QDC (Quality, Delivery, Cost)
QDC is an acronym that stands for Quality, Delivery, and Cost. It represents a management approach that evaluates separate components of the production process and provides feedback which enhances decision-making and improvement. QDC was originally created for the automobile sector as a “three-dimensional” approach that breaks the process down into more organized and manageable goals.…
CSS Editorial Staff | August 16, 2019 | CSS.com - Glossary | 2 min read
Abrasion
An abrasion is a type wound caused by unprotected skin coming into contact with a rough surface, a scenario that can happen in virtually any type of facility in any kind of industry: someone falling on a rough surface and scraping their knee, someone scraping their hand while trying to catch their fall, a constant…
CSS Editorial Staff | August 15, 2019 | CSS.com - Glossary | 2 min read
Air-Purifying Respirator
APRs, or air-purifying respirators, are a personal protective equipment device designed to remove containments (gases, vapors, particles, and aerosols) from the air before they can be inhaled. These respirators do not supply oxygen but instead uses filters, cartridges, and canisters to remove contaminants as the user is breathing. OSHA standard 1910.134 covers respiratory protection, defining…
CSS Editorial Staff | August 15, 2019 | CSS.com - Glossary | 2 min read
Regulatory Compliance
All businesses must adhere to a certain set of regulations, which largely depend on the type of business, services provided, and function of employees. Virtually all companies within the United States must meet certain standards that the federal government requires. These standards encompass hiring practices, termination, discipline, retention, employee privacy, and workplace safety. If a…
CSS Editorial Staff | August 15, 2019 | CSS.com - Glossary | 2 min read
Muster Point
A muster point, or emergency assembly point, is a designated spot away from the facility for people to gather in an emergency situation. In the case of a fire or other emergency, employees, visitors, and those unfamiliar with the workplace should be able to safely exit the building and quickly find the muster point. Often…
CSS Editorial Staff | August 13, 2019 | CSS.com - Glossary | 2 min read
Acute Exposure
Preventing exposure to toxic chemicals is a main concern at many workplaces such as hazardous waste sites. Workers are often required to handle a variety of chemicals in solid, liquid, or gaseous form. These substances can come into contact with or enter the body through several routes of exposure: Inhalation, which is often the most…
CSS Editorial Staff | August 13, 2019 | CSS.com - Glossary | 2 min read
Ergonomic Hazards
Employees lifting heavy items, working in awkward positions, pushing heavy loads, or reaching overhead are all at risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). MSDs affect the muscles, ligaments, blood vessels, nerves, and tendons and common disorders include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, muscle strains, back injuries, and more. Ergonomics is technically defined as the study of work, but…
CSS Editorial Staff | August 12, 2019 | CSS.com - Glossary | 2 min read
Fire Extinguisher Classes
In the case of a fire, it is critical to use the right fire extinguisher for the job. Selecting the wrong one can actually be more dangerous and contribute to hazards like explosions or electrical shocks. Fire extinguishers are sold with class ratings: class A, Class B, and Class C, determined by the contents. Each class…
CSS Editorial Staff | August 12, 2019 | CSS.com - Glossary | 2 min read
Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)
Noise Reduction Ratings are a unit of measurement used to reflect the effectiveness of hearing protection devices to decrease sound exposure. Ear plugs and ear muffs are sold with a noise reduction rating to indicate its level of protection; the higher the NRR the higher level of protection. Using the NRR rating, ear plugs and…
CSS Editorial Staff | August 12, 2019 | CSS.com - Glossary | 2 min read
Accident Investigation
An accident investigation is a systematic process of collecting and analyzing all the information pertaining to any incidents resulting in injury, illness, or death. Although it has long been referred to as an accident investigation, OSHA now strongly urges using the term incident. This is to highlight the fact that workplace incidents are not in…
CSS Editorial Staff | August 8, 2019 | CSS.com - Glossary | 2 min read
Quality Engineering
Quality engineering is a cross-functional Six Sigma strategy encompassing a wide range of methodologies and tools. It is the idea that by incorporating quality into the design, development, and manufacturing processes, a product will be made that meets or exceeds customer expectations. Quality engineers are the individuals who make quality systems a reality. These engineers…
CSS Editorial Staff | August 8, 2019 | CSS.com - Glossary | 2 min read
Chemical Burn
A chemical burn occurs when living tissue comes into contact with a corrosive substance or irritant such as an acid. These types of burns are also known as caustic burns and produce a reaction within the body or on the skin. They can be very dangerous for workers, as they occur on contact, may not…
CSS Editorial Staff | August 6, 2019 | CSS.com - Glossary | 2 min read
Environmental Hazard
Any substance or physical agent with the potential to threaten the surrounding natural environments or the potential to adversely affect people’s health is known as an environmental hazard. The three different types of environmental hazards include: Chemical: Probably the most common kind of environmental hazards, chemical hazards are substances that can cause significant damage to…
CSS Editorial Staff | August 6, 2019 | CSS.com - Glossary | 2 min read
Top 10 OSHA Violations in 2018
Top 10 OSHA Violations from 2018 Fall Protection (1926.501) – 7,270 Violations Hazard Communication (1910.1200) – 4,552 Violations Scaffolding (1926.451) – 3,336 Violations Respiratory Protection (1910.134) – 3,118 Violations Lockout/Tagout (1910.147) – 2,944 Violations Ladders (1926.1053) – 2,812 Violations Powered Industrial Trucks (1910.178) – 2,294 Violations Fall Protection – Training Requirements (1925.503) – 1,982 Violations…
CSS Editorial Staff | July 31, 2019 | CSS.com – Infographics | 1 min read
Permissible Exposure Limit
Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) is a limit for occupational exposure to hazardous environments that include physical agents, loud noises, or chemical substances. These limits are established by OSHA and are typically given as a time weighted average (TWA) such as 8 or 10 hours. They may also be expressed as a workplace environmental exposure limit…
CSS Editorial Staff | July 31, 2019 | CSS.com - Glossary | 2 min read