Author · 54 articles
Babar Mughal covers mining safety and the control of high-consequence hazards. His topics include surface and underground operations, haul vehicles, mineral processing, conveyors and the safety interfaces surrounding blasting and tailings facilities.
TL;DR Off-site moves are dual-regulated: hazardous waste transportation answers to the EPA (40 CFR 263) and US DOT (49 CFR) at the same time. If you package it, the waste must go in UN performance-oriented packaging authorized for its specific…
TL;DR — Myth vs Reality Myth: Concrete is always safer because it's stronger. Reality: a rigid concrete Jersey barrier contains a vehicle well but transfers more force into the occupants. "Stronger" and "safer for the people inside" are different axes.…
TL;DR — The Numbers That Govern Whole Body Vibration 0.5 m/s² A(8) — the UK/EU Exposure Action Value. Reach this daily average and the employer must act to assess and reduce exposure (Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005). 1.15…
TL;DR Method selection is a safety decision — each piling technique introduces a distinct hazard profile, so choosing between driven, bored, CFA, or screw piles changes the entire risk assessment. Working platforms prevent the most recurrent serious incident — rig…
TL;DR — The Numbers That Define This Hazard 40% fatality rate across 308 man overboard occurrences reported to the UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch between 2015 and 2023 (MAIB, 2023). MOB is not a rare edge case — it is…
TL;DR Match equipment to hazard type first — personal air sampling pumps with laboratory analysis remain the standard for formal compliance; direct-reading instruments serve screening and real-time awareness but rarely satisfy regulatory compliance requirements on their own. Personal beats area…
TL;DR Obtain utility records before breaking ground — contact one-call services (811 in the US, LSBUD or the utility owner in the UK) and review plans on-site with the dig crew. Never rely on passive-mode scanning alone — connect a…
TL;DR Only upper-tier operators must produce one: Establishments above the higher Schedule 1 thresholds prepare a full safety report; lower-tier sites stop at a MAPP. Write the report around five demonstrations: MAPP and SMS in place, major accident hazards prevented,…
The nameplate on a junction box reads II 2G Ex db IIB T4 Gb. Twelve characters. Each one references a specific standard, a specific test, a specific limit on how energy can be released inside that enclosure. To the procurement…
TL;DR Article 19 of ILO C155 requires workers to cooperate with employers in fulfilling workplace safety obligations Recommendation 16 of R164 expands worker duties into specific, actionable responsibilities on the ground Worker cooperation is a legal duty, not a voluntary…
TL;DR Engineering controls physically remove or reduce hazards at the source — they don't rely on worker behavior, memory, or compliance to function once installed correctly. They sit in the middle of the Hierarchy of Controls — above administrative controls…
Used motor oil is one of the most common yet hazardous waste materials generated in households and industries. Whether you’re changing the oil in your car at home or managing an automotive workshop, how you handle used motor oil has…
Electrical equipment is integral to modern operations across industries, powering essential systems and machinery. However, this reliance has inherent risks, including electric shock, burns, fires, and equipment damage. These hazards can result in severe injuries, costly downtime, and even regulatory…
The explosion symbol is a universally recognized hazard pictogram used to communicate critical safety information about explosive materials. This symbol is part of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), ensuring a standardized approach to hazard…
Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) is a holistic framework dedicated to safeguarding the well-being of individuals, ensuring workplace safety, and protecting the environment. It encompasses a wide array of practices, regulations, and procedures designed to identify, manage, and mitigate risks…
Every day in manufacturing, maintenance, and industrial environments, workers interact with machines powerful enough to cut, crush, amputate, burn, or kill in seconds. Even a routine task—such as trimming material on a circular saw—can turn catastrophic if the machine’s guard…
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) — also called energy control procedures — is a fundamental safety mechanism to protect workers from accidental energization or release of stored energy during servicing, maintenance, repair, or cleaning of machinery and equipment. When done properly, LOTO prevents…
Roofing is among the most hazardous jobs in construction. Every step, from scaling ladders to walking across sloped surfaces, presents serious risks. According to occupational safety statistics, roofing-related falls and accidents are a leading cause of workplace injuries and fatalities…
Working at height is one of the most hazardous activities in many industries, from construction and maintenance to telecom and warehousing. Every year, numerous accidents and fatalities occur due to falls—most of which are preventable by adhering to essential requirements…
Working at height remains one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities worldwide. Whether it’s construction workers on scaffolding, maintenance crews on rooftops, or warehouse staff retrieving stock from elevated storage, any task performed off the ground introduces…
Working at height is an everyday reality for countless professionals across various industries. From construction workers to window cleaners and telecom engineers, the nature of these jobs often demands that individuals operate at elevated levels. However, with increased height comes…
Your home is your haven and a place where you should feel safe and secure. However, it's important to recognize that accidents and injuries can occur anytime, even in the comfort of your home. This blog will discuss some of…
Navigating roads safely requires understanding various traffic signs that regulate, guide, and warn drivers. One of the most essential warning signs is the Two-Way Traffic Sign, which alerts drivers that they are leaving a one-way roadway and entering a section…
School safety signs are vital in creating a secure and orderly environment for students, staff, and visitors. These signs serve as visual cues that guide behavior, regulate traffic, and prevent accidents in and around school zones. From marking pedestrian crossings…
Carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) are both invisible, odorless gases that contain carbon and oxygen, making them easy to confuse. However, they are chemically distinct and have vastly different effects on human health and the environment. Understanding their…
Scaffold tags play a vital role in ensuring safety on construction sites by visually communicating the condition of scaffolding structures. These tags provide workers and supervisors with critical information about whether a scaffold is safe to use, requires modifications, or…
Suspension trauma, also known as harness hang syndrome (HHS) or suspension syndrome, is a life-threatening condition that occurs when a person is left hanging motionless in a fall arrest harness for an extended period. While safety harnesses are essential for…
In today's workplace environments, ensuring the safety and well-being of employees is paramount. A Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Program serves as a critical component in safeguarding workers from various occupational hazards. But what exactly is a PPE Program, and why…
Workplace harassment is a pervasive issue that affects employees across various industries and organizational levels. Understanding its definition, recognizing its different forms, and knowing how to address it are crucial for fostering a healthy and productive work environment. This comprehensive…
Industrial noise pollution is a pervasive issue in today’s manufacturing and production environments, with millions of workers exposed to high noise levels daily. The noise generated from machinery, equipment, and industrial processes is not only disruptive but poses significant risks…
HSE Blog is written by practising health and safety professionals from across industry.