OSHA warns recovery workers, employers and public of storm cleanup hazards

As residents in Kansas and Missouri recover from the damage caused by recent tornadoes and severe storms, OSHA urges caution during cleanup and recovery efforts. Workers, employers and the public should be aware of hazards they may encounter, and steps needed to stay safe and healthy. "Recovery work should not put you in the recovery room," said Karena Lorek, OSHA's area director in Kansas City. "Our main concern is the safety and health of the workers and volunteers conducting cleanup activities." OSHA representatives are available in hard-hit areas to communicate with emergency responders, provide advice and distribute educational resources to assist in a safe clean-up of damage. For more information, see the news release.

NIOSH releases sound app to help protect workers from hearing loss

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has developed a new, free mobile application for iOS devices that measures sound levels in workplaces. The NIOSH Sound Level Meter app displays real-time noise exposure data based on NIOSH and OSHA limits. The easy-to-use app can be particularly helpful to occupational safety and health trainers as they teach construction apprentices about noise hazards and the need for hearing protection. Visit the app webpage for more information.

OSHA's $afety Pays Program shows employers how workplace injuries and illnesses impact their bottom line

OSHA has updated the $afety Pays Program to include the most recent workers' compensation data from the National Council on Compensation Insurance. The program helps employers understand the impact of workplace injuries and illnesses on their company's profitability. OSHA provides many resources to help employers develop an effective safety and health program to improve safety and reduce costs. Benefits include reduced absenteeism, lower turnover and workers' compensation costs, higher productivity and increased morale.

Nationwide Safe + Sound Week event being held June 12-18 to promote safety and health programs

OSHA, the National Safety Council, the American Industrial Hygiene Association, the American Society of Safety Engineers, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health a have announced June 12-18 as Safe + Sound Week. The event is a nationwide effort to raise awareness of the value of workplace safety and health programs. These programs can help employers and workers identify and manage workplace hazards before they cause injury or illness, improving the bottom line. Throughout this week, organizations are encouraged to host events and activities that showcase the core elements of an effective safety and health program--management leadership, worker participation, and finding and fixing workplace hazards. Visit the Safe + Sound Week webpage to sign-up for email updates on the event.

National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls set for May 8-12

Employers and workers are invited to participate in the fourth annual National Safety Stand-Down to prevent falls in construction, to be held May 8-12. Sponsored by OSHA, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and CPWR — The Center for Construction Research and Training, the weeklong outreach event encourages employers and workers to pause during the work day to talk about fall hazards and prevention. Falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry – accounting for 37 percent of fatalities industry-wide. In past years, more than 1 million workers participated in events. They have worked for public and private sector employees and small and large businesses. The event has recently expanded to include industries beyond construction. For more information on how to join in this year’s stand-down, access free training and education resources in English and Spanish, and receive a personalized certificate of participation, visit OSHA's webpage.

Delay of beryllium rule effective date proposed to allow for further review

OSHA is proposing to delay the effective date of the rule entitled Occupational Exposure to Beryllium, from March 21 to May 20 to allow for further review and consideration. The extension is in keeping with a Jan. 20 White House memorandum that directed the review of any new or pending regulations. It would not affect the compliance dates of the beryllium rule. Comments on the proposed delay will be accepted through March 13 and can be submitted at www.regulations.gov. For more information, see the news release.

Employers reminded to post injury and illness summaries through April

OSHA reminds employers of their obligation to post a copy of OSHA's Form 300A, which summarizes job-related injuries and illnesses logged during 2016. The summary must be displayed from February through April in a common area where notices to employees are usually posted. Businesses with 10 or fewer employees and those in certain low-hazard industries are exempt from OSHA recordkeeping and posting requirements.