Is it really possible to have a workplace where no injuries occur? Emmitt Nelson, a pioneer of the zero-accident approach, believes so. Nelson, who chaired the first Construction Industry Institute task force that researched contractors with few or no injuries, …
Many organizations claim that safety is the responsibility of everyone. However, if Manufacturing calls the Safety Department when there is an obvious hazard and corresponding correction, the words don’t matter. Your organizational culture is probably “Safety is responsible for safety.” …
I just finished reading an excellent book…. “Out of another @#&*% Crisis – Motivation through Humiliation” (available at ASQ and Amazon) grades US business on how well they stack up against Dr. W. Edwards Deming’s principles. Deming’s 1982 book, ‘Out …
OSHA has come out with more details about its proposed Injury and Illness Prevention Program and it’s now clear to me that what could have been a good idea is headed down the wrong path. I agree that OSHA should …
If you read my first two blog posts about 5S, you should have a better understanding of the “what” and “why” of 5S. This blog will help you understand the “how.” A detailed checklist is helpful to assure that cleaning …
OSHA is launching what agency head David Michaels described Monday as a “long overdue” initiative on injury and illness prevention and plans to increase enforcement on ergonomics. Both initiatives are likely to be extremely controversial. OSHA is also moving plans …
A recent catastrophic accident claimed the life of a worker at a ductile iron foundry. This terrible accident raises questions in my mind about compliance with OSHA’s personal protective equipment (PPE) regulations. Three employees were injured and sent to the …
Have you ever walked through a manufacturing, transportation or service organization that seems well organized and wondered why the offices seem cluttered and disorganized? It could be several reasons: Management does not understand that “lean and safe” applies to office …
Earlier this week, a 53-year-old worker was killed when he was pulled into equipment at a steel processing plant. A spokesman said the victim was working on a machine that rolled 6-foot-wide coiled steel for shipment. “For reasons unknown, he …
Good housekeeping has historically been a foundation for occupational safety. 5S, a process used in lean manufacturing, offers even greater benefit to create not only a clean workplace, but also one that improves both efficiency and safety at the same …