Joe O'Connor

Freelance Writer

Joe O'Connor is with Intec, a safety consulting, training and publishing firm that offers on-site assistance and produces manuals, training videos and software for contractors. Based in Waverly, Pa., he can be reached at 607.624.7159 or joconnor@intecweb.com.

On The Agenda 2013: OSHA Outlook

Joe O'Connor

While Congress is preoccupied with sorting out financial issues, President Obama’s re-election is not likely to result in any major immediate changes to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) activities. As...

Safety

Nov 2012

A Good Host

Joe O'Connor

Large corporations and general contractors have evaluated the safety programs and performance of subcontractors—including electrical contractors—for years. Now, the number of companies evaluating contractors seems to be...

Safety

Sep 2012

Injury and Illness Prevention Programs

Joe O'Connor

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) prides itself in the fact that, since the enactment of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, job-related casualties and injuries have been reduced by more...

Raising the Bar

Joe O'Connor

Ever wonder how companies win safety awards or achieve zero injuries? Safety benchmarking could be the explanation and the path to accomplish success with your safety program. As defined by American Productivity & Quality...

Safety

May 2012

Under Review

Joe O'Connor

If you have ever challenged an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) citation or looked into the appeal process, chances are you have heard about the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (OSHRC)...

Safety

Feb 2012

2012 OSHA Expectations

Joe O'Connor

Outcome Goal 2.1 of the Department of Labor’s Strategic Plan for 2010–2016 is to “Secure safe and healthy workplaces, particularly in high-risk industries.” To accomplish this, the Occupational Safety and Health...

Your Business

Jan 2012

OSHA Outlook 2012

Joe O'Connor

Being able to predict what to expect from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in any given year varies from a crystal ball divination to a precise calculation. Changing administrations and a lack of...

Bottom Line: Safety

Joe O'Connor

Surviving any situation depends on knowing what to expect and being prepared to manage it. An Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) inspection is no exception. Employers must know their rights and...

Safety

Jan 2011

OSHA Outlook 2011

Joe O'Connor

As unpleasant as it is to say, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) contractor-related outlook for 2011 is bleak. This applies to every contractor, whether it is the most safety conscious or greatest of...

Safety

Oct 2010

Safety Training: Simple Answers to Basic Questions

Joe O'Connor

There seems to be no end to studies and theories on education and training that focus on methodology and effectiveness. Yet, for the lay person who simply wants the basic questions on safety training answered, they offer much...

Safety

May 2010

Best Dressed: Flame-Resistant Clothing

Joe O'Connor

Much has been written about the dangers of electricity and the importance of following proper work practices. This includes the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), which is the last line of defense. Clothing is...

Miscellaneous

Jan 2010

OSHA Outlook for 2010

Joe O'Connor

We are sure to see an overall enforcement campaign that addresses ergonomics and more. In the words of Jordan Barab, “Under this new administration, OSHA is heading back to the original intent of the OSH Act. We’re back in...