<h2>Importance and Purpose</h2>
<p>Regular toolbox talks aim to discuss workplace hazards, the best way to address them, and ideal ways to keep workers safe. According to the <a href="https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/586348/guide-toolbox-talk.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Safe Work Australia </a>and the <a href="https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/resources/toolboxtalks.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE)</a>, these talks are a major key to reducing workplace incidents.</p>
<p>In addition to identifying immediate hazards for the day, an effective toolbox talk can help with the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>Growing a positive safety culture within an organization</li>
<li>Keeping all workers alert</li>
<li>Improving team communication and productivity</li>
<li>Reminding workers and employers of their duties and responsibilities</li>
<li>Providing an updated record of hazards and action plans</li>
</ul>
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<h2>Common Toolbox Talk Topics</h2>
<p>Topical items for discussion can be identified by asking workers for input, identifying changes in the plant, work process, or work environment, and developing actions in response to accidents or incidents in the workplace.</p>
<p>While you can conduct <a href="https://public-library.safetyculture.io/products/toolbox-talk-meeting-record">general safety toolbox talks</a>, it helps to focus on the right topic for regular work-specific hazards. Here are some of the most common toolbox talk topics and ideas:</p>
<h3>1. Construction Safety Toolbox Talk Topics</h3>
<p>Construction workers are exposed to different health and safety hazards on site that, if not properly mitigated, may cause incidents, injuries, or fatalities. Common topics discussed for <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/toolbox-topics/construction-toolbox-talk-topics/">toolbox topics in the construction field</a> include the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>Top causes of falls</li>
<li>Causes of electrocution</li>
<li>What to do when struck by an object or caught between objects</li>
<li>Preventive tips on how to avoid these common incidents</li>
</ul>
<h3>2. Slips Trips and Falls Safety Toolbox Talk Topics</h3>
<p><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/slips-trips-and-falls/">Slips, trips, and falls</a> are some of the most common causes of accidents in the workplace and often the most overlooked hazard. Because of this, these safety incidents merit their own toolbox talk.</p>
<p>For this topic, discuss with your team the most common types of slip injuries and have them point out any hazards at work. Get your team to suggest methods to prevent these measures.</p>
<h3>3. Electrical Safety Toolbox Talk Topics</h3>
<p>Electrocutions account for one of the most common injuries seen on construction sites. Discussing this topic during your toolbox talk helps remind every worker about the hazards of electricity and the preventive measures when getting in contact with it.</p>
<p>Remind your team of the basics of <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/toolbox-topics/electrical-safety-toolbox-talk/">electrical safety</a>, discuss lock-out tag-out procedures, list all major <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/electrical-hazards/">hazards</a>, and ask the team to identify any pre-shift or <a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/pre-start/">pre-start issues</a>.</p>
<h3>4. PPE Safety Toolbox Talk Topics</h3>
<p><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/ppe-safety/">Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) </a>is used to reduce employees’ exposure to hazards. Thus, before work, employers must properly discuss how to use them and emphasize their importance in keeping them safe at work.</p>
<p>This toolbox topic can help inform employees about the guidelines and conditions of each PPE and record faulty equipment for repair or replacement.</p>
<h3>5. Working at Heights Safety Toolbox Talk Topics</h3>
<p>For work that involves heights, it’s important to have toolbox talks that discuss its dangers, all appropriate safety measures in place, and the proper use of fall protection equipment.</p>
<h3>6. Confined Space Safety Toolbox Talk Topics</h3>
<p>It’s essential to conduct safety toolbox talks before sending workers to work in <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/confined-space-safety/">confined spaces</a>, for this line of work exposes them to various deadly gases and oxygen deficiency.</p>
<p>For this toolbox talk topic, discuss all hazards present in the confined space and agree as a team on how to address them in different situations. You and your safety personnel can also use a <a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/confined-space/">confined space safety checklist</a> to supplement your toolbox talk. It can work as a guide to conduct their talks daily and record key action points.</p>
<h3>7. Accident Reporting Toolbox Talk Topics</h3>
<p>Proper <a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/accident-investigation-report/">accident </a>and <a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/incident-report-form-templates/">incident </a>reporting should also be included in your toolbox talks. Empower your employees to report incidents effectively by answering the following questions:</p>
<ul>
<li>“What do I report?”</li>
<li>“Who do I report it to?”</li>
<li>“When do I report?”</li>
</ul>
<p>Use an accident and incident reporting checklist to assist your employees in properly documenting accidents in the workplace.</p>
<h3>8. Asbestos Awareness Toolbox Talk Topics</h3>
<p>Asbestos is known as a hidden killer that can put both employees and businesses at risk. Given the risk it presents to the worker&#8217;s health, this toolbox talk topic is crucial, especially in the construction and manufacturing industries.</p>
<p>Create and share a toolbox talk that shares awareness of <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/asbestos/">asbestos</a>, such as the different types of asbestos-containing materials that workers may come in contact with.</p>
<h3>9. COSHH Toolbox Talk Topics</h3>
<p>Workplaces have the potential to produce hazardous substances, whether from cleaning chemicals or dust and gases. Common toolbox talk topics for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) include the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>Identifying which tasks involve hazardous substances</li>
<li><a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/coshh-assessment/">How to assess COSHH risks</a></li>
<li>Risks of each substance</li>
<li>How to reduce the risks of harm occurring</li>
</ul>
<h3>10. Excavation Toolbox Talk Topics</h3>
<p>Industries involved in building sites should ensure worker safety by using this as a topic in their toolbox talks. During your team’s toolbox talk, be sure to go through the general requirements for excavation safety.</p>
<p>Streamline your toolbox talks with an <a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/excavation-and-trench-safety/">excavation safety checklist</a>. You can also use it to perform worksite and equipment inspections and ensure utilities, barriers, walkways, and warning systems are in place.</p>
<h3>11. Fire Extinguisher Toolbox Talk Topics</h3>
<p>In the event of fire incidents, employers expect their employees to use fire extinguishers. Using this as a topic for toolbox talk can help employees get details in terms of its location and their roles during fire emergencies.</p>
<p>Discuss with your employees the different types of fire and the appropriate extinguisher to use. It also helps to use <a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/fire-extinguisher/">checklists </a>for identifying defects on tags and seals on fire extinguishers and ensure they’re safe for use.</p>
<h3>12. Fire Safety Toolbox Talk Topics</h3>
<p>Raise awareness of fire risks and discuss with your team the different types of<a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/fire-safety-checklists/"> fire safety</a> issues that may occur in the workplace. You can discuss fire prevention methods to mitigate fire-related risks and avoid injuries and accidents.</p>
<h3>13. First Aid Toolbox Talk Topics</h3>
<p>Discuss this topic amongst your team to ensure everyone knows basic <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/first-aid-in-the-workplace/">first aid</a> arrangements in place. During your toolbox talk, cover the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>Location where first aid equipment and supplies are stored</li>
<li>Emergency contacts in case of a serious injury</li>
<li>Objectives to administer when providing first aid to an injured person until professional help arrives</li>
</ul>
<h3>14. Forklift Safety Toolbox Talk Topics</h3>
<p>Before starting work that involves <a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/forklift-checklists/">forklifts</a>, discuss the following with your team:</p>
<ul>
<li>Basic <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/forklift-safety/">forklift safety</a> practices</li>
<li>Blind spots to forklifts</li>
<li>Standard safety practices</li>
<li><a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/forklift-maintenance/">Forklift maintenance tasks</a></li>
</ul>
<h3>15. Housekeeping Toolbox Talk</h3>
<p>A disorderly work environment not only lowers morale but also may result in employee injuries or, worst-case scenario, death.</p>
<p>To avoid this, you can conduct safety talks that cover <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/toolbox-topics/housekeeping-toolbox-talk/">general housekeeping rules</a> and best practices. During your toolbox talk, you can also discuss the effects of poor housekeeping practices to emphasize the importance of proper housekeeping.</p>
<h3>16. Manual Handling Safety Toolbox Talk</h3>
<p>One of the most common injuries across industries relates to pain, strain, and injuries to the back from improper twisting, turning, <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/lifting-safety/">lifting</a>, carrying materials, or digging.</p>
<p>During your toolbox talks, make sure to discuss and demonstrate the best practices for manual handling. You can also outline the best ways to identify and evaluate risk factors of manual handling in your workplace.</p>
<p>[sc_cta title=&#8221;Create Your Own Toolbox Talk Checklist&#8221;]</p>
<h2>Documenting Toolbox Talk Meetings</h2>
<p>Toolbox talks can be carried out differently depending on the topics to be discussed and the type of work to be done. It’s important, however, that all talks and meetings are documented for future reference and tracking past hazards or concerns.</p>
<p>Here is a basic example of a toolbox talk meeting recorded specifically for people working in confined spaces:</p>
<div id="attachment_146737" style="width: 610px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://public-library.safetyculture.io/products/general-toolbox-meeting-checklist" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-146737" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="max-width-100 wp-image-146737 size-full" title="Toolbox Meeting Topic Example: Working at Heights" src="https://wp-website.safetyculture.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/toolbox_meeting_topics.png" alt="Toolbox meeting topics" width="600" height="800" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-146737" class="wp-caption-text"><a href="https://public-library.safetyculture.io/products/general-toolbox-meeting-checklist">Toolbox Meeting Topic Example: Working at Heights</a></p></div>
<h2>Role of Training in Toolbox Talks</h2>
<p>Toolbox talks training, also known as safety toolbox talks or simply toolbox talks, is a short safety training session that’s typically conducted on a regular basis in workplaces. These sessions are designed to promote safety awareness, educate workers about potential hazards, and reinforce safe work practices.</p>
<p>On a broader perspective, toolbox talks and training contribute to the development of a strong safety culture within an organization. When safety is prioritized and openly discussed, employees are more likely to take it seriously and watch out for each other.</p>
<p>Today, you can use digital tools to create training programs that’s accessible anytime and anywhere, promoting a culture of learning and safety at all levels. By integrating these digital courses into your working systems, you can supplement your toolbox talks with the right safety tools and empower employees to take charge of their safety.</p>


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What is the three point rule toolbox talk?

FAQs About Toolbox Talks Topics 

A Guide to Toolbox Talks & Toolbox Talk Topics

Safety

Safety Management

Toolbox Topics

<p class="center"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-74845" src="https://wp-website.safetyculture.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/confined-space-safety-1024x974.png" alt="confined space safety" width="631" height="600" /></p>
<h2><b>What is a Confined Space?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400">According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a confined space is an area large enough to fully enter or perform certain jobs. A confined space also has limited or restricted means of entry or exit (e.g. portals, hatches, manholes, ladders, spiral stairways, <a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/crawl-space-inspection/">crawl spaces</a>, or long distances to exit) and is not designed for continuous occupancy. Apart from the OSHA criteria, confined spaces are defined across countries or regions as follows:</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400"><strong>NIOSH Confined Space</strong><br />
</span></h3>
<p>Based on the definition of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a confined space refers to a space that, by design, has limited openings for entry and exit, unfavorable natural ventilation which could contain or produce dangerous air contaminants, and which is not intended for continuous worker occupancy.</p>
<p>While OSHA enforces regulations, NIOSH provides research-based recommendations to prevent work-related injuries. Therefore, it is empirical that NIOSH includes the element of “<a href="#Confined-Space-Safety-Tips">unfavorable natural ventilation</a>” in its definition of a confined space.</p>
<h3><strong>HSE Confined Space</strong></h3>
<p>As the regulator of occupational health and safety legislation in the U.K, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) explains that a confined space is a place which is substantially enclosed (though not always entirely), and where serious injury can occur from substances or conditions within the space or nearby (<a href="#What-are-the-Oxygen-Levels-in-Confined-Spaces">e.g., lack of oxygen</a>).</p>
<p>While OSHA and NIOSH specify that a confined space is not designed or intended for continuous worker occupancy, the HSE emphasizes that a confined space safety does not only include substances or conditions within the area but also nearby or around it.</p>
<h3><strong>CCOHS Confined Space</strong></h3>
<p>The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) probably offers the most detailed description of a confined space. CCOHS elaborates that a confined is a fully or partially enclosed space that is not primarily designed or intended for continuous human occupancy and has limited or restricted entrance or exit, or a configuration that can complicate first aid, rescue, evacuation, or other emergency response activities.</p>
<p>However, the CCOHS adds that a confined space is a fully or partially enclosed space that can represent a risk for the health and safety of anyone who enters, due to one or more of the following factors:</p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-weight: 400">its design, construction, location, or atmosphere;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: 400">the materials or substances in it;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: 400">work activities being carried out in it; or</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: 400">the mechanical, process, and </span><span style="font-weight: 400">safety hazards present.</span></li>
</ul>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400"><strong>WorkSafeBC Confined Space</strong><br />
</span></h3>
<p>As a statutory agency based in the Canadian province of British Columbia, WorkSafeBC simply states that a confined space is an enclosed or partially enclosed area that is big enough for a worker to enter.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, they gave examples of a confined space that is enclosed on all sides such as a tank, or as few as two sides such as an enclosed conveyor. WorkSafeBC concurs that confined spaces are not designed for someone to work in regularly.</p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400"><strong>Safe Work Australia Confined Space</strong><br />
</span></h3>
<p>According to the definition of <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/safe-work-australia/">Safe Work Australia (SWA)</a>, a confined space is determined by the hazards associated with the specific situation—not just because work is performed in a small space.</p>
<p>As the Australian government statutory body for developing national policy relating to work health and safety (WHS) and workers’ compensation, SWA stresses that hazards in a confined space are not always obvious and may change from one entry point to the next.</p>
<h2><a id="What-is-a-Permit-required-Confined-Space"></a><b>What is a Permit-Required Confined Space?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400">A permit-required confined space also known as a “permit space” contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere or any other serious safety or health hazards. Permit-required confined spaces are characterized as a high-risk workplace, requiring regulatory permits and strict entry and safety procedures.</span></p>
<h2><b><a id="OSHA-Confined-Space-Standard-and-Requirements"></a>OSHA Standard and Requirements</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400">OSHA 1910.146 is the standard for confined spaces. It is </span><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=d944ab5bd5ec10a26d9956e5680ace57&amp;mc=true&amp;node=se29.5.1910_1146&amp;rgn=div8"><span style="font-weight: 400">found</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400"> in Title 29 (Labor) Subtitle B (Regulations Relating to Labor) Part 1910 (Occupational Safety and Health Standards) Subpart J (General Environmental Controls). The OSHA confined space standard explains the requirements for permit-required confined spaces in detail. Generally, listed below are some OSHA confined space requirements:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">Evaluate the workplace to determine if any spaces are permit-required confined spaces.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">Inform exposed employees if the workplace contains permit spaces.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">Take effective measures to prevent employees from entering the permit spaces if employers decide that employees will not enter permit spaces.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">Develop and implement a written permit space program if employers decide that employees will enter permit spaces.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">Use alternate procedures for entering a permit space under certain conditions.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">When there are changes in the use or configuration of a <a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/non-permit-required-confined-space/">non-permit confined space</a> that might increase the hazards to entrants, reevaluate that space and, if necessary, reclassify it as a permit-required confined space.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">A space classified by the employer as a permit-required confined space may be reclassified as a non-permit confined space under specific procedures.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">When an employer (host employer) arranges to have employees of another employer (contractor) perform work that involves permit space entry, the host employer should follow the established protocol.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">In addition to complying with the permit space requirements that apply to all employers, each contractor who is retained to perform permit space entry operations should adhere to the given process.</span></li>
</ul>
<h2><b><a id="What-is-a-Rescue-Plan-in-Confined-Space-Safety"></a>What is a Rescue Plan in Confined Space Safety?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400">A confined space rescue plan is a system of steps undertaken by designated personnel to rescue employees from permit spaces. The rescue and emergency services often use a retrieval system or the equipment used for non-entry rescue of persons from permit spaces, among other equipment and <a href="https://safetyculture.com/asset-management/">assets</a> necessary for safe entry into and rescue from permit spaces. The OSHA requirements related to a confined space rescue plan is as follows:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">Develop and implement procedures for summoning rescue and emergency services, for rescuing entrants from permit spaces, for providing necessary emergency services to rescued employees, and for preventing unauthorized personnel from attempting a rescue.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">Evaluate a prospective rescuer&#8217;s ability to respond to a rescue summons in a timely manner, considering the hazard(s) identified.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">Evaluate a prospective rescue service&#8217;s ability, in terms of proficiency with rescue-related tasks and equipment, to function appropriately while rescuing entrants from the particular permit space or types of permit spaces identified.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">Select a rescue team or service from those evaluated.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">Inform each rescue team or service of the hazards they may confront when called on to perform rescue at the site.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">Provide the rescue team or service selected with access to all permit spaces from which rescue may be necessary so that the rescue service can develop appropriate rescue plans and practice rescue operations.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">Provide affected employees with the personal protective equipment (<a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/ppe-safety/" rel="noopener">PPE</a>) needed to conduct permit space rescues safely and train affected employees so they are proficient in the use of that PPE, at no cost to those employees.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">Train affected employees to perform assigned rescue duties.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">Train affected employees in basic first-aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">Ensure that affected employees practice making permit space rescues at least once every 12 months.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">To facilitate non-entry rescue, retrieval systems or methods shall be used whenever an authorized entrant enters a permit space, unless the retrieval equipment would increase the overall risk of entry or would not contribute to the rescue of the entrant.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">If an injured entrant is exposed to a substance for which a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or other similar written information is required to be kept at the worksite, that MSDS or written information shall be made available to the medical facility treating the exposed entrant.</span></li>
</ul>
<h2><a id="Why-is-Working-Safely-in-a-Confined-Space-Important"></a>Why is Working Safely in a Confined Space Important?</h2>
<p>Statistics show that an average of 90 people died each year while working in confined spaces in the <a href="https://ohsonline.com/Articles/2015/11/01/New-OSHA-Rescue-Requirements-for-Confined-Space-Retrieval.aspx" rel="noopener noreferrer">United States alone</a>. Most of these incidents are caused by asphyxiation or oxygen deficiency due to the presence of deadly gases while performing certain jobs.</p>
<p>Detailed safety procedures must be thoroughly conducted to ensure all entrants will be provided adequate protection while performing their job inside the confined space. Moreover, employers are responsible for educating and reinforcing their workers about <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/confined-space-safety/5-tips-for-safety-in-confined-spaces/" rel="noopener">safety rules</a>.</p>
<p>[sc_cta title=&#8221;Create Your Own Confined Space Safety Checklist&#8221;]</p>
<h2><b><a id="What-are-the-Oxygen-Levels-in-Confined-Spaces"></a>What are the Oxygen Levels in Confined Spaces?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400">Outside the confined space, 21 percent oxygen is necessary to sustain life. Oxygen in confined spaces tends to go low. It might be used for rust, bacterial growth, and slime. Other gas may enter the confined space and displace the oxygen. Operations like heating will consume oxygen.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400">If oxygen is reduced to 12 to 16 percent, workers will increase pulse and respiration and experience loss of coordination. If the oxygen decreases to 6 to 10 percent, they will experience nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness, and even death.</span></p>
<h2>Prepare your employees for workspace operational risks with confined spaces training</h2>
<p>Risks that are associated with working in the construction or <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/mining-safety/">mining</a> industry are inevitable as that’s just the nature of manual work. Naturally, when working in enclosed spaces that have limited access and entry or exit points, appropriate training must be provided to workers prior to deployment. This covers the protective equipment they should use on-site and the safety practices the workers should observe the entire duration of their shifts. Most importantly, they should also be given an exit plan in the case of accidents such as the obstruction of the entry or exit access and the collapse of any areas where they’re working. It’s always ideal to train the workers on what they can do when faced with compromising situations so they’ll know what to anticipate when working on-site. Moreover, it will help your staff improve their knowledge and skills to effectively mitigate the dangers connected with working in limited spaces.</p>
<p>We&#8217;ve compiled a selection of <a href="https://www.edapp.com/top-10-confined-space-courses">confined spaces training</a> that your workers can take to ensure safe operations when working in <a href="https://www.edapp.com/course/confined-spaces/">confined spaces</a>. These specialized <a href="https://safetyculture.com/training/">training</a> courses address topics including entrance permit systems, atmospheric monitoring, emergency protocols, and more, all to provide your employees with a fundamental understanding of confined space regulations and procedures.</p>
<h2><a id="Confined-Space-Risk-Assessment-with-iAuditor"></a>Risk Assessment with SafetyCulture</h2>
<p>Working in a confined space requires deep knowledge of safety procedures and protocols to secure all entrants from known hazards. <a href="https://safetyculture.com/platform/" rel="noopener noreferrer">SafetyCulture (formerly iAuditor)</a> is a mobile app and cloud-based solution that empowers teams to collect consistent data to ensure adequate protection was provided to all entrants while performing their job inside a confined space.</p>
<p>With SafetyCulture, safety officers can perform <a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/confined-space/" rel="noopener">confined space risk assessments</a> on mobile devices anytime, anywhere—even while offline. They can easily capture, annotate, and attach photos of non-compliant items for more accurate reports. Confined space risk assessments can be sent immediately right after the inspection to any member of the organization with a single tap of a finger.</p>


What are the safety precautions in confined spaces?

What are the hazards associated with confined space?

What PPE is required for confined space entry?

What are examples of confined spaces?

FAQs About Confined Space Safety

Confined Space Safety

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Construction Safety

<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="max-width-100 aligncenter wp-image-74197" src="https://wp-website.safetyculture.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/excavation-safety-1024x974.png" alt="excavation safety" width="670" height="637" /></p>
<h2><b>What are OSHA Excavation Standards?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400">OSHA excavation standards are specifications of requirements for trenching and excavation, including protective systems. </span><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=428f22259370deb266e81e44448c9027&amp;mc=true&amp;node=sp29.8.1926.p&amp;rgn=div6" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400">In U.S. federal regulations</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400">, OSHA standards for excavations and <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/backfilling/">backfilling</a> are specifically found in Title 29 (Labor) Part 1926 (Safety and Health Regulations for Construction) Subpart P (Excavations), or 29 CFR 1926 subpart P. The excavation regulation also contains appendices for the following:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">Soil Classification;</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">Sloping and Benching;</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400"><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/timber-shoring/">Timber Shoring</a> for Trenches;</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">Aluminum Hydraulic Shoring for Trenches;</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">Alternatives to Timber Shoring; and</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">Selection of Protective Systems.</span></li>
</ul>
<h2><b>What is the Difference Between Trenching and Excavation?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400">The scope and application of excavation standards states that excavations include trenches which means that a trench is a type of excavation. Moreover, a trench is further defined as a narrow excavation in relation to its length, and it is generally greater in depth than width. The main difference is that “excavation” is the umbrella term that encompasses any man-made cut in an earth surface, including trenches. While a trench can be called a trench excavation and all trenches are excavations, not all excavations are made up of trenches only.</span></p>
<h2>Why is Excavation and Trench Safety Important?</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400">Excavation and trenching are amongst the most dangerous operations in the construction industry. Dangers can include cave-ins, falling loads, hazardous atmospheres, and hazards from using heavy equipment. </span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/take-5-safety-checklist/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400">Regular pre-work inspections</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400"> can reduce hazards and serious risk of injury. Safety inspections should check for the type of excavation being conducted, support and warning systems in place, access areas, weather conditions, heavy equipment, PPE, and other <a href="https://safetyculture.com/asset-management/">assets</a> needed.</span></p>
<p class="center"><a href="https://public-library.safetyculture.io/products/comprehensive-osha-hazard-assessment-checklist" rel="noopener"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="max-width-100 aligncenter wp-image-74812 size-full" src="https://wp-website.safetyculture.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/excavation-safety-hazard-identification-checklist.png" alt="excavation safety hazard identification checklist" width="670" height="230" /></a></p>
<h2>What are the Hazards in Excavation?</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400">“As any man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression in the Earth’s surface formed by earth removal,” </span><a href="https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha2226.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-weight: 400">according to the OHSA definition</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400">, excavations involve many hazards. Here are some of the dangers brought by excavations:</span></p>
<ul>
<li>The collapse of the sides of the excavation</li>
<li>Materials falling onto people</li>
<li>Falls, either people or vehicles</li>
<li>Nearby structures collapsing into the excavation</li>
<li>Electrocution, explosion, <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/blasting-safety/">blasts</a>, gas leak, or flooding, caused by damage to underground services</li>
</ul>
<h2><a id="What-are-the-Safety-Measures-for-Excavation"></a>What are the Safety Measures for Excavation?</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400">An OSHA investigation reported that the main reason why trenches collapse is that they are not properly protected. Protective systems such as sloping the ground, benching the ground, shoring the trench with supports such as planking or hydraulic jacks, and shielding the trench using a trench box should be properly implemented at all times. Other excavation safety measures include:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">Collapsing should be avoided by supporting the sides by either battering them or supporting them with sheets.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">Materials from the excavation should be stored at a safe distance from the excavation, this will help reduce the risk of them falling onto people.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">Adding barriers to excavation is an essential precaution to avoid people falling into the excavation.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">It is safer if vehicles are kept completely out of the excavation area, but if required the use of barriers and stop-blocks should help mitigate that danger.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">Cable, pipe, and service plans should be used to ensure that underground services are known so they can be marked on the ground or, ideally, the area avoided entirely.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">Around the areas where there are underground services, mechanical equipment should be avoided and instead use spades and/or shovels.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">Picks and forks should be avoided as they are more likely to pierce cables and pipes.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">Flooding can be avoided by ensuring that there is appropriate pumping equipment so that any water that seeps into the excavation can be easily pumped out to a safe area.</span></li>
</ul>
<h2><a id="Examples-of-Excavation-Protection"></a>Examples of Excavation Protection</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.651" rel="noopener noreferrer">OSHA</a> requires employers to implement protective measures for the safety of employees, contractors, and <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/subcontractor/">subcontractors</a> before they can work on and near excavations. Here are some examples of excavation protection:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Structural ramps</strong> &#8211; whether for the exclusive use of employees or of equipment around excavations, structural ramps must be built according to the design of a competent person.</li>
<li><strong>High-visibility vests</strong> &#8211; employees who are not only working around excavations but are also exposed to public traffic must wear high-visibility vests or clothing with similar reflective material.</li>
<li><strong>Warning signs</strong> &#8211; mobile equipment operators who do not have easy visibility of the edge of excavations should be able to see warning signs such as barricades which will indicate proximity to excavations.</li>
<li><strong>Testing</strong> &#8211; the condition of the atmosphere in and around excavations must be tested to ensure that it is safe even before employees are allowed to work at the site.</li>
<li><strong>Emergency equipment</strong> &#8211; equipment such as stretchers, harness, etc. should be available in case of an emergency.</li>
<li><strong>Regular inspections</strong> &#8211; Inspections conducted daily by designated competent persons can help reinforce excavation safety protection implemented for employees. Inspections conducted before shift starts can proactively catch and address safety issues.</li>
</ul>
<p class="center"><a href="https://app.safetyculture.com/sign-up" rel="noopener"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="max-width-100 aligncenter wp-image-74802 size-full" src="https://wp-website.safetyculture.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/iauditor-excavation-safety-software.png" alt="iauditor as excavation safety software" width="670" height="230" /></a></p>
<h2><b>How Excavation Safety Training Can Help You Build a Culture of Workplace Safety</b></h2>
<p>Undoubtedly, great training plays an essential role to deliver excavation safety. Common excavation course content usually discusses basic definitions, pre-planning, and protective systems. With today’s technology, you can easily deliver and track excavation safety training across multiple sites from wherever you are.</p>
<p>Now, you can effectively train your team through an excavation and trenching course you can create using SafetyCulture (formerly iAuditor)’s <a href="https://safetyculture.com/training/">Training</a>. Be able to monitor and track your workers’ skill development and refresher progress using one platform, making sure they get the knowledge and training they need. This way, you can standardize and reinforce best practices in your organization and prioritize their safety while maintaining quality work.</p>
<h2><b><a id="Excavation-Safety-Toolbox-Talk-Topics"></a>Excavation Safety Toolbox Talk Topics</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400">Another way to help reinforce excavation safety is by conducting toolbox talks regularly. Listed below are sample ideas of relevant excavation safety topics you can talk about with your team:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">Safe Excavation Access and Egress</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">Preventing Displacement of Ramps and Runways</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">Safety Tips for Sloped and Benched Excavations</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">Detecting Signs of Hazardous Atmosphere</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">Precautions for Exposure to Vehicular Traffic</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">Safety Measures for Exposure to Falling Loads</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">Protection from Water Accumulation-related Hazards</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">Accepted Engineering Practices for Specific Excavation Sites</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">Application of Tabulated Data by Registered Professional Engineers</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">Basics of Emergency Rescue Equipment</span></li>
</ul>
<p class="center"><a href="https://public-library.safetyculture.io/products/osha-toolbox-talk-excavation-safety" rel="noopener"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="max-width-100 aligncenter wp-image-74807 size-full" src="https://wp-website.safetyculture.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/excavation-safety-toolbox-talk-template.png" alt="excavation safety toolbox talk template" width="670" height="230" /></a></p>
<h2><a id="How-is-Excavation-Done-Safely"></a>How is Excavation Done Safely?</h2>
<p>To protect workers from injuries and fatalities, preventive measures should be implemented when workers begin excavating. According to OSHA, general safety measures to follow should cover the following:</p>
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">Inspect trenches daily before work begins. Don’t go near an unprotected trench. </span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/app/excavation-safety-software/"><span style="font-weight: 400">Excavation safety software</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400"> can help you ensure that your trenches are safe to work in by providing key safety measures and protocols to follow.</span></li>
<li>Check weather conditions before work, be mindful of rain and storms.</li>
<li>Keep <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/forestry-equipment/#what-are-the-different-types-of-forestry-equipment-1">heavy equipment</a> away from trench edges.</li>
<li>Be mindful of the location of utilities underground.</li>
<li>Always wear proper protective equipment.</li>
<li>Don’t work beneath raised loads.</li>
<li>Conduct atmosphere tests. If low oxygen and toxic gases were detected, workers must not enter the trench.</li>
<li>Protective systems like benching, sloping, shoring and shielding must be created.</li>
<li>Planning and implementation of safety measures must be done by a competent person.</li>
<li><a href="https://public-library.safetyculture.io/products/trench-or-excavation-daily-inspection" rel="noopener noreferrer">Use a checklist to perform regular self-inspections</a>.</li>
</ol>
<p>[sc_cta title=&#8221;Create Your Own Excavation Safety Checklist&#8221;]</p>
<h2>SafetyCulture Marketplace: Your One-Stop Work Gear &amp; Equipment Shop</h2>
<p>Improve safety in your workplace with <a href="https://marketplace.safetyculture.com/" rel="noopener">SafetyCulture Marketplace</a> as your one-stop shop for all work gear and equipment needs. Get on-demand access to top quality and specialized work gear from trusted equipment brands in the industry—all in one centralized location. Raise the bar of safety and efficiency by empowering employees to request what they need with just a few taps, anytime and anywhere!</p>


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Excavation Safety

two construction engineers conducting an excavation safety check using a tablet device

<h2><a id="Why-Conduct-a-Safety-Induction"></a>Why Conduct a Safety Induction?</h2>
<p>Employees without proper safety inductions tend to have a higher tendency for negligence or non-adherence to health and safety regulations. Moreover, these workers are also prone to injuries and fatalities because of misinformation or inadequate knowledge to properly deal with <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/workplace-hazards/" rel="noopener noreferrer">hazards in the workplace</a>.</p>
<p>A proper site or safety induction can help your workplace achieve the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>Promote a safe working environment for all employees.</li>
<li>Help employees understand the values and behavior of the workplace culture.</li>
<li>Ensure adequate knowledge of emergency procedures such as emergency exits, evacuation instructions and assembly points.</li>
<li>Proper <a href="https://www.edapp.com/course/the-basics-of-first-aid" rel="noopener noreferrer">training on first aid</a> and emergency protocols.</li>
<li>Proper equipment handling.</li>
<li>Understanding of critical government rules and regulations.</li>
<li>Help employees transition smoothly to the organization and adjust to the new role.</li>
<li>Workers know their work responsibilities and limitations.</li>
<li>Employees are educated about company policies against bullying, harassment, and other critical policies.</li>
<li>Employees rights and benefits are in place.</li>
<li>Drive improvement in productivity and quality of work.</li>
</ul>
<p>[sc_cta title=&#8221;Create Your Own Safety Induction Checklist&#8221;]</p>
<h2><a id="How-is-Health-and-Safety-Induction-Training-Done"></a>How is Health and Safety Induction Training Done?</h2>
<p>A health and safety induction <a href="https://safetyculture.com/training/">training</a> is provided for new employees. Safety induction trainings can <a href="https://www.edapp.com/course/new-hire-safety-orientation/">help new employees</a> become familiar with their work activities, responsibilities, their colleagues or teammates, and operating policies, procedures, and rules. The topics covered in a <a href="https://www.osha.gov/training" rel="noopener">health and safety induction training</a> will vary depending on the employee’s role.</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">To conduct an effective induction training, trainers, safety officers, or authorized personnel must first choose the topics that will be covered in the training.</span></p>
<p>Below are some of the common safety induction topics that can be covered during a safety induction training session:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.edapp.com/course/safety-in-the-workplace/">Hazards and risks in your workplace</a></li>
<li>Special equipment, such as personal protective equipment (PPE), which may require additional training</li>
<li>Safe work practices</li>
<li>Work health and safety legislation</li>
<li>Emergency procedures</li>
<li>First aid and other emergency contacts.</li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After that, they can proceed with the safety induction training, bearing in mind the tips below.</span></p>
<div id="attachment_146709" style="width: 631px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-146709" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-146709 size-full" src="https://wp-website.safetyculture.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/Safety_Induction_Checklist.png" alt="Safety Induction Checklist" width="621" height="873" /><p id="caption-attachment-146709" class="wp-caption-text"><a href="https://public-library.safetyculture.io/products/health-and-safety-induction-training-checklist">See a sample health and safety induction training checklist template here</a></p></div>
<h2><a id="Effective-Safety-Induction-Tips"></a>Effective Safety Induction Tips</h2>
<p>The following tips and methods can help you conduct more effective safety inductions in your workplace:</p>
<ol>
<li>Set aside some time to do the induction. It may be done individually or with a new group of workers before reporting to work.</li>
<li>Find a good location away from noise and distraction.</li>
<li>Don’t rush it or try to spin it out, set an even pace.</li>
<li>Make eye contact and ensure that everyone can hear you.</li>
<li>Grab attention early on</li>
<li>Be mindful of literacy and make sure that the workers understand what is required.</li>
<li>Be confident but avoid confrontation</li>
<li>Keep it simple. Be careful to ensure the messages you are sending are understood by the participants.</li>
<li>Explain employees work requirements and safety directions</li>
<li>Stress prevention and give examples of ignition sources.</li>
<li>Keep a record of content and attendees</li>
<li>Use a mobile <a href="https://safetyculture.com/app/safety-induction-software/" rel="noopener">safety induction software</a> or inspection app to keep track of induction steps and record-keeping</li>
</ol>
<p>[sc_cta title=&#8221;Achieve operational excellence&#8221; body=&#8221;Cultivate a culture of excellence with our digital solutions that enhance efficiency, agility, and continuous improvement across all operations.&#8221; btn_txt=&#8221;Explore now&#8221; btn_link=&#8221;https://safetyculture.com/operational-excellence/&#8221;]</p>


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Human Resources

Operations

Safety Induction

<h2>The 6 Most Common Types of Workplace Hazards and Their Examples</h2>
<p>Workplace hazards can be overlooked since the business is not aware of them. Identifying <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/workplace-safety/">workplace safety</a> issues can help prevent the likelihood of workplace incidents, accidents, or near-misses. <a href="https://www.osha.gov/safety-management/hazard-identification" rel="noopener">OSHA</a> identifies the 6 most common hazards in the workplace as follows:</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-141653 size-full aligncenter" src="https://wp-website.safetyculture.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/6_Most_Common_Workplace_Hazards.png" alt="6 Most Common Workplace Hazards" width="400" height="800" /></p>
<h3>1. Safety</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A safety hazard is the most common type of hazard that is always present in a construction <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/workplace-safety/site-safety-training/">site</a>. It includes <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/workplace-safety/unsafe-condition/">unsafe working conditions</a> that can cause injury, illness, or death. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Here are the basic examples safety hazards in the workplace:</span></p>
<ul>
<li>Spills on floors or tripping <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/office-safety/office-hazards/">hazards</a> such as blocked aisles or cords running across the floor;</li>
<li><a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/working-at-heights/" rel="noopener">Working from heights</a> including ladders, scaffolds, roofs, or any raised work area;</li>
<li><a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/machine-guarding/" rel="noopener">Unguarded machinery</a> and moving machinery parts; guards removed or moving parts that a worker can accidentally touch;</li>
<li><a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/electrical-inspection-checklists/" rel="noopener">Electrical hazards</a> like frayed cords, missing ground pins, improper wiring;</li>
<li><a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/confined-space/" rel="noopener">Confined spaces</a>; and</li>
<li>Equipment and machinery-related hazards (<a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/lockout-tagout/" rel="noopener">lockout tagout</a>, <a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/pressure-vessel-inspection/" rel="noopener">boiler safety</a>, <a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/forklift-checklists/" rel="noopener">forklifts</a>, <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/hand-and-power-tools/">hand, and power tools</a>, etc.)</li>
</ul>
<h3>2. Biological</h3>
<p>Biological hazards associated with working with animals, people, or infectious plant materials. Most at-risk workers include those who work in <a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/school-risk-assessment/">schools</a>, daycare facilities, colleges and universities, hospitals, laboratories, <a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/emergency-response-plan/">emergency response</a>, nursing homes, and outdoor occupations. Here are the <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/workplace-hazards/types-of-biological-hazards/">types of biological hazards</a> workers may be exposed to:</p>
<ul>
<li>blood and other body fluids;</li>
<li>fungi/mold;</li>
<li>bacteria and viruses;</li>
<li>insect bites; and</li>
<li>animal and bird droppings.</li>
</ul>
<p>Browse our guide on the specific <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/workplace-hazards/biological-hazard-examples/" rel="noopener">biological hazard examples</a> along with the <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/workplace-hazards/biological-hazard-examples/biosafety-levels/">biohazard levels</a> associated with them.</p>
<h3>3. Chemical</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Chemical hazards are present when a worker is exposed to any chemical preparation in the workplace in any form (solid, liquid, or gas). Chemicals can be safer to others, but to some sensitive workers, even the most common solutions can cause illness, skin irritation, or breathing problems. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Workers should be aware of the following examples chemical hazards in the workplace.</span></p>
<ul>
<li>Liquids like <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/cleaning-safety/">cleaning</a> products, paints, acids, solvents – especially if chemicals are in an unlabeled container;</li>
<li>Vapors and fumes that come from welding or exposure to solvents;</li>
<li>Gases like acetylene, propane, carbon monoxide, and helium;</li>
<li>Flammable materials like gasoline, solvents, and explosive chemicals; and</li>
<li>Pesticides.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/hazardous-substances/" rel="noopener">Browse here for free safety checklists you can use to manage chemical hazards</a></p>
<h3>4. Ergonomic</h3>
<p><a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/ergonomic-assessment/">Ergonomic</a> hazards occur when the type of work, body positions, and working conditions put a strain on the body. They are the hardest to spot since you don’t always immediately notice the strain on the body and the harm that these hazards pose. Short-term exposure may result in “sore muscles” the next day or in the days following exposure while long-term exposure can result in serious long-term illnesses. Ergonomic hazards include the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>Improperly adjusted workstations and chairs;</li>
<li>Frequent lifting;</li>
<li>Poor posture;</li>
<li>Awkward movements, especially if they are repetitive;</li>
<li>Repeating the same movements over and over;</li>
<li>Having to frequently use too much force; and</li>
<li>Vibration.</li>
</ul>
<p>Learn more about <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/ergonomics-safety/" rel="noopener">ergonomics in the workplace</a> and 10 simple ergonomic principles to follow. Also, browse for these free <a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/ergonomic-assessment/" rel="noopener">ergonomic assessment checklists</a>.</p>
<h3>5. Work Organization</h3>
<p>Work organization hazards are stressors that cause <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/workplace-hazards/psychosocial-hazards/">psychosocial hazards</a> such as tension, anxiety, or strain to workers. These can be experienced in short term (stress) or long term (strain) that is associated with workplace issues such as workload, lack of control and/or respect, etc. Here are work organization hazards examples:</p>
<ul>
<li>Workload demands;</li>
<li>Workplace violence;</li>
<li>Intensity and/or pace;</li>
<li>Respect (or lack of);</li>
<li>Flexibility/Control or say about things;</li>
<li>Social support/relations; and</li>
<li>Sexual harassment.</li>
</ul>
<h3>6. Physical</h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Physical hazards are factors within the environment that can harm the body without necessarily touching it. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Examples of </span><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/workplace-hazards/physical-hazard-examples/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">physical Hazards</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> include the following:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/radiation-safety" rel="noopener">Radiation</a>: including ionizing, non-ionizing (EMF’s, microwaves, radio waves, etc.);</li>
<li>Prolonged exposure to sunlight/ultraviolet rays;</li>
<li>Temperature extremes – hot and cold; and</li>
<li>Constant loud <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/occupational-noise-exposure/">noise</a> (which can be a <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/workplace-hazards/noise-hazard/">harmful hazard</a> if not well-managed or mitigated).</li>
</ul>
<p>Employers, managers, and safety officials can reduce common workplace hazards by establishing adequate safety protocols, hazard identification procedures, and conducting regular hazard assessments.</p>
<p>One of the most affected part of the body when it comes to hazards are our <a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/hand-and-power-tools/">hands</a>. In some cases, it is also mostly responsible for triggering hazards in the workplace. <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/hand-safety/">Hand safety</a> should be observed by people in the workplace to avoid injuries and accidents.</p>
<h2>What is Hazard Identification?</h2>
<p><a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/hazard-identification/" rel="noopener">Hazard identification</a> is a <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/risk-assessment/" rel="noopener">risk assessment</a> practice that aims to identify and record safety risks and work hazards to ensure the safety of workers and personnel. Hazard identification is usually done:</p>
<ul>
<li>when new processes, equipment, and/or machinery are introduced into the standard workflow;</li>
<li>before each shift;</li>
<li>in the performance of work;</li>
<li>during formal or informal inspections; and</li>
<li>after incidents occur.</li>
</ul>
<p>The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) also developed the hierarchy of controls to guide workplaces in implementing effective <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/workplace-hazards/5-hazard-control-measures/">hazard control measures</a>.</p>
<h2>Benefits</h2>
<p>It is the employer&#8217;s responsibility to inform, educate, and train their employees about workplace hazards. It is paramount to ensure a safe and healthy environment not just for employees but for clients as well. Early detection of hazards and implementing safety practices will help the business in achieving its goals. It would also help:</p>
<ul>
<li>prevent numerous work-related injuries and illnesses;</li>
<li>improve compliance with laws and regulations;</li>
<li>reduce costly repairs and unexpected damages;</li>
<li>improve employee engagement, productivity, and efficiency; and</li>
<li>boost overall business operations.</li>
</ul>
<h2>How to Identify (with Example of Hazard Identification)</h2>
<p>Failure to spot hazards can often lead to serious injuries and dangers in the workplace. All <a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/health-safety-checklists/">safety and health checklists</a> and programs must consistently identify and assess hazards to ensure that all workers are safe and protected.</p>
<p>A hazard identification procedure is done through a collaborative effort of employers and workers. A step-by-step procedure could be as follows:</p>
<ol>
<li>Gather information about existing hazards that are likely to be present in the workplace. Below is a hazard identification example that can be used serve as a template or reference:<a href="https://safetyculture.com/wp-content/media/2022/02/General-Hazard-Identification-Form-Sample-Report.pdf"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-141634 size-full aligncenter" src="https://wp-website.safetyculture.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/Hazard-Identification-Example.png" alt="Hazard-Identification-Example" width="600" height="800" /></a></li>
<li>Perform regular site walkthroughs to identify new hazards.</li>
<li>Review accidents and near-miss logs to further <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/workplace-investigation/">investigate</a> the root causes and program shortcomings. <a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/incident-report-form-templates/" rel="noopener">Browse free incident report templates</a>.</li>
<li>Identify similar trends across all incidents, illnesses and hazards recorded. Also, consider hazards that are present on non-routine jobs.</li>
<li>Determine the level of risk, significance, and frequency of each hazard to know which needs to be prioritized. <a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/15-best-risk-assessment-checklists/" rel="noopener">Download free risk assessment templates.</a></li>
</ol>
<p>[sc_cta title=&#8221;Create Your Own Hazard Identification Form&#8221;]</p>
<h2>A Tool to Spot Hazards Easily</h2>
<p>A traditional pen and paper-based hazard assessment involve carrying around numerous paperwork and a camera to manually document the identified hazard in the facility. This process involves a manual compilation of gathered data that is cumbersome and prone to errors. These hassles can be avoided with <a href="https://safetyculture.com/platform/">SafetyCulture (formerly iAuditor)</a> an inspection software and mobile app solutions.</p>
<p>With SafetyCulture users can perform <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/safety-audit/">safety audits</a> and hazard assessments quickly and accurately using a mobile device. An in-app capturing of identified hazards and assigning corrective actions to appropriate persons can streamline the reporting processes to immediately address the issues.</p>
<p>[sc_cta title=&#8221;Scale Your Enterprise Operations with Customizable Solutions&#8221; body=&#8221;✓ Scale ✓ Data ✓ Security ✓ Integration ✓ Teams&#8221; btn_txt=&#8221;Learn More&#8221; btn_link=&#8221;https://safetyculture.com/enterprise/?utm_source=seo&amp;utm_medium=topics&amp;utm_campaign=enterprise&amp;utm_content=cta-panel&#8221;]</p>
<h2>Stay Safe at Work with Digital Workplace Hazard Procedures and Instructions</h2>
<p>Workplace hazard policies and instructions are like the rulebook for your workers. They show them how to stay safe and keep the workplace hazard-free. But how do you make sure they actually follow these guidelines? The answer is simple: equip them with effective workplace hazards training.</p>
<p>Good training is the key to reinforcing the best procedures and instructions. Not only does it help your workers be more aware of potential hazards and be proactive in preventing accidents, but it also improves their quality of work and boosts their productivity.</p>
<p>Creating effective training is now quick and easy, thanks to the increase in <a href="https://safetyculture.com/training/">Training</a> tools and technology today. With just a click, you can transform your policies and procedures into engaging training that your team will benefit, from start to finish.</p>


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<h2>How is Ergonomics Related to Safety?</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When the principles of ergonomics are applied in the context of <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/workplace-safety/">workplace safety</a>, the concept of ergonomic safety is born. Ergonomics safety ensures that the products, methods, and environment that a worker uses are appropriate to fit the worker’s job requirements and personal capabilities. </span></p>
<h2><b>How did Ergonomics Safety Develop?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The practice of ergonomics safety principles can be possibly</span> <a href="https://ergoweb.com/a-brief-incomplete-possibly-inaccurate-history-of-ergonomics-or-human-factors/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">traced back to the early Egyptian, Greek, and Roman dynasties</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, where findings have shown that tools and other manmade devices (e.g. pulleys, wheels) were created to </span><a href="http://ergou.simor.ntua.gr/research/ancientGreece/AncientGreece.htm"><span style="font-weight: 400;">minimize workload</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Fast forward to the aftermath of the Industrial Revolution, people began developing factory machinery with some <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/safe-design/">design</a> principles closer to how we practice modern ergonomics. In 1857, Wojciech Jastrzebowski, a Polish scholar, then </span><a href="https://www.ergonomics.jp/e_index/e_outline/e_ergono-history.html#:~:text=The%20term%20ergonomics%20originally%20comes,with%20English%20translation%20in%201997."><span style="font-weight: 400;">coined the term ‘ergonomics’</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> &#8211; </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">which comes from the Greek words ergon (work or labor) and nomos (natural laws) &#8211; in his publication. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The modern principles of ergonomics safety became more prevalent during World War II as interest in logical human-machine interaction grew and military equipment, machinery, and weaponry became more complex. Human factors need to be taken into account to ensure that these advanced systems are to be operated safely. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When World War II concluded, research on ergonomics and safety continued to expand as more and more technological advancements were introduced. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Perhaps the most noteworthy development in modern ergonomics safety happened in the field of human-computer interaction, brought on by the explosion of computer usage in the workplace and, soon after, the home.</span></p>
<h2><b>Why is Ergonomics Important in Workplace Safety?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ergonomic disorders are the fastest-growing category of work-related illness. According to the most recent statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, they account for 56-63 percent of illnesses reported to OSHA. Further, a</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">round two million work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) also occur yearly in the United States alone.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Many of these are caused by ergonomic work-related injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome alone, tendinitis, rotator cuff injuries, muscle strains, and low back injuries due to risk factors like high task repetition, forceful exertions, and repetitive awkward postures. </span></p>
<h2>What are the Benefits of Ergonomics?</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The implementation of ergonomics safety as part of the workplace safety program helps ensure that employees’ capabilities and physical limitations are matched with the right tools and working spaces to ensure comfortable and safe working conditions for them. The </span><a href="https://www.pshfes.org/resources/Documents/ROI%20Cost%20Calculator/Ergonomics_cost_benefit_case_study_collection.pdf"><span style="font-weight: 400;">benefits of an ergonomics safety program</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> can not only make an impact on the lives of employees, but it can also make a difference in the overall efficiency of the entire organization. Here are some of the most notable benefits of ergonomic safety in the workplace: </span></p>
<h3><b>Helps reduce costs</b></h3>
<p>By systematically reducing ergonomic risk factors, you can prevent costly MSDs. With approximately $1 out of every $3 in workers&#8217; compensation costs attributed to MSDs, this represents an opportunity for significant cost savings.</p>
<h3><b>Helps prevent other incidents and injuries<br />
</b></h3>
<p>Workers who experience discomfort on the job may find shortcuts or workarounds that could result in incidents and injuries such as slips, falls, and lacerations. Implementing an ergonomics program and encouraging workers to report ergonomic issues early helps prevent MSDs as well as other common workplace incidents.</p>
<h3><b>Improves overall productivity<br />
</b></h3>
<p>Healthy employees are your most valuable asset; creating and fostering the safety &amp; health culture at your company will lead to improved productivity for your organization. Effective ergonomic safety programs can promote good posture at all times, less exertion, fewer motions, and better heights and reaches, thus helping employees to work more comfortably and efficiently in their workstations.</p>
<h3><b>Helps foster employee engagement and <a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/employee-satisfaction/">satisfaction</a><br />
</b></h3>
<p>Employees notice when the company is putting forth its best efforts to ensure their health and safety. It shows your company’s commitment to safety and health as a core value. If an employee does not experience fatigue and discomfort during their workday, it can reduce turnover, decrease absenteeism, improve morale, and increase employee involvement.</p>
<h2>How to Spot and Correct Ergonomic Hazards</h2>
<p>Here are some general ergonomic safety tips to help prevent the most prevalent ergonomic hazards:</p>
<h3>Workstation improvements</h3>
<ul>
<li>Redesign workstations to eliminate awkward postures.</li>
<li>Provide adjustable equipment that can be used by workers to allow neutral postures.</li>
<li>Maintain good body posture.</li>
</ul>
<h3>When transporting and handling</h3>
<ul>
<li>Be knowledgeable about body limitations.</li>
<li>Provide carts for transporting materials to eliminate lifting.</li>
<li>Require all loads to be labeled with their weight.</li>
<li>When lifting, keep your back straight and lift with your legs.</li>
<li>Assign two or more staff to lift heavy objects depending on weight.</li>
<li>Lift slowly and carefully.</li>
<li>Don’t twist or turn your spine while carrying the load.</li>
<li>Use shoulder pads to cushion loads carried on the shoulder.</li>
<li>Use knee pads for kneeling tasks.</li>
<li>Store materials at waist height to minimize reaching.</li>
<li>Design containers with handles for easy gripping.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Staff scheduling and training</h3>
<ul>
<li>Rotate workers among different tasks to avoid repetitive motions.</li>
<li>Improve the work schedule to minimize excessive overtime that causes fatigue.</li>
<li>Increase staff to reduce individual workloads.</li>
<li>Provide sufficient employee breaks.</li>
<li>Adequate recovery time can reduce fatigue.</li>
<li>Provide workers with<a href="https://safetyculture.com/topics/ergonomics-safety/ergonomics-training/"> training on ergonomics</a> policies and procedures.</li>
</ul>
<h3>General housekeeping</h3>
<ul>
<li>Follow good housekeeping practices.</li>
<li>Keep floors free of obstruction.</li>
<li>Use tools in good condition that fits the hand.</li>
<li>Properly maintain power tools to reduce exposure to vibration.</li>
<li>Use gloves to protect against vibration and rough surfaces.</li>
<li>Always practice proper machine handling.</li>
</ul>
<p>[sc_cta title=&#8221;Create Your Own Ergonomics Safety Checklist&#8221;]</p>
<h2>How to Improve Ergonomics: 10 Principles</h2>
<p>Follow these 10 ergonomic principles to help reduce injuries and improve productivity tasks in the workplace.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-6436 size-full" src="https://wp-website.safetyculture.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/joints-neutral-position.png" alt="ergonomics safety - principle #1: joints neutral position" width="150" height="150" /></p>
<h3>1. Joints must be in a neutral position</h3>
<p>In the neutral position the muscles and ligaments, which span the joints, are stretched to the least possible extent</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="max-width-100 alignleft wp-image-6440 size-full" src="https://wp-website.safetyculture.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/work-close-to-body.png" alt="ergonomics safety - principle #2: work close to body" width="150" height="150" /></h4>
<h3>2. Keep work close to the body</h3>
<p>If the work is too far from the body, the arms will be outstretched and the trunk bent over forwards</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="max-width-100 alignleft wp-image-6433 size-full" src="https://wp-website.safetyculture.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/bending-forward.png" alt="ergonomics safety - principle #3: bending forward" width="150" height="150" /></h4>
<h3>3. Avoid bending forward</h3>
<p>The further the trunk of the upper body is bent forward, the harder it is for the muscles and ligaments of the back to maintain the upper body in balance.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="max-width-100 alignleft wp-image-6438 size-full" src="https://wp-website.safetyculture.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/twisted-trunk.png" alt="ergonomics safety - principle #4: twisted trunk" width="150" height="150" /></h4>
<h3>4. A twisted trunk strains the back</h3>
<p>Twisted postures of the trunk cause undesirable stress to the spine.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="max-width-100 alignleft wp-image-6432 size-full" src="https://wp-website.safetyculture.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/alternate-posture.png" alt="ergonomics safety - principle #5: alternate posture" width="150" height="150" /></h4>
<h3>5. Alternate posture as well as movements</h3>
<p>No posture or movement should be maintained for a long period of time. Prolonged postures and repetitive movements are tiring.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="max-width-100 alignleft wp-image-6435 size-full" src="https://wp-website.safetyculture.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/excessive-reaches.png" alt="ergonomics safety - principle #6: excessive reaches" width="150" height="150" /></h4>
<h3>6. Avoid excessive reaches</h3>
<p>It is necessary to limit the extent of forward and sideways reaches to avoid having to bend over or twist the trunk</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="max-width-100 alignleft wp-image-6431 size-full" src="https://wp-website.safetyculture.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/above-shoulder-level.png" alt="ergonomics safety - principle #7: above shoulder level" width="150" height="150" /></h4>
<h3>7. Avoid carrying out tasks above shoulder level</h3>
<p>The hands and elbows should be well below shoulder level when carrying out a task</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="max-width-100 alignleft wp-image-6439 size-full" src="https://wp-website.safetyculture.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/weight-load-lifted.png" alt="ergonomics safety - principle #8: weight load lifted" width="150" height="150" /></h4>
<h3>8. Limit the weight of a load that is lifted</h3>
<p>Be guided on weight limits</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="max-width-100 alignleft wp-image-6434 size-full" src="https://wp-website.safetyculture.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/carrying-load-with-one-hand.png" alt="ergonomics safety - principle #9: carrying one hand" width="150" height="150" /></h4>
<h3>9. Avoid carrying loads with one hand</h3>
<p>When only one hand is used to carry a load, the body is subject to mechanical</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="max-width-100 alignleft wp-image-6437 size-full" src="https://wp-website.safetyculture.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/12/mechanical-aids.png" alt="ergonomics safety - principle #10: mechanical aids" width="150" height="150" /></h4>
<h3>10. Use mechanical aids</h3>
<p>Many lifting accessories are available to help lift and move loads</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Improve Health and Safety with Ergonomics Assessments</h2>
<p>Ergonomic assessments are used to evaluate how individuals use their bodies when interacting with their environment, particularly in a work setting. They involve identifying potential risks and hazards that may lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), including carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, muscle strains, and low back injuries. These conditions are among the most common ergonomic injuries in the workplace. The assessments enable the implementation of ergonomic solutions, such as adjusting workspaces, equipment, and tasks, to minimize physical strain and discomfort while maximizing efficiency.</p>
<p><a href="https://safetyculture.com/platform/" rel="noopener noreferrer">SafetyCulture (formerly iAuditor)</a> is an inspection software that provides visibility and insights to help raise ergonomic safety across the organization. With SafetyCulture, a competent person can record ergonomic issues found in the workplace and immediately send reports using a mobile device anytime, anywhere. <span style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://safetyculture.com/checklists/ergonomic-assessment/">Ergonomic assessments</a> are automatically stored in the cloud which makes it easier to access, review, and share within the organization.</span></p>
<p>SafetyCulture also offers <a href="https://safetyculture.com/training/">Training</a> for proper ergonomic practices, assessments, and safety procedures, allowing you to manage all things ergonomics in one place. You can create your own training module to fit your needs or download a premade one and customize it as you see fit.</p>


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