Ergonomics
585 results
The Overlooked Ergonomics of a Car
What do you look for in a car? Many people look at the size of the engine, some believe luxury is all that matters, and others value the safety features. Auto manufacturers are continuously trying to capture our attention with new features and functions. But what does this do to the ergonomic aspects of a […]
OSHA Form 300A Posting Deadline is February 1 — Are You Ready?
As we approach the February 1 due date for posting OSHA Form 300A as part of OSHA’s Recordkeeping Rule, it’s important to remember the exemptions and requirements that apply. Under the Recordkeeping Rule, covered employers are required to maintain an OSHA 300 Log of serious injuries and illnesses, and also to post a 300A in […]
Participatory Ergonomics Programs – 9 Keys to Success
Participatory ergonomics (PE) programs are a common way to reduce musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the workplace. These programs generally involve developing an ergonomics team that includes members from various departments and levels within the organization. But most importantly, they include those who have first-hand experience with the ergonomic issues: the workers. These teams also include […]
BLS Data Show Decline in Occupational Injuries Requiring Days Away From Work in 2015
New data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show that the overall incidence rate of workplace injuries and illnesses requiring days away from work decreased by 2.9 percent in 2015, with 104 cases per 10,000 full-time workers – down from 107.1 in 2014. The data also suggests an overall decrease in the severity of […]
Health Canada Releases Phase 2 Guidance for WHMIS 2015 Compliance
Suppliers of hazardous chemicals to Canadian workplaces can now access additional guidance for complying with new WHMIS requirements, which were modified in 2015 to incorporate the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). Health Canada has published this new content as Phase 2 of its Technical Guidance on the Requirements of the […]
Hierarchy of Controls for MSDs
All good safety professionals know to pursue the hierarchy of controls when eliminating or reducing exposure to safety hazards. The same hierarchy can be applied to managing and controlling the risk factors which cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The proof and effectiveness has been demonstrated in several recently-published studies. It is interesting to note that there […]
Sizable Fines Show OSHA is Serious about Silica
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. In May, a citation of $62,370 was leveled against a Wisconsin iron foundry that “overexposed three workers to silica.” According to OSHA, “One employee’s exposure […]
OSHA Top 10 Most Cited Violations of 2016
OSHA named the Top 10 most cited violations of 2016 at this year’s National Safety Council Congress and Expo in Anaheim. For the fourth consecutive year, Hazard Communication has maintained the No. 2 spot, second only to Fall Protection. Here is the complete Top 10 list for 2016, along with the listing for previous years: Most […]
New Free Webinar on OSHA’s Silica Dust Rule
VelocityEHS is offering a free, live webinar to help businesses prepare for compliance with OSHA’s new Respirable Crystalline Silica Final Rule. With the first impacted industry (Construction) facing a compliance deadline of June 23, 2017 — and General Industry and Maritime facing a deadline of June 23, 2018, and Hydraulic Fracturing facing deadlines ranging from […]
OSHA’s Next Move Uncertain as Court Halts Stricter Enforcement of PSM Standard
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit has blocked efforts by OSHA to more strictly enforce its Process Safety Management (PSM) standard. The PSM standard mandates that all businesses handling, manufacturing, or storing large amounts of certain hazardous chemicals take specific steps to prevent unexpected releases. Fertilizer retailers are especially impacted. In 2001, […]