Chris Peightel

musculoskeletal

Preventing Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Through Ergonomics

Background Ergonomics is a field study that involves the application of knowledge about physical, psychological, and biomechanical abilities and limitations of the human body. This knowledge is applied to the planning, design, and evaluation of work environments, jobs, tools, and equipment to improve worker performance, safety and health. In layperson terms, ergonomics is fitting the

Preventing Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Through Ergonomics Read More »

crane operator

Use of Overhead Cranes, Powered Industrial Trucks, and Slings – Risks of Unsafe Use and OSHA/ANSI Requirements for Training and Operation

Introduction Efficient handling of materials is vital to the steel fabricating and coating shop processes. These facilities typically employ powered industrial trucks, overhead and gantry cranes, and slings to move tons of materials such as steel within the confines of a building, between buildings, and to/ from transportation vehicles. Material handling is not done without

Use of Overhead Cranes, Powered Industrial Trucks, and Slings – Risks of Unsafe Use and OSHA/ANSI Requirements for Training and Operation Read More »

noise hazards

Noise Hazards in the Coatings Industry: Long Term Effects and Hearing Conservation

Primary Contributors to Noise Hazards in the Coatings Industry Continuous exposure to noise above 85 dBA (adjusted decibels) causes permanent damage to the hair cells in the cochlea resulting in irreversible hearing damage.  The National Institute Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends 85 dBa as the maximum exposure to noise over an eight hour time

Noise Hazards in the Coatings Industry: Long Term Effects and Hearing Conservation Read More »

organic solvent

Effects of Organic Solvent Exposure on Humans

An organic solvent is a chemical that is relatively stable, in the liquid state at temperatures of approximately 0 degree to 250 degree Celsius.  Common organic solvents are classified as alcohols, aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons, aliphatic hydrocarbons, esters, glycol ethers, and ketones. Organic solvents are widely employed since they dissolve, suspend or extract other materials

Effects of Organic Solvent Exposure on Humans Read More »

crystalline silica exposure

Respirable Crystalline Silica Exposures in the Coatings Industry

Introduction Occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica in the coatings industry may occur during, or while working alongside dust-producing operations involving a concrete substrate, while using sand as an abrasive (silica may be present in the abrasive), or as a component of the coating (silica may be an extender used in coatings). Operations using sand

Respirable Crystalline Silica Exposures in the Coatings Industry Read More »

fall protection

National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls: An Opportunity to Save Lives and Improve our Industry

National Safety Stand Down For the past several years, OSHA has promoted an annual National Safety Stand-Down.  The focus of this year’s National Stand-Down was to raise awareness of preventing fall hazards in the construction industry.  During the stand-down, employers and employees are asked to take a break in the work day to talk about

National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls: An Opportunity to Save Lives and Improve our Industry Read More »