<![CDATA[STAC Card

<![CDATA[STAC Card - Blog]]>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:09:13 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[Holiday Heating Safety Tips]]>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 17:50:36 GMThttps://www.staccard.com/blog/holiday-heating-safety-tips

December is a wonderful time to Deck the Halls for the holidays and plan for family and friends to gather together. With over half of all heating fires coming during the holiday season, taking a few precautions can help keep you from having a Blue Christmas. Below we discuss some heating safety tips surrounding fires, open flames, electric heaters, and décor.

Roasting on an Open Fire
Nothing sets the perfect holiday scene like a log fire in the living room. While warming to the heart and body, open flames pose big risks in a home. If you use a fireplace during the holiday season, make sure to:

Have it be cleaned and inspected by a professional
Use the proper fuel source
Keep all flammable objects and decorations at least three feet (3ft) from the flames
Install a guard or screen in front to prevent sparks from flying outward

Candlelight Carol
Candles help set the Christmas mood and bring wonderful scents of pine and cinnamon pouring through the home. While appealing to the eye and nose, nearly one-third of all décor fires involve a candle. Before you light a candle, be sure to:

Sit away from curtains or other decorative items that may be flammable
Once lit, install in a base or stand to allow wax to cool properly
Keep out of reach of children and pets
Blow out candles before leaving home or going to bed

Deck the Halls
The glow of a nice heater and light strings will help make you feel warm and cozy but can turn disastrous if not cared for. When using an electric heater or electrical decorations, don’t forget to:

Inspect cords for tears or wear. Remove and replace if damaged
Plug in directly to an outlet when required. Do not overload circuit with multiple heaters or decorations
Confirm heaters and decorations are rated for indoor use
Unplug before leaving the house. Set a timer if you are going to bed

The holidays are a wonderful time of year and should be filled with joy and good tidings. Make sure yours are full of this by practicing safe heating procedures and sharing with your family and friends. To keep the conversation going, feel free to comment below. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

]]><![CDATA[Hearing Protection in the Workplace]]>Wed, 05 Nov 2025 14:09:22 GMThttps://www.staccard.com/blog/hearing-protection-in-the-workplace

Across the United States, it is estimated that 22 million workers are exposed to potentially damaging noise in the workplace each year. Prolonged exposure to this type of noise can kill receptor cells in the inner ear, resulting in permanent hearing loss and continuous ringing or buzzing sounds known as tinnitus. Since hearing protection can easily prevent these hazards, knowing how to measure the noise and when protection is needed can keep your ears and hearing free from the damaging effects of noise exposure.

How to Measure Excessive Noise
Sound is a vibration traveling through a medium (typically the air) that is captured through your ear. We measure sound in decibels (dB) and its damaging effects through the number of decibels and exposure time to them. OSHA standards allow for workers to be exposed to sound levels of 85dBs over a regular 8-hour period. If this is exceeded, employers are required to provide engineering controls or safety measures to reduce their exposure to noise. To measure this noise, the two main ways include:

Sound Level Meter – device that measures the intensity of sound at a given moment
- Typically used by taking multiple measurements throughout the day in different locations to map out the jobsite and create exposure levels
Dosimeter – device that stores sound level measurements and integrates these measurements over time, providing an average noise exposure reading for a given period of time
- Typically used by attaching a microphone to a worker, reading the exposure level for their work shift

Once these devices are used, employers will know if noise levels are above the threshold and controls that need to be added to protect workers.

Types of Protection
As the noise level increases, the exposure time will need to decrease or employers will have to provide engineering controls or protection for their workers.
Some engineering controls include:

Modification to equipment to reduce the sound exposure
Using barriers such as sound walls or curtains between source and workers
Enclosing or isolating the equipment causing the noise exposure

Typical hearing protection includes:

Single use earplugs – self-forming foam that mold to your ear drum when inserted
Molded ear plugs – individually molded to your ear, typically for reuse
Ear muffs – form a seal around the entire ear reducing noise exposure

If employees are exposed to high levels over the 8-hour period, employers may need to institute a hearing conservation program that regularly tests employee hearing, making sure there is no hearing loss due to prolonged exposure.

Hearing loss in the workplace is easily preventable. When exposed to prolonged or high levels of noise, employers need to make sure the jobsite is tested and protections are added to keep workers and their ears safe. To keep the conversation going, download the Hearing Protection Toolbox Talk (TBT) or comment below.

Hearing Protection TBT

]]><![CDATA[Fire Extinguisher Use & Maintenance]]>Thu, 09 Oct 2025 13:55:27 GMThttps://www.staccard.com/blog/fire-extinguisher-use-maintenance

Workplace fires account for over 5,000 injuries and nearly $1 billion in property damage each year. Being able to prevent a fire from becoming life threatening is the main purpose of equipment like fire extinguishers. Below we will review important steps you should take to train employees on the proper use and maintenance of fire extinguishers.

Location & Placement
Fire extinguishers are great tools to help prevent fires from spreading. Two key factors in extinguishers being effective for a fire are location and placement. While there are many types of extinguishers based on hazards in the workplace, most common extinguishers (Type A) are required to be:

Readily accessible, typically located on a normal path of travel
Visible without any obstructions; if obstructed, indicator lights/signs are used to provide location
Placed on the wall via cabinet or hook and no more than 5ft from the ground
Located so the travel distance is no more than 75ft between extinguishers

PASS Method
When using a fire extinguisher, the preferred method for proper use is the PASS method. This training procedure stands for:
Pull the pin from the extinguisher handle
Aim the extinguisher hose at the base of the fire
Squeeze the handle to release the chemicals
Sweep the base of the fire until extinguished

Be sure to only use an extinguisher if you are properly trained and able to safely without putting yourself further in danger. If the fire cannot be contained from the use of an extinguisher, continue to follow proper evacuation procedures and allow emergency fire services to respond and handle the fire.

Inspection & Maintenance
Monthly visual inspections are required for all types of extinguishers to make sure they are in proper condition for emergency responses. Visual inspections should be done by a competent person and include:

Confirming extinguisher is in proper location
View is not obstructed, indicator lights/signs are working and properly placed
Pressure gauge on the extinguisher is in the operable range
Checking weight by lifting extinguisher to confirm chemicals are present
Sign off on tag/label to indicate inspection has been completed

Internal inspections may be required annually as part of the maintenance requirements of extinguishers. These inspections should be completed by a qualified person as they review the mechanical parts, extinguishing agent, expelling means, and physical condition of the extinguisher.

Fire extinguishers are the front lines to any life safety plan as they give you a chance to stop fires before they spread. Making sure your employees are trained to properly locate, use, and maintain these tools can make sure they are ready and available when an emergency arises. To keep the conversation going, download the Fire Extinguisher Toolbox Talk (TBT) or comment below.

Fire Extinguisher TBT

]]><![CDATA[The Basics – Trenching & Excavation Safety]]>Wed, 03 Sep 2025 13:13:05 GMThttps://www.staccard.com/blog/the-basics-trenching-excavation-safety

From building foundations to underground utilities, trenches and excavations lay the groundwork for any project. Due to the unpredictable nature of earthwork, these excavations can be dangerous and even fatal. In this blog we will review some basic safety measures you should always take when working in and around open trenches and excavations.

Trench & Excavation Definitions
OSHA defines trenches and excavations as:
Trench - a narrow excavation made below the surface of the ground; generally the depth is greater than its width and does not exceed 15ft
Excavation - any man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression in the Earth’s surface formed by earth removal

Safety Before Working
Before you begin working in an open trench or excavation, be sure to:

Identify a competent person – this person will be responsible for identifying and predicting hazards associated with excavation work along with preparing safety inspections and measures to be used for each excavation
Complete an inspection – inspections should be completed by the competent person prior to entry and if weather or work conditions change

Provide ingress/egress routes – provide safe ways for employees to enter/exit excavation as needed (required if depth is greater than 4ft)
Ensure underground utilities have been identified – make sure all utilities have been clearly marked prior to beginning work

Safety While Working
When working around an open excavation, be sure to:

Classify the soil type – identify the soil class of the excavation to identify potential hazards and properly select the protective system
Remove water hazards – excavations should be kept free from water buildup and accumulation as this can undermine protective systems
Select a protective system – if the excavation is deeper than 5ft, provide a protective system to ensure the safety of workers within the trench or excavation (Bench, Slope, Shore, Shield)
Keep spoils away from sides – maintain spoil piles at least 2ft from excavation edge and ensure proper equipment distance to prevent failing

Preventing excavation cave-ins and collapses are easy when basic safety measures are followed every single day. Preparing safety measures before you begin work and continually inspecting as you go will allow workers to safely identify hazards before they become catastrophic. To keep the conversation going, download the Trenching & Excavation Toolbox Talk (TBT) or comment below.

Trenching & Excavation TBT

]]><![CDATA[Benefits of TBTs in Safety Plans]]>Wed, 06 Aug 2025 14:41:11 GMThttps://www.staccard.com/blog/benefits-of-tbts-in-safety-plans

When new tasks are introduced or refresher training is needed on a job, a great way to inform workers is through toolbox talks. A Toolbox Talk (TBT) is a short, safety meeting focused on safety topics relevant to jobsite tasks. These talks can inform, train, refresh, and reorient your workers to prepare them for the job at hand and recognize new hazards that may be present. Today we will review what OSHA says and some benefits surrounding TBTs.

What Does OSHA Say?
While OSHA requires job briefings (Job Hazard Analysis) before beginning work, there are no regulations or requirements for TBTs or similar safety meetings. However, this does not mean that TBTs aren’t strongly encouraged. Short, informative meetings like TBTs are great ways to keep safe practices and job hazards in the forefront of everyone’s mind and allow safety to be the driving factor on a job. Reducing recordable incidents is one of the many benefits employers can see when TBTs are used on a regular basis.

Benefits of TBTs
Reducing recordable incidents is one of the many benefits of incorporating TBTs into a safety program. Additional benefits can include:

Promote safety culture and reinforce habits
- Providing weekly reminders on safety topics and safe practices keeps employees alert and aware of ever changing hazards
Provide refresher training
- TBTs can utilize short training sessions to refresh employees on relevant topics and changes that are happening in the industry
Reduce OSHA citations and recordable rates
- Having a record of safety training and TBTs will show OSHA your commitment to safety and ultimately lead to your employees being safer on the job

Toolbox Talks are great ways to keep safety on everyone’s mind and encourage workers to think safely about the tasks they face. When safety is top of mind, good habits will be formed. To keep the conversation going, download the Health & Safety Plan TBT or comment below.

Health & Safety Plan TBT

]]><![CDATA[Staying Hydrated in the Sun]]>Wed, 09 Jul 2025 13:10:48 GMThttps://www.staccard.com/blog/staying-hydrated-in-the-sun

Summertime is full of outdoor projects and enjoying fun under the sun. When working or playing outdoors, it’s important to make sure you stay hydrated to prevent any type of heat illness. Keep reading below to see some helpful hydration tips and things to steer clear of when you are outdoors for an extended amount of time.

Why is Hydration Important?
When you exert yourself for an extended amount of time, your body begins to sweat. This natural cycle is the way your body cools itself down to prevent over exhaustion and heat stroke. Staying hydrated helps keep your body full of liquids and minerals to allow yourself to sweat and make sure your body temperature does not rise too quickly.

Hydration Tips for Workers
Before you begin work, make sure to plan ahead if you are in the heat all day. Some helpful tips to remember are:

Drink water continuously – try to have a glass of water every 20 minutes to make sure you stay adequately hydrated. OSHA recommends at least 32 ounces of water each hour when working
Include electrolytes – if you are doing strenuous activities, try including electrolyte drinks to help replenish the loss of salt and other minerals through your sweat.
Take frequent breaks – find a cool, shaded area to take frequent breaks and allow your body to cool down naturally. Provide cool water in these areas so workers can continue to hydrate even on break
Bring a reusable water bottle – take your water with you with a reusable water bottle to make sure hydration isn’t only during break times

Some things to avoid on hot days include:

Alcohol – since alcohol is a diuretic, your body will lose liquids more frequently and can lead to dehydration. Steer clear of this and any other types of diuretics
High doses of caffeine – while normal amounts of caffeine are acceptable, high doses can add more strain on your heart creating problems for your organs
Large meals – eating large amounts of hot, greasy food can be hard for your body to digest during warm days. Look for light, healthy options that can give you energy throughout the day

Staying hydrated is the best and safest way to combat heat illness when working outdoors. Be sure to hydrate continuously and avoid questionable drinks or meals to give your body the most it needs to keep cool. To keep the conversation going, download the Heat Stress Toolbox Talk (TBT) or comment below.

Button Text

]]><![CDATA[Reporting Near Misses]]>Wed, 04 Jun 2025 15:58:41 GMThttps://www.staccard.com/blog/reporting-near-misses

OSHA defines a near miss as “a potential hazard or incident in which no property was damaged and no personal injury was sustained, but where, given a slight shift in time or position, damage or injury easily could have occurred.” These near misses tend to become an injury if employees aren’t encouraged to report them so management can act accordingly. Today let’s explore the importance of tracking near misses and how to properly report them.

Why Track Near Misses?
OSHA estimates that for every injury on the job, there are over 300 near misses that go unreported. Tracking these incidents before they turn into injuries can help employers identify hazards or weaknesses in their safety programs and promptly fix them before an injury can occur. When near misses are reported, you can take a proactive approach to safety and safeguard employees from future injuries.

How to Report Near Misses
When an employee sees unsafe conditions, unsafe behavior, or an event where an injury/property damage could have occurred, they must be encouraged to report that near miss immediately. OSHA provides employers with their Incident Report Form to help identify what happened so management can review and respond quickly.
Once management has been notified of the near miss, an Incident Investigation can be conducted. These investigations help to identify hazards, provide engineering controls or plan adjustments, and create new training techniques to prevent the incident from happening again. From the investigation, employers then communicate any changes to staff to make sure all hazards have been identified and mitigated.
Even after investigations have been conducted, it is important for employers to encourage near miss reporting to allow for continuous improvement to overall health and safety. Remember, these reports should not be subject to disciplinary action unless the behavior is negligent, malicious, or violent.

Near misses are accidents waiting to happen. Encouraging employees to report them and properly eliminating the hazards at hand can help keep everyone in the workplace safe. To keep the conversation going, download the Near Miss Toolbox Talk (TBT) or comment below.

Near Miss TBT

]]><![CDATA[Safe Use of Ladders in the Workplace]]>Thu, 15 May 2025 15:55:17 GMThttps://www.staccard.com/blog/safe-use-of-ladders-in-the-workplace

Falls continue to be the leading cause of workplace injuries with nearly half a million reported injuries each year. There is no surprise then that Fall Protection and Ladders were two of the top five most cited standards in 2024 with nearly 9,000 violations between them. Below we will discuss the two main types of ladders and the safe operating standards to help keep you from becoming another preventable statistic.

Stepladder
Also known as a portable ladder, stepladders are self-supporting with an a-frame design that connects braces or steps between the rails. These ladders are typically used indoors and at heights below 12ft.
Before using a stepladder, make sure to:

Inspect the ladder – make sure there are no damaged, bent, or missing pieces of the ladder. Confirm the ladder is placed on even ground with the spreaders fully locked out
Confirm the rating – make sure you select the properly rated ladder for your load and work. There are five types of ladders based on use and load rating
Check your surroundings – confirm there are no active power lines or electrical devices nearby. Remove any dirt, grease, or other liquids that could result in a fall during/after use

When in use, make sure to:

Maintain three points of contact – when moving up and down the ladder always have two feet, one hand or two hands, one foot on the ladder at all times. Do not carry tools or materials in hands while climbing
Keep yourself within the rails – do not overextend your center of gravity outside the rails. This can commonly lead to losing your balance or causing the ladder to fall
Do not stand on the top cap – top caps are clearly marked as unsafe for use. Make sure you select the proper size ladder to reach all places in your work space

Extension Ladder
Extension ladders are ladders with two sections connected by brackets that allow the sections to slide and adjust in length. Since these ladders are typically used outdoors, they are not self-supporting and need a structure to connect to.
Before using an extension ladder, make sure to:

Inspect the ladder – make sure no components are damaged or missing. Confirm locks and foot pads are installed properly and working
Properly set the ladder – make sure the base is secured to level ground. Confirm the angle is at a 4:1 ratio (height to base of the structure) and extends beyond the elevated work surface at least three feet
Secure the ladder – make sure the ladder is properly secured to the structure. Confirm there are no overhead or electrical hazards in the surrounding area and no doors or openings near the work space

When in use, make sure to:

Maintain three points of contact – when moving up and down the ladder always have two feet, one hand or two hands, one foot on the ladder at all times. Use a tool belt or a hand line to move tools

Always face the ladder – keep your weight and face always toward the ladder when working or moving. Do not allow yourself to overextend outside the rails
Leave room for step off – keep the area above and below the ladder clear to allow room to step on and off the ladder. Only allow one person to travel at a time

Ladders are an easy and portable way to work at heights on the jobsite. When using ladders, always make sure to check your surroundings, inspect before use, and maintain proper contact/work zone to stay as safe as possible. To keep the conversation going, download the Ladders toolbox talk (TBT) or comment below.

Ladders TBT

]]><![CDATA[A Guide to Traffic Control Zones]]>Wed, 09 Apr 2025 13:58:40 GMThttps://www.staccard.com/blog/a-guide-to-traffic-control-zones

With nearly 4 million miles of roadways in America, proper maintenance and upkeep is an important task to local, state, and federal governments. With billions being spent each year to build and maintain these roadways, a pivotal task is providing safe working space for road workers while allowing pedestrians to safely navigate around the construction. In this blog, we will explore Traffic Control Plans and specifically review the areas that are found within traffic control zones.

What is a Traffic Control Plan?
A Traffic Control Plan or Temporary Traffic Control Plan is a plan that describes the safety measures used to guide pedestrians through a traffic control zone. These plans, typically diagrams or sketches, will describe all safety measures that will be used to warn pedestrians of incoming roadwork, guide them through the work zone, and eventually notify them of where the work zone ends.

Traffic Control Zones
There are four main areas to a traffic control zone with each providing specific elements that keep both workers and pedestrians safe. Let’s review each area and what they provide to complete the control zone:

Advance Warning Area – section of the roadway where pedestrians are informed about the upcoming work zone. Many will utilize bright orange signage or sometimes flashing signals to warn pedestrians to prepare to slow down

Transition Area – if traffic needs to be shifted for the work ahead, a transition area is used to combine traffic lanes or direct traffic to a new path around the work zone. These areas are to be clearly marked, typically with traffic cones or barriers to allow traffic flow to properly and safely pass the work zone

Activity Area – section of the roadway where work is taking place. This area is made up of the work space, traffic space, and buffer space; designated areas for workers and equipment to safely operate separately from the pedestrian traffic. Buffer spaces between the work space and traffic space are free of any people, vehicles, or equipment and typically begin with an arrow board directing traffic away from the work zone

Termination Area – section of the road to safely return pedestrians to the normal path. This area typically extends well past the work zone and is completed by an ‘End Road Work’ sign.

With over 100,000 crashes estimated to happen each year within work zones, proper Traffic Control Plans help facilitate safe passage for both workers and pedestrians. Knowing the control zones and how to navigate through them as a worker and pedestrian will keep everyone safe. To keep the conversation going, download the Work Zone Toolbox Talk (TBT) or comment below.

CAT - Work Zone Traffic TBT

]]><![CDATA[Power Tool Safety]]>Wed, 05 Mar 2025 14:21:23 GMThttps://www.staccard.com/blog/power-tool-safety

Power tools are the equipment that propels over 8 million construction workers on a daily basis. With thousands of tools available, these pieces of equipment make our jobs easier, but when used incorrectly can become hazardous in an instant. Below we will review the safety features of power tools and the hazards you need to be aware of when working with them.

Safety Features
Most power tools have new safety features to reduce the risk of injuries. Depending on the type of power tool, you may need to make sure each feature is available and in working condition. Let’s review some common safety features of power tools and what OSHA recommends:

Guards – all exposed moving parts of tools must be guarded to protect from rotating parts, sparks, flying chips, and pinch points. Commonly used in circular saws and grinders, OSHA requires a machine guard at all times for blades/discs greater than 2 inches
Pressure Switches and Shutoffs – switches that shut off power when released. OSHA requires most hand-held tools to have pressure switches including drills, drivers, grinders, sanders, and saws. Larger tools such as disc sanders, routers, and planers are required to have a control switch or pressure switch to shut off power
Accessory Safety Clips – locks or mechanisms that keep tool accessories from being ejected during operation. Commonly used with saw blades, chisels, and drill bits, OSHA requires all clips to be in working condition prior to use

Power Tool Hazards
Even though power tools are used on a regular basis, employers are still required to provide training and hazard recognition for power tools that employees will use. Below we will review the three common types of power tools and the most common hazards associated with them:

Electrical

Shocks and burns – caused when the electrical current is disrupted and flows incorrectly through the body. To prevent, electrical tools should have a three-wire cord and be grounded through the receptacle. Additional best practices include inspecting cords for worn or frayed insulation and to not use in wet or damp locations unless rated properly

Battery Operated

Fires – occur when the battery or tool are overworked or used incorrectly. Best practices include using compatible batteries with select tools, inspecting to make sure batteries have no damage or leaks, and store batteries in a dry area off charging stations

Pneumatic

Misfires or explosions – caused when the compressed air is improperly traveling through the hose. To prevent, locking attachments for tools and additional safety valves to gauge pressure flow should be installed on hoses

Power tools help us build efficiently and reduce strains on workers. Making sure you select proper power tools and use their safety features to reduce hazards will help keep all employees safe on the job. To keep the conversation going, download the Power Tools Toolbox Talk (TBT) or comment below.

Power tools TBT

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