By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA “Wallace, if we lockout this machine every time we have a pill jam, we will never make any product!” This was the testy response I received from a production manager while performing a lockout audit at a pharmaceutical plant. With the...
Safety Articles
Five Habits of Safe Confined Space Workers
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA As a safety professional, I routinely receive accident reports from around the World. Many of these accidents are related to confined space work. Unfortunately, the same types of mistakes are repeated – resulting in injury or death. Based...
So – You Think You’re Ready for OSHA VPP?
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA A plant manager recently requested I perform an OSHA Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) assessment at his facility. “Jon, we have a great safety program here—I doubt you’ll find any major deficiencies.” Needless to say, the plant manager...
Five Safety Challenges Facing the Recycling Industry
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA Recycling and environmental awareness is at an all time high in the United States as well as the rest of the World. Instead of throwing all refuse into a garbage bag for disposal to the landfill, consumers and companies are sorting out...
Don’t Become a Victim of Heat Stress!
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA Completing the 2015 Escape fromAlcatraz triathlon With the summer months soon upon us we need to protect our workers from the potentially devastating effects of heat illness. As a triathlete who has completed both the Escape from Alcatraz...
Excavation Requirements – Summary
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA Regardless of depth: Daily Inspection by competent person prior to entry for evidence of possible cave-ins or other hazards. Re inspection after each rainstorm or other condition that could affect excavation. Locate spoil pile, tools,...
Common Electrical installation Violations
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA Electricity is an integral part of our life, both at home and on the job. Some employees work with electricity directly, as is the case with electricians, engineers, or people employed by electric power utility companies. Other employees,...
NFPA 70E – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA In response to the numerous questions and comments from my article: Performing the Arc Flash Hazard Analysis, listed below are responses to ten commonly asked questions. What is NFPA 70E? What is the difference between NFPA 70 (NEC®) and...
Performing the Arc Flash Analysis
By W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA Do your electrical workers (qualified persons) perform electrical work on energized electrical conductors? If so, appropriate electrical protective clothing is needed to protect your employees from the risks associated with an electrical...
Five Habits of Safe Electrical Workers (Qualified Persons)
An interview with W. Jon Wallace, CSP, MBA