Occhealth Bulletin
12 January 2010
News review - January 2010
Category: Reviews
2009 sees an all-time low for mining fatalities
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has released preliminary data indicating that mining deaths have reached an all-time low for the second year in a row. In 2009 there were a total of 34 mining deaths (18 coal mining and 16 metal/non-metal mining) - a big decrease from the 53 fatalities recorded in 2008. Joseph A. Main, assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health, suggested that key contributory factors to the drop in fatalities include the enforcement of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 and continued implementation of the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response (MINER) Act, enacted by congress in 2006. To read the full MSHA news release on this topic click here.
NIOSH opens new office of construction safety and health
In order to support the construction sector (over 11 million workers) and NIOSH’s construction safety and health research programs, a new office of construction safety and health has been opened. The office will be overseen by acting Director Christine Branche, Ph.D who is also NIOSH’s Principal Associate Director. To read further information about health and safety in the construction sector go to the relevant pages of the NIOSH website by clicking here.
Public hearings on hazard communication rule announced by OSHA
OSHA has announced three informal public hearings to accept comments and testimony “on the proposed rule to align the agency’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) with the United Nation’s Globally Harmonized System of Classification and labeling of Chemicals (GHS)”. The hearings will take place on March 2, March 31 and April 13 in Washington, Pittsburgh and Los Angeles, respectively. A notice of intention, to attend a hearing, must be submitted by January 18 and can be sent by post, fax or via the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Click here to read the full OSHA Trade News Release on this matter.
Health and Safety tips on the move!
Free podcasts on Health and Safety topics are available to download from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) website. These excellent resources cover a wide range of topics including ‘Winter driving tips’, ‘Workplace noise’ and ‘Planning for influenza’. The resources are designed to keep people up-to-date with news and provide tips on keeping safe at work. The latest topic released on January 7 is entitled ‘Systematic approach to creating healthier and safer workplaces’. You can listen to the latest podcast on health and safety direct from your computer or by download to your MP3 player. Why not listen and learn on the move?!
For more news and information from the world of occupational safety and health take a look at the Examinetics, Inc. website.