No matter what industry you operate in, safely labeling hazardous materials is essential. Doing so will protect the health and safety of you, your workers, and your customers.
Furthermore, proper labeling will aid business growth, giving your partners the confidence and peace of mind they need to work with you. This is where safety data sheets (SDS) come in.
Although not a legal requirement, they are the most important employee safety resource for anyone who works with chemicals. Here is what you need to know about SDS sheets.
What Are Safety Data Sheets (SDS)?
A safety data sheet is a document that communicates all of the essential information about a chemical in your inventory.
It lists all of the chemical’s properties and any health hazards the chemical might pose. Although they are not mandatory regulations, the SDS is essential for a safe work environment.
Generally, any chemical that meets the minimum definition of posing a physical or environmental hazard should always be accompanied by an SDS. It is an industry-wide standard practice that you can’t afford to ignore.
Why Are Safety Data Sheets Important?
The main SDS purpose concerns employee safety. Employees need to know the risk posed by a substance so they can handle it the right way.
They are not legally required in all settings. However, chemical manufacturers and healthcare providers are required by OSHA to attach an SDS to any potentially hazardous chemical used on-site.
If this applies to you, non-compliance can have serious legal consequences. You could be fined or even end up in court if you fail to provide the required safety documentation.
Compliance: What Your Safety Data Sheet Should Look Like
Every safety data sheet should concern specific pieces of information. This includes:
Name and everyday use of the chemical
All potential hazards posed by that chemical
Globally recognized warning labels
All ingredients, impurities, and stabilizers
First aid measures to take in case of exposure
How to contain a fire that the chemical might cause
How to respond to spills or leakages
How to safely store and handle the chemical
The correct PPE to wear when handling the chemical
How to reduce the risk of exposure to that chemical
Physical properties such as flammability, viscosity, odor, and appearance
An outline of the stability and reactivity of the chemical
Ventilation requirements when using the chemical
This might seem like a lot, but that’s not all. These are the most critical pieces of information to include, but these alone will not guarantee compliance.
You can find a complete list of all SDS components on the official OSHA website. Always ensure your safety data sheet is completed in full before using a hazardous chemical.
We Empower Workplace Safety
At Phase Associates, we take employee safety seriously. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) is an essential part of this. For more simple solutions to a safer workplace, we have got you covered.
Make sure to get in touch with our friendly and professional team today to find out how we can keep your workplace safe, secure, and compliant.
Our workplace safety services cover NJ, NY, PA, DE, CT, MD, and VA
73% of U.S. workers consider safety extremely important when deciding where to work.
To attract quality prospects in this competitive hiring market, you’ll need to commit to showing that you care about the safety of all your employees.
A great way to do this is by developing a labor/management safety committee. But that can feel daunting if you don’t already have one or don’t even know what it is.
In this post, we’ll go over safety committee requirements and answer questions like how do you create an effective safety committee and what is the key goal of a joint labor/management safety committee.
Keep reading to learn more.
What is A Labor/Management Safety Committee?
A labor/ management safety committee is a combined group of employees and managers whose job is to improve safety at a company. The members are there to identify, assess, and help prevent the hazards associated with the business.
These committees come with many benefits. Examples include fewer injuries and accidents, higher employee morale, and even lower workers’ comp premiums.
Development
When developing your company’s labor/management safety committee, remember OSHA’s 7 core elements. So, what are the seven core elements of a workplace safety program?
Management leadership
Worker participation
Hazard identification/assessment
Hazard prevention/control
Education and training
Program evaluation and improvement
Communication and coordination with contractors and staffed employees
Legal Safety Committee Requirements
Your first step should be to check for any applicable state or federal safety committee requirements so you can stay in compliance. Start learning about some of the US Department of Labor requirements here.
Choose a Director
You’ll need the right people in the various safety committee roles and responsibilities to be as effective as possible. This should start with a strong director to lead the committee.
The first of OSHA’s seven elements requires management to be as committed to improving health and safety as the employees. Appointing a manager as the director can help ensure they’re fully bought in and help them lead by example.
The director needs to be able to communicate effectively with other members at all levels of the company. And this person also needs to have a good understanding of the different safety issues impacting the company.
Diverse Membership
The committee members should come from every department and every level of the company so that it will have members with diverse viewpoints and knowledge.
This will help to bring good worker participation because all employees should feel like they have a voice. Having a solid mix of departments and levels is one of the most critical factors that impact the success of a safety committee.
The breadth of knowledge offered by the members will help the committee to have a more well-rounded idea of the different issues and things happening in the company, not just in one department.
This will allow the committee to identify better and assess the company’s hazards. It will help them develop new and creative ways of presenting and controlling those hazards.
The committee’s size will depend on the company size and the number of departments or projects that need to be represented.
Set Schedule and Expectations
Once the committee members have been selected, you’ll need to set the schedule. This should include regular monthly meetings, at the least. Be sure to schedule far in advance, so the committee meetings and any related events remain a priority.
This is also the time to set expectations for how the committee will be run and how communications will be handled. The committee may want to select one person who will be in charge of documenting the meetings, or they may want to create a rotating schedule.
This should also be the time to set professional and respectful behavior expectations. Committee members may not always agree on different solutions, but it should be clear from the start that respectful debate and communication are required.
Mission Statement
Without a clear mission and purpose, the committee won’t be fully effective. One of the first things the committee does should be to clarify the purpose of the committee by creating a mission statement.
The committee’s primary goals should be to educate and train all employees, management, contractors, and staff in proper safety protocols.
Create a safety committee checklist of the different goals and issues the committee plans to tackle. Depending on the business, this could include a plan for hearing conservation, electrical safety, or ergonomic risk assessment.
Run Organized, Efficient Meetings
The organization goes a long way towards the success of a committee. Make sure that the committee meetings have a clear structure and plan.
Take minutes at each meeting showing what was discussed, and then send copies to all members. It’s a good idea to attach these to summary emails that go into further detail about what was discussed, the possible solutions, and who is responsible for further research. Also, include what will be discussed at the next meeting so members can prepare.
Periodically, a meeting should be used to check how the committee is progressing and whether safety at the company is improving.
Begin Developing a Labor/Management Safety Committee Now
The health and safety of your employees should always be your number one priority. Use these safety committee requirements to develop a labor/management safety committee and show your employees that you’re dedicated to creating a safe workplace.
If you’d like to work with professionals committed to creating safety in every workplace, Phase Associates can help! Contact us today.
When it comes to the workplace, safety should always be a number one priority. The Phase Associates progressive health and safety environmental consultants and training experts can guide you and help you develop a labor/management safety committee for your workplace throughout New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Connecticut, Georgia, Virginia and Maryland.
If you are interested in other workplace safety articles, be sure to check out our blog, as we have many. Below we list a few.
Maintaining accurate records is a crucial part of any business. But it’s especially vital for those in the construction and manufacturing industries. These businesses are subject to following the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
They have set stringent recordkeeping guidelines. For every 70,000 workers, one OSHA compliance officer maintains recordkeeping forms. Failure to follow the OSHA recordkeeping rule can result in a few things.
The most common punishment is fines and penalties. This is why it is essential to understand the requirements. But what happens if you’re unsure how to keep up with the paperwork?
The first step is to educate yourself on the OSHA recordkeeping guidelines. This can come from OSHA recordkeeping training or through other OSHA compliance studies.
If you work in construction or manufacturing, you must learn the rules. This makes logging employee hours and conditions easy.
Having a brief overview of OSHA’s recordkeeping guidelines can be helpful. Here’s what you need to know and do to ensure compliance.
What is OSHA Recordkeeping?
OSHA recordkeeping tracks and documents work-related injuries, illnesses, and safety hazards. Employers must maintain accurate records of these incidents. This can help to identify trends and prevent future accidents.
Workplace accidents can result in significant financial losses for businesses. So it’s essential to take every precaution to avoid them. Employers must log specific work-related injuries and illnesses. This is due to the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.
These logs must be made available to OSHA upon request. Employers who fail to follow this regulation may be subject to hefty fines and penalties.
OSHA Recordkeeping Requirements
Construction and manufacturing companies must maintain certain records. This is a part of their commitment to safety. The specific records that need to be kept depend on a company’s size and industry.
Typically, they include information on workplace injuries and illnesses. Other information details worker exposures to hazardous substances and workplace accidents. All this data must be recorded in a manner that is accessible to OSHA inspectors.
The specific format requirements for these records can be found in 29 CFR 1904. This is also known as the Recording and Reporting Occupational Injuries and Illnesses rule.
Additionally, all employers must complete the Injury and Illness Incident Report (OSHA Form 301). This has to happen whenever a work-related injury or illness occurs. This form must also be available to OSHA upon request.
It’s worth noting that some businesses are exempt from these recordkeeping requirements. Businesses with ten or fewer employees are typically exempt. The reason is that OSHA has determined a low injury and illness rate.
How to Comply With OSHA Recordkeeping Guidelines
There are a few key things you need to do to comply with OSHA recordkeeping guidelines. First, you’ll need to create a system for tracking workplace injuries, illnesses, and safety hazards.
This system should be easily accessible to all employees. Next, you’ll need to provide OSHA recordkeeping training for your employees. This will ensure they know how to use the system properly.
Finally, you’ll need to review the system periodically. Having an audit process can ensure that things are being recorded correctly. By taking these steps, you can be sure that your workplace complies with OSHA regulations.
Are You Following The OSHA Recordkeeping Guidelines?
The OSHA recordkeeping guidelines are vital for construction and manufacturing companies. This is why the OSHA recordkeeping rule was created. Failure to do so can result in significant financial loss.
You want to ensure that all your recordkeeping forms are recorded accurately. This will give you the best chance of avoiding potential problems. If you need help with your OSHA recordkeeping training, do not worry.
The Phase Associates dedicated team of experts has experience helping companies follow the OSHA recordkeeping guidelines. If your workplace is in NJ, NY, PA, CT, DE, VA, MD or GA, we can do the same for your company, so reach out to get started today!
These types of injuries are the fourth leading cause of traumatic workplace deaths. Over half of these occur in the construction industry.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specific safety standards for the construction industry. They aim to protect workers from electrical hazards. These include electric shock, explosions, electrocution, and fires.
You can protect your employees as well by following these guidelines. Using an electrical safety checklist for a construction site will also help. Read on to learn more about this.
Electricity Hazards in a Construction Site
Construction workers account for only 6% of the US workforce. However, 20% of worker deaths occur in the construction industry. That’s approximately one in five deaths of all US workers.
Electrocutions are one of the four major causes of construction deaths. Electrical hazards that occur at job sites are usually due to:
Use of electrical equipment in a wet environment
Contact with overhead powerlines
Faulty wiring and improper grounding
Overloaded circuits
Failure to use fire-retardant materials
You can avoid these with proper training, ensuring workers know the five safety rules. The use of an electrical safety checklist should also be a part of your workers’ daily routine.
What are the 5 Electrical Safety Rules?
Most people that work with electricity know the five golden rules. These are rules that can be the difference between life and death.
They’re practical and straightforward and can even be a part of household safety. So they’re a must in the construction industry. They are:
Before performing electrical work, disconnect what you’re working on
Safeguard yourself and others against the possibility of reconnection
Use a voltmeter to check if an electrical voltage is present
Ground the installation
Use signage and secure or cordon off the area
You should also ensure that only trained employees handle jobs involving electrical work.
An Electrical Safety Checklist for a Construction Site
Your electrical safety checklist should incorporate the five electrical safety rules. It should also itemize specific actions that should occur under the following headings:
Use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
Inspection and testing
Residual current devices
Safe Work Practices
Employees should go through the checklist before starting any work at the site. A supervisor should then review and sign off on it.
You should also have an electrical safety plan. This will be a step-by-step guide on what must happen when an accident occurs on-site.
The checklist and work practices should be a part of your safety training. The training should be a requirement for each employee. Have refresher courses so that it becomes second nature to all workers.
Conduct regular audits and assessments. The results will determine if you need to change your safe work practices.
Electrical Safety Plan for Construction
The construction industry can be hazardous. One of the four significant hazards within the industry is electrocution.
How can you protect your workers from this and other electrical dangers? By using an electrical safety checklist for a construction site.
This should be part of your overall electrical safety plan that all workers must adhere to. If you currently don’t have one and are unsure where to start, Phase Associates can help.
We’ve provided safety and health programs and plans for many clients. We can do the same for you. Contact us today to learn more!
Our electrical safety plan training for construction is offered to those in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, Virginia and New York. We look forward to speaking with you and discussing what we can do for you.
Essential Trenching, Piping, and Excavation Safety Tips
Last year, 15 workers died while working in trenches and excavations. By June of this year, there were 22 deaths resulting from similar incidents. This startling increase led to the implementation of stricter safety guidelines.
Enforcement by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will also be stringent. Employers failing to meet these new standards could face heavy penalties. Extreme cases may even result in criminal prosecutions at the federal or state level.
You can avoid this by following the excavation safety guidelines provided. Did you know there will be inspections by OSHA to promote trenching safety? Read on to find out more about piping safety.
What’s Trenching and Excavation Safety?
Road and highway excavation removes material from the ground to create a hole. If the depth of the hole is more significant than its width, it’s referred to as a trench.
Often, the work involves laying down a system of pipes underground. Pipe markings indicate the content of the pipes. They also outline any potential danger the contents may pose to workers.
There are many hazards associated with this seemingly straightforward process. As a result, trenching and excavation safety have become a priority.
What are the Hazards of Working in Trenches and Excavations
Trenches and excavations are a critical part of many construction projects. Employers and workers should know the dangers involved. What are the four trench hazards?
Falling into the trench or excavation site
Becoming trapped after collapses or cave-ins
The accumulation of water in the trench or flooding
Excavated soil or equipment falling on workers
Cave-ins tend to occur more than any other hazard. These incidents are so dangerous that they often result in death.
What are the Safety Systems Used in a Trench?
Safety systems are an OSHA requirement. They may fall into one or more categories. These include excavation safety, trenching safety, and piping safety. Underlying each should be proper and in-depth safety training.
Excavation Safety
The process of removing material from the ground poses its own risk. It can involve accidents using the required equipment or excavation material. Employers can reduce these risks by ensuring workers:
Always wear safety equipment
Don’t stand close to vehicles during the loading and unloading process
Don’t place excavated material close to the trench
The standard distance should be two or more feet away.
Trenching Safety
Trenching safety usually focuses on ways to prevent cave-ins. There are standard safety systems. Some employers choose to build more complex ones. The aim is to:
There are various approaches or methods that companies can use for each.
Piping Safety
Piping safety is a bit more straightforward. There are specific handling requirements. This helps to avoid any accidents while handling and transporting piping material.
The Ins and Outs of Excavation Safety, Trenching Safety, and Piping Safety
One of the top priorities of any organization is to protect its workers. This is even more crucial for companies undertaking hazardous work. Civil and engineering projects often involve trenching, piping and excavation.
These jobs can result in serious injury, even death if safety systems are not implemented. Companies must follow the guidelines set out by OSHA. These are specific to excavation safety, trenching safety, and piping safety.
Still uncertain what the requirements are for each?
Phase Associates can help. We provide on-site evaluations, inspections, and many other construction safety requirements. Contact us to learn more.
