Did you know we do free workplace safety evaluations? We will do a mock OSHA inspection and provide you with a written report outlining your compliance issues and remedies. Free is a lot cheaper than waiting for a real OSHA inspection. Call today and protect your business, your finances,and your employees.

15 Most Frequently Cited OSHA Standards
Standard Section (29 CFR) Standard Subject Total
Violations
1910.1200(e)(1) HazCom/General Industry
 Written Program 1,761
1910.1200(h) HazCom/General Industry
 Information & Training 1,131
1910.212(a)(1) Machine Guarding
 Guarding Methods 1,038
1926.501(b)(1) Fall Protection
 Unprotected Sides &Edges 807
1910.215(b)(9)
 Abrasive Wheel Machinery
 Guarding Methods 784
1910.147(c)(1) Lockout/Tagout
 Energy Control Program 714
1910.151(c) Medical Services & First Aid
 Eye Wash Facilities 707
1904.2(a) Recordkeeping
 OSHA 200 Log 695
1926.21(b)(2) General Safety Training
 Unsafe Conditions
 686
1910.219(d)(1) Mechanical Power Trans. Apparatus Guarding of Pulleys
 683
1926.451(d)(10) Scaffolding Standard Guardrail
 677
1926.100(a) Head Protection
 Unprotected 661
1910.212(a)(3)(ii) Machine Guarding Employees Point of Operation Guarding 593
1910.23(c)(1) Guarding Floor & Wall Openings Unprotected Sides & Edges 583
1926.652(a)(1) Excavations
 Protection from Cave-ins
 575

The above information was obtained from OSHA's Office of Management Data Systems in Washington, D.C. at the request of the Safety Resource Center. As in recent years, HazCom (failure to have a written program) and Recordkeeping (failure to maintain an OSHA 200 log) have remained at the top of the list.
VIEW EYE AND EAR PROTECTION PRODUCTS

Most Frequent OSHA Citations - 1994, 1995
The following represent the most frequently cited OSHA standard sections.

Most Frequently Cited OSHA Standard Sections (Fiscal Year 1995)

  1. Hazard Communication Written Program - General Industry
  2. Hazard Communication Information Training - General Industry
  3. OSHA 200 Log, Recordkeeping
  4. Machine Guarding - Guarding Methods
  5. Lockout/Tagout Energy Control Program
  6. Hazard Communication - General Industry - Container Labeling/Identity
  7. Machine Guarding - Point of Operation 8.Personal Protective Equipment - Hazard Assessment Certification
  8. Hazard Communication - General Industry - Container Labeling/Hazard Warnings
  9. Hazard Communication - General Industry - MSDSs
  10. Floor/Wall Opening Guarding - Standard Railing
  11. Lockout/Tagout Energy Control Procedure
  12. General Duty Clause - Safe and Healthful Conditions
  13. Lockout/Tagout - Worker Training
  14. OSHA Notice - Posting
Most Frequently Cited OSHA Standard Sections (Fiscal Year 1994)
  1. Hazard Communication Written Program - General Industry
  2. Hazard Communication Employee Training - General Industry
  3. Hazard Communication Written Program - Construction
  4. OSHA 200 Log, Recordkeeping
  5. Guarding of Abrasive Wheel Machinery
  6. Hazard Communication Employee Training - Construction 7.Hazard Communication MSDS - General Industry
  7. OSHA - Posting of Notices
  8. Lockout/Tagout Written Procedures
  9. Machine Guarding Methods
  10. Hazard Communications Labeling - General Industry
  11. Cable in Trays
  12. First Aid Services - Drenching Facilities (Eyewash Stations)
  13. Cables in Sunlight
  14. Machine Guarding - Pulleys
  15. Abrasive Wheel Tool Rests
  16. Hazard Communication Container Labels - General Industry
  17. Safety Training Employer Responsibility - Construction
  18. Lockout/Tagout Energy Control Procedure
  19. Open-sided Platforms, Greater than Four Feet

Injury & Illness Recordkeeping
There are five important steps required by the OSHA recordkeeping system:

  1. Document every injury and illness requiring medical treatment other than minor first aid.
  2. Record each injury and illness on the OSHA Form No. 200 according to the instructions provided.
  3. Prepare a supplementary record of occupational injuries and illnesses for recordable cases either on OSHA Form No. 101, Workers' Compensation reports or on the form provided by the state, giving the same information.
  4. Each year, post the right-hand portion of the OSHA Form 200 (annual summary) from February 1 through March 1. Its location shall be an area of the workplace where notices are usually displayed.
  5. Retain these records for at least 5 years.

During the year, you may want to review the records to see where injuries are occurring. You can identify high risk areas which cause repeated injuries.


Hazard Communication
Chemicals and other hazardous materials are a apart of our everyday life. In addition to all their uses in our home and community activities, many chemical products are required to be used in the workplace. These chemicals perform necessary functions but contain various hazards. The ability to recognize a hazards and control them is the key to your safety.
During OSHA's fiscal year 1996, the most frequently cited OSHA standard was hazard communication (1910.1200). Be sure all your employees know the hazardous chemicals in the workplace, how to use them safely, and what steps are necessary in the event of a spill or other such emergency.

Specific steps required by the OSHA hazard communication standard are:

  • Inventory all hazardous materials
  • Obtain a material safety data sheet for each chemical
  • Label each container with appropriate warnings
  • Use, store and dispose of all hazardous materials correctly
  • Complete an emergency evacuation plan
  • Develop a written hazard communication program
  • Train all affected employees

The OSHA hazard communication standard was created to ensure safety for all employees.
It is up to the employer to make sure these procedures are properly followed.

Machine Safeguarding
Failure to properly guard machines can lead to serious injury as well as substantial OSHA fines. In fact, failure to adequately guard machines was a frequently cited OSHA standard in 1996. According to NSC's Accident Facts, injuries such as crushed hands and arms, severed fingers and blindness account for a significant number of workplace injuries.
Machine safeguarding refers to specific controls designed to prevent employees from coming into contact with equipment that could cause injury. The following are a few items your employees should think about when working with guarded machinery:

MACHINE CHECKLIST

  • If the machine has an affixed guard, make sure it is securely attached to the machine.
  • Make sure the guard effectively prevents you from making any contact with dangerous, moving machine parts.
  • Make sure the machine has a guard if it needs one. If the guard has been removed or altered, alert your supervisor.
  • Check guard for signs of dangerous wear and corrosion.
  • Be certain the machine protects you from flying debris.
  • Make sure the guards aren't creating new hazards, such as shear points, jagged edges or unfinished surfaces that could cause cuts.
  • Guards should not affect your ability to perform your job. If the guard requires too much extra effort, see your supervisor to discuss alternatives.
  • Do not attempt to remove or alter the guard on your own.
  • Be sure the guard does not affect the machine's ventilation.
  • Make sure jewelry, especially rings are removed. Also, avoid loose clothing and keep long hair covered.
It's important to involve your employees in machine safeguarding efforts. By asking them for feedback on safeguarding, you can gather good ideas for making improvements in workplace safety.
VIEW THE MAIN CATALOGUE


Eye Protection
Eyes are perhaps the most important tools the worker has. The goal is to keep the eyes clear, functional and irritation-free. Exposure to hazardous materials requires the use of protective eyewear to protect the eyes against particles and liquids which can cause serious eye injury or discomfort.

EYEWEAR CHECKLIST

  • Are protective glasses, goggles or face shields provided and worn where there is any danger of flying particles or corrosive materials?
  • Is approved ANSI eye protection required to be worn at all times in areas where there is a risk of eye injury?
  • Are employees who wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) in working environments having harmful exposures, required to wear approved safety glasses or protective goggles? Contact lenses should not be worn in areas where chemical splash is a potential hazard.

VIEW EYE AND EAR PROTECTION PRODUCTS

Hearing Protection
 There are two general types of noise exposure that can damage human hearing and should be considered in noise evaluations. Instant or short duration exposures to very high levels of noise can cause immediate hearing damage. Such sounds are less than one second in duration and come from explosions, gunshots or impact driven machinery. In addition to instant noises, exposure to lower levels of constant or slowly varying noise for prolonged periods of time can lead to hearing damage.

  • Have work areas been identified where noise levels make voice communication difficult between employees?
  • Are noise levels being measured using a sound level meter or an octave band analyzer?
  • Are there areas in the workplace where continuous noise levels are at or above 85 decibels averaged over an 8-hour workday?
  • Is approved hearing protective equipment (noise attenuating devices) available to every employee working in noisy areas?
  • If ear protectors are used, are employees properly fitted and instructed in their use?
  • Are employees in high noise areas given periodic audiometric testing to ensure that an effective hearing conservation program is in place?
  • Has a written hearing conservation program been created?
  • Have all employees been provided with initial training and annual retraining?
  • Are records of training and other hearing conservation procedures being kept?
VIEW EYE AND EAR PROTECTION PRODUCTS

First Aid Checklist
OSHA FIRST AID CHECKLIST
  • Are trained personnel readily available for advice and consultation on matters of employees' health? Are emergency phone numbers posted?
  • Are first aid kits with the necessary supplies easily accessible to each work area.
  • Are they periodically inspected and replenished as needed?
  • Have first aid kit supplies been approved by a physician, indicating that they are adequate for a particular area or operation?
  • Are means provided for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes where corrosive liquids or materials are handled?

VIEW ZEE'S FIRST AID KITS & CABINETS

Workplace Violence
 Violence has emerged as an important safety issue in today's workplace. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) homicide is the leading cause of all job-related deaths. Although there is no OSHA regulation dealing with occupational homicide specifically, OSHA's General Duty Clause requires employers to provide a safe and healthful work environment for all workers covered under the OSHA Act of 1970. If there is a recognized violence hazard in the workplace and employers do not take necessary steps to prevent or abate it, employers can be cited by OSHA. Since workers may be reluctant to report assaults and other violent acts, employers should promote awareness of the dangers of workplace violence and clearly address goals and plans for preventing it. Workplace violence should be addressed in your company safety program. Specifically employers should:

  • Provide safety education for employees
  • Establish a communication system
  • Establish procedures to reduce risk of robbery
  • Educate employees about unsafe situations.
  • Utilize the "buddy system," escort service, or police assistance in potentially dangerous situations.
  • Require field staff to prepare a daily work plan - keep a contact person informed of their location throughout the day
  • Assure proper maintenance of company vehicles Provide field staff with hand held alarms or noise devices
Everyone can take common-sense precautions to lessen the chances of being a victim of workplace violence.
VIEW ZEE'S TRAINING PRODUCTS

Training - Essential For Pesticide Handlers
Whenever hazardous chemicals such as pesticides are used, certain precautionary measures should be followed in order to minimize employees' hazards. It's important to limit or avoid contact with pesticides as much as possible: to prevent direct skin contact, inhalation of vapors, dusts, or mists, and ingestion.
The first step in controlling exposure is to implement an employee training program. Environmental controls, process controls, personal protective equipment, and emergency eye-wash and shower facilities are also essential where pesticide use is present. An effective training program for pesticide handlers should include the following:
  • Know the physical characteristics of the pesticide being used.
  • Understand its toxic properties, symptoms and effects of overexposure
  • Practice proper handling, storing, mixing and disposal of chemical
  • Practice good personal hygiene necessary to limit exposure
  • Choose proper personal protective equipment; understanding its use and maintaining it properly.
Follow correct emergency procedures in case a splash or spill occurs.
Training must be given before the employee begins to handle the pesticides along with refresher training every 5 years. For additional information including EPA's - Training Guide for Pesticide Handlers, contact Zee's Safety Resource Center
VIEW RESPIRATORY PRODUCTS