Seeing like a safety professional

Staying safe is part of everyone’s job description at Sanford Underground Research Facility (Sanford Lab). When working in the same space every day, you’re likely to be more focused on daily tasks than scanning the room for safety hazards. While some professionals dedicate their entire career to ensuring their coworkers have a safe and healthy work environment, it takes the mindful attention of every individual to ensure a workspace stays safe through every task.

Jason Rosdahl, industrial hygienist for Sanford Lab’s Environment, Safety and Health Department (ESH), provides a crash course on evaluating your workplace like a safety professional.

“When I look at a workplace for a hazard evaluation, the first item I consider is having an adequate travel path and plan in case of an emergency,” Rosdahl said. “No one ever expects an emergency to occur, but if it does, you need a safe path to exit the area.” 

The next step, he says, is to look for workplace hazards. For this, Rosdahl follows the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) “Focus Four” as a guide.

1. Falls—Are there any unprotected edges or holes in the workplace? Are the control methods (fall protection, guardrails) in place and in good condition? Are any there slip, trip or fall hazards in the travel ways?
2. Electrical—Are electrical panels kept clear, and are they properly guarded? Are cords for electrical tools in good condition? Is there adequate lighting in the work area?
3. Struck-by—Are sharp edges and moving parts on equipment adequately guarded? Is the workplace free from loose material on the back and rib? If material movement will be performed, will personnel have enough space to keep clear? Are controls for preventing a hazardous energy release present (such as high pressure)?  
4. Caught in-between—Many items covered in the “Struck-by” section can also be applied here. This step focuses on protecting workers from equipment rollovers, rotating equipment and unguarded parts. It is also a good place to reevaluate the personal protective equipment (PPE) used at the workplace—all PPE needs to be inspected prior to use to ensure it is in good condition.

When OSHA’s “Focus Four” have been addressed, Rosdahl looks for health-related items. Does the workplace have good air quality and ventilation? What is the temperature like? If manual work is scheduled, do you have the equipment needed to lift and transport material to avoid unnecessary forces or awkward body positioning? 

“Whatever method you use, taking the time to proactively identify and control hazards is key to a safe and healthy workplace,” Rosdahl said. For such an evaluation to be useful, employees must be willing to speak up when a hazard is spotted. If the goal is to keep you and your coworkers safe, you won’t regret saying something and stopping work if it means eliminating a potential hazard.

The Environment, Safety and Health Department at Sanford Underground Research Facility promotes health and safety in the workplace, as well as healthy living and wellness for all employees. If you have questions about health and wellness, please contact our occupational health nurse, Laura Baatz, who is onsite daily at lbaatz@sanfordlab.org.