Author · 63 articles
Raja Usman writes about lifting operations, cranes and rigging. His topics include lift planning, equipment setup, exclusion zones, tandem lifts and dropped-object prevention, with a focus on the factors that influence lifting safety.
TL;DR — Myth vs Reality Myth: The smell warns you in time. Reality: Hydrogen sulfide deadens the sense of smell at high concentrations, so the odor often disappears just as the gas turns lethal. Myth: The real danger is dirt…
TL;DR — Key Numbers ~3 million healthcare workers worldwide suffer percutaneous bloodborne-pathogen exposures each year, including roughly 2 million hepatitis B and 170,000 HIV exposures (WHO, cited in BMC Health Services Research, 2021). ~385,000 sharps injuries occur annually among US…
TL;DR If your cargo meets the criteria for any of the nine IMDG Code classes, then classification, packaging, marking, labelling, documentation, and stowage must comply with the current mandatory edition — Amendment 42-24 — before the goods reach the port.…
TL;DR Record every ACM — known and presumed. The register must identify each asbestos-containing material by type, location (down to room and position within the room), quantity, and condition. Score fibre-release risk and disturbance likelihood separately. The material assessment evaluates…
TL;DR Joint type is set by the engineer of record, not the crew. A connection is snug-tight, pretensioned, or slip-critical before the first bolt is run up — never reclassified at height. Pretension means at least 70% of the bolt's…
TL;DR — What Every Employer Needs to Know Workplace mental health is a legal obligation, not a benefit. Employers in the US, UK, EU, and Australia face enforceable duties to assess and manage psychosocial risks — and regulators are actively…
TL;DR Heat exhaustion is your body's distress signal — it means your cooling system is failing and heatstroke is minutes away. Core body temperature between 38°C and 40°C triggers heavy sweating, nausea, dizziness, and muscle cramps. Dehydration, poor acclimatization, and…
TL;DR — What Employers Need to Know If your employees use screens daily for an hour or more → you are legally required to conduct a DSE assessment for each of them under the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment)…
The first LOLER thorough examination report I ever signed off was on a 20-tonne overhead gantry crane in a steel fabrication shop — running two shifts, six welders below it at any moment, a magnet attachment swinging coil after coil…
Regulation 5(1) of DSEAR 2002 reads that the employer "shall make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks… which arise from" a dangerous substance. Three phrases in that clause — suitable and sufficient, before work is carried out, and…
TL;DR OSHA mandates fall protection at 6 feet in construction and 4 feet in general industry — no exceptions, no shortcuts Guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems are the three primary protection methods under Subpart M A written…
Three years into a role managing process safety at a gas fractionation complex, I sat through a corporate leadership review where an executive pointed at the facility's Total Recordable Injury Rate — it had dropped to 0.24 — and declared…
TL;DR A Permit to Work (PTW) system is a formal, documented process that authorizes high-risk work only after all hazards have been identified, controls verified, and responsibilities assigned — it is the last gate between planning and execution on any…
TL;DR — Fire Hydrant Essentials A fire hydrant is a fixed water supply access point connected to a pressurized main, designed to deliver high-volume water flow to firefighters and fire suppression crews during emergencies. Two primary types dominate global installations:…
Imagine a maintenance technician with twenty years of experience. He knows the machinery inside and out. He has performed the same isolation procedure five hundred times. But on this specific Tuesday, he is tired. There is a production manager breathing…
As the crisp autumn air ushers in the vibrant hues of November, workplaces face a unique blend of seasonal challenges and safety considerations. This month marks the onset of holiday preparations, such as Thanksgiving, and encompasses important awareness campaigns like…
Cold stress is a serious occupational hazard affecting individuals who work in cold environments for extended periods, such as outdoor workers, unheated spaces, or workers handling refrigerated goods. Exposure to extreme cold or even mild cold with dampness, wind, or…
Ironing is an essential household chore that helps maintain your clothes' crisp and polished appearance. However, using iron improperly can lead to accidents, injuries, and damage to your garments. Following essential safety tips is crucial to ensure a safe and…
July is a month filled with sunshine, outdoor adventures, and festive celebrations — but it also brings a unique set of safety challenges that demand our attention. From rising temperatures and intense UV rays to increased travel, fireworks, and water…
Prohibition signs are crucial in maintaining safety, order, and compliance across various environments, from workplaces and public spaces to recreational and industrial zones. These signs are universally recognized symbols that convey clear instructions on what is not allowed, helping to…
Emergency exit routes are a critical element of building safety, providing a safe and quick way for occupants to evacuate in the event of an emergency, such as a fire, earthquake, or hazardous material spill. Properly designed and maintained exit…
Petrochemicals are the backbone of modern industrial society, playing a crucial role in everything from producing plastics and synthetic fibers to pharmaceuticals and agricultural chemicals. These chemical compounds, derived from petroleum and natural gas, have transformed industries and daily life.…
Electrical safety is a crucial aspect of workplace safety, especially in industries where high-voltage equipment is used. One of the most dangerous electrical hazards is arc flash, a sudden release of electrical energy through the air that can result in…
Ensuring worker safety, particularly when working at heights, is a critical concern for industries that regularly use fixed ladders. Ladder safety systems play a crucial role in preventing accidents and providing continuous fall protection, making them essential for complying with…
December marks the onset of winter’s harshest conditions, making it crucial for both homes and workplaces to prioritize safety. From icy walkways and increased fire hazards to holiday stress and cold-related illnesses, the season presents unique challenges that require proactive…
Abrasive blasting, commonly known as sandblasting, is an indispensable process in various industries such as shipbuilding, automotive restoration, and metal finishing. While highly effective for cleaning and surface preparation, sandblasting poses significant health and safety risks to workers. To mitigate…
Working in confined spaces poses unique challenges and hazards that are not present in open environments. One of the most critical risks is the presence of hazardous gases, which can lead to asphyxiation, poisoning, or explosions. Confined space gas detectors…
Working with electricity, high voltage lines, and live wires presents significant dangers. However, equipping electricians with a broad understanding of various electrical safety training topics can significantly reduce the risk of common electrical hazards. In this article, we’ll explore the…
Working in confined spaces presents unique challenges and risks that require careful planning and safety measures. A confined space checklist is a vital tool to ensure the safety of employees who enter these hazardous environments. From atmospheric testing to lockout/tag…
Asbestos has been a widely used material due to its durability and resistance to heat and chemicals. However, its association with serious health risks has led to increased regulation and efforts to manage and remove asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) from buildings…
HSE Blog is written by practising health and safety professionals from across industry.