Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

Although the underlying technology has roots dating back to the 1910s, lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries have been in widespread use only since introduced commercially in the early 1990s. Today, Li-ion battery usage ranges from small tool operation to transportation vehicles to aeronautic and space flight systems.

Aging Facilities: How Agencies Assess, Prioritize and Maintain Their Aging Infrastructure

The United States continues to face the problem of aging infrastructure on federal facilities and military installations. The overall levels of facility service, reliability and performance are decreasing and the specter of insufficient funding looms large in the decision-making process.

While government laboratories and installations are integral to the science and technology enterprise, in many cases, much-needed improvements have been delayed and the total cost of rehabilitation is expected to rise.

Executive Order 13650, Improving Chemical Facility Safety and Security

Executive Order (EO) 13650, Improving Chemical Facility Safety and Security, enhances the safety and security of chemical facilities and reduces risks associated with hazardous chemicals to facility workers and operators, communities, and responders. EO 13650 directs federal departments and agencies to improve their support to state and local partners; enhance federal agency coordination and information sharing; modernize policies, regulations and standards; and work with stakeholders to identify best practices.

Ergonomics in the Workplace

Musculoskeletal injuries sideline thousands of workers every year and cost organizations billions of dollars in lost time and workers' compensation costs. NASA is not immune to this concern — employees are experiencing work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs).

Although some risks have been around for years, such as those related to lifting and carrying materials and tasks that require constant repetition with the hands, the workplace is evolving. Increased use of technology, including computers and devices of all sizes, creates new ergonomic risks.

Mishap Investigation and Corrections Process Review

Even in the most seemingly straightforward accidents, seldom is there only a single cause. The process of conducting investigations and examining causal factors must be done with rigor. Join the Safety and Health Learning Alliance as speakers discuss topics such as

• Who has investigation authority?
• How deep does your organization go in determining causal factors?
• How does your organization prescribe corrective actions or recommendations?

Program Review and Planning Session

In June 2013, the Office of Safety and Mission Assurance launched the Safety and Health Learning Alliance (SHLA) knowledge sharing initiative. Originating from an internal request of NASA safety and health professionals, SHLA is an affiliation of agency, Department of Defense, and professional safety and health organizations with the purpose of sharing knowledge and experiences on safety and health topics and issues.

Mandatory Standards: Coming to a Consensus

What makes a standard mandatory? Who decides and how? Join the Safety and Health Learning Alliance for a closer look at how various organizations manage mandatory standards.

Risk Management - It's Risky Business, but That's a Good Thing

In the battle for program success, Risk Management uses qualitative and quantitative methods for the identification, analysis and prioritization of potential undesired outcomes to determine the best mitigation strategy. To make the best use of these tools, safety and operations must mesh together in such a manner that Risk Management and safety are a part of the planning and execution of all projects, programs and missions. Risk Management requires daily evolution, and effective risk mitigation requires consistent and clear communication, training and awareness. Good Risk Management practices can result in proactive Risk Management, better informed decision-making with improved use of risk information and more effective management of implementation risks.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is the U.S. federal agency that conducts research and makes recommendations to prevent worker injury and illness. NIOSH has more than 1,200 employees from a diverse set of fields including epidemiology, medicine, nursing, industrial hygiene, safety, psychology, chemistry, statistics, economics and many branches of engineering.

Assessing and Maintaining a Safety Culture

Safety Culture is a reflection of an organization's values, attitudes, perceptions, competencies and patterns of behavior towards safety and health management. Factors such as personal commitment, communication and learning strongly influence how safety culture is developed and applied at an individual level.