Speaking of Safety
IBC totes (intermediate bulk containers) are 275-gallon or 330-gallon storage containers designed to hold a wide range of chemicals and food-grade products. IBCs are most commonly made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and are impact-resistant, as well as resistant to heat, UV exposure, mold, mildew, and more. More importantly, they need secondary containment as stated per 40 CFR 264.175 by the EPA.
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) is one of the top ten most frequently cited standards by OSHA.
That means, LOTO standards compliance is often inspected and controlled by OSHA and eventually may result in hefty fines for companies that do not meet the policy. So, what does the lockout/tagout program include and how to start with its implementation?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that the warehousing industry, represented by NAICS code 493, experiences 4.8 total recordable injuries for every 100 employees. That is 39% higher than the 2.9 injury average across all industries. Each year, OSHA provides information regarding the most common warehouse safety violations that often contribute to such a high rate of injuries. View the top 10 safety issues at a warehouse, based on OSHA recorded violations.
For many, lockout and electrical safety is something that is taken for granted. Everyone expects they can go into work, do their job, and return home safely at the end of the day. But what many people don’t realize is how big of an undertaking it is to ensure the workplace is safe and up to code. It’s more than just implementing an effective lockout or electrical safety program, it’s creating a system of audits, training, inspections and procedures to ensure the program you implemented is effective and up-to-date. Being up-to-date is key.
From the time a person sets foot on your property to the time they leave, their safety is your responsibility. But safety programs not only protect your employees and visitors; they also protect your bottom line. The National Safety Council estimated that work-related deaths and injuries cost the nation, employers, and individuals $151 billion in 2016. That includes workers’ compensation claims, OSHA fines, lawsuits, equipment damage, and the cost of lost productivity, and hiring and training replacement workers.
Flooding can happen on your property; it is inevitable that something will go wrong. Since one property management report suggests that more than 14,000 people a day in the U.S. experience water damage-related issues, it is fair to say that you are going to want the right equipment to deal with water and flooding. Repair and restoration are not easy, and to do it right you’ll need a selection of tools on hand that are best-suited for the work.