While the pandemic has brought mainstream attention to worker safety issues, workers and employers in many industries, such as construction, field services, manufacturing, and transportation/logistics, have long grappled with common workplace hazards. Not only do firms have a vested interest in keeping their employees safe from worksite risks, but the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) also requires them to do so. 

However, despite OSHA being the law of the land for more than 50 years, some employers still lack comprehensive safety management plans that address and mitigate the risk of common workplace hazards. Without such a plan, workers (and potentially customers) may be at risk of illness or injury. Further, their employers face potentially stiff financial, legal, and reputational consequences.

What are workplace hazards?

A workplace hazard is a workplace activity or condition that creates the potential for mental or physical harm. Employers are responsible for remediating workplace hazards that they know about or should have known about and keeping a log of all workplace injuries and illnesses that have occurred at the workplace. The Occupational Safety and Health Agency is tasked with inspecting worksites to ensure that employers provide workplaces free of hazards, and it takes enforcement actions when they are not.

What are the different types of hazards?

While the Act covers specific and detailed General Industry safety standards (as well as those for the Agriculture, Maritime, and Construction industries), OSHA’s general duty clause is broader. It requires employers to ensure their worksites are “which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.” While the list of hazards the Act covers is significant, they can generally be divided into the following categories:

Safety hazards

Safety hazards are workplace activities or conditions that can result in accidents or cause injuries. The list of possible safety hazards is considerable, but common examples include employees:

• Being provided with broken mechanical or electrical equipment
• Navigating slippery or cluttered floors
• Working on insecure scaffolding or not having appropriate fall protection equipment
• Working inside buildings with a single entrance/exit or blocked fire exits
• Working schedules that are impossible to fulfill without cutting corners, among others

Biological hazards

These workplace safety hazards can stem from exposure to dangerous materials, such as healthcare and lab workers’ exposure to infectious diseases, or a food processing employee’s exposure to animal materials, in a day’s work. However, biological hazards can also result in all workplaces from neglect, such as in mold occurrences. 

Chemical hazards

Chemical hazards can also result from exposure to dangerous substances and compounds as part of a worker’s routine duties. Employers must ensure that equipment is in working order, employees are provided personal protective equipment (PPE), and that chemicals are handled in well-ventilated places, among other safety measures, to mitigate the risk of injury/illness from a worker’s exposure to chemicals. Employers are required to provide Safety Data Sheets for anyone that manages chemicals in the workplace.

Physical hazards

Workers in certain industries often face a variety of physical hazards. Construction workers may deal with excessive noise, while manufacturing workers may face elevated temperatures. Or an employee at a nuclear plant may deal with radiation exposure. Employers must minimize the risk of employee injury from these and other types of physical hazards.

Ergonomic risk factors

Another type of hazard concerns physical activities that may result in injury. For example, a worker who must repeatedly perform heavy lifting puts themselves at risk for musculoskeletal injury, as would an employee who performs repetitive injuries. Employers should examine processes and workflows that create this type of risk and provide tools, or even automation, to minimize ergonomic risks. 

How to identify hazards in the workplace

Safety-conscious employers can identify workplace hazards through regular inspections of their worksites, equipment, and operations. It’s best to document these inspections to help ensure the appropriate remediation takes place. 

It’s also recommended that employers speak with frontline workers about workplace safety hazards, as they will likely identify some that managers miss. Among other areas of potential danger, employers should examine:

• Clutter
• Use of electrical, chemical, or biological materials and equipment
• Equipment maintenance and operation
• PPE inventory and suitability
• Work scheduling and processes
• Emergency plans and evacuation procedures
• Fire safety measures

These areas are just a sampling of workplace elements where hazardous conditions may be found. In addition to seeking input from workers, it’s also often advisable for employers to use services from third-party safety experts to help identify all potential workplace safety hazards.

How to prevent hazards in the workplace

Performing regular workplace safety inspections is one way to prevent hazardous conditions. Another tool is training. Employers should ensure that workers at all levels have the fundamental training they need to perform their duties safely and receive regular refresher training that helps keep their skills up-to-date. Further, workers should also be well-versed in their employer’s internal safety practices and procedures to help prevent hazards.

Employers should also encourage a safety-oriented workplace culture. Workers should not only have an outlet to provide health and safety-related feedback, but they should also be actively encouraged to do so. In unionized environments, formal mechanisms, such as labor-management health and safety committees, may be established by contract or past practice. However, all workplaces, union and non-union alike, should establish a mechanism for workers to identify potential hazards without fear of retaliation.

Another way to prevent workplace hazards is by establishing a workplace health and safety management plan.

The benefits of a health and safety management plan

When employers develop a comprehensive health and safety management plan, employers can greatly mitigate the risk of worksite illnesses, injuries, and deaths. They can also save themselves considerable money in the process. When a safety incident occurs at work, the company may be liable for damages from the victim/family or, if the incident stemmed from an OSHA violation, from the Agency. Employers lose the services of an employee, reducing overall productivity. And their insurance premiums may also go up as a result.

But by drafting a plan that includes provisions for workplace hazard prevention, assessment, and remediation and employee training (from leadership on down), employers can avoid high financial costs, productivity reductions, legal consequences, and bad press.

Using GoCanvas to identify hazards and ensure a safe workplace

When incorporating GoCanvas into their workplace health and safety plans, employers don’t need to rely on expensive third-party consultants for periodic assessments. Instead, they enjoy continuous access to a robust safety application that helps employers and employees collaboratively identify workplace safety hazards and incidents in real-time, reducing paperwork and saving time and money in the process. GoCanvas’ robust platform allows you to take advantage of pre-formatted forms for specific industries and use cases or build your own, tailored to your unique business.

Interested in learning more? Try GoCanvas for free or contact us for more information today.

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Keeping construction workers safe is a top priority for managers and business owners. This guide covers some of the most common safety meeting topics to cover and provides links to examples to get you started.

What are some good safety topics?

While there are many safety topics you can cover, the best topics are going to be the ones that are most frequent problems in your organization. You can find good safety topics by analyzing your data to understand what types of incidents are most common by job site, and use that to inform what safety topics should be addressed to minimize accidents. 

If you don’t have the ability or time to analyze your own data, another place to find good safety topics is to look at OSHA’s top 10 most common violations, as this gives a picture overall on construction safety trends.

What is GoCanvas and how does it work for safety?

In this article, we will share examples of safety meeting topics you can cover using the GoCanvas templates provided. We compiled a list of the most common safety meetings or toolbox talks that construction pros use on the GoCanvas platform.

GoCanvas is a comprehensive safety management solution that helps to keep your workers safe and productive. By leveraging mobile forms and apps in the field, workers can access all safety program information in a centralized, cloud-based software solution. Easily complete toolbox talks from anywhere, file an incident report from a tablet device on a job site, and complete routine job site safety inspections – all within the GoCanvas platform. 

10 Construction Safety Topics to Cover with GoCanvas Templates

Continue reading for templates that can be used on specific safety meeting topics. Follow the links below to learn more and sign up for a free trial to test out the experience. We’ve made it simple to leverage our existing safety meeting templates to host your own toolbox talks without having to start from scratch. Keep track of safety compliance and ensure that all of your safety program data is accessible from the field or in the office.

1. Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Safety Meeting Topic

This safety meeting topic provides an easy way to monitor, track and record the employees who have participated in taking measures to become informed on the basic protective measures against the new coronavirus (COVID-19).

This effective tool provides videos that are imperative for all employees to view and learn; what can people do to protect themselves and others, why it is recommended to avoid close contact, and how the coronavirus is affecting people who get it. Using this app, each workplace member who views the video can provide their information and signature to confirm they have watched the videos as required by the employer in efforts to prevent the spread of virus and infection. 

Working people at increased risk are those who frequently interact with potentially infected individuals. Increased risk for the contagious spread is health care workers, emergency responders, airline operators, correctional facility staff, educators, cleaning personnel, and other workers with broad exposure working with the public.

Access the safety meeting topic here.

2. Protective Eyewear – Safety Meeting Topic

This toolbox talk covers the topic of protective eyewear. This safety meeting topic is ideal for helping refresh workers’ knowledge on protective eyewear and related safety practices, standard operating procedures and preventive actions, completing last minute safety checks, reviewing company policies and industry standards, as well as new safety rules and laws. Encourage workers to discuss their experiences with planning, preparation, supervision, and documentation of safety procedures.

Access the safety meeting topic here.

3.Setting Up a Ladder – Safety Meeting Topic

This safety meeting topic is designed to mitigate dangers associated with setting up ladders. Falls from ladders and other hazards can cause severe bodily harm or death to workers. Use this safety meeting topic to help spotlight fall protection when using ladders. The meeting topic covers how to avoid injuries when working with ladders and how to prioritize the health and safety of workers.

Access the safety meeting topic here.

4. Hazard Recognition and Control – Safety Meeting Topic

This toolbox talk covers the topic of hazard recognition and control.  This hazard recognition and control toolbox talk is ideal for helping refresh workers’ knowledge on hazard recognition and control and related safety practices, standard operating procedures and preventive actions, completing last minute safety checks, reviewing company policies and industry standards, as well as new safety rules and laws. Encourage workers to discuss their experiences with planning, preparation, supervision, and documentation of safety procedures.

Access the safety meeting topic here.

5. Scaffold Requirements – Safety Meeting Topic

The Scaffold Requirements safety meeting topic is used to facilitate a discussion surrounding the requirements for scaffolding including erecting and dismantling of scaffolding, the placement of vertical supports, the base support for scaffolding, ensuring safety protocols are followed such as using guardrails, stable materials for the base of scaffolding, that manufacturer instructions are followed for bracing scaffolding, and more.

Access the safety meeting topic here.

6. Defensive Driving – Safety Meeting Topic

The defensive driving safety meeting topic is designed for companies that operate vehicles on the job and need to be aware of best practices for driver safety. In all cases, while operating a motor vehicle, drivers should practice defensive driving techniques. Defensive driving is the art of driving so as to prevent and avoid traffic crashes, regardless of the unsafe conditions and actions created by other drivers and adverse road and or weather conditions. This app lays out eight techniques that good defensive drivers do.

Access the safety meeting topic here.

7. Slips, Trips, and Falls – Safety Meeting Topic

This toolbox talk covers the topic of slips, trips, and falls. These types of accidents are common on job sites when the ground is wet or loose from snow, rain, ice, or other liquids. Use this template to cover best practices on safe walking and tips on how to avoid slips, trips, and falls in the workplace.

Access the safety meeting topic here.

8. Hand and Power Tools – Safety Meeting Topic

It’s easy to overlook the hazards associated with the common tools that are used on a daily basis. This safety meeting topic aims to bring some awareness to the potential hazards of these tools and how to minimize them. The toolbox talk reviews training, pre-inspection use, proper use, and storage of hand and power tools. Workers must always wear personal protective equipment, such as eye protection, when using tools to avoid injuries.

Access the safety meeting topic here.

9. Safe Lifting Practices – Safety Meeting Topic

The Tool Box Talk Safe Bending, Lifting, and Carrying app is a toolbox talk app used in construction and work environments to protect workers against musculoskeletal disorders resulting from poor or improper lifting techniques. When trying to lift a load of a heavy weight, workers are prone to injuries such as strains, sprains, and “throwing out” backs. Knowing the hazards of bending, lifting, and carrying items, as well as other handling techniques, such as lifting from the knees, and stretching certain muscles, and go a long way to promote the health and safety of personnel.

Access the safety meeting topic here.

10.  Proper Use of Foam Earplugs – Safety Meeting Topic

This meeting promotes discussions of hearing protection, specifically foam ear plugs, in the work place. Noise-induced hearing loss is caused when loud noises such as those generated by tools and equipment on a construction site occur and penetrate the ear plug as there is protection such as foam ear plugs which block noise from entering the ear canal. Unprotected individuals are subject to problems such as hearing loss, tinnitus, ear pain, head aches, and more.

Access the safety meeting topic here.

Thousands of Templates for Construction Safety

Need more ideas for safety meeting topics? You can always search the GoCanvas App Store for the specific toolbox talk or safety meeting topic you have in mind. With thousands of templates to choose from, GoCanvas makes it easy to access and customize safety meeting templates. Going digital with safety programs can help increase your productivity and eliminate manual work. Contact our team to learn more about GoCanvas Safety or sign up here for a free trial to see it in action.

What is a SDS and what is its purpose?

The term SDS refers to a Safety Data Sheet that is used by chemical companies to stay in compliance with the regulations set by OSHA in the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). Companies that manufacture, distribute, or import chemicals are required to provide Safety Data Sheets to inform workers of the hazardous materials they are handling.

The main purpose of a SDS is to provide companies with a standard template they can use for communicating critical information about their hazardous materials for the safety interests of their workers. 

SDS Information You Should Know

In 2012, OSHA updated the HCS to be aligned with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). It’s important to point out that Safety Data Sheets are part of the legislative process at OSHA, meaning that they can change over time and new amendments can be enacted by the administration. 

The changes that occurred in 2012 were enacted in part to reduce trade barriers globally for American companies and to provide consistent standards for communicating and classifying hazardous chemicals. As part of these changes, the long-used material data sheets (MSDS) also became obsolete, and companies were forced to move to the new 16-section SDS format to stay in compliance and avoid any applicable fines. 

What’s included in the current 16 section SDS format?

OSHA structures the Safety Data Sheets into 16 sections so that all companies have a standard template to keep things consistent. Each of the sections has a distinct purpose for classifying hazards and below we have included a high-level summary provided by OSHA’s website of what’s included in each section of the Safety Data Sheets.

Sections 1 through 8 

OSHA states that “Sections 1 through 8 contain general information about the chemical, identification, hazards, composition, safe handling practices, and emergency control measures (e.g., fire fighting). This information should be helpful to those that need to get the information quickly.” 

• Section 1: Identification
• Section 2: Hazard(s) Identification
• Section 3: Composition/Information on Ingredients
• Section 4: First-Aid Measures
• Section 5: Fire-Fighting Measures
• Section 6: Accidental Release Measures
• Section 7: Handling and Storage
• Section 8: Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Sections 9 through 11 and 16

OSHA states that “Sections 9 through 11 and 16 contain other technical and scientific information, such as physical and chemical properties, stability and reactivity information, toxicological information, exposure control information, and other information including the date of preparation or last revision. The SDS must also state that no applicable information was found when the preparer does not find relevant information for any required element.”

• Section 9: Physical and Chemical Properties
• Section 10: Stability and Reactivity
• Section 11: Toxicological Information
• Section 12: Ecological Information (non-mandatory)
• Section 13: Disposal Considerations (non-mandatory)
• Section 14: Transport Information (non-mandatory)
• Section 15: Regulatory Information (non-mandatory)
• Section 16: Other Information

Why are sections 12 through 15 labeled as non-mandatory?

As we mentioned earlier in this article, the 2012 changes to the SDS format were designed to bring more consistency between the SDS format and the globally recognized GHS standards. That’s why sections 12 through 15 are now included in the template and marked as non-mandatory.

It’s important to note that OSHA “will not enforce the content of these sections because they concern matters handled by other agencies.” While these sections are not mandatory to be in compliance with OSHA standards, it makes sense to use these sections if your company works internationally and also needs to comply with the GHS.

Can a SDS be stored digitally?

As more companies invest in digital transformation initiatives, it means that companies are moving towards housing much of their critical information in secure, cloud-based platforms. When it comes to SDSs, OSHA indicates that safety data sheets can absolutely be stored as digital documents. OSHA just requires that these SDSs are easily accessible for all employees who need to understand the hazardous chemicals that are being used for their job site. 

Another best practice can be to assign a person or team to manage the SDSs and make sure that they are always accessible and up to date. Having these documents stored digitally and made available through a mobile application will help your team manage the documents and ensure that your workers know where to find the latest version of the SDS. 

In the rare case of a power outage or emergency situation, it makes sense to have a hard copy of your SDS available for workers. But otherwise in today’s digitally connected world, it’s going to make sense to have digital copies available for your SDSs that can be readily accessible in a secure mobile device on-site.

Covering SDSs in Safety Toolbox Talks

Toolbox talks are a great way to educate your workers on best practices in the workplace by sharing everything they need to know on staying compliant with regulations for jobs and projects. You can use these daily safety meetings as an opportunity to review the SDSs, covering how to find them and how to interpret the information that is provided, making sure to highlight the potential risks involved with chemicals on site. 

Your leadership team may also want to consider implementing a safety management solution to help manage compliance with OSHA and to ensure your employees have access to the latest data sheets.

By moving these processes online, it will also allow you to analyze which employees and job sites have actually completed the training programs, so you can identify and address any potential issues before they result in an accident or fines.  

Safety Data Sheet examples and templates

If you are looking for free SDSs sheets, you may be interested in the GoCanvas app store where we have built out safety data sheet examples and templates that you can use as a starting point.

Companies that deal with potentially hazardous materials are starting to implement chemical management programs and mobile applications have proven to be effective for tracking and managing these programs. 

Our safety data sheet templates can be used to contain a range of information about chemicals and materials being handled. They are meant to communicate to the reader any protective equipment needed when handling the chemicals or materials, hazard communications such as signage or pictograms, information about hazardous substances that may make up component materials or ingredients of the subject of the SDS, and how to handle spills or exposure to hazardous material.

Construction companies that move to GoCanvas have found that it helps them track and report on their safety programs in real-time, giving them a better place to manage their SDSs and helping to improve the health and safety initiatives at their workplaces.