We’ve been hearing that more and more Washington employers are being cited for confined space violations… Confined spaces can be found in the facilities and job sites of just about every Approach client, so it’s important to know…
Stepladders are commonly used in the construction or general industry, but they require careful use. They are not designed for any degree of side loading and are relatively easily overturned. Avoid over-reaching. People have been killed getting down…
Historically, falls are the leading cause of fatalities in construction, accounting for about one-third of all fatalities in the industry. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that there were 713 fatal falls to a lower level in 2017,…
Announcing the 2019 Retro refund calculations! The 2015, 2016, and 2017 plan year retro refunds were announced on April 26, 2019 for July enrollment groups. This includes Approach clients in MBA GRIP, PITB Transportation, SMART A Team, and SMART…
A company was hired to install electrical conduit in a 12-foot trench. The trench box was on the flat bed of a trailer. The job only required a “quick” application of glue, push together and they would be finished so…
It’s not your imagination — finding good employees in Washington state is very difficult right now. Unemployment has been below 5 percent statewide for more than two years and the market is even tighter in Seattle, where the rate reached…
After years of comment, debate, and lawsuits, the new Silica Rules developed by OSHA and DOSH are now in place. Changing regulations often cause headaches and confusion. This is definitely the case with the Silica Rules, which are being…
ELECTRICAL DANGERS Employees using electric tools must be aware of several dangers. Among the most serious hazards are electrical burns and shocks. Electrical shocks, which can lead to injuries such as heart failure and burns, are among the major hazards…
The vast majority of workplace accidents are just that – an unfortunate event that happened to a good employee working for a responsible company. Usually, the injured worker and the company are both looking forward to full recovery and…
As summer approaches it brings along the warm temperatures. Typically, in Western Washington, we stay relatively cool, being near the sound and ocean keeps the temperature moderate. In Eastern Washington the temperature can get quite warm and stay that…