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...

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2010 294,620 employees suffered injuries from slips, trips, or falls.  Of these, 221,100 were from falls to the same level or slip or trip events.  The National Floor Safety Institute or NFSI&...

OSHA estimates that 5.6 million workers in the healthcare industry and related occupations are at risk of occupational exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens.  Check out their health care hazards page for more information.  Recently, I have been ...

Chromium in various forms has been with us since before the beginning of recorded time. It was used to cover the bronze spearheads of warriors in ancient China to harden and prevent rust on the tips. Modern uses of chromium include the making /weldi...