We live on the whims of change and the winds of uncertainty. In running and planning a business, you have to calculate risk and mitigate possible disaster. Mother Nature is one of those calculated risks. Hurricane Ian reminded us all last week who is really in charge. Many business owners will try to hedge against…
Life is full of sticky situations. Some spills and accidents are bigger than others. Other messes need more than a few paper towels to sop up the consequences of poor decisions. From an early age, we’re told that accidents are just a fact of life and to never sweat the small stuff. But there comes…
If you’re trying to avoid the pugnacious wrath of federal environmental inspectors, then now is the time to steer clear of the murky waters of improper storage. Navigating the difficult and wordy nature of federal regulations is never easy. For clear sailing through dense codes and legal standards, you will need a trusty enlightened source…
No business owner wants a visit from OSHA safety inspector. More often than not, a surprise visit from these incredulous hardhat inspectors indicates that trouble is at foot. As with any other bureaucracy, OSHA inspectors are fairly straightlaced and matter of fact. They don’t enjoy chitchat or workplace banner. If an OSHA agent is making…
Compartmentalization can be a great defense mechanism. We use this cognitive process to handle adverse circumstances that elicit complex and powerful emotions which can be difficult to handle. Acting in crisis mode, our psyche takes the troubling thoughts and emotions and prioritize which information should be examined first and how to gradually broach the more…
Inflation is the ‘boogey man’ of a thriving economy. You only hear about it in hushed tones and dulled whispers when the economy is humming along and trending in the right direction. But just like the laws of physics dictate, what goes up must come down eventually. Just as business was returning to usual following…
Hazmat accident areas are treated like nuclear waste dump sites, regardless of size and scope of the incident, and for good reason. Such disaster areas remain as forever scars on an otherwise unblemished community. Bright yellow caution tape seals off the perimeter from curious bystanders like a crime scene. You would think someone got hacked…
Do you remember the first time you saw a tornado? It was probably in your eighth grade science class during a lazy afternoon when a substitute teacher decided to pop in a video from National Geographic rather than teach a drawn-out lesson plan on the mysteries of how vortexes formed. Or maybe you survived such…
Summer came early to the Midwest as record setting temperatures continue to bake that nation’s heartland. As millions retreat indoors to the cool reprieve of climate controlled homes, the region’s industrial workforce braced itself for hazardous conditions brought on by the sudden upswing in temperatures. Warehouses and factory floors become real life sweatshops as poor…
What’s worse than improper chemical storage causing a hazmat fire that threatens the lives of firefighters? How about a tornado ripping simultaneously ripping through that same area? Well, this perfect storm of fire and wind became a chilling reality in Wadena, Minnesota last week. Just as authorities arrived on the scene of a surging blaze…