Millwork Safety

The U.S. Department of Labor has issued a final rule that expands the rights of employees regarding representation during OSHA inspections. According to a release dated March 29, this development clarifies that workers now have the authority to designate either a fellow employee or an external individual to accompany OSHA compliance officers during evaluations of their work environments.

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This year’s Window Safety Week is for April 7-13. The annual initiative, established in 1997 by the Window Safety Task Force in partnership with the National Safety Council, is aimed at raising awareness of actions homeowners can take to prioritize window safety and fall prevention year-round. Task force Co-Chair Angela Dickson said, “…the task force urges those in the industry to share window safety tips [developed by the task group] to keep children safe – post tips on your website and share via social media to help spread the word.”

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A California work safety board has approved standards that would require companies to protect employees from excessive indoor heat, particularly in warehouses. The rules still need to overcome opposition by another state agency.

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The National Safety Council has launched a new set of initiatives targeting opioid overdoses in the workplace. Overdoses account for nearly 10% of workplace fatalities and are the leading cause of unintentional death in the United States.

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The White House is calling on stakeholders across all sectors to “commit to save lives” by increasing training on – and access to – lifesaving opioid overdose reversal medications. The White House Challenge to Save Lives from Overdose is a call to action for organizations and businesses nationwide to “help ensure all communities are ready to use this lifesaving tool to reduce opioid deaths.”

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For Workplace Eye Wellness Month – observed every March – the advocacy group Prevent Blindness is offering free resources. The use of eye safety equipment can protect against flying shards, wood splinters, metal shaving, chemicals and other hazards.

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A new report, Construction Working Minds Whitepaper 2024, was recently released in an effort to raise awareness of the unique mental health challenges faced by construction workers. “It offers evidence-based and evidence-informed approaches to address workers’ mental health challenges and will help advance development of effective programs and initiatives to support workers’ well-being and reduce tragedies like addiction, overdose, and suicide,” said Cal Beyer, one of the report’s co-authors.

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In her 2023 Enforcement Report, Solicitor of Labor Seema Nanda revealed enhanced coordination with OSHA to hold employers and supervisors accountable for repeat and willful violations, especially those that lead to worker fatalities. OSHA violations – especially repeat, willful, and failure to abate – can and do lead to criminal penalties and enforcement.

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Reminder to employers: If you’re required to submit to OSHA a yearly summary of injury and illnesses data, you must send your 2023 data by March 2, 2024. Because of revised recordkeeping rules that went into effect on Jan. 1st, the agency requires establishments with 100 or more employees in certain high-hazard industries to submit data from Forms 300 and 301 – in addition to Form 300A.

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OSHA has launched a challenge aimed at boosting worker participation in implementing hazard controls and job hazard analyses. As part of the annual Safe+Sound campaign promoted by OSHA, NIOSH, the National Safety Council and other safety organizations, the Hazard Huddle Challenge encourages managers to have discussions with workers about workplace safety hazards.

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OSHA and MSHA will be hosting multiple events in honor of Workers Memorial Day April 22-25, 2024, not only to remember and recognize the lives that have been impacted by occupational incidents, illnesses, and diseases, but also to educate all about the importance of workplace safety and health in preventing future tragedies. Events will be held in-person and virtually.

To attend these events, please register here. For more information, please visit the Workers Memorial Day Events webpage.

The nation’s toughest rules for on-the-job lead exposure are set for a vote from California workplace safety regulators. If the state’s Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board approves the requirements on February 15th — one for construction, one for general industry — the California business mandates would likely take effect July 1, 2024.

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OSHA’s rule on worker walkaround representation is undergoing a final review, according to the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs website. The rule would allow workers to designate someone who doesn’t work for their employer – including a labor union member – to represent them during the “walkaround” part of an OSHA inspection.

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This is the first year that OSHA’s expanded injury and illness reporting requirements take effect for employers in certain “high-hazard” industries. By March 2, 2024, covered employers will be required to submit “OSHA 300” Logs and “OSHA 301” Incident Reports to OSHA (in addition to the reporting of annual “OSHA 300A” Summaries, which is already required).

Read JD Supra

OSHA is reminding employers of their Form 300A posting requirement that begins Feb. 1. Form 300A, a summary of work-related injuries and illnesses, must be displayed “in a conspicuous place or places where notices to employees are customarily posted” until April 30.

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Workplace head injuries are a major safety concern, and the hard hat has been the traditional head protection for workers on construction and other work sites. OSHA has two standards covering head protection: 29 CFR 1910.135 and 29 CFR 1926.100.

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In 2021 the National Safety Council created the MSDSolutions Lab to address musculoskeletal disorders, or MSDs. To help monitor progress, NSC developed the MSD Solutions Index, an annual benchmarking survey, and recently released the inaugural findings in its MSD Solutions Index Pledge Community Report.

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A new California law taking place on workplace violence requires employers to develop and implement written plans and interactive training to prevent and respond to on-the-job threats of violence by July 1, 2024.

Read JD Supra

By incorporating AI-powered solutions, companies can tailor wellness plans to cater to the diverse needs of their workforce, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment. This holistic approach ensures that employees are equipped to navigate the challenges of the modern workplace, promoting a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.

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OHSA announced on January 11th that it has made changes to its civil penalty amounts based on cost-of-living adjustments for 2024. OSHA’s maximum penalties for serious and other-than-serious violations will increase from $15,625 to $16,131 per violation.

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Effective Jan. 1, 2024, OSHA amended its occupational injury and illness recordkeeping regulation to require employers meeting certain size and industry criteria to electronically submit injury and illness information to OSHA that employers are already required to keep at their workplace premises.

Read JD Supra

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has initiated a 12-month review process to prioritize five toxic chemicals for risk evaluation under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

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Occupational safety and health (OSH) professionals are tasked with evaluating and addressing workplace hazards, aiming to mitigate them within their organization. When all other controls prove insufficient, personal protective equipment (PPE) becomes the final line of defense.

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Preparation is key to a successful external safety audit. In addition, a deep understanding of audit requirements and a strong commitment to safety, along with clear communication and a unified interdepartmental approach, will help organizations meet compliance standards while building a safer work environment for their workforce.

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Human organization performance (HOP) safety principles plays a pivotal role in the development and implementation of effective substance abuse policies within workplaces. This article explores the nuances of substance abuse policies in the modern workplace, emphasizing the importance of a balanced and employee-centric approach.

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A total of 5,486 workers died from on-the-job injuries in 2022 – a 5.7% increase from the previous year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics data released December 19. It’s the sixth time in seven years that workplace deaths surpassed 5,000 on the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries.

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The updated OSHA Injury Tracking Application (ITA) is now available from osha.gov/injuryreporting. This page provides requirements and guidance about electronically submitting your establishment’s injury and illness data from the OSHA Form 300A: Summary of Work-Related Injury and Illnesses; OSHA Form 300: Log of Work-Related Injury and Illnesses; and OSHA Form 301: Injury and Illness Incident Report.

Employers should visit the ITA Coverage Application to determine whether they are required to submit this data. Data collection for calendar year 2023 will begin January 2, 2024, and must be submitted by March 2, 2024.

On December 11, OSHA announced that the agency is replacing traditional hard hats used by its employees with more modern safety helmets to protect them better when they are on inspection cites. The agency recommends safety helmets for the construction industry and oil and gas industry; in high-temperature, specialized work and low-risk environments; performing tasks involving electrical work and working from heights; and when required by regulations or industry standards.

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One in five American adults experience mental illness every year, and according to the most recent federal data, more than 46 million people in America experienced a substance use disorder in 2022. At the same time, suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States. One thing is immeasurably clear: individuals must have access to the care they need, and healthier and more supportive workplaces and communities.

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Business owners make a plethora of mistakes that puts their company at increased risk of starting a fire in their workplace. Not addressing these issues can put managers and their employees at risk and fixing them often does not require extensive effort. This article looks at the most common fire safety mistakes business owners make and how to prevent them.

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OSHA Region 3 has extended its Regional Emphasis Program (REP) focused on industries with high levels of workplace noise. Under the REP, OSHA will inspect certain manufacturing workplaces in Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia. The renewed REP adds three industries: Sawmills and Wood Preservation; Other Wood Manufacturing; and Ornamental and Architectural Metal Products.

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The construction industry is taking a holistic approach to opioids, from injury prevention to treatment and recovery. The numbers for the construction industry paint a more concerning picture, with the construction and extraction occupation group and construction industry group having the highest drug overdose death rates in the country. According to the American Addiction Centers, construction workers represent about 25% of fatal opioid overdoses among all workers, and construction workers are twice as likely to have a substance abuse disorder compared with the general population of adults.

Read Builder/People

The latest EHS tech innovations not only are keeping workers safer but are also showing a solid ROI. While much of the technology has been focused on identifying risk, future applications will be more proactive about predicting risk.

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The White House wants to help employers support workers who are dealing with substance misuse – as well as those in recovery. As part of the effort, the Office of National Drug Control Policy has released a toolkit.

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OSHA has a variety of resources to help small businesses keep their employees safe on the job. One of the most popular is the Small Business Safety and Health Handbook, available in English and Spanish. OSHA worked with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to comprehensively update this publication in 2021.

Read more at WMA

A pair of lawmakers from opposite sides of the aisle, along with a coalition of organizations, expressed opposing viewpoints in comments on OSHA’s proposed rule on worker walkaround representation. The proposed rule, which had a comment deadline of November 13, 2024, would allow workers to designate someone who doesn’t work for their employer to represent them during an OSHA “walkaround” inspection.

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A special issue of the journal, Seminars in Hearing, highlights the efforts of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to prevent on-the-job hearing loss. NIOSH estimates that 22 million workers face exposure to hazardous noise each year, and around 10 million are exposed to solvents that contribute to hearing loss.

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The majority of business leaders and industry groups understand the need to go beyond compliance and advocate for strong safety cultures. In 2023 the National Safety Council (NSC) launched its “Work to Zero” initiative, a campaign to eliminate workplace fatalities by 2050 with effective technologies and stronger stakeholder partnerships.

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The number of reported workplace injuries and illnesses in the U.S. private sector increased in 2022, data released November 8 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows. Workers in private industry experienced an estimated 2.8 million nonfatal injuries and illnesses last year. That’s up slightly more than the 2.6 million in 2021.

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A recent report by Sphera highlights a persistent gap between the safety goals companies set and their actual achievement despite access to advanced technologies offering real-time data.

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As older workers remain in the workforce, employers are devising ways to best accommodate these workers. The National Institute for Occupational Safety (NIOSH) has a division called The Center for Productive Aging and Work, which is part of its Total Worker Health Program. The center operates as a hub that conducts original research, fosters collaborations, and offers expert guidance to support an aging workforce.

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Last week, OSHA announced its most frequently cited workplace safety standards for 2023. Fall Protection – General Requirements remains at the top of the list for the 13th year in a row, followed by Hazard Communication, and Ladders.

Read National Safety Council Press Release

An update to OSHA’s standard on hazard communication is undergoing a final review, according to the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs website. OSHA is seeking to align the hazcom standard (1910.1200) to the seventh revision of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals, also known as GHS.

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In a recent Department of Labor (DOL) Office of Inspector General (OIG) audit, the results of which were released September 27, 2023, the agency analyzed injury, illness, complaint and inspection data from October 2016 through 2021; interviewed OSHA personnel; and reviewed OSHA guidance and standards. Based on the results of the audit, the OIG concluded that OSHA hasn’t “effectively addressed” elevated injury and illness rates in the warehousing industry.

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Speaking during a September 13 hearing before the House Highways and Transit Subcommittee, the American Trucking Association’s President and CEO, Chris Spear, called on Congress to establish firm federal oversight to avoid a “patchwork” of state and local regulations that could “stifle the innovation” of automation “before it even has a chance to prove its worth.”

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This article sheds light on how an effective warehouse layout can significantly reduce the risk of accidents while also boosting productivity. Understanding what the contributing factors are is the first step towards creating a safer and more efficient workspace.

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In recognition of Suicide Prevention Month, OSHA is offering a new resource for employers, Role of Employers in Preventing Suicides, available in English and Spanish.

Bipartisan legislation recently introduced in the House would direct OSHA to create employer guidance on acquiring opioid overdose reversal medication and training workers on its use. The bill, Workplace Overdose Reversal Kits (WORK) to Save Lives Act, was introduced on September 12, 2023.

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This article looks at the role of safety technology in tackling cognitive and confirmation biases, uncovering often overlooked workplace risks and fostering a proactive approach to ensuring a safer work environment.

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There are several steps that forklift operators must take in order to stay safe and in compliance with OSHA regulations. While forklift inspection checklists may vary, there are several questions set forth in this article that should be included in all checklists.

Read Manufacturing.net

The U.S. Department of Labor has announced a notice of proposed rulemaking to revise regulations regarding who can be authorized by employees to act as their representative to accompany OSHA compliance officers during physical workplace inspections.

Read Department of Labor Press Release

OSHA says it’s allowing more time for stakeholders to comment on a proposed rule aimed at protecting workers from extreme heat exposure in indoor and outdoor settings. The agency recently initiated a Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act panel review, the next step before a proposed standard is published. The new deadline for comment is December 23, 2023.

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Three new videos from OSHA are aimed at helping employers support their workers’ mental health. Each short video is available with Spanish captioning: Start the Conversation, Tips to Improving Work Relationships, and Build Your Mental Health Toolkit.

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The OSHA National Emphasis Program (NEP) on Warehousing and Distribution Center Operations which took effect July 13, 2023, lists home centers, hardware store, and other building material dealers as “high injury rate retail establishments” and provides procedures for conducting partial safety inspections. The NEP remains in effect for three years.

Read LBM Journal

Companies often turn to technology solutions to fill in the gaps and ensure they’re providing accessible and continuous safety training to diverse groups of employees completing a wide-range of safety critical activities. This article covers six important trends regarding the use of technology to improve workplace safety training.

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OSHA has published a new hazard alert on Extreme Heat available in both English and Spanish.

Additional information and resources are available on OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention webpage

OSHA will join businesses nationwide next week to recognize the successes of workplace safety and health programs during Safe + Sound Week, August 7-13, 2023. This is a nationwide event for workplaces to recognize and improve their safety and health programs and it’s an excellent opportunity for employers and workers to come together and demonstrate their commitment to workplace safety and health.

Read more about Safe + Sound Week

A coalition of 112 members of Congress lawmakers is pressing OSHA for the “fastest possible implementation” of a standard on protecting workers from extreme heat exposure, and encouraging OSHA to “mobilize all of the resources of the Department of Labor and the Biden Administration that are necessary.”

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OSHA’s Final Rule will be published on July 21, 2023, and become effective on January 1, 2024, amending its occupational injury and illness recordkeeping regulation that requires certain employers to electronically submit injury and illness information to OSHA.

Read OSHA Press Release

OSHA has begun a National Emphasis Program that targets hazards in warehouses, distribution warehouses and “high risk” retail establishments. Inspections under the initiative will focus on common workplace hazards, including powered industrial trucks, material handling/storage, walking-working surfaces, exists, and fire protection.

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Registration for Safe + Sound Week 2023 is now open at osha.gov/safeandsoundweek. Pledge to improve workplace safety and health by participating this year.

Download flyer for more information

Prompted by workers’ safety concerns about the quietness of electric forklifts, British researchers are working to develop an audible alert. The workers are employed by building materials supplier, Travis Perkins, which commissioned the project with researchers from the University of Salford.

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The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act went into effect June 27, and guarantees expanded protections for workers experiencing pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions. All employers with at least 15 employees are required to extend reasonable accommodations to pregnant workers.

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Overall, the goal of recognizing June as National Safety Month is to reduce workplace accidents, improve well-being, and encourage a safety-centric culture. While National Safety Month can serve as a reliable prompt for updating and maintaining critical safety protocols, safety is important year-round.

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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration want to require automatic emergency breaking systems on heavy trucks. On June 22, the agencies announced their intent to publish a proposed rule in the Federal Register.

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To improve safety and health management programs, and establish safety as a core value in American workplaces, OSHA is creating a new Leading Indicators Resource for employers. This resource will cater primarily to small and medium-sized employers, equipping them with the knowledge and tools necessary to integrate leading indicators into their safety and health program.

For additional leading indicators information, please visit the following links:

• OSHA’s leading indicators webpage
• OSHA Questions on the Use and Development of Leading Indicators
• OSHA Trade Release
• Doug Parker’s Tracking Leading Indicators to Prevent Injury and Illness

Within the EHS industry, many professionals still spend most of their time digging through spreadsheets, binders, and emails crowded with outdated safety data sheets (SDSs). Stop spending precious time searching for outdated SDSs, and develop a centralized system that ensures your team has the most up-to-date information accessible at their fingertips.

Read EHS Today

A planned update to OSHA’s Lockout/Tagout standard (1910.147) has been pushed to “long-term actions” under the Department of Labor’s Spring 2023 regulatory agenda.

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A total of 35 employers, all in the OSHA Region VIII Voluntary Protection Programs Participants’ Association Inc., among six states are being recognized for not having any injuries or illnesses at work places last year. The employers, known as “Zeroes Heroes,” are part of OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program (VPP).

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Implementing an integrated and individualized approach to a safety training plan can help bring a consistent focus to safety management. To identify gaps in your forklift safety training, ask these eight questions to evaluate your current program.

Read EHS Today

As Canadian wildfires continue to produce unhealthy air pollution in parts of the country, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced that OSHA is offering employers important information to help protect outdoor workers from exposure to wildfire health hazards.

Read OSHA Press Release

In an effort to promote conversations – and combat stigma – around mental health at work, the Department of Labor has published a public service announcement that features real-life stories from workers and employers, perspectives from mental health experts, and comments from acting Labor Secretary Julie Su.

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To create a de-energized work condition, a qualified person must follow a multi-step process that includes physically locking out of the system with a signed tag, testing for absence of voltage and testing the voltmeter in a live system to confirm it works. One critical element of protection during Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures is the use of arc-rated flame resistant (AR/FR) clothing.

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It is important than ever that employers understand the serious long-term, non-monetary consequences of settling or accepting OSHA citations. One danger of settling OSHA citations is later being cited for repeat, willful or failure to abate violations and be put on the road to significant additional costs and enforcement activity.

Read Lexology

By implementing strategies to promote mental health awareness from the very beginning, employers can help mitigate some of the stress and worries with starting a new job. This can allow the employee to be more productive by spending their working hours concentrating on learning rather than worrying about potential judgement.

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A pilot program focused on mental health issues in the residential construction industry recently confirmed the need for a more deliberate and permanent effort to reduce the stigma of discussing mental health within the industry.

Read Window + Door

If you’ve ever questioned what to record on your OSHA Form 300, Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses, this article covers what you need to know. One of the first things that OSHA looks at when they come to inspect your workplace is the OSHA Form 300.

Read EHS Daily Advisor

OSHA will hold a stakeholder meeting on June 15, 2023 in Washington, D.C. to discuss modernizing, improving and expanding its Voluntary Protection Programs. The discussion will include comments and suggestions from the public on recommendations and potential avenues for action.

Read OSHA Press Release

The idea of achieving total workplace safety is in the process of transitioning from a worthy goal to strenuously aim for, to becoming a standard that all organizations will be expected to meet. This is putting pressure on safety professionals to maximize the value of safety technology as highlighted in EHS Today’s 2023 Guide to Safety Technology report.

Read EHS Today

Self-inspection checklists for ergonomics, infection control plans, young workers, and workplace violence have been added to the OSHA/NIOSH Small Business Safety and Health Handbook. The new checklists are part of a collection of general duty checklists that small businesses can use as a starting point to identify workplace hazards and take action to make their businesses safer for their workers.

The opioid epidemic has had a wide-ranging impact on U.S. workers, but employers who support recovery can help, state a new policy report from the University of Southern California – Brookings Schaefer Initiative for Health Policy’s research on the impact of the nation’s opioid epidemic.

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The U.S. Department of Labor announced on May 1, 2023, that OSHA has begun a National Emphasis Program to prevent falls, a leading cause of fatal workplace injuries and the violation the agency cites most frequently in construction industry inspections.

Read OSHA Press Release

Research from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), along with recommendations from the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) offers clues to an effective fleet vehicle safety management program for your company’s cars.

Read EHS Daily Advisor

On April 28, 1970, the nation first observed Workers Memorial Day at a time when an estimated 38 people died on the job in the U.S. each day. More than half a century later, this annual tribute endures as do the determined efforts of the U.S. Department of Labor’s OSHA and MSHA to help protect the lives of workers.

Read OSHA Press Release

OSHA’s changes to which workplaces are required to submit annual injury and illness data are undergoing final review, according to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs dashboard.

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With proper buy-in and accountability, the same systems that ensure product quality in manufacturing can be applied to workplace safety and OSHA compliance.

Read Manufacturing.net

This article covers factors that constitute a high-noise environment, the impact of noise on communication and learning, and the tips and strategies for effective training and communication in high-noise settings.

Read OH&S

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were nearly 3 million employer-reported injuries in the workplace in 2021. Warehousing had the highest increases in cases that caused workers to miss work, increasing 23%. Wearable technology and hands-free barcode scanning can help improve warehouse safety.

Read EHS Today

A new OSHA policy has gone into effect expanding penalties for instance-by-instance (IBI) citations. The move has the potential to significantly increase the monetary penalty amounts associated with certain violations and signals OSHA’s stated commitment to increase enforcement in 2023 and beyond.

Read EHS Today

OSHA has published 2022 injury and illness data based on reports by more than 300,000 establishments. The Injury Tracking Application data is part of OSHA’s electronic recordkeeping requirements for certain employers who are required to submit OSHA Form 300A information.

Read OSHA Press Release

The right protective workwear comes in handy for keeping workers safe from potential contamination and hazards in their everyday operations. This article covers the different types of protective clothing and the factors to consider when selecting them.

Read OH&S

In advance of National Small Business week (April 30 – May 6, 2023) and as part of its ongoing efforts to promote compliance assistance resources, OSHA has created a drop-in article about its On-Site Consultation Program, which offers no-cost and confidential occupational safety and health services to small and medium-sized businesses. The article provides an overview of the program and its benefits.

Read more about OSHA’s On-Site Consultation Program

The White House is seeking a 17% funding increase for OSHA under the Department of Labor’s fiscal year 2024 budget request. Released March 9, 2023, the proposal includes increases of 16.3% for federal enforcement.

Read Safety + Health

Workplace Eye Wellness Month is observed every March. Citing data from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Prevent Blindness claims 90% of the thousands of work-related eye injuries sustained each year could be prevented if workers wore proper eye protection.

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The deadline to electronically submit information from OSHA’s Form 300A for the year 2022 is due March 2, 2023. OSHA Form 300A is a summary of all the injuries and illnesses that took place in a workplace during the previous year. To help you stay compliant, this article has compiled a checklist that explains what you need to submit by the March 2nd deadline.

Read EHS Today

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 5190 fatal work injuries in 2021, up 8.9% from 2020, and 2,607,900 recorded cases of nonfatal injuries and illnesses in the private sector. Workplace safety should be a priority for every type of business. This article looks at some techniques you can use to improve efficiency and workplace safety.

Read OH&S

A recent survey of manufacturing and warehouse employees shows that 75% receive less than 30 minutes of safety training a week, while 20% receive no weekly training. The survey was conducted by the online survey platform Centiment on behalf of Ansell, a health and safety protection solutions provider.

Read Safety + Health

Video-based safety training has become increasingly popular in recent years, as it offers a more interactive and dynamic way to educate employees on workplace safety. This article explores the benefits of using videos for safety training and provides insights into creating effective video-based safety training programs.

Read OH&S

OSHA’s Workplace Stress Safety and Health Topics Page provides resources to help employers support the mental health and well-being of their workforce. The webpage includes resources for both senior managers and front line supervisors – including “Getting Started” guides and checklists – as well as three workplace posters offering tips on how employers and workers can work together to address stress and mental health in the workplace.

The Workplace Stress page compliments OSHA’s existing pages on Worker Fatigue and Preventing Suicides.

Measures for expanded access to parking and rest facilities are included in recently proposed bipartisan legislation aimed at revamping the interstate trucking supply chain system.

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This article looks at the key strategies managers should consider when managing the health and safety of their remote employees, such as creating policies, providing support services, setting up effective communication channels, developing trust between team members, and using technology to monitor employee well-being.

Read OH&S

On January 27, 2023, OSHA issued a revised Combustible Dust National Emphasis Program. The purpose of the revised emphasis program is to continue OSHA inspections of facilities that generate or handle combustible dusts likely to cause fire, flash fire, deflagration, and explosion hazards.

Read OSHA Press Release

In one of two memos published January 26, 2023, OSHA outlines an expansion of scenarios for when it may issue “instance-by-instance citations.” In the other memo, the agency advises regional and area offices of the current policy allowing them to issue citations for each violation, instead of grouping violations.

Read Safety+Health

In this article, Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) explains how to correctly store and label hazardous substances in the workplace, in addition to meeting regulatory safety standards, and outlines the safety procedures and regulations you should implement to keep all those on site safe.

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Robots can help reduce ergonomic risks and environmental hazards in the warehouse. In addition, automated order fulfillment solutions, when appropriate to the situation, help enable warehouses to run efficiently and in the process, create workplaces that attract and satisfy employees.

Read EHS Today

The U.S. Department of Labor has announced changes to OSHA civil penalty amounts based on cost-of-living adjustments for 2023.

Read OSHA Press Release

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released a new Surgeon General’s Framework for Mental Health and Well-Being in the Workplace outlining the foundational role that workplaces should play in promoting the health and well-being of workers and the neighboring communities.

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The Department of Labor, including OSHA, has issued its Fall 2022 Regulatory Agenda. A listing of DOL/OSHA rulemaking in the pre-rule, proposed rule and final rule stages is available here. Rules that are classified as long-term actions are listed here.

OSHA has issued a reminder to employers that the agency is collecting calendar year 2022 Form 300A data. Employers must submit the form electronically by March 2, 2023.

Read OSHA Press Release

SME’s can take advantage of tax incentives, subsidies and grant programs to improve their workplace to reduce occupational injury and illness and lower operating costs.

Read OH&S

Started in 2010, OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program (SVEP) is a program for employers and companies that exhibit what OSHA calls an “indifference to the OSH Act obligations.” Once employers are placed in the program, they may be subject to additional inspections which are made available for public view.

Read OH&S

On Friday the Bureau of Labor Statistics released the 2021 Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries which reflects a one-year increase of nearly 9% in fatal work injuries.

Read EHS Today

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) Services Sector, in partnership with several other organizations, have released a new set of best practices, Protecting Temporary Workers: Best Practices for Host Employers, to help host employers better protect the safety and health of temporary workers.

Download the NIOSH Toolkit_Flyer (member login required)

Eye and face protection is essential for many workers as part of their personal protection equipment (PPE). This article looks at OSHA’s requirements for eye and face protection which must be provided, when necessary, to protect workers from chemical, environmental, radiological, or mechanical irritants and hazards.

Read EHS Daily Advisor

Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) can enhance safety in the maintenance field.

Read EHS Today

OSHA is pleased to announce the availability of an updated Seasonal Influenza Safety and Health Topics Page (SHTP). The updated SHTP reflects the new 2022-2023 flu vaccine recommendations and includes a new ‘Quick Facts’ section which contains links to pertinent prevention information. The resources highlighted in this SHTP provide information on prevention and control measures for protecting workers against flu and other respiratory illness.

Read OSHA’s updated SHTP

There are many different types of epilepsy, and all employers can make reasonable adjustments to accommodate people with this condition. To keep employees with epilepsy safe, understand the nature of their condition; identify triggers and work to eliminate them; and do your best to reduce stress in the workplace.

Read OH&S

Truck driver behavior is a key predictor of whether any driver will be involved in a road accident in the future, according to the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), the nonprofit research arm of American Trucking Associations (ATA). The new ATRI report provides an update to its Predicting Truck Crash Involvement research.

Read EHS Today

The number of reported workplace injuries in the U.S. private sector increased in 2021, but a decline in respiratory illnesses – including COVID-19 – helped drive down the combined number of nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses, data released Nov. 7 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows.

Read Safety + Health

OSHA has issued a Monkeypox Virus Fact Sheet that highlights specific workplace hazards associated with Monkeypox, describes symptoms and transmission routes, and provides measures that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of exposure to the disease.

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This article reviews the differences between recordable, reportable, and non-recordable OSHA events. It also explains to employers how to reduce the number of recordable incidents and how to mitigate potentially life-threatening on-site injuries.

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With the increasing volume, frequency and uncertainty of threats facing businesses and their employees today, safety leaders need robust and reliable means of communication. There are three benefits of building effective communication into organizational preparedness plans: increasing employee engagement; optimizing emergency response; and improving business resiliency.

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If a disaster strikes and impacts your business or worksite, it’s important for teams to know how to respond. Whether it’s a fire, power outage, hurricane or another type of disaster, having an emergency response plan can help protect and save lives.

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Workers in manufacturing, warehousing, construction and transportation industries need better support for their mental and emotional needs, results from a recent survey suggest. 47% of respondents said they feel stressed in their current job and almost 1 out of 4 respondents in warehousing and transportation jobs said their work has had a negative effect on their mental health.

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Recently the World Health Organization released a report, WHO Guidelines on Mental Health at Work, that offers research as well as recommendations on how to deal with the issue of mental health at work. The organization notes that an estimated 15% of working-age adults have a mental disorder at any given time.

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Ensuring that employees have basic knowledge of first aid and how to respond in an emergency is key to promoting a safe workplace. In this article, learn more about OSHA’s first aid requirements, basic first aid procedures, and how to build well-equipped first aid kits for the workplace.

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Monday, October 10 marked World Mental Health Day. Mental health conditions may affect nearly one in five people, according to the Department of Labor. In recent years, the conversation on worker mental health has been brought more and more to the company table. If you’re an employer, there are a few ways that you can support your employees.

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OSHA has announced the addition of a new organization to its OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Center network – the Construction Education Foundation in Denver, Colorado – and renewed its 25 existing education centers. OTI Education Centers are non-profit organizations that offer training courses on OSHA standards and occupational safety and health topics to workers and employers across the country. The centers also help administer OSHA’s Outreach Training Program.

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According to OSHA, warehouses are one of the most hazardous places of employment. Warehouse workers are exposed to hazards like falls, falling objects, and forklifts. But there are measures you can take to keep pedestrians safe.

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Mental health challenges have tested many workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now experts say employers need to make employees’ mental health as high of a priority as physical health. A big step in that process: confronting the stigma that often accompanies mental health disorders.

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The declaration of a public health emergency in the U.S. means that companies should also increase their awareness and preparations for the monkeypox virus. Companies should now build a plan that details how they will respond to the virus and what tactics they will implement to mitigate its impact. From a strategic and tactical perspective, ignoring the virus is no longer a viable business option.

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The Department of Labor is updating the criteria for OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program (SVEP), expanding it to include violations of all hazards and standards across all industries. OSHA estimates SVEP – which concentrates inspections on employers who have several willful, repeated, or failure-to-abate vilations – currently includes about 500 employers, but according to Doug Paker, OSHA Assistant Secretary, the changes to the program would add 80 to 100 employers to the list each year.

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For the 12th straight fiscal year, Fall Protection – General Requirements is OSHA’s most frequently cited standard, the agency and Safety+Health announced Tuesday during the 2022 NSC Safety Congress & Expo. The standards that comprise the Top 10 remained unchanged from FY 2021, with some movement within their ranking.

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It’s important for employees to have a well-designed workspace to prevent musculoskeletal disorders, sprains, and other ergonomics-related injuries. And for a growing number of workers, that includes their home office setup. Often, remote workers lack access to adjustable office equipment or knowledge of how to optimize their home environment to achieve an ideal ergonomic setup.

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OSHA has awarded more than $1.9 million in grants to 14 nonprofit organizations for workplace training on infectious diseases as part of its Susan Harwood Training Grant Program. The grant will fund education and training programs aimed at helping employers and workers recognize infectious disease hazards – including coronavirus – and identify preventive measures.

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Last week, OSHA and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) officially joined efforts to increase awareness on suicide prevention and mental health in the workplace. They have signed a two-year alliance and, according to a news release, will work together on “information and products on workplace mental health and suicide prevention awareness.”

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September is Suicide Prevention Month, and OSHA is urging employers to actively promote available resources to all workers. The month includes National Suicide Prevention Week (Sept. 4-10) and Construction Suicide Prevention Week (Sept. 5-9).

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An unsettling statistic has come from the Business Group on Health’s 2023 Large Employers’ Health Care Strategy and Plan Design Survey released August 23rd. Cancer has overtaken musculoskeletal conditions as a top driver of large companies’ health care costs. In the survey, 13% of employers said they have seen more late-stage cancers and another 44% anticipate seeing such an increase in the future.

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Results from a recent survey commissioned by the American Psychological Association show that more than 4 out of 5 U.S. workers say mental health support from a potential employer would be a key consideration when seeking future job opportunities.

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OSHA recently launched a regional initiative in three Mid-Atlantic states and the District of Columbia in an effort to protect workers and reduce injuries and illnesses in the warehousing, storage, and distribution yards’ industries. OSHA’s Regional Emphasis Program for Warehousing Operation focuses on industry employers in Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia, and D.C.

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It’s Safe + Sound Week!  You can view the list of public events taking place this week under “Nationwide Events” on the Safe + Sound Week Map, or you can see what public events are available by clicking on the different states. These events are activities that are free and open to everyone.

OSHA recently revised its Whistleblower Investigations Manual. The updated manual supersedes the January 2016 version and is the first complete overhaul since 2011. The investigations manual outlines procedures, legal concepts and other information related to handling retaliation complaints under the various whistleblower statutes that OSHA enforces.

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Last Thursday the CDC updated its COVID-19 guideline recommendations for community settings. These included recommendations on what to do if you were exposed, are waiting for test results or test positive. People who have been exposed to COVID-19 should “wear a high quality mask for 10 days and get tested on day 5,” as opposed to quarantining. And when waiting for test results, if you have symptoms, the CDC recommends to isolate.

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The Senate is calling for a 11.1% funding increase for OSHA in fiscal year 2023, under a recently released series of 12 appropriations bills that includes other federal safety agencies.

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OSHA has published a newly updated OSHA Technical Manual (OTM) Noise Chapter: OSHA Instruction TED 01-00-015, Section 3, Chapter 5, “Noise”. The chapter provides technical information to OSHA compliance staff, safety and health professionals, and the public when performing noise inspections or evaluating noise hazards.

OSHA is known as the enforcement arm of workplace safety, but in the case of electrical safety, it plays a different role. OSHA tells us what we need to know and NFPA 70E – the National Fire Protection Agency’s Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace – tells us how to do it. To navigate such requirements and standards, an organization must first ensure its workers are qualified to complete safe electrical work using the latest NFRPA 70E standard as its guide.

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In an effort to learn more about long COVID in workplaces, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, along with the Department of Labor and Center for Disease Control and Prevention, is asking the public to weigh in via a national online crowdsourced dialogue.

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The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) revised its informal guidance regarding COVID-19 and related matters in the workplace. In doing so, the EEOC made several revisions concerning employer testing protocols, items to consider for vaccine mandates, among other revisions to FAQs.

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On July 16, a new lifeline for suicide and mental health crisis support was launched. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline will help people in suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress with emotional support. The support is available 24/7.

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While companies have made specific commitments to environmental, social and  governance (ESG) goals, it’s turning out to be harder than anticipated to meet those goals. According to the Global Corporate Sustainability Survey 2022, a survey of 400 C-Suite executives in the U.S., Europe and Asia, the gap between their aspirations and the ability to execute on them is significant.

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When an injury, incident or near miss occurs, finding out why is an important first step. That’s where a robust investigation process can make a big difference. “Investigating a worksite incident…provides employers and workers with the opportunity to identify hazards in their operations and shortcomings in their safety and health programs,” says OSHA.

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Safe + Sound Week registration is now open. Join thousands of businesses who are recognizing their commitment to workplace safety and health.

Visit OSHA’s Safe + Sound Week webpage to sign up to participate, and for ideas for planning and promoting your event.

The Environmental Protection Agency has issued a final rule intended to ensure workers “have clear and consistent information about the risks they may face from toxic substances.” The rule is set to go into effect September 6.

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OSHA is focusing on heat safety in the workplace and will be conducting more worksite audits under its National Emphasis Program for Outdoor and Indoor Heat-Related Hazards. To make sure your workplace is prepared to keep employees safe while working in the heat, learn about the 10 key elements for a workplace heat safety program.

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Citing data that shows hospitalizations “may increase significantly in the coming weeks,” OSHA has extended its revised National Emphasis Program on COVID-19 until further notice.

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As temperatures and the risk of heat illness rise in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and Mississippi, OSHA reminds employers and workers not to ignore the dangers of working in hot weather – indoors and out.

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OSHA is requesting public comment on a proposed rule that would revise the agency’s standards on occupational exposure to lead in general industry and construction. Comments are due August 29. OSHA adopted its standards on lead exposure for general industry and construction in 1978 and 1992, respectively.

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To protect workers from heat-related illnesses and injuries, OSHA announced a new National Emphasis Program on April 12, 2022. This article looks at what this means for your business and what your next steps should be.

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The House is seeking approximately $712 million for OSHA’s fiscal year 2023 – a roughly $100 million increase from FY 2022, according to a draft of its appropriations bill released June 22.

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The ultimate goal of employer-led health and safety initiatives is to incorporate safety into every aspect of a business. In this article, read about 7 effective safety initiatives to implement at your workplace.

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Delegates of the International Labor Organization recently adopted a resolution that adds a “safe and healthy working environment” to the United Nations agency’s framework on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.

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OSHA has updated its Heat Illness Prevention webpage. The webpage contains important information about heat stress, employer responsibilities, and valuable information all employees should know about heat illness. It also includes a printable fact sheet and heat stress poster for distribution and a link to important NIOSHA guidance on heat injury prevention.

Visit OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention Webpage

Forklift safety and operator training will be in the spotlight June 14 as part of the nineth annual Forklift Safety Day, organized by the Industrial Truck Association.

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June is National Safety Month. This year, the National Safety Council (NSC) and more than 15 other organizations are pledging to improve worker safety. These organizations have signed a pledge to reduce musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) injuries by 25% by 2025.

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Research conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Foundation has revealed that tens of millions of U. S. workers  are experiencing mental health issues and are less productive because of it, inundating organizations with a vast array of new challenges.

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To determine if additional first aid supplies are needed on a jobsite, consider the uniqueness of the work environment and the types of potential injuries. That’s a suggestion within the recently revised American National Standards Institute/International Safety Equipment Association standard Z308.1, which OSHA cites as a recommended, nonmandatory source of guidance for minimum first aid kit requirements.

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The National Safety Council is encouraging employers to provide workers with mental health and substance use recovery support in light of new data from the CDC. According to research and noted by the NSC, “70% of people struggling with substance use disorder (SUD) are employed.”

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In an effrot to prevent suicides, OSHA has published a new resource that features tips on how to identify and respond to warning signs. The agency states, “Suicide is a leading cause of death among working-age adults in the United States.”

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On March 28, OSHA announced a proposed rule to amend its occupational injury and illness recordkeeping regulation. The proposed amendment will require certain employers to electronically submit injury and illness information to OSHA. If the proposed rule is finalized, OSHA intends to make some of the data obtained from these annual electronic submissions available to the public on a searchable online database.

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There are a variety of ways to identify hazards in your workplace, including reviewing records such as the OSHA 300 Log of Work-Related Injury and Illnesses. Visit the Safe + Sound webpage to learn how to find and fix hazards in your workplace and download resources, such as the Hazard Identification Worksheet –  Hazard Information.

“Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect” is an annual report published by the AFL-CIO during the week of Workers’ Memorial Day which is observed April 28 to honor people who have lost their lives on the job. The report highlights state and federal data on work-related death, injuries and illnesses, as well as on worker protections.

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Last week the CDC announced the launch of a new forecasting center for public health threats. The Center for Forecasting and Outbreak Analytics (CFA) will provide data to CDC partners to help make timely decisions on outbreaks and health threats. CFA also plans on providing data to the general public.

Read more at OH&S

On-site clinics have become more than a health benefit; they also lead to positive health outcomes and help decrease medical expenses for the company and employee.

Read more at EHS Today