If you read my first two blog posts about 5S, you should have a better understanding of the “what” and “why” of 5S. This blog will help you understand the “how.” A detailed checklist is helpful to assure that cleaning …
OSHA asks new rules on employer safety programs; ups ante on ergonomics
OSHA plan to increase penalties surfaces in memo from Michaels to OSHA regional officials
On April 22, David Michaels sent a letter to OSHA’s 10 regional administrators and the subject was administrative enhancements to OSHA’s penalties. The penalty changes look like they will become effective in the next several months. This plan is separate …
OSHA is launching what agency head David Michaels described Monday as a “long overdue” initiative on injury and illness prevention and plans to increase enforcement on ergonomics. Both initiatives are likely to be extremely controversial. OSHA is also moving plans …
A recent catastrophic accident claimed the life of a worker at a ductile iron foundry. This terrible accident raises questions in my mind about compliance with OSHA’s personal protective equipment (PPE) regulations. Three employees were injured and sent to the …
Have you ever walked through a manufacturing, transportation or service organization that seems well organized and wondered why the offices seem cluttered and disorganized? It could be several reasons: Management does not understand that “lean and safe” applies to office …
Details have emerged on another prong in OSHA’s campaign to step up enforcement: the new Severe Violator Enforcement Program. The program, which would identify employers with repeated, serious citations, was announced last year, but details only came to light recently …
Controlling contractors are now being held responsible for the safety actions of subcontractors at their sites under OSHA’s Multi-Employer Citation Policy and many contractors are wondering what levels of safety staffing should be required from their subs. While every situation …
Earlier this week, a 53-year-old worker was killed when he was pulled into equipment at a steel processing plant. A spokesman said the victim was working on a machine that rolled 6-foot-wide coiled steel for shipment. “For reasons unknown, he …
Good housekeeping has historically been a foundation for occupational safety. 5S, a process used in lean manufacturing, offers even greater benefit to create not only a clean workplace, but also one that improves both efficiency and safety at the same …