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Did you know that, in fiscal year 2010, OSHA issued approximately 94,000 citations? Using this data, OSHA has just released its Annual Top 10 list of Most Cited Violations. Use it as a warning or indicator that that OSHA is following these trends and will be targeting companies most likely to have employees working with these hazards. As a Safety Professional, a Hazardous Materials Manager and an authorized OSHA Construction Standards Outreach Trainer, I’m trained on multiple levels to recognize compliance-driven occupational safety violations. However, what does it take to change laws and habits that affect workers and citizens? In our society and legal system it seems that, yes, someone (or many) has to tragically die before change and regulation are considered. When it comes to saving lives at work, on the road or at home, we are a reactive society. We don’t do anything until we have determined the cost of safety: the value of life versus the cost of fixing the dangerous condition. And, just how much is a life worth these days? And who is going to pay the costs of training, new equipment, and enforcement of regulation or practices? Dr. Michaels states that OSHA needs to transform how it addresses workplace hazards, and in its relationship to employers and workers. As such he outlines a new strategy that is a clear shift from recent years indicating that there is a “new sheriff in town” and business (ALL businesses) should take heed. Here are some of my extrapolations and thoughts regarding 6 of these transformational items — consider how they will affect your business or workplace. On a job site, safety is important to everyone, so when it’s time for safety training, how do you decide between an online course or a classroom? When evaluating the courses based on their published description, Online Training and Instructor Led Training (ILT) may look the same, so it is wise to understand the benefits and drawbacks of both before making a final decision. This is especially important for occupational health and safety training. Online Training has two key These are tough economic times and businesses are looking to cut costs and save money. Trained workers are safer workers. The facts bear this out. Shortsighted statements I’ve heard include; “We don’t have problems in that area, so we’re cutting back on training.”, when the training was most likely the reason for the lack of problems. Both OSHA and the EPA seemed to have recently awoken from their regulatory slumber. OSHA has announced its first major rulemaking during the Obama administration with a proposed change to the agency’s Hazard Communication (HazCom) Standard. The existing OSHA HazCom Standard provides workers with the right to know the hazards and identities of the chemicals they are exposed to while working, as well as the measures they can take to protect themselves. This standard was originally The swine flu vaccine was approved for release by the FDA. It will be about 4 weeks before you are able to be vaccinated. In the meantime, you may have a number of questions regarding the vaccine and its safety. It is important to be educated about the virus and vaccine before making a decision regarding whether you should be vaccinated. By being educated you can protect yourself and others, including family members or coworkers. The Martha Hernandez – EHS Training Manager 1. Assess the Situation Before lifting and carrying a heavy object, take a few moments to assess the situation. How far will you have to carry the load? 1. Is the material hazardous? This can be determined by looking at the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or the label. 2. Does the Department of Transportation consider the material a hazardous material for transportation? Check the Hazardous Material Table (HMT) found in 49 CFR 172.101. 3. Is the material listed by name in the HMT? If so, that would be the proper shipping name. 4. Is the material not listed by name in the HMT but is a 1. OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1910.134 details the requirements for a Respiratory Protection Program. 2. A Respiratory Protection Program is mandatory if any employee is required to wear any type of respirator during the course of their job. 3. The establishment and maintenance of a Respiratory Protection Program is the responsibility of the employer and must of: a written program, employee training, fit testing’ and medical surveillance. 4. All employees who will be issued respiratory protection must be medically |
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