Overhead Hazard

Q:  Do we need to barricade off the area underneath an aerial lift?

A:  OSHA’s regulations do not specifically state that the area beneath an aerial lift needs to be barricaded off.  However, it is best to do so.  Tools or equipment could accidentally fall out of the lift and strike someone on the ground causing serious injury.  A hard hat only provides minimal protection.

We recommend having one of our qualified safety consultants evaluate your work site in order to determine best practices for your company.

Declining Voluntary Respirator Use

Q: Should employees who decline to use respirators on a voluntary basis sign a declination form?

A: Yes, although it is not required it would be recommended to reduce future liability.

Respirators

Q: Can employees share negative pressure respirators?

A: Yes, employees are allowed to share respirators however it is not recommended.  You would have to ensure that the respirators are the same make, model, and size, and that they are sanitized before each different employee uses them.

MSDS

Q: Is it required to maintain old material safety data sheets after you receive an updated version?

A: Yes. All MSDS’s must be retained for 30 years. An employer may keep record of the chemical used, where it was used and when it was used in the absence of the material safety data sheets.

Visit our news page for useful OSHA related links and tools.

Toolbox Talks

Q: If we have a 2-day construction project, do we need to do a toolbox talk each day?

A: OSHA does not require toolbox talks, although they do encourage them.  Safety meetings are always a good way to keep your employees thinking about safety, which is always helpful.  On a two day job it would probably be ok to just hold one meeting, unless the work you are doing is completely different on the second day.

Forklift Train the Trainer

Q:  Does the forklift trainer need to be recertified to train the operators?

A:  No, OSHA does not have any requirements for recertifying the forklift trainer.  However, if the trainer also operates any forklifts then the trainer would need to be recertified to do so every 3 years.

Recordkeeping

Q:  An employee hurt their back and was given a prescription but they did not miss any work.  Is this recordable?

A:  Yes, it is recordable because the employee was prescribed medicine.  Try using OSHA's Recordkeeping Advisor Tool.

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