The Safety Brief

Respirator safety increases if you know the basics. Here we talk about both types, air purifying and atmosphere supplying. Respirators don’t filter out everything. Some are designed for dust, others chemicals, still others for biological agents. Sniff out more: https://www.thesafetybrief.com/respirator-safety-basics/

Hand safety means more that wearing PPE. Even jobs that don’t require gloves can be dangerous for hands. Repetitive motion can affect tendons and joints. Ergonomics can help with the design and arrangement of tools to maximize hand safety. See more: https://www.thesafetybrief.com/hand-safety-ergonomics/

Heat illness will zap you, no matter what the heat source. Indoors, it could be from a furnace. Outdoors, it will probably be from that bigger furnace, the sun. Workers who have not worked in heat before need to acclimatize. Start slowly and don?t overdo it. More: https://www.thesafetybrief.com/heat-illness-work/

OSHA teaches hazard identification by engaging employees with their new, game-based Hazard Identification Training Tool. It makes hazard identification interactive. And it’s free. There are three game elements: Visual inspection training; Manufacturing; Construction. Links and more: https://www.thesafetybrief.com/game-based-hazard-identification-osha/

Safety apps put important information at your fingertips. A mobile device with a free safety application can be a convenient planning reference, or save precious minutes in an emergency. Free apps from OSHA, NIOSH, The American Red Cross and more. Links are here: https://www.thesafetybrief.com/5-safety-apps-every-worker/

Owners and managers (the bosses) don't often like change. Try continuous improvement to improve safety and efficiency. Start with no budget, in a small area to prove it and catch their attention. Managers may green-light additional continuous improvement programs. More: https://www.thesafetybrief.com/continuous-improvement-safety-without-budget/

Reflective tape gives safety an uptick in the workplace. It's a long lasting, inexpensive way to visually warn workers of hazards. Reflective tape champions safety in dimly lit and dark areas indoors and outdoors. More: https://www.thesafetybrief.com/reflective-tape-boosts-safety-work/

Pipe marking can stop injuries. Labels on pipes give visual safety cues to workers on the job. Color codes from ANSI will help employees know what is inside a pipe, and if it is dangerous. / / The color of the background and text of the pipe making label will quickly identify pipe contents, from potable water to toxic sludge. The facility should have a common color key posted so all workers are familiar it. / / The larger the pipe, the larger the pipe marking needed. ANSI's best practices recommendations on size are an excellent guide so employees can see the hazards even from a distance. / / Pipe marking should be used at many locations, such as when a pipe turns a corner, goes through a wall, or at valve points. / / These labels instantly communicate needed information for workers visually, eliminating the need for them to ask questions and increase industrial hygiene.

OEE losses, the losses in Overall Equipment Effectiveness, can impact safety and cripple work-in-process. Learn here how to save time and money, and keep workers safer. / / Breakdowns are unsafe, and unproductive. Regular maintenance reduces breakdown frequency. Keep replacement equipment and spare parts in-house to avoid long waits. / / Small stops are aggravating delays of five minutes or less caused by misfeeds, jams or inaccurate sensors. Implementing best practices will streamline workflow, requiring all workers to use the same procedures in process. Workers can be injured trying to correct small stops, but if properly trained, should fix the problem rather than wait for a supervisor. / / Loss of speed may be due to work being done at a low run-rate. Increasing speed for maximum efficiency can be a goal, as long as safety is job one. / / Machine setup and adjustment can substantially slow workflow, and be a workplace hazard. Extra care should be taken to changeover efficiently, but safely.

Workplace hazards are sometimes hidden in plain sight. Workers and managers need to be aware of 10 dangerous hotspots in facilities. Fall protection is needed on ledges, stairs and places people may slip and fall. Air quality is often ignored because it’s mostly unseen. PPE can help. See more: https://www.thesafetybrief.com/workplace-hazards-10-hotspots/