Occhealth Bulletin
21 March 2011
What's new at OSHA - March 2011
Category: OSHA Updates
The OSHA website has a “What’s new” feature that is highly recommended. Items from the last 30 days can be found here: www.osha.gov/whatsnew.html. In addition, “OSHA Quick Takes” is a “twice-monthly e-news memo with information, updates, and results from OSHA about safety and health in America's workplaces.” To see the latest Quick Takes release, click here: www.osha.gov/as/opa/quicktakes/index.html
OSHA inspector prevents worker injury thru trench cave-in
During a worksite inspection in Mercerville Ohio, OSHA’s Rick Burns prevented a serious accident by ordering a construction worker to leave a trench they were working in for fear of the walls collapsing. Within minutes of the employee exiting, the walls caved in filling the trench with six to seven feet of soil. The inspector’s quick action prevented serious injury or even death of the worker. OSHA reminds employers that there is a requirement for trenches five feet or deeper to be protected against collapse.
OSHA sends out 10,000 letters to grain handling facilities
Last month, OSHA sent out 10,000 letters to employers at grain handling facilities to remind them of their responsibilities to comply with the Grain Handling Facility Standard. This followed the mailing of 3,000 letters in August last year in response to a substantial increase in the numbers of workers being engulfed and suffocated in grain bins. According to Purdue University there were 51 entrapments in grain bins and 26 fatalities in 2010. Click here to read a copy of the letter and to access the grain storage bins fact sheet click here (PDF file).
OSHA releases new guidance on the cranes and derricks rule
Last August we reported OSHA’s publication of the new cranes and derricks rule thought to help avoid 22 fatalities and 175 non-fatal injuries that occur each year. This month, OSHA is pleased to announce the publication of a new guide “Small Entity Compliance Guide for Cranes and Derricks in Construction” targeting small businesses to help them comply with the rule. Each chapter corresponds to the main sections of the standard. Click here for more information on the final rule including links to the standard, frequently asked questions, media releases, fact sheets and the new guide.
Collaborative ventures discussed with state public health officials
Earlier this month, OSHA representatives met with state public health officials from NIOSH and the BLS over a two-day meeting to discuss “issues around communication, mutual assistance, and data needs between OSHA and public health agencies”. Over 70 representatives met to discuss ways of improving collaborations to promote health and safety of workers. To read more about the meeting, click here.
For further news from the world of occupational health, read our news review bulletins from the Examinetics, Inc. website (www.examinetics.com).