New Trenching Publication Available From OSHA

An updated trenching operations QuickCard provides information on protecting workers around trenches, including daily inspections, and trench wall safety. Before entering a trench, remember: Slope It. Shore It. Shield It.

New Public Service Announcement on Trench Safety Available

OSHA released a new public service announcement on trench safety that features U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta. The 45-second video, "5 Things You Should Know to Stay Safe," highlights well-known and proven safety measures that can eliminate hazards and prevent worker injuries. For more information on protecting workers in trenches, see OSHA's Trenching and Excavation webpage.

While the Week Is Over, the Safe + Sound Campaign Continues

With more than 2,000 events held across the U.S. and abroad, Safe + Sound Week 2018 helped organizations of all sizes and industries show their commitment to safety. Even though the week is over, Safe + Sound Campaign’s resources are available throughout the year to help improve your workplace safety and health programs. The American Industrial Hygiene Association is also offering an on-demand webinar, free of charge during September that explains how to improve workplace incident investigations and injury prevention strategies.

New Webpage Provides Updates on Protecting Workers from Legionnaire’s Disease

OSHA recently revised the Legionellosis Safety and Health Topics page to provide the latest information on preventing, identifying, and controlling Legionella bacteria hazards in workplaces. The new page updates Chapter 7 of the OSHA Technical Manual, as well as OSHA’s Legionella eTool. Employers, healthcare providers, and health and safety professionals can use the new resource to protect workers and collaborate during worksite investigations of Legionellosis (Legionnaire’s Disease and the milder Pontiac Fever). Approximately 6,000 cases are reported each year in the United States.

Free Webinar on Protecting Temporary Workers from Noise Exposure

Through its alliance with OSHA, the American Staffing Association will host a free webinar on Sep. 12 at 3 p.m. ET on protecting temporary workers from workplace noise exposure. This webinar will review OSHA’s new temporary worker bulletin on Noise Exposure and Hearing Conservation, summarize the elements of a hearing conservation program, and outline staffing firm and host employer responsibilities. For more information and to register, visit the webinar website.

return to top of page Safety and Health Outreach NIOSH and Partners Devote Day to Respiratory Protection

N95 respirators are the most widely used respiratory protection in the workplace. Because they are so commonly used to eliminate exposure to hazardous airborne particles, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health designated Sept. 5 as N95 Day to share resources that promote proper use of NIOSH-certified respirators. Visit theN95 Day webpage for more information.

September is National Preparedness Month: Keep Workers Safe from Natural Disasters

Hurricane season peaks in September, and wildfires are still burning throughout the Pacific Northwest and from California to Colorado. OSHA urges employers to be prepared to keep their workers safe during extreme weather events. The agency’sEmergency Preparedness and Response webpage provides information on protecting workers before and after hurricanes,wildfires, tornadoes, floods, and other natural disasters strike.