Safety Knights

test post

flkjasklfas

Hiring Consultant

“What’s the biggest headache when it comes to hiring a safety consultant?”

Test p

lsjkdfskafsa

Test

iosdajfjsadf skdfjasjdfkasj fkl s

Test 2 Post

test post

My first post

Test post content

My First Post

Testing first post

Test post

Test post 08/07

test anon 7/3 image

lkjsjksajklsjkdfjklsd

Test anon

sfasfasfasfsafs Test edit

Test Poll 7/3

sfasfasfsafasdfs Test edit

Test Post 7/3 no image

lskdf ksfjskjafksj aklf

Test Post 7/3

lsdf skaj dfasj fasj f

Test Post

Test Post Content

Test

A big shoutout to Safety Knights subscriber Mike James for inspiring this article with his post asking about laboratory safety for creating a manual. Mike’s thoughtful question sparked the idea to create a guide that dives deep into what safety professionals and EHS managers need to know when developing a comprehensive safety manual. If you're embarking on this critical task, this blog will equip you with the essentials to ensure your workplace is as safe as it can be. Safety manuals are the backbone of a safe work environment. They outline the procedures, protocols, and resources employees need to mitigate risks and tackle emergencies head-on. Whether you're working in manufacturing, a corporate office, or a laboratory with chemical handling, a well-constructed safety manual is the foundation of a proactive safety culture. Understanding Legal and Regulatory Requirements: One of the first elements of your safety manual should address compliance with applicable laws and regulations specific to your industry. Unsafe practices aren’t just risky; they can also result in hefty fines or worse, a workplace tragedy. Key aspects to include are: ● Federal Regulations: Ensure you reference OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards in the US or your country’s equivalent. Where applicable, include OSHA-recommended signage and emergency protocol standards relevant to identified hazards. ● State or Local Guidelines: Some states or regions have stricter regulations than federal laws. Make sure you’re including these to remain compliant. ● Industry-Specific Standards: For sectors like construction or laboratories, it’s vital to incorporate standards such as NFPA guidelines or chemical safety requirements. ● Documentation Requirements: Train employees on how to file reports when incidents occur and maintain records to meet legal standards. Clearly state these requirements and create an easy-to-navigate section in your manual to ensure nothing is overlooked. Identifying Hazards and Assessing Risks: A reliable safety manual begins with a robust identification of workplace hazards and an assessment of associated risks. Some steps to include are: ● Hazard Identification: ○ Physical hazards (e.g., machinery, slippery surfaces). ■ Chemical hazards (e.g., exposure to toxic or flammable substances). ■ Biological hazards (e.g., handling infectious materials). ■ Ergonomic risks (e.g., improper workstation setup). ● Risk Assessment Protocols: ○ Describe procedures to evaluate the likelihood and impact of each hazard. ■ Provide tools like risk matrices or checklists for employees to use during routine operations. ● Control Measures: ○ Clearly define administrative controls, engineering measures, and required PPE. Your goal is to identify risks before they become issues. A dynamic, regularly updated manual ensures your team is always prepared. Emergency Procedures and Contact Information: An emergency demands a clear head and rapid action. For this reason, emergency procedures must be simple, comprehensive, and prominently featured in your manual. Every potential scenario should be addressed, including: ● Evacuation Plans: ○ Detail evacuation routes and designate muster points. ■ Provide guidelines for assisting employees with disabilities. ● Specific Emergency Scenarios: ○ Include tailored plans for fires, chemical spills, medical emergencies, extreme weather, and other risks relevant to your workplace. ● Key Contact Information: ○ List emergency phone numbers such as fire departments, local police, poison control, and internal safety officers. ■ Highlight where first aid kits, AEDs, and spill response kits are located. ■ Ensure this information is accessible in both digital and physical formats and is clearly understood by non-native speakers or employees with disabilities. Consider including easy-to-read flowcharts for quick decision-making during high-stress situations. Training Programs and Competency Verification Even the best safety manual is useless if employees aren’t adequately trained. Include a section that describes your organization’s approach to training: ● Onboarding Programs: ○ Outline the safety training delivered to new hires to ensure they understand core processes from day one. ● Role-Specific Training: ○ Detail additional training required for roles with higher risk exposure, such as machine operators or lab technicians handling chemicals. ● Competency Verification: ○ Where legally required or operationally beneficial, include assessments, certifications, and practical tests to validate competency. ■ Recordkeeping protocols for certifications and training history. ● Refresher and Advanced Training: ○ Schedule regular updates on evolving safety protocols and industry advancements. Investing in well-rounded training serves as a long-term defense against accidents and inefficiencies. Laboratory Work and Chemical Safety: If your organization conducts laboratory work or deals with hazardous chemicals, dedicate an entire section to safety protocols for these operations: ● Chemical Labeling and Storage: ○ Include GHS-compliant labeling systems and proper storage techniques like segregation by chemical compatibility. ● Spill and Exposure Response: ○ Create clear steps for addressing s

Test Post 6/27 no image

ksj fjsafkjsafjasjf s jf

Test Post 6/27

lksajdfasj fsaj fkjf-edited test

Test new

test 12345

Warehouse columns (Poles)

I'm needing a better solution for my warehouse columns in the staging area of my warehouse. I already have poles painted yellow and column protectors, but I keep having operators hit the poles. They state they poles are in their blind spot when turning. New and Season operators. They are driving Order Pickers. I have floor tape as well.

Roadway Worker Safety

Hey Safety Knights: Who here has employees working on or near the roadway? If so, you know how tough this exposure is to manage. From distracted drivers to limited space and unpredictable environments, roadway work remains one of the hardest safety challenges out there. If you're looking for new strategies or tools to support your crews, check out my latest article in Professional Safety Journal titled Improving Roadway Safety. https://www.assp.org/publications/professional-safety If you'd like help adopting R.O.A.D. Ready just hit me up and let's get started.