Fall 2018 Rutgers School of Public Health OPEN HOUSE

Rutgers School of Public Health will host our Fall 2018 Open House on Friday, November 16, 2018 from 11:00AM to 1:00PM. If you are interested in learning more about the Masters in Public Health (MPH) with a Concentration in Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), please join us. 

                Location, 683 Hoes Lane West, 

               Piscataway, New Jersey 

               Dr. Koshy, OSH Track Coordinator

NIOSH Fact Sheet Addresses Opioid Overdoses in the Workplace

Opioid overdoses are increasing in the workplace, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics finding that between 2013 and 2016, overdose deaths from non-medical use of drugs and alcohol increased by 38 percent annually. In response to this trend, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has released a new fact sheet, Using Naloxone to Reverse Opioid Overdose in the Workplace. It provides a series of steps for employers to consider when deciding whether to make the overdose reversal medication available in the workplace. For more information, see the news release. When implementing a naloxone program, employers are reminded of their responsibilities under the Occupational Safety and Health Act to provide their employees with a safe and healthful workplace.

Safety Summit Held to Reduce Trenching Fatalities

Every year, more than 50 workers die in trench-related incidents and thousands more are injured. OSHA and the North American Excavation Shoring Association recently hosted the Colorado Trench Safety Summit to raise awareness of hazards and best practices. More than 500 attendees participated in training and demonstrations, including a mock trench rescue by local first responders. OSHA also shared compliance assistance resources to help keep workers safe from trenching hazards.

U.S. Department of Labor Announces Actions to Assist Americans Affected by Hurricane Michael

U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta announced that the Department of Labor (DOL) is engaged in administration-wide efforts to help those in the path of Hurricane Michael. OSHA will cease programmed enforcement actions in the affected areas and provide compliance assistance during the recovery effort. Seven other DOL agencies are assisting those impacted by the storm. For more information, read the news release. For resources to keep workers safe, visit OSHA's website.

Free Webinar on Respiratory Protection Targets Temporary Worker Safety

Through an alliance with OSHA, the American Staffing Association will host a free webinar on Nov. 9 to educate staffing agencies and host employers on how to protect temporary workers are from exposure to airborne contaminants. Participants will also review OSHA's new temporary worker bulletin on respiratory protection. For more information and to register, visit the webinar website.

New Resources for the Construction Industry

CPWR - The Center for Construction Research and Training, an OSHA Alliance program participant, recently launched six new safety resources for the construction industry:

• A training program on noise hazards and preventing hearing loss, and a training moduleon effective safety leadership for construction foremen and team leaders.
• Online tools to help prevent injuries from manually lifting and moving heavy materials, and conducting Safety Climate Assessments to improve worker safety perceptions at jobsites.
• A list of personal protective equipment designed for female construction workers.
• An online network of construction safety and health experts and resources.

Workers and the Public Urged to be Mindful of Hazards Following Hurricane Florence

OSHA urges emergency crews in the areas affected by Hurricane Florence to be aware of hazards from flooding, restoring electricity and communications, removing debris, repairing water damage, trimming trees, and repairing roofs. Only individuals with proper training, equipment, and experience should conduct recovery and cleanup activities. OSHA's webpages on hurricane and flood response can help employers and workers stay safe.

OSHA Updates National Emphasis Program on Trenching and Excavation

OSHA has updated its National Emphasis Program (NEP) on preventing trenching and excavation collapses in response to a recent spike in trenching fatalities. Under the NEP, OSHA will increase its education and enforcement efforts; inspectors will record trenching and excavation inspections in a national reporting system; and each area office will develop outreach programs. The NEP began Oct. 1, with a three-month period of education and prevention outreach. For more information, read the news release.