Monday, March 19, 2018

New Bulletins Provide Information on Horizontal Drilling Hazards and Chemically Induced Hearing Loss

OtotoxicBulletins warning of potentially serious workplace hazards. "Preventing Hearing Loss Caused by Chemical (Ototoxicity) and Noise Exposure" was published in conjunction with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. This bulletin provides recommendations to employers and safety professionals about identifying ototoxicants in the workplace and establishing hearing conservation programs where these chemicals cannot be replaced.
"Avoiding Underground Utilities during Horizontal Directional Drilling Operations" highlights the hazards associated with striking different underground utilities. Horizontal directional drilling has reduced visibility compared to vertical drilling. The bulletin was based on an incident that led to an explosion at a nearby restaurant that resulted in a worker fatality.

OSHA Will Enforce Beryllium Standard Starting in May

Beryllium productsOSHA will start enforcement of the final rule on occupational exposure to beryllium in construction, shipyard, and general industries on May 11, 2018. The start of enforcement had previously been set for March 12, 2018. In response to feedback from stakeholders, the agency is considering technical updates to clarify and simplify compliance. In the interim, if an employer fails to meet the new exposure limits, OSHA will inform the employer and offer assistance to ensure compliance. For more information, read the news release.

Regional Campaign Focuses on Four Most Deadly Construction Hazards

Focus Four Hazards: Falls - Electrocution - Struck-by - Caught-in or -betweenOn March 1, OSHA will launch a Focus Four Campaign in the Mid-Atlantic States to address the four leading causes of fatal injuries in construction. Throughout March, the campaign will use toolbox talks and outreach events to focus on electrical hazards. In April, the focus will be on struck-by hazards; May will target fall hazards; and June will focus on caught-in/between hazards. The campaign partners include OSHA consultation projects, state occupational safety and health agencies in Maryland and Virginia, the Mid-Atlantic Construction Safety Council, and the General Builders and Contractors Association. For more information, contact OSHA Assistant Regional Administrator Nicholas DeJesse.

Secretary of Labor Discusses Efforts to Protect Children from Lead Exposure

seal of the U.S. Department of LaborOn Feb. 15, Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta joined Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt and fellow Cabinet members to outline a federal strategy to reduce childhood lead exposure and associated health risks.
“Far too many Americans are exposed to lead in their workplace,” said Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta. “Finding solutions to better protect these workers and minimize the amount of lead that is taken home, and potentially exposed to their children, is a priority.”
OSHA’s resource, If You Work Around Lead, Don’t Take It Home!, highlights the dangers to children of lead being transported home from work, and offers precautions that can be taken.
For more information, read the EPA news release.