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Sound-level meter

Optimus Sound Level Meters have been designed with ease of use as the most important feature, which lets users get on with measuring and controlling the noise.




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Trends in ... instruments and monitors

Many workers rely on instruments and monitors, including noise dosimeters and gas monitors, to help keep them safe.




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Classifying cold-weather apparel

Can you explain the new ANSI/ISEA 201-2012 voluntary standard about classifying insulation apparel for cold-weather environments?




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Avoid cold stress

As winter approaches, one thing outdoor workers should know about is the “cold stress equation.” According to OSHA, low temperatures plus wind speed and wetness equals injuries and illnesses.




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Campaign focuses on winter home fires

Emmitsburg, MD – Home fires occur most often during the winter, and the National Fire Protection Association and U.S. Fire Administration are educating the public on fire prevention.




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Stay warm when working in the cold

Extremely cold weather can be dangerous for outdoor workers and those who work in an area that is poorly insulated or without a heat source. Two dangerous health risks associated with cold weather are hypothermia and frostbite.




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Surgeon academy offers snow removal tips

Rosemont, IL – The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons is advising people to be cautious when removing snow this winter.




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Stay safe during holiday decorating, CPSC says

Washington – Noting an increase in holiday decorating injuries last year, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued safety tips for consumers.




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Black ice: A hazard for drivers

Black ice – which can be almost invisible – forms when the air temperature is warmer than pavement, which causes moisture to rapidly freeze and create a thin, transparent layer of ice on the roadway.




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Orthopaedic surgeons offer tips for staying safe on the slopes

Rosemont, IL – The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is reminding people to follow safe practices while engaging in winter sports such as skiing and ice skating.




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Working in a winter wonderland

Watching snow fall can be a beautiful sight. But for outdoor workers or commuters, it’s a sign of danger.




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CDC: Flu most prevalent among real estate, food service workers

Atlanta – The flu and similar illnesses are most prevalent among workers in the real estate, hospitality and food service industries, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.




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CDC Foundation provides tips on workplace flu prevention

Atlanta – With flu season on the horizon, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Foundation is sharing information to help workers protect themselves from the disease.




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Cold weather safety

What advice can safety managers share with workers about layering clothing appropriately so that they do not feel too cold or hot in the field? What fabric qualities should we look for when specifying FR garments for layering in cold weather?




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Stay safe after it snows: Tips for injury-free shoveling

Parts of the country have experienced record-breaking snowfalls in 2015. With snow, comes shoveling – which can lead to a variety of injuries.




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OSHA urges employers, workers to be safe when removing snow

Washington – Although winter is coming to an end, OSHA is reminding employers and workers to be cautious when removing snow from roofs and other structures.




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NHTSA links road salt to brake pipe corrosion, failure

Washington – Vehicles with a model year of 2007 or earlier may be at risk for brake pipe corrosion from exposure to road salt, according to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration safety advisory.




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NSC, University of Iowa share winter driving safety tips

The National Safety Council and the University of Iowa – creators of the MyCarDoesWhat campaign – are calling for drivers to hone their winter driving skills before they head out onto slippery and snowy roads.




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Winterize your skin

How does cold weather negatively impact the skin, and how can I protect my skin in the winter?




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Stay safe while working in the cold

Working outdoors is an inevitable part of the job for many people across the country. And when the temperatures drop, it is important that workers wear appropriate protective clothing.




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New MSHA alert warns of winter hazards

Arlington, VA – The Mine Safety and Health Administration has released its annual safety alert to call attention to the unique hazards the mining industry faces during the winter months.




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Out in the cold: Working in low temperatures raises risk of rheumatoid arthritis, researchers say

Stockholm – Working in the cold increases the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, according to researchers at the Karolinska Institute.




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‘Alarming’ number of health care professionals work while having flu symptoms: study

Arlington, VA – More than 40 percent of health care professionals who reported at least one symptom of influenza during a recent flu season did not stay home from work, according to a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.




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Holidays create extra stress for workers, survey finds

Menlo Park, CA – The holiday season brings with it a mix of joy and stress for workers: 51 percent say they’re more cheerful at work this time of year, but 35 percent feel more work-related pressure, according to the results of a recent survey conducted by Accountemps, a finance staffing firm.




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Out in the cold

As outdoor temperatures plummet, employers and employees alike can take steps to help prevent injuries and illnesses when workers have to brave the elements to get the job done.




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Work outside? Know how to prevent cold stress

If you work outside, it’s important to know about cold stress. Cold stress is a preventable danger that involves a person’s skin temperature – and eventually internal body temperature – dropping to levels at which the body cannot warm itself, according to OSHA. This can lead to serious injuries, including permanent tissue damage and death. Types of cold stress include trench foot, frostbite and hypothermia.




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Preventing falls in construction

Falls continue to plague the construction industry. According to OSHA, falls are the leading cause of death in construction.




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Sun protection in the winter

Sun protection may not be top of mind for outdoor workers during the colder months, but ignoring skin protection in the wintertime is a mistake.




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Does your workplace have a severe weather policy?

Snow-covered or icy roads, and slick driving surfaces resulting from heavy rain – these are just some of the weather-related conditions that workers may encounter. All this severe weather potential raises the question: Should workplaces have severe weather policies?




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Understanding hypothermia

Working in cold conditions can be unpleasant, uncomfortable and even dangerous if proper safety precautions aren’t followed.




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Parking lot safety

Parking lots can be a safety risk for workers, especially with the sun setting earlier during the winter months.




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Working in the cold

A spike in lost-time injuries and illnesses resulting from “environmental cold” suggests a lack of understanding of cold stress and how to avoid related injuries.




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The definitive guide to understanding ice cleats and traction aids

Download this guide to learn everything you need to know about the different types of ice cleats and traction aids.




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Protect against the cold: Tips for employers and workers

A thorough workplace safety and health plan should include steps to protect workers from cold-related hazards. This is particularly important for workers in the services, transportation, construction and agriculture industries.




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Driving in the dark: Avoid night blindness

You may not know the name for it, but if you drive at night, you’ve probably experienced situational night blindness. It can occur “when you are temporarily blinded by a bright light such as an oncoming car’s headlights,” the Texas Department of Insurance says.




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Safe winter operations at airports: New video from FAA

Washington — A new video from the Federal Aviation Administration highlights best practices for airport operators, air traffic controllers and pilots to follow to ensure safe operations amid snowy and icy conditions.




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MSHA publishes posters on wintertime hazards

Arlington, VA — The Mine Safety and Health Administration has published a series of posters intended to help mine operators mitigate hazards that occur during winter months.




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Improving indoor ventilation ‘critical’ during cold weather, OSHA says

Washington — Citing the increased circulation of airborne viruses when temperatures drop, “indoor air quality in the workplace during cold weather is especially critical,” OSHA says in a new alert.




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Learn How to Identify the Best Ice Cleats for Your Company

Download this guide from Winter Walking to identify the best traction aids for your organization.




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Use caution with cough and cold medications

Fall means cold and flu season is almost upon us, and store shelves are lined with a variety of products made to treat common symptoms. But those medications can be toxic when not used properly, according to the American Association of Poison Control Centers.




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Keep indoor workers safe from cold temperatures, too

“Workers – both indoors and outdoors – in services, transportation, agriculture, construction and other industries may be exposed to environmental cold stress that can lead to thermal discomfort, and in some cases even severe injuries, illnesses or death,” NIOSH warns.




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MSHA releases winter safety checklist for mine workers and operators

Arlington, VA — As winter approaches, the Mine Safety and Health Administration has released best practices aimed at reducing hazards related to cold weather.




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Staying safe in the cold

Protecting workers from frigid outdoor conditions requires awareness, planning and training. We've got seven tips for workers and safety professionals.




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On the Safe Side podcast Episode 36: Working in cold weather and ladder safety

In Episode 36, the S+H team dives into the February issue’s feature story on the hazards of working in cold weather. Additionally, Mike Kassman, director of OSHA and disaster response training at CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training, discusses ladder safety.




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Stay safe when using portable light strings

Portable light strings are electric lights connected along a cable, wire or string.




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Stay warm when working in the cold

Working outdoors already involves many hazards. Add cold temperatures during the winter months, and the number of risks grows.




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Drive safely on black ice

Although it can form on any road and “sneak up on you,” the National Weather Service says black ice frequently is found on roads that lack exposure to sunlight or are lightly traveled.




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Safe use of snowblowers

A snowblower can make clearing paths quicker and easier. But it’s important to operate them safely. Follow these tips from the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.




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Miners: Use extra caution during cold weather

Miners who work in cold temperatures are at risk for cold stress, which may trigger hypothermia, frostbite, and other injuries and illnesses.




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Working after dark

Whether it’s once a year when working on a specific project or part of a regular routine, if you’re a construction worker, you may be asked to work outside of traditional hours.