Author · 43 articles
John Mathew writes about offshore and marine-operation safety. His topics include platform maintenance, offshore lifting, personnel transfers, subsea activities and decommissioning, addressing the coordination challenges of work across vessels and installations.
TL;DR If you run any Class 3B or Class 4 laser, then you are expected to designate a Laser Safety Officer with authority to enforce controls (ANSI Z136.1-2022, US). If OSHA inspects a US laser workplace, then it applies no…
TL;DR Myth: Anti-vibration gloves are a first line of defence against HAVS. Reality: The HSE states no PPE can be shown to reduce hand-arm vibration risk. Myth: A certified glove protects against your tool. Reality: ISO 10819 is a laboratory…
TL;DR Myth: "Concrete is safe, plastic is not." Reality: safety depends on whether the unit is a crash-tested positive barrier — not on the material it is made from. Myth: "A water-filled jersey barrier stops cars." Reality: most plastic units…
TL;DR Set your monitor at arm's length, screen centre slightly below eye level — this partially closes the eyelids during work and slows tear evaporation, addressing one of the main dry-eye triggers. Match screen brightness to your surroundings — your…
At 3:15 on a winter morning, the underground haul road sits at its quietest and its most dangerous. Low-lux emergency lighting throws cold pools onto the ribs, a 90-tonne truck cycles past the tip at the bottom of the decline,…
Put your palm on the steel shell of a 30-metre propane sphere at an olefins plant on a coastal industrial strip, and the metal feels ordinary — cool, slightly gritty under paint. Behind that 40 mm of plate sits roughly…
I inherited a mixed lifting fleet when I moved to the distribution and cold-storage campus I now cover — sixteen counterbalance forklifts, four reach trucks, two goods-only platform lifts between the mezzanine and the chilled dispatch floor, and around 140…
TL;DR CO becomes dangerous below levels you can smell or see: Concentrations as low as 50 ppm sustained over 8 hours cause measurable health damage, yet carbon monoxide is completely odorless and colorless. OSHA's permissible exposure limit is 50 ppm…
I once walked onto a chaotic turnaround project at a petrochemical refinery where every worker, regardless of rank or trade, was wearing a white hard hat. When a confined space alarm triggered in Zone 4, the emergency response team lost…
As a Lead Auditor and Occupational Safety Expert with over a decade in high-risk heavy industries, I was recently inspecting an aging fertilizer plant where a maintenance technician had slipped inside a 50-foot caged ladder. Suspended by his tool belt,…
When it comes to managing chemical spills, toxic vapor releases, or hazardous material incidents, the margin for error is razor-thin. Personnel involved in these operations are exposed to potentially life-threatening conditions that require precise, informed decisions—none more important than selecting…
Laboratories are environments filled with opportunities for innovation and discovery, but they also come with various laboratory hazards that must be carefully managed. Whether working with hazardous chemicals, biological agents, high-powered equipment, or extreme temperatures, safety in the lab must…
Organizations tend to see health and safety maintenance as more of a cost rather than an asset. In reality, it is not only a vital part of any organization’s operations but also one of the most lucrative investments that can…
Fire is a crucial element in human civilization for cooking, heating, and industrial processes. However, uncontrolled fire can cause devastating damage. Understanding how a fire starts and sustains itself is key to fire prevention and firefighting. Most people are familiar…
Microwave ovens have become an indispensable part of our daily lives, offering unparalleled convenience in cooking and reheating meals quickly and efficiently. Whether you're a busy professional, a student, or simply someone who values time-saving kitchen appliances, understanding how to…
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a serious, often fatal condition that occurs when CO gas builds up in the bloodstream, preventing oxygen from reaching vital organs. Because CO is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, people often don’t realize they are being…
Heat stress is a serious occupational and environmental health concern that arises when the body’s ability to regulate its internal temperature is overwhelmed by high temperatures, humidity, and physical exertion. This condition can lead to a range of heat-related illnesses,…
Asbestos abatement is a critical process in the construction and renovation industries, designed to manage and mitigate the risks associated with asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Given the severe health hazards posed by asbestos exposure, understanding the abatement process is essential for…
In today's industrialized world, gases play a pivotal role in a myriad of operations, from manufacturing to energy production. While these gases are indispensable, they also introduce a spectrum of hazards that can jeopardize the safety and well-being of workers.…
The construction industry, particularly concrete work, is fraught with numerous hazards, making it imperative for workers to adhere to stringent safety protocols. Concrete, a fundamental element in construction, is associated with several risks, including chemical burns from its alkaline nature,…
In the bustling pace of today’s working environment, safety can sometimes take a backseat to other pressing concerns. However, fostering a culture of safety within the workplace is crucial to the well-being and productivity of employees across all sectors. "1…
Safety Surveys are critical tools organizations utilize to evaluate and enhance the safety of their work environments. These structured assessments actively seek out potential hazards, ensuring that workplaces meet regulatory standards and foster a culture of safety among employees. The…
In today's globalized world, where food products traverse continents before landing on our plates, ensuring their safety has become more crucial than ever. The intricacies of the food supply chain, combined with the diverse array of ingredients sourced from different…
In the dynamic and often high-risk landscape of the construction sector, safeguarding the well-being of personnel and ensuring the seamless progression of projects is paramount. The potent mechanism of RAMS - Risk Assessment Method Statements is at the heart of…
Certain roles stand out for their criticality and precision in the intricate world of construction, industrial setups, and various specialized sectors. One such pivotal role is that of a 'rigger.' This term may not be commonplace for many, but its…
In the vast ecosystem of workplace safety, one aspect stands out as a pivotal cornerstone: Hazard Reporting. But what exactly does it encompass? For many, the term might resonate as a buzzword, often heard but not entirely grasped. Whether you're…
Preventive maintenance is an essential strategy in equipment engineering and management, designed to optimize machinery and systems' useful life and performance. Through programmed interventions and specific techniques, the aim is to anticipate and prevent failures before they occur, thus guaranteeing…
Safety in the workplace is of primary concern in any working environment. However, while safety can almost be an afterthought in some workplaces, others, like warehouses, have dangers lurking around every corner. From heavy machinery to high-stacked shelves, warehouses present…
Managing vehicle movements represents a significant factor in operational safety across various industries, from manufacturing and construction to logistics and warehousing. This vital process involves an intricate blend of well-established protocols, modern technology, and adherence to stringent safety measures. Our…
Navigating the complex maze of roadways requires more than a keen eye and adept handling of a vehicle; it demands a comprehensive understanding of both driving and road safety hazards, along with the measures that can be taken to control…
HSE Blog is written by practising health and safety professionals from across industry.