Publications

Safe work permits

Description

A safe work permit is a written record that authorizes specific work, at a specific work location, for a specific time period. This fact sheet explains how safe work permits can be used to protect... More ≫

Description

A safe work permit is a written record that authorizes specific work, at a specific work location, for a specific time period. This fact sheet explains how safe work permits can be used to protect workers and maintain safe working conditions. Provides examples and discusses pros and cons.

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Purging of fired heater coils using steam (winterizing)

Description

Recently a serious injury occurred to a chemical truck operator’s assistant when a diesel fired heater was being “winterized” by purging the internal heater’s coils using a process called... More ≫

Description

Recently a serious injury occurred to a chemical truck operator’s assistant when a diesel fired heater was being “winterized” by purging the internal heater’s coils using a process called “steaming out the coils”. The seat of the diesel fired heater’s external outlet valve failed, releasing a jet of steam that propelled the operator’s assistant into a nearby truck’s bumper resulting in serious head injuries and steam burns.

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Manually energizing power systems after an unplanned outage : an Alberta electric utility best practice

Description

The purpose of this Best Practice is to standardize, to the extent possible, the minimum steps that an electric utility must include in its own practices for manually energizing a power system... More ≫

Description

The purpose of this Best Practice is to standardize, to the extent possible, the minimum steps that an electric utility must include in its own practices for manually energizing a power system after an unplanned outage. This Best Practice is not meant to eliminate all manual recloses. It is intended to balance the risks to public safety resulting from a loss of power versus the potential risk of injury to non-utility workers or members of the public as a result of a manual reclose.

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Good product design : avoiding the average

Description

A good design takes into account that people vary widely in size and shape.

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Focus on human performance. Part one: sleep inertia

Description

Most humans need some time to go from deep sleep to complete alertness. This short information sheet looks at the effect of “sleep inertia” on workplace environments such as those for first responders. More ≫

Description

Most humans need some time to go from deep sleep to complete alertness. This short information sheet looks at the effect of “sleep inertia” on workplace environments such as those for first responders.

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Push it or pull it?

Description

Carts and wheeled equipment help to make work safer and more efficient in almost every workplace. For example, dollies move heavy equipment parts on shop floors, and wheeled carts carry supplies... More ≫

Description

Carts and wheeled equipment help to make work safer and more efficient in almost every workplace. For example, dollies move heavy equipment parts on shop floors, and wheeled carts carry supplies and materials in office buildings. It’s important, though, to understand how best to work with wheeled equipment since between 9 and 20 per cent of the injury claims for low back pain are the result of pushing and pulling activities.

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How to use wrist rests

Description

Wrist rests for computer keyboards and mice have become commonplace accessories. Like most tools, they have the potential to help or harm you, depending on whether you use them as intended. This... More ≫

Description

Wrist rests for computer keyboards and mice have become commonplace accessories. Like most tools, they have the potential to help or harm you, depending on whether you use them as intended. This brief information sheet presents some tips for choosing and using a wrist rest.

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That hurts! : contact stress at work

Description

Contact stress happens when force is concentrated on a small area of the body, pinching or crushing tissue and causing discomfort and often pain. You experience contact stress, for example, when... More ≫

Description

Contact stress happens when force is concentrated on a small area of the body, pinching or crushing tissue and causing discomfort and often pain. You experience contact stress, for example, when the edge of a work surface digs into your forearm or wrist. This brief fact sheet provides tips for avoiding injury from contact stress in the workplace.

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Wrist splints and MSIs

Description

Splints and supports are frequently used by workers suffering from a musculoskeletal injury (MSI), often caused by overuse of the wrist. Many splints are advertised as being useful for preventing... More ≫

Description

Splints and supports are frequently used by workers suffering from a musculoskeletal injury (MSI), often caused by overuse of the wrist. Many splints are advertised as being useful for preventing injury or as an on-the-job treatment of an existing injury. In general, splints and supports are overused and are often of questionable value. If used, they need to be chosen carefully and worn properly.

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New thinking about carpal tunnel syndrome

Description

Recent research findings into the causes of carpal tunnel syndrome show just how mysterious the human body can be. This ailment affects up to 10 percent of the population, with women affected more... More ≫

Description

Recent research findings into the causes of carpal tunnel syndrome show just how mysterious the human body can be. This ailment affects up to 10 percent of the population, with women affected more often than men. The incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome peaks at approximately age 42 and reveals itself as numbness, tingling and pain in the hands, especially the thumb, index and middle fingers.

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