Ladder Safety, Risk Normalization and OSHA’s New Safety Program: What You’re Reading in March

Yesterday, I saw a squirrel in my backyard. She was digging with purpose, so I watched to see if she would find an acorn. In a flash, she stuffed it in hermouth and hopped away to enjoy the fruits of her labor.

Victories come in all shapes and sizes. I’m realizing it’s important to rejoice in our accomplishments before we plunge into our next challenge. Heck, it doesn’t even need to be our own wins; that squirrel’s success buoyed my spirits for the next few hours, which leads me to my other aha moment of the week.

We need to celebrate—and seek out—whimsy. Are a dozen tulips necessary for my survival? No, but they bring me joy, and that’s critical to help meendure and build resilience. I’m not advocating for excess or living beyond one’s means, but I am encouraging you all to find moments of levity that help you enjoy living in the moment.

There’s so much heaviness in the world that making time for laughter and goodness are absolutely essential. Here’s the thing I’ve learned this month: If you don’t seek it, you can’t find it. Allow yourself to be surprised and delighted, because it will lead to all sorts of outcomes you could’ve never expected. For me, that has meant accepting invitations and meeting new people, letting go of old habits that are holding me back, and leaping out of bed excited for a cup of Michigan cherry flavored coffee.

Wherever you are, I hope you’re able to finish something that’s been nagging at you, start something that excites you, or make more time for what you love. Until next time, stay safe, be well and be kind!

Why Ladder Safety Matters

Safe climbing requires ongoing vigilance. Here are five things to pay attention to before, during and after using a ladder.

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OSHA Fines Union Pacific Railroad for Wrongful Termination

Employee reported incident and sought medical care for work-related injury.

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The Hidden Dangers of Risk Normalization: Lessons from a Desert Motorcycle Ride

Risk normalization occurs when repeated safe experiences lead workers to underestimate hazards, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

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HazCom Violations Remain Widespread

New analysis from Traceone finds 5.6 violations per 100,000 workers.

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The Five Most Common Fire Protection Mistakes in Warehousing

Misclassified commodities, blocked flue spaces, and exceeded storage heights are major problems.

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OSHA Announces Safety Champions Program

The program is a new cooperative initiative that includes special government employees to assist employers.

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ISEA, Safety Organizations Ask OSHA to Update PPE Standards

Standards include eye and face protection, industrial head protection and workplace first aid kits.

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The Importance of Conducting Comprehensive Hazard Assessments for Safe Electrical Work

Safety doesn’t happen by accident. Learn the key components of an effective job hazard analysis and why they sometimes fail in the field, along with how to improve those blind spots.

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Fatal Occupational Injuries Decline for Second Year in Row

"This progress shows that when employers focus on serious injury and fatality risks, invest in prevention and build strong safety cultures, lives are protected," said Lorraine Martin, CEO, NSC.

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OSHAs Strategic Shift Emphasizes Resources, Technology and Better Communication

Under David Keeling, OSHA plans to focus less on enforcement and more on serving as a resource for companies.

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