Safety Simplified Blog

Safety inspections are a fundamental part of maintaining a secure and efficient grain facility. As a safety manager, your role in leading these inspections is crucial for identifying, eliminating, and controlling workplace hazards. Essential Safety Inspection Checklist for Grain Facility Managers outlines an essential checklist and best practices to enhance your safety protocols. Effective safety […]

Severe weather, such as a tornado, can strike at any time. It is important to understand severe weather warning systems, preparations, and the steps to take prior to and during severe weather. Warnings and Watches The National Weather Service Issues tornado watches and warnings. A tornado watch means that tornados are likely to occur in […]

Workplace safety accountability is a cornerstone of workplace safety and fosters a culture where safety protocols are not just followed but integrated into the daily operations of an organization. Joe Mlynek, CSP, OHST, founder of Progressive Safety Services, LLC and co-owner of Safety Made Simple shares his research and work around employee engagement, responsibility and […]

Stressed cattle can easily injure or kill a worker. According to the Kansas Livestock Association’s Work Comp Program, 45% of feedlot injuries involve working with cattle. Understanding cattle behavior and implementing low stress cattle handling practices can prevent serious injuries and fatalities. Low-stress cattle handling incorporates the understanding of cattle’s natural behaviors. Using this knowledge, […]

The majority of employees are aware of  fall hazards in their work environment. They also have knowledge in  fall protection strategies, required equipment, and inspection protocols. However, they are often unaware of orthostatic intolerance and suspension trauma. Ortho Static Intolerance Orthostatic intolerance is “the development of symptoms such as light-headedness, heart palpitations, poor concentration, fatigue, […]

Phosphine has been used in the fumigation of grain storage structures since 1958. Available formulations include aluminum or magnesium phosphide. Both penetrate deeply into stored grain killing target pests. While licensed fumigators are highly trained in phosphine’s hazards, many affected employees and contractors working in close proximity to fumigated structures are not. This blog provides […]

Back when I played football I was on the “hands team.” The hands team was sent out on the field whenever there was the slightest chance our opponent would attempt an onside kick.  I don’t recall our opponents ever attempting an onside kick, but that didn’t stop our coach from practicing this every Thursday before […]

Grain dryer fires pose unique hazards to the grain handling industry. These fires can result in downtime, lost revenue, injury and possible death. It is imperative that each facility engaged in grain drying, develop and document an effective emergency response plan to deal with these incidents. Causes Grain dryers move high volumes of air through […]

Mobile cranes are used in various industries for maintenance and construction related projects. Whether you work for a construction company or host employer, it is important to understand the basic requirements. This blog will discuss several important operating requirements outlined in OSHA 1926, Subpart CC, Cranes and Derricks in Construction. Ground Conditions Ground conditions can […]

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) estimates that about 2,000 U.S. workers sustain job-related eye injuries requiring medical treatment each day. While many of these injuries are caused by small particles striking or abrading the eye, many are also caused by exposure to hazardous chemicals. Emergency eyewash and shower units play a […]

Hazard monitoring equipment can prevent grain dust explosions, save lives, and protect your facility from collateral damage. I have always referred to these systems as “cheap insurance.” The up-front investment pales in comparison to the impacts an explosion has on employees, facility infrastructure, and business interruption. Ignition Sources There are three primary ignition sources that […]

  The following information is part of a report released by Purdue University’s Agricultural Safety and Health Program. This report is on reported agricultural confined space incident related injury and fatality cases documented during 2022. The program has documented and, entered into Purdue’s Agricultural Confined Space Incident Database, more than 2,460 fatal and non-fatal agricultural […]

I once had a conversation with a safety manager that ended with, “I’m sorry, but I have to cut our call short. One of our managers just fell off a railcar.” Imagine falling 15 feet to the ground below. The very thought brings to mind images of debilitating injuries and possibly death. Fortunately, fixed horizontal […]

Ask any well-trained employee entering confined spaces what their main concern is, and they will most likely say, “oxygen deficiency.” Notice the use of the words “well-trained.” Oxygen deficiency in confined spaces isn’t something we can see with our eyes. However, if we can educate employees on the causes, symptoms, and health effects oxygen deficiency […]

Workers in grain elevators as well as milling and processing facilities are no stranger to combustible dust. Many have experienced the power of these tiny particles first-hand or have seen pictures of the damage caused by dust explosions. If you’ve ever wondered the determining factors that make dust combustible, you’ve come to the right place. […]

Truck drivers carry a great deal of responsibility on the roads. Having the right skills and knowledge to safely operate their vehicles keeps them safe and protects other motorists. While truck drivers undergo a specific exam to get their commercial driver’s license, additional trucking safety and compliance training can upskill drivers to operate their vehicles […]

Communicating is something we all do. But when did you last consider how effective your communication is in the workplace? What would your employees say? Getting communication right is something you can achieve — it just takes consideration and intentionality. Let’s look at the steps you can take to become an excellent and effective communicator. […]

I recently assisted a company with their annual fall protection equipment inspections. It was a tedious and monotonous task but well worth it. Throughout the process we removed numerous body harnesses, connectors, self-retracting lifelines, and safety ropes. Each piece of equipment removed from service was a reminder of the importance of the pre-use and annual […]