OSHA has updated its guide to the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Injuries in Poultry Processing (PDF*), which is now also available as a smart phone-friendly e-publication. OSHA also recently issued a Safety and Health Information Bulletin, Operating Hazards of Baler Discharge-Door Locks, which provides guidance on how to inspect for and prevent the kind of failure that killed a worker earlier this year when the door locking mechanism on a hydraulic paper compactor/baler failed. Also see OSHA’s maritime industrypublications page for several handy QuickCards showing how to stay safe while doing maritime work.
With much of the eastern and central U.S. experiencing record cold temperatures, working outdoors presents an increased risk of exposure to cold stress — especially for snow cleanup crews, construction workers, recreational workers, postal workers, police officers, firefighters, baggage handlers, landscapers, and support workers for oil and gas operations. With proper planning and training, employers can keep their employees safe during winter work. For information on preventing injuries, illnesses and fatalities during winter storms, see OSHA’s recent blog and check out the updated Winter Weather page and Cold Stress Guide, which explains how to keep employees safe during winter work.
