Inspections are an important part of any workplace safety and health management system. Described in a video from the Maryland Occupational Safety and Health Division of Labor and Industry as the practice of “identifying unsafe conditions through observations and testing of the work environment,” inspections can cover housekeeping, emergency alarms, electrical hazards, machine guarding and chemical hazards.

The first rule of performing façade work while on a scaffold: Don’t do it unless you’ve completed scaffold safety training, warns a recent worker alert from the New York City Department of Buildings.

You can help prevent a potential head-on collision before it occurs. NSC has developed a lifesaving method for drivers to use: the four R’s.

Although convenient for transporting groups, 15-passenger vans can pose a safety risk to inexperienced drivers, their passengers and other road users.

“You play a role in work zone safety. Work with us.” That’s the theme of this year’s National Work Zone Awareness Week, set for April 17-21.

Many devices, including personal gas monitors, are powered by lithium batteries, some of which (lithium-ion batteries) are rechargeable.

Being a true safety partner means knowing what’s important to people in the safety profession. Red Wing asked hundreds of safety professionals about their challenges, concerns and successes.

Download this free Foot Protection Training Guide with expert tips to help keep your workers safe from potentially devastating foot injuries.

Get our guide that compares the many advantages of a managed safety footwear program with those of a typical reimbursement program. Get the guide and see how working with a reputable safety footwear provider can tailor a program for your business needs, as well as for the safety and productivity of your workers.

Written by J. J. Keller’s workplace safety experts, this white paper offers valuable guidance and insights to help establish an effective PPE program at your company. Download a free copy and keep your employees safe!

These types of on-the-job deaths often involve large vehicles, such as those used in transportation and construction.

Do you know the difference between a hard hat and a helmet?

Hazard reporting is a critical part of any safety program and should be done as soon as a hazard is identified.

A lack or absence of oxygen, the presence of toxic chemicals or fumes, and extreme temperatures: These are some of the major hazards associated with confined spaces.

Aurora, CO — Anxiety, depression and fatigue increase women’s risk of getting hurt at work, according to a recent study from the Colorado School of Public Health’s Center for Health, Work and Environment.

Menlo Park, CA — Does worry about work keep you from getting a good night’s rest? Forty-four percent of respondents to a recent survey said work-related stress causes them to lose sleep.

Washington — For oil and gas workers, fatigue caused by a combination of long work hours and lengthy commutes can contribute to motor vehicle crashes – the leading cause of death in the industry, a new fact sheet from NIOSH states.

Evanston, IL — People who prefer to stay up late have a greater chance of dying at a younger age than those who are natural “early to bed and early to rise” types, according to a recent study conducted by researchers at Northwestern University and the University of Surrey.

Lexington, KY — Fatigue-related crashes among commercial motor vehicle drivers increase the farther the crash site is located from truck stops, rest areas and weigh stations with rest havens, according to a recent study from the University of Kentucky.

Washington — If experiencing rude or negative behavior at work keeps you from getting a good night’s sleep, making efforts to “let it go” after you’ve clocked out may help ward off insomnia, according to a recent study from the American Psychological Association.

Brough, England — The United Kingdom’s National Workboat Association has launched a campaign aimed at curbing fatigue among crew members of offshore energy support vessels.

Arlington, VA — In an effort to address a persistent concern in the tugboat, towboat and barge industry, the American Waterways Operators has released a guide on various principles of fatigue risk management.

Silver Spring, MD — The American Nurses Association, in partnership with the U.S. Public Health Service chief nurse officer and the University of North Carolina and University of Washington schools of nursing, has launched a campaign with initiatives that include addressing industry concerns such as workplace violence and safe and appropriate staffing levels.

Tampa, FL — A relatively small disruption in sleep routines could leave workers distracted during the next workday, according to the results of a recent study from the University of South Florida.

San Antonio — Nearly 1 in 3 nurses may suffer from insomnia, while more than 1 in 8 admit to taking medications to help them stay awake, according to a recent study.

Darien, IL — Basic employer interventions such as educating workers about the importance of sleep and sharing strategies to improve it may result in better sleep habits, increased productivity and reduced absenteeism, a recent review of research concludes.

Bethesda, MD — Irregular sleep patterns do more than just make you tired at work – they can have long-lasting adverse effects on your health.

Fort Collins, CO — Employers should prioritize efforts to help workers get a good night’s sleep, researchers from Colorado State University say after their study of construction workers found a connection between poor quality sleep and the risk of workplace incidents and injuries.

The failure to prioritize rest is a growing concern – and taking a toll on U.S. workers. “Most employers underestimate how little sleep deprivation is necessary to result in detrimental outcomes,” one expert says.

Muncie, IN — More than 1 out of 3 U.S. working adults aren’t getting enough sleep, and the prevalence of sleep deprivation has increased significantly since 2010, according to researchers from Ball State University.

Washington — The National Sleep Foundation is stressing the importance of being alert and well-rested behind the wheel, as road safety advocates prepare to recognize Drowsy Driving Prevention Week Nov. 3-10.

New York — Nurses get nearly 90 minutes less sleep before shifts compared with days they don’t work, according to a recent study from New York University’s Rory Meyers College of Nursing.

Washington — NIOSH has launched a virtual research center intended help combat workplace fatigue by targeting industry-specific activities.

Washington — The Federal Railroad Administration is seeking comment on a proposed rule that would require certain railroads to develop and implement a fatigue risk management program as a component of their larger safety risk reduction programs.

Oakbrook Terrace, IL — In response to the COVID-19 pandemic “pushing health care organizations to their limits and workers beyond physical exhaustion,” accreditation organization The Joint Commission has published a special edition Sentinel Event Alert highlighting adverse events and high-risk conditions.

Columbia, MO — Individuals who develop shift work sleep disorder – a condition involving insomnia or excessive sleepiness as a result of working nontraditional hours – may be almost three times more likely to be involved in a traffic crash, according to a recent study by researchers from the University of Missouri.

Washington — Legislation reintroduced in the House on June 23 and the Senate on July 15 would provide cargo pilots with the same legal protections intended to protect against fatigued flying as those afforded to passenger aircraft pilots.

Perth, Australia — It’s “imperative” that employers try to improve work shift scheduling so workers can get adequate sleep, researchers from Edith Cowan University say after their recent study of mine workers in Australia.

Darien, IL — Promoting heathy sleep habits among health care workers is the goal of a new tip sheet from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

New York — More than half of nurses in a recent survey say they had trouble sleeping during the first six month of the COVID-19 pandemic – a risk factor for increased feelings of anxiety and depression.

Linz, Austria — Shift work may be associated with poorer memory and slower mental processing speed, as well as lower levels of alertness and visual focus, results of a recent study out of Austria suggest.

Houston — Offshore oil and gas workers who regularly practice mindfulness may experience less fatigue and emotional and psychological strain – all while increasing their situational awareness and productivity, results of a recent study led by University of Houston researchers show.

Washington — NIOSH is seeking public and interagency input on a proposed information-collecting project focused on assessing fatigue and fatigue management in onshore oil and gas extraction.

Washington — For oil and gas extraction workers, a combination of extended work hours, long commutes and insufficient sleep increases their odds of engaging in risky driving behaviors, according to a recent NIOSH study.

Tampa, FL — Job demands that are too low or too high can adversely affect workers’ sleep, say researchers, who instead recommend the Goldilocks principle of “just the right amount” to help obtain optimal sleep health.

In Episode 38, the S+H team examines the April issue’s feature story on workplace fire drills. Also, Lori Guasta, senior director of consulting services at NSC, discusses fatigue in the workplace and beyond in the “5 Questions With …” interview.

San Antonio — How employees choose to voice their thoughts and/or opinions at work – either positively or negatively – may affect their quality of sleep, results of a recent study show.

Montreal — Exposing night shift workers to bright light before work begins may improve their sleep, lessen fatigue and lead to fewer errors on the job.

Melbourne, Australia — A mobile app designed to help shift workers manage their sleep cycles to enhance their health and mood is available for use.

Lyngby, Denmark — Better work performance could be tied to the air quality in your bedroom while you sleep, a team of Danish researchers has concluded.