Why Outriggers Are Important

Why Outriggers Are Important

Architectural GuardrailsAndrew Miller
Using outriggers or returns at the starts/ends potentially can reduce liability exposure if an incident occurs.  Specifying outriggers on each starts/ends of the railing systems provide the three important ways to help reduce a potential liability exposure if such an event occurred.
The IBC and OSHA Guardrail Requirements - Dakota Safety

The IBC and OSHA Guardrail Requirements

ConstructionAndrew Miller

The International Building Code (IBC) and OSHA have a lot in common. Do you know where their standards overlap? Are you in compliance?

The post The International Building Code and OSHA appeared first on Dakota Safety.

Making "Doors to Nowhere" Safe and Useful

Making "Doors to Nowhere" Safe and Useful

Active Fall ProtectionAndrew Miller
How to use a mezzanine door pallet gate to protect a "door to nowhere" situation on upper or mezzanine level while still allowing material to be passed through the opening.
What Is OSHA's Role In Construction Safety Standards? - Dakota Safety

What Is OSHA's Role In Construction Safety Standards?

OSHAAndrew Miller
The Act led to the establishment of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to oversee workplace safety and to set and enforce the standards of a safe and healthy workplace.
Ladder Guard Basics - Dakota Safety

Ladder Guard Basics

ConstructionAndrew Miller

Ladder safety often seems like a no-brainer but it's easily overlooked. Going over ladder basics could mean the difference between safety and injury.

The post Ladder Guard Basics appeared first on Dakota Safety.

Staying Informed on OSHA’s Fall Protection Changes - Dakota Safety

Staying Informed on OSHA’s Fall Protection Changes

Fall ProtectionAndrew Miller

OSHA plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of workers across the nation. Are you up-to-speed on their latest fall protection changes? Here's the facts.

The post Staying Informed on OSHA’s Fall Protection Changes appeared first on Dakota Safety.

Fixed Access Ladders 101 - Dakota Safety

Fixed Access Ladders 101

ConstructionAndrew Miller

If you're a brick and mortar business, chances are there's a fixed access ladder attached to your building. Check out this primer for access ladder basics.

The post Fixed Access Ladders 101 appeared first on Dakota Safety.

Fall Safety in the Manufacturing Industry - Dakota Safety

Fall Safety in the Manufacturing Industry

Fall ProtectionAndrew Miller

The leading cause of occupational injuries and fatalities is falls. In fact, within the past decade, it is the #1 OSHA-violated standard, resulting in workplace tragedies, costing businesses a substantial amount of money and damaging their reputations.

Perhaps it is fair to say that one of the most dangerous work environments is industrial spaces, including factories, warehouses, and manufacturing plants. Such settings create numerous opportunities for tripping, slipping, and falling from greasy floors and damaged steps to clutter and uneven walking surfaces. 

 

Ladders 101: Choosing the Right Ladder for Your Worksite - Dakota Safety

Ladders 101: Choosing the Right Ladder for Your Worksite

ConstructionAndrew Miller

There are many occasions on a worksite when there may be a requirement to work at height. For such a job, you’ll be unsurprised to hear that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) frowns upon clambering up the nearest tall object; you’re going to need a ladder.

But once you’ve made the decision that the task requires a ladder, how do know which type to go for? There are a wide array of options and picking the wrong one could be hazardous.

Here are a few things you need to consider when choosing the right ladder for your worksite.

 

Dealing with Worker’s Comp Claims (and Avoiding Them in the Future) - Dakota Safety

Dealing with Worker’s Comp Claims (and Avoiding Them in the Future)

ClaimsAndrew Miller

Workers compensation is a form of insurance designed to help employees recover from injuries sustained in the workplace. While each state has different laws pertaining to workers compensation, benefits typically include paying for medical expenses, death benefits, lost wages, and rehabilitation services.

Despite the amount of preventative actions a company may take, accidents do and will always happen. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “More than 1.1 million injuries happened in the workplace in 2011, with an average recuperation time of 8 days.”

Keeping workers safe on the job is one of the biggest expenses for employers; a large portion of the company budget goes to informing and training employees on safe work practices as well as reviewing facilities and making any necessary changes.

Beyond Repair: Knowing When to Invest in New Equipment - Dakota Safety

Beyond Repair: Knowing When to Invest in New Equipment

ConstructionAndrew Miller

In all industries, there comes a time when a business must evaluate a piece of equipment that is nearing the end of its lifespan and ask an important question: can it be repaired or does it need to be replaced?

For many industries, there’s a bit of wiggle room when it comes to squeezing a few more uses out of a piece of equipment. After all, what’s the worst that can happen if you continue using a laptop that’s on its last leg or an appliance that’s out of date?

On the other hand, safety and fall protection equipment is an area where you can’t afford to take chances.

 

Rooftop Safety For Dummies - Dakota Safety

Rooftop Safety For Dummies

ConstructionAndrew Miller

Forging ahead on a rooftop repair doesn’t need to be an occasion ending in a hospital visit. Whether you oversee rooftop work with a construction company or your workers conduct regular rooftop maintenance, the same rules apply. The chance of injuries are unfortunately all too common. A report issued from The Center for Construction Research and Training surmised from 2008 to 2010, roof-related falls accounted for one third of fall-related construction deaths.

Heeding to a little practical advice is key to preventing a painful – and possibly fatal – accident. Here are 5 no-nonsense tips on how to make rooftop work a cinch.