OSHA News Blog | The OSHA Updater

10. Cal/OSHA sets up shop in your parking lot... in a FEMA trailer.
9. The inspector knows your employees by their first names.
8. You realize that you fired the inspector last year.
7. The inspector begins the opening conference with the words "You have the right to remain silent."
6. The inspector frequently mutters "This is incredible!"

OSHA Training

5. The inspector wears a moon suit while your employees wear jeans and tennis shoes.
4. Cal/OSHA brings in a professional film team to document the inspection. Mike Wallace tags along.
3. The inspector asks about a specific report in your files, but you haven't turned over any files.
2. Your assemblyman sends thanks for your contribution, but won't return your calls.
And the top hint that your inspection is going badly....
Cal/OSHA Chief Len Welsh conducts the closing conference.

For those of you who haven't visited The Pump Handle (Safety Blog), check out their safety news round-up for a nice compilation of current happenings in the world of health and safety!  They are a great blog with a great writing staff.  Enjoy!


The Pump Handle's Health Round-Up

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration is encouraging CEOs of 14 major retail companies to take precautions to prevent worker injuries during Black Friday and the holiday season's other major sales events. Toward that end, OSHA has sent a letter and fact sheet on "Crowd Management Safety Tips for Retailers" to the CEOs.

In 2008, a worker was trampled to death while a mob of shoppers rushed through the doors of a large store to take advantage of an after-Thanksgiving Day Black Friday sales event. The store was not using the kind of crowd management measures recommended in OSHA's fact sheet, which is available online at http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_General_Facts/Crowd_Control.html.

"Crowd-related injuries during special retail sales and promotional events have increased during recent years," said Assistant Secretary for OSHA Dr. David Michaels. "Many of these incidents can be prevented by adopting a crowd management plan, and this fact sheet provides retail employers with guidelines for avoiding injuries during the holiday shopping season."

OSHA Training

The fact sheet provides employers with recommended elements for crowd management plans. Plans should include having trained security personnel or police officers on-site, setting up barricades or rope lines for pedestrians and crowd control well in advance of customers arriving at the store, making sure that barricades are set up so that the customers' line does not start right at the entrance of the store, having in place emergency procedures that address potential dangers, and having security personnel or customer service representatives explain approach and entrance procedures to the arriving public.

OSHA also recommends not allowing additional customers to enter the store when it reaches its maximum occupancy level and not blocking or locking exit doors.

For a copy of the letter sent to the CEOs and a list of the retailers they represent, visit http://www.osha.gov/ooc/blackfridayletter.pdf*.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, OSHA's role is to promote safe and healthful working conditions for America's men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, outreach and education. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

WASHINGTON — OSHA recently revised its policy for all Outreach Training Programs to address the number of hours each day a student may spend in OSHA 10- and 30-hour classes. OSHA revised the length of daily classroom instruction to prevent workers from being saturated with so much information that they may miss content that could prevent injuries, illnesses and death.

Revised program policy now requires OSHA trainers to limit worker training classes to a maximum of 7½ hours per day. Before OSHA made this change, there were no limitations on how long these classes could last each day. With 10 hours of OSHA training, along with necessary breaks and lunch, students could sit in classes for up to 13 hours a day. OSHA became concerned that long, mentally-fatiguing class days might cause students to miss essential safety and health training.

Another concern was that, in some cases, one- and three-day training classes were not meeting 10- and 30-hour program time requirements. This concern became evident after OSHA conducted random records audits and unannounced monitoring visits.

To address these issues, the agency now requires OSHA outreach trainers to conduct 10-hour courses over a minimum of two days and 30-hour courses over at least four days. The agency also set up an outreach fraud hotline at 847-725-7810 to which the public can call to file complaints about program fraud and abuse.

"Limiting daily class hours will help ensure that workers receive and retain quality safety training," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA David Michaels.

This policy change is effective immediately and will be reflected in the next revision of the Outreach Training Program Guidelines. OSHA will not recognize training classes that exceed 7½ hours per day or do not meet all program content requirements. In such cases trainers will not receive completion cards to distribute to students. Trainers may, however, submit written requests for exceptions to limiting training days to 7½ hours based on extenuating circumstances.

The Outreach Training Program, a voluntary participation information resource, is part of OSHA's Directorate of Training and Education, comprises a national network of more than 17,000 independent trainers who teach workers and employers about OSHA, workers' rights and how to identify, avoid and prevent workplace hazards. There are 10- and 30-hour outreach classes for construction, general industry and maritime and 16-hour classes for disaster site workers. Students who successfully complete classes receive completion cards.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

Well, this makes a great deal of sense. If I was going to target certain work sites for inspection, I think a high hazard level would be number 1 on the list. Check out OSHA's official press release regarding their plan to inspect high-hazard worksites.

WASHINGTON — OSHA issued its annual inspection plan under the Site-Specific Targeting 2010 (SST-10) program in August to help the agency direct enforcement resources to high-hazard workplaces where the highest rates of injuries and illnesses occur.

The SST program is OSHA's main programmed inspection plan for non-construction workplaces that have 40 or more workers. This inspection plan is based on work-related injury and illness data collected from a 2009 OSHA Data Initiative survey from 80,000 larger establishments in selected high-hazard industries. Establishments are randomly selected for inspection from an initial list of 4,100 manufacturing, non-manufacturing, and nursing and personal care facilities. The plan focuses on several variables such as the number of injury and illness cases and number of days a worker has to stay away from work, or the number of workers who received job transfers or work restrictions due to injury or illness.

"Our goal is to prevent worker injuries and illnesses and save lives," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA David Michaels. "The Site Specific Targeting program helps OSHA focus its enforcement resources to high-risk employers who are endangering their workers' health and safety."

OSHA 10 Hour Training is available at www.easysafetyschool.com

In addition to SST, OSHA implements both national and local emphasis inspection programs to target high-risk hazards and industries. OSHA currently has 13 National Emphasis Programs that intensify the focus on topics including amputations, lead, crystalline silica, shipbreaking, trenching/excavations, petroleum refinery process safety management, process safety management covered chemical facilities, hexavalent chromium, diacetyl, recordkeeping, combustible dust, federal agency targeting inspection and FAA air traffic control tower monitoring.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

WASHINGTON - OSHA is proposing to issue an interpretation of the term "feasible administrative or engineering controls" as used in the general industry and construction occupational noise exposure standards and to amend its current enforcement policy to reflect the interpretation. For the purpose of enforcing compliance with these standards, the proposal states that "feasible" has its ordinary meaning of capable of being done.

OSHA's noise standards specify that feasible administrative or engineering controls must be used to reduce noise to acceptable levels and that personal protective equipment, such as ear plugs and ear muffs, must be used only as supplements when administrative or engineering controls are not completely effective. The preference for engineering and administrative controls over personal protective equipment is consistent with the approach taken in all of OSHA's health standards and reflects the fact that such controls are generally more effective. Under the agency's current enforcement policy, however, the agency issues citations for failure to use engineering and administrative controls only when they cost less than a hearing conservation program or such equipment is ineffective.

OSHA today proposes to interpret the term "feasible" in conformity with its ordinary meaning and with the safety and health purposes of the OSH Act. The Supreme Court has held that the term "feasible" as used in the standard-setting provision of the Occupational Safety and Health Act means capable of being done. The proposal aligns the interpretation of the noise standard with the Court's holding and with OSHA's other standards that require feasible engineering controls. The Agency intends to change its noise enforcement policy to authorize issuing citations requiring the use of administrative and engineering controls when feasible as indicated in the interpretation described in the FR notice.

Every year, approximately 30 million workers are exposed to hazardous noise that is often ignored because the harmful effects of overexposure are typically not visible and develop over an extended period of time. Workers exposed to high noise levels can develop elevated blood pressure, ringing in the ears or permanent hearing loss.

Comments on the interpretation must be submitted on or before Dec. 20, 2010. Submit comments at http://www.regulations.gov. Individuals who mail or deliver comments must submit three copies to the OSHA Docket Office, Docket No. OSHA-2010-0032, U.S. Department of Labor, Room N-2625, 200 Constitution Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210. Submissions not longer than 10 pages may be faxed to 202-693-1648.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance.

Funny Retro Safety Video

Construction Safety Fail

Unsafe Ladder Use

Time Lapse Construction

Tool Safety Commercial

Bad Safety Practices Slide Show

I'm not going to lie.  Safety is not always the most exciting subject.  However,  here is a great list of safety related quotes and safety slogans to help keep things interesting, but always remember that safety is no joke.  With that said, let's have some safety related fun.

• Protect your hands, you need them to pick up your pay check
• Your wife will spend your 401K; If you get killed at work today
• Safety…Did it, done it, doing it tomorrow
• Watch your step - it could be your last tomorrow
• Those precious fingers don’t ignore. . . Or they could end up on the floor
• Your reward for working safely today.
• Those who work the safest way- live to see another day
• Get in high speed pursuit of safety
• Seat Belts are for kids - Hug them at home - Belt them in the car
• Safe crane operation is uplifting
• Pencils have erasers–mishaps don’t!
• Work safe today–heaven can wait.
• Safety is a mission not an intermission
• Safety doesn’t happen by accident
• A spill, a slip, a hospital trip
• Falling objects can be brutal if you don’t protect your noodle
• Safety glasses: All in favor say “Eye!”
• It’s easier to ask a dumb question than it is to fix a dumb mistake
• Safety isn’t a hobby, it’s a living.
• Safety - A small investment for a rich future
• Safety is no accident
• Safety is a cheap and effective insurance policy
• Let’s all keep our heads, and other body parts, together
• While on a ladder, never step back to admire your work
• Quench the thirst – safety first
• When you gamble with safety you bet your life
• The stupid shall be punished
• Chance takers are accident makers
• Safety is a full time job; don’t make it a part time practice
• The door to Safety swings on the hinges of common sense
• Is better to lose one minute in life… than to lose life in a minute.
• Safety — a small investment for a rich future
• Your first mistake could be your last
• Safety isn’t expensive it’s priceless.
• Safety is as simple as ABC…Always Be Careful
• Unsafe acts will keep you in stitches
• Knock out…accidents
• If you mess up, ‘fess up
• Hard hats, they’re not just for decoration
• If you don’t think it will happen to you, find the person who had it happen to them
• Keep safety in mind. It will save your behind.
• One bad day at the grinder could ruin your whole life
• Shortcuts cut life short

Take Safety Seriously!
http://www.easysafetyschool.com/

Easy Safety School now has a bloglines blog dedicated to OSHA Training.  Please visit this blog at:

http://www.bloglines.com/blog/OSHATrainingBlog

Easy Safety School is proud to annouce that we and our partner trainer Steve St. Laurent will be hosting open enrollment RRP Lead Based paint certification courses in Portland, ME on Thursday September 2nd and Friday, September 10th.  We are offering these courses under the the EPA-approved providership of NCHH (National Center for Healthy Housing).  The cost for enrollment is $279.00 per student.  Sign up ASAP because available seats are filling up fast.  To sign up please email us at info@easysafetyschool.com or visit our RRP Lead Paint Certified Renovator Training page.

Class 1:
Certified Renovator Course in English.
Thurs. 9/2/10.
8am - 5pm
Steven J. St. Laurent = Principal Instructor (Cell: 978-549-8224)
First Assembly of God Church
243 Cumberland Ave.
Portland, ME 04101
Instructor's Cell: 978-549-8224

Class 2
Certified Renovator Course in English.
Fri. 9/10/10
8am - 5pm
Steven J. St. Laurent = Principal Instructor (Cell: 978-549-8224)
First Assembly of God Church
243 Cumberland Ave.
Portland, ME 04101
Instructor's Cell: 978-549-8224

OSHA has announced that they have made serious changes to the OSHA 10 and 30 hour training program.  This new updated version of the Outreach program will require an Intro to OSHA section which emphasizes workers' rights, and employer responsibilities.  I have attached the official OSHA statement below.

WASHINGTON - "Introduction to OSHA," a new training component emphasizing workers' rights, is required content in every OSHA 10- and 30-hour Outreach Training Program class. OSHA developed the information in support of the Secretary of Labor's goal of strengthening the voice of workers.

This information affects hundreds of thousands of workers who complete Outreach Training Program classes each year, and more than 50,000 authorized OSHA Outreach Trainers. It focuses on the importance of workers' rights and advises them of their right to

safe and healthful workplaces

know about the presence and effects of hazardous chemicals

review information about injuries and illnesses in their workplaces

receive training

request/file for an OSHA inspection and participate in the inspection

be free from retaliation for exercising their safety and health rights

"For too long workers have avoided making claims of unsafe work conditions out of fear of losing their jobs," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA David Michaels. "We are confident that this new training will embolden workers to speak up when they find work practices that endanger their lives and the lives of their co-workers."

During the 10- and 30-hour outreach training program classes, OSHA trainers will cover topics on whistleblower rights and filing a complaint, and will provide samples of a weekly fatality and catastrophe report, material data safety sheet and the OSHA Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses. Trainers can obtain test and answer sheets from their authorizing training organization.

The OSHA Outreach Training Program is a voluntary program that seeks to teach workers about their rights and how to identify, reduce, avoid and prevent job-related hazards. The program includes 10- and 30-hour courses in construction, general or maritime industry safety and health hazard recognition and prevention that is taught through a network of OSHA-authorized trainers. Over the past three years, nearly two million students have received training through this program.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov/.

Ever since the oil spill, I have been saying, "We ought to find a way to make OSHA Training and HAZWOPER Certification courses free for oil spill volunteers."  Of course, BP has been funding some courses, but not nearly enough to cover the entire clean-up program.  Thanks to a generous grant from the Department of Labor (DOL), free training and job placement has become a reality.  Below, I have attached the official statement from the DOL/OSHA.

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Labor has announced a total of $27 million in National Emergency Grant awards to four key states to assist workers along the Gulf Coast who have been displaced as a result of the ongoing Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The states are Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi.

"Working families in the Gulf Coast have been dealt a tremendous blow by this oil spill, and they are facing serious long-term challenges. They need and deserve our help now," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "From the start, we have been actively engaged in ensuring workers tackling the cleanup are kept safe and healthy. These grants will help those still looking for work find jobs that are good, safe and will help the region's economy get back on track."



The funds are being granted to workforce agencies in the four states experiencing economic hardship as a result of wage decline and job loss in the shrimping, fishing, hospitality and tourism industries. Alabama and Mississippi each will receive $5 million. Florida will receive $7 million, and Louisiana will receive $10 million.



The resources are being provided to the states to increase their capacity to help workers now while they seek reimbursement from BP for the costs associated with retraining and re-employment assistance. Services funded by the grant money may include skills assessment, basic skills training, individual career counseling and occupational skills training.

Since April, the Labor Department has been involved in the Deepwater Horizon response. The department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration is deployed across the Gulf Coast monitoring the cleanup and ensuring BP provides appropriate worker safety and health training and protections. Learn more at http://www.osha.gov/oilspills.

The department's Employment and Training Administration has created One-Stop Career Centers where workers can receive information on unemployment insurance and job opportunities posted through the public workforce system. Learn more by calling 877-US2-JOBS (872-5627), 877-872-5627 or 877-889-5627 TTY, or visiting http://www.careeronestop.org/

Additionally, the department's Wage and Hour Division has been on the ground consulting with multiple agencies and interested parties, and providing materials to ensure cleanup workers are paid the wages they deserve.

National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary of labor's discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state's ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information, visit http://www.doleta.gov/NEG.

EPA's RRP (Renovation, Repair and Painting) Lead-Safe law requires all contractors who's trade will disturb lead paint and dust in homes, schools, medical buildings, or other public job sites built before 1978 must take an 8 hour Lead Paint safety training course.  I am pleased to announce that Easy Safety School is now offering on-site Lead Paint safety training certification courses in select areas.  For more information regarding EPA Lead paint laws and our training and certification courses please visit our EPA Lead Paint Safety Training Certification Course page.

The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has everybody scrambling to get HAZWOPER certified and start helping out. Volunteers are required, based on their proximity to the hazardous materials, to be either 8, 24, or 40 hour HAZWOPER certified or First Responder trained.

Easy Safety School has teamed up with local and national organizations to bring you affordable HAZWOPER 8, 24 and 40 hour training courses online. By grouping together, we can get HAZWOPER prices down to an all time low. This is just one other way for us to all come together and fight this global disaster. For information regarding Gulf of Mexico Clean-up HAZWOPER Training please visit Easy Safety School's website at easysafetyschool.com.

Together we can clean up our oceans, and protect this planet and it's living creatures.

OSHA is allowing individuals to be nominated to join the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health.  These individuals will help develop health and safety standards that affect the entire construction community.  Nominees are expected to have experience and expertise in areas relating to health and safety in the workplace.  I have attached the official DOL/OSHA press release below.

WASHINGTON — OSHA is accepting nominations for individuals to serve on the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health (ACCSH). The group advises the Secretary of Labor on developing safety and health standards and policies that affect the safety and health of construction workers and the construction industry.

Established as a continuing advisory committee under the Construction Safety Act of 1969, ACCSH and the Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA have consulted for nearly 40 years on construction safety issues such as women in construction, recordkeeping, crane safety, and safety and health resources for Latino construction workers.

OSHA is seeking nominees with experience and expertise in construction-related safety and health issues to fill two employee, two employer, one state safety and health agency, and two public representative vacancies. All 15 members serve two year terms, except the representative designated by the Department of Health and Human Services and appointed by the Secretary of Labor, who serves indefinitely. ACCSH meets two to four times a year.

Nominations may be submitted at www.regulations.gov, the Federal eRulemaking Portal. If submitting nominations by mail, send to the OSHA Docket Office, Docket No. OSHA-2010-0005, U.S. Department of Labor, N-2625, 200 Constitution Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20210. Nominations not exceeding 10 pages may be faxed to 202-693-1648. The deadline for submissions is June 14, 2010.

General inquiries should be directed to Michael Buchet, OSHA Office of Construction Services, at 202-693-2020. Press inquiries should be directed to Jennifer Ashley, OSHA Office of Communications, at 202-693-1999.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

OSHA is planning to team up with local building inspectors in 11 US cities in an effort to reduce construction related injuries and hazards. This boost of job site inspection and code enforcement should help OSHA to more efficiently and accurately monitor public job sites. I have attached the official OSHA press release below.

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration is launching a pilot program seeking to partner with building inspectors in 11 American cities to reduce injuries and fatalities at construction sites.

Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis has sent letters to the mayors of the selected cities*, proposing that OSHA work with and train local building inspectors on hazards associated with the four leading causes of death at construction sites. Under this program, building inspectors would notify OSHA when they observe, during the course of their work, unsafe work conditions. OSHA, in turn, would send a federal agency compliance officer to that workplace for a safety inspection.

In construction, the four leading causes of death are falls, electrocution, being crushed or caught between objects, or being struck by moving machinery or objects.

In her letters, Secretary Solis wrote, "I believe workplace enforcement is not only our responsibility but our moral obligation. We need your help to send our inspectors where they can make the biggest difference."

"This initiative allows us to expand our eyes and ears," said Dr. David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for OSHA. "Although we are adding 110 new inspectors this year, OSHA simply cannot inspect every construction site in the country."

OSHA seeks to partner with building inspectors in the following cities:
Austin, Texas

Boise, Idaho

Cincinnati, Ohio

Concord, N.H.

Greenwood Village, Colo.

Madison, Miss. Atlanta Metropolitan area, Ga.

Newark, N.J.

Oakland, Calif.

Washington, D.C.

Wichita, Kan.


Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov/.

CHICAGO -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has scheduled its latest informal stakeholder meetings to continue soliciting comments and suggestions for protecting workers from combustible dust hazards in the workplace. Since 1980, more than 130 workers have been killed and more than 780 injured in combustible dust explosions.
This set of meetings is the third in a series addressing combustible dust hazards. The first meetings were held in Washington, D.C. A second meeting was held in Atlanta to facilitate participation by families of victims of the Feb. 7, 2008, explosion at an Imperial Sugar Co. plant in Port Wentworth, Ga., which killed 14 workers and resulted in OSHA issuing nearly $8.8 million in penalties.

OSHA will consider participants' comments in developing a proposed standard for combustible dust.

The Chicago meetings will be held April 21 at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. CDT at the Crowne Plaza Chicago O'Hare Hotel and Conference Center, 5440 North River Road, Rosemont, Ill. A Federal Register notice is available at http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=FEDERAL_REGISTER&p_id=21395

Combustible dusts are solids ground into fine particles, fibers, chips, chunks or flakes that can cause a fire or explosion when suspended in air under certain conditions. Types of dusts include metal (aluminum and magnesium), wood, plastic or rubber, coal, flour, sugar and paper, among others.

Individuals interested in participating must register by submitting a notice of intent to participate by April 7. Notices can be submitted electronically by registering at https://www2.ergweb.com/projects/conferences/osha/register-osha-stakeholder.htm. Registrations also can be faxed to 781-674-2906. Or, registrations can be mailed to ERG Inc., 110 Hartwell Ave., Lexington, MA 02421. Registrations that are faxed or mailed should be labeled "Attention: OSHA Combustible Dust Stakeholder Meeting Registration."

For general and technical information, the public may contact Mat Chibbaro, OSHA, Office of Safety Systems, at 202-693-2255. Media inquiries should be directed to Brad Mitchell or Scott Allen, Office of Public Affairs, 312-353-6976.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

I found a wonderful list of safety resources. Here it is for your enjoyment.

http://www.behavioral-safety.com/cgi/update.pl?page=links

Cheers,

WASHINGTON — The Occupational Safety and Health Administration will hold a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health (ACCSH) April 14 and 16, 2010, in Houston. For more than 35 years, ACCSH and OSHA have collaborated to reduce injuries, illnesses, and fatalities in the construction industry caused by such hazards as falling objects, unstable trenches, power tools, and silica inhalation. See the notice in the Federal Register for more details.

ACCSH also advises Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health David Michaels, Ph.D., M.P.H., on worker safety and health in the construction industry. The agenda for this meeting will include updates on OSHA activities and reports from ACCSH work groups that address construction topics related to green jobs, diversity and multilingual issues, nailgun safety, fall protection, prevention by design, and silica exposure, among others.

ACCSH and its work group meetings will all be held at the Crowne Plaza Houston Downtown, 1700 Smith Street, Houston, Texas 77002. ACCSH work groups will meet on Monday, April 12, 2010, from noon to 4:15 p.m., and on Tuesday, April 13, 2010, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The full committee will meet from 8 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, April 14, 2010, and Friday, April 16, 2010. ACCSH meetings are open to the public. Persons requiring special accommodations who wish to attend should contact Veneta Chatmon at (202) 693-1999 or chatmon.veneta@dol.gov.

Those wishing to submit comments, requests to address the committee, or presentations, should mail three copies of all materials to the OSHA Docket Office, Docket No. OSHA-2010-0014, Room N-2625, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210. Submissions that do not exceed 10 pages may be faxed to the OSHA Docket Office at (202) 693-1648. Materials may also be submitted electronically through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to assure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov/.

Protect Yourself While Filling, Moving and Placing Sandbags During Flooding Disasters

Manually filling, moving and placing sandbags is physically demanding work. It involves repeatedly lifting and carrying heavy loads, and may involve working in awkward positions. This work may lead to back and other injuries.

Automated equipment to fill and move sandbags reduces heavy lifting and should be used when possible.

General Safety and Health Tips
Use gloves to protect hands from chemically-treated sandbags and contaminants in sand and floodwater.
Avoid touching your eyes and mouth.
Wash your hands and face before eating or drinking.
Use safety glasses, particularly on dry and windy days and when working with automated equipment.
Wear work boots (waterproofed if working in floodwater).
Use waterproof gear if working in floodwater or rain.
Use protective clothing if exposed to polluted floodwater.
Wear reflective clothing when working at night.
Use a personal floatation device when working near floodwater.

General Lifting Tips
Do not overfill sandbags - fill bag 1/2 to 2/3 full.
Keep load in front of and close to your body.
Keep the lift between knee and waist height.
Do not reach out, bend over, or twist when lifting.
Lift with your legs, not your back.
Use a good hand grip when lifting.

Safety Tips for Filling Sandbags
Manual Filling
Using three-person crews works best:
Bagger - holds open and closes bags.
Shoveler - shovels sand into sandbags.
Mover - carries and places sandbags.
Alternate positions every 20 to 30 minutes.
Take frequent short rest breaks.

Bagging Safety Tips
Fold the bag opening outward and form collar to grip and keep the bag open more easily.
Use a bag holder or rest the bag on the ground so that the opening is between knee and knuckle height.
Fold the bag opening closed. Tie only if necessary.

Shoveling Safety Tips
Use a short handled, #2 rounded point shovel with straight shaft and D grip, bagger scoop or funnel to fill sandbags. A funnel can help limit spillover and cut down the number of loads needed to fill the bag.
Bend the knees, not the back, to scoop sand.

Automated Filling Tips
Place bag so that the opening is at waist height.
Put the bag on a support (ledge, pallet) to reduce the stress on the hands, shoulders and lower back.
Fold the bag opening closed. Tie only if necessary.
Safety Tips for Moving and Placing Sandbags
Safety Tips for Transporters (Movers)
Use General Lifting Tips to move and place bags.
Carry bag in front of and close to your body.
Carry bag at waist height using a cradle hold.
When available use pallets to move sandbags to staging area.
Drag the bag vertically, holding the folded end, if staging area or pallet is close (within 7 feet).
Use a brigade line to pass bags to staging areas that are further away. Stagger the line and face each other to avoid twisting and turning.
Do not throw sandbags - it stresses the back and shoulders.
Elevate storage pallets to reduce bending when putting bags on or lifting bags from pallets.
Straddle drop point with the bag between your ankles as you place it.

Click Here to Download the Sandbag Safety PDF QuickCard

This resource is from OSHA.gov
please visit there website for more information.

OSHA 10

I am proud to announce that Easy Safety School has teamed up with Steven St. Laurent and Bridges Safety Institute to bring on-site OSHA Outreach training to the New England region and New York.  Steven is one of the top OSHA trainers in the nation, and teaches OSHA 10 and 30 hour courses in English, Spanish and Portuguese.  His unique teaching methods include safety themed game shows such as Safety Jeopardy, Are You Smarter than Your Co-Worker, and many others.  Please use the links below to enroll in an OSHA course in your area.

• OSHA Training in New England
• OSHA Training in Connecticut
• OSHA Training in Maine
• OSHA Training in Massachusetts
• OSHA Training in New Hampshire
• OSHA Training in New York
• OSHA Training in Rhode Island
• OSHA Training in Vermont

ALBANY, N.Y. -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed $45,500 in fines against Cranesville Block Co. for alleged repeat and serious violations of safety and health standards at its Kingston, N.Y., plant.

The citations and fines follow OSHA safety and health inspections prompted by employee complaints, and concern chemical and electrical hazards and lack of personal protective equipment for workers. Specifically, OSHA found blocked exits, workers lacking safety glasses and gloves while working with acid, unlabeled containers of hazardous chemicals, unmarked electrical equipment, exposed live electrical parts and moisture in electrical equipment.

"The serious and recurring nature of these hazards is disturbing," said Edward Jerome, OSHA's area director in Albany. "Employees at this plant are exposed to the hazards of electrocution, burns, eye and hand injuries, and being unable to swiftly exit the workplace in the event of a fire or other emergency. This employer must address these hazards effectively and continually now and in the future."

OSHA has issued the company two repeat citations, with $27,500 in fines, for the lack of personal protective equipment and the unlabeled containers of chemicals, as it had cited the company in 2009 for similar hazards at Cranesville Block's Fishkill and Glens Falls, N.Y., locations.

The remaining hazardous conditions identified in Kingston resulted in the issuance of six serious citations, with $18,000 in fines. OSHA issues serious citations when death or serious physical harm is likely to result from hazards about which the employer knew or should have known.

"One means of preventing recurring hazards is for employers to establish an effective comprehensive workplace safety and health program involving their workers in proactively evaluating, identifying and eliminating hazards," said Robert Kulick, OSHA's regional administrator in New York.

Cranesville Block has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, participate in an informal conference with OSHA's area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The inspection was conducted by OSHA's Albany Area Office; telephone 518-464-4338.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov/.

We all love OSHA QuickCards.  Those little OSHA publications that keep you compliant and safe in the workplace.  Well, good news to everyone working in the Marine Cargo Handling Industry, OSHA has just released three new QuickCards for you.  Here is the official OSHA press release regarding these QuickCards.

WASHINGTON -- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recently developed three QuickCards™ addressing worker safety topics in marine cargo handling operations.

Gangway Safety in Marine Cargo Handling lists safety requirements for preventing falls from gangways, the walkways used for boarding and departing vessels. First Aid in Marine Cargo Handling explains workplace requirements such as assuring at least one person with a valid first-aid certificate is available at the terminal to provide medical assistance. Additionally, Lifesaving Facilities in Marine Cargo Handling lists safety requirements for lifesaving equipment such as personal flotation devices and stokes basket stretchers, among other equipment.

"Too many workers are getting injured on the job," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA David Michaels. "OSHA is providing these QuickCards to ensure that employers and workers know the best way to prevent workplace injuries. These educational fact sheets are part of OSHA's ongoing goal of promoting prevention through education."

Industry operations covered in these Quick Cards include the transfer of cargo between ships, trucks, pipelines and other modes of transportation, and the operation and maintenance of piers, docks and associated buildings and facilities.

QuickCards™ are pocket-sized, laminated cards developed by OSHA to provide brief, plain language safety and health information for workers.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

Online OSHA Training?

Great news to everybody living in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, and Rhode Island, and all of you who's employers have requested that you take OSHA 10 or 30 hour training.  OSHA has accepted online training as a viable option for getting your Department of Labor (DOL) card. 

What does this mean?

This means that you no longer have to rearrange your schedule or give up your weekends to get your OSHA 10 hour or OSHA 30 hour card.  Online training offers a relaxed, self-paced learning environment.  You can learn from the comfort of your own home, or anywhere you have a computer and an internet connection.  There is no difference, in OSHA's eyes, between online and on-site training.  Both are equally valid, viable ways to get your OSHA 10 or 30 hour Outreach DOL card.  Online training is also incredibly affordable, often times costing 1/3 or even 1/4 the price of on-site training.

Where can I take Online OSHA Training?

Easy Safety School offers online OSHA training that is backed by our low price guarantee, and includes 24 hour chat, email, and phone technical and sales support, excellent group rates and corporate solutions.  Our 10 hour course includes a free PDF study guide, a deal you are unlikely to find anywhere else.

Is there a Reason for taking On-site Training?

We recommend on-site training for large groups who can afford to pay for a single instructor, usually upwards of $4000.00.  Onsite training also provides a group inspired, "hands-on" learning environment that some students enjoy and prefer.

We recommend the following links for online OSHA training:

OSHA 10 hour online
OSHA 30 Hour online

Thank you and stay safe,

ESS

Found this video on ladder demonstrating Ladder safety and OSHA regulations. Enjoy!

WASHINGTON, Pa. - The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has fined the C.A. Franc construction company $539,000 following the investigation of a roofing worker who fell 40 feet to his death at a Washington worksite. The Valencia, Pa.-based roof installer - whose owner is Christopher A. Franc - was cited for 10 per instance willful citations for failing to protect workers from falls.

WASHINGTON -- Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today, through a national online discussion with stakeholder groups, the general public and the news media, outlined the president's fiscal year (FY) 2011 budget request for the U.S. Department of Labor, which is built around the vision of "good jobs for everyone." The budget launches innovative ways to prepare workers for 21st century jobs, and makes new investments in programs that protect workers' rights, safety and health in the new economy. It reaches out to diverse audiences to ensure that all people from all communities are included in the jobs of the future.
"The FY 2011 budget will help to make the vision of good jobs for everyone a reality for America's workers. This budget invests in innovation and reform that will play a critically important role in building long-term economic security for workers," said Secretary Solis. "At the same time, the budget reflects our commitment to fiscal responsibility, investing in what works and carefully evaluating our programs to make sure that we obtain results that produce good jobs."



Secretary Solis defines "good jobs" as those that:



Can support a family by increasing incomes.

Offer fair compensation.

Narrow the wage gap.

Allow for work-life flexibility.

Promote safe and healthy workplaces.

Give workers a voice.

Foster fair working conditions in the global marketplace.

Are sustainable and innovative, such as green jobs, providing opportunities to acquire the skills and knowledge for the jobs of the future.

Help restore the middle class.

In total, the FY 2011 budget requests $117 billion, with the majority to be used for unemployment insurance benefits for displaced workers and federal workers' compensation. The department's discretionary request of $14.0 billion overall includes $1.7 billion for worker protection programs, a four percent increase over the prior year's budget.

Under this budget, the department expects to hire more than 350 new employees, including 177 investigators and other enforcement staff, many of whom will be bilingual to better communicate with employees in the changing workplace. The 2011 budget builds on the 2010 budget policy of returning worker protection programs to FY 2001 staffing levels, after years of decline. For example, the FY 2011 budget asks for $573 million for the department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which is $14 million more than that agency received in FY 2010. Also, the department's Wage and Hour Division will receive $244 million, an increase of almost $20 million from the prior year, including funding to hire 90 new investigators. With these increases, the Labor Department's worker protection agencies will be able to vigorously protect wages and working conditions of 135 million workers in more than 7.3 million workplaces.

When employees are misclassified as "independent contractors," they are deprived of benefits and protections to which they are legally entitled. For example, independent contractors do not receive overtime and are ineligible to receive unemployment benefits. The FY 2011 budget includes an additional $25 million for a Misclassification Initiative to target misclassification with 100 additional enforcement personnel and competitive grants to boost states' incentives and capacity to address this problem. (This $25 million includes the nearly $20 million increase for the Wage and Hour Division discussed above.)

For employment and training programs, the budget provides $11.8 billion, including new investments in innovation. A Workforce Innovation Fund will be created by reserving $108 million from the Workforce Investment Act's Adult and Dislocated Worker streams. With these funds, the department will pursue "learn and earn" strategies such as apprenticeships and on-the-job training, promote collaborations among regions and industries, and support other innovations.

The budget also creates a $154 million Youth Innovation Fund, which will pilot innovative models for delivering summer and year-round work experiences and comprehensive services to disconnected youth. Another $120 million is requested for the YouthBuild program to expand capacity to 230 locations, enrolling nearly 7,500 youth in green construction projects that produce industry-recognized credentials.

Because too many families must make the painful choice between the care of their families and a paycheck they desperately need, the budget establishes a $50 million State Paid Leave Fund within the Labor Department that will provide competitive grants to help states that choose to launch paid-leave programs cover their start-up costs.

The FY 2011 budget also recognizes the department's responsibility to promote worker rights globally. The request includes an additional $22 million to help strengthen worker rights and protections in America's trading partner countries.

The budget requests $39 million for the Office of Disability Employment Policy to increase the workforce participation of people with disabilities through innovative partnerships that break down employment barriers and better serve people with disabilities in the workforce system.

For veterans, the budget provides $262 million for veterans programs, including an additional $5 million to allow the department to reach more homeless veterans, particularly women veterans, and a $1 million increase to expand access to employment workshops for spouses and families of service members transitioning to the civilian workforce.
The budget also provides $50 million for a department-wide evaluation. The additional funding will support demonstration projects coupled with rigorous evaluations to determine which programs and interventions work best, the results of which will inform the department's policy, management and resource allocation decisions.

For more information on the president's 2011 budget for the Department of Labor, visit http://www.dol.gov/budget.