Washington — Understaffed amid the COVID-19 pandemic, OSHA “lost a valuable opportunity” to better protect workers by “not identifying federal partners in a position to assist during a large-scale safety and health crisis,” concludes a Department of Labor Office of Inspector General audit report released March 31.

Greenbelt, MD — Law enforcement officials issued more than 26,000 citations and warnings to passenger-vehicle, truck and bus drivers during the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s annual Operation Safe Driver Week.

Washington — OSHA should develop guidance on the process hazard analysis element of its standard on process safety management of highly hazardous chemicals (1910.119), the Chemical Safety Board recommends in a final report on an April 2018 explosion and fire at a Wisconsin refinery.

Washington — OSHA will soon be able to issue certifications in support of T and U nonimmigrant status visas, a move the agency contends will aid in some workplace safety investigations.

Atlanta — Hazards in the auto parts supplier industry “continue to be the source of serious injuries, including amputations, and deaths to employees,” OSHA says.

Washington — A look at four incidents – some deadly – involving emergency discharges from pressure release valves has prompted the Chemical Safety Board to issue a safety alert.

Washington — OSHA’s Field Operations Manual needs an update so the agency can “better address complaints and referrals,” the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General says.

Washington — OSHA has launched a National Emphasis Program aimed at reducing and preventing falls in all industries.

In Episode 40, the S+H team examines the June issue’s feature story on eye and face protection. Also, Tarah Kile, director of Michigan OSHA’s Consultation, Education and Training Division, discusses safety walkarounds in the “5 Questions With …” segment.

Washington — Internal Revenue Service personnel will no longer make unannounced visits to businesses or households, except in certain circumstances.

Washington — OSHA is accepting comment on a proposed rule that would let workers designate someone who doesn’t work for their employer to represent them during an OSHA “walkaround” inspection.

Greenbelt, MD — Law enforcement officials issued more than 10,000 citations and warnings combined to passenger-vehicle, truck and bus drivers during the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s annual Operation Safe Driver Week.

Philadelphia — OSHA Region 3 has renewed a series of regional and local emphasis programs, which include a focus on fall hazards in the construction industry.

Washington — A pair of lawmakers from opposites sides of the aisle, along with a coalition of organizations, express opposing viewpoints in comments on OSHA’s proposed rule on worker walkaround representation.

Washington — OSHA’s final rule on worker walkaround representation is set to go into effect May 31.

Greenbelt, MD — Law enforcement officers will have an eye out for reckless, careless or dangerous driving July 7-13 during the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s annual Operation Safe Driver Week.

Denver — A new Local Emphasis Program from OSHA is aimed at identifying and reducing workplace hazards associated with cannabis processing, growing, cultivation and product manufacturing.

Orlando, FL — For the 14th consecutive fiscal year, Fall Protection – General Requirements is OSHA’s most frequently cited standard, the agency and Safety+Health announced during the 2024 NSC Safety Congress & Expo.

Falls are the leading cause of nonfatal, unintentional injuries, affecting nearly 8 million individuals in 2005, according to the National Safety Council’s “Injury Facts.” Many of these falls involve ladders. Because a ladder is considered a basic tool, some people may discount the dangerous nature of them.

This white paper aims to provide an overview of key OSHA standards for many of the hazards in the construction industry, frequently cited construction violations and PPE solutions that can help protect workers.

Scissor lifts – named for the way the lifting mechanism’s crossed beams raise and lower the work platform – are often used by manufacturing, warehouse and construction workers.

Download a new white paper featuring valuable tips and insights from J. J. Keller’s experts to ensure your OSHA training program is effective and compliant. Learn how to identify your training needs, avoid common missteps and more.

In Episode 32, the S+H editorial team dives into the October issue’s feature story on how to help reduce the stigma around workers’ mental health. The team also discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced changes in safety training.

The Casella dBadge2, designed for use in explosive environments, is certified intrinsically safe – it will not ignite an explosion even under fault conditions.

Stockholm – Working in the cold increases the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, according to researchers at the Karolinska Institute.

Arlington, VA — The Mine Safety and Health Administration has published a series of posters intended to help mine operators mitigate hazards that occur during winter months.

Arlington, VA — As winter approaches, the Mine Safety and Health Administration has released best practices aimed at reducing hazards related to cold weather.

In Episode 36, the S+H team dives into the February issue’s feature story on the hazards of working in cold weather. Additionally, Mike Kassman, director of OSHA and disaster response training at CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training, discusses ladder safety.

The PS-1930 is a self-propelled electric scissor lift with a platform height of 19 feet and a working height of 25 feet.

PDL Series Loading Dock Scissor Lifts allow users to transfer loads from a variety of truck bed heights to loading docks up to 59 inches high.

Apex 2, the latest version of HeroWear’s back-assist exosuit, fuses science and comfort to provide wearers with unparalleled protection and wearability. It’s designed to assist workers who frequently perform demanding tasks such as lifting and sustained or repeated bending without restricting movement.

Maybe you played games on your phone or tablet late into the night, or, as midnight approached, couldn’t help but watch one more episode of your favorite show. Whatever the case, many people head into work tired. But for some shift workers – people who perform their jobs outside the traditional 9-to-5 time frame – excessive fatigue at work may indicate something more serious.

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental illness. It can occur when a person experiences something frightening, stressful or overwhelming.

If you have arthritis, you’re not alone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that 23 percent of all adults in the United States – roughly 54 million people – have arthritis, a term that refers to more than 100 diseases and conditions that affect the joints.

Anyone who has gone to school or has a job has probably heard the term “absenteeism.” But what about “presenteeism” and “leavism”? Although not as widely talked about, both presenteeism and leavism can have serious health and safety repercussions for both workers and employers.

Opioid use disorder is defined by Johns Hopkins Medicine as a medical condition in which you’re unable to abstain from using opioids, and behaviors centered around opioid use that interfere with daily life.

Imagine for a moment that you’ve lost your ability to see, or that your sight has been significantly impaired. It’s a scary thought. However, you can take simple steps – starting today – to help keep your vision healthy, the National Eye Institute says.

In Episode 44, the S+H team examines the October issue’s feature story on respirable crystalline silica. Also, Suzi Craig, vice president of workplace mental health at Mental Health America, joins the podcast to discuss normalizing conversations and attitudes around mental health in the “Five Questions With …” segment. 

According to Injury Facts, a website maintained by the National Safety Council, nearly 5,500 workers died on the job in 2022. How many of those workers could have been saved with CPR?

A look at the “non-siloed approach” to safety and well-being.

Every year, roughly 30 million people in the Unites States are exposed to hazardous noise at work, according to OSHA. High levels of noise can result in permanent hearing loss for workers.

Audition Technology’s white paper summarizes the current global standards for safe listening in the environment and from audio (headphones) and provides a framework for monitoring lifestyle exposures versus safe dose, building awareness and self-management with associated tools offered by the company.

Workers in many industries use disposable earplugs. But are they inserting and wearing them correctly? We’ve got step-by-step instructions, and more.

Quick Fit Hydros have been specifically designed for workers who want a water-resistant, multi-functional device that can be worn as an electronic ear protector or a personal hearing device for situational awareness by simply changing the tips.

Glide Earplugs allow users to determine custom fit with its unique curved stem design.

The patent-pending Foam Plug Dispenser is designed for easy and economical dispersal of earplugs.

Musculoskeletal disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, muscle strains and lower back injuries affect the muscles, nerves, blood vessels, ligaments and tendons, according to OSHA. But practicing good ergonomics can help prevent workers from acquiring MSDs.

“Our bodies are very good at giving us warning signs when something needs to change,” NSC says. “We just need to be willing to listen and take action.”

What’s one way workers can cut their risk of a back injury in half? “Store it off the floor,” the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries says.

Using a power tool? Working ergonomically will help prevent injuries to your wrist.