Occupational, Industrial, and Safety Shares for your company or organization

California’s Proposition 65

2/3/2020 Quite recently, I visited our Burbank Operable Unit for the purpose of assisting with an independent audit that focused on safety and health. The major take-away was that our corporate hazard communication program (see the attached) did not address California’s Proposition 65 requirements. Proposition 65, or better known as simply, Prop 65, was established under California’s Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1989, whereby the state of California is required to establish Read more…

By Robert Brounstein, ago

Headphones and the Workplace

1/27/2020 Ever since Apple came out with the iPod, people have been taking their favorite songs with them wherever their hearts’ desire.  Well, actually this whole portable music craze goes back to the transistor radio in the 1960’s where a person could easily carry a radio in one hand – however, they were still subject to radio station playlists and commercials. So, the real mobile music revolution didn’t take effect until SONY came out with Read more…

By Robert Brounstein, ago

Hand Injuries

1/20/2020 Over the past few months, while attending several tailgate meetings, I have brought up the topic of hazard assessments and hand protection. The fact is, in 2019, we have had more than our fair share of hand injuries. And, in just about every instance, the injured worker did not take the time to consider that having their hands unprotected can result in an injury. A number of these events I am referring to involved Read more…

By Robert Brounstein, ago

OSHA’s Top Ten

1/6/2020 At the end of every year, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announces the top ten categories for which organizations have received citations for violating certain safety and health regulations.  Over the years, one can see that, outside of a few changes, the top ten violations have remained quite consistent. Aside from lockout/tagout and respiratory protection switching positions (numbers 4 and 5, respectively), the list remains the same. Below is a brief description Read more…

By Robert Brounstein, ago

Short Safety Message for a SAFE New Year’s Celebration!

12/30/2019 Just a short safety message for these final days of the year….. Tomorrow is New year’s Eve.  Lots of celebrations and that means we can expect to see the typical overindulgence of alcohol and other substances. If you feel that your abilities are a little compromised, please do not get behind the wheel.  If you see a friend or relative slightly under-the-influence, please don’t let them drive.  In these days of Uber, Lyft and Read more…

By Robert Brounstein, ago

Exceptions to LOTO

12/16/2019 Workers that perform maintenance as well as repairs on machinery and/or heavy equipment should be quite familiar with OSHA’s lockout/tagout regulation; technically titled, The Control of Hazardous Energy.  This regulation is published under OSHA’s general industry standard, 29 CFR 1910.147 and addresses the safety of employees engaged in servicing and maintenance activities in general industry where an exposure to the unexpected release of hazardous energy exists. The standard incorporates performance requirements which allow employers Read more…

By Robert Brounstein, ago

New Workers and Safety

12/9/2019 Many organizations make a cognizant effort to hire new blood as this ensures that stagnation within their workforce does not become a problem.  By having new hires, long-time employees can be used as mentors, providing knowledge on company procedures and processes; thus, ensuring that company protocol is reviewed – even by the experienced professionals. In addition, adding new persons to the organization ensures the working base is maintained. However, according to studies, new hires Read more…

By Robert Brounstein, ago

Non-Potable Water

12/2/2019 Having an amble supply of potable water is always necessary – but especially important when working in the field.  This is mandated through the OSHA regulation, 29 CFR 1910.141, “Sanitation.” Potable water is defined as “….water that meets the standards for drinking purposes of the State or local authority having jurisdiction, or water that meets the quality standards prescribed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (40 CFR 141).”   Read more…

By Robert Brounstein, ago

Sleep Deprivation

11/25/2019 Sleep deprivation happens when you don’t get enough sleep for your body to function properly. The fact is, about 1 in 3 adults suffer from the consequences of sleep deprivation.  Experts stress that humans need between 7 and 8 hours of good quality sleep every night. Regularly sleeping less than 6 hours a night can put one at risk from the dangers of sleep deprivation such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke or – due Read more…

By Robert Brounstein, ago

Vaping

11/18/2019 Vaping has become quite popular over the past few years.  Many people that vape are ex-smokers, trying to find a “healthier” alternative to cigarettes as well as other types of tobacco use. Many from the older generation grew up without scientific knowledge that tobacco use is a significant health risk. So, as an alternative, vaping has been touted as a healthier choice. However, a growing segment of Millennials and Generation Y’s and Z’ers have Read more…

By Robert Brounstein, ago