Resources
Articles, videos, and links to resources for safety professionals.
Why Work With a Safety Consultant in 2023?
Introduction: There is no question that there is a Labor Shortage in America. The inability to find quality, competent, and hardworking employees is crippling businesses every day. The big question is, when will it end? The short answer is. It won't. It is only going...
Hearing Conservation & Noise
Noise Exposure What is Noise? Noise is defined as unwanted sound and exposure to loud and prolonged noise can damage hearing. Noise is measured in units called Decibels (dB). The louder a noise is, the higher the dB reading it will have. Where you could be...
Evaluation & Selection of Fall Protection
Introduction: We have come a long way in the development, education, and implementation of Fall Prevention & Fall Protection. Even with the progress that has been made, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2021 Fatal Workplace Incidents rose 8.9%...
The Right and Wrong Ways to Conduct Safety Training
Introduction: In 2023 it is common practice to conduct Workplace Safety Training. Employers are finally recognizing that they have a responsibility to train their employees on the hazardous tasks/settings in their workplace. However, there are certainly ways to...
Risk Mitigation: The 3 Bucket Approach
Introduction: If you are starting a job as a Safety Professional at a new workplace, or building a safety program for the first time there are a series of actions that need to be taken in order to keep people safe. The phrase "Risk Mitigation" can be thrown around...
Is Computer Based Safety Training Worth it?
While computers, recording technology (cell phones/tablets) and streaming services have evolved the capabilities of completing safety training, the question remains, is computer based learning and video based safety training as effective in eliminating workplace...
Heat Illness Prevention
Introduction: Today, we will be discussing the importance of heat illness prevention in the workplace. Working in hot environments exposes employees to the risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration. These...
Electrical Safety
Introduction: Electricity is a powerful and essential source of energy that we rely on for various tasks. However, it can also pose significant risks if not handled properly. By understanding electrical hazards, implementing mitigation techniques, and utilizing...
Tick Safety
As the weather gets warmer, many of us will spend more time outdoors enjoying activities such as hiking, camping, and gardening. Unfortunately, spending time in wooded or grassy areas also puts us at risk of coming into contact with ticks. Ticks are small arachnids...
DOT Road Blitz 2023
DOT Drivers are required to ensure their vehicles are in top working order every day of the year by completing pre- and post-trip inspections and reporting any concerns to their management for remediation. But from Tuesday, May 16 – Thursday, May 18, 2023, drivers...
Building a Successful Safety Culture
Introduction: Building a successful safety culture is a simple task, but why is it so hard to accomplish? Over the years the B42L staff has worked with stellar safety cultures, and some that needed some help. Here are some trends we see. Understaffed In House Teams...
Chemical Spills & Cleanup
Introduction: Chemical spills can pose a serious risk to the safety and health of workers in any workplace. Chemical spills can occur due to various reasons such as poor handling, improper storage, and equipment failure. In order to prevent chemical spills and...
Hand/Finger Protection
Introduction: Hands and fingers are the most commonly injured body parts in the workplace. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 30% of all workplace injuries involve hand and finger injuries. Therefore, it is important to take hand and finger protection...
Gas Detection & Equipment
Introduction: Gas detection equipment and monitoring are essential components of many industrial and construction workplaces. Gas detectors are designed to detect and measure the presence of various gases in the air, including Oxygen, Carbon Dioxide, H2S, and LEL. In...
Crane Safety
Introduction: Cranes are essential tools in many industries, allowing workers to lift and move heavy loads with ease. However, cranes can also be dangerous if not used properly. In this toolbox talk, we will discuss the risks associated with crane operations and how...
Ladder Safety
Introduction: Ladders are commonly used in many workplaces and homes, but they can also pose significant hazards if not used correctly. Falls from ladders can result in serious injuries or even death. In this toolbox talk, we will discuss ladder hazards and ladder...
Distracted Driving
Introduction: Distracted driving is a major cause of motor vehicle accidents and fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed 3,142 lives in 2019. In this toolbox talk, we will discuss the dangers of...
Machine Guarding
Introduction: Machine guarding is an essential safety measure that protects workers from hazardous moving parts of machinery. Failure to properly guard machinery can lead to serious injuries, including amputations, lacerations, and fractures. In this toolbox talk, we...
Respiratory Hazards & Protection
Introduction: Respiratory hazards are a common concern in many workplaces, especially those that involve working with hazardous substances or in environments with poor air quality. These hazards can lead to respiratory illnesses and other health problems if not...
5 Qualities of a Safety Leader
Introduction: As employees, we all have a role to play in promoting safety in the workplace. However, safety leadership is critical to creating a culture of safety that protects everyone on the job. In this toolbox talk, we will discuss five qualities of a safety...
Lockout Tagout (LOTO)
Lockout/tagout (LOTO) is a safety procedure used to ensure that dangerous machines are properly shut off and not able to be started up again prior to the completion of maintenance or repair work. The LOTO procedure involves locking and tagging the machine's energy...
Hot Work Operations
Hot work is any activity that involves the use of open flames or generates sparks or heat. Examples of hot work include welding, cutting, brazing, soldering, grinding, and using a torch. Hot work can be extremely hazardous, as it can start fires or explosions and...
Safe Lifting Techniques
Lifting and moving objects is a common task in many industries, from manufacturing to healthcare. However, if not done properly, lifting heavy or awkward objects can cause soft tissue injuries such as strains, sprains, and muscle pulls. In this toolbox talk, we will...
Hand & Power Tool Safety
Best Practices for Preventing Injuries Hand tools and power tools are essential for getting the job done in many industries, from construction, oil and gas, landscaping and manufacturing. However, if they are not used safely, they can cause serious injuries. In this...
Trenches & Excavation Safety
Trenches & Excavations What are the Hazards? There are several hazards to consider before working in or around open trenches/excavations. Some of these hazards include: Cave-ins Underground utilities (gas, electrical, water, sewage, etc) Falling objects ...
Mental Health: How to Deal with Stress
For a long time we all knew how important it was to stay physically healthy. All too often we spend time worrying about taking our daily multi vitamins, exercising regularly, and having a healthy weight. Although these practices are a great step to dealing with...
STOP Saying “Safety is our #1 Priority”
The buzz phrase “Safety is our company's #1 priority” is overused, misunderstood, and frankly an admission that safety is only important until something else comes up. The Problem With Priorities Priorities are tasks, jobs, or things that are pertinent under specific...
See Something, Say Something: Stop Work Authority
Stop Work Authority When performing work, it is important that an employee feels empowered and is knowledgeable that he/she has the authority to stop work if an unsafe hazard is evident that prohibits the employee from conducting a task. Stopping work is, at times, a...
Coaching Safety: Do’s and Don’ts
Have you ever had a bad coach? Think back to middle school or high school. That coach that constantly barked orders, never listened, and rarely if ever, showed you the proper way to do things left a bad image in your mind. Was that relationship beneficial for you?...
Major Types of Fire Extinguishers: Fire Extinguisher Safety
Does anyone else remember being in grade school and out of nowhere, the entire building’s alarm system was activated? “Here we go again.” I would say. Yes, I am talking about our monthly fire drills at school. No matter the weather, time of the day, or special events...
Relearning your ABC’s for Fall Protection
While most of us learned our ABC’s in kindergarten, I am a firm believer in repetition and relearning as we grow. Relearning the alphabet for fall protection is something I learned early on as a safety professional. So what exactly is the ABC’s of fall protection? The...
2 Cold Related Emergencies to be Prepared for this Winter. Frost Bite and Hypothermia
“Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful. And since we’ve got no place to go, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!" The cold winter months and frigid temperatures are here for most of us. It is time to get prepared for the worst. Below...
Top 8 Winter Driving Safety Tips
Winter is coming! Aside from the Game of Throne’s tagline, yes, the winter months are upon us. Along with cold temperatures and snowfall that are present during winter months, an increase in vehicle incidents are statistically on the way as well. According to the...
Why Should Businesses Learn CPR?
If you are superman, PLEASE STOP READING If you are NOT SUPERMAN PLEASE PROCEED Because you are not superman you most likely fall into one of these three categories: Employee Employer (manager/decision maker) Community Member Although all of these groups...
Steps For Recognizing and Responding to An Emergency Situation
Being able to recognize an emergency situation is just as important as responding to one. When you are planning on intervening in an emergency situation it is always important to make sure you are not putting yourself at risk. Think about it, it's great having the...
What is Heart Disease?
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United states. Over 500,000 men and women die each year from heart disease in the United States alone. What is Heart Disease Heart disease is synonymous with coronary artery disease. Coronary artery disease...
Where do AED pads go? 10 Tips When Using an AED
AED stands for Automatic External Defibrillator. AEDs are used in cardiac emergencies like sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). You should always know how to use an AED in the event of an emergency situation. If a victim is suffering from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA), and...