Glossary
Plain-language definitions for every term you will encounter. Browse by letter or filter by category.
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A
Abatement
The corrective action an employer must take to fix a cited hazard within the timeframe OSHA specifies.
ComplianceAtmospheric Testing
Monitoring air quality in confined spaces to detect oxygen deficiency, combustible gases, and toxic substances.
Hazard TypesAnchor Point
A secure attachment point capable of supporting 5,000 pounds per worker connected for fall arrest systems.
Safety EquipmentArc Flash
A dangerous release of energy caused by an electrical fault that produces intense heat, light, and pressure.
Hazard TypesAssembly Point
A designated safe location outside a building where employees gather after evacuating during an emergency.
Emergency ResponseAED
Automated External Defibrillator, a portable device that delivers an electric shock to restore heart rhythm.
Emergency ResponseAttendant
A trained person stationed outside a confined space to monitor entrants and summon rescue if needed.
TrainingAdministrative Controls
Work practices, policies, and procedures that reduce hazard exposure through changes in how work is performed.
TrainingAudiometric Testing
Annual hearing tests required for workers exposed to noise at or above OSHA's 85 decibel action level.
Hazard TypesAsbestos
A naturally occurring mineral fiber that causes cancer and lung disease when its fibers become airborne and inhaled.
Hazard TypesANSI
American National Standards Institute, the organization that coordinates voluntary safety and quality standards.
ComplianceANSI Z87.1
The standard for occupational and educational eye and face protection specifying impact and coverage requirements.
ComplianceANSI Z89.1
The standard for industrial head protection specifying impact resistance and electrical insulation requirements.
ComplianceACGIH
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, the organization publishing TLV exposure guidelines.
ComplianceAuthorized Person
A worker trained and authorized to perform lockout/tagout and service or maintain machines and equipment.
TrainingAffected Person
A worker whose job requires operating equipment that is under lockout/tagout by an authorized person.
TrainingAerial Lift
A vehicle-mounted platform such as a cherry picker or boom lift used to elevate workers to height.
Safety EquipmentArc Flash Boundary
The distance from energized equipment at which an arc flash could cause a second-degree burn.
Hazard TypesALARA
As Low As Reasonably Achievable, the principle of minimizing radiation exposure through practical measures.
Hazard TypesArea Monitoring
Placing sampling devices in fixed locations to measure general ambient levels of airborne contaminants.
Safety EquipmentAccident Investigation
A structured process to determine what happened, why it happened, and how to prevent similar incidents.
TrainingAnnual Training
Safety training conducted once per year to maintain compliance with OSHA standards requiring periodic retraining.
TrainingB
Bloodborne Pathogens
Infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease, such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
Hazard TypesBehavior-Based Safety
A program that uses observation and feedback to identify and correct unsafe worker behaviors on the job.
TrainingBlood Lead Level
A medical test measuring the concentration of lead in blood, used to monitor occupational lead exposure.
Hazard TypesBarricade
A physical barrier such as tape, cones, or fencing used to restrict access to hazardous work areas.
Safety EquipmentBonding
Electrically connecting two containers to equalize static charge and prevent sparks during liquid transfer.
Safety EquipmentBack Injury Prevention
Training and controls to reduce back injuries from lifting, bending, and carrying heavy or awkward loads.
TrainingBiological Hazard
Organisms or substances produced by organisms that pose a threat to human health, such as bacteria or viruses.
Hazard TypesBenzene
A known human carcinogen found in petroleum products, with an OSHA PEL of 1 ppm as an 8-hour TWA.
Hazard TypesBeryllium
A lightweight metal whose dust causes chronic beryllium disease, with a very low OSHA PEL of 0.2 micrograms.
Hazard TypesBiological Monitoring
Testing blood, urine, or exhaled air to assess a worker's actual absorption of workplace chemical exposures.
ComplianceC
Citation
A formal notice issued by OSHA to an employer documenting a specific safety violation found during inspection.
ComplianceConfined Space
An enclosed area with limited entry and exit that is not designed for continuous occupancy by workers.
Hazard TypesCompetent Person
A worker capable of identifying hazards and authorized to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.
TrainingCPR
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, an emergency procedure combining chest compressions and rescue breathing.
Emergency ResponseCrane Safety
Procedures and standards for safe crane operation including load calculations, rigging, and signal communication.
Safety EquipmentCave-In
The collapse of soil or rock walls in an excavation, one of the leading causes of construction fatalities.
Hazard TypesCorrective Action
Steps taken to eliminate the cause of a detected nonconformity or hazard and prevent its recurrence.
ComplianceCold Stress
Health effects from working in cold environments including frostbite, hypothermia, and trench foot.
Hazard TypesCombustible Dust
Fine particles that can ignite and explode when dispersed in air, such as grain dust, wood dust, or metal powder.
Hazard TypesCaught-In Hazard
A danger where a worker's body or clothing is caught in, between, or compressed by machinery or objects.
Hazard TypesControlling Employer
The employer with general supervisory authority over a worksite, responsible for correcting hazards or requiring others to.
OSHA StandardsCombustible Gas
A gas or vapor that can ignite and burn when mixed with air in concentrations between its LEL and UEL.
Hazard TypesCompressed Gas
Gas stored under pressure in cylinders that poses explosion, asphyxiation, or toxicity risks if mishandled.
Hazard TypesCylinder Storage
Proper storage of compressed gas cylinders upright, secured, capped, and separated by gas compatibility.
Safety EquipmentChemical Resistant Gloves
Gloves made from materials like nitrile, neoprene, or butyl rubber that resist permeation by specific chemicals.
Safety EquipmentCut Resistant Gloves
Gloves rated by ANSI cut levels that protect hands from sharp edges, blades, and abrasive materials.
Safety EquipmentChemical Hygiene Plan
A written plan for laboratories describing procedures to protect employees from health hazards of chemicals.
ComplianceConfined Space Rescue
Procedures and trained teams prepared to extract workers from confined spaces during emergencies.
Emergency ResponseContinuous Air Monitoring
Ongoing real-time measurement of atmospheric conditions inside a confined space during the entire entry period.
Safety EquipmentCarbon Monoxide
An odorless, colorless toxic gas produced by incomplete combustion that can cause death at high concentrations.
Hazard TypesCadmium
A toxic heavy metal found in batteries and coatings that causes kidney damage and lung cancer when inhaled.
Hazard TypesClosing Conference
The meeting at the end of an OSHA inspection where the compliance officer discusses findings and potential citations.
OSHA StandardsCreating Employer
The employer whose workers create a hazard that exposes employees of other employers on a multi-employer site.
OSHA StandardsCompliance Officer
An OSHA inspector authorized to conduct workplace inspections and issue citations for safety violations.
OSHA StandardsConfined Space Program
A written program establishing procedures, training, and equipment requirements for safe confined space entry.
ComplianceD
DART Rate
Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred rate measuring the number of recordable cases with lost or restricted time.
OSHA StandardsDecontamination
The process of removing hazardous substances from workers, equipment, or surfaces to prevent exposure.
Hazard TypesDrug Free Workplace
A policy prohibiting the use, possession, or impairment from drugs and alcohol while on the job.
ComplianceDe-Energization
The process of disconnecting electrical circuits and equipment from their energy source and verifying zero voltage.
Hazard TypesDosimeter
A device worn by workers to measure cumulative exposure to ionizing radiation over a period of time.
Safety EquipmentDanger Zone
An area around machinery or operations where workers are at risk of injury from moving parts or flying debris.
Hazard TypesDeceleration Distance
The distance over which a fall arrest system slows and stops a falling worker, limited to 3.5 feet by OSHA.
Hazard TypesE
EMR
Experience Modification Rate comparing an employer's workers comp claims to the industry average for premium pricing.
ComplianceErgonomics
The science of designing workstations and tasks to fit the worker and reduce musculoskeletal injury risk.
Hazard TypesElectrical Safety
Practices and standards designed to protect workers from electrical shock, arc flash, and electrocution hazards.
Hazard TypesEmergency Action Plan
A written document describing procedures employees must follow during workplace emergencies such as fires or spills.
Emergency ResponseEvacuation Plan
A documented plan showing exit routes, assembly points, and procedures for safely leaving a building in an emergency.
Emergency ResponseExposure Control Plan
A written plan identifying tasks with bloodborne pathogen exposure risk and the controls to minimize that risk.
ComplianceExcavation
Any man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression in the earth formed by removing soil or rock.
Hazard TypesEntry Permit
A written authorization documenting hazards, controls, and personnel for safe entry into a permit-required space.
ComplianceEntry Supervisor
The person responsible for authorizing confined space entry and ensuring all safety procedures are followed.
TrainingEye Wash Station
A fixed or portable device providing a gentle stream of water to flush hazardous substances from the eyes.
Emergency ResponseEmergency Shower
A plumbed fixture that delivers a large volume of water to rinse chemical contaminants off a worker's body.
Emergency ResponseEngineering Controls
Physical changes to the workplace or equipment that isolate workers from hazards without relying on behavior.
Hazard TypesEnergy Isolation
The process of disconnecting machinery from all energy sources including electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic.
Hazard TypesElectrical PPE
Insulated gloves, sleeves, and mats rated for specific voltage levels to protect against electrical contact.
Safety EquipmentEnergized Work
Work performed on electrical equipment that has not been de-energized, requiring special training and PPE.
Hazard TypesExplosion Proof Equipment
Electrical devices designed to contain internal explosions and prevent ignition of surrounding atmospheres.
Safety EquipmentExposure Assessment
Measuring or estimating the intensity, frequency, and duration of worker contact with workplace hazards.
ComplianceExposing Employer
An employer whose workers are exposed to a hazard created or controlled by another employer on the same site.
OSHA StandardsElectrical Lockout
Applying a lock to an electrical disconnect switch to prevent accidental re-energization during maintenance.
Hazard TypesF
Fit Test
A procedure verifying that a respirator forms an adequate seal on the wearer's face before workplace use.
Safety EquipmentFall Protection
Systems and equipment designed to prevent or arrest falls from elevation, required at heights of six feet or more.
Safety EquipmentFire Extinguisher
A portable device used to suppress small fires, classified by the type of fire it is designed to combat.
Emergency ResponseFire Class
A classification system categorizing fires by fuel type: A for ordinary, B for flammable liquid, C for electrical.
Emergency ResponseFire Prevention
Measures taken to reduce fire risk including proper storage, housekeeping, and elimination of ignition sources.
Emergency ResponseFirst Aid
Immediate medical care provided to an injured or ill person before professional emergency responders arrive.
Emergency ResponseFirst Aid Kit
A collection of medical supplies and equipment kept readily available for treating minor workplace injuries.
Emergency ResponseForklift
A powered industrial truck used to lift and move materials, requiring operator training and certification.
Safety EquipmentFire Watch
A designated person who monitors for fire during and after hot work, ready to extinguish incipient fires.
Emergency ResponseFace Shield
A transparent protective device covering the entire face to guard against splashes, flying particles, and heat.
Safety EquipmentFrostbite
Freezing of skin and underlying tissue caused by exposure to extremely cold temperatures or wind chill.
Hazard TypesFocus Four Hazards
The four leading causes of construction fatalities: falls, struck-by, caught-in/between, and electrocution.
OSHA StandardsFloor Opening
An opening in a floor or platform measuring 12 inches or more that must be guarded to prevent falls.
Hazard TypesFlammable Liquid
A liquid with a flash point below 100 degrees Fahrenheit that can easily ignite from sparks or open flames.
Hazard TypesFlash Point
The lowest temperature at which a liquid gives off enough vapor to form an ignitable mixture with air.
Hazard TypesFlammable Storage Cabinet
A fire-rated cabinet designed to safely store flammable and combustible liquids and limit fire spread.
Safety EquipmentFull-Face Respirator
A reusable respirator covering the entire face, providing both respiratory and eye protection from contaminants.
Safety EquipmentFall Arrest System
A system that stops a worker who is already falling, consisting of an anchor, connector, and body harness.
Safety EquipmentFall Restraint System
A system that prevents a worker from reaching a fall hazard edge, rather than arresting a fall in progress.
Safety EquipmentFit for Duty
A determination that a worker is physically and mentally capable of performing job duties safely.
ComplianceFour Gas Monitor
A portable device that simultaneously detects oxygen, LEL, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide levels.
Safety EquipmentFormaldehyde
A chemical used in manufacturing that is a known carcinogen, with an OSHA PEL of 0.75 ppm TWA.
Hazard TypesFall Distance
The vertical distance a worker would travel during a fall before a fall arrest system stops the descent.
Hazard TypesG
General Duty Clause
Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act requiring employers to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards.
OSHA StandardsGHS
Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals used to standardize hazard communication.
Hazard TypesGFCI
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, a device that shuts off power when it detects current leaking to ground.
Safety EquipmentGuardrail
A protective railing installed along open edges of elevated surfaces to prevent workers from falling.
Safety EquipmentGrounding
Connecting equipment to the earth to prevent static charge buildup that could ignite flammable vapors.
Safety EquipmentH
Hard Hat
Head protection worn to guard against impact from falling objects and electrical contact in the workplace.
Safety EquipmentHearing Protection
Earplugs or earmuffs worn to reduce noise exposure and prevent occupational hearing loss in loud environments.
Safety EquipmentHarness
A full-body fall arrest device that distributes fall forces across the torso, thighs, and shoulders of the wearer.
Safety EquipmentHazCom
Hazard Communication Standard requiring employers to inform workers about chemical hazards through labels and SDS.
OSHA StandardsHot Work
Operations producing heat, sparks, or flame such as welding, cutting, or brazing that could ignite nearby materials.
Hazard TypesHot Work Permit
A written authorization required before performing welding, cutting, or other spark-producing work in hazardous areas.
ComplianceHigh Visibility Clothing
Fluorescent and reflective garments worn to make workers visible in areas with vehicle or equipment traffic.
Safety EquipmentHazMat
Hazardous Materials that pose a risk to health, safety, or the environment during storage, use, or transport.
Hazard TypesHierarchy of Controls
A ranked system for reducing hazards: elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative, then PPE.
TrainingHAZOP
Hazard and Operability Study, a structured method to identify process deviations and their potential consequences.
ComplianceHearing Conservation
An OSHA program requiring monitoring, audiometric testing, and protection for workers exposed to high noise.
ComplianceHeat Stress
A condition caused by excessive heat exposure that can lead to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, or death.
Hazard TypesHeat Illness Prevention
A program providing water, rest, shade, and acclimatization to protect workers from heat-related illness.
TrainingHypothermia
A dangerous drop in body temperature below 95 degrees Fahrenheit caused by prolonged cold exposure.
Hazard TypesHousekeeping
Maintaining a clean and orderly workplace to prevent slips, trips, falls, and accumulation of hazardous materials.
TrainingHazard Statement
A standardized phrase on a GHS label describing the nature and degree of a chemical's hazard.
Hazard TypesHazard Assessment
A workplace evaluation to identify hazards and determine the appropriate PPE and controls for each task.
TrainingHalf-Face Respirator
A reusable respirator covering the nose and mouth that uses replaceable cartridges to filter air contaminants.
Safety EquipmentHorizontal Lifeline
A cable or strap stretched between two anchor points allowing workers to move laterally while remaining tied off.
Safety EquipmentHazardous Location
An area classified by NEC where flammable gases, vapors, or combustible dusts may be present.
Hazard TypesHydrogen Sulfide
A toxic gas with a rotten egg odor found in sewers and oil fields that paralyzes the sense of smell at high levels.
Hazard TypesHexavalent Chromium
A toxic form of chromium generated during welding or painting that causes lung cancer when inhaled.
Hazard TypesHazard Communication Program
A written workplace plan for informing employees about chemical hazards through labels, SDS, and training.
ComplianceI
Incident Investigation
A systematic process to determine the root causes of workplace accidents and prevent future occurrences.
TrainingIDLH
Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health, an atmosphere posing an immediate threat of death or lasting harm.
Hazard TypesIndustrial Hygiene
The science of anticipating, recognizing, evaluating, and controlling workplace health hazards.
Hazard TypesInformal Conference
A meeting between an employer and OSHA to discuss citations, penalties, or abatement before a formal contest.
OSHA StandardsIsocyanates
Reactive chemicals in paints and foams that are a leading cause of occupational asthma when inhaled.
Hazard TypesImminent Danger
A condition or practice that could reasonably be expected to cause death or serious harm before normal enforcement.
OSHA StandardsISO 45001
The international standard for occupational health and safety management systems, replacing OHSAS 18001.
ComplianceJ
L
Lost Time Injury
A workplace injury that results in the employee missing one or more scheduled workdays beyond the day of injury.
OSHA StandardsLOTO
Lockout/Tagout procedures prevent accidental machine startup during maintenance by isolating energy sources.
Hazard TypesLockout Tagout
A safety procedure using locks and tags to ensure hazardous machines are properly shut off during servicing.
Hazard TypesLEL
Lower Explosive Limit, the minimum concentration of a gas or vapor in air that can ignite and cause an explosion.
Hazard TypesLanyard
A flexible connector linking a worker's harness to an anchor point or lifeline for fall arrest protection.
Safety EquipmentLadder Safety
Practices for safe ladder use including proper setup angle, three points of contact, and weight rating compliance.
Safety EquipmentLead Exposure
Contact with lead dust or fumes during activities such as painting, demolition, or battery manufacturing.
Hazard TypesLocal Exhaust Ventilation
A system that captures contaminants at their source before they disperse into the general work area.
Safety EquipmentLockout Device
A keyed lock placed on an energy-isolating device to keep equipment in a safe, de-energized state.
Safety EquipmentLean Safety
Integrating lean manufacturing principles with safety management to eliminate waste and reduce injury risk.
TrainingLeading Indicator
A proactive safety metric that measures prevention activities before injuries occur, such as inspections completed.
ComplianceLagging Indicator
A reactive safety metric that measures outcomes after they occur, such as injury rates and lost workdays.
ComplianceM
MSD
Musculoskeletal Disorder, an injury affecting muscles, tendons, nerves, or joints from repetitive or forceful work.
Hazard TypesMachine Guarding
Physical barriers or devices installed on machinery to protect operators from moving parts and pinch points.
Safety EquipmentManagement of Change
A procedure to review and approve modifications to processes, equipment, or procedures before implementation.
ComplianceMedical Surveillance
Periodic medical examinations and tests required for workers exposed to specific health hazards on the job.
ComplianceMulti-Employer Worksite
A job site where employees of more than one employer work, creating shared responsibility for safety.
OSHA StandardsMaterial Handling
The movement, storage, control, and protection of materials throughout manufacturing and distribution processes.
TrainingManual Lifting
Physically moving objects by hand, requiring proper body mechanics to avoid back injuries and strains.
TrainingManganese
A metal in welding fumes that can cause neurological symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease at high exposures.
Hazard TypesN
NRR
Noise Reduction Rating indicating the decibel reduction a hearing protection device provides under lab conditions.
Safety EquipmentN95
A filtering facepiece respirator that removes at least 95 percent of airborne particles when properly fitted.
Safety EquipmentNear Miss
An unplanned event that did not result in injury or damage but had the potential to do so under different conditions.
Hazard TypesNip Point
A location where two rotating parts converge and can catch clothing, fingers, or other body parts.
Hazard TypesNFPA 70E
National Fire Protection Association standard for electrical safety in the workplace covering arc flash hazards.
ComplianceNoise Exposure
Workplace sound levels that can cause hearing damage, with OSHA's action level set at 85 decibels TWA.
Hazard TypesNFPA
National Fire Protection Association, an organization that develops codes and standards for fire safety.
ComplianceNIOSH
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the federal agency conducting research on workplace hazards.
OSHA StandardsNew Employee Orientation
Initial safety training provided to new hires covering company policies, hazards, and emergency procedures.
TrainingO
OSHA
Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the federal agency enforcing workplace safety standards.
OSHA StandardsOther-Than-Serious Violation
A violation that has a direct relationship to workplace safety but would not likely cause death or serious harm.
ComplianceOSHA 300 Log
A form used to record work-related injuries and illnesses throughout the calendar year at each establishment.
OSHA StandardsOSHA 300A
The annual summary form of work-related injuries and illnesses that must be posted from February through April.
OSHA StandardsOSHA 301
The injury and illness incident report form providing detailed information about each recorded workplace event.
OSHA StandardsOxygen Deficiency
An atmosphere containing less than 19.5 percent oxygen, which can cause impaired judgment and asphyxiation.
Hazard TypesOperator Certification
Documented proof that a worker has completed required training and evaluation for operating specific equipment.
TrainingOccupational Exposure Limit
The maximum allowable concentration of a substance in workplace air, set by regulatory or advisory bodies.
Hazard TypesOSHA Inspection
A formal visit by an OSHA compliance officer to evaluate workplace safety and identify potential violations.
OSHA StandardsOpening Conference
The initial meeting at the start of an OSHA inspection where the compliance officer explains the visit's scope.
OSHA StandardsOnboarding
The process of integrating new employees into the organization including safety orientation and training.
TrainingP
Penalty
A monetary fine assessed by OSHA for workplace safety violations, adjusted annually for inflation.
CompliancePPE
Personal Protective Equipment worn by workers to reduce exposure to hazards when engineering controls are not feasible.
Safety EquipmentPEL
Permissible Exposure Limit, the maximum concentration of a substance a worker may be exposed to per OSHA rules.
Hazard TypesPoint of Operation
The area of a machine where work is performed on material, such as cutting, shaping, or forming.
Hazard TypesPIT Operator
A Powered Industrial Truck operator who has completed OSHA-required training and hands-on evaluation.
TrainingPermit-Required Confined Space
A confined space containing hazards serious enough to require a written entry permit before workers may enter.
Hazard TypesProcess Safety Management
An OSHA standard requiring management of highly hazardous chemicals through 14 elements including process reviews.
CompliancePSM
Process Safety Management, the OSHA regulation for preventing catastrophic releases of highly hazardous chemicals.
CompliancePHA
Process Hazard Analysis, a systematic review identifying and evaluating hazards in chemical processes.
CompliancePictogram
A standardized GHS symbol on chemical labels that visually communicates specific hazard types to workers.
Hazard TypesPrecautionary Statement
A phrase on a GHS label recommending measures to minimize or prevent adverse effects from chemical exposure.
Hazard TypesPermit to Work
A formal written system controlling high-risk activities by requiring documented authorization before work begins.
CompliancePedestrian Safety
Measures protecting workers on foot from being struck by forklifts, trucks, or other mobile equipment.
TrainingPowered Air Purifying Respirator
A battery-powered respirator that forces contaminated air through filters before the wearer inhales it.
Safety EquipmentPowered Platform
A mechanically driven platform used for building maintenance such as window washing on high-rise structures.
Safety EquipmentPersonal Monitoring
Attaching a sampling device to a worker's breathing zone to measure individual exposure to airborne hazards.
Safety EquipmentQ
R
Repeat Violation
A violation of the same or a substantially similar standard that was previously cited within the past five years.
ComplianceRecordable Injury
A work-related injury or illness that requires medical treatment beyond first aid, per OSHA recordkeeping rules.
OSHA StandardsRespiratory Protection
Devices such as masks and respirators that protect workers from inhaling hazardous airborne contaminants.
Safety EquipmentRoot Cause Analysis
A method of identifying the fundamental reason an incident occurred rather than only addressing symptoms.
TrainingRepetitive Strain Injury
An injury caused by repeated motions or sustained postures that damage soft tissue over time.
Hazard TypesRigging
The process of attaching loads to cranes or hoists using slings, shackles, and other hardware for safe lifting.
Safety EquipmentRespiratory Protection Program
A written program covering respirator selection, fit testing, training, and medical evaluation for users.
ComplianceRefresher Training
Periodic retraining to reinforce safety knowledge and update workers on new hazards or changed procedures.
TrainingRisk Assessment
A process of evaluating the likelihood and severity of harm from identified hazards to prioritize controls.
TrainingRisk Matrix
A table that plots hazard severity against probability of occurrence to rank and prioritize workplace risks.
TrainingRegulator
A valve device that reduces high-pressure gas from a cylinder to a safe, usable working pressure.
Safety EquipmentRescue Plan
A documented procedure for retrieving workers from elevated positions or confined spaces after a fall or emergency.
Emergency ResponseReturn to Work Program
A structured plan that helps injured employees transition back to productive work with modified or light duties.
ComplianceRadiation Safety
Practices and controls protecting workers from harmful exposure to ionizing and non-ionizing radiation sources.
Hazard TypesRespirable Dust
Airborne particles small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs, generally under 10 microns in diameter.
Hazard TypesRecordkeeping
The OSHA requirement to maintain logs and records of workplace injuries, illnesses, and safety training.
ComplianceS
Serious Violation
A violation where the hazard could cause death or serious physical harm and the employer knew or should have known.
ComplianceSafety Glasses
Impact-resistant eyewear meeting ANSI Z87.1 standards to protect workers from flying debris and splashes.
Safety EquipmentSCBA
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus providing breathable air from a tank for use in oxygen-deficient atmospheres.
Safety EquipmentSTEL
Short-Term Exposure Limit, the maximum concentration allowed for a continuous 15-minute exposure period.
Hazard TypesSDS
Safety Data Sheet, a document providing hazard information, handling procedures, and first aid for a chemical product.
Hazard TypesSafety Committee
A group of employees and managers who meet regularly to review safety performance and recommend improvements.
TrainingSafety Meeting
A scheduled gathering where safety topics, policies, and recent incidents are discussed with the workforce.
TrainingScaffolding
A temporary elevated platform used to support workers and materials during construction or maintenance activities.
Safety EquipmentSafety Net
A mesh net installed below elevated work areas to catch falling workers when other fall protection is impractical.
Safety EquipmentSling
A flexible lifting device made of wire rope, chain, or synthetic webbing used to connect loads to hoisting equipment.
Safety EquipmentSignal Person
A qualified worker who directs crane operations using standardized hand signals or radio communication.
TrainingShoring
A system of supports installed in excavations to prevent soil movement and protect workers from cave-ins.
Safety EquipmentSloping
Cutting back trench walls at an angle to prevent cave-ins, with the angle determined by soil classification.
Hazard TypesSafety Shoes
Footwear with reinforced toes and slip-resistant soles designed to protect feet from crushing and puncture hazards.
Safety EquipmentSteel Toe
A reinforced toe cap in safety footwear that protects against falling objects and compression injuries.
Safety EquipmentSafety Harness
A full-body device with straps and D-rings designed to arrest falls and distribute impact forces safely.
Safety EquipmentSelf-Retracting Lifeline
A fall arrest device that automatically adjusts cable length and locks when a fall is detected.
Safety EquipmentSpill Response
Procedures for containing, cleaning up, and reporting accidental releases of hazardous chemicals or materials.
Emergency ResponseSpill Kit
A collection of absorbents, barriers, and PPE stored in a container for quick response to chemical spills.
Emergency ResponseSafety Culture
The shared values, beliefs, and practices within an organization that prioritize workplace safety at every level.
TrainingSafety Observation
A structured method of watching workers perform tasks to identify safe and at-risk behaviors for coaching.
TrainingSafety Audit
A systematic review of a workplace safety program to verify compliance with regulations and internal standards.
ComplianceSafety Inspection
A walkthrough of the workplace to identify hazards, unsafe conditions, and deviations from safety standards.
ComplianceSilica
Crystalline silicon dioxide dust generated by cutting or grinding stone, concrete, or brick that causes silicosis.
Hazard TypesSafety Data Sheet
A 16-section document providing detailed information about a chemical product's hazards and safe handling.
Hazard TypesSignal Word
The word Danger or Warning on a GHS label indicating the severity level of the chemical hazard.
Hazard TypesSafety Sign
A visual marker using colors, symbols, and text to warn workers of hazards or indicate required safety measures.
Safety EquipmentStruck-By Hazard
A danger from flying, falling, swinging, or rolling objects that can hit and injure a worker.
Hazard TypesSection 11(c)
The OSH Act provision protecting employees from discrimination for exercising their safety and health rights.
OSHA StandardsSafety Training
Instruction given to workers on recognizing hazards, following safe procedures, and using protective equipment.
TrainingSlip Trip Fall
The most common cause of workplace injuries, resulting from wet floors, cluttered walkways, or uneven surfaces.
Hazard TypesSuspension Trauma
A life-threatening condition caused by hanging motionless in a harness that restricts blood flow to vital organs.
Hazard TypesScissor Lift
A mobile elevated work platform that raises vertically using a folding scissor mechanism.
Safety EquipmentSafety Label
A durable label affixed to equipment or containers communicating hazard warnings and safe use instructions.
Safety EquipmentStored Energy
Residual energy in springs, capacitors, hydraulic lines, or compressed air that must be released before servicing.
Hazard TypesSafety Management System
A systematic framework of policies, procedures, and practices for managing workplace safety and health risks.
ComplianceShock Absorber
A lanyard component that tears open during a fall to reduce the arresting forces on the worker's body.
Safety EquipmentSubstance Abuse
The misuse of drugs or alcohol that impairs a worker's ability to perform job duties safely.
ComplianceT
TCIR
Total Case Incident Rate, calculated as recordable incidents times 200,000 divided by total hours worked.
OSHA StandardsTLV
Threshold Limit Value, a recommended airborne concentration guideline published by the ACGIH for worker exposure.
Hazard TypesTWA
Time-Weighted Average, the average airborne concentration of a substance over a standard 8-hour workday.
Hazard TypesToolbox Talk
A brief, informal safety meeting held on the job site to discuss specific hazards relevant to the day's work.
TrainingToeboard
A low barrier at the edge of an elevated surface that prevents tools and materials from falling off.
Safety EquipmentTrench
A narrow excavation where the depth is greater than the width, requiring protective systems at four feet or deeper.
Hazard TypesTagout Device
A warning tag attached to an energy-isolating device indicating that equipment must not be operated.
Safety EquipmentThreat Assessment
A process of evaluating potential threats of violence to determine their credibility and required response.
TrainingTripod Retrieval System
A portable three-legged device with a winch used to lower and retrieve workers from confined spaces.
Safety EquipmentU
V
Ventilation
The mechanical or natural movement of air to control temperature, humidity, and airborne contaminant levels.
Safety EquipmentVariance
An OSHA-granted permission allowing an employer to use alternative methods that provide equal worker protection.
OSHA StandardsVoluntary Protection Program
An OSHA program recognizing worksites with exemplary safety programs that exceed regulatory requirements.
OSHA StandardsVPP
Voluntary Protection Program, OSHA's recognition for employers who maintain injury rates below national averages.
OSHA StandardsW
Willful Violation
An OSHA violation where the employer knowingly disregarded a legal requirement or acted with plain indifference.
ComplianceWorkers Compensation
A state-mandated insurance program providing benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses.
ComplianceWelding Safety
Precautions taken during welding including ventilation, eye protection, fire prevention, and fume exposure controls.
Hazard TypesWelding Helmet
Head and face protection with a filtered lens that shields eyes from intense light and UV radiation during welding.
Safety EquipmentWBGT
Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, a heat stress index combining temperature, humidity, wind, and solar radiation.
Hazard TypesWhistleblower Protection
Federal protections preventing employers from retaliating against workers who report safety violations to OSHA.
OSHA StandardsWalking Working Surface
Any horizontal or vertical surface on or through which an employee walks, works, or gains access to a work area.
OSHA StandardsWorkplace Violence Prevention
Programs and policies designed to identify, prevent, and respond to threats of violence in the workplace.
Training