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HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOUR COMPANY IS READY FOR A SAFETY AUDIT?
Is Your Company Ready For A Safety Audit? How SEA Can Help!
A workplace safety audit takes a snapshot of the safe work practices that employees use. The announcement of a safety audit generally results in some discomfort among management, supervisory staff and even the workforce. While everyone knows that safety equipment and usage rules are in place for work place safety, a realistic appraisal of daily practices shows that workers sometimes cut corners. At times, the safety precautions may seem too burdensome to seasoned workers who are well-versed with the workings of a machine. Other reasons for occasionally not using all the safety equipment available include efforts to save time and the personal confidence that “just this once” nothing bad will happen. Not surprisingly, when an OSHA safety audit is announced, there is quite a bit of anxiety. Safety experts have come to realize that most employers furnish all of the required safety equipment to their workers. Companies also ensure that all affected employees receive proper training in the use of safety gear and safe workplace practices. When injuries do occur, there is generally a determination that workers engaged in unsafe behavior in spite of available policies and gear. What are some of the telltale signs that your company may not be ready for a safety audit?
- Certified Indoor Environmentalist
- Safety equipment is largely unused. If safety gear is still in its original packaging or shows very little wear, there is a good chance that employees only use it infrequently.
- Management insists on last-minute worker training sessions. It is possible that some supervisors have ignored lax safety practices. If management insists on doing some training sessions prior to an audit, this is a warning signal that staff members are not working safely as a matter of daily practice.
- No recent audit by a compliance specialist. The employer has not engaged the services of a company specializing in compliance audits. These professionals evaluate daily workplace practices to note unsafe behaviors that would lead to failing marks from a government evaluator.
Preventing workplace injury requires full cooperation from management and the workforce. Safety audits evaluate the level of cooperation the employer receives. Results help employers to reinforce the training procedures that are already available. In a few cases, the audit helps a company to minimize liability by instituting new procedures or purchasing updated safety equipment. Doing a compliance analysis of training materials, schedules and accident reports also helps pinpoint possible weak points in a company’s ability to adequately train its workforce with respect to safety practices.
Employers realize that safety violations are not necessarily clear at the corporate or supervisory levels, particularly if these violations are part of the daily flow of work being done. If there have been no injuries, a manager or supervisor is unlikely to stop and consider the safety of a procedure.
Safety & Environmental Associates, Inc. is the company that employers call for workplace safety training and auditing. Specializing in compliance evaluation, reporting and instruction, SEA Inc. offers training courses and in-person evaluations. Employers may contact SEA Inc. online or by calling 888-627-8740.
Each year, as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) releases its list of the top 10 workplace safety violations, a pattern emerges that begs a question: Are these frequent violations a sign that employers continue to struggle with the same safety issues, or does it reflect a disposition among OSHA inspectors to focus on areas where they are trained to focus? The Persistent Issue of Repeated Findings The repetition of certain violations year after year might seem surprising, but it underscores a significant challenge in workplace safety management. The top violations tend to be those that are most visible and easiest to spot during inspections, such as fall protection and hazard communication. This consistency suggests that while awareness is high, practical implementation and adherence to safety practices lag behind. Top 10 Most Cited Health and Safety Standards of 2024 1. . Fall Protection, General Requirements: 6,307 violations For the 14th consecutive year, fall protection tops the list of OSHA's enforcement priorities. This emphasis is not arbitrary; OSHA has designated fall protection as a national emphasis area, making it a primary focus during inspections. It's often one of the easiest violations to spot without extensive investigation skills. The OSHA standard 1926.501 mandates that employers must provide fall protection systems like guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems for workers at risk of falls of six feet or more in construction and four feet in general industry. Often, the major factor in these violations is human behavior. Many offenders might think, "No one is watching, and this will only take a moment, so it's no big deal." However, this mindset can lead to non-compliance with critical safety measures, putting worker safety at significant risk.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), in collaboration with the Partnership for Electrical Safety and KEMA Laboratories, has recently unveiled new guidance aimed at addressing arc flash hazards in the workplace. This guidance is a crucial update that highlights the need for comprehensive electrical safety programs that specifically include measures to protect against arc flash hazards. Here’s what employers need to understand about the new directives and how they can effectively respond. Understanding Arc Flash and OSHA's Recommendations An arc flash is a type of electrical explosion that results from a low-impedance connection to the ground or another voltage phase in an electrical system. The new guidance provided by OSHA not only offers a clear definition of what constitutes an arc flash but also elaborates on methods to mitigate such hazards during electrical work. The guidance includes detailed documents for employers and useful handouts for employees, emphasizing the common myths and the reality of arc flash dangers. The Role of NFPA 70E OSHA’s guidance strongly correlates with the standards outlined in NFPA 70E, the National Fire Protection Association’s standard for electrical safety in the workplace. Employers who are already compliant with NFPA 70E likely have a written Electrical Safety Program (ESP) that includes protocols for arc flash hazards. This new guidance serves to reinforce the importance of these existing standards while also urging those without comprehensive plans to take immediate action. What if You Don’t Have a Comprehensive ESP? For employers who have yet to develop an ESP that addresses arc flash hazards, OSHA’s guidance is a wake-up call. It is crucial to recognize that general workplace safety standards, although not specifying arc flash, require protection against electrical hazards under regulations like 1910.333. The absence of specific OSHA standards for arc flash does not excuse employers from the responsibility of protecting their employees from such risks. Implementing Effective Arc Flash Protection Measures Incident Energy Analysis: A foundational step in arc flash protection is conducting an incident energy analysis. This process involves studying the facility’s electrical systems to calculate the potential energy released in the event of an arc flash. Understanding this energy potential is essential for determining the arc flash boundary—the distance within which a person could receive second-degree burns or worse if exposed to an arc flash. Developing a Risk Assessment Procedure: Employ ers need to establish a procedure for assessing the risks associated with arc flash. This includes evaluating the tasks being performed, the condition of the electrical equipment, the maintenance history of the equipment, the energy involved, and the potentia l for human error. Deciding on Protective Measures: Once risks are assessed, decisions must be made regarding the best ways to protect employees. This often involves the use of Arc-Rated Pe rsonal Protective Equipment (PPE) and could also include engineering controls such as redesigning parts of the electrical system to minimize arc flash risks. Proactive Versus Reactive: The Choice is Yours The latest guidance from OSHA should be viewed as an unofficial yet critical call to action for employers to either update their existing safety measures or develop new protocols in line with NFPA 70E. Being proactive about electrical safety not only helps in compliance with OSHA’s standards but fundamentally enhances the safety and well-being of employees. Final Thoughts The introduction of OSHA’s arc flash guidance is a significant step toward heightened awareness and improved safety practices surrounding electrical hazards in the workplace. Employers are encouraged to review their current safety protocols, educate their workforce about the dangers of arc flash, and implement comprehensive measures to prevent such incidents. Always keep in mind that workplace safety begins with staying informed and well-prepared. Make it a habit to test before you touch it and prioritize safety like your life depended on it! For more insights into workplace safety and compliance, keep following our blog. Your safety is our priority, and together, we can foster a safer working environment for all. By Derek Jennings President SEA
As wildfires continue to blaze across regions like Los Angeles, CA, they leave behind more than just scorched earth. The air quality in affected and surrounding areas deteriorates significantly, posing severe health risks to residents. Understanding the transformation of plant materials into char and ash during these fires, and the subsequent impact on our environment and health, is crucial for community safety and preparedness. The Science Behind the Smoke: Pyrolysis and Wildfires When wildfires burn through vegetation, the intense heat triggers a chemical process known as pyrolysis. This is where organic materials (like plants) break down under high temperatures in the absence of oxygen, transforming into various gases and liquids, and a solid residue rich in carbon, known as char. As the fire consumes more material, the process continues, leaving behind a substantial amount of ash, which consists mainly of inorganic substances. Both char and ash are significant byproducts of wildfires and contribute to the complex makeup of wildfire smoke. The Dangers of Char and Ash Air Quality Degradation: The small particles of char and ash produced during wildfires can become airborne and are small enough to be inhaled deeply into the lungs. They can travel vast distances, affecting air quality over broad areas. This particulate matter (PM) can penetrate indoor environments, making virtually no place safe from its reach. Health Implications: The health risks associated with poor air quality during and after a wildfire are significant. Inhalation of fine particulate matter from char and ash can lead to respiratory issues such as asthma attacks, bronchitis, and other chronic respiratory conditions. It can also exacerbate heart conditions, leading to increased hospital visits, and in severe cases, premature death. Vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and those with preexisting health conditions, are particularly at risk. Environmental Impact: Beyond human health, the environmental impact of char and ash is profound. These substances can contaminate water sources and soils, leading to long-term ecological damage and affecting the regrowth and recovery of natural habitats. Combustion Product Analysis: A Critical Need In the aftermath of a wildfire, analyzing the combustion products —char and ash—is essential to assess the environmental and health impact comprehensively. This analysis helps in understanding the specific contaminants released and assists in formulating strategies for cleanup and mitigation to prevent further harm to public health and the environment. Precautions and Recommendations Stay Informed: Keep track of air quality indexes (AQI) in your area through reliable sources to know when the air is unsafe. Limit Exposure: Avoid outdoor activities during high AQI levels. Keep windows and doors closed to minimize indoor air pollution. Use Air Purifiers: High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifiers can help reduce indoor air particulate levels. Consult Health Professionals: If you experience any health issues related to air quality, consult medical professionals immediately. As communities near and far from the immediate blaze cope with the fallout of these devastating fires, understanding the complexities of wildfire smoke, specifically the roles of char and ash, becomes paramount. By staying informed and prepared, individuals and communities can better protect themselves from the less visible, but equally dangerous, aspects of wildfires. By Derek Jennings, President SEA
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