As summer is around the corner in the United States and many areas are experiencing high temperatures this week, it is crucial for employers to take necessary precautions to protect their workers from the heat.  Heat-related illnesses can be severe and pose a significant threat to the health and safety of employees who work in…

As consultants, we are frequently asked to conduct a variety of independent third-party audits ranging in scope from corporate management systems to process safety management compliance and an incredible diversity of topics in between.   A question that we are frequently asked is: Why should we invest time and financial resources into independent third-party auditing?  Some…

The NFPA Standard 70E, titled Electrical Safety in the Workplace, provides guidelines for installation, maintenance, and use of electrical equipment in the workplace. It provides rules and regulations on how to identify and manage the risks of arc flash incidents, which occur when electric current travels through the air between conductors or to the ground.…

Excessive noise can result in long-term health effects including hearing loss, tinnitus and more. A noise survey is used to determine if employees are being exposed to occupational noise levels exceeding the exposure limits set by OSHA regulations.  Noise surveys help determine areas where employees are likely being exposed to harmful levels of noise as…

This past week, OSHA announced a request for public input on how it can modernize, improve, and expand its Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP).  Since 1982 OSHA’s VPP has recognized workplaces that practice praiseworthy safety and health management.  Applicants must complete an arduous onsite assessment before being accepted into the program. Once in the program though, they…

When your client experiences a major catastrophic event such as a fire or loss of life, they rely on legal counsel’s advice and expertise to help them navigate through a difficult situation. In most situations, your client has never experienced a major loss event and they do not know where to even start, so they turn…

Technology is advancing at a breakneck pace for those in catastrophic incident investigation. Five years ago, IFO Group would hire a helicopter which averages $5,000 per hour to assist with photographing and assessing an incident scene.  Due to the cost of that resource, we likely would only have use of it once or twice the…

On January 26, 2023, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced an expansion of how they apply citations for serious violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act).  The goal of this new guidance, which takes effect on March 27, is to increase enforcement and strengthen compliance to help prevent workplace…

Deadlines…. Distractions…. Fatigue….. workers not aware of their surroundings, especially in a setting where machinery is used is extremely dangerous and puts themselves and their teammates at risk.  Situational awareness in a work setting is critical as one mistake can lead to serious injury or even death. Many workplaces improve situational awareness through the implementation…

Safety culture is the collection of beliefs and values that employees share in relation to the risks present within the workplace. A strong safety culture is promoted by management and empowers individuals to take ownership of their well-being and have important conversations related to hazards shared across the workplace. Workplace disasters are commonly tied to…