811 is the national call-before-you-dig phone number. Anyone who plans to dig should call 811 or go to their state 811 center’s website (https://811beforeyoudig.com/811-in-your-state/) a few business days before digging to request that the approximate location of buried utilities be

Lithium-ion batteries are one (1) type of rechargeable battery technology (other examples include sodium ion and solid state) that supplies power to many devices we use daily. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the manufacturing and

The United States Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is focusing on reducing trenching and excavation hazards. Trench collapses, or cave-ins, pose the greatest risk to workers’ lives. To prevent cave-ins employers must (at a minimum) conduct

Under OSHA’s recordkeeping regulation (29 CFR Part 1904 et seq.), many employers with ten (10) or more employees are required to keep a record of occupational injuries and illnesses. These covered employers must keep a record of occupational injuries and

The purpose of an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is to facilitate and organize employer and employee actions during workplace emergencies. Well developed emergency plans and proper site-specific employee training will result in fewer and less severe employee injuries and less

Texting while driving dramatically increases the risk of a motor vehicle injury or fatality. Employers need to make it clear to all workers that their company doesn’t require or condone texting while driving. It’s literally a matter of life and

It is important to make sure that powered equipment (e.g., snow blowers) are properly grounded to protect workers from electric shocks or electrocutions. When performing maintenance or cleaning, make sure the equipment is properly guarded and is disconnected from power

OSHA states that forklifts are an essential piece of equipment in many workplaces. Although these powered industrial trucks (PIT) make work more efficient, they can pose serious hazards to those operating or working near them. Employers must inform workers on

OSHA states that anyone working in a cold environment may be at risk of cold hazards and stressors. Some workers may be required to work outdoors in cold environments and for extended periods (e.g., snow cleanup crews; sanitation workers; police

OSHA states that musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) affect the muscles, nerves, blood vessels, ligaments and tendons. Workers in many different industries and occupations can be exposed to risk factors at work (e.g., lifting heavy items; bending; reaching overhead; pushing and pulling

OSHA states that many workplaces contain areas that are considered “confined spaces” because, while they are not necessarily designed for people, they are large enough for workers to enter and perform certain jobs. A confined space also has limited or

A backover incident occurs when a backing vehicle strikes a worker who is standing, walking, or kneeling behind the vehicle. These incidents can be prevented. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 70 workers died from backover incidents in