Overexertion- an expensive injury

It's important for employers not to underestimate the costs of overexertion injuries. The insurance company Liberty Mutual estimates that overexertion injuries account for at least 25% of all worker's compensation claims. Back injuries are also often chronic problems, resulting in ongoing issues and many work days lost for the employee.

While OSHA has no specific regulations regarding pushing, lifting, carrying, and pulling, it does require that employers train on all possible workplace hazards.

If you have employees that lift, pull, or carry heavier objects on a regular basis, we recommend that you introduce Back and Lifting Safety into your regular training rotation. It's a great way to remind workers about hazards, and keep them mindful of their own health and safety.

Electrical Safety Training Now Available

Affordable Safety Training has released its Electrical Safety Training. Train your employees on the hazards of working with or near electricity. This is the perfect accompaniment to your lockout tagout training. Get yours today!

Can you use a crane hook for a fall protection anchor?

Todays question comes from a gentleman in the oil industry. He wants to know:

"Can I use a crane hoist hook as an anchor for fall protection?"

Here is OSHA 29 CFR 1926's response:

1926.502(d)(23)
Personal fall arrest systems shall not be attached to guardrail systems, nor shall they be attached to hoists except as specified in other subparts of this Part.

Subpart M does not mention the permissible use of hoists anywhere, and neither does the Cranes and Hoists standard. So the answer is no, that they cannot be used.