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.

Machine guards in place on factory equipment

Are Your Guards in Place? Quick Tips for Improving Machine Guarding Safety

When machine guards are used properly, they keep employees safe. But, too often, these tools that protect workers in a manufacturing setting are left in an open position, set aside, damaged, or unused.

General, Manufacturing, OSHA, Safety Programs, Leadership and Management  •  January 18, 2023
Hiring team reviewing documents with new-hire.

Keeping Temporary Workers Safe: Whose Responsibility is it Anyway?

The safety of temporary workers is the joint responsibility of the host employer and the staffing agency that places the worker. Both entities should take steps to complete a risk assessment for the job function and location.

General, Hiring Practices, Leadership and Management, OSHA  •  November 09, 2022
Worker climbing stairs with fall arrest harness attached

Spelling Out Fall Protection Beyond the A-B-Cs

Fall protection during work from heights is generally governed by the basics of anchoring, body harnesses, and connectors. But to make a comprehensive assessment, safety directors must go beyond those simple techniques and look at a variety of consid...

Construction, General, Manufacturing, OSHA, Slips, Trips & Falls, Safety Programs  •  October 05, 2022
Worker wearing fall harness climbing a ladder

Ladder Safety Part 2: Does your Ladder Safety Training Get High Marks?

Workplace ladder usage, regardless of industry, is a high-risk task that should be part of any new or existing employee training plan. Training should include ladder selection, inspection, hazard identification, fall protection measures, and safe wor...

General, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Retail, Education, Hospitality, Services, OSHA, Slips, Trips & Falls, Manual Material Handling  •  September 29, 2022
Worker wearing hardhat setting a ladder inside

Ladder Safety Part 1: Three Points of Contact

Safe work on ladders requires three points of contact and requires employees to face the ladder, use at least one hand to keep a “firm grasp” on the ladder, and ensure they are not carrying objects or loads that could cause loss of balance or grip.

General, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Retail, Education, Hospitality, Services, OSHA, Slips, Trips & Falls, Manual Material Handling  •  September 21, 2022
Office workers waiting for elevator

Don't Let Elevators Bring You Down

Misleveled elevator floors, insufficient maintenance program, and unsafe employee behaviors can lead to significant workplace trip or fall injuries. A comprehensive program is necessary to control hazards.

General, Retail, Hospitality, Education, Healthcare, OSHA, Inspection, Slips, Trips & Falls  •  September 14, 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
Power drill and circular saw on workbench

Get The Upper Hand on Safety When Using Power Equipment

Powered shop equipment presents a potential for severe hand injuries, but recognizing and acting on potential hazards can reduce one’s risk of injury, including machine-specific operator education, training, and proper guarding,

Construction, General, Logging, Manufacturing, OSHA, Leadership and Management, Safety Programs  •  August 10, 2022
Nitrogen element shown on tablet in chemical lab

Monitor Nitrogen Gas Use to Keep Workers Breathing Easy

Nitrogen gas use is common in many industries and can cause severe illness and death due to oxygen depletion. Employers and workers need to be aware of the hazards, carefully monitor oxygen levels, and know the symptoms of nitrogen asphyxiation.

Construction, General, Manufacturing, Transportation, OSHA, Safety Programs  •  July 27, 2022
Man wearing PPE inspecting electrical outlet

No Shortcuts to Safety When Doing It Yourself

Facility managers should think carefully before performing non-routine tasks such as renovation and upgrade work at your place of business.

General, Manufacturing, Leadership and Management, OSHA, Safety Programs  •  June 29, 2022

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