to employees on fall hazards associated with scaffold work.Failure to inspect fall arrest systems before use.Not properly determining if the anchorage for employees' personal fall arrest systems could support at least 5,000 pounds.View the citations for more details.Importance of TrainingAccording to OSHA Area Director Kay Gee in Manhattan, “This tragedy could have been prevented if Everest Scaffolding had provided appropriate training on fall hazards and ensured workers were using fall protection correctly” (OSHA, 2021, para 3).This sad death of such a young worker brings to light the importance of training workers when they work at heights and on scaffolding. Thus, employers should proactively train workers on fall protection and ensure they are aware of the safety and health requirements when they work on scaffolding.Call to Action!We offer both OSHA Competent Person for Fall Protection Training and OSHA Scaffolding Safety Training for the construction industry. Get your employees enrolled, trained, and certified without further delay!  For more information about New York State specific OSHA Regulation refer to OSHA Regulations for the State of New York.References:BLS. (2019). Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) – Current. Industry by event or exposure. Website. https://www.bls.gov/iif/oshcfoi1.htmOSHA. (2021). News Release - Region 2. OSHA cites Bronx contractor after 21-year-old laborer erecting scaffolding suffers deadly fall at Brooklyn building project. Website. https://www.osha.gov/news/newsreleases/region2/06162021

Safe Working Practices: Excavation & Trenching Let’s Watch a Video First! Construction industry workers are highly exposed to various types of risks when their work requires them to work in open trenches and/or undertake excavation-related work. In fact, OSHA has records of 28 incidents where workers were killed or injured due to trench or excavation collapses, or other equipment-related injuries when working at such sites in the year 2020 alone (OSHA, 2020)! Furthermore, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports 95 fatalities in 2019 due to workers falling through a surface or existing opening. These statistics together with BLS’s data on the construction industry having the largest number of fatalities in 2019 bring to the forefront the need to ensure worker safety (BLS, 2019b). To raise awareness of the inherent dangers when working in trenches, the National Utility Contractors Association with the support of OSHA and in collaboration with other concerned partners annually holds a Trench Safety Stand Down Week to coincide with the Trench Safety Month of June. The goal of this event is to increase awareness of the trenching and excavation hazards and to provide a forum where employers can directly speak to employees and spread the information relevant to improving processes and procedures related to safety when performing construction work in trenches or excavations. With cave-ins and collapses being the most common hazard encountered when working in trenches, a reliable way to prevent such disasters resulting in workers' engulfment in sand and rock and other types of injuries is to use the most appropriate type of excavation and trenching protective systems. OSHA recommends several types of trenching protective systems, including benching, shoring, sloping, and shielding. Recommendations such as clear and safe entry and exit points, storing of equipment and other tools at appropriate distances from the trench openings, and the correct use of heavy equipment and tools in and around the excavation and trenching sites are also given by OSHA. Our blog on Excavation and Trenching – Hazards and Safeguards will give more guidance on these areas. However, for the best results and increased measures of safeguard, employers should ensure workers expected to work in trenches and excavations, or those digging up these excavations and trenches are given adequate training according to OSHA’s excavations regulations specified in 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P. Another important requirement for trenches and excavations by OSHA is the need for a competent person to inspect the trenching or excavation sites every day; before work begins. They must inspect for hazards and ensure the stability of the trench or the excavation site including the protective system being used. Competent persons are also responsible for examining and classifying the soil types, guiding and directing on the correct methods to excavate trenches, recommending the use of the right type of protective systems, designing ramps for worker access or egress (entry and exit points), and monitoring use of the equipment at these sites as well as water removal equipment. Enroll in our OSHA-compliant online training course for the Competent Person for Excavation, Trenching, and Shoring to get information and get yourself the relevant book knowledge before obtaining the on-site and on-the-job training. Safeguard Workers from Falling Hazards Here are some numbers which employers must be remembered to ensure compliance with the OSHA excavation standard and to protect the safety and health of their employees. Distance Adopt these Best Practices as Recommended by OSHA 2 feet(0.61 meters) To safeguard workers from hazards of falling excavated soil, materials, tools, or equipment inside the excavation or trench, keep these at least 2 feet from the edge. 4 feet(1.22 meters) Provide ladders, steps, ramps, or other safe means of egress when the trench or excavation reaches 4 feet or deeper. Also note, when an excavation or trench reaches a depth of 4 feet and more, test the atmosphere for low oxygen levels, poisonous gases, and toxic fumes before worker entry when it is reasonably expected by a competent person. 5 feet(1.52 meters) According to the OSHA excavation standard, a trench or excavation that is less than 5 feet in depth and has been inspected and cleared by a competent person as having no risk of a cove-in requires no protective system. However, trenches and excavations 5 feet or deeper must be fitted with an appropriate protective system. Also note, if the excavation is made entirely in stable rock there is no need for a protective system. 20 feet(6.1 meters) A protective system must be designed or approved by a registered professional engineer when excavation or trench reaches and exceed 20 feet in depth. 25 feet(7.62 meters) And remember, that any egress provided must not exceed 25 feet laterally within the trench or excavation to ensure workers are protected always. (OSHA, 2015) Essential Trenching and Excavation Safety Guidelines for Workers Maintain Safe Distances Around Trenches: Keep heavy equipment, excavated soil, and spoils at least 2 feet (0.6 meters) from trench edges to help prevent trench collapses and maintain stability. Identify Trench Hazards and Potential Risks: Evaluate potential trench hazards that can impact stability, including nearby structures, soil conditions, and underground utilities. Always locate and mark utilities before trenching to avoid damaging buried infrastructure. Test for Hazardous Atmospheres in Deep Trenches: When trenches exceed 4 feet in depth, test the atmosphere for hazards like low oxygen, toxic gases, and hazardous fumes to ensure safe conditions for workers. Ensure Safe Entry and Exit Points: Provide clear, accessible entry and exit points for safe trench access, reducing the risk of injury when workers enter and exit. Conduct Regular Trench Inspections: Inspect trenches daily at the start of each shift, after any rain or water intrusion, and following events that may affect trench stability. Avoid Working Under Suspended Loads: Never work beneath raised or suspended loads to reduce the risk of accidents from falling objects in the trench area. Control Standing Water and Trench Hazards: Before entering a trench, check for standing water and other potential hazards, especially after rain. Keep Trench Edges Clear of Materials: Position soil, rocks, tools, and other materials at least 2 feet from the trench edge to prevent falls or collapses and keep workspaces clear. Use Proper Trench Protective Systems: For deep trenches or those with unstable soil, use protective trenching systems, such as trench boxes or shoring, to protect workers and ensure a safe environment. Wear High-Visibility Safety Clothing: Workers exposed to traffic near trenches should wear high-visibility clothing or other appropriate safety gear. Daily Safety Inspections by Competent Person: A competent person must inspect and clear the trench for safety daily before work begins, ensuring compliance with trench safety standards. Implementing these comprehensive trenching and excavation safety guidelines helps companies maintain a safe, compliant work environment, significantly reducing risks to trench workers on-site. (OSHA, 2019a, 2019b)   References: BLS. (2019a). Economic News Release. Table 2: Fatal occupational injuries for selected events or exposures, 2015-19. Website. https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cfoi.t02.htm BLS. (2019b). Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) – Current. Number and rate of fatal work injuries, by industry sector. Website. https://www.bls.gov/iif/oshcfoi1.htm OSHA. (2015). Trenching and Excavation Safety. Publication. Website. https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/osha2226.pdf OSHA. (2019a). Trenching Safety: 5 Things You Should Know to Stay Safe. Website. https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA3974.pdf OSHA. (2019b). Keep Trenches Safe for Workers. Website. https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA3971.pdf OSHA. (2020). Fatality and Catastrophe Investigation Summaries. Accident search results. Website. https://www.osha.gov/pls/imis/accidentsearch.search?sic=&sicgroup=&naics=&acc_description=&acc_abstract=&acc_keyword=%22Excavation%22&inspnr=&fatal=&officetype=&office=&startmonth=&startday=&startyear=&endmonth=&endday=&endyear=&keyword_list=on&p_start=&p_finish=0&p_sort=&p_desc=DESC&p_direction=Next&p_show=20

Prioritizing Workplace Safety Workplace safety is a predominant concern for employers and employees alike. Today, thousands of accidents, injuries, and fatalities occur across industries and occupations despite the increasing precautions taken and advanced measures implemented to reduce prevailing hazards in the workplace. Many of these materialize because workers are not adequately trained or are unaware of the inherent dangers. Some workplaces (example: construction industry, hazardous waste operations, chemical manufacturing, mining, oil refining, etc.) are also more accident-prone due to the nature and type of work being carried out and/or the kinds of materials being used to complete the job tasks. Workers employed in such workplaces where exposure to hazards is higher are more at risk than those who work in offices. Thus, putting in place rules and regulations to prioritize and implement workplace safety and health across industries is undertaken by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration popularly called OSHA. OSHA sets standards such as HAZWOPER, and monitors industry and employer implementation of safety and health at the workplace. OSHA also enables and prioritizes employees’ complaints and reporting regarding employers or workplace incidents as well as suspected lapses in workplace safety and health plans and processes. Workplace safety is so important, that over the years, industry associations have begun to dedicate months and days to highlighting the importance of safeguarding workers. In fact, June has been declared not only the National Safety Month by the National Safety Council but also Trench Safety Month by the National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA). This shows that safety is and always will be a priority across industries and employers. How to Prioritize Safety in the Workplace? Ensuring they are following the OSHA standards and other industry regulations is the first step that any employer should do. There is also insurance, safety training, and safety systems and processes. However, while safety is such a grave concern, it is often considered a boring subject! One would think that people would be more enthusiastic to learn more about good health and safety practices as it concerns an individual’s quality and length of life! But unfortunately, this has proven not to be the case time and again. While awareness has increased in the last decade or more mainly due to new forms of communication and the explosion of social media, there is still more to be done. So, while the proverb ‘prevention is better than the cure’ is cited often, there is still more to do before we can see it being wholly embraced and fully practiced! Therefore, this conundrum of safety first and always is something that employers and employees will continue to face in the foreseeable future. So, what can be done to increase safety and health awareness, make it more interesting, and ultimately a priority at the workplace? Participate, Engage, and Involve — this is the answer. Companies already have in place systems and processes to make safety more interesting. Much of this is connected with safety training and how it is conducted using modern communication and teaching tools to make training interactive. Aside from this, employers also provide on-the-job safety training, drills, and more recently virtual training opportunities. In addition, there are also many safety days and safety months dedicated to the cause of employee occupational safety and health. Commemorating safety and health days can be used to highlight various safety and health topics and all related information. As this will be viewed as a celebration, the shared knowledge, and the safety topic itself would remain in people’s long-term memories. And, more importantly, these days recur annually and can be used to advantage by any employer, big or small! How to Implement Participate, Engage, and Involve Activities? Employee engagement is a hot topic today. It refers to how enthusiastic employees are when it comes to their jobs and workplace. It also considers employee commitment to the employer and the added effort expended for their organization and work tasks. Utilize the concept of employee engagement to increase safety awareness in the workplace. Most employees, especially when working in dangerous jobs and using hazardous substances are already trained as required by OSHA. So, use their knowledge and know-how to increase enthusiasm for practicing safety in the workplace. Also, arrange for your employees to share some of their knowledge with other employees in your organization who are not required to undergo OSHA-compliant training. This will increase the self-worth of individuals while also getting them to participate and engage with creating a safety culture at your workplace. Another aspect would be to use months like June (the National Safety Month) to cascade the importance of safety across employees and other stakeholder groups. Commemorating special dates is synonymous with people wanting to do something special and different. So, go ahead and use this ingrained human belief to prioritize safety at work. Some ideas to consider: Arrange a fun quiz for employees to compete against one another regarding their safety knowledge. If sharing safety dos and don’ts with customers or suppliers, get your employees to put together this information and credit them for their work. Arrange for first-aid or emergency drills to be conducted for the community surrounding your business operations and get your employees to guide and participate in such events. This will also build goodwill amongst all. Get employees' families involved in some type of safety workshop or event. After all, when employees are injured at work it is their families that are impacted the most. Encourage employees to volunteer for programs on safety and health or even in emergencies in the neighborhood if they have the relevant and appropriate training to help in such situations. This will give a broader perspective on the training they undergo as they will feel they it is for the greater good of the people. Such events will bring to the forefront the reasons for employers and OSHA to harp on safety regulations, plans, systems, and processes. Why authorities and employers reiterate learning and knowing about existing risks, hazards, and other safety and health-related issues in the type of work being done and the type of material being used. Such activities will also have a wider audience, making more people aware of the need for safety in the workplace. Activities and initiatives that revolve around the concept of ‘participate, engage, and involve’ have limitless possibilities and can combine different stakeholder groups including your employees. So, utilize every possible measure and prioritize safety at the workplace, always!   References: Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) (2017). Developing and Sustaining Employee Engagement. Website https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/tools-and-samples/toolkits/pages/sustainingemployeeengagement.aspx Custom Insight (n.d.). What is Employee Engagement? Website. https://www.custominsight.com/employee-engagement-survey/what-is-employee-engagement.asp