Occhealth Bulletin
07 June 2010
What's new at OSHA - June 2010
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. 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.
Protecting workers against slips, trips and falls
OSHA has taken steps to further protect workers in the general industry from slips, trips and falls on walking-working surfaces. A notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) has been published in the Federal Register, describing planned changes to walking-working surfaces regulations. Changes will include revisions to the types of fall protection equipment that should be used by workers. Currently, the standards allow outdated and dangerous fall protection equipment to be utilized including lanyards and body belts that can cause greater injury to the worker if they fall. Safer equipment such as self-retracting lanyards and ladder safety and rope descent systems are already used by workers in the maritime and construction industries. With the new proposed changes, OSHA will also be able to fine employers that do not provide workers with the protective equipment they need to reduce the risk from falls from certain ladders used on the worksite.
OSHA announces calls for applications for the Susan Harwood grants
OSHA is currently seeking applications for the Susan Harwood Safety and Health Capacity Building Training grants to “fund longer term programs that build safety and health competency within organizations”. $8 million in grants is available to non-profit, community and faith-based organizations who wish to provide health and safety training programs for workers and employers. Two types of grant awards are available: (i) pilot grants – helping organizations to assess needs and formulate a plan before a full-scale safety and health education program is implemented (ii) developmental grants – for those organizations with established health and safety education programs but require assistance in expanding and increasing capacity. The deadline for grant applications is 16:30 EDT on July 2, 2010. For information on how to register and submit your application click here.
Improving highway construction worker safety
A technical amendment has been added to the steel erection standard to improve protection and safety for workers and general public motorists during highway bridge construction. The note outlines Federal Highway Administration requirements for a Registered Engineer to “prepare plans for any braces or supports used to stabilize structures such as bridges during highway construction”. For more information about the amendment take a look at the entry in the Federal Register.
For further news from the world of occupational health, read our news review bulletins from the Examinetics, Inc. website (www.examinetics.com).