Posts By: Ken Cooper

National Farm Safety and Health Week is Sept. 15-21

Sept. 15-21, 2024 has been designated as National Farm Safety and Health Week by the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety. This event is intended to raise awareness of critical areas of safety and health specific to farmworkers and the hazards they face. Training workers in safety and general awareness is an important part of developing and maintaining a positive workplace safety…

Is Your Company Covered in Case of Cyberattack?

In today’s digital age, the threat of cyberattacks looms large over businesses of all sizes. From data breaches to ransomware attacks, the potential for economic loss and reputational damage is real and growing by the day. Today, cyber risk involves much more than protecting personal information – it has evolved and can lead to business interruption or, in many cases, complete business…

Protecting Outdoor Workers During Heat Waves

With summer temperatures rising in many areas of California and Arizona, it is imperative to keep outdoor workers safe from heat illness. Each year, there are reports of workers being hospitalized, with some becoming fatalities as a result of heat illness-related incidents. The steps required to prevent heat illness at the work site include: Plan. A written Heat Illness Prevention Program…

Week 4 of National Safety Month: Slips, Trips, Falls

Although injuries resulting from slips, trips and falls are often easily preventable, they still occur frequently; these seemingly minor accidents can have major consequences, not only in terms of human injury, but also financial losses and productivity setbacks.  There are many ways businesses can protect workers against slips, trips, and falls everywhere from the field to the production…

Week 3 of National Safety Month: Risk Reduction

In agricultural work, productivity and safety intertwine and proactive hazard identification emerges as a critical component of sustainable growth and employee well-being. Embracing Proactive Hazard Identification: Proactive hazard identification entails a forward-thinking approach to recognizing potential risks before they escalate into accidents or injuries. In the agricultural sector,…

Week 2 of National Safety Month: Roadway Safety

For agricultural employers, ensuring the safety of employees on roadways is a critical responsibility. Whether transporting goods, equipment or personnel, practicing safe driving habits is paramount to preventing accidents and protecting lives. Roadway safety is a shared responsibility that requires vigilance, training and proactive measures from agricultural employers and their employees. Here…

CPR & AED Awareness Week: Promoting Heart Health and CPR Training

Established by Congressional resolution in 2007, the U.S. observes June 1-7 each year as National CPR and AED Awareness Week, a dedicated time to raise awareness about critical lifesaving skills for cardiac arrest emergencies. CPR can make a significant difference in the outcome of a cardiac emergency. CPR training sessions teach participants how to respond effectively in emergencies,…

Week 1 of National Safety Month: Safety Engagement

For any responsible employer, ensuring the safety of employees is paramount. In agriculture, where the well-being of both employees and the environment is intricately intertwined with daily operations, cultivating a positive safety culture is not just a goal but a necessity. Through proactive measures and employee engagement, agricultural businesses can cultivate an environment where safety…

Stay Informed on Workplace Safety Trends During National Safety Month

June has been designated as National Safety Month by the National Safety Council. This event is intended to increase awareness of workplace safety topics and reinforce our collaborative responsibility to keep each other safe. Safety is everyone’s responsibility! Starting on the first week of June, there will be a four-part weekly series in the Spotlight newsletter following the topics…

Using Telematics to Bolster Fleet Safety Culture

In the realm of commercial driving, telematics continues to emerge as a vital tool for enhancing safety on our roads. However, it's crucial to recognize that while telematics offers valuable insights into driver behavior and vehicle performance, it alone cannot transform driver habits. A holistic approach as part of a comprehensive fleet safety program is necessary, one that integrates…

March 2024 is National Ladder Safety Month

March 2024 has been designated as National Ladder Safety Month by the American Ladder Institute. This event is intended to raise awareness of ladder safety and decrease the number of ladder-related injuries and fatalities. Safety is everyone’s responsibility! According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, thousands of ladder-related injuries occur in the workplace every year.…

National Heart Month: Promoting Heart Health and CPR Training

Every February, the United States observes National Heart Month, a dedicated time to raise awareness about heart health and cardiovascular diseases. Heart disease remains a leading cause of death globally, making it crucial to prioritize prevention and education. National Heart Month serves as a platform to encourage individuals to adopt heart-healthy lifestyles, including maintaining a balanced…

April 2024 is Distracted Driver Awareness Month

April 2024 has been designated as Distracted Driver Awareness Month by the National Safety Council (NSC). This event is intended to raise awareness and promote safe driving practices to decrease the number of on-the-road-related injuries and fatalities. Safety is everyone’s responsibility! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, distracted driving refers to any activity…

OSHA Announces Most Frequently Cited Workplace Safety Standards for FY2023

For the 13th year in a row, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) indicated that citations related to fall protection topped their most frequently cited workplace safety violation list. According to the preliminary list released Oct. 25, 2023 at the National Safety Council’s Safety Congress & Expo, the full list of top violations for the 2023 fiscal year,…

September 17-23, 2023 is National Farm Safety & Health Week

September 17-23, 2023 has been designated as National Farm Safety & Health Week by the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety. This event is intended to raise awareness of critical areas of safety and health specific to farmworkers and the hazards they face. Areas of focus for this year’s National Farm Safety & Health Week include Equipment and Rural Roadway Safety, General…

Week 4 of National Safety Month: Hazard Recognition

In any workplace, it is important to identify potential hazards and take appropriate measures to mitigate them. Workplace hazards can range from physical hazards such as slippery floors or heavy machinery, to chemical hazards, such as exposure to toxic chemicals to comic hazards like poor workstation design that can lead to musculoskeletal disorders. Identifying and addressing these hazards can…

Week 3 of National Safety Month: Heat-Related Illness

Every year, workers in agriculture and other industries become ill due to exposure to high temperatures. Some of these injuries, unfortunately, also become fatalities. As temperatures increase, it is important to take precautions to prevent heat illness. Following guidelines created by Cal/OSHA and other safety professionals will help workers from experiencing heat illness. Workers should be…

April 2023 is Distracted Driver Awareness Month

April 2023 has been designated as Distracted Driver Awareness Month by the National Safety Council (NSC). This event is intended to raise awareness and implementation of safe driving practices to decrease the number of on-the-road-related injuries and fatalities. Safety is everyone’s responsibility! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, distracted driving refers to…

Prepare for OSHA Indoor Heat Regulations

Cal/OSHA’s draft standard for indoor heat illness is expected to be published on March 31, 2023. It is expected that the formal publication will be followed by a 45-day comment period, which will likely culminate with the Cal/OSHA Standards Board meeting on May 18th. Pending since 2016 when SB 1167 was signed in September of 2016, priority on the development of the standard was overcome by…

March 2023 is National Ladder Safety Month

The American Ladder Institute has designated March 2023 as National Ladder Safety Month. This event is intended to raise awareness of ladder safety and decrease the number of ladder-related injuries and fatalities. Safety is everyone’s responsibility! According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, thousands of ladder-related injuries occur in the workplace every year. Workplace…