Category: Toolbox Talks

As we move into late fall and winter, shorter days and changing light conditions can create hazards that may not be obvious at first. Reduced daylight, long shadows, glare from the sun, and early darkness can make it more difficult…

An arc flash is a high-voltage electric short circuit that leaves its intended path and travels through the air from one conductor to another (or to the ground). The electrical explosion can reach temperatures as high as 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit.…

Knowing what to do can save lives. In an active shooter situation, the Department of Homeland Security says to quickly determine the most reasonable way to protect your life. Customers and clients in business with you are likely to follow…

Carbon monoxide (CO) poses a serious threat at home and on the job. According to the CDC, each year: More than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning More than 20,000 people visit the emergency room More than 4,000 people…

With angle grinders, incidents can happen in the blink of an eye. Be aware of the tool you are using and the risks associated with it. Examples: A worker was using a hand-held grinder fitted with a grinding stone. The…

When we talk about workplace safety, impairment is often associated strictly with alcohol or drug use. However, maintaining a safe job site requires looking at impairment through a much broader lens. Impairment is any mental, physical, or chemical state that…

Many workplace injuries do not occur during the main task. They occur when workers are transitioning from one activity, location, tool, piece of equipment, or work area to another. Examples include: Moving from ground work to elevated work Switching from…

When most people hear “Lockout/Tagout,” they think of mechanics working on machinery in a shop. However, hazardous energy exists on nearly every construction project, and workers can be seriously injured even when they are not performing maintenance. Washington State DOSH…

Debris chutes provide an efficient way to remove waste material from elevated work areas, but they also create serious hazards. Improper use can result in struck by injuries, falls, property damage, and equipment failures. Employees working around debris chutes must…

Emergency Preparedness & Emergency Action Plans September is National Preparedness Month. While we focus every day on preventing accidents, emergencies like fires, chemical spills, severe weather, or sudden utility failures can happen without warning. Today, we’re reviewing our Emergency Action…