Monday, December 18, 2017

Winter Is Here: Be Prepared to Protect Workers from Weather-Related Hazards

Winter WeatherAs outdoor temperatures drop and winter storms approach, employers should take measures to keep their employees safe. OSHA's Winter Weather webpage provides information on protecting employees from hazards while working outside during severe cold and snow storms. This guidance includes information on staying safe while clearing heavy snow from walkways and rooftops.

Redesigned Webpages Make It Easier to Find OSHA Training Resources

OSHA's redesigned training webpage on a mobile phone.Employers and employees can get information on job safety classes, trainers, tools, and 10-hour and 30-hour cards more easily using OSHA’s redesigned training webpage. The page offers links to resources on training requirements and resourcesoutreach trainingOSHA Training Institute Education Centers, and Susan Harwood Training Grants.

New and Revised Fact Sheets on Silica Now Available

New fact sheets available on OSHA’s Silica Standard for ConstructionOSHA has released more than a dozen fact sheets that provide guidance on the respirable crystalline silica standard for construction. One fact sheet is an overview of the silica standard. The other fact sheets provide employers with information on how to fully and properly implement controls, work practices, and if needed, respiratory protection for each of the 18 tasks listed in Table 1— Specified Exposure Control Methods under the standard.

OSHA Training Institute Celebrates 25th Anniversary of Education Centers

OTIEC Directors Fall 2017 Family Photo

The OSHA Training Institute (OTI) is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its education center program this year. OTI Education Centers have grown from four to 39 non-profit organizations, offering training on OSHA standards, and occupational safety and health issues to workers and employers nationwide. During their 25-year history, the education centers have trained more than 600,000 students in areas of high injury and illness rates. To find the nearest education center, visit the OTI Education Center Locations page.

OSHA Warns of Hazards When Using Roof Tarping in Hurricane Recovery Work

Roof Tarping (Blue Roof) Reinforced plastic tarps, commonly called “Blue Roofs,” provide temporary protection for the roofs of homes and other buildings damaged during severe weather such as a hurricane or tornado. When employees access roofs to install these tarps, they are at risk of falls, electrocutions, and other hazards. In a new fact sheet, OSHA recommends steps that employers can follow to help keep workers safe.