MSHA’s Recent Update to Safety Rules for Respirable Crystalline Silica

By Jerome E. Spear, CIH, CSP, FAIHA Crystalline silica, an extremely common material found in most soils and rock formations, is a dangerous occupational hazard for workers in industries like mining and construction. These particles are very fine and, once inhaled, easily travel through the respiratory system. Deposits of this material in the lungs cause…

Lessons Learned from Catastrophic Cabin Creek Confined Space Incident

By Jerome E. Spear, CIH, CSP, FAIHA According to a 2020 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1,030 workers died in confined spaces between 2011 to 2018. Each of these deaths represents a nightmare scenario in which the proper safety precautions were not taken to protect workers placed in dangerous situations. This article reviews…

Excavation and Trenching Safety

By Jeremy J. Lancaster, CSP. Excavation and trenching pose serious threats to worker safety. I personally experienced the long-lasting consequences of unsafe excavation and trenching practices when I lost my brother to a fatal excavation collapse. This article offers key lessons in safety and prevention to stop similar future fatalities. Excavation and trenching are some…

Integrating Process Safety Competency Into Organizational Leadership

Industrial incidents, both nonfatal and fatal, continue to occur at a dangerous and unacceptable level. In 2021, 2.6 million nonfatal injuries or illnesses were reported. In the same year, 5,190 fatal work-related injuries occurred across all sectors. Annual Fatal Incidents Have Trended Upward Since 2011 Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Furthermore, the Chemical Safety…

What is Industrial Hygiene?

Workplace safety and health are critical for employees and employers. Ensuring a safe work environment is crucial not only for the well-being of workers but also for the productivity and success of a business.  Industrial hygiene is the art and science of recognizing, evaluating, and controlling occupational and environmental health hazards that may cause health…

SAFE USE OF WIRE ROPE

Proper Maintenance and Inspection Jerome E. Spear, CIH, CSP, FAIHA | Mike Randall, CSPFeatured in Water Well Journal “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link” is an often used cliché frequently spoken or written in a figurative context. Although not a chain, wire rope is often an integral part of many pieces…

Understanding Confined Space Standards

By Jerome E. Spear, CIH, CSP, FAIHA According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), one death occurs in every 10 confined space accidents. Injuries and fatalities involving confined spaces often involve successive fatalities when “would-be” rescuers succumb to the same problem as the initial victim. Almost every kind of industry has some type…