Understanding the effects of working in hot weather
Oklahoma workers may face dangers related to working in hot weather even as the calendar transitions to fall. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 37 work-related deaths around the country in 2015 related to heat exposure on the job. Of those deaths, 33 occurred between June and September. In addition, there were […]
Proactive safety planning can help cut workplace injuries
Preventing serious injuries and fatalities in the workplace should be an important priority for people concerned about safety on the job in Oklahoma. There are different types of potential injuries that can take place during the work day, and safety advocates are urging a prevention-focused approach to protect workers from dangerous accidents. A prevention program […]
Watch out for computer vision syndrome
People in Oklahoma who use computers at work could benefit from understanding the possible dangers of digital eyestrain, or what the American Optometric Association calls Computer Vision Syndrome. CVS can cause many symptoms that go beyond the eyes. American workers spend an average of seven hours per day on a computer. Add to that computer […]
Study on the reporting and collection of injury data
Some Oklahoma workers may be interested in a report issued by the Center for Safety and Health Sustainability. According to the Need for Standardized Sustainability Reporting Practices, the regular reporting and collection of information on illnesses, injuries and fatalities by sustainable organizations is insufficient. The report is a supplement to a 2013 study that examined […]
Method for repairing water pipes may be hazardous
Oklahoma construction workers who repair water pipes may be interested to learn that a common procedure used to do the repairs may actually release hazardous chemicals into the air. As such, researchers from Purdue University said that the method should be re-evaluated to determine what the risks are for workers, the environment and the public. […]
OSHA rule bars retaliation for reporting workplace injuries
Oklahoma workers could gain expanded protection after reporting a workplace injury or illness to an employer. Although the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has delayed its implementation until Dec. 1, a new regulation that requires companies to electronically send injury and illness reports to federal regulators includes a provision about retaliation. Previously, workers needed to […]
The importance of safety procedures in manufacturing
In Oklahoma manufacturing plants, productivity is often seen as one of the highest priorities. However, the plant workers are critical when it comes to a manufacturing plant’s productivity as they are responsible for manipulating the machinery and handling a variety of materials. These types of jobs can expose employees to serious injuries. Every year, it […]
How to reduce accidents in trenches
Proper safety and supervision programs are vital to keeping Oklahoma trench workers safe. A single cubic yard of dirt weights about 3,000 pounds, which is enough to crush a person. While fatal trenching accidents doubled in 2016, OSHA says that they can be prevented by following its safety protocols. Keeping employees safe may also be […]
Gates instead of chains for ladder protection
Oklahoma workers who use ladders to perform tasks should know that proper fall protection entails the use of a gate, not chains. This is according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. In order to secure a chain, and with his or her back to the hazard, a worker has to stand on the ladder […]
Wearables could support workplace safety and injury recovery
Wearable activity trackers that monitor heart rate and count steps have become popular in Oklahoma, but technology developers have proposed expanded roles for smart personal medical monitors in the workplace. A presentation given at a conference described how wearable technology could assist workplace safety managers. More advanced devices on workers could collect data about body […]