Safety Net Blog

MEMIC's all about workplace safety blog since 2008! Easy-to-read safety advice combines with email delivery to give you a whole new way to keep your safety program on track. If you'd like to search a topic not listed, please use the overall site search at the top right.

Workers shoveling snow in winter

Awareness and Prevention Are Key for the Top Three Winter Workplace Injuries

Winter brings many hazards to the workplace environment including slippery surfaces, hazardous driving conditions, and low temperatures. Managing snow and ice, monitoring temperature changes, being aware of signs of hypothermia, and promoting safe dr...

Construction, General, Logging, Ski, Transportation, Outdoor Safety, Driving Safety, Emergency Preparedness, Slips, Trips & Falls  •  November 29, 2023
Warehouse worker loading truck with a forklift

How to Deliver Safety to the Loading Dock Environment

Heavy freight, temporary trailers, mobile equipment, and hurried personnel with variable training combine to make loading docks uniquely hazardous. Shipping and receiving personnel must be alert and properly trained in material handling and equipment...

General, Manufacturing, Transportation, Retail, Driving Safety, OSHA, Outdoor Safety, Slips, Trips & Falls  •  October 18, 2023
Office worker using hand fan in summer heat

For workers, summer wanes but the heat remains

Last time, as part of our impromptu series on heat safety this historic climate summer, we identified occupations with the worst heat risk, with tips on how to avoid or mitigate the hazards of working in excessive heat.

General, Construction, Logging, Manufacturing, OSHA, Outdoor Safety, Safety Programs  •  August 23, 2023
Worker resting in warm summer heat

The Heat is (Still) On, Especially In These Jobs

In our July 13 post, we reminded you about the seriousness of heat-related illness in the workplace. In the four weeks since then, data indicates workers toiled through the hottest days in earth’s history -- a trend that seems certain to continue.

Transportation, Construction, General, Logging, OSHA, Outdoor Safety  •  August 09, 2023
Office worker struggling with warm weather

If You Can’t Stand the Heat – Go Somewhere and Cool Off!

More than 40 million people were under heat alerts in the South and Southwest this week, with heat indices in places like San Antonio, Texas, expected to reach 110 degrees Fahrenheit and 30 U.S. localities on alert for record heat.

Construction, General, Healthcare, Hospitality, Logging, Manufacturing, Services, Outdoor Safety, OSHA, Safety Programs  •  July 13, 2023
Commercial plow truck driving on wintery roads

Don’t Skate Around Snow Removal Equipment

While most snow removal equipment is operated by skilled professionals, it is the responsibility of motorists and pedestrians to be aware of hazards around this equipment.

Transportation, General, Driving Safety, Outdoor Safety  •  February 01, 2023
Person exiting vehicle in snowy conditions

Taming the Dangerous Passage - Safely Entering and Exiting a Vehicle During Winter Weather

Common-sense moves such as approaching carefully, bracing yourself for stability, and moving without boxes, packages, or other items in hand, can help you avoid slip and fall injuries while entering or exiting a vehicle during the cold, snow, and ice...

General, Transportation, Slips, Trips & Falls, Outdoor Safety, Driving Safety  •  November 16, 2022
Worker inspecting HVAC unity on rooftop

Roof Rules Depend on Slope, Distance, and Frequency

Fall protection requirements for employees performing maintenance on low-sloped roofs depend on factors that include whether the work is deemed “temporary and infrequent,” and the distance from the edge.

General, Education, Healthcare, Hospitality, Manufacturing, Retail, Services, OSHA, Slips, Trips & Falls, Outdoor Safety  •  September 07, 2022
Night time lightning strikes over a big city

Lack of Lightning Safety Could Mean One Strike and You're Out

Lightning strikes are an often overlooked hazard when working outdoors. Employers have an obligation to assess risks and create emergency plans to protect workers. Knowing more about lightning will help workers make smart decisions to protect themsel...

Construction, General, Logging, Transportation, Emergency Preparedness, Outdoor Safety  •  June 22, 2022
Construction worker wiping sweat from forehead during summer day

OSHA Emphasis on Addressing Heat Hazards is Pretty Cool

As OSHA shapes its National Emphasis Program (NEP) to protect employees from heat-related hazards proactive employers should look to develop and implement programs to protect their employees.

General, Manufacturing, Construction, Healthcare, Transportation, OSHA, Outdoor Safety  •  May 11, 2022

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