HAZMAT stands for “hazardous materials.” It describes any substances or materials which, because of their chemical, physical, or biological nature, may pose an unreasonable risk to health, safety, property, or the environment when not properly managed. Understanding the Term “Hazardous Materials” (HAZMAT) To fully grasp what “hazardous materials” means in HAZMAT, it helps to break … Read more
Process Safety is a disciplined framework for managing the integrity of hazardous operating systems and industrial processes. It involves anticipating and preventing catastrophic events—fires, explosions, toxic releases, or other uncontrolled releases of energy or hazardous materials—through sound design, strict maintenance, well-trained people, robust procedures, and continuous improvement. From the first moment a process is conceived … Read more
If you want to enhance health and safety compliance in the workplace, the most effective first step is to adopt a systematic, integrated safety programme. This combines strong leadership commitment, employee participation, continuous risk assessment and control, active training, regular monitoring, and adaptive improvement. By putting in place these six interlocking approaches, organizations can move … Read more
To write a good incident report, start by clearly stating what happened, when, where, who was involved, and why the report is being made — all using factual, objective language — then follow with a chronological narrative of events, witness statements, immediate actions taken, assessment of consequences, root cause analysis, and recommendations to prevent recurrence. … Read more
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance system designed to protect employees who are injured or become ill due to their work. In short, it works by providing medical care, wage replacement, and sometimes rehabilitation or death benefits for work-related injuries or illnesses—without the worker needing to prove employer negligence. From the moment an injury occurs … Read more
A Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) is the maximum concentration of a hazardous substance (chemical, dust, fume, mist, or physical agent) to which a worker may be exposed during a specified period of time without suffering adverse health effects. Typically, in U.S. occupational safety law (OSHA), PELs are expressed as time-weighted averages (TWAs) over an 8-hour … Read more
Safety measures are the actions, procedures, tools, or guidelines put in place to protect people — whether workers, the public, or specific vulnerable groups — from harm, injury, illness, or danger. In effect, they reduce risk, prevent accidents, and maintain a safe environment. These measures may be physical (like guards on machinery), procedural (like emergency … Read more
In simple terms, an accident is an unplanned event that causes injury, harm, damage, loss, or other adverse outcomes; an incident is a broader umbrella term for any unplanned event whether or not harm occurred; and a near miss (also called a “close call”) is an unplanned event where no injury, damage or harm actually … Read more
If you want safe, effective, and injury-free use of a shovel, shovel safety means choosing the right shovel, using proper lifting and body mechanics, working in safe conditions (weather, footing, load size), and paying attention to your body’s signals. Below are detailed guidelines, background, and unique insights to help you use shovels safely — whether … Read more
Ladders are one of the most used materials on the job site. It is used mainly when it is not possible to do a particular job from the ground. Though a ladder can be very important on the job site, it can be risky if not used properly. Here is why Ladder Safety is important. … Read more