The last time we blogged, we discussed the requirements of OSHA’s respiratory protection standard 29 CFR 1910.134, when companies exceed OSHA’s permissible exposure limits and when engineering controls are not feasible. We covered written...

A few of my business account contacts have posed the question of what to look for in an ergonomic chair.  The short answer is adjustment features.  While a chair with multiple adjustment features offers ergonomic benefit, sitting for prolo...

Analyzing work dates back more than 100 years ago from pioneers like Frederick Taylor, and Frank and Lillian Gilbreth. The purpose or focus of the analysis, of course, can vary; from developing “One Best Way” in an effort to maximize prod...

Many workplaces use powered industrial trucks to move material throughout the facility.  Battery powered lifts are becoming more common in many small to medium sized businesses.  Let’s discuss some of the safety aspects related to the...

As the emergency room physician sighed he said, “You’re lucky, you didn’t cut nerves or tendons.”  I was sitting on the emergency department stretcher getting ready for stitches in my hand.  I had been in a hurry, a...

Safety light curtains are a possible solution for worker protection where risks cannot be eliminated by machinery design or mechanical guards. When a beam of light is broken, the machine or equipment stops, or other actions occur that prevent worker ...

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E 2009 Updates & 2012 Edition Few topics in the safety training world generate as much confusion and emotion from trainers and trainees as the arc flash protection requirements of NFPA 70E. I personal...

As the winter settles in, take a MEMIC minute to review some statistics related to snow blower use: The US Consumer Products Safety Commission (USCPSC) reports that—each year—snow blower operators suffer more than 500 amputations and over...

As of January 3, 2012, the use of handheld cellular phones by most commercial vehicle operators is illegal under federal law.  The ban applies to interstate carriers including large trucks and buses.  See the links at the bottom of the page...

Tom Dowling, Maine Medical Center's Director of Lifeline Workplace Wellness Program, has announced that MMC is conducting a webinar version of their Certificate course in the Fundamentals for Worksite Wellness. This is a 6 week certification cou...