June 2014 OHS

June 2014

  • HEARING PROTECTION: Take 'Em Home: Help Workers Protect Their Hearing Off the Clock
  • ELECTRICAL SAFETY: Maintenance of Electrical Distribution Systems is Critical for Reliable Operations and Improved Safety
  • 2014 ASSE PREVIEW: Safety Under the Sun
  • EMPLOYEE GIFTS & INCENTIVES: Everything is an Engagement 'Issue'
  • EMPLOYEE GIFTS & INCENTIVES: Building Workplace Safety with Rewards and Recognition
  • DEFIBRILLATORS & CPR: Overcoming Perceived AED Program Roadblocks
  • DEFIBRILLATORS & CPR: Is Your AED Ready to Shock?
  • OIL & GAS: Technologically Enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials on Oil and Gas Sites
  • OIL & GAS: Kinetic Mesh Networks Make Remote Operations Safer
  • DISTRIBUTOR UPDATE: Partners in Building Safer Cultures
  • DISTRIBUTOR UPDATE: Sold on Sustainability
  • HEAT STRESS: Preventing Serious Heat Problems
  • SAFETY MANAGEMENT: How to Survive an OSHA Audit
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Cover Story

 Electrical distribution and control systems are the heart and circulatory system of any facility. (Copyright Oberon Company)

Maintenance of Electrical Distribution Systems is Critical for Reliable Operations and Improved Safety

By Joseph Weigel

Little attention or thought is given to these critical assets until a failure occurs. With a little thought and planning for maintenance, most electrical system failures can be eliminated.


Features

All batteries, regardless of the type, discharge over time and need to be replaced or recharged.

Is Your AED Ready to Shock?

By John Jerin

A status indicator or readiness display will show an alert when a problem is found. This is why it is important for you to conduct regular inspections.


Some are not aware that state-level Good Samaritan protections have advanced considerably over the years.

Overcoming Perceived AED Program Roadblocks

By John Ehinger

Sudden Cardiac Arrest is a clear and present danger. Dated (mis)perceptions about AEDs can easily be debunked.


States typically regulate TENORM under their general radiation safety regulations.

Technologically Enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials on Oil and Gas Sites

By Don Garvey

Radioactive decay of radium and radon may potentially expose oilfield workers to ionizing radiation.


A culture of safety exists when workers want to wear or use PPE, not because they are under threat or penalty to keep safe, but because they want to be safe.

Partners in Building Safer Cultures

"Look for a strengthening of the relationships with our customers in distribution. We'll create relationships that are even smarter, more efficient, and more mutually beneficial," Sach Sankpal, Honeywell Safety Products' president, says in this exclusive interview.


Just as offering several ear plug choices for employees is best for at-work compliance, it is also best for home use.

Take ’Em Home: Help Workers Protect Their Hearing Off the Clock

By Theresa Y. Schulz

The message and encouragement from management must be loud. Management is not simply looking the other way. And by no means should employees be made to feel that they are pilfering.


This kinetic mesh network node comes in a rugged, environmentally sealed case. (Rajant Corporation photo)

Kinetic Mesh Networks Make Remote Operations Safer

By Gary Anderson

Unlike network devices made for more benign environments, the devices made for use in a kinetic mesh network must work wherever they are deployed.


There are many records and written programs that OSHA does not specifically require to be in writing, but you should have them anyway.

How to Survive an OSHA Audit

By Jim Rhoad

There is no way to avoid an OSHA audit, much as there is no way to avoid having a root canal. But you can lessen the pain by being well-prepared.


Sustainability solutions frequently have a safety outcome, said Andy Stewart, director of Grainger

Sold on Sustainability

By Jerry Laws

Four Grainger managers explain why every company is pursuing sustainability and how it dovetails with safety.


For much longer than many people realize, employee engagement has been the driving factor in not only safety, but performance in general.

Everything Is an Engagement 'Issue'

By Brian Galonek

There is nothing more important than your people and nothing more beneficial than having them engaged at the highest level possible.


Technology such as AWG can reduce the draw on municipal resources in water-starved locations, and provide a cost-effective way for drillers to continue their operations without being a drain on local resources.

Preventing Serious Heat Problems

By Jerry Laws

Three key words—water, rest, and shade—are at the heart of precautions that can prevent serious heat illnesses.


Gift cards continue to grow in popularity in safety programs because they are cost-effective, easy to hand out and use, and fit any safety recognition budget.

Building Workplace Safety with Rewards and Recognition

By Jim Atten

Gift cards offer many advantages, and they continue to grow in popularity in safety programs.


This photo shows the West Building at the Orange County Convention Center, where the Safety 2014 conference will take place. (Visit Orlando photo)

Getting Ready for Safety 2014

By Jamie Friedlander

Orlando's spacious Orange County Convention Center welcomes ASSE's annual conference next month.


Departments

The SeaWorld Case

By Jerry Laws

"The remedy imposed for SeaWorld's violations does not change the essential nature of its business. There will still be human interactions and performances with killer whales; the remedy will simply require that they continue with increased safety measures."


Safety Super Vision

By Robert Pater

Many supervisors are being asked to do much more. It's not just line workers who've been trimmed to the bone.


Artificial Intelligence