Safety Glossary

Aerial Lift Safety

Guidelines and practices for the safe operation of aerial lifts, such as scissor lifts or boom lifts, to prevent falls or equipment-related injuries. Combines original definition with a more concise version.

ANSI

American National Standards Institute. A private, non-profit organization that oversees the development of voluntary consensus standards for products, services, processes, systems, and personnel in the United States.

Arc Flash

A sudden release of electrical energy through the air when a high-voltage gap exists, posing risks of burns, blindness, or explosions. Combines original definition with a more concise and impactful one.

Asbestos / Asbestos Management

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that was widely used in building materials but is now known to cause serious lung diseases. Combined the entry to make a single entry.

Atmospheric Hazards

Atmospheric hazards in confined spaces can include oxygen deficiency, toxic gases, and flammable atmospheres.

Authorized Person

An employee designated by the employer to perform specific duties or be in certain areas based on training and qualifications.

Barricading

The use of physical barriers to prevent unauthorized access to hazardous areas.

Behavior-Based Safety (BBS)

A safety management approach that focuses on observing and modifying workers’ behaviors to prevent accidents and injuries.

Biological Hazard

A biological substance (e.g., bacteria, viruses, mold) that poses a threat to human health in the workplace.

Bloodborne Pathogens

Infectious microorganisms present in human blood and other potentially infectious materials (e.g., hepatitis B, HIV) that can cause disease, with specific safety standards for handling. Combined original and new definition for clarity.

CFR

The codification of the general and permanent rules and regulations published in the Federal Register by executive departments and agencies.

Chemical Exposure Limits

Regulatory limits (e.g., PELs, TLVs) on the amount or concentration of a chemical substance workers can be exposed to over a given time period.

Chemical Hazard Assessment

The process of evaluating the potential health and physical hazards associated with chemicals used or present in the workplace.

Citation

A formal written notice issued by OSHA (or a similar regulatory body) detailing one or more violations of safety and health standards.

Combustible Dust

Fine particles that present an explosion hazard when suspended in air under specific conditions.

Competent Person

An individual capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions and who has the authority to take prompt corrective measures. Merged definitions to be more complete.

Confined Space

An area that is large enough for a worker to enter and perform work, has limited means of entry or exit, and is not designed for continuous occupancy. Examples include tanks, silos, and manholes.

Confined Space Entry

The process and precautions for safely entering and working in confined spaces, such as tanks or silos, that may have limited access or hazardous conditions. Made this a standalone entry, removing the redundant "/Monitoring".

Control Measures

Actions or procedures implemented to eliminate or reduce workplace hazards based on hazard analysis. This includes the hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE.

Control of Hazardous Energy

A broader term encompassing lockout/tagout, focusing on isolating all forms of hazardous energy (electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, etc.) during maintenance.

Crane Safety / Cranes and Derricks

Safety protocols and best practices for the safe operation of cranes and derricks.

Decontamination

The process of removing or neutralizing contaminants (chemical, biological, or radiological) from equipment, surfaces, or personnel.

Demolition Safety

Safety procedures for the controlled dismantling of structures.

EHS

Environment, Health, and Safety. A discipline that studies and implements practical aspects of environmental protection and safety at work.

Electrical Grounding

A safety practice that connects electrical systems to the earth to prevent shock or equipment damage from electrical faults.

Electrical Safety

Practices and precautions taken to prevent electrical shock, electrocution, and other electrical hazards.

Emergency Action Coordinator

A designated individual responsible for overseeing the implementation of an Emergency Action Plan during a crisis.

Emergency Action Plan (EAP)

A written plan outlining procedures for employees to follow during emergencies.

Emergency Evacuation Routes

Pre-planned and clearly marked pathways designated for employees to safely exit during an emergency.

Ergonomics

The science of designing the job to fit the worker, rather than physically forcing the worker's body to fit the job.

Excavation Safety

Practices and procedures to protect workers from cave-ins, falls, or other hazards during digging operations. Kept the more comprehensive definition.

Fall Arrest System

Any system designed to safely stop a falling worker.

Fall Clearance Zone

The unobstructed area below the working level where a worker might fall.

Fall Protection

Systems and measures designed to prevent workers from falling from heights.

Fire Watch

A trained individual assigned to monitor for fire hazards during hot work (e.g., welding) and ensure fire safety measures are in place.

Flagging

Using flags or other signaling devices to direct traffic or warn of hazards.

Flammable Liquids

Liquids with a flash point below 100°F (37.8°C) that pose fire hazards and require specific storage and handling procedures.

Forklift Operator Certification

Training and certification required for employees operating powered industrial trucks to ensure safe use.

GHS

Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. An internationally agreed-upon standard for classifying and communicating chemical hazards.

Guardrail System

A barrier erected along an open edge of a floor, platform, or ramp to prevent workers from falling.

Hand Tool Safety

Guidelines for the safe use, maintenance, and storage of manual tools to prevent injuries like cuts or strains.

Hazard

A condition or activity that, if left uncontrolled, can result in an injury, illness, or property damage. Risk is the probability and severity of harm from a hazard.

Hazard Communication (HazCom)

The process of informing employees about chemical hazards in the workplace.

Hearing Conservation Program

A systematic program to protect workers from noise-induced hearing loss.

Hearing Protection

Devices such as earplugs or earmuffs designed to reduce noise exposure.

Heat Stress

A condition caused by overexposure to high temperatures, leading to illnesses like heat exhaustion or heat stroke, with prevention measures like hydration and rest breaks.

Hot Work

Any work involving open flames, sparks, or heat (e.g., welding, cutting) that requires specific safety precautions to prevent fires or explosions. Kept the more complete definition.

Housekeeping

The practice of maintaining a clean and orderly workplace to reduce hazards like slips, trips, or fire risks.

Incident Investigation / Accident Investigation

A systematic process of examining the facts surrounding a workplace incident to determine its root causes.

Incident Rate

A metric (e.g., Total Recordable Incident Rate, TRIR) used to measure the frequency of workplace injuries and illnesses per number of work hours.

Incident Reporting

The process of documenting details about workplace accidents, injuries, or near misses.

Inspection

An examination of a workplace, job site, or process to assess compliance with safety standards.

Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)

A systematic process for identifying and analyzing the hazards associated with specific job tasks.

Ladder Safety

Practices for the safe selection, inspection, and use of ladders to prevent falls or injuries. Kept the more comprehensive definition.

Lead

A toxic metal that can cause serious health problems even at low exposure levels.

Lifting Safety / Manual Material Handling

Techniques and guidelines to prevent injuries (e.g., strains, sprains) when lifting or moving heavy objects manually.

Lockout/Tagout

A safety procedure used to ensure that dangerous machines are properly shut off and not able to be started up again prior to the completion of maintenance or repair work. This includes the concept of energy isolation.

Machine Guarding

Physical barriers or procedures designed to protect workers from hazards created by operating machinery.

Material Handling

Safe practices for lifting, moving, and storing materials.

Means of Egress

A continuous and unobstructed path of travel from any point in a building to a public way.

MSDS/SDS

Material Safety Data Sheet/Safety Data Sheet. Documents that contain information on the potential hazards of a chemical product.

Near Miss Reporting / Near Miss

The documentation of an event that had the potential to cause harm but did not result in injury or damage.

Noise Exposure Level (NEL)

The measured amount of noise a worker is exposed to.

Noise Exposure Limits

Regulatory thresholds (e.g., OSHA’s 85 dB over 8 hours) for acceptable workplace noise levels to prevent hearing loss.

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Administration. A federal agency of the United States that regulates workplace safety and health.

Permit-Required Confined Space

A confined space that contains additional hazards and requires a written permit for entry.

Permit-to-Work System

A formal written system used to control certain types of hazardous work.

Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS)

A system used to arrest a worker's fall, typically including an anchorage, harness, and connector.

PPE

Personal Protective Equipment. Equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses. Examples include hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, and safety shoes.

PPE Compliance

Adherence to regulations and policies regarding the use of required personal protective equipment.

PPE Training

Instruction provided to employees on how to properly use, wear, and maintain personal protective equipment.

Powered Industrial Trucks (PIT) Safety

Safety practices for the operation of forklifts and other powered industrial trucks.

Process Safety Management (PSM)

A systematic approach to managing hazards associated with highly hazardous chemicals to prevent catastrophic releases or explosions.

Qualified Person

Someone who, through education and experience, is capable of resolving safety-related issues.

Radiation Safety

Precautions and protective measures to limit exposure to ionizing or non-ionizing radiation in the workplace.

Respirable Crystalline Silica

A basic component of soil, sand, and granite. Cutting, sawing, grinding, drilling, and crushing materials containing silica can create respirable crystalline silica dust.

Respirator Fit Testing

A procedure to ensure that a respirator properly fits an individual's face and creates a tight seal.

Respiratory Protection

Equipment such as respirators used to protect workers from inhaling harmful airborne contaminants.

Rigging

The use of ropes, chains, and other equipment to lift and move heavy objects.

Risk Assessment

A systematic process of evaluating the potential risks that may be involved in a projected activity or undertaking.

Root Cause Analysis (RCA)

A method of problem-solving used to identify the underlying reasons for an incident or hazard, beyond just immediate causes.

Safety Audits

Comprehensive evaluations of an organization's overall safety management system.

Safety Culture

The collection of beliefs, perceptions, and values that employees share in relation to risks within an organization. This includes the concept of leading and lagging indicators.

Safety Inspections

Routine examinations of the workplace to identify hazards or non-compliance with safety standards.

Safety Management System (SMS)

A systematic approach to managing safety and health risks within an organization.

Safety Net System

A system of nets installed to catch falling workers when other fall protection methods are impractical.

Safety Observation Program

A proactive initiative where employees are trained to identify and report safe and unsafe behaviors.

Safety Performance Metrics

Quantifiable measurements used to evaluate the effectiveness of safety initiatives.

Safety Training / Safety Training Programs

Instructional programs designed to provide employees with the knowledge to perform their jobs safely.

Scaffold Inspection

Regular examinations of scaffolding to ensure it is structurally sound and safe for use.

Scaffold Safety / Scaffolding

Guidelines and practices related to the safe erection and use of scaffolds.

Shoring

A support system used in excavations and trenches to prevent soil collapse.

Signaling

Methods of communication used during lifting operations to safely direct crane operators.

Silica Dust

Fine particles of crystalline silica generated during cutting, grinding, or drilling, posing a risk of lung disease if inhaled. Created standalone definition for clarity.

Slips, Trips, and Falls (STF)

A category of workplace hazards caused by wet floors, uneven surfaces, or clutter, with prevention measures like good housekeeping and signage.

Spill Response Plan

A written plan outlining procedures for responding to and cleaning up spills of hazardous materials.

Standard

A rule or set of guidelines established by an authority to ensure safety and quality. Differentiate between OSHA standards and consensus standards (like ANSI).

Struck-By Hazards

Hazards that involve being struck by moving objects or equipment.

Toolbox Talk

A short, informal safety meeting held on the job site to discuss specific hazards and safe work procedures.

Trenching

The process of digging narrow excavations, with specific safety requirements like shoring or sloping to prevent collapses. Kept more precise definition.

Trenching and Excavation

Creating a narrow underground cut that is deeper than it is wide.

Ventilation

The use of systems (e.g., fans, exhausts) to control air quality and remove hazardous substances from the workplace.

Vibration Hazards

Hazards associated with exposure to excessive vibration, which can lead to health problems.

Walking-Working Surfaces

Any surface (e.g., floors, stairs, platforms) where employees perform tasks, with standards to prevent falls or injuries. Kept the expanded definition

Weather Hazards

Hazards posed by extreme weather conditions, such as heat, cold, and storms.

Welding Safety

Practices to protect workers from hazards like burns, fumes, or eye damage during welding operations.

Work at Height

Any task performed above ground level where a fall could occur, requiring fall protection measures.

Workplace Violence Prevention

Strategies and policies to reduce the risk of physical or verbal harm from coworkers, clients, or others in the workplace.