In this episode, I talk with Terry Dussault, president of Yellowknife Consulting Services, about improving workplace safety through training and implementing hazard communication and safe work standards to boost productivity and morale. Terry emphasizes the importance of comprehensive safety practices, covering accident prevention with equipment, vehicle safety, and protection from airborne contaminants.
***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***
Engineering Quotes:
Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Terry:
- What steps should supervisors take to enhance workplace safety?
- How can practical aspects of safety be effectively incorporated into training sessions?
- In what ways does implementing a hazard communication and safe work standards system impact employee productivity and morale?
- What factors are driving the increase in hazardous communication, workplace safety issues, and strikes, and how can businesses effectively manage these risks?
- Given the rising risks, how should businesses address and manage them effectively?
- How do you recommend employers ensure compliance and safety in the workplace?
- To ensure compliance and safety regarding powered industrial trucks like forklifts, what recommendations do you have given their prevalent use and inherent risks?
- What are the essential elements for ensuring compliance and safety in the workplace?
- How can workplace incidents involving workers being struck by vehicles, trucks, and equipment be prevented, and how can the consequences be minimized?
- Are workplaces utilizing technology to address the issue of people being struck by vehicles?
- What measures can employers take to protect workers from airborne contaminants, and how can these actions mitigate financial and legal consequences for the company?
- What specific biological hazards are present in manufacturing and aerospace workplaces?
- What advice would you offer to engineers and safety professionals who are starting their careers to ensure workplace safety and environmental compliance?
Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About the Best Practices for Implementing Training in Workplace Safety:
- Supervisors should undergo thorough training on safety protocols and communication skills to enhance workplace safety. Employers should provide ongoing support and follow-up to ensure that safety standards are consistently implemented and maintained.
- To incorporate practical safety aspects into training sessions, use interactive exercises in the classroom to engage participants and reinforce learning. Follow this with hands-on practice in real job settings, including performance evaluations, to enhance safety skills beyond theory, especially in high-risk industries like construction.
- Implementing hazard communication and safe work standards positively impacts employee productivity and morale by providing clear safety guidelines and a safer work environment. Workers feel valued and secure in environments with strong safety programs, leading to higher morale and improved productivity.
- The increase in hazardous communication, workplace safety issues, and strikes is fueled by incidents leading to financial losses, regulatory fines, injuries, property damage, or security breaches. To manage these risks, businesses should prioritize safety improvements, implement robust hazard communication programs, conduct regular safety training, and foster a safety-conscious culture where employees actively participate in safety initiatives.
- Implementing a robust safety program with incident and near-miss reporting helps companies identify and address risks early, preventing serious incidents like lead exposure. Regular site inspections and proactive safety measures not only ensure worker safety but also protect against costly incidents that could impact business viability.
- The strict regulation around powered industrial trucks like forklifts reflects their high risk and frequent incidents reported by OSHA, making them one of the most hazardous equipment types. Forklifts can cause life-changing injuries such as knee or rib injuries, highlighting the critical need for robust safety measures and training.
- Regular training and operator observations are essential to ensure safe equipment use, especially in warehouse settings where workers may be near fast-moving machinery. Engineering controls like designated lanes and mirrors further enhance safety by reducing risks associated with powered industrial trucks and other equipment.
- In a project involving hiring equipment operators for a team-based job, there was a spike in incidents, prompting the employer to conduct additional safety training and assessments to address safety concerns and ensure proper equipment use.
- Proper training and dedicated focus are essential for ground personnel tasked with spotting heavy equipment to prevent miscommunications and accidents on job sites. Clear communication protocols between equipment operators and ground personnel are crucial to ensure safety, especially when working around large vehicles and machinery.
- Newer heavy equipment features sensors and cameras that improve safety by reducing blind spots and enhancing operator visibility. Understanding unique blind spots identified in equipment-specific maps, like those available from manufacturers, is essential for workers to stay clear of hazardous areas when working around heavy machinery.
- Employers in environmental cleanup must monitor air for hazards like pesticides and heavy metals using tools like direct-read instruments or SUMA canisters. This protects workers from unseen health risks and ensures compliance with safety standards set by OSHA and NIOSH.
- In janitorial settings, workers may encounter biohazards like bodily fluids, posing health risks. Employers can reduce this risk by clarifying job responsibilities in contracts and providing clear guidelines to workers on which tasks to handle and how to escalate concerns to supervisors when needed.
- To succeed in their field, professionals should strive to become subject matter experts and continuously learn about safety and regulatory compliance. Understanding how safety and compliance are integrated into engineering and technology can enhance one’s career and reputation for integrity in the industry.
More Details in This Episode…
About Terry Dussault
As a corporate EH&S professional, Terry Dussault, founder of Yellowknife Consulting Services, has been Southern California’s top safety expert for over 25 years. Terry specializes in preparing and implementing training programs related to Cal OSHA and DOSH, EPA, and DOT regulations.
Terry has an extensive background in environmental compliance on various projects, including those impacted by contamination from prior manufacturing and distribution operations.
Before being a health and safety consultant, Terry accumulated 25 years of experience as an EH&S professional on environmental remediation projects, manufacturing plants, and aerospace.
About the Host: K. James Taylor, Jr., P.E.
K. James Taylor, Jr., P.E., is a licensed professional engineer and an associate vice president at Verdantas, an emerging environmental, engineering, and technical consulting company with a green, sustainable, and people-first approach in the foreground. James has over 17 years of experience in civil engineering in the land development and municipal fields. Land development services include the design of subdivisions and site plans for compliance with local codes and ordinances, civil/site engineering, stormwater management, road design, and utility design. James has served as a project manager since 2018. In 2021, James was recognized with the Outstanding Project Manager Award at Duffield Associates (now Verdantas) for outstanding performance as a project manager and his consistent display of leadership traits valued by the company, including scheduling, management, proactive communication, collaboration, responsiveness, and client-focused service.
James was selected as the 2021 Young Engineer of the Year by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Delaware Section and served as the President of the Delaware Engineering Society and the New Professionals Director on the NSPE Board of Directors from 2021-2023.
Books Mentioned in This Episode:
OSHA 1926 Construction Standards
OSHA 1910 General Industry Standards
Sources/References:
Yellowknife Consulting Services
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health)
SUMMA Canister
Connect with Terry Dussault on LinkedIn
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