Hazard Communication: Workers must be trained by Dec. 1, 2013

OSHA's updated Hazard Communication Standard provides a common and coherent approach to classifying chemicals and communicating hazard information on labels and safety data sheets. The first deadline in the implementation phase is Dec. 1, 2013, the date by which employers must train workers on the new label elements and safety data sheet. Find information and resources, including QuickCards, a training fact sheet (PDF*), a list of frequently asked questions and abrief (PDF*) on labels and pictograms on OSHA's Hazard Communications page.

Labor Rights Week highlights safety and health rights of vulnerable workers

OSHA marked Labor Rights Week (Aug. 26-30) by forging more than a dozen new agreements with consulates across the country to protect vulnerable workers from Mexico, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, El Salvador, Columbia, Chile and the Philippines. In an online video message, Secretary Perez explained that the Department of Labor took actions such as the Alliance signings during Labor Rights Week "…to honor the commitment of all workers and to reaffirm our commitment to making their workplaces fair and safe." Learn more in a new post on the DOL blog.

US Department of Labor's OSHA announces proposed rule to protect workers exposed to crystalline silica

OSHA has announced a proposed rule aimed at curbing lung cancer, silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and kidney disease in America's workers. The agency currently enforces 40-year-old permissible exposure limits (PELs) for crystalline silica in general industry, construction and shipyards that are outdated, inconsistent between industries and do not adequately protect worker health. The proposed rule brings protections into the 21st century.

"This is a proposed rule and not a final rule," said Dr. David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health. "We are inviting and strongly encouraging the public to participate in the process of developing a final rule through submitting written comments and participating in public hearings. Our process of obtaining public input will take many months, and we encourage and welcome the public to participate." 

Once the full effects of the rule are realized, OSHA estimates that the proposed rule would result in saving nearly 700 lives per year and prevent 1,600 new cases of silicosis annually. For more information on the proposed rule and how to participate in the rule making process, visit OSHA's silica rulemaking page at www.osha.gov/silica and read Dr. Michaels' new post on the DOL blog.

Hazard Communication/GHS training deadline approaching.

The deadline for Hazard Communication/GHS training is quickly approaching (December 1, 2013).  We are offering the last two OSHA Harwood Grant funded sessions on September 5 and October 11, 2013. Myles O’Malley will be instructing both sessions.

Register here for our "Nature of Chemical Hazards and Implications of GHS Applied to Industry" course. 

US Constitution & Amendments course offered

US Constitution Day will be commemorated on September 17, 2013 with 4-hr workshop “US Constitution & Amendments” in Piscataway, New Jersey.  This workshop is an excellent opportunity for OSHA Outreach Trainers to pick up pointers on how to more effectively deliver the “Introduction to OSHA” presentation. The facilitator for this workshop will be Michael Presutti.

Click here for registration.

Outreach campaign aims to protect health care workers from hazards causing musculoskeletal disorders

OSHA has launched a campaign to raise awareness about musculoskeletal hazards facing health care workers, providing information to 2,500 employers, unions and associations in Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. These hazards include sprains, strains, soft tissue and back injuries among health care workers responsible for patient care. The campaign will provide information about hazard control methods, such as a zero-lift program to minimize direct patient lifting. Learn more about the campaign in the press release.

White House releases executive order on improving chemical facility safety and security

August 1, 2013, the President signed an Executive Order to improve the safety and security of chemical facilities and reduce the risks of hazardous chemicals to workers and communities. Incidents such as the devastating explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas in April are tragic reminders that the handling and storage of chemicals present serious risks that must be addressed. The Executive Order directs Federal agencies to work with stakeholders to improve chemical safety and security through agency programs, private sector initiatives, Federal guidance, standards, and regulations. Read the executive order.

New Nail Gun Safety Web page and ePub help prevent construction injuries

Nail guns cause tens of thousands of serious injuries each year, hospitalizing more construction workers than any other tool-related injury. OSHA’s new Nail Gun Safety Web page offers resources to help reduce these numbers. The page includes links to regulations, training and compliance assistance materials, including the joint OSHA/NIOSH Nail Gun Safety: A Guide for Construction Contractors. The guide, also available as an e-publication in English and Spanish, can be downloaded to smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices, as well as on desktop and laptop computers.

OSHA and 4,000 workers at scores of N.Y. and N.J. construction sites stand down to prevent falls

OSHA joined worker, union, industry and community partners in New York and New Jersey to sponsor safety stand-downs June 24-July 3 to raise awareness about the hazards of falls -- the leading cause of jobsite deaths in the construction industry. More than 120 stand-downs were held across the region, involving more than 4,000 workers.

To learn more about OSHA's Fall Prevention campaign, visit www.osha.gov/stopfalls, and for more information on how to plan a stand-down, contact the OSHA office nearest you.

New workers most at risk for heat-related illness: Employers should allow time for acclimation

OSHA is investigating two recent heat fatalities involving workers who were new to the job. In a recent call with meteorologists, Assistant Secretary Michaels emphasized that OSHA has found that, generally, the workers who are most at risk for heat-related illnesses are those who are new to outdoor jobs – especially temporary workers.

Seasonal workers can be considered new even if they have been working every season for several years. Gradually increasing the workload and giving workers time to acclimate allows them to build tolerance to the heat. This is critically important for workers who are new to working outdoors in the heat, who have been away from working in the heat for a week or more, or at the beginning of a heat wave. Once a worker is acclimated to heat, the risk is lower. Employers should take steps to protect workers and help them acclimate.

OSHA's Heat Safety Tool smartphone app can help users monitor dangerous heat levels throughout the summer. The app is available for iPhone and Android and has already been downloaded almost 85,000. Download the app and find additional resources on OSHA's Heat page.