Tom Musick

Tom Musick

Former associate editor

Articles

ARTICLES

Telework
REMOTE WORK CHALLENGES

Working (safely) from home

Employers can take steps to help keep teleworkers safe
January 25, 2015
Tom Musick
No Comments
Telework can offer plenty of benefits for employers and employees alike. But how can companies promote safety for workers who are out of sight, working from a home office? Learn some tips from safety professionals, human resources directors and other telework experts.
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A THREAT FOR ALL DRIVERS

Drowsy driving & worker safety

Truckers and bus drivers aren’t the only workers at risk for driving while fatigued
January 25, 2015
Tom Musick
One Comment
Truck and bus drivers are not the only workers whose safety and health is threatened by drowsy driving, experts say. Many non-professional drivers in oil and gas, home health care, sales, shift work and other areas also could be put at risk. What can employers do to help?
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A DANGEROUS PROFESSION

Keeping linemen safe

Utility workers often face life-threatening hazards to get the job done
December 21, 2014
Tom Musick
14 Comments
Utility linemen face a variety of on-the-job hazards. From high-voltage contact and confined spaces to working at height and exposure to inclement weather, what’s being done to promote a culture of safety within the industry?
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OIL AND GAS EXTRACTION

'Fracking' and worker safety

U.S. oil boom is in full swing, as are questions about hazards
November 23, 2014
Tom Musick
No Comments

Technological advances have led to a steep increase in hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking,” in the oil and gas industry. As fracking ramps up, questions have arisen about what is being done to protect workers from both short- and long-term hazards.


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CHEMICAL FACILITY SAFETY

Inherently Safer Design

The concept gains attention as chemical facility incidents continue to occur
September 28, 2014
Tom Musick
No Comments
After investigating a series of recent fires, explosions and toxic leaks at chemical plants, the Chemical Safety Board has emphasized the need for Inherently Safer Design. What does the term mean, and how can employers use the principles of ISD to create safer workplaces?
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medical marijuana
'HOT BUTTON ISSUE'

Medical marijuana and workplace safety

Amid a flurry of new laws, more questions than answers exist
August 24, 2014
Tom Musick
10 Comments
Laws and attitudes are changing rapidly regarding medical marijuana, which has been legalized by nearly half of the states in the country. But each state’s law varies, leaving more questions than answers when it comes to employers with safety-sensitive positions.
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CSB draws scrutiny at House hearing

Recent track record ‘an absolute failure,’ one congressman says
July 27, 2014
Tom Musick
No Comments
The Chemical Safety Board has drawn the attention of Congress – for the wrong reasons. During a recent House committee hearing, members of both political parties sharply criticized CSB Chairman Rafael Moure-Eraso for alleged leadership and management problems at the agency.
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