As hard as it is to believe, 2017 is just around the corner. If you’ve been reading our blog, you’ll know that this year we’ve made a big push toward providing you with content and resources surrounding industrial safety. We’ve published articles related to combustible dust, silica dust, OSHA and NFPA standards, and more. Here are the top 5 articles from our blog this year.
5 Major Causes of Industrial Fires and Explosions
Industrial fires and explosions cost companies billions of dollars every year in direct property costs, insurance, reputation, and more. Many people are aware of the more obvious industrial fire hazards (like hot work). At the same time, some of the most dangerous conditions (like accumulations of combustible dust) tend to go unnoticed. This article reviews five big causes of industrial fires and explosions and, most importantly, how to prevent them.
Silica Dust at a Glance: Answers to 7 FAQ About OSHA’s New Rule
Last March, OSHA issued a new final rule limiting worker exposure to silica dust, updating the regulations for the first time since 1971. The new rule cut the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for crystalline silica drastically — to half of the previous limit for general industry and to one-fifth of the previous limit for construction. This article reviews the new rule and provides employers with practical strategies to ensure the PEL in their facilities is below the legal limit.
7 Common Safety Mistakes in Food Plants
Safety has always been a priority for food manufacturers. And with FSMA coming into play and OSHA increasing their penalties, both food and worker safety are now top of mind every day. The first step in ensuring a safe working environment is identifying and understanding the hazards in your facility. From underestimating the risk of combustible dust to failing to learn from past mistakes, this article explores seven common safety mistakes in food plants.
NFPA Codes for Food Manufacturers [Infographic]
As you can see from the first article on this list, fire safety is a high-priority topic for our readers. While many fire risks apply across all industries, food plants have a unique set of risks and requirements. To help you understand these requirements, we put together a comprehensive guide: A Food Manufacturer’s Guide to Fire Prevention Through Housekeeping. As a companion to that guide, this infographic provides a quick visual summary of the applicable fire codes.
Top 10 Most Cited OSHA Standards in Food Manufacturing
This year, OSHA increased its fines by 78%. And, from now on, the agency will adjust the fines to keep up with inflation. That means any companies that fail to comply will face serious consequences, especially in the case of repeat violations. This article identifies the top 10 most cited OSHA standards in food manufacturing between October 2014 and September 2015. Stay tuned for an update now that the new penalties are officially in effect.
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