Safety Tips

Because it is both colorless and odorless, carbon monoxide can be one of the most dangerous gases present in a work environment.

Instituting industrial hygiene controls can help protect workers from exposure to toxic chemicals in the workplace.

Working with metals often requires interaction with certain oils and other synthetic fluids that can be irritating or damaging to the skin. According to the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, a variety of skin problems can develop from exposure to metalworking fluids, the most common of which is dermatitis.

Some of the most significant safety hazards that ironworkers face are encountered during the erection of open web steel joists, according to the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.

A machine operator was killed while operating a palletizing machine at an ice cream manufacturing facility.

A 33-year-old window cleaner died after falling from an 8-foot stepladder.

Frequently using a computer may cause ergonomics issues, warns the Rosemont, IL-based American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

A 36-year-old sawmill worker entered a silo to unclog a sweep auger advance mechanism.

Flu season can strike a workplace hard. In 2009, the H1N1 influenza virus emerged, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention believes the virus is likely to spread again this season in conjunction with the seasonal flu.

Respirators are vital pieces of protective equipment in many workplaces, protecting workers against harmful fumes and contaminants. But respirators cannot do their job effectively if they are not properly fitted.