Ergonomics

You already know that workplace accidents can have devastating consequences. You understand that effective EHS management must involve active identification and control of hazards, which is the primary intention behind risk assessments. You may even use job safety analysis (JSAs), to perform formal risk assessments that break down jobs into their constituent tasks in order […]

Since OSHA announced its new Final Rule to protect workers from exposure to respirable crystalline silica, the agency has handed down several citations for silica dust violations involving substantial fines. OSHA Silica Violations Can Carry Significant Penalties In May, a citation of $62,370 was leveled against a Wisconsin iron foundry that “overexposed three workers to […]

How COMAH 2015 Changed Chemical Safety Requirements Recent changes to Britain’s Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) regulations have introduced new reporting requirements for chemical producers, distributors and consumers in the U.K. Revisions to the REACH and CLP hazard communication standards following GHS adoption have prompted a comprehensive reclassification of chemical hazards throughout the E.U. […]

Workplace safety is often focused on workers doing rigorous tasks in industries with the perceived highest occupational risk, such as construction, mining, oil and gas, and manufacturing. However, one of the leading causes of workplace injuries, and one of the most costly to employers, affects those workers whose time is spent in offices and laboratories […]

The extreme dangers of improper hazardous chemical storage are far too often overlooked, yet time after time, we are given shocking reminders of their deadly and destructive toll. As we continue to provide news and information around workplace safety during National Safety Month, we must not overlook two of the largest hazardous chemical disasters in […]

The Risks of Heat Exposure at Work According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 3,100 American workers suffered from heat-related illness requiring at least one day away from work to recover in 2013. In the same year, 34 workers died from exposure to extreme temperatures. The total climbs to […]

What is Salicylic Acid? Salicylic acid is a colorless crystalline acid derived from organic sources. This chemical has a variety of applications and can present several health hazards if used without adequate precautions. Here are some important safety tips to keep in mind when handling and storing salicylic acid. Common Uses of Salicylic Acid Salicylic […]

What is Hydrogen Peroxide? Hydrogen peroxide was first discovered in the early 19th century, but the pure chemical was not produced until 1894. Today, this chemical is produced in quantities of more than 2 million tons worldwide each year. Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound usually produced as a diluted solution. This colorless, slightly viscous […]

What is Phosphoric Acid? Phosphoric acid is a colorless, odorless mineral acid. With an acidic taste and somewhat viscous consistency, phosphoric acid is used in a wide variety of products and industries. Despite its popularity, this chemical can pose some potentially significant health hazards and should be handled with caution. Common Uses of Phosphoric Acid […]

What is Sodium Carbonate? Sodium carbonate is a white crystalline or powdered chemical that is odorless with an alkaline taste. This material comes from the ashes of plants that grow in sodium-rich soil. Also known as soda ash, sodium carbonate is sometimes produced synthetically from salt and limestone. Sodium carbonate can cause mild-to-severe health hazards and should […]