Safety Tips

Extension cords can be found in many types of workplaces, from offices and warehouses to retail stores and construction jobsites. Unfortunately, they’re often misused.

You probably know about Lyme disease, and that it’s transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks. But have you heard of alpha-gal syndrome?

Does your job require you to stand for long periods? Or maybe you spend hours lifting and pushing heavy materials. Perhaps you’re in an office environment and sit at a desk for hours while typing on a computer most of the day. These situations are all considered risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders.

Alcohol, cannabis, prescription drugs, fatigue and mental distress can all cause impairment in the workplace. “Impairment risks are everyone’s responsibility,” the National Safety Council says.

When you’re at work, take time to stop, look and see the dangers around you.

“Whether it’s walking the factory floor, taking a stroll outside during a break or getting from one meeting to another, we’re on our feet at least part of the day,” the National Safety Council says. “With all of that foot traffic, there’s always the potential for a fall.”

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Take time this month – and all year round – to promote awareness of worker well-being.

The 54-year-old owner of a land clearing and forest product company was overcome by carbon monoxide as he was checking on a wood chip-powered boiler system.

Although many chainsaws now come equipped with safety features, workers still need to be trained on proper use of the tool.

Simply put, “lockout/tagout is a safety procedure used to make sure equipment and machines are properly shut off and not able to start during maintenance or repair work,” the Texas Department of Insurance says. “This is known as controlling hazardous energy.”