Sentinel Safety Group Newsletter

Welcome to the SSG February Newsletter

Safety Insights

The top occupational health and safety insights for 2026 aren’t groundbreaking—they’re the same high‑risk hazards and recurring compliance gaps that continue to injure workers and draw regulatory attention year after year.

Here are three strategic insights to reduce injuries and minimize regulatory exposure in 2026:

Treat heat‑related illness prevention as a continuous, year‑round responsibility rather than a seasonal task.
Aggressively identify hazards and work to reduce risks in your industry with an emphasis on life threatening programs and occupational health exposures. Life threatening programs commonly include lockout/tagout, slip/trip/fall, machine guarding, confined space entry, electrical and material handling (crane/forklift/racking).
Handle safety data, recordkeeping, and operational controls with the expectation that they will be closely examined.

Click on the OSHA icon for OSHA'S Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards

SENTINEL SAFETY SNIPPETS

Winter Safety Tips

Winter may bring cold winds and slippery mornings, but every small safety choice we make adds up to a stronger, safer workplace for everyone. Whether you’re in the office, on the warehouse floor, out in the field, or keeping production running, your daily habits make a real difference. This season, let’s stay warm, stay aware, and look out for one another.

Prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls

Keep walkways, loading docks, and parking areas clear of snow and ice.
Use salt or sand to improve traction.
Wear slip-resistant footwear at all times.

Protect Against Cold Stress

Dress in layers to trap heat and allow flexibility.
Take warm-up breaks in heated areas.
Watch for early signs of frostbite (numbness, pale skin) and hypothermia (shivering, confusion).

Maintain Equipment in Cold Weather

Inspect forklifts, conveyors, and machinery for cold-related wear.
Allow engines to warm up before operation.
Keep fluids topped up and check for freezing risks.

Ensure Safe Indoor Air Quality

Keep ventilation systems clear of snow and ice buildup.
Avoid blocking heaters or vents with materials.
Monitor for carbon monoxide if using fuel-powered equipment indoors

Stay Visible in Low Light

Wear high-visibility vests when working outdoors or in dim areas.
Ensure all exterior lighting is functional and bright.

Quick Reminder:

If you see a hazard—report it immediately. Safety is everyone’s responsibility.

Stay warm, stay alert, and let’s make this winter accident-free!

Click on the following links for additional tips for workplace and home winter safety tips!

MEET

OUR

STAFF

MEET MIKE MARINER

Mike is a Senior Safety Consultant with Sentinel Safety Group and a veteran health and safety professional with more than three decades of experience in Occupational Health & Safety. Throughout his career, Mike has partnered with hundreds of organizations—including numerous pharmaceutical, distillery, fabrication, manufacturing and warehousing companies as well as several government agencies—to strengthen safety management systems, reduce risk, and drive continuous improvement in the workplace.

With over 30 years of specialized experience implementing programs that address musculoskeletal disorders, Mike has served as the lead Ergonomic Consultant for a wide range of General Industry safety initiatives including ergonomic program development, employee training, and the completion of countless ergonomic evaluations across office, laboratory, and industrial environments. As a Certified Ergonomics Assessment Specialist (CEAS), he brings extensive technical expertise to identifying hazards and providing practical, sustainable solutions.

Over the course of his career, he has performed hundreds of Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), risk assessments, and comprehensive safety audits. His leadership includes proven success in developing and implementing Health and Safety Programs and Safety Management Systems (SMS) that align with organizational goals and regulatory requirements.

He attended Indiana University and double majored in Business and Sports Marketing and maintains active professional affiliations with specific associations in the Central Indiana area. Mike resides in Indianapolis, IN with his wife (Kyle) and 3 dogs. They have 2 sons and 2 wonderful grandchildren. Besides work he enjoys travel, golf, and spending time outdoors.