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When History Repeats Itself: Company Fined Over $800k for Decades of Warnings Ignored

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It was just days before Christmas in 2023 when a wife began to worry. Her husband hadn’t returned home from his shift at the tank-cleaning company where he worked. Calls went unanswered. Hours later, her worst fear was confirmed — he had been found unresponsive inside a tanker, overcome by carbon monoxide. A life lost. A family broken. And for this company fined, it was another preventable tragedy. A Familiar Pattern Unfortunately, this wasn’t the company’s first fatality and far from their first offense. The company had a long history of sending workers into confined spaces without adequate training, protective equipment, or air monitoring — and ignoring the consequences when things went wrong. The company had a long history of sending workers into confined spaces without adequate training, protective equipment, or air monitoring — and ignoring the consequences when things went wrong. Despite years of citations, warnings, and opportunities to change, leadership failed to act....
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How to Avoid Back Pain While Doing Yardwork : 6 Quick Tips for Safer, Smarter Gardening

As fall sets in and lawns, gardens, and hedges call for end-of-season care, many homeowners find themselves dealing with an unwelcome side effect: back pain while doing yardwork. While tackling fall cleanup and garden prep is rewarding to witness and even therapeutic, it also poses serious risks for aches, strains, and injuries—especially if basic ergonomic principles are ignored. Whether you’re raking, trimming, or hauling bags of leaves, practicing good body mechanics can help you stay active, injury-free, and energized all season long. Why Ergonomics Matter Outdoors Ergonomics isn’t just for office settings—it’s equally important in physical labor. Yardwork involves repetitive motions, awkward postures, and heavy lifting, all of which can contribute to: Lower back pain Neck and shoulder strain Knee discomfort Tendonitis and joint inflammation Fortunately, small adjustments in your planning, habits, and tools can make a big difference. Here are six quick tips to promote a sa...
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Admitting Shortcomings, Finding Solutions: A Safety Manager’s Lessons in Collaboration

Not every safety story starts with an accident. Sometimes, lessons in collaboration come quietly, in the form of a failed improvement—or realizing that your first assessment wasn’t quite right. At a manufacturing plant in Northwest Ohio, a safety manager named Aaron set out to make a 60-year-old process safer. The job? Forming heavy, cylindrical metal components using torches, hammers, and chisels—repetitive, physically demanding work that carried obvious risks. The plan seemed straightforward for Aaron. He identified what he thought was a big hazard and decided to replace some of the manual labor with a press to bend the metal, reduce ergonomic strain, and improve efficiency. But the first attempt didn’t go as planned. What Happened? Early Lessons in Collaboration Soon after workers starting using the press via the new process, they uncovered a depth of inefficiencies that Aaron had not originally forecasted. Feedback from operators revealed that what Aaron had first seen as a h...
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Camping Safety Essentials: 7 Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Outdoor Adventure

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Camping is one of the most rewarding ways to enjoy the outdoors, unplug from daily routines, and spend quality time with loved ones. But before you pitch your tent and light the campfire, it’s important to think about camping safety. According to KOA’s 2023 North American Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report , nearly 54 million households camped at least once in 2023. Every year, millions of people head to national parks, forests, and campgrounds across the U.S. According to KOA’s 2023 North American Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report , nearly 54 million households camped at least once in 2023. With so many people venturing outdoors, accidents are inevitable—but many are preventable with the right preparation. The National Park Service notes that the most common camping-related injuries include burns, sprains, dehydration, and insect bites—all things you can prepare for with a little planning. Camping Safety: Plan Ahead and Share Your Itinerary A successful trip starts...
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Understanding NFPA 70B Compliance: Enhancing Electrical System Reliability and Safety

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In the realm of electrical safety and maintenance, NFPA 70B: Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance has long served as a guide for best practices. But with the release of the 2023 edition , NFPA 70B shifted from a recommended practice to an enforceable standard , fundamentally changing how facilities must approach electrical maintenance. This article explores what NFPA 70B compliance entails, who it affects, and how organizations can align their electrical maintenance programs with this critical standard. What Is NFPA 70B? NFPA 70B, published by the National Fire Protection Association , provides guidance on preventive maintenance (PM) for electrical, electronic, and communication systems and equipment. Its primary goals are to: Reduce unplanned downtime Improve equipment reliability Minimize fire and shock hazards Protect personnel and property While previous editions were advisory, the 2023 revision designates NFPA 70B as a standard —meaning compliance can now be ...
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NEC 2026: Arc Flash Label Requirements Are About to Change

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With the 2026 National Electrical Code (NEC) expected to be released soon, it’s a good time to prepare for how arc flash label requirements are expected to change. Electrical safety labeling will look a little different—and a lot more informative soon. NFPA 70, expected to be available in October 2025, Section 110.16, now titled “Arc-Flash Hazard Marking ,” has been updated to expand labeling requirements and strengthen the information provided directly on the equipment. If the equipment can be examined, serviced, or maintained while energized, it must now carry a permanent, field- or factory-applied label. Arc Flash Label Requirements: What’s Changing? In the past, arc flash warning labels were only required on service equipment rated 1200 amps or higher, however, they will soon be expected to cover more equipment and include more specific details. 1. Under NEC 2026, the rule now covers a much broader range of equipment, including: Switchboards and switchgear Enclosed pane...
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Qualifying Individuals for Live Electrical Work: Ensuring Safety and Compliance

Working on live (energized) electrical systems presents one of the highest risks in the workplace. The consequences of electrical shock, arc flash, or arc blast can be fatal. That’s why qualifying individuals to perform live electrical work is not only a regulatory requirement—it’s a life-saving responsibility. At the heart of electrical safety is the principle that only properly qualified individuals may work on or near exposed energized conductors or circuit parts. This article outlines the essential elements to consider when evaluating and qualifying a person for live electrical work. What Does It Mean to Be “Qualified”? According to OSHA and NFPA 70E, a qualified person is someone who has been trained and demonstrated the skills and knowledge to identify and avoid electrical hazards, and who is authorized to perform specific tasks on energized equipment. Qualification is not a one-size-fits-all label—it must be task-specific and supported by documentation and observation. K...
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