Alpha List

Normally, we use OSHA as a guideline for how to express words, but sometimes they are inconsistent. Below is a list of words you may come across while writing that is spelled and punctuated multiple ways. If you can't find a term on this list, check OSHA's website. If you can't find a clear answer there, refer to the entries in the AP Style Guide. You will need to spell and punctuate these terms as they are displayed here. We want to keep terms consistent across all of our materials, so if you know of any additional terms that should be added, leave a comment down below so they can be added by the QA department.

a, an
Use a before consonant sounds

• You should always inspect a truck before driving it.

Use an before vowel sounds

• The country was in the middle of an energy crisis.

accept, except
The word accept means to receive.
The word except means to exclude.

affect, effect
Definition: Affect, as a verb, means to influence. Affect, as a noun, should be avoided.

• The game will affect the standings.

Definition: Effect, as a verb, means to cause. Effect, as a noun, means result.

• The effect was overwhelming. He will effect many changes in the company. 

backbreak
Definition: the horizontal distance between a planned and real bench crest. They tend to occur along pre-existing joints and blast-induced fractures.

• backbreak is one of the adverse impacts of blasting operations that cause instability in mines.

backguard  
Definition: a form of fall protection or rest opportunity for climbing ladders for long distances.

• If you have a ladder that rises above 40 feet, you must install a backguard for your employees.

back up, backup
Definition: back up, as a verb, in most cases, refers to moving backward or retreating. 

• Back up the truck so we can load it.

Definition: backup, as a noun, refers to an extra or secondary version of something.

• Writers should have a backup in place for when the power goes out.

Definition: Backup, as an adjective, describes the quality of being extra or secondary.

• Inspect your backup alarm before each shift.

birdcaging
Definition: Term used to describe a damaged wire rope used on cranes. 

• Inspect your wire rope for birdcaging.

bloodborne pathogens

Cal/OSHA

As in the official spelling, you should include the forward slash in most cases.

• California requires employees to comply with Cal/OSHA standards.

In cases where the slash could interfere with navigation or cause the text to render improperly — such as in file names and .csv documents — you should spell the term without it.

• "K:\1__Online\1 - Online Training\1-eLearning Courses\4 - Cal OSHA\CalOSHA Overhead Crane.pptx"

Canada-compliant

cave-ins
Definition: the collapse of a roof or similar structure, typically underground.

• Stay calm during a mine cave-in.

chainsaw 

coworker

CSA-compliant

deenergize
Definition: to disconnect from a source of power (electric, kinetic, etc.)

• Deenergize the spark plug.

earthmover  
Definition: a vehicle or machine designed to excavate large quantities of materials. 

• excavator, skid steer, bobcat, bulldozer, etc.

eyewash station 
Definition: a portable or permanent station for rinsing your eyes after contamination.

• Eyewash stations are used to remove harmful particles, chemicals, or other substances from your eyes.

fire truck  

firearm  

good luck, and stay safe  

guardrail
Definition: a rail that prevents people from falling off a platform or from being hit by something.

• The top bunk has a solid guardrail.

HazCom

HAZWOPER

High-visibility vest
 should always be hyphenated

it's, its
Definition: It's is a contraction for it is or it has: It's up to you.

• It's been a long time.

Definition: Its is the possessive form of the neuter pronouns.

• The company lost its assets.

jerry-built
Definition: to be made poorly, or of cheap materials.

• Flimsy houses were jerry-built on the hillside.

jobsite  

jury-rig
Definition: to set up something for temporary or emergency use. This usually implies using inadequate materials for repairs or construction.

• You should never jury-rig a sling while on the job.

key-on, key-off 

lockout/tagout, lockout and tagout, loto
Definition: to place a lock on a device to prevent energy release, and to place a tag on a switch that warns employees not to start or use the equipment.

• Following proper lockout/tagout procedures protects employees from hazardous energy sources on machines and equipment.

login, log in
Definition: Login, as a noun, refers to someone's information used to sign in to an online account or computer.
Definition: Log in, as a verb, refers to the act of signing into an account on a computer. Logged in is the past tense of the verb log in. 

• To log in to your account, you will need your login. Have you logged in yet?

onsite  

Definition: taking place or situated at a particular place or site.

• We're meeting the builders onsite tomorrow.

OSHA-compliant  

personal protective equipment (PPE)
Reminder: Spell out for the first reference, then use PPE as an abbreviation.

power line  

pre-shift 

record keeping 

regulation-compliant

roll over, rollover
Definition: roll over, when used as a verb, it to move in a particular direction by turning over on an axis.

• Don't roll over your excavator.

Definition: rollover, when used as a noun, refers to the event of an overturned vehicle.

• It gives extra protection in side impacts and rollovers.

seat belt  

signal person

Definition: The person who gives signals to a machine operator is called a signal person. These signals can be voiced over a radio or performed using hand movements. 

snow removal 

snowblower   

snowcat  

snowmobile  

snowplow  

stormwater  

than, then
Definition: Than is a conjunction used to compare things.
Definition: Then is used to place events in time or things in order.

• He wrote a training that was longer than HAZWOPER, and then published it.

their, there, they're
Definition: Their is a plural possessive pronoun that, in general, should agree in number with the antecedent. 

• Every operator should inspect their harness every day.

Definition: There is an adverb indicating a direction.

• Stop right there, criminal scum!

Definition: They're is a contraction for they are.

• They're an amazing person!

tip over, tipover
Definition: tip over, when used as a verb, means to fall over or to make something fall over

• Stay on level surfaces so the machine doesn't tip over.

Definition: tipover, when used as a noun, refers to the event of something tipping over.

• Be aware of tipovers while you are operating the machine.

toe boards  

Train the Trainer, TTT
Definition: The product available at Safety Provisions which includes a DIY training kit and online trainer certification. It is considered a proper noun, and should always be capitalized.

• Train the Trainer courses cost $700 each.

trainer certification
Definition: The online training portion of the Train the Trainer product.

• We provide trainer certifications through our online training.

traveling

travelway  

U.S. 

U.S.A.

workplace  

worksite  

work zone

&
Reminder: Only use ampersands in a title.